P/I/P Season 29: MLS CUP -- LA Galaxy vs RBNY, 12/7/2024, 1 PM PST - Apple TV free and FOX

Ugh. Recovery time from a torn ACL for a pro soccer player ranges from 6 to 13 months, with 9 months being typical. Even after return it often takes a few months before the player is 100%. So wild ass estimate would be Riqui back on the field sometime next July - October. So sad.

 

Trickhog said that because Maya has never won a championship trophy in his career. At least not a team trophy.

 

@Ghosting liked my post!!!! If you’re reading this - welcome back!

 

Interesting consequences for next year’s roster build, that’s for sure.

weird thought I had is does he delay surgery until after the final do he can be there and (hopefully) celebrate? Probably.

 

…..

 

For Riqui!


------------------DeJan
Paintsil--------------------------Pec
------Fagundez--------Reus
------------------Cerrillo
Nelson----Maya----Garces---Yamane
---------------McCarthy

Brugman and Delgado off the bench for Reus and Cerrillo.
Diego and Reus must step up.
We can absolutely demolish the Red Bulls even without Riqui.
But without him we are not nearly as explosive on attack.
I say we end up winning 3-1 with our front each getting a goal.

 

Dude why are you trying to make me cry!?!

 

we played well earlier this season when Riqui last had an issue and Diego was central in Riqui's spot. No he wasn't as dynamic but he was a decent controller/pivot man.

 

I'm not sure Reus is going to be able to contribute much based on Saturday's game. My guess is Delgado starts and Reus comes in off the bench if he can play.

One player who may be counted on to step up in Puig's absence and take a more active role in possession and distribution is Yamane. He could be asked to play his inverted role even more than he normally does to provide an outlet playing the ball out of the back since Puig does so much for us in that department. This Puig-like dribbling through the defenders and outside the boot pass by Yamane to set up John Nelson shows that he has some creativity and flair in his game too.

🇺🇸 Miki Yamane (山根 視来) picked up an assist as #LAGalaxy thrashed Colorado Rapids 5-0 in the first leg of their play off opener.

Maya Yoshida also featured in the match with both players staying on the pitch until the end. pic.twitter.com/iczDlX9K2g

— Japanese Football (@JapaneseFbl) October 27, 2024

And this cross field pass in stride to Pec was very Puig-like as well

Miki Yamane | @LAGalaxy | 2024 pic.twitter.com/ccQZFoVzks

— Sexy MLS Passes (@SexyPassesMLS) June 18, 2024

 

Bridgman in my earlier post was supposed to be Brugman (thanks autocorrect).

I am planning to watch this one live, six year old permitting. Thank goodness for ipads.

I hope Diego Fagundez has a blinder. To someone's earlier point, this team seems quite connected this year. They celebrate for one another. It would be fitting for a team element to come to the forefront in the final. While the Killa P's + DJ have been beyond stellar, it's been all of them together that have made this team this year. Plus Yamane and Nelson, and Garces coming in at the last minute.

Didn't realize Yoshida had never won a trophy. Wow. I would like to win it for him too.

Fitting send off for Brugman as well.

The storyline is a positive one if we can do it. Puig being young will help him tremendously. I'm also sad that he will miss CCL next year - would have been fun to see him in those environments. Can you imagine him playing in Mexico?

Also interesting what this does to any deal for Pec. Team is going to want to keep him around as a stop gap until Puig returns.

ARGH. Frustrated. But want them to win it for the team on Saturday.

My longest post in awhile. Also fitting.

Go Galaxy.

 

From Riqui's instagram (what a class act):

Today begins a new challenge. I will be off the pitch for several months, but am already looking towards and motivated to return stronger than ever and ready to continue making history in this club.
THANK YOU to everyone for your messages of support and love, they truly give me strength to tackle this recovery.
I’m so proud of how hard we’ve fought to get here, and I know my teammates will give their all to bring the trophy home.
Even though I can’t be on the field, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines with the same passion as always.
Let’s go, Galaxy! Keep making us dream

 

Is Brugman leaving?

 

Looking back at previous matches with Diego as the starter instead of Riqui
June 29, LA vs San Jose


June 22, LA vs RSL


June 19, LA vs NYCFC

 

June 15, LA vs Sporting KC


Sep 1 LA vs St. Louis

 

Last one
LAG vs Seattle (in Seattle)

 

Obviously tough to compare all results, and starting lineup overall has changed, and the opponent isn't NYRB. That being said, we still have the edge I think, and while we're overall less dynamic with Diego instead of Riqui, I think our midfield will be more controlled and less frantic, and we'll really have to depend on Pec and Paintsil for the dynamism.

 

Diego Fagundez: The LA Galaxy’s Most Important Player?
https://laxsportsnation.com/2024/07/11/diego-fagundez-the-la-galaxys-most-important-player/
(This headline almost seems clairvoyant)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/riqui-puig-s-galaxy-role-lafc-s-firepower-more-from-matchday-23
"The point Sacha made, and that both Taylor Twellman and I agreed with on Wednesday, wasn’t that Diego Fagúndez is a better player than Puig, but that the simple and structured way he’s played as Riqui’s stand-in has made things more straight-forward for the Galaxy defensively and that, at least in the short term, the team has benefitted."

 

Believe Gaston is signed through the end of next season with a team option for the 2026 season.

 

Strongly believe that Pec will win this game for us, guys. So sad about Riqui daugh. But, yeah, if there wasn't enough motivation, now guys will win it for Riqui for sure. No other option. LET'S GO GALAXY !!!!!

 

Forgive my rookiness in montage guys, just wanted to express how i feel

 

I wasn't going to post because:
a) I didn't want to be that asshole fair-weather fan who only comes back to the board when things are going well, and
b) I didn't want to jinx the run by posting

Since you outed me, though...

 

You are always welcome here Ghosting! We value our OGs.

 

Pretty brazen of you to post that selfie!