Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, Riqui Puig help Galaxy finish off sweep of Rapids with 4-1 victory
Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, Riqui Puig help Galaxy finish off sweep of Rapids with 4-1 victory
Colorado Rapids mascot Rapidman holds up a placard in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Carlos Garcés, front, fights for control of the ball with Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids fans cheer after a goal by Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Connor Ronan, right, congratulates midfielder Oliver Larraz after his goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy looks at the video board after giving up a goal to Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz, right, drives past Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marco Delgado in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney yells at referees in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, passes the ball as Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz defends in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines, left, pursues Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec as he collects the ball in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, right, hugs midfielder Riqui Puig as he is substituted after scoring two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, drives past Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen for a goal in stoppage time in the the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig scores a his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures after scoring his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids mascot Rapidman holds up a placard in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids mascot Rapidman holds up a placard in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Carlos Garcés, front, fights for control of the ball with Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Carlos Garcés, front, fights for control of the ball with Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids fans cheer after a goal by Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids fans cheer after a goal by Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Connor Ronan, right, congratulates midfielder Oliver Larraz after his goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Connor Ronan, right, congratulates midfielder Oliver Larraz after his goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy looks at the video board after giving up a goal to Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy looks at the video board after giving up a goal to Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz, right, drives past Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marco Delgado in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz, right, drives past Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marco Delgado in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney yells at referees in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney yells at referees in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, passes the ball as Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz defends in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, passes the ball as Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz defends in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines, left, pursues Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec as he collects the ball in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines, left, pursues Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec as he collects the ball in the first half of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, right, hugs midfielder Riqui Puig as he is substituted after scoring two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, right, hugs midfielder Riqui Puig as he is substituted after scoring two goals in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures to fans after scoring his second of two goals in stoppage time of the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series against the Colorado Rapids, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, drives past Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen for a goal in stoppage time in the the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, drives past Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen for a goal in stoppage time in the the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig scores a his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig scores a his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures after scoring his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig gestures after scoring his second goal in stoppage time in the second match of an MLS Cup opening-round playoff series, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Rookies Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil scored first-half goals, Riqui Puig scored twice during second-half stoppage time, and the Los Angeles Galaxy polished off a first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory in MLS Cup action on Friday night.
Pec, who had 16 goals during the regular season, scored his first postseason goal just eight minutes into the match when he deflected a clearing attempt by Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen into the net.
The Rapids answered with an unassisted goal by Oliver Larraz — his first in his first postseason — to even the score in the 19th minute of the best-of-three series.
The second-seeded Galaxy took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Paintsil took a pass from Maya Yoshida in the third minute of stoppage time and scored his first postseason goal. Yoshida’s assist was his first in two career playoff starts.
Puig, who scored twice in the Galaxy’s 5-0 victory in the opening match, put the finishing touch on the victory with goals in the first and third minutes of stoppage time. He did not have a goal or an assist in two playoff starts for LA in 2022.
Diego Fagúndez notched his second career assist in his ninth postseason appearance on Puig’s first goal. Pec made it two straight postseason matches with an assist with one on his second.
John McCarthy saved three shots in his second playoff start for the Galaxy after posting a clean sheet in his first. His only other postseason start came in 2020 with Inter Miami.
Steffen totaled four saves in his 10th career postseason start and second with the seventh-seeded Rapids.
The Galaxy outscored Colorado 15-4 in four matchups this season. LA improves to 9-2-0 all time against the Rapids in the postseason, including 4-2-0 on the road.
LA will face the winner of the series between No. 3 seed Real Salt Lake and No. 6 seed Minnesota United in the next round.