LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy
Full name Los Angeles Galaxy
Nickname(s) Los Galácticos
Founded 1995
Stadium StubHub Center
Carson, California
Capacity 27,000[1]
Owner AEG
Head Coach Bruce Arena
League Major League Soccer
2014 Western Conference: 2nd
Overall: 2nd
Playoffs: Champions
Website Club home page

The LA Galaxy, also known as the Los Angeles Galaxy, are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's most-decorated club.

The Galaxy have won the MLS Cup five times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014), the MLS Supporters' Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011), the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005), and is one of just two MLS teams to win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (now replaced by the CONCACAF Champions League) which they accomplished in 2000.

Initially, the Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, but since 2003 they have played at the StubHub Center in Carson, which they shared with their rival, Chivas USA from 2005 until the latter's dissolution in 2014. The club's current head coach is former US national team coach Bruce Arena. The team holds a fierce rivalry with the San Jose Earthquakes in the California Clásico.

In January 2007, the club made international headlines by signing English superstar David Beckham from Real Madrid, which was the highest-profile signing in the history of MLS. Other significant signings include Robbie Keane, who currently captains the club, Landon Donovan,[2] and Steven Gerrard.

History

1955–1996: Los Angeles soccer heritage

The first professional soccer team in the Los Angeles area was the Los Angeles Kickers, formed in 1955 by the former owner of the Fall River Marksmen, Sam Mark.

Prior to the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996, teams from Los Angeles played in the Western American Soccer League, the North American Soccer League and the American Soccer League/A-League, winning ten league championships (1955, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1974, 1976), seven Lamar Hunt US Open Cups (1958, 1964, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981), four regional championships (1955, 1956, 1958, 1961) and one international championship (1975). George Best, Johan Cruyff, and many other notable players played in the city, for clubs such as the Los Angeles Aztecs, California Surf and the Los Angeles Salsa.

Los Angeles officially adopted and recognized the city's soccer heritage during the opening of the Home Depot Center in June 2003. In addition, the stadium features several tributes recognizing the soccer tradition in Los Angeles.

1996–2006: Decade of success

Cobi Jones playing for Galaxy in 2003

Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 as part of the United States' bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup.[3] The first season took place in 1996 with Los Angeles being one of the ten founding teams. The name "Galaxy" was derived from Los Angeles being home to the "stars" of Hollywood.[4] Los Angeles began well by clinching 1st in the Western Conference and finishing second in the MLS Cup after losing to D.C. United in the final. The 1997 season started out 1–7 after 8 games, but they went 15–9 for the rest of the season to qualify for the playoffs. The Galaxy ended up 2nd 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 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 DC United again 2–0. The 2000 season had the Galaxy in 2nd 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. 2001 was another successful year for Los Angeles, winning the Open Cup and scoring 1000 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. In 2002, the Galaxy won their first MLS Cup in four tries by defeating the New England Revolution 1–0.[5] 2003 was a poor year, with L.A. finishing 4th because they were forced to play away games due to stadium construction, though they got a good rhythm and finished 9–12–9. The Galaxy bounced back by gaining 2nd with an 11–9–10 record. They lost to the Wizards in the final, 0–2. With 2005 came one of the Galaxy's most recognized players, Landon Donovan. The club won the Open Cup again ending with a record of 13–13–6 to cap off their first decade. The Galaxy has a distinction of making the playoffs in all of the league's first 10 seasons.[6]

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.[7] 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,[8] replaced by Frank Yallop.,[8] The team managed to make a run to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final, but lost 3–1 against the Chicago Fire.

