Salt Lake Is For Real

Long live the underdog.

Real Salt Lake ended their season in dream fashion last night after derailing the hopes of the star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy. After 120 minutes of soccer and a 1-1 scoreline, it took seven rounds of penalty kicks to determine the winner. Robbie Russell's shot into the lower left corner of the net sparked euphoria for RSL and their supporters as the team lifted the 2009 MLS Cup.

Winning the shootout 5-4, RSL brought home the first major professional sports championship in Utah in 25 years. RSL have risen to the top of the Major League Soccer in just four years after being founded in 2005.

Standouts from RSL in the title game include forward Robbie Findley, who scored RSL's only goal, midfielder Kyle Beckerman and of course, goalkeepr Nick Rimando. For the second straight game, Rimando's performance in the net during penalty kicks ended in a victory for Real Salt Lake. Only this time, it was for all the marbles.

The Galaxy never quite lived up to their talent in the final. No one played horribly, but performances were average across the board. David Beckham supplied some probing crosses but was limited toward the end due to a niggling ankle injury. Landon Donovan, instrumental in creating the Galaxy's only goal, came up empty in the shootout after blasting his kick a few feet over the crossbar. What a disappointing end for the regular season MVP.

Qwest Field in Seattle set the scene for one of the best crowds ever to witness an MLS Cup Final. More than 40,000 people kept the broadcast lively and entertaining for ESPN even during the dull moments in play.

Since it is MLS, it's very possible that RSL could sink to back to the league basement during the 2010 season. But for now, RSL should enjoy its historic victory.