La Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Galaxy have sixth MLS Cup in sight; Red Bulls eye long-awaited first

The Los Angeles Galaxy aim to extend their legacy as the most successful club in MLS history when they face the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final on Saturday in Carson, California. For the Red Bulls, the match represents a golden opportunity to secure their first-ever title and end years of near-misses.

Despite their contrasting histories, both teams bring compelling storylines to this high-stakes matchup.

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Galaxy’s Quest for MLS Immortality

The Galaxy are no strangers to the MLS Cup stage, with 10 final appearances and five championships to their name. Their journey to this year’s final has been dominant, with a flawless playoff run marked by four regulation victories and an impressive 16-3 aggregate score. However, they face a major hurdle: the absence of star midfielder Riqui Puig due to a devastating ACL injury sustained in the Western Conference final.

Puig, who notched 13 goals and 15 assists this season, has been pivotal to the Galaxy’s success. “There’s not another player in the league like him,” head coach Greg Vanney remarked. “He can turn a game on a dime.”

Despite this setback, the Galaxy’s balanced attack remains a force to be reckoned with. They made history as the first MLS team to have four players score double-digit goals in the regular season: Dejan Joveljic, Joseph Paintsil, Gabriel Pec, and Puig. Joveljic, in particular, has been red-hot in the postseason, netting five goals, including the decisive strike against Seattle.

Vanney, a Galaxy stalwart both as a player and a coach, exudes confidence in his team. “This is the expectation of the LA Galaxy. Our fans demand success, and we’re here to deliver it.”

Red Bulls’ Shot at Redemption

For the New York Red Bulls, this final represents a chance to rewrite their history. As one of MLS’s founding clubs, the Red Bulls have endured decades of heartbreak, including a 2008 final loss to the Columbus Crew.

This season, they’ve overcome significant adversity under first-year head coach Sandro Schwarz, who has revitalized the team’s tactical approach. A mid-season switch to a back-three defensive system has transformed their rearguard, leading to three playoff clean sheets on the road.

The return of veteran attacker Emil Forsberg from a long injury layoff has also been crucial. Forsberg, sidelined for most of the season due to a foot injury, has reemerged as the creative spark the Red Bulls needed. Schwarz credits the team’s resilience: “For many people, our playoff run is a surprise. But we always believed in our quality.”

The Red Bulls’ strong start to the regular season (29 points from 16 games) hinted at their potential. While they struggled in the latter half, their current form and tactical discipline make them formidable opponents.

Tale of Two Teams

This MLS Cup final is more than a battle for silverware—it’s a clash of narratives. The Galaxy’s storied legacy contrasts with the Red Bulls’ underdog determination.

For Vanney, a defender on the Galaxy’s first three losing MLS Cup teams, this match is an opportunity to complete the journey he started decades ago. As a coach, he’s already proven his championship mettle, winning an MLS Cup with Toronto in 2017.

Meanwhile, Schwarz’s first season with the Red Bulls has been transformative. His tactical adjustments and ability to inspire his squad under challenging circumstances have positioned his team to potentially lift the Anschutz Trophy for the first time.

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What to Expect

The Galaxy’s potent attack will test the Red Bulls’ defensive organization. Without Puig, much will depend on the midfield’s ability to maintain tempo and creativity. Joveljic, Paintsil, and Pec must find ways to penetrate a Red Bulls defense that has been nearly unbreakable during their playoff run.

On the other side, the Red Bulls will rely on Forsberg’s playmaking and their defense’s consistency. If they can frustrate the Galaxy’s forwards and capitalize on counterattacks, they stand a real chance of an upset.

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Final Thoughts

Saturday’s final is a battle of legacy versus aspiration. The Galaxy seek to cement their place as the gold standard in MLS history, while the Red Bulls chase a long-awaited first title.

No matter the outcome, this match is a celebration of MLS’s growth and the unyielding spirit of its teams. Will the Galaxy rise to the occasion once more, or will the Red Bulls claim their historic breakthrough? Fans won’t want to miss this epic showdown.