Galaxy's 4th MLS Cup was one for the ages

Before the 2012 MLS season, only two teams had ever won back-to-back championships. The first was DC United in the first two seasons of the league. The other team to do so in the way of the Los Angeles Galaxy from becoming the third.

In rematch of the 2011 MLS Finals, the Houston Dynamo had their chance to win their third MLS cup, tying both the Los Angeles Galaxy and DC United. Also held at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, the LA Galaxy won 3-1 against the Dynamo.

Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane and more looked to run it back and were able to do so successfully. Furthermore, would this be the swan song send off for Beckham's MLS career?

The stars aligned just right for the Galaxy's 4th MLS Cup

For starters, ahead of the 17th season in league history, the MLS Finals were no longer being played at a neutral site. The host would be the team with the best record going into the championship game.

The Galaxy limped into the season with injuries to many of their players. The team was just 3-8-2 in their first 13 games. A return to the playoffs seemed like a universe (or two) away.

When keeper Josh Saunders and center-back Omar Gonzalez came back to play, the Los Angeles Galaxy played with that championship caliber we have seen from them before.

Their only season woes record wise prevented the LA Galaxy from winning the Supporters' Shield for a third year in a row. However, they still managed to qualify for the postseason. That was enough to set the stage for their eighth MLS Finals appearance.

In the opening round of the playoffs, the LA Galaxy defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 at home. That set the stage for them to play against the top seeded San Jose Earthquakes in the semifinals.

Donovan and his teammates answered the challenge. Despite dropping the first game, 1-0, at home against his former club, they game back to beat San Jose 3-1 on the road.

The victory pushed the LA Galaxy into the MLS Western Conference Finals against the Seattle Sounders FC. The Galaxy ended up winning 3-0 at home and then only losing 2-1 at CenturyLink Field.

"It has been a successful six years here, and now that we've won the second one... it's even more satisfying. I just hope people have enjoyed me playing here. It's what I always hope for when I step on the field."

- David Beckham, LA Galaxy midfielder

The LA Galaxy were down 1-0 entering the half thanks to Calen Carr's strike late in the first half. Gonzalez's goal at the 60th minute tied it up. Then, a pair of penalty kicks kept the game out of reach for the Dynamo.

Donovan scored the second goal of the game and Keane, the team's leading scorer that postseason, netted the final score of the 2012 championship and season. LA Galaxy Manager Bruce Arena and his squad hoisted their fourth MLS Cup with pride and honor.

The LA Galaxy tied the record for most MLS titles by one franchise with four. DC United shared this honor that year. As we all know, this would not be the last championship title in the story of the Los Angeles Galaxy.