Mean Girls Part Deux: Becks and Donovan

In honor of the impending World Cup matchup between LA Galaxy teammates David Beckham and Landon Donovan, I will share this lovely image that I stumbled upon earlier today.

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup

Real Salt Lake stunned the LA Galaxy on penalty kicks to win its first MLS Cup.  RSL won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Salt Lake goalie Nick Rimando came up huge, making two saves in the penalty shootout, while Landon Donovan put his kick over the bar.  Robbie Russell scored the title-clinching PK in the seventh round. Backup LA goalie Josh Saunders also made two saves in the shootout.

It was the first title for Real since the team joined the league as an expansion club five years ago.  Real also has the distinction of becoming the first professional sports franchise in the US to win a title after finishing the regular season with a losing record. Mike Magee gave LA the lead in the first half – scoring after some excellent work from David Beckham and Donovan.  Robbie Findlay equalized for Salt Lake in the second half.

It was a hard fought game by both sides, and it’s always unfortunate that a close contest like this has to come down to penalties.  In my dream world, they would just keep playing until there was a goal, even if it took all night.

The most shocking news ever

David Beckham has said that it is unlikely that he will see out his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The England midfielder is hoping to go on loan somewhere in Europe after the MLS season, so he can play at a high enough level to be a part of England’s World Cup squad. “On loan” translates to ’see ya later, America!’

Gerrard found not guilty

And every Liverpool fan in the world breathes a sigh of relief.  The skipper was found not guilty of affray after he supposedly beat up some guy at a club after a 5-1 win over Newcastle in December of 2008.  Well, one of my worries for the upcoming season (see: previous post) has been alleviated.

In other somewhat legal news, David Beckham was fined $1,000 (whoa, big money) by MLS after confronting a fan in his first home game back in LA.

Donovan and Beckham reunited

Well, they got love on the field at least.

Landon Donovan scored a goal and notched an assist in David Beckham’s first game back with the L.A. Galaxy since going on loan to AC Milan.  Beckham was booed by some fans at the beginning of the game, but put on a decent showing before he was pulled in the 70th minute.  The Galaxy won its fourth game in a row, defeating a hapless New York Red Bulls, 3-1.