Who are they?
LA Galaxy. The US Galácticos. The high spending, designated player fueled behemoth from California.
What have they won?
Undoubtedly the most successful MLS team, with five MLS Cups to their name , as well as two US Open Cups, four supporters shields and a CONCACAF Champions Cup.
What about the Disney Pro Soccer Classic.
Nope. LA Galaxy have preferred to spend their pre-season on the West Coast.
Designated Players...
The designated player rule was basically invented for LA Galaxy to bring in David Beckham. Since then, they’ve kept a steady stream of stars - Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, Omar Gonzalez, with Steven Gerrard to join the team next month.
Last year...
Last year they finished 2nd in the West and went on to win the MLS Cup in the postseason - ending Landon Donovan’s career in fitting style. Robbie Keane finished the season with the MVP award, scoring 19 goals.
Are they any good?
They are certainly not quite the force they were last year. With the retirement of Donovan, and Marcelo Sarvas moving on they’ve lost a couple of key players - although the Gyasi Zardes has continued his maturation as a player and looks to be more of a threat.
So far this year...
The Galaxy havn’t started the season that great. Donovan and Keane had 29 goals and 34 assists between them last season, and with Donovan’s retirement and Keane missing the start of the season through injury, that’s a huge void to fill. They’ve picked up only 14 points in 11 games, their worst start in six years, and have yet to win a game on the road. Here’s hoping Sunday isn’t their first.
Players to Watch?
Zardes is the main man up front in the absence of Keane, but he’s only managed two goals so far this season. He came of age last year, maturing as a player alongside the league MVP and finished the season strongly. His form hasn’t gone unnoticed by Klinsmann, who has rewarded him with a handful of call-ups to the national team.
Who’s the boss?
Bruce Arena. He’s widely considered to be the best coach operating in the United States, with two MLS Cups in his time with DC and three with the Galaxy, as well as leading the U.S. Men’s National Team at two World Cups. He’s rebuilt the Galaxy squad several times over the last eight seasons.
What about their supporters?
There are three supporter groups, Angel City Brigade, Riot Squad and the Galaxians. The Galaxy usually average in the 21,000 range, in the 27,000 seat Stubhub Center - which is respectable, if not inspiring given their on field dominance of the Arena years.
Who are their rivals?
The Galaxy - San Jose Earthquakes rivalry is known somewhat presumptuously as the California Clásico. It’s a derby that has some legitimate history, probably the oldest in the league.
