After squandering prime seed, Galaxy open playoffs vs. Rapids

The Los Angeles Galaxy beat Colorado twice in the regular season and rate as significant favorites to advance deep into the MLS Cup Playoffs.

But the Rapids aren’t about to lay down despite a dismal stretch to end the regular season.

Seventh-seeded Colorado looks to improve on its recent play while the second-seeded Galaxy aim to continue their home dominance. Something has to give when the clubs play Saturday night in the opener of a best-of-three Western Conference first-round series at Carson, Calif.

The Galaxy (19-8-7, 64 points) were 13-0-3 in matches played at their home stadium during the regular season, including victories in their past 11 matches in Carson. They outscored opponents 31-14 during the winning streak.

The Galaxy did lose a 2-1 decision in that stretch to rival Los Angeles FC on July 4 as the home team at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

“When the fans bring energy into the stadium, and our team is competing and creating goal-scoring chances, it feeds back into the energy of the match,” Los Angeles coach Greg Vanney said. “It’s good for all of us.”

Colorado was just 5-10-2 on the road, including a 3-2 setback at Austin FC to close the regular season.

Worse, the Rapids (15-14-5, 50 points) have limped into the playoffs by losing four straight matches and five of their past six.

But Colorado is taking solace that it was competitive against the Galaxy in the regular season. Los Angeles posted a 3-2 home win over the Rapids on July 17 and a 3-1 road victory on Oct. 2. Galaxy star Riqui Puig had three goals in the two contests.

“They’re a team that we know exactly what makes them good,” said Rapids coach Chris Armas, who is one of three finalists for MLS Coach of the Year honors. “Those previous reps give us real information and insight. We put the Galaxy into two really difficult games.”

Colorado defender Keegan Rosenberry said his side isn’t wary of opening the playoffs against a powerhouse squad.

“We’re excited for the challenge,” Rosenberry said. “People might talk about drawing maybe the best team all year in the Galaxy but you’re going to have to beat good teams along the way in this format. Why not first when you’re fresh going into it?”

Los Angeles also enters the playoffs after a loss as it fell 2-1 to the host Houston Dynamo in its finale. The heartbreaking defeat, on a Dynamo goal in stoppage time, prevented the Galaxy from wrapping up the top spot in the Western Conference.

Gabriel Pec scored the LA goal on a penalty kick and has tallied goals in five consecutive MLS matches and six of the past seven. He leads the Galaxy with 16 goals.

Vanney was less than thrilled with his club’s lack of fire during the loss to Houston.

“We should have a healthy level of fear that we can be out of the playoffs in a hurry,” said Vanney, “but we’ve got to use that motivation.”

–Field Level Media