LA Galaxy Cement Legacy with Record 6th MLS Cup Victory
CARSON, California — The LA Galaxy are back on top of the soccer world, and they’ve made sure everyone knows it. On Saturday night, the Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in a thrilling MLS Cup final, claiming their first championship in a decade and solidifying their place as the league’s most decorated team. For head coach Greg Vanney, this victory was more than just a trophy—it was a statement.
“This is kind of the stamp that we’re back,” Vanney said in his post-game remarks. “At the Galaxy, it’s about winning championships, and I think that was, going into this week, the thing. We’ve proven, I think, that we’re back as an organization, and now it’s to prove that we’re back as champions and we’re on top again. These guys did it, and they cemented their legacy.”
And what a legacy it is. With this win, the Galaxy now boast a record six MLS Cup titles, two more than their closest rival, D.C. United. For a team that hadn’t lifted the trophy since 2014, this victory was a long time coming. Heading into the final, the Galaxy were determined to end their title drought, but they faced a significant challenge: the absence of star midfielder and MLS Best XI winner Riqui Puig, who was sidelined with an injury.
Despite Puig’s absence, the Galaxy rose to the occasion, proving that their success was a team effort. Goalkeeper John McCarthy summed it up perfectly: “As a group, he deserved [the title] just as much as we did. It was a total group effort, and today, it showed even though he wasn’t on the field. We did it for him just like we did it for the group.”
Stepping Up in the Spotlight
With Puig out, the Galaxy needed other players to step up—and step up they did. Midfielders Gastón Brugman and Marky Delgado delivered standout performances. Brugman, who was named the game’s MVP, set the tone early by assisting Joseph Paintsil’s opening goal in the ninth minute. Delgado followed suit, providing the assist for Dejan Joveljic’s game-winning goal later in the first half.
“I dreamed it yesterday, and I dreamed of something else that I could give to the team,” Brugman said after the match. “I was able to do it. It was great to see them, see the team with hunger, and it was exciting. We were the deserved winners.”
For Brugman, it was a particularly special moment, as this was his first start of the playoffs. His performance not only filled the void left by Puig but also showcased the depth and resilience of the Galaxy roster.
Red Bulls’ Cinderella Run Falls Short
On the other side of the pitch, the New York Red Bulls were left to reflect on what might have been. As the lowest-ever seed (No. 7 in the Eastern Conference) to reach an MLS Cup final, the Red Bulls had defied the odds to get this far. But their slow start on Saturday proved costly.
“We weren’t that aggressive as we should be, maybe not that clever with the ball [during] the first 15 minutes,” said Red Bulls playmaker Emil Forsberg. “But as well, we played against a very good team. They’re gonna create chances, they scored two good goals.”
Despite their disappointment, Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz remained proud of his team’s journey. “What I can say is always the same: I love these guys, how the reaction was,” Schwarz said. “Now they are in the locker room. For sure, some guys, they are crying. Sometimes it’s tough when you lose the final, but also [we need] to use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity.”
Galaxy’s Place in History
With this victory, the Galaxy have further cemented their status as the most successful club in MLS history. Their six titles put them well ahead of the pack, with D.C. United trailing behind at four. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS clubs—alongside the New England Revolution and FC Dallas—to have never won the Cup.
For the Galaxy, this win is more than just a trophy—it’s a return to their roots as a championship-caliber team. And for their fans, it’s a moment to savor. After all, it’s not every day you get to witness history being made.
Key Takeaways
- The LA Galaxy claimed their record sixth MLS Cup title with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
- Head coach Greg Vanney declared the win as proof that the Galaxy are “back” as champions.
- Gastón Brugman was named MVP after assisting the opening goal and delivering a standout performance.
- The Red Bulls made history as the lowest seed to reach the final but fell short in their quest for a first title.
As the confetti rained down at Dignity Health Sports Park, one thing was clear: the LA Galaxy are, once again, the kings of MLS.
Originally Written by: Unknown
