Galaxy and Rapids turned it around and quick

A season ago, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids were the two worst teams in Major League Soccer.

The LA Galaxy won just eight games in 2023 while losing 14 and tying 12 more. The Rapids were even worse as they finished dead last with a record of 5-12-17.

The playoff picture looked to be far away and out of reach. But look now and these two teams are in the Western Conference playoffs doing battle in the opening round.

Ahead of Game 2 on Friday, the journey here is incredible to see. Especially since last season's Conference leaders, St. Louis City SC, finished third worst out West.

Postseason Power in favor of the LA Galaxy

After 95 games between these two soccer clubs, the Los Angeles Galaxy have a 46-33 advantage. They have also tied the Rapids 16 times.

This postseason is the first one since 2016 in which the Galaxy have been lined up to play the Rapids. This would be the last season both forward Landon Donovan and Manager Bruce Arena were a part of the organization. The Galaxy were eliminated by the Rapids in Western Conference Semifinals that year.

Other than that season, the Los Angeles Galaxy have owned the Colorado Rapids in the playoffs. The two teams met in the 1999 Conference Semis where the Galaxy won both games by a combined score of 5-0.

Three seasons later, Déjà vu kicked in as the Galaxy won again in the best of three opening round scoring five goals and stopping the Rapids offense altogether once more. In 2002, this was the LA Galaxy's first MLS Cup.

In 2004, the Galaxy ended Colorado's season in the semifinals again. The Rapids scored their first ever postseason goal against Los Angeles in the Game 1. However, in Game 2, the Galaxy returned with avegance with a 2-0 victory.

The 2005 Western Conference Finals would also featured these foes. The Galaxy won 2-0 on the road and go on to capture their second championship in franchise history.

The way this series is shaping up...

Thus, it should come to no surprise that the Los Angeles Galaxy won last Saturday 5-0 against the visiting Colorado Rapids. Another win moves the five-time MLS Cup winners forward and ends their opponent's season.

Los Angeles' forward Dejan Joveljic and midfielder Riqui Puig both scored a pair of goals at Dignity Health Sports Park in Game 1. Defender John Nelson added one himself which also was his first career score in MLS.

Head Coach Greg Vanney saw his team perform well as they held their playoff opponent to just one legit shot attempt. Los Angeles maintained possession of the ball for two-thirds of the game.

The Galaxy aren't known for losing to or, much less, getting scored on by the Rapids during the postseason. Friday's contest at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park might not end any different.

Yet, it is nice to see to premiere franchises in MLS return to the playoffs after being at the bottom of the Western Conference a year ago. Another shutout victory is not a far cry from possibility and might be a reality in this Galaxy.

Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Colorado Rapids 0.