MLS Cup 2009 Live Blog

Hello from beautiful Seattle, Washington. BSB has been here providing all the details ahead of the championship. Real Salt Lake is the underdog in this match but the club is going to be supported by a huge contingent of fans. The Galaxy, the glam club in the league are expected to make quick work of the petulant RSL Club but anything can happen in a championship.


1' We're Underway!!


'2 As always Seattle is wet and rainy so the pitch could be a concern. After playing in the media cup this afternoon, I know that the ball gets quite slick on the wet field turf. However, footing should not be too much of a problem so expect a fast game.

9' Both clubs feeling each other out. RSL is clearly looking for holes in the vaunted Los Angeles Galaxy defense but may be leaving themselves open to a counter attack. Galaxy with the ball in the RSL end.

11' Just for the Cal Angle to this match. Galaxy backup Goalkeeper Josh Saunders is a Cal Grad. Speaking of Cal Grads: Cal Bears in MLS gave me their predictions: Steve Purdy of FC Dallas 3-1 LA, Andrew Jacobsen of DC United: 2-1 RSL, Luke Sassano of Red Bull New York: 1-0 LA ,Stefan Frei of Toronto FC 1-0 RSL

12' Corner for Los Angeles. Beckham takes it but the effort is cleared

14' REAL SALT LAKE YELLOW CARD for Will Johnson

15' RSL getting testy. Beckham with a harsh challenge on Morales puts the midfielder on the ground. RSL's version of Becks (Kyle Beckerman) has a few words for the English super star.

22' RSL SUB: Clint "Cletus" Mantis enters for the injured Morales. Apparently there is a three knockdown rule in MLS Cup because Morales had to be pulled.

24' First shot on Goal for the Galaxy but Rimando is up to the task.

26' Robbie Findley tries to beat Berhalter but the wily old vet is able to push the forward off the ball. Findley is my pick for MLS Cup MVP if RSL is going to win this game. He'll need to step up if he's going to win the cup.

27' Galaxy Corner

29' Clearance for RSL

29' Word from above is that Morales suffered a left LCL Sprain.

31' I predicted a low scoring game (2-1 RSL) and right now it looks like we may see the team score first win.

32' I told that I was crazy yesterday for suggesting a Kyle Beckerman coming out party tonight. However he is clearly dominating the midfield and preventing the Galaxy from starting anything. The Galaxy clearly miss Dema.

33' Galaxy attempt to go to the wings but are called offside.

35' Findley clearly looking for holes behind Omar Gonzalez and Berhalter. Smart play by the former Galaxy man who was axed from the squad to bring in David Beckham.

36'GALAXY SHOT!! Beautiful Counter for the Galaxy after an RSL opportunity on the other end. Donovan feeds the open Mike Magee but the midfielder misses wide of Nick Rimando's net

38' Landon Donovan gets behind the RSL defense but skys a shot into the upper deck. The MVP is going to have to do better.

39' YELLOW CARD FOR CHRIS BIRCHALL after a challenge on Will Johnson. Just as the Galaxy are creating sustained pressure, they pick up a yellow.

40' Edson Buddle attempting to be the hero after receiving a ball from Landon Donovan. Buddle was clearly offside. Momentum shift

41' LOS ANGELES GOAL!!! David Beckham hits Landon Donovan on the rush and Donovan hits a beautiful cross to Magee who puts it past a streaking Rimando. RSL has to stay strong and call upon what happened in Columbus if they're going to win this game.

43' So the Galaxy get on the board first. A number of colleagues including Eric Wynalda and Nick Webster predicted if the Galaxy get the first goal the game would be over. Lets see if Fox Soccer Channel is proved correct.

45' Two Minutes of Injury time

45+1 RSL almost answer right back but Donovan Ricketts is able to make the save to keep Los Angeles ahead.

45+2: SALT LAKE SHOT!! Yura Movsisyan knocks on the doorstep but skies the ball above the net.

