L.A. midfielder David Beckham battles with Brian Mullan of Houston last month. (Dave Einsel/Associated Press)

The Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy, the top two clubs in the West, will battle it out on Friday night in Carson, Calif., in a one-game match for the right to play in next week's MLS title game.

While star midfielder David Beckham in many ways hasn't lived up to expectations since his ballyhooed signing with Los Angeles in 2007, that could be ameliorated if he helps bring the franchise its third-ever MLS championship.

Beckham and Landon Donovan get the lion's share of attention for their playmaking abilities, but it is defence that has helped the Galaxy make a 15-point improvement from 2008 to finish first in the West, overcoming a slow start to this season.

Los Angeles has allowed just four goals in the last seven matches and hasn't lost since Sept. 26, a span of five games.

Defender Omar Gonzalez was recognized by the league earlier this week as top rookie for his play in the back end, while Donovan Ricketts was a finalist for top MLS keeper.

Bruce Arena got credit as MLS coach of the year for helping the team overcome a start that included nine draws in the first 11 games, incorporating Beckham into the lineup without major disruption after he came back from playing in Italy.

'He's done a lot of things throughout the year to show that he wants to be here.'—Landon Donovan on David Beckham

Donovan, who will be up for league MVP honours next week, has seemingly buried the hatchet with Beckham after a flap earlier in the season when he questioned the English midfielder's overall commitment to the club and the North American league since arriving two years ago.

Commitments to England, injuries and a desire to play for AC Milan in the MLS offseason have been among the tribulations of the Beckham era.

But Donovan told the Los Angeles Times that Beckham, who has played in 11 games for the Galaxy, has been key to the second-half resurgence.

"To be honest, the person who's made it work is David," the American forward said. "You guys [the media] see that his attitude and the way he's been playing is the David we know, but off the field he's also been great. He's done a lot of things throughout the year to show that he wants to be here."

Canadian keeper has 3 shutouts in 4 games

While the Galaxy boast the big personalities and award nominations, Houston will merely be taking a step towards a third MLS championship in four seasons under coach Dominic Kinnear.

The Dynamo have also been in shutdown mode on the pitch.

Canadian keeper Pat Onstad has three shutouts in the last four games, including two over Seattle in the first round of the playoffs.

Forward Brian Ching scored on a header in overtime in the second game of the set against the Sounders, the only goal in the series.

Midfielders Stuart Holden and Brad Davis help create offensive chances, with defender of the year finalist Geoff Cameron anchoring the club in front of Onstad.

The result was a team that in the regular season tied with Columbus for a league-best differential of 10 goals.

Houston and L.A. played to a scoreless draw in October, and Todd Dunivant scored the lone goal in a Galaxy win in Carson in late June.

In contrast to the first round, the conference final is a one-game scenario. The clubs will play a pair of 15-minute overtime periods if tied after 90 minutes, with a shootout to follow if necessary.

The Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake will play in the East final on Saturday night to determine championship finalists on Nov. 22.