Orbelin Pineda strike sends Cruz Azul to Leagues Cup Final over LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy were beaten 2-1 on Tuesday as Cruz Azul sealed their place in the 2019 Leagues Cup Final.

La Máquina went in front after just four minutes when Jose Madueña unleashed a one-time strike past Galaxy goalkeeper Matthew Lampson for the 1-0.

Thereafter, although Cruz Azul enjoyed the majority of the possession, only an outstanding save from Jose de Jesus Corona prevented Daniel Steres from leveling the score in the 32nd minute.

Moments later, however, a stunning long distance blast from Emil Cuello settled into the back of the net to put the score at 1-1 heading into the break.

At the restart, Cruz Azul went back in front, with Orbelin Pineda sending a swerving right-footed strike behind Matthew Lampson to send the majority Cruz Azul fans at Dignity Health Sports Park into a frenzy.

The Galaxy, who were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jonathan dos Santos for the night, could arguably have done better with their set-pieces, and it was Cruz Azul who looked the most dangerous on the break.

At the end, La Máquina held on to set-up a date with Tigres in the first ever Leagues Cup Final.