Preview, Match Day #21: LA Galaxy host Vancouver Whitecaps | OneFootball

Major League Soccer is enjoying its 30th regular season. Not all teams like the defending champions, the LA Galaxy, are. However, others such as the Vancouver Whitecaps are thriving.

Both teams enjoyed making the playoffs. The ninth-seeded Whitecaps upset the eighth seed, Portland Timbers, and almost pulled off the first round upset against LAFC. The other LA-based team went the distance and won the 2024 MLS Cup.

The two teams taking the field Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park are in much different positions on the MLS Western Conference standings in 2025.

While the LA Galaxy enjoyed most of last season being on top, they are down on the bottom as the only team in the West without multiple wins. They look to improve on their 1-6-13 record, though it will be tough.

The Vancouver Whitecaps crept into the postseason last year. Now, they appear on pace to be where the LA teams were a season ago: first or second place. Currently, the LA Galaxy's opponent enter the 4th of July weekend just one point behind the MLS Western Conference leaders, San Diego FC.

What to expect this time between the LA Galaxy and the Whitecaps?

The injury report for the Los Angeles Galaxy is relative thin. The only players are listed are Riqui Puig, who is still recovering from ACL surgery, and veteran goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Independence Day is also McCarthy's birthday but he will miss today's game due to a lingering back issue. Novak Micovic will start in goal again as he did during the first outing this season against the Whitecaps back on March 2. The LA Galaxy are fortunate to see even more names on Vancouver's injury list.

Though he is not missing due to injury, the Whitecaps' leading scorer Brian White will not be playing due to active service. The Flemington, New Jersey native is with the United States Men's National Team.

White scored the game-winning goal, giving Vancouver the 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy. The other member of the Whitecaps to score in that game, Sam Adekugbe, is also listed out due to an Achilles injury. Ryan Gauld, Ali Ahmed, and Andres Cubas all will miss Friday's game from lower body injuries. Teammate Sebastian Berhalter is with their captain, White, and the USMNT.

The LA Galaxy hope to take advantage of this many strong weapons sitting out for the Whitecaps. The six-time MLS Cup winners will be with last week's captain and June's Player of the Month, Marco Reus.

How to Watch the LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

As always, all MLS regular season games are available on MLS Season Pass. The Los Angeles Galay will be playing in their 28th ever 4th of July game. Their 21st regular season game will also be broadcast on the Apple TV and Apple TV+ platforms.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. (Central Time) and 7:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). The game will be played at in Carson, California.

The last two Independence games for the LA Galaxy have been held at a neutral site, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Both of those contests were against their rival LAFC.