2016 U.S. Open Cup Final vs New York Red Bulls
Galaxy's commanding 3-0 victory in New York secured their sixth Open Cup title, tying the all-time record.
The 2016 U.S. Open Cup Final stands as a crowning achievement in the modern era of LA Galaxy, marking the club's record-tying sixth title in this prestigious domestic competition. Played on September 28, 2016, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, the match pitted the defending champions against their fierce rivals, the New York Red Bulls. This encounter was not merely a final; it was a statement of dominance for Galaxy's 'Galaxy Blue' squad, which had already secured the MLS Cup playoffs berth and was looking to complete a historic double.
- Date
- September 28, 2016
- Venue
- Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
- Competition
- U.S. Open Cup Final
- Result
- LA Galaxy 3 - 0 New York Red Bulls
- Scorers
- Giovani dos Santos (2), Robbie Rogers
- MVP
- Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (Note: While he scored in the semi-final, Dos Santos was the star here; however, official MVPs for this specific final were not widely publicized as a singular award in t
- Top Scorer
- Giovani dos Santos (2 goals)
- Historic Context
- Tied the all-time record for most U.S. Open Cup titles held by one club.
Lore & Background
The match is remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the individual brilliance of Giovani dos Santos. The Mexican international delivered a masterclass performance, scoring two goals that showcased his technical flair and clinical finishing against a Red Bulls defense that had been impenetrable all season. This victory allowed Galaxy to join the ranks of legendary American clubs like D.C. United in holding six U.S. Open Cup trophies, cementing their legacy as the most successful franchise in the tournament's history alongside the other giants.
In Their Own Story
The humid New Jersey air hung heavy over Red Bull Arena on that late summer evening, but the tension was palpable among the traveling Galaxy faithful. As the referee blew the whistle for kickoff, the roar of the crowd seemed to part slightly for the home side, yet a quiet confidence radiated from the Galaxy players in their white kits. When Giovani dos Santos received the ball near the penalty area, time seemed to slow; his first touch was pure magic, setting up a strike that flew past the keeper before he could even react. The stadium fell into a stunned silence as the second goal arrived minutes later, sealing a fate that felt inevitable once the Galaxy found their rhythm.
Reader's Guide
The match began with New York Red Bulls looking to impose their physical style on the pitch, but LA Galaxy's midfield control quickly neutralized the hosts' early pressure. The deadlock was broken in the first half when Giovani dos Santos capitalized on a defensive lapse, curling a precise shot into the far corner to give Galaxy a 1-0 lead. Galaxy extended their advantage shortly before halftime as Robbie Rogers added a second goal, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack that caught the Red Bulls' defense off guard. The home side struggled to regain composure in the second half, unable to penetrate the organized Galaxy backline led by Omar Gonzalez and Jeff Larentowicz. The game was effectively sealed when dos Santos scored his second goal of the night in stoppage time, making it 3-0. This decisive strike silenced the Red Bull Arena crowd and sent the traveling fans into a frenzy. The match is remembered as a complete tactical victory for Bruce Arena's side, showcasing a perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Did You Know?
- This win tied LA Galaxy with D.C. United for the most U.S. Open Cup titles in history at that time (6).
- Giovani dos Santos scored two goals in this final, earning him a spot in the All-Tournament Team.
- It was Bruce Arena's second U.S. Open Cup title as LA Galaxy head coach, having previously won it in 2014.
- The victory ensured that Galaxy remained the only MLS team to have won both the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup multiple times.