Extra Time Own Goal Sees Colorado Rapids To First Major League Soccer Title

MLS Cup, FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids: Unfortunate Ending Mars Perfectly Respectable Season

It's unfortunate that so much of the postgame commentary is going to be negative. This was an ugly game, after all. There was one good goal and a pair of rather ugly ones. The referee lost control early and the game was far too physical. The crowd was nonexistant before extra time had even started. A showcase this was not.

But it shouldn't overshadow the Rapids' winning. Colorado is as worthy a champion as just about any other in MLS Cup history.

They won three playoff matches without needing penalties, as many as any champion during eight years of the current playoff structure. Their regular-season goal difference was +12, better than seven of the previous 14 MLS Cup winners. At 1.533 points per match during the regular season, they were better than five other Cup winners.

The Rapids had two of the best strikers in MLS, two very good central midfielders, a decent goalkeeper and a solid group of defenders. Their starting 11 was as good as any in MLS.

Maybe history will be more kind to this team than the immediate aftermath was when the immediate consensus seemed to be "Ugh."

That's the problem with the current playoff structure, though. Too much is decided in too short a time. A roughly 30-game schedule is boiled down to a four-game playoff run in which the champion often wins no more than two games without needing penalty kicks.

In Colorado's case, they never had to play the Supporters' Shield winner, the team with the second most points or a regular-season conference champion.

We shouldn't hold that against them, but we should keep searching for a better way to crown our champion.

MLS Cup, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Yes, It Really, Really Ended Like That

Congratulations to the Colorado Rapids on their first Major League Soccer title. Just minutes ago, the final whistle blew on their 2-1 victory over Dallas, earning an extra time goal off FCD defender George John to claim the league's 2010 championship. Conor Casey, scorer of the Rapids' first goal, was named MVP, though the trophy's presenter tried to give the honor to "Casey Conor."

With that out of the way, I confess: I have no idea how to feel about all this. When tonight's game went to extra time, I kept saying to myself, "Please, let there be a goal. I don't want penalty kicks, again. I don't want to hear the term 'coin flip' eight hundred times over the next four months." Now, given how the MLS Cup was won, I'd willingly take the coin flip.

These teams played an even 120 minutes only to have it decided by something innocuous. It wasn't a defensive error by George John. It was as close to happenstance as anything that occurred tonight. Yet that ends up being what decides 2010's nine month Major League Soccer campaign.

The match wasn't great. There was an unpopular announcement at halftime. The refereeing was pretty poor. There was a protest amongst the crowd. And the ending was worse than the Sopranos'. What a night. What a showcase. What a let-down.

Now, as I hear 15-year veteran Pablo Mastroeni share his feelings on his first MLS Cup title, I realize my reaction's devoid of perspective. I'll get over this. I'll revere the Rapids. I'll remember Los Angeles wining the Supporters' Shield and Real Salt Lake being the season's best team. With time, this season will be like all the others: memorable.

Congratulations, Rapids, but at the moment, I still kind of want my season back.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Macoumba Kandji Forces George John Own Goal, Gives Colorado Late Lead

So would we really want the match to end like this? Yes, Rapids fans. I hear you, but let's put your bias aside. Even though this has been a turgid match, do we really prefer a 108th minute own goal deciding the MLS Cup? Wouldn't we just take penalty kicks? Again?

We don't get a choice, and those Colorado Rapids fans don't have to hide their bias. For a team that's never won an MLS Cup, George John's 108th minute own goal could be cause for celebration, his attempted block of a Macoumba Kandji poke going off his left thigh and past Kevin Hartman, giving the Rapids a 2-1 lead.

Kandji created the goal after two step-overs and a nutmeg on Jair Benitez saw him stabbing for a ball, attempting to win a challenge against Ugo Ihemelu. The poke send the ball at George John, standing three yards from goal, whose attempt to trap the cross sent the ball toward Hartman's near post. The `keeper had been moving to his right in an attempt to position himself for the cross. By the time he'd adjusted, the ball was past him at his left, the likely MLS Cup winning goal.

Kandji was injured on the play and is now in the Colorado locker room, with the Rapids playing down a man for the last moments of the match.

MLS Cup Finals, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Now We Know Where To Find Omar Cummings, On The Bench

ESPN Rob Stone reported that Omar Cummings was suffering with a right thigh problem. Well, that explains it. There had to be some reason that one of Major League Soccer's best weapons went missing for the season's biggest match.

