Mike Magee's early goal off a cross from David Beckham was enough to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of their Major League Soccer playoff tie.
Magee scored in the 15th minute on Sunday and the Galaxy made the goal stand up as they gained the edge in the Western Conference semi-final tie.
The Galaxy will need only a draw on Thursday when they host Thierry Henry's Red Bulls in the return leg.
The winner of the tie on goal aggregate will play in the Western Conference final against Real Salt Lake or Seattle.
Magee broke through New York's defence on a 45-yard pass from former England captain Beckham and as most of the Red Bulls players looked on passively -- thinking the play was offside -- Magee slotted the ball past New York goalkeeper Frank Rost.
"The ball was a perfect pass," Magee said. "I was 100 percent not offside. Besides, it wasn't called, so then it wasn't. I was just glad to get it."
Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe was disappointed that his players let Magee complete the play, no matter their opinion on whether he was offside.
"We had about seven guys call for the offside and I believe (Robbie) Keane was offside," Backe said. "Magee came in as a late runner and he made the play. You can't give away a goal like that."
New York's star French forward Henry had a chance in the 22nd minute, but Galaxy keeper Josh Saunders punched away his scissors kick shot.
The contest was marred by a post-match incident involving two players from each team.
Galaxy star Landon Donovan apparently made a remark to New York's Rafa Marquez, who took the ball and fired it at Donovan.
In the ensuing scuffle, Galaxy's Brazilian midfielder Juninho threw a punch at Red Bulls defender Stephen Keel, and Marquez took a swing at Galaxy's Adam Cristman.
Both Marquez and Juninho received red cards that will keep them out of Thursday's match.
Source: AFP
