18 Penalties Later: Cruz Azul Edges Galaxy in Shootout Thriller

Friday night’s Leagues Cup clash had everything — goals, cards, a late equalizer, and a marathon of penalty kicks that finally tipped the balance.

After a 1–1 draw in regulation, Cruz Azul outlasted LA Galaxy in a nerve-wracking, 18-kick shootout, claiming an 8–7 victory and keeping their tournament hopes alive.

Carlos Rodríguez gave Cruz Azul the lead in the 21st minute, finishing a left-footed strike off a low cross from Carlos Rotondi. The Mexican side continued to press, but Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Mićović came up with several key stops to keep it close.

LA Galaxy responded in the 81st. Mauricio Cuevas slipped a perfectly weighted ball through the defense to Gabriel Pec, who slid in the box for a left-footed shot to the near post to level the match.

The shootout that followed was a test of nerves. Both teams converted their first five penalties with precision. Then came sudden death — and it didn’t stop there. Edwin Cerrillo had his effort saved in the ninth round, only for Jesús Orozco to hit the bar moments later. Emiro Garcés was denied in the tenth, setting up Mateo Levy to bury the winning kick for Cruz Azul.

With the win, Cruz Azul earned their first two points of the tournament and a glimmer of hope. LA Galaxy, who won their opener, remain in a strong position heading into their group stage finale — but missed a chance to lock things up early.

LA Galaxy close out Phase One at home against Santos Laguna on August 7 at 8:15 p.m. PT. Cruz Azul will face the Colorado Rapids earlier that evening at 5:30 p.m. PT, also at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.