The LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul match in the Leagues Cup 2025 delivered exactly what fans hoped for—goals, late drama, and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Played on August 3 at Dignity Health Sports Park, the game ended 2-2 in regulation time before Cruz Azul secured a 4-3 win on penalties.
This key Leagues Cup group stage clash highlighted the growing rivalry between MLS and Liga MX clubs, with both teams desperate to gain the upper hand in their group.
First Half: Back-and-Forth Action
LA Galaxy wasted no time asserting dominance. In the 12th minute, Riqui Puig scored the opening goal after a slick one-two with Douglas Costa. The home crowd erupted as LA Galaxy took early control.
However, Cruz Azul responded with calm and precision. In the 25th minute, former Galaxy player Uriel Antuna equalized with a stunning shot from outside the box. It was a moment of brilliance from the Mexican international, and a sharp reminder of Cruz Azul’s quality.
Both sides had chances before the half, but neither could convert. The first half of the LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul clash ended 1-1, setting up a tense second half.
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Second Half: Goals Continue, Pressure Builds
Galaxy regained the lead in the 58th minute when Dejan Joveljić headed home a well-placed corner kick. That goal gave LA Galaxy hope of closing out the match, but Cruz Azul had other ideas.
In the 77th minute, Rodrigo Huescas buried a rebound into the net after a save from LA Galaxy’s keeper John McCarthy. The equalizer was deserved and showcased the depth of talent on Cruz Azul’s bench.
Penalty Shootout: Cruz Azul Holds Their Nerve
The game ended 2-2, leading to a high-stakes penalty shootout. Both teams scored their first three, but Galaxy faltered when Julian Aude’s attempt hit the post. Then came the moment of truth: Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier saved Galaxy’s final kick, sealing a 4-3 victory for the Liga MX side.
This Cruz Azul penalty win gives them top spot in the group and automatic progression to the next round of the Leagues Cup 2025.
LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul: Match Stats
| Stat | LA Galaxy | Cruz Azul |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Total Shots | 11 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 7 |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
Key Performers in the LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul Showdown
- Riqui Puig – Scored early and controlled midfield tempo for Galaxy.
- Uriel Antuna – Sharp goal and several dangerous runs on the wing.
- Kevin Mier – Saved the final penalty, giving Cruz Azul the win.
- Dejan Joveljić – Scored LA Galaxy’s second and worked tirelessly up front.
LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul: What This Result Means
For LA Galaxy, this was another frustrating night. While their attack looked sharp, defensive lapses and missed opportunities cost them. They now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the Leagues Cup group stage.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, continues their strong form. Their depth, experience, and composure under pressure make them legitimate contenders in this year’s tournament.
With this win, Cruz Azul joins the list of early qualifiers for the knockout rounds. The team’s momentum will serve them well as they prepare for tougher opposition ahead.
Final Thoughts on LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul
The LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul match had everything: skill, intensity, and late-game nerves. It was another chapter in the growing MLS vs Liga MX rivalry, and one that fans will remember.
For Galaxy supporters, the focus now shifts to regrouping and staying in the tournament. For Cruz Azul, the dream of lifting the Leagues Cup 2025 trophy stays alive.
For more match updates, see the full Leagues Cup 2025 schedule or visit the official Leagues Cup website.
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MLS vs Liga MX: Rivalry That’s Reshaping North American Football
The LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul clash is more than just another Leagues Cup group match — it’s part of a broader rivalry shaping the future of soccer in North America. Since the inception of the Leagues Cup, matchups between MLS and Liga MX teams have gained intensity, viewership, and media coverage.
With both leagues aiming to develop talent, expand internationally, and attract global audiences, every MLS vs Liga MX encounter carries weight. Cruz Azul’s win over LA Galaxy isn’t just a group-stage success — it’s a statement that Liga MX clubs still hold the upper hand in key moments. However, LA Galaxy’s performance showed that the MLS side is not far behind.
More importantly, these matchups are developing narratives that carry over from season to season. Players like Uriel Antuna, who have played in both leagues, add extra emotional layers to the games. And with increasing investment in youth development on both sides, fans can expect even more exciting talent in future editions of the tournament.
From a fan’s perspective, the Leagues Cup 2025 format has been a hit. Group stage fixtures like LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul are offering true playoff-style tension. Add to that the penalty shootout rules, and you have a tournament that’s unpredictable, fast-paced, and thrilling to follow.
With more teams joining each year and the CONCACAF Champions Cup spot on the line, matches like this will continue to grow in importance. Whether you support an MLS team or a Liga MX club, one thing’s for sure — these high-stakes battles are here to stay, and they’re only getting better.