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!!!

MLS CUP 2009 Quotes: Friday Practice

As the American (and some English) soccer world turns to Seattle. BSB is live from Rain City giving you the up to date info on all the weekend's madness. Here are the interviews from following Friday Practice.


Real Salt Lake Forward Robbie Findley:



Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper Chris Seitz:



--

LA Galaxy Midfielders Landon Donovan and David Beckham:




LA Galaxy Defender Sean Franklin:



LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts:



LA Galaxy Defender Gregg Berhalter:

MLS Cup Quotes: Bruce Arena, Jason Kreis, Nick Rimando and Gregg Berhalter

BerkeleySportsBlog.com has touched down in Seattle but before we get to the fun stuff, we must get some business. Here are a couple quotes from the Tuesday's MLS Teleconference with the Head Coaches of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake ahead of Sunday's match. There are also words from RSL's Nick Rimando and LA's Gregg Berhalter.

--

Bruce Arena, Los Angeles Galaxy Head Coach

On Appearing in the Final:

“I think it’s been a really good season for the Galaxy and we made steady improvements. We certainly did not think at the beginning of the season that we would be playing for MLS Cup. The team improved greatly, Beckham return has had a great influence as did the inclusion of players like Greg Berhalter. We’re playing a great team in Real Salt Lake, I’ve followed them very closely over the past few years. I have the greatest respect for their coaches, general managers and their team. I think that it’s going to be one heck of a game and I hope that we’re going to give a capacity crowd, a good and exciting game.”

--

On Facing the "Cinderella Team":

“I don’t think any of us focus on the underdogs or the Cinderella team. We know all the teams in this league are good teams and not very much separates us, one from the other. The eight teams in the playoffs this year are outstanding. The west had five teams and Salt Lake is as good as any team in the west and certainly in the league. We think that they’re a damn good team and we’re not concerning ourselves with any of the psychology involved in the match up. We know that in order to win a championship, we have to step on the field and play well. That’s our job. Whether it’s against Salt Lake or any other team in the league, we’re not going to win a championship unless we earn it by playing well. If we don’t get that right none of that other stuff matters.”

Gregg Berhalter, Los Angeles Galaxy Defender

On the Growth of the Galaxy this season:

“We’ve been growing as a team all year and this is the culmination of that effort. We haven’t given up on ourselves and we’ve been plugging away when a lot of people have been saying that we’re not that good of a team. This week, we’re going to prepare in similar fashion to what we’ve been doing all year and look to give a good effort on Sunday."

Jason Kreis, Real Salt Lake Head Coach

On appearing in the Final for the first time in the club's history:

“It’s a truly exciting time in Real Salt Lake’s history. It’s a bench mark for the club and we somewhat turned the club around to make ourselves competitive. I’m very proud of all the work that the club has put in to get to this point. We’re very excited about our opportunity this weekend and we see it as exactly that, an opportunity.”

--

On what the final means to the city of Salt Lake:

“The community of Salt Lake really appreciates this. Salt Lake has always had the mentality that we’re a smaller city and a smaller market so it’s easy to over look us and disrespect us. I think the people of Salt Lake are really with us on this endeavor. Most of the people out there will tell you that LA should win this game so I think it’s a really good feeling to know that the community of Salt Lake is beyond us and supports us and would love to see it happen for the team.”

Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper

On what appearing in the Final means to the fans of RSL after last season's exit in the Conference Final:

“I think it’s huge, it left a bitter taste in the player’s mouth and it really left a bad taste in the fans mouth. To do it this year and to do it in the way that we did it, getting into the playoffs and winning in the first round like we did last year but going that extra step beating the Fire in Chicago, it really put the fans on board. They really believe in us right now and you’ll see that on Sunday when you see all the fans that are going to be at Qwest supporting us.”

BerkeleySportsBlog.com heads to Seattle

BerkeleySportsBlog.com has been on a bit of hiatus as of late due the end of the Earthquakes season and a new writing commitment at MajorLeagueSoccerTalk.com. However, BSB will be back with a vengeance this week as we will be reporting live from Seattle, Washington for MLS Cup 2009 between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.

