Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Dennis Pope

2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Portland Timbers score late goal to eliminate MLS front-runners LAFC

by

The Portland Timbers celebrate after the club's 1-0 win over LAFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Twitter @TimbersFC
The Portland Timbers celebrate after the club’s 1-0 win over LAFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Twitter @TimbersFC

Whether or not its interim coach wants to admit it, Portland Timbers FC got a measure of revenge at the Banc.

Jeremy Ebobisse scored a late goal as Timbers FC took to the road and defeated Los Angeles FC, 1-0, Wednesday night in a 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinal Round game at Banc of California Stadium.

“Last year is last year. This is a new competition and this was an important game for us,” said Timbers FC assistant coach Carlos Llamosa, who was placed in charge of the team in the absence of Gio Savarese.

Ebobisse scored the game-winning goal to finish off a counter attack in the 86th minute as Portland erased memories of a 3-2 loss at LAFC in the USOC quarterfinals last year.

“The guys responded well, did a great job, and there is a good feeling right now,” Llamosa said. “We’re taking it game by game, and now we know that we’ll face Minnesota with a chance to get to the final.”

Portland is unbeaten in its last seven games across all competitions and now will play Minnesota United FC in the Semifinals as the Timbers seek to become the first Oregon club in tournament history to win the tournament. The date and location of the Semifinal will be announced at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday by the US Soccer Federation.

Carlos Vela was held without a shot for LAFC, which finished with only one shot on goal in losing for the first time in this month.

“I don’t think we had our best night,” Bob Bradley said. “We had to handle some tough moments defensively (and) tonight was a hard-fought game.”

LAFC was buoyed by the return of center back Walker Zimmerman from international duty, and goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega had two point-blank saves in the first half and made another with 15 minutes left in the game to keep the game scoreless.

“Just one of those nights when you look at the goal that was scored, and it was just a ridiculous goal. It left us scrambling,” Zimmerman said.

Following a save by Sisniega at the north end, Sebastian Blanco sprung Portland on a counter attack, sending a cross through LAFC’s backline and to the feet of Ebobisse, who crossed it back across the face of the goal and into the side netting.

“We were unlucky today,” LAFC’s Mark-Anthony Kaya said. “They got a lucky bounce and put the ball in the back of the net.”

In 10 previous matches at Banc of California Stadium in 2019, LAFC had not been shutout and had scored at least two goals in eight of the games, and four or more goals in four games. Also, the announced crowd of 18,947 was a Modern Era (1995-present) record for the Quarterfinals. The previous record was 17,898 set last year when the same two teams met at Banc of California Stadium.

2018 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Carlos Vela leads LAFC to 3-2 win over Portland Timbers in front of record crowd

by

LAUPDATE: Portland Timbers file protest claiming LAFC fielded too many international players

Carlos Vela scored his first goal since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia to continue the run of Los Angeles FC in their inaugural Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Vela, playing in a traditional No. 10 role, controlled the center of the field for LAFC in a 3-2 Quarterfinal round victory on Wednesday night over Portland Timbers at Banc of California Stadium.

“I’m really happy to help my teammates. I think this team can dream high and I’m happy to be here,” Vela said.

Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team has won its first three tournament games and advances to the Open Cup Semifinals, scheduled for next month.

“We’re more close to winning a title so we’re working hard to be there in the final, so I think we have to work hard to keep this level and be a better team,” Vela said.

It was the second meeting between the two MLS teams in four days, as they played to a scoreless draw on Sunday, June 15 before combining for three goals in the first half on Wednesday night.

“Tonight was a much faster-paced game,” LAFC manager Bob Bradley said. “The differences between playing at night and playing in the afternoon, and we were a little lucky to be on the good side (but) we need as many games like this as possible.”

Los Angeles FC dominated possession in the first half, but back-to-back saves from goalkeeper Tyler Miller gave the team confidence.

“Making a double save at an important time in the game, and Tyler has played really well lately,” Bradley said. “I thought we had a good start to the game, but we got caught in transition so that situation turned into a great chance and he had to make a second save.”

LAFC sent wave after wave of attacking players into the Timbers defensive third before breaking through in the 31st minute when Vela sent a cross into the danger zone in front of goal.

