Sunday’s 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match between Santa Ana clubs La Máquina and Santa Ana Winds FC came down to capitalizing on scoring opportunities, of which both sides had plenty. La Máquina took advantage of three “soft goal” opportunities given by Winds FC, with a final score of 3-0.
The 2016 US Open Cup co-golden boot winner Edwin Borboa scored and Jose “Chila” Montes de Oca scored two more for La Maquina as the defense earned its second straight shutout to advance to Round 3. However, they dodged a few bullets as the Winds FC attack failed to convert four clear scoring opportunities.
The difference was set in the first half with La Máquina scoring off of two failed clearances by the Winds defense, first in the 8th minute on a goal by Borboa and then 10 minutes later on a shot from distance by Montes de Oca.
The Winds game plan was to attack up the flanks, which created some dangerous chances but ultimately no goal. Outside of the two goals, it did help to slow down the La Máquina midfield commandeered by the Castro Pérez brothers (José and Rosendo), both with Liga de Ascenso experience with Club Dorados de Sinaloa.
The third goal put the game away in the 86th minute, Chila’s second of the night, with Winds FC playing with 10 men after a hamstring injury to a midfielder. La Máquina scored when Winds FC made it easiest for them to do so, something good teams like La Máquina take advantage of. Overall, La Máquina created more dangerous shots on goal and crosses, and hit the post twice and came away with the victory.
With the win, La Maquina earned their second straight clean sheet of the 2017 tournament, and including the last US Open Cup, they have shut out five of their last six opponents. They defeated Orange County FC, 3-0 in the opening round. Their next opponent will be announced in January and the third round will take place in March.
Match report courtesy of The Saint City Post