This week of fun starts tomorrow with our exclusive Q&A with San Jose Earthquakes Goal keeper Joe Cannon as well as our update with what went wrong with Cal Soccer this season. On Wednesday, BerkeleySportsBlog will give you the exclusive on interviews with Galaxy Manager Bruce Arena and RSL Head Coach Jason Kreis ahead of Sunday's match. From Thursday to Saturday BerkeleySportsBlog.com will be reporting live from Rain City as we take in all the festivities ahead of the big match. Expect Photos galore as we cover the presentation of MLS MVP to MLS Supporters Summit and the always fun "Media Cup 2009" soccer match. This will culminate on Sunday with our live blog from beautiful Qwest Field for the match itself.

As always stay with BSB for complete coverage of MLS Cup 2009 and follow us on twitter at twitter.com/adamserrano.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy Post Game Interviews

The San Jose Earthquakes season came to a disappointing end on Saturday night with a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy earn the first seed in the Western Conference playoffs with the victory, ending a three year playoff drought. The Earthquakes meanwhile finish the season at the foot of the Western Conference table with 30 points, three shy of their tally from last season.

Frank Yallop, San Jose Earthquakes Head Coach




Joe Cannon, San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper



Bruce Arena, Los Angeles Galaxy Head Coach




David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy Midfielder




Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy Forward

Galaxy end the Quakes season on a sour note with a 2-0 victory.

The Quakes season was brought to a sour end on Saturday night as the club dropped their finale 2-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy allowing their arch rivals to earn the top seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The Earthquakes on the other hand went in the opposite direction, finishing last in the Western Conference. The result gives the Earthquakes 30 points on the season, three short of their tally from 2008.

San Jose was unable to get going early as the Galaxy controlled the lion's share of possession and also dominated the amount of chances early. Despite their wealth of opportunities, the Galaxy took the lead on what could best be described a fluke goal. In the 24th minute, a Landon Donovan cross in bounced off the foot of San Jose defender Bobby Burling and found its way past a diving Joe Cannon for a 1 nil Galaxy lead.

"It was just a lucky play but if you put pressure on people then you put them in awkward positions and those things happen," said Donovan.

The Quakes had a chance to strike right back two minutes later with a Brandon McDonald header that was saved by Galaxy keeper Donovan Ricketts to keep the Galaxy ahead. The match stayed that way until the 77th minute when the Galaxy delivered their final blow. With the Earthquakes pushing for the equalizer the Galaxy were able to catch San Jose on the counter. Cutting through the Earthquakes defense, the Galaxy put on a beautiful run across field that saw Chris Klein connect with Landon Donovan who was able to put it through the legs of San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon capping a disappointing end to the Earthquakes season.

"We are not happy with this, and we wanted to end the season on a better note. I thought we pushed really hard for an equalizer, which we didn’t get and unfortunately fell behind 2-0, so it is very disappointing. We weren’t really able to create much, and were unable to really break through at all," said Cannon after the match.

Although the club regressed in the standings, Head Coach Frank Yallop was able to get the positives coming off the 2009 season.

"The last 12 games including tonight we've performed well and had some good reasons and some indifferent ones but we should have more points. I just look at it as a building block for next season. We need to remember that it's not a sprint, its a marathon but the signs are good for next season and I'm excited about that," said Yallop.

Although the Quakes finish the season at the bottom of the standings, MLS has proven to be a league where a club can bounce back the next season.For evidence of that the Quakes can look no further than the Galaxy who went from one of the league's worst records in 2008 to the top team in the Western Conference in 2009.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy Live Blog

Welcome to beautiful Home Depot Center for tonight's California Clasico battle between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy can clinch the top spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a victory over the Quakes but their arch rival Quake look set to damage that aspiration with their form of late. As always follow along with BerkeleySportsBlog.com a we bring you the match live from Los Angeles.

Pregame: The San Jose Supporters are in the house tonight with the 1906 Ultras bringing a good showing to tonight's match.

Pregame: Line ups are in:

Los Angeles Galaxy: GK: Donovan Ricketts, DEF: Sean Franklin, Gregg Berhalter, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant, MID: Chris Birchall, David Beckham, Dema Kovalenko, Landon Donovan (Capt.), FWD: Edson Buddle, Mike Magee

San Jose Earthquakes: GK: Joe Cannon, DEF: Chris Leitch, Bobby Burling, Brandon McDonald, Ramiro Corrales (Capt.), MID: Shea Salinas, Simon Elliot, Ramon Sanchez, Bobby Convey, FWD: Arturo Alvarez, Ryan Johnson


'1 - We're underway! Joe Cannon gets some pretty heavy abuse from the Angel City Brigade, an LA Galaxy supporters group. Cannon is one of several Quakes, McDonald among others who have donned the blue and white of the Galaxy

'2 - Early foul by the Galaxy on Ryan Johnson. Free Kick for the Quakes

'4 - Quakes with some early work but the Galaxy have remained sharp in the back.

