LA Galaxy's Leagues Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance!
The LA Galaxy face Santos Laguna in a crucial Leagues Cup match where their hopes of reaching the Quarterfinal stage are on the line. After a mixed performance in the group stage, the Galaxy need a victory against Santos Laguna and favorable results from other matches to advance.
This marks the third meeting between these two clubs. Santos Laguna famously eliminated the Galaxy from the 2016 Concacaf Champions Cup with a 4-0 aggregate score after a scoreless first leg in Los Angeles. The Galaxy have a record of 3-4 in Leagues Cup, while Santos Laguna's record stands at 1-6.
Despite being the reigning MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy are struggling in the Western Conference this season, making the Leagues Cup their best opportunity to secure silverware. Their fate rests on securing three points against Santos Laguna, potentially requiring a significant goal difference to break any ties.
Santos Laguna Already Eliminated
Santos Laguna has already been eliminated from Leagues Cup 2025 following consecutive 2-1 losses against the Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders FC. Managed by Fernando Ortiz, in his first full season, they will be playing for pride.
Key Players for LA Galaxy
Star playmaker Marco Reus has been in excellent form, contributing 10 goals in his last 10 games. With Riqui Puig still recovering, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec have stepped up, combining for 4 goals and 1 assist in the first two Phase One matches.
Starting Lineups
LA Galaxy's Starting XI features: GK Novak Mićović; D Mauricio Cuevas, D Maya Yoshida ©, D Emiro Garcés, D Julián Aude; M Edwin Cerrillo, M Diego Fagundez, M Marco Reus, F Gabriel Pec, F Joseph Paintsil, F Matheus Nascimento.
Serbian goalkeeper Novak Mićović makes his 16th appearance. Mauricio Cuevas, an LA Galaxy Academy product, makes his fourth start. Maya Yoshida captains the team.
With Santos Laguna in poor form, the Galaxy must capitalize on their opportunity to advance in the Leagues Cup. This is the final match of Phase One play in Leagues Cup 2025 and the second match of a doubleheader at Dignity Health Sports Park.