Chicanos in Southern California have an economic power that contributes to national and international organizations continuing to bring soccer exhibitions, tournaments, and championship games to us. Our economic power attracted the Campeones Cup 2025 with LA Galaxy hosting Toluca FC on Wednesday October 1st, 2025 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Beginning in 2018, Campeones Cup is an annual clash between the reigning MLS and LIGA MX Champions.

Toluca FC came to California and beat LA Galaxy in their home with a score of 3-2. The first half was not very entertaining in contrast to the very exciting second half. LA Galaxy scored first with a penalty kick by Diego Fagundez at the 36th minute following an unnecessary foul by Toluca’s Jesus Gallardo. Toluca’s Nicolas Castro tied the game in the second half at the 53rd minute.

Following Toluca’s 53rd minute goal, the second half became much more exciting with both teams playing more aggressively. LA Galaxy’s Gabriel Pec scored in the 83rd minute, seeming to be enough for Los Angeles to earn a cup. But Toluca rallied back with a hectic finish with goals at the 88th minute by Franco Romero and Federico Pereira at the 93rd minute.

I spoke with people on both sides of the Mexican American border that were entertained by the game. As a Mexican American publication, we were represented on the field by LA Galaxy’s Edwin Cerillo, who started the game, and Mauricio Cuevas, who came in to substitute at the 70th minute. I am proud these young men competed for a trophy though they were not victorious.