LA Galaxy 5-0 Colorado Rapids: Joveljic and Puig lead five-star rout

The LA Galaxy thrashed the Colorado Rapids 5-0 in their MLS playoff opener, with Dejan Loveljic and Riqui Puig scoring twice each.

In Saturday’s first contest of a best-of-three series, the Galaxy, who finished second behind Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference, made light work of the Rapids.

Loveljic opened the scoring in the 32nd minute at Dignity Health Sports Park, heading in from Puig’s corner.

John Nelson coolly put Galaxy 2-0 up early in the second half, with Puig grabbing his first two minutes later to put them out of sight, with Loveljic the provider on that occasion.

Loveljic doubled up when he finished from a rebounded attempt by Gabriel Pec, who subsequently turned provider for Puig to slot in a fifth late on.

The Rapids must now beat the Galaxy next week if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.

performance pic.twitter.com/A5rNXW8sRJ

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 27, 2024

Data Debrief: Home comforts

The Galaxy have now won 31 of their 37 all-time home playoff matches, including the last 10 in a row.

Indeed, the Galaxy have not lost a home playoff game since a 1-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2012.

The Rapids, meanwhile, have lost their last eight away postseason matches, scoring just three goals in those games.