Preseason Game: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Austin FC | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy look to rebound from a closed-door match where they lost 2-0 against New York FC. In the game's last few minutes, the defending MLS Cup champions allowed a pair of goals following 86 minutes of a scoreless contest.

Wednesday's preseason game will be played at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The official start time is slated for 2:00 p.m. (ET), 11:00 a.m. (PT).

What's different this time around between the two teams?

After winning their sixth MLS Cup Title, the Los Angeles Galaxy have been one of the more active teams in free agency. The first of many moves started in mid December when the franchise unloaded 2024 MLS Finals MVP Gaston Brugman.

Brugman was inserted into the starting lineup to replace the injured star midfielder Riqui Puig. His assist resulted in the game's first of three goals.

He now plays for Nashville SC as the general manager of the Galaxy, Will Kuntz, traded him for veteran midfielder Sean Davis. Fellow midfielder Marky Delgado, defender Jalen Neal and high-scoring Dejan Joveljic have since been shipped elsewhere, too.

The striker from Serbia is the most recently traded member of last year's championship team. Brugman, Delgado, Neal and Joveljic will not be on the field in this contest for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Instead, they have added Mathias Jørgensen (aka Zanka) and Ascel Essengue to their defense. The nephew of head coach Greg Vanney, Eriq Zavaleta, also re-signed for one year to return for the Galaxy.

Jason Bucknor, Nicklaus Sullivan and Jacob Woznicki were the selections made in December's MLS Super Draft by the Los Angeles Galaxy. The trio could take the field on Wednesday against for the LA Galaxy.

Austin FC has also been active reshaping their roster. Former LA Galaxy star Gyasi Zardes was waived via a Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract. As the forward left the team, Austin FC also added defender Žan Kolmanič.

How have the LA Galaxy fared against Austin FC as of late?

In the last five regular season games, the two teams have each won twice and lost twice. There has been one draw during this span, as well.

The Los Angeles Galaxy dropped a 2-0 contest in late April at Q2 Stadium. Vanney and his players extracted revenge during their last regular season game at home.

Gabriel Pec and Joveljic scored the two goals for eventual 2024 MLS Cup winners. A 2-1 victory also saw the Galaxy wrap up an unbeaten season in all 16 games played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

With the absence of Puig and Joveljic now on Sporting Kansas City, their offense seems to have taken a hit going into 2025. However, behind a strong defense and a capable goalkeeper in John McCarthy, the Los Angeles Galaxy should be able to rebuild from the 2-0 loss in their first preseason game.