The 2023 MLS season has delivered thrilling moments, surprising storylines, and historic comebacks, culminating in a final that celebrates the league’s roots. The LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, two of Major League Soccer’s original clubs, have defied expectations to meet in the MLS Cup. For both teams, this journey has been one of redemption, resilience, and rediscovery, as they transformed challenging starts into a shot at glory.
This MLS Cup showdown is more than just a championship game. It’s a testament to the league’s evolution and the enduring impact of its cornerstone franchises. Here’s how both teams orchestrated their remarkable turnarounds and what to expect in their clash for the title.
The LA Galaxy: A Story of Redemption
For much of the early season, the LA Galaxy were a team in crisis. Despite boasting one of the most storied histories in MLS, including five MLS Cup titles, they found themselves languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Injuries to key players, defensive struggles, and a lack of chemistry under head coach Greg Vanney left fans questioning the team’s direction.
However, the midseason arrival of reinforcements and a tactical adjustment sparked a dramatic turnaround. The signing of a veteran center-back stabilized the backline, while Riqui Puig, the dynamic Spanish midfielder, took on a starring role. His creativity and vision reinvigorated the Galaxy’s attack, helping strikers like Chicharito and Dejan Joveljić find their scoring form.
Equally critical was the Galaxy’s ability to tighten up defensively, going from one of the league’s most porous defenses to one of its most disciplined units. This balance of offensive firepower and defensive solidity propelled them into the playoffs, where they played with the confidence of a team that had rediscovered its identity.
Their postseason run included dramatic victories over higher-seeded opponents, including a statement win against the league-leading St. Louis CITY SC. The Galaxy’s resurgence has reignited the passion of their loyal fan base and reminded everyone why they’ve been a pillar of MLS since its inception.
New York Red Bulls: From Struggles to Supremacy
On the opposite coast, the New York Red Bulls embarked on a similarly dramatic journey. A team that has often been defined by its “nearly there” narrative, the Red Bulls entered the 2023 season with the league’s longest playoff streak but no MLS Cup trophies to show for it. Early on, their streak of postseason appearances looked in jeopardy as the team stumbled out of the gate.
The Red Bulls struggled with scoring, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals during the first half of the season. Questions swirled around whether their high-press system under head coach Gerhard Struber had run its course. However, a pivotal midseason signing—an attacking midfielder from South America—breathed new life into the team.
This player, alongside breakout performances from academy products like John Tolkin and Omir Fernandez, rejuvenated the Red Bulls’ attack. The pressing system began to click again, turning their relentless pressure into goals and dominating midfield battles. Their defense, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, remained one of the stingiest in the league, giving them a reliable foundation as they climbed up the standings.
After barely scraping into the playoffs, the Red Bulls went on a Cinderella run, upsetting top-seeded Cincinnati and long-time rivals Philadelphia Union to secure their spot in the MLS Cup. Now, they have a chance to exorcise years of postseason heartbreak and lift the trophy that has eluded them since the league’s founding.
A Clash of Titans: What to Expect
The MLS Cup final between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls is more than a matchup of two teams in form. It’s a meeting of MLS originals, two clubs that have carried the league’s banner since 1996. While the Galaxy have been the league’s most successful club, the Red Bulls are seeking their first championship, adding another layer of intrigue.
The key battle will likely take place in the midfield. Riqui Puig’s ability to dictate play for the Galaxy will clash with the Red Bulls’ pressing machine, led by their energetic midfield duo. Transition moments will be crucial, as both teams thrive on punishing mistakes and turning defense into attack.
The Galaxy’s attacking duo of Chicharito and Joveljić offers a clinical edge, but the Red Bulls’ defense, led by Aaron Long and Carlos Coronel, has proven tough to crack. On the other side, New York’s young attackers will look to exploit any lapses in LA’s defense, with Tolkin’s overlapping runs providing a key outlet.
The Legacy Factor
This MLS Cup is a celebration of the league’s roots and a testament to the enduring strength of its original clubs. For the Galaxy, it’s a chance to add to their legacy as the most decorated team in MLS history. For the Red Bulls, it’s an opportunity to finally shed the label of perennial contenders and become champions.
No matter the outcome, the 2023 MLS Cup will be remembered as a battle of resilience and a showcase of the league’s growth. As the Galaxy and Red Bulls take the field, fans across the country will witness a clash of titans and a fitting finale to an unforgettable season.
