However, aside from the fact that those in attendance will now be able to say that they have seen the England legend in action, it wasn’t the most memorable game. With Toronto FC and the LA Galaxy missing their two biggest offensive threats – Landon Donavan and Alan Gordon – a nil-nil draw was always going to be on the cards.
First Half
After a bitter draw against D.C. United, Bruce Arena’s men made their anger felt right from the get-go as Stefan Frei was forced into making a good save on Sean Franklin’s early effort in the second minute.
LA’s two other noteworthy chances of the half came in the 13th minute, when Chad Barrett hit the crossbar following a swift counter attack, and in the 17th minute, when, if Mike Magee was only a wee bit taller, he would have surely been able to put Beckham’s perfect cross in the back of the net instead of high and over.
LA looked dominant and very comfortable in possession in the first 20 minutes, with Toronto having a hard time getting out of their end, especially without Gordon available to hold up the ball. However, the Reds did gradually improve as the half went on and looked dangerous on Jacob Peterson’s free kicks.
The best chance from a set piece came in the 27th minute when Gianluca Zavarise’s point-blank header was well saved by Jamaican international goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
Second Half
The second half was livelier than the first, as both teams opened up and tried to get the winning goal. Deprived of Landon Donovan, the Galaxy were going to need something special from Beckham to get the breakthrough. They almost did in the 70th minute when Beckham’s free kick hit the right post and also in the 81st minute as Barrett put Beckham’s excellent cross just over the bar.
Toronto’s transition from defense to offense was poor in the first half but excellent in the second as the Reds got forward on many occasions but, and credit to an impeccable Galaxy backline, were never able to produce the killer ball or movement in the final third that would have given them the lead.
Toronto’s only real opportunity in the second half came from a set piece in the 87th minute. This time it was the substitute Joao Plata who failed to convert what was another point-blank header.
Overall, it was a positive performance for Toronto FC, who will be very happy with the way they played at the back, which has been a major concern since the beginning of the season.
The LA Galaxy, on the other hand, will certainly feel that they could have won the game and will be disappointed that they didn’t do so.
Beckham (fifth yellow) and Juninho (red carded) will miss the Galaxy’s next game away to Chicago. With Donovan almost certainly missing as well, Arena will most likely need his defense to steal the show once again.
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Toronto FC 0-0 Los Angeles Galaxy: Back Lines Shine On David Beckham’s BMO Debut