LA Galaxy star David Beckham admitted that the strength of this season's squad enabled them to make the play-offs for the first time in three years.
The 1-0 over the Chicago Fire on the weekend ensured the Galaxy would book a place in the MLS finals and Beckham put it down to having a much stronger squad.
"This team has players that are not afraid to pass the ball and to make plays on their own and maybe we haven't had that over the last couple of years," said Beckham.
"We've got a stronger squad of players more than anything. Of course, having Bruce know the league and know the players and know the way he wants us to play, it's working out well so far."
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena agreed with Beckham that there were definitely more players capable of consistently performing well at the top level this time around.
"Landon (Donovan) and David (Beckham) are going to get a lot of the recognition and credit," Arena said
"But behind the scenes, it's the kind of quality you get in the locker room off Tony Sanneh, Eddie Lewis, Chris Klein, Gregg Berhalter and Alan Gordon. Stefani Miglioranzi, there's not a better person in the game.
"Those kinds of players really led our team and made us a better team. Without the effort they give us every day, we wouldn't be anywhere near where we are today."
