LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy, also known as the Los Angeles Galaxy, is an American professional soccer club based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California. 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 ten charter members.

LA Galaxy
FoundedJune 15, 1994 (1994-06-15)[1]
StadiumDignity Health Sports Park
Carson, California
Capacity27,000[2]
OwnerPhilip Anschutz (AEG)
PresidentChris Klein
Head coachGuillermo Barros Schelotto
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2019Western Conference: 5th
Overall: 8th
Playoffs: Conference Semifinals
WebsiteClub website

The Galaxy was founded in 1994 and is owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group. 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. A new rival emerged in 2018 in the form of Los Angeles FC in the El Tráfico derby.

The franchise is one of Major League Soccer's most successful teams, with a record five MLS Cups and having appeared an additional four times 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 bottom of the MLS league 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, Jonathan dos Santos, Jorge Campos, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, and American Landon Donovan who is the all-time leading scorer for the club.[3] Mostly recently in 2020 they signed Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, the all-time leading scorer for Mexico's National Team. In 2019, Forbes estimated the club is the second most valuable in the league, worth about $480 million.[4]

History

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 ten founding teams 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, Los Angeles finished first in the Western Conference and were one of the two teams that contested in the first MLS Cup. The Galaxy finished as runners up, losing to D.C. United in the final. The 1997 season started out 1–7 after eight games, but they went 15–9 for the rest of the season to qualify for the playoffs. The Galaxy ended up second in their conference by 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 they 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, being one of two American clubs winning 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 of FIFA's club World cup tournament being Concacaf champions the previous year however, the tournament had 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 (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. 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. 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. Multiple injuries exposed the naive roster construction, which included erratic performances by Jermaine Jones, and sparse production from Giovanni Dos Santos. 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.

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 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]

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.[47] 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. Prior to 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.[48] 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.[49]

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,[50] and now features a blue shield with a gold border, the LA Galaxy team name, and a quasar at the top of the crest.[51]

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.[52]

Revenues and profits

The Galaxy first turned a profit in 2003, becoming the first MLS team to do so.[53] 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.[53]

A Forbes 2015 report ranked the LA Galaxy second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44 million) and in franchise value ($240 million).[54] The Galaxy earn more in annual club sponsorship income ($14 million) and annual local TV rights ($5 million) than any other MLS team.[55] 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.[56]

Uniform sponsors
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Notes
1996–2002 Nike None
2003–2005 Budweiser
2006–2007 Adidas From 2006 season, Adidas starts[57]
2007–present Herbalife

Stadium
Dignity Health Sports Park, LA Galaxy's home stadium since 2003
NameLocationYears in use
Rose Bowl Pasadena, California 1996–2002
Titan Stadium Fullerton, California 1999–2001 (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]

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]

Victoria Block is the newest safe standing only section built in 2020 replacing all of the bleachers from sections 120-123 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]

Ring of Honor

[64]

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

Rivalries

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 are broadcast in English on lagalaxy.com and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes 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.

Current roster
As of February 20, 2020[79]
No. Position Player Nation
1 Goalkeeper David Bingham  United States
2 Midfielder Perry Kitchen  United States
3 Defender Emiliano Insúa  Argentina
5 Defender Daniel Steres  United States
7 Midfielder Aleksandar Katai  Serbia
8 Midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (DP)  Mexico
10 Forward Cristian Pavón (on loan from Boca Juniors, DP)  Argentina
12 Goalkeeper Eric Lopez (HG)  United States
14 Forward Javier Hernández (DP)  Mexico
15 Midfielder Joe Corona  United States
16 Midfielder Sacha Kljestan  United States
17 Midfielder Sebastian Lletget  United States
19 Defender Diedie Traore  France
20 Defender Nick DePuy  United States
21 Defender Giancarlo González  Costa Rica
22 Defender Julian Araujo  United States
24 Defender Danilo Acosta  United States
25 Defender Rolf Feltscher  Venezuela
26 Midfielder Efraín Álvarez (HG)  Mexico
27 Midfielder Emil Cuello  Argentina
29 Forward Ethan Zubak (HG)  United States
31 Forward Gordon Wild  Germany
41 Goalkeeper Justin Vom Steeg  United States
56 Midfielder Jonathan Perez (HG)  Mexico
60 Forward Cameron Dunbar (HG)  United States

Out on loan
No. Position Player Nation
30 Defender Jørgen Skjelvik (on loan to OB)  Norway

Current coaching staff
Role Name
Head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Assistant coach Gustavo Barros Schelotto
Assistant coach Dominic Kinnear
Assistant coach Ariel Gustavo Pereyra
Goalkeeping coach Juan José Romero
Fitness coach Javier Valdecantos
Video analyst Rohan Sachdev

