MLS: Beckham, Galaxy lose out on playoffs
David Beckham
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - Blanco's going to the playoffs. Beckham's not.
John Thorrington scored in extra time Sunday and the Chicago Fire beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 to earn the MLS's eighth and final playoff spot.
In a meeting of the league's two marquee designated players, Cuauhtemoc Blanco of the Fire and David Beckham of the Galaxy, it was a goal by Thorrington - a late substitution - that decided the outcome before a Toyota Park-record soccer crowd of 21,734.
Thorrington, waived by the Fire in March and re-signed Sept. 14, got open in the middle against goalkeeper Joe Cannon and then just popped the ball over his head and into the net when Cannon came out to stop him.
Sidelined by injuries most of his first season with the Galaxy, Beckham came off the bench for a second straight game, entering in the 58th minute to a loud and mixed reception of cheers and boos.
Beckham had a shot from the top of the box in 77th minute, but it sailed over the goal to a chorus of boos. He also had a free kick in the 90th minute but the ball was headed away.
The English star made US$6.5 million in guaranteed income this season, including a $5.5 million base salary. Blanco, the Mexican star whose plays led the Fire to the post-season, was second in the league in guaranteed income at nearly $2.7 million.
They had a few on-field engagements. Beckham headed away one of Blanco's passes and also made a tackle on the Fire midfielder.
During pre-game ceremonies and introductions. Beckham headed to the Galaxy bench where photographers swarmed around, a familiar sight wherever he's played.
Shortly after entering, Beckham reached out and shook the hand of Fire captain Chris Armas after the two collided as they were both trying to head the ball.
Blanco controlled play in the opening half which ended in a scoreless tie. Several times he manoeuvred ahead of the defence, but the Fire couldn't convert on a short or off one of his clever passes.
All the Fire needed was a tie to make the playoffs. The Galaxy, like the Fire, entered the game on a seven-game unbeaten tear and needed a victory.
Both teams entered Sunday's match with a seven-game unbeaten streak to give them the chance to take the final playoff spot. In the end, Chicago Fire beat Los Angeles Galaxy to take the last playoff spot.

Chicago Fire controlled the game as they outshot Los Angeles Galaxy 22-5. Los Angeles Galaxy recorded just a single shot on goal which came early in the 1st half. Chicago Fire poured the shots until the scored the winner in the 93rd minute to score the eventual game winner.

The loss for Los Angeles Galaxy eliminates them from the playoffs as Chicago Fire will play DC United in the 1st round of the playoffs.