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Inspirational Beckham claims first piece of silverware

David Beckham drove home from 20 yards © Getty Images

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Former England captain David Beckham produced his best performance of the season and scored a key goal as the Los Angeles Galaxy secured Major League Soccer's Western Conference title with a 2-1 home win over FC Dallas on Sunday.

The Galaxy needed just a point to seal top spot in their final regular season game, but it required an inspirational moment from Beckham to ensure their dreams were not shattered by Atiba Harris' goal in the 22nd minute. Beckham levelled the scores 11 minutes later when he latched on to good work from team-mate Landon Donovan, before sending a low drive into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Brazilian Juninho then grabbed a winner for the Galaxy after the break, helping them to their first Supporters' Shield since 2002. More importantly for Beckham, victory secured the club's first piece of silverware since his arrival.

Manager Bruce Arena labelled the England man's performance his best of the season, and Beckham was delighted to receive praise upon his return from the serious Achilles injury that ruined his World Cup hopes.

"I felt the last game was my best performance but if Bruce says that, then I will take that," Beckham told the LA Galaxy website. "I'm just trying to get my match fitness back and in the last couple of games I felt really good, so I am happy that the manager thinks that about me."

LA Galaxy now meet Seattle Sounders over two legs for the right to face the winners of Real Salt Lake v Dallas in the Western Conference finals. The triumphant side from that encounter then represents the west against the eastern champions on November 21 in the MLS Cup final.

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