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RSL are your MLS Cup champions. Last place team to make the playoffs, huge underdogs, and now the winners of the big one. Gotta give it up for the Lakers.
Penalty Goal Robbie Russell
Missed Penalty Edson Buddle
Penalty Goal Chris Wingert
Penalty Goal Chris Klein
Missed Penalty Andy Williams
Penalty Goal Mike Magee
Penalty Goal Ned Grabavoy
Missed Penalty Landon Donovan
Missed Penalty Kyle Beckerman
Missed Penalty Jovan Kirovski
Penalty Goal Robbie Findley
Penalty Goal Gregg Berhalter
Penalty Goal Clint Mathis
Penalty Goal David Beckham
120′
We're off to penalties in the MLS Cup final for only the second time in MLS history.
120′
Oh my. Beckerman curled the ball over to the right to find Mathis. A quick fake and he poked it through to Williams. It only needed a step and a poke, but Williams didn't have the energy to make it. Poor guy collapsed to the turf after, either of exhaustion or heartbreak that he couldn't reach the ball, not sure.
119′
There's really nothing in this one. Only half chances in extra time as both teams exhausted. One minute of injury time until we hit penalties.
118′
Magee intercepts a sloppy Mathis pass and leads a counter. Beckham shows surprising spark to sprint past him and provide an option, then to find Donovan. Landon curls his shot tamely at Rimando.
115′
Donovan wins a free kick after capitalizing on a lack of confusion between Russell and Olave. RSL has everyone in the box but Williams, how limps along in the center circle. Rimando came out to punch the set piece clear fairly easily.
113′
Huge gaps of space all over the pitch. Everyone but the substitutes is absolutely shattered and can hardly jog. My guess is this one gos to penalties.
109′
Magee spins in the box and lifts the ball to the far post. Klein leaps up over Wingert at the far post, but as he heads wide the referee calls for a free kick.
108′
Magee made it to a Beckham free kick and flicked it wide. He pulled up holding his groin. This is a long time to play on turf and in the cold.
106′
Williams is just hanging out up top with Espindola back in the midfield. The Jamaican has nothing left in the tank. Not so Grabavoy, who still looks quite sprightly.
105′
Well, Williams is back up. Looks like he's going to make it. Kickoff again. 15 minutes and either a winner or PKs.
105′
Williams collapsed as the referee whistled for halftime of extra time. Looks like cramps or exhaustion. Could be bad for RSL: with no more subs left, they'd have to play a man down.
104′
Donovan finally alleviates the pressure on the Galaxy following a corner and throw in by drawing a foul out of Russell.
101′
Beckham hacks down Beckerman about 40 yards out a little to the left of the goal. Mathis sidefoots the free kick into the side netting, the same place Findley hit his earlier shot. Plenty of chances here, but unless you put one away it counts for naught.
100′
Donovan hasn't done much all game. Noah Davis points out that either that's a positive and he can turn it on in extra time or he's sick. He sees comparisons with how he's playing this game and how he played against Mexico with swine flu.
99′
RSL has had 75% of the possession in extra time. This is all one way.
98′
Findley with another glorious chance. Williams and Mathis work the ball around to get him clear around the outside of Dunivant. From 15 yards out his shot swishes the outside of the net.
93′
Wowzers. That was quite the chance. Grabavoy unloads from the top of the box and it deflects into the path of Findley. Findley uncorks from close, but DeLaGarza is across swiftly to slide in front of the ball and save a goal.
91′
We're back. Neither team has a substitute left so these will be the teams for the next half hour.
90′ +7
Williams goes down in the box, ref waves play on, Kirvoski clatters into the ref knocking both over, Beckham can't slot a ball through. Dramatic finish. This one goes to extra time tied at 1-1.
90′ +6
Williams sizzles a cross into the box. Espindola waits on the far post and is only a slight nick by DeLaGarza's head prevents him from latching on.
90′
Quick reminder: if this one is tied at fulltime, 30 minutes of extra time is added. If it's still tied, we go to penalties. Gotta give RSL the edge for PKs if it goes to that. Rimando is better than Saunders.
90′
A whopping 7 minutes of extra time added on. Lots of injuries in this one.
89′
All but one sub down to injury. Gonzalez twisted his ankle in the turf making a sliding tackle, so fellow rookie DeLaGarza comes on for him.
89′
Substitution 
Omar Gonzalez 
A.J. DeLaGarza
Omar Gonzalez A.J. DeLaGarza
87′
46,011 announced as the attendance. Not too shabby, not shabby at all. Wonder how many would have shown up if the Sounders made it this far.
86′
Williams finally breaks the Galaxy pressure with a glorious long pass up to Findley. The goalscorer uses a scintillating turn of pace to get around the outside of the defense and smash one on net. Saunders punches clear.
84′
For a moment there LA had 7 players in the box. Beckham kept dumping crosses in to create half chances, but the ball wouldn't fall.
83′
Buddle snaps a shot from a tight angle on net. Rimando pushes it away into traffic, where a defender clears.
