History of LA Galaxy in Timeline

The LA Galaxy is a professional soccer club based in the Greater Los Angeles area, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of the Western Conference. As one of the league's ten charter members, the Galaxy began playing in 1996 and has since become the most successful team in MLS.

1994: Galaxy founded

In 1994, the LA Galaxy was founded and are owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group.

1996: No Golden Boot Award

From 1996 to 2004, there was no Golden Boot winner. The MLS Scoring Champion Award included both goal and assist totals those years.

1996: Began competing in the inaugural season of Major League Soccer

In 1996, the LA Galaxy began competing in the first season of the then-new Major League Soccer.

1996: Began play as one of the league's ten charter members

In 1996, the LA Galaxy began playing as one of the ten charter members of Major League Soccer (MLS).

1996: Inaugural MLS Season and Jersey Colors

In 1996, the LA Galaxy played their inaugural season in the MLS using colors that reflected the city of Los Angeles. Their original jersey featured black-and-teal halves, black sleeves with gold and red accents, black shorts, and black socks.

1997: Finished second in the conference after a slow start

In 1997, the LA Galaxy started the season 1–7, but improved to 15–9 to qualify for the playoffs, ultimately finishing second in their conference after losing to the Dallas Burn.

1998: Defeated the Dallas Burn, lost in the semi-final to the Chicago Fire

In 1998, the LA Galaxy finished the season strong at 24–8 and defeated the Dallas Burn 9–3 on aggregate before losing in the semi-final to the Chicago Fire 5–1 on aggregate.

1999: Finished first in the Western Conference, lost to D.C. United

In 1999, the LA Galaxy finished first in the Western Conference with a 20–12 record but lost to D.C. United 2–0 in the final.

2000: Finished second in the Western Division, won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 2000, the LA Galaxy finished second in the Western Division with a 14–10–8 record and lost to the Kansas City Wizards. That same year, the Galaxy won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

2001: Formation of the LA Riot Squad

After a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup, then-Galaxy keeper Kevin Hartman challenged a group of Galaxy fans to form a supporter group of 100 people by opening day of 2002.

2001: Won the Open Cup, scored 1,000 all-time points

In 2001, the LA Galaxy had a successful year, winning the Open Cup and scoring 1,000 all-time points, with Cobi Jones scoring the 300th goal, but were defeated by the San Jose Earthquakes. The Galaxy also clinched first in the Western Conference with a 16–9–3 record.

2002: Won their first MLS Cup

In 2002, the LA Galaxy won their first MLS Cup by defeating the New England Revolution 1–0, marking the club's fourth appearance in the final.

2003: Move to Home Depot Center

In 2003, the Galaxy relocated to the Home Depot Center, now known as Dignity Health Sports Park. From 2005 to 2014, they shared the stadium with Chivas USA.

2003: First Profit in Team History

In 2003, the LA Galaxy became the first MLS team to turn a profit due to increased attendance, doubled revenue from sponsors, and revenues from parking and concessions after moving into the new Home Depot Center.

2003: Finished fourth due to stadium construction

In 2003, the LA Galaxy finished fourth, playing more away games due to stadium construction, with a record of 9–12–9.

2003: Began playing at Dignity Health Sports Park

Since 2003, the LA Galaxy have played their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

2004: No Golden Boot Award

From 1996 to 2004, there was no Golden Boot winner. The MLS Scoring Champion Award included both goal and assist totals those years.

2005: Sharing Stadium with Chivas USA

From 2005 to 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA, with whom they competed in the SuperClasico.

2005: Start of SuperClasico Rivalry

In 2005, the Galaxy started a rivalry with Chivas USA, called the SuperClasico, where they shared the same stadium.

2005: Acquired Landon Donovan and won the MLS Cup

In 2005, the LA Galaxy acquired Landon Donovan from San Jose and won the Open Cup, finishing with a 13–13–6 record and defeated the New England Revolution in extra time, 1-0 to win the 2005 MLS Cup. They became the only team to appear in the playoffs in all of the league's first ten seasons.

