LA Galaxy 6-2 Minnesota United: Hosts through to Western Conference final with rout

LA Galaxy booked their place in the Western Conference final with a thumping 6-2 victory over Minnesota United at Dignity Health Sports Park.

It was a dream start for the Galaxy, who took just 27 seconds to break the deadlock – Gabriel Pec latched onto Riqui Puig’s throughball before turning his marker to coolly slot past Dayne St. Clair.

Kelvin Yeboah restored parity five minutes later with a superb finish into the top corner, but Dejan Joveljic ensured they were not level for long, rising high to send a glancing header into the net.

Joseph Paintsil cushioned in a third at the far post in the 37th minute, though the Galaxy would only have a one-goal cushion at the break as Yeboah scored from the spot on the second attempt after John McCarthy had come off his line too early on the initial penalty.

Joveljic, who gave away Minnesota’s spot-kick, rattled the woodwork moments after the break before Pec bagged his second with a strong finish in another quick start.

Jefferson Diaz received his first booking for fouling Pec in the penalty area, though the Brazilian saw his spot-kick saved, and got his marching orders five minutes later for catching Pec again with his elbow.

The Galaxy then rounded it off in style, with Paintsil curling it past St. Clair 86 minutes in before Joveljic got his second three minutes later to set up a home clash with Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

For Los Angeles

We will face Seattle Sounders FC in the Western Conference Final next Saturday at 7 PM at @dignityhealthsp!

: https://t.co/4cMrqcR5XE pic.twitter.com/ms4id44AFA

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 25, 2024

Data Debrief: Goals galore

The Galaxy scored nine goals in their first-round games against Colorado Rapids, and showed no signs of stopping against Minnesota either, as they extended their scoring run to 24 home games in MLS.

Pec’s goal is the earliest they have scored last season, while it is the ninth time the 23-year-old has opened the scoring for Greg Vanney’s side in the competition. In Pec and Joveljic, the Galaxy have two players currently on 19 goals for the campaign.

It is the first time LA Galaxy have scored six goals in a game since September 2019 against Sporting Kansas City (W7-2).