Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - David Beckham delivered a patented free kick
goal for 60,860 fans at Olympic Stadium, but the Los Angeles Galaxy played to
1-1 tie Saturday against the expansion Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.
Davy Arnaud scored just eight minutes into the match for Montreal, and Beckham
curled a free kick into the top-right corner in the 62nd minute, as the Galaxy
avoided a third loss during a four-game winless streak.
Montreal (3-5-3) extended its undefeated streak to four matches as it remained
one point ahead of defending MLS Cup winner L.A. (3-5-2) in the overall table.
The Impact, who play matches at both Saputo Stadium and Olympic Stadium, broke
their own attendance record set in March, when 58,912 fans attended their home
opener.
Montreal got off to a great start when center back Nelson Rivas lifted a long
pass down the middle of the field, and Arnaud ran onto the ball and directed a
first-time shot to the lower right past a charging L.A. goalie Brian Perk.
The game remained relatively quiet until early in the second half when Beckham
pulled L.A. out of the early hole with his second goal of the year. Off a free
kick from the right, Beckham curled the ball around the wall and past a diving
Donovan Ricketts, a former L.A. goalie who is now the Impact's starter.
Arnaud had a chance late in normal time for Montreal, and Robbie Keane forced
Ricketts to make a save in stoppage time, but the game stayed tied after five
minutes of extra time as the teams each grabbed a point.
Montreal will try to continue its run against Red Bull New York on May 19, and
L.A. will try to stop its skid against Chivas USA on May 19.
The Sports Network