CARSON, Calif. — Entering decision day of the 2023 campaign, it appeared on the surface level there wasn’t much to play for between the Galaxy and FC Dallas, but with Dallas in need of a victory to enter the MLS postseason, LA had the opportunity to play spoiler.

Instead, many of the problems that lingered throughout the Galaxy’s season hindered the club once again during a 2-0 loss against FC Dallas at Dignity Health Sports Park.

An emotional Greg Vanney said afterwards in some ways, he is glad the season is over because of the amount of injuries amassed by his club this season, which he believes had a trickle down effect on the rest of the season.

“I felt like they battled and did the best they could really and down the stretch we didn’t have enough in the end. When you have that much lack of continuity kind of in and out we just we struggled and I from my my side, wasn’t able to kind of connect all of those new pieces and the pieces that wrap and deal with all the changes over and over in a way to kind of solidify us down the very stretch,” Vanney said.

The win guarantees Dallas a spot in the MLS Playoffs while the Galaxy (8-14-12, 13th place)had been eliminated two weeks prior, missing the postseason for the second time in three seasons.

Bernard Kamungo received the ball on the Galaxy’s side of the field and with nothing but Jonathan Bond between the ball and the net, Kamungo capitalized and put Dallas ahead early, 1-0.

Ema Twumasi would double the lead nearly 10 minutes later, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the Galaxy in the opening sequence of the game.

I’ve talked to multiple GM’s and technical directors and other coaches are like ‘You guys have had the shit you can’t get in five years, you’ve had in one.

LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney

With both goals coming on breakaways, it’s more evident than ever that the Galaxy need to address transitional defense in order compete in the MLS playoffs next season.

After entering as sub for the injured Julian Aude, Raheem Edward’s provided a much-needed jolt to the Galaxy’s attack.

In the 24th minute, his efforts were rewarded with a goal to cut the deficit in half and make the score 2-1.

“A lot went into the season. A lot of stuff happened, injuries to our starters, protests, all that is a lot on someone at the end of the season. Nonetheless, no excuses, disappointing season,” Edwards said afterwards.

The Galaxy wouldn’t be able to inch any closer as Kamungo added another at the half hour mark to make the score 3-1.

In stoppage time, Jader Obrian received a cross from FC Dallas captain Paul Arriola and netted the fourth goal just before the break.

The Galaxy’s offense would continue to stagnate in the second half, even after Riqui Puig entered at after an hour of play, he couldn’t get anything going as he wrapped up his first season in a Galaxy uniform.

Despite arriving during the summer transfer window, Maya Yoshida hopes to leave an impression on the team moving forward.

“I think this was the worst first half since I got here,” Yoshida said of the Galaxy’s performance against Dallas. “If we want to accomplish something we have to learn from our mistakes….We have to make sure we’re more matured. This is MLS football, not Sunday league.”

In some ways, this year was like multiple seasons combined into one, a sentiment that’s shared by others among the league, according to Vanney.

“I’ve talked to multiple GM’s and technical directors and other coaches are like ‘You guys have had the shit you can’t get it five years, you’ve had it in one.’”