Potential power players in Game 2 for the Los Angeles Galaxy

A galaxy is a system of stars (millions or billions) by a gravitational attraction. The 'Galaxy' in Los Angeles is full of stars, indeed. Their attraction is to win the franchise's sixth MLS Cup.

The Los Angeles Galaxy featured one of the best offenses this season. The 2024 MLS season saw perhaps one of the greatest turnarounds for any team in league history.

Head Coach Greg Vanney saw his team go from the second worst team in the conference a season ago to being the second best. In fact, the LA Galaxy just lost out on first to LAFC due to a tiebreak in standings.

Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig are two of the stars that returned this year after a dismal 2023 season. General Manager Will Kuntz got aggressive in the winter as he brought three more stars Joseph Paintsil, Gabriel Pec, goalkeeper John McCarthy and even added Marco Reus during the summer midseason.

Which stars could shine brightest in Game 2?

After both Joveljic and Puig scored twice in Game 1, it's hard not to consider their names in this light. The four-year MLS veteran from Serbia scored the game's first goal in the 32nd minute of the first half.

That was all that was needed for the Galaxy in the shutout win against the Rapids. However, four more unanswered shots made their way to the back of the net. Another from Joveljic, a pair from Puig and even John Nelson's first career goal added to the offensive frenzy.

1 & 1a. Joseph Paintsil & Gabriel Pec

The other two members of the "Killer P's" have been a major part of the Galaxy's offense. They both recorded at least ten goals in the regular season. In addition, the pair of newcomers also logged at least ten assists, as well.

Paintsil has gone a bit quiet and not tallied a goal since the 4-2 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps over a month ago.

Forward and fellow-teammate Pec was responislble for two of the Galaxy's five goals in Game 1. His two assists kept the offense cooking. He only missed one game of the team's 34.

Pec started in 30 and subbed in three more. He finished the regular season with 16 goals, one shy of the team high held by Joveljic.

Come Saturday, it could be Paintsil and/or Pec that has the big game like Joveljic and Puig the last time out.