Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 6 of the 2008 season. Saturday, Beckham led the Galaxy back from a two goal deficit on the road against Real Salt Lake. His performance helped the Galaxy stay within one point of the top of the Western Conference with a 2-2-2 record and 8 points.
Real Salt Lake took control of the game early, scoring two goals in the first 18 minutes. The first goal came in the sixth minute when Fabian Espindola controlled a long ball from Javier Morales with his chest and slipped it past Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin. Morales set up Real Salt Lakes second 18th minute when he crossed the ball to the far post for Kenny Deuchar, who headed it home.
The Galaxy struck back in the 36th minute. Landon Donovan chipped in a ball for Alan Gordon, who settled it with his chest and laid it back for Beckham outside of the penalty box. Beckham took a touch and unleashed a fierce bending shot into the upper left corner of the goal.
The Galaxy would get the game tying goal only four minutes later after a free kick was awarded when Real Salt Lake midfielder Dema Kovalenko fouled Galaxy midfielder Brandon McDonald 30 yards from goal. Beckham stepped forward to take the kick, striking it over the wall and into the top left corner of the goal past Nick Rimando's outstretched hands. The goal tied the game and allowed the Galaxy to steal a point on the road.
This marks the second Player of the Week award for Beckham and the third straight for the Galaxy. He previously won in Week 2, and follows teammate Landon Donovan who won in Weeks 4 and 5. After playing limited amounts due to injury in 2007, Beckham has been in top form in 2008. Through six games, Beckham has scored three goals, tallied four assists and has played all 540 minutes. The Galaxy leads the league in goals scored with 13, and had scored only seven goals through six games in 2007. LA is back in action on Saturday, May 10 when they host the New York Red Bull at 10:30 p.m. ET on HDNet.
The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected each week of the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com/.
2008 Player of the Week Winners
Week 1:
Terry Cooke (Colorado Rapids)
Week 2:
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 3:
Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)
Week 4:
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 5:
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 6:
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
