Tag: LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy announced today that they have signed free-agent goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski to a two-year contract that will keep him with the team through the end of the 2026 MLS season, with a club option for 2027.

Marcinkowski, 27, joins the Galaxy after playing five seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes (2018-24), where he made 96 appearances (95 starts) across all competitions. He missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. In the 2023 MLS Regular Season, Marcinkowski recorded four shutouts and had a 1.22 goals-against average in 13 appearances (12 starts) for San Jose.

“We are excited to add JT to our LA Galaxy goalkeeping corps,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz. “JT has a lot of experience in MLS, especially from playing against the Galaxy in several Cali Clasico matchups while with the San Jose Earthquakes. He will bring valuable competition and depth to our goalkeeping position as we begin this upcoming season.”

The Alamo, California native signed a Homegrown contract with the Earthquakes in 2017 after developing in the club’s academy. In his first professional season in 2018, Marcinkowski earned one shutout in five MLS appearances (five starts) and added five shutouts in 24 appearances while on loan with USL Championship side Reno 1868 FC.

Over three seasons on loan with Reno 1868 FC (2018-20), Marcinkowski recorded nine shutouts in 41 matches (41 starts). In 2020, he made 11 appearances (11 starts) for the Earthquakes and earned four shutouts.

In the 2021 MLS Regular Season, Marcinkowski reached a career-high with five shutouts and 129 saves in 33 appearances (33 starts) for San Jose. In 2022, he had four shutouts and 111 saves in 33 appearances (33 starts) for the Earthquakes.

Marcinkowski has also represented the United States at various youth international levels (U-18, U-20, U-23). He was part of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team that won the 2017 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Marcinkowski has been called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for a training camp and was on the bench for an international friendly against El Salvador on December 9, 2020.

LA Galaxy has secured veteran center-back Mathias “Zanka” Jørgensen from Belgian club Anderlecht. The 34-year-old Danish international joins the team on a two-year contract, running through 2026. This move aims to bolster the Galaxy’s defensive options as they prepare for the 2025 season and various competitions.

Jørgensen’s Extensive Experience in Top European Leagues

Over the course of his career, Jørgensen has accumulated 520 club appearances, scoring 34 goals and contributing 14 assists. He has played in several top European leagues, including the English Premier League with Huddersfield Town and Brentford, the Bundesliga with Fortuna Düsseldorf, Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, and Turkish Süper Lig with Fenerbahçe. His most recent club was Anderlecht in Belgium.

Jørgensen has been a key figure for Denmark, earning 37 international caps and scoring a memorable goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also represented Denmark in the 2020 and 2024 UEFA European Championships, showcasing his international experience and ability to perform on the global stage. This adds valuable depth to the Galaxy’s roster.

Galaxy General Manager Praises Jørgensen’s Experience

Will Kuntz, LA Galaxy’s General Manager, expressed excitement about the new addition. He highlighted Jørgensen’s five Danish league titles, Danish Cup wins, and extensive experience in top-flight football. Kuntz believes Jørgensen’s leadership and talent will be vital for the team as they compete in multiple competitions, including MLS and international tournaments.

The addition of Jørgensen comes as the Galaxy look to shore up their defense following changes to their roster. Key defensive figures like Maya Yoshida are no longer with the team, and Jalen Neal was traded to CF Montréal. With the 2025 MLS season beginning in late February and the Concacaf Champions Cup approaching, Jørgensen’s experience will be crucial for the Galaxy’s upcoming challenges.