David Beckham's best Stateside performance inspires LA Galaxy to within shot of MLS glory



David Beckham produced arguably his finest Stateside performance on Sunday as he led the Los Angeles Galaxy into the MLS Western Conference final.



The England international set up both goals - first for Edson Buddle from a 19th-minute corner and then eight minutes later for Omar Gonzalez from a free-kick - in a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders which sent them through 3-1 on aggregate.



Beck to his best: David Beckham set up both goals in LA Galaxy's Western Conference semi-final win

Getting shirty: Seattle's manager accused Beckham of gamesmanship

Steve Zakuani pulled one back for Seattle four minutes from time but by then the tie was over. The Galaxy go on to face FC Dallas, who beat Real Salt Lake.



However not everyone was falling over themselves to congratulate the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man. Defeated manager Sigi Schmid accused Beckham of some gamesmanship on the first goal, saying that the corner should have been taken from the other side.



Beckham retorted, saying he would have preferred to kick from the left but had been directed right by the referee. Either way, he said, it didn't matter.



'I had a feeling one was coming,' he said. 'I put the ball in the right place a few times and … we were unlucky. One was going to come. It’s the law of averages.'



Galaxy's surge towards the top of the tree has not been as swift as many expected when Beckham arrived. However, he now believes that their time has come.



Last season ended in heartbreak for LA following defeat to Real Salt Lake on penalties in the MLS Cup. It is just the inspiration Beckham believes his side needs.



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Goal! (from left) Brooklyn and Romeo raise their arms aloft as Cruz seems slightly confused by proceedings

'When you have the disappointment of going all the way and not winning, you have to show that drive the next season to do better,' Beckham said. 'That is what we have got this year, and that is why we are in this position.'



Manager Bruce Arena added: 'David was terrific. He is getting back in form. His reputation on set pieces is well-known, well-respected and well-earned, and tonight it was the difference in the game.'



