All-time series
With RSL's win over the Galaxy in a shootout, the club now owns a slight lead in the all-time series between the franchises at 6-5-5. Real took the 2009 season series with two wins over Los Angeles and a dramatic draw at home.
Western Dominance
The Western Conference continues to dominate MLS Cup. With Real's win on Sunday, dating back to 2001 the West has won six of the past eight MLS Cups. D.C. United in 2004 and Columbus in 2008 are the two East teams to break the trend.
Perfect final evening
Rain was in the Seattle forecast all week leading up to Sunday night's MLS Cup, and even throughout the day of the big game there was a steady downpour. About four hours before the match, though, the sun came out and it quickly became a perfect evening for a championship match.
Breaking a streak
It was the first time in Landon Donovan's MLS career that he failed to put a penalty shot on goal. His only two previous misses were both saved and the league MVP had converted 12 straight attempts prior to his miss in the shootout.
Ironic finisher
It has to be considered a bit ironic that the last player to put the ball in the net for RSL — and for the 2009 MLS season — was defender Robbie Russell. The Duke product hadn't scored a goal all season and has never scored an MLS goal.
Lucky number 7
Real advanced to the MLS Cup by defeating Chicago in a shootout that went seven deep, and it won the Cup in a shootout that took seven players. In both cases Real had a chance to win with its fifth shooter, but it failed to convert with Fabian Espindola and Andy Williams missing their chances.