EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With a mix of cheers and boos, David Beckham heard it from the crowd whenever he touched the ball Saturday night for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham and the Galaxy needed a goal in extra time to tie the New York Red Bulls 2-2 before 46,754 fans, the largest crowd for a single Major League Soccer game this season.
“We had some people here cheering for me and cheering for the Galaxy,” Beckham said. “There were some boos out there as well. It’s almost like playing in Europe. You always get something from the opposing fans. I think it’s part and parcel for being an opposing player.”
Landon Donovan stole some of the spotlight from his teammate when he scored on a bending shot in the 92nd minute that was intended to be a crossing pass but found its way past Jon Conway and into the net for the tying score.
It was Donovan’s 12th goal of the season, tops in the MLS.
“It was definitely a cross, of course,” Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit said. “But Landon hit it so well that the goalkeeper didn’t know what to do. I think it was more about the quality of the play itself. Landon has become a much better player than what he once was.”
‘Quakes 0, Toronto FC 0
TORONTO — Toronto FC remained unbeaten at home, playing to a scoreless tie against San Jose.
Toronto hasn’t lost in nine home games, but poor play on the road has significantly hurt its playoff chances. The team has recorded only three points away from home.
With the tie, Toronto remains fifth in the East Division. Toronto needed the win to move up into a third- place tie by the end of the weekend, which would keep it in the postseason hunt.
San Jose, meanwhile, continues to dwell in the basement of the West Division.
Real Salt Lake 0, Fire 0
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — With the draw, Real Salt Lake took a one-point lead for first place in the Western Conference with 24 points.
Chicago almost scored late in the match when Justin Mapp blasted a ball at the net in the 87th minute, but Rimando jumped and deflected the ball out of play.
In the 75th minute, Real Salt Lake’s Dema Kovalenko’s tackle on Cuauhtemoc Blanco drew a yellow card. Blanco attempted a free kick from the right side of the box but couldn’t come through.
