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.

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.

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Arne Slot File Photos Arne Slot confirms he will replace Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager
Everton v Liverpool - Premier League - Goodison Park Jurgen Klopp would support scrapping VAR in its current guise
Newcastle United v Sheffield United - Premier League - St. James' Park FA to phase out heading from youth grassroots football over next three seasons
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited