Sadly, the hosts of the final, the 2009 MLS Cup champions, the XANGO Boys of Real Salt Lake, are not that champion. With a 23,000-fan army packed into the stands of their once-impenetrable fortress, RSL suffered an unfamiliar result—a 0-1 loss to CF Monterrey that stopped them one step short of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup.

It’s a tough blow at the end of a long road, but it won’t overshadow their many accomplishments on the way.

Real Salt Lake’s comprehensive performance in the CONCACAF Champions League tournament earned unprecedented attention from the American media and from Major League Soccer. Becoming the first U.S. team to win their Champions League group, and the first U.S. team to make it to the home-and-away finals, their remarkable team play throughout the tournament made an impression on more than one country—and they still have a lot to play for in 2011.

Congratulations, Real Salt Lake, on your historic Champions League showing! As did so many others, all six XANGO Founders made certain to show up to the match wearing their Real Red. You have the support of XANGO Nation.