The 2024 MLS Regular Season standings are set and the first round of the playoffs kicks off for the LA Galaxy tonight at Dignity Health Sports Park.
They host the Colorado Rapids in the first game of a best-of-three series. With the loss to the Houston Dynamo still fresh in the memory, a win at their fortress will be crucial before LA travels to Colorado for what could be the decisive leg of the opening playoff round.
Greg Vanney and his LA Galaxy are looking to change the narrative as they head into their first playoff match since 2022.
It’s been two years since the last time the LA Galaxy played a game in October. Led by Riqui Puig, Javier Hernandez, and Douglas Costa, the Galaxy suffered a dramatic loss against LAFC in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals.
2023 didn’t do anything to soothe that pain, but this year has been a whole other story for the Galaxy.
They have re-established themselves as one of the league’s top sides in 2024.
They scored 69 goals in the regular season, the most of any team in the Western Conference, on their way to a 64-point finish behind only Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, and tied with LAFC.
Many of these goals have come from the boots of Riqui Puig, who now enjoys more support than ever since moving to LA in 2022.
This year, the Galaxy’s Spanish superstar has been complimented by newly added designated players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil.
Along with much-improved striker Dejan Joveljic, the Galaxy made history by becoming the first group of four players to each score 10+ goals for the same team in the same regular season.
The Galaxy’s attacking potential gets even more exciting with the addition of German legend Marco Reus. He showed how his class can help the Angelenos with a goal and assist in his debut against Atlanta United back in August, but some tough away trips and injury precautions have kept him for showing his best form yet.
Greg Vanney confirmed yesterday that Reus, and everyone else besides Martin Cáceres (knee injury) is fully fit and ready for tonight’s match.
This bodes well for their match tonight at Dignity Health Sports Park. After completing the Regular Season undefeated at DHSP, players and fans alike will be feeling confident in their ability to secure the result tonight.
The Galaxy’s form will be under much more scrutiny when they travel to Colorado for the second and potentially decisive leg of the series.
Although it hasn’t been nearly as much of a death sentence as it was in 2023 when the Galaxy only won two away games, traveling has continued to be the team’s kryptonite this year.
Pretty much everyone can relate to the overall fatigue that comes with travel. Whether it was taking a moment to stretch at a rest stop or asking a concierge for early check in to catch a break after a long flight, nearly anyone who’s gone anywhere has experienced the effect travel has on the body.
There’s no doubt the team is doing all they can to keep their players as comfortable and game-ready as possible, but the results show there simply is no replicating the home field advantage on the road
This is especially true regarding the emotions of game-day.
The LA Galaxy’s players have enjoyed historic levels of support this season, always able to count on their supporters to find the boost of energy needed to keep their home a fortress. The second-half turnaround in the 4-2 win against LAFC is a perfect case study of how relentless support contributes to this team securing results when they need them most.
On the other hand, the road loss to the Houston Dynamo to end the regular season exposed how the Galaxy can struggle to overcome challenges without the cheers of their fans in their sails.
The LA Galaxy are coming off of an excellent season and look to be one of the league’s top contenders to take home the 2024 MLS Cup. The Colorado Rapids and the rest of the Western Conference will be doing all they can to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Tonight’s match at home could set LA up for a deep run, but with others looking to close the gap, the LA Galaxy must be ready to deliver on the road if they are serious about becoming the first club to six league titles.
PHOTO: ANDRE BANNIS PHOTOGRAPHY
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