Los Angeles Galaxy: Robbie Keane, Galaxy defeat Indonesian Select XI 1-0

Is it just me, or does it feel like MLS Cup 2011 was last week? Actually, it took place 10 days ago, but it does feel like the Asia Pacific Tour 2011 is an extension of the season for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy.

In the first of three friendlies that comprise this Asia Pacific Tour, a 14th minute goal from Robbie Keane proved to be the ultimate difference, as Los Angeles defeated the Indonesian Select XI 1-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Wednesday night. Or Wednesday morning if you're stateside. Or Wednesday afternoon in Europe.

As much as it was a meaningless friendly for the starters, for the youngsters and fringe players this was effectively the first audition since the 2011 MLS regular season finale against the Houston Dynamo.

While other clubs were releasing players left and right, most of the Galaxy remained intact (Donovan Ricketts being the notable exception), and the nonstarters needed to make an impression or else they would either not see much playing time, or be released.

Turns out...they can defend, and dodged some bullets from veterans on the Indonesian senior national team, the most notable being the prolific scorer known as Bambang Pamungkas.

Also poking holes at the Galaxy first-string defense was Under-23 ace Andik Vermansyah, who will be name to watch as he graduates to the senior side come the next World Cup Qualifying cycle.

In all honesty, Los Angeles should have won this match 2-0, but two chances on goal hit the post and crossbar in quick succession. Finishing has been a problem for the Galaxy, and even in a friendly against a mediocre opponent like Indonesia, the inability to capitalize proved apparent.

Then again, most of the 25,000-plus in attendance were not necessarily there to see the Galaxy, but rather to see David Beckham. The man, the myth, the legend.

A footballer who has yet to make a decision regarding his playing future, Beckham played for 84 minutes before subbing out to a rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

Indonesia gave up a hatful of set piece opportunities and must consider themselves a lucky team to only go down by a single goal. Bad touches, bad finishing, and a furious attempt at a comeback made this an interesting friendly to watch.

As for the Galaxy, they must do a better job at completing their sequences before they are surprised by the unlikeliest of teams...the Azkals, the Philippine national side.

Kickoff between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 3 at 3:30 a.m. PT/6:30 a.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.