MLS Cup 2025 has arrived and fans should be in for an incredible matchup between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The storylines for Saturday’s matchup just write themselves.
Both clubs are making their first appearances in the final and are looking to secure the MLS Cup for the first time ever. Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are looking to close the books on their lustrous careers with a championship. Let’s not forget Miami’s Lionel Messi and Vancouver’s Thomas Müller, who are each striving to capture Major League Soccer’s (MLS) biggest prize.
Considering the hype, the star power, the talent, the headlines, the magnitude around this match, it’s shaping up to be a classic.
For Red Bull New York fans, it may be hard for some to watch this year’s edition after what occurred in 2024.
Unless you were living under a rock during the entire 2024 season, you already know about New York’s incredible run to the Cup last season. This Sunday will mark one year since Red Bull represented the Eastern Conference and took on their original 96 foe in the LA Galaxy in the final. But as fans know by now, New York was defeated 2-1 and the Galaxy clinched their record sixth MLS Cup.
Thanks to a goal in the ninth minute by Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, LA never let go of the lead. That lead was only extended further when former Galaxy member Dejan Joveljić scored in the 13th minute.
New York defender Sean Nealis was eventually able to put a goal in the net for his side, but that was all New York could muster up.
In many ways, this was the best opportunity for New York to win their first MLS Cup. Since then, New York missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009, let go of manager Sandro Schwarz and regressed a bit.
This isn’t to say they can’t return in 2026. This New York side has the pieces to make a run back to the final.
Forward Eric Choupo-Moting, captain Emil Forsberg and the return of midfielder Lewis Morgan should help this squad make a strong push back to the championship game. But considering Choupo-Moting and Forsberg’s ages and Morgan’s injury history, that’s not a given.
The next couple of months for the club will be important ones for them to ensure a return to the postseason. One of the most important decisions still on their plate is who will be the head coach of the squad?
In recent days, New York Red Bulls II manager Michael Bradley has been listed as the front runner for the position. It’s hard to say if he can guide them to the Cup. He did win the Cup with Toronto FC as a player in 2017 so who knows.
As New York fans watch this season’s MLS Cup, they will be haunted by the missed opportunity that could have forever changed the franchise.
For fans of “the beautiful game” though, let’s cheer for this year’s MLS Cup. If it can be anything like the dramatic and classic 2022 edition, that would be amazing.
Let’s also hope people watch it this season. MLS Cup 2024’s numbers were interesting to say the least.
Kickoff for MLS Cup 2025 is set for 2:30 p.m. this Saturday on FOX and Apple TV.
