MLS Rewind: LA Galaxy destroy Minnesota United, Giroud and LAFC Stunned by Seattle Sounders, RBNY claim Hudson River Derby and Atlanta United's magic runs out

The 2024 MLS Playoffs kicked off with multiple upsets in the opening round and the semifinals continued what has been a dramatic postseason for the league.

After Atlanta United magically defeated Inter Miami in the first round of the playoffs, people thought they might be MLS' team of destiny in 2024. However, their fairytale run ran out in the Conference Semifinals, when Orlando City scraped by them with a 1-0 victory. Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Hudson River Derby took center-stage in the playoffs as the New York Red Bulls were able to respond to two regular season defeats to their heated rivals New York City Football Club with a 2-0 win at Citi Field.

In the Western Conference, the upsets continued as No. 1 seed LAFC were stunned in extra-time by the resilient Seattle Sounders, who were missing two key players in Paul Rothrock and Nouhou Tolo, and lost a third in Yeimar Gomez to injury during the match. It was a heroic performance from Brian Schmetzer's side as they won 2-1. The Galaxy, though, would ensure they have a similar fate as they thumped Minnesota United 6-2. The win cements their current status as favorites for the tournament.

Goals galore from the Galaxy

The Three P's of Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec stunned MNUFC in a 6-2 victory Sunday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park. The trio have been MLS' most dominant front-three all year long, and in the postseason, they've accounted for 10 of their 15 total goals scored through three games.

Against the Loons, though, it was Pec who carved them open. The Brazilian scored 27 seconds into the match to hand LA an early lead before adding his second five minutes into the second half. He had a chance for a hat-trick late in the match from the penalty spot, but the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year was denied by Canada international Dayne St. Clair in net.

The Loons were resilient all evening, but they collapsed late in the second half after being reduced to 10 men, lacking discipline with fouls, and succumbing to the pressure of Puig in the midfield and their blistering attack up front.

The Galaxy have now scored at least four goals in each of their postseason matches so far, putting on an absolute clinic in the final-third across their run through the Western Conference. Greg Vanney's experience on the touchline has them cooking, with the LA boss out-managing two first-year head coaches in Colorado's Chris Armas and Minnesota's Eric Ramsay through the first two rounds as well.