Preview, Matchday #2: LA Galaxy at Vancouver Whitecaps | OneFootball

The second of the MLS season brings another challenger to the defending champions. The Los Angeles Galaxy travel north of the border to play the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The two teams will do battle on the field at BC Place. Vancouver struggled against the LA Galaxy last year as they lost both games b

It was the eighth game of the 2024 season when the Los Angeles Galaxy won on the road 3-1 against the Whitecaps. In Match #31, the LA Galaxy again won big, 4-1, when they hosted Vancouver.

This game was special for both the LA Galaxy and MLS history. When Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil scored his tenth goal of the season (69'), the team broke one of their own records. The world saw something happen that has never happened before: four teammates in the same year scored ten goals or more.

The only remaining member of the four that will take the field against Vancouver is Gabriel Pec. Dejan Joveljic has been traded since and Riqui Puig is recovering from his ACL surgery. Paintsil is ailing with his leg injury and will miss at least another month.

On Sunday, the Galaxy will be wearing their new away uniform, the Rizon kit. A win on the road would give the six-time champions the boost they need after being upset a week ago. Not that many people expected the Galaxy to lose at home to San Diego FC, 2-0.

What to expect from the LA Galaxy against the Whitecaps?

As the last two games have shown, the Los Angeles Galaxy score with ease against Vancouver. However, it was the Galaxy who went scoreless in Match #1 to open the new season and not the Whitecaps.

Thanks to goals from Ryan Gauld (24'), Pedro Vite (32'), Sam Adekugbe (53'), Jayden Nelson (61'), the Portland Timbers also start the 2025 MLS regular season with a loss. Adekugbe has scored his lone goal of 2024 on the Galaxy before time expired in the 4-2 loss.

Whitecaps forward Brian White scored the other two goals against LA Galaxy keeper John McCarthy. After losing last Sunday with backup Novak Micovic in goal, head coach Greg Vanney may switch it up and put the 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP back in the Starting XI.

Nonetheless, this should be a good game as both teams were good enough to make the playoffs last season. The LA Galaxy and the Vancouver Whitecaps have the same aspirations this year.

The Galaxy hold the advantage in the all-time series against Vancouver. With 17 wins, 11 losses and 7 draws. The Whitecaps have been outscored by 15 goals dating back to 2011. In fact, in the first four years against each other, the Los Angeles Galaxy lost just one time.

How to watch the game?

Vanney and his team are looking to secure their eighteenth win against the only Canadian team in the MLS Western Conference.

The contest is available on MLS Season Pass. It can also be viewed on Apple TV or Apple TV+ on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 p.m. (PT) and 5:00 p.m. (ET).

These two teams will rematch on Independence Day as the Galaxy will host Vancouver for the 4th of July game in Carson, California.