CARSON, Calif. -- LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig has been ruled out of the 2024 MLS Cup Final after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during Saturday’s 1-0 victory in the Western Conference Final against the Seattle Sounders, the team announced Sunday.
Despite the injury, the Spanish midfielder played for more than 30 minutes and delivered the decisive assist on Dejan Joveljić’s 85th-minute goal, securing the Galaxy’s place in next Saturday’s championship match.
An MRI performed Sunday morning confirmed the ACL tear. Puig will undergo surgery at a later date.
The injury ends a stellar season for Puig, who was named a 2024 MLS All-Star and contributed 17 goals and 20 assists across all competitions. In the postseason, Puig tallied four goals and four assists in four matches.
Henry Tran - The Sporting Tribune
LA Galaxy Midfielder Riqui Puig (10) being consoled by his parents after discussing injury after match against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Carson, CA.
Puig’s absence is a major blow for the Galaxy as they prepare to face the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup Final, Saturday, Dec. 7, at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Midfielder @RiquiPuig has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 2, 2024
Puig sustained the injury in the second half of the match, continuing to play over thirty minutes despite his injury, and providing the game-winning assist on Dejan Joveljić’s 85th… pic.twitter.com/roTZASvPZ3