Football Season Guide

2017 proved to be the worst year for LA Galaxy in their long history as an MLS franchise as they struggled to cope with major changes to the roster as well as Bruce Arena leaving to take over as the USA national team coach. LA finished at the bottom of both the Western Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings, had the second worst defensive record in the MLS while Arena's successor, Curt Onalfo was sacked midway through the campaign and replaced by Sigi Schmid. The former Seattle Sounders coach has been tasked with rebuilding the side and has gone out to club together a new look defense and midfield, starting with two new keepers in David Bingham and Brian Sylvestre while Jorgen Skjelvik, Rolf Feltscher, Perry Kitchen and Servando Carrasco are expected to begin the season as first choice. Schmid will hope the new arrivals will provide a better stability for his side at the back while he has also snagged in-form striker Ola Kamara, with the former Columbus Crew striker expected to prove a more reliable source of goals compared to Gyasi Zardes who has moved the other way. Chris Pontius is another signing who could prove to be a success, with the attacker enjoying good form with a poor Philadelphia Union side last season but is expected to play more of a supporting role at LA who have got good options down the flanks in Romain Alessandrini and Ema Boateng. With regards to departures, LA decided not to renew Jermaine Jones' stay at the club after the midfielder struggled to impress last season. Jack McBean and Jack McInerney have also left the club, leaving LA a bit light in the attack, while Robbie Rogers has retired. LA should avoid another disastrous campaign similar to last season but whether they have strengthened the roster enough to emerge as potential playoffs candidates will depend on how soon the signings settle down at their new club.