If the game had to be played today versus the New England Revolution ....Joseph Ngwenya would start in place of Ching. Ngwenya is ready for the challenge ....but he also hopes Ching is back. "Ever since I came here in the trade (earlier this year) I have felt comfortable with my teamates. I feel like I've been here 3 years instead of just a few months. Everyone here works so hard...they're professional...that's why they're a championsip team. I'm ready and excited but I hope Brian is back."

DeRosario will be trying to win his 4th MLS Cup. He won two while this franchise was based in San Jose ....he won last year's with the Dynamo and he says number 4 would be extra sweet. "Anytime you get to play for the Cup it's special. This is what we've worked so hard for." Added Kinnear,"It's been a long year. We started at the end of January and through all the Super-Liga, Gold Cup National team call-ups ...all that stuff ... we've been through a lot. But at the same time .....I'm happy to be where we are right now."

And where they are right now ........is on the verge of repeating as MLS champions.