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MLS Cup-winning Galaxy Starts Roster Building for 2025 Season

2024-12-10

Just days after achieving their sixth MLS Cup victory, the Galaxy has now shifted their focus towards the year 2025. With several crucial roster and contract decisions on the horizon, the team is gearing up for what lies ahead.

Galaxy's 2025 Journey: Roster Shifts and Contract Considerations

Defender Decisions

The Galaxy has taken significant steps in shaping their defensive lineup for 2025. Defender Jalen Neal and midfielders Mark Delagdo, Tuckey Lepley, Isaiah Parent, and Gino Vivi have had their 2025 options picked up. Vivi, currently on loan at Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, is set to return and contribute to the team. On the other hand, Martin Caceres, who made 15 appearances this season and 36 in three seasons, saw his option declined, making him a free agent. His Achilles injury sidelined him for the second half of the season, but his eight MLS Cup wins with the Galaxy are a testament to his prowess. Maya Yoshida and Eriq Zavaleta are out of contract, and the club is actively engaged in discussions with them to return for the next season. Team captain Yoshida has been a pillar of the Galaxy defense since his late arrival last season. When asked during MLS Cup week about his future, he remained non-committal, stating, "One by one … They decide. It’s the boys on the other side. I’ll wait for the new contract. That’s it."

Goalkeeper and Midfielder Situations

Goalkeeper Brady Scott and defender Martin Caceres' option decline has left the goalkeeping position in a state of flux. Meanwhile, midfielders Gastón Brugman and Edwin Cerrillo, along with others like Diego Fagundez and Riqui Puig, will play crucial roles in the team's midfield. Brugman, with a salary of $1,409,000, and Fagundez, earning $1,310,000, are among the higher-paid players on the Galaxy's list. Their performances and contributions will be closely watched as the team moves forward.

Expansion Draft and Roster Building

San Diego FC is set to continue its roster building ahead of the 2025 season with the Expansion Draft. The Galaxy has left 11 players unprotected, including Bibout, Berry, Brugman, Cáceres, Fagúndez, Lepley, Parente, Scott, Vivi, Yoshida, and Zavaleta. San Diego is allowed to select up to five players from the MLS pool. Once a player is selected, the team is eliminated from the draft and can't lose another. If a club has a player selected, they will receive $50,000 in General Allocation Money. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the Galaxy as they navigate through this process.The current Galaxy roster showcases a diverse set of players across different positions. Goalkeepers John McCarthy and Novak Mićović provide stability in goal. Defenders Julián Aude, Mauricio Cuevas, Emiro Garcés, Harbor Miller, Jalen Neal, John Nelson, and Miki Yamane form a strong defensive unit. Midfielders Gastón Brugman, Edwin Cerrillo, Mark Delgado, Diego Fagundez, Tucker Lepley, Isaiah Parente, Riqui Puig, and Marco Reus add creativity and control to the midfield. Forwards Miguel Berry, Aaron Bibout, Dejan Joveljić, Joseph Paintsil, Gabriel Pec, and Ruben Ramos Jr. offer attacking prowess. With these players in place, the Galaxy is poised to make its mark in the 2025 season.

The Mobile Civic Center project, with an estimated cost of approximately $300 million, is progressing according to a well-planned schedule. This significant undertaking holds great importance for the city and its residents. The city council is set to award the construction contract on Feb. 26, marking the first major milestone. Construction is expected to commence shortly after Mardi Gras Day, which this year falls on March 4. By March 12, the new Arena will be in the initial stages of construction, as revealed during a recent Mobile City Council Finance Committee meeting. This project is not only a testament to the city's commitment to infrastructure development but also holds the promise of enhancing the civic and cultural life of Mobile.

Unveiling the Mobile Civic Center's Construction Timeline

The Award of the Construction Contract

The awarding of the construction contract on Feb. 26 is a crucial step in the Mobile Civic Center project. It sets the wheels in motion for the entire construction process. This decision by the city council showcases their confidence in the selected contractor and their ability to deliver a high-quality facility. The contract award paves the way for the commencement of construction, which is eagerly awaited by the community. It represents a significant investment in the city's future and will have a lasting impact on the local economy and quality of life.

With the contract in place, the construction team can now begin the detailed planning and preparation work. This includes site clearance, infrastructure installation, and the establishment of a safe working environment. The attention to detail at this stage is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient construction process. The city council's decision to award the contract on this specific date is a result of careful consideration and coordination with various stakeholders. It demonstrates their commitment to delivering the project on time and within budget.

As the construction date approaches, the excitement among the residents is palpable. The new Civic Center is expected to become a centerpiece of the city, hosting a wide range of events and activities. From cultural performances to sports competitions, the facility will provide a platform for the community to come together and celebrate. The construction of the Arena, which will begin by March 12, is an integral part of the project. It will add a new dimension to the city's entertainment offerings and attract visitors from far and wide.

