2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Laguna United qualify at San Diego’s expense again

Laguna United FC held a master class on Saturday night as they completed their path to qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup with a decisive 4-2 win over visiting UPSL side San Diego Internacional.

This win looked very similar to last year’s “Win & You’re In” match in the qualifying rounds where LUFC beat Inter down in San Diego by an even wider margin, 6-2. 

“We played a familiar opposing team, repeating the same round versus San Diego Internacional last year but the match was away,” said Sam Nicholson, head coach of Laguna United. “This year it was great to play, and win, in front of a home crowd.”

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Brandon Cortez was the only goal scorer for San Diego Internacional, getting a brace for his team in the first half as all the goal scoring for both sides came in the first 45 minutes.

SD Internacional got the scoring started quickly as Cortez was at the receiving end of a long throw-in from teammate Jake Haupt in the 4th minute. Haupt’s massive effort placed the ball dead in front of the net allowing Cortez to flick a perfect header right past Laguna United keeper Jacob Estall. 

Not to be outdone, just four minutes later LUFC got to light up their side of the scoreboard. Starting all the way from their own net, Laguna utilized a series of stealthy passes to move the ball quickly into striking distance. The final two passes at the end of that chain were Hudson Garner with a lightening pass to star striker Mikey Barraza who blasted it past the out of position Laguna keeper making 1-1. 

Garner got his second assist for the night when he sent the ball over to teammate Woody Angell who slotted it home giving Laguna their first lead of the game at 2-1.

In the 36th minute, Cortez got his second for Inter. 

Once again he was in a perfect position as a ball got placed directly at his waiting boot — and without letting it hit the ground — he was able to leave Estall stunned and sent the ball straight to the back of the net. 

United would regain the lead for good with goals in the 39th and 42nd minutes. Woody Angell scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot. Three minutes later, Angell assisted on Marc Birkelund’s goal. That 4-2 halftime lead would hold up for the remainder of the game.

Little did either side know that the final goal of the match had already been scored. After a huge six goals in the first half, the second half wouldn’t see a single ball get between the pipes. 

Both sides continued to put in full effort and did manage to create chances but neither could complete the task. 

LUFC advances to the US Open Cup proper where they will try to improve on their debut last year. They lost their first round game to MLS NEXT Pro side Ventura County FC 7-0 on the road.