The final 90 minutes of the 2024 MLS season are upon us as the Galaxy and the Red Bulls prepare for a showdown in Carson to crown a new league champion.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated cup final, let’s dig into a few of the biggest talking points heading into the weekend.
The Galaxy must solve their Puig problem
Nov 24, 2024; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig (10) reacts after the game against Minnesota United in a 2024 MLS Cup conference semifinal match at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn
It’s a crying shame for everybody involved in MLS that arguably the most watchable player in the league outside of the Inter Miami superstars will miss the final this weekend. But after confirming an ACL tear for talismanic midfielder Riqui Puig, the Galaxy will have to find a new metronome in the middle.
To make matters worse, Marco Reus, the most natural replacement for Puig in the Galaxy squad is potentially a game-time decision with fitness issues of his own. However, the German was positive about his chances of featuring after speaking in the buildup to the final this weekend.
Goals shouldn’t be an issue for Greg Vanney’s side. The trio of Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, and Dejan Joveljić has been electric throughout the playoffs, but it is no secret that Puig is the puppet master from a deeper position in the center of the park.
If Reus can play from the start, their shouldn’t be too much of a drop-off, but a Puig-less Galaxy is not nearly the unstoppable force as one with the crafty Spaniard.
It’s time for Emil Forsberg to leave his mark on MLS
Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg (10) celebrates a second half goal against the Columbus Crew in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One matchat Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
The Swede was brought into the club at for moments just like this. With bags of European experience and the talent to take over a match by himself. A Forsberg masterclass is the best chance the Red Bulls have of stealing a result in Carson on Saturday.
New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg:
“I came here to… bring the Red Bulls back to something special. The goal was to come here to win.”
“I don’t think anybody believed the Red Bulls were going to be here in MLS Cup.” pic.twitter.com/RzVCfIvMXv
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 5, 2024
The 33-year-old can pull the strings behind the striker partnership of Dante Vanzier and Lewis Morgan, who have saved their best performances this season for the playoffs.
“He’s not only a great player, but he’s also a great person,” head coach Sandro Schwarz said this week.
“He leads the team off the field, in the locker room and, this is important, with his experience. He feels the responsibility for the team.”
While that type of responsibility may be a burden for some, Forsberg should relish the opportunity to deliver silverware to a club that has perennially fallen short when it mattered most.
A clash of identities on the pitch
Nov 1, 2024; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney looks on during the second half against the Colorado Rapids in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
If you’re sitting down on Saturday hoping for some entertaining football in the MLS Cup final, you may not have to wait long for your wishes to be fulfilled.
Greg Vanney’s possession-first style of football has yielded some superb results for the neutrals. Their 69 goals scored in the regular season was the highest tally in the Western Conference, while a mark of 50 goals conceded was joint-most of any top-10 team in MLS.
How that possession is impacted by aforementioned loss of Riqui Puig remains to be seen, but the Galaxy will look to take the game to their visitors regardless of the personnel.
The Red Bulls, on the other hand, are wedded to the style of play that filters down from the top of the Red Bull Football Group. High-pressing, and high-energy spurts is the name of the game for the Harrison side.
New York Red Bulls’ play can sometimes seem chaotic, but their average positions towards the end of Saturday’s win vs. Orlando had an organised symmetry to it. Gives a good overview of their shape. pic.twitter.com/3pSP5RQozC
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) December 2, 2024
While they limped through the back half of the regular season campaign, we’ve seen just how effective their style of play has been in the playoffs so far. Give New York 30 minutes to blow away a team by outworking them, and they’ll put on a show.
The clash in styles should set us up perfectly for some sparks on the pitch on Saturday. One side will work their hardest to control the game and suffocate their opponent, while one will look to disrupt, cause chaos, and pick their moments to be electric. Buckle up, folks.
