LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders: Joveljić Faces Former Club
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Los Angeles Galaxy face Seattle Sounders in Matchday 25 of the Major League Soccer regular season this Saturday. With both sides fighting to climb above the Western Conference playoff line, Greg Vanney's heavily reinforced Galaxy host a Seattle squad desperate to snap a grueling 11-match winless streak.
Galaxy's Summer Recruitment Drive
LA Galaxy have undergone a dramatic mid-season transformation. After waving goodbye to the likes of Gabriel Pec and Edwin Cerrillo, the front office delivered a massive incoming haul. High-profile arrivals including Chucky Lozano, Sergi Roberto, and Kyōgo Furuhashi have completely reloaded the roster. They are joined by returning familiar face Lucas Calegari, back from Eyüpspor, and midfielder Pablo Ruiz, acquired from Real Salt Lake. Head coach Greg Vanney acknowledges the pressure to integrate these pieces quickly, noting that the team is fighting a short window in their playoff push.
Key Playmakers Return for Seattle
Brian Schmetzer’s Seattle Sounders enter the weekend seeking their first league victory since May. However, there are signs of stabilization following a recent 0-0 draw against New York Red Bulls. Crucially, the Sounders have welcomed back their primary creators. Cristian Roldan has returned from a quad injury sustained on USMNT duty, while Jordan Morris recently navigated a minutes restriction following his own quad issue. Seattle will also have new midfielder Caden Clark traveling with the squad after his midweek acquisition from D.C. United.
Joveljić Seeks to Haunt Former Employers
The central narrative for the visitors surrounds new designated player Dejan Joveljić. The striker is fondly remembered in Los Angeles, having netted 21 goals during the Galaxy's 2024 MLS Cup-winning campaign. Now donning rave green after a stint with Sporting KC, Joveljić has been tasked with fixing Seattle's goalscoring woes. He made an immediate impact with a debut brace against Chicago Fire and will be highly motivated to punish his former employers this weekend.
Team News and Injury Latest
Both managers must navigate significant injury lists. The Galaxy remain without forward João Klauss (foot) and Elijah Wynder (ankle). Seattle's treatment room is even more crowded. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi suffered a right ankle sprain in the first half against RBNY and joins Pedro de la Vega (quad), Jesús Ferreira (hamstring), Yeimar Gómez Andrade (calf), Nikola Petković (knee), and Jackson Ragen (knee) on the sidelines.
With just 12 matches remaining on Seattle's schedule to bridge the gap to the playoff line, securing three points on the road is becoming essential. Meanwhile, the Galaxy must capitalize on home advantage before heading into a tightly packed autumn schedule, knowing any dropped points could derail their newly assembled squad's postseason ambitions.
