COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- After a pair of finals failures, the Los Angeles Galaxy try to lift the MLS Cup for the first time and win the second leg of a unique treble Sunday, when they battle the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Galaxy squandered a two-goal lead in the inaugural MLS Cup final in 1996 and suffered a 3-2 overtime defeat to D.C. United. Three years later, Los Angeles recorded just two shots on goal in a 2-0 blanking at the hands of D.C.
"In the past, the Galaxy has had the reputation of being a team that ... doesn't have the heart or fortitude to win the big game," said Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid, who led the 1999 side. "I see this team step up and put forth the character that is needed to win those big games."
Los Angeles finally claimed a trophy in January, capturing the Football Confederation Champions Cup against the top clubs in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Galaxy also advanced to the final of the U.S. Open Cup and will play the New England Revolution on October 27.
"We've been in this position before and haven't finished well. We want to concentrate on the next game," said midfielder Cobi Jones, who led the Galaxy in scoring with 22 points and has been with the club for all six MLS seasons.
Mauricio Cienfuegos scored eight minutes into overtime Wednesday as Los Angeles reached the final with a 2-1 road triumph over Chicago in Game Three of their semifinal series.
After losing the chance to compete against the Galaxy for their first Western Division title, San Jose will try to win its first MLS Cup in the all-California final at Crew Stadium.
The Earthquakes won both meetings during the regular season, 3-2 at the Rose Bowl on April 7 and 3-1 at Spartan Stadium on June 9. The clubs were scheduled to play a home-and-home series to end the season, but both matches were canceled following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
San Jose has gone from worst to first by scoring goals early and allowing very few.
The 'Quakes are a combined 21
2 in the regular and postseasons when netting the opening goal. In the playoffs, they have relied upon teenage striker Landon Donovan and midfielder Manny Lagos for offensive production. They lead all postseason performers with 10 and eight points, respectively.
However, Lagos may not be available Sunday due to a hamstring injury.
"At the moment, it's sore, it's day-by-day," said San Jose's Frank Yallop, the MLS Coach of the Year. "Manny has been a huge part of our success this season. ... We're hoping Manny will be available to play on Sunday."
San Jose allowed a league-low 29 goals during the season, boasting a defense anchored by Jeff Agoos, who will become the first player to take the field in five MLS Cup finals. The U.S. international was honored as MLS Defender of the Year on Tuesday. On the same day, his teammate on the back line, Troy Dayak, claimed Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Dayak's goal four minutes into overtime gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 victory over Miami on Wednesday and a berth in this game.
