HARRISON, N.J. (Saturday, May 10, 2025) – The Los Angeles Galaxy's season has taken a catastrophic turn as they succumbed to a stunning 7-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. This loss marks the Galaxy's 12th consecutive game without a win, a record-setting streak that has left fans and players alike reeling from the disappointment.
The match began with a flurry of activity, as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting opened the scoring in the 7th minute, slotting a low shot just inside the far post after receiving a pass from teammate Emil Forsberg. Just nine minutes later, Forsberg himself found the back of the net, capitalizing on an assist from Omar Valencia to double the lead. Choupo-Moting scored again in the 31st minute, converting another assist from Forsberg to put New York firmly in control at 3-0.
Forsberg wasn't done yet; he struck again in the 50th minute with a spectacular free kick that curled over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy with no chance. Cameron Harper added to the humiliation for LA in the 68th minute, scoring his first goal of the season, followed by Dennis Gjengaar's effort in the 88th minute. To cap off the night, an own goal from Miki Yamane in stoppage time sealed the 7-0 rout.
This game was particularly poignant as it was a rematch of last year's MLS Cup Finals, where the Galaxy had triumphed 2-1. The stark contrast in performances between the two matches has left many questioning the Galaxy's current trajectory. Head coach Greg Vanney expressed his frustration post-match, stating, "We sucked, period. This is a horrible night we've had, and we need to address it quickly." Vanney acknowledged the team's struggles, particularly in adapting tactically without key players like Joe Paintsil and Gabriel Pec.
Despite the overwhelming defeat, the Galaxy did have moments where they could have scored. Forward Christian Ramirez noted, "We still had a couple of chances, but we were disconnected from front to back." Ramirez's sentiments reflect the frustration within the squad, as they have now gone five months without a win in MLS play, with their last victory coming in the 2024 MLS Cup Final.
The Galaxy's defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, with goalkeeper John McCarthy allowing seven goals, a stark reminder of the team's struggles this season. The Galaxy's record now stands at 0-9-3, with just three points from their first 12 matches. This is a far cry from their expectations as reigning champions.
Looking ahead, the Galaxy will face the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Subaru Park, aiming to turn their fortunes around. Vanney will have to navigate the challenge without Edwin Cerrillo, who will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation. The team is desperate for a change in momentum, and players like Ramirez are determined to find a way to bounce back. "We have to have a short memory and put this to bed tonight. We need to turn this momentum in our favor somehow," he said.
Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls will look to build on their impressive victory as they prepare for their next match against Nashville SC. The Red Bulls showcased their offensive prowess with Forsberg and Choupo-Moting leading the charge, both players contributing significantly to the scoreline and demonstrating their potential as key players for the team moving forward.
As the Galaxy continue to struggle, questions loom over the team's future and whether they can recover from this unprecedented slump. With the pressure mounting, the upcoming match against Philadelphia will be crucial in determining if they can finally secure a win and begin to restore faith among their supporters.
