Red Bulls win New York derby as Seattle knock out Los Angeles FC

Goals from Felipe Carballo and Dante Vanzeir settled the New York derby as New York Red Bulls defeated New York City 2-0 at the Citi Field to enter the Eastern Conference final of the MLS Cup.

Uruguayan Carballo blasted an effort into the top corner in the 16th minute to give the visitors the breakthrough in the 16th minute before Vanzeir drilled an Emil Forsberg corner in off the post nine minutes later.

City probed for a way back into the game as they enjoyed about 70% of possession and attempted 25 shots. But failing to produce a goal despite an xG of 2.8, the 2021 champions crashed out.

Meanwhile, it was a clinical and well-organised display from the Red Bulls, who generated an xG of 0.88 with nine shots and were happy to sit back and protect their two-goal advantage for the majority of the game.

“It’s a big win today, but in the end, it’s the next step. We have to continue this hard work and next week take the next step,” said Red Bulls boss Sandro Schwarz after the game.

WHY.
CAN’T.
WE. pic.twitter.com/cLpFyWgvsk

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) November 24, 2024

Aiming for their maiden MLS Cup triumph, they will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Orlando City and Atlanta United.

Meanwhile, an extra-time winner from Jordan Morris helped Seattle Sounders edge hosts Los Angeles FC 2-1 and progress to the Western Conference final.

Murray slotted past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a shot on the turn following a corner in the 109th minute to knock out 2022 MLS Cup winners LAFC at the BMO Stadium.

Earlier, Ryan Hollingshead’s opener for Los Angeles in the 50th minute was cancelled out by an own goal from Maxime Chanot nine minutes later.

There was nothing to separate the two sides at the end of regulation time before Murray’s 14th goal of the season sent the visitors past Western Conference top seed LAFC.

Seattle, who are now unbeaten in their last 10 matches in the MLS, will next take on either Minnesota United or LA Galaxy, who face each other in the other semi-final.