Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Melbourne Victory: A Curtain Call For David Beckham?

2011 is drawing to a close, and the David Beckham era may be reaching its conclusion on Tuesday, Dec. 6 when the Los Angeles Galaxy face the Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

With the possibility of Beckham confirming the move the Paris-St. Germain increasing in strength, the final leg of the Asia Pacific Tour 2011 is sure to be a bittersweet one.

Unless an Act of God takes place soon after the match, this contest will be the last-ever match for Beckham in a Galaxy uniform. At the same time, it is a match pitting former Premier League rivals: Beckham vs. former Leeds United/current Victory ace Harry Kewell.

Los Angeles are coming off a dazzling performance in the Philippines. The Azkals were destroyed, from top to bottom, by the Galaxy scoring machine to the tune of 6-1 on Saturday. Australia has not been friendly to the Galaxy, with losses to Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets to show for it.

However, the third time could be the charm, as they take on a Melbourne side that is clearly in a world of hurt.

The Victory are coming off a 3-1 defeat to the Jets on the road, and have underperformed this season under manager Mehmet Durakovic, with most of their matches resulting in draws.

As of this post, Melbourne are 2-5-2 (11 points) and are currently fifth on the table with a handful of teams yet to play in Round Nine of the 2011-12 Hyundai A-League season.

In comparison, the Galaxy have been nothing short of stellar this year, finishing 19-5-10 (67 points), and earning a Supporters Shield-MLS Cup double. In addition, Los Angeles have progressed to the knockout rounds of the CONCACAF Champions League.

For Los Angeles, they have to take advantage of Melbourne's diabolical defending and hope to also win a penalty or two, as the Victory have surrendered eight penalty kick attempts this season.

Kewell is the main marquee player for Melbourne, but he has only managed one goal in nine matches. Nonetheless, he will be kept in check by Omar Gonzalez and the Galaxy back line. LA's biggest worry may be in the form of Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez.

Hernandez currently has four goals this season for the Victory and will need to his stride on Tuesday at Etihad against the team whose talent level exceeds that of defending A-League Champions Brisbane Roar.

In fact, when the Galaxy are on their game, even Brisbane and Besart Berisha may have a tough time solving MLS's top side this year. But speculation is speculation, and so it is safe to say that the Galaxy will not be facing the best team in the A-League.

Prediction:
This has to be the time the Galaxy finally put it all together. All things must come to an end at some point in time. Even futility in a certain nation.

The Galaxy's mindset was irreparable clouded last year after failing to make the MLS Cup, and it showed in their 2-1 loss to Newcastle. As the flag-bearers of the league, Los Angeles should be up to the challenge and make this a clean sweep. The Galaxy will finish the calendar year on a winning note.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Melbourne Victory 1
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. AEST/12:30 a.m. PT/3:30 a.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel in the US and Canada and Fox Sports 1 in Australia.