Aside from one powerful shot in the first half, Cummings has been gone, and as Dallas controlled the last 30 minutes of regular time, the absence of their best player become more acute. Missing person reports, milk cartons  - all the jokes went around Twitter. With Macoumba Kandji now in for Cummings, we'll know exactly where to find the Jamaican star.

Now at the half-way mark of extra time, Colorado and Dallas remain tied 1-1, but for those of us expecting something from Omar Cummings, the strikers' substitution only raised questions. With Conor Casey having a strong match and Dallas's defense being tested by Jackson's early injury, what would an in-form Cummings had done to this match?

Kandji was Gary Smith's last substitution. Moments before extra time's break, Shellas Hyndman's last substitution came in: Eric Avila for Martin Chavez.

We're 15 minutes from penalty kicks. Again.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Second Half Control From Dallas Can't Prevent Extra Time

Just as Colorado had the better of play in the first half be had the worse of the scoresheet, Dallas was the better team in the second half. Yet it was Colorado that scored the only goal of the period, sending the MLS Cup final into extra time ties at one.

David Ferreira's first half goal has been countered by Conor Casey's early second half tally. After that, Dallas dominated possession but was limited to speculative crosses into the Colorado area. Dallas's best chances, shots from Ferreira and Jair Benitez, were each blocked, absolving Matt Pickens from having to do anything dramatic. Continued strong play from Jeff Larentowicz and Pablo Mastroeni has forced Dallas to build from the wings, limited their opportunities.

Colorado had almost no chances after their goal, with Casey frustrated by a Dallas defense that started to match his physicality. An obviously injured Daniel Hernandez has been strong in central midfield, while Colorado star attacker Omar Cummings has gone absence.

The match now goes to extra time: two, 15 minute periods. If nobody leads after half an hour, MLS Cup will be decided by penalty kicks for the second season in a row.

MLS Cup, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado Rapids: Yes, Toronto Fans Walked Out

Anyone who has been following MLS supporter news this year has surely heard that Toronto FC fans were upset at being forced to buy tickets for tonight's game as part of their season-ticket package.

They staged some protests during the season, but nothing quite like tonight where TFC fans walked out en masse around halftime.

The result is a second-half with lots of empty seats and an atmosphere that's decidedly tempered, despite the reporting of this as a sellout.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has already openly discussed the possibility of doing away with the neutral site championship game and this is just another example of how MLS has grown out of this kind of setup.

Even considering the relative lack of support Colorado and FC Dallas have enjoyed at home, it's hard to imagine the atmospheres at either location being any worse than it is here. Whatever would be lost in tickets sold would surely be gained in improved visibility.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Conor Casey Converts Jamie Smith Cross, Equalizes MLS Cup, 1-1

Conor Casey has pulled Colorado even at MLS Cup, creating and cleaning-up chaos in front of Kevin Hartman's net, tying the match a 1-1. But the story of the equalizing goal starts thiry yards up the pitch.

Casey had dropped back to midfield to receive a ball played out of the Rapids' half. A ball wide to Brian Mullen was played fifteen yards up field to Omar Cummings. As George John tried to defend the ball, the Dallas defender slipped, allowed Cummings to chase the ball toward Dallas' goal.

At the end of the penalty area, Zach Loyd got to the wayward ball, but with Cummings bearing down on him, the substitute defender could only clear the ball to Colorado's left flank. There Jamie Smith took possession, took two touches toward the line, and left-footed a cross near post, four yards from goal.

There, striker Conor Casey met Hartman and left back Jair Benitez, all three players sliding into the ball. For a moment, chaos ensued, with none of the players able to find the ball. Casey, however, was the frst to find it, and with a right footed shot brought Colorado even.

Now in the 64th minute, Jeff Cunningham has come on for Brek Shea, sending Atiba Harris back out wide.

The match at BMO remains tied, 1-1.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Quick Strike From Dallas Has Rapids Trailing At Halftime

FC Dallas is 45 minutes away from their first Major League Soccer championship. Then again, so is Colorado, potentially. We might be in for extra time, too. Though Dallas took a one goal lead into halftime, the first half was relatively even, with only a 36th minute David Ferreira goal separating the sides.

