Nick Rimando Relives The 2009 MLS Cup, Shares Insight With Fans

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake are trying to keep their beloved fans happy and watching soccer, again. Despite the madness that the world finds itself in, RSL is hoping to be a ray of distraction and relive the glory days.

On Wednesday, March 25, fans tuned in to re-watch the biggest game of the club’s history, the 2009 MLS Cup final against the LA Galaxy, via a live stream on rls.com.

Former RSL goalkeeper and greatest goalkeeper to ever grace an MLS pitch, Nick Rimando, shared his thoughts on Twitter as the match unfolded-

Hey everyone it’s Nick here just letting you guys know I’m in control, here is mine first tweet. 9️⃣ minute warning.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Rimando would even share a photo of the setup he has at his home.

All ready here. 🍻 pic.twitter.com/Pu3Xnk68cW

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

The bus ride to the stadium was quiet, the players were fixated on the task at hand and with the help of some music blasting through earphones, the players geared up for the biggest game in club history.

I remember the bus ride being so quite. Everyone in their own zone, headphones on and siked for the game.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Rimando also noted that Javier Morale’s ability to play defense was what separated himself from the other number 10’s in the league.

Seeing @javi_mo11 slide, go into tackles and run balls down separated himself from the other 10’s in the league.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Morales would, unfortunately, have to be subbed off in the 22nd minute after tearing his meniscus in his left knee following a gruesome challenge with David Beckham.

And there it is. The foul that ended Javi’s game. I remember just thinking “get up Javi, run it off!”

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Michael Magee would eventually score late in the first half to give the Galaxy a lot of momentum going into half time. Rimando shared a lot of insight as to how the goal unfolded.

I remember looking back at the shot when it went by me and saying “no no no”.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

We use to break up the game in 15 minutes increments and always taking pride in being organized and not giving up a goal in the last 15. This was a big blow for us.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

I remember seeing @magee18 back-post but more important was the ball on Landon Donavon’s foot. He’s a player you can cheat with so had to stay at my near post till he made a play. Unfortunate for us it was a great ball across and McGee did well with it.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Once that ball was played, my reaction was to get across as fast as I could and be as big as I can. Wasn’t enough.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Chatted with @magee18 a little today and he said it took him 2 years to get over this game. I said you had 2 goals though and reply with “how’d that work out for me”.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Fortunately, Robbie Findley, third on the list of RSL’s all-time leading goalscorer with 36, put the ball in the back of the onion bag in the 64th minute. The goal would eventually push the game into extra time and ultimately penalties…

This goal in my eyes defined Findley for us. The kids never stopped working and never gave up. Some will say it was a lucky bounce I think he was in the right place at the right time. Deserved that.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

The penalty shoot was intense. Rimando made the first save after denying Jovan Kirovski with a diving save to his right.

Beckerman would step up next with the intent to give RSL a slight buffer. However, his shot, that was headed for the side netting, would be saved and the shoot out was back to being all square.

I remember feeling gutted for Becks, he carried us on his back all year and there’s nothing more he wanted then to be a champion. I knew I had to do my part not only for RSL but for my brother.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

The captain of the Galaxy, Landon Donavon would then step up to the plate, it seemed as though he quickly got a case of the yips after he skied his shot above the crossbar. Advantage RSL, yet again.

Donovan made his fair share on me over the years and I just remember telling myself to stay as long as you can and don’t let him read you. I’d like to think I had a little to do with his miss but to see his shot go sailing over the bar it didn’t even matter.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Ned Grabavoy would then calmly slot his attempt. The next man up was Andy Williams, unfortunately, his shot, that would have won the cup for RSL was saved after Williams tried to pass the ball along the ground to the keepers right.

Felt bad for Andy and everything he went through that year. It was a fairy tail ending but it just wasn’t meant to be. Such a great career he had.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Rimando would have to make one more big stop, and it came. A diving save to his right denied Edson Buddle which gave Robbie Russell a chance to bring the MLS Cup back to Salt Lake City.

He would calmly sneak the ball just inside the left post. Victory RSL.

Clutch! Wasn’t fazed by anything just went up there and picked his corner. Robbie for the WIN! Man I love this team.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Big shout from me to all of our coaches, staff and front office that year. One to remember.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Rimando spoke on the aftermath in the locker room, and how David Beckham spoke to the RSL players. He congratulated them on a terrific season.

Just wanted to note after the game Beckham came into our locker room and congratulated us in such a genuine way. It takes a lot to do that in defeat. Another example David set for the league. Such class.

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

We also hope Rimando’s mom made a healthy recovery! A broken ankle does not sound like it was part of the celebration plans.

Okay guys, that was fun. So many great memories. The season is a mystery but can’t wait to see you at the Riot.

✌🏽

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Also side note, my mom was so excited and tried to get to the field she ate it down the stairs and broke her ankle. 🤦🏽‍♂️. Didn’t make the MLS CUP pics. 😂😂😂😂

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 26, 2020

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.