Loudoun United FC is into the Fifth Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in its history.
The-Red-and-White used a pair of finishes by forward Wesley Leggett and a second-half penalty save from goalkeeper Dane Jacomen to guide them to a 2-1 win over Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif.
“We made some very good saves,” Loudoun head coach Ryan Martin said. “Big clearances, big blocks — and those little moments win and lose games and our guys made enough big plays to win us the game.”
There wasn’t a bigger play than Jacomen’s save on Orange County defender Markus Nakkim from the spot which came during the game’s most eventful period that featured an OC equalizer, a Loudoun go-ahead goal, and a foul in the box within five minutes.
Orange County started the game on the front-foot and enjoyed most of the ball’s possession throughout the first 45 minutes.
OC head coach Morten Karlsen, though, said his team wasted 45 minutes by failing to create solid opportunities with the lion’s share of ball retention in the opponent’s attack.
Midway through the first half, OC’s ineffective offense allowed Loudoun’s counter-attack to land the first haymaker.
Against the run of play, Leggett picked up a pass at the center circle from midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar before dashing beyond two defenders and reaching the inside of the box to curl his attempt beyond OC goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s reach.
The exceptional run and finish from Leggett put the visitors in front at halftime and forced Karlsen to reach into his bench and make two substitutions before the second half
The hosts found it difficult to pierce through the Loudoun backline and ended the half without a shot on goal.
“We want to be one of the best defensive teams in the league,” Martin said. “We showed it tonight that we’re on that path.”
Replaced at halftime for OC was former Major League Soccer striker Ethan Zubak who, according to Karlsen, was a “tactical sub, performance sub.”
Cameroonian striker Thomas Amang replaced the former LA Galaxy and Nashville SC frontman and the former needed just 17 minutes to get his team-leading fourth goal of the season and equalize.
Amang tapped home from close range after wingers Bryce Jamison and Christian Sorto connected from a cross to set up the game-tying goal.
Moments later, Leggett collected his second via a defensive mishap to extinguish any momentum gathered from Amang’s goal.
“The equalizer was well deserved,” Karlsen said. “Then on our way to build momentum, we give away a goal.
“I don’t think we did ourselves any favors today in terms of winning the game.”
Leggett took advantage of OC center backs Ashton Miles and Nakkim’s failure to clear a tame pass into the box which was met by the forward with aplomb before he set himself up to beat Shutler for the second time.
Ninety seconds later, the hosts had a road back into the game when Loudoun midfield substitute Florian Valot took down OC midfielder Cameron Dunbar in the box for a penalty kick.
Nakkim, who got his first start of the season after a spell on the injured list, stepped up and had his attempt to the left saved by Jacomen.
“I was locked in on the penalty taker,” Jacomen said about his mentality during Nakkim’s attempt. “Not really feeling much pressure in the situation, just trying to do my job and help us get three points.”
It’s the second time a saved penalty by Jacomen carried Loudoun United onto the next round in this tournament. The goalkeeper’s penalty shootout save in the visitor’s third round match lifted them beyond the Richmond Kickers.
Loudoun United will travel again in the Round of 16 which is set to take place on May 21 or 22 — the winner between Los Angeles FC and Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday will host the Virginians.
“The guys showed that they belonged,” Martin said. “Whoever we get, it’s an honor to play in this so we’ll just keep pushing forward.”