Welcome to The Playoffs LA Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids
The LA Galaxy put on a show Saturday night to an almost sold out crowd. If you came late you didn’t miss much in the first half. But if you left early you might have missed a goal or two.
LA Galaxy Fans didn’t seem to mind the late (8pm Kick Off) start. LA Galaxy were showing the Dodgers game inside the stadium and outside to those who got there early in the spacious and welcoming Galaxy Park.
Dodgers Game at LA Galaxy Park
Welcome to The Playoffs
The Dodgers game finished just as the LA Galaxy game started, and they kept the winning energy going. LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids went 0-0 almost the whole first half and ended the night 5-0 in favor of LA.
Starting XI (Photo by Jhvizualz)
The starting XI featured Joveljić, Pec, and Paintsil upfront with Riqui Puig in the middle. LA Galaxy star Marco Reus was not in the starting line up but was available for the second half.
The first Goal Came at the 31st Minute when the Serbian international player Dejan Joveljić headed it in from a Riqui corner kick pass.
First LA Galaxy 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Goal
The goals didn’t stop for LA Galaxy, John Nelson Scored an absolute masterpiece for his first MLS goal in the 51st Minute.
John Nelson Goal (Photo by Jhvizualz)
John Nelson Goal Celebration with Joveljić & Cerrillo. (Photo by Jhvizualz)
In the 53rd Minute, Riqui Puig also known as Playoff Puig, secured the third for LA Galaxy. Colorado’s defense was struggling to keep up with LA’s Offense.
Colorado Defender Keegan Rosenberry told the media in a Post Game Press Conference that their task was to force Riqui off the ball and not give him time on the ball.
“Our task is to try to force him off the ball, not give him time on the ball, He’s a guy that goes and finds the ball. He’s a good player, and they have a lot of those.”
Riqui Puig Scores vs Colorado Rapids (Photo by Jhvizualz)
Dejan Joveljić and Riqui Puig doubled up their goals making it a 5-0 shutout to end the first round of a 3 game series versus Colorado.
The LA Galaxy are still undefeated at home, sending a strong message to teams coming to Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy were able to defend all night without a shot on target, something we haven’t seen all season. The question around whether or not the LA Galaxy is a strong defensive team is now being answered, kind of.
Colorado Rapids doesn’t have a Goal scoring star or at least someone close to a player like Bouanga, Cucho, or Messi. Colorado’s Goal scoring leader Rafael Navarro and Designated Player Kevin Cabral were no danger for LA Galaxy’s Defense. It would be very shocking to see anything different in Game 2. The real challenge will come when Galaxy face a team that is great defensively and even better offensively.
LA Galaxy now go on the Road to face Colorado for Game 2 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Friday November 1st.
(Photo by Jhvizualz)
Dignity Health Sports Park Home of the LA Galaxy