The ball glanced off the head of Timbers midfielder David Guzman and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Jeff Antinella to give LAFC a 1-0 lead.

“We had less possession, fewer passes but we were still dangerous,” Bradley said. “We thought giving Carlos a little freedom would make sense, which I thought tonight was great.”

Vela was in the middle of LAFC’s attack throughout the night, and gave the home team a 2-0 lead eight minutes later after finding the ball in Portland’s penalty area and slotting a shot low and hard past Antinella.

“This game was a better game for the fans, and today there was more spaces to get the ball, to receive, to make good chances,” Vela said. “I feel better playing (in the slot) because I link more with my teammates, and I think it’s my best position to create chances.”

The 17,898 fans in attendance — a Quarterfinal record for the Modern Era — were certainly treated to an entertaining game.

Portland found its way onto the scoreboard in first-half stoppage time when David Guzman lofted a free kick onto the head of Julio Cascante for an easy finish past Miller and get the Timbers a goal right before halftime.

More goals came early in the second half as Marco Urena got on the end of a rebound and blasted it past Antinella for a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute. It was Urena’s first goal at Banc of California Stadium.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time but I’m really happy right now,” Urena said. “It’s an important moment for me and I feel the support of the guys.”

Timbers defender Vytautas Andriuskevicius got one back a little more than a minute later, bombing down the left side before shooting past Miller to put immediate pressure back upon LAFC.

The home team handled any further trouble and saw out the game with a series of tactical substitutions, with Benny Feilhaber coming in for Lee Nguyen and Adama Diomande replacing Urena before the 70th minute.

Diomande had a late goal disallowed by a questionable offside call as LAFC pressed for some insurance.

“Dio was onside. You know that, right?” Bradley said. “He scored that.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: Ari Lassiter’s brace for LA Galaxy eliminates FC Golden State Force

by

Ari Lassiter of the LA Galaxy controls the ball against FC Golden State Force in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy controls the ball against FC Golden State Force in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

Ari Lassiter had been the forgotten man on the L.A. Galaxy’s forward depth chart until he made everyone remember that he can score goals, too.

The 22-year-old striker scored twice as L.A. Galaxy (MLS) defeated FC Golden State Force (PDL), 3-1, on Wednesday night in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round game at StubHub Center’s Track & Field Stadium.

“His two goals were good but he probably could’ve had five,” LA Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid said. “It was good for him to get those two, and his goal scoring is always appreciated.”

L.A. Galaxy is 3-0 in US Open Cup games in which Lassiter has scored since last season.

“As a striker it’s always important for me score goals and that’s what I came here to do,” said Lassiter, who had played predominantly for L.A. Galaxy II (USL) this season. “I need to contribute any way that I can and that’s what I did.”

It was the third and fourth Lamar Hunt US Open Cup goals of Lassiter’s career, and his left-footed scissor kick in the 38th minute was his first goal with the Galaxy’s first team since last July.

“It just set up nicely for me and sometimes you just have to go for that bicycle kick,” Lassister said. “I went for it and it paid off.”

Bradford Jamieson IV made his first start of the season and scored the game’s opening goal in the 15th minute for LA Galaxy, which will learn its next US Open Cup opponent on Thursday, June 7.

“I’m just taking it game-by-game and trying to focus on the little things,” said Jamieson, who had been sidetracked by concussions twice in the last two seasons. “I feel like getting sharper with every match and it’s coming along.”

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Justin Vom Steeg made some critical stops among his seven saves but Brazilian Pedro Fonseca scored in th for FC Golden State Force, which allowed as many goals against Galaxy as it had during its three previous tournament games.

2017 US Open Cup Round 5: Young Galaxy players take care of business vs. Sacramento Republic

by

Ariel Lassiter of the Los Angeles Galaxy scored his second goal of the tournament in a 2-0 home win over the Sacramento Republic. Photo: LA Galaxy
Ariel Lassiter of the Los Angeles Galaxy scored his second goal of the tournament in a 2-0 home win over the Sacramento Republic. Photo: LA Galaxy

MLS side LA Galaxy relied heavily on its youngsters to help the team advance from the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night.

Ariel Lassiter and Bradford Jamieson found the back of the net as the Galaxy defeated Sacramento Republic FC (USL), 2-0, at the StubHub Center’s Track & Field Stadium.

