A Pair of LA Galaxy Defenders Make a Statement Against Santos Laguna on Thursday | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy blanked their final opponent on Thursday night during Phase One in the 2025 Leagues Cup. It wasn't just the win itself over Santos Laguna that propelled the 2024 MLS Cup winners into the Knockout Round, but it was the way they did it.

Needing to win by at least three goals against Santos, the LA Galaxy did better that that. Their 4-0 performance reminded soccer fans that the Galaxy are stronger than their 3-7-14 record in MLS this season.

Age Ain't Nothing But a Number

LA Galaxy defender Mauricio Cuevas, 22, had himself a game. He was a factor in two of the four goals by the six-time MLS Cup champions. His passing abilities were on display when Joseph Paintsil and Matheus Nascimento scored in the game's first 40 minutes.

While Cuevas is one of the Los Angeles Galaxy's youngest players, their captain pulls rank on seniority. Their captain, Maya Yoshida is 37 years old.

That didn't stop him from finding the back of the net as his goal in the 45'+5' of play. Yoshida's score made it 3-0 entering halftime.

Los Angeles Galaxy v Santos Laguna - Leagues Cup Phase One | Dave Bernal/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Matheus Nascimento, 21, has really come on as of late. The young Brazilian soccer player added two goals in the 4-0 win over Santos on Thursday.

Another 21-year-old newcomer, Lucas Sanabria got in on the fun late in the second half. The Uruguay native doesn't turn 22 until late December.

Marco Reus, a fellow-veteran like Yoshida, is also more than 35 years old. The reigning Player of the Month for the LA Galaxy did not record a goal or assist, but that doesn't mean he isn't involved in the offense on a regular basis.

One of the reasons why the LA Galaxy are at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings is they have had a plethora of newcomers including Sanabria. However, despite their poor record this season in MLS, the Galaxy have now scored four goals in more than one elimination game during Cup tournaments.

A 4-1 victory over Herediano pushed the LA Galaxy into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. They find themselves in the final eight, again, as the Galaxy advance to the Knockout Round