LA Galaxy's Rui Puig out of MLS Cup final after tearing ACL

Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig, aged 25 and a pivotal playmaker for Los Angeles Galaxy, has sustained an ACL injury to his knee, resulting in his absence from Saturday's MLS Cup final against the New York Red Bulls, as announced by the club on Sunday.

This development represents a significant setback for the Galaxy, who are competing in their first MLS Cup final in ten years. Puig has had an impressive season, netting 17 goals and providing 20 assists in 36 matches.

The injury occurred during the second half of Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders, a match that secured the Galaxy's place in the final.

According to the Galaxy, Puig sustained the injury during the latter part of the game but continued to play for an additional thirty minutes, during which he delivered the decisive assist for Dejan Joveljic’s goal in the 85th minute.

Despite limping and showing signs of discomfort at the conclusion of the match, Puig's condition was confirmed through an MRI scan on Sunday, which indicated a "torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee."

The club has stated that he will require surgery for the injury, with the date yet to be finalized.

Puig has been instrumental in the Galaxy's resurgence in MLS, especially after the team finished second to last in the Western Conference last season.

A product of Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy, he progressed through the youth system and made 42 appearances for the first team before joining the Galaxy in August 2022.

In May, he extended his contract with the MLS club, ensuring his stay until 2027.

SportsLigue