Coming off club-worst season, Galaxy face tough opener vs. NYCFC

Published: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:12 am

Galaxy and NYCFC Kick Off Season with High Stakes

The Los Angeles Galaxy are set to begin their season with a home match against New York City FC, a game carrying significant weight for both teams. The Galaxy are looking to rebound from a disappointing season, while NYCFC aims to build on their recent success.

Last year, the Galaxy experienced a dramatic fall from grace, missing the playoffs after a season that saw them finish with a franchise-low 30 points. Their struggles were compounded by injuries, including a torn ACL that sidelined Riqui Puig, who will also miss the upcoming season due to further surgery. Despite a promising preseason, the Galaxy are aware of the challenges ahead. They are hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start, where they went winless in their first 16 matches. New additions to the team include Jakob Glesnes, Justin Haak, and Joao Klauss.

Their opponent, NYCFC, had a much better season, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and reaching the conference finals before a decisive loss to Inter Miami. However, NYCFC faces their own set of challenges. They will be without Alonso Martinez, who scored 17 goals last season but suffered a torn ACL during the international break. Andres Perea is also sidelined due to a broken leg sustained in the postseason. On a positive note, Keaton Parks is returning after missing a significant portion of last season due to surgery.

Both coaches have expressed their ambitions for the upcoming season. The Galaxy's coach, Greg Vanney, acknowledged the team's adjustments without Puig, while NYCFC's coach, Pascal Jansen, emphasized the team's desire to improve on last season's performance.

BNN's Perspective:

The opening match between the Galaxy and NYCFC sets an interesting tone for the season. While both teams face significant hurdles, the game offers a chance for each to demonstrate their resilience and potential. The Galaxy's need to prove they can bounce back, and NYCFC's desire to build on their success, makes this a compelling matchup for fans.

Keywords: Los Angeles Galaxy, NYCFC, MLS, soccer, season opener, injuries, Riqui Puig, Alonso Martinez, Greg Vanney, Pascal Jansen, Eastern Conference, playoffs, preseason, Jakob Glesnes, Justin Haak, Joao Klauss, Keaton Parks, Andres Perea

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