Post-transfer-window LA Galaxy delivers on Kuntz’s promise in win over New England Revolution.
MAX NELSON: EXC1TE MEDIA
A month ago, LA Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz told reporters that reinforcements were coming. Kuntz delivered on that message, giving head coach Greg Vanney multiple veteran midfielders, a new designated player and a new defender.
After the busiest transfer window in LA Galaxy history, the fruits of Kuntz’s labor are beginning to show.
With 10 games left in the MLS regular season, the Galaxy turned the page on its lackluster season Saturday night, showcasing a retooled offense in a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution at home.
New midfielder and Spanish star Sergi Roberto made his debut for the Galaxy (7-8-9) on Aug. 29 against San Diego FC and made his home debut against the Revolution (11-4-8).
“(Roberto’s) the player who understands the game tempo,” Vanney explained in a postgame press conference.
“We have a term called ‘time advantage' and he’s a guy that allows you, by the way he plays the game, to keep these little advantages around the field because of how efficient he is on the ball… he’s a huge piece.”
Roberto showed some flair from his FC Barcelona days, spinning around the Revolution defense and commanding the midfield defensively, as well as going forward and sometimes switching with players like Marco Reus.
“I’m always thinking about my teammates and about the team,” Roberto said. “In the midfielder position I think it’s very important to control the game. At the end, if you control the midfield, I think you control the game.”
New LA midfielder Pablo Ruiz also made his debut in the 57th minute, relieving Erik Thommy.
The last edition for Kuntz is a familiar face: Brazilian defender Lucas Calegari, who was a Galaxy player in 2023. Calegari wanted to stay past his loan, but an ACL injury derailed that plan and the Brazilian has spent his last few seasons for Eyüpspor and is now a Galaxy member through June 30, 2029.
EXC1TE: MATCH RECAP
Reus scored a penalty kick in the 11th minute, softly placing the ball to the right corner past New England goalkeeper Matt Turner to put the Galaxy up 1-0. The goal was Reus’ fifth of the season and his first since April 4 against Minnesota United.
The Galaxy continued their first-half pressure with multiple contributions from new DP winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and striker Kyōgo Furuhashi. Furuhashi's breakaway and the subsequent foul inside the box led to Reus' penalty.
Lozano has started to fully gel with the team. The Mexican national team star found right winger Robert Taylor in the 34th minute for his first goal as a member of the Galaxy. Taylor slotted a shot across his body to beat Turner at the bottom left corner for his first goal in MLS play since July 26, 2025 with Austin FC against D.C. United.
“It was really great to score, obviously, after a while, given being injured and stuff like that,” Taylor said.
The first half was arguably the best half of soccer the Galaxy have played in two seasons, as the team generated 1.23 expected goals (xG) and finally started to put away chances.
The second half did not go as well, with New England generating 1.63 xG and putting four shots on target to challenge LA’s defense and its breakout goalkeeper, J.T. Marcinkowski.
Marcinkowski made two of his match-leading six saves at the beginning of the second half, including a shot he saved while laying on his side in the 47th minute.
The Revolution did find its breakthrough after right back Harbor Miller committed a foul in the box against Luca Langoni.
Carlos Gil converted the penalty to notch his team-high ninth goal in the 95th minute.
The Galaxy defense and goalkeeping is much improved this season. Through 25 matches, the Galaxy have allowed 36 goals this season, 13 fewer than they had allowed at the same point in 2025.
The Galaxy offense has improved, too. The team scored 21 goals through its first 25 matches in 2025. This season, the team has scored 30 in 25 matches.
With 10 matches left to play, the Galaxy are in 12th place with 29 points and are three points out of 6th place and a playoff spot, as it stands on Saturday night.
With 10 matches remaining, the Galaxy sit in 12th place with 29 points, three points behind sixth place and the playoff line in a competitive Western Conference.
NEXT UP: Away at Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Sept. 9 and at home vs. Seattle Sounders FC on Sept. 12.
