The MLS Cup 2024 will crown a new league champion when the LA Galaxy (No. 2 in the Western Conference) host the New York Red Bulls (No. 7 in the Eastern Conference) on Saturday, December 7. The match is set for 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
How to Watch & Stream
- USA: FOX, FOX Deportes
- Canada: TSN, RDS
- Apple TV: Free streaming available
Match Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT
- Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
The LA Galaxy have a rich history in the MLS Cup, having won a record five titles, while the New York Red Bulls are still chasing their first-ever league championship. Both clubs are among the originals in Major League Soccer, having played in the league’s inaugural season back in 1996.
If the match ends in a draw after regulation, two 15-minute extra-time periods will be played. If the score remains tied after extra time, penalty kicks will determine the winner.
2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket
LA Galaxy’s Path to MLS Cup
- Round One: 2-0 series win vs. Colorado Rapids
- Western Conference Semifinal: 6-2 win vs. Minnesota United FC
- Western Conference Final: 1-0 win vs. Seattle Sounders FC
LA Galaxy are back in the MLS Cup for the first time since 2014, and they’ve been dominant throughout the playoffs, outscoring opponents 16-3. In fact, only the 2016 Toronto FC squad has scored more postseason goals (17). However, the Galaxy’s attack will look different in the final after Riqui Puig suffered a torn ACL during their Western Conference Final win over Seattle. Despite playing through the injury, Puig assisted on Dejan Joveljić’s 85th-minute goal, securing LA’s victory.
Even without Puig, LA Galaxy still boasts a potent attack with key players like Designated Players (DP) Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, Joveljić, German international Marco Reus, and Diego Fagúndez. The Galaxy have scored 85 combined goals in the regular season and playoffs, ranking third in MLS history for most goals in a single season.
LA has been nearly invincible at home in 2024, going unbeaten through 20 matches at Dignity Health Sports Park (16 wins, 4 draws). With a +29 goal differential at home, head coach Greg Vanney will be eager to add a sixth MLS Cup title to the franchise’s illustrious history.
New York Red Bulls’ Road to MLS Cup
- Round One: 2-0 series win vs. Columbus Crew
- Eastern Conference Semifinal: 2-0 win at New York City FC
- Eastern Conference Final: 1-0 win at Orlando City SC
The New York Red Bulls have defied expectations to reach the MLS Cup Final as the lowest seed in the tournament’s history (No. 7). The club has been on an impressive run of upsets, defeating Columbus Crew, winning the first-ever postseason Hudson River Derby against NYCFC, and securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Orlando City SC thanks to Andrés Reyes' 47th-minute header.
This remarkable turnaround has been aided by the return of club captain and DP Emil Forsberg, who had been sidelined due to injury. Paraguayan international goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has been instrumental, earning three playoff shutouts. Additionally, DPs Dante Vanzeir and Felipe Carballo have come through with clutch goals, helping the Red Bulls make their second-ever MLS Cup appearance and their first since 2008, when they lost 3-1 to Columbus.
Can the Underdogs Make History?
The New York Red Bulls will enter the final as clear underdogs, but with their momentum and key players stepping up at the right moment, they will look to shock the MLS world and capture their first MLS Cup title. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy are determined to extend their legacy as one of MLS’s most successful teams by adding a record sixth championship to their name.
Both teams have shown they are capable of big performances in high-pressure situations, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting MLS Cup 2024 final.
