L.A. Galaxy Beats N.E. Revolution 2-1 for MLS Cup; Donovan to Retire as a Champion

Picture Courtesy of mlssoccer.com

By Francisco Romero

It only happens in Hollywood, well, close by anyway.  The MLS Cup was a perfect ending to Landon Donovan’s outstanding career, perhaps the greatest ever U. S. soccer player to date.

Donovan’s Galaxy conquered its fifth MLS title (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2014) by beating New England Revolution 2-1.  Donovan obtained his sixth title (2003 with San Jose).

The game was played at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.

The championship match was decided in added extra time.  Robbie Keane scored the second goal in the 111^th minute of the game.

Donovan, 32 had a storied career and ended as it should for a player of his caliber. 

The Ontario, California native joined the U17 U.S. National Team in 1998 and has been a catalyst of the team ever since.

Donovan became an icon of the U.S. National team and at one point he became the Mexican National Team Enemy Number One.

“I’ve had some rough times with games against them throughout my career, but at the end, when I look back, I have so much respect for everything that’s been a part of the rivalry,” Donovan told Scott French of mlssoccer.com 

Donovan will retire as a champion with his hometown team.

This is the third time the Galaxy has defeated New England in the finals, the other two times were in 2002 and 2005.  All three finals have been decided in extra time.

At the end of the game teammates mobbed Donovan giving him a heroes’ farewell.

The Galaxy finished the 2014 MLS Regular Season as one of their best in club history, finishing with a record of 17-7-10 while scoring 69 goals and allowing just 37.