LA Galaxy Claim Sixth MLS Cup Title with 2-1 Win over New York Red Bulls
Two goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic within the game’s first 13 minutes catapulted the Los Angeles Galaxy to their sixth-ever MLS Cup title, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 on Saturday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.
A Shaky Start for the Red Bulls
New York’s wait for a first-ever MLS Cup continues as one of the league’s inaugural franchises fell in just its second-ever championship game appearance, which came 16 years ago in 2008 against the Columbus Crew.
It was as shaky a start as possible for New York, which looked to be in shambles after being forced to make a late switch in the back line when center-back Andres Reyes was scratched just moments before kick-off due to illness. Noah Eile, the 22-year-old Swede, was alerted five minutes before his team took the pitch that he would start.
LA Galaxy Take Control
Painstil was played through and was kept onside by Eile, who sagged just a step too deep, allowing the speedy Galaxy forward to get in on goal and sneak a low shot under goalkeeper Carlos Coronel in the ninth minute.
Joveljic made it 2-0 just four minutes later when he walked in on goal between a loose Red Bulls defense and poked a tepid shot just inside the left post.
Red Bulls Fight Back
As they had all season, though, the Red Bulls found a response in the 28th minute off a corner kick. After the ball pinged around the box, it fell to Sean Nealis, who took it off the chest and finished the half-volley into the right side of the goal to halve New York’s deficit.
Conclusion
The Galaxy held on to their lead, withstanding a strong push from the Red Bulls in the second half. The win marks the sixth MLS Cup title for the Galaxy, while the Red Bulls remain searching for their first-ever championship.
FAQs
Q: How many MLS Cup titles has the LA Galaxy won?
A: The LA Galaxy has won six MLS Cup titles.
Q: Has the New York Red Bulls ever won an MLS Cup title?
A: No, the New York Red Bulls have not won an MLS Cup title in their franchise history.
Q: Who scored the first goal for the LA Galaxy in the 2024 MLS Cup?
A: Joseph Paintsil scored the first goal for the LA Galaxy in the 2024 MLS Cup.
Q: Who scored the Red Bulls’ only goal in the 2024 MLS Cup?
A: Sean Nealis scored the Red Bulls’ only goal in the 2024 MLS Cup.
