Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Riqui Puig scored an injury-time brace as the Los Angeles Galaxy beat the Colorado Rapids 4-1 on Friday to become the first team to clinch an MLS Cup Western Conference semi-final berth. Brazil’s Gabriel Pec fired the visiting Galaxy in front in the eighth minute, and after Oliver Larraz equalized in the 19th, Joseph Paintsil put Los Angeles 2-1 up in first-half added time.
Spain’s Puig plundered two goals in the space of two minutes in second-half injury time to seal the victory. The Galaxy’s five MLS Cup titles are a record, but their last came a decade ago. They beat the Rapids 5-0 in the opening match of the best-of-three series and now await the winner of the series between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United, which Minnesota lead 1-0.
In Charlotte, goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina starred as the hosts beat Orlando City 3-1 on penalties to level their series after a match that ended in a goalless draw. Orlando City had won the series opener 2-0, but after Charlotte’s first ever playoff victory, it will come down to game three in Orlando on November 9.
The winner advances to an Eastern Conference semi-final against either Atlanta or Lionel Messi-led regular-season champions Miami. Kahlina made two saves in the penalty shootout—denying Nicolas Lodeiro and Duncan McGuire—and an effort from Orlando’s Robin Jansson sailed high. Charlotte found the net on their first three attempts from Patrick Agyemang, Karol Swiderski, and Ashley Westwood for the victory.
© 2024 AFP
