Major League Soccer

LA Galaxy win Supporters’ Shield

David Beckham scored as Los Angeles Galaxy beat FC Dallas 2-1 to win the Supporters’ Shield and add anothert trophy to the Beckham trophy case. It is the first time since 2002 that the Galaxy have won the Supporters’ Shield.

The Galaxy won 18 and drew five of their regular season matches, to finish three points ahead of Western runners-up Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy will now play Seattle in the MLS Playoffs.

Heading into the game the Galaxy only needed a point to secure the shield but fell behind in the 22nd minute to a goal from Atiba Harris.

Beckham tied it in the 33rd minute. Donovan pushed Dallas’ Jackson Goncalves away to steal the ball near the left end line and passed to Beckham, who fired a low 23-yard shot between goalkeeper Dario Sala and the left post. The assist was Donovan league-leading 16th, a career high.

Juninho broke a 1-1 tie in the 46th minute. Dallas defender Zach Loyd headed Landon Donovan’s aerial pass to Juninho, who volleyed it into the net from 18 yards.

Manager Bruce Arena said Beckham’s performance against Dallas was his best of the season.

“I felt the last game was my best performance but if Bruce says that, then I will take that,” Beckham told the LA Galaxy website. I’m just trying to get my match fitness back and in the last couple of games I felt really good, so I am happy that the manager thinks that about me.”