View source for MLS Cup 2009

{{short description|2009 edition of the MLS Cup}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox football match
|title = MLS Cup 2009 
|image = MLS Cup 2009 logo.png
|image_size = 175px
|event = [[MLS Cup]]
|team1 = [[Real Salt Lake]]
|team1score = 1
|team2 = [[LA Galaxy]]
|team2score = 1
|details = After [[Overtime (sports)#Association football|extra time]]<br>[[Real Salt Lake]] won 5–4 on [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalties]]
|date = November 22, 2009
|stadium = [[Lumen Field|Qwest Field]]
|city = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], US
|man_of_the_match1a = [[Nick Rimando]]<br />(Real Salt Lake)
|referee = [[Kevin Stott]]
|attendance = 46,011
|previous = [[MLS Cup 2008|2008]]
|next = [[MLS Cup 2010|2010]]
|weather = Cloudy, {{convert|45|F|C}}
}}

'''MLS Cup 2009''' was the 14th edition of the [[MLS Cup]], the championship match of [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS). The [[association football|soccer]] match took place on November 22, 2009, at [[Lumen Field|Qwest Field]] in [[Seattle]], Washington, and was contested between the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] and [[Real Salt Lake]].

Real Salt Lake won the match 5–4 in a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] following a 1–1 draw. Salt Lake goalkeeper [[Nick Rimando]] was named [[man of the match]] for making several saves in the shootout, allowing defender [[Robbie Russell (soccer)|Robbie Russell]] to score the winning goal. It was the club's first championship, coming in their fifth season in the league, and the second MLS Cup to be decided by a shootout.

An attendance of 46,011 people made the 2009 final the sixth-largest in MLS Cup history. It was also the first MLS Cup to be played on [[artificial turf]]. The match was broadcast in the United States on [[ESPN]] and [[Galavisión]].

==Venue and pre-match==
[[File:Qwest Field North.jpg|thumb|left|[[Qwest Field]] was chosen as host venue of MLS Cup 2009]]

[[Qwest Field]] was announced as the venue for the MLS Cup on March 11, 2009, a week before [[Seattle Sounders FC]] played their inaugural match at the stadium.<ref name="MLS-Mar09">{{cite press release |date=March 11, 2009 |title=MLS Cup 2009 awarded to Seattle |publisher=Major League Soccer |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090311&content_id=223761&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313210956/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090311&content_id=223761&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |archive-date=March 13, 2009 |access-date=July 24, 2017}}</ref> Qwest Field became the eighth stadium to host the MLS Cup and the first new stadium chosen for the final since [[MLS Cup 2005|2005]].<ref name="MLS-Mar09"/><ref name="LA-Preview">{{cite news |date=November 21, 2009 |title=A look inside MLS Cup '09: Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake |page=C10 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-21-la-sp-with-mls21-2009nov21-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> The selection of a venue with an [[artificial turf]] playing surface, a first for the MLS Cup, was criticized by several players prior to the final.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |authorlink=Steven Goff |date=March 11, 2009 |title=MLS Cup in Seattle |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/03/mls_cup_in_seattle.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226185436/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/03/mls_cup_in_seattle.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 26, 2013 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DN-Notes">{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=James |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake notes: Beckham comes up empty after three MLS seasons |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346564/Real-Salt-Lake-notes-Beckham-comes-up-empty-after-three-MLS-seasons.html |work=[[Deseret News]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

Qwest Field was built for the [[Seattle Seahawks]] of the [[National Football League]] in 2003, but was designed with soccer in mind. It hosted several international friendly matches, as well as part of the [[2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup]], prior to becoming the home stadium of the Seattle Sounders.<ref name="MLS-Mar09"/> Due to the use of Qwest Field as the MLS Cup venue, the Seattle Seahawks schedule was modified to include three away games in November.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=April 15, 2009 |title=Seahawks bumped from '09 prime time |page=C3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> In their inaugural season, the Sounders set the league record for average attendance, with 30,897, prompting additional interest in the cup.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Seattle hosts Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/21/AR2009112101819.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

The initial offering of 30,000 tickets were sold out in early November, prompting the release of 6,000 additional tickets.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Don |date=November 14, 2009 |title=6,000 more seats available for MLS Cup |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/soccer/mls/sounders-fc/sounders-insider-blog/article26386870.html |work=[[The News Tribune]] |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Ticket sales passed 40,000 on the day before the match.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Don |date=November 21, 2009 |title=MLS Cup ticket sales top 40,000 |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/soccer/mls/sounders-fc/sounders-insider-blog/article26386954.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> To celebrate the MLS Cup final, the logos of the league and the two finalists were painted onto the roof of the city's iconic [[Space Needle]]. The [[Philip F. Anschutz Trophy]] was brought to the city aboard a [[Washington State Ferries|state ferry]] by Sounders coach [[Sigi Schmid]] and technical director [[Chris Henderson]].<ref name="LAT-Other">{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Not to stick a (Space) needle in MLS' balloon, but is it sound? |page=C1  |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-21-la-sp-mls-21-2009nov21-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> Other pre-cup festivities included a free concert by rock band [[Third Eye Blind]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Miguel Romero |first=José |date=November 18, 2009 |title=Third Eye Blind to perform outside of Qwest Sunday |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/soundersfcblog/2010302876_third_eye_blind_to_perform_out.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> a summit of supporters representing several MLS clubs,<ref>{{cite news |last=Winner |first=Andrew |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Runaway success at Supporters Summit |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091121&content_id=7699606&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp |publisher=MLSnet.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119092109/http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091121&content_id=7699606&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> a [[Seattle Sounders FC#Supporters|March to the Match]] from [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]], and a "Soccer Celebration" festival outside the stadium plaza.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knapp |first=Kathryn L. |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Undecided fans lead 'March to the Match' |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091122&content_id=7702822&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp |publisher=MLSnet.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119081502/http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091122&content_id=7702822&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