2006: Doug Hamilton passed away, missing the playoffs for the first time

The 2006 season began with the sudden death of Doug Hamilton, the team's general manager. The team finished fifth in the Western Conference, missing the playoffs for the first time since the league's inception. Steve Sampson was replaced by Frank Yallop as head coach. The team made a deep run to the U.S. Open Cup final, but lost 3–1 against the Chicago Fire.

March 2007: Herbalife became shirt sponsor

In March 2007, Herbalife signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy, worth between $4–5 million a year, to be the club's primary shirt sponsor.

2007: Creation of the Angel City Brigade

In 2007, the Angel City Brigade was created to establish a festive and vibrant atmosphere in Dignity Health Sports Park for the Galaxy.

2007: Adoption of Current Team Colors

In 2007, the LA Galaxy adopted their current team colors: navy blue, gold, and white, coinciding with David Beckham's arrival and a team re-branding.

2007: Signed David Beckham from Real Madrid

In 2007, the LA Galaxy made international headlines by signing English player David Beckham from Real Madrid.

2007: Logo Change

In 2007, the logo was changed again to coincide with David Beckham's arrival, and now features a blue shield with a gold border, the LA Galaxy team name, and a quasar at the top of the crest.

2008: Ruud Gullit resigned and Alexi Lalas was fired

In the 2008 MLS season, the LA Galaxy went on a seven-game winless streak, leading to the resignation of manager Ruud Gullit and the firing of general manager Alexi Lalas. Bruce Arena replaced Gullit, but the team still missed the playoffs for the third-straight season.

2009: Donovan and Beckham involved in loan deals

In 2009, David Beckham and Landon Donovan were involved in loan deals with European clubs. Beckham was loaned to Milan and Donovan to Bayern Munich. Beckham sought a permanent transfer to Milan, but eventually returned to LA in July after an agreement was reached.

2009: Donovan and Beckham went on loan

In 2009, Landon Donovan went to Everton on loan and David Beckham returned to Milan on loan.

2009: Finished top of the Western Conference, lost in MLS Cup final

In 2009, the LA Galaxy finished top of the Western Conference and runners-up in the MLS Supporters' Shield. They reached the MLS Cup final but lost to Real Salt Lake 5–4 on penalties. They qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.

2010: Beckham sought permanent transfer to Milan

In 2010, Beckham sought a permanent transfer to Milan in a bid to sustain his England career through the 2010 World Cup, and Milan made a bid for the player that was rejected by LA.

2010: Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon

In 2010, David Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon while on loan at Milan, causing him to miss the World Cup and most of the Galaxy's season.

2010: Qualified for the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round

In 2010, the LA Galaxy qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.

2010: Won the Supporters' Shield

In 2010, the LA Galaxy won the Supporters' Shield for the first time while MLS played a balanced schedule. They lost to FC Dallas in the Western Conference Final.

2011: Deal with Time Warner Cable

At the end of the 2011 season, the Galaxy announced a ten-year, $55 million deal with Time Warner Cable (now Charter Spectrum).

2011: Last U.S. Open Cup Game at Titan Stadium

Between 1999 and 2011, U.S. Open Cup games were regularly held at Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.

2011: Won fourth Supporters' Shield and third MLS Cup

In 2011, the LA Galaxy added Robbie Keane and won their fourth Supporters' Shield and their third MLS Cup, defeating the Houston Dynamo 1–0 in the final. This was their first MLS Cup Victory in regulation.

January 2012: Beckham signed a new two-year deal with LA

In January 2012, David Beckham signed a new two-year deal with the LA Galaxy.

November 2012: Beckham confirmed leaving the Galaxy

In November 2012, David Beckham confirmed he would be leaving the Galaxy at the end of the 2012 MLS season.

December 1, 2012: Won their second-straight MLS Cup victory

On December 1, 2012, the LA Galaxy won their second-straight MLS Cup victory over the Houston Dynamo, 3–1. Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez won the MLS MVP trophy.

2012: Broadcast on KDOC, Time Warner Cable SportsNet, KWHY

In 2012, all English-language matches were broadcast on local outlet KDOC, with one match showcased on Time Warner Cable SportsNet. Spanish matches were shown on independent outlet KWHY.

