It’s considered by many to be the most exciting game in Major League Soccer history, and anyone who was watching is unlikely to ever forget the LA Galaxy’s trip to Giants Stadium to face the New York Red Bulls on August 18, 2007.
In David Beckham’s first MLS start, the Galaxy ran into a Red Bulls side bursting with talent that included Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel, teenage wunderkind Jozy Altidore, and head coach Bruce Arena at the helm. And all of that star power faced off in front of 66,237 roaring fans at the Meadowlands.
The match was a back-and-forth affair from the start as New York took an early lead on a finish by Angel but Beckham lifted the Galaxy ahead with two assists on Carlos Pavon goals before the 10th minute of play. LA’s lead did not last, however, as a Clint Mathis' screamer pulled the sides level heading into halftime.
In the second half, New York roared forward as Altidore tallied two brilliant finishes in the 49th and 70th minutes to pull the Red Bulls ahead. The Galaxy were not to be outdone, however, as Landon Donovan scored a minute after Altidore’s second goal, and then Edson Buddle found the back of the net in the last 10 minutes to pull LA level.
In the end, it was the man who opened the goal fest that gave New York their winner as Angel beat the Galaxy’s Joe Cannon from close range to give the Red Bulls the victory.
In total, nine goals were scored, three players finished with two goals apiece, and Beckham ended his first start with two assists.
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Think will have another dramatic game on Sunday?
Take a look at the highlights from that dramatic game above.
