In the first part of our 2009 MLS Cup Final preview, the Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles Galaxy players were assessed and compared, with a slight advantage being measured for the Galaxy. In this continuation of our analysis, attention is paid to the coaches and intangibles for both clubs.

The playoff numbers look like this...

5 year comparison Conference Semifinals 1st Leg Avg +/- Home Teams 2005 12,147 NA Chicago NY Colorado Los Angeles 2006 9,533 -21.52% Chicago NY Colorado Chivas USA 2007 14,245 49.

The Galaxy are one victory from reaching MLS Cup 2009 thanks to 2009 Coach of the Year Bruce Arena

The Los Angeles Galaxy began the 2009 season at best as a team in transition, at worst as a team in turmoil. Despite initial problems, the Galaxy now stands only one game from winning the Western Conference.

The playoff numbers look like this...

5 year comparison Conference Semifinals 1st Leg Avg +/- Home Teams 2005 12,147 NA Chicago NY Colorado Los Angeles 2006 9,533 -21.52% Chicago NY Colorado Chivas USA 2007 14,245 49.

The playoff numbers look like this...

5 year comparison Quarterfinals Totals(both legs) Avg +/- Teams 2005 13,273 NA CHI, COL, DAL, DCU, LA, NE, RBNY, SJ 2006 12,736 -4.05% CHI, COL, CHV, DAL, DCU, HOU, NE, RBNY 2007 17,041 33.

Soccer is a cruel game, and Chivas USA felt that cruelty tonight. While the Galaxy may have done enough to win the game, Chivas did not deserve to lose it. On the pitch, the differences between Chivas and the Galaxy were small and on the margins. Off the pitch, the difference in huge – the Galaxy will spend their week preparing to face Houston on Friday and Chivas will not.

The playoff numbers look like this...

5 year comparison Conference Semifinals 1st Leg Avg +/- Home Teams 2005 12,147 NA Chicago NY Colorado Los Angeles 2006 9,533 -21.52% Chicago NY Colorado Chivas USA 2007 14,245 49.