The Tijuana Xolos started their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign with a major blunder, falling 5-2 against the LA Galaxy.

The game was played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, this Friday, July 31.

The LA Galaxy has been having a very rough year, and this result was a bit of a surprise, considering the Los Angeles team is dead last in MLS. Club Tijuana has not been much better in Liga MX and has historically struggled on the road. However, a much better effort was expected by the Border City Dogs.

Sebastian Abreu’s starting lineup for the match was as follows: Antonio Rodriguez, Rafael Fernandez, Jackson Porozo, Unai Bilbao, Alan Vega, Ivan Tona, Gilberto Mora, Kevin Castaneda, Ramon Arciga, Adonis Preciado, Shamar Nicholson.

The first half was a very busy one, full of plenty of defensive miscues by the Aztec Canines. In the 16th minute, Matheus Nascimento scored the opening goal of the match from the penalty spot for the home team.

Tiene 16 años… ¡Y definió como grande! 🤯⚽️ Great goal by the @Xolos wonder kid!#LeaguesCup2025 pic.twitter.com/2sD1xKqGbB

— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 1, 2025

The young Gilberto Mora responded quickly to that goal with a goal of his own in the 21st minute. A cross off a corner by Kevin Castaneda found Unai Bilbao in the penalty area. The Spanish defender passed the ball to Mora on the edge of the box, and the 16-year-old midfielder released a potent and precise strike to find the back of the net.

The Galaxy was not done quite yet and earned another penalty in the 27th minute of play. However, Antonio Rodriguez was able to stop Joseph Paintsil’s effort on the attempt this time around.

The game stayed in a deadlock until the 39th minute when Gabriel Pec scored to give Galaxy a 2-1 lead. Pec scored quite an impressive goal, coming from a shot way out of the box.

The home team was the much better side in the opening 45 minutes, and the score reflected that after the first half. Gilberto Mora was able to get another goal in the 59th minute that rivaled the quality of Gabriel Pec’s effort. Mora also scored off a well-located and powerful shot from far out to tie the game at two.

¡ESTÁS LOCO, NIÑO! 🤩🤯 Brace for Gilberto Mora with another great finish! @Xolos Problem Child! 😈#LeaguesCup2025 pic.twitter.com/DZv7XDddKc

— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 1, 2025

That tie did not last long as Joseph Paintsil redeemed himself after missing that penalty to give Galaxy a 3-2 lead in the 65th minute. Matheus Nascimento set up Paintsil with a pass inside the box for the Ghanaian forward to come running in and strike the sphere powerfully to get the goal.

Paintsil continued to factor in the game after that goal with an assist to Marco Reus’ goal in the 82nd minute and another goal in stoppage time to make it a 5-2 game. “Loco” Abreu tried to make adjustments in the 66th minute, but those changes seemingly only worsened the team.

The Xoloitzcuintles had more possession in the second half, but were doing absolutely nothing with the sphere. Gilberto Mora was the only glimmer of light for the Border City Dogs on the very dark night in Carson.

The only good news for Club Tijuana is that five out of six Liga MX teams lost on the night, with hopes to make the qualifying round still. Club Tijuana will travel to face the Colorado Rapids on August 3 and will then play in Seattle on August 6.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.