Sport

Keane sets up Donovan as Galaxy stars shine

LA Galaxy 1 Houston Dynamo 0 REPUBLIC OF Ireland captain Robbie Keane set up Landon Donovan for the decisive goal in Los Angeles…

Tue Nov 22 2011 - 00:00

LA Galaxy 1 Houston Dynamo 0REPUBLIC OF Ireland captain Robbie Keane set up Landon Donovan for the decisive goal in Los Angeles Galaxy's victory in the MLS Cup final in Carson, California, on Sunday night.

Donovan scored the matchwinning goal in the 72nd minute, cleverly lifting the ball over an advancing goalkeeper after a great ball from Keane as Galaxy claimed their third championship in the past decade.

While team-mate David Beckham has had to wait five years for his first title, it took only a matter of months for Keane to achieve the feat following his summer move from Tottenham.

Keane admitted fatigue had got to him in the closing stages after a busy fortnight following the Euro 2012 play-offs against Estonia.

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“It was a very tiring week, to be honest,” he said. “I was a bit tired tonight. The travelling got to me a little bit towards the end. Six games in two weeks – it’s a bit tough, but we won and that’s the main thing.”

After the game, Beckham remained non-committal over his future as his five-year contract is up next month, but he insisted that had not affected him in the build-up.

“Not at all,” he said. “I play the game to win. Whether I stay or not, I’ve had an amazing five years. I’ve loved it here. The fans have been unbelievable, the owners, the players . . . every one of them are heroes. They’ve been incredible all season and this has capped it off.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder said at the pre-match press conference that winning an MLS Cup title would not be a factor in his decision to stay or go, and he reiterated that stance at the final whistle.

“I’ve said that all the way along,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what happens at the end of the season.

“People were talking about if we didn’t win tonight it was going to be a disappointment and an unsuccessful five years. It’s quietened a few people, which is always nice.”

The LA Galaxy players deserved the victory after dominating the contest to secure a title victory that validates the franchise’s lucrative investment in a star-studded roster.