Can the LA Galaxy win the MLS Cup this season?

By MH
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Updated: June 1, 2016

We’re only a few matches into the new season but it looks like Bruce Arena’s LA Galaxy are the team to beat in the MLS this campaign. So far, Galaxy have lost just once and Arena’s men have scored an impressive tally of goals while also keeping things tight in defense.

In fact, if LA Galaxy – who are second in the Western Conference behind Colorado Rapids at the time of writing – win their game in hand, they will leapfrog their rivals and take over at the top of the table. LA Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record five times and the franchise will be looking to secure their fourth title in six years this season.

As of May 10th, LA Galaxy are priced at 7/2 to win the MLS Cup this season in the latest Bet365 MLS odds and former Premier League stars Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole will be looking to help the franchise achieve their ultimate aim of yet another championship crown.

Cole, who signed with Galaxy back in January, was recently sent off after picking up two yellow cards in just 32 seconds but he has settled in quickly to life in the MLS. Meanwhile, Gerrard was back amongst the goals in Galaxy’s 4-2 victory over the New England Revolution in their most recent league game.

These three players have played at the top level for the majority of their respective careers and they have enough quality to lead Galaxy back to the latter stages of the postseason.

After winning the competition two years ago, LA Galaxy struggled for consistency last season and struggled to inspire confidence as the Portland Timbers pipped Columbus Crew to the crown. However, it’s hard to see the defending champions retaining their title this season, especially after a poor start to the new campaign.

Gerrard was instrumental in Galaxy’s win against New England and the former Liverpool player has the bit between his teeth despite some reports claiming that he will retire in 2016. Unfortunately, the Premier League title eluded Gerrard’s grasp during his time in England but the MLS Cup would go some way to enhancing his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in English football.

In terms of the MLS, he’s probably the most famous midfielder to feature in the United States’ primary soccer division and a title success would be a brilliant way for him to bow out after a mixed era in Los Angeles.

“Steven Gerrard” (CC BY 2.0) by araizavictor

So, can anybody stop LA Galaxy’s experienced side? If they perform at their best, it’s hard to imagine Arena’s men slipping up. They just have too much quality for the rest of the MLS.

New York City FC may be the only side who can compete with LA Galaxy on a player-by-player basis but even then, Galaxy’s chemistry and organisation is much better. If Galaxy keep calm and go through the motions, Gerrard may finally get his hands on a league title and the Los Angeles franchise will have their sixth MLS Cup.