Are the LA Galaxy Happy with the Officiating in the Leagues Cup?

After the first two games of Phase One in the 2025 Leagues Cup, the Los Angeles Galaxy are in a position to advance with a win on Thursday and some additional help from other teams.

As of Monday, seven teams were already eliminated. Four from Liga MX and three from Major League Soccer. The LA Galaxy are currently just outside the Top 4 to advance to the knockout stage.

Anything short of a win on Thursday against Santos would eliminate the Galaxy from this year's Leagues Cup. Losses by the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders help the reigning MLS Cup champions efforts to advance. Inter Miami and Minnesota United FC are just ahead of the LA Galaxy still.

The Los Angeles Galaxy may need some additional assistance in making it out of Phase One. There have been a few mentions that consistent and fair officiating has been lacking.

Who from the LA Galaxy voiced their concern about the officiating?

A total of 27 fouls were called last Sunday during the match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Cruz Azul. Not only did the Galaxy commit one more foul than Azul, but they were also issued five yellow cards compared to their opponents receiving three.

Of the eight total yellow cards handed out, all but one came after the first half. Joseph Paintsil of the LA Galaxy and Érik Lira of Cruz Azul were both issued one in the 70th minute. Video evidence shows Paintsil being pushed and tripped during play while he is not the aggressor or retaliating.

"When he [Joseph Paintsil] gets the yellow card, he actually got assaulted and somehow ends up getting the yellow card."

Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy

Head Coach Greg Vanney spoke out on the matter. He was quoted after Sunday's game saying "I think it's a penalty at the end. Unless they're saying it's somehow outside of the box, he definitely gets a piece of them. But they didn't. They didn't care for Joe today."

Rob Jalon, writer for the Sporting Tribune, wrote "Referee Filiberto Calix was having none of it, however, and actually awarded Cruz Azul the ball on more than one occasion while Paintsil found himself thrown to the floor. That Cruz Azul fans cheered his decisions only emboldened Calix, who by the end of the night, had seemingly reinterpreted the rules of soccer, and had missed at least one legitimate penalty opportunity by the Galaxy."

If the LA Galaxy are going to focus on the task at hand, they can't worry about the referees too much. They are in control of most of the events on the field. For instance, the Galaxy went from 10 shots on goal and having the advantage with possession percentage over Tijuana last week to having just three shots on goal and losing the possession battle.

The third and final game for Phase One is Thursday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The LA Galaxy might need more than just a win to keep their 2025 Leagues Cup run alive.