David Beckham Shows Solid Form in Galaxy Playoff Win

He didn't net the game-winner, and he didn't even manage to play all 90 minutes, but global icon David Beckham still played a starring role in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 1-0 win over crosstown rivals Chivas USA on Sunday. With the victory, the Galaxy is now through to the Western Conference finals of the MLS Playoffs, keeping the team's championship hopes alive.

Beckham played with an assertive edge on offense for much of the match, showing his usual gift for fluid distribution and deft passing. The 34-year-old English national even came close to scoring in the first half on a solid strike from the top of the box that skipped just high of the crossbar.

Beckham also played with purpose on defense, as evidenced by his late challenge on a clear by Chivas defender Yamith Cuesta. While the tackle was ill-advised, if not worthy of a yellow card, it at least showed that Beckham took the pitch with a feisty edge on Sunday, and appeared to be playing with something to prove in L.A.'s own superclásico.

But the highlight of the match for Beckham came on his set-up of the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute. Beckham received a pass on the right side of the pitch near midfield and quickly one-timed a long, bending cross with pinpoint accuracy to a sprinting Landon Donovan. Donovan received the pass in stride and made a quick cross to teammate Mike Magee, who was fouled in the box. The foul led to a penalty kick, which Donovan slotted home, but the goal never would have happened had Beckham not delivered the beautiful cross. (Watch the highlight here.)

Beckham's game effort did not come without a toll, however, as he apparently suffered a lower back injury some time in the second half. This led to Beckham subbing off in the 77th minute, but not before he delivered another one of his patented dangerous crosses that led to another excellent, albeit empty, scoring opportunity for the Galaxy.

After the match, Beckham was asked about his back by ESPN, and he described it as, "Very sore. But the win helps."

Beckham was also asked about what an MLS Cup title would mean to the Galaxy. "It's another step forward," he said. "It's what we want to do for this franchise."

ESPN analyst John Harkes was also complimentary of Beckham's performance. "(He was) miles better," said Harkes after the match. "His service, his distribution, and his vision were there."

Beckham and the Galaxy will now host the Houston Dynamo on Friday in the West finals. Houston topped the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, 1-0.

The winner of the Galaxy-Dynamo match will play either the Chicago Fire or Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup on November 22 in Seattle. Chicago hosts Real Salt Lake in the East finals on Saturday at 8 PM ET.