This Sunday, February 22, a compelling MLS encounter takes place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, as LA Galaxy hosts New York City FC at 7 p.m. ET. This match marks the opening Sunday Night Soccer game presented by Continental Tire for the 2026 season, highlighting an important cross-conference contest. Fans eager to watch can stream the game live on Apple TV, as both teams aim to demonstrate why they are serious contenders in MLS this year.
LA Galaxy’s Winter Overhaul and Squad Update
Following a challenging 2025 campaign that left the Galaxy 14th in the Western Conference, head coach Greg Vanney’s squad has undergone significant changes during the offseason. LA’s lineup features high-profile talents including Marco Reus, Joseph Paintsil, and Gabriel Pec, whose dynamic attacking skills add excitement to the squad. However, Riqui Puig, the team’s creative playmaker, remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in preseason, sidelining him for a second year in a row.
To bolster their roster, LA Galaxy used the newly opened Designated Player slot to sign striker João Klauss from St. Louis CITY SC, hoping he will jumpstart their offense. Klauss set club records with 27 goals in 85 games for his former team. Additionally, LA reinforced their defense by acquiring 2022 MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes, versatile defender Justin Haak, and added midfield depth with veteran Erik Thommy.
Players to Watch for LA Galaxy
Jakob Glesnes: The Defender of the Year in 2022, Glesnes arrived in a high-profile trade aiming to solidify LA’s backline and improve its defensive record.
João Klauss: The new Designated Player, Klauss, brings a proven scoring record and hopes to adapt quickly to elevate the Galaxy’s attack.
Joseph Paintsil: Entering his third MLS season, Paintsil’s pace and skill on the wing complement his goal and assist tallies, and he eyes a place on Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Gabriel Pec: Awarded the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Pec’s Brazilian flair and dribbling skills consistently threaten opposing defenses.
Marco Reus: The German veteran and former Borussia Dortmund star joined last season to boost LA’s campaign, contributing a total of 14 goals and assists through tightly controlled playmaking.
Projected Starting Lineup for LA Galaxy
An important note is the suspension carried over by Edwin Cerrillo from last season, likely giving Justin Haak an opportunity to start in midfield alongside Lucas Sanabria. On defense, Emiro Garcés might partner with newcomer Glesnes, pairing experience with fresh defensive reinforcement. This restructured lineup will be critical to how well LA performs in front of their home crowd.
New York City FC’s March Toward a Championship Return
Fresh from reaching the Eastern Conference Final last season, NYCFC aims to return to the MLS Cup for the first time since winning the title in 2021. The club faces a challenge following the loss of Alonso Martínez, last year’s top scorer, who is recovering from a torn ACL sustained during the 2025 playoffs.
Despite this setback, NYCFC’s offense is strengthened by the inclusion of Nicolás Fernández Mercau, who has completed a full preseason after joining from Spain’s LaLiga club Elche last summer. Talles Magno has returned to the squad following a loan spell at Brazilian side Corinthians, adding depth to the roster. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese, regarded as one of head coach Pascal Jansen’s most reliable players, is expected to compete for a starting role as he fights for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Key Players to Follow for New York City FC
Nicolás Fernández Mercau: Since his arrival, this Argentine attacker quickly became a key player, contributing five goals and two assists in just 19 games.
Matt Freese: The MLS Goalkeeper of the Year contender, Freese kept eight clean sheets last season in 31 appearances and remains vital to NYCFC’s defensive stability.
Maxi Moralez: Now competing in his tenth season with NYCFC, Moralez continues to offer leadership and creativity from midfield, delivering consistent assists and goals.
Thiago Martins: As team captain and a 2024 MLS All-Star, Martins provides on-field leadership and defensive grit.
Aiden O’Neill: The Australian midfielder, a recent signing from Belgium’s Standard Liège, could see playing time at the World Cup while adding valuable experience and energy in midfield.
NYCFC’s Possible Lineup and Tactical Approach
With some uncertainty surrounding Magno’s availability, the team may adopt a false No. 9 formation, emphasizing wing play from Agustín Ojeda and Hannes Wolf to stretch the opposing defense. This flexible system aims to maximize offensive opportunities despite missing their top scorer.
Defensive Reinforcements and Matchup Significance
LA Galaxy’s offseason focus on defense, underscored by Glesnes and Haak’s signings, aims at a major improvement at the back as they face a potent NYCFC attack. The performance of these new defensive recruits against NYCFC’s diverse offensive threats, including the skillful Fernández Mercau and attacking veterans Moralez and Ojeda, could greatly influence the game’s outcome.
This Sunday’s battle is more than just a regular-season contest; it may set the tone for both teams’ quests to return to playoff contention and challenge for the MLS Cup. For LA Galaxy, proving their offseason moves were successful could rejuvenate fan optimism after a disappointing last season. For New York City FC, it’s an early chance to demonstrate resilience despite injuries and maintain momentum toward another championship pursuit.
