Looking Back At MLS Cup
By The Skipper
What a night in Seattle. The atmosphere came across to living rooms all across the country in spades. The only drawback was no grass. The kind you play on of course and not the kind that’s legal a short drive away in Vancouver.
The fans were great and showed that MLS Cup needs to be in a venue where those in the stands care as much as the 22 guys on the field. In an odd way, this neutral site venue may have been the death knell for continuing that trend, as even Gillette Stadium has shown it can be filled if it hosts an MLS Cup that includes the New England Revolution. We’ll never know about Giants Stadium. The type of atmosphere that was on display will only encourage more fans to come check out the beautiful game in stadium experiences that are quickly surpassing those in the NFL.
No surprise that the game went to extra time with the Galaxy involved. They had done so four previous times, winning two and losing two, but had never gone to penalties. Nick Rimando has made a name for himself in stopping penalty kicks despite having the height of a JV point guard.
MVP: Well, it could have been Jhon Arkes, because he obviously read our interview and altered his speech patterns. Fortunately, I switched my drinking game to drinking any time I saw a piece of confetti. Needless to say I was not sober by the 32nd minute.
But back to the matter at hand, the MVP of MLS Cup was Kyle Beckerman. The Salt Lake captain was a calming force in the midfield after the game plan went out the window thanks to David Beckham kicking Javier Morales out of the game. Though his job was easier in not facing Dema Kovalenko, Beckerman rarely allowed the Galaxy the possession they so crave and forced Beckham to move out wide where he hasn’t played much for L.A. recently. Plus, he has better tattoos than Beckham. The hair is a wash.
Play of the Game: Los Angeles Galaxy’s goal. The quick passing by L.A.’s big guns was pure brilliance as Beckham found Landon Donovan who hit a pinpoint cross to Mike Magee. The goal itself was an easy tap in, but the break was a play that should be remembered more than Donovan’s ultra-rare miss in the shootout.
Thanksgiving: For The Skipper, Thanksgiving is all about family. And eating. Plus some drinks. Though probably not in that order. Toss in a bit of Europa League and the Cowboys losing and that makes a perfect holiday.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of The Skipper, and not of the JimmyConrad.com staff (save for one) or of Jimmy Conrad. The Skipper can be reached at theskipper@jimmyconrad.com if you have any issues with him.
