LA Galaxy will face its fifth two-legged series against Central American clubs in the competition. In the previous four, they advanced three times and were eliminated once, precisely by Deportivo Saprissa in the quarter-finals of the 2005-06 edition.
Sporting S.M. will host the LA Galaxy this Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Panamanian time in the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, a first-ever encounter between the two clubs. Meanwhile, LA Galaxy will be playing in the tournament for the twelfth time, having qualified by finishing third in the Leagues Cup 2025. Sporting is participating in the tournament for the second time in its history. In its only previous experience against a regional club, in the 2013/14 group stage, they fell to América de México 1-0 on aggregate (0-1 away, 0-3 at home). Their first participation dates back to the 2013/14 edition, while on this occasion they secured their ticket through the Play-In of the Concacaf Central American Cup 2025, where they eliminated the also Panamanian CD Plaza Amador. Sporting will play its second qualifier against a North American opponent in this competition.
The match, to be held at the Estadio Universitario de Penonomé in the central Panamanian province of Coclé, will mark the first official precedent between the Panamanian side and the LA Galaxy. The hosts are determined to make their home advantage count, while the Americans are ready to assert their international hierarchy from the first whistle. The "Academics" approach the series with the ambition of making a statement against one of the most decorated clubs in the MLS.
Probable lineups:
Sporting S.M.: Kevin Mosquera; Marlon Ávila, Omar Alba, Sergio Ramírez, Juan Hall; Héctor Hurtado, Rodrigo Tello, Joriel Valencia, Armando Cooper, Martín Ruiz; Ramsés De León.
LA Galaxy: Novak Micovic; Carlos Garcés, Maya Yoshida, John Nelson, Mauricio Cuevas; Edwin Cerrillo, Diego Fagundez, Elijah Wynder, Matheus Nascimento, Joseph Paintsil; Gabriel Pec.
Martín Ruiz, author of one of the decisive goals in the Play-In phase, along with the experienced World Cup player Armando Cooper, are profiled as the main offensive weapons of the isthmian team. The Californian side boasts a solid international tradition and a record of 14 wins, five draws, and four defeats against Central American teams in the tournament. Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil, author of ten goals in 2025, leads the offensive potential of the LA Galaxy, accompanied by German midfielder Marco Reus, who recorded 14 direct goal participations during the past MLS season.
Coach: César Aguilar.
Coach: Greg Vanney.
