Carson, California, Sept 10: Landon Donovan scored in the first half to lead Los Angeles to a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Friday to become the first Major League Soccer team to clinch a playoff berth.
Donovan scored his league-lead equaling 12th goal in the 36th minute off a Sean Franklin pass as the Galaxy remained unbeaten from 14 home matches.
David Beckham started the goal-scoring sequence near the right sideline, sending a short pass to Chad Barrett, who knocked it to a streaking Franklin. Following a dribble, Franklin beat the Rapids' last line of defense with a pass to Donovan, who was left unmarked and finished with a low strike.
The defending champion Rapids have lost two straight matches following a six-game unbeaten streak. AP