==Road to the final==
{{main|2009 MLS Cup Playoffs}}

The [[MLS Cup]] is the post-season championship of [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS), a professional club soccer league in the United States and Canada. The [[2009 Major League Soccer season|2009 season]] was the 14th in MLS history, and was contested by 15 teams in two conferences.<ref name="MLS-Mar09"/> Each club played 30 matches during the regular season from March to October, facing each team twice and two in-conference teams a third time.<ref name="Rules">{{cite web |title=2009 Rules of Competition |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/about/league.jsp?section=regulations&content=playoffs |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119022357/http://web.mlsnet.com/about/league.jsp?section=regulations&content=playoffs |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> The playoffs, running from October 29 to November 22, were contested by the top two clubs in each conference and four [[Wild card (sports)|wild card]] teams in the next positions regardless of conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=General Overview |url=http://ww2.mlsnet.com/about/ |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118002818/http://ww2.mlsnet.com/about/ |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> It was organized into three rounds: a [[two-legged tie|home-and-away series]] in the Conference Semifinals, a single-match Conference Final, and the MLS Cup final.<ref name="PlayoffGuide">{{cite web |date=October 2009 |title=MLS Cup 2009 Playoffs Guide |page=12 |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/pdf/mls/2009/playoffs/2009POguide.pdf |publisher=Major League Soccer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119212135/http://web.mlsnet.com/pdf/mls/2009/playoffs/2009POguide.pdf |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |ref={{SfnRef|MLS Cup 2009 Playoffs Guide|2009}} |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>

The 2009 edition of the MLS Cup was contested by the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] and [[Real Salt Lake]]. The two teams were from the [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western Conference]], marking the second consecutive edition to be played between two teams from the same conference.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schaerlaeckens |first=Leander |date=November 20, 2011 |title=MLS makes smart format changes |url=http://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/schaerlaeckens_leander/id/7261283/mls-league-makes-smart-format-changes |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Alicia |date=October 21, 2015 |title=Audi MLS Cup Playoffs: Tracing the evolution of the postseason format since 1996 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/21/audi-mls-cup-playoffs-tracing-evolution-postseason-format |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref> The Galaxy and Real Salt Lake played each other twice in the regular season: a 2–2 draw hosted by Real Salt Lake in May and a 2–0 loss for hosts Los Angeles in June.<ref name="LA-Preview"/>

===Los Angeles Galaxy===
{{main|2009 Los Angeles Galaxy season}}
[[File:LA Galaxy vs Houston Dynamo- Western Conference Finals panorama.jpg|thumb|right|The Western Conference Final, played against the [[Houston Dynamo]] at the [[Home Depot Center]] in [[Carson, California]]]]

The Los Angeles Galaxy were one of the original teams in MLS and appeared in five previous MLS Cup finals, winning in [[MLS Cup 2002|2002]] and [[MLS Cup 2005|2005]].<ref name="LAT-Nov14">{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 14, 2009 |title=GALAXY 2, HOUSTON 0 (OT): Overtime win puts Galaxy in MLS final |page=C1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-14-sp-galaxy14-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=November 28, 2012 |title=Factbox: 2012 MLS Cup final |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-mls/factbox-2012-mls-cup-final-idUSBRE8AS03V20121129 |publisher=[[Reuters]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The team finished joint-last in the league in 2008, replacing manager [[Ruud Gullit]] with former [[United States men's national soccer team|United States national team]] coach [[Bruce Arena]] midway through the season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=August 19, 2008 |title=Arena is new Galaxy coach, GM |page=D1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-19-sp-galaxy19-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>

