LA Galaxy vs Cruz Azul (August 2025): Full Lineup Breakdown

The anticipation was sky-high as LA Galaxy stepped onto the field to face Cruz Azul in a pivotal Leagues Cup 2025 clash. With momentum on their side after a 5-2 demolition of Club Tijuana, the team rolled out a well-balanced starting XI that combined youthful energy with veteran experience. Head Coach Greg Vanney’s strategy was on full display as he opted for a dynamic blend of talent to take on the Mexican giants.

In this deep dive, we’ll break down LA Galaxy’s starting XI and bench, player form, roles, recent performances, and what it all means heading deeper into the Leagues Cup.

Goalkeeper: Novak Mićović

Mićović’s Rise to Form

Serbian goalkeeper Novak Mićović, just 23 years old, has quickly become a steady presence between the sticks for LA Galaxy. Making his 15th appearance of the 2025 campaign, Mićović is proving that age is just a number.

His performance against Club Tijuana, where he pulled off eight crucial saves, was a highlight reel of reactions, positioning, and confidence.

With a 1.57 goals-against average in 2025, Mićović has quietly emerged as one of the top young keepers in MLS. The match against Cruz Azul represented another big test, but his commanding presence and ability to organize the defense were clear from the start.

Defenders: Yamane, Garcés, Zanka, Aude

Miki Yamane – Right Back Dynamo

Miki Yamane, the Japanese international, has become indispensable in LA’s right flank. With three assists in 24 matches this season, Yamane combines defensive grit with offensive creativity.

His assist against Tijuana proved he can whip in dangerous crosses and stretch defenses. Over two seasons, he’s delivered 11 assists in 65 games, making him one of the Galaxy’s most consistent attacking defenders.

Emiro Garcés – The Colombian Wall

Colombian center-back Emiro Garcés brings strength, pace, and aerial dominance. At just 23, he’s had a solid campaign with two goals and one assist in 25 games.

His tackling success rate and ability to win duels make him a defensive asset. This season, his presence has added resilience to the Galaxy’s backline, especially in physical matchups like this one against Cruz Azul.

Zanka – Veteran Leadership

Veteran Danish defender Zanka brings leadership and experience. At 35, he’s made 19 appearances in 2025 and contributed a key assist against Portland earlier this year.

His experience with the Denmark national team, including a goal in the 2018 World Cup, translates into composure and tactical awareness especially crucial when defending set-pieces and organizing the backline.

Julián Aude – Rising Left-Back Star

Julián Aude, just 22, is starting his eighth straight match this season, signaling that he’s fully locked into Vanney’s tactical plans. With one goal this season and a total of three goals and three assists in 80 career matches for Galaxy, Aude continues to impress.

His ability to push forward while maintaining defensive responsibilities gives the team excellent balance on the left.

Midfield: Cerrillo, Fagundez, Sanabria

Edwin Cerrillo – Holding Midfield Maestro

Anchoring the midfield is Edwin Cerrillo, who’s played 22 matches this season, starting every one. Known for his composure and clean passing, Cerrillo isn’t flashy but is essential.

He provides the link between defense and attack. Since joining LA in 2023, he’s racked up over 150 career MLS appearances, showing reliability and tactical discipline.

Diego Fagundez – The Veteran Playmaker

If MLS had a Hall of Fame for consistency, Diego Fagundez would be in it. With 77 goals and 76 assists in his MLS career, he’s one of only eight players in league history to hit both 75+ goals and assists.

In 2025, he’s contributed four goals and one assist in 28 games. His vision and experience make him a dangerous asset in attacking transitions.

Lucas Sanabria – The Future of Uruguay

Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Sanabria is making waves. Just 21, he’s started 12 games this season and scored his first Galaxy goal in a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.

Sanabria brings energy, box-to-box movement, and international pedigree having been called up for Uruguay’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. LA fans are seeing the start of what could be a big MLS career.

Forwards: Paintsil, Pec, Reus (Captain)

Joseph Paintsil – The Ghanaian Gamebreaker

With 22 goals and 13 assists in just 57 appearances for LA Galaxy, Joseph Paintsil is a lethal force. He’s got seven goals and two assists in 20 games this season and is especially deadly at home — with six goals in his last five games at Dignity Health Sports Park. Paintsil’s dribbling, pace, and finishing keep defenders guessing. Against Cruz Azul, his role on the left wing was to stretch the backline and create chaos.

