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Previous Year Recap
The 2019-2020 season was a season to forget for the Los Angeles Galaxy as seemingly everything went wrong. The Galaxy finished in 10th place in the Western Conference and missed out on the playoffs. Several Galaxy players massively underperformed last season, but no one on this team—and maybe in the entire league—underperformed more than Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who was brought in to replace the ridiculously high production of Zlatan Ibrahimović. Only Cristian Pavón, who is no longer with the team, was fantasy relevant last season.
Players to Watch
Goalkeepers: Last season’s opening day starter, David Bingham, is no longer on the active roster. That leaves Jonathan Klinsmann and new English signing Jonathan Bond in a competition for the number one spot. Klinsmann, who replaced Bingham as the starter at the end of last season, did nothing to prove that he should be the clear-cut number 1. Bond has played well during the preseason and looks likely to be the opening day starter. Both Bond and Klinsmann are unproven as starters in MLS and have to play behind an unproven defensive line that might hinder their ability to keep clean sheets but may provide them with an opportunity to rack up plenty of saves.
Defenders: Last season, the Galaxy defense gave up the second-most goals of any team in the entire league. Every fantasy manager seeking clean sheets pretty much-ignored Galaxy defenders. This year the backline has been retooled with the additions of MLS veteran Jorge Villafaña and MLS newcomer Derrick Williams. Galaxy defenders, however, remain a risky option for all fantasy managers as this group is unproven. Julian Araujo, who at this point in his career is better going forward than actually defending, could become a vital piece of the Galaxy attack and prove to be a valuable fantasy asset this upcoming season.
Midfielders: The Galaxy midfield is a bit of a mess right now. As presently constructed, this team lacks wingers and does not have a true holding/defensive midfielder. As a result of not having a holding midfielder, Jonathon dos Santos (who has been a source of decent fantasy value when healthy) might find himself further down the field.
With Cristian Pavón now gone, the Galaxy midfielder to keep your eyes on this season is Sebastian Lletget. If he is allowed to play in the center of the field in behind the striker, Lletget has the potential and, more importantly, the talent to push for double-digit goals.
French newcomer Samuel Grandsir could be a potential fantasy dark horse if he is as good as his YouTube highlights suggest.
At 34 years old, it isn’t realistic to expect Victor Vazquez to drive the Galaxy attack or even start many games.
Forwards: There really is only one name to talk about here, Chicharito. It can’t get much worse than last season for him, right? Mexico’s all-time leading goal scorer had a grand total of two goals in 12 games last season. For this upcoming season, fantasy managers must ask themselves: Was last season a fluke or an accurate representation of an aging goal scorer? Chicharito is undoubtedly talented enough to succeed in MLS, but the last time he scored over double-digit goals in any domestic league was back in 2016-2017 for Bayern Leverkusen. If everything goes right and the Galaxy provides him with quality service, it isn’t hard seeing Chicharito scoring double-digit goals. However, after last year’s disappointing performances, a slow start may be enough to scare off fantasy managers and even make Chicharito someone not worth adding to your roster.
Fantasy Expectations
At this point, the Los Angeles Galaxy is a team under construction. New head coach Greg Vanney has stated that he is still looking to make 4 to 5 new signings. So, expect the starting 11 that takes the pitch opening day to undergo a few changes as new signings are made now and possibly in the summer transfer window. With a designated player spot still open on the current roster, don’t be surprised if the Galaxy tries to make a splash with a big-name signing. Brace yourself for the Sergio Aguero to the LA Galaxy rumors to take off. I am only kidding! Although there is already an MLSSoccer.com article explaining why Kun would be a good fit with the Galaxy. There are a few quality players on this roster that may ultimately prove to be fantasy assets this season, Sebastian Lleget, Chicharito, and Julian Araujo, but after last year’s disastrous season, taking a wait and see approach with the Galaxy may be your best bet to kick off this fantasy season.
Predicted XI
