Page semi-protected

LA Galaxy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LA Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy logo.svg
Nickname(s)Galaxy
FoundedJune 15, 1994 (27 years ago) (1994-06-15)[1]
StadiumDignity Health Sports Park
Carson, California
Capacity27,000[2]
OwnerAnschutz Entertainment Group
PresidentChris Klein
Head coachGreg Vanney
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2020Western Conference: 10th
Overall: 20th
Playoffs: Did not qualify
WebsiteClub website
Away colors
Current season

The LA Galaxy, also known as the Los Angeles Galaxy, are an American professional soccer club based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Galaxy competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), as a member of the Western Conference. The club began play in 1996 as one of the league's 10 charter members.

The Galaxy was founded in 1994 and is owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group (also owners of 50% of the Los Angeles Kings, as well as an interest in the Los Angeles Lakers). In their early years, the club played its home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Since 2003, they have played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The team holds a rivalry with the San Jose Earthquakes in the California Clásico and used to play the SuperClasico against city rivals Chivas USA before that team folded in 2014. Following Chivas' folding, Los Angeles FC was formed and a new derby began in 2018 under the informal moniker El Tráfico.

The franchise is one of Major League Soccer's most successful teams, with a record five MLS Cups and four additional appearances in the final, and won the Western Conference regular-season title eight times, four Supporters' Shields, two U.S. Open Cups, and one CONCACAF Champions' Cup title. In 2017, the club added the dubious MLS Wooden Spoon to its trophy case for finishing at the bottom of the MLS table.

In 2007, the club made international headlines with the signing of English player David Beckham from Real Madrid, the most high-profile transaction with Major League Soccer to that point. The club has fielded other high-profile international players including Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robbie Keane, Luis Hernández, Giovani dos Santos, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Jonathan dos Santos, Jorge Campos, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Javier Hernández, and American Landon Donovan, who is the all-time leading scorer for the club.[3] In 2019, Forbes estimated the club is the second most valuable in the league, worth about $480 million.[4]

History

Further information: Soccer in Los Angeles

Early years (1996–2000)

Cobi Jones, who played for the club from their inaugural season until his retirement in 2007

LA Galaxy is one of the 10 founding clubs in Major League Soccer. The name "Galaxy" was derived from Los Angeles being home to the "stars" of Hollywood.[5] The team began competing in the first season of the then-new league, which took place in 1996.

In the inaugural season, the Galaxy finished first in the Western Conference and contested the first MLS Cup final, finishing as runners-up to D.C. United. In 1997, they started 1–7, but went 15–9 for the rest of the season to qualify for the playoffs. The Galaxy ended up second in their conference, losing to the Dallas Burn. In 1998, the Galaxy left off on a streak, eventually finishing 24–8. The Galaxy defeated the Dallas Burn, 9–3 on aggregate. They lost in the semi-final to the Chicago Fire, 2–1 on aggregate.

The Galaxy again finished first in the Western Conference in 1999, with a final record of 20–12, with a win in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, but lost to D.C. United again 2–0. The 2000 season had the Galaxy in second in the Western Division, at 14–10–8. Despite this, they lost to the Kansas City Wizards after a tied aggregate and a sudden-death game. Los Angeles won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup that same year, one of two American clubs to win the tournament.

2001 was another successful year for Los Angeles, winning the Open Cup and scoring 1,000 all-time points, and with Cobi Jones scoring the 300th goal, but again they fell short by being defeated by Landon Donovan and the San Jose Earthquakes. Again the club clinched first in the Western Conference with a 16–9–3 record, their fifth time being first. Los Angeles were to take part in FIFA's Club World Cup as Concacaf champions from the previous year, but the tournament was cancelled that year.

First MLS Cup (2002)

In 2002, the Galaxy won their first MLS Cup in the club's fourth appearance by defeating the New England Revolution 1–0.[6] In 2003, the Galaxy finished fourth playing more away games due to stadium construction, with the possible existing obstacles, the team finished 9–12–9. The Galaxy bounced back by gaining second with an 11–9–10 record. They lost to the Wizards in the final, 0–2.

In 2005, the Galaxy acquired Landon Donovan from San Jose. The franchise won the Open Cup again ending with a record of 13–13–6. Having qualified for the playoffs for the 2005 season, The Galaxy has been the only team to appear in the playoffs in all of the league's first ten seasons.[7] They won the 2005 MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution in extra time, 1–0.[8]

The 2006 season began on March 16 with the sudden death of Doug Hamilton, the team's 43-year-old general manager, who suffered a heart attack on board a plane carrying the team back from Costa Rica where they had played Saprissa in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.[9] The team finished fifth in the Western Conference, eliminating them from playoff contention for the first time since the league's inception. Midway through the season, Steve Sampson was sacked as head coach,[10] replaced by Frank Yallop.[10] The team managed to make a deep run to the U.S. Open Cup final, but lost 3–1 against the Chicago Fire.

