The 2024 MLS Cup Ultimate is ready: the Los Angeles Galaxy will host the New York Crimson Bulls on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Galaxy is the winningest staff in league historical past, with a record-setting 5 MLS Cups to its title, whereas the Crimson Bulls have by no means received the Cup and enter the match because the lowest-seeded staff to ever qualify for the ultimate.
However do not let the gulf between these stats idiot you: this can be a tight matchup of two wildly completely different franchises. The Galaxy is a relentless goalscoring staff that is at all times shifting ahead, whereas the Crimson Bulls are one of many strongest defensive outfits within the league.
Listed below are the important thing areas the place this MLS Cup remaining might be received or misplaced:
The addition — and subtraction — of key European stars
The destiny of the Crimson Bulls lies within the arms (and toes) of attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg. The Swedish veteran arrived in New York this 12 months and utterly revamped the staff’s assault. He isn’t a game-changing particular person expertise like Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi or a nose-for-goal striker like D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, so his affect could be underplayed by followers and reporters alike, however make no mistake about it: the Crimson Bulls dwell and die by Forsberg’s health.
The Crimson Bulls had a powerful begin to the 2024 season; they had been thought of one of many league’s strongest packages till summer season break. However that narrative went out the window when Forsberg harm his leg in early June. The Crimson Bulls received simply two of the 9 video games he missed and tumbled down the Jap Convention standings. Forsberg’s well-timed playoff return reinvigorated the Crimson Bulls and set them on a path to the MLS Cup.
