Rapids embarrassed by MLS Cup playoff loss to LA Galaxy

The Colorado Rapids did well to go into halftime with just a one-goal lead against the LA Galaxy in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The first 10 minutes of the second half made it clear that this Rapids team, out of gas and without impact players, has stumbled upon an MLS Cup contender in immaculate form. The result: a deflating 5-0 loss back home to Colorado for Game 2.

The only goal of the first half came in the Galaxy’s only corner of the half. Striker Dejan Joveljic got his head on Riqui Puig’s high cross and vertically beat Reggie Cannon to reach it. The shot looked direct, but it slipped through the hands of Zack Steffen to his left.

Then it got ugly. In the 52nd minute, Galaxy left back John Nelson received a pass from right back Miki Yamane in a dangerous position, touched it and buried it in the top right corner of the opposite corner, past Steffen. Less than two minutes later, Joveljic returned the favor for Puig in the first half with an assist for the Spanish midfielder to make it 3-0.

Joveljic got his double in the 75th minute and Puig got his in the 87th minute.