MLS Cup 2011, Sun 20 Nov 9pm

[Yohan]

End of another season, with Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy going for it.

It's an intriguing match, and LA is the favourite, however, Houston has been red hot.

Will be cheering for Houston to put one over LA.

[mastermixer]

I'll watch.
If Home Depot Centre isn't full to see Galaxy play a final on their home turf I'd be surprised.

[cementhead]

All be there watching thegame with Boris and my daughter Stephanie.

[Carts]

This is going to be unpopular - but I hope LA takes the title.

I think it will be good for the league if they do.

A full house, and three international stars (Becks, Keane, Donovan) might just push other deep-pocket owners to shell out for stars, see the impact, and push for higher standards.

A full house (this is very important) and a convincing win / big spectacle would show the league in a good light (not a blowout or anything) on the world stage.

During the Ireland/Estonia match, the commentators were talking regularly about the MLS cup (obviously due to Keane), seeing him win it (and the other worldwide known stars) would help the credibility of the league I think.

[Roogsy]

I think the league definitely needs LA to win this. With 3 DPs, it will look very bad if they don't.

But I don't think there is much danger to that not happening. With Davis out, Houston is missing a key piece. Of course, some players have mused that he may not be out at all? Interesting...now that would be some gamesmanship!

[prizby]

i got indoor soccer, then when i get home, prolly watch the amazing race

[Oldtimer]

This is going to be unpopular - but I hope LA takes the title.

I think it will be good for the league if they do.

A full house, and three international stars (Becks, Keane, Donovan) might just push other deep-pocket owners to shell out for stars, see the impact, and push for higher standards.

A full house (this is very important) and a convincing win / big spectacle would show the league in a good light (not a blowout or anything) on the world stage.

During the Ireland/Estonia match, the commentators were talking regularly about the MLS cup (obviously due to Keane), seeing him win it (and the other worldwide known stars) would help the credibility of the league I think.

I actually agree. LA winning is what's best for MLS.

Hopefully then they will have a victory hangover that lasts until we beat them in the CCL!

[Ossington Mental Youth]

what channel is it on?
I seem to think TSN2 which fucking sucks as although im no longer paying for cable (now a student), I am getting cable for free (just not tsn 2)

Edit:
nevermind, its throwball thats on at that time

[Ossington Mental Youth]

regardless of my dilemma, it wont get the proper exposure it could.
what could they be possibly showing on tsn at that bloody time?

[Primavera]

Tune in to TSN2 at 9 p.m. ET

[JonO]

^^ NFL. Eagles vs Giants. Probably a bigger draw...

[Ossington Mental Youth]

^^ NFL. Eagles vs Giants. Probably a bigger draw...

yeah, unfortunately

[Brooker]

L.A going to set the record for most losses in a MLS Cup final? Oh yeah!

A pint of Landon Donovan's tears, please.

[ouderwien]

Perfect, I'm playing my first Indoor Game at 8 then I'll catch this game when I'm back.

I always cheer for the underdog, but my money is on LA.

[Yohan]

I think the league definitely needs LA to win this. With 3 DPs, it will look very bad if they don't.

But I don't think there is much danger to that not happening. With Davis out, Houston is missing a key piece. Of course, some players have mused that he may not be out at all? Interesting...now that would be some gamesmanship!
It'd be amazing if Brad Davis plays with a torn quad


L.A going to set the record for most losses in a MLS Cup final? Oh yeah!

A pint of Landon Donovan's tears, please.

+1

I think LA is favourite too, but this game is more even than people thinks by looking at the paper.

Houston has been hot, on a 8 game unbeaten streak right now. LA's midgets will have to deal with Houston's 6 footers on set pieces. Adam Moffat has stepped nicely into into DM role, and decent on set pieces and has a rocket for a right foot. Brazilian CM Luis Camargo can put a pass together. Cameron, Hainault > Gonzalez, De La Garza.

I'm going to predict an upset here. 2-1 Houston. (plus this allows no DP has ever won an MLS Cup streak. lol)

though you never know if a fix is on...

[Auzzy]

I wonder if the MLS Cup will be shown at any of the well-known pubs around town...

[prizby]

^real sports?

[ensco]

I think it's OK to cheer for LA. The Galaxy play a beautiful, possession game. They deserve respect.

