LA Galaxy earn 4-1 win over Colorado Rapids

Playing their third match in the span of seven days, the LA Galaxy earned a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids in front of 20,325 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night. Gastón Brugman tallied a brace, while Riqui Puig notched three assists in the Galaxy’s first win over the Rapids since 2017.

LA Galaxy Run Of Form
In their last eight matches played dating back to Aug. 13, the Galaxy hold a record of 3-1-4, outscoring the opposition 19-15 during that span. In the Galaxy’s last five matches played at home dating back to July 24, LA holds an unbeaten record of 3-0-2. Following the win over Colorado, the Galaxy (12-12-7, 43 points) moved up to seventh place in the Western Conference standings, with a game in hand and two points behind sixth-place Portland Timbers (11-8-12, 45 points).

Riqui Puig Contributions
In his first five starts with the Galaxy dating back to Aug. 28, Riqui Puig has tallied two goals and five assists. Notably, Puig’s three assists against Colorado were the first time a Galaxy player recorded three assists in a match since Landon Donovan did it in September of 2014. Since Aug. 28, Puig leads MLS in assists (5) and passes completed (421), and ranks second behind only Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar (7 goals, 2 assists) in goal contributions (2 goals, 5 assists) during that span. 

LA Galaxy Firsts
Brugman recorded his first two goals as a member of the Galaxy in the win over Colorado. Additionally, Martín Cáceres registered his first assist with LA in the win over the Rapids. Notably, Raheem Edwards, who tallied his first career goal for the Galaxy, recorded his first goal in league play since scoring for Chicago Fire FC on March 16, 2019.

Goal-Scoring Plays
LA – Gastón Brugman (Samuel Grandsir, Riqui Puig), 22nd minute: Samuel Grandsir delivered an outside the boot pass behind the Colorado defense that released Gastón Brugman down the right side of the penalty area. Brugman took a touch before sending his low shot past Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough.

LA – Raheem Edwards (Martín Cáceres), 28th minute: Raheem Edwards dribbled down the right flank and cut inside on his right foot. Edwards faked a shot inside the penalty area before rifling his right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net.

LA – Chicharito (Julián Araujo, Riqui Puig), 31st minute: In transition, Riqui Puig switched the field of play to Julián Araujo down the right flank. Araujo dribbled toward the end line and fired a low cross to Chicharito, whose back-heeled shot beat Yarbrough.

LA – Gastón Brugman (Riqui Puig), 52nd minute: Gastón Brugman received the ball from Riqui Puig, dribbled toward the top of the 18-yard box and curled his shot into the top right corner.

COL – Sam Nicholson, 90+1st minute: The ball fell to Sam Nicholson inside the box and his half-volleyed shot from just outside the six-yard box found the lower far corner of the goal.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW

Postgame Notes

  • Saturday’s match marked the 91st all-time meeting across all competitions between the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids, with the Galaxy leading the all-time series 46-33-12.

  • LA improved to 25-10-6 in 41 all-time regular-season matches played at home against Colorado.

  • Following the win over Colorado, the Galaxy (12-12-7, 43 points) moved up to seventh place in the Western Conference standings, with a game in hand and two points behind sixth-place Portland Timbers (11-8-12, 45 points).

  • The Galaxy improved to 10-6-3 in 19 matches played at home across all competitions this season.

  • LA improved to 11-1-4 this season when scoring the first goal of the match.

  • In their last eight matches played dating back to Aug. 13, the Galaxy hold a record of 3-1-4, outscoring the opposition 19-15 during that span. 

  • In the Galaxy’s last five matches played at home dating back to July 24, LA holds an unbeaten record of 3-0-2.

  • The victory marked LA’s first win over the Rapids since a 3-0 win over Colorado on Sept. 2, 2017.

  • This marks the fourth time this season the Galaxy have scored four goals or more in a match this season.

  • Gastón Brugman recorded his first career goals for the Galaxy with his brace against the Rapids.

  • Riqui Puig tallied three assists in the win against the Rapids. Puig’s three assists against Colorado were the first time a Galaxy player recorded three assists in a match since Landon Donovan did it in September of 2014

  • Chicharito registered his 15th goal in league play for the Galaxy this year.

  • In his last nine MLS regular-season matches played dating back to Aug. 6, only Hany Mukhtar has tallied more goals (11) than Chicharito (8). 

  • Chicharito moved into a tie for eighth place with Gyasi Zardes on the Galaxy’s all-time regular-season goal-scoring list.

  • Raheem Edwards tallied his first goal in league play since scoring for Chicago Fire FC against Seattle Sounders FC on March 16, 2019. 

  • Julián Araujo tallied his eighth assist of the season, a new career-high, in the win over Colorado.

  • Samuel Grandsir notched his fourth assist of the 2022 campaign.

  • Martín Cáceres registered his first assist with LA in the win over the Rapids.

Next Game
Up next, the LA Galaxy travel to face the San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24. The match on Sept. 24 kicks off at 7:00 p.m. PT and features a regional television broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet and a stream on LAGalaxy.com.

LA Galaxy fall 3-0 on the road to Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Playing the second of three matches in the span of seven days, the LA Galaxy’s six-game unbeaten run came to an end with a 3-0 loss on the road to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Wednesday night. 

Goal-Scoring Plays
VAN – Ryan Gauld, 57th minute: A failed clearance in the box fell to Ryan Gauld, whose shot from the right side of the penalty area was converted in at the near post. 

VAN – Pedro Vite (Brian White, Luis Martins), 68th minute: In transition, Luis Martins cross from the left wing was flicked on by Brian White to Pedro Vite, who converted his shot at the near post from close range. 

VAN – Tosaint Ricketts (Julian Gressel), 86th minute: Julian Gressel’s pass behind the Galaxy backline found Tosaint Ricketts, who curled his shot into the back of the net.

Post Game Comments

Next Game
Up next, the LA Galaxy return home to play host to the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, Sept. 17. The match on Sept. 17 kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and features a regional television broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet and a stream on LAGalaxy.com.

LA Galaxy earn come-from-behind point in 1-1 draw against Nashville SC

Playing their 14th road match of the 2022 MLS Regular Season, the LA Galaxy earned a come-from-behind 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in front of 28,753 fans at GEODIS Park on Saturday afternoon. Riqui Puig converted the game-tying goal from the penalty spot in stoppage-time, helping the Galaxy stretch their unbeaten run to six matches.

LA Galaxy Unbeaten Run
In their last six matches played dating back to Aug. 13, the Galaxy hold a record of 2-0-4, outscoring the opposition 15-11 during that span. Notably, LA has earned a point trailing in the 75th minute in three consecutive matches played dating back Aug. 31. In the Galaxy’s last three matches played on the road, the club has posted a record of 1-0-2. 

Riqui Puig Run Of Form
In four starts for the Galaxy dating back to Aug. 28, Puig has tallied two goals and two assists across 360 minutes played. Puig finished the match with his first penalty-kick goal for LA, three chances created, a team-high nine possessions won and 104 completed passes (92% pass accuracy).

Goal-Scoring Plays

NSH – Hany Mukhtar (Penalty Kick), 28th minute: After LA was whistled for a handball inside the box, Hany Mukhtar’s penalty-attempt was rifled into the left side of the goal.   

LA – Riqui Puig (Penalty Kick), 90+8th minute: Following a handball whistled on Walker Zimmerman inside the penalty area, Riqui Puig stepped up to the spot and fired his shot off the hand of Nashville SC goalkeeper Joe Willis into the back of the net.

 

Postgame Notes

  • Saturday’s match marked the second-ever meeting between LA Galaxy and Nashville, with LA leading the series 1-0-1.

  • The Galaxy extended their unbeaten run to six matches (2-0-4) dating back to Aug. 13, outscoring the opposition 15-11 during that span.

  • LA improved to 4-6-4 in 14 matches played on the road in league play this season.

  • In the Galaxy’s last three matches played on the road, the club has posted a record of 1-0-2.

  • LA has taken a league-high 12 penalties and is tied for the second-most penalties converted (8).

