John Paintsil has dedicated Los Angeles Galaxy’s record-extending sixth MLS Cup to Riqui Puig after defeating New York Red Bulls 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night, Afrosport reports.
Puig was unavailable for the all-important final after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Western Conference final victory against the Seattle Sounders.
The Galaxy had no problem as Ghana International Paintsil put them ahead in the ninth minute before Dejan Joveljic doubled it four minutes later.
Sean Nealis put one back for the Red Bulls in the 28th minute but there was no way back in their hope of breaking their MLS Cup drought.
It was however all about the Galaxy and their triumph which Puig graced from the stands before joining the team on the field for the celebrations.
“Riqui means a lot. He has been fantastic from the beginning of the season until now,” Paintsil said per the MLS website.
“What else can I do? I cannot do anything for Riqui but just to show the appreciation for the love that he has showed us throughout the season. All I can do is just to lift his jersey and show LA Galaxy that he is the man.”
“We did it for Riqui.” 🫶@josephpaintsil_ on raising @RiquiPuig‘s jersey after scoring // #MLSCup pres. by Audi pic.twitter.com/HJTYxKiYw1
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 8, 2024
Meanwhile, Puig speaking on the the victory stated: “Honestly, I’m very happy. “It’s been a very complicated week for me, but people are giving me a lot of support, sending me messages.
“I apologise for not being able to respond to almost anybody because it’s been really complicated for me to face this type of injury.
“I was very afraid of it, even more so for nine months, to wait for this match. And I think the team played spectacularly.”
LA Galaxy are the most successful MLS franchise with their six titles, two better than DC United and three ahead of Columbus Crew.
