After a drama-free start to the final day of Phase One, the LA Galaxy delivered the headline finish — a 4-0 win over Santos Laguna that punched their ticket to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Only four teams entered Thursday with a shot at advancing, and by night’s end it was the Galaxy, along with two sides idle on the night — Orlando City and Puebla — claiming the final three Knockout Stage spots.
Juárez had the clearest path, needing only a win of any kind to go through, but their penalty shootout loss to the New York Red Bulls opened the door for Puebla to take the last Liga MX berth. They’ll join Toluca, Pachuca, and Tigres in the quarterfinals.
On the MLS side, the final four are set: the first-place Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Orlando City.
CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA 2, CINCINNATI 1
For the third straight year, Chivas de Guadalajara will fail to advance out of Phase One/Group Stage of Leagues Cup. At least they managed to come away with a 2–1 victory over FC Cincinnati to end their tournament on a high.
Cincinnati introduced playmaker Evander in the 83rd minute as they chased an equalizer, but Chivas held on to claim the full three points and conclude their Leagues Cup campaign on a high.
NEW YORK RED BULLS 1 (5), FC JUÁREZ 1 (3)
The Bravos were galloping toward the Leagues Cup Knockout Stage. Juárez entered the match needing at least two points to advance, and after falling behind, they clawed their way back to force penalties, but AJ Marcucci stood in their way.
The New York Red Bulls eliminated Juárez FC with a penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, thanks to a standout performance from their goalkeeper.
CHARLOTTE 2, MONTERREY 0
In a match that offered younger players a chance to impress, Charlotte FC and CF Monterrey — both already eliminated from Leagues Cup 2025 — still delivered goals and notable performances in their final Phase One clash.
The 2-0 win gave Charlotte its first regulation victory in Leagues Cup since 2023, along with a clean sheet to close out the tournament. Charlotte finished Phase One with four points, while Monterrey ended with two in a disappointing campaign before turning its focus back to Liga MX.
CRUZ AZUL 2 (5), COLORADO RAPIDS 2 (4)
Playing at Dignity Health Sports Park in their second straight Phase One match, Cruz Azul ended their Leagues Cup 2025 campaign on a high note with a comeback penalty-shootout victory over the Colorado Rapids on Thursday night.
Cruz Azul goalkeeper Kevin Mier produced the decisive stop in the second round of the shootout, denying Oliver Larraz and securing Cruz Azul’s second consecutive penalty-shootout win.
LA GALAXY 4, SANTOS LAGUNA 0
LA Galaxy stormed into the Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinals with a 4-0 rout of Santos Laguna in Thursday’s Phase One finale at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Galaxy needed a win by at least two points to leapfrog the Timbers for a spot in the Knockout Stage and they delivered. As the defending MLS Champions they will have hosting privilages throughout the elimination games, starting with welcoming Pachuca in the quarterfinals.
