In the 2018 Major League Soccer season, the LA Galaxy finished 7th in the Western Conference with a 13-9-12 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. The campaign was highlighted by the blockbuster mid-season signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who electrified the league alongside newcomer Ola Kamara. Despite a strong offensive output, defensive struggles and a September coaching change that saw Sigi Schmid depart hindered consistency. On the final day, the Galaxy collapsed against Houston, losing 3-2 after a 2-0 halftime lead to miss the postseason.. In the 2019 MLS season, the LA Galaxy returned to the playoffs, finishing 8th overall in the league with a 16-3-15 record and 51 points. Under head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the team had a strong start but grew inconsistent, relying heavily on star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a club-record 30 goals. The defense struggled throughout the year, conceding 59 goals. The Galaxy qualified for the postseason and beat Minnesota United, but their campaign ended in the Western Conference Semifinals with a thrilling 5-3 loss to rivals LAFC.