MLS Cup Preview: LA Galaxy eye record sixth title, Red Bulls aim for first. This time last year, the LA Galaxy was grappling with the aftermath of yet another disappointing season. The esteemed five-time MLS Cup champions, once synonymous with legends like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović, found themselves languishing in 26th place out of 29 teams in the league.
The prospect of another championship felt like a distant dream.
Yet, here they stand, ready to face off against the New York Red Bulls, another original MLS franchise, in the highly anticipated MLS Cup final this Saturday (coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX Deportes, with kickoff at 4:10 p.m. ET on those networks and on Apple TV).
“I’m excited for the players, the club, and the passionate fan base that has upheld the legacy of this organization. The expectation is clear: to compete in matches like this and to bring home trophies,” expressed Galaxy coach Greg Vanney, who returned to the club that first drafted him after a successful stint at Toronto FC.
The journey back to the top has not been easy; the Galaxy also missed the playoffs in 2021. This stretch of underperformance has coincided with the rise of LAFC, their affluent rivals. LAFC has made a mark by reaching the last two MLS Cups and securing their first title two years ago.
However, the 2024 Galaxy squad has shown signs of transformation.
“This team has embraced the weight of its legacy and has come out ready to compete from day one this season,” Vanney noted.
The Galaxy’s performance has been spearheaded by Riqui Puig, a 25-year-old Spanish playmaker and former Barcelona star, who earned a spot on MLS’s 2024 Best XI. Unfortunately, Puig will miss the final after suffering an ACL tear in last week’s Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders, although he remarkably assisted Dejan Joveljić’s game-winning goal.
“Riqui’s absence will be felt,” said Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado. “Our thoughts are with him, and it gives us even more motivation to perform at our best.”
“The question now is how well we can prepare the team for this week’s game,” Vanney remarked.
Despite the pressure of being the favorites, the Galaxy is aware that the Red Bulls are entering the match with little to lose. As the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, New York’s presence in the final is a surprise to many. After a tough regular season where they won only one of their last nine matches, they pulled off stunning victories against the defending champions Columbus Crew, local rivals New York City FC, and Orlando City in the playoffs.
“For many outside our club, this is the biggest surprise,” stated Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz. “We are thrilled to be in the final on Saturday.”
The Red Bulls certainly have the potential to claim victory. The league’s competitive nature means any team can win on any given day. With the talented Emil Forsberg leading their midfield, they are unfazed by the challenging atmosphere expected in Southern California.
“We’ve faced tough opponents in every round, and we have proven ourselves away from home,” said striker Lewis Morgan. “The location of the game doesn’t concern us.”
However, the Red Bulls also carry their own weight of expectation. They have never hoisted the MLS Cup despite making 15 consecutive playoff appearances. This final marks their first in the league’s history since 2008, when they fell to the Crew at the same venue.
Around 1,000 Red Bulls fans, many of whom have supported the team since its early days as the MetroStars, are set to travel across the country, hoping to witness a historic moment.
The players must focus on their preparation and not be distracted by external pressures. “Our priority is on our daily training and game strategies,” Schwarz emphasized. “We can’t dwell on what happens after the final whistle or the weight of this title’s history.”
This is MLS Cup, where New York meets Los Angeles. Both teams and their dedicated supporters understand the significance of this match. They recognize the stakes involved.
“I am excited for the players and this opportunity,” Vanney stated. “Our goal is clear: to win.”
FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience 
