Galaxy M Riqui Puig (ACL) to miss MLS Cup final

The LA Galaxy will go for their record sixth MLS Cup title next weekend without midfielder Riqui Puig, who tore his left ACL during the team's 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final on Saturday.

The Galaxy confirmed the injury Sunday. A date for surgery has not been determined.

"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 and ready to continue making history in this club," Puig wrote on Instagram on Sunday.

"Thank you to everyone for your messages of support and love. They truly give me strength to tackle this recovery. I'm so proud of how hard we've fought to get here, and I know my teammates will give their all to bring the trophy home."

Puig will miss LA's championship match against the visiting New York Red Bulls on Dec. 7 in Carson, Calif., but the Galaxy may not have made it that far if not for Puig's gutsy performance against Seattle.

Puig got hurt early in the second half but stayed in the match for over 30 minutes and assisted Dejan Joveljic for the lone goal in the 85th minute, sending the Galaxy to the final for the first time since 2014.

Puig had been vital throughout LA's playoff run, tallying four goals and three assists in four matches. That came after he racked up 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 regular-season appearances to help the Galaxy secure the second seed in the West.

The 25-year-old has notched 51 points (23 goals, 28 assists) in 68 appearances (65 starts) for LA since joining the club in 2022.

--Field Level Media