MLS Cup 2011: Landon Donovan goal gives L.A. Galaxy championship win over Houston Dynamo

CARSON, Calif. — The Los Angeles Galaxy had been MLS’s best team from almost the start of the season eight months ago, but the final act Sunday night was a maddening exercise.

Finally, after 72 minutes of spellbinding possession and agonizing misses, the Galaxy broke through on a wonderful sequence involving its three superstars, culminating with Landon Donovan’s goal, to upend the Houston Dynamo, 1-0, for its third MLS Cup title.

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(Jeff Gross/Getty Images) - David Beckham of the Galaxy reacts after a goal by Landon Donovan.

(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) - Landon Donovan and David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy celebrate after defeating the Houston Dynamo.

“We struggled in our finishing,” Coach Bruce Arena said, “and Landon got it done for us.”

Robbie Keane, Ireland’s national team striker, gathered English superstar David Beckham’s flicked header and broke down defender Bobby Boswell with misdirection and footwork.

Donovan, the 2010 U.S. World Cup hero, made a sharp run into the box and, with an instinctive touch that has helped define his sensational career, one-timed Keane’s pass with the outside of his right foot. The ball floated just over goalkeeper Tally Hall’s left hand and settled into the far corner, delighting a sellout crowd of 30,281 at Home Depot Center.

The outcome was particularly satisfying for Beckham, whose signing with MLS in 2007 drew worldwide attention but had yet to yield a championship. His contract expires this year, and he has yet to decide whether to return to the Galaxy or resume his European career.

“I might talk in past tense every now and again, but it doesn’t mean I’m not coming back,” said Beckham, 36, who won championships at Manchester United and Real Madrid and was an MLS Cup runner-up two years ago. “It’s been an amazing five years. It’s been the most enjoyable time of my career here in America. This has just topped it off tonight.”

During the postgame merriment, Galaxy supporters chanted, “We want Beckham!” With three of his children in tow and a Galaxy scarf draped over his shoulder, Beckham appeared to wipe away tears. A hamstring injury had limited his training time last week, and after the game, he joked that the celebratory beer and champagne had numbed the pain.

It was also a special moment for Arena, who won MLS crowns with D.C. United in 1996 and ’97 before guiding the U.S. national team at two World Cups.

“I have a ton of respect for Bruce and what he’s done in that locker room to keep that team focused and continue to be winning games throughout the year,” said Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear. “MLS is full of ups and downs. I don’t think they ever had a down period. That was a very determined group.”

The Galaxy (23-5-10) didn’t lose consecutive matches and finished 15-0-5 at home with 10 goals conceded.

Los Angeles was the third — and last — MLS team to reach a championship game at a venue previously set aside as a neutral venue. United won the title at RFK Stadium in 1997 and the New England Revolution fell to the Galaxy at Gillette Stadium five years later. Starting next year, the finalist with the most points in the regular season will host the final.

On Sunday, Beckham combined with Donovan to conduct a fluid attack that generated a wealth of opportunities in the opening half. The most elegant sequence came in the seventh minute with seven consecutive one-touch passes that ushered the ball to overlapping left back Todd Dunivant for a deflected cross.