Galaxy thrash Rapids 5-0 to open MLS Cup playoff series

Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig scored two goals apiece as the Los Angeles Galaxy thumped the Colorado Rapids 5-0 on Saturday in game one of their MLS Cup Western Conference first-round playoff series.

John Nelson also scored for the Galaxy, who are aiming to add to their record five MLS Cup titles after years in the wilderness.

They’ll try to clinch the best-of-three series on Friday, when seventh-seeded Colorado host game two.

It was a dominant performance by the Galaxy in front of more than 24,000 fans at their Dignity Health Sports Park. Goalkeeper John McCarthy didn’t have to make a save.

Joveljic put them in front in the 32nd minute when he headed home from a corner by Puig past Colorado’s USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

Los Angeles made it 3-0 with two goals in the space of two minutes in the second half, Nelson’s strike in the 52nd minute followed by Spanish playmaker Puig’s first in the 54th.

Joveljic added his second in the 75th minute and Puig polished the game off in the 87th.

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Miki Yamane helped get things going in the second half, threading a ball through to Nelson whose right-footed blast found the top right corner.

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Puig then pounced on a deflected pass and slotted home to make it 3-0 and the rout was on.

The resurgent Galaxy, who were 26th overall in 2023, were the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff berth, although they finished as second seeds behind LAFC on goal difference.

While they own five MLS Cup titles, they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2014.

If the Rapids can even the series the Galaxy would host game three on November 9.

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