By Justin Ruderman
On to the Knockouts
LA Galaxy stormed into the Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinals with a 4-0 rout of Santos Laguna in Thursday’s Phase One finale at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Mauricio Cuevas set the tone inside the first minute, combining with Joseph Paintsil for the opener. The hosts dominated early, racking up 2.5 expected goals in the first 25 minutes before Matheus Nascimento doubled the lead in the 39th from another Cuevas assist.
Santos’ night unraveled before halftime — Anthony “Choco” Lozano was sent off in stoppage time, and captain Maya Yoshida quickly punished the visitors with a close-range finish for 3-0. Moments later, Ramiro Sorda’s straight red left the Laguneros down to nine men.
Up two players, the Galaxy controlled the second half with ease, and Nascimento’s second in the 74th sealed the result. The win pushed LA past Orlando City into third place in the MLS Phase One table on goal difference (+7).
Galaxy will now host Pachuca in the quarterfinals.
REACTIONS
- LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney:
- “I think it's showing that we have a good team and we're tough to play against, and that's been good. So I think the results emotionally are great for the group... and to go on in this event means that there's a trophy, and an important trophy, and Champions League spots and things like that that are right in front of us now that are going to be important and we have our eyes on.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- LA Galaxy:
- 21-year-old brazilian striker, Matheus Nascimiento, registered his first brace since joining the Galaxy.
GAME NOTES
- As the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy enjoy hosting privileges throughout the Leagues Cup knockout rounds.
- Joseph Paintsil continued his strong showing in Leagues Cup 2025 with his third goal of the tournament.
- Six players finished Phase One with at least 4 goal contributions. The Galaxy were the only team to have players reach that mark (Paintsil and Nascimiento; 3 goals and 1 assist each).
- Mauricio Cuevas continued his strong form with a pair of assists for his third in the last two games.
- Santos Laguna finish last in the LIGA MX Phase One table without a point.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards
- LA Galaxy: Mathias Jorgensen
- Santos Laguna: Ismael Govea
- Red Card:
- Santos Laguna: Anthony Lozano, Ramiro Sordo
LOOKING AHEAD
- LA Galaxy return to MLS play at in a Sunday Night Soccer clash at DHSP with the Seattle Sounders before returning to Leagues Cup for the quarterfinal.
- Santos return to LIGA MX action with a tough test at home against Chivas.