HALFTIME: As we go into the half David Beckham has some words with the refs. RSL has shown the ability to pressure Los Angeles but LA was able to strike first blood. Look for RSL to try to try and provide better service to Findley and Movsisyan. 1-0 LA at the Half

45- Underway 45 minutes left in this season

47'' 47' Findley and Ricketts both go down after Ricketts comes out to challenge the RSL forward. What seems to have happened is that forward Omar Gonzalez came out to stop Findley but ended up running into Ricketts who hit Findley.

51' After a lengthy stoppage, Ricketts is going to stay in the match. Cal Grad Josh Saunders will be warming up should the Jamaican be unable to continue.

63' REAL SALT LAKE GOAL!!! Robbie Findley puts it into the back of the net. Movsisyan

65' GALAXY SUB: JOSH SAUNDERS ENTERING THE GAME. Cal Grad Josh Saunders enters the game for Donovan Ricketts.

75' RSL SUB: Fabian Espindola IN for Yura Movsisyan

78' It appears that Salt Lake is trying to win the game in the Galaxy's final 15 due to their girth of attacking subs. Chris Klein preparing to come on.

79' GALAXY SUB: Chris Klein IN Chris Birchall

81' RSL SHOT: Espindola with a great header but the violcity is not there and Saunders makes the save.

84' DESPERATE DEFENDING BY REAL SALT LAKE! Los Angeles is causing worlds of pressure for the RSL backline. The GALAXY are trying to finish this right now.

85' Break away for Real Salt Lake. Robbie Findley is off to the races but David Beckham is able to get back and force Findley out of bounds.

86' The Galaxy regain momentum and Edson Buddle is unable to create his own shot and two RSL defenders make quick work of him.

88' Omar Gonzalez is ushered off the field and A.J. DeLaGarza is put on the field.

90' SEVEN Minutes of stoppage time

95' CORNER KICK FOR RSL

97' Andy Williams goes down in the box but no call. Whistle blows.

FT- We're going to stoppage time in MLS Cup. 30 minutes of stoppage and if no winner is decided then we go to PK

Extra Time: Sixth time in MLS Cup history that MLS Cup has gone to Extra Time.LA has played in five of those six MLS Cup matches

91: We're under way!

93' 1-1 NEAR DISASTER FOR THE GALAXY! Findley breaks free but is stopped by DeLaGarza at the door step.

97' Galaxy knock on the door step but are unable to challenge RImando

98' FINDLEY SHOT HITS THE SIDE NETTING

101' Beckham fouls Beckerman setting up a dangerous Free Kick opportunity for Salt Lake. Andy Williams takes the kick and misses the mark. Saunders still looking very testy out there as he leaps awkwardly for the shot.

105' The half is approaching the end. RSL has their foot on the throat of the Galaxy but can't put them away. Galaxy attempting to counter but RSL clears it out.

105' HALF ENDS: Findley on the ground with cramps but 15 minutes till we find the MLS Cup champion

106' 15 Minutes to decide a champion. Folks if this game goes to PKs you have to give the advantage to Real. Rimando has been money during Penalties.

108' GALAXY CHANCE!! Chris Klein nearly puts LA ahead with a header but falls into the RSL net which forces it to be prepared.

111' Eerie Quiet at Qwest even though nearly 47 thousand people are in the house. People are on pins and needles waiting for something to happen. The least amount of movement is coming from the various supporters groups. Those people are frozen.

115' Waiting for the whistle. game starting to fall apart.LA will have another chance with a beckham kick but Rimando punches it out. Penalties folks!

117' Donovan streaks down the field and takes a try at goal but Rimando is there to make an easy save.

119' Saunders looking more confident as he palms a free kick from Mathis.

120' LA strikes right back but Rimando is able to clear it out.

120' GOING TO PENALTIES!!! 2ND TIME IN MLS HISTORY

SALT LAKE WINS! REAL SALT LAKE ARE CHAMPIONS OF MLS SAUNDERS IS DISTRAUGHT. REAL SALT LAKE ARE CHAMPIONS!!!