WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?

Weather forecasts are calling for temperatures in the 40's and -- surprise! -- rain in Seattle today, but it should be tapering off by kickoff. Still, that could leave the artificial turf at Qwest Field wet and slippery. "For the goalkeeper, it's a nightmare, really," RSL's Nick Rimando said. "You really have to adjust, look at all the skipping balls."

MISMATCH ON PAPER

Salaries certainly have played into the perception of a mismatch in the game. While RSL doesn't have anybody making more than midfielder Javier Morales at $200,000 this season, the Galaxy's David Beckham and Landon Donovan are making $6.5 million and $900,000, respectively.

TREMENDOUS GROWTH

Coach Bruce Arena of the Galaxy has marveled like many others this week at the growth of Major League Soccer since its first title game in 1996. "I cannot imagine 14 years into the NBA, or Major League Baseball or the NFL, that they came close to having the kind of progress we've had as a league," he said. "It has been absolutely fabulous."


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