Why the LA Galaxy benched John McCarthy for Novak Micovic

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FanSided MLS

·27 May 2025

Why the LA Galaxy benched John McCarthy for Novak Micovic

In a situation where a team struggles to win after 14 games, changes need to be made. Greg Vanney, head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy, has already made some.

He has tinkered with lineups and formations. In fact, Vanney went with three different formations in the 7-0 loss against the New York Red Bulls last month.

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"What led to the decision? We had gone a bunch of games without a result, and at the start of the season, he got three games. Of course, he made a couple mistakes but we have also not been perfect... I thought he had a solid day. I thought his decisions with the ball were smart in terms of when to go long, when to try to play through the lines. I thought he made quality decisions."Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy have struggled to show up for a full 90 minutes of play and put it all together. Their first two games in the month of May were winnable contests.

But instead, the LA Galaxy squandered a 2-0 lead at halftime against the Philadelphia Union and are still winless despite scoring first in their last three games.

So why put Novak Micovic back in the Starting XI over John McCarthy?

In early 2024, the Los Angeles Galaxy upgraded their goalkeeper depth majorly when they added the 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP to their roster. John McCarthy was brought in last season to replace veteran keeper Jonathan Bond.

The backup goalie, Novak Micovic has not done much for the LA Galaxy the past two seasons. Yet, he was given the opportunity to start in his fourth game this season, his first since March 9th against St. Louis City SC.

"You know, it hurt when you lose like this, especially in the last second of the game. We put all work, all game, and we lose, unlucky. But this game now is past and we keep going for the next two games at home, and we do everything to get six points in the next two games. Last two months, it's difficult months for me. I put hard work for everything, and I feel confidence on the field. That's it."Novak Micovic, LA Galaxy goalkeeper

The LA Galaxy started out the season with Micovic in goal. They lost all three games with him in the Starting XI.

In those three games, the defending champions were outscored 7-1. A pair of shutouts in that frame, including the season opener against San Diego FC did not make Micovic look good.

Thus, McCarthy took back over. That is until last Saturday.

"I think normally I get the goalkeepers a second, so whatever games when we go Eastern Conference, but I didn't in this particular trip. So when he came back, I wanted him to have a proper chance to prepare for the match, which he had this week to prepare and give him a chance to see again where he's at. I thought he had a good outing."Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy

While it remains to be seen if this switch is permanent, the Serbian goalkeeper has yet to even net a draw for the Galaxy. At least McCarthy has been able to turn four of those.

With the playoffs seeming like an after thought this season, perhaps Vanney chooses to keep Micovic in goal. No speculation has been made on McCarthy seeking a trade partner among the MLS ranks.

However, his career stat line shows he is still a capable starter for the right team. Just perhaps not with the LA Galaxy, anymore.