Stars Align in Carson: Galaxy Advance

Wednesday night in Carson, LA Galaxy handled the pressure — and the pushback.

With help from an own goal and the calm finishing of Marco Reus, Galaxy held off Pachuca’s late charge to win 2–1 in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals. The victory books their place in the Semifinals, keeping the dream alive of lifting silverware this summer.

It started with a stroke of fortune. In the 27th minute, Marco Reus whipped a low cross into the box that deflected off Pachuca’s Daniel Aceves and into his own net. The stadium erupted and it was only the beginning.

Ten minutes later, Reus turned scorer. Slipping free in the box, the German veteran slotted home into the bottom corner to make it 2–0. By halftime, the Galaxy had control and the home crowd was at full volume.

The second half brought Pachuca’s response. Víctor Guzmán forced Novak Micovic into a diving stop, Alemão and Kenedy tested him again, and the visitors piled on pressure. The back line held firm, turning Pachuca’s surge into frustration.

Deep into stoppage time, Pachuca finally found their goal. Alemão pounced on a loose ball in the box in the 90’+6 to cut the deficit in half. But it was too late — Galaxy saw out the final whistle and punched their ticket to the next round.

Now, LA Galaxy move on to the Semifinals, where they will host the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, August 27. Ninety more minutes stand between the Galaxy and a place in the Leagues Cup Final, and after suffering a 4–0 defeat to Seattle in MLS play earlier this month, the Galaxy will have redemption on their minds as they look to write a different ending at home.

Marco Reus and Diego Fagundez celebrate a 1-0 lead against Pachuca in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal 2025