Robbie Keane scored both LA Galaxy's goals.

Robbie Keane celebrated his 32nd birthday by scoring both goals in the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2-0 Major League Soccer win over the Chicago Fire on Sunday, lifting his team into the final play-off spot in the Western Conference.

The Galaxy, without midfielder David Beckham through suspension and with forward Landon Donovan starting on the bench due to a hip injury, headed into the sell-out encounter at Toyota Park on the back of two straight losses and were facing a team unbeaten in four games.

But things soon looked up for the visitors as Keane converted a 22nd-minute penalty following handball by Jalil Anibaba, and then substitute Donovan supplied the pass for the Republic of Ireland captain to put the result beyond doubt 12 minutes from time.

The New York Red Bulls passed up the chance to move top of the Eastern Conference standings as they went down 2-0 to New England at Gillette Stadium.

Lee Nguyen and debutant Jerry Bengtson were the men on target for the Revolution.

Two goals in three first-half minutes from Gabriel Gomez and Freddy Adu set the Philadelphia Union on their way to a 3-0 win over Toronto FC, substitute Antoine Hoppenot adding a third in the 78th minute in a battle between the Eastern Conference’s bottom two teams.

Finally, the Montreal Impact netted twice in the final 13 minutes to snap their three-game losing streak, coming from behind to beat the Columbus Crew 2-1.

Milovan Mirosevic had headed the visitors in front in the 64th minute at Stade Saputo, but Zarek Valentin equalised in the 78th minute and then Patrice Bernier’s 89th-minute penalty completed the turnaround.

Keane had been left out in the cold at Tottenham. (Pic: Peter Byrne/PA

Robbie Keane has completed his transfer to the Los Angeles Galaxy, Tottenham announced this evening.

Keane had been in discussions with the MLS club over a move after it became clear that he was surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

The Republic of Ireland captain admitted earlier this week that he thought his time at Tottenham was coming to an end, and the move to join David Beckham’s team in a £3.5million transfer was finally completed this evening.

“Tottenham can announce that it has reached agreement with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy for the permanent transfer of Robbie Keane,” a statement on the Spurs website read this evening.

Negotiations between the two parties had been held up by MLS rules, which state that any franchise must have only three high-earning squad members, known as “designated players”.

The Galaxy currently have David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel registered as theirs, but former Aston Villa striker Angel is thought to be negotiating a release from the club.

Keane’s departure brings to an end his second spell at White Hart Lane.

The 31-year-old made 254 appearances for Spurs during his first stint between 2002 and 2008, during which time he scored 107 goals and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

He then moved to Liverpool for £20million but returned to north London within six months after failing to impress at Anfield.

Keane played regularly under Harry Redknapp during his first season back but the arrival of Rafael Van der Vaart last summer reduced his first-team opportunities and he was shipped out on loan to West Ham, where he failed to impress.

:: Beckham’s recommendation

Keane revealed that a chat with new team-mate Beckham was key to persuading him to move to the United States.

“I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy,” Keane told The Galaxy’s website.

“I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it’s the perfect combination for me and a dream come true.

“My family and I have already been made to feel very welcome in telephone calls from (Galaxy owner) Tim Leiweke and (manager) Bruce Arena.

“Also when David Beckham came and trained at Spurs (in January) recently he couldn’t speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can’t wait to get over and get started.”

Keane played poorly while at West Ham, scoring twice in 10 appearances as the Hammers were relegated.

But the former Inter Milan striker, who is joining his ninth club, is confident he will be good enough to score goals in the MLS though and is looking forward to the challenge.

“I have already discussed football with Bruce Arena and I know exactly what he wants from me,” Keane added. “I am fit, fresh and ready to go. I’ve come here to score goals and help this team achieve their goals.

“This is a massive opportunity for me in my career. I aim to grab it with both hands and hopefully help give the Galaxy fans what they want.”

Arena, whose side currently top the Western Conference of the MLS, added: “Robbie Keane will be a great addition to our club. I have followed his career and have always respected his ability as a competitor and a goalscorer.

“I believe that he brings qualities in and around the penalty area that we have been lacking. Hopefully, he will be another piece of the puzzle in our quest for the Supporters’ Shield and an MLS Cup championship as well as to advance to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions League.”