Since the threads for the two legs of the Final will probably wait until after the weekend league games, I just wanted to say here:
It is a damn honor to be able to play for a regional trophy in your own house, and Real Salt Lake has earned it every step of the way. Congratulations once again, and take a moment to think of everything that happened along the way here:
- The 3-0 hammering of the Rapids on the last day of the 2009 season to sneak into the playoffs
- Back-to-back playoff wins over the Supporter's Shield-winning Columbus Crew
- A penalty shootout in Chicago that could have gone either way, esp. Grabavoy's clincher hitting the goalie's gloves and going in anyways
- RSL refusing to back down in front of the MLS/media darling Galaxy, getting the equalizer and holding their nerve in the shootout to win the MLS Cup
- Putting up with unthinkable levels of bull&%*! from Arabe Unido and still winning both games
- Taking care of business against Toronto, especially with Javi's free kick to guarantee qualification
- Narrowly letting victory escape in the Estadio Azul, only to turn around and let a B+ team take out the Mexicans in Rio Tinto to guarantee 1st place
- Putting on a "preseason" masterclass against Columbus at home to move to uncharted territory for MLS teams in the CCL: the semifinals
- Stealing the limelight from the MLS season opener with a 2-0 manhandling of regional power Saprissa
- Staring down the Monster's Cave, not losing the team structure, and punishing Saprissa with an away-goal to ice the series
Fact is, not a single MLS team has ever faced what you guys went through to make this CCL Final. Take pride in that.
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