Preview: 2009 MLS Cup

This is what MLS has been waiting for; a chance to show off their trophy player and their showcase franchise, on the grandest stage they have to offer. In front of what is expected to be a tremendous audience at QWest Field in Seattle, MLS stars will be shining brightly in one of the most anticipated finals in recent memory.

Galaxy Captain Landon Donovan and teammate David Beckham made for a great year of drama, as Grant Wahls book chronicling the dissension between the two star athletes made for headline news throughout the world; a rarity in MLS circles. But winning has a funny way of making even the worst of enemies BFF’s. The first place Los Angeles Galaxy are a new team under the direction of coach Bruce Arena, who established a solid commitment to the backline and built the team forward from there. He has managed to create a cohesive unit, and project some harmony to a hostile environment.

By the way, It will be the Galaxy’s sixth appearance in the MLS Cup Final (winning three), and Arena’s third (winning two).

And what about Real Salt Lake? Much like the Red Bulls of 2008, Real Salt Lake clinched the playoffs through a back door, forcing the team to compete in the Eastern Conference. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the geographically challenged MLS strikes again. Though a gutsy side, with a strong midfield and defense, Real Salt Lake struggled through the season, managing a humble 11-12-7 record. But they do give the Galaxy some matchup fits.

Here is a look at tonight’s matchup:

FORWARDS v. DEFENSE

All praise to Bruce Arena is due for turning the Galaxy backline from a Abel Xavier joke to a cohesive, young, and consistent unit. Rookie of the Year Omar Gonzalez has been a breakthrough for the formerly swiss cheese line. Under veteran centerback Gregg Berhalters tutelage, the pairing, though prodding, are effective as a unit. But it is that prodding aspect which speedsters Robbie Findlay, Javi Espindola and Yuri Movsisyan will be looking to exploit all night long. Will the veteran presence of a Berhalter be able to settle the young backline in the biggest game of their budding careers? It seems like a tough task.

Real Salt Lakes backline, anchored by the underrated Jamison Olave, will be depending greatly on the midfield battle to help keep Buddle and Magee at bay, away from any Beckham benders. They are a quick and physical unit. If the midfield battle goes the way of RSL, I don’t see the Galaxy forwards as being capable of breaking down their defense, unless of course Donovan sprints forward. If not, this would be a bit of a push. Regardless, I will give RSL the slight advantage here, as I feel the defense will have alot more work to do on the Galaxy side.

ADVANTAGE: Real Salt Lake

________

MIDFIELD BATTLE:

The question of the night: Will Beckerman be able to fend off Beckham? That is the featured bout this evening. Not to discount the contributions of leg breaking artist Dema Kovalenko, who will surely look to maim Espindola on every possesion, but Beckham has found quite a groove with the Gal’s, and it will be up to Beckerman to find a way to put the breaks on the English crossing machine.

But let’s say he does – then so what? Salt Lake really has no solution for Landon Donovan, who continues to raise the bar as the teams captain this season. Not taking anything away from Espindola’s briliance and Beckerman’s steadyness in the midfield, but short of hiding some lead in their boots and shinguards, I don’t see a way Salt Lake can contain a determined Landon Donovan and David Beckham connection.

ADVANTAGE: LA Galaxy

_____

KEEPERS:

Nick Rimando, when will you get your respect? Just two seasons ago, you were being tossed around like a hot potato, with no one wanting to be stuck holding the bag. Today? You are being overshadowed by Donovan Ricketts, who is being largely credited for holding the Galaxy backline together, and being a key cog in the teams successes this season.

Nick, today is the day you get your respect. Last season, Rimando took an RSL team within a breathe of the MLS Cup. This season, that same tenacity got him one step closer to the ultimate prize. And besides folks; he has been here before, now hasn’t he? Until Ricketts proves me otherwise, my vote is with Rimando.

ADVANTAGE: Real Salt Lake

______

STRATEGY:

It has been repeated all week; Bruce Arena was a mentor to the budding coaching career of Jason Kreis, and continues to be. In this classic teacher versus student moment, I can’t sensibly believe that the former two time MLS Cup winner taught his young protoge every little trick in his book. Though I greatly admire Kreis, Arena has two distinct advantages on him; experience and knowledge into the mind of the enemy. The old lion will be looking to dish out one more lesson on his star pupil.

ADVANTAGE: LA Galaxy

______

PREDICTION:

As many of us recognize, the MLS Playoffs are just as much about being the hot team coming in as it is being the best team throughout the season. Tonight, we get a chance to find out which team will come out on top in this premier match up.

For once, this may be a final that lives up to the lofty expectations.

Galaxy 3 – Real Salt Lake 1

Some Related Stories:

Category: World Football