MLS playoffs conference finals: Joveljić, Reyes stand out as Galaxy, Red Bulls head to MLS Cup

We finally have our 2024 MLS Cup matchup decided.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Red Bulls continue their magical run. They defeated Orlando City 1-0, thanks to a goal from Andrés Reyes. This puts Sandro Schwarz’s side into its first MLS Cup final since 2008, and it is looking to become the champion for the first time in Red Bulls history after nearly 30 years in the league.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, another MLS original is also looking to go back on top as the LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0, thanks to a goal from Dejan Joveljić. The Serbian has been one of the star players throughout the entire playoff campaign for Greg Vanney’s team.

What to make of the weekend’s playoff action? And of our two finalists in MLS postseason play? ESPN’s experts weigh in.

The talk of the conference finals

Red Bulls’ underdog story continues

The New York Red Bulls stunned Orlando City 1-0 at Inter&Co Stadium in the Eastern Conference final to reach MLS Cup for the first time in 16 years. The Red Bulls qualified for the playoffs when finishing the regular season in seventh place and now stand as the lowest-seeded team in MLS history to reach the final.

The Red Bulls proved themselves throughout the playoffs, triumphing over reigning champions Columbus Crew, defeating local rivals New York City FC and winning against Orlando to become the first team since the 1998 Chicago Fire to win three consecutive road games in the postseason.

The New York team will now feature in the MLS Cup final for the first time since 2008 when they qualified as the best Western Conference wild card team. In 2008, league rules dictated that the top three teams from each conference would automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the next two teams with the best records joined the final group of eight postseason contenders regardless of conference.

Red Bulls landed among the eight, competing in the West before reaching MLS Cup against the Crew. Though the team, then led by Juan Carlos Osorio, eventually fell 3-1, the Red Bulls now have the opportunity to finally lift the cup when facing the LA Galaxy on Dec. 7. — Lizzy Becherano

MLS originals get job done in tense semis

Time to bring out your retro gear from the 1990s, the final two standing are MLS originals!

The latest semifinal round highlighted that although the league has rapidly changed over the last 28 years — and especially so with Lionel Messi‘s arrival — the spotlight can still shine bright for those who have been present since Day 1 of the league.

For the LA Galaxy, the vibes of 2024 are on par with the halcyon days of successful periods that featured the likes of legends such as Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Cobi Jones. As for the New York Red Bulls, who haven’t had the same amount of success as the Galaxy, there’s a clear chip on their shoulder during the ongoing playoff run that has been building since the MetroStars era.

Both sides paid their dues with not only grueling moments in recent years, but also in last week’s semifinal battles that were just as difficult with narrow 1-0 wins. Looking ahead, the final won’t have the flash or glitz of let’s say an LAFC against Inter Miami, but it’s still a welcome nod to founding clubs that are nearing a three-decade anniversary with MLS.

New faces and teams can emerge, but the originals remain. — Cesar Hernandez

LA back in the final, ultimate catharsis on deck

It feels like this entire season was cathartic for LA Galaxy fans. But last evening’s 1-0 win at home against the Seattle Sounders offers catharsis at another level. For the first time in a decade, the most successful club in Major League Soccer history is finally back in the final.

After spending last season at odds with their front office and ending the year in second-to-last place of the Western Conference (missing the playoffs for the fifth time in seven years), they’ve been one of the best teams in the league in 2024. Plus, not only have they been good. They’ve been fun.

Several key changes brought them here. The Galaxy’s General Manager Will Kuntz (brought to the club in April 2023 but named GM last December) revitalized their roster across every line of the field. Bolstered by several impactful signings, like MLS Newcomer of the Year Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil (who combined for 26 goals in their debut regular seasons), the Galaxy’s dazzling attacking talent notched 69 team goals in the regular season — third most in the league, and more than any team in the Western Conference.

They also improved defensively. This season’s 50 goals conceded is progress from last season’s staggering 67 goals conceded. That mattered against the Sounders. John McCarthy (scooped from LAFC in January) made four saves to keep an essential clean sheet in a tight 1-0 win against Seattle. That includes a massive save in the first half to deny Albert Rusnák.

With some new history made, the ultimate catharsis awaits: LA Galaxy will host NYRB in their 10th MLS Cup final appearance. — Megan Swanick

Conference finals MVP

Riqui Puig | LA Galaxy

Puig propelled LA Galaxy to the 2024 MLS Cup championship game when providing Joveljić with the assist in the second half to win the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders. He’s proved to be a lethal player throughout the playoffs, needing just an inch of space in the final third to create a magical moment for the Galaxy.

The Sounders attempted to mute Puig throughout 90 minutes, but the Spaniard knew how to manipulate the space and find himself in the position to assist the attack and secure the victory. He has accumulated four goals and four assists in four playoff matches, with plenty more to come on Dec. 7.

Sadly, he also suffered an ACL injury during the match and will miss the final, but should LA win on Saturday, Puig’s impact on this team will be one to remember. — Becherano

Andrés Reyes | New York Red Bulls

It was a highly impressive team effort from the Red Bulls against Orlando, and nearly every member of the starting lineup was brilliant, but only one found the back of the net: Reyes. Massive credit to the 25-year-old Colombian who not only stepped up with defensive interventions but also bravely redirected a rapid cross off a free kick for a 47th-minute game-winner. The goal, which was just his second of the season, couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. — Hernandez

play

Andrés Reyes’ header wins MLS playoff final for Red Bulls

Andrés Reyes’ header at the back post gives New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win in the MLS Eastern Conference playoff final.

Dejan Joveljić | LA Galaxy

The Galaxy put nine goals past the Colorado Rapids in their two-leg series. They scored six against Minnesota United in the next round. But beating Seattle required something different from the Galaxy. To quote Greg Vanney following the game, “We knew they’re a stingy defense. They’re not the best defense in the league for nothing.”

LA needed to be clinical with their chances to win. Serbian striker Joveljić answered that call. He registered four of the Galaxy’s 13 shots, with two blocked and two on target. His first shot on target forced one of Stefan Frei’s four saves, and the second won the game. In and of itself, Joveljić’s calm one-touch shot to the bottom-left corner of the net — with multiple defenders descending and minutes left on the clock — is worthy of MVP of the round. — Swanick

play

Dejan Joveljic’s late winner sends LA Galaxy to MLS Cup final

Dejan Joveljic’s 85th-minute winner earns LA Galaxy a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders to win the Western Conference playoffs.

Goal of the conference finals

Dejan Joveljić | LA Galaxy

The Serbian scored once again for the Galaxy, this time connecting with Puig in the final third to manage the right-footed shot into the lower left corner of the goal. It may have been a tame night in terms of goals across both conference finals, but at least Joveljić gave Galaxy fans a moment to cheer for with the game-winning strike. — Becherano

Dejan Joveljić | LA Galaxy

First came the recovery from Mark Delgado, which was followed by a pass to Puig who perfectly placed a through-ball forward, and then finally the well-placed shot from Joveljić for the game winner. A singular moment of magic that cemented a spot in the MLS Cup final. — Hernandez

Andrés Reyes | New York Red Bulls

Joveljic might have been the MVP of the round for his goal, but the Reyes and John Tolkin connection for NYRB’s game-deciding goal needs some attention. First, the placement from Tolkin on that free is elite. And Reyes is well-positioned for a decisive header, as he trots carefully between defenders to knock home the goal that would send NYRB to their first MLS final in 16 years. — Swanick