Dejan Joveljic, Riqui Puig Both Have 2 Goals and Assist as Galaxy Rout Rapids 5-0 in Playoff Opener

LA Galaxy Advance to Western Conference Semifinals

Galaxy Will Host FC Dallas Next Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park

CARSON, Calif. - The LA Galaxy clinched a berth in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs with a dominant 5-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park on Monday night. Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig each scored twice and assisted on another as the Galaxy cruised to a comfortable win in the first leg of their two-game series.

The Galaxy took the lead in the 16th minute when Puig played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Joveljic, who took one touch before firing a shot past Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Puig doubled the lead just five minutes later, finishing off a flowing team move with a clinical strike from the edge of the area.

Joveljic made it 3-0 in the 35th minute, heading home a cross from Victor Vazquez. Puig then turned provider again in the 51st minute, setting up Joveljic for his second goal of the night. Samuel Grandsir completed the rout in the 77th minute, tapping in a rebound after Yarbrough had denied Efrain Alvarez.

The Galaxy were in control of the match from start to finish, outshooting the Rapids 17-5 and completing 83% of their passes. Puig was at the heart of everything good the Galaxy did, creating numerous chances for his teammates and dictating the tempo of the game.

Joveljic's brace was his first for the Galaxy since joining the club in August. The Serbian striker has now scored four goals in his last three games and is starting to find his best form at just the right time for the Galaxy.

The Galaxy will now host FC Dallas in the Western Conference Semifinals next Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Dallas advanced to the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United FC on Sunday night.

The Galaxy will be looking to reach the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2019. They will need to be at their best to overcome a Dallas team that has been in excellent form in recent weeks.