Robert Taylor’s goal Saturday was his first in MLS play since 2025.
It was due in part to his work rate, which the Galaxy have noticed since he arrived in July.
“He’s been really sharp for the last few games,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said of Taylor, who has been a member of Finland’s national team since 2017. “He’s been playing at a really good speed and a directness with intention.
“He’s been banging on the door (to start). It was good for him to jump in and make a difference because I think he’s earned it, to be honest with you. He’s earned it over the last few weeks with his performances in training and also on the field.”
Taylor, 31, was the first addition to arrive in the transfer window. He made his MLS debut with Inter Miami and scored 13 goals in 91 appearances. In 2025, Taylor was traded to Austin FC, but never regained his scoring form and struggled with injuries. He made just two appearances with Austin FC this season.
He’s made nine appearances with the Galaxy, including five starts.
“Personally, I feel like I picked things up and adapted to the team pretty fast,” Taylor said Saturday. “The team welcomed me and gave me the confidence to express myself on the field.
“I don’t feel like there was any time period where I felt like I needed to start adapting or needed to build anything up. I feel like the team gave me the opportunity to do it immediately.”
Taylor’s last scored July 26, 2025, against D.C. United. With the Galaxy facing a three-game week, he moved into the starting lineup, replacing Joseph Paintsil, whom Vanney said started to feel “some tightness” in training.
Taylor is not one to pass up on the opportunity. He was signed through the end of the 2026 season, with an option to extend until December 2027.
His versatility and experience were two attributes that Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz pointed out when he arrived.
“Playing for the Galaxy is a huge honor,” Taylor said. “Everyone knows how big of a club it is … It’s a huge honor to be part of this club.”
Saturday’s win was just the second for the Galaxy since MLS restarted after the FIFA World Cup. With so many new faces integrating into the lineup, the work in practices will be imperative to the Galaxy’s turnaround.
“I think that it comes from the training ground,” Taylor said. “I feel like the competition and the level has gone up there, and then everyone’s obviously playing for their spot in the starting eleven. So, I think in any healthy team, there’s going to be a lot of competition and a lot of quality. So, I think that’s what we could see tonight (Saturday), that everyone gave their all, and when the guys are coming off the bench, that level just keeps, if not keeps going higher.”
GALAXY at VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: BC Place; Vancouver, British Columbia
How to watch: Apple TV