Red Bulls’ Remarkable Run Reaches MLS Cup
In a season filled with twists and turns, perhaps no story has been more captivating than the New York Red Bulls’ incredible journey to the 2024 MLS Cup final. The perennial playoff contenders entered the postseason as the Eastern Conference’s 7th seed, barely squeezing into the field. But three upset victories later, including Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Orlando City, the Red Bulls find themselves on the cusp of their first-ever championship.
Standing in their way will be the star-studded LA Galaxy, who punched their ticket to the December 7th final with a late 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders courtesy of a clutch Dejan Joveljić strike. The Galaxy will host the match at Dignity Health Sports Park, where they’ll try to secure a record-extending sixth MLS Cup title.
Reyes Header Propels Red Bulls Past Orlando
The Red Bulls’ semifinal clash with Orlando City was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to generate many clear-cut chances. But just two minutes after halftime, Andres Reyes rose highest to meet a pinpoint John Tolkin free kick, powering a header past a helpless Pedro Gallese to give New York a priceless lead.
From there, the Red Bulls rode a supreme defensive effort to see out the result, becoming just the second team seeded seventh or lower to make the MLS Cup final. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel came up big on several occasions to preserve the clean sheet.
“I’m very proud of the whole group. It’s amazing to create this atmosphere and also with this fighting spirit. Amazing the last couple of weeks and now we have one week more and it’s not done.”
– Red Bulls head coach Gerhard Struber
Galaxy Edge Sounders on Joveljić Winner
Over in the Western Conference, the Galaxy and Sounders played out a cagey affair typical of their many high-stakes clashes over the years. With extra time looming, it was the Galaxy who found the decisive breakthrough in the 85th minute.
Capitalizing on a rare giveaway by Alex Roldan, former Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig slipped a perfect through ball to Dejan Joveljić, who made no mistake with a clinical one-on-one finish past Stefan Frei. The goal sent the Galaxy to their first MLS Cup final appearance since winning their fifth title in 2014.
Unlikely Matchup Sets Stage for Dramatic Final
So it all comes down to the New York Red Bulls against the LA Galaxy for the 2024 MLS Cup. It’s a championship matchup few could have predicted when the playoffs began, pitting a true underdog story against one of the league’s most decorated franchises.
- The Red Bulls are seeking their first-ever MLS Cup title after losing their only previous appearance in 2008.
- The Galaxy are chasing a record sixth championship, which would break their current tie with D.C. United for the most all-time.
- This will be the third MLS Cup meeting between the two clubs, with the Galaxy winning both the 2001 and 2008 finals.
Will the Galaxy reassert their big-game pedigree and reclaim their perch atop MLS? Or will the Red Bulls complete their incredible underdog run and lift the cup for the first time? All will be decided on December 7th in what promises to be a final long remembered.
