Galaxy vs. Timbers: David Beckham and LA DPs Run Roughshod Over Portland

The LA Galaxy defeated the Portland Timbers tonight on the strength of five goals from their designated players, the final score 5-3. David Beckham and Robbie Keane both had braces as the offensive core of this team continues to blossom. Of course, the defensive floor is still a loose grating but one issue at a time.

The Galaxy went down early, when Kalif Alhassan whipped in a cross in the third minute and Kris Boyd was able to redirect it into the net unmarked. The Galaxy didn't show desperation, scoring four unanswered goals in the span of ten minutes in the first half to go up 4-1.

David Beckham launched a ball from the run of play thirty yards out that dipped past Troy Perkins . The spectacular goal put the Galaxy level, and then four minutes later Beckham was able to bend one in from a free kick. After his first goal, Beckham stood with his arms outstretched as if basking in the glory as the magnificent.

"I got the ball from Keane," said David Beckham, "he won the ball back and laid it back to me. They stepped off of me and so I thought ‘why not.’ The last time I scored a goal like that was for Manchester United against Deportivo [La Caruna], it was very similar to that. I was happy with it, but I’m more happy with the team’s performance tonight because I think we showed our character. I think we showed that when we pass the ball around we can go through teams."

The Galaxy were awarded a penalty kick in the 27' that Landon Donovan took successfully. One minute later inside the penalty area, Donovan found Robbie Keane inside the goal area for LA goal number four and ultimately the game winner.

"It was a good three points on the road," said Bruce Arena, "a little hectic, a little sloppy, but a good three points. We played very well in spurts. Showed a lot of resolve coming back after giving up a goal in the first minutes of the game, but on the whole it was a good performance by our team."

While Arena was certainly happy about five goals and three points, the disappointment over allowing Portland back into the match is understandable. Kosume Kimura found goal number two before halftime for Portland and the match was 4-2 at the break.

After halftime, each team scored once more, with Keane completing his brace for the Galaxy as Kris Boyd getting his second for Portland. A wild match, entertaining for neutrals and nerve-racking for the partisans. Ultimately, with Vancouver losing again, it continues LA push into the Western Conference's second tier.