Los Angeles Galaxy defender is returning on one-year deal

The Los Angeles Galaxy have been extremely active this week. On Thursday, the team announced the return of a defender with strong ties to their current coach.

Eriq Zavaleta signed a one-year deal through the 2025 season. His uncle, Greg Vanney, is currently the head coach of the Galaxy.

The pair have now won two titles together. The first came in 2017 with Toronto FC. Recently traded midfielder Marky Delgado was also a member of the championship team.

After seven seasons in Toronto, Vanney came to coach the LA Galaxy in 2021. His nephew joined the team one season later.

What does this signing means for the defending champions?

The Los Angeles Galaxy were highly interested in Igor Jesus from the Portuguese soccer club Estrela. The team missed out on his services as cross-town rival LAFC inked the 21-year-old to a deal this week.

General manager Will Kuntz has already sent midfielder Gaston Brugman and defender Jalen Neal packing, in addition to Delgado. Thus, a roster spot was surely available to bring back Zavaleta.

Maya Yoshida, the captain for the Galaxy, also re-signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy. As it stands, Yoshida, Miki Yamane, John Nelson and a fourth starter will make up the backfield.

Vanney operated his lineup effectively with a 4-3-3 formation. This led to the Galaxy having the highest scoring offense in the Western Conference and third overall in the league.

During the MLS Super Draft, the LA Galaxy used their three selections on a midfielder and a pair of forwards. Having Zavaleta return was viewed as a crucial step to give the six-time champions depth on their roster.

Though he has been used sparingly, the Westfield, Indiana native is a trusted veteran amongst the locker room. Zavaleta has played in 20 regular season games during his three seasons for the Galaxy thus far.

He did not record a goal or an assist in his first year with the team, Zavaleta scored twice in the 2023 season. His third goal game early on this past season when the Galaxy defeated Sporting Kansas City, 3-2.

Zavaleta is solid passer. His accuracy percentage since joining the LA Galaxy is 91.2% over the past three years. The signing gives Vanney a familiar face on the field and with the fanbase for one of the most successful teams ever in the league.

This will be the fourth season with the Galaxy for the El Salvador National Team defender. Zavaleta and company will open up their title defense in a month when the host San Diego FC at Dignity Health Sports Park.