This weekend marks the start of the MLS season and the beginning of a new chapter for San Diego FC, the league’s newest team, which will make its debut against none other than the reigning champions, LA Galaxy.
The Galaxy claimed the title last year after a decade but have suffered some key departures that have slightly weakened the squad for 2025.
Meanwhile, San Diego FC will be making its professional debut and hopes to make a strong impression in its inaugural season.
LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC Betting Odds and Free Pick
| Galaxy 1.45 | San Diego 5.95 | Draw Offs: 5.17 |
| When? | Sunday, February 23 at 7:00 pm ET, 6:00 pm CST, 5:00 pm MT, and 4:00 pm PT |
| Where? | Dignity Health Sports Park |
| Where Can I Watch It? | MLS on Apple TV |
Why Bet on LA Galaxy?
Los Angeles Galaxy is the reigning MLS champion. After a long 10-year wait, the club lifted its sixth title, surpassing D.C. United by two trophies to become the most successful team in league history.
In the final, they defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 with goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic, capping off an impressive postseason run in which they won their five games, scored 18 goals, and conceded just four.
For the 2025 season, they will have two major absences: forward Dejan Joveljic, who was sold for $4 million to Sporting Kansas City in the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history, and Riqui Puig, who is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained late last year and will be sidelined for several more months. Adding to these setbacks, Paintsil was recently ruled out for approximately two months due to injury.
Among the team’s new signings, 21-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Sanabria stands out. He was acquired from Nacional of Uruguay for $5 million plus $1.8 million in bonuses and a 20% resale clause. Other additions include 20-year-old Brazilian Matheus Nascimento (Vasco da Gama), Uruguayan Christian Ramírez (Columbus Crew), and Danish defender Zanka (Anderlecht), among others.
During preseason, the Galaxy defeated Minnesota (2-1), drew with Austin (1-1) and Charlotte (2-1), and suffered losses against New York City FC (2-0) and Chicago Fire (1-0).
Why Bet on San Diego FC?
San Diego FC is the MLS team number 30. The California-based club makes its debut in the top tier of American soccer, facing an opponent that could become a state rival.
They will be led by American coach Mikey Varas, who has experience with the U.S. U-20 national team and served as interim head coach for the National Team for two matches last year.
Without a doubt, the team’s biggest star is Hirving Lozano. The 29-year-old Mexican forward arrives in MLS to lead this new franchise after a successful career in Europe, where he stood out playing for Napoli and PSV, the latter receiving a $12 million transfer fee from San Diego.
Alongside him, several players bring European experience, including Danish forwards Anders Dreyer (26) and Marcus Ingvartsen (29), Northern Irish defender Paddy McNair (29), and American midfielder Luca De La Torre, a San Diego native who previously played for Fulham, Heracles Almelo, and Celta de Vigo.
Additionally, the squad includes Latin American players with MLS and domestic league experience, such as Argentine defender Franco Negri, Colombian duo Andrés Reyes and Tomás Ángel, and Panamanian veteran Aníbal Godoy, a regular for his national team.
San Diego has built a squad that blends experience and youth, but there’s no doubt that the team will revolve around De La Torre’s control in midfield and ‘Chucky’ Lozano’s goal-scoring ability.
The club lost its first two preseason matches against NYCFC (3-1) and Portland (3-0) but bounced back with a dominant 6-0 win over the New York Red Bulls last week.
Final Betting Analysis: LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC
It will be the first game of the season and the first match in San Diego FC’s history, with the added pressure of facing the reigning MLS champions.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange favor Los Angeles Galaxy, with a Moneyline of 1.45, while San Diego FC stands at 5.95, and a draw is at 5.17.
Despite the Galaxy’s absences, they are a well-established team with much more experience and chemistry, which is why we believe they will come out as the winners.
Go for a straight win for Galaxy in the Moneyline. If you bet $100 at 1.45, you will gain $45 for a total payout of $145.
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