One of MLS’s orginal teams will win its first championship next Sunday in Toronto.
Major League Soccer Playoffs, Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas: Hartman, Ferreira Lead Hopes To Finals
FC Dallas secured their spot with a somewhat shocking 3-0 victory over the Supporters' Shield winning Los Angeles Galaxy. The Hoops got goals from David Ferreira, George John and Marvin Chavez. Ferreira assisted on Chavez's goal, giving him a hand in five of the six goals Dallas scored during the playoffs.
At least as big as Ferreira's contribution was that of goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. After taking a significant pay cut at the start of the season and being discarded by his former team, Hartman led FC Dallas to its first ever MLS Cup final by recording six saves and registering his 15th career playoff shutout. Hartman was especially sharp in the first half when he almost single-handedly kept Dallas in the match.
The Galaxy controlled the pace of the match throughout, registering 18 shots, but never breaking through.
FC Dallas had no such problems. Ferreira scored on Dallas’ first shot on goal in the 26th minute and John scored on their second in the 54th minute. Chavez put the match away in the 73rd minute, deftly collecting a Ferreira pass to beat the offside trap.
The MLS Cup finals appearance is the first for the Dallas franchise, making them the last of the remaining original teams to play for a title. On Sunday, they'll play the Colorado Rapids, who have not made the finals since 1997 and have never won a MLS Cup.
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