With the Los Angeles Galaxy holding the best record in MLS and hosting the Cup final, Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Dynamo sees them as heavy favorites. Still, mother nature has ensured it won’t be easy, with rain pouring now and expected to continue throughout the day. The Galaxy are going to be without Chad Barrett, who was a key goal scorer down the stretch, but Houston will be without MVP candidate Brad Davis.

Start Time: Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. from Carson, CA.

TV Coverage: The game will be aired nationally on ESPN. Ian Darke will handle the play-by-play duties, John Harkes serves as the analyst. Monica Gomez and Rob Stone will report from the sidelines.

Internet: ESPN3 will be simulcasting the game.

Weather Report: It’ll be a cold and rainy night for soccer on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the high-50’s at the time of kickoff and there will be rain showers throughout the day.

Opening Line: The Galaxy are a one goal favorite

Notes: ESPN is using 21 cameras to broadcast MLS Cup 2011. Don Garber is scheduled to speak at halftime. SportsCenter will be providing additional coverage pre and postmatch. Via ESPN International, this game is being broadcast in 129 countries.

Team Sites: LAG Confidential, Dynamo Theory