MLS Cup Final Game Thread: LA Galaxy And Houston Dynamo Compete For Championship For Second Straight Season

The storylines before the game have centered around David Beckham and Landon Donovan, both of whom may leave Major League Soccer after the Cup Final, but the match itself will never lose its important or focus for the other 20 players on the field this afternoon.

The Los Angeles Galaxy look to win their second straight Major League Soccer Cup over the Houston Dynamo, who once again will face the Western Conference greats as the underdog.

Both teams came into the playoffs without much acclaim, having played poorly during the season after preseason predictions had placed both near the top of their respective conferences. Instead the Galaxy began so awfully that Bruce Arena faced rumors of being fired after winning the league championship last season and the Dynamo didn't appear to have a future in the playoffs.

Instead, the Dynamo surprised everyone for a second consecutive playoff cylce and fought their way physically through teams that were considered more talented and better overall. The Galaxy went through their conference with some ease through the collective efforts of Beckham, Donovan and Robbie Keane, their three designated players, plus Mr. November - Mike Magee.

This game thread will be the home of the Brotherly Game's live updates and conversation about the MLS Cup Final, which will begin at 4:30 pm on ESPN.