The 2009 MLS Cup was held on November 22, 2009, at Qwest Field (now Lumen Field) in Seattle, Washington. Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. This marked Real Salt Lake's first MLS Cup championship in franchise history.
Donovan Ricketts scored the opening goal for Los Angeles in the 25th minute, but Robbie Findley equalized for Real Salt Lake in the 85th minute to force extra time. After 30 minutes of scoreless extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout where Real Salt Lake converted all five of their attempts while Los Angeles missed one.
The match was notable for being the first MLS Cup final to be decided by penalty kicks since 2003. Real Salt Lake's victory capped off an incredible playoff run that saw them advance from the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference to claim their first championship.