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Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red…

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Los Angeles Galaxy |
Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red Bulls 2-1 to win record 6th MLS Cup championship

Gaston Brugman, who hadn't appeared in the starting lineup since Oct. 5 and had just three starting assignments since September, replaced injured Riqui Puig and earned game MVP honors.

Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, center, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against the New York Red Bulls in the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory in the MLS Cup final Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, center, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against the New York Red Bulls in the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory in the MLS Cup final Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
By | [email protected] | Daily Breeze
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CARSON — It was the perfect start to a perfect end of the 2024 season for the Galaxy.

Within the first 15 minutes, just barely enough time after the pregame festivities, the Galaxy jumped out thanks to its potent attack. First, Joseph Paintsil scored the opening goal, followed by Dejan Joveljic for a quick two-goal lead.

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Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić (9) points to the crowd after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls during the first half of the MLS Cup final at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

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From there, the Galaxy, who had been known to run up the scoreboard, dug in, fought and defended their way to see out a 2-1 win, claiming the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in front of 26,812.

“This is kind of the stamp that we’re back,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “I think this year, this team has proven, from the quality of soccer and the group and the quality of players, style of play, all of those things, this group has shown that the quality is there and the quality is back.

“At the Galaxy, it is about winning championships and I think that going into this week, that was the thing. We’ve proven, I think that we’re back as an organization, now it’s to prove that we’re back as champions.”

As a player, Vanney lost three MLS Cups during his time with the Galaxy. As coach of Toronto FC, he lost two of three finals.

This was the Galaxy’s first MLS Cup appearance since 2014. After going unbeaten at home in the regular season, the Galaxy can boast of being unbeaten at home in MLS Cups (4-0).

It was the fast start that set the stage.

“I thought we were incredible the first 20 minutes, every duel, every second ball, I just think they (Red Bulls) felt a wave that was coming at them,” Vanney said.

The Galaxy were well into their offseason rebuilding project last year at this time. The 2023 regular season was dismal, finishing in 13th place in the Western Conference, but before contending for the MLS Cup, the Galaxy had to win its offseason. And that’s what they did, with the acquisitions of goalkeeper John McCarthy and defender John Nelson and the signings of Designated Players Paintsil and Gabriel Pec.

The moves, coupled with the re-emergence of Joveljic and fiery Riqui Puig paid dividends during the season. One question for Saturday was how the Galaxy would replace Puig, who suffered an ACL injury in last week’s conference final win against Seattle.

In stepped Gaston Brugman, who hadn’t appeared in the starting lineup since Oct. 5 and had just three starting assignments since September. Brugman assisted on Paintsil’s opening goal, slotting a ball from midfield through the defense right to Paintsil in the ninth minute.

Brugman was named the MVP of the game. He said he learned on Tuesday that he would be part of the starting lineup.

“Having a working midfield in there today was obviously, it was intentional,” Vanney said. “The goal of it was to try to free up our wingers and Dejan (Joveljić) a little bit more to be able to try to attack our transition and for us to be a little bit more aggressive through the middle of the park for the day to try to win it.

Joveljić made it 2-0 in the 13th minute. Joveljić celebrated with Robbie Keane’s memorable tumble.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant but I knew I was going to score and do Robbie Keane’s celebration,” Joveljić said. “It wasn’t that smooth but next time will be smoother.”

The Red Bulls received a lifeline in the 28th minute on Sean Nealis’ goal after the Galaxy failed to clear a corner kick. The Red Bulls had a stretch of four consecutive corner kicks later in the half to test the Galaxy’s structure but couldn’t break through.

The chances that came their way in the second half were expertly handled by the Galaxy defensive group.

“I’m so proud for the whole group,” Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz said. “I’m sad about the result and when you see the big picture, I’m very proud of these guys.”

The Red Bulls, seeking their first MLS title, received a bit of bad news before the game as center-back Andres Reyes was removed from the starting lineup due to illness.

This was the first MLS Cup final appearance for the Red Bulls since 2008.

The Red Bulls were the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference recording three consecutive upsets to advance. They knocked out second-seeded Columbus in the first round, sixth-seeded New York City FC in the conference semifinal and fourth-seeded Orlando City in the conference final.

“They defended well,” Red Bulls forward Emil Forsberg said of the Galaxy. “It was hard for us to get into spaces, but I think we played a very good game to be honest. They scored two fast goals, but after that, I think we played a good game.”

Forsberg came inches away from the equalizer, but had a shot in the 73rd minute hit the outside of the post.

With a 2-0 lead, the Galaxy usually turn up the offensive pressure, hunting for more. Like the conference final win against Seattle, the Galaxy leaned on the defensive efforts. Goalkeeper John McCarthy was credited with four saves but didn’t seem to be troubled by any particular attack.

“We knew they came to high-press,” Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida said. “We got two goals early, the second half we controlled very well. I was confident in the second half.”

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