December 9 – For the first time since 2014, the most successful club in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) can call themselves, champions! The now, six-time winner of MLS Cup defeated fellow league founders, the New York Red Bulls 2-1 at a boisterous Dignity Health Sports Park, in Los Angeles, the home of the Galaxy.
In an explosive opening 15 minutes, the Galaxy scored twice through Joseph Paintsil (9th min), and Dejan Joveljic (13th min) to take a stranglehold of the match. Despite Sean Nealis pulling one back for the Red Bulls, the team from New York could not find an equaliser despite throwing everything they had at the most storied franchise in MLS.
LA head coach, Greg Vanney, who was lucky to hold on to his job after several sub-par seasons, added his second MLS Cup to his growing resume, after winning the title with Toronto FC in 2017.
“The quality of soccer and the group and the quality of players, style of play, all those things that this group has shown, has shown that the quality is there and the quality is back,” said Vanney in his postgame press conference.
“But at the Galaxy, it’s about winning championships. And I think going into this week, that was the thing we’ve proven,” adding “that we’re back as an organization, and now it’s to prove that we’re back as champions and on top again. And these guys did it. They cemented their legacy at what is a club with incredible history and legacy, and I’m proud of them. It will bond them together as a group forever.”
After a stellar regular season and a storming run through the play-offs, the Galaxy were heavy favourites coming into the final against the Cinderella, Red Bulls team, who stunned everyone on their way to Carson.
This defeat ensured the RBNY’s wait for their first-ever MLS Cup title will continue, however head coach Sandro Schwarz remained upbeat. “What I can say is the first 15 minutes LA Galaxy controlled the game, but our reaction was great. When we see the big picture, and I told this directly in our locker room — I love these guys.
“I’m so proud for the whole group, for the atmosphere also today from both sides for sure. Our guys, our supporters [were] amazing. Sad about the result, but when we see the big picture, I’m very, very proud of these guys.”
With the victory the Galaxy will qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup but not the FIFA World Club Cup – Inter Miami and the promotional power of Lionel Messi have already been handed the extra slot for a club from the host nation. For a team that once had the star power of David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one wonders if Gianni Infantino regrets his hasty invite to Inter Miami. At least the Seattle Sounders qualified on sporting merit as winners of the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734877945labto1734877945ofdlr1734877945owedi1734877945sni@o1734877945fni1734877945