[Yohan]

I think it's OK to cheer for LA. The Galaxy play a beautiful, possession game. They deserve respect.
beautiful, possession game? it's not kick and run, but Arena utilizes slightly more aggressive Preki tactics.

wanna see boring football? let Galaxy lead the game. defensive counters is the Galaxy game

[ensco]

beautiful, possession game? it's not kick and run, but Arena utilizes slightly more aggressive Preki tactics.

wanna see boring football? let Galaxy lead the game. defensive counters is the Galaxy game

I don't see them all that often. I saw them play their last game against Chivas, and the RSL playoff game, and they played the way I described it.

[TorCanSoc]

I've always liked L.A. I just hope its an entertaining game.

Good for Dunivant and Barrett to get a championship. Barrett is out with a dislocated foot. Although a fan favourite, his foot never located much when he was here. :) Ha ha... likable guy, I hope he wins a ring.

[Oldtimer]

I just watched the condensed version of the LA-Houston match from May 25th on MLS Live. Houston had Davis and LA was missing Beckham. LA beat Houston 1-0. I would not describe how LA was playing as "Preki-like" at all. They had a nice flowing game (not quite as beautiful as RSL had in the CCL last year, which looked really good) with lots of possession and chance-creation. Houston had their moments, but never looked as good as LA.

[DOMIN8R]

any streams?

[DOMIN8R]

Better yet - anyone intrested in going out and watching it somewhere?

[mowe]

So much for sunny Southern California. It's going to be a wet one.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/11/20/rainy-conditions-may-favor-galaxy-slightly-mls-cup

[Yohan]

Please, let it be so!
YkSkCFcBQ-I&f

[Keegan]

I think it would be GREAT for the league if Becks didn't win... how can you argue that it would be good for the league? All it would do is prove that a team can win with washed up european stars. A win for Houston would show that there is true talent in North America and Becks going home without a trophy would show people in Europe the level here.

[Fort York Redcoat]

^K most would just chalk it up to you being right about the "washed up Euro's". It will be decades plural before respect is given to our league. Hope I'm around for it.

[Yohan]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1916&id=21221

MLS Cup preview show.

Also links to supporter summit are up

[DOMIN8R]

Extratime Live MLS Pre Game fro MLS Cup. (http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?id=21225)

[sully]

LA should win this handily I think, mostly I hope it's a good entertaining game. I hope Winter is down there to see our March opposition in person.

[DOMIN8R]

Some stream options:

http://www.justin.tv/tucan60#/w/2103893168/4

http://livetv.ru/en/eventinfo/95563_los_angeles_houston/

http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/12/120/v-332170.html

Please confirm which work (and which work well) in this thread.

[DOMIN8R]

Best so far.

http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/12/120/v-332170.html

[TFCin110]

Hoping LA come out on top. I'll be so happy for Becks if he can win the title.

[sully]

David Beckham David beckham etc etc. jeez

[__wowza]

HUGE houston presence there tonight. well done them.

[Primavera]

^^Thanks!

[Yohan]

HUGE houston presence there tonight. well done them.
two weeks to plan for biggest game of the year? imagine if TFC was in MLS Cup final. we'd be taking over the stadium

[Yohan]

http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/93530/1/watch-la-galaxy-vs-houston-dynamo.html

best stream I've found so far

[sully]

Brian Ching been around long time now. Some great strikers in this game.

[Yohan]

Brian Ching been around long time now. Some great strikers in this game.
apparently retiring next year. probably a good call. he's 34, and history of concussion

[Oldtimer]

stream here:

http://www.justin.tv/dysreflexx?#/w/2105702896

[__wowza]

two weeks to plan for biggest game of the year? imagine if TFC was in MLS Cup final. we'd be taking over the stadium

true, but colorado and dallas didnt really have many people out if i remember correctly. was it because we were so far up north? i dunno.

home presence is something i think garber is going to be looking into after this game, people are always going nuts, it makes for entertaining television if youre not an MLS fan.

[Redpunkfiddle]

This is where its at, and there are a couple of veetle links that are top quality for this game:

http://www.freefootball.ws/upcoming.php

[Yohan]

true, but colorado and dallas didnt really have many people out if i remember correctly. was it because we were so far up north? i dunno.

home presence is something i think garber is going to be looking into after this game, people are always going nuts, it makes for entertaining television if youre not an MLS fan.
I don't recall. was there a two week break for last year's Cup game too?

