The Los Angeles Galaxy will make their 10th MLS Cup Final appearance when they host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
The pregame narrative: The Galaxy have been dominant on their path to the Finals. I expect them to defeat the Red Bulls in 90 minutes with most of the scoring taking place in the second half.
Check out my MLS Cup picks.
MLS Cup picks
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Best Bet: Los Angeles Galaxy moneyline (-122)
The Galaxy enter the final in excellent form, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three. I expect them to take care of business against a side that has been fortunate just to get there.
Greg Vanney’s L.A. squad features a dangerous attacking trio in Dejan Joveljic, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil. They combined for 41 goals in the regular season.
The Galaxy will be without Ricard Puig, who suffered a torn ACL in last week’s win. The former Barcelona player has been the driving force in Galaxy’s midfield, but his absence is already baked into this line.
In his place, Marco Reus brings a wealth of big-match experience after several years with Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund and the German national team.
Elsewhere, Diego Fagundez can slot in the attacking midfielder role while defensive midfielders Gaston Brugman and Marco Delgado are solid options in positive gameplay.
As for New York, the Red Bulls arrive at the big dance thanks to their defence, and perhaps some good fortune, too.
In their 2-0 victory over NYCFC, they were outpossessed (71-to-29 percent) and allowed 2.80 expected goals against on 25 shots. Against Orlando City, they were limited to a single shot on target, which came from a set-piece header off Andres Reyes.
Key stat: The Galaxy own the best home record in MLS at 13-3-1, with their lone defeat coming back in July against LAFC.
Quick pick
Over 1.5 total goals – 2nd half (-121): If the playoffs thus far are any indication, the Final could feature an action-packed second half:
- 66 percent (10 of 15) of the Galaxy’s playoff goals have come in the second half.
- 63 percent (five of eight) of the Red Bulls’ playoff goals have been after half-time.
This match-up has the makings of one packed with late drama as the pressure intensifies.
Picks made at 3:20 p.m. on 12/04/24.
