The inaugural SuperLiga reached its climax as LA Galaxy took on Pachuca in the final at the Home Depot Center, Carson.

The Mexicans had overcome Houston Dynamo in their semi-final a fortnight ago but did so after a penalty shoot-out which ended 4-3 while LA Galaxy knocked out DC United in the other semi 2-0, to set up another classic US/Mexico showdown.

Pachuca took the lead 29 minutes into the final when Peter Vagenas put the ball into his own net, but it was seen as justice done after Pachuca had dominated the early exchanges. After that, the floodgates opened further. Pachuca found it almost too easy to split open the Galaxy defence at will with Damian Alvarez getting two golden opportunities to extend the lead, neither of which were taken.

'Galaxy were left with the runners-up medals and plenty of time to wonder if things might have turned out differently had Beckham been allowed more of an influence'

The turning point for the Americans undoubtedly came in the 33rd minute when David Beckham suffered a knee sprain following a crude challenge from Fernando Salazar. He was forced to leave the field and be substituted, leaving his side ending the first half only 1-0 down but facing an uphill struggle.

The second half started better for Galaxy when Landon Donovan forced a save from opposing goalkeeper Miguel Calero after his near-25 yard free kick hit the target. Donovan was denied again when a firm header that looked to be going in was tipped wide by Calero in the 64th minute.

Pachuca regained control again with Rafael Marquez Lugo guilty of not converting a couple of efforts. The Mexicans remained in control but couldn't find the net - something they'd be made to rue when three minutes into injury time Galaxy sent more men upfield for an equaliser. The result was a Mike Randolph shot which hit the crossbar, cleared only as far as Chris Klein, who executed a fine bicycle-kick to level the scores at 1-1.