Galactic performance in MLS this season: Inconsistent yet exceptional
The Los Angeles Galaxy, once champions of Major League Soccer (MLS), are currently grappling with a challenging season. As of Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, they find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings[1]. However, the team has shown signs of improvement in the 2025 Leagues Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals[1].
Factors Contributing to the Decline
The Galaxy's 2023 league performance decline can be attributed to several factors. Key injuries to players such as Serbian forward Dejan Joveljic, who missed the season due to an ACL tear, and the absence of previous stars like Tyler Boyd, Javier Hernandez, Cristian Pavon, and Dejan Joveljic, have impacted the team's offensive consistency[2][4].
Moreover, the recovery and adjustment period for influential players like Riqui Puig, who had limited impact this season due to ACL surgery, has also contributed to the team's struggles[2].
Emerging Players and Improved Form
Despite these setbacks, some players like Marco Reus and Matheus Nascimento have begun contributing again[1][2]. Reus has tallied goals and assists since May 2025, while Nascimento has recorded multiple goal contributions[1][2].
Winger Joseph Paintsil, who struggled early in the season, has found his form from a year ago, notching six goals and an assist in his last eight matches[1].
The Leagues Cup and the Road Ahead
The discrepancy between the Galaxy's poor MLS form in 2023 and their better performance in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals can be partly explained by roster changes and player form improvements by 2025, allowing the team to perform more effectively in knockout cup competitions[1].
The team's general manager, Will Kuntz, emphasises the importance of focusing on the future, stating that the most important stretch is what comes next[3]. Since May 31, the Galaxy have shown improvement, with a record of 5-3-4 in all competition[2].
The Galaxy could face Mexican champion Toluca in October's Campeones Cup and potentially in the Leagues Cup final. A win over Mexico's Pachuca next week could leave the Galaxy a win away from a berth in next season's CONCACAF Champions Cup and two victories away from raising the Leagues Cup, giving them a second major title in nine months[5].
In summary, the LA Galaxy's significant drop in MLS performance in 2023 was due to injuries to vital players and the loss of key contributors from previous seasons. However, their recent progress in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals reflects a rebuilding phase with some emerging key players regaining form[1][2][4]. The team is still stumbling through a historically bad season, but there are signs of improvement on the horizon.
- LA Galaxy struggle in MLS, advance in Leagues Cup
- LA Galaxy's struggles in 2023: Injuries, roster changes, and more
- Kuntz: Focus on the future, not the past
- LA Galaxy's poor 2023 MLS season: A closer look
- Galaxy's tepid turnaround leaves them at the bottom of the MLS table
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