History of LA Galaxy in Timeline
The LA Galaxy, based in Greater Los Angeles, are a Major League Soccer (MLS) team competing in the Western Conference. As one of the ten charter members since 1996, they are the most successful team in the league. The LA Galaxy are a prominent soccer club.
1957: Quasar
The quasar, featured prominently on the LA Galaxy's shield, was originally featured on the 1957 Seal of Los Angeles County, as well as the modified Seal of Los Angeles County, California.
1994: Galaxy founded
In 1994, the LA Galaxy were founded and are owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group.
1996: Home Games at the Rose Bowl
From 1996 to 2002, the LA Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
1996: Galaxians Established
Galaxians are the first and original supporter group of the LA Galaxy, having been established in 1996 during the Galaxy's first season in MLS.
1996: Golden Boot award did not exist
In 1996, the Golden Boot award, given to the leading goal scorer at the end of the MLS season, did not exist.
1996: Began competing in MLS
In 1996, the LA Galaxy began competing in the first season of Major League Soccer.
1996: Inaugural MLS Season
The Galaxy's original jersey, used in the inaugural 1996 MLS season, reflected the colors of the city of Los Angeles and featured black-and-teal halves, black sleeves with gold and red accents, black shorts and black socks.
1997: Qualified for the playoffs
In 1997, after a slow start, the Galaxy went 15–9 for the rest of the season to qualify for the playoffs, ultimately finishing second in their conference.
1998: Rose Bowl Seating Reduced
From 1996 to 2002, the Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which was initially seated over 104,000 people, later reduced in 1998 to approximately 93,000.
1998: Equaled Goal Record
In 2024, the four-man attack of Riqui Puig, Serbian striker Dejan Joveljić, Paintsil and Pec provided 54 of the team's 69 MLS goals, equaling their highest output since 1998 (matched in the MLS Cup-winning 2014 campaign).
1999: Regular U.S. Open Cup Games at Titan Stadium
Between 1999 and 2011, U.S. Open Cup games were regularly held at the 10,000-seat Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.
1999: Finished first in the Western Conference
In 1999, the Galaxy finished first in the Western Conference with a 20–12 record, but lost to D.C. United.
2001: U.S. Open Cup Win at Titan Stadium
Between 1999 and 2011, U.S. Open Cup games were regularly held at the 10,000-seat Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton. The Galaxy played 10 games in total at Titan Stadium, including the U.S. Open Cup Final in 2001 when the Galaxy won the tournament.
2001: Won the Open Cup
In 2001, Los Angeles won the Open Cup and scored 1,000 all-time points, with Cobi Jones scoring the 300th goal. They finished first in the Western Conference.
2001: LA Riot Squad Formed
The LA Riot Squad formed after a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup, when then-Galaxy keeper Kevin Hartman challenged a group of Galaxy fans to form a supporter group.
2002: Home Games at the Rose Bowl
From 1996 to 2002, the LA Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
2002: LA Riot Squad reward
The LA Riot Squad formed after a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup, when then-Galaxy keeper Kevin Hartman challenged a group of Galaxy fans to form a supporter group of 100 people by opening day of 2002. The reward if they were able to do this was a keg of beer.
2003: Finished fourth
In 2003, the Galaxy finished fourth, playing more away games due to stadium construction.
2003: Moved to Dignity Health Sports Park
In 2003, the LA Galaxy moved to Dignity Health Sports Park (then known as the Home Depot Center, later known as StubHub Center).
2004: Golden Boot award did not exist
Until 2004, the Golden Boot award did not exist. From 1996 to 2004, the MLS Scoring Champion Award included both goal and assist totals.
2005: Shared Stadium with Chivas USA
From 2005 to 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA.
2005: Won the Open Cup and MLS Cup
In 2005, the Galaxy acquired Landon Donovan, won the Open Cup again, and won the MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution in extra time, 1–0.
2005: Galaxy rival Chivas USA
In 2005, the LA Galaxy began a rivalry with Chivas USA, sharing the same stadium in the SuperClasico.
2005: Won 2005 MLS Cup
In 2005, they won the 2005 MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution in extra time, 1–0.
March 2007: Herbalife signed a five-year deal
In March 2007, Herbalife signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy to be the club's primary shirt sponsor. The deal was worth between $4–5 million a year.
2007: Signed David Beckham
In 2007, the LA Galaxy signed English player David Beckham from Real Madrid in a high-profile transaction.
2007: Team Colors Changed
The LA Galaxy's team colors were adopted to coincide with David Beckham's arrival with the team in 2007 as part of an overall re-branding exercise spearheaded by then GM Alexi Lalas. The current colors are navy blue, gold, and white. The team's primary uniform is white and the secondary uniform is blue.
