Match Overview
It’s the classic case of David and Goliath this weekend as Seattle hosts the MLS final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. And the two squads were considered by most a long shot of matching up in the finals in the beginning of the season.
The Galaxy are no surprise to be playing in the match and are considered heavy favorites with stars like Landon Donovan and David Beckham controlling the pitch and they will face-off against guys that you probably never have heard of on the other side of the pitch. Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando may not be household names, but with Real Salt Lake flying under the radar they are right where they want to be. Beckham VS Beckerman. Who will win the MLS title of 2009?
Club Bio
The Los Angeles Galaxy enter Sunday’s competition with five previous appearances in the MLS final and with this six appearance they become the club with the most MLS title matches to date. However the club has not played in the event since 2005 and the Galaxy have also not beat Real Salt Lake since 2007.
Real Salt Lake is one of only five teams to ever make the final that was considered a bottom bracket seed in the playoffs. The club has only been around since 2005 (the same year as the Galaxy’s last appearance in the match), but they have become the second expansion team to make it to the finals. They are also one of only four teams with a sub .500 record to ever make it to the match.
The Projected Result
Having played fifteen times in their career both sides have won five times and also have achieved five draws. The Galaxy have scored 23 goals over the 15 game span; whereas Real Salt Lake has scored 24 goals over the series making it just about as even a battle it can be.
You can’t bet against Becks and Donovan though. The two have had their frustrations earlier in the year, but what better way to finish off of the year then a victory in the title match.
Final Prediction: Galaxy 2-1