Galaxy beat Rapids to advance in MLS Cup playoffs

BeSoccer 7 months ago 899 |

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Puig plundered two goals in the space of two minutes. AFP

Riqui Puig scored an injury-time brace as the Los Angeles Galaxy beat the Colorado Rapids 4-1 on Friday to become the first team to clinch an MLS Cup Western Conference semi-final berth.

Brazil's Gabriel Pec fired the visiting Galaxy in front in the eighth minute and after Oliver Larraz equalized in the 19th, Joseph Paintsil put Los Angeles 2-1 up in first-half added time. Spain's Puig plundered two goals in the space of two minutes in second-half injury time to seal the victory.

The Galaxy's five MLS Cup titles are a record but their last came a decade ago. They beat the Rapids 5-0 in the opening match of the best-of-three series and now await the winner of the series between Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United, which Minnesota lead 1-0.

In Charlotte, goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina starred as the hosts beat Orlando City 3-1 on penalties to level their series after a match that ended in a goalless draw. Orlando City had won the series opener 2-0, but after Charlotte's first ever playoff victory it will come down to game three in Orlando on November 9.

The winner advances to an Eastern Conference semi-final against either Atlanta or Lionel Messi-led regular-season champions Miami. Kahlina made two saves in the penalty shootout - denying Nicolas Lodeiro and Duncan McGuire - and an effort from Orlando's Robin Jansson sailed high. Charlotte found the net on their first three attempts from Patrick Agyemang, Karol Swiderski and Ashley Westwood for the victory.