Three X Factors for the LA Galaxy in MLS Cup with Puig out | OneFootball

Let us rejoice together, LA Galaxy fans! The 2024 Western Conference Champions have returned to the MLS Cup Finals for the first time in a decade.

After a historic season along with some ups and downs, Head Coach Greg Vanney has his squad primed and ready for a chance to win the franchise's sixth title.

It does come with a bit of sad news, however. Star player Riqui Puig will miss Saturday's game as well as the 2025 MLS season (potentially) due to the ACL injury he sustained against the Seattle Sounders FC.

With his absence comes the outlet for anyone else on the Los Angeles Galaxy's roster to step up. As Vanney trusts anyone on his deep roster, there are certain players in particular who are a shining game away from giving the Galaxy another title.

Here is a list of four players that could be a major 'X' factor in the 2024 MLS Cup Finals at Dignity Health Sports Park.

[Forward Dejan Joveljic is left off the list on purpose as he is the other leading scorer from the regular season. In addition, his score in the 85th minute in the Western Conference Finals got the Galaxy this far (in theory).]

Vancouver Whitecaps FC v Los Angeles Galaxy / Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

1. John McCarthy, Goalkeeper

General Manager Will Kuntz made many splashes last winter. He brought in Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil. Mid-season, he added Marco Reus.

However, one of the biggest signings came when he upgraded the goalie position as the LA Galaxy moved on from Jonathan Bond.

The 2022 MLS Cup MVP John McCarthy joined the LA Galaxy. He is familiar with the big stage and a strong showing would give favor in the Galaxy's hopes for another MLS Cup.

During the regular season, McCarthy had six clean sheets (shutouts) and a career high of 65.6% passing accuracy. Speaking of career-highs, his 72.6% save percentage is one of his best and tops since his days with the Philadelphia Union.

With two shutouts already this postseason, it's not hard seeing McCarthy field another one. Especially since their final oppnent of 2024, the New York Red Bulls scored just 55 goals in 34 regular season games compared to the 69 from the Galaxy.