Up a goal at halftime, everything appeared to be going according to plan for Landon Donovan, David Backham and the rest of the L.A. Galaxy. However, a feisty Real Salt Lake team took the MLS Cup to overtime. Once there, goalkeeper Nick Rimando huge save and Robbie Russel’s winning shot gave the upstarts a penalty shootout 5-4 victory and the championship.
Live: Donovan, Beckham Fight Real Salt Lake For MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando made two saves during penalties, and league MVP Landon Donovan missed badly over the crossbar giving RSL a chance in the extra rounds. After Rimando smothered Edson Buddle’s shot, Russell beat backup Los Angeles keeper Josh Saunders into the lower left corner to set off a wild celebration.
RSL entered the playoffs with a sub .500 record and beat both conference champions en route to the title. They’re the first team with a losing record to win a major U.S. pro sports league championship. Hooray, MLS?
Be sure to head on over to Real Salt Lake blog RSL Soapbox where the post-game celebration will be held.
See More:
