Why So Many New Starters for LA Galaxy vs. Rapids | OneFootball

A few things were different about the LA Galaxy's game against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening compared to others before it. Not only did the six-time MLS Cup winners beat a team for just the fourth time in 27 regular-season games, they also did it with their third shuout of the season.

The other two shutout victims were Real Salt Lake in late May and the Vancouver Whitecaps on 4th of July. The LA Galaxy beat D.C. United last month, however, that game ended 2-1.

Greg Vanney, the head coach of the LA Galaxy, elected to keep his 4-2-3-1 formation in tact. This is the same formation he used for most of last year including the Galaxy's deep postseason run. The team won the MLS Cup Finals by the end of it.

Injuries prevent two stars for the La Galaxy from being named to the Starting XI against the Rapids. The captain, Maya Yoshida, and young Brazilian forward Matheus Nascimento were withheld from the contest due to lower-body injuries. Midfielder Riqui Puig is still on the injured list, as well.

Why the chances to the Starting XI for the LA Galaxy?

Greg Vanney sees the big picture this year for the LA Galaxy. Resting at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference for pretty much the entire 2025 regular season, missing the playoffs is inevitable. But on Saturday during 'MARVEL Night,' the Los Angeles Galaxy looked ready to win their semifinal match next week in this year's Leagues Cup tournament.

With Yoshida and Nascimento healing, the other big three on offense for the LA Galaxy, Joseph Painstil, Gabriel Pec, and Marco Reus, all came into the game midway through the second half. At that point, the LA Galaxy were already up 2-0 before Pec made it 3-0.

Miguel Berry played up top where Nascimento has been starting lately. John Nelson, Mathias Jorgensen (Zanka), and newcomer Chris Rindov were lined up on the defensive line with Miki Yamane. The veteran defender and native of Japan was credited with two assists, one from Harbor Miller's goal and another from Elijah Wynder's.

Even Novak Micovic sat out Saturday's game against the Rapids. Backup goalie JT Marcinkowski took the start and tallied one save on his way to a clean sheet. Veteran keeper John McCarthy was traded two days before the match against Colorado.

Wynder played alongside Edwin Cerillo in the backhalf of the midfield. Miller was aligned with Lucas Sanabria, another rare starter, and Tucker Lepley.

The Rapids came into Carson, California ready for a battle. After all, Colorado defeated the Galaxy, 2-0, on their home field two months ago.

The Rapids entered the weekend seventh in the MLS Western Conference standings. They were very aggressive this month before the Transfer Window closing. Four new players joined Colorado as they look to do better than last year's first round playoff exit (thanks to the LA Galaxy).

Wednesday's match against the Seattle Sounders will determine if the Los Angeles Galaxy will play in the 2025 Leagues Cup Finals or the Third-Place Match on Saturday. Regardless, the reigning MLS Cup champions will play either Orlando City SC or Inter Miami.