LA Galaxy Preparing to Honor Dejan Joveljic in His Return | OneFootball

In just one season, forward Dejan Joveljic was traded from the best in the MLS Western Conference to one of the worst. Granted, had he remained with the Los Angeles Galaxy, he would have been in the same position.

The defending MLS Cup champions have failed to successfully defend their title. For the second time in three years, the LA Galaxy will miss the playoffs.

The 26-year-old Serbian athlete had a memorable season last year for the Los Angeles Galaxy. He had the only goal in the 2024 MLS Western Conference Finals against the Seattle Sounders. His goal in the 85th minute.

Furthermore, Joveljic scored one of the two decisive goals for the LA Galaxy in the 2024 MLS Cup Finals against the New York Red Bulls. He also contributed on half of his team's six goals in the MLS Western Conference Semifinals victory over Minnesota United FC.

Joveljic had recorded two goals and an assist in that contest. During the 2024 MLS regular season, the former LA Galaxy forward had 15 goals. He already has surpassed that with his new team, Sporting Kansas City, as Joveljic has scored 17 times entering this weekend.

What Joveljic meant to the LA Galaxy

It shouldn't be a surprise that Joveljic is successful for the second year in a row, despite being with a different team. Heading into Saturday's match between the six-time MLS Cup winners and Sporting Kansas City, Joveljic has scored 32 goals in the past two seasons.

He was a part of the quartet for the LA Galaxy that saw four of their own players score at least 10 goals. That is a feat that has never been done before in MLS history.

Dec 8, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Riqui Puig and Gabriel Pec of the LA Galaxy celebrate winning the Philip F. Anschutz trophy during the champions celebration after winning the 2024 MLS Cup against the New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images | Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images

In addition to the loss of Riqui Puig this season, due to the ACL injury he sustained in the 2024 MLS Western Conference Final, Joveljic's absence has been felt this year by the LA Galaxy. Entering the second meeting against Kansas City this weekend, the defending MLS champions have been shut out nine times in 2025.

That includes the 1-0 shutout in early May against Sporting. An own goal from LA Galaxy captain and veteran defender Maya Yoshida is what doomed the team in that loss.

The Los Angeles Galaxy will honor their former forward with a tribute prior to Saturday's game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Joveljic was a playoff hero for the 2024 MLS Cup winners, scoring six times and contributing two assists at home. His production helped keep the LA Galaxy unbeaten at Dignity Health Sports Park during the regular and postseason.