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San Jose takes the 2001 MLS Cup

© Corey Arnold

I don't know about you, but I tend to pull for the underdog. And I don't think it gets more "underdog" then to go from the worst record in MLS to winning the MLS Cup, but that is what San Jose has done.

San Jose had to scrap to get here, but they got here. With a new coach and new lineup, they earned the right to play in the Cup. But it was their heart and their depth that gave them the Cup. The MLS Cup match started with the Quakes controlling play. But in the 21st minute Greg Vanney sent a penetrating pass over the San Jose defense to an on-rushing Luis Hernandez. Hernandez perfectly controlled the ball and then blasted a shot past Joe Cannon for a 1-0 lead.

But San Jose kept pushing and in the 43rd minute they finally equalized when Ian Russell sent a cross in that found its way through 4 players and at the speedy feet of Landon Donovan who hammered it into the upper corner.

The game remained tied into overtime. This was only the second time a MLS Cup match went into overtime. And super-sub, Dwayne DeRosario made the difference and earned MVP honors as well. In the 6th minute of overtime, DeRosario who had subbed in the 85th minute, took control of the ball on the left side of the field and caried it down and into the penalty area. A couple of moves gave him just enough space around his defender to place a perfect shot just inside the far right post. Kevin Hartman was able to get a touch to it, but not enough to keep it out.

With the golden goal, San Jose claimed the win and the 2001 MLS Cup.