Maya Yoshida
LAG
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Aug 24, 1988 (38)
Right
6'2"
172 lb
LA GalaxyNets first of season
Yoshida scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Yosida scored a rare goal Saturday, marking his second of the season and seventh overall for the club. Since the World Cup break, he has taken over a larger share of the center-back duties, starting each of the last five league matches. During that stretch, he has recorded 22 clearances, three blocks, and kept two clean sheets.
Leads backline in draw
Yoshida generated three tackles (one won) and three clearances in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus FC Dallas.
Analysis: Yoshida registered three tackles (one won) and three clearances across Saturday's 0-0 draw with FC Dallas, making his second consecutive start at center-back and contributing aerial presence and positional discipline as part of a Galaxy defensive unit that recorded its first goalless draw since the 2024 season. The Japanese international has accumulated 13 tackles, five interceptions and 56 clearances across 14 MLS appearances this season, making him one of the most active defensive players in the Galaxy's backline by volume, and his leadership and reading of the game will be important qualities heading into the Houston Dynamo fixture.
Joins Japan squad as support player
Yoshida has joined Japan's World Cup preparation camp in Monterrey as a support player, bringing his vast international experience to the squad during a critical phase of their preparations, according to Football Zone.
Analysis: Yoshida, who has participated in three consecutive World Cups and three Olympic Games, joins the camp to train alongside the squad and provide guidance and knowledge of the American environment that could prove invaluable during the tournament. Teammate Yuto Nagatomo welcomed his arrival warmly, praising the rarity of his international experience and highlighting his familiarity with the conditions in the United States as a significant asset for Japan, with Yoshida currently playing for LA Galaxy giving him an intimate knowledge of the local climate, time zones and training environments that the rest of the squad will benefit from. Yoshida could replace Wataru Endo (undisclosed) if the midfielder can't be fit for the opener.
On bench for Vancouver clash
Yoshida (knee) is on the bench in Saturday's contest versus Vancouver Whitecaps.
Analysis: Yoshida may reappear following a one-game absence, but he's likely to see few minutes in this matchup. Prior to the injury, he made three MLS starts in a row, scoring a goal and averaging 8.0 clearances per game over that period. He'll be a strong rival to Carlos Emiro Garces for a center-back spot in upcoming weeks.
Questionable with knee issue
Yoshida is a doubt for Sunday's clash against Real Salt Lake due to a knee injury, the MLS announced Saturday.
Analysis: Yoshida is a late concern for the Galaxy ahead of the 10th game of the season, and his absence would be a major blow given that he's a regular starter in defense. He's in decent form after tallying 24 clearances and scoring a goal over his last three appearances. However, if he fails to recover from the issue, his place could be taken by Carlos Emiro Garces.
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