CARSON, Calif. — While many in the stands were trying to do grind tricks with their limited edition Galaxy Tech Decks, the LA Galaxy grinded out a a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The result lifted the Galaxy (13-5-7, 46 points) into first place in the Western Conference after a 1-1 stalemate between LAFC and RSL kept each club at 44 points, respectively.
“I thought we had a really good first half, one of our better halves of the season,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “In the second half I was pleased with the grind and the effort and getting it done.
"I think everybody’s got that summer fatigue, we’re looking to a tournament that’s right in front of us.”
Debuting the Galaxy’s Retrograde kit, which pays homage to the original kit worn by LA during MLS’ first season in 1996, Diego Fagundez scored the first goal in the new look.
“I liked them out there. I know they probably won’t be out all that often, but it was nice to see the old days, kind of, out there again,” Vanney said of the new kits. “I thought we played well and especially the first time, it was good. We did them justice.”
Fagundez’s shot off his right foot was assisted by Gabriel Pec.
Diego is him 7️⃣@DiegolFagundez secures the first goal in the RetroGrade kit! pic.twitter.com/0gxwsEVZur
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 18, 2024
Not too long afterwards, Colorado had a response by a very familiar name for the G’s.
Former Galaxy forward Kevin Cabral scored against the Galaxy to even things up at 1-1. The goal marks Cabral’s second against his former club in as many matchups.
Pec wasn’t done dishing out dimes as he found Paintsil making a run towards goal and placed the ball perfectly for Paintsil to finish the tap-in opportunity, putting LA back ahead, 2-1.
Pec ➡️ Paintsil @gabrielpec01 & @josephpaintsil_ are unstoppable! pic.twitter.com/WIyOu3qk7b
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 18, 2024
Two-thirds of the Galaxy’s “Killa P’s,” the unofficial nickname for the club’s three designated players, had goal contributions against Colorado, but the third wouldn’t stay quiet for long.
Five minutes after the second goal, Riqui Puig received the ball from Paintsil and sent a screamer to the top-left hand corner of the net, making it 3-1.
”These guys are amazing,” Mauricio Cuevas said. “It doesn’t surprise me, I’m with the every single day and the training sessions are unbelievable.”
Hole in one ⛳️@RiquiPuig finds the third of the first half! pic.twitter.com/XKpBmNgnUY
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 18, 2024
The Rapids would continue to grind out the result and would capitalize off a costly Galaxy mistake.
Miki Yamane was called for a penalty in the area and upon review, the call stood. Colorado’s Rafael Navarro stepped up and had his penalty saved by John McCarthy, but Cole Bassett was able to head in a rebound, cutting LA’s lead to 3-2.
The second half was a lot more defensive with the Galaxy using a backline of five from the 75th minute onward to secure the result.
”We have nine games left," Puig said, "I think it’s really important to be on top because I think if we play at home, we can be a better team with the fans."
Next, the Galaxy will host the Portland Timbers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday