Recap, Match 27: LA Galaxy Avenge Loss to Rapids From Two Months Ago | OneFootball

Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park was a 'marvelous' night for quite a few reasons. The first and most obvious reason was the Los Angeles Galaxy had the theme of 'Marvel' Night against the visiting Colorado Rapids.

These two did battle in last year's MLS Western Conference Playoffs. The LA Galaxy not only advanced past the Rapids, but they did everyone else in their way during the postseason. The Galaxy lifted a sixth MLS Cup Finals trophy in December 2024.

The Rapids got back at the LA Galaxy two months ago. Colorado played host to the reigning MLS Cup winners. They were victorious, 2-0, against the Galaxy.

What was also marvelous was how the LA Galaxy beat the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Greg Vanney used his go-to formation, a 4-2-3-1 lineup. However, many of the players were different in the Starting XI for various reasons.

A pair of young players got the start and scored in the game to give the LA Galaxy the lead and victory. For the third time this season, the Los Angeles Galaxy have recorded a shutout win. It is their fourth win overall.

Though it might be too late, the LA Galaxy looked like champions all week. Their victory over Pachuca on Wednesday saw them advance to the semifinals next week in the 2025 Leagues Cup.

Who were the Marvelous heroes in the game for the LA Galaxy?

The Los Angeles Galaxy started JT Marcinkowski in goal for the first time this season. Novak Micovic took some rest and veteran keeper John McCarthy was traded to the New York Red Bulls on Thursday. Marcinkowski racked up his first clean sheet with the Galaxy and recorded his first MLS save on the season in the process.

Harbor Miller made good use of his rare start on Saturday. The young defender had not been in the lineup for the LA Galaxy's main roster since April.

In the 7th minute of play, he connected on a goal that was assisted by veteran defender and fellow Galaxy teammate Miki Yamane. That gave the LA Galaxy a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Yamane wasn't done yet. He racked up a second assist on another first goal to a different teammate. This time, it was Elijah Wynder who found the back of the net in the 55th minute. Ten minutes into the second half, Wydner joined Miller in scoring their first MLS goals in the same game.

Near the 65th minute, Vanney called for a few substitutions. Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, Marco Reus all checked into the game to keep their legs fresh ahead of next week's big game against the Seattle Sounders.

In the 75th minute, Pec recorded his sixth goal of the season. Marco Reus was credited with the assist, his ninth on the season.

A 3-0 victory over an MLS Western Conference Playoff contender should give the LA Galaxy all the confidence in the world that they need to knock off one more contender next Wednesday at home.

If the Los Angeles Galaxy win, they face the winner of Inter Miami and Orlando City SC next weekend. If the LA Galaxy lose, they play in the third place match against the other non-winner.