Justin Haak will confront New York City FC for the first time since joining LA Galaxy this Sunday, marking a significant moment in his career. The 24-year-old midfielder and center back left NYCFC after the offseason amid stalled contract discussions, now gearing up to face the team where he developed and spent seven seasons.
Haak said the upcoming game will feel unusual but admits it adds motivation as he embarks on a new chapter in Major League Soccer.
Leaving New York: A Difficult Decision Influenced by Contract Talks
Haak emerged from NYCFC’s academy system and became an integral part of their squad, playing a key role in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Despite strong ties to New York, the choice to move west was shaped by stalled negotiations and a desire for change.
“It’s definitely gonna be strange playing against them, especially the first game of this season,”
Haak said.
I think it’s a little more motivation for me going into this game, but that’s all it really is for me. Just a little bit extra motivation on top of an already exciting season opener with a new team.
He revealed that NYCFC’s contract offers never felt compelling enough to keep him, describing the club’s approach as minimal effort until late in the season when interest from other teams became apparent.
“I would say up until the very end of the season, New York City wasn’t really pushing,”
Haak said.
They did send offers, but nothing that ever when I looked at it was like, this is just too good. I have to take this offer. More like they were trying to do the bare minimum up until the very end of the season, when they finally realized how interested other teams were.”
LA Galaxy Offers Fresh Start and Versatile Role
In December, Haak signed a one-year contract with LA Galaxy, including a club option through June 2027. The move represents a major loss for NYCFC, which parted ways with a homegrown player who had battled alongside them for years.
With LA Galaxy, Haak is expected to continue playing both in midfield and central defense, roles he is comfortable handling. He has already featured in preseason matches at both positions and believes the team has strong potential this season.
“I feel like we have a really strong group here in Galaxy,”
he said.
We have a chance to do something special.”
Reflections on NYCFC and Message to Fans
Though he left NYCFC, Haak continues to hold respect for his former teammates and coaching staff, emphasizing that the difficulties he experienced were largely related to how the club managed contract negotiations.
“From the locker room and the coaching staff, there’s not a bad word I can say about those guys. It is really just how they handled the situation as a whole, I think took a toll on it.”
Haak also expressed gratitude toward NYCFC supporters, acknowledging their support throughout his time with the club and promising to continue backing them—except for during the upcoming match against LA Galaxy.
“I really appreciate all the support they gave me throughout my time there. And always I’ll be with them supporting NYCFC except for this weekend,”
Haak said.
But other than that, I’ll always be with them, supporting them.”
Implications of Haak’s Transfer for Both Teams
Haak’s departure highlights the challenges NYCFC faced in retaining homegrown talent amid contract negotiations. His move to LA Galaxy not only strengthens his new team’s defensive and midfield options but also sets the stage for a memorable showdown this Sunday.
This first match against his former club may give Haak added motivation to showcase his growth and versatility while representing LA Galaxy, signaling a new era for the player and a test for NYCFC’s adjustments without him.
