9 Things To Know Ahead Of Revolution-Galaxy MLS Cup
BOSTON (CBS) - It all comes down to this.
This Sunday, December 7th at 3pm your New England Revolution travel to Carson, California, where they'll take on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 19th installment of the MLS Cup.
New England has been a tour de force this postseason, vanquishing the Columbus Crew 7-3 in their early November aggregate goal series, and more recently edging the New York Red Bulls with a 4-3 aggregate win.
On the opposite side of the pitch sit the Galaxy, who have allowed just two goals all postseason. Factor in the home advantage for the LA squad and the Revs certainly have an uphill battle.
To help preview the match, I've outlined 9 things you must know before kickoff.
9 Things To Know Ahead Of Revolution-Galaxy MLS Cup
1. The Jones Effect
Since late August the New England Revolution have done their best BTO impression. That is, "Takin' Care Of Business," and Jermaine Jones is a big reason why.
Since signing the World Cup star, the Revs are 11-1-2 (including playoffs) -- a marked difference from their 3-6-1 record in the previous 10 MLS matches before him coming aboard.
2. Monkey Off The Back
The Revs are seeking their first MLS Cup win in five tries.
In 2002, the Galaxy upended the Revolution 1-0 at Gillette Stadium. Then, from 2005-07 the Revs lost three straight MLS Cups and were deemed the Buffalo Bills of Major League Soccer.
This time the Revs hope to be the bride, not the bridesmaid.
3. Heaps All Too Familiar
Revolution head coach Jay Heaps, pictured above during his MLS playing days, knows all too well the disappointment of reaching the MLS Cup and falling just short.
Heaps was a player the first four times the Revs won the Eastern Conference, and now as a coach he'll try to reverse franchise fortunes in the team's 5th MLS Cup appearance.
"For us, the ultimate is getting that ring," Heaps told the team website. "That's what this is all about."
4. Revs Fans #STAND-ing As One
This past Saturday in Foxboro, 32,698 fans packed the stadium for the Revs' 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls -- a playoff record attendance at Gillette Stadium.
5. Galaxy More-Than-Worthy Opponent
It's only 19 years young, but already the Galaxy are emerging as the New York Yankees of MLS.
With a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, Los Angeles earned their ninth trip to the final match. Their four MLS Cup wins are also tied for most all-time (DC United).
In their only meeting of 2014, a July 16th match in California, the Galaxy crushed the Revolution 5-1.
Led by Robbie Keane, the Galaxy led the league in goals (69), assists (75) and shots on goal (201). So not only do they generate a lot of scoring chances, but more often than not they deliver as well.
6. Donovan Farewell
Landon Donovan, 32, is widely considered the best American-born soccer player, and his illustrious professional career will come to an end when his Galaxy meet the Revs in Sunday's MLS Cup.
Revolution fans are hoping their team can spoil his Hollywood ending.
7. Galaxy Home Cookin'
The StubHub Center, home to the Los Angeles Galaxy and formerly the Home Depot Center, is hosting its sixth MLS Cup (2003, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014).
The StubHub Center has been very good to the Galaxy, especially in 2014. Los Angeles holds an impressive 14-1-4 win at home in MLS action this season.
And with a seating capacity just shy of 30,000, it is the largest soccer-specific stadium in MLS.
8. Revs' Road Woes
While the Galaxy are basically unbeatable in their home arena, the Revs are just 8-9-2 away from their home setting in MLS action in 2014. But in a one-game format like the MLS Cup, anything can happen.
9. Philip F. Anschutz
...that's the name of the MLS Cup Trophy.
Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue like "The Lombardi Trophy" or "The Stanley Cup," but on Sunday the Revolution and Galaxy will be playing for the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Philip Anschutz is an American businessman and co-founder of MLS as well as multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Galaxy. Anschutz also owns stakes in the StubHub Center.
BONUS: Where To Listen?
With the Celtics tipping off at 1pm on Sunday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, you can hear Sunday's MLS Cup Championship game between the Revolution and Galaxy on our sister station WZLX 100.7FM!
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