Beckham era (2007–2012)

David Beckham playing for Galaxy in 2007

In March 2007, Herbalife signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy, worth between $4–5 million a year, to be the club's primary shirt sponsor.[11] Four months later, the club signed David Beckham from Real Madrid. His debut was made at Home Depot Center before a record crowd of nearly 35,000,[12] including many celebrities,[12] coming on in the 78th minute in a 1–0 loss to Chelsea in a match during the World Series of Football tournament. The match brought unprecedented TV coverage from ESPN, who used 19 cameras to cover it, including one trained only on Beckham, even when he was on the bench.[13] In that season's SuperLiga, LA reached the final but lost to Mexican side Pachuca on penalties after extra time. LA nearly made the end-of-season play-offs, but were eliminated following a 1–0 loss to the Chicago Fire. In the off-season, Cobi Jones retired and, amidst rumors that he was going to be sacked, Yallop resigned as head coach following a friendly match at Home Depot Center. The San Jose Earthquakes bought out his contract and offered a third round draft pick to the Galaxy as compensation to hire Yallop as their new head coach.[14] Yallop was replaced at LA by Ruud Gullit, who signed a three-year contract with the club, making him the highest paid coach in MLS history.[15] Cobi Jones returned as assistant coach. LA went on a promotional tour of Australia and New Zealand, setting attendance records in both countries. 80,295 people showed up at Stadium Australia for the match between Sydney FC and LA Galaxy, which the home side won 5–3.[16] They also played a tour of Asia, and competed in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship in Honolulu,[17] finishing third after beating Sydney 2–1 in the third-place match.[18]

In the 2008 MLS season, LA went on a seven-game winless streak that saw them drop from first place in the Western Conference to outside playoff contention, prompting the resignation of manager Ruud Gullit and firing of general manager Alexi Lalas.[19] Gullit was replaced by Bruce Arena, who was unable to lead LA into a play-off spot, for the third-straight season.[20]

Landon Donovan playing for Galaxy in 2010

In the following off-season, both club captain David Beckham and vice-captain Landon Donovan were involved in loan deals with European clubs until the beginning of the new MLS season; Beckham to Milan in Italy and Donovan to German club Bayern Munich. Donovan was seeking a permanent transfer to Munich, while Beckham was expected to return to LA in March, prior to the 2009 season.[21] Beckham went on to seek a permanent transfer to Milan in a bid to sustain his England career through the 2010 World Cup,[22] and Milan made a bid for the player that was rejected by LA.[23] One day before his loan deal was to expire, Milan and LA reached an agreement to allow Beckham to stay in Italy until the conclusion of the Rossoneri's season in June, before returning to LA in July.[23] Donovan was not offered a contract by Bayern, and returned to the U.S. in time for the beginning of the 2009 MLS season.[24] In the book The Beckham Experiment by Grant Wahl, Donovan openly criticized Beckham for his handling of the loan deals. Beckham and Donovan would later reconcile upon Beckham's return to LA in July.[25]

LA finished the 2009 season top of the Western Conference and runners-up in the MLS Supporters' Shield, qualifying for the 2009 MLS Cup. They reached the final by beating Chivas USA 3–2 on aggregate in the quarter-final, and Houston Dynamo 2–0, after extra time, in the semi-final. In the final they drew 1–1 with Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field in Seattle, but lost 5–4 on penalties. By reaching the final, they qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.

After the 2009 success, both Donovan and Beckham again went out on second loan spells. Donovan went to Everton while Beckham returned to Milan, where he ruptured his Achilles tendon and therefore missed his chance at playing in the World Cup for England and subsequently missing most of the Galaxy's 2010 season.

In 2010, the Galaxy stayed at the top of the table and won the Supporters' Shield, the first time MLS played a balanced schedule. They then lost to FC Dallas in the Western Conference Final, one game away from making another appearance at MLS Cup.

Los Angeles Galaxy statring line-up in 2011

In 2011, a year in which they added the Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer Robbie Keane, they won their fourth Supporters' Shield with two games remaining, becoming the third-straight team to win consecutive Shields while amassing the second-best points total in MLS history.[citation needed] They followed this up with their third MLS Cup, defeating the Houston Dynamo 1–0 in the final.[26] The 2011 MLS Cup was the Galaxy's first MLS Cup Victory in regulation. The 2002 and the 2005 MLS Cup wins were won in overtime.

In January 2012, after much speculation, Beckham signed a new two-year deal with LA to secure his short-term future at the club.[27] Despite the new contract, Beckham confirmed in November 2012 that he would be leaving the Galaxy at the end of the 2012 MLS season.[28] On December 1, 2012, the Galaxy won their second-straight MLS Cup victory over the Houston Dynamo, 3–1. Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez won the MLS MVP trophy, heading in the 1–1 equalizer in the 60th minute. That goal was quickly followed by a Donovan penalty kick, and Keane sealed the game with another penalty kick in stoppage time.[29] In post-match interviews both Donovan and Beckham remained coy about their future MLS plans.[30][31]

First to five league championships (2013–2016)

Galaxy captain, Robbie Keane was the 2014 MLS Cup MVP.

Galaxy finished the 2013 season third in the Western Conference. They reached the conference semi-finals, where they lost 2–1 to Real Salt Lake. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, but lost 3–1 on aggregate to Mexican team Monterrey.

Following the defeat to Seattle Sounders FC in the final game of the season with the Supporters' Shield on the line, the team entered the 2014 MLS playoffs defeating Real Salt Lake, advancing to face Seattle once again in the Western Conference Finals, advancing to the MLS Cup by away goals. They played the New England Revolution in the 2014 MLS Cup and won 2–1 in overtime, thereby becoming five-time champions, a league record.[32] At the end of the season, longtime LA Galaxy and United States national team player Landon Donovan retired.[33]

On January 7, 2015, the LA Galaxy announced the signing of long time Liverpool player Steven Gerrard to an 18-month Designated Player contract, reportedly worth $9 million. He joined the team in July 2015 following the end of the 2014–15 Premier League season,[34] and made his debut in an International Champions Cup against Club América on July 11.[35]

The club again made headlines by acquiring Mexican star and Barcelona academy product Giovani dos Santos in July as a designated player. Not since the days of Jorge Campos, Carlos Hermosillo and Luis Hernández in the late 1990s and early 2000s had the Galaxy had a notable Mexican player, let alone one in the prime of his career.[citation needed] Dos Santos made an impactful impression on the Galaxy early on, scoring on his club debut against Central FC in the CONCACAF Champions League and then in his league debut against the Sounders. In his first five club matches, he had a goal, an assist or both to total with four goals and five assists in that span.

