Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Herediano (Leg 2 - Concacaf Championship) | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy benefited from winning the 2024 MLS Cup last year. They not only earned a berth in the 2025 Concacaf Championship but also an automatic bid to the Round of 16.

It's been since that game on December 7th that the LA Galaxy have won a meaningful soccer game. After starting out the 30th MLS regular season with three straight losses, they also lost last Wednesday in Costa Rica to Herediano, 1-0.

What needs to happen in the second leg for the LA Galaxy?

First off, John McCarthy has been the best goalie for the Los Angeles Galaxy since joining the team. Novak Micovic has allowed at least two goals in all three losses for the team.

Granted, Gabriel Pec is the only member of the squad with a goal. Averaging .25 goals a game for a team that led the MLS Western Conference in scoring last year is not a championship standard.

The LA Galaxy need to score two more goals than Herediano to have a chance. One the Galaxy's new additions, forward Christian Ramirez, is bound to find the back of the net sooner than later.

Head Coach Greg Vanney has hinted that changes could be made but offered no guarantees. Defender Miki Yamane is among the notables who have been out for the LA Galaxy recently. He may return to the field tonight or by this weekend against the Portland Timbers.

Forward Joseph Paintsil is also out nursing a hamstring injury. His return has not been dated yet, but he is expected back much sooner than midfielder Riqui Puig.

The Galaxy controlled the ball 25% more of the time than Herediano did in the first leg. Both teams managed to get at least 10 shot attempts. Herediano was slightly more affective as Elías Aguilar's goal at the 65th minute was enough to beat the six-time MLS Cup winners.

If Wednesday night is to go different, a total team effort is needed. Marco Reus, Diego Fagundez and Edwin Cerrillo are all midfielders who are familiar with the team and the coaching. Newcomers Elijah Wynder, Lucas Sanabria, Mathias Jorgensen and Axel Essengue still have yet to find their footing with the team.

On the bright side, ...

After four straight losses to open up 2025, there have been few bright spots for the LA Galaxy. However, players like Harbor Miller have been able to shine as he made his first career start last week in Leg 1.

Ruben Ramos, Jr. is another newcomer that looks to be a major factor for the Los Angeles Galaxy this season. Like Miller, he is a fresh face that is looking to showcase his talents on the field after being a fan of the team for years prior.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and 10:30 p.m. (ET) as the game will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Despite the LA Galaxy going unbeaten in 16 regular season games last season there, the team has already lost twice in the new season.

The winner of Wednesday night's contest advances to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions tournament. Tigres UANL awaits either Herediano or the Los Angeles Galaxy.