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 November 25, 2017[80]
Name Nation Tenure
Lothar Osiander Germany1996–97
Octavio Zambrano EcuadorJune 10, 1997 – April 23, 1999
Sigi Schmid GermanyApril 22, 1999 – August 16, 2004, July 27, 2017 – September 10, 2018[81]
Steve Sampson United StatesAugust 18, 2004 – June 6, 2006
Frank Yallop CanadaJune 7, 2006 – November 5, 2007
Ruud Gullit NetherlandsNovember 9, 2007 – August 11, 2008
Cobi Jones (interim) United StatesAugust 11, 2008 – August 18, 2008
Bruce Arena United StatesAugust 18, 2008 – November 22, 2016
Curt Onalfo United StatesDecember 13, 2016 – July 27, 2017
Dominic Kinnear (interim) United StatesSeptember 10, 2018 – December 28, 2018
Guillermo Barros Schelotto ArgentinaJanuary 2, 2019 – present

Youth development

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 and Bradford Jamieson IV.[84]

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.[85] 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.[86]

Honors
President Barack Obama presented with a team jersey during an event to welcome the 2014 Major League Soccer Cup Champion LA Galaxy in the East Room of the White House 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
  • MLS Fair Play Award: 2013

[87][88]

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

[89]

7 year old Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja won 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.[90]

Team results

Interactive chart
►

See or edit raw graph data.

Year-by-year
Season Regular Season
(W-L-T)		 Playoffs U.S. Open Cup CONCACAF
Champions'
League/Cup		 Avg.
Attendance
(Regular
Season)		 Avg.
Attendance
(Playoffs)
1996 1st, West (19–13) Lost MLS Cup (D.C. United 3–2) did not enter did not enter 28,916 27,759
1997 2nd, West (16–16) Lost Conference Semi-finals (Dallas Burn 0–2) Final 20,626 18,921
1998 1st, West* (24–8) Lost Conference Final (Chicago Fire 0–2) qualifying playoff 21,784 17,577
1999 1st, West (20–12) Lost MLS Cup (D.C. United 0–2) Quarter-finals did not qualify 17,632 16,307*
2000 2nd, West (14–10–8) lost Semi-finals (Kansas City Wizards 1–2) Semi-finals Champions 20,400 17,215
2001 1st, West (14–7–5) Lost MLS Cup (San Jose Earthquakes 1–2) Champions did not qualify 17,387 9,278
2002 1st, West* (16–9–3) Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 1–0) Final 19,047 18,013
2003 4th, West (9–12–9) lost Conference Semi-finals (San Jose Earthquakes 4–5) Semi-finals Quarter-finals 21,983 20,201
2004 2nd, West (11–9–10) Lost Conference Final (Kansas City Wizards 0–2) Fourth round did not qualify 23,809 20,026
2005 4th, West (13–13–5) Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 1–0) Champions 24,204 17,466
2006 5th, West (11–15–6) did not qualify Final Quarter-finals 20,814 did not qualify
2007 5th, West (9–14–7) Third round did not qualify 24,252
2008 6th, West (8–13–9) did not qualify 26,008
2009 1st, West (12–6–12) Lost MLS Cup (Real Salt Lake 1–1), 5–4 pen.) 20,416 26,186
2010 1st, West* (18–7–5) Lost Conference Final (FC Dallas 0–3) Quarter-finals 21,437 27,000
2011 1st, West* (19–5–10) Won MLS Cup (Houston Dynamo 1–0) Quarter-finals 23,335 21,171
2012 4th, West (16–12–6) Won MLS Cup (Houston Dynamo 3–1) third round 23,136 24,804
2013 3rd, West (15–11–8) Lost Conference Semi-finals (Real Salt Lake 1–2) Semi-finals 22,152 27,000
2014 2nd, West (17–7–10) Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 2–1) fifth round did not qualify 21,258 27,000
2015 5th, West (14–11–9) Lost Knockout Round (Seattle Sounders FC 2–3) Quarter-finals Quarter-finals 23,392 N/A
2016 3rd, West (12–6–16) Lost Conference Semi-final (Colorado Rapids 1–1, 3–1 pen.) Semi-final did not qualify 25,147 21,306
2017 11th, West (8–18–8) did not qualify Quarter-finals 22,301 did not qualify
2018 7th, West (13–12–9) Round of 16 24,957
2019 5th, West (16–15–3) Lost Conference Semi-final (Los Angeles FC 5–3) Semi-final 23,205

* Won MLS Supporters' Shield

MLS regular season only, as of October 6, 2019[91]

