In 2005, the LA Galaxy won an MLS Cup title after finishing the regular season eighth out of 12 teams. That was 11 years ago, and although Bruce Arena wasn’t yet in charge, Landon Donovan and Alan Gordon were on the squad. Seven years later the Galaxy finished eighth overall again. Gordon was in San Jose but Donovan—joined by David Beckham and Robbie Keane—helped power LA to another championship.
The Galaxy have won titles as favorites, but they’ve also proven that MLS is all about how you finish. And although this season hasn’t really had a championship feel, LA’s dominant 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake in Wednesday night’s Western Conference knockout-round match should come as no surprise.