LA Galaxy: What to know about Greg Vanney’s squad for the start of the 2023 MLS season

LA Galaxy finished their pre-season with a 2-1 win over Toronto FC, with goals from Efraín Álvarez and Mark Delgado. Greg Vanney’s side had up to six friendly matches in preparation for MLS 2023, but only managed two wins, against St. Louis City SC (4-1) and Toronto.

They also lost in three of their games, against New York City FC (1-2), Portland Timbers (1-4) and New York Red Bulls (1-0), and their only draw came against Charlotte FC (1-1).

Galaxy’s objectives for 2023

The main objective for Vanney’s side this season will be to get beyond the Conference semi-finals in the West, as last time out they were eliminated against LAFC and therefore failed again in their quest to win a sixth title in their history.

Earlier this month the Galaxy announced that they re-signed El Salvador international defender Eriq Zavaleta on a deal until the end of the 2024 MLS season. Zavaleta made six appearances across all competitions in his first season with the Galaxy in 2022.

Araujo leaves LA Galaxy

Julián Araujo’s transfer from LA Galaxy to Barcelona was delayed by paperwork arriving 18 seconds too late but the Catalans finally got the deal over the line last week and Barcelona B announced the signing of the right-back.

The 21-year-old will play for the club’s reserve team, who are coached by Rafael Márquez. The Mexican head coach has already expressed his delight to have the player on board.

On his arrival in Catalonia, Araujo spoke of his delight to move to the Camp Nou club. “I’m very happy about this big step in my career and I’m ready to give everything for this great club,” the Mexico international said.

New season opener against LAFC

The 2023 MLS season will get underway in the final week of February. LA Galaxy begin their campaign against rivals LAFC, who have a chance to capitalise on the 2022 title-winning season that saw them win their first league title since being founded.

The game, known as ‘El Tráfico’, gets underway on 25 February at 6:30 p.m. PT and will be played at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena.