LA Galaxy Trade 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP to Familiar Eastern Conference Foe | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy were very active on Thursday with their roster. The reigning MLS Cup champions sent a veteran goalie packing to an Eastern Conference playoff contender.

With the 2-1 performance against Pachuca in the Knockout Round of the 2025 Leagues Cup, the front office felt comfortable moving the 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP with just eight games to go in the regular season.

After being one of the biggest reasons why the LA Galaxy won the 2024 MLS Cup, goalkeeper John McCarthy now joins the team he beat in the championship last year. On Thursday, the 33-year-old star joined the New York Red Bulls.

What the Los Angeles Galaxy gave up in the deal?

Joe Patorno of AMNY.com reported the trade on Thursday involving the LA Galaxy and NY Red Bulls. The Galaxy will receive a third-round pick from the Red Bulls in the upcoming 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

McCarthy has been benched since the 2-2 draw against his former team, LAFC, during Rivalry Week. In 11 games for the LA Galaxy, the Philadelphia native recorded 33 saves.

The team did not earn a win with McCarthy in at goal, but the LA Galaxy came close many times, including a 3-2 loss against another former team of his, the Philadelphia Union.

What the NY Red Bulls gain in the deal is a veteran keeper to add as they try to make the playoffs again. McCarthy started out so good for the LA Galaxy last year that one of his saves in the season opener against Inter Miami earned the 2024 Save of the Year Award.

The Los Angeles Galaxy lost 7-0 earlier in the season against the New York Red Bulls. Six goals were scored by the 2024 MLS Eastern Conference winners before an own goal from LA Galaxy defender Miki Yamane made it seven.

With Novak Micovic continuing as the team's starting goalie, the LA Galaxy will elevate keeper JT Marcinkowski as the second stringer and first backup. There is a chance, then, that Brady Scott may get called up from Ventura County FC should Micovic or Marcinkowski get hurt.

Next up for the LA Galaxy is the second meeting of the season against the Colorado Rapids. This time, the game is at Dignity Health Sports Park where the six-time MLS Cup winners fared much better at last season.