Overreactions to the LA Galaxy quest for a sixth title

Most teams would be envious of another that sits atop their respective conference. A playoff berth has already been clinched and now the Los Angeles Galaxy are aiming to seize homefield advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.

Head Coach Greg Vanney has fielded one of the best offenses and the goaltending has improved drastically with John McCarthy replacing Jonathan Bond. But are the five-time MLS champions really a lock to make another Finals appearance?

History and statistics may show why the LA Galaxy could have to wait another season to capture the MLS Cup.

The Galaxy are 5-4 in MLS title games

That's right! The Los Angeles Galaxy have only lost almost as much as they have won in the biggest game of the MLS season. However, most of those losses game in the early years (1996, 1999, 2001).

DC United has appeared in the next most amount of MLS Cup Finals, with five. They are 4-1 in such bouts, losing only their 1998 appearance.

The third most is held by a few teams but most notably by the defending champion, Columbus Crew. They have a 3-1 in their four appearances. They won in 2020, as well.

It would be a tall order for the LA Galaxy to win in their tenth MLS Cup appearance. Their cross-town rival, LAFC have been in the last two Finals. They have split those contests as they beat Philadelphia Union in 2022 and lost to the crew last year.

The point is that it is extremely difficult to win in MLS. Compare the Galaxy's 55.5% win percentage to the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. They have won the most championships in their respective sport with 27 and losing 13 of them (a win percentage of 67.5%).