Riqui Puig suffers ACL tear, misses MLS Cup final

In the United States, during the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders FC on December 1, 2024, LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig sustained a serious injury, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The injury occurred in the second half of the match, yet Puig remarkably continued to play for over 30 minutes despite his discomfort, contributing significantly by assisting the game-winning goal. After the match, an MRI confirmed the injury, leading to the announcement that Puig would miss the upcoming MLS Cup final against the New York Red Bulls scheduled for December 7. This incident marks a significant setback for the LA Galaxy, as Riqui Puig has been a vital player for the team throughout the postseason. His performances were instrumental in guiding the Galaxy to the finals, showcasing his skills with four goals and four assists in four matches during this period. Prior to the playoffs, Puig had an impressive regular season, contributing 16 goals and 14 assists in 29 MLS matches. His efforts helped propel the Galaxy to second place in the Western Conference standings, highlighting his importance to the team's success. The LA Galaxy expressed their support for Puig as he begins his recovery process. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Puig acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but remained optimistic about his return to the pitch: "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." Such injuries can greatly impact both the player’s career trajectory and the team's performance, making Puig's absence in the MLS Cup final a challenging hurdle for the Galaxy. As the team prepares for the final without their key player, the focus shifts to how the Galaxy can adapt to his absence. The players will need to rally together and leverage their collective skills to bring home the trophy. The upcoming match will test the depth and resilience of the Galaxy's squad as they look to capitalize on their successful run so far in the postseason while facing a strong opponent in the New York Red Bulls.