LA Galaxy Ink Rookie Forward on Short-Term Deal

Hanging on by a thread after a 1-1 tie against the Houston Dynamo, the LA Galaxy's playoff hopes are still alive. Unfortunately, every one else in the MLS Western Conference sits above them.

The Los Angeles Galaxy (4-8-16) have five games left in their regular-season. Ahead of the match against the Dynamo, the defending MLS Cup champions made a roster move affect immediately.

According to their team site, the "LA Galaxy today announced that the club has signed forward Nicklaus Sullivan to a Short-Term Agreement from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Ventura County FC."

The LA Galaxy's website also states that "Nicklaus Sullivan, 23, has appeared in 14 league matches during the 2025 Regular Season for Ventura County FC, where he has notched six goals and six assists." The 23-year-old was a member of the second unit for LAFC prior to joining Ventura County.

One of three players the LA Galaxy took in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Sullivan fills a void in a position that has struggled this season compared to last. He was taken in the third round by the six-time MLS Cup champions ahead of midfielder Jason Bucknor and fellow forward Jacob Woznicki

Forwards Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have missed multiple games this year, and Christian Ramirez has been stuck on the bench after being a starter for the Galaxy in the team's first two months this season.

What's different between Sullivan's contract and the one Chris Rindov signed?

Rindov signed a contract that allows him to remain on the main roster for the LA Galaxy. His deal is also good for longer than just this season.

In the case of Sullivan, the terms are described by the team's site. "Per MLS rules, a club may sign a player, age 25 or younger during the league season, from its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements (up to four-day contracts) each season (maximum of 16 days)."

Furthermore, "An individual player may be included on up to four MLS league season match rosters each season, however, that player may appear in no more than two MLS league season matches. An individual player may appear in any number of non-league games during the terms of his four Short-Term Agreements."

Sullivan and the LA Galaxy have their next match on Saturday on the road against the Seattle Sounders. This a rematch of the 2025 Leagues Cup semifinals game as well last year's MLS Western Conference Finals match.

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