Galaxy score three unanswered goals, take down Rapids

Riqui Puig scored two goals and the Galaxy continued their march towards a Western Conference title with a 3-1 comeback win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night. 

Led by Puig's scores and a goal from Gabriel Pec, the victory marks another significant step as the Galaxy (18-7-7, 61 pts), continue to solidify their place atop the Western Conference heading into the postseason.

"Proud of the guys," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "Not an easy place to play. 

"They are a team that's had a success through the course of the year. A great win for us on the road and now looking forward to going home on the weekend,"

While the Galaxy dominated nearly the entire second half, the first half was filled with much of the inverse. 

LA looked sluggish and lacked creativity in the first 45 minutes but, considering the team's struggles on the road all season, having played this match 11 days after their encounter with Vancouver, plus travel and the elevation in Colorado, it seemed like a recipe for disaster.

The Rapids struck first just before halftime when Connor Ronan finished off a pass from Djordje Mihailovic in the 45th minute, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. 

After the break, the Galaxy would play with newfound energy and carved through the Rapids' press with ease.

"I think that we are playing really good," Vanney said. "We need to improve some things, I think in the defensive area, but I think that the strength of team is in the counterattack."

In the second half, Pec, who has been in terrific form this as of late, quickly brought the Galaxy level. 

Just five minutes after the break, Pec found the back of the net for the 14th time this season, capitalizing on assists from Mark Delgado and defender Maya Yoshida. 

The equalizer sparked a shift in momentum, as Pec orchestrated much of the Galaxy’s attack for the remainder of the match and the Rapids failed to respond.

Pec wasn't done yet. In the 58th minute, he set up Puig with a perfectly placed pass, allowing Puig to put the Galaxy ahead 2-1. 

Pec’s vision and playmaking ability were on full display again in stoppage time, as he added a second assist, finding Puig once more for a late insurance goal. With his 14th assist of the campaign, Pec has continued to make a strong case for being one of the Galaxy’s most influential players.

"As you guys have seen, he's one of the best players if not the best player in the League at being able to pick up the ball and get himself facing forward," Vanney said.

John McCarthy recorded two saves for the Galaxy, who picked up their first victory in Colorado since 2017.  

LA continues to sit atop the table in the West, with six points in hand and two match days to go.

"We’re towards the end of the season, every game matters," Mark Delgado said "These games matter going into playoffs.”

The Galaxy return to Dignity Health Sports Park to face Austin F.C. in the final home match of the regular season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.