I wouldn't say it was an upset that shocked the world, because frankly, the world wasn't watching. In fact, it is unlikely that many American sports fans had their attention on the MLS finals last night. Undoubtedly, it was their loss.
Not a big fan of the MLS myself, it was impossible to keep my eyes off the game. A game that featured the Major League Soccer MVP, Landon Donovan, and one of the most famous faces in the entire world in David Beckham, became much more than just that. A hectic pace, with displays of soccer beauty in all parts of the field, it was no wonder the game had to be decided with penalty kicks. When Robbie Russell placed his PK in the corner of the net, giving Real Salt Lake(RSL) its first MLS Cup championship, a joyous celebration of soccer underdogs ensued.
Fans watching the game on TV were of course left with the images of a limping David Beckham and shocked and embarrassed Donovan, who knocked his PK over the crossbar. The Los Angeles Galaxy players stood alongside the two superstars who had failed to reclaim the MLS Cup once again.
Nick Rimando, the RSL goalie, was eventually named MVP, rewarding him for his two saves during the shootout. Josh Saunders was equally impressive in the shootout, and throughout most of the second half and all of overtime, after subbing in for the injured Donovan Ricketts. He rejected numerous attempts on net, and was able to come off his line often to intercept crosses into dangerous areas of the penalty box, hindering RSL's chances to score.
The Galaxy were able to score late in the first half. Donovan played a beautifully placed ball across the box to the back post, which was handled perfectly by Mike Mcgee into the back of the net in the 41st minute. Donovan was inefficient the remainder of the game, as he was often hounded by numerous players from the RSL side.
Though the Galaxy went into the locker room on a high note, RSL was able to overcome the late first half momentum swing, and come out with a fire of their own. Outplaying the Galaxy for the first 15 minutes of the second half, RSL's onslaught eventually paid off in the 64th minute when the Galaxy failed to clear a ball bouncing around in their own box. The nifty and scrappy Robbie Findley, and RSL's leading goal scorer, was able to get his foot on the ball, placing it neatly in the back of the net, catching then goalkeeper Donovan Rickets off guard.
Without a goal the rest of regulation, the game was forced into overtime, where the pace dramatically changed. Both teams were out of substitutions, and many of the players on both sides had extended all of their energy. The field opened up and turned into a strange fastbreak affair. However, both teams were unsuccessful in their efforts at the end of OT, as Andy Williams of RSL collapsed on the turf, seemingly unable to move. A penalty shootout would decide it for a second straight game for Real Salt Lake.
In the end, Real Salt Lake, was the deserved winner, but going out on penalty kicks leaves the Galaxy with a sour taste in their mouths. David Beckham said it best. "It's Russian Roulette. It's not a nice way to go out. It's just the way it is." Unfortunately for the Galaxy players, coaches, and fans, it was the wrong way.
No comments:
Post a Comment