MLS final: LA Galaxy 1 Houston 0

Landon Donovan’s second-half goal has handed the LA Galaxy a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in the final of the MLS Cup on Sunday.

The Los Angeles franchise was dominant throughout the encounter at The Home Depot Center in California and deservedly claimed their third MLS title.

Galaxy boss Bruce Arena had the luxury of fielding a side containing the likes of David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Juninho and Donovan and as a result, they headed into the match as clear favourites.

The match also had the added subplot of Beckham’s future, with the match likely to have been the last in the former England captain’s five-year career with the Galaxy.

And the 36-year-old was determined to go out on a high note, starting the game impressively.

His early corner should have been converted by an unmarked Adam Cristman but the forward wasted a glorious chance and the pair combined again on 23 minutes, only for Cristman to head over the bar.

Keane shot wide early in the second half before the Republic of Ireland striker did find the back of the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

LA continued to mount pressure on their opponents and they got their reward with 19 minutes to play when Donovan found the back of the net.

It was no surprise that Beckham and Keane were involved in the build-up to the goal, with the latter finding the goalscorer with a neat through ball.

Donovan made space for himself before shooting and although Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall got a slight touch on the ball, it trickled over the line.

The Galaxy held on for the victory, avoiding any nervy moments to win their first title since 2005.