LA Galaxy down Red Bulls to capture sixth MLS Cup

The LA Galaxy captured their record sixth MLS Cup title on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in front of a sold-out Dignity Health Sports Park.

Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljić delivered the goals for Greg Vanney’s men while John McCarthy made two saves. It marks the second time in the past three seasons that a California-based team has lifted MLS Cup (LAFC in 2022).

Despite missing their MLS Best XI playmaker, Riqui Puig, the Galaxy were quick to the draw as Paintsil kicked off the goalscoring in the ninth minute. Paintstil received a bit of help from Puig’s replacement Gaston Brugman, who left his defender at midfield before feeding his attacking teammate’s run for a 1-0 lead.

Four minutes later, Joveljić kept the good times rolling for the home side with a deft finish following his run into the box to double Galaxy’s lead. 

The Red Bulls struggled early on defensive, due in part to the absence of standout defender Andres Reyes, who was forced to withdraw from the squad just five minutes before the match with what was reported as an illness. That forced the Red Bulls to start young backup Dutch defender Noah Eile in the heart of their defense against the Galaxy’s potent attack.

Contrary to expectation, it was the Galaxy press causing more problems for their opponent than New York through 25 minutes, but then the Red Bulls found a way back.

Once again from a set piece, Red Bulls capitalized on the Galaxy’s failure to clear Emil Forsberg’s corner with Sean Nealis connecting to drag the Red Bulls back into the match at 2-1. 

The goal provided Red Bulls with the burst of energy they craved to fight for control of the match and stay within striking distance at halftime.

That back-and-forth manner continued as the second half progressed, with Miki Yamane hitting the post for the Galaxy. Forsberg missed a golden chance on the counterattack for RBNY, and Gabriel Pec hit the back of the net from an offside position.

The Galaxy would make substitutions to shore up defensively for the final moments until the final whistle blew to crown the Galaxy as MLS Cup champions for a record sixth time.