LA Galaxy finish off Orlando City SC in the 2025 Leagues Cup | OneFootball

The Leagues Cup leaves the Lions behind as the LA Galaxy defeats Orlando City SC 2-1.

Orlando City SC had coveted an earned spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. To get it, they had to beat the LA Galaxy in the Leagues Cup. But the opponents took the Lions down and secured the third competition spot, finishing third in the Leagues Cup.

After the Seattle Sounders defeated Inter Miami 3-0, they finished first and second, respectively, in the competition.

LA Galaxy players entered the pitch swinging on offense and defense against Orlando City. They scored in the ninth minute after forward Marco Reus netted a ball from Gabriel Pec. That lead held until the second half.

The Lions banked their chance to equalize when midfielder Martin Ojeda scored on a ball from Luis Muriel in the 60th minute. It was Ojeda’s fourth goal of this tournament and a team-leading 18th across all competitions for Orlando. It was his seventh goal contribution for the 2025 Leagues Cup, which leads all players in the tournament.

Ojeda’s goal also ties him with former Lion Facundo Torres for the all-time club record of 72 goal contributions across all competitions. Muriel’s assist was his first in this tournament, but his eighth this season across all competitions.

Despite all those achievements, their equalization in this third-place match lasted only for seven minutes.

Then the Galaxy took the lead for good after winger Joseph Paintsil made good on a ball from John Nelson.

Aug 20, 2025; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Micovic (1) calls out to his teammates with a signal at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images | William Navarro-Imagn Images

Orlando only got off eight shots after that score. Only two of them had to be saved by Galaxy netminder Novak Micovic.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja noticed low energy in the first half for his players. After reviewing the match strategy at halftime, the players recovered their energy in the second half.

This is an improvement over the second-half hex that harmed the team earlier in the MLS season. They found chances to score for both the Lions and the Galaxy near the end of the match. They missed their chances, but the Galaxy banked on one of theirs to win the game.

Orlando City SC can use its experience in this competition to ensure a post-season berth in the MLS. But they’ll have to consistently fight. There aren’t any weak opponents left.