Major League Soccer’s biggest trophy collectors LA Galaxy added a sixth MLS Cup for their trophy case following a 2-1 win over upstart New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on Saturday.
Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Jovelic scored in the first 13 minutes, then Sean Nealis brought RBNY within one in the 28th minute.
But the Red Bulls could not find another goal, as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference still seek a first MLS Cup and add 2024 to 2008 as runners-up finishes.
Former Galaxy star Greg Vanney now has MLS Cup wins as a manager with the Galaxy and Toronto FC after not winning the trophy once in a wonderful playing career that nabbed him two Supporters’ Shields and 37 caps.
Former Mainz and Dynamo Moscow boss Sandro Schwarz has worked playoff magic, leading RBNY past presumed cup favorites Columbus over two legs before taking down Hudson River derby rivals NYCFC and Conference finalists Orlando City to reach the final.
The Galaxy may well have felt like minor underdogs despite status as the No. 2 seed and a host of familiar names. That’s because megastar Riqui Puig — once the next big things at Barcelona — suffered an ACL injury in the Western Conference Final and missed the big game.
These sides were an even their all-time series, but the Galaxy are now one notable win ahead of RBNY — 22W-9D-21L
How to watch LA Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls live: MLS Cup Final stream, TV channel
Kick off time: 4pm ET Saturday, Dec. 7
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
TV Channel: FOX, FOX Deportes
Streaming: Apple TV
LA Galaxy team news, focus
Even the average soccer fan will know some names on the Galaxy, as longtime Borussia Dortmund hero Marco Reus and former Southampton center back Maya Yoshida lead the way. Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec has been fantastic for the Galaxy, who could make manager Greg Vanney one of the few men to win MLS Cups with multiple teams.
New York Red Bulls team news, focus
RBNY is a team without many big names with the exception of former RB Leipzig star Emil Forsberg and Scotland international Lewis Morgan. USMNT fans will know midfielder Frankie Amaya and left back John Tolkin, but RBNY is very much of a team better than the sum of its parts. The Red Bulls remain without longtime right back Kyle Duncan as well as forward Roald Mitchell.
LA Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls all-time series, history
These sides are an even 21W-9D-21L in their all-time series.
LA Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls prediction
Of course, anything can happen in a final, but home field feels like a great place to start. LA was a tremendous 13-1-3 in the notoriously host-friendly MLS regular season, but Red Bulls will have time to get settled in for this one. They did not meet in the regular season, though the Galaxy won 2-0 in a February preseason match. We aren’t ready to bet against LA getting its sixth crown, though RBNY will feel overdue. LA Galaxy 2-1 New York Red Bulls.
