Head-to-head history
While there have been 52 overall meetings between LA and New York, it’s the first since 2021. The all-time series is currently tied though, sitting at 21-21-9. A lot has changed in three seasons, therefore the two clubs won’t be super familiar with each other. It should be an interesting clash.
LA looking to cap off impressive season
The Galaxy was one of the best clubs in the MLS during the regular season, finishing in second place in the Western Conference with a 19-8-7 record. LAFC only finished ahead of them due to goal difference. Los Angeles truly cruised through the playoffs as well, outscoring their opponents 16-3, beating the Colorado Rapids twice, Minnesota United, and Seattle last weekend.
Scoring loads of goals is nothing new for the Galaxy. They netted a conference-best 69 times this term, with Joveljic leading the way. The 25-year-old finished the regular season with 20 goals and six assists, but he wasn’t the only one. Former Barcelona man Rui Puig bagged 17 and assisted 12 as well, while Gabriel Pec hit the back of the net 19 times and supplied 15 assists as well. Unfortunately, LA will need to get it done on Saturday without Puig, who tore his ACL against Seattle. The midfielder briefly played through the injury in the second half and even assisted the winner.
The Los Angeles faithful are wild and they will surely play a part in the MLS Cup final outcome. Playing on home soil is huge for the Galaxy, who went 13-1-3 at Dignity Health Sports Park this season. No one has been able to touch Los Angeles and it’s probably why they sit as a heavy -120 favorite here at Sports Interaction. The Galaxy are also the most successful side in MLS history, lifting the Cup five times.
Red Bulls have pulled off the unthinkable
I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that New York would end up representing the Eastern Conference in the MLS Cup final. After all, they were the No. 7 seed heading into the playoffs. In fact, the Red Bulls are the lowest seed ever to make the final. Plus, NY has won three road matches to get here.
Sandro Schwarz’s men took down the defending champion Columbus Crew in the opening round in their best-of-3 series, winning in penalties in Game 3. After that, the Red Bulls blanked both NYFC and Orlando City. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has collected three clean sheets in the postseason and will be a key factor in how Saturday’s game unfolds.
Midfielder Lewis Morgan is the main man up top for New York, scoring 13 and assisting five. Former RB Leipzig star Emil Forsberg has also done his part with 10 goals and four assists. Defender Andres Reyes played hero last weekend, scoring his club’s lone goal in the 47th minute against Orlando. Going into LA and beating one of the most dominant teams won’t be easy, but the Red Bulls have already done the unthinkable by simply progressing to the final. They’re an underdog at soccer betting sites.
