Not even US record scorer Landon Donovan or England’s David Beckham could prevent Real Salt Lake from claiming the glory in the MLS Cup. Real beat LA Galaxy 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

 

Mike Magee struck for Galaxy just before half time after good work from Beckham and Donovan but Robbie Findley’s 63^rd minute equaliser was the last of the scoring. Penalties was the inevitable result and former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham led the way with a successful kick despite having played more than half the match in pain as the pain-killing injections in his troublesome ankle wore off. Ironically, it was Donovan who missed one of Galaxy’s spot kicks and it was left to Robbie Russell to clinch victory with Real’s seventh and decisive kick.

Real’s Rimando was named Most Valuable Player and coach Jason Kreis was understandably delighted. “It’s nice to say we’re the best team in the league,” he said “My honest opinion is we deserved to win that game.”

Galaxy remain in search of their third MLS crown but will likely still have the services of Beckham next term. The midfielder will set off to Europe to re-join Italian side AC Milan on loan for the rest of the Serie A season before, fitness and form-allowing, heading off to the World Cup in South Africa with his England team-mates.