Los Angeles Galaxy lose their finale at Coachella Valley Invitational

Saturday saw the conclusion of the preseason for the Los Angeles Galaxy, as well as the Chicago Fire.

The Galaxy won 2-1 their last time out when they won against Minnesota United FC. The Chicago Fire dominated against the San Jose Earthquakes when they scored six times.

All Chicago needed was one goal on Saturday and that was enough to put away the starting goalkeeper for the LA Galaxy, Novak Micovic. The six-time MLS Cup winners were shutout in a 1-0 defeat to end their preseason schedule.

The team has seen more than a half dozen newcomers and nearly that many players from last season's championship squad be traded. Rotation regulars Gaston Brugman, Jalen Neal, Marky Delgado and Dejan Joveljic all were shipped off in separate transactions.

Midfielder Sean Davis replaced Brugman and Christian Ramirez was brought in from the Columbus Crew after Joveljic was sent packing. Multiple other defenders and midfielders were added to this roster.

However, not one of them recorded a goal for the LA Galaxy this preseason. Nor did either one of them collect an assist, as well.

Saturday's contest against the Chicago Fire did produce a goal or an assist by any player on the LA Galaxy. The five goals tallied this month were by Gabriel Pec, Maya Yoshida, Miguel Berry and a pair of scores from Tucker Lepley.

Micovic was unable to stop the shot from the Fire's Brian Gutierrez. He was able to capitalize on a loose ball within 20 yards or less from the box. His teammate, Tom Barlow, was credited with the assist.

In addition to Micovic, the other LA Galaxy players to play the full match were Pec, Miki Yamane, Edwin Cerrillo and Diego Fagundez. Lepley and Davis were among some of the substitutes that were never called into the game.

One of the few exciting notes about Saturday's game was that midfielder Marco Reus finally took the field as part of the Starting XI. He was subbed out at the end of the first half for another newcomer, Elijah Wynder.

Saturday's loss to the Fire marks the second time in a row they beat the LA Galaxy. However, they Galaxy have gone unbeaten against them ever since 2010. Unlike last season, these two teams will not meet again this year during their 34-game regular season schedule.

Next up for the Los Angeles Galaxy, they will begin their title defense next weekend when the 30th MLS season begins. Head coach Greg Vanney will rally up his troops as they host the newest team in the league, San Diego FC, on Sunday, February 23, at Dignity Health Sports Park.