2007–2012: Beckham era

David Beckham playing for Galaxy in 2007

In March 2007, Herbalife signed a five-year deal, worth between $4–5 million a year, with LA to be the primary shirt sponsor.[9] Four months later, the club signed David Beckham from Real Madrid. His debut was made at The Home Depot Center before a record crowd of nearly 35,000,[10] including many celebrities,[10] 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.[11] In that season's SuperLiga LA reached the final, but lost to 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 3rd round draft pick to the Galaxy to make Yallop their new head coach.[12] Yallop was replaced at LA by Ruud Gullit, who signed a three-year contract with the club which made him the highest paid coach in MLS history.[11] 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.[13] They also played a tour of Asia, and competed in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship in Honolulu,[14] finishing third after beating Sydney 2–1 in the third-place match.[15]

In the 2008 MLS season, LA went on a seven-game winless streak which 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.[16] Gullit was replaced by Bruce Arena, but he was not able to lead LA into a play-off spot, for the third-straight season.[17]

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 A.C. Milan in Italy and Donovan to German club FC Bayern Munich. Donovan was seeking a permanent transfer to Munich, while Beckham was expected to return to L.A. in March, prior to the 2009 season.[18] Beckham went on to seek a permanent transfer to Milan, in a bid to sustain his England career through the 2010 World Cup,[19] and Milan made a bid for the player, which was rejected by LA.[20] 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.[20] Donovan was not offered a contract by Bayern, and returned to the US in time for the beginning of the 2009 MLS season.[21] 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.[22]

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 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 AC 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 Dallas in the Western Conference Final one game away from making another appearance at MLS Cup.

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 2 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.[23] 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.[24] Despite the new contract, Beckham confirmed in November 2012 that he would be leaving the Galaxy at the end of the 2012 MLS season.[25] 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.[26] In post-match interviews both Donovan and Beckham remained coy about their future MLS plans.[27][28]

Recent years

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 C.F. Monterrey.

The team entered the 2014 MLS playoffs defeating Real Salt Lake and the 2014 Supporters' Shield champions Seattle Sounders FC. They played the New England Revolution in the 2014 MLS Cup and won 2–1 in overtime, becoming league-record, five-time champions.[29] At the end of the season, Landon Donovan retired.[30]

Colors and badge

Carlos Ruiz wearing Galaxy's old gold-and-green uniform

The LA Galaxy's current colors are white, navy blue and gold. The team's primary kit is white and the secondary kit is blue.[31] 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.[32] Their original jersey, used in the inaugural 1996 MLS season, featured black-and-teal halves, black sleeves with gold and red accents, black shorts and black socks.[33]

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

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 2004 seal which is featured on the Los Angeles County flag.

The name Galaxy was created by Nike at the conception of the league, the company was also the original kit supplier for the team.[34]

Revenues and profits

The Galaxy first turned a profit in 2003, becoming the first MLS team to turn a profit.[35] 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.[35] A Forbes 2013 report ranked the L.A. Galaxy second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44m) and in franchise value ($170m).[36] The L.A. Galaxy earn more in annual club sponsorship income ($14 million) and annual local TV rights ($5 million) than any other MLS team.[37] The L.A. Galaxy have the highest annual revenue of any MLS team, the third highest revenue of any CONCACAF team, and seventh highest revenue of any team in the Americas.[38]

Stadium

StubHub Center, LA Galaxy's home stadium since 2003

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

In 2003 the Galaxy moved to the StubHub Center (then known as The Home Depot Center), on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California, approximately 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The stadium is a 27,000-seat soccer-specific stadium, the second of its kind in MLS,[39] but has hosted other sports such as rugby and American football. Galaxy fans sometimes refer to the stadium as The Toolbox and Victoria Street, the latter after one of the main streets in Carson which runs past the northern side of the stadium. From 2005–14, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA, with whom they competed for the SuperClasico.

