Cruz Azul Survives Shootout, Edges Galaxy in Leagues Cup Classic
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Match Overview
The 2025 Leagues Cup group stage delivered a classic on Sunday night at Dignity Health Sports Park, where Cruz Azul edged LA Galaxy 8–7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. The match featured standout performances, a tense atmosphere, and a marathon of penalties that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
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First Half: Cruz Azul Strike First
Cruz Azul wasted no time asserting their dominance early. In the 21st minute, a pinpoint cross from Carlos Rotondi found Carlos "Charly" Rodríguez, who finished cleanly with his left foot. The midfielder’s clinical strike gave La Máquina a 1–0 lead and momentarily silenced the Galaxy faithful.
Despite the early deficit, LA Galaxy gradually found their rhythm. However, they struggled to convert possession into clear chances in the final third during the opening 45 minutes. The teams went into halftime with Cruz Azul narrowly in front.
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Second Half: Galaxy Fight Back
LA Galaxy came out with renewed energy in the second half, clearly intent on leveling the score. Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Mauricio Cuevas delivered a sublime through-ball into the box. Gabriel Pec, the Galaxy’s in-form winger, raced onto the pass and slid the ball past Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier to make it 1–1.
This was Pec’s third consecutive match with a goal, highlighting his growing influence in LA’s attack.
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Penalty Shootout: Nerve-Wracking Marathon
With the score tied after 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties—per Leagues Cup rules.
First 5 rounds: Both teams were perfect, converting all 10 combined kicks.
In sudden death, Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo had his shot saved by Kevin Mier, but Cruz Azul’s Jesús Orozco hit the bar immediately after, keeping the drama alive.
After another round of makes, Galaxy's Emiro Garcés stepped up—but Mier again denied him.
Finally, Mateo Levy buried the winning penalty, giving Cruz Azul the 8–7 edge in one of the tournament’s longest shootouts to date.
Mier’s two crucial saves earned him Man of the Match honors and sealed an emotional bounce-back for Cruz Azul after their humiliating 7–0 loss to Seattle in the prior match.
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Standout Performers
⭐ Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)
Saved two penalty kicks in sudden death.
Commanded his box with confidence throughout regulation.
Key reason Cruz Azul earned the extra point.
⭐ Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy)
Scored the equalizing goal.
Now has goals in three straight matches.
Continues to be LA’s most dangerous attacking threat.
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Group Implications
LA Galaxy:
Now have 4 points (3 from win vs. Tijuana, 1 from this draw).
Sit in a favorable position heading into their final group game.
A win against Santos Laguna on August 7 would likely secure a knockout round berth.
Cruz Azul:
Gain 2 points (1 for draw, 1 for shootout win).
Still facing long odds to advance due to a –7 goal differential from the Seattle rout.
Need to beat the Colorado Rapids and hope for help.
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Looking Ahead
LA Galaxy vs. Santos Laguna – August 7, 8:00 PM PT
→ Must-win scenario to avoid relying on goal difference or other results.
Cruz Azul vs. Colorado Rapids – August 7, 8:30 PM ET
→ A win is necessary, but qualification depends on how Seattle finishes.
Final Word
This Leagues Cup battle had it all—early fireworks, late drama, and a gripping shootout finale. While LA Galaxy still hold control of their destiny, Cruz Azul’s never-say-die spirit has kept them hanging on by a thread. With one group stage matchday remaining, the stage is set for even more drama in this summer’s international showdown.