February 8, 2026; Indio, California, USA; LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney speaks to the media after the MLS preseason game against Chicago Fire FC at the Empire Polo Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Image While the Los Angeles Galaxy displayed a strong attack last week, coach Greg Varney is most intrigued by the team’s midfield and defensive play.
The Galaxy (1-0-1, 4 points) will look to utilize their suddenly solid midfield and defensive line to create scoring opportunities when they visit the Colorado Rapids (1-1-0, 3 points) on Saturday night in Commerce City, Colo.
In the Galaxy’s 3-0 home win over Charlotte last week, Joao Klauss had an assist and Lucas Sanabria scored 13 minutes into the game.
Also last week, fast-attacking Colorado earned a 2-0 win at home against the Portland Timbers. Hamzat Ojediran scored in the seventh minute and Lucas Herrington added an insurance goal in the 53rd minute.
Colorado coach Matt Wells said Herrington, 18, is a perfect fit for the Rapids. He played every minute in both Colorado games.
“His maturity stands out for someone his age,” Wells said. “The way he plays smoothly has impressed me throughout pre-season. He is a great character and has a good mentality. He has all the tools to improve and will do so as a player.”
The Galaxy have allowed just one goal in two MLS games after scoring 66 goals last season and posting a minus-20 goal differential.
“I’m not worried about this team’s ability to score goals,” Vanney said. “We’re going to score goals. What I like is that we don’t give up goals. What I care about is that we defend as a group and don’t give up anything. That’s important to me.”
With Sanabria and Elijah Wynder, Vanney has a pressing option in midfield that can change the game instantly. Jakob Glesnes and Maya Yoshida were a strong defensive combination.
“At times we didn’t have the players to put pressure on and get the ball and get the first guy out,” Vanney said. “Elijah is strong, carries the ball under pressure and adds to the attack.
“Jacob is our defensive anchor. His individual timing and reading of the play allow him to defend the open field, win the ball in the air and win crosses. He is exactly what we need at defensive centre-back.”
–Field level media
