Under its current system, fans got a pretty great MLS Cup last night. Although the league would have undoubtedly benefited from a Galaxy victory, the game will be talked about favorably by those who watched it. (Legitimate Galaxy fans will concede that this was an exciting final.)
While the Galaxy dominated the first half and notched a goal courtesy of Mike McGee, Real Salt Lake turned it on in the second, pounding shot after shot at the Galaxy’s backup goalkeeper Josh Saunders. With David Beckham playing on a bone-bruised ankle, the Galaxy’s offense had trouble putting the pressure on Real and containing their lead. In the 64th minute, the ball bounced off multiple players in the Galaxy’s box until Real forward Robbie Findley knocked it into the net.
Real would continue to control the remainder of regulation play and then the two 15-minute intervals of extra time. Still, the Galaxy defense somehow prevented a deciding goal. Saunders, who saw hardly any action this season over the team’s exceptional starter Donovan Ricketts, was surprisingly confident between the posts. A mid-game addition for the injured Ricketts, Saunders was up to the task.
The game entering shootouts, I realized I wanted to turn off the TV. After 120 minutes of play, a team’s entire season was about to be decided in about five minutes. Now, I wasn’t rooting for either club. I just wanted an outcome that was best for the league — suffice to say, that wasn’t Real winning. If that Galaxy won, media outlets across the globe would discuss David Beckham’s success in three professional leagues. His supporters and haters would have no choice but to include the MLS in their rants. Instead, with a Real championship, nobody would care outside of Utah.
But the Galaxy didn’t win. Lined up for the penalty kicks, most of their team looked like they wanted to go home and sleep. They were understandably exhausted, but they were also unfocused mentally. The team’s top scorers, Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle, both missed their shots. Tied at 4-4, Real Salt Lake midfielder Robbie Russell sent in the final goal past Saunders. Considering Real’s strange season, it’s fitting that Russell — a midfielder who hadn’t scored during the regular season or playoffs — ended the Galaxy’s chances. Real squirmed into the playoffs with a losing record of 11-12-7. As the eighth seed, they faced an uphill battle, but they managed to upset the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire. Nobody expected their luck to follow them into the final against the powerful Galaxy.
Shootouts. Stupid shootouts.
Of course, I don’t blame Real Salt Lake in the slightest — they outplayed the Galaxy for most of the game. I just don’t respect the outcome. I hate the format. It’s like having the NBA Finals decided by free throws.
