mls

Galaxy opens three game homestand against Colorado

Riqui Puig returns to the lineup against the Rapid after missing last week's loss to Orlando City SC due to card accumulation.

The Galaxy are in need of a spark after accumulating just six points through nine games this season with a record of 1-5-3, but the team will have a chance to turn things around at home, with three games scheduled at Dignity Health Sports Park in the next eight days.

The first comes Saturday against the Colorado Rapids, another team struggling to find itself, entering the matchup with nine points and a record of 1-3-6.

Following Saturday’s game, the Galaxy will host Seattle Sounders on Wednesday for an Open Cup Round of 32 matchup before closing the homestand four days later with MLS play against rival San Jose Earthquakes.

“It’s going to be nice to play three games at home in a row to try and get some momentum and rhythm on our side,” Galaxy head coach Vanney said. “This is an opportunity in the month of May where a lot of things can evolve and change if we can get that momentum on our side.”

Despite their opponent’s record, Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney thinks the Rapids are more dangerous than given credit for.

“They’re athletic, they’re big, they’re direct. They’re going to look to play behind us and to try to exploit spaces behind our backline,” Vanney said. “They’re a team that hasn’t got a lot of results but they probably deserve more results than they’ve gotten.”

The Galaxy will surely see a boost in creativity and playmaking on offense as Riqui Puig returns to the lineup after missing last week’s 2-0 loss to Orlando City SC due to card accumulation.

“With Riqui in there it ensures some mobility, it ensures some overloads in certain areas. He can wiggle out of pressure sometimes in games when teams are high-pressing, he can do something a little different,” Vanney said. “He can improvise and scoot through a space that doesn’t look like it’s there and open up a new game. I think he’s also a guy who can choose moments when the game needs to go fast and when the game needs to slow down.”

While the Galaxy will add Puig back into the lineup, Douglas Costa will not be on the pitch Saturday after reinjuring himself against Orlando last week. Costa, who already missed the first four games of this season due to a calf injury, will begin his recovery which should be roughly four weeks, according to Vanney.

Despite the early season struggles and setbacks, Dejan Joveljić and the Galaxy still have their eyes on the prize.

“Our main goal is to reach a playoff spot and that’s 100% still possible.”

Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park and on AppleTV+.