Why LA Galaxy fans should not panic about preseason loss to NYFC | OneFootball

Anytime a defending champion gets blanked 2-0 in a contest, fans may begin to panic or worry. Fingers start pointing, questions get asked and answers are sought.

However, in a closed door scrimmage between the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. NYFC, there is little to no significance on the result in regard to the 2025 MLS season outlook.

In just over three weeks, MLS will kick off its 30th season. The preseason is underway as teams look to return to form for the 34-game schedule that awaits them.

This week, the LA Galaxy squared off against NYFC only to fall in a shutout loss.

So, why should fans not stress about this result?

Preseason games hold little to no value or weight for teams when heading into the regular season.

Let's take a look at last year. In 2024, the Los Angeles Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw against NYFC in mid February a preseason ago.

In fact, the now six-time MLS Cup winners went 1-3-1 in the preseason last year. The team lost against St. Louis City SC by a score of 2-1 before being outscored 6-1 between both Charlotte FC and Austin FC.

The weak showing in the 2024 preseason did not stifle the Galaxy's efforts in winning another league title. They went from the second-worst team in the West to the second best in just one season.

Furthermore, the LA Galaxy historically do not play their best against NYFC. The regular season series between the two squads favors the Eastern Conference representative.

Despite scoring nine goals to NYFC's eight, the Los Angeles Galaxy are 3-4 in the series. However, the Western Conference darlings have won the last two match ups in 2022 and 2024.

Another important note regarding this week's closed door game is how the game shifted late. The contest was a 0-0 showing until the 86th minute when NYFC was the first to score. They did so a second time in the last minute of the game.

For 86 minutes, the Los Angeles Galaxy defense held NYFC scoreless. Both of their recent regular season wins against NYFC were by shutout.

Again, little focus and dwelling should exist on a 2-0 defeat for the Galaxy. The defending champions know that the games start to count on February 23 when they welcome San Diego FC to the league.