2009 Supporters' Shield

Lore & Background

The Galaxy were founded in 1994 and are owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group. In their early years, the club played home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Since 2003, they have played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The team holds a rivalry with the San Jose Earthquakes in the California Clásico and used to play the SuperClasico against city rivals Chivas USA before that team folded in 2014. Following the league's dissolution of Chivas USA, a new expansion team, Los Angeles FC (LAFC), was formed in 2014 and began play in 2018; the new LA rivalry was dubbed 'El Tráfico'.

Reader's Guide

The Galaxy have won a record six MLS Cups in ten Finals appearances, the Western Conference regular-season title eight times, four Supporters' Shields, two U.S. Open Cups, and one CONCACAF Champions' Cup title. In 2024, the Galaxy won a record-extending sixth MLS Cup, and broke the record for most goals during a playoff campaign with 18 goals. In 2007, the club made international headlines with the signing of English player David Beckham from Real Madrid. The club has fielded other high-profile international players including Robbie Keane, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Marco Reus, Steven Gerrard, Luis Hernández, Javier Hernández, Sergi Roberto, and American Landon Donovan, who is the all-time leading scorer for the club. In 2019, Forbes estimated the club is the second most valuable in the league, worth about $480 million.

Did You Know?

• The Galaxy finished the 2009 season top of the Western Conference and runners-up in the MLS Supporters' Shield.
• In 2009, the Galaxy reached the MLS Cup final but lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties.
• Bruce Arena was the head coach of the Galaxy in 2009.
• The Galaxy qualified for the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round by reaching the 2009 MLS Cup final.