2008: Ruud Gullit resigned
In the 2008 MLS season, a seven-game winless streak led to the resignation of manager Ruud Gullit and the firing of general manager Alexi Lalas. Bruce Arena replaced Gullit, but the team missed the play-offs for the third-straight season.
2009: Donovan and Beckham went out on second loan spells
After the 2009 season, both Donovan and Beckham went out on second loan spells, Donovan to Everton and Beckham to Milan.
2009: Donovan and Beckham loan deals
In 2009, David Beckham and Landon Donovan were involved in loan deals with European clubs, Milan and Bayern Munich respectively. Donovan openly criticized Beckham's handling of the loan deals, as mentioned in the book 'The Beckham Experiment' by Grant Wahl.
2009: Finished top of the Western Conference
In 2009, LA finished top of the Western Conference, qualifying for the 2009 MLS Cup, where they lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties.
2010: Qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League
By reaching the MLS Cup final in 2009, the LA Galaxy qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.
2010: Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon
In 2010, Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon while on loan at Milan, missing the World Cup and most of the Galaxy's season.
2010: Beckham seeks permanent transfer to Milan
In 2010, Beckham sought a permanent transfer to Milan but eventually returned to LA in July after an agreement was reached. Donovan returned to the US after Bayern did not offer him a contract.
2011: Galaxy announce deal with Time Warner Cable
At the end of the 2011 season, the LA Galaxy announced a ten-year, $55 million deal with Time Warner Cable, the most lucrative local media contract in MLS history, to begin at the end of the 2012 MLS season.
2011: Regular U.S. Open Cup Games at Titan Stadium
Between 1999 and 2011, U.S. Open Cup games were regularly held at the 10,000-seat Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.
January 2012: Beckham signed a new two-year deal
In January 2012, David Beckham signed a new two-year deal with the LA Galaxy.
November 2012: Beckham confirmed he would be leaving the Galaxy
In November 2012, David Beckham confirmed he would be leaving the Galaxy at the end of the 2012 MLS season.
2012: Reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League
In 2012, the LA Galaxy reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League, but lost 3–1 on aggregate to Mexican team Monterrey.
2012: Matches broadcast on KDOC, Time Warner Cable SportsNet, and KWHY
In 2012, while awaiting the launch of Time Warner Cable networks, all English-language matches were broadcast on KDOC, with one match on Time Warner Cable SportsNet. Spanish-language matches were shown on KWHY.
May 26, 2013: Robbie Rogers played his first match
On May 26, 2013, Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay man to play in a top North American professional sports league when he played his first match as a substitute for the Galaxy.
2013: Finished third in the Western Conference
In 2013, the Galaxy finished third in the Western Conference and reached the conference semi-finals.
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: Chivas USA ceases operations
At the end of the 2014 season, Chivas USA ceased operations, concluding the SuperClasico rivalry with the LA Galaxy.
2014: Shared Stadium with Chivas USA
From 2005 to 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with their now-defunct league rivals Chivas USA.
2014: Chivas USA folded
In 2014, Chivas USA folded, leading to the formation of Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
2014: Won fifth MLS Cup
In 2014, the LA Galaxy won their fifth MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution 2–1 in overtime, becoming five-time champions and setting a league record. Landon Donovan retired at the end of the season.
2014: Equaled Goal Record
In 2024, the four-man attack of Riqui Puig, Serbian striker Dejan Joveljić, Paintsil and Pec provided 54 of the team's 69 MLS goals, equaling their highest output since 1998 (matched in the MLS Cup-winning 2014 campaign).
2014: End of Premier League season
Steven Gerrard joined the team in July 2015 following the end of the 2014–15 Premier League season.
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: Gerrard 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
A Forbes 2015 report ranked the LA Galaxy second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44 million) and in franchise value ($240 million).
2015: Galaxy placed in Western Conference
For the 2015 USL season, the LA Galaxy II were placed in the Western Conference.
November 22, 2016: Bruce Arena Leaves LA Galaxy
On November 22, 2016, Bruce Arena, the long-time general manager and head coach, departed from the LA Galaxy to become the head coach of the United States national team for the second time, taking most of the Galaxy's coaching staff with him. Dave Sarachan also left with Arena. Peter Vagenas replaced Arena as general manager, and Curt Onalfo took over as head coach.
2016: Highest Mark Since 2016
In 2022, the LA 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 LA Galaxy fired Curt Onalfo and replaced him with former head coach Sigi Schmid.
2017: Jersey No. 13 issued to Jermaine Jones
In 2017, the LA Galaxy jersey No. 13 was issued to Jermaine Jones, clarifying that it was not officially retired despite being associated with former player Cobi Jones.
