Revolution-Galaxy Key Matchups: MLS Cup Final

Jay Heaps vs Bruce Arena

Most Revolution fans remember Jay Heaps career on the field as a member of the Revolution, it is his recent work as the coach of the Revolution that is drawing headlines, however. Heaps led the Revs to a 17-13-4 record in 2014 with his attacking midfield and strong defense. In just his 3rd season as a head coach, Heaps will be appearing in his first MLS Cup final.

Heaps will be facing his former coach in this game, Bruce Arena. Arena has been in the coaching ranks since 1978, just two years after Jay Heaps was born. Arena recruited Heaps during his legendary career at Virginia. Arena eventually coached Heaps as part of the U.S. Men's National team.

Arena is still at the top of his profession, winning two MLS Cups in his tenure with the Galaxy (since 2008). Arena has created a Western Conference superpower in his time with the team, going to four MLS Cup Finals in his six years -- a clear advantage over the far less experienced Heaps.

ADVANTAGE- Galaxy

Key Substitutes

The Revs bench has become very short in the playoffs. Kevin Alston delivered a huge defensive performance in the 2nd leg of the Eastern Conference Finals against Lloyd Sam of the New York Red Bulls. That move pushed Kelyn Rowe to the bench, which could happen again in the final. 

Rowe and Diago Kobayashi are the only substitutes that are likely to be used in the attacking portion of the field. Diago would only likely be used in an emergency situation while Rowe will likely get the start over Alston.

The Galaxy will likely roll with their starting 11 and only make substitutions for defensive purposes. If any substitutes enter the game, it would likely be Alan Gordon for offensive purposes or Baggio Husidic for defensive purposes.

ADVANTAGE: Revolution

Shuttleworth vs Penedo

Both keepers have been on fire in recent weeks. Penedo entered the playoffs with one of the top goals against average in MLS (1.14) and has continued to impress. He is 2-1-1 with a 0.5 goals against average — allowing only two goals on 13 shots faced.

Shuttleworth his a higher goals against average, allowing 1.5 goals per match, but has more saves than any other keeper in the playoffs. Shuttleworth has turned away 18 of 24 shots en route to a 3-0-1 record. 

This one is too close to call, both keepers will need to be at the top of their game if they want to leave with the cup, however.

PUSH 

Nguyen vs Keane

Although Lee Nguyen and Robbie Keane will not see a lot of each other, they will take the field as two of the three finalists for MLS MVP. Keane's 19 and Nguyen's 18 goals rank 3rd and 4th, respectively, in MLS. Both players are extremely deserving of MVP honors, but both will be more focused on hoisting the cup.

Once again, this is too close to call. Although Nguyen gets points for his ability from the midfield, Keane's ability is undeniable as well.

PUSH

Jones vs DeLaGarza

Jermaine Jones has come into New England and helped turn the Revs into a legit title contender. His professional nature and world-class ability have elevated the Revolution attack to levels that have not been seen in Foxboro since the days of Taylor Twellman.

He will face stiff defensive competition in A.J. DeLaGarza. DeLaGarza told the media that he is at full health and will be ready for the championship game. This is a big boost for LA, who has one of the top defensive units in MLS. With his great quickness and quick feet, DeLaGarza is a nightmare for almost everyone.

ADVANTAGE - Revolution

Davies vs Gonzalez

Charlie Davies will enter this championship match as one of the hottest players on the field having netted four goals in four Revolution playoff games. Davies speed helped him net two goals in the Eastern Conference Final. Davies inspirational rise back to stardom is looking for a story-book ending, but he will have to face a familiar face to soccer fans -- Omar Gonzalez.

Gonzalez continues his stellar career with another good year as a starter for the U.S. Men's National team. He uses his size and great positioning to deny chances in the box for opponents. 

ADVANTAGE- Revolution

Donovan vs Farrell

Landon Donovan is one of the greatest players in U.S. soccer history and one of, if not the greatest player in MLS history. Donovan comes into this championship game after announcing that this season would be the last season of his professional soccer career. 

Donovan has three goals in four games for LA in their playoff run to go along with his two assists. 

Second year defender Andrew Farrell is sure to be challenged in this game by Donovan and company down the left side of the field. The Galaxy will look to set up their offense and open the Revs defense up from that side of the field. 

ADVANTAGE- Galaxy

LA Attack vs Revs Defense

The Galaxy will feature one of the most potent forward groups in MLS. They combine Landon Donovan with Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes. The trio have combined for 45 goals -- Keane and Zardes netting 35 of those goals.

They will meet stiff competition in the middle of the field in the duo of Jose Goncalves and A.J. Soares. The duo center the defense and, when at their best, are one of the best defensive tandems in MLS. The strength and versatility of Soares and Goncalves could help slow down Keane and Zardes -- but unless they play their best game of the season, it will be hard to shut down the scoring tandem from LA.

ADVANTAGE- Galaxy

Overall Advantage

Disregard the 5-1 win that the Galaxy had over the Revolution in the regular season when watching this game. Both teams are vastly improved and both will be healthy for the championship match.

Both teams like to get forward and try to score, leaving both susceptible to counter attacks. Combine that with the coaching pedigree of Arena and the Galaxy have the slight advantage over the Revolution. 

The advantage, however, is very slight. This game should be one of the most exciting matches of the season and is primed to be one of the best MLS Cup Finals in recent history.

ADVANTAGE- LA