On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
MLS champion L.A. Galaxy feel the pain of enforced league-wide parity
Just twelve days after he was voted the MVP of the 2024 MLS Cup, L.A. Galaxy midfielder Gaston Brugman was gone. Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz traded him to Nashville SC before the confetti was cleaned out of the locker room. Sudden? Cold-hearted? Perhaps. But Kuntz's hands were tied. MVP or no, Brugman's $1,409,000 salary simply made him too expensive for the team to retain.
Brugman was the first to go for affordability reasons, but he wasn't the last. Midfielder Mark Delgado, defender Jalen Neal and striker Dejan Joveljic all followed suit within the next few weeks. All four players were beloved Galaxy regulars who had earned their spot in the lineup. But all four became unaffordable, and therefore expendable, after their MLS Cup success.
MLS is a league that values parity above all else. Any team can beat any other on any given day. The worst team in the league can bounce back and challenge for a title the following season. That parity keeps MLS competitive and interesting, but it does punish its winners. Each team must work within the same strict salary cap. When a team like the Galaxy wins MLS Cup, well-earned performance bonuses drain that cap away. The result is chaos: successful teams get stripped for parts and forced to rebuild against their will. The Galaxy ended 2024 as the number-one team in America. It's started 2025 as the 29th best out of 30.
"It's not a soccer problem," L. A. Times journalist Kevin Baxter said of the Galaxy's transfer rush and ensuing defeats. "It's a math problem."
MLS roster regulations are labyrinthine and ever-changing, but in 2025, they've got a few key anchors.
Each team can sign up to 30 players. The first 20 make up the "first team" and their collective salaries can't exceed $5,950,000. (The remaining ten are "supplemental" slots reserved for lower-wage players from team academies and the college draft.)
To get around that limiting $5,950,000 figure, teams can hire up to three Designated Players (DPs.) These DPs can be paid whatever the club can afford—Lionel Messi makes $20 million by himself at Inter Miami—but their "reported" salaries remain fixed at $743,750 and therefore don't destroy the salary budget.
But DPs aren't the only special roster category in MLS: teams can also invest in young players through the league's U-22 Initiative. This program allows each team to sign up to four under-22 athletes, each of whom can make up to $680K per year—but regardless of their actual salary, their "reported" figure remains fixed somewhere between $150K and $200K. Once a player ages out of this category, teams are forced to make a decision: treat them as a regular roster player and take the salary budget hit, convert them to DPs or sell them to another team.
When the Galaxy sold regular roster players Brugman, Delgado and Neal, it was because their bonus-augmented salaries were simply too high. When it sold Joveljic, though—a striker with a 15 goal, six assist season who scored the winning goal in the MLS Cup final—it was because of that U-22 trap. Joveljic aged out of his capped contract and the Galaxy simply didn't have the DP slots or the salary budget available to keep him.
So when you're watching the Galaxy this year, don't shake your head and wonder why a team that looked imperious in 2024 looks utterly broken in 2025. You know the truth: it's not a soccer problem, it's a math problem. The Galaxy paid a frustrating price for MLS's parity, and it'll be a good long while before the team is back to its brilliant best.
