LA Galaxy star midfielder Riqui Puig sustains ACL tear, will miss MLS Cup final vs New York Red Bulls

LA Galaxy are set to be without their star man for for next Saturday's MLS Cup as Riqui Puig sustained a torn ACL against Seattle in Saturday night's Western Conference Final, the team announced Sunday.

Puig, who has 17 goals and 14 assists for the MLS Cup finalists this year, was seen limping after the Galaxy's 1-0 win. According to a social post from the Galaxy, Puig sustained the injury in the second half of Saturday's match, and continued to play more than 30 minutes, providing the game-winning assist on Dejan Joveljić’s 85th minute goal.

Puig's injury will be a massive hit for the Galaxy, who have relied on the former Barca midfielder for long stretches this season. He has seven goal contributions in four MLS Playoff games, and assisted Joveljic's winner.

Puig confirmed that he had picked up an injury in a social media post Saturday night, but seemed to express optimism that it wasn't serious.

Puig committed his long term future to the Galaxy earlier this season, penning a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 campaign. He joined the Los Angeles club on a free transfer in August 2022.

The Galaxy will now face New York Red Bulls in MLS Cup on Dec. 7 without their star man. According to the team, Puig will undergo surgery on a date to be determined.