Breaking down MLS Cup '07: Revolution vs. Dynamo

The moral of the story in MLS in 2007: D trumps DPs. It's a major reason why New England and Houston will face off for the MLS Cup title for the second consecutive season (Sunday, ABC, noon). The two finalists -- the models of stability in the ever-fluent MLS -- are built largely in the same manner: They possess rock-solid defenses but not brand-name superstars.

Will the Dynamo become the league's first repeat champion since D.C. United in 1996-97? Will they beat New England in MLS Cup for the second straight year? Or will the Revs, in their fourth trip to an MLS Cup final, finally win their first championship? And will they become the first team to run through the playoffs without conceding a goal?

Who will lift the trophy on Sunday in Washington, D.C.? Let's break down the New England-Houston MLS Cup final battle.

'07 MLS Cup Breakdown How the Revolution and Dynamo match up for Sunday's championship game. Forwards New England Analysis Houston Taylor Twellman When it's all said and done, Taylor Twellman may be the most prolific goal-scorer in MLS history. His stunning bicycle-kick strike against Chicago was his 100th career goal (counting playoffs). And his tally in last year's final was nearly enough. For the Dynamo, two midseason trades have paid off in a big way, especially with the injury to Brian Ching. Nate Jaqua and Joseph Ngwenya, who combined to score 13 goals in '07, must step up on Sunday. EDGE: New England Nate Jaqua Midfield New England Analysis Houston Shalrie Joseph This is where the game will be won. Dwayne De Rosario and Shalrie Joseph will get everyone's attention -- and rightly so -- but don't overlook the importance of the Jeff Larentowicz in the five-man Revolution midfield. If Steve Ralston can find time and space to work, Houston could have a problem. Is this game the Dynamo start to feel the loss of Ricardo Clark to suspension? One player who could make a major impact, especially late, is Houston's Stuart Holden. EDGE: New England D. De Rosario Defense New England Analysis Houston Michael Parkhurst The Dynamo conceded just 23 goals in '07, easily the fewest in MLS history. Eddie Robinson should have been Defender of the Year. Combined with the rugged Craig Waibel, Wade Barrett and Ryan Cochrane, Houston makes it difficult to breathe. Even though it let in 20 more goals, this Revs D is formidable: It hasn't allowed a playoff goal in more than 270 minutes. The three-man backline is anchored by Michael Parkhurst, who amazingly committed five fouls all year, but the play of Avery John and Jay Heaps often is overlooked. EDGE: Houston Eddie Robinson Goalkeeping New England Analysis Houston Matt Reis Easy math: Great defense + great goalkeeper = Bad combo for opponents. Pat Onstad proved that by posting the lowest goals-against avg. (0.82) in MLS history. With that orange wall in front of him, Onstad faced only four shots a game, likely the No. 1 reason Onstad wasn't the Goalkeeper of the Year (It was Chivas USA's Brad Guzan). The Revs' Matt Reis is just as good, although his 1.43 GAA was his worst since '03. If it comes down to PKs again, there are few other MLS 'keepers you'd want. EDGE: Houston Pat Onstad Coaching New England Analysis Houston Steve Nicol With apologies to D.C. United, New England and Houston have been the league's model franchises over the past five years. And these two Scottish-born coaches are a predominant reason why. For Steve Nicol, this will be his fourth Cup final appearance in his six seasons in charge of the Revs. For Dominic Kinnear, it's his second in four seasons with the franchise. Stability breeds success, especially in the salary-cap world of MLS. EDGE: Even Dominic Kinnear Intangibles New England Analysis Houston '07 Open Cup title Red Sox. Pats. Celtics. Revs? For better or worse, this seems to be Boston's year. After losing three MLS Cup titles, the Revs finally earned some silverware by capturing the 2007 U.S. Open Cup. With busloads of fans coming down, including the always-strong Midnight Riders, New England will feel at home at RFK. But do the reigning champs have any psychological edge in the final? Houston beat New England on PKs in last year's final. EDGE: New England '06 MLS Cup title PREDICTION: New England 1-0