More must-reads:
- 'Super special': Homegrown star powers San Diego into its home MLS debut
- The 25 greatest soccer players to hail from the United States
- The 'Major League Soccer Cup champions' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Gonzalo García Named Real Madrid’s New Number 9: Why He’s Edged Out Endrick for the Role
In a decision that’s caught many by surprise but makes complete sense to those following closely, Real Madrid have officially handed their famous number 9 shirt to Gonzalo García, a homegrown talent who’s quietly risen through the ranks. While fans expected Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to step into that role, it’s the boy from Madrid who’s earned the trust of the coaching staff and sealed his place in the starting lineup. This is more than just a shirt number. It’s a symbol of belief, faith, and the direction Madrid wants to go with their next generation of stars. Gonzalo García: From Castilla Hero to Club World Cup García’s journey hasn’t been one splashed across headlines, until now. After spending a brief period away at Mallorca, the forward returned to Madrid and lit up Castilla with a phenomenal 2024–25 campaign. He bagged 25 goals, equalling Mariano Díaz’s single-season record for Real Madrid B. Even that didn’t fully prepare fans for what was to come. His big break arrived during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament where he wasn’t even expected to feature much. With Mbappé out due to illness and Endrick sidelined with a hamstring issue, García was thrown into the deep end, and he swam. He scored against Al-Hilal, set up a goal against Pachuca, and found the net again versus Salzburg, Juventus, and Dortmund. By the end of the tournament, he had clinched the Golden Boot, finishing as the top scorer. It wasn’t just the goals, it was the maturity, the link-up play, the composure under pressure. He looked like a player born to wear white. Why García Fits the Number 9 Role Perfectly When Mbappé took over the number 10 shirt following Luka Modrić’s departure, the number 9 was up for grabs. Madrid didn’t take this decision lightly. Internally, there was a lot of thought about whether both García and Endrick could coexist and thrive. The club ultimately decided that having both players fighting for the same position might hold them back and that’s where García’s consistency gave him the edge. Club officials, including new manager Xabi Alonso, were reportedly swayed by García’s strong Club World Cup showing and his day-to-day professionalism in training. He wasn’t just in form, he was ready. In today’s Madrid, where the emphasis is on performance over hype, it was refreshing to see a player from La Fábrica get rewarded purely on merit. The Endrick Situation Let’s be clear, Endrick is still a sensational talent. The Brazilian teenager joined Madrid in 2024 amidst massive expectations and didn’t disappoint. He scored on his La Liga debut, showed flashes of brilliance, and looked like a future star. Timing matters. Unfortunately, an untimely injury and a lack of minutes in the business end of the season hindered his momentum. Madrid had even lined up a loan deal to Real Sociedad, a move that would’ve guaranteed him regular playing time, but both Endrick and the club eventually backed out. Madrid wanted clarity and structure in their attack heading into the 2025–26 season. García was already playing, already scoring, and already winning. Endrick, despite his immense potential, simply wasn’t in the same rhythm. This isn’t the end of the road for Endrick at Real Madrid, not even close. But for now, he’ll have to fight his way back, possibly from a deeper role or even a temporary move elsewhere. What This Means for Madrid’s Attack and the Season Ahead For Gonzalo García, this is a dream realized. He’s gone from Castilla standout to starting striker at the biggest club in the world, and the number 9 on his back is proof that the club sees him as part of their immediate and long-term future. He reportedly turned down interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, to stay at Madrid and fight for his place. That loyalty, and his performances, have paid off. For Endrick, this is a challenge. The club’s philosophy of not crowding one position means he’ll have to adapt, wait for his chance, or consider a short-term move where he can play regularly and keep growing. For Real Madrid, this is a moment of evolution. With Mbappé wearing 10, Vinícius still electric out wide, and young names like Mastantuono emerging, this team is being shaped to dominate for the next decade. Final Thoughts Handing the number 9 shirt to Gonzalo García is a message to the football world that at Real Madrid, performance trumps potential. While Endrick remains a massive part of the club’s future, García is the man for the now. He’s earned it, not with flashy headlines, but with goals, grit, and growth. And if his Club World Cup form is anything to go by, Madrid fans might just be watching the rise of their next homegrown legend.
