LA Galaxy v New York Red Bulls: MLS Cup final explained

LA Galaxy are the most successful team in the competition’s history, having won five titles in nine finals. In 2024, they finished second in the Western Conference behind California rivals Los Angeles FC – their best result since 2014.

They beat Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United and Seattle Sounders to reach the final.

New York Red Bulls will be bidding for their first MLS Cup title, having lost in the 2008 final, their only previous appearance. During the regular season, they finished just seventh in the Eastern Conference, becoming the lowest seed to contest a final.

They beat defending champions Columbus Crew, city rivals New York City FC and Orlando City to secure their final spot.

The 2024 final marks the first championship match between teams from the two largest metropolitan areas in the United States – Los Angeles and New York City. The last time the two sides faced each other competitively was in 2021 during the regular season when Galaxy won 3-2.

Galaxy have the home advantage for the final, as they finished higher in the regular season.