MLS Cup Final Calling
Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan is looking to make his third trip to the MLS Cup Final as a member of the Galaxy. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Three teams remain in contention for the MLS Cup 2010 title to be played in Toronto next Sunday afternoon. Last night, Colorado booked their trip to the finals by eliminating San Jose. Tonight, the Galaxy will try to join them, but they must first defeat FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center in the Western Conference Final.
The blue-and-gold reached the Western Conference Final after eliminating Seattle Sounders FC by an aggregate score of 3 - 1. The score, however, is not reflective of the Galaxy’s dominance in the second leg. Except for a period of time in the second half that spanned approximately 15 minutes, it was all Galaxy.
The blue-and-gold last faced Dallas a mere three weeks ago to close out the MLS regular season and with the Supporters’ Shield title on the line. Galaxy midfielder Juninho scored an impressive goal to complete a come from behind victory that secured the title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
It wasn’t an easy victory on October 24, and it won’t be easy tonight either. Dallas is on a roll. The Hoops reached the Western Conference Final after defeating defending MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake by an aggregate score of 3 - 2. In that series, FC Dallas ‘keeper Kevin Hartman reminded MLS fans why he continues to be one of the league’s best ‘keepers, making numerous dramatic saves to hold off a furious attack by Real Salt Lake.
Now it is the Galaxy’s turn to figure out a way to get the ball past the former Galaxy ‘keeper.
Despite the Galaxy’s dominant play in their last match, the phenomena is unlikely to repeat itself tonight. They will need to leverage any advantage they can against Dallas if they hope to reach their second consecutive MLS Cup final.
As a side note, here is an interesting bit of trivia: the last time Hartman visited the Home Depot Center in a playoff series was as a member of the Kansas City Wizards in 2007 and to face Chivas USA. The Wizards advanced although Chivas USA was the number 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Game Details
Galaxy vs. FC Dallas
When: November 14, 2010
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
Time: 6:00 PM
TV/Radio: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, 1150 AM, 1220 AM