Relive the LA Galaxy’s fourth MLS Cup win | #FirstToFive

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Nothing came easy for the 2012 LA Galaxy.

Whereas the 2011 side steamrolled through MLS en route to the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, the 2012 edition were forced to overcome adversity time and time again in their path to a second consecutive title. 

Whether it was losing center back Omar Gonzalez to major knee surgery in January or falling to the bottom of the Western Conference at the start of the season, the Galaxy were tested. Each time, they battled back. Once Gonzalez returned to the squad in July, the Galaxy’s fortunes changed as the team rose up the standings to qualify for the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs. 

The postseason was no easy task, however, as the Galaxy needed to erase deficits in the Knockout Round against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and in the Conference Semifinal against the San Jose Earthquakes. After confidently dispatching Seattle Sounders FC to qualify for their third title game in four years, the Galaxy had shown their resiliency.

"Being successful doesn't come easy," Beckham said after the MLS Cup triumph. "You have to work at it. I tell my children every single day that if you want to be successful, it's hard graft. It doesn't come easy, and I think we proved that this year."

True to form, the Galaxy went down a goal at halftime of the 2012 MLS Cup after a goal by Houston Dynamo’s  Calen Carr, but as they did time and time again, LA battled back. Gonzalez notched a free kick goal in the 60^th minute to put LA level and seven minutes later, a Landon Donovan gave the Galaxy a lead that they did not surrender.

Once Robbie Keane added a third goal, the whistle was blown and the celebration was on. The Galaxy were champions once more.

"At the beginning of the season, I didn't see myself getting back to this level," said Gonzalez, who was named the game's MVP.“We didn’t see any other outcome other than us winning. We stayed calm and took it to them and it ended up turning our way.”

Added Donovan, “It felt almost inevitable. The second goal was going to come.”

LA’s resiliency did not simply give the Galaxy the title; it allowed Beckham, the first Designated Player in MLS history, to end his career in MLS in true Hollywood fashion—as a champion. 

"I've been able to play in quite a few finals and championship games, and I still love it like I did when I won my first," Beckham told reporters after the game. "I just want to thank everyone over the U.S. and around the game for the support that I've had over the years.”