WHAT IS THE MLS CUP?

The MLS Cup is the annual championship game of Major League Soccer.

WHAT IS THE TROPHY?

The Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, named after the businessman’s long-standing commitment to MLS, was redesigned in 2008 and renamed. The Anschutz Entertainment Group owns stakes in the MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo.

WHO WINS?

Until 2003, the MLS Cup utilized a sudden death overtime where the match ended if a goal was scored at any point in overtime. Since 2004, a 30-minute overtime has been played in full; if the match is still tied, a penalty kick shootout is used to decide the match.

Game preview, C10

23 DAVID BECKHAM

Midfielder | Age: 34 | MLS Exp.: Third year

The best-known player in MLS due to soccer skills and celebrity lifestyle. Played 12 seasons with Manchester United and has 108 caps for the English national team. FIFA World Player of Year runner-up in 1999 and 2001.

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10 LANDON DONOVAN

F/M | Age: 27 | MLS Exp.: Eighth year

The Galaxy captain is often called the best player the United States has produced. This season, Donovan was voted the most valuable player in MLS, scored its goal of the year and was named to his eighth All-Star team.

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1 DONOVAN RICKETTS

Goalkeeper | Age: 32 | MLS Exp.: First year

Earned 72 caps with the Jamaican national team and was on the roster when Jamaica made its World Cup debut in 1998. Began pro career in his native country but spent five seasons with Bradford City in England before joining MLS.

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5 KYLE BECKERMAN

Midfielder | Age: 27 | MLS Exp.: 10th year

Serves as captain in his third season at RSL. His MLS career dates back to the days of the Miami Fusion, his first professional club. He then spent seven seasons with Colorado. Made three appearances with the U.S. national team in 2007.

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18 NICK RIMANDO

Goalkeeper | Age: 30 | MLS Exp.: Ninth year

Fifth in MLS career shutouts and sixth in appearances. Has six career assists, tying him with Seattle native Marcus Hahnemann for the most by an MLS goalkeeper. Three caps with U.S. national team. Played under Sounders coach Sigi Schmid at UCLA.

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10 ROBBIE FINDLEY

Forward | Age: 24 | MLS Exp.: Third year

Drafted by Los Angeles in 2007 and was traded to Salt Lake along with current Sounder Nathan Sturgis. His 12 goals marked the second-highest total in club history. Recorded club’s first hat trick on April 2 against Columbus.

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