'5- Great chance for the Galaxy as Edson Buddle receives some expert passing from the LA Midfield that results in a great opportunity. However, Bobby Burling comes up big with a great clear to keep the score at 0-0

'6- Quakes earn a corner that is cleared by Beckham.

'8 Galaxy give up possession in midfield that the Quakes are unable to capitalize on. The Galaxy are proving very able to swallow up the Quakes efforts and hit them back on the counter.

'9 Galaxy throw in in the San Jose zone. Galaxy midfielder Dema Kovalenko is wasteful however and surrenders possession.

'10 The Galaxy earn a free kick on a Chris Leitch foul on Landon Donovan. The Galaxy are unable to instigate anything.

'12 - Mike Magee goes down in the box but the ref is unswayed by the dramatics of the Galaxy forward.

'13 - The Galaxy earn a throw in deep in San Jose territory.

'14- Testy moments for Joe Cannon right there as Dunivant's throw sails over the Quakes goalkeeper and nearly onto the boot of a Galaxy forward. However, the Quakes are able to clear.

'17 - YELLOW CARD - Bobby Convey draws a yellow after a hard foul on Mike Magee. The yellow is issued for dissent. The play gives the Galaxy a free kick just outside the box. Perfect for you know who.

'17- Beckham takes the kick but it curls JUST wide of Joe Cannon's net. Beautiful strike from 28 yards.

'19 - Quakes looking for a response to the Galaxy's effort with a strike by Corrales just outside the box but the shot is wide. News out of Seattle is that FC Dallas are up 1-0 on the Sounders. Dallas is needing a result to get in the playoffs.

'22 - Both teams are having a very difficult time in starting attacks with the Galaxy having the upperhand in the match so far. The Quakes are showing the grit needed to stop Los Angeles but have been unable to capitalize.

'23- GOAL GALAXY!!!!! HEARTBREAK FOR THE QUAKES. Landon Donovan takes a shot at net which appears to be deflected by Bobby Burling, however in a moment indicative of the Quakes season so far, the shot sails past Joe Cannon and into the net.

'25- The Quakes try to answer right back with a free kick just outside the Galaxy box that is headed by Ryan Johnson but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts comes up huge with a fantastic save.

'27 - The Galaxy are going for the murder blow as they create a very interesting drive at goal but Edson Buddle is ruled offside.

'30 - Chris Birchall tries to get into the Galaxy attack and earns a corner. Beckham to take it in front of the Ultras.

'30- The effort is cleared by the Quakes who appear to still be reeling from that goal.

'31 - BEAUTIFUL attack by the Galaxy as Buddle takes the ball into the box and nearly connects with Donovan for a goal. However, the Quakes are able to clear. The Quakes would be wise to keep their composure to assure this match does not get out of hand.

'34- Beckham with a shot from distance that sails just over the net of Joe Cannon. The Galaxy are looking dangerous.

'35 - The Quakes attempting to start something on the counter as a Alvarez counter attempts to catch Johnson but the cross sails wide.

'39 - Shea Salinas has been one of the lone bright spots for the Quakes tonight. He is really challenging Dunivant and Beckham on the left side.

'41- San Jose Frank Yallop has had his subs up and ready for the past 10 minutes. It's very likely that we'll see a injection of speed (Amarikwa?) into this match at half time.

'44- Another chance for the Galaxy as Mike Magee gets a header that sails wide of the net.

'45 - One minute of stoppage

HT- And that's the half, The Earthquakes started off dangerous against the Galaxy attack but since their heart breaker of a goal, the team has appeared quite flat. Odds are that Yallop will look to make a substitution, most likely Amarikwa whose speed may help the team beat the Galaxy back line.

'45- We're back underway. The key to the second half for the Quakes: The team will need to get some more possession if they're going to get back into this match.

'49 - BEAUTIFUL SAVE JOE CANNON! Landon Donovan ets space around Brandon McDonald and plays the ball to an unmarked Edson Buddle who heads it at net but Cannon comes up big with the save.