Wooden Spoon and rebuilding (2016–present)

Before the start of the 2016 season, it was announced that long-time servicing center-back Omar Gonzalez would leave the Galaxy after nine years to C.F. Pachuca.[36]

On November 22, 2016, long-time general manager and head coach, Bruce Arena, left the club to begin his second stint as head coach of the United States national team, bringing most of the Galaxy's coaching staff with him, including associate head coach, Dave Sarachan.[37][38] Arena was replaced as general manager by former Galaxy player Peter Vagenas, and as head coach by his LA Galaxy II counterpart, Curt Onalfo.

The front office constructed the team to rely on players from the Academy and Galaxy II system.[citation needed] Multiple injuries exposed the naive roster construction, which included erratic performances by Jermaine Jones, and sparse production from Giovanni Dos Santos.[citation needed] With a 6–10–4 record, the Galaxy fired Curt Onalfo and replaced him with former head coach Sigi Schmid on July 27, 2017.[39] Under Schmid, the club went 2–8–4 and finished the season in last place overall with a mark of 8–18–8. It was only the fourth time that the club failed to make the postseason, and the club's first wooden spoon.[citation needed]

Ibrahimović playing with the LA Galaxy in 2019.

In March 2018, the team signed Zlatan Ibrahimović on a two-year, $3 million contract with targeted allocation money.[40] With the signing of Ibrahimović, the Galaxy's season would be seen promising. The Swede made his debut in the inaugural El Tráfico match against LAFC, scoring two goals to end the game with the Galaxy coming from 0–3 down to win 4–3. One of the goals Ibrahimović scored in that game later claimed MLS Goal of the Year. Los Angeles throughout the season had dealt with defensive struggles and on their last match of the regular season, against Houston Dynamo, the Galaxy were defeated and once again missed the postseason.[41]

After the 2018 season, the Galaxy ended Ibrahimović's original deal and signed him to a new and higher salaried designated player contract.[42] On March 1, 2019, the team announced they had exercised its one offseason Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract on Giovani dos Santos, thus releasing him from the team.[43]

In the 2019 season, the Galaxy welcomed Guillermo Barros Schelotto to the club as head coach. The Galaxy also added a number of players, notably Uruguayan Diego Polenta, Argentine World Cup veteran Cristian Pavón, fellow Argentine Favio Álvarez and Mexican Uriel Antuna. With this, and the emergence of academy product Efraín Álvarez, the Galaxy placed fifth in the West and made the playoffs. The season was best remembered for Ibrahimović's performances against LAFC, including a hat-trick at home in July and a brace in Banc of California Stadium that August. Ibrahimović finished the season with 30 goals, the second-highest mark in the season and third-highest total in league history (with the record being broken by LAFC's Carlos Vela that year). In the playoffs, the Galaxy defeated Minnesota United 2–1 before falling to LAFC, 5–3. Ibrahimović left the club in November, and of the 2019 signings—most of them on loan—only Pavón returned for 2020.

The club arranged for a transfer from La Liga club Sevilla, signing a three-year contract with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez on January 21, 2020, and making him the highest-paid player in the league.[44][45][46] At the end of the season, after failing to making the postseason, head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto was fired, and replaced with Dominic Kinnear as interim manager. On January 5, the Galaxy announced Greg Vanney as the new manager.[47]

Colors and badge

Los Angeles Galaxy first logo (1996–2007)
Carlos Ruiz wearing Galaxy's old gold-and-green uniform in 2004

The LA Galaxy's current team colors are navy blue, gold, and white. The team's primary uniform is white and the secondary uniform is blue.[48] The colors were adopted to coincide with David Beckham's arrival with the team in 2007 as part of an overall re-branding exercise spearheaded by then GM Alexi Lalas. Before 2007, the Galaxy played in various color combinations, usually comprising gold, teal green and white with black accents, and often highlighting an iconic 'sash' design from the left shoulder and across the chest.[49] Their original jersey, used in the inaugural 1996 MLS season, reflected the colors of the city of Los Angeles and featured black-and-teal halves, black sleeves with gold and red accents, black shorts and black socks.[50]

The Galaxy have had two logos to date. The original brand was gold, teal and black, and featured the Galaxy wordmark superimposed over a golden swirl, with a stylized black outline. The logo was changed in 2007, again to coincide with David Beckham's arrival,[51] and now features a blue shield with a gold border, the LA Galaxy team name, and a quasar at the top of the crest.[52]

The quasar featured prominently on the LA Galaxy's shield was originally featured on the 1957 Seal of Los Angeles County as well as the modified Seal of Los Angeles County, California which is featured on the Flag of Los Angeles.

