LA Galaxy stumble then strike in Panama as Concacaf Champions Cup Round One drama unfolds

In a first leg that underlined both promise and peril for the six-time MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy left Panama with an invaluable away goal after a 1-1 draw against Sporting San Miguelito in the opening round of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup at Estadio Universitario Latina. The result sets up a decisive second leg at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with the winner advancing into the Round of 16, which runs March 10–12 (first legs) and March 17–19 (second legs) in the continent’s premier club competition.

Galaxy bring the pressure, San Miguel open the scoring

From the outset, Galaxy exerted overwhelming control, keeping the ball for long spells and pinning Sporting deep in their own half. Despite possession often nearing 70 percent, penetrating a well-organized defensive block proved a stubborn task. Chances came, but goal-mouth precision was elusive early.

Sporting’s game plan was clear: absorb pressure and strike decisively on transition. It yielded reward in the first half when Ángel Valencia delivered a pinpoint cross that Rodrigo Tello converted, punishing Galaxy on the break against the run of play.

Galaxy’s response grew stronger after the interval. With fresh legs introduced around the hour mark — including key attacking reinforcements — the pattern remained one of dominance, with spells of sustained pressure but limited clear openings.

Galaxy level

Persistence paid off in the 68th minute when a well-crafted move ended with Joseph Paintsil guiding the ball into the bottom corner, a strike that finally reflected Galaxy’s territorial authority and earned the crucial away goal that could prove decisive in the tie.

The closing stages saw rising tension as Sporting slowed the pace and fouls punctuated play, forcing Galaxy to maintain calm under mounting pressure. A late attempt from Omar Alba for the hosts nearly turned the tie on its head, but Manchester-bred goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski was alert to preserve the draw.

As the first leg ended 1-1, Galaxy must now harness their expansive play and sharpen their finishing when they return home for the second leg on Feb. 25. A disciplined Sporting defense underlined that away dominance alone will not suffice; execution in the final third will decide the tie.

What’s next for the Galaxy

This Round One tie — played Feb. 19 in Panama and due to conclude in Carson on Feb. 25 — is part of the opening phase of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the Round of 16 scheduled to begin March 10–12 (first legs) and March 17–19 (second legs).

Meanwhile, MLS kicks off its 2026 regular season this weekend, with LA Galaxy’s home opener against New York City FC scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday Night Soccer — a high-profile early test as the league enters a World Cup year with increased global attention.

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Sporting San Miguelito

• 26 José Calderón
• 29 Omar Alba
• 22 Sergio Ramírez
• 2 Jeslan Caicedo
• 19 Marlon Ávila
• 28 Joel Barría (63')
• 23 Héctor Hurtado
• 17 Ángel Valencia (69')
• 27 Rodrigo Tello
• 62 Ángel James (63')
• 99 Gustavo Herrera (86')
• Substitutes
• Adrian Bethancourt
• 15 Alexis Cedeño
• 1 Kevin Mosquera
• 11 Cooper (63')
• 21 Danielo Hoyos
• 83 Moisés Richards (69')
• 13 Manuel Azcárate
• 33 Julio Betancourt (63')
• 10 Ángel Orelién (86')
• 53 Alexis Castillo
• 31 Harold Cummings
• Jefferson Asprilla

Los Angeles Galaxy

• 12 JT Marcinkowski
• 14 John Nelson
• 4 Maya Yoshida
• 19 Mauricio Cuevas
• 5 Jakob Glesnes (66')
• 28 Joseph Paintsil (75')
• 15 Justin Haak (58')
• 11 Gabriel Pec
• 6 Edwin Cerrillo
• 17 Christian Ramirez (57')
• 9 Matheus Nascimento (57')
• Substitutes
• 25 Emiro Garcés (66')
• 21 Tucker Lepley
• 1 Novak Micovic
• 8 Lucas Sanabria (58')
• 24 Rubén Ramos
• 18 Marco Reus (57')
• 2 Miki Yamane
• 3 Julián Aude
• 31 Brady Scott
• 26 Harbor Miller (75')
• 99 Klauss (57')

Substitutions

Marco Reus (57', Christian Ramirez), João Klauss (57', Matheus Nascimento), Lucas Sanabria (58', Justin Haak), Armando Cooper (63', Joel Barría), Julio Betancourt (63', Ángel James), Emiro Garcés (66', Jakob Glesnes), Moisés Richards (69', Ángel Valencia), Harbor Miller (75', Joseph Paintsil), Ángel Orelién (86', Gustavo Herrera)

Goals

1-0, 36': Rodrigo Tello, 1-1, 67': Joseph Paintsil

Cards

Referee: Nelson Salgado
VAR Referee: Óscar Macías Romo, Dilia Bradley
Lucas Sanabria (75',Yellow), Marlon Ávila (82',Yellow), Julio Betancourt (89',Yellow)