LA Galaxy are one of the favorites to win this year’s MLS Cup thanks to the attacking duo of Marco Reus and Riqui Puig.
Even before Reus arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund, the Galaxy were already active in the attacking department. Head coach Greg Vanney could pick players like Puig, Joseph Paintl, Gabriel Peck, Dejan Jovelic and Diego Fagundes on any game day.
The LA Galaxy were favorites to win the MLS Cup before signing Royce. However, by signing a player who was part of a Cup-winning team, their chances of winning the MLS Cup in December have increased significantly. Reus was part of the Dortmund team that won the German Cup twice and the German Super Cup three times.
Puig, who is enjoying an MVP-caliber season with a career-high 28 goals, spoke in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated about what it’s like to play alongside the 35-year-old. Ta.
“Well, I think Marco… Everyone here, we know what kind of player he is, how long he played for Borussia Dortmund and his career,” Puig said. “He’s a player that they also say is a good player. We have a different and special relationship on the field and with Marco he’s the type of player that I really enjoy on the field. .”
The former Barcelona midfielder also explained that it feels like he and Reus have been playing together for years instead of weeks because of their great chemistry. Reus has played in five league games and has already recorded two assists and one goal, helping him win the MLS Cup for the fifth time.
“We’ve only known each other for about two weeks, but it feels like it’s been three or four years since we played together. I think it’s easy to play with this type of player.”
Puig and Royce will look to cap off the Galaxy’s strong 2024 season with a win at the Houston Dynamo on Decision Day, Oct. 19. Vanney’s team leads the Western Conference with 64 points and could clinch the top seed in the division with a runner-up finish. The game against Dynamo was a draw.
The Galaxy could also secure first place in the West if in-state rival LAFC drops a point on the Vancouver Whitecaps. LAFC has two games remaining against Vancouver and the San Jose Earthquakes, so they must win both games to have a chance at first place in the Western Conference.
