Beckham: Magee starred in playoff win

David Beckham has praised Mike Magee’s efforts in the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS playoffs.

Magee equalised in the 69th minute when the striker volleyed a cross from Juninho into the top corner after Vancouver had taken the lead after four minutes when Matt Watson’s strike went in off the post.

The win advances the Galaxy to the Western Conference semi-final where they will meet the San Jose Earthquakes.

Two minutes after Magee’s strike Vancouver’s Martin Bonjour conceded a penalty which Landon Donovan converted.

“It is what Mike (Magee) does, he gets in positions and he is a clever player – a really intelligent player,” Beckham said.

“We were putting a lot of balls into their six-yard box and then I saw Juninho for the short corner and he obviously put it in position on the penalty spot and Mike was there.

“We were 1-0 down and we were pushing to get the goal – that is where their other chance came from.

“I think we were always going to get a chance, and once we got that first goal the momentum would have taken us and we got a second goal.”

Los Angeles held 73 percent of possession in the first half and in that time had 13 shots to Vancouver’s three – Donovan said the side’s patience was the key to their win.

“It was certainly not the way we wanted to start the game,” Donovan said.

“One play broke us down and we were behind, but our determination was good and we kept putting them (Whitecaps) under pressure.

“In the second half they started opening up a little and couldn’t keep defending like they did in the first half.”

Vancouver had won just one game in 10 before the playoffs but Robbie Keane said it was important not to underestimate their opponents.

“They (Whitecaps) are a good team and we knew they were going to come here and sit back, especially when they got the first goal in the first three minutes,” Keane said.

“Full credit to the lads, we showed a lot of patience and we didn’t change the way we played, we kept the ball moving and played it quickly.

“At times it was tough but we didn’t give up and we never looked like we were running out of ideas so full credit to us. We showed a lot of character and we’re through to the next round.”