The Commencement of Construction

The commencement of construction after Mardi Gras Day is a significant event that marks the official start of the Mobile Civic Center project. This timing is carefully planned to minimize disruptions during the festive season and ensure a seamless transition into the construction phase. As the construction crew arrives on site, they bring with them the expertise and resources needed to bring the vision to life. The initial days of construction are focused on laying the foundation and establishing the basic structure of the facility.

This phase requires meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to safety protocols. The construction team works around the clock to ensure that progress is made at a steady pace. Despite the challenges posed by the construction process, the team is committed to delivering a project that meets the highest standards. The use of modern construction techniques and materials will ensure the durability and longevity of the Civic Center. As the structure begins to take shape, the community can start to envision the future of their city.

The construction of the Arena is a key component of the project. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will host a variety of events, including basketball games, concerts, and trade shows. The Arena's design incorporates the latest trends in architecture and engineering, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for spectators. With the construction set to begin by March 12, the excitement among sports and entertainment enthusiasts is growing. The new Arena will become a hub of activity and a source of pride for the city.

The Impact on the Local Economy

The Mobile Civic Center project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The construction phase alone will create numerous job opportunities, ranging from skilled laborers to administrative staff. This will provide a boost to the local employment market and help stimulate economic growth. In addition to the direct job creation, the project will also have a ripple effect on other sectors of the economy.

Suppliers and vendors will benefit from the increased demand for construction materials and services. Local businesses will have the opportunity to provide goods and services to the construction crew, further contributing to the local economy. The completion of the Civic Center will also attract tourists and visitors, who will spend money on accommodation, dining, and entertainment. This will have a positive impact on the hospitality and tourism industries, creating additional economic opportunities.

The long-term benefits of the Mobile Civic Center project extend beyond the construction phase. Once completed, the facility will become a major attraction for the community and a source of revenue for the city. It will host a variety of events throughout the year, generating income through ticket sales, sponsorships, and concessions. The success of the Civic Center will contribute to the overall economic development of Mobile and enhance its reputation as a vibrant and dynamic city.

Retirement Systems of Alabama's CEO David Bronner once aimed to complete the construction of the new Alabama State House by the end of 2025. However, due to various factors, this seems unlikely now. Bronner revealed that the RSA had to re-bid a portion of the project, resulting in a delay of approximately four to six months. Despite this setback, he remains confident that the building will be ready for use by the 2027 session, which legislative leaders have set as their target.

Quarterly Update on the State House Project

At Tuesday's quarterly meeting of the Employees' Retirement System Board of Control, Bronner provided an update on the new State House. The RSA, which owns multiple properties across downtown Montgomery and the state, is undertaking the construction and will lease it to the Legislature. Originally, Bronner's goal was to finish by 2025, but now it is expected to extend into 2026, with the first four to six months likely being the delay period.The new building is being constructed on the east side of the current State House, a 60-year-old retrofitted building that originally served the Alabama Highway Department. Currently, the project is on track to stay within an estimated cost of around $325 million. In the early stages, portions such as the electrical and mechanical systems came in under budget. However, Bronner cautioned that unexpected factors could affect the cost. He mentioned President-elect Donald Trump's policy proposal of installing tariffs, which could have an impact on everyone's finances. "A lot of crazy things can happen," he said. "We hope to stay within the budget, I'll put it that way."The State House project has been in the planning stage for several years and was discussed even before that. Since 1985, the Legislature has been using the retrofitted building for its meeting chambers and offices. Problems with the current building include limited public access space, poor accessibility for disabled individuals, and issues related to flooding and mold. An assessment by an engineering firm in March 2020 found that the eight-story, 315,000 square foot building required $51 million in repairs, renovations, and replacements over a 10-year period.In 2022, the Legislative Council directed senior legislative staff officials to explore the idea of a new State House and hold discussions with the RSA. The RSA will lease the building to the Legislature under a contract that guarantees an 8% return on its investment. A second phase of the project will involve demolishing the existing State House and developing a park area on the site, along with a pavilion and a parking deck. The preliminary estimate for this phase is about $100 million. Initially, Bronner stated that the RSA would not be involved in the second phase, but he announced on Tuesday that the RSA will build the parking deck.Bill Wallace of Goodwyn Mills Cawood, the lead architect, presented lawmakers with a slide presentation in May, showcasing images of the new building. The design features six columns and a dome to harmonize with the other buildings in the Capitol complex. The slides also displayed the floor-by-floor layout, including the meeting chambers for the House and Senate on the fifth level and the public galleries on the sixth.Click here to view the images.