MLS Cup arrives in California

The MLS trophy has arrived in Southern California ahead of the MLS Cup final between LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo on November 20.

Former Galaxy players Mauricio Cienfuegas and general manager Alexi Lalas accompanied the trophy to the Santa Monica pier, kicking off the festivities ahead of the main event.

The final is at the 27,000-seat Home Depot Center, home to the Galaxy, for the fourth time since the inaugural tournament back in 1996.

The match could be an American swansong for English star David Beckham, who has been linked with a move back to Europe.

Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said Southern California had a unique party atmosphere in which to contest the final.

“This is the fifth, if I’m not mistaken, time that the MLS Cup has been played here in Southern California,” Lalas said.

“This is obviously a wonderful place from a sporting perspective and from a weather perspective, lots of people want to come here.”

“We’re welcoming a lot of people that are coming to visit specifically to go to MLS Cup and so it’s a wonderful opportunity not just for the actual games being played but also the party that goes on around it.”