Something has broken in LA Galaxy, and it doesn't seem like there's a solution in the short term. So much so that some fans have started questioning whether this project has hit rock bottom. The statistics clearly reflect that they are the worst defending champion in MLS after seven games played… and last night they were eliminated in the ConcaChampions quarterfinals in their visit to Tigres.

LA Galaxy couldn't manage to come back against Tigres

The feelings conveyed during the 0-0 draw in the first-leg match played a week ago at Dignity Health Sports Park, where Tigres had the clearer chances, suggested that qualifying in Mexico was going to be a miracle. These predictions were soon confirmed after the frantic start of the match, with goals from Ibáñez and Antona in the first 10 minutes. “Conceding another goal just 20 seconds after we conceded the first one, knowing that with a 1-0 scoreline, we were still in a good position... for me, it's not acceptable,” said Greg Vanney after the match.

LA Galaxy reduced the deficit before halftime with a goal from Paintsil and immediately responded to Tigres’ 3-1 with another goal from Garcés. They kept trying until the end and came close to the equalizer several times. But in the end, it didn’t happen. “The third goal complicated things for us. Because now we had to score three. We pulled one back immediately, and you felt like we were at least putting pressure on them at the end, trying to get that third goal. But nothing we did in that final stretch gave us a great opportunity,” said Greg Vanney.

LA Galaxy marks the start of a champion’s campaign in MLS... that they themselves established!

This early elimination in ConcaChampions is a consequence of the dramatic start to the season that LA Galaxy is having in MLS. After seven games played, they still haven’t won and have conceded up to five losses. Sitting at the bottom of the standings, their numbers reflect that they are the worst defending champion in MLS history, surpassing the records they set in 2003 with four draws and three losses.

“Yes, we need to mature more as a group, and again, recognize the ups and downs of the game, understand when to take risks and when not to, how to play with our game plan, but also be smart and competent not to make mistakes that, in the end, cost us dearly,” said Greg Vanney. We’ll see if this match, against Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy can bounce back from this blow and achieve their first win of the season in MLS.