LA Galaxy Beat Orlando City SC in Third-Place Match of 2025 Leagues Cup | OneFootball

With a third place finish and an automatic bid to next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Los Angeles earned both with their last win on Saturday. In a close match, 2-1, the defending MLS Cup champions now have a positive achievement in 2025 to an otherwise disappointing MLS regular season.

The LA Galaxy started out this year without a win until their 17th regular season game. At that point, the MLS Western Conference playoffs seemed like a dream more than a possibility.

At the bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings with just a few games to go, this game was the playoffs for the LA Galaxy. This game gave them something to feel good about.

How the LA Galaxy pulled off the key win?

Despite their overall MLS record not showing it, the Los Angeles Galaxy do play better at home. All four of the Galaxy's wins have come at home.

Furthermore, the six-time MLS Cup winners have gone 4-1 in games at Dignity Health Sports Park including Sunday's win. The homefield advantage had its part in defeating Orlando City to secure third place in the 2025 MLS Cup.

Marco Reus got it started by scoring in the 9th minute of the game. Gabriel Pec was credited with the assist. The LA Galaxy took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Substitutions were made. LA Galaxy defender Chris Rindov came in for Emiro Garces to start the second half. Lucas Sanabria replaced Elijah Wynder, and Julian Aude subbed in for Reus.

Orlando tied it up on Martín Ojeda's goal and Luis Muriel's assist. The LA Galaxy responded seven minutes later when Joseph Paintsil found the back of the net. Veteran defender John Nelson earned the assist on the play.

That's all the LA Galaxy needed to hold off Orlando to win in the Third Place match and to qualify for next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup. Even though the Galaxy's season in MLS will end on October 18, they can claim this honor and be proud about this feat.