In the [[2009 MLS SuperDraft|2009 SuperDraft]], the Galaxy selected [[Omar Gonzalez]] and [[A. J. DeLaGarza]], both of whom would lead a revamped defense alongside newly-acquired goalkeeper [[Donovan Ricketts]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Serrano |first=Adam |date=August 18, 2014 |title=On this day in LA Galaxy history: Bruce Arena hired as head coach and general manager in 2008 |url=https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2014/08/18/day-la-galaxy-history-bruce-arena-hired-head-coach-and-general-manager-2008 |publisher=[[LA Galaxy]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Though without star midfielder [[David Beckham]] due to an extended loan to [[A.C. Milan]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=July 10, 2009 |title=Galaxy will be challenged by match with AC Milan |page=C9 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-19-sp-galaxy-milan19-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> the Galaxy began the season with one loss and two wins in their first twelve matches.{{Sfn|MLS Cup 2009 Playoffs Guide|2009|p=91}} After Beckham's return in July, the team went on a six-match unbeaten streak and secured a playoff berth in late August.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=August 29, 2009 |title=A Chivas USA win over Galaxy would boost playoff hopes |page=C7 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-29-sp-chivas-galaxy29-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Beckham, Galaxy both shining anew |page=C1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-13-sp-beckham-galaxy13-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> The Galaxy finished the season with 12 wins, 6 losses, and 12 draws, placing first in the Western Conference with 48 points.{{Sfn|MLS Cup 2009 Playoffs Guide|2009|p=91}}<ref name="ChivasPrev">{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 1, 2009 |title=Galaxy, Chivas USA are rivals, but friendly, too |page=C5 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-01-sp-chivas-galaxy1-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>

The Galaxy played the Western Conference Semifinals against [[Chivas USA]], the co-tenant of the [[Home Depot Center]] appearing in their fourth consecutive playoffs.<ref name="ChivasPrev"/> The first leg ended in a 2–2 draw, marked by four goals that were the result of defensive mistakes by both teams.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 2, 2009 |title=Galaxy, Chivas pay for error of their ways |page=C3 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-02-sp-chivas-galaxy2-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The Galaxy advanced to the Conference Final after winning 1–0 in the second leg, with [[Landon Donovan]] scoring the lone goal from a [[penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 9, 2009 |title=Galaxy advances by beating Chivas USA, 1-0 |page=C5 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-09-sp-galaxy-chivas9-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The Western Conference Final was played against the [[Houston Dynamo]] and hosted by the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center. The match was interrupted by two [[power outage]]s in both halves of regulation time, which ended scoreless after a Dynamo goal in the 80th minute was disallowed.<ref name="Houston">{{cite news |last=de Jesus Oritz |first=Jose |date=November 14, 2009 |title=Galaxy eliminate Dynamo in Western Conference final |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Galaxy-eliminate-Dynamo-in-Western-Conference-1729217.php |work=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Defender [[Gregg Berhalter]] scored in the 103rd minute and was followed six minutes later by a Landon Donovan penalty to give the Galaxy a 2–0 win and a place in the MLS Cup final.<ref name="LAT-Nov14"/>

===Real Salt Lake===
{{main|2009 Real Salt Lake season}}

Real Salt Lake entered MLS as an [[expansion team]] in 2005, but failed to qualify for the playoffs in its first three seasons.<ref name="DN-2008">{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=November 1, 2008 |title=Real Salt Lake aims for Chivas, looks to win it all |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705259651/Real-Salt-Lake-aims-for-Chivas-looks-to-win-it-all.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Veteran midfielder [[Jason Kreis]], who had scored the franchise's first goal, was appointed head coach after six straight losses to begin the 2007 season and worked with new general manager [[Garth Lagerwey]] to rebuild the team.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=May 4, 2007 |title=Winless RSL has coaching shake up |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/660217534/Winless-RSL-has-coaching-shake-up.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Real Salt Lake: Rebuilding the roster laid foundation for RSL's playoff run |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591846/Real-Salt-Lake-Rebuilding-the-roster-laid-foundation-for-RSLs-playoff-run.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> After acquiring several key players in 2008, including captain [[Kyle Beckerman]], and defenders [[Nat Borchers]] and [[Jámison Olave]],<ref>{{cite web |title=MLS History: Real Salt Lake, 2008 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/club/saltlake/2008 |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> the team qualified for the playoffs and advanced to the Western Conference Final, where they were defeated by the [[New York Red Bulls]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Alden |first=Doug |date=October 30, 2008 |title=Real Salt Lake earns 1st MLS playoff spot |page=19 
|work=[[Republican Herald|Republican & Herald]] |location=Pottsville, Pennsylvania |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25119214/real_salt_lake_earns_1st_mls_playoff/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Black |first=Michael |date=November 16, 2008 |title=RSL: Rowdy, loud crowd makes some noise |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705263576/RSL-Rowdy-loud-crowd-makes-some-noise.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

Salt Lake began the 2009 season, their first to be fully played at [[Rio Tinto Stadium]] and fifth overall, with nine home wins, five draws, and one loss. The team failed to produce similar results in away matches and finished with a losing record of 11 wins, 12 losses, and 7 draws.<ref>{{cite web |title=MLS History: Real Salt Lake, 2009 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/club/saltlake/2009 |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DN-2009Summary">{{cite news |last=Rasmussen |first=Dan |date=November 30, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake: How did RSL go from inconsistent to winning a championship? |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705347904/Real-Salt-Lake-How-did-RSL-go-from-inconsistent-to-winning-a-championship.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Real Salt Lake qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season with 40 points, thanks to favorable results from three matches that eliminated five other teams competing for the final two wild card spots.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=October 25, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake: Believe it! RSL earns playoff spot |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339209/Real-Salt-Lake-Believe-it-RSL-earns-playoff-spot.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

