Five LA Galaxy Players Called Up for International Duty

Efraín Álvarez, Julián Araujo, Raheem Edwards, Kelvin Leerdam and Rayan Raveloson to represent their respective national teams during international window

The LA Galaxy today announced that defenders Julián Araujo (Mexico), Raheem Edwards (Canada), Kelvin Leerdam (Suriname) and midfielders Efraín Álvarez (U-21 Mexico) and Rayan Raveloson (Madagascar) were called up by their respective national teams during the international window.

Álvarez, 19, has notched two goals and two assists in 16 appearances (11 starts) for LA across all competitions during this season. The Los Angeles, Calif., native has made four appearances for the Mexico Men’s National Team. The Mexican U-21 National Team take on the U-23 Venezuela National Team on Thursday, June 2 (8:30 a.m. PT) and the U-23 Indonesia National Team on Sunday, June 5 (8:30 p.m. PT) in Group Stage play of the Toulon Tournament.

Araujo, 20, has tallied one assist in 13 regular-season appearances (12 starts) for the Galaxy during the 2022 campaign. The Lompoc, Calif., native has made two appearances (1 start) for the Mexico Men’s National Team, most recently appearing as a second-half substitute in Mexico’s 1-0 win over Panama in World Cup Qualifying on Feb. 3, 2022. Mexico will play international friendlies against Uruguay on Thursday, June 2 (7:00 p.m. PT) and Ecuador on Sunday, June 5 (4:30 p.m. PT), beforebeginning Concacaf Nations League play by playing host to Suriname on Saturday, June 11 (7:00 p.m. PT) and traveling to face Jamaica on Wednesday, June 14 (5:00 p.m. PT).

In 15 appearances (15 starts) across all competitions for the Galaxy in his first season with the club, Edwards, 26, has tallied a team-high six assists. The Toronto, Ontario, native has played in four matches (3 starts) for the Canada Men’s National Team, most recently appearing as a second-half substitute in Canada’s 1-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly on March 24, 2018. Canada squares off against Curacao on Thursday, June 9 (7:30 p.m. PT) and Honduras on Monday, June 13 (7:00 p.m. PT) in Concacaf Nations League play.

Leerdam, 31, has made seven appearances (4 starts) across all competitions for LA during the 2022 campaign. The Paramaribo, Suriname, native has tallied two assists in eight appearances (8 starts) for the Suriname National Team. Suriname begin Concacaf Nations League play by playing host to Jamaica on Saturday, June 4 (4:00 p.m. PT), before traveling to face Jamaica on Tuesday, June 7 (6:00 p.m. PT) and Mexico on Saturday, June 11 (7:00 pm. PT).

Raveloson, 25, has registered three assists in 14 appearances (14 starts) for the Galaxy in league play this season. Raveloson has registered one goal in 16 appearances (12 starts) for the Madagascar National Team. Madagascar continues Africa Cup of Nations qualifying by facing off against Angola on Sunday, June 5 (9:00 a.m. PT).

Following the international break, the LA Galaxy return to league play to play host to the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, June 18. The June 18 match kicks off at 2:00 p.m. PT and features a national broadcast on ESPN.

Dejan Joveljić Voted MLS Player of the Week

Joveljić named MLS Player of the Week after he became the first player in MLS history to provide four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) as a substitute in the LA Galaxy’s 4-1 comeback win over Austin FC on May 29

LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Week presented by Continental Tire for the 14th week of the 2022 MLS season.

Joveljić became the first player in MLS history to provide four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) as a substitute in the Galaxy’s 4-1 comeback win over Austin FC. It marked the first time a Galaxy player had four goal contributions in a match since Zlatan Ibrahimović on July 29, 2018. His four goal contributions off the bench equaled his total amount of contributions from the 2021 season, which he accomplished in 14 games. Joveljić and Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastián Blanco are the only players to provide at least two goals and two assists in a game this season.

With the Galaxy trailing 1-0, Joveljić was substituted on in the 57th minute and immediately contributed four minutes later by receiving Julián Araujo’s cross and providing a delicate backheel flick for Javier “Chicharito” Hernández to slot into the side netting (Watch Here). In the 64th minute, the Serbian scored his first goal of the game after controlling the ball with his chest off an Austin defender’s scuffed clearance and volleying it into the net for a 2-1 lead (Watch Here). The substitute was not done as he slipped by the defense in the 88th minute, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper and sliding defender for his second goal of the game (Watch Here). Joveljić finished his historic performance in style with a phenomenal bicycle kick assist near midfield to find Efraín Álvarez in plenty of space for a 90th minute goal and a 4-1 Galaxy victory (Watch Here).

With his performance, Joveljić helped the Galaxy score four goals in a game for the first time since July 30, 2021. Additionally, Joveljić became just the fifth Galaxy player since 2010 to post at least four goal contributions in a match, joining Ibrahimović, Giovani dos Santos, Robbie Keane (three times) and Landon Donovan (three times).

Joveljić is the second Galaxy player to win MLS Player of the Week presented by Continental Tire this year, joining Chicharito in Week 5. He is also the first substitute to earn the award since New England’s Adam Buksa in Week 32 of the 2021 season. Joveljić became the first Galaxy substitute to be named MLS Player of the Week since Ibrahimović did so in Week 5 of 2018 after scoring two goals in the first 19 minutes of his career.

The Galaxy will look to win consecutive home games when they return after the international window to host the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, June 18 (2 p.m. PT, ESPN / ESPN Deportes).

The MLS Player of the Week presented by Continental Tire is selected each week of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while a Twitter fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.
 

LA Galaxy Earn 4-1 Win Over Austin FC

Playing their seventh game in the span of 22 days across all competitions during the month of May, the LA Galaxy earned a 4-1 win over Austin FC in front of 20,433 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday afternoon. Dejan Joveljić tallied two goals and two assists, while Javier “Chicharito” Hernández scored his sixth goal in league play and Efraín Álvarez notched a goal and an assist in the win over Austin.

Dejan Joveljić Making History
With two goals and two assists in 33 minutes played in the win over Austin, Joveljić is the first player in MLS history to contribute to four goals as a substitute in a single match. The brace marked the second time in his career that Joveljić has tallied two goals in a single match. Notably, Joveljić has tallied six goals and two assists in 15 appearances (3 starts) across all competitions this year.

LA Galaxy Against Austin FC
Sunday’s MLS regular-season match between the Galaxy and Austin FC marked the fourth all-time regular-season meeting between LA and Austin, with the Galaxy leading the series 3-1-0. In two all-time matches played at home against Austin, the Galaxy hold a 2-0-0 record.

Goal-Scoring Plays
ATX – Diego Fagundez (Owen Wolff), 53rd minute: After receiving the ball in the center of the penalty area, Diego Fagundez’s right-footed shot was fired into top left corner of the net.

LA – Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (Dejan Joveljić, Julián Araujo), 61st minute: Sprinting down the right flank, Julián Araujo delivered a low cross into the box to Dejan Joveljić. The Serbian international quickly backheeled the ball to Chicharito, whose shot from the center of the box found the bottom left corner of the goal.

LA – Dejan Joveljić, 61st minute: Sprinting down the right flank, Julián Araujo delivered a low cross into the box to Dejan Joveljić. The Serbian international quickly backheeled the ball to Chicharito, whose shot from the center of the box found the bottom left corner of the goal.

LA – Dejan Joveljić (Efraín Álvarez, Rayan Raveloson), 88th minute: Rayan Raveloson found Efraín Álvarez streaking down the right side of the field. Álvarez slipped a pass behind the Austin defense to Joveljić, who chipped the keeper from close range to notch his second goal of the night.

LA – Efraín Álvarez (Dejan Joveljić), 90th minute: Dejan Joveljić’s acrobatic bicycle kick in midfield released Álvarez behind Austin’s defense. Álvarez dribbled toward Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver and his shot from just inside the top of the box was buried into the back of the net.

Postgame Notes

• Sunday’s MLS regular-season match between the Galaxy and Austin FC marked the fourth all-time regular-season meeting between LA and Austin, with the Galaxy leading the series 3-1-0.

• With the win over Austin, the LA Galaxy (7-5-2, 23 points) moved up to eighth place in the Supporters’ Shield rankings, six points behind first-place LAFC (9-3-2, 29 points).

• In two all-time matches played at home against Austin, the Galaxy hold a 2-0-0 record.

• LA improved to 6-3-0 in nine matches played at home across all competitions in 2022.

• In seven matches played across all competitions during the month of May, the Galaxy held a 4-2-1 record.

• The victory marked LA’s first come-from-behind victory in league play this season.

• The Galaxy scored four goals in a single match for the first time since a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers on July 30, 2021.

• LA improved to 1-4-0 when the opposition scores the first goal in league play during the 2022 campaign.

• With two goals and two assists in the win over Austin, Dejan Joveljić is the first player in MLS history to contribute to four goals as a substitute in a single match.

