The matchup examined; RSL vs Galaxy for MLS Cup ‘09
Seattle, WA — Sunday, November 22nd the Eastern Conference Champions Real Salt Lake take on the Western Conference Champs the Los Angelos Galaxy for MLS Cup 2009. The teams approach the final from opposite ends of the universe. RSL struggled to make the playoffs, finishing the regular season with 11 wins, 12 loses, and 7 ties (40 pts). RSL started the playoff race from the 8th and final bracket position. The Galaxy led the Western Conference with 12 wins, 6 loses, and 12 ties (48 pts). They began the post season as the second seed (1st in the west).
Come Sunday, all the stats from both the regular season and the playoffs are as relevant as a republican on Capital Hill.* Either team has the opportunity to take the cup. At the end of play (regulation…stopage…overtime?), it will not have mattered that RSL scored seven more goals than Los Angelos during the regular season. It won’t make a bit of difference that the Galaxy denied its opponents four less goals than RSL. None of this will matter, because in futbol anything can happen. An own goal. A defensive meltdown. An injury. A lucky call in the box. Until the final whistle blow, its anyone’s game.
Just out of curiosity, not that it matters…lets see how the teams squared off in their two ‘09 matchups. Get your Dalorian up to 88 mph, we’re going back in time! First stop, Rio Tinto Stadium. Wednesday, May 6th.
The backstory: RSL entered the match short three of its big names. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando was sidelined with a deep finger laceration. Fullback Jamison Olave (a.k.a. The Yellow Slide) and midfielder Javier Morales rode the bench due to disciplinary actions. Adding insult to injury, RSL had lost three of its previous four games (the fourth was a 0-0 tie). In short, before the match, Magic 8 Ball predicted, “My sources say ‘No’…for RSL.”
The Los Angeles Galaxy entered the match sporting a four game unbeaten streak (three ties and one win), allowing only two goals to slip into the ol’ onion bag. Offensively, Landon Donovan led the rampage with four early season goals and three assists. Of the Galaxy’s chance at winning, Magic 8 Ball said, “As I see it, yes.”
How it played out: Both sides punched two into net for a 2-2 draw. LA rallied late in stopage time to tie things up. (A reoccuring theme to Salt Lake’s defense.) RSL had 11 shots to the Galaxy’s 9 (4-3 shots on goal respectively). RSL racked up 11 fouls to LA’s 6. Salt Lake was caught offside 7 times, whereas LA never pushed the issue/was never caught. (There is a point here, I swear!).
GeeWhiz factoid: For the third time in MLS history three goals were scored in stoppage time. It was the second time in MLS history that two penalty kicks were awarded in bonus play.
Summary: RSL struggled with last minute defensive efforts throughout the 2009 season. Coach Kreis questioned the team’s focus, determination, and fitness. Salt Lake allowed the Galaxy back into the game when it should have been closed out.
Next stop, Carson, California. June 13th. David Beckham’s lair. Mood: Sultry.
Backstory: The Galaxy entered the game with a ten game unbeaten streak. RSL hand’t won a game since April (6-0 over New England). RSL head coach Jason Kreis employed a 4-3-3 formation. RSL’s Kyle Beckerman and Jave Morales were back from suspension. The Galaxy were without Landon Donovan who was fulfilling US National Team duty in South Africa.
How it played out: RSL scored two (Yura Movsisyan and Nat Borchers) and ended the Galaxy’s streak. RSL goalkeep Nick Rimando chalked up five saves and handed LA a shutout. RSL picked up an impressive 13 fouls and two offsides (LA earned 9 and 1 respectively).
Summation: RSL came hungry. With coach Kreis’ formation they controlled the midfield and set the tone of the game.
Big Picture:
*Note: Don’t assume anything by the GOP comment. The Aslyum swings both ways, politically.
I think Real has the advantage. Donovan is fast, but so is Findley. Real has, as you said, “something to prove.” LA may show up over-confident.