LA Galaxy vs Pachuca Leagues Cup 2025: From Rock Bottom to Swagger on Top

 Galaxy and Pachuca huddles before kickoff — ready for battle under the lights at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

Carson, CA – August 21, 2025 – Bottom of the MLS table. Facing the top of Liga MX. On paper, LA Galaxy had no business winning this game. But in the LA Galaxy vs Pachuca Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinal, Carson flipped into chaos. Galaxy’s 2-1 win wasn’t just an upset — it was a statement. MLS only is left standing, and the Galaxy are right in the middle of it.

LA Galaxy vs Pachuca Leagues Cup 2025: Reus the Maestro of Carson

Marco Reus charging forward with Nascimento — orchestrating the attack that flipped the match (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

Marco Reus came to play like it was Dortmund on a Champions League night. First, his driven ball across goal forced Alonso Aceves into a desperate own goal. Then, minutes later, Reus was at it again — ghosting onto Matheus Nascimento’s diagonal and burying a finish that screamed world class.

Can you hear us now?” — Reus celebrates his strike, silencing Pachuca’s crowd. (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

That’s 14 goal contributions in 19 Leagues Cup matches. Reus isn’t just adjusting to MLS — he’s owning this tournament.

 Celebration time: Reus with Fagundez and teammates after putting Galaxy in control. (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

Paintsil: Chaos, Swagger, and Energy

Joseph Paintsil driving at Pachuca’s defense — pace and power all night long. (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

Joseph Paintsil didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he was the gasoline on Galaxy’s fire. His relentless pressing rattled Pachuca’s backline, his runs stretched the defense, and he created the spaces Reus and Nascimento thrived in.

And then came the moment. Up 2-0, Paintsil turned to the Pachuca goalkeeper, tapped his backside, and flashed a “2-0” gesture to the goalie. Carson erupted. Was it for Pure swagger or to get more into the goalies head?

Even after Pachuca pulled one back late, the tone was already set — Paintsil had stamped the match with energy and attitude that can’t be tracked in the stat sheet.

Pachuca’s Punch Too Late

Pachuca’s keeper under fire — Galaxy’s attack forced him into action all night. (Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

To their credit, Pachuca threw everything at it. They held more of the ball, launched 18 shots, and finally found the net through Alemão’s sweet half-volley in stoppage time. But Galaxy keeper Novak Mićović stood tall, with four key saves that made sure the comeback never fully lit.

What This Really Means

Greg Vanney and his squad walk off with purpose — chasing redemption through Leagues Cup.(Photo by Gilbert Bita | Fieldtalk)

With Pachuca gone, Liga MX is officially out of the 2025 Leagues Cup. Puebla, Toluca, Tigres, Pachuca — all finished. The semifinals? MLS only.

For the Galaxy, sitting bottom of the MLS Western Conference with just three league wins, this tournament has become a lifeline. From smashing Tijuana and Santos Laguna to this upset of Pachuca, Greg Vanney’s squad is showing a version of themselves that domestic play hasn’t seen all year.

Seattle is next. Two wins away from silverware. Two wins away from flipping a “miserable season” into a continental run.

📊 NEWS & NOTES

• 🎯 Marco Reus – Forced the opener, scored the second. 14 contributions in 19 Leagues Cup matches.

• ⚡ Joseph Paintsil – Relentless pressing, dangerous runs, swagger moment with the “2-0” taunt.

• 🧤 Novak Mićović – 4 big saves against 18 Pachuca shots.

• 🇲🇽 Liga MX Out – Pachuca’s loss means MLS owns the semifinals.

• 🔥 Next Up – LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders. Winner plays for glory — and a Concacaf Champions Cup ticket.