GOAL takes a look at keys to success, players to watch and makes a prediction for the 2024 MLS Cup
MLS Cup is finally here: the championship game that clubs have spent nearly 11 months fighting for has arrived.
The LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls — two of MLS' most storied clubs, are set to meet Saturday at 4 p.m. ET in a match that renews a coast-to-coast rivalry.
No. 7 RBNY have stormed the Eastern Conference this postseason, upsetting reigning Champions Columbus Crew, crosstown rivals NYCFC and most recently, Orlando City. The Galaxy, meanwhile, have posted dominant victories over the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United, before narrowly scraping by the Seattle Sounders in the Conference Final last weekend. However, in the victory, they lost star midfielder Riqui Puig to a torn ACL, with the ex-Barcelona starlet out for Saturday's match into the start of 2025.
It's been a thrilling campaign full of ups and downs, twists and turns, all leading up to this moment. The Galaxy host RBNY Saturday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with a new MLS champion set to be crowned.
For LA, it would be their sixth overall but first since 2014. For RBNY, it would be their first as an organization, with their lone appearance in MLS Cup being a 2008 loss to the Crew. GOAL looks at the keys to the match.
ImagnLA Galaxy
LA's keys to success: Without Puig, they'll need to revamp their midfield options, and play an entirely different game. Mark Delgado will be expected to slot into the midfield in place of the Spaniard, and it will force Marco Reus higher up the pitch, and create a heavy reliance on attacking from wide spaces – with the focus being Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil. If LA can find a way to get their wingers 1v1 with opposition defenders, or even invert them to make runs alongside Reus that Puig would normally make, they could cause an awful lot of trouble for the Red Bulls.
Player to watch: Marco Reus – The former Borussia Dortmund star has not had his yet stateside, and MLS Cup presents him with the perfect opportunity to present himself to the league on the biggest stage possible. Without Puig, he will be more heavily relied on as well, with the 35-year-old pushing into an advanced role in the final-third that will be focused on retaining possession while threading the ball on a needle.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNew York Red Bulls
RBNY's keys to success: The Red Bulls need to assert their high-tempo press early, and not let the Galaxy control the pace of the match. In the Conference finals, the Sounders found success against LA by winning the middle of the pitch and forcing them to play the long-ball or hit the counter. For the Red Bulls, they will rely heavily on the double-pivot of Daniel Edelman and Felipe Carballo, while Emil Forsberg will play the most crucial role above them in an advanced midfield position.
The Swede will be focused on hold-up play, starting the counter-attack and advancing the ball up the pitch in transition from the midfield to the attack. If RBNY can win the midfield battle early and assert themselves, it could lead to frustration for LA, opening gaps in their defense where the Red Bulls could capitalize.
Player to watch: Dante Vanzeir – the Belgian forward has two goals and one assist this postseason, but was blanked in the Conference Final against Orlando. If RBNY can get a goal out of him on Saturday, it will be an unexpected delight, and only add to their confidence throughout the match.
GOAL prediction
Without Puig available, the Galaxy midfield will struggle to replicate their possession-based tactics, and as a result, the affair will be much closer than many expect. However, with home field advantage, LA will pull out a penalty shootout victory after a 2-2 draw through extra-time.
A brace from Gabriel Pec will see the home side through to the shootout, while the Red Bulls goals will come from John Tolkin and Daniel Edelman. In the shootout, the Galaxy will win 6-5 after seven rounds of penalties.
Getty Images SportHow to watch
MLS Cup 2024 will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff at 4 p.m. ET Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. It will be available on live television as well, with coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes.
