This article was written prior to the LA Galaxy’s 5-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, Oct. 26.
In what has been a triumphant return to form for the Los Angeles Galaxy this season, their spectacular regular season was ultimately stained after allowing rivals LAFC to clinch the Western Conference title and the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs on the final day of the regular season.
Now, the Galaxy will need to flush away their 2-1 loss against the Houston Dynamo on October 19 in order to have success in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with the Colorado Rapids being their first test.
“Let this be a lesson, this one today, it hurt us and it cost us first place, but the next one like that will cost us our season,” Vanney said in the Galaxy’s post game press conference.
It seems like Vanney’s message has already affected some of the Galaxy’s players as they know what the ultimate prize is, winning their record sixth MLS Cup.
“This kind of difficult moment is always a test,” Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida said after their defeat to Houston. “I will react and you will see how I react. I will contribute and go through the final and get the title. This is my target from now on.”
With the Galaxy now holding the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, they’ll have the home field advantage in this best-of-three matchup against the Rapids.
After finishing second-to-last in the Western Conference last year with 36 points, Vanney knew his job might’ve been in jeopardy if the Galaxy weren’t in the playoff picture. Flash forward to 2024, and the Galaxy finished with 64 points and scored the most goals in the Western Conference.
Their offense is led by the record-setting quartet of striker Dejan Joveljić and the Killer P’s of wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintstil, plus midfielder and MVP candidate Riqui Puig.
All four players scored 10 or more goals during the regular season, marking the first time in MLS history that one team has had that many double-digit goalscorers.
This juggernaut offense only became stronger when World Cup winner Marco Reus joined the club in August, providing the Galaxy with another great attacking option in midfield alongside Puig. They’ll be ready to feast against this Rapids’ defense, which allowed the fourth most goals in the Western Conference at 60.
Like the Rapids, the Galaxy’s one main weakness is their backline. The Galaxy have allowed 50 goals, the third most out of the nine Western Conference playoff teams. If Yoshida can captain this backline to a solid performance, the Galaxy should come away with a win in Game 1 due to their high-powered offense.
Meanwhile Colorado is coming off a 2023 campaign in which they were the last place team in the Western Conference, right below the Galaxy. The Rapids only finished with 27 points, the second-worst total in the MLS.
During the offseason, Colorado plucked former Manchester United and Leeds United assistant coach Chris Armas away to become the team’s new head coach. He’s been a revelation in the Rockies and was named one of the three finalists for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award.
Armas has completely transformed this team from bottom dwellers to playoff contenders thanks in part to an interesting transfer strategy: signing former U.S. Men’s National Team players who left America to play overseas, but didn’t see their Euro careers pan out in the end.
Those players include goalkeeper Zach Steffan (Manchester City), Cole Bassett (Feyenoord), Djordje Mihailovic (AZ), Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp) and Reggie Cannon (Boavista). They’ve all been a crucial part to Colorado’s success this season.
Mihailovic and Bassett have been focal pieces in the Rapids’ attack. Mihailovic leads the team in goal contributions with 11 goals and 10 assists while Bassett is tied for second, notching nine goals and seven assists.
Steffan, Vines and Cannon have all been influential as well. Vines has been a great passing wingback all season long with Cannon just recently stepping into the fold. With the USMNT goalkeeper position not solidified, Steffan’s form has forced a discussion as to whether or not he should be back with the national team.
The Rapids have been in a rough patch entering the playoffs however, losing their last four games while allowing 10 goals in the process. One of those losses came at the hands of the Galaxy, who comfortably beat Colorado on the road at DSG Park.
Injuries have plagued Colorado lately as well. Steffan, Bassett and former Galaxy winger Kevin Cabral were all out due to injuries. Steffan is expected to be back in the starting lineup come Saturday when these two teams square off in Carson, but Bassett and Cabral are looking unlikely to suit up.
For that very reason, along with Los Angeles leading 2-0 on the season series, the Galaxy should have no problem handling business on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park with kickoff scheduled at 8 p.m.