In what turned out to be a dramatic and intense showdown at Dignity Health Sports Park, Cruz Azul edged past LA Galaxy 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought hard during regular play before going into a marathon shootout to settle the score.

The goals came with Cruz Azul’s Charly Rodríguez opening the scoring in the 21st minute, finishing off a sharp cross delivered by Carlos Rotondi. Rodríguez’s goal marked his first in the tournament and his third this Liga MX Apertura season. For LA Galaxy, the equalizer came late in the game. Gabriel Pec slid in a tidy finish off a cross from Mauricio Cuevas in the 81st minute, marking his second goal of the competition and extending his streak to three consecutive matches with a goal.

The penalty shootout became a real test of nerves and skill. Both teams showcased perfect composure through the first seven rounds, with every player scoring their attempts. It was in the eighth and ninth rounds that Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper Kevin Mier rose to the occasion, saving consecutive shots from Galaxy’s Edwin Cerillo and Emiro Garces. Those saves ultimately sealed Cruz Azul’s victory and kept their hopes alive in the knockout stage of the tournament, while LA Galaxy took a hard-fought single point for the draw.

Looking at the LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul lineups, both sides fielded strong squads. For LA Galaxy, Serbian goalkeeper Novak Mićović in goal made his 15th appearance of the season, bringing solid form with an impressive 1.57 goals-against average across competitions this year. The defense featured key players including Japanese international Miki Yamane and Colombian defender Emiro Garcés. In midfield, Edwin Cerrillo and Diego Fagundez started, with Fagundez bringing veteran creativity and experience. Up front, Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil and German captain Marco Reus led the attack, supported by Gabriel Pec on the wing, who was instrumental in Galaxy’s late equalizer.

Cruz Azul’s lineup showcased their usual grit and skill, with Charly Rodríguez making a big impact in the scoring department. Their resilience was clear throughout the match, second only to the nerves and talent displayed in the shootout.

This LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul battle was a crucial fixture in the Leagues Cup group stage, and both teams were eyeing maximum points to advance. The tough duel shows the growing competitiveness of the tournament, where MLS and Liga MX sides clash with high stakes and thrilling moments.

Beyond the match itself, this result helped Liga MX maintain an edge in the tournament standings against MLS clubs this season. Cruz Azul’s victory joined other Liga MX successes from the same day, including Club Tijuana’s 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids and Guadalajara’s penalty shootout success against Charlotte FC. Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders secured a 2-0 win over Santos Laguna despite a late red card. Together, these outcomes ensured Liga MX captured five out of six matches on the day, strengthening their head-to-head lead against MLS teams in the Leagues Cup 2025.

For LA Galaxy, the loss in the shootout is a tough pill given their fightback and strong performance in regulation, showing just how fine the margins are in knockout group play. Their lineup, featuring a mix of experienced leaders and young talents, remains promising as they continue their Leagues Cup journey. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s ability to hold their nerve under pressure with goalkeeper Kevin Mier’s heroic saves highlights why they remain a serious contender to progress deep in the tournament.

Fans of both clubs witnessed a competitive, exhilarating game full of highs and lows — a perfect showcase of what the Leagues Cup aims to deliver as MLS and Liga MX powers meet. The drama, late goals, and marathon penalty shootout made this clash a standout fixture in the 2025 Leagues Cup calendar.

LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul lineups spoke to thoughtful team selection on both sides, aiming to optimize defense, midfield creativity, and attacking threats. From Novak Mićović’s saves to Marco Reus’s leadership up front, the Galaxy put forward a strong front, while Cruz Azul’s unity and clutch shooting defined their night.

In the end, the Leagues Cup battle between LA Galaxy and Cruz Azul was a classic reminder of how soccer’s drama often plays out beyond the final whistle, making shootouts one of the most thrilling ways to settle evenly matched contests. Both teams can hold their heads high for their efforts in this memorable episode. Fans will now look forward eagerly as the knockout rounds approach, curious to see how these clubs build on their performances in this intense tournament stage.

This latest update on the Cruz Azul vs LA Galaxy rivalry in the Leagues Cup certainly adds to the excitement surrounding this cross-border showdown between MLS and Liga MX sides, fueling anticipation for what’s next in the tournament.