After tying for the worst record in MLS last year, the Los Angeles Galaxy has clinched its first Western Conference title since 2002. Star halfback David Beckham took plenty of heat at the start of the season as both the press and teammate Landon Donovan questioned his dedication. Outmatching that negativity, the team is now headed to the playoffs. In their victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, the crowd showed the Brit their appreciation.

The Galaxy’s David Beckham, who received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was replaced by Jovan Kirovski just four minutes from end of regulation time, said Saturday’s game was all about gathering momentum for the playoffs.

The game might have been anticlimactic in the sense the Galaxy knew they had a playoff berth clinched three weeks ago, but Beckham said there was no shortage of effort against the Earthquakes.

The Galaxy now prepare for their first postseason appearance since 2005 but won’t know who they will play until after Sunday’s Houston-Chivas USA game. If their Home Depot Center co-tenants win, the Galaxy will play Houston in the first round. If the teams finish in a tie or the Dynamo win, the Galaxy will play Chivas in a showdown area soccer fans have been hoping for.

The Galaxy will have home-field advantage throughout the postseason. This is Beckham’s third year in the MLS. In 2007, he signed a 5-year contract worth $250 million after leaving Real Madrid. Things haven’t quite panned out the way MLS expected. The league’s popularity hasn’t grown tremendously and the Galaxy hasn’t won a championship.

Nevertheless, the team has looked solid all season. I’m sure MLS is praying the Galaxy and the Columbus Crew meet in the finals.