From champs to winless: How did the Galaxy get to this point?

CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup defense has become a case study in how quickly a championship formula can unravel.

Just over four months ago the Galaxy celebrated winning their league-leading Sixth MLS Cup title over the New York Red Bulls. 

Now halfway through April, the reigning champions sit winless through eight matches (0-5-3), collecting just three of a possible 24 points while looking nothing like the side that dominated the league last season.

Slow Starts Becoming Routine

The Galaxy have conceded first in seven of eight matches this season, forcing them to chase games repeatedly. Even in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Houston, they fell behind early before Diego Fagundez rescued a point with a stunning free kick.

"We get shot in the foot ourselves," Fagundez said postgame. "Those mistakes need to stop."

Greg Vanney acknowledged the issue, stressing that "we've got to stop putting ourselves in holes and trying to figure our way out."

Defensive Breakdowns Piling Up

The backline has taken a step back in 2025, with Zanka’s red card in the first half against Houston the latest in a string of self-inflicted wounds. 

Just before Zanka was sent off, the backline was caught watching the ball as Ezequiel Ponce put Houston ahead early.

Fagundez didn’t mince words about the Dynamo’s opener: "It was too easy for him to get in the box. We need to communicate."

Ponce’s goal reflects the Galaxy’s poor defense to start the year. This  season's numbers paint a stark contrast to the Galaxy's championship form

The Galaxy have allowed an average of 1.87 goals per match, while only scoring .75 goals per match in 2025. 

Compared to last season, the Galaxy allowed an average of 1.47 goals per match and scored 2.03 per match.

The Galaxy are currently on pace to concede 64 goals this season (compared to 50 in 2024) while scoring just 26 (down from 69).

Midfield in Disarray Without Puig

Riqui Puig was spotted on the sidelines during Saturday’s draw against Houston, but he’s still not expected to be back until at least August.

Puig’s absence since last year’s Western Conference Final has left a gaping hole in midfield. 

The Galaxy’s buildup play, once fluid, has slowed down, likely due to the amount of moving pieces from week to week.

Vanney admitted reintegration has been messy, with players like Lucas Sanabria "still finding his footing,” after returning from injury.

Players like Cerrillo or Fagundez, who can get moved around situationally and still contribute, have helped put a Band-Aid over this hole, but the Galaxy will continue to count down the days until Puig is back in uniform.

Flickers of Hope Amid Struggles

Despite the poor results, Fagundez believes the Galaxy haven’t been outplayed—just undone by their own mistakes. "There’s not one team that’s outplayed us," he insisted. "We need to play the way we did down a man, but with 11."

Since the start of the season, the Galaxy's medical report looked closer to a team sheet:   Puig hasn't featured since last year's Western Conference Final, Sanabria broke his collarbone in the opener against San Diego, Mauricio Cuevas has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and Paintsil missed critical preseason integration. 

Even last summer’s new signing, Marco Reus, remains limited by knee issues.

With key players like Reus and Cuevas nearing returns, Vanney sees "light at the end of the tunnel." But until the Galaxy cut out the errors, their freefall may continue.

Fagundez said he knows what the Galaxy have to do in order to finally get three points and move up in the standings.

“I think it's one thing that we need to correct, and I've been saying this now for the past two weeks, and its details. Pay attention to details, because those are what's killing us at the end of the day.”