Toluca Stuns LA Galaxy With Late Rally to Win Campeones Cup
Toluca FC Lifting Campeones Cup Trophy. (Photo: Juan Hernandez)
Match Overview
The 2025 Campeones Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California delivered a thriller as Toluca defeated LA Galaxy 3–2. The match swung back and forth, with Galaxy leading twice before the Mexican side produced a dramatic stoppage-time comeback to lift the trophy.
Alexis Vega taking on Julian Aude. (Photo: Juan Hernandez)
First Half – Galaxy Take Control
LA Galaxy looked sharp from the outset, pressing high and testing Toluca’s backline. Their breakthrough came in the 36th minute, when Gabriel Pec was clipped inside the box. Diego Fagundez stepped up to the spot and calmly converted, giving the Galaxy a deserved 1–0 lead.
Toluca pushed for an equalizer before halftime, forcing saves from Novak Micovic, but the Galaxy defense held firm. The first half ended with the home side ahead — though tension grew as Toluca head coach Antonio “Turco” Mohamed was ejected at halftime for protesting referee decisions.
Nicolas Castro Celebrating the Equalizer for Toluca FC. ( Photo: Juan Hernandez )
Second Half – Toluca Responds
Despite their coach’s absence, Toluca came out firing after the break. In the 54th minute, Nicolás Castro struck a brilliant low shot from distance, beating Micovic to level the match 1–1.
The Galaxy appeared to wrestle momentum back in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Gabriel Pec was again the difference-maker, finishing from close range after a deflected cross by Mauricio Cuevas. His goal restored Galaxy’s lead, and fans could almost taste victory.
Federico Pereira Goal seals the Deal for Toluca FC. (Photo: Juan Hernandez)
Late Collapse – Toluca’s Double Blow
Toluca refused to back down. Just four minutes after Pec’s strike, disaster struck for Galaxy:
88th minute – A loose clearance from a set piece fell to Franco Romero, who smashed home from outside the area to tie the game at 2–2.
93rd minute – In stoppage time, Federico Pereira rose highest on a corner kick, nodding in the decisive goal to seal an incredible 3–2 comeback.
The final whistle left Galaxy stunned and Toluca celebrating on California soil.
High Emotions After the Final Whistle. (Photo: Juan Hernandez)
Key Performers
Gabriel Pec (Galaxy): Earned the penalty and later scored what looked like the winner.
Diego Fagundez (Galaxy): Confident from the penalty spot to open the scoring.
Nicolás Castro (Toluca): His long-range equalizer changed the flow of the match.
Federico Pereira (Toluca): Match-winner with his stoppage-time header.
What It Means
For LA Galaxy: This loss will sting. Leading twice but failing to close out the match highlights defensive lapses and lack of late-game composure. The team showed attacking flair but must learn to manage pressure moments.
For Toluca: The victory cements their status as one of Mexico’s most in-form clubs, adding the Campeones Cupto their growing list of recent honors. Their fightback under adversity, even without their coach, showed remarkable resilience.
Toluca FC Celebrating with Fans that Came to Support them in SoCal. (Photo: Juan Hernandez)
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Campeones Cup will be remembered for its dramatic ending. For LA Galaxy, it’s a painful reminder of missed opportunities. For Toluca, it’s a night of glory — proving once again that Liga MX sides remain formidable against MLS opponents.