On penalties, the Machine defeats Galaxy

▲ Carlos Rodríguez scored Cruz Azul's only goal in regulation time at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. AP Photo

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, August 4, 2025, p. a31

Cruz Azul shook off one of its worst defeats in international tournaments. After losing 7-0 to the Seattle Sounders, Nicolás Larcamón's team improved its image in the Leagues Cup. They defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 8-7 on penalties in a match that ended 1-1 in regular time, keeping their chances of advancing to the next round alive.

Far from distancing themselves from their team, thousands of sky-blue fans attended Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, to make the "Azul, Azul!" (Blue, Blue!) felt in foreign territory. La Máquina reciprocated this favorable atmosphere, controlled the game, generated the best scoring opportunities and took the lead with a triangulation in which Rodolfo Rotondi delayed the ball for Carlos Rodríguez's 1-0 (21).

The Galaxy responded aggressively, not only in the way their players attacked, but also in their ability to challenge for the ball. Yellow cards rained down, and referee Filiberto Martínez issued warnings to both teams due to a series of shoves and kicks that raised the temperature of the match.

Near the end, Brazilian Gabriel Pec equalized thanks to a precision cross from Mauricio Cuevas (81). In the penalty shootout, Colombian goalkeeper Kevin Mier emerged as a hero by saving two of the Los Angeles team's shots.

In Colorado, Tijuana stunned the American Rapids, winning 2-1 with goals from Jackson Porozo (39) and Ramiro Árciga (72). With this result, the border team improved its position in the standings and earned its first three points, staying in contention for a spot in the next round.

The situation was different for Santos Laguna. The Warriors fell 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders, despite finishing with a numerical advantage after the expulsion of Georgi Minoungou, who scored the Americans' second goal. Haret Ortega opened the scoring for the home team with an own goal (7). The Laguna team is practically eliminated from the binational tournament after accumulating two losses in a row.