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The MLS Cup takes place as the Los Angeles Galaxy host the New York Red Bulls in Carson, California on Saturday, December 7, in a matchup of two of the original MLS franchises. However, the pre-season week is off to a terrible start for the favorites as LA Galaxy creative star Riqui Puig will miss the match with a torn cruciate ligament. With Puig in the middle, second-placed Galaxy could score as many as 16 goals to get here, but without him there will be huge shoes to fill.
It’s the exact opposite route from the Red Bulls, who, led by Carlos Cornel in net, conceded just two goals during their run to the final. Behind their defense, they have done just enough to be physical in games to beat everyone in their path, despite only playing one home game during their trip.
For the Red Bulls, they haven’t even appeared in the MLS Cup since 2008 and they get the chance to win it for the first time. It’s quite a contrast to the sleeping giants in the Galaxy who have won five MLS Cups but haven’t played in one since 2014 either.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know ahead of this clash:
How they got here
LA system: The second-seeded team in the Western Conference, after seeing the top seed slip away on the final day of the regular season, responded with a vengeance by brushing aside the Colorado Rapids in the first round, where they scored nine goals before beating the persecuted. with a 6-2 thriller against Minnesota United. The Western Conference Final was a tougher test against the Seattle Sounders and their stout defense, but a solo goal from Dejan Joveljic saw the Galaxy book their place in the MLS Cup.
New York Red Bulls: The seventh seeds in the Eastern Conference went on the road in every match but one, and were seen as extreme outsiders to survive their first-round clash with the Columbus Crew, let alone reach the MLS Cup. It took a penalty shootout win to seal their first-round series against the Crew and they haven’t conceded a goal since. It’s been quite an impressive run led by Coronel, but it’s been a real team effort in defence, from Daniel Edelman in midfield to Dylan and Sean Nealis all in front of Coronel to protect him. Winning these exciting competitions takes courage.
Players to watch
- Carlos Coronel, GK (NYRB): Defense wins championships and there is no way for a team to stay in a game longer than a locked-up goalie. No one has been locked up more than Coronel. As a leader in the Red Bulls’ clubhouse, he has led by example, making impressive stops left and right to keep his team on their toes. It will be quite a stretch in the MLS Cup to show what he can do.
- Dejan Joveljic, FWD (LA Galaxy): While there are so many star strikers in this Galaxy attack, Joveljic is the man to look to when a goal is needed. In all competitions he has 20 goals and six assists, taking a step forward in his fourth season at the club. When he plays against a top goalkeeper in the league, he will have to be at his best.
- Emile Forsberg, MID (NYRB): Part of the changes in the Red Bulls attack, the arrival of Foresberg from RB Leipzig, has helped turn around the team’s fortunes. With ten goals and four assists in all competitions, the veteran presence and winning mentality have led the Red Bulls to a critical moment in their history.
Key missing piece
- Riqui Puig, MID (LA Galaxy): With thirteen goals and nine assists during the regular season, Puig was at the center of everything for the Galaxy. Puig has grown into his role in his third season at the club and has taken on more responsibility as a central creator in a talented attack that is taking them to new heights. Where will that creativity come from without him?
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday December 7 | Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Location: Dignity Health Sporting Park – Carson, California
- TV: Fox | Live stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)
- Chances: LA Milky Way -140; Sign +400; New York Red Bulls +340