LA Galaxy Edge Pachuca to Reach Leagues Cup Semifinals
The 2025 Leagues Cup will crown a champion from Major League Soccer after all four semifinal spots were secured by MLS clubs, marking the second consecutive edition dominated by the American league. Among the standout results was LA Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over Liga MX leader Pachuca, a win that sent the five-time MLS Cup champions into a high-profile semifinal clash with Western Conference rivals Seattle Sounders.
Galaxy Overcome Pachuca Challenge
At Dignity Health Sports Park, the LA Galaxy demonstrated their intent to add a first-ever Leagues Cup to their decorated trophy cabinet. German veteran Marco Reus played a pivotal role, forcing Alonso Aceves into an own goal in the 37th minute before applying pressure that unsettled Pachuca’s defence throughout the night.
Brazilian forward Alemao pulled one back for Pachuca deep into stoppage time, but it proved too late as the Galaxy held firm to seal their place in the final four. The win reinforced LA’s ambitions following their 2024 MLS Cup triumph, with Leagues Cup now seen as a priority in their pursuit of international recognition.
Sounders Await in Semifinal Showdown
Galaxy’s victory sets up a semifinal against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field on Wednesday, August 27. The Sounders advanced after a tense 0-0 draw with Puebla that was decided by penalties. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas emerged as the hero, denying Nicolás Díaz in the shootout to send Seattle through with a 4-3 win.
The meeting between Galaxy and Sounders is expected to be one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures, pitting two of MLS’s most successful clubs against each other for a place in the final.
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Other Semifinal: Florida Derby
On the other side of the bracket, Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off in a fiery Florida derby. Inter Miami, playing without injured star Lionel Messi, relied on Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, who scored twice—including a decisive late penalty—in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Tigres UANL.
Orlando City advanced after eliminating Mexican champions Toluca on penalties. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese produced a performance for the ages, saving two spot-kicks and converting one himself in a dramatic 6-5 shootout win following a goalless draw.
MLS Dominance Continues
With Seattle, LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, and Orlando City making up the final four, the 2025 edition ensures an all-MLS semifinal for the second consecutive year. Beyond the chase for silverware, the stakes are high: two of the three available spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will be awarded to the winners of the semifinal ties.
The semifinals are scheduled for August 27, with Inter Miami facing Orlando City at Chase Stadium, and Seattle hosting LA Galaxy at Lumen Field. Both matches will be broadcast live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
