MLS Cup Preview, an in-depth look

The 2010 MLS season wraps up this weekend in Toronto with the 15th MLS Cup Final.  The Championship features the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas, two originial MLS teams with modest histories.  The game kicks off at 8:30 ET (7:30 CT), and can be seen live on ESPN, Galavision, and of course, ESPN 3 on Xbox Live.  If your'e in the Macalester, pull through Wallace 316 for the game.  Also, Rip City Soccer will be covering the game live on the blog.


FC Dallas

After ousting the LA Galaxy last week and the defending champs the week before, the rejuvenation and belief in the Big D.  FC Dallas are making their first trip to an MLS Cup final in their entire history.  The hoops (if they're still called that) finished 3rd in the regular season.  FC Dallas did the unpredictable last week by going to the HDC and not only getting a result, but completely dismantling the regular season champs 3-0.  Newly-crowned MLS MVP David Ferreira opened the scoring with a beautiful turn and half-volley just outside the box.  The second came early in the second half with a cross from Gen Adidas grad Brek Shea to find George John at the back post.  Dallas rounded out the rout with an incising ball from Ferreira to find Marvin Chavez, who finished coolly.  More impressive than the scoreline, though, was the defense.  Hartman continues to be a revelation in goal, and wingbacks Jackson and Jair Benitez had fantastic games shutting down Landon Donovan and company.  Statistically, Jeff Cunningham and David Ferreira lead the team with 11 goals and 13 assists, collectively.  In the playoffs, David Ferreira and Marvin Chavez have been ablaze with a goal and 2 assists apiece in the last game.  For the final, Pearce and Rodriguez are still questionable.

Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids are making their 2nd MLS Cup appearance and looking for their first major competitive silverware of any kind.  The Rapids finished the regular season in 7th place and knocked off the Columbus Crew and the San Jose Earthquakes on the way to the final.  Last week, the Rapids beat the Earthquakes 1-0 at DSG with the goal coming from the unlikeliest of sources, right back Kosuke Kimura.  The game was a competitive affair with both teams enjoying some good play and possession.  Highlights from the game include Cummings's runs on the right, Wynne and Kimura's defensive play, and the "bash brother" tandem on Mastroeni and Larentowicz in the center of the midfield.  Statistically, Casey and Cummings make up the most prolific strike partnership in the league, with Cummings having the team-high 14 goals.

Head-to-Head
These two teams tied in both the regular season games this season (July 31, 1-1, goals by own goal and Ballouchy; Oct. 29, 2-2, goals by Larentowicz 2, Rodriguez, Ferreira)  These two teams have met in the playoffs 4 times previously, and Colorado have won all of them thus far.  I believe the key for this game is the match-up in the midfield.  Dallas have all the flair in the midfield with the likes of MVP Ferreira and Chavez, and the grit in the form of McCarty, Hernandez, and Shea.  However, Colorado may have the most experienced (definitely the most defensively sound) center midfield featuring Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz.  Also, I believe the wingbacks will be key for both teams.  Dallas will look to Pearce (if he plays) or Benitez and Jackson to shut down Cummings and get into the attack to provide service to Shea and Harris.  Colorado will look to Kimura and Smith (along with Mullan) to provide service into the box for Casey.  Casey will have to hold the ball up against George John on one side while Ferreira and Cunningham will have to maneuver past Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne.  All in all, Dallas have the upper edge - they have a superior midfield and goalkeeping.  This will be enough to stop Colorado's superior strike force.

Share your predictions and enjoy the game!!