The New York Red Bulls beat Orlando City SC, 1-0, to advance to MLS Cup.
Andrés Reyes scored the lone goal for New York, finishing off a service from John Tolkin from just outside the 18-yard-box.
Carlos Coronel came up big again, with big saves to keep the clean sheet.
"For me, and just the guys who grew up in the area, dream come true," Tolkin said. "This an incredible moment. This is kind of why we do it. You know, all the stuff we've dealt with through the year, the ups and downs. We have one more to go, but the guys will enjoy tonight, for sure."
Reyes scored his first career MLS Cup playoff goal and his second of the season across all competitions. He became the third defender in franchise history to score a goal in a playoff match alongside Tolkin (2023) and Tim Parker (2018)
Head Coach Sandro Schwarz is the 12th coach in MLS history to lead their club to MLS Cup in their first season in charge. Schwarz becomes the fifth since 2004 to accomplish the feat and the fourth Eastern Conference Coach.
"I'm very happy about that this, that is the main part, and to see all these guys in the locker room and happy but the season is not over," Schwarz said. "There is also the other side, and this is what we have to continue in our training session, when we start on Tuesday."
Tolkin recorded his second assist of the season across all competitions and his third career MLS playoff assist.
Tolkin now has tallied 17 career assists across all competitions, which ranks first in franchise history among defenders. The Chatham, N.J. native also now ranks tied for fourth in franchise history for most playoffs assists by a Red Bulls player. He also is now the all-time leader in postseason assists by a defender.
"It’s pressure. We need pressure when you want to bring the best performance, the best quality of the whole group. It’s not possible without pressure, to be honest," Schwarz said. "That’s good. It’s the reason why we work so hard every day."
Sean Nealis made his 157th career appearance for the Red Bulls across all competitions, which ranks tied for tenth place in franchise history with Seth Stammler for most appearances by a Red Bulls player across all competitions.
New York Red Bulls joined the 1998 Chicago Fire FC as the only teams in MLS history to win three road games in a single post season.
New York will travel to Los Angeles to play the LA Galaxy for MLS Cup on December 7.
"Since the first day when I when I came here, I had directly a great feeling that we have a big, big chance -- not to talk about the title -- but that we have a big, big chance with all these great people here, to have these emotions and to create this atmosphere," Schwarz said.
This will be the second time the Red Bulls play in MLS Cup, the last time coming in 2008.
"Now, we are in the MLS Cup final," Schwarz said. "Today’s the day to enjoy. Tomorrow, we start to work hard for next weekend.”
