As the LA Galaxy embark on their 27th season, when hope springs eternal and we all seek to see another successful campaign, comes a looming question.
Is the defense going to succeed this year?
While, at least in my mind, the Galaxy’s defensive record since the last MLS Cup-winning campaign feels like it’s been putrid, the actual numbers are not quite that simple. There have been peaks and valleys in terms of performance over the past seven years.
While it’s worth noting looking at pure goals conceded and rate of goals conceded does not easily equate to “success” — the team that wins MLS Cup is not often the team that gave up the fewest goals — it is a good thumbnail sketch to dig into defensive performance.