Beckham, Galaxy win MLS title

CARSON, California (AP):

David Beckham thrust the shiny silver trophy above his Los Angeles Galaxy teammates' heads, and a sold-out stadium roared for its hometown team through a blizzard of confetti.

Although Beckham's five-year American odyssey hasn't always gone according to script, he clearly learned a little something about Hollywood endings along the way.

Landon Donovan scored in the 72nd minute on passes from Robbie Keane and Beckham, and the Galaxy's three superstars won their first MLS Cup together with a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.

The trio's beautiful goal highlighted another brute demonstration of the Galaxy's dominance in perhaps the greatest season for any MLS club. Los Angeles had the second-best record in league history during the regular season before barreling through the play-offs without a loss to win the franchise's third title.

Beckham was brilliant throughout the post-season, setting up four goals and controlling play in midfield despite injuries to his back and hamstrings.

"We've been through a lot this season," Beckham said. "We've had a lot of games. Bruce (Arena) and his staff are the ones that got us to this game tonight."

Los Angeles had the most expensive and eye-catching squad in MLS history, but the Galaxy got full value from their three highest-priced players, particularly in the play-offs.