MLS Cup Final 2011
The biggest day in the MLS schedule is upon us and it's LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo who will be battling it out to lift the MLS Cup on Sunday in Los Angeles! 27,000 fanatic Galaxy and Dynamo supporters will flood through the Home Depot Center gates expecting to create an incredible atmosphere worthy of any cup final in world soccer...
Galaxy's Home Depot Center plays host to the 2011 MLS Cup final, stacking the odds firmly in the favour of LA Galaxy. The Galaxy are unbeaten at their home stadium all season and will be looking to cap off an incredible year by overcoming Houston Dynamo in American soccer's most prestigious event.
Attempting to emulate their success of 2002 and 2005 LA Galaxy enter the all important clash with an in-form Robbie Keane, who any Premier League fan will know is a dangerous asset at any level! The former Tottenham and Inter Milan forward has burst onto the MLS scene scoring twice in 4 games including a brilliant solo goal in the Western Conference play off final. Keane is likely to be partnered in attack by 12 league goal USMNT forward Landon Donovan.
Speculation is circulating that the cup final could well conclude David Beckham's MLS adventure, and if this proves to be the case then Beckham will be looking to avoid the disappointment of 2009 where the Galaxy suffered penalty kick heartache at the hands of Real Salt Lake. The ex-England Captain has played an integral part in Galaxy's recent success with 15 assists this season.
The Western Conference champions make their 7th MLS Cup Final appearance boasting a squad complete with some of the most well-known and gifted talents currently playing in the MLS, but it's forward Mike Magee who has been making the headlines recently after being on the receiving end of each of Beckham's three play off assists.
As formidable as the Galaxy might be in attack, their defensive record is equally impressive, conceding just 28 goals in 34 matches. The only injury concern for Galaxy is striker Chad Barrett, who will miss the final after dislocating his right ankle in training last Thursday.
Standing in Galaxy's way are Houston Dynamo who will enter the MLS Cup Final full of confidence after winning their Eastern Conference final against Sporting Kansas City. The underdogs head into Sunday's clash without the creative flair of Brad Davis who has notched 16 assists and 4 goals. Davis suffered a torn quadriceps in the East final and will be a major loss for Houston.
Dynamo are an organized outfit who will compete for every ball and stand tall at the back. Like LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo are in search of their third MLS Cup after championship wins in 2006 and 2007. Houston finished the season as runners-up in the Eastern Conference with 12 wins, 9 losses and 12 draws, not a record that will strike fear into LA Galaxy but the fact that seven different players scored at least four goals proves there are threats all over the field.
Make no mistake, Houston Dynamo present the toughest challenge of the play offs for LA Galaxy in what promises to be a memorable night in Major League Soccer. The stage is set, the history books are there to be written, come the final whistle the winners will be established as club legends.
The 2011 MLS Cup is set to be a classic, will you be watching? Who are you backing to win? Share your opinions online.
