This column originally ran in The Standard-Times on Nov. 12, 2005.

By Nick Tavares

On the eve of the MLS Cup title game, the Revolution and Galaxy are ready to take each other on for the crown.

One was the regular-season conference champion, the other underdogs who have scrapped their way to the final.

Haven't we been here before? Well, sort of.

In 2002, these two squads met for the Cup in Foxboro. The Revs were the underdogs who battled their way through September and strung together upsets to reach the final, while L.A. was the heavy favorite.

That game ended with a late goal from then-L.A. forward Carlos Ruiz.

The teams bear only slight semblance to their 2002 counterparts, but the stakes are the same, and New England is hungry for a title.

But they're not talking about the past.

"We really haven't talked about that," said New England midfielder Steve Ralston, who was in his first year with the Revs in 2002. "I know a lot of people are playing up the rematch thing, but there aren't that many guys left from either team.

"This could be my last chance to win a title, and to win a title would be the best way to cap one heck of a run this year."

Ralston is a longtime veteran of MLS, breaking into the league in its inaugural year in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, and has been a vital cog in New England's motor since his arrival.

He typifies the attitude of the team that led the Eastern Conference in team points and late goals hang in there, don't quit, and have fun.

The past few years, which have included a September run to scratch out a playoff spot, likely helped groom the team for its current position.

"It's been nice (being a favorite), a little less stressful than last year," Ralston said. "In past years we've had to scramble to get back in, and this year's been a lot different.

"It's a credit to the team. I think the fact that we have the same basic group of guys, the fact that we have just a talented group of players all coming together at the right time."

The Revs run into the Galaxy at their hottest. Led by Landon Donovan's two goals, the Galaxy upset the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference final, but its talents run farther than Donovan. Forward Hercules Gomez and midfielders Peter Vagenas and Cobi Jones have contributed to a balanced attack that will have New England on its toes.

"Landon is one of the best players in this league, but he's not the only player on that team," Ralston said. "They're not a one man team, and he'll be the first to tell you that.

"Their defense is playing very well -- they haven't given up much at all -- and they have good, strong forwards."

The two teams played to two 1-1 ties in the middle of the season.

While no one is taking this situation lightly, the Revs are a fun-first bunch, and, as Ralston notes, they won't forget their place.

"Our mood is the same every day -- we have fun. We go with the family we have, and we enjoy ourselves.

"(But) we're here to win. It would be a shame not to win with as good as a season as we've had."

Nick Tavares is a columnist for The Standard-Times. Contact him at ntavares@s-t.com

This story appeared on Page C1 of The Standard-Times on November 12, 2005.