The Los Angeles Galaxy and Red Bull New York played to a 1-1 draw in their Round 29 match at the Home Depot Center. The match was extremely important to the Galaxy as they needed at least a draw to keep their playoff hopes alive. They had won 5 straight matches coming into this contest. As for New York, this match was pretty much a friendly as they have already clinched 3^rd place in the Eastern Conference and the result of this game would not affect their playoff seeding. The match was also notable for the fact that David Beckham made his first appearance in almost 7 weeks for Frank Yallop’s squad.

The match was a very even affair with both clubs creating and squandering numerous scoring chances. The two sides traded goals within 2 minutes of each other in the first half. Defender Troy Roberts found the net to put the Galaxy up a goal, but Jozy Altidore was able to answer back almost immediately for Bruce Arena’s side. Landon Donovan had some very good open chances for Los Angeles but his shooting was off. At the other end, Juan Pablo Angel had a personal duel going with Galaxy keeper Joe Cannon and the net minder came up the winner each and every time. Angel was particularly effective at winning the ball in the air.

This was New York’s final regular season match. They will now prepare for their first round match at home to the New England Revolution next week in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semi finals. Meanwhile, the Galaxy will play away to the Chicago Fire on Sunday on the regular season’s final day needing a win to clinch a playoff spot. They must win the match as a draw will not suffice. David Beckham came on for the final moments of this match but was not a factor. He could start against Chicago on Sunday.

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