[__wowza]

yup, i remember there being a little under 40 people up from dallas.

[Yohan]

now that's a legit away support. well done houston supporters

[TFCin110]

Good for the league to see that. Also good that the league finally got their shit together and properly segregated the supporters.

[Yohan]

and one open header miss. yowza

[Oldtimer]

Chippy game.

[__wowza]

huge alternating "LA" "GALAXY" chant happening.

[Oldtimer]

Beckham's deliveries are excellent.

[Yohan]

so far, LA is missing Barrett... Cristman is not impressing

[Blazer]

Tough to watch this trash after a full day of EPL and Serie A.

[ensco]

The soggy field is having a huge impact. Build up is almost impossible.

[Yohan]

Ian Darke is doing a decent job commentating

[Yohan]

and Cristman misses another header

[TFCin110]

Ian Darke is doing a decent job commentating

I think he does a fantastic job. He seems to really know the league and actually takes the time to research the teams and players.

[Oldtimer]

Christman has missed three good opportunities so far. He's as frustrating to watch as Chad, no actually much more frustrating to watch.

[TFCin110]

The last Christman chance should have been hit first time. There was no way he had time for 2 touches.

[Keegan]

Houston is frustrating to watch with their passing, from what I've seen Hainault is their best passer without Davis and he's a centre back converted right back

[Keegan]

I think he does a fantastic job. He seems to really know the league and actually takes the time to research the teams and players.


Ya he's good as long as you don't see him talking, what a limey prick

[Yohan]

Christman has missed three good opportunities so far. He's as frustrating to watch as Chad, no actually much more frustrating to watch.
at least Chad Barrett puts in spectacular goals once in a while

[Yohan]

Houston is really missing brad davis

[__wowza]

^ i was just about to say, theyre making up for it by playing some horrible defensive football.

[ensco]

Keane hustling at an EPL level.

[ensco]

On my TV this silver ball looks weird

[Blazer]

1. Field conditions are brutal
2. Cobalt coloured ball is an epic fail
3. Referee is novice

[Yohan]

Geoff Cameron looks hurt. Big blow for Houston

LA left their finishing in their lockers...

[__wowza]

Keane hustling at an EPL level.

he always does. seriously, this is after he played his ass off for ireland.

[Inklink]

On my TV this silver ball looks weird

Was just going to mention it. I can barely see it sometimes. Not a very good idea, IMO.

Also, who was the player they said didn't kick a ball till 13?

[Oldtimer]

LA is the better of the two teams, but Houston have done well so far.

[Yohan]

LA really should be up 2-0 though. I really hope this comes to bite them in the ass

Go Houston!

[ArmenJBX]

Christman should not be playing this game...

[ensco]

LA need to bring in whatever MF can fog a mirror, move Donovan up front, and get Cristman out of there.

[ArmenJBX]

Exaaaactly what i was thinking.

[DOMIN8R]

LA need to bring in whatever MF can fog a mirror, move Donovan up front, and get Cristman out of there.

Why? He's a perfect replacement for Barrett. :smilielol5:

[TFC Cityboy]

WTF is it with the grey ball? Can't see the play.
Is Beckham Ian Darke's lovechild? FFS this is too much bs to take.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

did i hear right...the highest seed in the final will hosst MLS cup finals in the future....or did THE DON say MLS shield winner will host??


if its the highesst seed in final thats brilliant!

[Auzzy]

did i hear right...the highest seed in the final will hosst MLS cup finals in the future....or did THE DON say MLS shield winner will host??


if its the highesst seed in final thats brilliant!

Higher seed of the cup contenders will be the hosts.

[crozack]

Shield winner gets the Cup final....or at least thats what i understood.

This game is sloppy.....and just as i say it....Arena says the same thing lol

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

Higher seed of the cup contenders will be the hosts.

thats a great rule!!!

[Batman]

no yellow there....wow

[Yohan]

Becks should have been carded for that. reckless

[Yohan]

oh jeez. what a miss

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

Keano is still hungover...;)

[Batman]

Keane.. snakebit today

[Auzzy]

Wow, they've all been to Chad's finishing school.

[Auzzy]

Anyone else think that Carr seems like a dick?

