The LA Galaxy face a stern test tonight as they take on Club Tijuana in the Leagues Cup, aiming to break a curse that has haunted them in this competition. Xolos’ interim coach “El Loco” Abreu is chasing his first international win, adding extra drama to the clash.
With Tijuana labeled as underdogs by pundits, Abreu has openly criticized the lack of faith in his team, setting the stage for a fiery encounter. The Galaxy, meanwhile, look to capitalize on their home advantage and turn around their Leagues Cup fortunes.
This high-stakes match promises intense action, with both sides desperate to prove their doubters wrong. Will the Galaxy finally overcome their curse, or will Xolos pull off a shock result?
- LA Galaxy face Club Tijuana in the Leagues Cup, with Xolos coach “El Loco” Abreu seeking his first international win amid controversy over perceived low odds for his team.
- Club Tijuana’s visit to Dignity Health Sports Park comes as the Galaxy struggle with poor away form but historically dominate at home.
- The match follows LA Galaxy’s recent late-game vulnerabilities, having conceded multiple stoppage-time goals this season, including in their 2-1 loss to San Diego FC.
Community Reactions
- 匿名コーン (2025-08-01)
Tijuana's got nothing to lose - perfect setup for an upset against Galaxy's shaky backline!
- 匿名エビ (2025-08-01)
Galaxy defenders better wake up or Lozano's gonna embarrass them again like he did in May 🥵
- 匿名ハム (2025-08-01)
Why do I feel like this will be another MLS vs Liga MX snoozefest? Neither team has impressed me this season 🙄
- 匿名ニンジン (2025-08-01)
Yeah but remember last year's Leagues Cup? Some wild matches happened when people least expected it.
- 匿名ニンジン (2025-08-01)
Can LA Galaxy break Xolos’ Leagues Cup curse? Predictions & expert analysis
The LA Galaxy face Club Tijuana in a crucial Leagues Cup matchup that has fans wondering: can Galaxy finally overcome their historic struggles against Mexican sides? The Galaxy have won just 2 of their last 12 matches against Liga MX opponents in this tournament, including a painful loss to Tijuana in 2019 where they conceded two late goals. Current form suggests this might be their best chance yet, with midfielders Riqui Puig and Mark Delgado providing creative spark that was missing in previous campaigns.
Bookmakers are giving Galaxy slight favoritism at +160 odds compared to Xolos’ +175, reflecting their improved MLS form. The tactical battle between Galaxy coach Greg Vanney and Tijuana’s new manager “El Loco” Abreu could decide this match, with both teams preferring aggressive pressing styles.




Key matchups to watch
- Galaxy’s Puig vs Tijuana’s defensive midfield anchor
- Tijuana’s wide attackers against Galaxy’s fullbacks
- Set piece battles with Galaxy’s height advantage
Where to watch LA Galaxy vs Club Tijuana: Streaming & TV channels
Tonight’s Leagues Cup clash will be available across multiple platforms, including Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass for English viewers and ESPN Deportes for Spanish coverage. Local fans in Southern California can catch the match on Spectrum SportsNet, while Mexican viewers will find it on TUDN. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM PST at Dignity Health Sports Park.


Will Chicharito play against Club Tijuana? Injury report update
All eyes are on Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s status after he missed Galaxy’s last MLS match with a hamstring issue. Though listed as questionable, sources indicate he’s pushing hard to feature against his countrymen from Tijuana. His potential absence would force attacker Preston Judd into a starting role, changing Galaxy’s attacking dynamics significantly.
Why Tijuana always beats LA in Leagues Cup: The tactical explanation
Historical data shows Xolos have exploited three key weaknesses when facing Galaxy: (1) defensive transitions, (2) inability to handle Liga MX’s physicality, and (3) poor game management in final 15 minutes. Interestingly, in their 2019 meeting, Tijuana completed nearly twice as many tackles while committing fewer fouls – a signature of Liga MX’s more refined aggression.





Predicting the score: What betting trends reveal
| Market | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | LA Galaxy | +160 |
| Match Winner | Draw | +220 |
| Match Winner | Club Tijuana | +175 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | -150 |
LA Galaxy youth vs Tijuana experience: Which matters more?
Galaxy’s roster averages nearly two years younger than Tijuana’s squad, creating an intriguing contrast in styles. While LA relies on the energy of players like Puig (23) and Judd (22), Tijuana features veterans like goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco (37) who have been in countless Mexico vs MLS battles. This dynamic often favors Liga MX sides in knockout tournaments, where composure typically outweighs athleticism.


What happens if Galaxy loses? Playoff implications explained
Another early Leagues Cup exit would intensify pressure on Vanney, especially with Galaxy hovering near the MLS playoff line. Unlike Liga MX teams that treat this as a secondary competition, MLS clubs prioritize Leagues Cup as a chance to prove themselves internationally. Elimination could trigger roster changes before the August transfer window closes.









LA Galaxy always choke against Mexican teams 💀 That stoppage time curse from SDFC game is gonna haunt them again tonight 😂
Bro chill, Galaxy actually looked decent against Pachuca last week. Their midfield might surprise you tonight.
Abreu’s rage about 0% odds for Xolos is hilarious 😭 But honestly, can you blame the analysts after that awful Liga MX start?
Why do I feel like this will be another MLS vs Liga MX snoozefest? Neither team has impressed me this season 🙄
Yeah but remember last year’s Leagues Cup? Some wild matches happened when people least expected it.
Galaxy defenders better wake up or Lozano’s gonna embarrass them again like he did in May 🥵
Tijuana’s got nothing to lose – perfect setup for an upset against Galaxy’s shaky backline!