Soccer <\/p>\n
CARSON, Calif. \u2013 The matchup is set.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
LA Galaxy<\/a> secured hosting privileges for MLS Cup 2024 presented by Audi, grinding out a 1-0 victory<\/a> over Seattle Sounders FC<\/a> in Saturday\u2019s Western Conference Final before a sold-out Dignity Health Sports Park crowd.<\/p>\n The win sets up a classic Los Angeles vs. New York heavyweight clash, with the Galaxy welcoming upset-minded New York Red Bulls<\/a> on Dec. 7 (4 pm ET | Apple TV – Free<\/a>; FS1, FOX Deportes; TSN, RDS), eager to put on a Hollywood show.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Avoiding extra time and potentially penalty kicks, striker Dejan Jovelji\u0107<\/a> broke Seattle\u2019s defensive resilience in the 85th minute. He rifled the game-winner past goalkeeper Stefan Frei<\/a> after playmaker Riqui Puig\u2019<\/a>s slipped-in through ball.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is maybe my most important goal in my career,\u201d Jovelji\u0107 said. \u201cMy numbers [this season] are the best [of my career] so far. Hopefully, in the next season or after, I’m gonna beat these numbers.”<\/p>\n After a couple of seasons as the Galaxy\u2019s backup to Javier \u2018Chicharito\u2019 Hern\u00e1ndez, Jovelji\u0107 grabbed his opportunity as the starter. He\u2019s become one of the most productive strikers in MLS, tallying his 20th goal of the year across all competitions (and fifth of the postseason) to eliminate the Sounders.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really happy for Dejan,\u201d head coach Greg Vanney said. \u201cYou see that when you put the right players with the right striker, and you see the intelligence of his movements off the ball, when we can disorganize the opposition a little bit.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s very clever about his movements and his finishing. He’s a finisher when you get him in the box\u2026 When the group is able to move some defenders around and he’s able to have some space to work, this is when he’s deadly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n A decade after their last MLS Cup appearance in 2014, the Galaxy aim to extend their record five MLS Cup titles to six in their record 10th appearance. Meanwhile, New York are looking to lift the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy for the first time and are the lowest-ever seed (Eastern Conference No. 7) to make MLS Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m super excited for these guys to be able to lift a trophy tonight, but the objective is still one week away and that’s where my emotions are,\u201d Vanney explained.<\/p>\n \u201cI stay kind of focused on that because when one game ends the anxiety for the next game already emerges, right? So that’s where I’m at.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The West runs through LA. ????@LAGalaxy<\/a> \/\/ Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Fqtvg5nbK8<\/a><\/p>\nJovelji\u0107 plays hero<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
MLS Cup next<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n