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. Established in 1996, the Galaxy was one of the ten original charter members of the league.
1957: Quasar Featured on Seal of Los Angeles County
In 1957, the quasar was originally featured on the 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, the Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
1996: Galaxians Established
In 1996, during the Galaxy's first season in MLS, the Galaxians were established as the team's first supporter group.
1996: Golden Boot Award hiatus
In 1996, the Golden Boot award, which recognizes the leading goal scorer, went on hiatus and did not exist until 2004.
1996: Began competing in MLS
In 1996, the LA Galaxy began competing in the first season of Major League Soccer (MLS).
1996: Original Jersey Colors
In the inaugural 1996 MLS season, the Galaxy's original jersey reflected the colors of Los Angeles, featuring black-and-teal halves, black sleeves with gold and red accents, black shorts and black socks.
1998: Equaled Highest Goal Output
During the 2024 regular season, 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.
1999: Finished first in the Western Conference
In 1999, the LA Galaxy finished first in the Western Conference with a record of 20-12, but lost to D.C. United in the final.
2001: U.S. Open Cup Final
In 2001, the Galaxy won the U.S. Open Cup and the final was held at Titan Stadium.
2001: Won Open Cup and scored 1000 points
In 2001, the LA Galaxy won the Open Cup and scored their 1,000th all-time point, with Cobi Jones scoring the 300th goal. They lost to the San Jose Earthquakes and clinched first in the Western Conference with a 16-9-3 record.
2001: LA Riot Squad formed after 2001 MLS Cup
The LA Riot Squad formed after a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup.
2002: LA Riot Squad by opening day of 2002
The LA Riot Squad formed after a loss in the 2001 MLS Cup, and by opening day of 2002, a group of Galaxy fans formed a supporter group of 100 people.
2002: Home Games at the Rose Bowl
Until 2002, the Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
2003: Finished fourth due to stadium construction
In 2003, the LA Galaxy finished fourth in the league, playing more away games due to stadium construction, with a record of 9-12-9.
2003: Move to Home Depot Center
In 2003, the LA Galaxy moved to the Home Depot Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson.
2003: First Profit
In 2003, the LA Galaxy turned a profit for the first time, becoming the first MLS team to do so.
2003: Moved to Dignity Health Sports Park
Since 2003, the LA Galaxy have played their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
2004: Golden Boot Award reinstated
In 2004, the Golden Boot award was reinstated after being absent since 1996.
2005: Shared Stadium with Chivas USA
From 2005, the Galaxy shared the stadium with Chivas USA.
2005: Won Open Cup and MLS Cup
In 2005, the LA Galaxy acquired Landon Donovan, won the Open Cup, and finished the season with a 13-13-6 record. They won the 2005 MLS Cup, defeating the New England Revolution in extra time 1-0, marking their appearance in the playoffs in each of the league's first ten seasons.
2006: Doug Hamilton Death
On March 16, 2006, the LA Galaxy's general manager, Doug Hamilton, died suddenly of a heart attack. The team finished fifth in the Western Conference and were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since the league's inception. Steve Sampson was sacked and replaced by Frank Yallop as head coach. The team lost 3-1 against the Chicago Fire in the U.S. Open Cup final.
March 2007: Herbalife Sponsorship and Beckham Signed
In March 2007, Herbalife signed a sponsorship deal with the Galaxy, and the team later signed David Beckham from Real Madrid in July. Beckham's debut was at Home Depot Center before nearly 35,000 in attendance. Later that year, the LA Galaxy reached the final of the SuperLiga, but lost to Mexican side Pachuca on penalties after extra time. In the offseason, Cobi Jones retired, Frank Yallop resigned as head coach, and Ruud Gullit was hired on a three-year contract as the new coach. The team also went on a promotional tour of Australia and New Zealand.
2007: Color Changes
In 2007, the Galaxy adopted navy blue, gold, and white as their team colors to coincide with David Beckham's arrival.
