The LA Galaxy faced Mexican giants Cruz Azul on August 3, 2025, in the group stage of the Leagues Cup. A highly anticipated matchup at Dignity Health Sports Park, it offered Galaxy a chance to build momentum after a strong opening performance. The Starting XI reflected coach Greg Vanney’s desire to stick with an aggressive, attack-oriented lineup.
LA Galaxy Starting XI
Goalkeeper
- Novak Mićović
Defenders
- Miki Yamane
- Emiro Garcés
- Zanka
- Julián Aude
Midfielders
- Edwin Cerrillo
- Diego Fagundez
- Lucas Sanabria
Forwards
- Gabriel Pec
- Joseph Paintsil
- Marco Reus (Captain)
Bench
- JT Marcinkowski, John McCarthy
- Mauricio Cuevas, John Nelson, Maya Yoshida, Eriq Zavaleta
- Tucker Lepley, Isaiah Parente, Elijah Wynder
- Miguel Berry, Matheus Nascimento, Christian Ramirez
Key Player Profiles
Novak Mićović – Goalkeeper
The Serbian shot-stopper continues to grow into his role. This was his 15th appearance in 2025, and he came into the game with confidence after recording eight saves in Galaxy’s 5–2 win over Club Tijuana.
Miki Yamane – Right-Back
Yamane, a consistent performer from Japan, provides width and overlapping runs. With three assists already this season, he adds value at both ends of the pitch.
Emiro Garcés – Center-Back
The Colombian defender has emerged as a rock in defense. He came into this match with two goals and an assist from 25 appearances.
Zanka – Center-Back
The veteran Danish international has become a leader at the back. Known for his positioning and aerial ability, this was his 19th competitive appearance in 2025.
Julián Aude – Left-Back
The young left-back continues to make strides. With three goals and three assists across his MLS career, his attacking contributions have been vital.
Midfield Trio Analysis
Edwin Cerrillo – Holding Midfielder
Cerrillo anchors the midfield, breaking up opposition play and initiating transitions. His intelligence and positional discipline are central to LA’s structure.
Diego Fagundez – Creative Midfielder
An MLS veteran, Fagundez offers flair and vision. With over 75 career goals and 75 assists, he plays a crucial role in unlocking defenses.
Lucas Sanabria – Box-to-Box Midfielder
The Uruguayan youngster continues to develop. He scored his first goal for Galaxy in late May and has been growing into his role as a ball-progressing midfielder.
Attacking Trio Preview
Gabriel Pec – Right Wing
Pec has been electric on the ball, contributing to goals in both league and cup competitions. With nearly 50 goal contributions across two seasons, his presence in the final third is always a threat.
Joseph Paintsil – Left Wing
In red-hot form, Paintsil came into this game with seven goals and two assists in 2025. He scored six goals in his last five home matches and consistently threatens defenses with his pace and directness.
Marco Reus – Striker / False Nine
The iconic German leads the line and wears the captain’s armband. With goals and assists throughout the season, his leadership and experience elevate Galaxy’s frontline.
Match Background
The match was held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with kickoff at 7:30 PM PT. It was the second group-stage match for LA Galaxy in Leagues Cup 2025.
Galaxy came into the game with momentum, having dominated Club Tijuana 5–2 in their opening fixture. Paintsil, Reus, and Pec all found the scoresheet in that match.
Cruz Azul, on the other hand, were looking to bounce back after a disastrous performance in their opener, where they conceded seven goals in the second half to Seattle Sounders.
Historical Context
This match marked the third time LA Galaxy and Cruz Azul met in official competition. Cruz Azul had won both of the previous encounters, including a 2–1 victory in the Leagues Cup semifinals in 2019. Galaxy were still looking for their first win over the Mexico City-based club.
Tactical Breakdown
LA Galaxy’s Formation: 4-3-3
Greg Vanney stayed with the same 4-3-3 formation that worked against Tijuana. Despite missing key players like Ricard Puig and Maya Yoshida due to injury, the team remained balanced and ambitious.
- The backline combined veteran experience with youthful energy.
- The midfield trio provided stability, flair, and pressing.
- Up front, the combination of Pec, Reus, and Paintsil aimed to stretch the defense.
Cruz Azul’s Shape: 3-4-2-1
Cruz Azul fielded a three-man defense supported by wing-backs, a tight midfield, and two attacking midfielders feeding the striker.
- Their plan was to crowd the midfield, frustrate Galaxy’s tempo, and hit quickly in transition.
- The midfield duo of Rivero and Faravelli aimed to break LA’s passing rhythm.
- Carlos Rodríguez and Ángel Sepúlveda were tasked with leading the attacking charge.
Match Recap: Cruz Azul Edge Galaxy 1–0
Despite Galaxy’s strong lineup and form, Cruz Azul came away with a narrow 1–0 win. Carlos Rodríguez scored the only goal of the game in the 21st minute after some slick passing through the midfield.
Match Statistics
- Possession:
- LA Galaxy: ~42%
- Cruz Azul: ~58%
- Shots:
- LA Galaxy: 2 total shots
- Cruz Azul: 13 total shots
- Shots on Target:
- LA Galaxy: 1
- Cruz Azul: 4
- Corners:
- LA Galaxy: 0
- Cruz Azul: 5
Cruz Azul’s compact shape and quick transitions kept Galaxy on the back foot, and although LA pressed late, they couldn’t find an equalizer.
Key Themes from the Match
1. Lack of Clinical Edge
Despite possessing a dangerous front line, Galaxy failed to create high-quality chances. Reus and Paintsil were well-marked, and Fagundez couldn’t find enough space to create.
2. Midfield Battle Lost
The trio of Cerrillo, Fagundez, and Sanabria was often overrun by Cruz Azul’s midfield. The Mexican side used numbers and pressing to dominate the central areas.
3. Defensive Vulnerability on Counters
Galaxy’s full-backs pushed high, leaving space behind. Cruz Azul exploited this, especially through the left channel, where Rodríguez often drifted.
Post-Match Reaction
LA Galaxy’s head coach emphasized the need for better possession management and sharper execution in the final third. Players expressed frustration with the result, especially after the high of the Tijuana win.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, praised their tactical discipline and bounce-back performance after their heavy loss to Seattle.
Looking Ahead
With the group stage nearing its conclusion, Galaxy must regroup quickly. Their final group match will be crucial in determining whether they progress to the knockout rounds.
Key questions ahead include:
- Can Galaxy adjust their midfield to cope with pressing sides?
- Will Marco Reus continue to lead the line, or will Vanney opt for a traditional striker like Matheus Nascimento or Christian Ramirez?
- Can Paintsil and Pec regain their lethal combination in the next match?
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Conclusion
LA Galaxy’s starting XI against Cruz Azul was filled with promise, experience, and attacking flair. However, Cruz Azul’s structure, discipline, and timely goal proved decisive. Despite strong individual performances, Galaxy couldn’t convert their possession into goals.
Now, the focus shifts to Galaxy’s final group game, where progression to the next phase of the Leagues Cup hangs in the balance. The squad will need to make tactical adjustments and rediscover their attacking rhythm if they hope to extend their cup run.
With key players like Paintsil and Reus capable of turning a game in an instant, LA Galaxy still have every chance to make a deep run. But the loss to Cruz Azul served as a sobering reminder: in knockout-style football, margins are razor-thin, and finishing your chances is everything.
