Real Salt Lake prevails for MLS championship

SEATTLE - Robbie Russell scored in the seventh round of penalty kicks and underdog, overlooked Real Salt Lake beat the star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy 5-4 on penalties for its first Major League Soccer championship.

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando made 2 saves during penalties, and league MVP Landon Donovan missed badly over the crossbar, giving RSL a chance in the extra rounds. After Rimando smothered Edson Buddle's shot, Russell beat backup Los Angeles keeper Josh Saunders into the lower left corner to set off a wild celebration.

Robbie Findley scored in the 64th minute to pull RSL even at 1-1 after Mike Magee gave Los Angeles the lead in the 41st minute off a perfect cross by Donovan.

It was the second straight shootout victory for Salt Lake, which beat the Fire 5-4 on penalties last week in the Eastern Conference championship.