So far Revolution will be happy with another solid away performance. Delicately poised at the half-hour stage.

Opta Jack:, external Revolution have won both of their away playoff games in MLS 2014, prior to that they had won just one of ten (3D 6L).

Richard Padula
BBC World Service Sport at the StubHub Center

"With all the focus on Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane perhaps Galaxy striker Gyasi Zardes could grab the headlines. The 23-year-old with the eye-catching Mohican is widely regarded as one of the best US prospects in the league. Earlier this week the former USA assistant coach Alfonso Mondelo was telling me how impressed he was."

The game opens up as Revolution take their turn to threaten. Striker Charlie Davies looks to latch on to a through ball, but Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza comes across to cover with a sliding block.

Davies is a player whose career has tugged on the heartstrings of MLS fans. He was involved in an awful car crash in 2009 which killed a passenger and left him wondering if he would ever walk again. But he has been in great form this year and scored twice in the 2-2 Eastern Conference play-off draw with New York last weekend.

Can he cap his personal fairytale with a MLS Cup winner?

Sighter of goal for Robbie Keane. The Irishman picks up the ball about 25 yards out from goal as the Revolution players back off at an alarming rate.

Keane unleashes a fierce shot which smacks the legs of Revolution keeper Bobby Shuttleworth. That's a stinger. But more importantly it keeps the score goalless.

Finally signs of life from the Galaxy. I promised myself I wouldn't make that gag. Oh well.

Robbie Keane's pullback from the left is just behind a team-mate, before the home side force a flurry of corners. But the Revolution defence are organised and deal with Galaxy's threat from set-pieces.

Image source, Reuters

Galaxy fans find their voice as they crank up the noise inside the StubHub Center. That comes as Revolution continue to crank up the pressure. Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo races off his line to beat Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen to a loose ball.

Image source, MLS

MLS:, external Play for glory & make history. #FirstToFive #MLSCup

The message from the LA Galaxy fans is clear as their heroes aim to become the first MLS side to win five titles.

As expected Jermaine Jones, who you may remember scored a wonder strike for the US against Portugal in the World Cup, is pulling all the strings for Revolution.

But they are yet to carve open another opportunity for a pot-shot at Penedo's goal.

The palms of Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo are stung for the first time as Revolution's Jermaine Jones tries his luck from distance. But his low shot trundles straight at Jaime Penedo for a comfortable introduction.

Richard Padula
BBC World Service Sport at the StubHub Center

"Galaxy coach Bruce Arena is prowling the touch line, but he's been the most relaxed man in Los Angeles this week. He even joined the journalists for their MLS pre-game party in Manhattan Beach. But he knows what he's doing. Tony Meola and John Harkes have been singing his praises and many believe he's the greatest coach the USA has ever produced. Looking for his fifth MLS Cup victory."

After that early flurry of excitement, the game has settled down into a midfield scrap. Sloppy touches from both sides as neither can enjoy a sustained period of possession.

Seconds in and there is almost an early goal for Galaxy. Another familiar name - Robbie Rogers - bursts into the Revolution penalty box from left-back, but the ex-Leeds United man sees his effort scrambled off the line.

Finally - at that traditional kick-off time of 20:27 GMT - we are under way.

US midfielder Jermaine Jones gives some final words of wisdom to his Revolution boys, before Galaxy also go into a pre-match huddle.

Revolution have an exciting, young and pacy team but the season looked to be heading nowhere until, out of the blue, they shelled out $4.7m for ex-Schalke star Jones .

Since he turned up the season has turned around. In the 14 games that have followed they have won 10, drawn three and lost one.

Bet Blackburn fans (where he had a brief and unspectacular spell on loan in 2011) wish he had a similar impact at Ewood Park.

BBC World Service Sport's Richard Padula: "Los Angeles is well-known for star-spotting. Haven't seen too many celebrities, but Gerard Houllier is here watching the game. No surprises that Landon Donavon gets the biggest cheer as the PA announcer goes through the teams."

Image source, Reuters

Hot on the heels of the trophy are the two sets of players. LA Galaxy skipper Robbie Keane looks rather calm as he leads his team out, high fiving fans hanging over the perimeter fence.

Californian sunshine. Rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Fireworks. Colourful, shiny placards held up by the fans.

Almost show-time.

Former Coventry midfielder Cobi Jones - and some other as-yet-unidentifiable bloke - have the honour of carrying out this....

Image source, @MLS

...the prize at stake.

Tons of goals?! Yes please.

BBC World Service Sport's Richard Padula at the StubHub Center: "Just over 10 minutes until kick-off, there are even fans sitting on the grass bank under the big screen as they were for David Beckham's debut in this same ground.

"Former USA international and New England player Taylor Twellman is expecting excitement. This is what he told me before kick-off: 'The game is going to be wide open, we'll get a ton of goals, a lot is going to happen. It's not going to be your usual 1-0 MLS Cup final because I'd be shocked if New England can defend'."