First time really talking about the MLS here. I did a lot of stuff about the World Cup back in June but now it’s time to look at some American-based soccer. Specifically, it’s time to give the MLS final a second look. This Sunday will wrap up the 2014 MLS campaign as the New England Revolution battle the Los Angeles Galaxy. This is the fifth time that the Revs will be in the MLS final but this squad is 0-4 in the big game. The Galaxy on the other hand have four championships already heading into the match, this being their ninth appearance in the league final.

There are dozens of storylines leading up to the game. This will be Los Angeles attacker and US international legend Landon Donovan’s final game ever. It would be incredible for him to end off his professional career with a fifth title, which would give the Galaxy the most in MLS history. Donovan led the league this year as the best setup man with 19 assists. His teammate, LA’s captain Robbie Keane, finished third on that same list and ranked third in goals this season. Keane’s all around excellence earned him MLS MVP. These two will be leading the charge on Sunday for LA.

On the Revolution side, José Gonçalves captains his team in just his second year with the team. He will lead the defense while Revs’ superstar Lee Nguyen handles the offensive end. The central midfielder only accounted for nine goals over the past two years before exploding for 18 this season, the fourth best mark in the league behind Keane. The Revolution has its own US international as well in Jermaine Jones. The midfielder was acquired during the midseason transfer window will bring some physical play to the midfield this weekend. These three will be counted on heavily if they want to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 loss New England was dealt when these teams met in July.

This Sunday should be a very different affair then the previous matchup. LA comes into the game having struggled away from home. Luckily for them, the finals are held at their home stadium because their last road win came all the way back in late August against Chivas USA. New England on the other hand, is riding a hot streak into the game, as the club has not dropped a game since mid-September.  Jones is also stateside this time while he was still playing in Europe at the time of their first match up.

Sunday will be highly competitive and contested until the whistle is blown to end the match. I think LA will strike first and hold the lead until late in the second half when Nguyen hammers home an equalizer. Nguyen did have the most game-winning goals this year with nine and was tied for second in road goals with nine as well. In the end though, I think LA will walk away with its fifth title as Keane sets up Donovan one last time for the winner in overtime. After all, Donovan does have the most game-winners in MLS history. The home crowd will just be too much for New England as it comes away empty handed once again. Let me know what you think is going to happen or if I missed anything that will be crucial to this game.