A 'Gold Rush' for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2005

The Los Angeles Galaxy won their first title in 2002. It only took them three more years to win a second.

In that particular season, the LA Galaxy became the 'Yankees' of professional soccer. Not only did they win the MLS Cup but they became the first franchise to win the US Open Cup in the same season.

Their dominance was at home, going 10-3-3. They struggled mightily on the road going 3-3-10.The LA Galaxy scored 44 times and allowed 45 goals finishing the season with a -1 differential.

Aside from the two trophies to hoist, what made the 2005 MLS season so special?

Landon Donovan emerged as the brightest star for the Los Angeles Galaxy. After starting his professional soccer career with the San Jose Earthquakes, he brought his winning ways to Southern California.

Donovan had won two MLS Cups with San Jose in 2001 and 2003. His third came with his new team as he led the Galaxy in scoring with 12 and assists with nine in just 22 games.

The Los Angeles Galaxy started out the season by going 7-2-2 in their first eleven games. Teammates Paulo Nagamura, Cobi Jones and Herculez Gomez helped led this squad to prosperity.

With the same score of 1-0, the Galaxy also collected another trophy. In beating Dallas FC, they became the 2005 US Open Cup champions.

They took out Chivas USA, the San Jose Earthquakes and the Minnesota Thunder. The LA Galaxy scored 12 goals in those three games and only allowed five. Gomez recorded a half dozen scores himself.

The crowing moment of winning the US Open Cup took place in Carson, California. The home crowd witnessed the first of two titles the LA Galaxy won.

Much like their first MLS Cup win, the Galaxy needed overtime, again, to defeat the New England Revolution, 1-0.

Guillermo Ramirez checked into the MLS Cup Finals for Ned Grabavov. Ramirez's lone goal was the decisive factor in the LA Galaxy winning their second championship.

As we know, there are more championsips by the Galaxy after the 2005 MLS season. Making history and setting the tone for their future may be the sweetest year of them all.