12.09.2011

The Beckham Experiment comes to a head.

The Los Angeles Galaxy won their third MLS Cup Championship in style as they bested the Houston Dynamo in front of their home fans courtesy of a cheeky finish from captain and USMNT international Landon Donovan. The DP trio of Robbie Keane, David Beckham, and Landon Donovan all had a hand in the goal. It marked the first time in league history that a team with a designated player lifted the trophy, who better to do it than the leagues first and the leagues best home grown talent?

Dreamland.

The biggest question mark now is will Beckham be back for another go or will he ride off into the sunset with MLS Cup in tow? P.S.G have reportedly offered Becks a deal that the Galaxy could never match but his family is settled here, there are arguments for both sides but P.S.G seems the most likely destination at this point. After a sour start to his MLS career that led to a public feud with Landon Donovan and the home fans booing him at the Home Depot Center he turned it around in the last two years and became the player that American fans have wanted to see since he first came over. He finished second in the assist tally and was easily the most important cog in the Galaxy's playoff machine having set up Mike Magee three times in the first two games. The most poignant memory for most Galaxy fans will be his decision to carry on against New York despite having very serious problems with his back. He finally showed the fans that he cared, that he was driven, that he wanted it just as bad as everyone else out on that field.

Landon Donovan added another goal to his record MLS playoff tally and cemented himself as a Galaxy legend after bringing home his second MLS Cup as a Galaxy player. Sweet redemption for Donovan after going through most of the playoffs on auto pilot. He was nursing a hamstring injury throughout but was there when it mattered and that's all Galaxy fans will care about.

Bruce Arena captured his third MLS Cup reminding everyone that he is one of if not the best coach in MLS and certainly the best in US history. He finally got the reward for turning around a Galaxy squad that was completely wrecked by old, washed up superstars like Ruud Gullit and Abel Xavier. He molded the team in his own vision and turned it into the best MLS side of all time. Stubborn and powerful in defense, decisive and calculated in offense. A finely tuned machine that churned out great results for the past two seasons.
Jealousy.
It was sweet as a Galaxy fan to see this incredible team get what it deserves. The supporters shields were alright but no one recognizes them despite them being the league title equivalent of the European leagues. Everyone was waiting for the big one and they delivered at what could end up being the last chance. Your 2011 LA Galaxy, the best MLS team of all time.

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