How Greg Vanney's stroke of genius secured MLS Cup for the Galaxy 🔎

The sky was seemingly falling when the LA Galaxy confirmed that Riqui Puig had torn his ACL ahead of the MLS Cup final showdown with the New York Red Bulls.

Puig was not only the talisman and star attacker for the Galaxy, but his role as the emotional pulse of the squad was on full display during the final on Saturday.

When the news broke of his confirmed absence from the final, there was plenty of discussion regarding how Galaxy boss Greg Vanney would replace his star-man in the lineup, but his decision shocked quite a few.

While the most natural replacements would have been one of his veteran attackers Diego Fagúndez or Marco Reus (though Reus was dealing with an injury of his own), Vanney decided on 32-year-old midfielder Gastón Brugman, a far-less heralded player in the Galaxy engine room.

Despite making just 12 starts during the regular season, Brugman vindicated Vanney's surprise decision with a simply stunning showing in the final, which eventually lead him to be named the MVP of the match.

The Uruguayan made an immediate impact, sliding Joseph Paintsil in on goal inside 10 minutes for the Galaxy's opening goal.

Being awarded the MLS Cup final MVP was just what Brugman needed after a rough 2024.

“I was going through a tough moment personally when I came back from Uruguay after getting my green card,” Brugman said after the final.

“The accomplishment of MVP gives me a push of what’s more to come.”