[RevsLiverpool]

For those that are still following the playoffs, who do you have winning MLS Cup, LA or RSL?

I'm just happy Chicago's out.

[JMMUSA8]

RSL is showing the league once again that you only need to get hot one time of the season.

[NHFootyFan]

Why is there no option for "match cancelled due to zombie pitch invasion"? That's what I'm really looking for...

[Soccer Doc]

Last year it was an Eastern Conf final; this years it's two Western Conf teams.
Interesting that the 8th seed made the final the last two seasons. in both cases the class difference is significant but as we found out in 05 the lower class team can win, I'll say it's likely will be an LA win

[Voodoo United]

RSL played a great game last night, they held the ball well and passed it well, You would of never thought of them as an 8 seed by their performance last night. But I'm thinking this is LA's year. I'm predicting a 2-1 victory for them.

[miked9]

Watching RSL last night, it's hard to believe they were not higher in the table.

The interesting thing about RSL (particularly in comparison to the Revs) is that every guy on that team is a soccer player--meaning everybody is comfortable with the ball at their feet, they play it short and long, switch the field well, etc. Their midfield is especially interesting--they don't have any conventional wingers, so they just put two guys (Johnson and Williams, with Mathis ready as a sub) that are comfortable on the ball. Even their 'destroyer' is a really composed and capable player--probably moreso than anybody in that position except Shalrie. Their centerbacks are big but not oafish--both can carry the ball out of the back, and their forwards can run by you or post up and dish to runners of the midfield.

They don't have any one guy that dominates, they just have good players all over the pitch (and on the bench--Espindola, Mathis, Grabavoy, Beltran, Alexandre...). I don't think they'll beat LA, but RSL has not fluked into the final like RedBull last year. RSL is a good team that should serve as a model to other MLS franchises who too often want "destroyers" or "target strikers" or "attacking wingbacks"--sometimes you just need 11 soccer players. And they didn't have to break the bank to do it.

[Chowda]

Originally Posted by miked9

Watching RSL last night, it's hard to believe they were not higher in the table.

Watching them in their game up here in September, you would think they have the #2 pick in January.

[REV IT UP]

I think it will be very interesting to see how this match is officiated. It's RSL with a bunch of no name but quality players, versus an LA Galaxy side with enough stars to match its name.

MLS wants LA to win, and I'm afraid this mindset will seep into the officiating. RSL is going to have to play very conservative and yet not give becks and donovan any space.

RSL beat an already deflating Columbus team, and Chicago isn't all that great once you shut down Blanco. LA is different monster, they have great players and show no signs of slowing down. I'll be rooting for the underdog, but I can't see LA loosing this match...

[TheLostUniversity]

Originally Posted by REV IT UP

I think it will be very interesting to see how this match is officiated. It's RSL with a bunch of no name but quality players, versus an LA Galaxy side with enough stars to match its name.

MLS wants LA to win, and I'm afraid this mindset will seep into the officiating. RSL is going to have to play very conservative and yet not give becks and donovan any space.

RSL beat an already deflating Columbus team, and Chicago isn't all that great once you shut down Blanco. LA is different monster, they have great players and show no signs of slowing down. I'll be rooting for the underdog, but I can't see LA loosing this match...

To combine your two points into a single image: "Galaxy win as Donovan scores on last minute PK; after Beckerman, Morales, Rimando red-carded for dissent"

[jokeefe80]

Originally Posted by Soccer Doc

Last year it was an Eastern Conf final; this years it's two Western Conf teams.
Interesting that the 8th seed made the final the last two seasons. in both cases the class difference is significant but as we found out in 05 the lower class team can win, I'll say it's likely will be an LA win

You are vastly underrating RSL. They might have the most talented starting XI in the league. They are not comparable in terms of quality of play, to last years Red Bullzzz