The Los Angeles Galaxy reached a new nadir on Saturday with a crushing 7-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls. This result marks the worst start in MLS history for a reigning champion, leaving the Galaxy without a single win after 12 matches. The game was a stark contrast to the 2024 MLS Cup final they won, highlighting their dramatic decline. The Red Bulls` dominant seven-goal victory also equaled the largest winning margin ever seen in a rematch of the final and was only the second time in their club history they had scored seven goals, the first since 2016.
Twelve games into the season, the Galaxy currently occupy the last position in the Western Conference standings. Gregg Vanney`s squad has struggled significantly, allowing a league-worst 28 goals. Their offensive output is also among the lowest in MLS, having scored only eight goals.
While the absence of star midfielder Riqui Puig due to an ACL injury at the start of the season contributed to early difficulties, the presence of prominent players like Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil suggested goal-scoring wouldn`t be a major problem. In a salary-capped league like MLS, roster changes after winning a championship are common and can weaken a team. However, the Galaxy`s poor form goes beyond personnel shifts; their expected goals (xG) figure of 12.93 indicates they aren`t even generating quality scoring opportunities.
To put the Galaxy`s struggles into perspective, let`s examine some historically poor starts by reigning champions in other major U.S. sports leagues:
NFL: Los Angeles Rams (2022 Season)
Following their Super Bowl victory, the Los Angeles Rams had a difficult start to their 2022 campaign, beginning with a 3-6 record. After winning two of their first three matches, their performance declined significantly, ultimately leading to a 5-12 finish, missing the playoffs, and placing third in the NFC West. Injuries, including to quarterback Matthew Stafford who played only nine games, were a major factor.
While not as severe as the Galaxy`s current situation, this 3-6 start was tied for the worst nine-game record by a defending Super Bowl champion in NFL history.
MLB: Florida Marlins (1998 Season)
In Major League Baseball, the Florida Marlins (now known as the Miami Marlins) hold the record for the worst start by a defending champion. After winning the World Series in 1997, they underwent significant roster changes, including trading star Moises Alou. The 1998 season began disastrously with a 1-9 record, culminating in a final record of 54-108.
