Riqui Puig (foto: Getty Images)
Riqui Puig suffers a torn ACL during LA Galaxy’s Conference Final win but plays on to assist the game-winning goal. He will miss the MLS Cup final and undergo surgery.
Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the Western Conference Final of the MLS, where the LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders on Saturday. Despite the injury, Puig astonishingly continued playing for over 30 minutes and even provided the game-winning assist.
According to the LA Galaxy’s official statement, Puig sustained the injury in the second half of the match but pushed through, setting up Dejan Joveljic’s decisive goal. His heroic contribution sent the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 7th, where they will face the New York Red Bulls at home.
"Puig was injured in the second half against the Sounders but continued playing for more than 30 minutes despite the injury and assisted on the game-winning goal," the Galaxy stated in their announcement.
Unfortunately, Puig will miss the MLS Cup final, a significant blow for the Galaxy, as the former Barcelona player had been one of their standout performers in recent weeks. The 24-year-old midfielder is now set to undergo surgery, with the operation date yet to be determined.
The absence of Puig, a key figure in the Galaxy’s playoff run, leaves a gap that coach Greg Vanney will need to address ahead of the biggest match of the season.