GALAXY HONORS HAMILTON LOS ANGELES CELEBRATES GLORIED PAST.

Byline: Scott French Staff Writer

CARSON - The Galaxy began its 11th season Saturday by celebratingits most recent success, saying goodbye one last time to a fallen hero, then testing itself against the club many believe is the best in Major League Soccer in a rematch of the MLS Cup 2005 final.

The players, coaches and chief staff received championship rings - apparently irking at least one opposing player - and the Galaxy's late president and general manager, Doug Hamilton, was honored in a stirring video tribute and with a moment of silence.

Hamilton's widow, Paige, took park in the ring ceremony, receiving hugs from each Galaxy player and accepting her husband's ring to loud applause.

The video included many scenes from that shown at Hamilton's funeral, also held at Home Depot Center.

The timing of the ceremony bothered New England Revolution star Clint Dempsey, who last week told the Boston Globe: ``They are going to pass out the rings in front of us, which is not classy. But at the same time, they deserve the rings they are getting. We missed an opportunity (in the title game) to handle the business. ... Nothing replaces having a chance to win the championship. We won't be satisfied until we get one of those (rings).''

Dempsey, who has emerged this year as a potential starter for the U.S. at the World Cup in Germany, gave the Revolution a 33rd-minute lead, heading from close range an Andy Dorman free kick after Ugo Ihemelu was whistled for obstruction to the left of the net.

The 1-0 advantage held into the 74st minute.

Dempsey returned Tuesday to the Revs after a club-imposed two-week suspension for a fight with captain Joe Franchino during a training session. U.S. coach Bruce Arena honored the suspension, leaving Dempsey off his roster for the March 22 game against Germany, a 4-1 loss.

The Galaxy is seeking to retain MLS and U.S. Open Cup titles but will be without its most important player, forward Landon Donovan, in the weeks preceding and during the World Cup. Donovan had the Galaxy's best early chance, dribbling into the Revolution box 1-on-1 against goalkeeper Matt Reis. The former UCLA star stopped Donovan 32 seconds into the game.

AEG Sports president Shawn Hunter said last week that the Galaxy was moving slowly to find a successor to Hamilton, 43, who on March 9 died of an apparent heart attack while returning home from a CONCACAF Champions Cup loss to Saprissa in Costa Rica.

Tom Payne last week was promoted from vice president of promotion and business development to assistant general manager.

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Photo:

The Galaxy's Tyrone Marshall battles for control of the ball against New England's Pat Noonan during the first half Saturday.

Edna T. Simpson/Daily News