LA Galaxy punch their ticket to the MLS Western Conference Finals

Five goals won Game 1 of the opening round of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals. Four more won Game 2. The Los Angeles Galaxy swept the seventh-seeded Colorado Rapids, 9-1 in two games.

During Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United FC, the five-time champions won 6-2. The Galaxy now will host the Seattle Sounders FC next weekend at Dignity Health Sports Park,

The second seed of the Western Conference, and now top remaining seed, advances to the MLS Western Conference Finals. The LA Galaxy are unbeaten at home when they play games in Carson, California.

The next MLS Cup is in within reach by a LA Galaxy

Saturday's game between LAFC and Seattle Sounders FC saw the first-seeded team lose and the fourth-seeded extend their 2024 MLS Season. That gave the LA Galaxy the advantage moving forward through the rest of the playoff bracket.

The top three seeds of the Eastern Conference failed to get out of the the opening round of the MLS Playoffs. That means, as long as the five-time MLS Champions are in the picture, they have homefield advantage.

That is important since the LA Galaxy have yet to lose a contest at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Dejan Joveljic, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil all score two goals apiece. Once Riqui Puig and company took a 3-2 lead into the half, they never looked back.

The Los Angeles Galaxy held possession 73% of the time and forced 19 fouls. That was eight more than what they committed. Despite three yellow cards being issued to the LA Galaxy, Minnesota United FC was issued a critical red car. At the 82nd minute, Jefferson Diaz of Minnesota United FC was issued his second yellow card which warranted a red.

His ejection paved the way for the LA Galaxy to secure their third playoff game victory in a row. At that points, the game was 4-2 in favor of the home team. Joveljic and Paintsil added their second goals in the contest.

In the opening round, Riqui Puig scored four of the nine total Galaxy goals. He also assisted in one other. It was the MLS Western Conference where the other two members of the 'Killer P's' stepped up.

Ten of the 17 shot attempts were on goal by the Los Angeles Galaxy while only six of 12 were on target by Minnesota United. The top seed of the West has now outscored their opponents in the posteason 15-3 in three games.

In order to qualify for a record tenth MLS Cup Final appearance, the LA Galaxy must slay the Sounders at home. If they fail, not only will this be the Galaxy's first defeat at Dignity Health Sports Park, it will end the 2024 MLS Season.