Three Best Stars for LA Galaxy in the Win Against Pachuca | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy's MLS regular season may be disappointing to fans. However, they are making up for it during international play.

At 3-7-16, the defending MLS Cup champions are unlikely to make the Western Conference playoffs. Yet, their head coach, Greg Vanney, told them to treat Wednesday night's game against Pachuca as if it was their postseason.

Sure enough, the LA Galaxy pulled it off with a 2-1 victory over Pachuca on Wednesday night in the Knockout Round of this year's Leagues Cup. Here's a look at three stars for the Galaxy who made it happen.

1. Marco Reus

Of course, when you score the game-winning goal, your name is going to get mentioned. That's the case for Marco Reus. He has been on a tear since May.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has 13 goal contributions during the MLS regular season. In his first full season with the LA Galaxy, Reus has five goals and eight assists.

On Wednesday night, Reus was the only member of the six-time MLS Cup winners to find the back of the net. They still pulled off the 2-1 win thanks to an own goal from Pachuca's Daniel Aceves.

LA Galaxy v Pachuca - Leagues Cup Quarterfinals | Liza Rosales/ISI Photos/GettyImages

2. Mauricio Cuevas

Despite there being multiple goals by the LA Galaxy defense during MLS play, the hosts finally benefited from one by their opponent.

The defense pitched a near shutout until late in the second half when Pachuca's Alemão scored in the 90'+6' to cut the deficit to one.

Cuevas was one of two starters on defense (Zanka) who played the full game. His efforts helped keep Pachuca's Jhonder Cádiz and Víctor Guzmán at bay.

Aug 10, 2025; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Micovic (1) talks to Riqui Puig after being defeated by Seattle Sounders FC in the game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

3. Novak Micovic

Again, aside from Alemão's late goal, the LA Galaxy were on the verge of a shutout. Serbian goalkeeper has had ten saves in the last two MLS regular season games for the Galaxy (0-0-2).

Micovic recorded four more saves in the victory on Wednesday. He has been key at times for the LA Galaxy, especially with their regular starter, John McCarthy, dealing with nagging back pain.

As a result of strong performances from Micovic, Cuevas and Reus, the Los Angeles Galaxy move on to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. They will face the team that ended their journey in this tournament last year, the Seattle Sounders.

If the LA Galaxy win, they face the winner of Inter Miami and Orlando City SC. If they lose, they will play in the third-place match against one of those Florida-based MLS teams.