March 2018: Zlatan Ibrahimović Signs with LA Galaxy
In March 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the LA Galaxy. He debuted in the El Tráfico match against LAFC, scoring two goals to help the Galaxy win 4–3 after being down 0–3.
2018: Ibrahimović New Contract
After the 2018 season, the LA 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
In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) began play, creating a new rivalry known as "El Tráfico".
2018: LAFC joins MLS, El Tráfico rivalry begins
In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) joined the league as an expansion team, establishing a new crosstown rivalry with the LA Galaxy. This rivalry is known as "El Tráfico".
March 1, 2019: Giovani dos Santos Released
On March 1, 2019, the LA Galaxy exercised its one offseason Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract on Giovani dos Santos, releasing him from the team.
October 7, 2019: MLS regular season record
As of October 7, 2019, this MLS regular season record milestone was reached.
2019: Forbes estimated the club's value
In 2019, Forbes estimated the club is worth about $480 million, making it the second most valuable in the league.
2019: Pavón Signing Controversy
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. Moreover, the club was not allowed to sign international players in the 2023 summer transfer window.
2019: Guillermo Barros Schelotto Joins as Head Coach; Pavon Signing
In the 2019 season, Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined the LA Galaxy as head coach. The Galaxy added Diego Polenta, Cristian Pavón, Favio Álvarez, and Uriel Antuna. The Galaxy placed fifth in the West and made the playoffs. Ibrahimović finished the season with 30 goals. In the playoffs, the Galaxy defeated Minnesota United FC before losing to LAFC. Ibrahimović left the club in November.
January 21, 2020: LA Galaxy Signs Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
On January 21, 2020, the LA Galaxy signed Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez from La Liga club Sevilla to a three-year contract, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
2020: Pavón Returns
Of the 2019 signings—most of them on loan—only Pavón returned for 2020.
2021: Narrowly Missed Playoffs
Under Vanney, the LA Galaxy narrowly missed the MLS playoffs in 2021, finishing eighth in the Western Conference (15th overall).
December 2022: MLS Sanctions LA 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. Moreover, the club was not allowed to sign international players in the 2023 summer transfer window.
2022: Marked Improvement; Hernández Named Player of the Year
In 2022, the LA Galaxy showed marked improvement, punctuated by Hernández improvement. The Galaxy finished fourth in the West (eighth overall), their highest mark since 2016. Hernández was named the team's player of the year that season.
2022: Galaxy's record vs LAFC through 2022
Through 2022, the LA Galaxy held a 7-5-5 record against LAFC, including 0-2 in the playoffs.
May 30, 2023: LA Galaxy Part Ways with Chris Klein
On May 30, 2023, the LA Galaxy officially announced they had parted ways with Klein.
2023: Joe Tutino becomes sole radio announcer
After the launch of MLS Season Pass in 2023, Joe Tutino became the sole radio announcer for all LA Galaxy games, with the feed broadcast on the club's website and social media pages.
2023: Returned to the 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: Transfer Ban
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. Moreover, the club was not allowed to sign international players in the 2023 summer transfer window.
2023: Chris Klein Suspension and Supporter Boycott
In the offseason leading up to 2023, team president Chris Klein was suspended through the primary transfer window. The league's sanctions on the Galaxy meant that the team could not make any international signings during the 2023 summer transfer window. Galaxy supporter group leaders announced a boycott, refusing to attend any home games until he was removed.
2023: ESPN stops broadcasting MLS games
Until 2023, ESPN carried most games on its ESPN+ platform for out-of-market viewers, as well as showing nationally televised broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC.
March 15, 2024: LA Galaxy II relocate to Thousand Oaks, California and rebrand to Ventura County FC
On March 15, 2024, LA Galaxy II announced a partial relocation to Thousand Oaks, California and rebranded to Ventura County FC.
2024: Returned to the 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 Galaxy won a record-extending sixth MLS Cup, and broke the record for most goals during a playoff campaign with 18 goals.
2024: Sixth MLS Cup Win
In 2024, the LA Galaxy narrowly missed first place but defeated the New York Red Bulls 2–1 to win their sixth MLS Cup in club history.
2025: Winless Streak; Third in Leagues Cup
Riqui Puig's ACL tear caused him to miss all of the 2025 season. The Galaxy struggled significantly without him, as their 2025 campaign set the record for longest winless streak to start a season in MLS history. They finished third in the 2025 Leagues Cup, qualifying them for a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup!
2026: Riqui Puig Injury 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.
2026: CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualification
Riqui Puig's ACL tear caused him to miss all of the 2025 season. The Galaxy struggled significantly without him, as their 2025 campaign set the record for longest winless streak to start a season in MLS history. They finished third in the 2025 Leagues Cup, qualifying them for a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup!
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