'Finish the season strong' - LA Galaxy manager Greg Vanney sees Campeones Cup against Toluca as opportunity to salvage season

 Vanney reflected on the team’s performance and the challenge ahead against Toluca.

“The first half of the season was a bit disappointing, but in the second half we’ve been much more solid and consistent,” Vanney said at the Campeones Cup media day. “We performed well in the Leagues Cup, our results and play have been steadier, and this is a great opportunity to finish the season strong.”

Vanney stressed that beating Toluca would be a valuable momentum boost. 

“We’ve secured a spot in the next Champions Cup, which is definitely a positive. Now we have the chance to add another trophy to our cabinet - a milestone for the players who have been with us all season," Vanney said. 

Vanney compared Toluca, the defending Liga MX champions, to Cruz Azul, a team they previously drew with in the Leagues Cup but ultimately lost to on penalties. 

“They’re a team with quality across the pitch and presented some interesting challenges when we faced them. Defensively, they can be very aggressive and mark tightly, yet they maintain a solid structure. In attack, they have versatile players who can score with very few chances. You have to respect that efficiency.”

Toluca, for their part, have also stressed winning the Campeones Cup would be vital for their side. 

“We’re motivated to keep competing for every trophy. There’s no clear favorite; it will be a very even match, but we trust in our strengths to reach the goal,” Manager Antonio Mohamed said. “We didn’t lose any game on the field, only on penalties. 

"That was hard to take, but since then, the team has improved in many areas - competitiveness, fitness, and mentality. We’re in a much better moment now."

Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo, who helped the team lift the 2024 MLS Cup, echoed Vanney's sentiments. 

“This is a big chance to win another title with this club. Thanks to our strong performance last year, we’re in this position. Toluca is a strong team that deserves respect, but we also have confidence in ourselves," he said.