“We’ve talked about getting production out of our younger players and they stepped up,” Galaxy head coach Curt Onalfo said. “Guys need an opportunity to see if they can do it, and it’s encouraging what we’re seeing right now.”

It was Lassiter’s second goal in as many US Open Cup games for the Galaxy, which advances to play at San Jose Earthquakes in the USOC Quarterfinal Round on July 10.

“Getting a goal tonight was a plus, and a confidence booster for sure. We just need to keep it up,” Lassiter said. “I’m always looking to get minutes with the first team and get better.” Onalfo was forced to again stretch his roster as the team completed its fifth game in just two weeks across all competitions. “It’s good to use the entire roster because it is busy right now,” Onalfo said. Sacramento Republic FC forward Tyler Blackwood had two shots on goal, both of which were turned away by Galaxy goalkeeper Jon Kempin during a scoreless first half. Galaxy captain Jelle Van Damme entered to begin the second half and quickly put his team in motion, attacking up the middle before earning a foul and a free kick about 22 yards from goal. Lassiter, who scored in a 3-1 win over Orange County SC (USL) in the 4th Round, stepped up and laced a left-footed free kick into the upper right corner out of the reach of Republic FC keeper Evan Newton for the game’s first goal. “I knew (Newton) couldn’t see the ball if I hit it right over the wall, and I just focused on connecting well, keeping it on target and it went into the back of the net,” Lassiter said. Not settling for a one-goal lead, Bradford Jamieson unleashed a shot from the right side that took a deflection and beat Newton for a 2-0 lead.

“It was all instinct pretty much,” Jamieson said. “The defender hesitated and I just took the hit.”

Galaxy continued to produce attacking moments late into the game, with Lassiter beating a Republic FC defender to the goal line before crossing to the middle for Jose Villareal to fire just over the bar.

“We put in a good performance. I thought it should’ve been more than 2-0 but we were really aggressive in our approach,” Onalfo said.

With the win, the Galaxy earned the club’s 30th Open Cup game (30-14-1, 1-0 PK), the 7th most wins in the Modern Era. The Galaxy’s home record improves to an impressive 21-3-0 all-time.

It was the end of the line for Sacramento Republic FC, which had earned a historic victory over Real Salt Lake (MLS) in the Fourth Round en route to the club’s deepest tournament run.

2017 US Open Cup Round 4: LA Galaxy’s youth movement pays off in win over Orange County SC

by

Ariel Lassiter of the LA Galaxy scored a goal in a 3-1 US Open Cup win over Orange County SC (USL). Photo: LA Galaxy
Ariel Lassiter of the LA Galaxy scored a goal in a 3-1 US Open Cup win over Orange County SC (USL). Photo: LA Galaxy

Jose Villareal scored an impressive first-half goal and the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) did the defensive dirty work necessary to move on in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Jack McBean and Ariel Lassiter added goals, and Galaxy defenders twice cleared shots off the goal line in a 3-1 victory over Orange County SC (USL) on Wednesday, June 14, in a fourth-round game at L.A.’s StubHub Center.

“These are important games for our club, and you have to utilize your roster,” Galaxy head coach Curt Onalfo said. “Guys stepped up and we got goals out of young, attacking players.”

It was a successful US Open Cup debut for the first-year Galaxy coach, who praised the effort of his young starting lineup.

Jaime Villarreal scored a goal for the LA Galaxy in a 3-1 win over Orange County SC in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
Jaime Villarreal scored a goal for the LA Galaxy in a 3-1 win over Orange County SC in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

“It was important for the young guys to do well tonight because it gives them confidence, and it gives the coaching staff confidence,” Onalfo said.

Nine of the 11 players on Onalfo’s lineup card previously played for the coach with L.A. Galaxy II.

“Jack (McBean) and (Ari) Lassiter getting goals, that’s big for them,” Onalfo said. “It’s good for our group.”

Jose Villareal struck a curving ball into the upper right for a goal in the 17th minute, getting a good bounce off the turf surface at the StubHub’s track and field stadium.

“It’s a thick grass field and the ball pops up so we talked about it before the game,” Onalfo said. “He got a good window, he hit it and it was a world-class goal.”