81′
Beckerman caught the heels of Beckham coming across. Free kick and a little talking to from the ref is his punishment.
79′
As expected, Chris Klein in for Chris Birchall. That should give the Galaxy some energy in the midfield.
79′
Substitution Chris Birchall Chris Klein
Chris Birchall Chris Klein
76′
Klein is running up and down the sidelines. Arena has to do something with this midfield. White shirts aren't closing down red ones nearly enough.
76′
Espindola on for Movsisyan. RSL has no more subs left, which could hurt them if this goes to extra time.
75′
Substitution Yura Movsisyan Fabian Espindola
Yura Movsisyan Fabian Espindola
74′
Donovan barrels in and steals the ball off the head of Olave. 30 yards out, Russell shoulder charges him, and Donovan goes down. Referee waves, correctly, play on.
73′
Perhaps tired or sore, Beckham is back in the middle with Birchall right. It's giving the RSL midfield tons of space to work with in the middle of the park.
71′
RSL continue the pressure. This time Movsisyan finds space on the right flank and blazes in at goal. He smashes high over the net when clear through.
70′
Olave comes across to cut out a Donovan run and booms the ball forward. Cries of "Oohh!" as the ball sails toward goal. Eventually Saunders was out of his goal when he caught it just before it went out. That one traveled probably 60 yards.
69′
RSL really deserved that goal. They'd been cranking up the heat all game and were red hot before that goal. This one is going to be exciting.
66′
Following the goal, another blow for Galaxy as Ricketts has to come off. Saunders is a step down and a sub is wasted. He was jerked around during the goal but came off holding his hand. That's the first substitution of a goalkeeper in club history.
66′
Substitution Donovan Ricketts 
Josh Saunders
Donovan Ricketts Josh Saunders
65′
Grabavoy on the right side of the box finds Findley, who taps it to Movsisyan. Yura shoots first time and the ball careens off Dunivant. It falls kindly to Findley, who smashes home.
64′
And we've got ourselves a game! Findley scores to even things up.
64′
Goal Robbie Findley
61′
Buddle man handles MAthis off the ball, but no yellow given. Clint not happy.
60′
Near chance there. Beckerman slides a ball in which Russell one-times into the path of Movsisyan. As Birchall brings him down in the box, Yura taps it over to Russell. With Dunivant closing him down, someone poked it at goal, but Ricketts was out quickly to close it down. Mathis picked up the ball out of protest for no penalty given.
58′
After a long buildup, Beckham smacks the free kick into the wall.
57′
Beckham arcs a cross in toward Donovan at the top of the box. Olave came over him to win the ball and took him out. Free kick Galaxy.
54′
Never mind, probably no revenge in mind there. Wingert just clattered into Franklin. He's just determined.
52′
Wingert slides in, hitting the ball, but taking Beckham out with the follow through. Arena wasn't too pleased only a free kick was given. That one for Morales perhaps?
51′
Finally back under way here. Looks like Ricketts will play on. This won't be the first time he's taken a cringe-worthy knock and continued. Several games this year he's practically limped through after his bravery in net cost his body.
49′
Ricketts still down in agony, getting treatment right now. Looking at the replay, Ricketts blocked with his chest then took Omar's cleat to his right hand. Doesn't look pretty. Saunders up and training, but don't expect Arena to switch goalkeepers unless he absolutely has to.
47′
Movsisyan hooks a ball through to Findley, who looked offside. No flag as the youngster speeds in on goal. Ricketts out bravely to block the ball with his face, but caught a trailing foot from Gonzalez for his troubles.
47′
Magee and Donovan have been switching all night. Right now LD is up top with Magee slotting into the midfield.
46′
Huge HUGE blow for Real Salt Lake as Will Johnson only lasts a half. Struggling through food poisoning, RSL now has made two subs, mixing up half its midfield, with 45 minutes to get back into this one.
46′
Substitution 
Will Johnson Ned Grabavoy
Will Johnson Ned Grabavoy
45′ +2
That's half, folks. The game is showing signs of life, especially since the goal. RSL aren't out of this one just yet, there's still plenty to play for, but the Galaxy take a definite edge into the halftime team talks.
45′ +1
Beckerman with the quick feet to lure a foul from Franklin. Williams tookthe free kick and Borchers nodded his header just wide. Best chance thus far for RSL.
45′
Two minutes of extra time added on.
41′
Beckham and Donovan assist on Magee's goal. Becks finds Donovan wide right, who crosses to the far post. Magee is there to sweep home for the game's opening goal. Criminal marking by Russell.
41′
Goal Mike Magee
39′
Yellow Card Chris Birchall
36′
Lightning quick counter started by excellent Beckham footwork ends with Magee open in the box. His sizzling shot goes feet wide at the far post.
34′
Williams flicks the ball over the top and for once Findley isn't offside. The pass was too hot for even speedy Findley to catch, though.
29′
Morales injury confirmed with a left LCL sprain.
28′
Beckham's corner slipped through everyone to the back post. Omar Gonzalez steamed in and poked it over from three yards. Should have scored there.
