Orlando City SC Falls 2-1 to LA Galaxy in Leagues Cup Third Place Match
CARSON, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2025) – Orlando City SC's impressive Leagues Cup 2025 campaign concluded with a 2-1 defeat to the LA Galaxy in Sunday's Third Place Match at Dignity Health Sports Park, as the Lions secured fourth place in their best-ever showing in the tournament's history.
The host Galaxy struck early through former German international Marco Reus, who found the net in the ninth minute with a clinical finish at the heart of the penalty area. Gabriel Pec provided the assist, setting up the veteran midfielder for what would prove to be the eventual game-winner in a tightly contested affair.
Orlando weathered the early storm and gradually found their rhythm, controlling 44.1% of possession while generating more attacking opportunities than their opponents. The Lions outshot the Galaxy 16-11 and earned seven corner kicks to LA's five, consistently threatening Novak Micovic's goal throughout the match.
The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Martín Ojeda showcased the form that has made him Orlando's standout performer this tournament. The Argentine midfielder volleyed home brilliantly after a flowing combination between Luis Muriel and Iván Angulo carved open the Galaxy defense. The strike marked Ojeda's fourth goal of the tournament and his remarkable 18th across all competitions in 2025, while also extending his tournament-leading tally to seven goal contributions.
The goal carried additional significance, as it drew Ojeda level with departed Designated Player Facundo Torres for the all-time club record of 72 goal contributions across all competitions – a milestone that underscores the 26-year-old's vital importance to Oscar Pareja's squad.
However, Orlando's celebration was short-lived. Just seven minutes after the equalizer, the Galaxy restored their advantage through Joseph Paintsil. The Ghanaian winger capitalized on a turnover in Orlando's half, unleashing a low, driven shot from outside the penalty area that beat Pedro Gallese to secure the 2-1 lead.
Despite Orlando's persistent pressure in the closing stages – including dangerous efforts from Eduard Atuesta who struck the post, and Alexander Freeman whose header forced a save – the Lions couldn't find a second equalizer. The Galaxy held firm through six minutes of stoppage time to claim third place.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja was forced to make adjustments to his lineup due to suspensions, with defenders David Brekalo and Robin Jansson both serving red card bans from the semifinal loss to Inter Miami CF. Adrián Marín and Kyle Smith stepped into the starting XI, with the young Englishman Smith holding his own against the Galaxy's dangerous attacking trio.
The match marked Orlando's third visit to Carson this calendar year – the most in any season in club history – having faced the Galaxy twice at Dignity Health Sports Park and Deportivo Toluca once in this venue.
Colombian striker Luis Muriel registered his first assist of the tournament and eighth across all competitions in 2025, continuing his productive partnership with Ojeda that has been crucial to Orlando's attacking play throughout the Leagues Cup campaign.
While the Lions fell short of reaching the final, their fourth-place finish represents significant progress in the competition and provides momentum as they prepare to return to MLS action. Following the international break, Orlando City will travel to face D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
For Pareja and his squad, the focus now shifts back to their primary objective: securing Orlando City's first MLS Cup. With Ojeda in scintillating form and the team showing resilience throughout the Leagues Cup run, the Lions will look to carry this experience into the crucial stretch of the regular season as they continue their quest for that elusive championship.