Gabriel Pec – 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year

Gabriel Pec, 24, is a fan favorite and a tactical gem. He’s delivered six goals and four assists in 2025 and has 49 goal contributions in just 67 matches since joining LA. Pec’s work rate, flair, and ability to cut inside from the right wing provide LA with width and penetration.

With three goals and an assist in four career Leagues Cup matches, he has a knack for showing up in big games.

Marco Reus – The Captain and Icon

When Marco Reus joined LA Galaxy, expectations were sky-high and he’s lived up to them. With 19 goal contributions in 31 matches, he’s captained the team with grace and fire. Reus, a Borussia Dortmund legend, adds class to the Galaxy attack.

His recent form (14 goal contributions in his last 15 matches) is among the best in MLS. Whether he’s scoring or setting up teammates, Reus remains the heartbeat of this squad.

Substitutes Bench: Tactical Depth

LA’s bench featured depth and options:

Goalkeepers: JT Marcinkowski, John McCarthy
Defenders: Mauricio Cuevas, John Nelson, Maya Yoshida, Eriq Zavaleta
Midfielders: Tucker Lepley, Isaiah Parente, Elijah Wynder
Forwards: Miguel Berry, Matheus Nascimento, Christian Ramirez

Notable Mentions

Maya Yoshida brings decades of international experience.
Matheus Nascimento is a rising Brazilian forward with flair and explosiveness.
Christian Ramirez offers a strong, experienced presence off the bench who can change the game late.

Tactical Takeaways

Balance of Experience and Youth

What stands out most in this lineup is the blend of youth and experience. From 21-year-old Sanabria to 35-year-old Zanka, this team is built to compete in high-stakes games.

Veterans like Reus and Fagundez bring calm and creativity, while younger players inject pace and energy.

Emphasis on Wide Play

The dual-wing threat of Paintsil and Pec gives Galaxy an advantage in breaking down tight defenses. Both players are unpredictable and love cutting inside, forcing defenders into uncomfortable situations. Meanwhile, fullbacks Yamane and Aude offer overlapping runs to stretch the field.

Midfield Versatility

With Cerrillo sitting deep and Sanabria pushing forward, the midfield shape allows for both defensive solidity and attacking progression. Fagundez floats between the lines, often drawing defenders and creating space for the front three.

Season Outlook and Fan Expectations

With this kind of lineup, LA Galaxy fans have every reason to be excited. The team has firepower, depth, and a clear identity. After dominating Club Tijuana, they’re now aiming to establish themselves as top contenders in the 2025 Leagues Cup.

If Novak Mićović continues to deliver between the posts, and Reus and Paintsil keep finding the net, LA could go deep in this tournament. The blend of international stars and homegrown MLS talent is creating one of the most entertaining squads the Galaxy have fielded in years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is starting as captain for LA Galaxy against Cruz Azul?

Marco Reus leads LA Galaxy as captain, bringing experience and creativity to the frontline.

2. How has Novak Mićović performed this season?

Novak Mićović has impressed with a 1.57 goals-against average and 8 saves in his last match vs Tijuana.

3. What are Joseph Paintsil’s stats for the 2025 season?

Paintsil has delivered 7 goals and 2 assists this season, including 6 goals in his last 5 home games.

4. What makes Gabriel Pec a standout player?

Pec, the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, has 6 goals and 4 assists in 2025 and continues to shine on the right wing.

5. Is Zanka a regular starter for LA Galaxy?

Yes, the Danish veteran has made 17 starts this season and offers stability and leadership in defense.

6. How experienced is Diego Fagundez in MLS?

Fagundez is one of MLS’s elite with over 75 goals and 75 assists—just the 8th player in history to reach that milestone.

Final Thoughts

This was more than just a match preview it was a showcase of a well-oiled machine. LA Galaxy’s 2025 campaign is firing on all cylinders, and the match against Cruz Azul is a big chapter in what could be a trophy-winning season.

Each player in this starting XI brings something special, and their chemistry is evident. Whether it’s Reus’ leadership, Paintsil’s unpredictability, or Sanabria’s hustle, LA is a team built to win now and for the future.