November 22, 2009
THE STARTING XI
Kovalenko out, Kirovski in for LA

SEATTLE -- A week-long bout with the flu forced Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Dema Kovalenko to the bench for the kickoff of Sunday night's MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field.

That forced Galaxy coach Bruce Arena to juggle his lineup. According to the MLS official team sheet passed out to the media prior to the championship game, Landon Donovan, who usually plays in the midfield, was listed up top alongside former Red Bulls forward Edson Buddle.

Veteran Jovan Kirovski was inserted into the starting 11 and was expected to take over Kovelanko's role. Chris Brichall was expected to move to the center, with David Beckham on the right side.

Whether the Galaxy could adapt to all these changes for one game, it remained to be seen.

Yet another ex-Red Bull, Mike Magee, was moved back from forward to midfield.

The lineups:

Los Angeles Galaxy

Goalkeeper -- Donovan Ricketts.

Defenders -- Sean Franklin, Gregg Berhalter, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Duniviant.

Midfielders -- David Beckham, Mike Magee, Chris Brichall, Jovan Kirovski.

Forwards -- Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan.

Reserves -- Josh Saunders, A.J. DeLaGarza, Alan Gordon, Chris Klein, Dema Kovalenko, Eddie Lewis, Yohance Marshall

Real Salt Lake

Goalkeeper -- Nick Rimando.

Defenders -- Robbie Russell, Nat Borcherts, Jamison Olave, Chris Wingert

Midfielders -- Andy Williams, Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, Will Johnson

Forwards -- Robbie Findley, Yura Movsisyan

Reserves -- Chris Seitz, Jean Alexandre, Tony Beltran, Pablo Campos, Fabian Espindola, Ned Grabavoy, Clint Mathis