As a wild card, the team was seeded into the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the [[Columbus Crew SC|Columbus Crew]], the defending MLS Cup champions.<ref name="DN-2009Summary"/> Real Salt Lake won the home leg 1–0 on a goal by [[Robbie Findley]], but conceded two early goals in the opening 35 minutes of the away leg in Columbus. The team responded with three goals scored by [[Javier Morales]], Findley, and [[Andy Williams (Jamaican footballer)|Andy Williams]] to win 3–2 and advanced 4–2 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=November 6, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake rallies to advance |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705342490/Real-Salt-Lake-rallies-to-advance.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Real Salt Lake faced the [[Chicago Fire Soccer Club|Chicago Fire]] in the Eastern Conference Final at [[Toyota Park]] in [[Bridgeview, Illinois]], which ended in a scoreless draw after extra time. Salt Lake won the ensuing [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] 5–4 after seven rounds, relying on three saves by goalkeeper [[Nick Rimando]].<ref name="DN-2009Summary"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=November 15, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake 0, Fire 0 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-11-15-0911140380-story.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Real Salt Lake became the third MLS Cup finalist to have qualified for the playoffs as the lowest seed, mirroring the New York Red Bulls the previous year, and was the second expansion team to contest an MLS Cup.<ref name="NYT-Nov23">{{cite news |last=Kelley |first=Mason |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake Wins M.L.S. Cup |page=D1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/sports/soccer/23mls.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

===Summary of results===

:''Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).''
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!colspan=4|[[Real Salt Lake]]
!Round
!colspan=4|[[LA Galaxy]]
|-
|colspan=4 valign=top|5th place in [[2009 Major League Soccer season#Western Conference|Western Conference]]<br />{{small|(Seeded into Eastern Conference bracket)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0; font-size: 95%"
|-
!width="20"|{{tooltip|Pos.|Position}}
! style="width:175px;"|Team
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|Pld|Played}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|W|Won}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|L|Lost}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|Pts|Points}}
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|3||align=left|[[Seattle Sounders FC]]||30
|12||7||11||'''47'''
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|4||align=left|[[Chivas USA]]||30
|13||11||6||'''45'''
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|5||align=left|'''[[Real Salt Lake]]'''||30
|11||12||7||'''40'''
|-
|6||align=left|[[Colorado Rapids]]||30
|10||10||10||'''40'''
|-
|7||align=left|[[FC Dallas]]||30
|11||13||6||'''39'''
|}

{{small|1=Source: [https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/conference/#season=2009&live=true MLS]}}

{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}}
|style="background:#c1e0ff"|[[2009 Major League Soccer season|Regular season]]
|colspan=4 valign=top|1st place in [[2009 Major League Soccer season#Western Conference|Western Conference]]<br />&nbsp;

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:0; font-size: 95%"
|-
!width="20"|{{tooltip|Pos.|Position}}
! style="width:175px;"|Team
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|Pld|Played}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|W|Won}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|L|Lost}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}}
!width="20"|{{Tooltip|Pts|Points}}
|-style="background:#FFFEBB;"
|'''1'''||align=left|'''[[LA Galaxy]]'''||30
|12||6||12||'''48'''
|-style="background:#FFFEBB;"
|2||align=left|[[Houston Dynamo]]||30
|13||8||9||'''48'''
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|3||align=left|[[Seattle Sounders FC]]||30
|12||7||11||'''47'''
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|4||align=left|[[Chivas USA]]||30
|13||11||6||'''45'''
|-style="background:#FFFFCD;"
|5||align=left|[[Real Salt Lake]]||30
|11||12||7||'''40'''
|}

{{small|1=Source: [https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/conference/#season=2009&live=true MLS]}}

{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}}
|- style="background:#c1e0ff"
|Opponent
|{{tooltip|Agg.|Aggregate score}}
|1st leg
|2nd leg
|[[2009 MLS Cup Playoffs|MLS Cup Playoffs]]
|Opponent
|{{tooltip|Agg.|Aggregate score}}
|1st leg
|2nd leg
|-
|align=left|[[Columbus Crew]]
|4–2
|1–0 (H)
|3–2 (A)
|style="background:#c1e0ff"|Conference Semifinals
|align=left|[[Chivas USA]]
|3–2
|2–2 (H)
|1–0 (A)
|-
|align=left|[[Chicago Fire Soccer Club|Chicago Fire]]
|colspan=3|0–0 (5–4 [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|p]]) (A)
|style="background:#c1e0ff"|Conference Final
|align=left|[[Houston Dynamo]]
|colspan=3|2–0 {{aet}} (H)
|}