  • In four starts for the Galaxy dating back to Aug. 28, Riqui Puig has tallied two goals and two assists across 360 minutes played.

  • Puig finished the match with his first penalty-kick goal for LA, a team-high nine possessions won, seven duels won, three chances created, three successful dribbles and 104 completed passes (92% pass accuracy).

  • Gastón Brugman was tied for a team-high three chances created.

  • Séga Coulibaly led the Galaxy with four clearances, three tackles won and two interceptions.

  • Coulibaly and Raheem Edwards will miss the next match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC due to yellow-card suspension.

  • Uruguay National Team defender Martín Cáceres made his first LA Galaxy start, logging 64 minutes.

Next Game
Up next, the LA Galaxy travel to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Thursday, Sept. 14. The match on Sept. 14 kicks off at 7:00 p.m. PT and features a regional television broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet and a stream on LAGalaxy.com.

LAG Film Photographer’s Exhibit

LAG X RELICS

 

LA Galaxy announced that the club has partnered with Long Beach-based camera store Relics to host a Galaxy themed film gallery pop up

As part of Long Beach’s traditional Fourth Fridays street festival the gallery features nine LA Galaxy film photographers that have captured photos at games throughout the 2022 campaign.

Located on 2106 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814, the gallery at Relics will open to the public on Friday, Aug. 26 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. PT and will be open through the month of September.

A rare evening

in Long Beach where the LA Galaxy honored and showcased some of their loyal photographer fan base that specifically shoot on film, enjoyed a great evening that reunited G’s and introduced fans IRL.  The photographers spotlighted in the exhibition were Kyle Bautista, Anthony Benavidez, Victor Camacho, Daniela Donato, Abraham Hernandez, Andres Ocampo, Jamie Pham, Oscar Rodriguez, & Matthew Serna.

The event began on the better end of the day, leading into a cool evening where all attendees and G’s hovered around the free ice cream provided by LA Galaxy & Relics. The gallery was full with endless foot traffic that lead many people just passing by asking, “Hey!? What’s happening here?” During the event, “Long Beach’s fourth Friday street festival” was in full effect with music blasting from the near by restaurant soundtracking our night. 

Raffles & free pins were handed out in great spirits as everyone enjoyed the free polaroid’s Relics were providing outside their shop. 

“As a kid I was running around the Rose Bowl during The Galaxian’s Tailgate.
Ever since then, I have loved LA Galaxy and the game day experience.”
— Anthony B @lagalaxy_onfilm

Photographers

““L.A Galaxy is more than a club. It is L.A for L.A.””
— Oscar Rodriguez Zapata

KYLE BAUTISTA | @kylegbautista

ANTHONY BENAVIDEZ | @lagalaxy_onfilm

VICTOR CAMACHO | @pitstop.raw

DANIELA DONATO | @babygs96

ABRAHAM HERNANDEZ | @abe_films

ANDRES OCAMPO | @resoca97

JAMIE PHAM | @jamiepham

OSCAR RODRIGUEZ | @rodrioscr

MATTHEW SERNA | @filmbymattserna

“It was a surreal experience participating in the league’s first gallery based on photos shot on 35mm film. What an honor to be featured alongside other talented G photographers!”
— Jamie Pham
“It was an awesome night. I felt the love from the community that came out and supported not only the club but also the photographers that did their best to show the true spirit and passion that is the LA Galaxy family. Also want to shout-out Relics for being amazing hosts.”
— Abe

the RELICS team

All photographers would like to thank Nelson & Kacy as well as Relics for the incredible event.

LA Galaxy battle Sporting Kansas City to 2-2 draw

Playing their third game in the span of seven days, the LA Galaxy battled Sporting Kansas City to a 2-2 draw in front of 20,104 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday night. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández tallied a brace as the Galaxy extended their unbeaten run to five games.

REPLAY / SOCIAL / PODCAST

Listen in to David, Luis, and Bobby rewind back to recap LA's match against Toronto. Penalties, bad sweeps, and golazo's are covered in that match. Then the guys turn their opinions and frustrations on LA's latest home match against the low seed SKC. Chicharito's bittersweet evening, more penalties, last dying chances, and the most embarrassing panenka seen around the world.

