The introduction of Emiro Garces in the starting lineup on Wednesday brought mixed emotions.
LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney decided to give Garces his first start since July 22. This was just any game; it was a game that Vanney and the rest of the LA Galaxy called the most important game of the season.
The Gs took care of business at home with a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers. With Garces putting in a quality performance to help record LA’s fourth shutout of the season.
The Colombian finished the game with three clearances, two recoveries and won all three of his duels on the night.
With still so many questions about the backline, there is one certainty: The Galaxy is a better defensive team when Garces is at his best.
The 2024 MLS Cup-winning season isn’t possible if Colombian center back Emiro Garces doesn’t emerge into a starting role in the second half of the season.
His blistering recovery pace and ability to win duels in transition made him the ideal last line of defense that season.
Fast forward to 2026, and he’s struggled to control his aggression in tackles and found himself walking off the pitch with a red card rather than going to celebrate a team win.
Even through the challenges of the red card moments and lack of meaningful minutes, Vanney noted that the 25-year-old is putting a lot of work into the training pitch.
“I think Emiro’s been training really well. I think he came into the game the other night and looked spry and ready. He’s somebody we’re going to need down the stretch.” Said Vanney
“He’s had a great personality and temperament every single day in training. Like he’s trying to show that, you know, we should be able to trust him,” he added.
Garces had his best moments in the game in the middle of the second half. This sequence was his best.
Kristoffer Velde is the most direct threat to the Timbers and has given Calegari trouble in spurts. In the first half of the clip, Garces times his tackle perfectly to win the ball back.
Then, the next half of the clip shows a great clearance in front of goal. This is a hard angle at times for defenders, but he lunges perfectly to clear the ball out.
“We all know what he can do. I think he knows what he can do. He’s always been confident,” said Robert Taylor postgame.
“He’s been showing it in games when he comes on. I feel like he’s been really good. So today was just a really solid performance from him,” added Robert Taylor.
The Galaxy needs Garces at his best to see the backline play at its full potential. He gives Vanney something else to think about with Jakob Glesnes and Justin Haak competing also in the center back pool.
LA’s next two matches against San Diego and LAFC will test the backline. Both clubs have scored three goals against the Galaxy this season.
Garces has the chance to be a difference maker when the Galaxy needs it. He’s done this before to make the Galaxy better.