2024 MLS Cup Final is back in Los Angeles
The LA Galaxy brings back the MLS Cup to against the New York Red Bulls.
A chaotic MLS playoffs have finally concluded and we are left with a surprise champion in the Eastern Conference, meanwhile in the Western Conference we have the most successful team in the MLS. The seventh seeded New York Red Bulls have made it to the MLS Cup a surprise to many as Inter Miami was favored in the Eastern Conference. The LA Galaxy is the second seed in the Western Conference and was one of the favorites in the Western Conference. The LA Galaxy will host the New York Red Bulls on Dec. 7 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The New York Red Bulls stun the Eastern Conference
The New York Red Bulls have made it to a second MLS Cup final in thier history after a insane run in the MLS Playoffs. The seventh seeded New York Red Bulls immediately faced a big challenge against last years MLS Cup Champion and current Leagues Cup Champion, Columbus Crew. The Crew had been showing that they were in top form as they beat the New York Red Bulls on decision day 3-2. However when it came to the best of three round of 16 they New York Red Bulls stunned the reigning champions by beating them in two games.
A rivalry game is always important for bragging rights but a rivalry game in playoffs is a whole different atmosphere, for the first time ever the Hudson River Derby would be a playoff match. NYRB showed there was no slowing them down as they went to Citi Field and defeated NYCFC 2-0 in a match that saw Red Bulls go up 2-0 in the 23rd minute. The Eastern Conference Final saw the fourth seeded Orlando City SC also having a deep run and a chance to make the MLS Cup Final. New York Red Bulls were able to beat Orlando City 1-0, winning another game away from home. One single game played at home for the Red Bulls has not stopped them, they have shined bright away from home and they have one final away game in LA to win the MLS Cup a trophy that got away from them in 2008 in this exact stadium.
LA Galaxy returns to add another star
The most successful team in MLS History has returned to the MLS Cup Final with thier last MLS Cup appearance being in 2014. A very impressive season by the LA Galaxy saw them be named one of the favorites in the Western Conference. Knowing they are second seed does not tell the whole story as they lost the number one seed to thier crosstown rivals LAFC on decision day as they could not hold a draw against the Houston Dynamo. They ultimately lost the number one seed on goal differential with LAFC having one goal more than the Galaxy.
The LA Galaxy did not slow down against any team in playoffs as they beat the Colorado Rapids 5-0 in the first match and 4-1 in the second match. Their next round match up against Minnesota United was just continuing business as they went on to beat them 6-2. The LA Galaxy really showed that there was no slowing down the best team in the Western Conference. Unfortunately for the western conference there would be no “El Trafico” match up this year as the Seattle Sounders eliminated LAFC. The Galaxy did slow down for this match as they were only able to beat the Sounders 1-0, with the goal coming in the 85th minute. The biggest problem the Galaxy has going into the MLS Cup is Riqui Puig missing the match with a torn ACL. Puig has been the Galaxy best player all season so this is massive loss for the Galaxy.
What surprise is next?
The seventh seed in east vs the second seed in west was not what people expected, however this will be a interesting match to watch. The New York Red Bulls who have thier momentum of defying everyone’s expectation of making it to the final. Meanwhile the LA Galaxy is the team everyone knew could make it this far however they have had an unfortunate injury in thier lineup and we will see how this will affect the team in the final.