Kolby Aipa, Surf Royalty, Tragically Dies in E-Bike Accident
On Saturday night, surf royalty heir Kolby Aipa was involved in a tragic accident in Huntington Beach, CA. The 20-year-old grandson of iconic and innovative Hawaiian surfboard shaper, Ben Aipa, was put on life support; on Tuesday, he passed away. According to reports, Aipa was towing behind a car of friends on his e-bike when the accident happened. He was struck by the same vehicle that was towing him. Since the news of his untimely passing, an outpouring of mourning from the surf community – from Hawaii to Huntington Beach – has been flooding in. “This is the hardest post we will ever make,” began the tribute from the official Aipa Surf Company account. “We are completely heartbroken. We wanted to thank all the visitors, supporters, food deliveries, donations, flowers, cards, countless stories and photos his friends have shared with us, Drs and nurses that have taken care of our sweet boy. The HB community and everyone around the world have touched our hearts in an unimaginable way. Thank you for loving our boy.” Following in his strong surfing lineage, Kolby was an up-and-coming surfer himself. He was sponsored by the clothing brand AVVA, Dakine, Cobian footwear, and others. He was a member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders club. The Aipa Surf Co. post announcing his passing continued, speaking to Kolby as a human: “Kolby always had a way with touching the lives of whoever he met. His acts of kindness and caring was his gift of Aloha to friends and strangers alike. To everyone that reads this... pass his Aloha on. So, how Kolby treated you, treat others in that same way...In this you are continuing his legacy of Aloha. And you too can be like Kolby.” A memorial paddle-out for Kolby is being planned; stay tuned for more information. Rest in peace, Kolby Aipa. To donate to the GoFundMe, see here.
Brewers righty deserves consideration as dark-horse Cy Young candidate
The Milwaukee Brewers' trade with the Boston Red Sox early in the season flew under the radar. The Brewers acquired former top prospect Quinn Priester from the Red Sox, sending outfield prospect Yophery Rodriguez to Boston on April 7. Pitching prospect John Holobetz was sent to the Red Sox on May 5 to complete the trade. Priester had been expected to be a top-of-the-rotation arm, lauded for his athleticism and plus fastball and curve. However, he struggled during his time in the majors in 2023 and 2024, posting a combined 6.23 ERA and a 1.555 WHiP over 99.2 innings, striking out 69 batters with 41 walks while serving up 19 home runs. Despite a solid outing in his only appearance for the Red Sox, Priester remained in Triple-A as nothing more than pitching depth. That changed with his arrival in Milwaukee. He has exceeded expectations, either as a traditional starter or following an opener. Priester has posted a 3.15 ERA and a 1.190 WHiP over his 114.1 innings for the Brewers, striking out 93 batters with 38 walks. Opponents have mustered a meager .228/.294/.382 batting line in 471 plate appearances with just 13 homers. The Brewers' 64-48 record entering Tuesday is the best in the majors despite a nondescript rotation. While Freddy Peralta is a top-of-the-rotation arm in his own right, staff ace Brandon Woodruff missed all of 2024 and most of the first half of 2025. Pitchers such as Chad Patrick, Tobias Myers and Jose Quintana are back-of-the-rotation arms at this point. The Brewers needed someone to step up with Priester being the unlikely hero. Pitchers Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler are the prohibitive favorites to win the National League Cy Young Award. BetMGM does not have Priester listed as one of the 10 most likely candidates to take home the hardware. However, Priester's performance, coupled with the Brewers' success this season, is worthy of attention. If he can continue to perform at this level, Priester deserves at least some consideration on the ballot.
Steelers defender announces season-ending ACL injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without a key defensive lineman for the entire season. Via an Instagram post on Tuesday, veteran Dean Lowry revealed he suffered an ACL injury during practice last week. "During a training camp practice last week I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season," Lowry wrote. "Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then." Lowry said he was "heartbroken" that he wouldn't be able to play with his Steelers teammates in 2025. Lowry, 31, signed with the Steelers in 2024. He played in 12 games for Pittsburgh and started one, recording five tackles and one sack. Lowry was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. He's appeared in 132 games and started in 85, recording 271 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 18 passes defensed and one forced fumble. The injury is frustrating for Lowry, who was entering his 10th season. He was set to rejoin his former Packers teammate, Aaron Rodgers, on a special season in 2025, but instead will have to rehab his injury.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
