LA Galaxy Finish off Season in Style with Victory over Melbourne Victory

Would you believe it. The 2011 season is officially over for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, and they end they year on a winning note.

After surrendering a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Carlos Hernandez in the 15th minute and Isaka Cernak in the 37th minute, a Robbie Keane penalty brace in the 43rd and 50th minutes set up a penalty shooutout.

Los Angeles won the shootout 4-3, with the youngsters—Hector Jimenez, Michael Stephens, and Paolo Cardozo—and veteran Gregg Berhalter converting. Landon Donovan, who had a terrible final outing along with Todd Dunivant, saw his penalty attempt hit the crossbar.

I think the Galaxy understood why Melbourne Victory have been known for giving up penalties in the box more often than not, and they have been the beneficiaries. Otherwise, it was not the easiest of times for Los Angeles. They were spent, a beaten bunch, and felt like the travel caught up to them.

But it was a job well done, and the Galaxy made history by scoring their first-ever win on Australian soil.

Now a big question remains: will David Beckham be back next year? Will he move to Paris Saint-Germain? Or will he call it a career?

It seems the whole world wants to know of Becks's next move, since everyone is being left in the lurch.

If Beckham decides to make the move, there are other players waiting in the wings to take his place, such as Didier Drogba, who is widely believed to make a move to LA.

Otherwise, the Galaxy are in good hands coming into next season. Keane has proven to be useful when converting penalties and will be needed when the situation arises in the CONCACAF Champions League. It seems that youngsters like Dan Keat, Jimenez, Cardozo and the bunch have passed the audition and will earn more time next year.

And if Juninho can be signed to a full contract, the midfield is going to get some added muscle heading into next season.

All in all, this has been one of the best years for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and it was only fitting that the G's closed the deal out in style.