Column: The LA Galaxy is creating its own narrative as playoff time approaches
Riqui Puig and the LA Galaxy is looking to break any negative narratives in its quest to acquire silverware in the MLS Cup playoffs
“Great game Riqui! Always great to see players take control and create their own narratives. Have a night.”
That was my response to Riqui Puig’s tweet calling me out following the LA Galaxy’s thrilling 4-2 come-from-behind win over LAFC.
As a sports journalist, I understand that I influence narratives about the team. I do my best to look at data, use eye tests, and report on the good and bad aspects of the LA Galaxy and its players. I mold and tell stories from games to chronicle the club’s journey throughout the season.
I tweeted about Puig’s lack of influence in the final third for the Galaxy in El Trafico earlier in the week. He’d gone three straight games with no chances created for his team.
While chance creation isn’t everything, it was a key indicator of why LA couldn’t beat the Black and Gold. The face of the franchise had been an afterthought in the last three derby matches.
Puig is a player who thrives with a target on his back. Remember when Giorgio Chiellini called Puig a “payaso” following the Galaxy’s triumph over LAFC in the U.S. Open Cup in 2023. In the next matchup between the two teams, Puig dominated on the pitch as he was the reason why the LA Galaxy beat the Black and Gold at the Rose Bowl. He scored the game-winning goal and wasn’t afraid to celebrate in front of the former Italian international.
Puig wrote the headlines on Saturday night and took hold of the narrative following the game. He loves to prove the doubters wrong and remind everyone that he’s one of the best players in the league.
The Spanish midfielder recorded seven chances created, one goal, two assists, and completed 104 of 120 passes (86.7%) on the night. He was spectacular and helped his team clinch a playoff spot that night.
As stated earlier, Puig took control and created a new narrative about himself. He broke the mold and showed what he’s truly capable of.
That’s exactly how I’d describe the LA Galaxy as the 2024 MLS regular season ends.
Considering talking heads (myself included) didn’t predict the LA Galaxy as a top playoff team at the start of the year and laid their doubts about the club despite being a top team in the West, Puig’s tendency to “keep receipts” isn’t surprising.
The Galaxy hasn’t been able to break the narratives set on them by the media because those worries - questionable defending at times and losses to LAFC - have come back to bite them. There are still many people who have their doubts about the club despite sitting atop the Western Conference.
The win over LAFC on Saturday night made it feel like the Galaxy had broken down those doubts. Even if it’s just for one day, the Galaxy entered this game with a chip on their shoulder and proved people wrong. It’s the biggest win of the season and gives the players a newfound confidence this season that’s needed as the MLS Cup playoffs approach.
“I don't think regular-season games necessarily equate to finals and some of the things that we've been around in the past. In terms of regular season games that are vital and important and are putting us in position and you could probably put them up there with some playoff games. This is one that I'm really proud of the group and the way they came together and believed in what they are doing and believed in the mission on the night and got it done."
- Greg Vanney
“He's a nice kid. Sometimes he's too nice on the pitch as well,” said defender Maya Yoshida about Jalen Neal following the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 win over Atlanta United in late August.
Neal’s been the face of the Galaxy’s next generation. The 21-year-old center-back has become a regular starter, represented the U.S. Men’s national team, and come back from large injury absences since his breakthrough in 2023
In the Galaxy’s most important game of the year, Neal looked like the weak link during the first 45 minutes.
He had to defend LAFC’s Denis Bounaga in isolation for most of the first half. No player is going to succeed in that scenario and it went about as bad as many expected.
The second half was a different story for Neal.
Instead of letting the moment get to him, he stepped up and showed why so many commented about his potential.
Following a confrontation with Bouanga at the midway point of the second half, it was clear Neal was locked in during the Galaxy’s comeback. The confrontation wasn’t because Neal was frustrated but because Bouanga couldn’t have the same impact in the first half.
Neal improved how he dealt with Bouanga, he cut out passing lanes, and made it difficult for LAFC to create danger in the second half. Neal and the rest of the LA Galaxy limited the Black and Gold to zero shots on target and won most of the second-half duels.
Neal had received much criticism for his first-half performance but bounced back impressively. It’s not just Puig who changed the narrative on the night; Neal did so in a massive way.
The lesson here: Don’t put a label or hold a narrative over this LA Galaxy team. They want and most likely will prove you wrong. When a team can use that as motivation and come out with the intended result, victories like the one on Saturday night are much more meaningful.