Greg Vanney appeared defiant following LA Galaxy’s 3-2 collapse against the Philadelphia Union on May 14—yet another gut punch in a winless 2025 campaign. The Galaxy, reigning MLS Cup champions and one of the league’s most storied clubs, blew a 2-0 lead and conceded the winner in stoppage time, marking their 13th straight match without victory.
In a somber post-match press conference, Vanney reminded reporters that the team was missing all three of its Designated Players. “Take three DPs off any team in this league, and the margins get razor-thin,” he said, visibly drained. “I’m not making excuses… but thank you for noticing that.”
Vanney is an accomplished coach, with titles in both Toronto and LA, but he’s now tied to the worst start in MLS history. Remarkably, despite this historically poor stretch—including a 7-0 thrashing by the New York Red Bulls—LA Galaxy extended Vanney’s contract through 2028, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid managers in the league.
To many, the timing feels surreal—tone-deaf, even. While other leagues might swiftly part ways with a manager under such circumstances, the Galaxy doubled down. Vanney himself admitted the announcement felt “awkward” and “a little bit selfish,” given the team’s ongoing struggles.
This move sends mixed signals to fans and critics alike. While firing a coach doesn’t guarantee credibility, rewarding one amid unprecedented failure undermines accountability. It reinforces perceptions that MLS lacks the competitive pressure found in other global leagues.
Still, the full context matters. Vanney’s tactical flexibility has been hampered by a brutal run of injuries. Riqui Puig is out long-term with a torn ACL. Key wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have missed significant time. The absence of all three DPs has left the team talent-starved, and MLS roster rules make depth difficult to build.
The Galaxy began 2025 riding high from last season’s championship. That triumph, however, has quickly faded into a reality of adversity and underperformance.
Whether Vanney can turn it around remains to be seen. But with the club dead last in the league and still searching for its first win, the extension has left many questioning not just the timing—but the message it sends about ambition, accountability, and what success really means in Major League Soccer.
