LOS ANGELES (September 28, 2026) – MLS announced today that LA Galaxy defender Justin Haak has been named to the Team of the Matchday for Matchday 28 following his performance in the club’s 3-2 victory over Western Conference side Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park.
After battling back from two goals down, the Galaxy earned a corner with just over 15 minutes left to play. In the 74th minute, Robert Taylor whipped a right-footed, out-swinging pass into the box towards Haak, who muscled his way through two defenders to smash the ball into the back of the net with a header that put LA in front for good. The Brooklyn, New York native’s game-winning goal was his first in Blue, White, and Gold, and it came at one of the most opportune times of the season as the score delivered the club its second consecutive come-from-behind victory and three more points amidst an intense playoff race in the Western Conference. In addition, Haak conceded zero fouls and won both of his aerial duels on the night.
Haak has now registered one goal and two assists in 27 appearances (25 starts) for the Galaxy this season in league play and has boasted a career-high 91% passing percentage. He arrived in LA this past offseason after seven years with New York City FC, where he began his professional career as a Homegrown following four years of development within the club’s academy system.
Team of the Matchday (Matchday 28)
F: Milan Iloski (PHI), Prince Owusu (MTL), Preston Judd (SJ)
M: Indiana Vassilev (PHI), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Thomas Müller (VAN), Kimito Nono (DC)
D: Justin Haak (LA), Osaze Urhoghide (DAL), Jack Elliott (CHI)
GK: Stefan Cleveland (SKC)
Coach: Laurent Courtois (CLB)
Bench: Luka Gavran (TOR), Sean Zawadzki (CLB), Albert Rusnák (SEA), Eduard Löwen (SJ), André Luiz (SKC), Daniel Ríos (MTL), Sergi Solans (RSL), Christian Ramírez (ATX), Jamal Thiaré (CLB)
