Galaxy 1 San Jose Earthquakes 0

The Galaxy gradually asserted their control as the first half wore on and although I’m sure Coach Bruce Arena would like to see more movement and that telling pass in the final third of the field L.A. have certainly subdued any early life the Earthquakes showed.

David Beckham just missed scoring the first when he sent a trademark curling free kick (ill-advisedly given up by former boy wonder Bobby Convey) just outside the near post from about 28 yards in the 18th minute.

Beckham also sent a 35-yard shot from open play in the 34th minute whistling over the bar.

For now the Bobby Burling own goal (combined with Atiba Harris’ goal for Dallas over Seattle) is getting exactly the job the Galaxy want done in terms of finishing atop the Western Conference. (Former Chivas USA players doing the Galaxy a couple of big favors you’ll notice tonight).

Key stat: the Galaxy finished the half with two shots on target, the Earthquakes one.