'Gutted' - John Tolkin, Emil Forsberg and New York Red Bulls rue missed opportunities in 2-1 MLS Cup loss to LA Galaxy

Ahead of Saturday's contest, star defender Andres Reyes was ruled out of the match due to a sudden illness, throwing the Red Bulls defensive plans into chaos. Manager Sandro Schwarz made a last-minute change, putting in 22-year-old Swedish defender Noah Eile, but it ultimately led to chaos - none of which was the central defender's fault.

"It's tough, I mean, he's had a fantastic playoffs and then it's just tough not having him here," Forsberg told GOAL. 'It is what it is, we couldn't do much about it. We had to focus and I think Noah came in and played a great game. It was just as tough for him [Reyes] -- he deserved to play in an MLS Cup Final after his playoff run."

Defender John Tolkin added that Eile played a great game, but without their defensive leader in Reyes, the Red Bulls ultimately struggled to adapt to early pressure from the hosts - conceding two goals that were caused by miscommunication on their defense.

"The first 20 minutes, we were a little bit sloppy," Forsberg said. "We gave them two goals and we had to work ourselves out from that."

Even though the Red Bulls were defensively sound and rather composed for the remainder of the match, those opening 20 minutes were what ultimately turned the match. However, at one point, they did find their footing, and it looked as though an opportunity to come back in the game might come.

In the 28th minute, Forsberg lined up to take a corner kick in front of the LA Galaxy supporters section, and after his sensational delivery was bounced around the 18-yard-box, it ended up on the boot of Nealis - who flicked it home to a resounding roar from traveling supporters.

"How we responded was how we wanted to start," Tolkin said. "Whenever you start a game like that, go down two goals pretty early, it's hard to come back. But I'm proud of the guys and the response, and it could have easily gotten ugly. I'm happy with the response and how everybody responded to not let it get away from us and at least give us a chance."

Nealis' goal provided what Tolkin described as a "lifeline" to the club, flooding them with emotion.

"Sean's been massive all year, and it gave us that lifeline, and belief again that we were right back in it," the U.S. international said.

However, their attack never followed through, despite opportunity after opportunity.

In total, RBNY created 12 shooting opportunities, with five of them ending up on frame. Forward Dante Vanzeir failed to register an attempt on target all evening before being subbed off in the 65th minute, while star forward and 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year Lewis Morgan replicated the stat - zero attempts on frame.

Three of their scoring opportunities came from unexpected members: defenders, a sign that their attack wasn't up to the task.

“I think we just came out slow,” defender Cam Harper said. “I think we obviously grew into the game, but the first 15 minutes were unacceptable. Give away two absolutely terrible goals, and then we’re behind early. We’re having to play catch up. Yeah, it sucks, it sucks. disappointing.”

As a result of their poor showing in the final-third, their season has wrapped. Now, they're on to 2025. However, there's a realization among the roster that not only was there immense progress in 2024, it established a foundation for even further growth.

"It was a nice year and everybody should be proud of what happened in the East, it's not an easy thing to do. Beating the likes of Columbus away, New York City, Orlando... it's not only one game that determines the season and we'll go into this break now and get some rest and think about things, and then be ready in January or February," Tolkin added. "Gutted, but proud of everybody."

Midfielder and fellow RBNY homegrown Daniel Edelman spoke on the despair, but added how proud they are of making it back to MLS Cup.

"It was a hell of a run we had," Edelman added. "It was really special to be back [at MLS Cup], but there's a lot of disappointment right now. I feel like we came up short, but you gotta look at the big perspective and we did do an amazing job this year. We showed a lot of fight, a lot of resilience. It's just really sad right now. We will definitely be back stronger and I believe in all these guys."

Forsberg, meanwhile, was adamant that 2025 will be their year.

“I think we have fantastic possibilities, and I’m very sure of it with these players and with the coaching staff and everything we got going,” he said. “I’m positive that we’re going achieve big things next year as well. I mean, this was the start. And it feels bad today, very bad, sad and angry.

"But on the other hand, I’m very proud of the guys, how we went on in this playoff and showed what we can do as a team together. It gives us motivation and should give us hope. I think next year is going to be big for us. I’m very, very positive about next year."