[Yohan]

LOOOOOL. Keane offside. wrong call. I guess the fix is not quite on yet

Cristman out for Chris Birchall. whitest Trini ever. lol

[ensco]

Not offside. Burned.

[Oldtimer]

LA was robbed there.

[sully]

Was onside. Terrible decision.

[Redpunkfiddle]

Sad to see the Final put off by a bad call.

[Auzzy]

Announcer is gonna have a jizz attack if Beckham scores.

[Yohan]

fuck you landycakes

[Relja]

Nice goal

[MartinUtd]

ugh.. cakes. Don't even want to watch the rest now.

[TorontoGooner]

Ya he's good as long as you don't see him talking, what a limey prick

classy, real classy mate

[Keegan]

classy, real classy mate

Well come on, he's a clear puppet

[sully]

It's hard to see Toronto and the current defense having much of a chance against this LA team in march. Disappointed how one sided this final has been.

[MartinUtd]

It's hard to see Toronto and the current defense having much of a chance against this LA team in march. Disappointed how one sided this final has been.
Really? I see Houston being out of position and failing to hold possession an awful lot. Maybe it's because I haven't watched an MLS game in a month but both teams look shite.

[Yohan]

oh look. orange smoke

[MartinUtd]

lol... someone threw a lighter at Landycakes.

[Yohan]

congrats to LA Galaxy

[Kaz]

This is going to make TFC beating them in March feel so much sweeter.

[Redpunkfiddle]

And the crowd goes wild.

[Blazer]

Donovan hugs a little .... funny ...

[Yohan]

if you thought MLS is a joke for having mid season friendlies, LA is off to Australia to play some A League teams, who are in mid season...

[ArmenJBX]

LA Galaxy Wins the MLS Cup 2011! :D
(SECOND HOME WHADDUP! :D)

[sully]

Really? I see Houston being out of position and failing to hold possession an awful lot. Maybe it's because I haven't watched an MLS game in a month but both teams look shite.

Yes really. LA were very good. Houston were not.

[Auzzy]

It's hard to see Toronto and the current defense having much of a chance against this LA team in march. Disappointed how one sided this final has been.

TFC defense a la 2010 would be pretty hopeless against anyone. That's gotta get better no question.

Other than that, I've seen some really great performances during these playoffs, but tonight wasn't one of them.

[Inklink]

'grats LA.

Not that it matters, but what a stupid yellow at the end there to Donovan.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

cant wait to take these fuks out in MARCH!

[Oldtimer]

LA totally deserved the win.

[ag futbol]

lol, missed the entire game but saw the dubious blown offisde call.

Don Garber comments about officiating quality, can I have some of what you're smoking?

[UltraSuperMegaMo]

Kind of dull, not really a showcase for the league. Dovan was really the only dynamic player on the field. I was surprised that LA found an even worst finisher than Barret, whatever that guys name was.

[Klinsmann]

lol... someone threw a lighter at Landycakes.

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/landon_donovan12.JPG

[UltraSuperMegaMo]

^ what was this photo even from? I see it posted all the time. Was it part of an article for water fountains monthly? I've heard Landon Donovan speak, he seems articulate. I can't see him, or really anyone, being dumb enough to have posed for it.

[Yohan]

^ what was this photo even from? I see it posted all the time. Was it part of an article for water fountains monthly? I've heard Landon Donovan speak, he seems articulate. I can't see him, or really anyone, being dumb enough to have posed for it.
he was modeling for some cologne or clothing line or something

[UltraSuperMegaMo]

I can get a lot of hits on google for "Landon Donovan Water Fountain", but a lot of them aren't "nice". I'd just be interested in knowing the specifics. Seems like it was back in 2002, I don't remember, were water fountains all the rage back them?

[__wowza]

chad barrett just won an MLS cup.. :facepalm:



http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PA-12129318.jpg

[MartinUtd]

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/landon_donovan12.JPG

Wow.. I can't believe I've never seen this before, I'm lost for words (doesn't happen very often). It's definitely an old pic, judging by the hairline I'd say at least 10 years.

[Red Rat]

chad barrett just won an MLS cup.. :facepalm:



http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PA-12129318.jpg

and DeRo won the MVP

[Yohan]

and finally a team with a DP has won MLS Cup

[Carts]

and finally a team with a DP has won MLS Cup

Is it the first time?

