Last-gasp Keane penalty helps Beckham sign off with a win
Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to give David Beckham a winning farewell to his career in the United States with a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final.
Calen Carr’s goal shortly before the interval gave the Texas team the lead at California’s Home Depot Center.
However, Omar Gonzalez equalised on the hour and five minutes later captain Landon Donovan converted from the penalty spot, before Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane wrapped up the win in injury time – also from the spot.
Donovan wasted the best chance of the first 43 minutes, firing wide from 10 yards, before Carr opened the scoring with a right foot shot which beat Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders at his near post.
Galaxy were level 15 minutes into the second half when Gonzalez rose highest to head home from Juninho’s cross.
And five minutes later Beckham’s team were awarded a penalty when Ricardo Clark was penalised for handling a Keane shot.
Captain Donovan, who scored the only goal in last season’s final between these two teams, sent goalkeeper Tally Hall the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Keane came close to scoring 11 minutes from time, before winning a penalty in the final minute when he was fouled by Hall.
The widely-travelled former Republic of Ireland international striker took the kick himself, beating Hall to wrap up the success and make sure of a winning send-off for Beckham after five years with the Galaxy.
Immediately afterwards Beckham was substituted, leaving the field to rapturous applause.
The 37-year-old former England captain has yet to confirm his next destination, though he has a variety of contract offers.