The name "Galaxy" was created by Nike at the conception of the league, the company was also the original uniform supplier for the team.[53]

Revenues and profits

The Galaxy first turned a profit in 2003, becoming the first MLS team to do so.[54] After the team moved into the new Home Depot Center, the team saw increased attendance, a doubling of revenue from sponsors, and revenues from parking and concessions.[54]

A Forbes 2015 report ranked the LA Galaxy second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44 million) and in franchise value ($240 million).[55] The Galaxy earn more in annual club sponsorship income ($14 million) and annual local TV rights ($5 million) than any other MLS team.[56] The Galaxy have the highest annual revenue of any MLS team, the third highest revenue of any CONCACAF team, and the seventh highest revenue of any team in the Americas.[57]

Kit sponsors

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
1996–2002 Nike —
2003–2005 Budweiser
2006–2007 Adidas
2007–present Herbalife

Stadium

Dignity Health Sports Park, LA Galaxy's home stadium since 2003
Name Location Years in use
Rose Bowl Pasadena, California 1996–2002
Titan Stadium Fullerton, California 1999–2011 (10 games in U.S. Open Cup)
Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, California 2003–present

From 1996 to 2002, the Galaxy played their home games at the 107,000-capacity Rose Bowl in Pasadena, but often held U.S. Open Cup games at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. The Galaxy played 10 games in total at Titan Stadium; the U.S. Open Cup Final was held there in 2001 when the Galaxy won the tournament.

In 2003, the Galaxy moved to Dignity Health Sports Park (then known as the Home Depot Center, later known as StubHub Center), on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, approximately ten miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The stadium is a 27,000-seat soccer-specific stadium, the second of its kind in MLS,[58] but has hosted other sports such as rugby and American football. From 2005 to 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA, with whom they competed for the SuperClasico.

Club culture

Cozmo

LA Galaxy mascot, Cozmo, at Dignity Health Sports Park, 2015.

Cozmo is the Galaxy's mascot.[59] He has dark blue skin with yellow eyebrows and white eyes matching the Galaxy's home uniform colors. He replaced the Galaxy's original mascot, "Twizzle", who also looked like it was from outer space but was more humanoid in form, wearing a space-man's helmet and cape.[60]

Galaxy Star squad

The Galaxy Star Squad is the official cheerleaders of the club. They often attend events hosted by the Galaxy, such as autograph sessions, and can be often seen around the stadium during game time giving away scarves and supporting the team.[61]

Supporters

The Angel City Brigade was created in 2007 to help establish a festive and vibrant atmosphere in Dignity Health Sports Park for the Galaxy. They were originally located in section 121 in the General Admission area of the stadium.[62]

The LA Riot Squad formed after a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup, when then-Galaxy keeper Kevin Hartman challenged a group of Galaxy fans to form a supporter group of 100 people by opening day of 2002. The reward if they were able to do this was a keg of beer.[63] They are located in sections 137 and 138 in the General Admission area of the stadium.

Galaxians are the first and original supporter group of the LA Galaxy, having been established in 1996 during the Galaxy's first season in MLS. They were originally located in section 124.[62][non-primary source needed]

Galaxy Outlawz is the latest group started in 2019. They now join the Galaxians and the Angel City Brigade in the new safe standing section in the north end.[62][non-primary source needed]

Victoria Block is the newest safe standing only section built in 2020 replacing all of the bleachers from sections 120 to 123 in the north end of the stadium. It is the new supporters only section and new home for the Galaxians, Angel City Brigade, and Galaxy Outlawz.[62][non-primary source needed]

Ring of Honor

[64]

Name Tenure
GM Doug Hamilton 2002–2006
Cobi Jones 1996–2007
Mauricio Cienfuegos 1996–2003
David Beckham 2007–2012

Rivalries

See also: California Clásico and El Tráfico

The Galaxy's chief rivalry match is played against the San Jose Earthquakes, which is known by the fans and media as the California Clásico. It is considered among the fiercest and longest-running rivalries in American soccer.[65][66][67] The intrastate rivalry dates to the founding of MLS, and their encounters in the MLS Cup playoffs and final. Some also cite that the rivalry developed in reflection of traditional Northern California vs Southern California sports rivalries.[68]

When Los Angeles FC joined the league in 2018, a crosstown rivalry, El Tráfico, was born.[69]

The former LA Derby was previously contested between the Galaxy and Chivas USA in the SuperClasico.[70][71][72][73][74] This contest, with Chivas USA, was dominated by the Galaxy, who won 22 of the 34 encounters. The rivalry was the only intra-stadium rivalry in MLS until Chivas ceased operations at the end of the 2014 season.

Broadcasting

At the end of the 2011 season, the Galaxy announced a ten-year, $55 million deal with Time Warner Cable (Now Charter Spectrum), the most lucrative local media contract in MLS history, to begin at the end of the 2012 MLS season.[75] Previously, Galaxy matches were televised regionally in English on Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket alternatively.[76] While awaiting the launch of those networks, all 2012 English-language matches were split between local outlet KDOC with one match showcased on Time Warner Cable SportsNet near the end of the season. Commentary is handled by Joe Tutino and former Galaxy player Cobi Jones. In Spanish, 2012 matches were shown on independent outlet KWHY with Adrian Garcia Marquez and Francisco Pinto commentating.[77] All nationally televised MLS games are aired on Fox Sports 1 and ESPN.

Radio coverage of regular-season matches is broadcast in English on lagalaxy.com and in Spanish on Tu Liga Radio KWKW 1330 AM (Los Angeles). Joe Tutino does the English play-by-play when Spectrum Sports does not televise. Alternatively, long-time Los Angeles broadcaster Fred Roggin does the play-by-play. Ralph Perez is the analyst. On Spanish-language broadcasts, Rolando "El Veloz" Gonzalez handles the play-by-play and Armando Aguayo does the commentary.[78]

Players and staff

For details on former players, see All-time Los Angeles Galaxy roster.

