Red Bulls beat Orlando City 1-0 in Eastern Conference final, will play Galaxy for MLS Cup
Red Bulls beat Orlando City 1-0 in Eastern Conference final, will play Galaxy for MLS Cup
Orlando City forward Iván Angulo, left, is defended New York Red Bulls midfielder Peter Stroud, middle, and forward Cameron Harper, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) catches the ball on a goal attempt by the New York Red Bulls during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, left, and New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, head the ball during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin (47) gets ball away from Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman brings ball down the pitch against Orlando City during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel warms up before his team plays Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg, left, is defended by Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, middle, and Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin, right, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Wikelman Carmona, front, defends the ball against Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire,center top,, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls forward Cameron Harper (17) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda, left, go for the ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, top, and Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) fight for ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis (12) react to the win against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, and defender Sean Nealis, left, react to fans after winning against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel, react to fans after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, right, reacts to loss against the New York Red Bulls after play in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City watch the trophy presentation to the winning New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Iván Angulo, left, is defended New York Red Bulls midfielder Peter Stroud, middle, and forward Cameron Harper, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Iván Angulo, left, is defended New York Red Bulls midfielder Peter Stroud, middle, and forward Cameron Harper, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) catches the ball on a goal attempt by the New York Red Bulls during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) catches the ball on a goal attempt by the New York Red Bulls during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, left, and New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, head the ball during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, left, and New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, head the ball during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin (47) gets ball away from Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin (47) gets ball away from Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman brings ball down the pitch against Orlando City during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman brings ball down the pitch against Orlando City during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel warms up before his team plays Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel warms up before his team plays Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg, left, is defended by Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, middle, and Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg, left, is defended by Orlando City midfielder César Araújo, middle, and Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, right, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin, right, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, left, is defended by New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin, right, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Wikelman Carmona, front, defends the ball against Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire,center top,, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls midfielder Wikelman Carmona, front, defends the ball against Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire,center top,, during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls forward Cameron Harper (17) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda, left, go for the ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls forward Cameron Harper (17) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda, left, go for the ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, top, and Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) fight for ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, top, and Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) fight for ball during the second half of an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis (12) react to the win against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis (12) react to the win against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, and defender Sean Nealis, left, react to fans after winning against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls defender Dylan Nealis, right, and defender Sean Nealis, left, react to fans after winning against Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel, react to fans after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel, react to fans after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, right, reacts to loss against the New York Red Bulls after play in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, right, reacts to loss against the New York Red Bulls after play in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City react to losing to the New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City watch the trophy presentation to the winning New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Members of Orlando City watch the trophy presentation to the winning New York Red Bulls after the MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
New York Red Bulls celebrate their championship after beating Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference final soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Andres Reyes scored two minutes into the second half and Carlos Coronel made it stand up for first-year coach Sandro Schwarz as the New York Red Bulls beat Orlando City 1-0 in an Eastern Conference final on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to their second MLS Cup final.
The Red Bulls are the first No. 7 seed to play for the championship after joining the 1998 Chicago Fire as the only teams to win three straight playoff matches on the road. They will hit the road one more time to play the Los Angeles Galaxy for the Cup. The Galaxy beat the visiting Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the Western Conference final Saturday night.
Schwarz, who left Germany’s Hertha BSC to coach the Red Bulls, led his team past second-seeded and defending-champion Columbus in the first round, winning the rubber match on the road. The Red Bulls beat No. 6 seed New York City FC 2-0 at Citi Field in a semifinal.
Coronel saved three shots in his ninth playoff appearance — all with the Red Bulls. Coronel has all three of his postseason clean sheets this season.
The Red Bulls grabbed the lead in the 47th minute when Reyes scored with a header off a free kick by fellow defender John Tolkin. It was Reyes’ first goal in his ninth postseason appearance. Tolkin’s assist was his third in nine playoff appearances with after notching his first two and his only goal last season.
Pedro Gallese finished without a save in his 11th career playoff start — all with Orlando City. He allowed one goal in four starts this postseason entering play.
The Red Bulls have made the playoffs every season since 2010. They advanced to the final just once — losing 3-1 to the Columbus Crew in 2008. The club played in the conference final for the sixth time and first since 2018.
Oscar Pareja, who became Orlando City’s manager in 2019, led the club to its first conference championship match.