MICHAEL MIRANDA
GREG VANNEY “FEELS MOMENTUM SHIFTING” AS LA GALAXY SECURE DRAW AGAINST SAN DIEGO FC
The LA Galaxy secured a vital point in a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC to cap a grueling three game stretch, to keep their MLS playoff hopes alive and well.
This three game stretch saw the LA Galaxy leave with 4 out of a potential 9 points, with Saturday night’s draw against San Diego FC being the first of its kind.
Greg wasn’t shy when asked about how the team has taken to this 3-game week, and the toll it’s had with tonight's result being a, “grind” and it being an, “important point” to secure at home against a fierce Western Conference rival.
In regards to the result, Greg mentioned that he hopes the fans feel the, “Momentum shifting” as the LA Galaxy (10-10-11) head to take on cross-town rivals LAFC (12-10-9) in another thrilling chapter of El Trafico, in which Greg believes will be the most “tense and meaningful” instillation of the past few seasons.
THOMMY MAKES HIS MARK.
After missing out on the starting eleven, and making an abbreviated appearance in the 72’ minute during the Galaxy’s 2-0 win against Portland, Erik Thommy made the most of his opportunities as he returned to the starting lineup against San Diego FC.
Logging a full 90 minutes, Erik Thommy was by far and away the best player on the pitch notching his second league goal of the campaign. This came by way of a wonderful cross from Harbor Miller in the 16’ minute, in which Erik Thommy delivered a cool and composed finish into the bottom left corner to put the Galaxy ahead 2-1.
When asked about how it felt to be included in the starting eleven and what the preparation looked like following this long week Erik responded, “We need every player, I was playing the first game against St. Louis on the bench, [again] against Portland, today I was starting... You can see the rotations because it’s a high risk if you play everybody all 90 minutes and at the end of the season you NEED everybody... So I think it was smart of Greg that he changed the team a bit.” Erik then went to acknowledge the team’s resolve throughout this stretch, “The two last games we got 4 points out of it...That’s pretty good I guess.”
ROTATIONS
DEPTH DELIVERS AGAIN:
Depth was always going to be crucial in the LA Galaxy securing a positive result in this fixture,
and it paid its dividends, as the only two changes Greg Vanney made in this lineup (Erik Thommy and Harbor Miller) linked up and proved to be difference makers.
Greg spoke positively about Erik Thommy’s performance when asked about his impact on the game and why he opted with him to start against San Diego FC, “I thought Erik did a great job. One of the reasons we went to Erik is just the role Dreyer plays for them. The way he comes inside and really overloads the midfield... We went with a guy [Thommy] who is kind of a hybrid between a winger and a midfielder who could come inside and really help us defend the
spaces that Dreyer likes.” Greg was vindicated on that front and his choice to opt for Thommy, as not only did he contribute directly with a goal, but Dreyer was held to a relatively quiet night from open play.
Outside of the two direct changes to the lineup, Greg was incredibly outspoken when asked about his attack, more specifically on team leading goalscorer Joao Klauss, “Bringing back scoring boots from injury.” Joao has been red hot, scoring 4 goals in his first 6 games back in action for the Galaxy, and has connected exceptionally with attacking midfielder Marco Reus. Greg mentioned that he feels the attack is, “Coming together fast” and seemed encouraged that João and Marco are building such great rapport. Any success this team looks to have going
forward into the playoffs will hinge on these two to keep momentum rolling.
MENTALITY MONSTERS
After one Western Conference rival, another follows as the LA Galaxy (8) head to take on LAFC (6), Sunday, October 25th at BMO Stadium.
Following Saturday evening’s stalemate, a recurring theme from Greg Vanney, Pablo Luiz, and Erik Thommy was mentality. This group seems more focused than ever as they look to get across the line and secure a spot safely into the MLS playoffs. There were reassuring comments made from Greg Vanney that even after this run of games this group, “Looks as sharp as we’ve looked.”
With three games left in the 2026 MLS regular season (LAFC, Austin FC, and Real Salt Lake), the Galaxy look to keep a firm grasp on their playoff hopes as they control their own destiny currently sitting at 8th. Greg Vanney mentioned this group has the chance to do, “Something special” and believes this team could be destined for a competitive playoff run. It is important to note this LAFC side has only won once in their last five, this is an incredible opportunity for the LA Galaxy to not only get one over their cross town rivals but to cement themselves in the 2026 MLS playoffs.
