Photo by ISIphotos.com
Real Salt Lake is heading to its first MLS Cup Final after beating the Chicago Fire on penalty kicks at Toyota Park on Saturday night.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando stole the show, making three penalty saves to win the second playoff penalty shootout of his career. Real Salt Lake substitute Ned Grabavoy sealed the Eastern Conference Final victory and trip to MLS Cup with his converted penalty kick.
The result continues a dream run for RSL, which was the last team to qualify for the MLS playoffs. First, came the upset series victory against the defending champions Columbus Crew, then came Saturday's hard-fought penalty shootout victory against a Chicago side that never could get a shot past Rimando in regulation.
Now Real Salt Lake will face the Los Angeles Galaxy in an MLS Cup Final that should offer its share of excitement.
The season is over for the Chicago Fire, which lost its second penalty shootout of the year (it lost the SuperLiga Final to Tigres), and now an offseason of uncertainty awaits as the club faces a major shake-up with several players and possibly head coach Denis Hamlett leaving this winter.
What did you think of RSL's victory? Still can't believe they've reached the final? Stunned to see the Chicago Fire eliminated? Think RSL has one more upset left in it?
Share your thoughts below.
