LA Galaxy manager Greg Vanney lauded Riqui Puig’s performance against Los Angeles FC, with the 23-year-old scoring the winning goal in a record-breaking fixture.
Speaking to MLS’ official website, the 49-year-old coach was full of praise for the former FC Barcelona midfielder, who secured a 2-1 win for the Galaxy in front of a record-breaking crowd of 82,000 fans, the largest attendance for an MLS fixture.
The result took the Galaxy to just six points off the play-off spot, with the statement win against the reigning MLS Cup holders one that will live long in the memory of supporters, who are no strangers to memorable wins against LAFC in the El Trafico.
Indeed, Puig is hitting the form of his life after a mixed 12 months in Los Angeles. Yet Vanney was blown away with what he saw from the La Masia academy graduate in a game that could turn the Galaxy’s season completely around for the better.
Vanney said: “Given the moment, given the stadium, the amount of people, the spectacle that was tonight, he was outstanding. He’s just, like, on a different speed. When he picks up the ball and shifts and changes directions and accelerates through the lines, he’s just… it’s a different speed.”
Puig’s display against LAFC can be a springboard for the Galaxy
Puig’s performances have been vital in keeping the Galaxy in with a chance of the MLS play-offs, and the midfielder’s latest display and match-winning strike could be key in Vanney leading his side to the post-season, with this 2-1 win against LAFC potentially season-defining.
As we know, the Galaxy sit just six points off a play-off spot after this latest result. And if Puig can remain in form and continue to motivate the Californian giants to big results, there’s no telling how far this franchise can go in the coming months.
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