Year-by-year statistics
Season League Record Top Scorer
Pld W L T GF GA Points Name Goals
1996 32 19 13 0 59 49 49 Eduardo Hurtado 21
1997 32 16 16 0 55 44 44 Welton 11
1998 32 25 8 0 85 44 68 Cobi Jones 19
1999 32 20 12 0 49 29 54 C. Jones
C. Hermosillo		 08
2000 32 14 10 8 47 37 50 Cobi Jones 07
2001 26 14 7 5 52 36 47 Luis Hernández 08
2002 30 16 9 3 44 33 51 Carlos Ruiz 24
2003 30 9 12 9 35 35 36 Carlos Ruiz 15
2004 30 11 9 10 42 40 43 Carlos Ruiz 11
2005 32 13 13 6 44 45 45 Landon Donovan 12
2006 32 11 15 6 37 37 39 Landon Donovan 12
2007 30 9 14 7 38 48 34 Landon Donovan 08
2008 30 8 13 9 55 62 33 Landon Donovan 20
2009 30 12 6 12 36 31 48 Landon Donovan 12
2010 30 18 7 5 44 26 59 Edson Buddle 17
2011 34 19 5 10 48 28 67 Landon Donovan 12
2012 34 16 12 6 59 47 54 Robbie Keane 16
2013 34 15 11 8 53 38 53 Robbie Keane 16
2014 34 17 7 10 69 37 61 Robbie Keane 19
2015 34 14 11 9 56 46 51 Robbie Keane 20
2016 34 12 6 16 54 39 52 Giovani Dos Santos 14
2017 34 8 18 8 45 67 32 Romain Alessandrini 13
2018 34 13 12 9 66 64 48 Zlatan Ibrahimović 22
2019 34 16 15 3 58 59 51 Zlatan Ibrahimović 30
Total 764 344 262 159 1230 1027 1119 Landon Donovan 113

MLS regular season only, as of October 6, 2019[87]

International tournaments

Player awards

Statistical records

MLS regular season only, as of October 7, 2019[92]

Top goalscorers
As of October 25, 2019[94][95]
# Name Career MLS Playoffs Open Cup Continental Total (Apps) Average
1 Landon Donovan 2005–2014, 2016 113 15 6 7 141 (317) 0.44
2 Robbie Keane 2011–2016 83 9 3 9 104 (165) 0.63
3 Cobi Jones 1996–2007 70 6 4 2 082 (392) 0.21
4 Carlos Ruiz 2002–2004, 2008 51 11 6 1 069 (104) 0.66
5 Zlatan Ibrahimović 2018–2019 52 1 0 0 053 0(58) 0.91
6 Edson Buddle 2007–2010, 2012, 2015 45 2 0 0 047 (144) 0.33
7 Mauricio Cienfuegos 1996–2003 35 7 2 1 045 (269) 0.17
8 Alan Gordon 2005–2010, 2014–2016 29 1 4 8 042 (203) 0.21
9 Gyasi Zardes 2013–2017 34 2 3 1 040 (154) 0.26
10 Eduardo Hurtado 1995–1998 30 3 0 4 037 0(61) 0.61

Most valuable player
Landon Donovan is Galaxy's all-time top scorer and assist leader, and four-time MVP
As of November 1, 2019[96]
YearNameNation
1996Eduardo Hurtado Ecuador
1997Mauricio Cienfuegos El Salvador
1998Cobi Jones United States
1999Kevin Hartman United States
2000Simon Elliott New Zealand
2001Ezra Hendrickson Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2002Carlos Ruiz Guatemala
2003Kevin Hartman United States
2004Kevin Hartman United States
2005Herculez Gomez United States
2006Landon Donovan United States
2007Chris Klein United States
2008Landon Donovan United States
2009Landon Donovan United States
2010Edson Buddle United States
2011Landon Donovan United States
2012Robbie Keane Ireland
2013Robbie Keane Ireland
2014Robbie Keane Ireland
2015Robbie Keane Ireland
2016Giovani dos Santos Mexico
2017Romain Alessandrini France
2018Zlatan Ibrahimović Sweden
2019Zlatan Ibrahimović Sweden

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)[97]
YearNameNationGoals
2005Landon Donovan United States12
2006Landon Donovan United States12
2007Landon Donovan United States8
2008Landon Donovan United States20
2009Landon Donovan United States12
2010Edson Buddle United States17
2011Landon Donovan United States12
2012Robbie Keane Ireland16
2013Robbie Keane Ireland16
2014Robbie Keane Ireland19
2015Robbie Keane Ireland20
2016Giovani dos Santos Mexico14
2017Romain Alessandrini France13
2018Zlatan Ibrahimović Sweden22
2019Zlatan Ibrahimović Sweden30

Defensive player of the year

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