Roster

As of August 6, 2021[79]
No. Pos. Player Nation
1 GK Jonathan Bond  England
2 DF Julian Araujo  United States
3 DF Derrick Williams  Republic of Ireland
4 DF Séga Coulibaly  France
5 DF Daniel Steres  United States
6 MF Rayan Raveloson  Madagascar
7 MF Víctor Vázquez  Spain
8 MF Jonathan dos Santos (DP)  Mexico
9 MF Kévin Cabral (DP)  France
11 MF Samuel Grandsir  France
12 GK Eric Lopez (HG)  United States
14 FW Javier Hernández (DP)  Mexico
15 DF Niko Hämäläinen (on loan from QPR)  Finland
16 MF Sacha Kljestan  United States
17 MF Sebastian Lletget  United States
18 GK Justin Vom Steeg  United States
19 DF Jorge Villafaña  United States
20 DF Nick DePuy  United States
24 DF Danilo Acosta  Honduras
25 FW Cameron Dunbar (HG)  United States
26 MF Efraín Álvarez (HG)  Mexico
27 MF Carlos Harvey  Panama
28 MF Kai Koreniuk  Netherlands
29 FW Ethan Zubak (HG)  United States
33 GK Jonathan Klinsmann  United States
37 MF Daniel Aguirre  United States
43 MF Adam Saldaña (HG)  United States
44 DF Jalen Neal (HG)  United States
56 MF Jonathan Perez (HG)  Mexico
74 DF Marcus Ferkranus (HG)  United States
91 DF Oniel Fisher  Jamaica
99 FW Dejan Joveljić  Serbia

Out on loan

No. Pos. Player Nation
21 DF Giancarlo González (on loan to Alajuelense)  Costa Rica
48 FW Augustine Williams (on loan to San Diego Loyal)  Sierra Leone

Current coaching staff

Role Name
General manager Netherlands Dennis te Kloese
Technical director United States Jovan Kirovski
Director of methodology and development Mexico Juan Carlos Ortega
Head of Sports Science and Research Wales Tom Williams
Head coach United States Greg Vanney
Assistant coach United States Dan Calichman
Assistant coach United States Nick Theslof
Assistant coach Canada Jason Bent
Goalkeeping coach United States Kevin Hartman
Fitness coach United States Jim Liston
Head strength and conditioning coach Australia Adam Waterson
Head Athletic Trainer United States Cesar Roldan
Assistant Athletic Trainer United States Adam Quigley
Assistant Athletic Trainer United States Julie Beverige
Equipment manager Mexico Raul Vargas

General managers

Name Tenure
Danny Villanueva 1994–1998
Sergio del Prado 1999–2000
Tim Luce 2000–2001
Doug Hamilton 2002–2006
Alexi Lalas 2006–2008
Bruce Arena 2008–2016
Peter Vagenas 2016–2017
Sigi Schmid 2017–2018
Dennis te Kloese 2018–present

Head coaches since 1996

Sigi Schmid (pictured here with the Columbus Crew) led the Galaxy to their first MLS Cup title in 2002
As of January 5, 2021[80]
Name Nationality Tenure
Lothar Osiander  Germany 1996 – June 10, 1997
Octavio Zambrano  Ecuador June 10, 1997 – April 23, 1999
Sigi Schmid  Germany April 22, 1999 – August 16, 2004, July 27, 2017 – September 10, 2018[81]
Steve Sampson  United States August 18, 2004 – June 6, 2006
Frank Yallop  Canada June 7, 2006 – November 5, 2007
Ruud Gullit  Netherlands November 9, 2007 – August 11, 2008
Cobi Jones (interim)  United States August 11, 2008 – August 18, 2008
Bruce Arena  United States August 18, 2008 – November 22, 2016
Curt Onalfo  United States December 13, 2016 – July 27, 2017
Dominic Kinnear (interim)  United States September 10, 2018 – December 28, 2018, October 29, 2020 – November 8, 2020
Guillermo Barros Schelotto  Argentina January 2, 2019 – October 29, 2020
Greg Vanney  United States January 5, 2021 – present

Youth development

LA Galaxy II

See also: LA Galaxy II

The Galaxy created the LA Galaxy II reserve team in January 2014 to compete in the USL.[82] In their inaugural season, Los Dos finished third with a record of 15–6–7, and reached the semi-final where they lost to Sacramento Republic FC. For the 2015 USL season, the Galaxy were placed in the Western Conference.

Academy program

As part of its development program, the Galaxy operates an academy system with U-18 and U-16 teams competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, and U-14 and U-12 teams competing in Southern California Developmental Soccer Leagues (SCDSL).[83] Recent academy graduates include: Jack McBean, Oscar Sorto, Jose Villarreal, Gyasi Zardes, Raul Mendiola Bradford Jamieson IV, and Efraín Álvarez.

Alliance clubs

The LA Galaxy extended its youth development program and structure through the integration of existing youth clubs that have partnered under the LA Galaxy name.[84][non-primary source needed] Known as the LA Galaxy Academy Alliance Clubs, they are located throughout Southern California, retain some autonomy and have access to LA Galaxy resources and outreach programs. One alliance club, LA Galaxy Orange County, has a men's category competing in the United Premier Soccer League.[85][non-primary source needed]

Honors

U.S. President Barack Obama presented with a team jersey during an event to welcome 2014 MLS Cup champions the LA Galaxy in the East Room of the White House on February 2, 2015 (official White House photo by Pete Souza)
Continental
Competitions Titles Seasons
CONCACAF Champions' Cup 1 2000
National
Competitions Titles Seasons
MLS Cup 5 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014
Supporters' Shield 4 1998, 2002, 2010, 2011
U.S. Open Cup 2 2001, 2005
Western Conference (Playoff) 9 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014
Western Conference (Regular Season) 8 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011

Minor trophies

[86][87]

  • MLS Award for Social Media Activation – #GalaxySocial / Malea Emma : 2018

[88]

Seven-year-old Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja won the Social Galaxy contest to sing the National Anthem at the LA Galaxy Game on September 23, 2018. Her incredible performance went viral with over 25 million views across all social media platforms.

