The final game of the 2024 MLS season is upon us, and the MLS Cup will take centre stage on Saturday afternoon in southern California.
Two teams from, historically, the two biggest markets in the country—Los Angeles and New York—will contest for the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Its Galaxy versus Red Bulls, as the new Western and Eastern Conference champions battle at Dignity Health Sports Park for MLS Cup 2024.
For both sides, given the expectations surrounding them each year, its been a long absence from this prestigious fixture, with this being Galaxys first MLS Cup appearance since 2014 while its Red Bulls first since 2008.
However, the history surrounding both sides fortunes at the MLS Cup couldnt be more different.
Despite going a decade now without a title, Galaxy are still the most successful side in the leagues 29-year history.
They have five MLS Cups to their name, coming during the years of the likes of Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Cobi Jones at the club.
Red Bulls are still waiting for their maiden title.
They lost in their only previous finals appearance, a 3-1 reverse to Columbus Crew in 2008.
Interestingly, that defeat took place at the same stadium where they will be playing for the MLS Cup for the second time this Saturday, with Galaxy playing host because they have the better regular season record of the two sides.
The New York Red Bulls may not have the chance to be the first club to bring the coveted prize to the New York metropolitan area any longer, with rivals New York City FC already achieving that feat in 2021.
But they will have the chance to win a major title, their biggest as a franchise, having only won three Supporters Shields and a couple of Conference championships, and add some long-awaited hardware to their cabinet this weekend.
This tactical preview and tactical analysis will examine some key points in both clubs runs to this years MLS Cup.
Well provide some in-depth analysis of what to look out for on Saturday as another year for U.S. Soccer draws to a close.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls Predicted Lineups
The graphic above displays the lineups of both teams during last weekends Western and Eastern Conference Finals, in which the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls came out on top, respectively.
These are also the most likely teams that will enter the field come kick-off in Carson on Saturday afternoon.
