The 2002 Los Angeles Galaxy were truly the last great Gals team (though they did luckily win an MLS Cup in 2004). The ’02 Gals won the Supporters Shield by six points and marched through the playoffs to win the club’s first MLS Cup (they had been beaten in the finals 3 times the previous 6 years).
Sigi Schmid was the architect of the 2002 Galaxy, and his hard-nosed style helped the squad cede the fewest goals in the league (which is quite a bit different than the current Gals). Sure, they didn’t finish at the top of the league in goals, but they did in points, and they were fools to ever fire Sigi.
Carlos Ruiz was the most dangerous player not only on the Gals, but in the whole league in 2002. He scored a league leading 24 goals in only 26 games. Kevin Hartman was stoic in goal and had the best GAA in 2002 of any keeper. Finally, Cobi Jones had 13 assists, despite only playing 19 games.
Ruiz really was the star of this squad though, and his nine game winning goals would be good enough for best in the league. Alexi Lalas kept the defense tight, and he even notched three game winning goals himself. The 2002 Gals could always rise to the occasion, and that’s why they’re #8.