Retired numbers

The LA Galaxy have not officially retired any jersey number. Former LA Galaxy player, Cobi Jones, was incorrectly believed to have had his jersey No. 13 retired until it was again issued in 2017 to Jermaine Jones.[89]

Team results

Interactive chart

See or edit raw graph data.


Year-by-year

Main article: List of LA Galaxy seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Galaxy. For the full season-by-season history, see List of LA Galaxy seasons.

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name(s) Goals
2016 1 MLS 34 12 6 16 54 39 +15 52 1.53 3rd 6th QF SF DNQ 25,138 Mexico Giovani dos Santos 16
2017 MLS 34 8 18 8 45 67 –22 32 0.94 11th 22nd DNQ QF 22,246 France Romain Alessandrini 13
2018 MLS 34 13 12 9 66 64 +2 48 1.41 7th 13th R5 24,444 Sweden Zlatan Ibrahimović 22
2019 MLS 34 16 15 3 58 59 –1 51 1.50 5th 8th QF R5 Leagues Cup SF 23,205 Sweden Zlatan Ibrahimović 31
2020 MLS 22 6 12 4 27 46 –19 22 1.00 10th 20th DNQ NH Leagues Cup
MLS is Back Tournament 		NH
GS 		26,382 Argentina Cristian Pavón 10

^ 1. Avg. Attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top Goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

International tournaments

Further information: LA Galaxy in international soccer competitions

Player awards

Statistical records

MLS regular season only, as of October 7, 2019[90]

  • Games: United States Cobi Jones, 306
  • Goals: United States Landon Donovan, 113
  • Assists: United States Landon Donovan, 107
  • Clean sheets: United States Kevin Hartman, 64
  • Goals in a season: Sweden Zlatan Ibrahimović, 30 (2019)[91]

Top goalscorers

As of October 25, 2019[92][93]
# Name Career MLS Play­offs Open Cup Cont­inental Total (Apps) Average
1 United States Landon Donovan 2005–2014, 2016 113 15 6 7 141 (317) 0.44
2 Republic of Ireland Robbie Keane 2011–2016 83 9 3 9 104 (165) 0.63
3 United States Cobi Jones 1996–2007 70 6 4 2 082 (392) 0.21
4 Guatemala Carlos Ruiz 2002–2004, 2008 51 11 6 1 069 (104) 0.66
5 Sweden Zlatan Ibrahimović 2018–2019 52 1 0 0 053 0(58) 0.91
6 United States Edson Buddle 2007–2010, 2012, 2015 45 2 0 0 047 (144) 0.33
7 El Salvador Mauricio Cienfuegos 1996–2003 35 7 2 1 045 (269) 0.17
8 United States Alan Gordon 2005–2010, 2014–2016 29 1 4 8 042 (203) 0.21
9 United States Gyasi Zardes 2013–2017 34 2 3 1 040 (154) 0.26
10 Ecuador Eduardo Hurtado 1995–1998 30 3 0 4 037 0(61) 0.61

Player of the Year

Landon Donovan is Galaxy's all-time top scorer and assist leader, and four-time MVP
As of November 1, 2019[94]
Year Name Nation
1996 Eduardo Hurtado  Ecuador
1997 Mauricio Cienfuegos  El Salvador
1998 Cobi Jones  United States
1999 Kevin Hartman  United States
2000 Simon Elliott  New Zealand
2001 Ezra Hendrickson  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2002 Carlos Ruiz  Guatemala
2003 Kevin Hartman  United States
2004 Kevin Hartman  United States
2005 Herculez Gomez  United States
2006 Landon Donovan  United States
2007 Chris Klein  United States
2008 Landon Donovan  United States
2009 Landon Donovan  United States
2010 Edson Buddle  United States
2011 Landon Donovan  United States
2012 Robbie Keane  Ireland
2013 Robbie Keane  Ireland
2014 Robbie Keane  Ireland
2015 Robbie Keane  Ireland
2016 Giovani dos Santos  Mexico
2017 Romain Alessandrini  France
2018 Zlatan Ibrahimović  Sweden
2019 Zlatan Ibrahimović  Sweden
2020 Cristian Pavón  Argentina

Golden Boot

The Golden Boot winner is the leading goal scorer at the end of the season (only goals in MLS count). This award did not exist from 1996 to 2004. The MLS Scoring Champion Award included both goal and assist totals those years.

