The Los Angeles Galaxy are the 2011 MLS Western Conference Champions, and as a result will appear in the MLS Cup Championship taking on Eastern Conference Champion Houston Dynamo. The matchup will be against the West's regular season #1 and the East's regular season #2. It's clear, with a 1 vs 3 conference final and a 1 vs 2, that the changes to MLS playoffs have helped those teams with high regular season finishes. The final score, Galaxy 3 - Real Salt Lake 1.
For both teams, the result was still heavily in doubt as they went into halftime. Drawn 1-1 on a penalty kick for the Galaxy and a corner kick goal for RSL, the Championship was going to go to the team which came out of the locker room flying.
The Galaxy had a chance right after half, as David Beckham lofted it in to Robbie Keane; who dribbled into the box and floated to Chad Barrett. Barrett's header attempt hit Will Johnson in the face as he flew by, taking away the chance.
However, the Galaxy would find the goal in the 58'. David Beckham had the ball on the right side of the pitch and smashed a beautiful cross into the box. Robbie Keane made a run to the near post, and Mike Magee dove at the back post to put the Galaxy up 2-1.
Robbie Keane still wanted that goal, and he got it in the 68'. Keane was one on one with Jamison Olave, and used some fancy footwork to get out in front and this time his strike didn't him the woodwork. Keane's goal put the Galaxy up 3-1.
The Galaxy didn't look back, with Josh Saunders having to make a late save late but otherwise little trouble. With MLS Cup in Los Angeles, the Galaxy get to rest up for two weeks at home. Whether Landon Donovan travels with the national team is one thing, but Robbie Keane will surely play for Ireland next weekend.
Real Salt Lake actually controlled possession, and were the more accurate passers. Kyle Beckerman led all players with 102 touches, and attempted 90 passes (according to Opta Sports). The teams tied on shots on goal, but finishing it where it counts. The Galaxy made better work of their opportunities.
It wasn't a sellout, but the fans were loud at the Home Depot Center. For the second time in three years, their team are Western Conference Champs. A proud city with a proud soccer tradition. This is the Galaxy's seventh trip to the MLS Cup.