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How bad do the LA Galaxy miss the Serbian forward?

Dejan Joveljic is playing well for the six-time champions' next opponent
ByScott Conrad|
Apr 19, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Dejan Joveljic (9) during the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Dejan Joveljic (9) during the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Galaxy celebrated a record sixth MLS Cup title just five months ago. Looking at how their roster has been reshaped and their current regular this season, you would think it was years ago and not months.

Most noticeable is that the LA Galaxy are without a couple of their top scorers. Midfielder Riqui Puig is out while recovering from his ACL surgery. Another star player was shipped to Sporting KC in a trade prior to the season starting.

General Manager Will Kuntz saw an immediate need at forward once Joveljic was traded. Thus, they signed former Columbus Crew phenom Christian Ramirez.

Are the Los Angeles better off without Joveljic?

The Los Angeles Galaxy were hard pressed for salary cap space. That was the main reason behind the tough decision to send Joveljic out of Carson, California. The Galaxy received $4 million for the Serbian forward.

The defending MLS Cup champs then turned around and spent $500,000 on Ramirez. The savings of $3.5 million may not be worth the lack of wins and success in the 2025 regular season.

"Dejan has proven himself to be a top striker in our league, and his legacy will be forever etched in Galaxy lore after capping an historic 2024 MLS Playoffs by scoring the game-winning goal in last year's MLS Cup Final."
Will Kuntz, GM of the Los Angeles Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy are still searching for their first victory. They have three ties. If Joveljic had those five goals for his former team (even with Ramirez on board), that could swing the team's three draws into wins.

Joveljic is shooting 10% more accurately this season. He made 15 goals on 58 shots in 2024, as he has five already on just 14 shots in ten games this year. His new team is just 2-1-7 on the season. The Los Angeles Galaxy are the only team below them in the MLS Western Conference standings.

The four-year MLS veteran scored in each of the LA Galaxy's first five games last season. Joveljic found the back of the net 33 times for his original team in the league and another seven times in two postseasons.

His presence is certainly missed. Unfortunately for head coach Greg Vanney, the team's issues are not all to blame on their lack of scoring.

In the LA Galaxy's first three games of the season, backup Novak Micovic allowed seven goals. Gabriel Pec was the only member of the Galaxy to score in those games.

"Navigating the roster and budget guidelines of MLS forces all teams to make difficult decisions and no transaction could be more reflective of that dynamic than this trade. The entire LA Galaxy organization would like to offer its sincerest thanks to Dejan for his legendary contributions to the club, and we wish him and his family success as they embark on a new chapter in their lives."
Will Kuntz, GM of the Los Angeles Galaxy

Last weekend, starting keeper John McCarthy allowed four goals to the Portland Timbers. He did the same thing in September 2024 during his worst outing of last season.

Sure, Joveljic is missed because of what he could do to the scoreboard for the LA Galaxy. But with the team avoiding paying him a massive amount they did not have available, they can retool their defense and get back to their winning ways.

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