'53 - Foul by Buddle on Elliot, sets up a Quakes free kick. Leitch to take.

'54 - The Galaxy swallow the Quakes chance up and attack on the counter.However, they are unable to capitalize on the effort. Look for the Amarikwa sub to come in near the 65th minute.

'59- Alvarez with a little bit of danger as he takes the shot with a marker on him but fires it into the side netting.

'61- Donovan Ricketts looking very sharp as the Quakes attempt to flail balls into the box to try and cause some danger. Amarikwa coming on.

'64 - interesting subplot to this match. The Quakes if they were to win, they would finish with the identical record to last season with 33 points however, a draw or loss puts them under their mark for last season.

'65- Eddie Lewis preparing to come on for The Galaxy as Arturo Alvarez fires a shot into the side netting.

66' QUAKES SUB: Amarikwa comes on for Shea Salinas

66' GALAXY SUB: Lewis comes on for Mike Magee

67' Word out of Quest is that Nate Jaqua has leveled for the Sounders. Still half an hour left to play here and in Seattle.

67' Beckham to take a galaxy free kick in the corner. The ball is cleared out by Elliot. Amarikwa showing his speed attempts to chase down the cleared ball.

69' QUAKES YELLOWCARD: Arturo Alvarez for a challenge on Lewis.

'70 - Bad foul on Amarkiwa by Lewis. Quincy gets up with a slight limp but the Quakes earn a free kick in the corner

'71- Ryan Johnson heads it but it deflects off a Galaxy player for a corner. The corner is cleared.

'73- The game is looking pretty cagey as Elliot gets a hard foul on Lewis after the two began to jostle.

'76- Bobby Convey goes down after a very hard challenge by David Beckham who is getting words from Joe Cannon and the rest of the Quakes team. Convey appears injured but will be coming back in.

'76 - GALAXY SUB: Chris Klein for Chris Birchall

'77- THERE'S THE FATAL BLOW . LANDON DONOVAN puts a beautiful goal past Joe Cannon. Donovan receives a beautiful pass by Chris Klein and slots it past Cannon who came out to play the ball. The chant by the HDC faithful is "MVP, MVP", let me tell you it won't be undeserved if it was awarded to him.


'80 The Quakes appear to have checked out of this match as the team's passing has become slow and unmotivated.

'81- They must have heard me. Ryan Johnson with another all out effort as he attempts to put one past Ricketts far post, however, the shot goes just wide.

'83- The Galaxy appear to be having fun now as David Beckham and Landon Donovan nearly combine for a Donovan goal but Joe Cannon comes up big with a great save to keep this from getting out of hand. So much for the Beckham experiment hostility because those two look very in sync.

'85- GALAXY SUB: Jovan Kirovski for David Beckham. The crowd goes wild.

'87- Seattle has taken the lead in Quest 2-1 on Dallas.

'90 - 3 minutes of stoppage

'92- Joe Cannon makes another save. The former Galaxy man has to be very disappointed with his back line tonight.

'93- One positive is that the Ultras continue to cheer for their team. Say what you want about the MLS but the Earthquakes have a great group of fans.

FT- And the season comes to an end for the Earthquakes. In a night where the press box was a buzz with activity about scores going on around the country, the Quakes end the season on the foot of the Western Conference Table. The Galaxy however are destined for greater things as they clinch the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Galaxy have finally ended their four year playoff drought and will be returning as the top seed in the West after a fantastic 2009 campaign. LA will need to wait till tomorrow to find out whom they will be facing. The Galaxy will face either the loser of the Chivas USA vs. Houston Dynamo match. If the game tomorrow ends in a tie then the Galaxy will face rival Chivas USA in their first round of the playoffs.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy Preview

Earthquakes look to shake up Western Conference Playoff race in final match against the Galaxy.

--

The San Jose Earthquakes head down the I-5 again tonight for their final match against their arch rival Los Angeles Galaxy. Although the match only has playoff implications for one side, the match promises to be a cagey battle as two of the MLS' fiercest rivals meet at Home Depot Center.The Galaxy can clinch the top seed in the Western Conference with a victory over the Quakes tonight. However, the Quakes have been very difficult to beat as of late amassing a 2-1-4 record in the last 7 games. San Jose's impressive run of form has been at the expensive of numerous playoff contenders who have had their playoff hopes weakened by the tricky Quakes.

