While David Beckham and Landon Donovan come to mind as signings that were huge in leading not only the league, but their teams to greater things, other signings drop under the radar, but are equally as important. Javier Morales to Real Salt Lake comes to mind as a signing that not only elevated RSL, but also began a culture of excellence at the club.

While we could do a list of 100 signings like this, we have narrowed it down to five key signings of significance. Each player signing will tell a story of just how that signing changed the fortune of the club. While not a ranking, here are 5 MLS signings that changed the course of thoseteams!

Cuauhtémoc Blanco to Chicago Fire

Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s arrival to the Chicago Fire at the dawn of the DP era was yet another big-name Mexican signing to MLS. MLS has a history of flop Mexican National team signings and Blanco wanted to change that perception. He did, Blanco was sensational for the Fire. Upon signing he was greeted by 5,000 fans, in 2007 he was a finalist for newcomer and MLS MVP, but only won goal of the year. On the field, Blanco lived up to the hype, 16 goals in 62 games, he was everything Rafa Marquez wasn’t, he carried the MLS flag and was proud of it. For the Fire, Blanco was really the last major game changing signing, the team failed to make the playoffs in 8 of the last 10 seasons since Blanco left.

Nicolás Lodeiro to Seattle Sounders

Some might raise an eyebrow and say “really?” but hear us out. The Seattle Sounders were already a team on the cusp of achieving an MLS Cup. Since the Sounders entered the league in 2009 the club had won 4 U.S. Open Cups and qualified for the playoffs in every season. Then the Uruguayan midfielder signed with the team in 2016 and slowly began inserting himself in the midfieldand becoming a team leader. The end result has been 2 MLS Cups trophies and 4 MLS Cup appearances in 5 years since Lodeiro’s arrival.

Christian Gómez to D.C. United

Before the age of the DP, MLS teams looked for free transfers and crossed their fingers, Christian Gómez was a late season addition that propelled a 2004 D.C United team to the MLS Cup final. Gómez would lead the team to their fourth MLS Cup and would later be the centerpiece of an era which saw United qualify to the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the club. Gomito became a huge fan favorite and fans were mad when he was traded to make way for Marcelo Gallardo in 2008. When Gómez left, United began a downward spiral that saw them miss the playoffs four seasons in a row. Despite returning in 2009 for only 1 season, United has since failed to truly field a week in and week out competitive and dominating team.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto to Columbus Crew

Late in his career and without a place in the Boca Juniors lineup, Guillermo Barros Schelotto took a chance and signed with the Columbus Crew of MLS. It was a match made in heaven. GBS, as he was later called by fans, found a second home and revitalized his career in MLS. Schelotto won 1 MLS Cup and MLS MVP award during his four years in Ohio. Schelotto’s signing began an era in MLS of Argentine imports and a style of play that has involved an Argentine midfielder as the centerpiece in Columbus since.

Robbie Keane to L.A. Galaxy

This one might seem too easy, but it isn’t, the David Beckham era in L.A. needed an MLS Cup to truly come full circle. The Galaxy made a signing intended to do just that, they signed Irish striker Robbie Keane. Keane was more than just an ace in the hole, he became a club legend and at points was even more important on the field than the other two big stars in L.A., Beckham and Donovan. Winner of three MLS Cups, and 83 goals, the Galaxy has yet to replace the electric Keane.

It won’t be just another Major League Soccer season, that’s for sure. After the three-month hiatus, teams will face each other again in a newWorld Cup-style format tournament. LA Galaxy willbe one of four teams in Group F, which will be probably one of the most entertaining groups for the fans.

Group F (Western Conference)
1.LAFC
2.LA Galaxy
3.Houston Dynamo
4.Portland Timbers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is part of the past and the team has a new well-known striker in their squad: Javier Chicharito Hernández. The Mexican will play his first full-season with the Galaxy and is hoping to cause a good impression to the fans. The team’sfirst test will be against Portland Timbers on Monday,July 13.

However, everyone will bewaiting forthematch against Los Angeles FC. Two of the most important teams of the league will face each other on Saturday, July 18, in a game that coulddefine their future in the tournament.

The Galaxy last group stage match will be vs. Houston Dynamo, who should be their weakest opponent. The game will be played on Thursday, July 23. It’s nota surprise to say the Los Angeles team’s oddsto qualify for the Knockout Stage and compete in the Round of 16 are prettygood. However, it won’t be easy at all for them to clinchtheir sixth MLS Cup trophy.

How to watch of stream LA Galaxy games

LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers- Monday, July 13 at 10:30 PM ET, FS1, FOX Sports App, TUDN, TUDN App

LAFC vs. LA Galaxy- Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 PM ET,ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes

LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo- Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 PM ET,FS1, FOX Sports App, TUDN, TUDN App