HARRISON, N.J. – In their first meeting since the 2024 MLS Cup Final, New York Red Bulls scored five times to hand the LA Galaxy a 7-0 defeat at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday night. The win was punctuated by two goals each from captain Emil Forsberg and star striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The win also continues the good form of New York as they win their second straight game in all competitions.
Red Bulls started the game quick and never looked back. They took advantage of a slow and plodding Galaxy defense, passing through the midfield and dribbling past their aging defenders. They found the back of the net before the 10th minute when Forsberg found Choupo-Moting who dribbled into the box and scored. From there the team pushed on and doubled the lead when Omar Valencia handled a bouncing ball to find Forsberg to double the lead. The captain again found his primary target to cap off an impressive first half. Choupo-Moting scored his second goal to put the game away before the first half ended.
The New York’s credit they continued to push. The Galaxy had their moments, taking advantage of lapses in concentration from the Red Bulls but Christian Ramirez and star player Marco Reus could do little but put the ball over the net. Forsberg would net his second goal with a curling free kick in the 50th minute. From there Cameron Harper and Dennis Gjengaar added more to cap off a seven-goal route.
The win was the most impressive they’ve had in recent memory, burying last year’s opposition and sending the LA Galaxy home winless again in 2025. The team also leaps in the standings to seventh place as they await the rest of the weekend’s results.
Next up is a midweek trip to Nashville where they’ll hope to continue their momentum as the team is performing strong all around the field.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Duncan, S. Nealis, Eile, Valencia, Carballo, Edelman, Carmona (67′ Harper), Forsberg (76′ Hall), Sofo, Choupo-Moting (76′ Bogacz)
LA Galaxy: McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Garces, Nelson (46′ Sanabria), Fagundez (81′ Lepley), Reus (64′ Wynder), Cerrillo, Aude, Berry (46′ Cuevas), Ramirez (64′ Nacimento)
SCORING SUMMARY:
8′ (New York Red Bulls) Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (5) assisted by Emil Forsberg
16′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (4) assisted by Omar Valencia
31′ (New York Red Bulls) Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (6) assisted by Emil Forsberg
50′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (5) unassisted
68′ (New York Red Bulls) Cameron Harper (2) unassisted
88′ (New York Red Bulls) Dennis Gjengaar (3) assisted by Wiktor Bogacz
90′ (New York Red Bulls) Miki Yamane – OG
DISCIPLINE:
49′ (LA Galaxy) Julian Aude – YELLOW CARD
72′ (New York Red Bulls) Noah Eile – YELLOW CARD
73′ (LA Galaxy) Mauricio Cuevas – YELLOW CARD
74′ (New York Red Bulls) Sean Nealis – YELLOW CARD
74′ (LA Galaxy) Edwin Cerrillo -YELLOW CARD
78′ (LA Galaxy) Elijah Wynder – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau