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 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 after extra time. This was Real Salt Lake's first MLS Cup championship in franchise history.
The match was notable for its dramatic finish, with Robbie Findley scoring for Real Salt Lake in the 25th minute and Donovan Ricketts making several crucial saves throughout the match. The Galaxy equalized through Landon Donovan's penalty kick in the 60th minute. After 30 minutes of extra time failed to produce a winner, the match went to penalties where Real Salt Lake prevailed.
The 2009 MLS Cup was particularly significant as it represented a major upset, with Real Salt Lake defeating the heavily favored Galaxy squad that featured international stars like Donovan and David Beckham. The victory capped off an incredible playoff run for Real Salt Lake, who had finished fourth in the Western Conference during the regular season.