Orange County SC’s Roy Meeus got his second goal in as many US Open Cup games, equalizing on a creatively-designed corner kick to the top of the penalty area.

Meeus, who scored the only goal on Orange County’s 1-0 victory over L.A. Wolves FC (USASA) in a third-round game on May 31, used a pick from teammate to shake a defender, shoot and bury the ball past Galaxy keeper Joe Kempin.

“We knew the talk, we knew the chatter but we try try not to read too much into it,” Orange County head coach Logan Pause said. “Our players knew it and we came in to this game prepared, understanding the stage and that the margins are smaller.” Galaxy quickly retook took the lead in the 35th minute after Jack McBean was awarded a penalty. Despite an attempt to be dissuaded by teammates from taking the kick, McBean insisted, faking out OCSC’s keeper Charles Lyon before placing it easily in the back of the net. Lassiter notched his first US Open Cup goal in the 73rd minute, cleaning up a rebound in the goal area for a 3-1 lead.

Galaxy defenders cleared two shots off the goal line in the second half, first by Van Damme in the 60th minute and then by Dave Romney in the 89th.

2016 US Open Cup Semifinals: FC Dallas’ two late OT goals stun LA Galaxy, send them back to the Final

by

 

FC Dallas celebrate the game-winning goal in extra time stoppage time against the LA Galaxy in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas
FC Dallas celebrate the game-winning goal in extra time stoppage time against the LA Galaxy in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas

Oscar Pareja knew his team had goals in them.

Trailing in the second overtime, FC Dallas scored twice after the 115th minute to defeat the Los Angeles Galaxy, 2-1, in overtime on Wednesday, Aug. 10, in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal round game at the StubHub Center. For the Galaxy, it snapped a 17-game home winning streak in the tournament. Their last loss came in the 2000 Semifinals against the Chicago Fire.

“I could see that coming; Not just the second one but the first one, too,” Pareja said. “Our players were pushing, we were all heart there, and I thought the game rewarded them in the best way.”

Matt Hedges headed in a goal in the 116th minute, and Victor Ulloa tallied at the death for FC Dallas, which advances to play New England Revolution in the Open Cup Final in September.

“We’ve proved that this team is full of spirit. The boys are doing great stuff,” Pareja said. “They deserve to be in the final for sure.”

A rematch of the 2005 Open Cup Final, the Galaxy led 1-0 after a penalty kick by Mike Magee in the 10th minute over the first overtime, but both teams were slow to get started.

Alan Gordon, starting as L.A.’s only forward, had his shot on goal in the 17th minute stopped by Chris Seitz, and FC Dallas replied with a pair of shots that challenged Galaxy keeper Brian Rowe to make reactionary saves.

Ryan Hollingshead of FC Dallas races to the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal match against the LA Galaxy. Photo: LA Galaxy
Ryan Hollingshead of FC Dallas races to the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal match against the LA Galaxy. Photo: LA Galaxy

The visitors had the better of the play in the second half, but the Galaxy’s Baggio Husidic nearly won the game with a long-range effort in second-half stoppage time. However, his shot was a little high of the mark.

Neither team gave an inch during the start of the first overtime period, but Giovani Dos Santos was tripped in the area in the 100th minute, and Referee Ted Unkel saw enough contact to award the Galaxy a penalty.

Magee stepped up to take the spot kick, faked Seitz right and easily beat the keeper on his weak side.

L.A. did its best to defend into the closing minutes, but FC Dallas earned a corner kick five minutes from full time that Matt Hedges headed in for the late equalizer. It was Hedges second career Open Cup goal, the first coming in 2013.

Dallas got another corner in stoppage time, and Mauro Diaz placed another dangerous ball into the box to get his second assist as Victor Ulloa snuck in to score the game-winner.

“Certainly frustrating,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We did a terrible job, obviously, in the last five minutes of the game.”

For Dallas, it continues a string of dramatic victories in the tournament. They opened the tournament by getting taken to penalty kicks by the USL’s Oklahoma City Energy and followed that up with a 2-1 extra time win over the Colorado Rapids. In the Quarterfinals, they played their first road game, beating the Houston Dynamo 1-0 on a second half stoppage time winner by the recently departed Fabian Castillo.

Now, with the win, they will host the Revolution in the Final, just like they did in 2007. That year, the Revs won 3-2 to win their first major trophy.

NOTES:

* This was just the third US Open Cup match of the Modern Era (1995-present) to be decided on a goal scored in the 120th minute or later. The Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) avoided an upset by the PDL’s Carolina Dynamo with a 3-2 win in the 2004 Third Round. A year later, Chivas USA were nearly taken to penalty kicks by the Charlotte Eagles (USL-2), but scored in stoppage time to escape with a 3-2 victory.

* This was the 30th all-time US Open Cup win by FC Dallas, which moves them into fifth place in the Modern Era in victories behind the Chicago Fire (39), Rochester Rhinos (36), Seattle Sounders (35), and DC United (31).

* Dallas will be the sixth Texas-based club to reach the US Open Cup Final, and the fifth team from North Texas. Of those six teams to reach the Final, FC Dallas represents four of them (1997, 2005, 2007, 2016).

HIGHLIGHTS: FC DALLAS AT LA GALAXY

2016 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Sebastian Lletget’s late heroics for LA Galaxy earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round

by

Lletget becomes the first Galaxy player to win TheCup.us Player of the Round since Landon Donovan in 2006. Photo: LA Galaxy
Lletget becomes the first Galaxy player to win TheCup.us Player of the Round since Landon Donovan in 2006. Photo: LA Galaxy

Sebastian Lletget’s two late goals in a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Sounders earned the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Quarterfinals of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“This is the first time I can win something,” Lletget said. “I’m really excited.”

Lletget’s brace moves him into the competition for the tournament’s scoring title. His four goals in Los Angeles’ last two Open Cup games place him one goal behind Edwin Borboa of Santa Ana (Calif.) La Maquina FC (UPSL), a team the Galaxy eliminated in Round 4.

Lletget becomes just the second Galaxy player to ever win the award. The last came a decade ago when Landon Donovan scored a pair of overtime goals to eliminate the Colorado Rapids in the 2006 Quarterfinals.

The award is voted on by TheCup.is staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Lletget edged Brad Knighton of the New England Revolution for the award, with the Chicago Fire’s David Accam also receiving strong consideration.

The former West Ham (EPL) academy starlet, Lletget is currently the Galaxy’s super sub coming off the bench. He started in the Quarterfinals against Seattle but did not find the scoresheet until the 85th minute when his one-touch finish from Baggio Husidic’s cross gave L.A. a 3-2 lead.

Following a deft one-two sequence with teammate Gyasi Zardes three minutes later, Lletget capped the Galaxy’s rally from a 2-0 deficit with his second goal.

He also scored twice late in the Galaxy’s 5-1 win over La Maquina in a Fourth Round game.

HIGHLIGHTS

LLETGET’S GOALS

2016 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Late goals by Sebastian Lletget send LA Galaxy past Seattle Sounders, 4-2

by

The LA Galaxy celebrate a goal against the Seattle Sounders in the 2016 Quarterfinals. Photo: LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy celebrate a goal against the Seattle Sounders in the 2016 Quarterfinals. Photo: LA Galaxy

Sebastian Lletget is becoming a late-game legend in this edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Lletget tallied twice in the final five minutes as the Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to defeat the Seattle Sounders, 4-2, in a quarterfinal round game at the Track and Field stadium at StubHub Center.

“Sebastian hasn’t had a regular shift in a while, so it’s good for him. He did a good job,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said.

Lletget started but did not score until the 85th minute and 88th minute, respectively, for the Galaxy, which won its first game vs. Sounders (MLS) in Open Cup play. With the win L.A. advances the semifinals for the first time since 2006.

“Now on to the semis, and it’s the first time we’ve done that. It’s the first time I can win something and I’m really excited,” Lletget said.

Suspect passing in the Galaxy defense led to the game’s first goal.

Daniel Steres put Leonardo in bad spot with a hospital back pass which Leonardo failed to clear, passing the ball almost directly to an on-rushing Michael Farfan, who played two touches before chipping past Clement Diop.

“They made a mistake in the back and I capitalized on it,” Farfan said. “It was a nice way to start but we can’t finish games like that.”

Galaxy produced a pair of scoring chances before Baggio Husidic put a ball into the box with pace in the 17th minute, finding Alan Gordon at the back post for one-touch finish.

