LA Galaxy Claims Record Sixth MLS Cup Title
Carson, California — The LA Galaxy secured their remarkable sixth MLS Cup title on Saturday, overcoming the New York Red Bulls with a score of 2-1. Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic both found the net in the first half, paving the way for the Galaxy to maintain their lead throughout a scoreless second half, marking their first championship victory since 2014.
Despite a decade filled with challenges, including a disappointing 26th place finish in the league last season, the Galaxy turned their fortunes around this year. With a revamped, high-scoring lineup, they finished as the runner-up in the Western Conference and dominated the playoffs, netting an impressive 18 goals across five matches en route to clinching the title.
Sean Nealis scored for the Red Bulls, who, as a seventh seed, had a remarkable playoff journey that came just one win shy of their first MLS Cup. Under the guidance of first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz, New York sought to etch their name in history as the lowest-seeded team to win the playoff tournament, but ultimately fell short.
John McCarthy, the Galaxy’s goalkeeper, distinguished himself with four crucial saves, marking his second MLS title in three seasons. McCarthy previously earned MVP honors in the 2022 MLS Cup Final while playing for the Los Angeles FC.
Notably, the Galaxy triumphed without their pivotal playmaker, Riqui Puig, who suffered a ligament tear in his knee prior to the final. Puig, who has been vital in orchestrating the team’s offense throughout the season, donned a suit to watch from the sidelines. His teammates made sure to honor him; after Paintsil’s goal, he held up Puig’s jersey during the celebration.
Paintsil opened the scoring for the Galaxy in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Gastón Brugman. The Ghanaian forward scored his 14th goal of the MLS season, supporting his outstanding inaugural year. Just four minutes later, Joveljic displayed his skill by maneuvering past four defenders and chipping in his 21st goal of the season, reinforcing his vital role as a striker.
The Red Bulls found their footing when Nealis volleyed in an opportunistic goal in the 28th minute, taking advantage of loose ball within the Galaxy’s penalty area following a corner. However, the Galaxy’s defense, which has been known for its inconsistencies in the past, faced additional tests as the New York side sought to equalize before halftime.
The second half was filled with intensity but failed to produce any further goals. Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg came close to leveling the score when he struck the outside of the post in the 72nd minute. Moments later, both Gabriel Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus missed prime chances to extend the scoreline in their favor.
In a frantic conclusion, the game saw a near miss in the Galaxy’s penalty area during the third minute of stoppage time. After the Galaxy bench exploded in celebration during the seventh minute of injury time, they were quickly called back for an additional 30 seconds of play, adding to the tension.
The Galaxy’s impressive home record stood at 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed stadium, with a sellout crowd of 26,812, including a spirited section of Red Bulls supporters dreaming of witnessing their team’s historic breakthrough.
Greg Vanney, the Galaxy’s head coach, became the fourth person to win MLS titles with multiple clubs, previously having won with Toronto in 2017. This season, the Galaxy continued to embrace their reputation for showcasing talent, transitioning from high-profile stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a squad enriched with emerging global talents, including players like Pec from Brazil and Paintsil from Belgium. Together, alongside Joveljic, they formed a formidable attacking trio.
Despite the absence of Puig, whose remarkable season saw him evolve into one of MLS’s standout players, the Galaxy’s team cohesion allowed them to produce a championship-caliber performance in the MLS Cup.