2007: Signed David Beckham
In 2007, the LA Galaxy made headlines by signing English player David Beckham from Real Madrid.
2008: Gullit Resigned and Lalas Fired
During the 2008 MLS season, the LA Galaxy experienced a seven-game winless streak, resulting in Ruud Gullit's resignation as manager and Alexi Lalas's dismissal as general manager. Bruce Arena replaced Gullit but could not lead the team to a playoff spot for the third-straight season.
2009: Donovan and Beckham Loan Spells
Following the 2009 season, both Donovan and Beckham went out on second loan spells.
2009: Loan Deals and Criticism
In 2009, David Beckham and Landon Donovan were involved in loan deals with European clubs. Donovan openly criticized Beckham, but they later reconciled. LA finished top of the Western Conference and runners-up in the MLS Supporters' Shield and reached the MLS Cup, but lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties. They qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.
2009: Reached MLS Cup Final
In 2009, the LA Galaxy finished top of the Western Conference, reached the MLS Cup final, but lost to Real Salt Lake 5-4 on penalties.
2010: Qualified for CONCACAF Champions League
In 2010, by reaching the final, they qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.
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.
January 2012: Beckham Signed New Deal
In January 2012, David Beckham signed a new two-year deal with the LA Galaxy.
November 2012: Beckham to leave Galaxy
In November 2012, Beckham confirmed he would leave the LA Galaxy at the end of the 2012 MLS season.
2012: Reached CONCACAF Champions League Semi-Finals
In 2012, the LA Galaxy reached the semi-finals of the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League.
2012: 2012 English-language matches
While awaiting the launch of those networks, all 2012 English-language matches were broadcast on local outlet KDOC, with one match showcased on Time Warner Cable SportsNet near the end of the season.
2013: Reached Conference Semi-Finals
In 2013, the LA Galaxy finished third in the Western Conference and reached the conference semi-finals, losing 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: MLS Cup-winning 2014 campaign
During the 2024 regular season, 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: Chivas USA Folded
In 2014, Chivas USA folded, ending the SuperClasico rivalry for the LA Galaxy.
2014: Gerrard signed contract
In 2014, Steven Gerrard signed to the LA Galaxy
2014: Won MLS Cup and Donovan Retired
In 2014, the LA Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution to win the MLS Cup, becoming five-time champions, and Landon Donovan retired at the end of the season.
2014: Shared Stadium with Chivas USA
Until 2014, the Galaxy shared the stadium with Chivas USA.
2014: Chivas Ceased Operations
Until 2014, the Galaxy were rivals with Chivas USA in the SuperClasico until Chivas ceased operations at the end of the 2014 season.
January 7, 2015: Signed Steven Gerrard
On January 7, 2015, the LA Galaxy announced the signing of Steven Gerrard.
July 2015: Gerrard Debut
In July 2015, Steven Gerrard made his debut for the LA Galaxy in an International Champions Cup match against Club América.
2015: Forbes Report
In 2015, Forbes reported that the LA Galaxy were second in MLS in terms of annual revenue ($44 million) and franchise value ($240 million).
2015: Galaxy placed in Western Conference
In the 2015 USL season, the Galaxy were placed in the Western Conference.
November 22, 2016: Arena Left for USMNT
On November 22, 2016, Bruce Arena left the LA Galaxy to become the head coach of the United States national team. Peter Vagenas and Curt Onalfo took his former positions as general manager and head coach respectively.
2016: Highest mark since 2016
In 2022, the Galaxy finished fourth in the West (eighth overall), their highest mark since 2016.
July 27, 2017: Sigi Schmid Hired as Head Coach
On July 27, 2017, Sigi Schmid replaced Curt Onalfo as head coach after the Galaxy's 6–10–4 start to the season.
2017: Cobi Jones' jersey issued to another player
In 2017, Cobi Jones' jersey No. 13 was issued to Jermaine Jones, clarifying that it was not officially retired.
