FanSided MLS
·30 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided MLS
·30 October 2024
Last Saturday, the LA Galaxy faced off against the Colorado Rapids in the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs, emerging victorious with a resounding 5-0 win.
With the LA Galaxy preparing for the second match, expectations are high for the Galaxy to maintain their dominant form and continue their impressive scoring streak. With stars like Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, and Dejan Joveljic leading the charge, fans can be confident that it will be an exciting game.
Los Angeles Galaxy v Colorado Rapids / Shaun Clark/GettyImages
Colorado Rapids vs LA Galaxy kicks off on Friday 1st, November at 18:30 PT, 21:30 ET.
Riqui Puig played a pivotal role in last week’s triumph, scoring two goals and assisting on another. His performance helped propel the Galaxy forward and set a new record in U.S. soccer. According to FOX Deportes, Puig became the first player to contribute either a goal or an assist in 13 consecutive home matches across all competitions.
The Galaxy's only injury concern heading into this match is Martin Caceres, who is unlikely to feature on Friday because of an Achilles issue.
A brace from Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig was more than enough to see LA win the opening match, with John Nelson also finding the back of the net.
Predicted LA Galaxy lineup vs Colorado Rapids: McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Garces, Nelson; Reus, Delgado, Puig; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil.
Colorado Rapids find themselves struggling, having lost four consecutive games.
Team captain Keegan Rosenberry shared a message with fans, emphasizing the importance of their support: "I don't know if they even understand what it does for us just to have that energy in the building, to push us through the tough stretches in the game."
In the opening match of this series, the Rapids were without Djordje Mihailovic due to a sprained ankle, Michael Edwards was sidelined with a sore back and Cole Bassett continues to recover from a quad injury.
From Decision Day against Austin FC until game one of this series, there were two changes made to the Rapids starting 11 as Zack Steffen reclaimed his place in goal in place of Adam Beaudry, while former Galaxy winger Kevin Cabral came into the lineup for Mihailovic.
With a strong track record, the LA Galaxy is poised to reclaim their championship title. The Colorado Rapids must sharpen their precision and determination on the field if they hope to bring home a victory in the upcoming match.