Galaxy dominates Minnesota United, advances to Western Conference Final

CARSON, Calif. — If there were any concerns about the Galaxy starting Sunday's Western Conference Semifinal against Minnesota United on the wrong foot following a three week break in action, Gabriel Pec's left foot would put those concerns to rest.

Pec wasted no time making history, as he netted the fastest goal in club history after just 27 seconds, with an assist from Riqui Puig. 

The opening goal would set the tone for the rest of the evening, as LA would hit Minnesota with an offensive avalanche in a 6-2 win to advance to the Western Conference Final.

"The energy in the stadium was outstanding, which I know the guys were feeding off that from minute one," Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said of the announced crowd of 26,192 on hand at Dignity Health Sports Park. 

"For having 23 days off, I'm certainly pleased and proud of these guys for the way they responded to the moment." 

Minnesota would respond minutes later when Kelvin Yeboah found space inside the box and fired a shot past Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy to level the match at 1-1. 

"There was a lot of energy in the game, we score early, they come right back on our neck," Edwin Cerrillo said. "I think we play our best when we play fluidly, not relaxed, but just more free."

The Galaxy regained their advantage in the 23rd minute. Puig delivered a pinpoint corner kick, and Dejan Joveljic rose above the Minnesota defense to head the ball into the back post, making it 2-1. 

Ten minutes later, Joseph Paintsil extended the Galaxy’s lead to 3-1, finishing off an assist from Miki Yamane after his initial cross rolled past Joveljic, with a composed strike into the bottom corner.  

"The crowd, the people shouting, making noise. It gave us energy to not quit for them, because they came for us," Paintsil said. "We saw LAFC lost and it's a great opportunity for us to also be strong mentally, especially [at] our home."

The first half wasn’t without controversy, as Minnesota earned a penalty late in the half following a foul on Carlos Harvey. While goalkeeper John McCarthy saved the initial attempt, officials ordered a retake, which allowed Yeboah to pull Minnesota within a goal before the break.

Pec would score his second goal of the match after taking the ball from midfield and carving through Minnesota's defense by himself to open the second half and stretch LA's lead, 4-2.

The goal was one of Pec's favorite of his career, he said through a translator. He also mentioned how he got kicked during his second goal, but saw he had to push the ball forward just a little bit further for a shot on goal and he converted.

Later, Minnesota's Jefferson Diaz would foul Pec in the area, which led to LA getting awarded a penalty kick.

Pec stepped up and saw his shot get saved, but Diaz wasn't done yet. Moments later, Diaz would foul Pec again outside of the area, but this time the officials booked Diaz for a red card and Minnesota in the 82nd minute.

Five minutes later, Paintsil would take advantage as he took the ball down the left flank and did the rest to score his second goal of the night and make it 5-2.

Joveljic would add the cherry on top of the Galaxy's six goal sundae, netting the final goal of the night for LA.

Next, the Galaxy will host the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Western Conference Final, the match is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Cerrillo said the club is playing some of its best soccer at the moment and has an opportunity to etch its name in MLS history books.

"We have a great opportunity, everybody needs to be locked in. And what better way to play our best soccer if not now?"