Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig will miss MLS Cup 2024 after suffering a season-ending torn ACL, the team announced on Sunday.
The Spanish playmaker tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the second half of the Western Conference Finals against Seattle Sounders FC. Puig recorded the game-winning assist in the 85th minute, sending the Galaxy to MLS Cup where they will face the New York Red Bulls.
The LA Galaxy newspaper announced that Puig’s expected date for surgery has not yet been determined.
The 2024 MLS All-Star has 17 goals and 20 assists in 36 games this season. Puig had four goals and four assists in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
With this victory, the Galaxy are one win away from winning their sixth MLS Cup, a record that further solidifies their tradition as the league’s most decorated franchise. Standing in their way is the Red Bulls, the winners of the Eastern Conference finals.
midfielder @RiquiPuig He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
Puig was injured late in the match and continued to play over 30 minutes despite the injury, providing the winning assist for Dejan Jovezic in the 85th minute. pic.twitter.com/roTZASvPZ3
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 2, 2024
For head coach Greg Vanney, the journey to this point has been one of resilience and faith.
Vanney, who set the record for most goals through the first three games of the MLS Cup Playoffs, said of his team’s surprising result: “Tonight we proved that we can defend for a long time and still win 1-0.” . “I’m proud of these guys.”
As the Galaxy prepares for their next challenge, the city of Los Angeles is buzzing with hopes for another championship.
For the second time in recent months, a prestigious LA sports team will host a NY sports team for a championship. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in six games to win the 2024 World Series. Could LA Galaxy do the same against the Red Bulls without their star midfielder?
