Posted by James Cranford

James Cranford- Assistant Producer of World Football Daily

FC Dallas has advanced to the MLS Cup Final after securing an impressive 3-0 victory at the Home Depot Center. Dallas moves on to play the Colorado Rapids, who will play in their first final since 1997 where they were defeated 2-1 to DC United, where both teams will be looking for their first MLS title. The Supporter Shield-winning LA Galaxy had a season to remember, but their ultimate goal of a third title will have to be put on hold for another year.

The home side started with some early pressure; Hartman came up big, as he did all night long, as LA were asserting themselves in the early going. Juninho made his defenders look shameful with some nifty dribbling, finding himself clean through on goal only to see Hartman save well down to his right.

David Beckham swung in a free kick that was looking for the head of Edson Buddle, but the ball hit no one and was heading for the upper 90 until Hartman was able to get over and parry the ball away to safety quite brilliantly.

Dallas struck first against the run of the play. Marvin Chavez received the ball in space and placed the ball straight to the feet of David Ferreira who made no mistake, depositing the ball in the lower left hand corner: Ferreira making his claim for MLS MVP.
Landon Donovan had space on the left hand side and his shot was superbly saved by Hartman who was able to get his fingers on the ball and away to safety.

Dema Kovelenko was a lucky boy not to be sent off in the 38th minute; already on a yellow, he made a late challenge on David Ferreira and it looked a bookable offence but the referee was being lenient.

The first half drew to a close with the Galaxy having more chances but Dallas took their one and only chance of the half to lead at the break 1-0.

Dallas increased their tempo in the second period and were creating more chances looking for a place in the final. Brek Shea had the ball in space on the left hand side and sent in an inch-perfect cross along the six-yard area where the ball was easily tapped in by George John.

Galaxy made an immediate change by bringing on Alex Cazumba for the ineffective Mike Magee.

Two minutes after Dallas took their two goal lead, their was miscommunication among the back line and the ball fell straight to Landon Donovan who, with a wide open net, hit the ball just over the bar. Agonizing for the Galaxy.

Dallas finished off their hosts with 15 minutes to play. Ferreira set up Marvin Chavez with a perfect through ball and Chavez made no mistake, sending his side to their first ever MLS final. There was a hint of offside, but the replays show

The last fifteen minutes of the game were rough and tumble as the Galaxy showed off their frustrations. Beckham hit a trade-mark free kick in stoppage time, but once again Kevin Hartman was up to the task.

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James Cranford
World Football Daily
E-mail: james@worldfootballdaily.com
jcranford4@gmail.com