The 29th edition of the Major League Soccer Cup was played on Dec. 7 between the Los Angeles Galaxy, representing the West, and the New York Red Bulls, representing the East. Los Angeles vs. New York, a classic rivalry whether it’s the quality of life, weather or sports. The two largest cities in the United States will always be a must-watch for fans.
Before the season, DraftKings posted odds on who would win the MLS Cup in February which saw neither team as overall favorites. The Red Bulls had plus 1600 odds while Galaxy had plus2500 odds to hoist the trophy. Halfway through the season, it seemed as if Galaxy was not only a favorite to get first place in the West, but an actual contender to win it all. Halfway through, the Red Bulls seemed as if they’d barely scrape into the playoffs. The road to the final was straightforward for the Galaxy as its biggest rivals, LAFC, got knocked out in the Western Conference semi-finals while being favorites to win the cup. Galaxy knocked out Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders on their path to the final with ease.
The Red Bulls had to face a heavy favorite, the Columbus Crew, beating out city rivals and potential underdogs New York City FC at Citi Field and holding onto a 1-0 win against Orlando. Many would count the boys in red as underdogs, and fans questioned if they would see a repeat of the World Series where the Dodgers won against the Yankees. Two original franchise teams were playing in a final, which has not happened since the 2014 MLS Cup final, where the LA Galaxy triumphed over New England Revolution. The New York Red Bulls last made a final appearance in 2008, when they fell against Columbus Crew in their only appearance in a final. Ironically, the location is the same stadium where the defeat took place.
The match was played at Dignity Health Sports Park as the LA Galaxy acquired more points throughout the regular season. There was concern that star player Riqui Puig was out with an ACL tear, and he was essential for their run to the final. There was madness in the first half as LA took a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes. Sean Nealis got one back for New York 28 minutes in. LA held on till the full-time whistle and became the first team to win six MLS Cups.
Cameras close on winning captain Maya Yoshida, who had won his first club title at 36 years old, and the Prince of Dortmund, Marco Reus, after being unlucky with losses throughout his career, finally won his first league title in his professional career.
After the match, the official Instagram page of New York City FC posted a picture of their crest with the star above it along with the caption “posting for absolutely no reason at all,” poking fun at their rivals for failing to win.