Club culture

The Galaxy's mascot Cozmo entertaining the fans

Cozmo

Cozmo is the Galaxy's mascot.[40] 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.[41]

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.[42]

Supporters

The Angel City Brigade was created to help establish a festive and vibrant atmosphere in the StubHub Center for the Galaxy. They sit in section 121 in the General Admission area of the stadium.[43]

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.[44] 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 Major League Soccer. They are located in section 122, next to the Angel City Brigade.[43]

Rivalries

The Galaxy's chief rival is the San Jose Earthquakes, which is known by the fans and media as the California Clásico. It is considered by many, the longest-running rivalry in American soccer.[45][46][47] 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.[48]

Their crosstown rivals, were Chivas USA, whom they competed with in the SuperClasico. Also known as the LA Derby,[49][50][51][52][53] it was dominated by the Galaxy, who won 22 of the 34 encounters. The rivalry was the only intra-city rivalry in MLS until Chivas ceased operations at the end of the 2014 season.

Broadcasting

At the end of the 2011 season Galaxy announced a ten-year, $55 million deal with Time Warner Cable, to begin at the end of the 2012 MLS season.[54] It is, by far, the most lucrative local media contract in MLS history. Previously, Galaxy matches were televised regionally in English on Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket alternatively.[55] While awaiting the launch of those networks, all 2012 English-language matches will be split between local outlet KDOC, NBC Sports Network and ESPN, 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 will be shown on independent outlet KWHY with Adrian Garcia Marquez and Francisco Pinto commentating.[56]

Radio coverage of regular season matches are broadcast on KLAC AM 570 (Los Angeles/Orange County) & KTLK 1150 AM alternatively in English and in Spanish on KWKW 1330 AM (Los Angeles). Joe Tutino does the English play-by-play while Rolando "El Veloz" Gonzalez (Play-By-Play) and Armando Aguayo (Commentary) handle the Spanish broadcasts.[57]

Players and staff

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

Current roster

Where a player has not declared an international allegiance, nation is determined by place of birth. Squad correct as of March 6, 2015.[58]

No. Position Player Nation
1 Goalkeeper Perk, BrianBrian Perk      United States
2 Defender Dunivant, ToddTodd Dunivant      United States
3 Midfielder Väyrynen, MikaMika Väyrynen      Finland
4 Defender Gonzalez, OmarOmar Gonzalez (DP)     United States
5 Midfielder Villarreal, JoseJose Villarreal (HGP)     United States
6 Midfielder Husidić, BaggioBaggio Husidić      Bosnia and Herzegovina
7 Forward Keane, RobbieRobbie Keane (DP & Captain)     Ireland
9 Forward Gordon , AlanAlan Gordon      United States
11 Forward Zardes, GyasiGyasi Zardes (HGP)     United States
12 Goalkeeper Rowe, BrianBrian Rowe      United States
14 Defender Rogers, RobbieRobbie Rogers      United States
15 Forward Maganto, IgnacioIgnacio Maganto      Spain
16 Forward Buddle, EdsonEdson Buddle      United States
18 Goalkeeper Penedo, JaimeJaime Penedo      Panama
19 Midfielder Juninho , Juninho      Brazil
20 Defender DeLaGarza, A. J.A. J. DeLaGarza      Guam
21 Defender Meyer, TommyTommy Meyer      United States
22 Defender Leonardo , Leonardo      Brazil
24 Midfielder Ishizaki, StefanStefan Ishizaki      Sweden
25 Midfielder Garcia , RafaelRafael Garcia      United States
31 Goalkeeper Mitchell, TreyTrey Mitchell      United States
32 Forward McBean, JackJack McBean (HGP)     United States
33 Defender Gargan, DanDan Gargan      United States
34 Midfielder Walker, KenneyKenney Walker      United States
36 Defender Sorto, OscarOscar Sorto (HGP)     United States
38 Forward Jamieson IV, BradfordBradford Jamieson IV (HGP)     United States
40 Forward Mendiola, RaúlRaúl Mendiola (HGP)     Mexico

Out on loan

Where a player has not declared an international allegiance, nation is determined by place of birth. Squad correct as of March 6, 2015.[58]

No. Position Player Nation
27 Forward Rugg, CharlieCharlie Rugg (on loan to Indy Eleven)     United States

