Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday, July 8, 2023, Los Angeles Galaxy supporters were treated to a display as Riqui Puig, Tyler Boyd, and Douglas Costa delivered their latest match-winning efforts. In LA’s highly remarkable 3-1 home win over the Philadelphia Union, fans witnessed the Galaxy’s “flying” trio extend LA’s unbeaten streak to seven games and secure back-to-back wins for the first time since September 2022.

It caps off a life-affirming week for the Galaxy, in which they defeated both MLS Cup finalists, gained a historic statement win over a rival, and re-entered the playoff picture. The season seemed to have officially begun in Los Angeles, with the team now only three points back.

Los Angeles Galaxy Post-Match

Back-to-back dubs 😤 pic.twitter.com/n00XDD2zvm

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 9, 2023

Roses Continue to Bloom

The Galaxy continued where they left off against LAFC. They started assaulting from the first whistle. Despite being hacked down three times in the first frame, Philadelphia’s tough game, which earned Midfielder Jose Martinez a yellow card within five minutes, could not stop Puig.

The Catalan was instrumental in the Galaxy’s first goal. Puig passed the ball to Mark Delgado on the right flank after dribbling away from Martinez. Delgado’s driving pass into the middle of the box, where Boyd met it to hammer home the 1-0 goal, exemplifies how the Galaxy is starting to click.

“I just feel like the connection is there, which is nice.” Because our game is at stake. The manner we want to play is dependent on how we share the ball. “It depends on the players’ relationships, how they move, and how well they coordinate with one another,” Head Coach Greg Vanney explained of the team’s improved play.

After an emotional win earlier in the week, just four days before this match, it would have been simple for the Galaxy to fall flat. However, LA delivered a magnificent effort to maintain their unblemished record.

The Defense Doesn’t Take a Break

Chris Mavinga and Kelvin Leerdam’s lockdown defending was another aspect of their superb performance. The duo has been at the heart of the Galaxy’s recent surge in defense. In a post-match press conference, Vanney praised their impact on the team, particularly Leerdam.

“For Kelvin [Leerdam], who has been out of position, he’s done an excellent job simply working with Chris [Mavinga] to help stabilize the back line.” So far, they’ve been doing extremely well. “Those are just parts of the relationships that exist within,” Vanney said of the couple.

Mavinga isn’t merely a good defender. On the offensive end, he helped the Galaxy win by challenging for a Costa corner, which he forced Olivier Mbaizo to turn into his own net. The Galaxy were relieved when this play gave them a 2-1 lead just before halftime. It also demonstrated the significance of Mavinga’s performance during the seven-game unbeaten streak.

Yes, it’s an own goal, but we’re calling this a goal for @Chris_Mavinga 😌 pic.twitter.com/cZT6FFsimR

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 9, 2023

The “Flying” Trio Extends Their Streak

Superlatives for the Galaxy’s triumphant trio are running out. Vanney, on the other hand, didn’t mince words.

“They’re taking off. I mean, they’re playing at a different pace. They can all play the game at a rapid tempo. The ability of Riqui [Puig] and Douglas [Costa] to move away from the initial defender and open up and loosen spaces. Their teamwork is impressive. Tyler’s [Boyd’s] running aids us. He prolongs the game. He runs with no ball. He gives us additional possibilities. He generates a lot of room for men to receive balls between the lines. And he’s also been able to collaborate with these individuals,” Vanney said of his A-list crew.

He stressed that as the Galaxy gets to know each other better, which has taken some time due to injuries and suspensions, they would begin to form “connections” and create more opportunities. According to the Galaxy coach, this has been more important than anything else throughout this span.

“So, just to reiterate, I believe they’re getting into a groove with each other. I believe they’re playing with predictability and surety for one another, not necessarily for the other team, which has allowed the game to run in the rhythm they’re enjoying. They’re finally building, sharing, and cooperating. And it’s fantastic to be able to create two or three player combinations.”

Riqui Puig laced that top corner💥

(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/6q7efojs2U

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 9, 2023

Tyler Boyd Defending the Badge

Everyone expects Puig and Costa to be the team’s primary innovators. In the lack of a striker, the two stars have carried the most of the offensive burden. However, Tyler Boyd has emerged as a plausible third option for Los Angeles.

Indeed, Boyd has scored the first goal in the Galaxy’s previous two games, and his calm presence is a wonderful counterpoint to Puig’s fire and Costa’s deception. The winger has three goals and one assist during the Galaxy’s seven-game winning streak. Not bad for a man who was on trial before the year began.

“I consider myself really fortunate to be here. “I’m overjoyed to be back in America, and yeah, it was a special occasion, and everything happens for a reason,” Boyd remarked following the Galaxy’s 2-1 Rose Bowl victory. It goes to reason that when a player is happy, he or she performs well. Tyler is content, and it shows.

If he can continue to be a dangerous third option for Los Angeles, they should be able to beat Vancouver next Saturday and move closer to the playoffs.

Riqui Puig laced that top corner💥

(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/6q7efojs2U

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 9, 2023