When the odds-makers in Vegas dropped their betting lines on the MLS playoffs last week, they had the Los Angeles Galaxy pegged as the favorites to clinch the Western Conference title. It’s been a whole decade since the Galaxy last made it to the MLS Cup final, so seeing them at the top of the odds list certainly raised a few eyebrows. But if anyone doubted the Galaxy’s potential, their playoff opener on Saturday provided a hefty dose of reality.
In a dazzling display of skill and teamwork, the Galaxy dismantled the Colorado Rapids with a staggering 5-0 victory at Dignity Health Sports Park. The game wasn't just a simple win; it was a statement. With Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig each netting two goals and John Nelson adding his first-ever MLS score, the Galaxy showcased their offensive firepower. This wasn’t merely a win; it matched the largest margin of victory in the franchise's playoff history—a record they hadn’t touched since 2014 when they faced Real Salt Lake in the first round. Coincidentally, that year marked the last time they found themselves in the MLS Cup final.
Saturday's match wasn't just another game on the schedule; it marked the most lopsided loss for the Rapids in over two years. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney couldn’t have been prouder of his team's performance. “It was a very clean performance. Probably one of the best I can remember,” he said. “And at a good time.” Indeed, it was a perfect time for such a dominant display, as they head into the next phase of the playoffs with serious momentum.
With this emphatic win under their belts, the Galaxy now face a crucial challenge as they head to suburban Denver for the second game of this best-of-three series. All they need is one more victory to advance to the conference semifinals. But the stakes are high; if they falter, they’ll be forced into a nail-biting third game back at home on November 9, which would put their season on the line. The bizarre scheduling of the MLS playoffs doesn’t do them any favors.
If the Galaxy can sweep the series in the first two games, they'll advance to the semifinals. However, with the playoffs pausing for the November international break, they wouldn’t play again until at least November 23. That lengthy 22-day gap could disrupt their momentum and rhythm, which is crucial at this stage. Vanney, however, isn’t losing sleep over it. “In the best of three, you take this win and now we’ve got two games to win one to get to the next round,” he pointed out. “It's just one game, is what it means at this point.”
The Galaxy’s impressive victory wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was about the way they played. From the opening whistle, they attacked with vigor and purpose. Their first goal came in the 32nd minute, a moment of brilliance from Joveljic, who expertly connected with Puig’s corner kick. With his chest controlling the ball and his forehead directing it just inside the right post, Joveljic marked a significant moment. This was the Galaxy’s 70th goal of the season, but only their third from a corner, highlighting a weak spot they’ve been working to improve.
Just seven minutes into the second half, the Galaxy doubled their lead. Outside backs Miki Yamane and Nelson executed a beautiful play, with Yamane threading a pass through the box right to a wide-open Nelson. With composure and precision, Nelson settled the ball with one foot and sent a right-footed shot into the top right corner—his first MLS goal in his six-year career. "As soon as Miki played it, I felt in my head, if this ball goes through, I'm scoring this,” Nelson recalled. “And it got through. I was composed, I was calm. There was no doubt.”
Two minutes later, Puig got in on the action, making it 3-0. After Joveljic deflected a pass from Nelson at the top of the box, Puig was right there to finish it off with a clean right-footed shot. Joveljic then added his second goal of the night in the 75th minute, following up on a rebound from a Gabriel Pec shot. With a deft touch, he dribbled around the U.S. national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen, sending a left-footed shot into the back of the net for his team-leading 17th goal of the season. Puig, not to be outdone, sealed the deal with his second goal of the night, bringing his season total to 15.
But let’s not overlook the defense in this epic win. The Galaxy didn’t allow a single shot on goal, allowing goalkeeper John McCarthy to record his seventh clean sheet of the season. The defense’s performance was partly thanks to their control of the game, maintaining possession for an impressive 60 out of the 90 minutes. That ball control was a vital part of their strategy heading into this match.
“I don't really remember having to defend one versus one; we were on the ball so much,” Nelson said, reflecting on the match. The focus during the week leading up to the game was all about counter-pressing. “As soon as we lose [the ball], counter-press. We're up in their face. We're ready. We're fouling them. We're winning the ball back. It was relentless. And that's what we need to do—be relentless.”
Looking ahead, the Galaxy must channel this energy and maintain their focus. If they can keep playing like this, they’ll certainly be a formidable contender for the MLS Cup. The playoffs are a different beast, and maintaining that level of intensity is crucial. The momentum from their massive victory against the Rapids could be just what they need to navigate the next round.
As the Galaxy prepare for their upcoming match, fans are left buzzing with excitement. The possibility of making a run to the MLS Cup final is palpable. After all, they’ve shown they have the talent and the drive. With key players stepping up, a solid game plan in place, and a community of supporters rallying behind them, the stage is set for a thrilling playoff run. Whether or not they make it to the final, one thing is clear: the Galaxy are back in the spotlight, and they’re ready to make some noise.
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