Coaching staff

Sigi Schmid led Galaxy to their first MLS Cup title in 2002
Role Name Nation
Head Coach Arena, BruceBruce Arena  United States
Associate Head Coach Sarachan, DaveDave Sarachan  United States
Assistant Coach Onalfo, CurtCurt Onalfo  United States
Assistant Coach Noonan, PatPat Noonan  United States
Assistant Coach Arena, KennyKenny Arena  United States
Goalkeeping Coach Reis, MattMatt Reis  United States

Head coaches

Name Nation Tenure
Osiander, LotharLothar Osiander  Germany 1996–97
Zambrano, OctavioOctavio Zambrano  Ecuador June 10, 1997 – April 23, 1999
Schmid, SigiSigi Schmid  United States April 22, 1999 – August 16, 2004
Sampson, SteveSteve Sampson  United States August 18, 2004 – June 6, 2006
Yallop, FrankFrank Yallop  Canada June 7, 2006 – November 5, 2007
Gullit, RuudRuud Gullit  Netherlands November 9, 2007 – August 11, 2008
Jones, CobiCobi Jones (interim)  United States August 11, 2008 – August 18, 2008
Arena, BruceBruce Arena  United States August 18, 2008–present

As of December 12, 2013[60]

LA Galaxy II

Main article: LA Galaxy II

In January 2014, the Galaxy created a reserve team known as LA Galaxy II which began to compete in the USL Pro beginning with the 2014 season.[61]

Galaxy Youth Academy

As part of its development program, the Galaxy operate 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).[62] Six academy graduates are currently signed to the first team: Jack McBean, Oscar Sorto, Jose Villareal, Gyasi Zardes, Raul Mendiola and Bradford Jamieson IV.[63]

Honors

Continental

Domestic

Minor Trophies

As of October 27, 2013[64]

Retired numbers

Where a player has not declared an international allegiance, nation is determined by place of birth.

No. Position Player Nation
13 Midfielder Jones, CobiCobi Jones (1996–2007)     United States

