where every other team in Major League Soccer dreams to be. The Galaxy were an early season favorite to make it to this point. Yes, they invented a new way to get there, but the first part of the goal has been accomplished. The second is 90 minutes away plus some stoppage time and maybe a 30-minute overtime and penalty kicks. How else can these clubs top the last time they met for the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy?
I wrote a couple months back how I felt winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was important to this organization because it really is all about the rings in Los Angeles. I still believe that. Things started to return to form at about that time for the Galaxy. You see, outside of Jovan Kirovski being traded and Pando Ramirez sitting the bench, this Galaxy team is the same one that took the pitch April 9 at The Home Depot Center. Just some food for thought.
There has been an interesting focus from this club since the Open Cup. It's much more businesslike. The swagger seems to be back and Saturday night at Colorado it showed against the Rapids. It was a workmanlike effort. The back line played well. No mistakes from the boys. I thought Chris Albright was on his game. Ugo Ihemelu was solid. Todd Dunivant closed down his side and Tyrone Marshall terrorized anyone coming his way. Outside of the first 20 minutes of the contest where the Galaxy were a bit tentative, they played a solid match from top to bottom.
Offensively, the Galaxy seemed to be a patient bunch, taking what Colorado would give them and when you have nine players behind the stripe, the opportunities are few and far between. Still, Landon Donovan and Co. I say this because I thought the mind games being played in the Colorado papers were pretty funny. Quotes such as "It's Landon Donovan and the Galaxy," were good ones. I wonder how Kevin Hartman, Tyrone Marshall, Peter Vagenas, Chris Albright, and oh yeah, a certain No. 13, that guy, Cobi Jones. I wonder what those guys were thinking when they saw the lack of respect from the Rapids? Nice bulletin board material boys. Ask Colorado's Dedi Ben Dayan about that white streak that blazed past him in the first half and schooled him down the touchline en route to the Galaxy's first goal. No, it was not Donovan. He was on the receiving end of Cobi's clinic.
There is no question Landon has turned it up a few notches in the playoffs. Great players come to play in times like these and he is no exception, but what seems to be forgotten is how Jones has been playing. He's taken things to a higher level as well or for some, Jones has turned back the clock. And then there are the unsung heroes such as Ned Grabavoy, who had the goal in San Jose that sealed the deal for the Galaxy; Herculez Gomez, who hit on the free kick in game one; and Kevin Hartman, who returned to form against the Earthquakes.
I've seen comments such as "improbable" referring to the Galaxy's playoff run. I don't know, it boggles the mind a bit. To me improbable was the way the season went for this team. What a rollercoaster ride! Up and down and all around and then finally smoothing out as the ride comes to its finale, the MLS Cup Final.
OH, LOOK, A REMATCH WITH THE REVS ... I'm looking forward to seeing two of the best netminders in the league square off as former teammates Kevin Hartman and Matt Reis square off. Mr. Golden Boot, Taylor Twellman vs. the face of American Soccer, Landon Donovan. Oh, there will be plenty of battles in this match.
This one is going to be fun. In 2002, Joe Franchino was running around like an NFL strong safety putting hits on everyone. Something tells me ol' Joe will be doing a lot of the same in this one. In 2002, the Galaxy and Revs mirrored each other for most of the match. New England came within the width of a crossbar from taking the title. That crossbar and the clearance from Chris Albright to Tyrone Marshall and the Jamaican Sensation's run up the right wing and cross to Carlos Ruiz secured the crown for Los Angeles. It's one counterattack I won't forget anytime soon. Don't be surprised if this MLS Cup Final follows the same script. Bring a roll or two of Tums for this one.
WHO'S GOING TO STEP UP? Usually when a team heads into a final, everyone knows who the stars are. It's the one no one knows about that will make the difference. I find myself looking at the rosters. There is a lot of jewelry on the Galaxy roster. There is a lot of hunger on the Revolution roster. Sunday, we'll find out who wants it more. I would not bet against the "improbable" ones. See you at Pizza Hut Park. No, seriously, get your ticket and get to this match.
Joe Tutino is in his seventh season as the English radio voice of the Los Angeles Galaxy. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of the Los Angeles Galaxy or Major League Soccer.
