By the time streamers shot into the sky and fluttered down on Colorado Rapids players, coaches and staff celebrating with the club's first MLS Cup, the stands are BMO Field in Toronto were mostly empty and the giant, white maple leaf that adorns the center-section seats was barely obscured.

More than a decade after launching his pro career, Daniel Hernandez came home.

Not every team that is supposed to win but doesn't has choked; however, the Galaxy is labeled thusly for its performance against FC Dallas Sunday night in the Western Conference final.

The Red Bulls proved this season that despite the constraints of MLS, with a sharp coach and the right changes in personnel a team burdened by a terrible record -- as in five wins last year -- can be converted into a winner.