2012: Reached the semi-finals of the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League

In 2012, the LA Galaxy reached the semi-finals of the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, but lost 3–1 on aggregate to Mexican team Monterrey.

May 26, 2013: Robbie Rogers became first openly gay man to play in top North American professional sports league

On May 26, 2013, Robbie Rogers played his first match as a substitute for the Galaxy, becoming the first openly gay man to play in a top North American professional sports league.

2013: Finished third in the Western Conference

In 2013, the LA Galaxy finished third in the Western Conference and lost in the conference semi-finals to Real Salt Lake.

January 2014: LA Galaxy II reserve team created

In January 2014, the LA Galaxy created the LA Galaxy II reserve team to compete in the USL.

2014: End of SuperClasico Rivalry

At the end of the 2014 season, Chivas USA ceased operations, ending the SuperClasico rivalry with the Galaxy.

2014: End of Stadium Sharing with Chivas USA

From 2005 to 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA, with whom they competed in the SuperClasico.

2014: Chivas USA folded

In 2014, city rivals Chivas USA folded, ending the SuperClasico rivalry with the LA Galaxy.

2014: Won the 2014 MLS Cup, Landon Donovan retired

In 2014, the LA Galaxy won the 2014 MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution 2–1 in overtime, becoming five-time champions. At the end of the season, Landon Donovan retired.

January 7, 2015: Announced the signing of Steven Gerrard

On January 7, 2015, the LA Galaxy announced the signing of Steven Gerrard to an 18-month Designated Player contract.

July 2015: Steven Gerrard joined the team and made his debut

In July 2015, Steven Gerrard joined the LA Galaxy and made his debut in an International Champions Cup against Club América on July 11.

2015: Forbes Report on LA Galaxy Revenue and Value

A Forbes report in 2015 ranked the LA Galaxy second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44 million) and franchise value ($240 million).

2015: Galaxy in Western Conference

For the 2015 USL season, the Galaxy were placed in the Western Conference.

November 22, 2016: Bruce Arena Leaves to Coach US National Team

On November 22, 2016, Bruce Arena left the LA Galaxy to begin his second stint as head coach of the United States national team. He took most of the Galaxy's coaching staff with him. Peter Vagenas replaced him as general manager, and Curt Onalfo replaced him as head coach.

2016: Omar Gonzalez left the Galaxy

Before the start of the 2016 season, Omar Gonzalez left the Galaxy after nine years to C.F. Pachuca.

2016: Highest Mark Since 2016

In 2022, the club showed marked improvement, punctuated by the continued improvement of Hernández and the signings of former Barcelona youth product Riqui Puig and European veteran Gastón Brugman. The Galaxy finished fourth in the West (eighth overall), their highest mark since 2016.

July 27, 2017: Curt Onalfo Fired, Sigi Schmid Hired

On July 27, 2017, with a 6-10-4 record, the Galaxy fired Curt Onalfo and replaced him with former head coach Sigi Schmid.

2017: No. 13 Jersey issued to Jermaine Jones

In 2017, Jersey No. 13 was issued to Jermaine Jones, clarifying that the LA Galaxy have not officially retired any jersey number.

2018: Higher Salaried Designated Player Contract

After the 2018 season, the Galaxy ended Ibrahimović's original deal and signed him to a new and higher salaried designated player contract.

2018: Los Angeles FC (LAFC) began play, starting "El Tráfico" rivalry

In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) began play, creating a new rivalry with the LA Galaxy known as "El Tráfico".

2018: LAFC joins MLS

In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) joined the league as an expansion team, establishing a new crosstown rivalry with the LA Galaxy.

March 1, 2019: Release of Giovani dos Santos

On March 1, 2019, the LA Galaxy announced they had exercised its one offseason Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract on Giovani dos Santos, thus releasing him from the team.

October 7, 2019: MLS regular season standing

As of October 7, 2019, this information reflects MLS regular season data only.

2019: Galaxy Outlawz Start

Galaxy Outlawz is the latest group started in 2019. They now join the Galaxians and the Angel City Brigade in the new safe standing section in the north end.

2019: Forbes estimated the club is the second most valuable in the league

In 2019, Forbes estimated that the LA Galaxy was the second most valuable club in the league, worth about $480 million.

2019: MLS Sanctions for Pavón Signing

In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing, stripping the club of $1 million in allocation money and suspending club president Chris Klein.

2019: Schelotto Joins and Playoff Berth

In the 2019 season, the Galaxy welcomed Guillermo Barros Schelotto to the club as head coach. The Galaxy also added a number of players. With this, and the emergence of academy product Efraín Álvarez, the Galaxy placed fifth in the West and made the playoffs.

January 21, 2020: Signing of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez

On January 21, 2020, the Galaxy signed Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to a three-year contract, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

2020: Victoria Block is built

Victoria Block is the newest safe standing only section built in 2020 replacing all of the bleachers from sections 120 to 123 in the north end of the stadium. It is the new supporters only section and new home for the Galaxians, Angel City Brigade, and Galaxy Outlawz.

2021: Narrowly Missed MLS Playoffs

In 2021, under coach Greg Vanney, the Galaxy narrowly missed the MLS playoffs, finishing eighth in the Western Conference and 15th overall.

December 2022: MLS Sanctions the Galaxy

In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing, stripping the club of $1 million in allocation money and suspending club president Chris Klein.

2022: Improvement and Playoff Run

In 2022, the LA Galaxy showed marked improvement, finishing fourth in the West and making the playoffs. They beat Nashville SC before falling to LAFC in the conference semifinals. Hernández was named the team's player of the year.

2022: Galaxy's record vs LAFC through 2022

Through 2022, the Galaxy's record against LAFC is 7-5-5, including 0-2 in the playoffs. This rivalry is known as "El Tráfico".

May 30, 2023: Galaxy Part Ways with Chris Klein

On May 30, 2023, the Galaxy officially announced they had parted ways with Chris Klein.

2023: Joe Tutino sole radio announcer

After the launch of MLS Season Pass in 2023, Joe Tutino became the sole radio announcer for all Galaxy games, with the radio feed broadcast on the club's website and social media pages.

2023: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

From 2023, every Galaxy match became available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Some matches also air on FOX Sports via FOX or FS1.

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2023: Return to Rose Bowl

In 2023 and 2024, the Galaxy returned to the Rose Bowl for one game each season to host the El Tráfico games.

2023: International Player Signing Ban

In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing. Moreover, the club was not allowed to sign international players in the 2023 summer transfer window.

2023: Chris Klein Suspension

In the offseason leading up to 2023, team president Chris Klein was suspended through the primary transfer window after undisclosed payments involving the team's 2019 signing of Cristian Pavon.

2023: ESPN and Univision broadcasting

Until 2023, ESPN carried most games on its ESPN+ platform and nationally televised broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. Univision broadcast nationally televised games on UniMás, or TUDN, with the match stream also available on Twitter.

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March 15, 2024: Partial relocation and rebrand to Ventura County FC

On March 15, 2024, the team announced a partial relocation to Thousand Oaks, California and rebranded to Ventura County FC.

2024: Return to Rose Bowl

In 2023 and 2024, the Galaxy returned to the Rose Bowl for one game each season to host the El Tráfico games.

2024: Won a record-extending sixth MLS Cup

In 2024, the LA Galaxy won a record-extending sixth MLS Cup and broke the record for most goals during a playoff campaign with 18 goals.

2024: Won Sixth MLS Cup

On December 7, 2024, the Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls 2–1 to win their sixth MLS Cup in club history, their first in exactly ten years.

2025: Longest Winless Streak

The Galaxy's 2025 campaign would set the record for longest winless streak to start a season in MLS history. They finished fourteenth of fifteen teams in the Western Conference, narrowly avoiding another wooden spoon, and did not win a game on the road.

2026: Riqui Puig Suffers Setback

Riqui Puig was expected to return in time for the 2026 season, but in the offseason, it was revealed that he suffered a setback in his recovery and would require further surgery that would cause him to miss another season.