Recap, Matchday #1: LA Galaxy lose 2-0 to San Diego FC | OneFootball

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Galaxy welcomed San Diego FC to the league. The welcome, however, was nicer than the hosts intended.

After a scoreless first half of play, the LA Galaxy had no answer for Anders Dreyer. He was the difference maker in this one as he scored both goals for San Diego FC in the second half.

The Los Angeles Galaxy played shaky for the first ten to fifteen minutes following kickoff. San Diego FC had a dominant advantage with possessions.

In the end, the LA Galaxy lost at Dignity Health Sports Park for the first time since 2023. It was not the season opener result that they were hoping for,

So, what went wrong for the LA Galaxy on Sunday?

For starters, the starters were vastly different. Dejan Joveljic as scored the team's last two goals on opening day. He now plays for Sporting Kansas City.

Of the Galaxy's top four scorers last season, only Gabriel Pec played on Sunday. Both Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil did not play. The LA Galaxy was the Western Conference's highest scoring team a season ago. They were held scoreless on Sunday.

Puig is still recovering from the ACL injury he sustained during the MLS Western Conference Finals. Paintsil is out for another month or so with a leg injury, too.

LA Galaxy's head coach Greg Vanney opted with a different format. He went away from the 4-3-3 that helped his team dominate in the postseason last year. Instead, he went with a 4-2-3-1. The former Columbus Crew forward, Cristian Ramirez played his first game for the LA Galaxy replacing Joveljic.

Instead of John McCarthy starting in goal for the LA Galaxy, Novak Micovic played the full game. Newcomer Mathias Jorgensen also never saw action. Zanka is one of the many additions to the roster this winter.

The Los Angeles Galaxy were outplayed by San Diego FC. A rare take on the field for them, but they allowed three corner kicks as they only earned one themselves. Furthermore, the Galaxy were far less effective shooting the ball on goal than their opponent.

Next up for the LA Galaxy...

The six-time MLS Cup champions have the week to regroup and remember their winning ways enough to bring them back. Next up for the LA Galaxy is the Vancouver Whitecaps.