MicroLeague Sports Association September 20, 2000   MLS: San Diego Captures MLS Cup 2-0 Dominant Performance Caps Season   The San Diego Sun completed a perfect playoff run with a completely dominant performance in the first ever MLS Cup, beating Detroit 2-0. Missing from the game was Texas, the prohibitive favorites to win the title. They were ousted in the first round by Detroit with the league's best MVP candidate, Brian McBride, out with an injury. Nonetheless, San Diego handled the game with the same level of control they had handled Boston with in the first round. Their midfield was completely dominant in every aspect and Jason Kreis was named MLS Cup 2000 MVP. The first goal of the game came in the 60th minute. After five near misses in the first half, San Diego finally cracked the goal early in the second period. Jason Kreis distributed the ball wide to Mo Johnston, who had come on as a substitute for Preki. Johnston stopped and sent a long 30 yard cross into the box, right on target to the far post. Raul Diaz Arce gained perfect position on Maurizio Wright and ripped the net with a powerful header that left no chance for Kevin Hartman to react. For the rest of the game, San Diego completely confounded Detroit playmaker Mauricio Cinefuegos. Richie Williams, as he had done all year, did the defensive work. San Diego's possession and Steve Ralston's tireless running kept Jason Moore in a defensive posture all game, effectively neutralizing one of Detroit's best creative forces. At the center of it all was Kreis, directing the offense, which held possession of the ball for 62% of the game, on their way to outshooting Detroit 11-5. Although Detroit never threatened Scott Garlick's net, the championship was not assured until Ante Razov scored another last kick goal, similar to the one that ended San Diego's first round series. Jason Kreis again started the play by distributing down the wing. This time, it was Ralston on the right who sent the cross in for Razov to snap home with his head. With such a dominant performance, San Diego proved they were the Champions of MLS. After a horrid 0-4 start, they were the league's most consistent team. They climbed the standings as others dropped and when the high flyers riding hot streaks cooled in the playoffs, they were left standing, holding the trophy. Box Score @ San Diego, CA September 16, 2000 Scoring SD- Diaz Arce (Johnston, Kreis), 60th SD- Razov (Ralston, Kreis), 90th Bookings None Statistics SD Det 11 Shots 5 9 On Goal 3 4 Corners 0 0 Cards 0 0 Fouls 0 62% Possession 38% 26% Att Zone 20% Most Valuable Player - Jason Kreis, San Diego Player Ratings SAN DIEGO SUN G, Scott Garlick (7) - Wasn't challenged but controlled game well. D, Paul Caligiuri (6) - Solid performance defensively. D, Jan Eriksson (6) - Made no mistakes or notable plays. D, Ted Chronopoulos (7) - Blanketed Zambrano, made several key plays. M, Steve Ralston (8) - Terror on the wing all game, clinching assist. M, Richie Williams (8) - Dominated flow, created offense. M, Jason Kreis (7) - Started both goals from center of the field. M, Matt McKeon (6) - Helped Williams contain Cienfuegos. M, Preki (6) - Solid but unexciting performance. F, Raul Diaz Arce (7) - First goal put San Diego in control. F, Roy Lassiter (6) - Failed to finish but was a threat. Substitutes Mo Johnston (7) - No letup when he entered. Ante Razov (7) - Clinched game with late goal. Todd Yeagley (7) - Played well defensively late in the game. DETROIT MERCENARIES G, Kevin Hartman (7) - Made some amazing saves to keep team alive. D, C.J. Brown (6) - Played solidly in first half, not noticed in second. D, Peter Verms (7) - Played very well, tackled with perfection. D, Maurizio Wright (6) - Inconsistent. Good plays and beaten on both goals. D, Jimmy Conrad (6) - Had to contend with Ralston and Williams. M, John Maessner (6) - Disappeared after dangerous first half. M, Jorge Salcedo (4) - Had no impact in slowing San Diego's midfield. M, Mauricio Cienfuegos (4) - No threats created, no defensive impact. M, Jason Moore (5) - Had too much trouble defending to create offense. F, Henry Zambrano (5) - Failed to convert and create. F, Dante Washington (5) - Missed all opportunities. Substitutes Richard Mulrooney (4) - Was overwhelmed on the wing. Josh Wolff (5) - Wasn't provided with many chances. Brian Maissoneuve (5) - Little time or opportunity to impact game.