LA was the top team through the season, unbeaten at home, and invested in big name players on their roster - I think they're worthy champions...

Houston had a large group of traveling support - which is always nice to see...

[Roogsy]

It's the first time a team with a Designated Player won the Cup, but not the first time a team with a DP has won the Supporters Shield.

[Yohan]

I
LA was the top team through the season, unbeaten at home, and invested in big name players on their roster - I think they're worthy champions...

what the hell does signing big name players have anything to do with being worthy champions?

[Carts]

what the hell does signing big name players have anything to do with being worthy champions?

I just think anytime ownership is willing to shell out the big bucks to help build a strong team - I think its a good thing for our league on the world stage...

LA used the 3 DP slots, invested a significant amount of money in the hopes of putting together a championship side - they also went unbeaten at home all season, and were the top team through the entire regular season...

With our 'playoff system' you can have a mid-table team get hot and take home the cup - I just think a club that has been on top all season, through all those games are worthy champs...

[Yohan]

I just think anytime ownership is willing to shell out the big bucks to help build a strong team - I think its a good thing for our league on the world stage...

LA used the 3 DP slots, invested a significant amount of money in the hopes of putting together a championship side - they also went unbeaten at home all season, and were the top team through the entire regular season...

With our 'playoff system' you can have a mid-table team get hot and take home the cup - I just think a club that has been on top all season, through all those games are worthy champs...
I agree that the team who has been most dominant in regular season should be the champs.
I don't agree that the team that shells out the most money deserves to be champs.

it's good for the league that LA is raising the profile of the league with big name signings, but there is no merit in saying that the team with most big names deserves to be champs

[DichioTFC]

Researching the MLS Cup, I found out something that was really interested (to me, at least). Since the 2001 MLS Cup, California and Texas have been a part of every single MLS Cup:

2001 - LA Galaxy v. SJ Earthquakes @ Columbus
2002 - LA Galaxy v. NE Revolution @ NE
2003 - SJ Earthquakes v. Chicago Fire @ LA
2004 - Kansas City v. DC United @ LA
2005 - LA Galaxy v. NE Revolution @ Frisco, TX
2006 - Houston v. NE Revolution @ Frisco, TX
2007 - Houston v. NE Revolution @ DC
2008 - Columbus v. NY Red Bulls @ LA
2009 - LA Galaxy v. Real Salt Lake @ Seattle
2010 - FC Dallas v. Colorado @ Toronto
2011 - LA Galaxy v. Houston @ LA

California was also involved in the 1996, 1998 and 1999 MLS Cups. I'm probably reading too much into this, but its all really interesting to me.

[TFCin110]

Congrats to the Galaxy. I'm happy for Beck. I've always liked Robbie Keane and you can't argue with Donovan's ability. The little flick for the goal was more difficult than it looks. Hopefully Becks resigns. Can't wait for TFC to start up again. Nothing like live local footie on a Saturday.

[Roogsy]

Researching the MLS Cup, I found out something that was really interested (to me, at least). Since the 2001 MLS Cup, California and Texas have been a part of every single MLS Cup:

2001 - LA Galaxy v. SJ Earthquakes @ Columbus
2002 - LA Galaxy v. NE Revolution @ NE
2003 - SJ Earthquakes v. Chicago Fire @ LA
2004 - Kansas City v. DC United @ LA
2005 - LA Galaxy v. NE Revolution @ Frisco, TX
2006 - Houston v. NE Revolution @ Frisco, TX
2007 - Houston v. NE Revolution @ DC
2008 - Columbus v. NY Red Bulls @ LA
2009 - LA Galaxy v. Real Salt Lake @ Seattle
2010 - FC Dallas v. Colorado @ Toronto
2011 - LA Galaxy v. Houston @ LA

California was also involved in the 1996, 1998 and 1999 MLS Cups. I'm probably reading too much into this, but its all really interesting to me.


You will find both states have huge presences in all sports. It probably has a lot to do with the corporate money in those states, their size (they are two of the most populated states in America) and their obsession with sport as a part of the culture with those states.

Given those reasons, I don't see a reason to doubt the trend will continue true.

[TorCanSoc]

chad barrett just won an MLS cup.. :facepalm:



http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PA-12129318.jpg

Listen to Beckham's post game, he praised Barrett for getting them to the final. Wow.