LA Galaxy Name Strong XI for Leagues Cup Clash with Santos Laguna
The LA Galaxy have unveiled a confident starting XI as they face Santos Laguna tonight in the Leagues Cup, with Serbian shot-stopper Novak Mićović back between the sticks.
Serbian goalkeeper Novak Mićović, 23, makes his 16th appearance across all competitions during the 2025 campaign in tonight’s Leagues Cup match against Santos Laguna.
Mićović, who holds a 1.53 goals-against average this season, recorded eight saves in LA’s 5-2 win over Club Tijuana on July 31.”
In defence, homegrown talent Mauricio Cuevas earns another starting berth. The 22-year-old has been a key creative outlet recently.
“LA Galaxy Academy product Mauricio Cuevas, 22, makes his fourth start across all competitions for LA during the 2025 campaign in tonight’s match against Santos Laguna.
Notably, Cuevas tallied the game-tying assist in LA’s 1-1 draw in regulation against Cruz Azul on Aug. 3. In his last two appearances off the bench dating back to July 19, Cuevas has tallied the game-tying assist.”
Colombian defender Emiro Garcés keeps his place, while captain Maya Yoshida returns to lead the side, bringing with him a wealth of international experience, including three FIFA World Cups. The ever-reliable Julián Aude makes it eight starts in a row, reinforcing LA’s defensive consistency.
Midfield sees Edwin Cerrillo continue his ironman run of starts this season. Alongside him, creative veteran Diego Fagundez looks to add to his tally in the competition. German star Marco Reus, fresh off a goal against Tijuana, adds flair and leadership in the centre of the park.
Up front, the attacking trident is mouth-watering. Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil starts on the left after a blistering run of home form.
On the right, 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year Gabriel Pec is in red-hot scoring touch, finding the net in each of his last three matches. Leading the line is Brazilian prodigy Matheus Nascimento, whose goal and assist against Tijuana underlined his promise.
The Galaxy bench is equally stacked, with names like Miguel Berry, Christian Ramirez, and experienced goalkeeper John McCarthy ready if needed.
With the match taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park, the stakes are high. A win tonight could push LA Galaxy closer to a deep Leagues Cup run, something their supporters will demand.
The kick-off against Santos Laguna promises drama, skill, and plenty of attacking football. And with this starting XI, LA Galaxy have made their intentions clear: they’re here to dominate.
