Two goals from Robbie Keane helped Los Angeles Galaxy to a comfortable 3-1 win over DC United at the Home Depot Centre.
It was the visitors who nearly broke the deadlock after just five minutes when Maicon Santos drove a left-footed shot wide of the mark.
Joe Willis was then called upon in the DC United goal just moments later, when Robbie Keane's shot look destined for the top left corner.
David Beckham came close to opening the scoring with a trademark free-kick after 32 minutes, but his 25-yard effort sailed just wide of the left-hand post.
Keane made it 1-0 just before half time when Todd Dunivant squared the ball in the area and he applied a right-footed finish past Willis.
DC could have been level had Emiliano Dudar not wasted a glorious opportunity to equalise in the 56th minute. He blasted over from close range following Andy Najar's delicately chipped through ball.
The visitors were then made to pay for the squandered chance when Keane doubled Galaxy's lead after 69 minutes.
Marcelo Fazzio Sarvas made it three in the 86th minute before Nick DeLeon grabbed a consolation goal a minute later.
Michael Penkman