As of November 1, 2019 (MLS regular season only)[95]
Year Name Nation Goals
2005 Landon Donovan  United States 12
2006 Landon Donovan  United States 12
2007 Landon Donovan  United States 8
2008 Landon Donovan  United States 20
2009 Landon Donovan  United States 12
2010 Edson Buddle  United States 17
2011 Landon Donovan  United States 12
2012 Robbie Keane  Ireland 16
2013 Robbie Keane  Ireland 16
2014 Robbie Keane  Ireland 19
2015 Robbie Keane  Ireland 20
2016 Giovani dos Santos  Mexico 14
2017 Romain Alessandrini  France 13
2018 Zlatan Ibrahimović  Sweden 22
2019 Zlatan Ibrahimović  Sweden 30
2020 Cristian Pavón  Argentina 10

Defender of the Year

References

  1. ^ "General Overview". Major League Soccer. 2009. Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  2. ^ "Main Stadium". DignityHealthSportsPark.com. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  3. ^ "No. 135 (and 136) at last: Landon Donovan becomes MLS all-time goal king – Planet Futbol – SI.com". Sports Illustrated. May 25, 2014. Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  4. ^ Smith, Chris (November 4, 2019). "Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Teams 2019: Atlanta Stays On Top As Expansion Fees, Sale Prices Surge". Forbes. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  5. ^ "Los Angeles Galaxy (1996–present)". Sports E-cyclopedia. Retrieved April 6, 2007.
  6. ^ "Wire: Galaxy Claims 2002 MLS Cup with 1–0 Double OT Win Over Revs, Will Go for Rare "Double" vs. Crew in U.S. Open Cup Final on Thursday". U.S. Soccer. Archived from the original on April 25, 2012. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  7. ^ "Lagalaxy.com". LA Galaxy. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  8. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS: LA Galaxy vs. NE Revolution | MLS Cup 2005". November 13, 2005.
  9. ^ "Galaxy GM, president Doug Hamilton dies on flight home". soccertimes.com. March 9, 2006. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b "Galaxy fires Sampson as coach". USA Today (AP). June 6, 2006. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  11. ^ "L.A. 'Galaxy' Gets Herbalife Lift". Media Buyer Planner. January 10, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2008.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "Celebrities at the LA Galaxy vs. Chelsea F.C." Zimbio. January 21, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2007.
  13. ^ "Beckham debut a surreal night for MLS". ESPN FC. 2007. Retrieved July 22, 2007.
  14. ^ "Yallop leaves Los Angeles to coach Quakes". mlsnet.com. 2007. Archived from the original on January 6, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  15. ^ "Los Angeles Galaxy appoint Gullit as coach". ESPN FC. 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  16. ^ McMorran, Steve (December 2, 2007). "Beckham superb in L.A. Galaxy's tour final". USA Today. Retrieved December 2, 2007.
  17. ^ "Galaxy can't top Gamba Osaka at PPC". la.galaxy.mlsnet.com. 2008. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  18. ^ "Beckham, Los Angeles beat Sydney in third-place match". ESPN FC. 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  19. ^ "Report: Los Angeles coach Gullit resigns; president/GM Lalas out". ESPN FC. Retrieved August 11, 2008.
  20. ^ "2008 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule Announced". Our Sports Central. 2008. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  21. ^ "Los Angeles reject A.C. Milan's opening gambit for Becks". ESPN FC. 2009. Retrieved February 7, 2009.
  22. ^ "Beckham admits he wants to swap LA for Milan". ESPN FC. February 4, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b "Beckham Agrees to Return to Los Angeles in Mid-july". Los Angeles Times. 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2009.
  24. ^ "LA.galaxy.mlsnet.com". LA.galaxy.mlsnet.com. Retrieved October 30, 2011.[dead link]
  25. ^ Fifield, Dominic (July 16, 2009). "David Beckham warns LA Galaxy he will go on loan again". The Guardian. London.
  26. ^ Wahl, Grant (November 28, 2011). "Hollywood Ending: If this was indeed David Beckham's final game in MLS, he went out in style, carrying the Galaxy to a championship and affirming the value of star power in America". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  27. ^ Markazi, Arash (January 19, 2012). "David Beckham to stay with Galaxy". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  28. ^ Wahl, Grant (November 20, 2012). "Beckham to leave Galaxy". FIFA. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  29. ^ "Recap: Gonzalez, Donovan lift Galaxy to fourth MLS Cup". MLS Network. December 1, 2012. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  30. ^ Daviz\s, Steve (December 1, 2012). "Yet Another Retirement Hint from Landon Donovan". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  31. ^ Daviz\s, Steve (December 2, 2012). "Beckham coy after MLS farewell". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  32. ^ Dawkes, Phil (December 7, 2014). "LA Galaxy 2–1 New England Revolution". BBC Sport. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  33. ^ "Landon Donovan: Forward retires as champion after MLS win". BBC Sport. December 9, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  34. ^ Baxter, Kevin (January 7, 2015). "Galaxy announces Steven Gerrard's 18-month deal on Wednesday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  35. ^ "Gerrard makes quiet debut for Los Angeles Galaxy". Yahoo. July 12, 2015. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  36. ^ "LA Galaxy transfer defender Omar Gonzalez to C.F. Pachuca". MLSsoccer.com. December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  37. ^ Carlisle, Jeff (November 22, 2016). "Bruce Arena rehired as United States coach, replacing Jurgen Klinsmann". ESPN FC.
  38. ^ Goff, Steven (November 22, 2016). "Bruce Arena is named coach of U.S. national soccer team". The Washington Post.
  39. ^ "LA Galaxy name Sigi Schmid Head Coach; Curt Onalfo relieved of duties effective immediately". LAGalaxy.com. July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  40. ^ "Could Zlatan Ibrahimović make his debut on March 31 against LAFC?". March 23, 2018.
  41. ^ Boehm, Charles. "LA Galaxy 2, Houston Dynamo 3 | 2018 MLS Match Recap". mlssoccer.com.
  42. ^ "Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs Designated Player deal with LA Galaxy". ESPN. December 18, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  43. ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (March 1, 2019). "LA Galaxy buy out Giovani dos Santos to remove him from roster". mlssoccer.com.
