Heading to Costa Rica, the LA Galaxy face off against Herediano on Wednesday | OneFootball

Thanks to the Los Angeles Galaxy winning the 2024 MLS Cup in early December, the team earned an automatic bid in the Concacaf Championship Cup tournament. They earned a first round bye and were jettisoned to the Round of 16.

Real Salt Lake fell short against Herediano in the opening round. That set up a rematch twelve years in the making.

After their contest in Vancouver, British Canada, the Galaxy travel more than 7,300 kilometers for the first leg on Wednesday in Cartago, Costa Rica. That's nearly 4,500 miles, one way.

Why this game could turn the LA Galaxy's season around?

Despite not winning the MLS Cup trophy in 2013, players and fans hope that this year shares some other common feats. Twelve years ago, the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Herediano in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Concafac Championship tournament.

While it appeared that the LA Galaxy could crunch out a 1-1 draw against the Whitecaps on Sunday, Brian White added the game winner for Vancouver at the 87th minute. It marks the second loss in a row to open up the 2025 MLS regular season. Novak Micovic has been in goal both times.

Herediano will host the LA Galaxy in Cartago, Costa Rica on Wednesday as the 2024 MLS Cup winners take advantage of their automatic bid to the Round of 16 in this year's tournament. The Galaxy have not participated or qualified for the Concafac since 2013.

Hopefully the six-time MLS Cup champions can get back to their winning ways against a familiar foe. The second leg is scheduled to be played one week later on Wednesday, March 12 in Carson, California with the winner playing the either FC Cincinnati or Tigres UANL.

With a win on Wednesday, it will give some much needed momentum and confidence for the six-time MLS Cup winners. They host St. Louis City SC at Dignity Health Sports Park this coming Sunday. The second leg of the Round of 16 is also in Carson, California.