{{clear}}

==Broadcasting==

The MLS Cup final was televised in the United States on [[ESPN]] and [[ESPN3|ESPN360.com]] in English and [[Galavisión]] in Spanish.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=November 22, 2009 |title=David Beckham's injury could add twist to MLS final |page=C3 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-22-la-sp-galaxy22-2009nov22-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> [[GolTV Canada]] broadcast the match in Canada,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Today on TV |page=D6 |work=[[The Ottawa Citizen]]}}</ref> and [[ESPN International]] carried the match in 122 countries, primarily in Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania.<ref name="MCN">{{cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Mike |date=November 21, 2009 |title=ESPN Kicks Off MLS Cup 2009 In Primetime |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/espn-kicks-mls-cup-2009-primetime-291761 |work=[[Multichannel News]] |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> This was the first edition of the MLS Cup to be carried on a cable network, as the previous thirteen were on [[ESPN on ABC|ABC]], and was scheduled later at night to compete with ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ourand |first=John |date=September 21, 2009 |title=MLS Cup to appear in prime time on ESPN, opposite 'Sunday Night Football' |url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2009/09/21/This-Weeks-News/MLS-Cup-To-Appear-In-Prime-Time-On-ESPN-Opposite-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx |work=[[Sports Business Daily]] |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> ESPN covered the match using 19 cameras and several digital features, including player tracking statistics and an offside line displayed on [[instant replay]]s.<ref name="MCN"/> [[JP Dellacamera]] was the lead play-by-play commentator and [[John Harkes]] provided color commentary.<ref>{{cite press release |date=November 17, 2009 |title=ESPN at MLS Cup 2009: Los Angeles vs. Salt Lake City |url=https://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2009/11/espn-at-mls-cup-2009-los-angeles-vs-salt-lake-city/ |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The network's coverage of the final was later criticized by Salt Lake City-area media outlets for its favoritism of the Galaxy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pierce |first=Scott D. |date=November 27, 2009 |title=Scott D. Pierce: Real Salt Lake spoiled ESPN's wish for L.A. win |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705347426/Real-Salt-Lake-spoiled-ESPNs-wish-for-LA-win.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

==Match==

===Summary===
[[File:MLS Cup Final 2009 Qwest Field.jpg|thumb|left|A view of the match from the stands]]

The Galaxy were described as the favorites in the MLS Cup match-up, with a better set of players and manager Bruce Arena's previous cup victories with [[D.C. United]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Miguel Romero |first=José |date=November 21, 2009 |title=L.A. Galaxy has edge in star power at MLS Cup final |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/sounders/2010327181_mlscup22.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Both teams fielded their regular lineups, with no major injuries; David Beckham was forced to skip several practice sessions prior to being injected with a painkiller to alleviate a bruised right ankle.<ref name="LA-Preview"/><ref>{{cite news |date=November 20, 2009 |title=David Beckham to take painkilling injection for MLS Cup final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/21/beckham-injection-mls-cup-galaxy |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> [[Kevin Stott]] was named the head referee for his third MLS Cup final, following the 2001 and 2005 finals.<ref name="LA-Preview"/>

Despite a forecast of rain,<ref name="Post">{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real clinches MLS Cup in penalty kicks |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112300089.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> the weather at kickoff was cloudy and the air temperature was {{convert|45|F|C}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Will Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders be the coldest MLS Cup on record? |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/10/will-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-be-coldest-mls-cup-record |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> During the first half, the Galaxy had the majority of possession and chances on goal, taking six shots.<ref name="DN-Halves">{{cite news |last=Rock |first=Brad |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake regroups to dominate 2nd half |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346576/Real-Salt-Lake-regroups-to-dominate-2nd-half.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Real Salt Lake midfielder [[Javier Morales]] was substituted in the 22nd minute after suffering from a torn [[Meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]] in his left knee after a collision with David Beckham; Morales left the field in tears and was replaced by [[Clint Mathis]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Enriquez |first=Fidencio |date=October 30, 2011 |title=Top 50 MLS Cup Moments: #21 Moved to Tears |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/10/30/top-50-mls-cup-moments-21-moved-tears |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> After two missed opportunities, Los Angeles forward [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]] scored the final's opening goal in the 41st minute, finishing a cross from Landon Donovan.<ref name="Post"/> At halftime, the Galaxy led 1–0 and Real Salt Lake were forced to substitute midfielder [[Will Johnson (soccer)|Will Johnson]], who was suffering from [[food poisoning]] contracted days earlier.<ref name="Deseret-Summary">{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=James |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake wins dramatic MLS Cup on penalty kicks |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346496/Real-Salt-Lake-wins-dramatic-MLS-Cup-on-penalty-kicks.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

Real Salt Lake regrouped in the second half and set up a chance in the 47th minute for [[Robbie Findley]], who collided with [[Omar Gonzalez]] and Galaxy goalkeeper [[Donovan Ricketts]].<ref name="Deseret-Summary"/> After being clipped by Gonzalez's right foot, Ricketts broke his right hand but elected to continue playing after being evaluated by on-field trainers.<ref name="MLS-Hand">{{cite news |last=Borg |first=Simon |date=October 5, 2011 |title=Top 50 MLS Cup Moments: #46 Out Of Hand |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/10/05/top-50-mls-cup-moments-46-out-hand |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Salt Lake continued attacking and Findley scored the equalizing goal in the 64th minute by finishing a deflected shot from [[Yura Movsisyan]]. Ricketts walked off the field and was substituted in the 66th minute for his backup [[Josh Saunders]] in what was the first goalkeeper substitution in MLS Cup history.<ref name="Post"/><ref name="MLS-Hand"/> Both teams exchanged several chances late in the second half, including misses from Movsisyan and Donovan, but neither could score a second goal. The half ended with seven minutes of [[stoppage time]] due to Ricketts' treatment.<ref name="Post"/>

