CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy were clear in their stance heading into MLS Cup 2024 presented by Audi.
They badly wanted their sixth MLS Cup title. But most importantly, they wanted to win it for Riqui Puig.
It was a powerful message in support of their primetime playmaker, who missed the club’s biggest match in a decade after tearing his ACL in the Western Conference Final win over Seattle Sounders FC.
On Saturday afternoon, the Galaxy made good on their promise, defeating New York Red Bulls, 2-1, to reclaim the league’s biggest prize.
“It’s really special,” said midfielder Mark Delgado. “When Riqui went down last game, and that final whistle blew, we were all happy. But to see him go down, we all felt so sad for him.
“It was just more of a motivation and another reason to step out there and win this thing. A brother of ours went down and we got to win this thing. We’re so happy to win this for him.”
Fast start
It took the hosts less than 10 minutes to establish the lead when Joseph Paintsil tucked his shot past the onrushing Carlos Coronel. Dignity Health Sports Park erupted, and Paintsil’s celebration caught the eye. As his teammates swarmed him, the Ghanaian international looked to the bench to grab Puig’s jersey and raise it toward the Galaxy faithful.
“Riqui means a lot. He has been fantastic from the beginning of the season until now,” Paintsil said postgame.
“What else can I do? I cannot do anything for Riqui but just to show the appreciation for the love that he has showed us throughout the season. All I can do is just to lift his jersey and show LA Galaxy that he is the man.”
Dejan Joveljić followed suit four minutes later, doubling the lead and racing to the bench to hoist Puig’s jersey into the Los Angeles sky, yet another clear indication of the motivation that losing their star midfielder had provided.
Fan favorite
Puig was in the stands to support his side during the match, and although he was unable to help the Gs claim their sixth MLS Cup with his on-field play, the Spanish star expressed his gratitude toward his teammates’ willingness to…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News | MLSsoccer.com…