How Slow A Start Is This?

The Galaxy are off to a terrible start to the 2012 season. No matter how you spin it, this team is underperforming, at least based on the expectations that were placed on them heading into the season. The three losses speak for themselves.

Is it time to panic? Do Galaxy fans need to start riots and turning cars over in anger? Or do they need to step off the ledge, take a deep breath and relax?

That last part is up for debate of course, but one thing to consider is just how starts to other seasons have gone. Technically this is not the worst start to a Galaxy season, but you have to put an asterisk (and I did) next to seasons with shootouts because that skews the wins and losses and points. Since MLS did away with shootouts in the 2000 season then, the Galaxy have had no fewer than three points after four games. In fact, this is the third time the Galaxy have three points after four games since 2000.

Anyway, here you go so you can compare and draw whatever conclusions you want. I included notable accomplishments (Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup appearance) after each season. I don't consider making the playoffs a notable accomplishment since in 2003 and 2004 for instance eight out of the league's 10 teams made the playoffs. Not impressive.

2012: 3 points, 1-3-0 (LWLL); 5 gf, 8 ga

2011: 7 points, 2-1-1 (WTLW); 4 gf, 5 ga. Won SS, MLS Cup

2010: 12 points, 4-0-0 (WWWW); 7 gf, 1 ga. Won SS

2009: 3 points, 0-1-3 (TLTT); 5 gf, 6 ga. MLS Cup finalists

2008: 4 points, 1-2-1 (LWLT); 6 gf, 9 ga

2007: 4 points, 1-2-1 (TLWL); 6 gf, 6 ga

2006: 4 points, 1-2-1 (LTWL); 3 gf, 4 ga

2005: 9 points, 3-1-0 (LWWW); 8 gf, 5 ga. Won MLS Cup

2004: 8 points, 2-0-2 (WTTW); 7 gf, 4 ga

2003: 3 points, 0-1-3 (TTTL); 3 gf, 4 ga

2002: 8 points, 2-0-2 (WWTT); 6 gf, 4 ga. Won SS, MLS Cup

2001: 6 points, 2-2-0 (LLWW); 7 gf, 7 ga. MLS Cup finalists

2000: 8 points, 2-0-2 (WWTT); 10 gf, 5 ga

*1999: 2 points, 2-2 (WWLL); 5 gf, 5 ga. MLS Cup finalists

*1998: 10 points, 3-1 (WWWW); 11 gf, 7 ga. Won SS

*1997: 3 points, 3-1 (LLLW); 5 gf, 9 ga

*1996: 12 points, 4-0 (WWWW); 9 gf, 4 ga. MLS Cup finalists