Omar Jasseh's San Jose Earthquakes crash out of MLS Cup Final

Colorado Rapids emerged from the Eastern Conference final winning by a goal to nil against Omar Jasseh's San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Colorado.

For the first time during a remarkable turnaround season that saw San Jose Earthquakes reach the brink of the MLS Cup, their offence simply couldn't find a way to keep the run headed in the right direction, according to www.sjearthquakes.com

"I thought it was an even match and obviously (they) scored their goal and they had other chances to score goals, but so did we," Earthquakes manager Frank Yallop said in his initial assessment. "I'm really really proud of the guys, not just tonight but all season."

Although the Earthquakes managed eight shots in the game (in contrast to Colorado's 16), they only put one on frame and barely managed to test Matt Pickens.

Particularly crucial were two missed headers from Chris Wondolowski and Brandon McDonald in the second half that could have easily been goals on a different night.

Despite falling just short, players and staff acknowledged the team's excellent run through a season where they were predicted by many pundits to finish closer to the bottom of the MLS standings.

A game like the conference final is still a learning experience for even the most veteran of players, as Busch, going strong at age 34, pointed out.

Colorado Rapids, winners of the Eastern Conference Championship, will now face the winner between LA Galaxy and FC Dallas from the Western Conference Championship, on 21 November in MLS Cup at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario.