2025 Leagues One Cup Match Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. CF Pachuca

Team Form & Storylines

LA Galaxy

Phase One Record: 2W–0L–1D (7 points, +7 GD)

Recent Results:

5–2 vs. Tijuana

1–1 vs. Cruz Azul

4–0 vs. Santos Laguna

The Galaxy have rediscovered their attacking rhythm in Leagues Cup play, scoring 10 goals across three matches. Matheus Nascimento and Joseph Paintsil have each netted three times, while Mauricio Cuevas leads the team with three assists. Despite a rocky MLS season, LA’s Cup form has been electric, and as defending MLS Cup champions, they hold hosting rights through the final.

CF Pachuca

Phase One Record: 2W–0L–1D (7 points, +2 GD)

Recent Results:

2–1 vs. Houston Dynamo

1–1 vs. LAFC (lost on penalties)

3–2 vs. San Diego FC

Pachuca enters the quarterfinals after a strong showing in both the Leagues Cup and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Key contributors include Jhonder Cádiz (ex-Nashville SC), Daniel Aceves (former Chicago Fire fullback), and midfielders Elías Montiel and Alan Bautista. Los Tuzos are seeking their first Leagues Cup semifinal appearance.

Head-to-Head History

Last Meeting: Pachuca defeated LA Galaxy in the 2007 SuperLiga Final (penalty shootout)

All-Time Record: Pachuca leads 1–0 (competitive matches)

Key Matchups

Player	Team	Role/Impact
Matheus Nascimento	LA Galaxy	Clinical finisher, 3 goals in LC play
Jhonder Cádiz	Pachuca	Target man, physical presence
Joseph Paintsil	LA Galaxy	Speedster, 3 goals, 2 assists
Elías Montiel	Pachuca	Midfield disruptor
Novak Micovic	LA Galaxy	GK, key to controlling Pachuca’s counters

Tactical Overview

LA Galaxy: High-tempo attack, overlapping fullbacks, set-piece threats

Pachuca: Compact midfield, quick transitions, aerial dominance

X-Factor: Galaxy’s home-field advantage and depth could be decisive, but Pachuca’s experience in knockout formats is not to be underestimated.