Galaxy sweeps Colorado to reach Western Conference semifinals

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Rookies Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil scored first-half goals, Riqui Puig scored twice during second-half stoppage time, and the second-seeded Galaxy polished off a first-round sweep of the Colorado Rapids with a 4-1 victory on Friday night.

Pec, who had 16 goals during the regular season, scored his first postseason goal just eight minutes into the match when he deflected a clearing attempt by Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen into the net.

The Rapids answered with an unassisted goal by Oliver Larraz ...