27′
Beckerman with a nice ball to put Findley one-on-one with Berhalter. Findley still isn't complete enough for me. As he tried to shimmy his way past, he kicked the ball out of bounds. Wasted opportunity.
25′
Kirovski with a half volley from distance. Right at Rimando, but that's the first real chance we've had all game.
23′
Mathis isn't a huge step down, talented player. Kyle McCarthy: "It's going to be a little more direct."
22′
Substitution Javier Morales Clint Mathis
Javier Morales Clint Mathis
22′
Looks like the night is over for Morales. Beckham came over to apologize as Morales covered his face and walked off. Looked to be in tears. Both Williams and Beckerman came over to console him. Huge blow for RSL.
20′
Movsisyan nearly took the ball around Gonzalez, poking it through his legs. Fell down on the play and pulled the ball to him. The referee correctly gave Galaxy a free kick for the handball.
20′
Morales back on the pitch, but still limping.
17′
Morales down on the pitch. He's been unable to shake off an earlier Beckham foul. Mathis up and running on the sideline, but Kreis will hope the Argentine can continue.
15′
Yellow Card Will Johnson
14′
Quick feet by Magee set Donovan free to start a counter. Will Johnson was over quickly to hip-check him out of play. Stopped the counter alright, but also picked up an early yellow. The Canadian will have to watch himself.
12′
From a throw, Buddle trapped in the box. Three red shirts closed down on him, booting it out for a corner.
9′
Dunivent with a cross that Buddle headed powerfully off target. Thus far, not too much going on in this game. Teams feeling each other out.
7′
Morales slid a ball through that looked out of Findley's reach, but the youngster nearly surprised Berhalter. The 36-year-old did enough to poke clear in the end.
6′
Some fans have a Liverpool beach ball they're hitting around.
4′
Thus far Beckham has been dropping deep and pinging long balls over the top. One has to think Borchers and Olave are well suited for that sort of attack: they're not going to lose much in the air.
2′
Findley sprints away down the RSL left flank, away from Dunivant. His cross sails way high of Movsisyan, the only Laker in the box.
2′
Beckerman clatters into Magee. No one is going to go easy in this match.
1′
Beckham has flipped to the right, Birchall and Kirovski in the middle, Donovan left, and Magee up front with Buddle. Much as we expected.
1′
And we've got kickoff. The 2009 MLS Cup final is underway.
Anthem sung, players shaking hands, band exiting the pitch. We're getting ready to go here in Qwest Field.
Hope none of you were fooled by the 5:30 p.m. Pacific listed kickoff time. ESPN likes to do their pregame, so kickoff will be 5:55 p.m.
The marching band and some cheerleaders are out on the pitch now.
The two ends shouting "Seattle" and "Sounders" back and forth at each other. Quite rousing.
Stadium is filling up nicely. I'd say we'll hit out 40,000 easily. There's a red carpet on the pitch and the Seattle Sounders players are being presented to quite the applause.
Lineups just handed out. RSL: Rimando, Russell, Borchers, Olave, Wingert, Williams, Beckerman, Morales, Johnson, Findley, Movsisyan. LAG: Ricketts, Franklin, Berhalter, Gonzalez, Dunivant, Beckham, Magee, Birchall, Kirvoski, Buddle, Donovan.
Despite claims that he would keep it, Beckham has indeed changed his haircut. Thank. God.
The LA starting lineup is off to the side doing jogging and sideways shuffling through cones. Dunivent, Gonzalez, Berhalter, Franklin, Beckham, Birchall, Kirovski, Donovan, Magee, and Buddle. Ricketts off minding the goal.
Zielonka just took a brisk walk around the stadium. Real Salt Lake fans outnumber the LA Galaxy fans, especially along the upper deck. Stadium looks about 1/3 full thus far, about half an hour until kickoff.
And there come the LA Galaxy as well. Both teams on the pitch, slowly working the ball around and jogging.
Real Salt Lake out on the pitch warming up. Half wearing blue jackets, half wearing red.
Rumors circulating about two defensive injuries. Will Johnson might have food poisoning, not sure who would step in for him. Dema Kovalenko possibly out, Jovan Kirovski and Chris Birchall in the middle with David Beckham wide right.
Spotted: MLS Commish Don Garber just retrieved and handed back a sign that blew away from a fan in the stadium. He's got his bashers, but rarely will you find a better, more humble man.
Zac Lee Rigg here now, sitting between Noah Davis and John Zielonka. Luis Bueno is on his way. It's a bit nippy as usual here in Seattle, but the rain stopped for what seems like the first time in a week.
Results
Times In EST
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kenny Cooper
Striker NY Red Bulls |
11 | 2 |
|
Chris Wondolowski
Striker San Jose Earthquakes |
11 | 1 |
|
Thierry Henry
Striker NY Red Bulls |
9 | 0 |
|
Saer Sene
Striker New England |
7 | 1 |
|
Maicon Santos
Striker D.C. United |
7 | 0 |