Football Season Guide

2022 was a bittersweet season for LA Galaxy. A good start to the campaign was followed by some very inconsistent form until the turning point arrived in the summer transfer market. Martin Caceres and Gaston Brugman arrived with a wealth of experience from playing in Europe but Riqui Puig was the real game-changer. A highly touted talent from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy arriving in the MLS before he's even reached his peak is a rarity. The Spaniard added real class and creativity to a a midfield that was lacking it. He produced 3 goals and 5 assists in just 10 appearances. A run of just one defeat in their last 12 MLS games saw the Galaxy reach the play-offs for the first time since 2019. Joy was short-lived as they were beaten at the death by bitter rivals LAFC, who went on to win MLS Cup. The off-season hasn't been particularly active for the club in terms of incoming transfers. Chris Mavinga and Memo Rodriguez are their only notable signings, but both could be automatic starters. The departure of right-back Julian Araujo to Barcelona is a big loss. The Galaxy may yet do more business but the focus seems to be more on Greg Vanney have another a full season to work with the likes of Puig and try to develop others. Dejan Joveljic impressed as an understudy to Chicarito Hernandez and will be hoping to become a first team regular.