Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic both netted goals for LA Galaxy, who clinched their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
The Galaxy came out strong, scoring twice within the first 13 minutes through their star forwards, and managed to hold onto their lead for a scoreless second half, securing the soccer league’s top prize for the first time since 2014.
It was a particularly special day for Marco Reus, as the Borussia Dortmund legend, 35, won the first league championship of his career. Reus, who joined Los Angeles in August, finished second in the German Bundesliga eight times during his 12-year spell with Dortmund
After a period of struggle, including a dismal 26th place finish in the league last year, the Galaxy made a remarkable turnaround this season. With a new high-scoring lineup, they finished second in the Western Conference and blazed through the playoffs, setting a playoff record with 18 goals in five games to claim the title.
“Im just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “We spent a lot of energy at the start, but Im just so proud of these guys. Theyve cemented themselves as legends in this club.”
Sean Nealis scored the lone goal for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, who nearly completed a fairy-tale run but fell just short of their first Cup championship. Under the guidance of first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz and boasting the league’s youngest roster, New York was close to making history as the lowest-seeded team to win the MLS playoff tournament.
“I love these guys,” Schwarz said. “Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, thats a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, its tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity.”
Despite missing their star playmaker Riqui Puig due to a knee injury he sustained in the Western Conference final, LA Galaxy clinched the title impressively. Although dressed in a suit and unable to participate, Puig felt the love from his team when Gaston Brugman, his stand-in, crafted a decisive pass leading to the first goal, with Paintsil honoring him by displaying his jersey to the cheering fans.
Overjoyed with the victory, Paintsil commented: I was really waiting for this moment. Im much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space… It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters.”
The momentum continued as Joveljic dashed past opposition defenders, netting his remarkable 21st goal of the season. Brugman’s midfield dominance earned him the MLS Cup MVP title, marking a high note despite starting only as a substitute after October 5 in the postseason before the final showdown.
The game saw Nealis score against McCarthy in the 28th minute with a volley from LA’s penalty area. Despite an energetic second half, no further goals were scored. Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg narrowly missed a goal in the 72nd minute, hitting the outside of the post. LA’s Gabriel Pec and Galaxy substitute Reus also came close to scoring.
In the third minute of extra time, two Red Bulls failed to capitalize on a loose ball in the Galaxy’s penalty area. This victory extends the Galaxy’s lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history.
Leave a Reply