CARSON — The Galaxy had the offensive attack in high gear in the first half of Wednesday night’s game against Real Salt Lake. The priciest of the club’s high-priced stars – Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec – combined for two goals and four assists as the Galaxy built a two-goal lead on two separate occasions. In the second half, the Galaxy had to buckle down and try to see out a one-goal lead.
Even though it wasn’t easy, that’s what the team accomplished for a 3-2 win in front of 19,488 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy (13-5-7, 46 points) began the night in a three-way tie on points for first place in the Western Conference with LAFC and Real Salt Lake, who were playing up the freeway at BMO Stadium. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the Galaxy in sole possession of first place, though LAFC has two games in hand on the Galaxy and RSL has one.
The Galaxy struck first with Diego Fagundez scoring in the 12th minute. The first goal nearly came minutes earlier from Mauricio Cuevas, but referee Ismir Pekmic pulled the play back due to a foul on a Rapids defender before the final action. The Galaxy ended up with a free kick that Fagundez took, forcing Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen into a tough save.
Colorado tied the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute as former Galaxy Designated Player Kevin Cabral scored on a tap-in from Jonathan Lewis. The Galaxy responded in fine fashion with goals from Paintsil (38th minute) and Puig (43rd minute) to open a.
