BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Blanco’s going to the playoffs. Beckham’s not.

John Thorrington scored in extra time Sunday and the Chicago Fire beat theLos Angeles Galaxy 1-0 to earn the MSL’s eighth and final playoff spot.

In a meeting of the league’s two marquee designated players, CuauhtemocBlanco of the Fire and David Beckham of the Galaxy, it was a goal by Thorrington– a late substitution — that decided the outcome before a Toyota Park-recordsoccer crowd of 21,734.

Thorrington, waived by the Fire in March and re-signed Sept. 14, got open inthe middle against goalkeeper Joe Cannon and then just popped the ball over hishead and into the net when Cannon came out to stop him.

Sidelined by injuries most of his first season with the Galaxy, Beckham cameoff the bench for a second straight game, entering in the 58th minute to a loudand mixed reception of cheers and boos.

Beckham had a shot from the top of the box in 77th minute, but it sailedover the goal to a chorus of boos. He also had a free kick in the 90th minutebut the ball was headed away.

The English star made $6.5 million in guaranteed income this season,including a $5.5 million base salary. Blanco, the Mexican star whose plays ledthe Fire to the postseason, was second in the league in guaranteed income atnearly $2.7 million.

They had a few on-field engagements. Beckham headed away one of Blanco’spasses and also made a tackle on the Fire midfielder

During pregame ceremonies and introductions. Beckham headed to the Galaxybench where photographers swarmed around, a familiar sight wherever he’s played.

Shortly after entering, Beckham reached out and shook the hand of Firecaptain Chris Armas after the two collided as they were both trying to head theball.

Blanco controlled play in the opening half which ended in a scoreless tie.Several times he maneuvered ahead of the defense, but the Fire couldn’t converton a short or off one of his clever passes.

All the Fire needed was a tie to make the playoffs. The Galaxy, like theFire, entered the game on a seven-game unbeaten tear and needed a victory.