As Greg Vanney said after the win against Austin FC, “It’s going to take a good team to get through the playoffs”.
Having a good team involves much more than a good starting eleven. While stars like Riqui Puig and Gabriel Pec deservedly take most of the plaudits, the LA Galaxy have a roster full of players worth appreciating.
This two-part series highlights the contributions of some players who have quietly turned in massive performances for the Galaxy during this historic season.
The second and final edition of Unsung Heroes will read more like Unsung Hero.
Dejan Joveljic has found a way to shine alongside the team’s stars in a season where he’s beginning to look like the striker the LA Galaxy knew he could be.
Dejan Joveljic: Becoming LA’s Hero
Dejan Joveljic’s game has improved leaps and bounds since joining the LA Galaxy from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021.
He faced harsh criticism after not immediately becoming a striker that met the lofty demands required of the Galaxy’s number nine.
Not deterred by outside voices, Joveljic spent the last three years refining his game’s rough edges. The result of his determination is a strong, intelligent striker, who makes dangerous runs and has the quality to control difficult passes and turn half-chances into goals.
His improved quality in 2024 is apparent both in the eye-test and on the stat sheet. He currently has 15 goals and 5 assists for 20 goal contributions in 27 games.
These numbers tell the story of a striker who has grown into the role he was originally signed for.
It’s only taken about three seasons, but the LA Galaxy are being rewarded for their patience with a gunslinging striker who has the skill and intelligence to contribute in all phases of the attack.
Now, Greg Vanney needs Dejan Joveljic to continue his excellent form in the postseason. Joveljic will be looking to make a statement in the playoffs and prove that his team can continue to count on him when pressure is highest.
If the Chessmaster succeeds, there’s a good chance the Galaxy will too.
Heroes All Over the Frontline
The LA Galaxy invested heavily in their attack after finishing 13th in 2023. They’ve enjoyed a fantastic ROI as the introductions of Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil to Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljic have made the Galaxy the second most goal-scoring team in MLS behind only Inter Miami.
Now, this attack must prepare to test themselves against the league’s best defenses in the most hostile of situations.
Their last regular season challenge away in Houston will determine how many times the LA Galaxy get to play for their lives at Dignity Health Sports Park, their undefeated stadium in the playoffs.
A win against the Houston Dynamo this Saturday, October 19th, would secure the Galaxy hosting rights in every playoff game (besides the away fixture in the first round best-of-3 series) unless they play Inter Miami in the final.
Seven games separate the LA Galaxy from being the first club to win six MLS Cups. That means that Greg Vanney and the team he’s led to a historic season have seven chances to either redefine their legacy, or prove the doubters right.
The LA Galaxy still face a steep challenge, but with an attack that’s firing at record-breaking rates and a defense that’s deep and talented, betting against them doesn’t feel right.
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