Disappointment tinges pride for Galaxy
Defeat in MLS Cup 2009 adds slight tarnish to shining campaign
The awards had come in droves for the 27-year-old. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player for the first time, he earned a spot on the MLS Best XI, his strike against the New England Revolution was judged to be the league's goal of the year and he helped the U.S. national team qualify for next summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
MLS CUP NEWS
• RSL stun Galaxy in PK win • Rimando named MLS Cup MVP • Counted out, RSL never stopped • Kreis credits RSL's spirit, morale • Undecided fans lead pregame 'March' • RSL defy odds to lift MLS Cup • RSL shuffles midfield on fly • Saunders puts in remarkable effort • Dissappointment tinges pride for LA • Galaxy notes: Ricketts breaks hand • RSL notes: Findley shows quickness • MLS Cup 2009 notes & facts
MLS CUP SIGHTS & SOUNDS
 Behind the scenes Watch RSL 1, LA 1 (5-4, PKs) Watch Findley ties the game Watch Magee puts LA ahead Watch Postgame penalty kicks Watch Russell's winning PK Watch MLS Cup presentation Watch RSL postgame presser Watch LA postgame presser Watch ET postgame show Watch ET All-Access: The Sitter Watch ET All-Access: Garber Watch MLS Cup pregame Watch Supporters Summit Watch Galaxy pregame presser Watch RSL pregame presser Watch |
Donovan said he was especialy proud of leading a stunning Galaxy revival from a team that tied for the league's worst record a year ago into Sunday's MLS Cup Final against Real Salt Lake. But what might have been a dream season turned into a nightmare when the Galaxy tied 1-1 over 120 minutes and lost 5-4 on penalty kicks.
And Donovan, usually among the deadliest of shooters from the 12-yard spot, missed his attempt when it went high over the crossbar. Real Salt Lake's Robbie Russell eventually won it.
Donovan wouldn't blame tired legs on his errant try.
"Everyone had tired legs," he said. "It was a moment where I didn't strike the ball cleanly. It's hard to explain why, but it can happen. It's just unfortunate that it happened at that moment.
"Sometimes in life things happen you can't understand at the time and you can't explain. You certainly learn a lot more from a moment like this than you do winning. But winning feels a lot better."
The Galaxy had done a lot of that this season, and Donovan and his teammates said they were proud with what they accomplished.
"Unfortunately, this loss is what you're judged on at the end," he said. "We're very proud of where we got to. But it's hard at this moment to see all the good."
Mike Magee, whose goal in the 41st minute gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead on Sunday, said he felt confident the advantage would stand up, considering the way the Galaxy had been playing defense. Real Salt Lake's tying goal by Robbie Findley was the first postseason goal the Galaxy had allowed in almost 320 minutes.
"I definitely thought the game was ours," he said. "When we scored and got into halftime with the lead ... usually any time we have the lead or it's even 0-0 we're pretty confident. Maybe it was to our disadvantage that maybe we got overconfident, whatever it was.
"I would have thought we would have won 1-0 at least."
The Galaxy's David Beckham said there was plenty the club should be pleased with despite the loss.
"We can be proud of ourselves as a team," he said. "It's always tough losing, whether it is in penalties or normal play. Of course, we should be proud of where we have come to."
Defender Sean Franklin found Sunday's defeat difficult to accept after such a successful season.
"It's a little hard to comprehend," he said, "but we know what we did this year. Although this is the biggest game of the year, we can't get too down about how our season was.
"It was still considered a successful season. No one likes to go into the last game on penalty kicks ... it's a little hard to take this one."
Added rookie defender Omar Gonzalez: "To come back from a season like last year to the MLS Cup Final is phenomenal. Not getting a win is not good enough. Me personally, I"m already looking forward to next year. I want to come back here and hopefully get the win that we were supposed to get tonight."
Larry Morgan is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
