The Spanish midfielder was injured in the final stretch of the season and unable to help the LA Galaxy qualify for the playoffs.
Rodrigo SerranoRodASerranoAndy HallUpdate: Oct 23rd, 2023 05:10 EDT
Jayne Kamin-OnceaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The Los Angeles Galaxy ended the 2023 Major League Soccer season in the worst possible way – with a painful 1-4 home defeat to FC Dallas. It concluded one of the franchise’s worst seasons in league history. The Galaxy finished second from bottom in the Western Conference with 36 points and a balance of eight wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats.
The Galaxy, the team that has won the most titles in MLS history, were in with a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But the team clearly missed Riqui Puig, who was injured in the final stretch of the season. The Spanish midfielder missed four consecutive games – against Portland, Seattle, Minnesota and Salt Lake and his absence was noticed – the team failed to win any of those matches, drawing two and losing two.
Puig returned for the final game of the regular season, but he could do little to close the season with dignity and now he will have time to analyze his future. With the season over for the Galaxy, it’s time to take stock and starting planning for next year. Riqui, whose contract will expire in December 2025, recently said that he wants to be in a team that has a chance of winning trophies. Unfortunately, that is something that doesn’t look like it will happen soon at the Los Angeles franchise – the team’s last title was the MLS Cup in 2014.
Riqui Pooch got that DAWG in him pic.twitter.com/lyDFBVLGjv
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 11, 2023
Puig’s wish is to stay
Puig added that if the objectives were not achieved this year, he would sit down with the board to listen to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s plan for the following campaign. Since his arrival a year and a half ago, he converted himself into one of the MLS’ best players which has sparked interest from a few foreign clubs.
