JALEN NEAL NEWS

Energetic defensive performance Neal generated four tackles (three won) and four clearances in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Charlotte FC.

Impact Neal led the Galaxy backline Saturday as they recorded a clean sheet in a 1-1 draw with Charlotte. Neal's four tackles (three won) led the team and were a season-high in a single match for the defender. After beginning the season unavailable due to an abdomen injury, Neal has been brought along slowly in his return to action. He has appeared in each of Galaxy's most recent five matches, starting on three occasions. After starting in 14 of 16 appearances in 2023, Neal should be competing for consistent time in Galaxy's backline in 2024.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Stalwart defensive performance Neal had one tackle (zero won), eight clearances and one interception in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Neal led the Los Angeles backline with eight clearances Sunday as his side drew 0-0 with Seattle Sounders. After missing the first nine matches due to injury, the match marked Neal's first start of 2024. Between his one start and one substitute appearance, Neal has totaled two tackles (one won), an interception, eight clearances and three blocks.

MAY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Plays second half Neal recorded one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Austin FC.

Impact Neal was back on the pitch for the first time this season missing the last seven months with abdominal surgery. He will certainly be in the mix for a starting center back tole once his is back to full form, starting 14 of the 16 games played in 2023, generating a goal with 57 clearances, 22 interceptions and 13 tackles (10 won).

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Making surprise return Neal (abdomen) is on the bench for Saturday's match against the LA Galaxy.

Impact Neal was not expected to return for another two or three weeks, but surprisingly, he is on the bench to make his season debut on the team sheet Saturday. The defender will be happy to be back earlier than expected and hopes to get minutes to test his legs after the extended absence. There is a chance he could see a fight for a starting spot this season, possibly being involved in a position battle with Martin Caceres over the next couple of weeks.

APRIL 27 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up abdominal injury Neal will be out for the next six to eight weeks after suffering an abdominal injury during the Galaxy's preseason action, the MLS Network reported Monday.

Impact Neal looked to just be making his return to play following groin surgery that ended his 2023 campaign early, but he will now have to wait on that arrival back into the team sheet after these current developments. This is just plain unlucky for the defender, as he was penned in to most likely be a regular starter, appearing in all 16 of the club's matches he was available for before his groin issue. He will now hope for a speedy recovery with no setbacks, looking to return around the end of March, as Chris Mavinga will most likely hold down Neal's starting spot until he is fit, with Martin Caceres (knee) also being an option if he is healthy by opening day.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

In final stages of recovery Neal (groin) is in the final stages of recovery as he is inching closer to a return to team training, said manager Greg Vanney per LA Galaxy Beat Writer Robert Jalon.

Impact Neal could see a return to team training soon as he enters the final stages of his recovery after undergoing groin surgery back in September. He had been a regular starter at center back during his first season in the MLS, making 14 starts in 16 appearances while scoring once with 57 clearances. Both Maya Yoshida and Chris Mavinga is expected to get the start at center back to open up the campaign if Neal does not recover in time.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

LA Galaxy's Jalen Neal: 22 Under 22 was "one of my goals" for this year | MLSSoccer.com It’s mission accomplished for Jalen Neal. The LA Galaxy, shortly after this year's 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR list was revealed, sha...

OCTOBER 12, 2023 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Undergoes surgery Neal underwent surgery for a sports hernia Tuesday and is likely out for the remainder of 2023.

Impact Neal's injury was confirmed as a hernia originally and it now appears to be season-ending as he underwent surgery. The defender made 16 appearances (14 starts) in 2023, totaling 57 clearances and 22 interceptions in central defense.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Season could be over Neal (groin) has yet to resume training with the squad and may be shut down for the rest of the 2023/24 season, per Damian Calhoun of the Daily Breeze.

Impact At a minimum, Neal shouldn't be expected to play in Sunday's clash versus St. Louis City. With a busy schedule ahead, including five matches to close out September, the defender is running out of time to get back to 100 percent. At this point, Maya Yoshida and Chris Mavinga figure to continue featuring in central defense.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains questionable Neal (groin) is questionable for Sunday's clash with St. Louis, according to the Galaxy injury report.

