2 Studs & a Dud from the Los Angeles Galaxy's Match vs. Cruz Azul

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Galaxy are grateful to have Marco Reus on their roster. The former Borussia Dortmund star and three-time Player of the Month for the LA Galaxy has been on a tear.

His 13 goal contributions are the team's best mark during the regular season. Reus has found the back of the net five times and recorded eight assists.

In the first match of the Group Stage for this year's Leagues Cup, the LA Galaxy have looked their best. With a 2025-best of five goals, Reus has rubbed off on his teammates.

Forward Joseph Paintsil scored twice and tallied an assist during the 5-2 win over Club Tijuana. Fellow forward Gabriel Pec has also made an impact. He has scored in both of the LA Galaxy's games during Phase One.

As we take a look back at Sunday's near win, here are three stars who delivered and one who was denied.

1. Novak Micovic

Let's face it. If your goalkeeper is not making saves, then your team is going to struggle.

The Serbia native has improved drastically since his first three starts at the beginning of the season. In the LA Galaxy's first three games, Micovic allowed seven goals. Granted, his defense and offense equally let him down, the defending MLS Cup winners did not log their first regular season win until the 2-0 shoutout at home against Real Salt Lake.

Since then, Micovic has allowed more than two goals in a game twice. Both of which the LA Galaxy tied 3-3 against St. Louis City SC and LAFC.

So far in the 2025 Leagues Cup, the 23-year-old athlete has made 12 saves and let three goals get by him. That's a far better ratio than his 32 saves and 22 goals allowed during the 2025 MLS regular season.

2. Mauricio Cuevas

Another 23-year-old on the Los Angeles Galaxy has been impressive during Phase One of the Leagues Cup. Cuevas was a part of the Starting XI against Tijuana but came off the bench against Cruz Azul.

For the second year in a row, the Columbian-born defender has recorded an assist for his team during League Cup play. His beautiful pass to Gabriel Pec late in the second half against Cruz Azul allowed the LA Galaxy to tie the game up, 1-1.

Furthermore, Cuevas was the sixth player for the reigning MLS Cup champions to make their penalty kick after regulation. That gave his team the 6-5 advantage, putting the pressure on Cruz Azul to make their next one.

Not show bright of a star this time.

Edwin Cerrillo was the seventh LA Galaxy player called upon to take a penalty kick. The shot from his right foot was blocked by Cruz Azul's keeper Kevin Mier.

The 24-year-old midfielder has struggled most of this season. Fouls and yellow cards have been an issue for Cerrillo. For example, he committed two more fouls against Cruz Azul. He nearly became the sixth member of the LA Galaxy to be issued a red card last Sunday.

Hopefully Cerrillo can play up like Micovic and Cuevas have when the Los Angeles Galaxy host a Santos team that is already eliminated from advancing in this year's League Cup. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. (PT) and 10:15 p.m. (CT) at Dignity Health Sports Park. With a win, the LA Galaxy could advance to the next phase of the tournament.