MLS Cup live updates: Lineups, highlights, how to watch LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls

December 7, 2024

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CARSON, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Riqui Puig #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates after defeating the Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 30, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) — The Los Angeles Galaxy, winners of five MLS Cups, look to add to their trophy case Saturday against the New York Red Bulls. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

CARSON, Calif. — Yahoo Sports has live coverage of the Saturday’s 2024 MLS Cup final, where the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls face off in a showdown of heavyweight versus underdog. The match kicks off at 4:10 p.m. ET, 1:10 p.m. PT at the Galaxy’s fortress, Dignity Health Sports Park. Fox will broadcast the final in the United States. Fans can also stream it on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass in England or Spanish.

The Galaxy are chasing a league record sixth title after an electric season fueled by big-name signings and free-agent coups. But Saturday, they’ll be without midfield maestro Riqui Puig, whose torn ACL leaves a massive gap in their attack. Can Greg Vanney’s side adapt and deliver yet another championship to Los Angeles?

On the other side, the Red Bulls have defied all odds to get here. After sneaking into the playoffs as the East’s seventh seed, they’ve clawed their way past defending champ Columbus, then crosstown rival NYCFC, then Orlando. They’ve been fueled by gritty pressing and a lights-out defense led by goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Now, with history on the line, Sandro Schwarz’s team has a chance to pull off one of the league’s greatest Cinderella stories.

Will the Galaxy’s star power shine through, or can the Red Bulls grind out one final upset to lift their first MLS Cup?

All of the latest updates, highlights and more will be below.

Live4 updates

Sat, December 7, 2024 at 9:27 PM GMT+1

The lineups, in formation

Here’s how the Galaxy and Red Bulls will set up, per the official team sheet.

Given the Galaxy injuries, no surprises.

The Galaxy will set up in their customary 4-3-3, and the Red Bulls in their 3-4-2-1. (MLS)
Sat, December 7, 2024 at 9:18 PM GMT+1

Marco Reus on the bench

The big news within the starting lineups is that Marco Reus — the former Borussia Dortmund star who joined the Galaxy midseason — is only fit enough for the LA bench.

He felt something in his groin early in last Saturday’s Western Conference final. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said yesterday that Reus “trained fully” on Friday, and “should be ready to go tomorrow” … but apparently he isn’t, at least not fully.

And that’s a big loss. Reus hasn’t lit up MLS, but he would’ve stepped into an elevated role in the absence of Riqui Puig, who tore his ACL last weekend.

Without both of them, the Galaxy’s midfield is significantly weakened. Marky Delgado and Gaston Brugman are the replacements.
Sat, December 7, 2024 at 9:14 PM GMT+1

Lineups

Lineups are in. Here are the starting 11s:

Lineups for the 2024 MLS Cup final.
Sat, December 7, 2024 at 9:12 PM GMT+1

Welcome to MLS Cup

We’re just under an hour until kickoff at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Between now and then, we’ll set the stage for a fascinating matchup — which could produce all sorts of drama, or a relative dud.