Galaxy raced into a two-goal lead within 13 minutes as it made a blistering start on home soil at Dignity Health Sports Park, and it held firm after Red Bulls halved the arrears midway through the first half.

Gaston Brugman threaded a lovely throughball into the path of Paintsil, who slotted his finish under Carlos Coronel for a ninth-minute opener.

Four minutes later, Greg Vanney's men had breathing space as Joveljic escaped the Red Bulls backline to prod home with the outside of his boot.

Daniel Edelman narrowly avoided putting through his own net soon afterwards, then New York clawed one back through captain Sean Nealis, who volleyed home after an inswinging corner Emil Forsberg.

Noah Eile missed one glorious chance before teeing up another for Dante Vanzeir, but the Galaxy held firm, almost adding a third goal when Miki Yamane cannoned a shot against the post shortly after the hour-mark.

LA Galaxy already held the record for most MLS Cup triumphs ahead of this game, with its sixth success now taking it two clear of DC United.

The win ended a 10-year wait for a title, previously claiming the crown when a team containing Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane beat New England Revolution in 2014.