LA Galaxy partied like it was 2014 but prepared for 2024 in MLS Cup victory

Original glamour club fell on lean times before it decided to adapt to a league that has changed beyond recognition

You can tell MLS has been around a while because on Saturday it held a nostalgia-soaked tribute event featuring two classic clubs.

The Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls? What is this, 2014? It seemed that way as Dejan Joveljić scored what proved to be the goal that won MLS Cup and celebrated with a wobbly Robbie: an unsteady homage to the cartwheeling Galaxy legend Robbie Keane. The Irish striker scored the decisive goal against the New England Revolution 10 years ago, the last time the Galaxy reached the final.

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LA Galaxy see off New York Red Bulls for record-extending sixth MLS Cup title

Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic each scored early to lift the LA Galaxy to their record sixth MLS Cup title and first since 2014 in a 2-1 victory over the visiting New York Red Bulls in Saturday’s final in Carson, Calif.

Paintsil’s fourth goal of the playoffs and Joveljic’s sixth helped the Galaxy prevail despite missing attacking midfield star Riqui Puig, who suffered a torn ACL helping LA to a Western Conference final victory over Seattle last Saturday.

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MLS Cup is a chance for LA Galaxy to become the league’s glamour club again

The club of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robbie Keane has been through a downturn. A sixth title would restore some shine

As Major League Soccer moved into a new age with Inter Miami’s signing of Lionel Messi last year, the LA Galaxy had seemingly been left behind as a relic of different era. The club of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robbie Keane failed to make the playoffs for the fifth time in seven seasons. Supporters protested against the Galaxy’s leadership and boycotted matches. MLS’s original glamour club had lost its shine.

Now, though, the Galaxy are just one game from a record sixth MLS Cup title with Greg Vanney’s team hosting the New York Red Bulls in Saturday’s championship decider. Ten years after they last lifted the trophy, the Galaxy have the opportunity to reassert their standing as the league’s marquee franchise while Messi and Co watch from home.

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Messi Fueled 13% MLS Sponsorship Rise in 2024, Report Says

The Lionel Messi tide continues to lift all boats in MLS when it comes to attracting new sponsorships. Ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup, SponsorUnited released its latest report on MLS marketing partnerships, which found sponsorship dollars for the league and its clubs rose to $665 million in 2024, up 13% from a year ago and …