LA Galaxy's family bond sparks optimism for a prosperous season

The definition of the word 'galaxy' is the system of millions or even billions of stars [together with gas and dust] held together by a gravitational attraction. Bonds like this are typically strong and powerful in nature. Much like the bond of family.

In Major League Soccer, we have seen a few instances where a player and coach are held together much like a galaxy. For example, the current head coach of Austin FC, Josh Wolff has the unique pleasure of being in the same league as his son. Tyler Wolff plays for Atlanta United.

Former head coach of Inter Milan CF, Phil Neville, had the distinct experience of having his son, Harvey, on the Inter Miami CF II reserve team. However, there is another family affair within Major League Soccer that has won a title together with the hopes of doing so once more.

A family affair within the Los Angeles Galaxy

Head coach Greg Vanney is a former player in MLS, too. He spent his first six seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He would return in 2008 for his final year in MLS. There was a three-year gap after 2001.

Once Vanney retired, he switched his attention to coaching. After Toronto FC fired their coach on August 31, 2014, Vanney took over. He led them to their first-ever playoff berth a year later.

One of the new additions on the roster that season was his nephew, Eriq Zavaleta. A trade with the Seattle Sounders put the two relatives together. On September 5th of that year, Zavaleta scored his first goal of the season. It came in a 2-1 loss against his former team.

The two teams, Toronto and Seattle, would meet each other in the 2016 MLS Finals. Vanney and Zavaleta would fall short that year of earning a championship together.

In 2017, the uncle and nephew got their redemption, as did the rest of their team. They won 2-0 in the MLS Finals against the Sounders the next season.

After an early departure from the postseason in 2020, Vanney resigned as head coach prior to the new year. Weeks later, it was announced that the Los Angeles Galaxy had hired their ninth permanent head coach in franchise history. Enter, Greg Vanney.

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Zavaleta would remain with Toronto FC for just one more season. The club did not renew his contract after the 2021 MLS Season. In March 2022, the defender signed a one-year tender to join his uncle with the LA Galaxy.

While they won MLS gold together seven years ago, the two look to capture another championship for themselves and the LA Galaxy. This would be their second individually as coach and player, respectively, and a sixth overall title as a franchise for the LA Galaxy.

Vanney's twin sons, Dylan and Mason, are also with the organization. Both are on the LA Galaxy Academy U-17 Team, Dylan is a forward (unlike his father or Zavaleta) and Mason plays both defender and midfield.

As a galaxy is made up of millions of stars, the one in Los Angeles has a few that are related to one another. Time will tell if there will be more. For now, Vanney was brought in to add to how bright the LA Galaxy shines. Zavaleta was signed to help his uncle and the rest of this roster accomplish their goal, another MLS title.