Beckham’s game winner diminishes TFC’s playoff chances

David Beckham’s second goal of the season was the game winner as the host Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Toronto FC 2-0 at the Home Depot Center on Saturday night.

 

Edson Buddle also scored at the 83rd minute for a Galaxy (10-5-11) club coming off the worst loss in franchise history, a 6-3 defeat to FC Dallas on Sept.12.

It was a costly loss for Toronto FC (9-10-7) which had an opportunity to move into a tie with DC United for the last playoff spot with a victory. Instead, they were shutout for the fourth time in the past five games.

With the victory, the Galaxy moved past Seattle for second place in the Western Conference and three points back of the Houston Dynamo.

Beckham, appearing in just his eighth game with L.A., scored at the nine minute mark, as his shot from the centre of the penalty area beat Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei to give his club a 1-0 lead.

Toronto’s best opportunities came from forward Ali Gerba, whose shot just inside the penalty area was stopped by Galaxy goaltender Donovan Ricketts at the 31st minute. Gerba also hit a crossbar at the 48th minute.

 East Scarborough’s Julian de Guzman, making his debut with Toronto FC after signing with the club last Friday, received a yellow card for fouling Galaxy midfielder Eddie Lewis at the 24th minute.

De Guzman had formerly been a member of Deportivo La Coruna of the Spanish League, La Liga. 

Notes: Beckham rejoined the team on July 16 after missing the club’s first 17 games due to participation with AC Milan. He’s also missed time playing for England in World Cup qualifying … The Galaxy haven’t made the playoffs since 2005, the season they won the MLS Cup … L.A. wins the season series as they defeated Toronto FC 2-1 in their first match of the season on June 7 … The Galaxy are 4-2-2 with Beckham in the lineup … Toronto FC is 2-7-4 on the road this season.

 

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By: Ryan Glassman
Posted: Sep 20 2009 7:07 am
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Filed under: Soccer Sports
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