MLS
Goals galore for LA Galaxy as they blitz through MLS Cup playoffs
Gabriel Pec, Dejan Jovelic and Joseph Paintsil were all on the scoresheet as the Galaxy booked their place in the Western Conference final.
“Our guys love to put on a show” - Those were the words of LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney after his side booked their place in the Western Conference final with a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Minnesota United on Sunday evening
There were two goals apiece for their multitalented strikeforce of Gabriel Pec, Dejan Jovelic and Joseph Paintsil, taking the Galaxy’s postseason tally to 15 goals in three games.
In the post-game press conference, Vanney was asked about their incredible postseason form: “Each of them are playing at a high level right now. Each of them are sharp, playing with a lot of intention and purpose.”
He continued: “Dejan [Jovelic] is on fire, he’s running with and without the ball, he’s a handful. Obviously Riqui [Puig] with his movement. I just think they’re really well connected, focused, and playing with real intention.”
In Jovelic, Pec, Paintsil and Puig, the Galaxy have four genuine match-winners. Each has now scored at least 13 goals in 2024. Gabriel Pec has 19 goals and 16 assists in his first season in MLS.
Can anyone stop LA Galaxy in MLS Cup playoffs?
Despite an impressive regular season campaign LA Galaxy missed out on No. 1 seed in the Western Conference on the final day, losing top spot to rivals LAFC after defeat to Houston Dynamo. But the Galaxy have been back to their best in the postseason and look well-placed to pick up their first championship since 2014.
A decade on from that last triumph, everything seems to be falling into place. Not only is the team in imperious form but their biggest rivals have all fallen out of contention.
The top three seeds in the Eastern Conference - Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew - all suffered shock Round One exits. In the West, No. 1 seed LAFC were dumped from the playoffs by Seattle Sounders on Saturday, meaning that the Galaxy will have home advantage for all remaining games. But despite the favourable winds, Gregg Vanney is taken nothing for granted in this playoff journey.
“We’re in good form and that’s because everybody’s locked in. It’s hard to say because every game is so different, we’re going to have a very different opponent that going to ask different questions of us,” the Galaxy boss explained.
“It’s nice to be at home because our crowd has been amazing,” he added. “The energy in the stadium has been amazing and our guys love to put on a show, as you can see when they play. I think that really plays well for us.”
LA Galaxy will take on Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final on Saturday, November 30. The Galaxy haven’t made it to a conference final since their victorious 2014 campaign but are now just two wins away from adding to their league-record five MLS Cup triumphs.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.