Record

Year-by-year

Year Regular Season Playoffs US Open Cup CONCACAF
Champions' League/Cup		 Avg. Attendance
(Regular Season)		 Avg. Attendance
(Playoffs)
1996 1st, West (19-13) Won Conference Semifinals (San Jose Clash 2-1)
Won Conference Final (Kansas City Wizards 2-0)
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 Semifinals (Dallas Burn 0-2) Did not enter Final 20,626 18,921
1998 1st, West* (24-8) Won Conference Semifinals (Dallas Burn 2-0)
Lost Conference Final (Chicago Fire 0-2)		 Did not enter Qualifying playoff 21,784 17,577
1999 1st, West (20-12) Won Conference Semifinals (Colorado Rapids 2-0)
Won Conference Final (Dallas Burn 2-1)
Lost MLS Cup (D.C. United 0-2)		 Quarterfinals Did not qualify 17,632 16,307*
2000 2nd, West (14-10-8) Won Quarterfinals (Tampa Bay Mutiny 2-0)
Lost Semifinals (Kansas City Wizards 1-2)		 Semifinals Champions 20,400 17,215
2001 1st, West (14-7-5) Won Quarterfinals (NY/NJ MetroStars 2-1)
Won Semifinals (Chicago Fire 2-1)
Lost MLS Cup (San Jose Earthquakes 1-2)		 Champions Did not qualify 17,387 9,278
2002 1st, West* (16-9-3) Won Conference Semifinals (Kansas City Wizards 2-1)
Won Conference Final (Colorado Rapids 2-0)
Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 1-0)		 Final Did not qualify 19,047 18,013
2003 4th, West (9-12-9) Lost Conference Semifinals (San Jose Earthquakes 4-5) Semifinals Quarterfinals 21,983 20,201
2004 2nd, West (11-9-10) Won Conference Semifinals (Colorado Rapids 2-1)
Lost Conference Final (Kansas City Wizards 0-2)		 Fourth Round Did not qualify 23,809 20,026
2005 4th, West (13-13-5) Won Conference Semifinals (San Jose Earthquakes 4-2
Won Conference Final (Colorado Rapids 2-0)
Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 1-0)		 Champions Did not qualify 24,204 17,466
2006 5th, West (11-15-6) Did not qualify Final Quarterfinals 20,814 Did not qualify
2007 5th, West (9-14-7) Did not qualify Third Round Did not qualify 24,252 Did not qualify
2008 6th, West (8-13-9) Did not qualify Did not qualify Did not qualify 26,008 Did not qualify
2009 1st, West (12-6-12) Won Conference Semifinals (C.D. Chivas USA 3-2)
Won Conference Final (Houston Dynamo 2-0)
Lost MLS Cup (Real Salt Lake 4-5)		 Did not qualify Did not qualify 20,416 26,186
2010 1st, West* (18-7-5) Won Conference Semifinals (Seattle Sounders FC 3-1)
Lost Conference Final (FC Dallas 0-3)		 Quarterfinals Did not qualify 21,437 27,000
2011 1st, West* (19-5-10) Won Conference Semifinals (New York Red Bulls 3-1
Won Conference Final (Real Salt Lake 3-1)
Won MLS Cup (Houston Dynamo 1-0)		 Quarterfinals Quarterfinals 23,335 21,171
2012 4th, West (16-12-6) Won Knockout Round (Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1)
Won Conference Semifinals (San Jose Earthquakes 3-2)
Won Conference Final (Seattle Sounders FC 4-2)
Won MLS Cup (Houston Dynamo 3-1)		 Third Round Quarterfinals 23,136 24,804
2013 3rd, West (15-11-8) Lost Conference Semifinals (Real Salt Lake 1-2) Third Round Semifinals 22,152 27,000
2014 2nd, West (17-7-10) Won Conference Semifinals (Real Salt Lake 5-0)
Won Conference Final (Seattle Sounders FC 2-2) (away)
Won MLS Cup (New England Revolution 2-1)		 Fifth Round Did not qualify 21,258 27,000

* Won MLS Supporters' Shield

MLS regular season only, as of October 26, 2014[65]

Year-by-year stats

Year League Record Top Scorer
P W L D F A Pts Name G
1996 32 19 13 0 59 49 49 Eduardo Hurtado 21
1997 32 16 16 0 55 44 44 Welton 11
1998 32 24 8 0 85 44 68 Cobi Jones 19
1999 32 20 12 0 49 29 54 Cobi Jones/Carlos Hermosillo 8
2000 32 14 10 8 47 37 50 Cobi Jones 7
2001 26 14 7 5 52 36 47 Luis Hernández 8
2002 28 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 8
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
Total 594 281 199 114 951 752 936 Landon Donovan 112

MLS regular season only, as of October 26, 2014[64]

