Riqui Puig did not take long to show MLS the immense quality he possesses.
Making his first start for the LA Galaxy after his move from Barcelona, the 23-year-old dissected the New England Revolution defense with an inch-perfect through ball that Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez finished off to give the Galaxy an early 2-0 lead.
Puig hit a half-volley through the eye of a needle from some distance, registering one of the passes of the season in MLS.
Chicharito’s 15th-minute goal would prove to be the winner as the playoff-chasing Galaxy got a much-needed 2-1 win away at Gillette Stadium.
Puig went the full 90 in the match, one week after making his MLS debut off the bench against Seattle.
“He’s shifty, he’s quick, he gets on the other side of his guy,” said Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney after the game. “And he just kept working defensively through the entire game. His first 90 minutes, not easy, in New England, after a long trip, on turf. Welcome to MLS, Riqui. That was a tough one, but he was excellent. Just brought class with the whole game.”
Watch Puig’s assist to Chicharito
This Riqui Puig pass to Chicharito was filthy! pic.twitter.com/O54MBFvt1l
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 29, 2022
[listicle id=6572]