Beckham helps Galaxy into MLS semis

LOS ANGELES, Nov 4 (AFP): David Beckham's bid for a fairytale finish to his five-year Major League Soccer stint with Los Angeles stayed on track Thursday as the Galaxy advanced to the Major League Soccer playoff semi-finals. Los Angeles defeated New York 2-1 in the second leg of their playoff series, giving the Galaxy a 3-1 aggregate-goal victory that advances Beckham's club into a Western Conference final at home Sunday against Real Salt Lake. Beckham set up a goal from a corner and was fouled to produce a penalty that provided the other as the 36-year-old English midfielder hopes to cap his contract with a victory in the MLS Cup Final on November 20. "We believe if we take it one game at a time and don't let our guards down, then this will be the year," said Galaxy striker Mike Magee. The Galaxy or Real Salt Lake will face the Eastern Conference champions, Houston or Kansas City, in that title match on the Galaxy's home pitch, where Los Angeles has won 13 times and drawn five matches without loss this season.