GAME STATISTICS

Galaxy Run Of Form
In their last five matches played dating back to Aug. 13, the Galaxy hold a record of 2-0-3, outscoring the opposition 14-10 during that span. After scoring one first-half goal in six games played from July 8 – Aug. 6, LA has scored 11 first-half goals during its five-game unbeaten run. In his last six games played dating back to Aug. 6, Chicharito has tallied seven goals and two assists. Additionally, Chicharito has scored in three straight games played at Dignity Health Sports Park dating back to Aug. 13.

Chicharito Records 200 Club Goals
With his first-half goal scored against Sporting Kansas City, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández tallied his 200th career goal in club competitions. In 62 games played (53 starts) across all competitions with the Galaxy, Chicharito has tallied 34 goals and five assists. 

Julián Araujo Joins 100 Club
Julián Araujo (21 years, 22 days) became the youngest player in LA Galaxy history to appear in 100 matches (89 starts) across all competitions for the club, after logging 85 minutes in the against Sporting KC. In four seasons (2019-Present) with the Galaxy, Araujo has tallied 18 assists and one goal in 100 games played (89 starts) across all competitions.

Goal-Scoring Plays
LA – Chicharito (Víctor Vázquez, Riqui Puig), 4th minute: From just inside his own half, Riqui Puig advanced the ball to Víctor Vázquez in the Galaxy’s attacking third. Vázquez took a touch and slipped a pass in behind the Kansas City backline to Chicharito, whose shot from the right side of the box was powered into the far corner of the goal. 

 

SKC – Johnny Russell (Penalty Kick), 67th minute: After LA was whistled for a handball inside the box, Johnny Russell’s penalty-kick attempt was parried off the post LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and into the back of the net. 

SKC – Felipe Hernandez (William Agada), 76th minute: Cutting in from the left wing, Felipe Hernandez’s shot was deflected off the knee of a Galaxy defender and into the top corner of the goal. 

LA – Chicharito (Penalty Kick), 88th minute: After Kévin Cabral was fouled inside the penalty area, Chicharito stepped up to the spot and blasted his shot into the top left corner.

POSTGAME COMMENTS

 
 

Postgame Notes

  • Following the draw against Sporting KC, the LA Galaxy remained in eighth place in the Western Conference standings, three points behind the seventh place Portland Timbers (10-8-12, 42 points) with two games in hand.

  • Sunday’s match marked the 67th MLS regular-season meeting between the Galaxy and Sporting KC, with the all-time series tied 26-26-16.

  • In 33 matches played at home in league play against Kansas City, LA holds a 17-8-8 record.

  • The Galaxy extended their unbeaten run to five matches (2-0-3) dating back to Aug. 13, outscoring the opposition 14-10 during that span.

  • In 18 games played across all competitions at Dignity Health Sports Park in 2022, LA holds a 9-6-3 record.

  • In his last six games played dating back to Aug. 6, Chicharito has tallied seven goals and two assists. Additionally, Chicharito has scored in three straight games played at Dignity Health Sports Park dating back to Aug. 13.

  • With his goal scored in the first half against Sporting KC, Chicharito logged his 200th career goal in club competition. (Manchester United: 59 goals, Bayer Leverkusen: 39, LA Galaxy: 34 goals, Deportivo Guadalajara: 29 goals, West Ham United: 17 goals, CD Tapatio: 11 goals, Real Madrid: 9 goals, Sevilla FC: 3 goals)

  • The brace marked Chicharito’s seventh career multi-goal game for the LA Galaxy in league play.

  • In three starts for the Galaxy dating back to Aug. 28, Riqui Puig has tallied one goal and two assists across 270 minutes played.

  • Puig finished the match with 82 completed passes (95% pass accuracy).

  • Víctor Vázquez recorded his third assist for the Galaxy in league play this season.

  • Gastón Brugman finished the match with a team-high seven possessions won and recorded 78 accurate passes (94% pass accuracy).

  • Uruguayan National Team defender Martín Cáceres made his LA Galaxy debut, logging five minutes as a second-half substitute.