The LA Galaxy Need to Focus on These Three Players from Pachuca | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy are preparing to play one of the biggest games of their season. For a team that is 3-7-16, the MLS Playoffs are clearly out of reach. Despite being the worst team in the Western Conference, the reigning MLS Cup champions have fared well during international play.

Not only did the LA Galaxy make it to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, that's exactly where they find themselves when they play Pachuca of the Mexican La Liga.

Wednesday's match at Dignity Health Sports Park is the first of two home games for the LA Galaxy. Regardless of the result against Pachuca, the six-time MLS Cup winners will host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening.

In order for the LA Galaxy to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup, they can't allow these three Pachuca players to get in their way.

Pachuca v Tijuana - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX | Agustin Cuevas/GettyImages

1. Jhonder Cádiz

The Venezuelan native has been one of the stars early on for Pachuca. Cádiz is 30 years old but still plays like he is in his early twenties.

The former Leon player also spent two seasons with MLS's Nashville SC. Cádiz was a part of both teams that the playoffs in 2021 and 2022.

At 6'3'' tall, the Pachuca forward has two goals and one assist in the team's first five La Liga games. He is a huge reason why his team started 4-0 before losing to Club Tijuana.

Los Angeles Football Club v CF Pachuca - Leagues Cup Phase One | Jam Media/GettyImages

2. Gastón Togni

Another player for Pachuca with two goals on their season is Togni. He has done it in one less game than Cádiz, too.

The 27-year-old Argentine athlete is in his first year with Pachuca. That's another thing he shares in common with with his new teammate Cádiz.

These two forwards are a potent tandem up top. If the LA Galaxy defense and goalkeeper, Novak Micovic, is not ready, this could be another shellacking.

Los Angeles Football Club v CF Pachuca - Leagues Cup Phase One | Jam Media/GettyImages

3. Víctor Guzmán

The 30-year-old midfielder is another weapon on Pachuca's offense. Despite Guzman not finding the back of the net yet (on seven shot attempts), he has recorded three assists for their season.

He is a versatile player for Pachuca. If matched up against LA Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo, this could be problematic for the hosts.

Cerrillo has struggled on both offense and defense this year for the Galaxy. Guzman is not to be taken lightly on Wednesday night by the LA Galaxy.

Pachuca is currently in first place of Mexican Liga BBVA MX. Club Tijuana showed the soccer world that anyone is beatable. After a 2-0 win, Tijuana gave Pachuca their first loss.

Club Tijuana is one of the two teams that the LA Galaxy beat in Phase One of the Leagues Cup. They have to have the mindset of "if they can do it, we can do it" on Wednesday night if they want to continue in the tournament.