Galaxy holds off Rapids, sits alone atop Western Conference

CARSON — The Galaxy had the offensive attack in high gear in the first half of Wednesday night’s game against the Colorado Rapids.

The priciest of the club’s high-priced stars – Riqui Puig, rookie Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec – combined for two goals and four assists as the Galaxy built a two-goal lead on two separate occasions.

In the second half, the Galaxy had to buckle down and try to see out a one-goal lead. Even though it wasn’t easy, that’s what the team accomplished for a 3-2 win in front of 19,488 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy (13-5-7, 46 points) began the night in a three-way tie on points for first place in the Western Conference with LAFC and Real Salt Lake, who were playing up the freeway at BMO Stadium. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the Galaxy in sole possession of first place, though LAFC has two games in hand on the Galaxy and RSL has one.

“We keep competing. Every time we lose, we don’t allow ourselves to get down and we get a result,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “The guys are fighting for everything. Every time we have a tough game, the group has bounced back and answered the bell.

“If we can get the job done on Saturday, then into the (Leagues Cup) break on top of the West and that’s the goal for the week.”

The Galaxy struck first with Diego Fagundez scoring in the 12th minute. The first goal nearly came minutes earlier from Mauricio Cuevas, but referee Ismir Pekmic pulled the play back due to a foul on a Rapids defender before the final action. The Galaxy ended up with a free kick that Fagundez took, forcing Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen into a tough save.

Vanney called the disallowed goal “an unforgivable moment,” adding that it should have counted “because this is the definition of an advantage.”

Colorado (11-9-5, 38 points) tied the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute as former Galaxy Designated Player Kevin Cabral scored on a tap-in from Jonathan Lewis.

The Galaxy responded in fine fashion with goals from Paintsil (38th minute), who finished with a goal and two assists, and Puig (43rd minute) to open a 3-1 lead, but the Galaxy couldn’t get the two-goal advantage into halftime.

Late into first-half stoppage time, Galaxy defender Miki Yamane was called for a foul in the penalty box, giving the Rapids a penalty kick. Rafael Navarro’s attempt was saved by Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy, but Cole Bassett headed in the rebound to make it 3-2 heading into halftime.

The Galaxy had dominated the flow of play in the first 45 minutes, with 10 shots and seven on goal, but the hosts had just a one-goal advantage to show for their efforts. The second half showed a better effort by the Rapids, while the Galaxy weren’t able to find that high gear.

McCarthy was called into action to preserve the win, especially in the second half. Colorado – which lost for just the second time in its last eight matches – had two good chances for the equalizer in the 73rd minute, but Navarro’s header was easily secured by McCarthy. He also came through in the 86th minute with one of his seven saves.

The Galaxy have nine regular-season games remaining and will be back in action Saturday at home against the Portland Timbers (10-8-6, 36 points). The Galaxy improved to 8-1-3 at home and has not lost in 2024 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The team’s only home loss came against LAFC earlier this month at the Rose Bowl.

“We’re focused on the daily and bringing everything to every training session,” Galaxy defender Mauricio Cuevas said. “We all want to win for the fans.”

GOOD COMPANY

Pec became the second Galaxy player to contribute to a goal in 10 straight home matches, joining Robbie Keane (2012-13).