LA came back from a 1-goal deficit in a more-than-satisfying repeat of last season's Cup win. The back-to-back Champions played beautifully, despite conceding right before halftime.
The Galaxy had plenty of opportunities that were sadly wasted by the likes of Donovan and Juninho. Moreover, the hosts had clear control of the ball and were looking strong. Houston's Sarkodie had a fantastic run on the right and an immediate shot that was masterfully saved by Saunders. Soon, however, Houston seized an opportunity. Calen Carr picked up a through ball and played it well before scoring in the near post. The hosts looked much better as a team, while Houston relied on individual action to create chances.

LA's British and American stars.

Thousands of Galaxy supporters were certainly not disappointed with the second half. They saw more of Robbie Keane. Saunders made incredible saves and prevented Carr from scoring a double off the pitch. Of course, the game wouldn't be complete without David Beckham taking the set pieces. Once again, Omar Gonzalez proved why he's considered one of the best players in the MLS and a valuable asset to the US National Team roster. He made his mark by scoring a header into the far post. Gonzalez truly defines much of the Galaxy's psychology as well. His goal led to back-to-back set pieces and an attempt by Keane. A handball in the box gave the Galaxy a penalty, dutifully converted by Landon Donovan. Try as they might, Houston could never truly recover from the Galaxy lead, largely in part due to Saunders' performance. The guests were so close, yet so far away as Brian Ching nutmegged a defender from outside the box, sending the ball rolling past the left post. The Galaxy earned a second penalty after Keane was brought down by Houston keeper Hall's outstretched arm. The Irishman made up for plenty of missed opportunities by scoring LA's 3rd goal, sealing a brilliant victory over the Dynamo. Beckham was subbed off during stoppage time to a roaring, sold-out crowd of 30,510. The Dynamo didn't even get to take the last corner as the final whistle blew. Nevertheless, thousands of supporters clad in orange scarves and jerseys applauded their team for a game well-played.

The Galaxy deprived Houston of the Cup for the second year in a row, yet they acknowledged that it was a stronger, more developed Houston. Dominic Kinnear has produced a team that deserved to make it to the final. A team that, like the Galaxy, have won back-to-back Championships. A team whose season featured a great performance on the road, Dynamo finished 5th in the Eastern Conference, but next season may have something much bigger in store. As the 3rd place Red Bulls' fate hangs in the balance, its quite likely a certain team from Texas will be taking their spot.
Even the constant interruptions by the referee didn't stop Bruce Arena's team from another triumph. A sea of confetti surrounded the teams, soon to be replaced with gold and silver medals. Keane's smile lit up the arena as he hugged Donovan in celebration of their win. It's certainly a moment Bruce Arena and his team will never forget. Back-to-back Champions and an MVP award for Omar Gonzalez. The Galaxy became the second team (along with D.C. United) as the only team with 4 MLS titles.

As for David Beckham, he couldn't have had a better end to his stay in the U.S. The incredible impact he's brought to the league and to football across the globe has been insurmountable. He is possibly the most influential player in the modern era. As with his departures from Manchester United and Real Madrid, Beckham won a title in his final season at the Galaxy. Clad in a British flag, walking along the pitch with the air of a prophet, David Beckham honored the MLS as both a player and an individual. But the night wasn't over until the stars and stripes were draped across his back. It's safe to say that the British influence will forever remain in our nation's history. It just happened to find a path through football.

Landon Donovan controls the ball. Photo: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE.

Ronaldo's bicycle kick.

A record crowd of 30,317 fans at Home Depot Center witnessed one of the best teams in the world take on the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan. Madrid sped off like a Formula-1 race-car. Gonzalo Higuain was a star on the pitch; he played a phenomenal game, scoring Madrid's first goal on the 3rd minute. Di Maria dribbled the ball skillfully and got a through ball to Higuain, who netted the ball right in the middle. The Spaniards outran L.A. in every combination imaginable. Higuain was quick, but often hasty, and his speed got the better of him on the 9th minute. He had a run on the right flank, but his shot went wide of the upper left corner of the far post. Higuain's flops were made up for by none other than his teammate and the guru of assists Di Maria, who easily found a hole in the Galaxy defense and shot in number two from the right side. His next attempt was cleared by the defense. David Beckham helped with the set pieces, but the former Madrid star's teammates just couldn't keep up with Higuain and Co. The Galaxy had a bit of possession. Robbie Keane got a great pass from Landon Donovan, but the ball ricocheted away from reach. The Galaxy scored their only goal of the match after Beckham's free kick delivery was picked up by Omar Gonzalez. The talented defender headed the ball toward Lopes, who netted it in with his upper body. The Galaxy's time to shine was over, as Callejon scored the third goal for Madrid from a cross by none other than Higuain. A sloppy attack by the latter was cut short by keeper Saunders and the LA defense. A Madrid corner bore no result, and the match was 1:3 at halftime.

The second half started out in much the same way as the first. The Galaxy defense stood petrified as Alvaro Morata made a run and played past the subbed in LA keeper Brian Perk. Despite Bruce Arena's subbing in an all-new roster, Mike Magee was one of the few players visible on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo came in for the second half and met the expectations of Madrid fans by being at the center at nearly every attack from then on. Both teams soon grew silent, yet Madrid was still getting more of the ball than LA's fresh legs. The Galaxy had some success in putting pressure on the Spaniards. A free kick near the box resulted in an attempt for Magee, but his shot went too high. LA saved themselves in the nick of time; Perk kept calm and blocked Ronaldo's shot on goal on the 78th minute, and prevented Morata's double on the 78th. The MLS team's luck grew thin, and a one-two touch combination featuring Karim Benzema led to what Taylor Twellman called "a good, simple finish" by Rodriguez. Benzema set up a nice attack again, and Cristiano Ronaldo had an equally beautiful bicycle kick that, unfortunately for him, was taken by Perk. The score could have well been 1:6 on the 86th minute. Benzema's run set up a third chance, but Ronaldo couldn't get a hold of the ball. Mesut Ozil had a go but missed the open net. Benzema himself dived in the penalty box on the last minute, but the referee remained alert, no penalty was given, and the whistle blew to signal the end to another terrific friendly. During a halftime interview, Bruce Arena was asked whether the match would impact the mood of his team going into their next game of the MLS. Arena wisely replied that the Galaxy probably won't be playing Madrid too often. All in all, the game provided a great opportunity for the Galaxy to learn from some of the best players out there. Madrid did not disappoint.


Herbalife World Football Challenge
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Madrid - 1:5 (1:3)
Goals:
                                    0:1 Higuain ('3)
                                    0:2 Di Maria ('11)
1:2 Lopes ('23)
                                    1:3 Callejon ('36)
                                    1:4 Morata ('49)
                                    1:5 Rodriguez ('84)