Real Salt Lake wins 2009 MLS Cup in penalties

The Los Angeles Galaxy had the stars and class, Real Salt Lake had the grit and grabbed the glory as they won the 2009 MLS Cup in seven rounds of penalty kicks Sunday night in Seattle.  The Galaxy came in with the top seed in the Western Conference and stars like David Beckham and Landon Donovan.  Real Salt Lake came in with a losing regular season record and plenty of desire.

Despite a quality first half goal from Mike Magee on a perfect cross from Landon Donovan, the RSL desire would eventually win the day.  In the 64th minute Robbie Findley knocked in a loose ball and the match was all even.  Real Salt Lake would be the better team late in the match holding possession through Kyle Beckerman, but nether side could find the winner.

In overtime both sides were spent, but continued to play end to end.  Findley had a couple of chances to win the game but had one shot saved in close by Josh Saunders and then barely missed wide.  A Clint Mathis free kick hit side net and the match was headed to a drama-filled penalty kick shootout.

David Beckham stepped up and knocked home the opening penalty with his usual class and both sides would make their first two kicks.  The Galaxy had their 3rd kick saved and Landon Donovan shot over leaving RSL with a 3-2 lead heading to the 5th round of kicks.  Mike Magee tied it at 3 and Andy Williams of Real Salt Lake stepped up with a chance to win.  Josh Saunders smothered his low shot and it was on to sudden death.  Both teams converted in the 6th round, but Edson Buddle would see Nick Rimando save his try.  Robbie Russell ended the match with a well taken strike and RSL had their MLS Title.

Even though RSL was the last team to qualify for the MLS Playoffs it is hard to argue with their title as they dispatched the #1 seeds in both East and West on their way to the 2009 MLS Cup.