Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg each scored two goals in the New York Red Bulls’ 7-0 demolition of the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in Harrison, N.J.
The seven-goal margin was the biggest loss in Galaxy history, and it matched the biggest victory in New York’s franchise history.
Los Angeles (0-9-3, 3 points) is the first team in MLS history to open a season with a 12-match winless streak. Saturday’s result underlined the Galaxy’s rapid fall from championship glory, as the Galaxy defeated the Red Bulls in the 2024 MLS Cup Final just five months ago.
Cameron Harper and Dennis Gjengaar also scored for the Red Bulls (5-4-3, 18 points). LA defender Miki Yamane had an own goal for New York’s other tally.
Carlos Coronel made six saves to earn his fifth shutout of the season.
Forsberg also had two assists Saturday and leads the Red Bulls with nine goal contributions (five goals, four assists).
Choupo-Moting opened the scoring in the seventh minute on a tic-tac-toe passing play with Forsberg. Nine minutes later, Omar Valencia sent a nice pass to a wide-open Forsberg in the box, and Forsberg took advantage of the porous defending to convert the shot.
The attack continued in the 31st minute, as New York again had plenty of room to maneuver in LA’s side of the field. Goalkeeper John McCarthy made a big save against Mohammed Sofo, but Forsberg collected the rebound and passed to a streaking Choupo-Moting for the finish.
Signed to a Designated Player contract in December, Choupo-Moting has a team-leading seven goals in his first 12 MLS matches.
Forsberg matched his teammate’s brace by converting a brilliant free kick in the 50th minute.
Harper and Gjengaar both came off the substitute bench in the 67th minute, and Harper collected his first goal of the season after just a minute of play. Gjengaar added to the rout in the 88th minute.
The final insult for Los Angeles came three minutes into stoppage time, as Yamane made an ill-advised back pass that sailed past McCarthy for the own goal.
–Field Level Media