In extra time, Real Salt Lake continued to have the majority of possession and chances, eventually tallying nineteen shots to the Galaxy's thirteen.<ref name="DN-Halves"/> Shots by Findley and Mathis were blocked and sent wide of the goal, grazing the outside of the side net.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jacob |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake beat David Beckham's LA Galaxy on penalties to win MLS Cup |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/23/mls-cup-la-galaxy-real-salt-lake |work=The Guardian |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The match remained tied after extra time, leaving the MLS Cup to be decided through a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] for the second time in its history.<ref name="Seattle">{{cite news |last=Miguel Romero |first=José |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/sounders/2010334062_mlscup23.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160757/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/sounders/2010334062_mlscup23.html |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The shootout began with David Beckham, who scored on his attempt, and was followed by successful penalties taken by Clint Mathis for Salt Lake, [[Gregg Berhalter]] for the Galaxy, and Findley for Salt Lake.<ref name="Seattle"/> With the score tied 2–2, Salt Lake goalkeeper [[Nick Rimando]] saved an attempt by [[Jovan Kirovski]], and Saunders saved a kick by Salt Lake captain [[Kyle Beckerman]].<ref name="Post"/> Despite his proficiency in penalties, Landon Donovan missed by putting it over the goalpost, and [[Ned Grabavoy]] scored to give Salt Lake a 3–2 lead going into the final rounds.<ref name="MLS-PK">{{cite news |date=November 12, 2011 |title=Top 50 MLS Cup Moments: #8 Great Western Shootout |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/11/12/top-50-mls-cup-moments-8-great-western-shootout |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Magee scored to keep the Galaxy in the shootout and an attempt by Salt Lake midfielder [[Andy Williams (Jamaican footballer)|Andy Williams]] was saved by Saunders to trigger [[sudden death (sport)|sudden death]] rounds. Williams was chosen as the final kick taker for Salt Lake by manager [[Jason Kreis]] because of the emotional connection to the team and Seattle that he had due to his wife's then-ongoing battle with a rare form of [[leukemia]], which was being treated in Seattle.<ref name="MLS-PK"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Miguel Romero |first=José |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Both teams want the home crowd on their side |page=C1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/sounders/2010320910_mlscup21.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> [[Chris Klein (soccer)|Chris Klein]] and [[Chris Wingert]] both scored their respective penalties, bringing the score to 4–4 before Rimando saved an attempt by Galaxy forward [[Edson Buddle]].<ref name="Post"/> Salt Lake defender [[Robbie Russell (soccer)|Robbie Russell]] scored the winning penalty in the seventh round, bringing the score to 5–4. After scoring the penalty, he turned around and fell to his knees as he was swarmed by his teammates.<ref name="Seattle"/>

===Details===
{{football box
|date       = November 22, 2009
|time       = 17:30 [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
|team1      = [[Real Salt Lake]]
|score      = 1–1
|aet        = yes
|report     = [https://web.archive.org/web/20100119030328/http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091123&content_id=7703148&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp Report]
|penaltyscore = 5–4
|penalties1 = [[Clint Mathis|Mathis]] {{pengoal}}<br />[[Robbie Findley|Findley]] {{pengoal}}<br />[[Kyle Beckerman|Beckerman]] {{penmiss}}<br />[[Ned Grabavoy|Grabavoy]] {{pengoal}}<br />[[Andy Williams (Jamaican footballer)|Williams]] {{penmiss}}<br />[[Chris Wingert|Wingert]] {{pengoal}}<br />[[Robbie Russell (soccer)|Russell]] {{pengoal}}
|penalties2 = {{pengoal}} [[David Beckham|Beckham]] <br />{{pengoal}} [[Gregg Berhalter|Berhalter]] <br />{{penmiss}} [[Jovan Kirovski|Kirovski]] <br />{{penmiss}} [[Landon Donovan|Donovan]] <br />{{pengoal}} [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Magee]] <br />{{pengoal}} [[Chris Klein (soccer)|Klein]] <br />{{penmiss}} [[Edson Buddle|Buddle]]
|team2      = [[LA Galaxy]]
|goals1     = [[Robbie Findley|Findley]] {{goal|64}}
|goals2     = [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Magee]] {{goal|41}}
|stadium    = [[Lumen Field|Qwest Field]], [[Seattle]]
|attendance = 46,011
|referee    = [[Kevin Stott]]
}}

{| width=92% |
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|{{Football kit
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|}

{| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|colspan="4"|'''REAL SALT LAKE:'''
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''18''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Nick Rimando]]
|-
|DF ||'''4'''||{{flagicon|COL}} [[Jámison Olave]]
|-
|DF ||'''6''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Nat Borchers]] ||
|-
|DF ||'''3''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Robbie Russell (soccer)|Robbie Russell]] || ||
|-
|DF ||'''17''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Wingert]]
|-
|MF ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Javier Morales]] || || {{suboff|22}}
|-
|MF ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Kyle Beckerman]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|MF ||'''77'''||{{flagicon|JAM}} [[Andy Williams (soccer)|Andy Williams]]
|-
|MF ||'''8'''||{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Will Johnson (soccer)|Will Johnson]] || {{yel|14}} || {{suboff|46}}
|-
|FW ||'''9'''||{{flagicon|ARM}} [[Yura Movsisyan]] || || {{suboff|75}}
|-
|FW ||'''10''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Robbie Findley]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''1'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Seitz]]
|-
|DF ||'''2'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tony Beltran]]
|-
|MF ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|HAI}} [[Jean Alexandre (footballer)|Jean Alexandre]]
|-
|MF ||'''20'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ned Grabavoy]] || || {{subon|46}}
|-
|MF ||'''84'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Clint Mathis]] || || {{subon|22}}
|-
|FW ||'''16'''||{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Fabián Espíndola]] || || {{subon|75}}
|-
|FW ||'''19'''||{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Pablo Campos]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jason Kreis]]
|}
|valign="top"|
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align=center
|colspan="4"|'''LOS ANGELES GALAXY:'''
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|JAM}} [[Donovan Ricketts]] || || {{suboff|66}}
|-
|LB ||'''2''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Todd Dunivant]] ||
|-
|CB ||'''16''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Gregg Berhalter]] || 
|-
|CB ||'''4'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Omar Gonzalez]] || || {{suboff|89}}
|-
|RB ||'''28'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Franklin]]
|-
|RM ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Landon Donovan]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|CM ||'''23''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[David Beckham]] || 
|-
|CM ||'''33'''||{{flagicon|TRI}} [[Chris Birchall]] || {{yel|39}} || {{suboff|79}}
|-
|LM ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]]
|-
|FW ||'''14''' ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Edson Buddle]] ||
|-
|FW ||'''9'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jovan Kirovski]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Josh Saunders]] || || {{subon|66}}
|-
|DF ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|TRI}} [[Yohance Marshall]]
|-
|DF ||'''20'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[A. J. DeLaGarza]] || || {{subon|89}}
|-
|MF ||'''6'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Eddie Lewis (American soccer)|Eddie Lewis]]
|-
|MF ||'''7'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Klein (soccer)|Chris Klein]] || || {{subon|79}}
|-
|MF ||'''8'''||{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Dema Kovalenko]]
|-
|FW ||'''21'''||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Alan Gordon (soccer)|Alan Gordon]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bruce Arena]]
|}
|}
{| width=100% style="font-size: 90%"
|
'''MLS Cup Most Valuable Player:'''
<br />
{{flagicon|USA}} [[Nick Rimando]] (Real Salt Lake)
|}
{| width=50% style="font-size: 90%"
|
'''Assistant referees:'''
<br />{{flagicon|USA}} C.J. Morgante
<br />{{flagicon|USA}} Rob Fereday
<br />'''Fourth official:'''
<br />{{flagicon|USA}} [[Baldomero Toledo]]
|}

==Post-match==
[[File:Real Salt Lake at the White 2010-06-04 2.jpg|thumb|right|Real Salt Lake are hosted by President [[Barack Obama]] at the [[White House]], June 2010]]

Real Salt Lake's [[upset (sports)|upset victory]] gave Utah its first major professional sports championship since the [[Utah Stars]] won the [[American Basketball Association]] championship in 1971.<ref name="Seattle"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Rock |first=Brad |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Real champions: Not a great season — but Real Salt Lake had great finish |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346574/Real-champions-Not-a-great-season-2-but-Real-Salt-Lake-had-great-finish.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The 2009 final was the second in MLS Cup history to be won by an expansion team and the second to finish with a penalty shootout.<ref name="NYT-Nov23"/> Nick Rimando was named the MLS Cup [[most valuable player]], only the second goalkeeper to earn the honor,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 28, 2013 |title=Four fantastic MLS finals |url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/nationalleagues/nationalleague=usa-mls-2000000103/news/newsid/223/076/8/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529054124/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/nationalleagues/nationalleague=usa-mls-2000000103/news/newsid/223/076/8/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |publisher=[[FIFA.com]] |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> and [[Jason Kreis]] became the youngest coach to win the MLS Cup, along with the fourth former player to coach a championship team.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup 5-4 on penalty kicks |url=https://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=8772312&nid=481 |publisher=[[KSL-TV|KSL]] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

