Soccer <\/p>\n
Gast\u00f3n Brugman<\/a> filled a Riqui Puig<\/a>-sized hole for the LA Galaxy<\/a> to earn MLS Cup 2024 MVP presented by Audi honors.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Amid Puig’s injury absence (ACL tear<\/a>) in Saturday’s final against the New York Red Bulls<\/a>, Brugman got the start from head coach Greg Vanney and gave an inspired performance in midfield as the Galaxy clinched a record sixth MLS Cup with a 2-1 victory<\/a> at Dignity Health Sports Park.<\/p>\n Brugman’s line-splitting pass for Joseph Paintsil<\/a>‘s ninth-minute opener sparked the hosts, and Dejan Jovelji\u0107<\/a> doubled the lead four minutes later. Sean Nealis<\/a> pulled one back for RBNY shortly before the half-hour mark, but LA held on in the second half to end their 10-year title drought.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Uruguayan midfielder started just 12 regular-season matches for LA in 2024. But with a sixth MLS Cup on the line, he stepped in for Puig and bossed the midfield for 75 minutes before being replaced by Marco Reus<\/a>.<\/p>\n “This is an amazing day. I waited for this moment a long time,” Brugman told MLS Season Pass<\/a> after the final whistle. “I’m really happy for the fans, for Riqui, for the club, for us. It’s an amazing day.”<\/p>\n With 26,812 fans rocking DHSP, Brugman was grateful for all the noise and support the Galaxy faithful provided on Saturday and throughout the club’s historic 2024 campaign.<\/p>\n “Look at the fans. It’s an amazing atmosphere, the stadium, the city. The fans were waiting for this moment,” he said. “I’m happy because we are in a good moment, it was a good year.<\/p>\n “… Now it’s time to be happy.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n