Does JT Marcinkowski Remain in LA Galaxy's Starting XI? | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy have not had the season they hoped for. Many of the players aren't the same as they were this time last year.

Forward Dejan Joveljic plays for Sporting Kansas City now, and former defender Jalen Neal is with CF Montreal. Gaston Brugman and Marky Delgado, a pair of midfielders, were also traded away.

May 31, 2025; Carson, California, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski (12) during warm ups against Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images | Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images

Will Kuntz, the crafty and aggressive general manager for the LA Galaxy, has made several moves the past two years with the goal of keeping the team competitive. Last season, his plan worked, as this year it has not.

In providing depth behind John McCarthy and Novak Micovic, Kuntz signed another veteran goalkeeper. JT Marcinkowski joined the team this past winter.

What has Marcinkowski done for the LA Galaxy in 2025?

Up until recently, the 28-year-old keeper had been on the sidelines and taking warm ups. Marcinkowsi received his first start in goal for the Los Angeles Galaxy back in August against the Colorado Rapids at home.

The main reason was to give key starters rest ahead of the LA Galaxy's Third-Place Match in the 2025 Leagues Cup against Orlando City SC. That plan worked by head coach Greg Vanney as the team won against both the Colorado and Orlando City.

In his 2025 season debut, Marcinkowski recorded one save and a clean sheet in the 3-0 shutout victory against the Rapids. He had spent seven seasons previously (2018-2024) with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Against the Houston Dynamo, Marcinkowski allowed his first goal of 2025. It looked as if he was going to get his first loss until LA Galaxy midfielder Lucas Sanabria scored deep into stoppage time at the end of the game. That gave the Galaxy their eighth draw of the season while avoiding a 17th loss.

It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Galaxy will stick with Marcinkowski as their starting goalie. The defending MLS Cup winners have not been eliminated from the postseason yet. While every team is still mathematically in the running in the MLS Western Conference, including the last-place LA Galaxy, two teams in the MLS Eastern Conference have: CF Montreal and D.C. United.

Both Marcinkowski and Micovic are still under contract with the six-time MLS Cup champions through next year. McCarthy was set to be a free agent after this season, even with him being traded. Time will tell who Vanney goes with, or Kuntz may find another gem this winter.