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Why the LA Galaxy's Front Office Needs to Watch These All-Star Defenders

Adding potential, high-level talent to better the defense next year is the objective at hand when scouting the MLS All-Star Game.
ByScott Conrad|
LA Galaxy v Austin FC
LA Galaxy v Austin FC | Dave Bernal/ISI Photos/GettyImages

For the first time in the history of Major League Soccer, the Los Angeles Galaxy will not have a representative in the MLS All-Star game. In their first season, the team had six. This year will mark the first year that they have zero. Even with Marco Reus' recent tear this season, he will not be at this year's MLS All-Star Game.

At this pace, the LA Galaxy will also be missing out on the postseason. Despite winning the 2024 MLS Cup Finals, they appear to be sitting out the playoffs for a second time in the past three years.

While their players are resting this week before their game on Friday against the Houston Dynamo, the LA Galaxy's front office should be watching closely to Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas.

Here's who General Manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy Will Kuntz should be looking at specifically.

MLS All-Star Defenders the LA Galaxy's GM Should Watch

The LA Galaxy enter the All-Star Break with the MLS Western Conference's worst defense. They have allowed a league-high 48 goals despite having a better goal differential (-20) than D.C. United and CF Montreal (-25).

Going into the winter, the Galaxy front office needs to look at how to improve the defense.

1. Michael Boxall

This defender from Minnesota United FC is a big reason why his team is towards the top of the MLS Western Conference standings. A place where the LA Galaxy enjoyed most of last season and has been far from all of this season.

Boxall has been with Minnesota United FC since 2017. He has played with LA Galaxy forward Christian Ramirez in the past. The LA Galaxy will see Boxall and his team during the regular season finale at Dignity Health Sports Park in mid-October.

2. Alex Freeman

Though he has a club option for 2026, this Orlando City SC defender will also be taking the field on Wednesday night for the MLS All-Star Game.

Freeman doesn't turn 21 until next month, making him a lucrative addition if he were to change coasts and join the LA Galaxy in the MLS Western Conference.

3. Jakob Glesnes & 4. Andy Najar

The LA Galaxy saw this player in May during their 3-2 loss against the Philadelphia Union. Glesnes is making just over $1 million in the last season of his contract.

Scheduled to be a free agent, if Glesnes does not re-sign with Philadelphia, the LA Galaxy would welcome the 31-year-old. Though the six-time MLS Cup winners may want to get younger on defense, two of their own, Eriq Zavaleta and John Nelson, are also free agents after this season.

Another Philadelphia Union defender made the MLS All-Star roster. Kai Wagner is Glesnes teammate. However, Wagner is signed through the 2027 MLS season and Glesnes is not.

Just like Glasnes, Najar is a free agent should his current team not pick up his option for 2026. Nashville SC has improved drastically in 2025, thanks in part to adding former LA Galaxy midfielder Gaston Brugman.

5. Miles Robinson

This MLS All-Star is already playing on his club option this season. The LA Galaxy will get a closer look at the FC Cincinnati defender first hand when they host Robinson and his teammates on Saturday, September 20th.

The 28-year-old is making about $1.5 million this year. A tad pricey, he does fulfill a major area of need for the LA Galaxy. If the reigning MLS Cup champions want to make an 11th appearance in the finals, they have to improve their offense.

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