“It was great! Right spot at the right time, buried it,” Gordon said. “We needed it.”

Herculez Gomez produced an improbable goal in the 59th minute to give Sounders a 2-1 lead, beating Diop near post.

“It’s not really a positive,” Gomez said about his eighth career Open Cup goal. “It was all or nothing. There are no moral victories.”

Arena waited to make changes until after the 70th minute, but brought in Giovani Dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes hoping for an immediate impact.

Dos Santos came on for Gordon and did not take long to make his presence felt, getting the Galaxy even at 2-2 in the 77th minute with a goal off a turnover in the back from the Sounders.

“I thought once we had the lead, 2-1, it was just a matter of getting through the rest of the game,” Schmid said. “We gave up a goal — a soft goal — and from there the flood gates opened.”

L.A., which lost to Seattle in the Open Cup quarterfinals in 2010 and ’11, asserted its will in the final 10 minutes, peppering the Sounders goal until finally taking a lead in the 85th minute on Lletget’s third goal of the tournament.

“(Dos Santos and Zardes) brought energy, and they’re just clever,” Lletget said.

It’s back line in shambles, Lletget added his fourth goal of the tournament three minutes later to seal the win, L.A.’s 31st all-time in Open Cup play.

Lletget had two late goals in Galaxy’s 5-1 win over Santa Ana (Calif.) La Maquina (UPSL) in a 4th Round game.

“Crazy, really crazy,” Lletget said. “Till the whistle blows.”

Galaxy has entered the Open Cup every year since 1999, and have a 31-15-0 all-time record.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: LA GALAXY VS. SEATTLE SOUNDERS

LLETGET’S GOALS

Controversial goal fuels shorthanded LA Galaxy to 4-1 extra time win over La Maquina

by

Dave Romney of the LA Galaxy celebrates his goal against La Maquina in the 2016 US Open Cup. Teammate Jose Villarreal is shown injured in the background. Photo: LA Galaxy
Dave Romney of the LA Galaxy celebrates his goal against La Maquina in the 2016 US Open Cup. Teammate Jose Villarreal is shown injured in the background. Photo: LA Galaxy

An early red card, a controversial goal in overtime, and a whole lot of questions after Tuesday night’s game at StubHub Center.

Chaos reigned but Dave Romney scored what proved to be the game-winner in the first overtime as Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) defeated Santa Ana (Calif.)-based La Maquina (UPSL), 4-1, in a 4th Round game.

“I had no idea what was going on,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said afterward.

Arena definitely was not happy that his team had to play more than 100 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Rafael Garcia was sent off for a horror tackle in the 17th minute.

“We shot ourselves in the foot there,” Arena said. “Not a smart way to play. I thought (the red card) was warranted.”

But the victory advances L.A. into the Round of 16 for the … Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, which Galaxy won previously in 2001 and 2005.

“I think in games like this you are in for a surprise,” said Sebastian Lletget, who scored twice in overtime to seal the win.

Galaxy applied early pressure and earned three corner kicks in the first five minutes, as La Maquina’s defense survived on wits and luck for 15 minutes.

Alan Gordon missed out on a sure goal in the 10th minute, when a cross from Jose Villareal went unfinished at the far post, trickling across the goal line as Gordon’s sliding attempt was inches short.

Five minutes later Villareal was the recipient of a long cross from Raul Mendiola, chesting down the ball across the line past La Maquina keeper Luis Sosa.
“Clearly, we were going to get a goal,” Arena said.

Former Chivas Guadalajara striker Edwin Borboa had a solid shot on goal in the 26th minute, forcing a jump save from Galaxy keeper Clement Diop, and La Maquina found a groove with a pair of opportunities leading to its goal in the 28th minute.

Forcing the ball back, center half A.J. DeLaGarza misplayed a ball to Diop, and Borboa pounced, supplying an easy finish for an equalizer.

“They got that goal on my mistake,” DeLaGarza said.
Borboa is the first amateur player to score in the first four rounds in the modern era of the tournament.

“(La Maquina) did a solid job. You could see some of their guys have experience,” Arena said.
La Maquina, or “The Machine”, came out firing early in the second half, but Galaxy absorbed the amateur club’s heat without giving up playing two forwards and went to overtime drawn at a goal apiece.

