LA Galaxy Post Match Talking Points for July 4; El Tráfico Ecstasy in Galaxy Win

Riqui Lets It Rip

LA Galaxy Attacking Midfielder Riqui Puig played like he had a point to prove. Perhaps he did. Puig was criticized after the Galaxy’s 2-0 win over LAFC’s “B” team in the U.S. Open Cup for celebrating his goal with an outstretched jersey in front of the LAFC home support. After that match, Giorgio Chiellini called Puig a Payaso (clown) in an attempt at what he called “defending our kids,” as the Italian took issue with Puig celebrating his goal on what Chiellini considers LAFC’s youth. Puig should only celebrate like that against the LAFC first team if he scored, he added.

Be careful what you wish for Giorgio. Puig was electric, dynamic, and every other colorful adjective that won’t do justice to describe his performance. Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney thinks it might’ve been Puig’s best performance in a Galaxy shirt.

“Maybe. Given the moment. Given the stadium. The amount of people. The spectacle that it was tonight. He was outstanding. He just plays at a different speed. When he picks up the ball and shifts and changes direction and accelerates through the lines. He just… it’s a different speed.”

Why Riqui Puig Stood Out in El Tráfico

Puig showed that different speed for the Galaxy’s first goal. After turning away from trouble and slicing into the midfield, Puif found Tyler Boyd on the left wing. Boyd turned and unleashed a wicked right-footed curler that LAFC Goalkeeper John McCarthy could do nothing about for the 1-0 Galaxy lead. And as impressive as his distribution was, his game-winning goal was pure will and awe-inspiring. With the game in the balance at 1-1, Puig sprinted the length of the field. He outran Erik Dueñas and Malik Tillman to get to Boyd’s cross first, where he was just able to poke it home past McCarthy for the 2-1 Galaxy lead and eventual win.

“I’m a player that likes to play these big games with a lot of pressure and a lot of fans in the stands and I think we showed today what we are capable of, and I love that pressure,” Puig said post-match with a smile. Through smiles, he also claimed he stopped himself from recreating his celebration again after canceling out Ilie Sanchez’s tying goal.

When Puig plays like this, he cannot be stopped. More importantly, the Galaxy is at its best.

Boyd, the LAFC Killer

“I think we’re gelling together, him and I, especially today it showed. He gave me the first assist. I gave him the second, so that’s nice to make that connection.”

Is the Galaxy Back?

After a six-game unbeaten run and a memorable win over a rival, it feels like something is starting to shift back to rights in LA.

“My hope is that the joy tonight that they feel in the locker room and for each other, our effort, and for our fans, this can be that thing that puts you on another level of confidence and belief, and you can start to build off this even more,” Vanney confessed.

Galaxy fans everywhere are hoping, too!

Defending the Badge – Galaxy Supporter Groups

You were gorgeous LA Galaxy fans. There was a small snafu with your TIFO at the beginning of the match, which could have been the most onerous of omens. Instead, Galaxy supporters went off! From before the first whistle, you were in fine voice and spirit. And you kept it up until the final player had left the field and moved the party into the parking lot. It’s a far cry from the dark old days of the supporter-led “Klein Out” protest. You came together as one and you were felt worldwide! It’s little wonder that LA Galaxy staff and players came over to celebrate with you. This victory is as much yours as anyone who was on the field. Enjoy it!