CONCACAF Champions Cup: Paulinho, Toluca demolish Galaxy

Field Level Media|published: 04/15/2026, 11:27pm EDT

Mar 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the official game ball during the first half in the match between Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Paulinho, building on his hat trick in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series, added two goals in the second leg on Wednesday, leading Toluca FC to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in Carson, Calif.

Toluca prevailed 7-2 on aggregate, earning a spot in the semifinals against Los Angeles FC.

Up 4-2 following the opening leg last week in Mexico, Toluca expanded the edge in the 10th minute on Wednesday when Jesus Gallardo blasted a 20-yard, left-footed shot past Galaxy goalie JT Marcinkowski.

In the 58th minute, Helinho slipped in a pass to an unmarked Paulinho, who entered the 18-yard box, and Paulinho rolled a left-footed shot inside the far post.

Paulinho's second goal of the night was a deft chip over Marcinkowski as he entered the penalty area on his own on a counterattack.

The last quarterfinal series will conclude later Wednesday night when the Seattle Sounders play host to Tigres UANL, who were up 2-0 following the first leg.

--Field Level Media