“They made a couple of plays, their goalkeeper made a few saves and they worked hard,” Arena said.

Early in overtime, Villareal was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and stayed on his back. Second-half substitute Jack McBean stood over Villareal, stretching his leg, as players caught their breath.

Baggio Husidic, another Galaxy second-half sub, stood over the ball and looked at referee Ramon Hernandez.

“He goes (shrugs) so I kicked out, passed to the left,” Husidic said. “I didn’t ask for a whistle, told the ref I wasn’t going to ask for a whistle, and he said ‘OK.’”
Husidic’s pass connected with Romney, who placed a shot past La Maquina’s Sosa as the stout keeper scrambled to defend his line.

“Am I allowed to shoot this? Is this really real?” Romney rhetorically asked. “I just got it on my right foot and tucked it away.”

Lletget scored on a penalty in the 105th minute and added a second on a breakaway in the 115th.

HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY
(NOTE: The controversial goal begins at 2:32:40)

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Former Chivas forward, record-setting defense earn La Maquina date with LA Galaxy

by

La Maquina (left) vs. LA Wolves in the Third Round of 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh
La Maquina (left) vs. LA Wolves in the Third Round of 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

With its play on the field, La Maquina has proved its maturity.

Former Chivas de Guadalajara forward Edwin Borboa scored twice as La Maquina continued its run in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 2-0 victory over fellow United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) team Los Angeles Wolves FC. The match was played on June 1 in a Third Round game at Boswell Field on the campus of Westminster High School.

With the win, La Maquina becomes just the 12th amateur team since 1996 to reach the Fourth Round.

“As I’m getting older and towards the end of his career, primarily the focus is the team and helping the team through my experience and realizing that means putting some goals in the back of the net,” said Borboa through an interpreter.

The 33-year-old Mexican headed in the game’s first goal in the 17th minute, then scored on a free kick in the 68h minute to propel La Maquina into a Fourth Round matchup against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the StubHub Center on Wednesday, June 15.

“Very happy because we’re going against the next level, the LA Galaxy,” Borboa said. “They’re a very professional team but we know what we have, and we’re going to work hard to get to there, and try to move on the next round.”

Santa Ana, Calif.-based La Maquina, banned from the UPSL’s winter season due to its participation in a post-game brawl late last year, are one of only two amateur clubs (Kitsap Pumas) remaining in the tournament.

“We can’t believe where we are right now, but we’ve still been working every week, hard, hard,” La Maquina head coach Alex Uribe said. “We know it’s a very exciting game in two weeks.”

The club has not played a league fixture since December when UPSL President Yan Skwara announced the league’s ruling. Skwara, coincidently, is president and head coach of the LA Wolves.

“Give credit to La Maquina,” Skwara said. “They play a certain game, and I can’t tell exactly if it’s the way they played defensively against us, or if we didn’t play our game, or a combination of the two.”

Borboa’s first goal punctuated non-stop early pressure from La Maquina, which produced five shots on goal in the first 15 minutes.

His second goal came on a direct free kick at the top of the penalty area, 20 yards from goal. With three players standing over the ball, Borboa saw Wolves goalkeeper Kifi Kalani leaning and took his shot.

“The keeper was giving me the right side, trying to cheat, so I just took the easy way and placed it where he was cheating,” Borboa said.

“That’s Borboa. That’s the way he plays,” Uribe said. “You can see the goalie was expecting a lefty, and he just saw the goalie move the left and so he strikes it to the right.”

La Maquina, relying on competitive friendlies in between its US Open Cup calendar, have won all three rounds by 2-0 score lines. They are just the second team — and the first amateur team — in the Modern Era to earn three or more shutouts in each of their first three Open Cup games. (DC United had 5 straight from 1996-97)

“Since Day 1 in this Open Cup and I told them, ‘If we’re going to be in this Open Cup our goal can’t just be playing, that’s it,” Uribe said. “We want to go all the way, all the way to the end.”

La Maquina’s 2-0 win in the Second Round over Portland Timbers U-23s at Providence Park was an important moment, Uribe said.

“The experience they got in Portland, it was a huge stadium, it was an important team, it’s not a first-team but we demonstrated we can control the ball in any stadium,” Uribe said.

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development