Where we left off last year
2025 season: 30 points, 14th in the Western Conference, 26th in MLS
In 2024, the LA Galaxy underlined their place in the MLS record books with their league-best sixth MLS Cup win. In 2025, the Galaxy wrote a new entry into that same record book when they became the proud owners of the worst start to any season in league history. Winless in their first 16 games to begin last year, Riqui Puig’s injury-induced absence crushed the Galaxy from the very start. Their MLS Cup defense turned into a whimper almost immediately — the entire attack had to change without Puig’s high-touch influence, Emiro Garces struggled to defend deeper downfield, and goalkeeping was a major issue.
Thanks to their Leagues Cup run, the Galaxy earned a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup. But now without Puig for 2026 due to a second ACL surgery, there’s still a cloud hanging over this team.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Jakob Glesnes, CB: With center back a recurring issue over the past two seasons, LA made no bones about snagging a pair of high-level MLS defenders this winter. Glesnes, acquired in a trade that could reach $2.2 million GAM, was the first one of those to join the Galaxy. Glesnes, a former MLS Defender of the Year, thrived in a defense-first role with the Philadelphia Union. While he’ll have to hit more passes on the ground in Carson, there’s little doubt that the 31-year-old raises the Galaxy’s floor upon arrival.
- Justin Haak, CB/DM: Along with trading for Glesnes, the Galaxy signed Haak in free agency to further bolster their spine. The former New York City FC man mostly played as a left-sided center back last season, but has eaten plenty of minutes at the base of midfield over his career. The 24-year-old is a savvy pickup.
