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RSL, L.A. Gear Up For MLS Cup Meeting

(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Galaxy are gearing up to enter their Major League Soccer record sixth MLS Cup final, while Real Salt Lake will be entering its first when the two teams square off at Qwest Field in Seattle on Sunday.

That doesn't mean there is no championship experience on RSL, which overcame the odds, qualifying for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season and advanced for a chance at North American Soccer's Holy Grail.

"I got it before, but there's something about this team," RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando told MLSnet.com. "Everybody is going out there really hard and really wants it and I think everybody on this team deserves it - from the players to the staff."

Rimando is referring to his MLS Cup championship, taking the title as a member of D.C. United in 2004.

That is something RSL coach Jason Kris is missing on his impressive resume though.

"To play 11 years in this league and not be able to make a cup final was a little disappointing, I have to say," Kreis told MLSnet.com. "You look back at your career and you always want to win things. My not being a part of cup before was a disappointment. But that doesn't take away from this achievement."

The Galaxy are clear favorites in Sunday's match, with stars like Landon Donovan - who was just named 2009 MLS MVP on Thursday - and David Beckham being led by 2009 MLS Coach of the Year and former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena.

"Landon's been exceptional," Beckham told MLSnet.com. "Scoring goals, working hard for the team ... not just the Galaxy but the national team as well. He's a very good player, everyone knows that. He does what he does best, which is score goals."

The Galaxy have been big winners in postseason awards, bit realize Sunday's game is what matters.

"We've worked very hard to get where we are with this team," Donovan told MLSnet.com. "Sometimes you almost feel bad that we keep winning awards and keep getting this and that. When you think about it we deserve it. This team has worked really hard, but if we don't win Sunday these things aren't going to mean a whole lot."

The Galaxy will be without defender Julian Valentin and forward Alecko Eskandarian, while midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi is questionable, all with injuries.

RSL forward Fabian Espindola is questionable, while defenders Jamison Olave and Chris Wingert are probable with knocks.

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