• Dejan Joveljić registered the third career brace across all competitions for the Galaxy.

• Joveljić has tallied six goals and two assists in 15 appearances (3 starts) across all competitions this year.

• Efraín Álvarez notched a goal and an assist in 45 minutes of action as a second-half substitute, marking the first time in his career he has tallied a goal and an assist in a single match.

• Chicharito notched his sixth goal in league play during the 2022 MLS Regular Season.

• Rayan Raveloson registered his third assist in league play this season.

• Julián Araujo tallied his first assist in league play this season.

• Samuel Grandsir made his 51st consecutive appearance for the Galaxy across all competitions dating back to April 18, 2021.

• Jonathan Bond tallied his 156th save in league play for the Galaxy, ranking tied for sixth all-time in club history for saves with Josh Saunders.

• LA is 1-0-0 when wearing the adidas Primeblue kit this season.

Next Game
Following the international break, the LA Galaxy return to league play to play host to the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, June 18. The June 18 match kicks off at 2:00 p.m. PT and features a national broadcast on ESPN.

LA Galaxy Announce Pride Night for Home Match against Austin FC on Sunday, May 29

The LA Galaxy today announced programming around Pride Night, when the club plays host to Austin FC, in a match presented by Sherwin-Williams, at Dignity Health Sports Park at 3:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 29 (UniMás and TUDN).

The Pride theme will come to life through in-stadium visuals and through LA Galaxy digital channels. Prior to kickoff, the Galaxy will warm up in the adidas Pride warm-up top, which will be auctioned off through the LA Galaxy Foundation. The National Anthem will be performed by Sam Tsui and Casey Breves, avid supporters of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Pride Night will also feature various elements supporting the club’s partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center during the match, including a Center employee as the Hero of the Match. A special Pride Night ticket package is available, offering fans a ticket to the game and an exclusive Pride Night mini scarf. Proceeds from the LA Galaxy Pride Night ticket package will be donated to the Center. To access the Pride Night ticket package, visit www.lagalaxy.com/pride.

Food & Clothing Drive
As part of Pride Night, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and the LA Galaxy Foundation will be partnering together to run a food drive pregame on Sunday, May 29. Fans are encouraged to donate goods before entering the stadium. All food donated will go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Pride Pantry. Additionally, LA Galaxy supporter group, Angel City Brigade will be running a clothing drive pre-match in the NW supporter tailgate area. All donations will benefit the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Center.

SoccerFest
The Galaxy are collaborating with Ms. Yellow Art, Nuria Ortiz, on a canvas painting that will appear as a photo opportunity in SoccerFest, the Galaxy’s pregame festival area. Nuria Ortiz is a self-taught Long Beach muralist who uses her art as a tool for social transformation is dedicated to sending a positive message to women around the world. Additionally, the Los Angeles LGBT Center will have a booth in SoccerFest.

Merchandise
In celebration of Pride Night, the Galaxy are collaborating with local Los Angeles artists Miranda Villanueva, Joaquin De La Mora and local brand OneTwoThreads to design the “United Not Divided” Tee in honor of this year’s Pride Month celebration. The “United Not Divided” Tee will be available for purchase on OneTwoThreads.com for the entire month of June, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. Additionally, the LA Galaxy Love Scarf and the Mitchell & Ness Pride Collection will debut on Sunday and will be available for purchase at the LA Galaxy Team Store.

2022 Adidas Primeblue Kit
Taking part in a league-wide initiative to raise awareness and inspire action surrounding the impact of marine plastic waste, the Galaxy will wear customized Primeblue uniforms made from a high-performance recycled material and Parley Ocean Plastic™ for the match against Austin. Committed to taking steps to address its environmental impact, MLS and adidas teamed up to create Primeblue jerseys which are made from plastics intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting the ocean.

Match Information
Tickets for the May 29 match are still available at www.lagalaxy.com/tickets. The Galaxy enter the match against Austin FC following a 3-1 win over LAFC in the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 25. Sunday’s MLS regular-season match between the Galaxy (6-5-2, 20 points) and Austin FC (7-3-3, 24 points) marks the fourth all-time regular-season meeting between LA and Austin, with the Galaxy leading the series 2-1-0.

In the first-ever meeting between the two clubs at Dignity Health Sports Park, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández tallied a goal to help the Galaxy earn a 2-0 win over Austin on May 15, 2021.The last time the Galaxy and Austin FC squared off, LA came away with a 1-0 shutout victory at Q2 Stadium on May 8, 2022.

LA Galaxy Advance to Quarterfinals of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with 3-1 Win Over LAFC

Continuing their 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign, the LA Galaxy earned a 3-1 win over LAFC at Dignity Health Sports Park to advance to the Quarterfinal round on Wednesday night. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández registered the game-winning goal, while Kévin Cabral and Dejan Joveljić both registered goals in the win over LAFC. Additionally, Samuel Grandsir tallied two assists, while Raheem Edwards notched his sixth assist across all competitions during the 2022 campaign.

Marching On To The Quarterfinal
With the win over LAFC, the LA Galaxy will play host to Sacramento Republic FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in the Quarterfinal round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 21. Information on tickets will be provided at a later date. The Galaxy improved to 35-17-1 in 53 all-time U.S. Open Cup matches. Joveljić leads the Galaxy with three goals scored in three U.S. Open Cup matches played this season. Additionally, Cabral has tallied two goals in three U.S. Open Cup appearances during the 2022 campaign. Notably, Chicharito scored his first-ever goal in U.S. Open Cup play.

LA Galaxy Dominance Over LAFC
The Round of 16 match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC marked the first-ever matchup of the two teams in U.S. Open Cup play and the 15th edition of El Tráfico across all competitions, with the Galaxy improving to 7-3-5 in the all-time series. Notably, the Galaxy are unbeaten in eight all-time matches played (6-0-2) against LAFC at Dignity Health Sports Park. Additionally, LA is unbeaten in five consecutive matches played (3-0-2) against LAFC dating back to May 8, 2021.

Goal-Scoring Plays
LA – Kévin Cabral (Samuel Grandsir), 51st minute: On the left flank, Samuel Grandsir cut inside on his right foot and delivered a cross into the six-yard box to Kévin Cabral, whose diving, right-footed shot snuck just inside the left post and into the back of the net.  

LA – Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (Samuel Grandsir), 57th minute: After Samuel Grandsir dispossessed the ball off Ilie Sanchez outside the LAFC 18-yard box, Cabral carried the ball to midfield and played it back to his French compatriot. Grandsir dribbled past Latif Blessing and delivered a bouncing cross just outside the six-yard box to Chicharito, whose diving, left-footed shot beat LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

LA – Dejan Joveljić (Raheem Edwards), 81st minute: Working down the left side of the penalty area, Cabral back-heeled a pass into the path of Raheem Edwards. The Canadian international immediately fired a pass into the top of the six-yard box to Joveljić, who stuck his right foot out to redirect the ball just inside the far post.

LFC – Ryan Hollingshead (Jose Cifuentes), 85th minute: Jose Cifuentes’ cross into the box found the head of Ryan Hollingshead, who flicked the ball into the back of the net.

Postgame Notes

• Following the win over LAFC, the LA Galaxy advanced to the Quarterfinal round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and will play host to Sacramento Republic FC at Dignity Health Sports on Tuesday, June 21.

• With the win over LAFC, the LA Galaxy improved to 9-5-2 in 16 matches played across all competitions during the 2022 campaign.

• The Galaxy improved to 7-3-5 in 15 matches played across all competitions against LAFC.

• LA is unbeaten in eight all-time matches played (6-0-2) against LAFC at Dignity Health Sports Park.

• Additionally, LA is unbeaten in five consecutive matches played (3-0-2) against LAFC dating back to May 8, 2021.

• Chicharito scored his sixth goal in his 15 appearance (13 start) across all competitions this year.

• Raheem Edwards tallied his sixth assist in 14 matches played (14 starts) across all competitions in 2022.

• Joveljić leads the Galaxy with three goals scored in three U.S. Open Cup matches played this season.

• In four matches played across all competitions against LAFC, Joveljić has tallied three goals.

• Cabral has tallied two goals in three U.S. Open Cup appearances during the 2022 campaign.

• Samuel Grandsir made his 50th consecutive appearance for the Galaxy across all competitions dating back to April 18, 2021.

• Grandsir tallied two assists in the win over LAFC. Notably, Grandsir has tallied four assists in two matches played across all competitions against LAFC this season.

• Jonathan Klinsmann improved to 3-0-0 in three U.S. Open Cup matches played this year.

• The Galaxy broke their club record for the highest attended U.S. Open Cup in team history with 24,174 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park in the win over LAFC.

Next Game
Next up, the LA Galaxy return to league play to play host to Austin FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, May 25. The May 25 match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. PT and features a national broadcast on UniMás and TUDN.