Dynamo 0 - 1 Galaxy
Final
  for this game

Beckham-less Los Angeles hosts Houston

May 24, 2011 - 11:12 PM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Coach Bruce Arena decided to give David Beckham another day off Wednesday when the Los Angeles Galaxy host the Houston Dynamo, only this time so the ex-England captain could play a match in his homeland.

Beckham was rested when L.A. played a midweek match recently in Major League Soccer, and was allowed to leave this week for a testimonial match Tuesday in honor of former England and Manchester United teammate Gary Neville.

Although the tribute to Neville, who played his entire career from 1992-2011 with United, was just a friendly game (which Juventus won, 2-1) in Manchester, England, it did steal Beckham away from the Galaxy.

Arena said on the league's website "we thought it was important for David to be there" and "I think it's the right (decision) to make." Beckham had started 11 of the Galaxy's 13 matches this season, with a goal and six assists.

The six assists ties him for the MLS lead with Houston's Brad Davis, who gets a chance to take the lead unopposed Wednesday night at The Home Depot Center.

Even without Beckham, L.A. (6-2-5) should be confident coming off a 1-0 win in the SuperClasico against Chivas USA. Beckham assisted on the lone goal in that match, notching his fifth helper off a set piece this season.

And L.A. is unbeaten against Eastern Conference opponents this season, and the Dynamo are now among those sides after they switched conferences this year. In eight games against Eastern sides this season, L.A. is 3-0-5.

Houston (3-3-5) is winless in four, but the Dynamo's last two games have been positive. Houston tied Real Salt Lake 0-0 on May 14 and tied Red Bull New York 2-2 on Saturday.

The Dynamo overcame a first-minute goal against New York to take the lead with just eight minutes remaining, but Mehdi Ballouchy scored a stoppage-time goal as the Red Bulls escaped Robertson Stadium with a draw.

Houston coach Dominic Kinnear was upset about losing the win so late, but was positive about the team's outing.

"We are a little sour with losing the lead so late after working so hard to get the lead after going down an early goal," Kinnear said. "Overall though, I thought it was one of the better games we played this year."

Even though Los Angeles will be without Beckham, it will take another strong performance by Houston to get another result Wednesday.






Related News