RSL wins East crown, keeps good times rolling

Real Salt Lake earns first MLS Cup berth with victory over Fire on penalties

By Kathryn L. Knapp / MLSnet.com Staff

"We'll keep it going into next week," said Ned Grabavoy (left), who hit the winning PK. (AP)

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BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Real Salt Lake snuck into the playoffs, earning their berth with a final game victory while watching a number of other results that they had no control over all go their way. And since they made it, they've been slaying the giants.

They did it one more time Saturday night at Toyota Park in the Eastern Conference Championship, defeating the Chicago Fire 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after playing to a scoreless draw over 120 minutes. This time it was a win that takes them to a place they've never been before -- MLS Cup.

"Both teams were creating chances all game," Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis said. "I was hopeful we would score. I would have liked it to come earlier and without all the drama."

The fifth place team in the Western Conference during the regular season, Real Salt Lake filled the fourth position in the Eastern Conference bracket. They stunned reigning champion Columbus with back-to-back wins (1-0 and 3-2) to advance to the conference championship.

On the Fire's home field, RSL went toe-to-toe with their opponents, limiting their opportunities and holding them scoreless, defeating them one game short of the MLS Cup Final for a third consecutive year.

"It seems like we got into good form at the right time," RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "They gave everything they had tonight. Jon Busch made some great saves. When it comes down to PKs, it's a coin toss."

Beckerman, who donned the captain's armband for the second time, made some noise Saturday night, forcing Busch to make two saves during regulation play. But when it comes to the two heroes of the game, signs point to goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Ned Grabavoy. Rimando made key saves, while Grabavoy netted the winning penalty in the post-match shootout.

Rimando stood strong in goal for RSL, making six saves during the 120 minutes. And in the round that mattered most, Rimando made stops on three of the seven penalty kicks to give his team the advantage.

"We've put pressure on ourselves since the beginning of the season," Rimando said. "Luck was on our side tonight. With the PKs, it's hard to read the players, especially [Cuauhtemoc] Blanco and [Brian] McBride. I made a decision and was able to make some saves."

Rimando ended the regular season with nine shutouts. The veteran goalkeeper now has a chance to win a second MLS Cup, having previously won one with D.C. United in 2004.

"Nick was superb," Kreis said. "It's no surprise to us. He's been great all season. We know what he's capable of."

After Rimando saved Brandon Prideaux's attempt (the Fire's seventh), Grabavoy stepped up to the line. He shot the ball toward the upper left corner. Busch got a hand to it but couldn't quite get hold of the ball, and RSL celebrated.

"I was told I'd be taking the seventh kick," Grabavoy said. "It usually doesn't get that far. Nick made a huge save that was a big momentum shift for us. We've all hit them at practice. But tonight, being in that moment after it went in was incredible."

Grabavoy entered the match in the 123rd minute as a substitute. The Chicagoland native scored one of his biggest goals when it mattered most, and led his team to MLS Cup.

"Once we got into the playoffs, we knew it was do or die," Grabavoy said. "We'll keep it going into next week."

Kathryn L. Knapp is a contributor to MLSnet.com