The one goal means that Colorado may eventually have to chase this match, something that does not bode well for their ability to defend Dallas's counter attack. It was a quick transition - one ball from left back to right wing - that led to the Ferreira goal, putting a Martin Chavez cross in from six yards out. Should Colorado have to start playing more aggressively, the positioning of left back Anthony Wallace will be further tested. Acquired in mid-season from Dallas, the Rapids defender was found out-of-position on a previous counter attack, with poor handling from Chavez slowing down Dallas's chance.

But aside from a few moments in transition, Dallas has been second best to Colorado, who saw chances from Pablo Mastroeni, Conor Casey and Omar Cummings in the first 45. Only one of those chances, an early shot from Mastroeni, has tested Kevin Hartman, though the midfielders left-footed dribbler didn't failed to threaten Dallas's goal. Still, Colorado found enough of the ball in the first half to be positive about the second, especially if Jamie Smith can continue getting crosses in from the left flank.

That flank which would normally be defended by the injured Heath Pearce, has been weakened further by the loss of Jackson, the utility man who was subbed out mid-way through the half with an apparent hip injury, Nominal central defender Zach Loyd has been brought on his Jackson's place.

MLS Cup, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado Rapids: Refs Need To Realize Non-Calls Can Be As Bad As Bad Calls

There seems to be a growing tendency, especially in MLS, where referees seem to feel that non-calls are better than bad calls.

Usually, this comes in the form of not wanting to give penalties or second yellows. We've seen multiple examples during the MLS playoffs, the latest of which came tonight.

In case you missed our earlier update the incident happened when Jair Benitez and Conor Casey were fighting for a ball inside the FC Dallas penalty area. Casey tugged on Benitez, who followed that up by obviously tripping Casey. One way or another, it was a foul. Either Casey should have been called for the first foul or been given a penalty for the second.

Of course, Baldermo Toledo went with option No. 3: Do nothing.

The problem with the third option is that it basically rewards both players and encourages similarly cynical play. That kind of play ruins the flow of the game and makes MLS harder to watch than it has to be.

It shouldn't matter that this is a championship game. If it's a penalty in Week 1, it should be a penalty in every game.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: David Ferreira Puts Home Martin Chavez Cross, Gives Dallas 36th Minute Lead

It was the type of build-up you'd draw on a chalkboard. Long diagonal to the wing. Wing with a cross to the edge of the six. One man at the near post, one man at the far - take your pick. Martin Chavez picked near, and David Ferriera put Dallas up, 1-0.

The play started at the feet of left back Jair Benitez, with the Colombian played in 45 yard ball across the pitch to right wing Chavez. Three touches from the Honduran and no pressure from Colorado allowed the winger to swing a ball to the edge of Matt Pickens' six. The Colorado keeper came but couldn't beat David Ferreira to the ball, the attacking midfielder redirecting the cross into an empty net. After 36 minutes, Dallas had the lead.

While it would be deceiving to say the goal came against the run of play, Colorado had been the slightly better side through the first half hour. But as is the case with Dallas, one movement can make a match. This one started at the end of the area, needed only two passes, and ended with a lead in the MLS Cup final.

Now in the 43rd minute, FC Dallas maintains their one goal lead.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Rapids Denied Penalty Shout

Baldomero Toledo is keeping his whistle quiet, refusing penalty shouts for both teams as MLS Cup finishes its first half hour scoreless. And as the style adjusts to be more physical, we wait for Dallas to adjust. Until they do, Jeff Larentowicz is going to be able to control the midfield, as he has done throughout the match's first 30 minutes.

But the big story as we approach half time is the penalty Toledo denied for Colorado. Conor Casey and Jair Benitez were the players involved, battling for a ball to the left of Kevin Hartman's goal. Both layers went to ground, and as Casey got up, Benitez appear to kick out with his right leg. That flail didn't make contact, but the second one might have, Beintez's left leg sweeping toward Casey, seemingly taking the Rapids striker down.

As with most penalty shouts, there are two sides to the story. A camera along the byline saw Casey seemingly kick-out for contract with Benitez. Just as it was unclear that Benitez made contact with his left leg, it was unclear Casey touched Benitez. Still, Casey went down and appealed, unsuccessfully.

Dallas had had their own penalty appeal denied 10 minutes earlier, with Brek Shea brought down in the Colorado area. In general, Dallas has been less responsive to the physical nature of the game.

Meanwhile, Dallas is close to replacing right back Jackson, who will have to leave the game with a hip injury. After 34 minutes, MLS Cup is still 0-0.

MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Rapids Controlling Early Possession, Generate First Chance

There's definitely been a feeling out period for Dallas and Colorado, MLS's title aspirants fighting through a cold night in Toronto. Both teams have set-up their formations as expected, with Colorado able to maintain the better part of the first 10 minutes' possession.

In the eighth minute, Colorado generated the first chance of the match, with a Pablo Mastroeni run behind the Dallas line rewarded with a chance to the left of Dallas's goal. The Colorado midfielder turned on the rolling ball at 14 yards out, putting his left-footed shot into the feet for Kevin Hartman. The Dallas goalkeeper easily scooped the shot into his chest.

Over the last nine minutes, Dallas has seen more of the ball, but Matt Pickens has gone untested in the Colorado goal. Mastroeni and partner Jeff Larentowicz have had a reasonable control of the midfield, limiting David Ferreira's touches.

With the referee calling very few fouls, the match has taken on a rugged, defensive tone. Now in the 17th minute, MLS Cup is still scoreless.

MLS Cup, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado Rapids: Jamie Smith Starts For Rapids, Toros Unchanged

The big question facing the Rapids heading into this game was whether Jamie Smith would be healthy enough to start. It looks like he is.

For Dallas, the big questions was whether they’d go with Atiba Harris up top or give Jeff Cunningham a start. Harris will start.

Colorado Rapids starting lineup: GK: Matt Pickens; DF: Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Anthony Wallace; MF: Brian Mullan, Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith; FW: Omar Cummings, Conor Casey

FC Dallas starting lineup: GK: Kevin Hartman; DF: Jackson, Georg John, Ugo Ihemelu, Jair Benitez; MF: Marvin Chavez, Dax McCarty, David Hernandez, Brek Shea, David Ferreira; FW: Atiba Harris.

It looks like the weather is going to be dry, but cold, which probably diminishes any “home-field advantage” Colorado may have been hoping for. The temperature is about 45 degrees right now in Toronto.

The match is expected to be reasonably wide open as both teams have capable scorers. The key will likely be how well Jeff Larentowicz and Pablo Mastroeni can handle being outnumbered in the central midfield.

MLS Cup Final, Dallas Vs. Colorado: First Time Champion To Be Crowned In Toronto

Major League Soccer will crown its 2010 champions tonight at BMO Field in Toronto, and whether it's FC Dallas or the Colorado Rapids, one team will win its first MLS Cup tonight. For Colorado, it is their second appearance in the final but their first since 1997. Dallas is making their first appearance on the league's biggest stage.

SB Nation Soccer will be bringing you live coverage throughout the night, keeping you up to date on all the happenings. Television coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, Galavision, and TSN2. The technophiles amongst us can tune in on ESPN3.com.

Colorado finished seventh overall in the regular season, defeating the Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes to make the final. They are led by Omar Cummings, whose 14 goals tied for fourth most in the regular season. Cummings partners at forward with U.S. international Conor Casey, forming the most formidable striking tandem in MLS.

That's not the only tandem of note for the Rapids. Colorado's central midfield duo has been stellar throughout the playoffs, with United States veteran Pablo Mastroeni partnering with MLS stalwart Jeff Larentowicz. They may be outnumbered by a Dallas team that tends to play five in midfield, but with Colorado having drawn Dallas twice in the regular season, the disadvantage has yet to hurt the Rapids.

Dallas finished with the third best record in the regular season and had to beat the league's top two teams to make the final. In the Western Conference semifinals, Dallas beat defending champions Real Salt Lake. Last Sunday, Supporters' Shield winning Los Angeles Galaxy were toppled by Dallas, losing 3-0 at Home Depot Center.

Dallas is led by league Most Valuable Player David Ferreira, who distribution in an attacking midfield role is key to a potent Hoops counterattack. At their best when busting out of their own end, Dallas created match-up problems in transition when opposing defenses try to match-up with the likes of Atiba Harris, Brek Shea and Marvin Chavez.

There are offensive stars on both sides, and with the teams combining for six goals in two regular season meetings, fans are likely to see some open play. But if the match does turn into a slug fest, expected Dallas to have the advantage at the back. Behind a defensive line with no obvious weaknesses, Hoops have one of the league's two best goalkeepers, with Kevin Hartman stellar since his return from a late season injury.

ESPN has brought out he big guns for tonight's commentary, pulling Ian Darke and Steve McManaman off English Premier League duty to be in Toronto. Whatever they don't cover we'll be sure to discuss here, where the SB Nation editors will keep you up today on Major League Soccer's main event.