2017: Won the MLS Wooden Spoon
In 2017, the LA Galaxy finished at the bottom of the MLS table, earning the MLS Wooden Spoon.
March 2018: Zlatan Ibrahimović signed
In March 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the LA Galaxy, marking a significant addition to the team.
2018: Ibrahimović New Deal
After the 2018 season, the Galaxy ended Ibrahimović's original deal and signed him to a new and higher salaried designated player contract.
2018: Inaugural "El Tráfico" match.
In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) began play, marking the start of the "El Tráfico" rivalry with the LA Galaxy.
2018: LAFC Joins the League
In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) joined the league as an expansion team, creating a new crosstown rivalry known as "El Tráfico."
March 1, 2019: Giovani dos Santos Released
On March 1, 2019, the LA Galaxy announced the buyout and release of Giovani dos Santos from his guaranteed contract.
October 7, 2019: MLS Regular Season Record Update
As of October 7, 2019, the MLS regular season records were updated.
2019: Galaxy Outlawz started in 2019
Galaxy Outlawz is the latest group started in 2019.
2019: Forbes estimated value
In 2019, Forbes estimated the LA Galaxy to be the second most valuable club in MLS, worth approximately $480 million.
2019: Schelotto hired as head coach
In 2019, Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined the Galaxy as head coach, and the team added players like Diego Polenta and Cristian Pavón, leading to a fifth-place finish in the West and a playoff appearance.
2019: Pavón Signing
In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing, which included stripping the club of $1 million in allocation money and suspending club president Chris Klein.
2019: Cristian Pavon's Signing
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.
January 21, 2020: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez Signed
On January 21, 2020, the LA Galaxy signed Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to a three-year contract, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
2020: Only Pavón returned for 2020
Ibrahimović left the club in November, and of the 2019 signings—most of them on loan—only Pavón returned for 2020.
2020: Victoria Block Built
In 2020, Victoria Block, the new safe standing only section, was built.
2021: Missed Playoffs
In 2021, the Galaxy narrowly missed the MLS playoffs, finishing eighth in the Western Conference.
December 2022: MLS Sanctions Galaxy for 2019 Pavón Signing
In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing, which included stripping the club of $1 million in allocation money and suspending club president Chris Klein.
2022: Improvement shown
In 2022, the Galaxy finished fourth in the West, and beat Nashville SC at home in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs before falling again to their crosstown rivals LAFC in the conference semifinals, 3−2, at the last minute.
2022: Galaxy vs LAFC Record Through 2022
The Galaxy's current record vs LAFC, through 2022, is 7-5-5 (including 0-2 in the playoffs).
May 30, 2023: Chris Klein Parted Ways
On May 30, 2023, the LA Galaxy officially announced they had parted ways with Klein.
2023: El Tráfico exhibition game in 2023
For an El Tráfico exhibition game in 2023, the Galaxy played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
2023: End of ESPN MLS Broadcasts
In 2023, ESPN stopped broadcasting MLS games on its ESPN+ platform for out-of-market viewers. Nationally televised broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC also ended.
2023: Worst Start to a Season
In 2023, the Galaxy had their worst start to a season in club history, winless in their first seven games.
2023: Joe Tutino becomes sole radio announcer
In 2023, with the launch of MLS Season Pass, Joe Tutino became the sole radio announcer for all Galaxy games, broadcast on the club's website and social media pages.
2023: International Players Signing Ban
In December 2022, MLS sanctioned the Galaxy for the 2019 Pavón signing. Moreover, in 2023, the club was not allowed to sign international players in the 2023 summer transfer window.
2023: Klein Suspended
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.
March 15, 2024: Partial Relocation and Rebrand
On March 15, 2024, the team announced a partial relocation to Thousand Oaks, California and rebranded to Ventura County FC.
2024: Sixth MLS Cup
In 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.
