2011 MLS Cup

Lore & Background

With the win, the Galaxy became the first team since the Columbus Crew in 2008 to win both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in the same year. For Los Angeles, it was a league-record sixth appearance in the MLS Cup final, while it was Houston's third appearance in the league final. Both the Galaxy and the Dynamo qualified for the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League. The Galaxy earned their third successive berth, while the Dynamo earned their third ever berth in the Champions League and their first since the 2009–10 edition.

In Their Own Story

The Seattle rain had stopped, but the chill lingered in the air under the stadium lights. Donovan stood over the ball, the roar of the crowd fading into a dull hum as he focused on the penalty area. Juninho's pass sliced through the midfield defense like a knife. Time seemed to suspend itself for a heartbeat. The goalkeeper rushed out, but Donovan slipped it past him with a calm touch that belied the ninety-plus minutes of pressure. As the ball hit the back of the net, the white kits erupted in celebration.

Reader's Guide

The match kicked off at 9:00 pm EST and was broadcast on ESPN for the third consecutive year, as well as Galavisión in the U.S. and on TSN2 in Canada. The Home Depot Center was the home ground of two Los Angeles–based clubs at the time, the Los Angeles Galaxy and C.D. Chivas USA.

Did You Know?

• The 2011 MLS Cup was the Galaxy's first MLS Cup victory in regulation; their 2002 and 2005 wins were in overtime.
• The Home Depot Center hosted its fourth MLS Cup final, setting a record for the most finals held at one venue.
• Galaxy captain Landon Donovan scored the only goal in the 72nd minute, assisted by David Beckham and Robbie Keane.