LA Galaxy star takes to Hollywood show to kick off Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign on Saturday night
After fumbling for the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed on Decision Day, the Galaxy bounced back strongly behind the dynamic duo of Riqui Puig and Dejan Jovezic.
By the end of the game, the pair defeated the Colorado Rapids 5-0 in the first-round best-of-three series opener on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park, giving Los Angeles the biggest playoff win in club history. He contributed to the line up.
“Of course, scoring two goals and assisting one is special, but that’s not the point,” Jovezic said on the Apple TV broadcast after the game. “Winning is important and we were happy to win 5-0 in front of our fans. They were great tonight, but the job is not done yet.”
After assisting with a pinpoint corner kick to Hovezic’s forehead for the opening goal, Puig recorded his 13th consecutive goal or assist in a home game starting March 30 (9 goals/11 minutes total).
This is a continuation of a brilliant season for the Spaniard in LA, as he has become the focal point of the club’s attack this season, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists in 29 appearances.
“When the players are moving, our players are very good at making plays while moving, making good runs with each other, finding good connections, getting the timing right, things like that,” said Head Coach. Greg Vanney said. “When the game starts a little bit, we have so many attacking weapons that we are very dangerous on the run, and the different movements create space for each other, making it very difficult to defend against waves of attacks. It becomes difficult.”
Jovelic was similarly dynamic, returning the favor to Puig by assisting the Galaxy’s third goal. After that, the two players each scored two goals, capping off a 5-0 victory.
Los Angeles holds a 1-0 series lead and has a chance to close out the series with a win against Colorado on Friday (9:30 p.m. ET | MLS Season Pass).
“I thought it was a very clean performance, probably one of the best.” [of the season]” said Vanney. “I don’t remember all 34 songs at this point, 35 now, but it’s definitely one of the best and it was a good time. I hope we can build on this. ”
