After a frustrating loss Saturday, the Galaxy return to action with the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Mexican club Tigres.
The Galaxy are winless through six MLS games, with their lone win of 2025 coming in the second leg of their Champions Cup Round of 16 series and CS Herediano.
“We have to be very smart not to give away the away goal and get three points,” Galaxy defender and captain Maya Yoshida said. “It’s going to be tough in the away game (April 8), atmosphere, fans, travelling, so we want to have as much advantage as possible. This is a big challenge, especially after the defeat (Saturday against Orlando City SC) on the weekend, we have to react the right way.”
The second leg will be next Tuesday in Mexico. The Galaxy also have a league game in between the two games, Saturday at Real Salt Lake.
Tigres defeated FC Cincinnati, 4-2, in the Round of 16. After the international break, Tigres returned to Liga MX play with a 3-0 loss to Club America.
“This is the first stage and we’re going to try to take care of business in a way that sets us up to try to go to Monterrey and get a result,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “Tomorrow (Tuesday) is important. It’s the setup game, the home game and making sure we’re steady in the right ways.”
Tigres has been historically dominant against MLS competition, bringing a 16-match unbeaten streak (9-0-7) into the series.
“I think what’s important is we give ourselves the best advantage that we can before going down there,” Vanney said. “The primary focus is on the match tomorrow. With every team, if we do the right things and we do them well and we execute in the key moments of the game, any good team is beatable.
“For us it’s been about eliminating errors and mistakes and things that where you don’t want to give up away goals, especially in an event like this. It’s about being secure both on the defensive side, but trying to give ourselves an advantage as we go down there.”
Eliminating errors and mistakes have been a challenge for the Galaxy so far this season. Case in point, Saturday’s match. The Galaxy held a 1-0 lead through 70 minutes, but had an unfortunate penalty called, which allowed Orlando City to score the tying goal and eventually the winning goal as goalkeeper John McCarthy failed to hold onto a long-distance free kick.
“Overall, especially the last game, until the penalty, it was very positive and I think we made our best game, so far,” Yoshida said. “Consistency is very important and we have to build our good level and keep a good level.”
TIGRES at GALAXY
What: CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series, first leg
When: Tuesday, 8:15 p.m.
Where: Dignity Health Sports Park
How to watch: FS2; TUDN (Spanish)