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MLS Cup: LA Galaxy top New York Red Bulls to claim sixth title. For the first time in ten years, the LA Galaxy have reclaimed their place at the pinnacle of Major League Soccer.
In a thrilling match, the Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 during Saturday’s MLS Cup final, securing their record-setting sixth championship in the league’s 29-year history and their first since 2014.
Despite the absence of injured star Riqui Puig, a former Barcelona player who suffered an ACL tear in the previous week’s Western Conference final, the Galaxy quickly took control of the game. Goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljić within the first 15 minutes at Dignity Health Sports Park set the tone for the match. Although Sean Nealis managed to score for the Red Bulls just before halftime, the Galaxy maintained their lead throughout.
Saturday’s victory signifies a remarkable turnaround for the Galaxy, who finished 26th out of 29 teams in the regular season of 2023. This win also reignites the storied rivalry with LAFC, which has overshadowed the Galaxy in recent years, having won two Supporters Shields and one MLS Cup since their inception as an expansion team six years ago.
With this triumph, the Galaxy have once again become the pride of Los Angeles. Here are some key takeaways from Saturday’s MLS Cup.
Play of the game
The opening goal was a work of art. After a quick exchange of passes with Edwin Cerrillo, Gastón Brugman delivered a perfectly timed through ball that found Paintsil sprinting down the field. One elegant touch from the Ghanaian winger was all it took to slip the ball past Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, giving the Galaxy an early lead they would not relinquish. In a touching tribute, Paintsil celebrated by holding up Puig’s No. 6 jersey.
Turning point
While Paintsil’s early goal set the tone, Joveljić’s stunning individual effort proved to be the decisive moment. The Serbian striker received the ball from Mark Delgado nearly 50 yards from goal, then made a dynamic run, weaving through defenders before finishing past Coronel:
Although Nealis managed to score for the Red Bulls later, the Galaxy’s insurance goal ensured that the visitors could not close the gap, despite a relentless effort in the final minutes.
Key stat
“To go out there and have 60 percent of the ball against LA Galaxy away from home? None of us expect that,” stated New York midfielder Lewis Morgan prior to the match.
Despite their efforts to control the game, the Red Bulls finished with 59 percent possession. However, they struggled to convert that advantage into meaningful chances, as Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made only two saves throughout the match.
What’s next for the Red Bulls?
Reaching the championship match was a significant achievement for the New Jersey-based club, which entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, the team will begin its 30th season in 2025 still seeking its first MLS Cup.
What’s next for the Galaxy?
“To remain competitive year after year, we need to have the right infrastructure in place,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney remarked earlier in the week.
“It cannot just be about one successful season.”
