MLS Cup final, New York Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy
League Record:
New York- 15-9-6 (51 points), First in Eastern Conference
Los Angeles 18-7-5 (59 points), First in Western Conference, MLS Supporter's Shield
Players to watch out
New York- Thierry Henry, Dane Richards, Juan Pablo Angel, Rafa Marquez, Bouna Coundoul, Joel Lindpere
Los Angeles- Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Edson Buddle, Donovan Ricketts, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza
The MLS Cup final is going to be a great and exciting match at the beautiful BMO Field in Toronto. Two of the best teams in the league will face each other in a crunching final. Spectators would get a chance to see some of the top players in the league with
David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle representing LA Galaxy and Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez, Juan Pablo Angel representing New York Red Bulls.
This matchup has the potential to be one of the best and closest encounters of the season as both sides are so balanced in each position that it’s going to be a tough job to pick out a winner.
Landon Donovan would be galaxy’s main stay just like he has been throughout the season and his creativity and willingness to run at defenders would give his time an extra factor if they are to win the game.
Ever since he made his professional debut for Manchester United, David Beckham has been an influential figure for every team he has played with and his experience of big matches would be vital for him and the other players around him.
Not to mention his famous skills in set pieces? He’s the best and his priceless right foot would be looking to put the ball in the bottom corner of the net.
What a run it has been for New York Red Bulls.
The team that finished bottom last season has had one of the best seasons in its history. Fans have been calling this season as ‘from last to first’ while it’s largely a case of ‘from rags to riches’.
The key marquee signings of Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez from Barcelona made the New York outfit’s intentions quite clear. Thierry Henry has been missing for most part of the season but Rafael Marquez has been like a rock throughout this dream season
and has held the back confidently.
The Mexican has always led the defensive line from the back and has given those around him a lot of confidence in themselves. Juan Pablo Angel has played his role as a striker admirably and has been scoring goals regularly. When Thierry Henry comes back
from injury, the ex-Aston Villa striker will have some much needed support upfront that he sometimes lacked in the season.
Mehdi Ballouchy has been a revelation since his arrival and has given the midfield some much needed creativity and his vision to pick out a player will serve as a benefit to New York Red Bulls.
Prediction
It’s very much a possibility that both teams will take this final down to the wire and a dreaded penalty shoot-out looks likely. Both teams have their own agendas and would want to win the final.
La Galaxy would not want to lose the final for the 2nd consecutive time and will have the hunger and experience for the final as they have been at this stage before. For New York Red Bulls it would be the icing on the cake and they would want
to end their season as MLS champions for only the second time.
New York has been playing some of the best football out there and the team is full of young players, who are going to give their utmost just to have a taste at glory. The hunger to win and the presence of Thierry Henry and Angel would ensure that New York
Red Bulls win the MLS Final for the 2nd time on penalties.
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