Impact Neal remains questionable for a second match in a row while dealing with a groin issue. The defender will hope this is the match where he can get back on the pitch, with his last appearance coming in June.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Neal (abdomen) is questionable for Saturday's match against the Houston Dynamo.

Impact Neal has yet to make his league appearance since returning to the team following the Gold Cup, then also picking up an abdomen injury. Maya Yoshida and Eriq Zavaleta is still expected to get the start at center back if Neal has to sit out again.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nursing groin injury Neal is dealing with a groin injury and should be considered questionable to play Houston on Saturday, Corner of the Galaxy reports.

Impact Neal hasn't played since June 11, and his return to action isn't expected to alter many fantasy decisions. The fact that head coach Greg Vanney called the injury a "fatigue" one suggests the team will allow Neal to rest as much as he can before returning to action to avoid another injury on the same area.

AUGUST 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with abdomen injury Neal (abdomen) is questionable for Wednesday's match versus the San Jose Earthquakes.

Impact Neal sat out last match with an abdomen injury and he could sit out again. If this is the case, then Eriq Zavaleta could get the call to start again at center back alongside Maya Yoshida.

AUGUST 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Links back with LA Neal returned to training with the Galaxy following elimination from the Gold Cup with the USMNT, reports Damiam Calhoun of the Dailey Breeze.

Impact Neal returned to Los Angeles Thursday and is likely to start at center back against Vancouver on Saturday. Prior to leaving for international duty, the defender was averaging about 3.5 clearances per game with 20 in his previous six contests.

JULY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

United States advances to Gold Cup semifinals, ousting Canada on penalty kicks

The USMNT will face Panama on Wednesday with a chance to advance to the final in Los Angeles. Here are three takeaways following Sunday's ma...

JULY 10, 2023

Leaving for Gold Cup Neal has been called up by the USMNT for the upcoming Gold Cup from June 24-July 16, meaning he will miss at least the Galaxy's next five MLS games.

Impact Neal has asserted himself in Los Angeles' starting lineup this season after coming up through the academy, but the teenager is linking up with his national team on Tuesday and will miss 5-6 league games while competing at the tournament. Chris Mavinga or Sega Coulibaly (lower leg) would be the preferred options to replace him alongside Martin Caceres in central defense if they can stay fit.

JUNE 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Galaxy's Jalen Neal, denied a U-20 World Cup spot, sees the positive The team, with four games upcoming in nine days, sees the 19-year-old defender as an important member of its first team

MAY 13, 2023 • DAILYNEWS.COM

Morris, Chú lead Sounders to 2-1 victory over Galaxy

Jordan Morris scored his league-leading eighth goal of the season, Léo Chú added a goal and an assist and the Seattle Sounders held off the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1

APRIL 2, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nets first career goal Neal scored one goal to go with three shots (one on target) in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Neal bagged his first career goal with the team, which is rare coming from the center back position. He has a total of 18 clearances so far, which brings his average to 3.6 a match.

APRIL 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet in full debut Neal made five blocks, three clearances and an interception in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Sporting KC.

Impact Neal defended well in his first ever MLS start on Saturday and helped keep a clean sheet against Kansas City. The 19-year-old should still be mostly a depth option for the Galaxy behind Martin Caceres, Sega Coulibaly (personal) and Chris Mavinga at center-back.

MARCH 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

LA Galaxy, USMNT prospect Jalen Neal shines in first MLS start | MLSSoccer.com In preseason camp, LA Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney noted homegrown center back Jalen Neal was poised for a breakout y...

MARCH 12, 2023 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Jalen Neal | USMNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site Jalen Neal

JANUARY 18, 2023 • USSOCCER.COM

Zendejas, Gressel among 13 who could make US soccer debuts

Alejandro Zendejas, a 24-year-old forward who played twice for Mexico, is among 13 players who could make their U.S. national team debuts under interim coach Anthony Hudson in exhi...

JANUARY 18, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS