SOCCER MUNDIAL NETWORK: MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER 2012: Beckham's Hollywood ending: England legend signs off by helping Galaxy to MLS Cup glory... but where next for Goldenballs?

Hands on: Ricardo Clark gets to grips with Beckham in the first half

David Beckham had his heart set on leaving LA Galaxy with the MLS Cup as a parting gift and it was fitting he should be the architect of a second-half comeback to beat their old rivals here at the Home Depot Center.

The 37-year-old former England captain conjured up a vintage display in central midfield and the crowd rose to acclaim their No 23 when he was substituted seconds before the end.

Anybody questioning the impact Beckham has made on a sport which still has a long way to go to catch up established American games such as gridiron and baseball, would have to acknowledge his popularity with the fans. There were banners all round the ground proclaiming ‘Thanks David’ and ‘We love Beckham’ while fans were wearing T-shirts with slogans such as ‘Beckham — take me with you’ and ‘Beckham you rocked the Galaxy’.

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Party time: David Beckham and his team-mates begin the celebrations

‘It is a special day for us to win it here at our home, in front of our home fans,’ said an emotional Beckham, who again hinted that he would soon be involved in the MLS as a club owner.

‘It is a sad day as well. This is a special place for me and will continue to be a special place.

More trophies: Beckham's glittering career has yet another successful chapter

Champions: Landon Donovan reacts after scoring the crucial penalty

Decisive intervention: David Beckham and Christian Wilhelmsson celebrate with Landon Donovan after the latter slots home a penalty in the second half to put Galaxy 2-1 ahead

The kids are all right: Beckham celebrates with his sons after the final whistle

‘I have no idea where I will go next. I do know that I am happy to have been part of this club for six years and been successful for the last four years.

‘I will continue with my commitment to this league. I might not be playing here any more but my commitment to growing this sport and this league will continue.’

Bending it: Beckham fires in a trademark delivery

This tight little stadium is far from the biggest in the MLS but temporary seating installed for the occasion and the opening of the huge grassy bank towering over one of the goals had boosted the capacity from 27,000 to 30,000.

The untypical Los Angeles weather — drizzling rain on Friday and squally showers before the game — made the grass slippery but it hardly put off the fans. They braved the conditions, spreading their blankets and feasting on hot dogs and Buds well before kick-off.

Tribute: Fans show their appreciation for the former England captain

Of course, the main item on the agenda was Galaxy’s attempt to retain the Philip F Anschultz Trophy, awarded to the winners of the MLS championship in a repeat of last year’s final. Having reached their record eighth final, Galaxy have now equalled DC United’s feat of four titles.

But it was almost a foregone conclusion. If Beckham could have picked opposition least likely to spoil his farewell party, it would have been the Dynamo who have now lost their last six games at the Home Depot.

Ambassador: David Beckham (right) before the game with Robbie Keane (centre)

Hands on: Ricardo Clark gets to grips with Beckham in the first half

Beckham engineered the 13th-minute move which should have seen Galaxy take the lead with a 30-yard ball to Robbie Keane, whose pass left Landon Donovan with the goal at his mercy but the striker shot wide.

A 19th-minute free-kick from the right-side of the box produced an even worse miss with Mike Magee, two yards out, somehow contriving to head off target. They were misses that Galaxy came to rue when, a minute before half-time, Calen Carr broke down the Houston right, took advantage of sloppy defending by Tommy Meyer and lifted a right footer into the top of the net to stun the home fans.

The last time: David Beckham walks out alongside sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz

Job done: Beckham and Galaxy coach Bruce Arena chat to the media after the game

Up for the cup: Beckham poses with the trophy alongside Arena, Robbie Keane (far right) and assistant coach Jovan Kirovski

Galaxy hit back with two goals in four minutes. Omar Gonzalez headed them level in the 61st minute and a Donovan penalty gave them the lead. It was left to Keane to put the icing on the cake with a second penalty in added time.

Beckham has been cagey about where he will go next. France, and particularly Monaco, remain a favourable option but he has been impressed with overtures from China. For now, though, he will just enjoy the Hollywood ending to his LA career.