The Los Angeles Galaxy gave MLS its second TFC Champions Cup title in three years, beating Olimpia of Honduras, 3-2, in the final at the Los Angeles Coliseum. St. Vincent & Grenadines defender Ezra Hendrickson scored the winning goal, breaking in from the right wing and taking Mauricio Cienfuegos’ through ball for the goal. Roberto Lima had tied the score for Olimpia with a header early in the second half. The first three goals came within four minutes in the first half — and recent Galaxy signing Alexi Lalas was involved in each of them. His hand ball set up a penalty that gave Olimpia a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. Lalas then set up Hendrickson and Cobi Jones for goals to give the Galaxy a 2-1 halftime lead. The Galaxy, TFC runner-up in 1997, and Olimpia, a two-time CONCACAF champion, head to the FIFA Club World Championship this summer. D.C. United won the CONCACAF title in 1998, MLS’s first international crown. The Washington team finished fourth this year, falling to Pachuca of Mexico, 2-1, in the third-place game. Jan. 21 in Los Angeles Los Angeles Galaxy (USA) 3 Olimpia (Honduras) 2. Goals: Hendrickson 36, 78, Jones 39; Tosello (pen.) 34, Lima 51. Los Angeles Galaxy — Hartman, Frye (Victorine, 60), Hendrikson, Lalas, Caligiuri, Vanney, Ibsen, Vagenas, Cienfuegos (Kelly, 90), Elliott, Jones, Olimpia — Gonzalez, Santamaria, Membreno, Paes, J.L. Pineda (Tilguath, 88), A.Pineda (Cruz, 88), Lima, J.Cabellero, Vasquez, Tosello, Denilson Costa. Att.: n/a.
