Andy Dorman and his New England Revolution team mates take on Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup final this weekend.
Chester-born Dorman, who grew up in Ewloe, has featured in three finals for Revolution in 2005, 2006 and 2007 but finished on the losing side on each occasion, adding to another loss for the club in 2002.
But the 32-year-old former Hawarden High School pupil, who rejoined New England in November 2012, and the rest of the squad are feeling confident after an excellent season.
Dorman feared his career, which has taken in spells with St Mirren and Crystal Palace, might have been over when he damaged his MCL in July but he regained full fitness and helped Revolution finish second in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season, earning them a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
New England defeated Columbus Crew in the conference semi-finals before edging out a New York Red Bulls side containing Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill in the conference final and on Sunday face Western Conference champions Los Angeles.
Galaxy have home advantage with the game taking place at the StubHub Center in Carson.
“I’m really looking forward to the final,” said Dorman, whose parents Dennis and Lynne still live in Ewloe.
“We travel to Los Angeles on Thursday and all of the squad are fit and available for the final. The stadium will be full and we are expecting an incredible atmosphere especially with it being Landon Donovon’s last game before he retires.
“We’re not concerned about the past and previous MLS Cup disappointments because hardly anybody in this squad was playing football at the Revolution when we last made an MLS final so all the talk is very positive.
“It is a brilliant way to finish an outstanding season.”