  44. ^ "LA Galaxy sign forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernández". LA Galaxy. January 21, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  45. ^ Hernández, Dylan (January 21, 2020). "Column: Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández says he's in 'right place at right time' as Galaxy's brightest star". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  46. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (January 17, 2020). "'Chicharito' Hernandez to join Galaxy, become highest paid player in MLS". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  47. ^ Bogert, Tom (January 5, 2021). "LA Galaxy name Greg Vanney head coach". mlssoccer.com.
  48. ^ "The Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park to light up with LA Galaxy colors ahead of match Friday". LAGalaxy.com. MLS Digital. July 18, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  49. ^ "Oldfootballshirts.com". Oldfootballshirts.com. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  50. ^ "Justsoccerjerseys.com". Justsoccerjerseys.com. March 13, 2009. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  51. ^ Beckham colonizes the Galaxy on BrandNew website, July 18, 2007
  52. ^ On the LA Galaxy 2007 re-brand: A chat with Alexi Lalas by Josie Becker on LA Galaxy Confidential website, January 8, 2014
  53. ^ "MLS and the LA Galaxy: A History". January 5, 2012.
  54. ^ Jump up to: a b Published. "Leiweke Says Galaxy Are First MLS Team Ever To Make A Profit". SportsBusiness Daily. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  55. ^ "Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Teams". Forbes. August 19, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  56. ^ Wahl, Grant (March 14, 2014). "2014 MLS Ambition Rankings: Toronto FC rises to No. 1 | Planet Futbol". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  57. ^ Published. "Liga MX Chivas Leads North, South American Clubs In '13 Revenue With $625M – SportsBusiness Daily | SportsBusiness Daily Global". SportsBusiness Daily. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  58. ^ "Homedepotcenter.com". Homedepotcenter.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  59. ^ "Cozmo". LA Galaxy. February 25, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  60. ^ "Servinghistory.com". Servinghistory.com. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  61. ^ "Galaxy Star Squad". LA Galaxy. February 23, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  62. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Supporters Clubs". LA Galaxy. February 23, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  63. ^ Fernandez, Ivan. "Don't Call Them Hooligans" Archived January 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, "LA Weekly" May 15, 2012
  64. ^ "Ring of Honor | LA Galaxy". Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  65. ^ Laurie Andress (August 16, 2011). "LA Galaxy Host Rival San Jose Earthquakes Once More". . Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  66. ^ Robert Jonas (June 24, 2011). "The "New" California Clasico: Earthquakes and Galaxy work to rekindle their rivalry". . Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  67. ^ Chris (June 24, 2011). "It's that time of year again; California Clasico!". . Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  68. ^ Jeff Carlisle (April 2, 2008). "Galaxy and Quakes resume their rivalry". Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  69. ^ "Wiebe: First-ever "El Trafico" will lay stakes for LA Galaxy-LAFC rivalry". MLSsoccer.com. March 30, 2018.
  70. ^ "Galaxy rout Chivas in LA derby". FIFA. October 7, 2013.
  71. ^ "LA Derby: LA Galaxy Must Earn Win Against Chivas USA". Stoppage Time Soccer. April 4, 2014.
  72. ^ "Beckham goal leads Galaxy past Chivas USA in L.A. derby". The Sports Network.
  73. ^ Jake Little. "LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA: Galaxy Score Then Concede Late in a Thrilling LA Derby". Bleacher Report.
  74. ^ "Galaxy thrash Chivas in LA derby clash". News.
  75. ^ "LA Galaxy and Time Warner Cable Sports reach 10-year agreement to televise Galaxy games". November 18, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  76. ^ "Foxsportwest.com". Foxsportswest.com. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  77. ^ LA Galaxy Communications (March 8, 2012). "Source". Lagalaxy.com. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
  78. ^ "LA Galaxy announce 2015 radio broadcast schedule". LA Galaxy Communications. March 3, 2015. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  79. ^ "Players". LA Galaxy. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  80. ^ "lagalaxy.com". LA Galaxy. January 5, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  81. ^ Twellman, Taylor (September 10, 2018). "Effective immediately Sigi Schmid is stepping down from @LAGalaxy as head coach with Dominic Kinnear taking over as interim. #MLS".
  82. ^ "LA Galaxy Place Team in USL PRO". USL Pro. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  83. ^ "LA Galaxy Academy". February 23, 2012.
  84. ^ "LA Galaxy Academy". January 9, 2013.
  85. ^ "LAGOC ANNOUNCE UPSL MEN'S TEAM". lagalaxyoc.com.
  86. ^ "Honors & Awards | LA Galaxy". Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  87. ^ "USA – LA Galaxy – Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news". Soccerway. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  88. ^ "MLS Announces 2018 Club and Executive Award Winners | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  89. ^ Serrano, Adam (February 7, 2017). "Cobi Jones confirms that Jermaine Jones will wear the LA Galaxy No. 13 kit". LA Galaxy. Retrieved January 23, 2020. The number was not officially retired by the Galaxy but has not been worn since he hung up his boots 10 years ago.
  90. ^ "All-Time". MLS. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  91. ^ "Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic Breaks LA Galaxy Single-Season Scoring Record". LA Galaxy. September 15, 2019.
  92. ^ "By Season". MLS. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
  93. ^ "All Competitions – Player Registry". LA Galaxy. April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  94. ^ Jump up to: a b "LA Galaxy announce 2017 Team Awards". LA Galaxy. October 26, 2017. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  95. ^ "Major League Soccer Season Statistics". LA Galaxy.

External links

Retrieved from ""