LA Galaxy Secure Record Sixth MLS Cup Title with Victory Over New York Red Bulls
MLS Cup featured teams from the two largest cities in the United States—Los Angeles and New York. The clash lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling opening half-hour during which all three goals were scored.
The LA Galaxy claimed a record-breaking sixth MLS Cup title after defeating the New York Red Bulls in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Dignity Health Sports Park. This prestigious match capped off the US soccer season, pitting the Eastern Conference champions against the Western Conference winners.
For the first time in the competition’s history, the MLS Cup featured teams from the two largest cities in the United States—Los Angeles and New York. The clash lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling opening half-hour during which all three goals were scored.
The Red Bulls, who finished the regular season as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, were the lowest-ranked team to ever reach the final. However, their underdog status became evident early in the match as Galaxy asserted dominance in the 29th edition of the MLS Cup.
Early Galaxy Dominance
The hosts seized control just nine minutes into the game when Joseph Paintsil’s precise shot slipped under Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to give Galaxy the lead. Minutes later, Dejan Joveljic doubled their advantage with an impressive solo effort, weaving through the Red Bulls' defense and finishing deftly with the outside of his foot.
Both Paintsil and Joveljic celebrated their goals by holding up the jersey of Riqui Puig, a former Barcelona player and key Galaxy midfielder who missed the final after suffering an ACL rupture in the Western Conference Final.
The Galaxy appeared poised to widen the gap further when Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis inadvertently headed a free-kick against his own crossbar.
Red Bulls Fight Back
Despite the early setbacks, the Red Bulls rallied. Center-back Sean Nealis redeemed himself in the 28th minute, capitalizing on Galaxy’s failure to clear a corner. Chesting the ball down, he struck a powerful volley from 15 yards to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal energized the Red Bulls, but they struggled to find an equalizer in a fiercely competitive second half.
Second-Half Drama
The intensity persisted after the break, with both teams coming agonizingly close to scoring. Galaxy right-back Miki Yamane hit the outside of the post, while Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg curled a stunning effort that ricocheted off the upright.
Despite the Red Bulls’ best efforts, the Galaxy’s defense, bolstered by their home-field advantage and superior regular-season record, held firm. The hosts secured their first MLS Cup title since 2014, much to the delight of their fans.
Red Bulls’ Frustration Continues
For the New York Red Bulls, the defeat extended their title drought. This marked their second MLS Cup final appearance, and once again, they fell short of lifting the coveted trophy.
The match underscored the Galaxy’s historic dominance in Major League Soccer, while highlighting the resilience of an underdog Red Bulls side that defied expectations to reach the final. Ultimately, the Galaxy’s composure and clinical finishing proved decisive, earning them a well-deserved victory in a memorable championship showdown.
