Los Angeles Galaxy: You're 2024 MLS Western Conference Champions! | OneFootball

You may not have known it by the scoreboard, but yes, the Los Angeles Galaxy scored just one goal in the MLS Western Conference Championships. However, one goal was all that they needed.

At the 85th minute, the veteran from Serbia found the back of the net. Forward Dejan Joveljic scored his fifth goal of the postseason. Riqui Puig was credited with the assist.

The 4-3-3 formation proved to work out in the end again. Head Coach Greg Vanney has gone with this the entire playoffs. It produced a 9-1 combined thrashing of the Colorado Rapids during the best-of-three opening round.

That momentum and offensive outburst rolled into the semifinals when the LA Galaxy slayed Minnesota United FC by a scored of 6-2, scoring three goals in each half.It was the Galaxy's 16th goal of the postseason that sent them to their unprecedented 10th MLS Cup Finals appearance.

Next weekend, the five-time champions look to add one more to their collection when they host the New York Red Bulls. The MLS Eastern Conference also won by a score of 1-0 against Orlando City SC.

Three key factors in the win against Seattle on Saturday

First, the LA Galaxy held the possession and shooting advantages. With five more shot attempts, Joveljic and company were pushing the action.

The possession edge went to the LA Galaxy, as well. They maintained control of the soccer ball slightly more than the Sounders (54.1%).

Second, the LA Galaxy played a much cleaner game, especially in the second half. Vanney's team committed eight fouls as Seattle was responsible for 13 of their own. To make matters worse, Seattle was issued four yellow cards,

Following halftime, Seattle was handed their first two yellow cards just six minutes apart early on in the second period of play. By the time Joveljic scored, a third was already distributed to Seattle.

Lastly, the defense and goaltending delivered for the Galaxy on Saturday night. John McCarthy pitched his second shutout of the postseason. He previously had held his opponent, the Rapids, scoreless in the 5-0 Game 1 in mid-October.

The Los Angeles Galaxy fended off five corner kicks by the Sounders, as well. This led to McCarthy and company holding their Western Conference foe scoreless.

For their efforts, the LA Galaxy void a ten-year absence from the league's grandest stage. The last time the Galaxy made it this far; they also ousted the Sounders. In 2014, the eventual MLS Champions were also the Western Conference's second seed.

The seventh seeded New York Red Bulls are now tasked with another juggernaut to slay. They eliminated the defending champions, Columbus Crew, in addition to NYFC and recently Orlando. The Red Bulls did so all on the road where they will play again on December 7 in Carson, California.