Feb 25 2025 54 mins 3
The LA Galaxy’s title defense did not get off to a good start in 2025, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to expansion side San Diego FC at Dignity Health Sports Park. The loss marks the team’s first home defeat in over a year, ending a 21-match unbeaten streak at home.
The day started in celebratory fashion, with fans returning to the stadium that saw the Galaxy lift their sixth MLS Cup just months prior. Before kickoff, club legend Cobi Jones and supporters paraded the 2024 MLS Cup through Victoria Block, with the trophy ultimately handed to Riqui Puig. The championship banner was unveiled, setting the stage for what was expected to be a strong opening to the season. However, once the match began, the energy inside the stadium faded. San Diego dictated the tempo early, keeping the Galaxy on the back foot and exposing their lack of chemistry. With only six players from last season’s MLS Cup Final in the starting XI, the defending champions struggled to find rhythm and cohesion.
A difficult offseason forced the Galaxy to part ways with key contributors Mark Delgado, Gastón Brugman, and Dejan Joveljić due to salary cap restrictions. The absence of Joseph Paintsil, out with a thigh injury, and Riqui Puig, sidelined with a torn ACL, left Gabriel Pec as the lone member of last season’s dynamic midfield trio. New signings Lucas Sanabria and Christian Ramírez appeared isolated, unable to make a significant impact. San Diego took full advantage, with Anders Dreyer scoring twice in the second half to secure the expansion club’s first-ever victory. The Galaxy must now regroup quickly as they head to Vancouver for their first road test against a Whitecaps side that opened their season with a dominant 4-1 win over Portland.
The day started in celebratory fashion, with fans returning to the stadium that saw the Galaxy lift their sixth MLS Cup just months prior. Before kickoff, club legend Cobi Jones and supporters paraded the 2024 MLS Cup through Victoria Block, with the trophy ultimately handed to Riqui Puig. The championship banner was unveiled, setting the stage for what was expected to be a strong opening to the season. However, once the match began, the energy inside the stadium faded. San Diego dictated the tempo early, keeping the Galaxy on the back foot and exposing their lack of chemistry. With only six players from last season’s MLS Cup Final in the starting XI, the defending champions struggled to find rhythm and cohesion.
A difficult offseason forced the Galaxy to part ways with key contributors Mark Delgado, Gastón Brugman, and Dejan Joveljić due to salary cap restrictions. The absence of Joseph Paintsil, out with a thigh injury, and Riqui Puig, sidelined with a torn ACL, left Gabriel Pec as the lone member of last season’s dynamic midfield trio. New signings Lucas Sanabria and Christian Ramírez appeared isolated, unable to make a significant impact. San Diego took full advantage, with Anders Dreyer scoring twice in the second half to secure the expansion club’s first-ever victory. The Galaxy must now regroup quickly as they head to Vancouver for their first road test against a Whitecaps side that opened their season with a dominant 4-1 win over Portland.
