Galaxy Eager to 'Defend as a Group' Against Rapids

Los Angeles looks to build on strong defensive start to season in matchup with Colorado

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Galaxy will visit the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, with both teams coming off wins in their previous matches. The Galaxy are focused on maintaining their strong defensive play after allowing just one goal through two MLS matches so far this season. Colorado's 18-year-old midfielder Lucas Herrington has impressed coach Matt Wells with his maturity and ability to contribute immediately.

Why it matters

The Galaxy are looking to bounce back from a poor defensive season in 2025, when they conceded 66 goals and had a goal differential of -20. Their new focus on team defending could pay dividends as they aim to challenge for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The details

In the Galaxy's 3-0 win over Charlotte last week, Joao Klauss scored a brace and Lucas Sanabria added a goal in the first 13 minutes. Colorado also got off to a fast start, with Hamzat Ojediran scoring in the 7th minute and Herrington adding an insurance goal in the 53rd minute of their 2-0 win over Portland. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney is most excited about his team's improved midfield and defensive play, with Sanabria and Elijah Wynder providing strong pressure options, and Jakob Glesnes and Maya Yoshida forming a formidable center-back pairing.

  • The Galaxy (1-0-1, 4 points) will visit the Colorado Rapids (1-1-0, 3 points) on Saturday night in Commerce City, Colorado.
  • In the Galaxy's 3-0 win over Charlotte last week, Joao Klauss scored a brace and Lucas Sanabria added a goal in the first 13 minutes.
  • In Colorado's 2-0 win over Portland last week, Hamzat Ojediran scored in the 7th minute and Lucas Herrington added an insurance goal in the 53rd minute.

The players

Greg Vanney

Head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Lucas Herrington

18-year-old midfielder for the Colorado Rapids who has impressed coach Matt Wells with his maturity and ability to contribute immediately.

Matt Wells

Head coach of the Colorado Rapids.

Joao Klauss

Forward for the Los Angeles Galaxy who scored a brace in their 3-0 win over Charlotte last week.

Lucas Sanabria

Midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy who scored a goal in their 3-0 win over Charlotte last week.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“His maturity stands out for someone his age. The way he's dropped in seamlessly has impressed me through the preseason. He's a wonderful character and has a good mentality. He has all the tools to improve and he will as a player.”

— Matt Wells, Head coach, Colorado Rapids (statenews.net)

“I'm not worried about this team's ability to score goals. We are going to score goals. What I love is that we are not giving up goals ... what I care about is we are defending as a group and giving up nothing. That to me is important.”

— Greg Vanney, Head coach, Los Angeles Galaxy (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Galaxy will look to continue their strong defensive play and create scoring chances from their midfield and backline when they visit the Rapids on Saturday night.

The takeaway

The Galaxy's renewed focus on team defending could be the key to their success this season, as they aim to bounce back from a poor defensive campaign in 2025 and challenge for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.