Los Angeles is a team that has bounced back after two horrid seasons under the guidance of former US Men's national team coach Bruce Arena. Arena's men are always dangerous in attack with reliable play by the team's dual talisman's Landon Donovan and David Beckham. However, what has lead to the team's resurgence as been the team's formidable backline anchored by Rookie of the Year hopeful Omar Gonzalez and the reliable play of Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. The Galaxy appear to have moved on from the tumult that has typified their last three playoff-less seasons and appear to be legitimate contenders for the MLS Cup.

In contrast, the Quakes are not a team with aspirations of playing in Seattle for MLS Cup 2009 but rather are a club already preparing for the 2010 season. However, the club is still attempting to gain some much needed momentum going into the next campaign as evidenced by their stellar play of late. Much of this play has been anchored by forward Ryan Johnson who has bolstered a team that has seen so many of its stars lost to injury. Despite the recent run of form, the end of the season comes at a merciful time for San Jose due to the number of Quakes injured this season. On Thursday, Trinidad and Tobago International Cornell Glen was the latest Quake to go under the knife with arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the forward's right knee.

The Quakes have been particularly difficult for the Galaxy to defeat this season with a 1-0-1 record against the Los Angeles club in both games in Oakland this season. This match has a host of playoff implications as a positive result can see the Galaxy clinching the number 1 seed in the Western Conference bracket while a loss coupled with a result for Houston, Chivas or even the expansion Seattle Sounders would see "MLS' Flagship team" fall to the fourth playoff berth. BerkeleySportsBlog.com will be blogging live from Home Depot Center once again tonight so following here and remember to check with us tomorrow as we deliver our recap of the Quakes 2009 campaign.

SI Report: Donovan tests positive for H1N1 Flu

According to Grant Wahl and Sports Illustrated, US national team member Landon Donovan,has tested positive for the infamous H1N1 virus. The US National Team star was tested after appearing ill during the team's pre match training game in Miami, this did not stop the United States star from playing a full 90 minutes at Azteca on Wednesday afternoon.

"I haven't felt that way in a game in a long time," Donovan told Wahl about 2-1 loss to Mexico on Wednesday. "During the game and even after the game I thought maybe it was the altitude, the heat, whatever. But even so I've never felt that bad. The last time I was there (at Azteca) I didn't feel that bad. I just felt lethargic, slow. I didn't feel normal."

The news does provide some explanation for why the US midfielder turned in a very poor performance despite his recent spell of good form. It is also incredibly unfortunate for a player who had been playing so well for the LA Galaxy and could have long lasting playoff implications for their playoff run.

To Live & Die in LA

AP photo / David Beckham (right) and Landon Donovan.



[The first in our weekly series on Major League Soccer]


Pac and Big, Kobe and Shaq..
...Donovan and Becks?

If there is something LA knows a good feud. The 2009 version of the Galaxy has steadily battled back for 4th place in the Western Conference and a good shot at a playoff berth. Al that may change however, now that the circus has come into town fresh off its stop in Milan. Set for their game in New Jersey against Red Bull New York, the question must be asked which Galaxy team will show up? The fighters that have brought the team back into contention for a playoff spot or the team of the past two years that can best be called dysfunctional.

All of that however is taking a backseat however to the drama that has been generated because of the comments Landon Donovan made about David Beckham in "The Beckham Experiment" a book by SI sports writer Grant Wahl. For those that haven't read or have been under a rock for the past few weeks, US Soccer's greatest ever product had some harsh criticisms for the former England Captain calling him uncommitted to the Galaxy and an ineffective leader during the team's harsh 08 season. After touching down in LA last weekend Beckham fired back at Donovan's comments calling the US midfielder "Unprofessional" for his comments. According the press conference for tomorrow's game both have buried the hatchet and declared a truce for the sake of the Galaxy's 09 playoff run.

In all honesty, this "truce" must be taken with a grain of salt especially based on the peaceful comments that the two of them had for one another during that tumultuous 08 season. What's my prediction? As the old saying goes winning cures all problems but the conflict between the millionaire Beckham and the lunch pale MLS (some of who make less than 30k a season) may be a bit too difficult to cure.

One thing is certain...The MLS season just got a lot more interesting.