Paulinho, Toluca demolish Galaxy in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Toluca FC advances to semifinals with 7-2 aggregate victory over LA Galaxy

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:22am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a soccer match, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of Toluca FC and the LA Galaxy, capturing the energy and movement of the game.Toluca FC's decisive victory over the LA Galaxy in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals showcases the strength of Mexican clubs in the regional tournament.Carson Today

Paulinho scored two goals in the second leg to lead Toluca FC to a 3-0 victory over the LA Galaxy, securing a 7-2 aggregate win and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Toluca had won the first leg 4-2 in Mexico.

Why it matters

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the premier club competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and a victory over a high-profile MLS club like the LA Galaxy is a significant achievement for the Mexican club Toluca.

The details

In the second leg played in Carson, California, Toluca took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Jesus Gallardo. Paulinho then added two goals in the 58th and 77th minutes to seal the victory. Toluca had won the first leg 4-2 in Mexico, giving them a comfortable 7-2 aggregate win.

  • The second leg was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Toluca had won the first leg 4-2 the previous week in Mexico.

The players

Paulinho

A Brazilian forward who plays for Toluca FC and scored two goals in the second leg to lead his team to victory.

Jesus Gallardo

A Toluca FC player who scored the opening goal in the 10th minute of the second leg.

JT Marcinkowski

The goalkeeper for the LA Galaxy who was unable to stop Toluca's goals.

Helinho

A Toluca FC player who assisted on Paulinho's second goal.

LA Galaxy

The MLS club that was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup after losing 7-2 on aggregate to Toluca FC.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had a good lead from the first leg, but we didn't want to sit back. We came out and played our game, and the goals came.”

— Paulinho, Toluca FC Forward

What’s next

Toluca FC will now face LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.

The takeaway

Toluca FC's dominant performance over the LA Galaxy demonstrates the strength of Mexican clubs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the team will look to continue its run as it advances to the semifinals.