On tap: Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Salt Lake

Instead of my usual big game prattle, I will do an impromptu quickie Top 5'er as my preview presentation.

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Top 5 MLS Cup Keys

These five are ranked based on a combined factor of importance and "spectacularity".

#5 - Watch your mouth, watch your challenges... just watch everything!

With the way that MLS refs have thrown about the red card in 2009, nobody wants to be the guy who puts him team down a man, for any reason. Play tough, but play smart.

#4 - The middle of the park is the essence.

Simple: which midfield group is directing traffic and which is dodging it?

#3 - Who can handle the speed, baby?

Both backlines can be susceptible to great pace and quick moves (witness their 2-2 draw in L.A. this season). Both attacks have lethal speed demons. And sometimes, in games like this, it only takes one guy getting loose one time to decide matters.

#2 - Who wins the keeper battle?

In a tight game, in a title game, netminders are always key. Both L.A. man Donovan Ricketts and RSL counterpart Nick Rimando are capable of piling up big saves. Can they also avoid a gaffe with the lights bright? Whoever wins this duel has a great chance to lift the Cup.

#1 - Do not tempt Beckham.

Seriously, just do not. We all saw what happened to Greece in 2005. Don't give him time/space to see the field, and for crying out loud, don't give a bunch of danger free kicks - or a very late one in a tie game.

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My prediction? Los Angeles claims the crown, 2-1.

And on to the reading room, with plenty of Javabean Inc. coffee and biscotti...

- MLS match preview
- The Guardian's look at MLS Cup 2009
- GolTV's Phil Schoen breaks it down
- Arena: Beckham's fit and ready to go
- RSL adopt Kreis persona on field
- Donovan sees winning signs
- NSC pal Jared Montz's podcast w/ Sean Franklin
- The Sports Guy podcast w/ Landon Donovan
- Jeff Carlisle: Morales hopes to key upset
- Donovan credits Beckham for turnaround
- Michael C. Lewis: Winning means everything to RSL
- Daily News: Ricketts stays cool under pressure
- James Edward: Russell seizes RB role
- The Times: Beckham enjoying L.A. life
- Deseret News: 5 Questions w/ Andy Williams
- Steve Davis: Is Qwest Field an L.A. advanatage?
- Brad Rock: Being late works for RSL
- Daily Breeze: Galaxy handling distractions
- Keepin' It Real w/ RSL fans in Seattle
- Seattle: America's Soccer City (says CNN)

Turning on the tube, JP and Harkesy preview the match...




CNN World Sport sits down with David Beckham.




Goal talks to Kyle Beckerman about dealing with The Spice Boy.




MSNBC talks to both coaches.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And finally, Hitler sets the MLS Cup scene as only he can (WARNING: spicy language).







- Greg Seltzer