International tournaments

Sydney FC playing against the Galaxy at ANZ Stadium in 2007
Qualifying Playoff v. Mexico Santos Laguna – 4:1
Quarter-Finals v. El Salvador Luis Ángel Firpo – 2:0
Semi-Finals v. United States D.C. United – 1:0
Final v. Mexico Cruz Azul – 3:5
Qualifying Playoff v. Mexico Necaxa – 1:1 (Necaxa advances 4–3 on penalties)
Quarter-Finals v. Honduras Real España – 0:0 (Los Angeles advances 5:3 on penalties)
Semi-Finals v. United States D.C. United – 1:1 (Los Angeles advances 4:2 on penalties)
Final v. Honduras Olimpia – 3:2
Group Stage v. Norway Lyn Oslo – 5:0
Group Stage v. Russia Torpedo Moskva – 3:0
Group Stage v. Norway Odd Grenland – 0:1
Third Place Match v. Norway Viking – 3:0
First round v. Honduras Motagua – 2:2, 1:0 (Los Angeles advances 3:2 on aggregate)
Quarter-Finals v. Mexico Necaxa – 1:4, 1:2 (Necaxa advances 6:2 on aggregate)
Group Stage v. Uruguay Nacional – 0:0
Group Stage v. Germany 1860 München – 0:0
Group Stage v. Netherlands PSV Eindhoven – 1:4
Quarter-Finals v. Costa Rica Deportivo Saprissa – 0:0, 2:3 AET (Saprissa advance 3:2 on aggregate after added extra time)
Group Stage v. Mexico Pachuca – 2:1
Group Stage v. Mexico Guadalajara – 1:2
Group Stage v. United States FC Dallas – 6:5
Semi-Finals v. United States D.C. United – 2:0
Final v. Mexico Pachuca – 1:1 (Pachuca win 4:3 on penalties)
Semi-Finals v. Japan Gamba Osaka – 0:1
Third Place v. Australia Sydney FC – 2:1
Semi-Finals v. Japan Ōita Trinita – 2:0
Final v. South Korea Suwon Bluewings – 1:1 (Suwon Bluewings win 4:2 on penalties)
Preliminary Round v. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Islanders – 1:4, 2:1 (Puerto Rico advances 5:3 on aggregate)
Group Stage v. Spain Real Madrid – 1:4
Group Stage v. England Manchester City – 1:1 (Manchester City win 7:6 on penalties)
Group Stage v. Honduras Motagua – 2:0
Group Stage v. Costa Rica Alajuelense – 2:0
Group Stage v. Mexico Morelia – 1:2
Group Stage v. Costa Rica Alajuelense – 0:1
Group Stage v. Mexico Morelia – 2:1
Group Stage v. Honduras Motagua – 1:0
Quarter-Finals v. Canada Toronto F.C. – 2:2, 1:2 (Toronto advances 4:3 on aggregate)
Group Stage v. Spain Real Madrid – 1:5
Group Stage v. El Salvador Isidrio Metapán – 5:2
Group Stage v. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Islanders – 4:0
Group Stage v. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Islanders – 0:0
Group Stage v. El Salvador Isidrio Metapán – 3:2
Quarter-Finals v. Costa Rica Herediano – 0:0, 4:1 (LA advances 4:1 on aggregate)
Semi-Finals vs. Mexico Monterrey – 1:2, 0:1 (Monterrey advances 3-1 on aggregate)
Round 1 v. Spain Real Madrid – 1:3
Round 2 v. Italy Juventus – 3:1
Third Place v. Italy AC Milan – 0:2
Group Stage v. Costa Rica Cartaginés - 2:0
Group Stage v. El Salvador Isidrio Metapán - 1-0
Group Stage v. Costa Rica Cartaginés - 3-0
Group Stage v. El Salvador Isidrio Metapán 0-4
Quarter-Finals v. Mexico Tijuana 1-0, 2-4 (Tijuana advances 4-3 on aggregate)

Team records

Landon Donovan is Galaxy's all-time top scorer and assist leader, four-time MVP, and six-time Golden Boot winner

MLS regular season only, as of October 5, 2014[66]

Most Valuable Player

Year Name Nation
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

MLS regular season only, as of February 26, 2015[67]

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.

Year Name Nation Goals
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

MLS regular season only, as of February 26, 2015 [68]

Defensive Player of the Year

Year Name Nation
1996Jorge Campos Mexico
1997Robin Fraser United States
1998Robin Fraser United States
1999Robin Fraser United States
2000Danny Califf United States
2001Greg Vanney United States
2002Alexi Lalas United States
2003Danny Califf United States
2004Tyrone Marshall Jamaica
2005Tyrone Marshall Jamaica
2006Chris Albright United States
2007Ty Harden United States
2008Sean Franklin United States
2009Donovan Ricketts Jamaica
2010Omar Gonzalez United States
2011Omar Gonzalez United States
2012A. J. DeLaGarza Guam
2013Omar Gonzalez United States
2014A. J. DeLaGarza Guam

MLS regular season only, as of February 26, 2015[67]

References

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External links