SoCal MLS Report

BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Galaxy's remarkable run to the playoffs fell at the final hurdle. On Sunday, the Galaxy lost 1-0 to the Chicago Fire, who take the last postseason place remaining.

John Thorrington scored the only goal of the game in the 93rd minute to give Chicago victory and end Los Angeles' unbeaten streak at seven. The Fire are now unbeaten in the league in eight games. It was remarkable the Galaxy defense held out as long as it did. Chicago outplayed the visitors, and had 22 efforts on goal to Los Angeles' five.

The Fire's front pair of Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Paulo Wanchope were guilty of missing a series of chances, with Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon denying both numerous times in the frantic opening stages. Chad Barrett and Chris Rolfe also had sight of goal but could not beat Cannon, who finished the game with nine saves.

David Beckham was a 58th minute substitute for Los Angeles, but the England midfielder could not convert one of his trademark freekicks when given a late opportunity. With the game seemingly headed for a draw - a result that was enough for Chicago to progress anyway - Thorrington fired home after Calen Carr and Blanco combined to create the opening. Thorrington, a former Manchester United trainee and one-time teammate of Beckham, had come off the bench in the 61st minute. A crowd of 21,374 - a new record for Toyota Park - saw the game.