The 2009 final was attended by 46,011 spectators, then the fourth-largest crowd for an MLS Cup final and the largest since the [[MLS Cup 2002|2002 final]] at [[Gillette Stadium]] in [[Foxborough, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{cite news |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Galaxy's star power can't stop Salt Lake |url=https://www.registerguard.com/article/20091123/SPORTS/311239984 |work=[[The Register-Guard]] |location=Eugene, Oregon |agency=Associated Press |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="SBD">{{cite news |date=November 23, 2009 |title=RSL Captures MLS Cup In Front Of Enthusiastic Crowd In Seattle |url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2009/11/23/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/RSL-Captures-MLS-Cup-In-Front-Of-Enthusiastic-Crowd-In-Seattle.aspx |work=[[Sports Business Daily]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> Approximately 2,000 fans attended from Salt Lake City and were joined by [[Seattle Sounders FC]] supporters, who chose to root for the "underdog" team.<ref name="Deseret-Summary"/> The crowd and atmosphere at the stadium were praised by league officials (including executive [[Don Garber]]),<ref name="NYT-Nov23"/> the teams, and the media.<ref name="SBD"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Thiel |first=Art |date=November 23, 2009 |title=MLS Cup wasn't pretty, but it did sparkle |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/MLS-Cup-wasn-t-pretty-but-it-did-sparkle-893289.php |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kelley |first=Steve |date=November 23, 2009 |title=A fantastic finish to first MLS season in Seattle |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/stevekelley/2010334065_kelley23.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> The stadium, later renamed [[CenturyLink Field]], hosted its second MLS Cup final in [[MLS Cup 2019|2019]], which saw the Sounders defeat [[Toronto FC]] in front of 69,274 spectators—a stadium record for a sporting event.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Seattle Sounders claim MLS Cup for 2nd time in 4 seasons by roaring past Toronto FC, 3-1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/11/10/seattle-sounders-claim-mls-cup-second-time-four-seasons-by-roaring-past-toronto-fc-/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Petterson |first=Joel |date=November 10, 2019 |title=For Seattle and Toronto, a Big Stage to Settle a Score |page=SP2 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/10/sports/soccer/mls-cup-seattle-toronto.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 5, 2019}}</ref>

The Real Salt Lake team returned the following afternoon and was greeted by hundreds of fans at [[Salt Lake City International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Rasmussen |first=Dan |date=November 23, 2009 |title=Cheering fans greet Real Salt Lake; championship rally scheduled at Rio Tinto Stadium |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346616/Cheering-fans-greet-Real-Salt-Lake-championship-rally-scheduled-at-Rio-Tinto-Stadium.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The team was honored by a reception at the [[Utah Governor's Mansion]] and the [[Utah State Capitol]], culminating in a parade from the state capitol to a rally at [[Rio Tinto Stadium]] attended by 5,000 fans. Governor [[Gary R. Herbert]] declared November 24, 2009, as Real Salt Lake Day.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=November 25, 2009 |title=Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346941/Utah-celebrates-Real-Salt-Lake-Day.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> The team was later honored with a traditional champion's ceremony at the [[White House]] by President [[Barack Obama]] on June 4, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=June 4, 2010 |title=President Obama welcomes Major League Soccer champion Real Salt Lake |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700037656/President-Obama-welcomes-Major-League-Soccer-champion-Real-Salt-Lake.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

Real Salt Lake qualified for the [[2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League]], where they became the first MLS team to reach the modern tournament's [[2011 CONCACAF Champions League Finals|finals]], losing 3–2 on aggregate to [[C.F. Monterrey]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Adam |date=April 5, 2011 |title=Real Salt Lake advances to CONCACAF final despite loss |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700124744/Real-Salt-Lake-advances-to-CONCACAF-final-despite-loss.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Edward |first=James |date=April 27, 2011 |title=Real Salt Lake: Monterrey wins CONCACAF Champions League, 3-2 on aggregate |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700130691/Real-Salt-Lake-Monterrey-wins-CONCACAF-Champions-League-3-2-on-aggregate.html |work=Deseret News |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Real Salt Lake would later return to the MLS Cup final in [[MLS Cup 2013|2013]], finishing as runners-up to [[Sporting Kansas City]] after losing a penalty shootout.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 6, 2013 |title=Sporting KC outlasts RSL for title |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1642681/mls-cup-sporting-kc-defeats-real-salt-lake-shootout-title |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> The Galaxy and Real Salt Lake met in the 2011 Western Conference Final, where Los Angeles won 3–1 and advanced to the [[MLS Cup 2011|MLS Cup final]] and win their first championship since 2005.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 7, 2011 |title=Galaxy beat Salt Lake to reach MLS Cup |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/sport/football/football-la-galaxy-beckham/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Kevin |date=November 20, 2011 |title=Galaxy makes a big splash to win the MLS title |page=C1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-nov-20-la-sp-mls-galaxy-houston-20111121-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Los Angeles would also win the cup in [[MLS Cup 2012|2012]] and [[MLS Cup 2014|2014]], bringing their total number of MLS Cup championships to five and surpassing the record set by [[D.C. United]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Kevin |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Robbie Keane delivers in Galaxy's title-clinching victory |page=C1 |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-galaxy-revolution-mls-cup-20141208-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Jason |date=December 9, 2014 |title=Fortunes fluctuate in L.A., D.C.'s turnaround and legendary departures |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/2188438/contrasting-fortunes-for-la-clubsdcs-turnaround-and-legendary-departures----mls-review?src=com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{MLSCup}}
{{2009 in American soccer}}
{{Real Salt Lake matches}}
{{Los Angeles Galaxy matches}}

[[Category:MLS Cup|2009]]
[[Category:2009 Major League Soccer season|*]]
[[Category:LA Galaxy matches]]
[[Category:Real Salt Lake matches]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Seattle]]
[[Category:Soccer competitions in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:November 2009 sports events in the United States]]
[[Category:2009 in sports in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:2009 in Seattle]]