4 Moves that Western Conference foes made helping the LA Galaxy's season

While the two best teams record-wise were in the Eastern Conference last season, the Western Conference was full quality teams, as well.

In fact, the top three teams in the East failed to make it out of the first round during the postseason. Only one of the top three seeds in the West fell that early.

The Los Angeles Galaxy find themselves in a position similar to to the 2015 season. That is the last time this franchise has entered the regular season as the defending MLS Cup champions.

As the LA Galaxy made a number of shocking moves like trading away one of its more dominant scores in Dejan Joveljic, as well as MLS Cup Finals MVP Gaston Brugman, other teams made moves this winter, too.

However, some the Western Conference's stiffest competition made decisions and agreed to deals that not only hurt their chances of overtaking the Los Angeles Galaxy but helped the six-time champions on their way to a seventh title.

1. Los Angeles FC

Their cross-town rival actually finished the regular season one spot better than the LA Galaxy. The number one seed went to LAFC via a tie breaker (goal differential).

History has shown, the Los Angeles Galaxy can win as the second seed like they did in 2014 and obviously more recent in 2024.

The LA Galaxy traded one of their veteran midfielders, Marky Delgado, to LAFC. Yet, the more shocking move was when LAFC agreed to loan out Cristian Olivera to the Brazlian team Grêmio.

Olivera joined LAFC in 2023. They were one win shy of becoming the fourth franchise (and second in LA) to repeat as champions. LAFC fell short to the Columbus Crew.

The right winger from Uruguay shined for LAFC. In 40 appearances, Olivera scored nine times including his goal in Game 1 against the Vanouver Whitecaps last October.

LAFC went on to win that game, 2-1, as well as the best-of-three series. He already has scored for his new team, Grêmio.

Not having Olivera certainly affects LAFC's chances to repeat as the Western Conference's top seed but to return to their third MLS Cup Finals in four years.