LA Galaxy beats Real Salt Lake, 2-0, for first win of season

CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy have life.

After enduring a miserable start to their season that saw them fail to win a game in 16 attempts, the reigning champions beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 at home on Saturday, May 31, in a night of firsts for LA.

Besides their first win, it was the first time this season the Galaxy had led and beaten an opponent by multiple goals. The first time this season they were ahead by two goals, the G's fell apart in an epic second half 3-2 capitulation against the Philadelphia Union just two weeks ago.

Just like in that match, the Galaxy jumped out to an early lead against RSL.

Matheus Nascimento was lively again in his second start of the season, and it was his heads-up play that produced LA’s first goal of the night in the 17th minute. 

After playing with his back toward goal and holding off the Real defense, the on-loan striker jumped over the incoming pass to give himself space, which he used to square a pass to an open Lucas Sanabria in front of goal.

Sanabria would make no mistake, putting away the goal for a 1-0 Galaxy lead. The Uruguayan’s goal would be the difference in the first half. 

Joseph Paintsil would put the game beyond reach in the 55th minute. Painstil would score by getting on the end of a Gabriel Pec pass, cutting back to his right foot, and sending a shot into the top corner of the net for the game's final 2-0 scoreline. 

The goal is the Ghanaian winger's first goal this season. He spoke about the team's preparation and mentality heading into the match against Real Salt Lake.

“We have to go all out because the fans have also been with us for the whole time, even with the loss and a whole lot of losing and everything. We have to just give them something they also deserve.”

A Complete Defensive Performance

Although the Galaxy offense finally showed signs of life, it was the Galaxy’s defense that was the difference-maker over the game. The Galaxy were as solid defensively as they’ve been all season, earning their first shutout in MLS play this year.

Goalkeeper Novak Mićović, making his third start since losing the #1 position earlier this year, set the tone early.

The Serbian made an early one-on-one save on RSL playmaker Diego Luna that would have put RSL ahead and changed the trajectory of the match. Instead, Mićović turned in his most assured showing of the season, finished with four saves, and earned his first career MLS win and shutout.

“He did a great job standing it up [the one-on-one shot]. To be honest, that probably dictates the whole game just emotionally, and everything else. Massive. I don't think you can understate that,” LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney said of Mićović's crucial early save.

Slowly, but surely, the shot stopper is starting to show why Vanney has been trying to make him his starting keeper since the beginning of last season. 

“This is the Novak we wanted to see, and this is the Novak we believe in. I hope with this confidence, he just continues to blossom and grow in the role.” 

What's Next for the Champs?

Now, the Galaxy will face a two-week international break before they get a chance to win their second match of the season on Saturday, June 14, 2025, against St. Louis City. 

For a team that has struggled to put together good runs of form, the layoff perhaps couldn't have come at a worse time.

Defender Maya Yoshida isn't worried about the time off, however. It might even benefit the Galaxy.

The Japanese center back shared his thoughts on the win and the coming break.

"This is just one win, but for me, for us, it's a huge win, and the important thing is we have to continue like that. That has to be our standard. That has to be our minimum."

With 17 games, or exactly half of the season, left to play, the Galaxy captain is still optimistic about LA's chances this year.

“We still have a lot of possibility to improve as a team, as individuals,” Yoshida said of the team in the remaining half of the season. 

"And we have a break next week, no games, international, so we can be very fresh mentally, physically, and start again."