PREDICTIONS: How many goals will João Klauss score?
Many Galaxy fans are hyped about the arrival of Joáo Klauss, and it’s not hard to see why. The toolsy 28 y/o Brazilian brings finishing ability, physical hold-up play and underrated distribution. (As the below clip shows, he’s scored a few bangers on the Blue White and Gold as well)
If Klauss managed to put up double digit goal figures twice in three seasons for a St. Louis SC team that’s been mostly poor, imagine what the No. 9 could do playing Vanneyball.
In that spirit, why not ask the experts and get their predictions while I’m at it? I asked local podcasters, influencers and press box colleagues to predict the number of goals Klauss scores during the 2026 MLS regular season.
Mike Gray, El Trafico TV: 13 goals
I went conservative for two reasons:
-Though obviously a lethal finisher, Klauss has never scored more than 10 goals in MLS regular season play
-LA have a balanced attack and won’t be ultra dependent on Joao to carry the scoring burden
Rob Jalón, La Cuna Galaxiana: 14 goals
“How many goals I think he'll get? He should get more chances simply by playing closer to goal, which wasn't always the case in St. Louis. JP and Pec should give him space and on occasion, also feed him. But tbh, success for Klauss is producing more G/A than Ramirez and Nascimento last year. And I back him to do that.”
Alex “El Profe” Ruiz, The Galactic Tribune: 14 goals
“What I like most about Klauss is that he isn’t one dimensional. He’s physical in the box to poach, he can dominate in the air, and he can finish in a variety of ways (look at his hat trick against the Galaxy last season).”
“The upgrade in talent is also going to help Klauss focus on being ready when the ball gets to him in the final third. Jospeh Paintsil and Gabriel Pec are two players teams focus their game plan on stopping, not to mention Marco Reus is a gamechanger when healthy. My number is pretty high but I believe LA will take steps forward to be much more productive offensively compared to last season.”
Read all of Alex’s Galaxy predictions HERE
Ananda Kirana, La Cuna Galaxiana: 15 goals
“In 2025, Klauss converted 1 of every 3 shots on target, tallying 10 goals - In 2023, he converted 1 of 2. I expect his quality of chances to increase and to convert a larger percentage of his chance with more attention on Pec and Paintsil, on top on perhaps overtaking penalty duties.”
Eli Lesser, Eli Lesser TV: 16 goals
“We haven’t had a true target man since Zlatan. He’s great in transition as well which will benefit our pacy guys like Pec and Paintsil. Also excited to see how he develops chemistry with Thommy and Reus.”
Well there you have it. Let it be known whoever guesses correctly has my utmost respect and admiration, and that’s something money can’t buy.
Ok ok, In N’ Out on me.
(Shoutout to the Wingmen for participating)