The Los Angeles Galaxy secured their sixth MLS Cup title on Saturday, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in a thrilling final at Dignity Health Sports Park. The victory ended a decade-long title drought for the glamour club, who had finished just shy of the bottom of the Western Conference last season.

First-half goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic put the Galaxy in control, with both players capitalizing on defensive errors by the Red Bulls. The match was played in front of 26,812 fans under bright sunshine, and the result marked a remarkable turnaround for the Galaxy, who had struggled in recent years.

Early Dominance

The Galaxy took command of the match with two early goals within the first 13 minutes. Paintsil opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a brilliant through ball from Gaston Brugman split the Red Bulls' defense, allowing the Ghanaian winger to slot the ball under goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Paintsil dedicated his goal to injured star Riqui Puig, holding up a Galaxy shirt in his honor.

Just four minutes later, Joveljic doubled the lead, exploiting more defensive lapses from New York. A lack of sharpness from center-back Noah Eile, who was filling in for the ill Andres Reyes, allowed Joveljic to receive the ball, advance into the box, and finish calmly with the outside of his right boot.

Red Bulls' Response

The Red Bulls regrouped after the early setback and pulled one goal back in the 29th minute. Emil Forsberg’s corner caused confusion in the Galaxy box, and Sean Nealis pounced on the loose ball to volley it home and make it 2-1.

New York nearly equalized before halftime, with Joveljic coming close to scoring a second goal in stoppage time, but his effort was saved by Coronel. The Red Bulls also threatened in the second half, with Forsberg hitting the post in a fast counter-attack and Coronel denying Joveljic once again with a stunning save.

Tense Final Moments

Despite continued pressure from New York, the Galaxy held on, even after a tense stoppage time moment when referee Guido Gonzales initially signaled the end of the match, only to resume play briefly before the final whistle blew.

Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney expressed his pride in the team's journey from a difficult previous season, while captain Forsberg of the Red Bulls acknowledged the team’s poor start but praised their fight back in the latter stages of the match. The victory was especially meaningful for Vanney, who had lost in three previous MLS Cup finals as a player.

Looking Ahead

The win not only earned the Galaxy their sixth title but also reinforced their resilience after a rocky season, proving they remain one of the league's most successful franchises. Red Bulls captain Forsberg reflected on the loss as motivation for next season, with the team vowing to come back stronger.