CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy hoisted their fifth MLS Cup today when they edged the New England Revolution, 2-1, in extra time at the StubHub Center.
Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, contemplating the club’s history, realized the significance of this result on the record-book scale, as Phil Anschutz’s organization now holds a league-high championship total.
“That’s impressive stuff, I think you can say that, especially in a league like ours, that probably doesn’t want that to be the case, and would be happy moving the trophy from one franchise to the next each year. That’s a bit of a dynasty at this point,” Arena said.
LA got off to a lead in the 52nd minute when Gyasi Zardes finished a close-range shot, and after Tierney tied the match at 1-1 in the 79th minute, the final result wasn’t determined until extra time, when Robbie Keane nailed the game-winner.
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Tallying 19 goals and 14 assists during the regular season, Keane was recently given the league MVP award. He was integral to the Galaxy’s second place standing and playoff run in the Western Conference.
Arena respectfully acknowledged Keane as both a goal-producing workhorse and model person.
“He’s a battler. He plays through good plays and bad plays. Robbie may say it was not his best day at times, but the greatness of Robbie Keane is that he scores goals and makes the difference in the match. I can’t say enough about Robbie, he’s a special leader, a great player, and a great friend.”
For certain parts of the game, the Revolution employed a concerted effort to move up the pitch, with Jones spearheading the attack at midfield, and although they fell short of the victory, Arena feels that his opposition’s performance warrants a great deal of praise.
[RELATED: How the Galaxy won, and their legacy]
“They knew what they had to do, [and] they battled,” he said. “Jermaine Jones is a warrior. They pushed us as hard as we could be pushed. And the reason maybe we weren’t at our best today was because of New England, give them credit. But at the end of the day, we’re holding the trophy.”
Formerly the U.S. men’s national team boss for eight years, Arena, who had short coaching stints with D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls before moving to LA, maintains the utmost satisfaction for the Galaxy franchise as a whole.
“I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my career at a lot of organizations,” he said. “This is the best place I’ve ever been in my entire life. A fabulous owner, great management, and this year for me has been one of my most rewarding.”
