The final home match of the 2022 MLS regular season for LA Galaxy was a big one. A win or draw would see them clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2019, when they were eliminated in the Conference Semifinals. Their opponents, Real Salt Lake, were coming in hot. Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, they weren't about to just lay down and let the Galaxy have all the fun on what was the home side's fan appreciation night.
The biggest key to Galaxy's recent success has been their ability to get on the board first and get the early goal.