LA Galaxy beat Minnesota United in dominating fashion to advance to the Western Conference Finals

The LA Galaxy put up six goals on an in-form Minnesota United squad to clinch a spot in the Conference Finals

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy is marching ever closer to MLS Cup following its 6-2 demolition of Minnesota United. The 26,192 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park created a phenomenal playoff atmosphere that celebrated LA’s six goals on the night.

Gabriel Pec opened the score for the home side just 27 seconds into the match. The Loons fought back with Kelvin Yeboah’s strike in the 6^th minute of the match, equalizing the game.

Dejan Joveljić scored his third goal of the playoffs with his header in the 18^th minute. Marco Rues, who started his first MLS Playoff match, set up the Serbian striker with a great cross from a free kick. Joseph Paintsil joined the goalscoring party with his tap-in goal in the 37th minute. The first-half action didn’t end there – Yeboah converted a penalty kick into first-half stoppage time.

Pec took over in the second half and scored the best goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This solo goal showed the Brazilian’s blistering speed and ability to dribble past defenders with ease and showed he’s a good finisher on his weak foot.

Pec was too elusive for Jefferson Diaz, who picked up both his yellow cards while defending Pec. The only blemish on the Brazilian’s night was his saved penalty in the 78^th minute. The Galaxy kept piling onto the lead, with Paintsil and Joveljić tallying another goal each to put six goals on Minnesota. The Loons had allowed 5 goals in their last 10 games; the Galaxy matched that amount in 87 minutes.

“In watching [Minnesota], I was concerned about this game because they have a way of slowing you down and turning you over and some guys in the attack that can hurt you. I was pleased that when we were attacking, we were direct; and when we were direct we were able to cause them some problems and keep them off balance through the course of the night,” said Greg Vanney.

The reason why the Galaxy was able to consistently go after Minnesota was due to Pec’s memorable performance. The Brazilian winger has recorded 38 goal contributions (21 goals, 17 assists) in 39 matches played (36 starts) across all competitions during his first season with the LA Galaxy.

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

His solo goal in the second half will go down as an all-time goal in LA Galaxy history and be immortalized forever should the G’s win MLS Cup.

“It did hurt when the player kicked me, but when I looked at the scenario and I saw that I just had to kick one a little bit further, I would be able to keep dribbling and get towards the goal. I just get more and more confidence, like I believe it will happen and I get faster,” said Pec about his second goal postgame.

“I believe that was one of the most beautiful goals in my career and I cannot wait to get home and watch the goal and see the goal,” said Pec with a big smile on his face.

He’s been the winger Vanney has been looking to bring to the club since his tenure began in 2021. Pec’s developed from a player who relies on his speed and individual quality to an all-around winger who can be a playmaker and get into the right spots to finish his chances.

“He can beat you in one-on-one situations. He can beat you right. He can beat you left. Today, he was running hard without the ball, which creates a lot of problems for you. He can play in combination with other guys,” said Vanney post-game.

“When you have a winger that is, I don't know, triple, quadruple threat and doesn't have just one thing, it becomes almost undefendable because he always has -- whoever is dealing with him, always guessing.”

In the postseason, the Galaxy has put on a show for the home crowd. LA has scored a combined 15 goals in their three playoff games during this run. Dignity Health Sports Park reawaked into the fortress it was during the early 2010’s during the Landon Donovan era of LA Galaxy. The fans feel that difference, and so do the players.

“It means a lot because [fans] are coming in big numbers, and to start the game, the people, shouting, making noise, it gives us the energy because they came for us, and we also need to give for them,” said Joseph Paintsil in his press conference.

“We really appreciate the fans that came and they came and everything was full. Since we played against Miami at the first game -- we want everybody to keep coming and yeah, we don't want to lose this opportunity. We need to come together and fight for everything, even if we need to break our legs for this trophy,” he said.

The LA Galaxy will play the Seattle Sounders on Nov. 30 with a ticket to the MLS Cup Final on the line. The players and coaches are locked in not to let this opportunity go away. The G’s passed through the Loons with flying colors, but Seattle is a different test.