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Two of Major League Soccer’s founding clubs will meet in the cup final.
The No. 7 New York Red Bulls qualified first, becoming the lowest seed to play in the finals. The Red Bulls won the first round of the series 2-0, overwhelming the No. 2 Columbus Crew, the reigning Cup champions. They eliminated No. 6 NYCFC and No. 4 Orlando City in a single-elimination game.
LA Galaxy, the second seed in the West, were the only team in the top four in the standings and escaped the shock. They dominated the No. 7 Colorado Rapids in the first round, defeated No. 6 Minnesota United 6-2, and defeated the sleeper team, the No. 4 Seattle Sounders, 1-0.
Saturday’s final will feature some interesting talent on both teams, but perhaps the best player, the Galaxy’s Riqui Puig, did not suit up after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Seattle. He continued to play for 30 minutes, providing the assist that led to the goal.
So which players could make the difference between winning and losing? Let’s take a look at five.
RW Gabriel Peck, Galaxy
Peck deservedly won the MLS Rookie of the Year award after carrying his impressive regular season performance into the postseason. The Brazilian left-footed right winger boasts speed, flair and stamina, making him a vital part of manager Greg Vanney’s 4-3-3 set-up.
The 23-year-old forward has 19 goals and 15 assists in 37 games, including four playoff games. Although he cannot link up with Puig, he has proven that he can step up on any stage.
AM Emil Forsberg, Red Bulls
New York wasn’t expected to make it this far due to their overall poor quality, but the players stepped up to the occasion under head coach Sand Schwartz. A key player in this is Forsberg, who, like Peck, joined the team in the first pre-season transfer window.
Forsberg has made just 23 appearances, but has scored 10 goals and provided four assists as an attacking midfielder in Schwarz’s back-five system. He has years of top-level experience with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and the Swedish national team, so the Red Bulls will likely need to run their attacking game through him if they are to end their Cinderella story. Dew.
AM Marco Reus, Galaxy
Speaking of former Bundesliga stars, Los Angeles has one of its own. Former Borussia Dortmund player Reus joined the Galaxy late in the regular season, but played in just 10 games after going through a lengthy free agency process in which Charlotte FC and others sought to sign him. However, the Galaxy ultimately won the rights and Reus agreed to join, scoring one goal and providing three assists in his minutes so far.
Vanney gradually placed Puig and Reus together to maximize the attacking potential of the midfield. However, they will likely have to go back to their pre-Reus tactics and start with the 35-year-old German, similar to Puig. Furthermore, despite winning the DFB Pokal twice in Germany, Reus is known for having a “curse” in finals and important matches. Now is a good time to reverse your fortunes.
ST Lewis Morgan, Red Bulls
Goals win games, and while New York didn’t win many games in the regular season, players like Morgan made a difference. The Scottish striker is the team’s top scorer with 13 goals and five assists in 33 appearances.
The two-legged 28-year-old can play as a solo striker, an attacking midfielder and can also play on the wing. He has also formed a strong partnership with fellow striker Dante Vanzeil, 26. If not Forsberg, Morgan should provide the output.
CB Maya Yoshida Galaxy
MLS has focused on star forwards and attacking midfielders as the league continues to grow. Neither team employs an elite defender in that regard, but Yoshida, a 36-year-old Japanese veteran, was solid in his prime and can play as an RCB or LCB.
Yoshida will join the Galaxy in 2023 and has many years of experience in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga, making him a suitable captain of the team. LA has weaknesses on defense, but they have made up for it by simply producing goals. However, it will require more consistent performance from the defense, so Yoshida will need to make sure his defense is up to the task.
Honorable mention
John Tolkien, Red Bulls: The 22-year-old left-back can contribute in attack and has been called up to the U.S. men’s national team to represent the program at the Paris Olympics.
Joseph Paintsil, Galaxy: The veteran left wing formed a deadly partnership with Peck, scoring 13 goals and dishing out eight assists in 33 games. They are arguably the best wing duo in MLS.
American soccer defender John Tolkien talks about his team’s draw with France in the opening game of the Paris Olympics in Marseille.
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