A Year in Review: Goalkeeper Edition 1.2 | OneFootball

In the first edition of the goalkeepers' reviews, we took a stroll down memory lane on John McCarthy's debut season with the Los Angeles Galaxy. A side from a few small hiccups, the now 32-year-old newcomer was a major contributor in the team's successful season.

The LA Galaxy ended 2024 by hoisting their sixth MLS Cup title. McCarthy was not the only goalkeeper on the roster for the Western Conference winners, either.

Head Coach Greg Vanney had a pair of other keepers that were listed on his depth chart. Those two members of the LA Galaxy were Novak Micovic and Brady Scott.

Novak Micovic

Though the Serbia keeper did not see the field much for the LA Galaxy in 2024, he was briefly given a taste of the MLS experience for the second season in a row.

Just like in 2023, Micovic appeared in two games during the regular season. Both resulted in either a loss or a draw.

After allowing six goals in 2023, Micovic not only allowed just goals while recording his first complete sheet (shutout). This happened during the 0-0 draw at Charlotte in the middle of May.

On June 1, Micovic got called to start again for the LA Galaxy on the road versus the Chicago Fire. He collected a pair of saves while allowing one goal each half. The high powered LA Galaxy offense only mustered one score from Riqui Puig's penalty kick in the 7th minute.

Micovic accumulated more experience in goal for the Galaxy during the Leagues Cup tournament. On July 31, the backup goalie took the field in the Starting XI. With three saves and allowing only one goal, Micovic earned his first career victory in goal for the LA Galaxy.

In the next round, the Los Angeles Galaxy played Guadalajara and advanced on penalty kicks. Micovic had a single game high of six saves and allowed two goals. The Galaxy scored just as many earning the draw but advanced to eventually lose out to the Seattle Sounders.

Brady Scott

During the August 24 game when the LA Galaxy hosted Atlanta United, the third string goalkeeper was elevated to backup McCarthy. In the same game that saw Marco Reus's debut, Scott's number was almost called.

He did not take the field during the 2024 MLS regular season. Scott signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy after playing with the Columbus Crew. The deal that he signed back in March of last year keeps him under team control through the 2026 season.

Scott also previously played for Austin FC and Nashville SC before he signed with Columbus. The Petaluma, California native provides insurance for the LA Galaxy should McCarthy or Micovic go down with an injury.

However, heading into the MLS Expansion Draft last month, Scott was one of the 11 members of the LA Galaxy to be unprotected from selection by San Diego FC. Thus, it remains to be seen if Scott is on the vision board for the six-time champions going forward.

Final Grades: B- & N/A

For Micovic, he had a much better season for the LA Galaxy in 2024 than he did in 2023. He has the potential to be a solid backup.

Having the support of one of the league's best offenses also gives any goalkeeper an extra confidence boost.

As for Scott, the verdict is still out but there is a reason why he remains under contract with LA Galaxy. For now.