Predict the Score of MLS Cup, Win a Soccer DVD
The DVD is the A&E-produced History of the MLS Cup, which was released just before last year's championship game.
I was sent two review copies (that I haven't looked at) so will give one sealed, never-viewed 91-minute history of the cup (great for re-gifting this holiday season!) to the person who correctly predicts the score of Sunday's game in the comments section of this blog post. Feel free to explain your reasoning, too. If more than one reader chooses the correct score, I'll draw a name at random.
Winners of previous contests on this blog are ineligible this time around, BTW. The deadline is 5 p.m. Sunday. I'll notify the winner via e-mail Monday.
Need help figuring out the score?
Former Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid told me this week via e-mail that "I think this is the Salt Lake Cinderella story. Too much speed up top. (Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan) Ricketts is due to make an error - do not ask me why - just a hunch."
And for what it's worth, the Galaxy will win its third MLS Cup with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA, if you believe an official EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 10 videogame simulation of the MLS Cup final using the Xbox 360.
The Galaxy's Landon Donovan shreds the RSL defense in this screen shot.
Here's how the simulation went:
The Galaxy led 2-0 early in the second half and then survived a frantic comeback attempt by Real Salt Lake to capture its third MLS title.Edson Buddle (40th minute) and Landon Donovan (59th minute) gave the Galaxy a 2-0 lead. Late in the first half, Buddle received a smooth pass from Eddie Lewis just left of the penalty mark and fired a rocket with his left foot past RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Donovan then made it 2-0 after he pounced on a rebound off a Mike Magee shot, controlled the ball and gently slide it into an empty net while Rimando was still on the ground.
Javier Morales gave Real Salt Lake hope when he fired a shot from 18 yards out past Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. Salt Lake pressed forward for the equalizer over the final 14 minutes but Ricketts turned back the only dangerous shot, a Clint Mathis blast from the right side, four minutes from the end of regulation.
Galaxy outshot Real Salt Lake 16-5. Donovan was named Man of the Match after firing six shots on goal and scoring the game-winner.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Galaxy 2 Salt Lake 1
Galaxy wins 1 - 0 in overtime with a last second goal from Carlos Ruiz =p
Nick, I have a better contest. Anyone answering the following question correctly will win two free tickets to MLS Cup!
Here's the question:
What is the most scary thing involving the Galaxy:
1. David Beckham taking a free kick
2. Landon Donovan dribbling on a breakaway
3. Tim Leiweke coming out of a voting booth
Galaxy 3 - RSL 2
Final score: Miami Fusion 3, Tampa Bay Mutiny 1
Jim Rooney is named MVP for assisting on goals by Diego Serna, Alex Pineda Chacon and Ian Bishop.
Mamadou Diallo tickles the back of the net for the Mutes (or is it Mutts?) 15 minutes after Jeff Cassar frustrates the Senegalese Steamroller on a penalty kick.
3-2 RSL on a Yura Movsisyan back heel in the 88th!
Galaxy wins 2-1 when an undected but "instinctual" handballed pass by Alan Gordon is punched in by Dema Kovalenko in the 75th minute.
Galaxy 2-0 RSL
LA 2-1 win over RSL.
RSL beats the Galaxy, 2-1
On a more esoteric, philosophical level:
Karma 5, Leiweke 0
Take that to Ladbrooke's.
LA wins the 2009 MLS CUP in Seattle 2-0!!!!!! Go Galaxy!!!
4-2 Galaxy
Who am I to disagree with Xbox? 2-1 it is, but RSL scores first.
I propose you give Mr. D'Hippolito a free DVD if he's able to post one time about the Galaxy without using the word "Leiweke" in it I don't think that's possible however. Seriously, the guy needs to get over his Leiweke obsession. It's unhealthy and life is too short.
Galaxy 2-1.
when are you going to talk about the players strike
nick green will not talk about the players strike because he is in bed with the galaxy management, put ask any player and they will tell you that there is a 25% chance
First, I don't take kindly to lectures about obsession from somebody who calls himself, "Dr. Death."
Second, if Nick Green is in bed with Galaxy management, then I'm Beckham, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand combined. People criticize Nick for being too negative about the Galaxy and for being in bed with the FO? Puh-leeze....