How LA Galaxy reached MLS Cup: 5 big moments

Ten years later, LA Galaxy are back in MLS Cup presented by Audi in search of a record sixth league title.

Fellow MLS originals New York Red Bulls will stand in their way when the ball gets rolling in Saturday’s final at Dignity Health Sports Park (4 pm ET | Apple TV – Free; FOX, FOX Deportes; TSN, RDS).

Here are five key moments that shaped the Galaxy’s memorable run to MLS Cup 2024.

Amid a disappointing 13th-place finish and a fan uprising in 2023, the Galaxy shook up their front office by promoting Will Kuntz to general manager. The former LAFC executive, who helped shape the Black & Gold squad that won MLS Cup (2022) and two Supporters’ Shield titles (2019, ’22), made several notable signings to build LA back into a contender.

Early-season acquisitions like goalkeeper John McCarthy, Japanese international right back Miki Yamane, left back John Nelson and Colombian center back Emiro Garcés became key contributors, with all four starting in each of the Galaxy’s Audi MLS Cup Playoff wins in the lead-up to Saturday’s final.

Kuntz then made one of the biggest splashes of the summer transfer window by signing former German international and Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus, beefing up one of the league’s most potent attacks.

But we’re burying the lede because…

… Kuntz and the Galaxy swung for the fences last winter by acquiring Joseph Paintsil (from Belgian Pro League side Genk) and Gabriel Pec (from Brazil’s Vasco da Gama) for a reported combined transfer fee of around $20 million. They filled the Designated Player spots vacated by LA moving on from Douglas Costa and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

Both wingers became instant stars, with Paintsil contributing 10g/10a and Pec producing an astounding 30 goal contributions (16g/14a) to win MLS Newcomer of the Year honors. They also formed a dynamic bond with playmaker Riqui Puig, known as the Killa P’s, powering the club to a Western Conference-best 69 goals.

Paintsil and Pec have maintained their torrid form throughout the playoffs, delivering 3g/1a and 3g/2a respectively across the club’s four postseason wins.

Of all the…