The LA Galaxy will go for their record sixth MLS Cup title next weekend without midfielder Riqui Puig, who tore his left ACL during the team’s 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final on Saturday.
The Galaxy confirmed the injury Sunday. A date for surgery has not been determined.
“Today begins a new challenge. I will be off the pitch for several months, but am already looking towards and motivated to return stronger than ever and ready to continue making history in this club,” Puig wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
“Thank you to everyone for your messages of support and love. They truly give me strength to tackle this recovery. I’m so proud of how hard we’ve fought to get here, and I know my teammates will give their all to bring the trophy home.”
Puig will miss LA’s championship match against the visiting New York Red Bulls on Dec. 7 in Carson, Calif., but the Galaxy may not have made it that far if not for Puig’s gutsy performance against Seattle.
Puig got hurt early in the second half but stayed in the match for over 30 minutes and assisted Dejan Joveljic for the lone goal in the 85th minute, sending the Galaxy to the final for the first time since 2014.
Puig had been vital throughout LA’s playoff run, tallying four goals and three assists in four matches. That came after he racked up 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 regular-season appearances to help the Galaxy secure the second seed in the West.
The 25-year-old has notched 51 points (23 goals, 28 assists) in 68 appearances (65 starts) for LA since joining the club in 2022.
–Field Level Media
Denis Bouanga scored on a blast in the 115th minute and host Los Angeles FC rallied for a 2-1 extra-time victory over Mexico’s Club America on Saturday to earn a…
Seventeen matches into the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Galaxy finally collected their first victory with Saturday’s 2-0 win over visiting Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy’s 16-match (0-12-4) winless drought…
Luca de la Torre scored his fourth goal of the season in the 60th minute and San Diego FC defeated visiting Austin FC 2-0 on Saturday night. Substitute Milan Iloski…
Galaxy finally end winless streak, avoid historic mark
San Diego FC stay hot at home, blank Austin FC
Dejan Joveljic tallies twice to lead Sporting KC past Dynamo
Short-handed FC Dallas draw with MLS-leading Union