Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Kathryne Padilla

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Ventura County FC, formerly LA Galaxy II, earn “complete” win over Irvine Zeta II

by

Gino Vivi of Ventura County FC dribbles the ball against Irvine Zeta II in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz - mikeortizphotography.com
Gino Vivi of Ventura County FC dribbles the ball against Irvine Zeta II in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz – mikeortizphotography.com

A penalty shot just minutes into match was not enough to stop Ventura County FC from being victorious, 2-1, over Irvine Zeta II in the First Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. 

The comeback was the first win for the newly-named MLS NEXT Pro side, formerly known as LA Galaxy II.

“We created a lot of chances. we controlled the game,” VCFC head coach Matt Taylor said. “ gave an early PK. Outside of that, if you score five or six more tonight, you feel like it’s a complete night.”

The first few minutes of half showed each team were eager to be the first on the board. Possession bounced back and forth between both teams with close opportunities after each offensive push. 

However, in the 8th minute, a foul inside the goalie box would issue a penalty shot for Irvine Zeta II. Daniel Baumgartner would make the penalty and put his team in the lead 1-0. 

After trailing behind so early into the match, it was evident Ventura County began to put more aggressiveness in their offensive plays. 

It would pay off in the 11th minute. Ventura County would have a corner kick and in the mist of the play, a minor error by a Irvine Zeta II player where they tried to deflect the ball out of the goal ended up the other direction. An own goal would be awarded to Ventura County’s Joseph Barry and put the game at a tie, 1-1. 

With the game even with plenty of time left, both teams relied heavily on the intensity of the match for motivation to be conceded the next goal. However, right when the match seemed to be headed to the halftime break tied at 1-1, Ventura County would find the go-ahead goal.

Irvine took a throw-in on their side of midfield and lost possession and it ended up at the feet of Isaiah Parente who slotted a pass to Sean Karani in the center of the field. Karani took a couple of touches and fired a shot near the top of the 18 yard line. His low-driving shot would beat the keeper to give his team the lead.

The second half proved to be unlucky for Ventura County. Numerous attempts at goal would either be shy of the goal by hitting the post or be deflected by the keeper or defense. Ventura County outshot Irvine 26-8 with an 8-4 edge in shots on goal over Irvine Zeta II by the end of the match. 

“I think when you look at it, we didn’t give up much,” Taylor said, “We were organized.” 

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: LA Force score late goal to earn first USOC win vs. Redlands FC

by

LA Force FC pose for a team photo before their First Round match against Redlands FC in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Force FC
LA Force FC pose for a team photo before their First Round match against Redlands FC in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Force FC

In a struggle between aggression and keeping calm on the pitch in the First Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, LA Force was able to keep it’s formation and come out victorious, 2-1, over Redlands FC. 

“It was a tough one, you know, like they came to play, we knew that. They had a point prove,  playing with the semi pro NPSL team … but we got together, we did our thing and we made sure we got the results,” LA Force’s Joel Quist said.

At the sound of the whistle, it became apparent the first half would be a battle of possession. While LA Force demonstrated they could hold a 60/40 possession; Redlands FC showed a different type of play. When holding the ball, Redlands FC capitalize those moments quickly to get around LA Force’s defensive line and create opportunities with close finishes. 

However, both team’s defense held strong and deflected any shots out of range of the goal or out of bounds. With numerous attempts to gain the lead, both teams would remain scoreless. 

It wasn’t until the 40th minute, that LA Force would find its self taking the lead. An assist from Dante Brigida to Quist just inches in front of the goalkeeper would put them in the lead, but not for very long. 

A few moments later in the 42nd minute, Redlands FC Ethan Kovach would even the score with a shot in the far right corner or the goal. 

The half would end shortly after with the score remaining 1-1. 

As second half went underway, the game’s intensity amplified. Several minor fouls began to add up, tempers slowly were raising against each other and the calls being made by the referee were being questioned. Eventually two yellow cards would be tacked on to the two that were already awarded in the first half. 

“If you follow the game, especially in the beginning of the season, you know, it’s a  little bit rusty. But you have to be aggressive sometimes to win games,” head coach Dekel Keinan said. 

Much like the first half, both teams kept a consistent attempt at shots but none would bring them into the lead. Nearing the end of regulation period, in the 84th minute LA Force would see it’s second goal of the night. Another great pass from Brigdia to Quist, who would then find Jose Salvador Montes De Oca Gonzalez’s feet for a straight powerful shot to the back of the net. 

Raising the score 2-1, light more fuel into Redlands FC to create another equalizer. However, another four yellow cards would be awarded (Redlands – two; LA Force – two) in the duration of extra time to the second half and end with LA Force moving on to the next round and earning the club’s first-ever Open Cup win (in three tries). 

“It was a great experience for for our players for the good the Open Cup game. Credits for Redlands, you know they gave us all my players are really proud of them. They did great. And this is just our first step. Hopefully we’ll have more of those nights,” Keinan said. 

2024 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round: Irvine Zeta’s early goal sets tone in win vs. Temecula FC

by

Photo: Irvine Zeta FC
Photo: Irvine Zeta FC

A goal in the 2nd minute set the tempo for Irvine Zeta FC to defeat Temecula FC 3-1 in the “Win & You’re In” round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“We’re very happy that we got the qualification for the Open Cup. It was a tough game. We were lucky to score earlier,” said head coach Alexis Ubillus.

After starting with the ball, Temecula FC tried to regain possession but a missed pass to the defense led to an early goal to give Irvine Zeta FC the lead.

In the 2nd minute, the missed touch gave Irvine Zeta FC’s  Cristian Fernandez Mejia the opportunity to gain possession and his shot was just outside of the goalies  reach to give his team a 1-0 advantage.

Falling short that early on gave Temecula FC extra momentum to even out the score before the half ended.

However, Irvine Zeta FC responded to the increased pressure but had two yellow cards awarded to Ivan Torres and Joseph John Barry in the 34th and 35th minute.

The fouls and aggressive played continued until the end of the half. But no more goals were made and left Irvine Zeta FC still holding the lead.

As the second half commenced, the fight for possession continued but remained steady between both teams. Each made successful attempts for offensive plays but we’re struck down by each of the defensive lines.

“The second half, we did much better. We controlled the game, we scored the goals. Overall, it was a good game,” Ubillus said.

It wasn’t long for Irvine Zeta FC to find a break away and gain its second goal of the match. In the 58th minute, a cross from midfield to Ivan Torres gave him the chance to shoot to the far left goal post; where the ball managed to hit the post and bounced back into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

Though they were falling behind, Temecula FC didn’t lose its determination to get on the board. Several close opportunities in front of the goal were made but were either saved or played out of bound.

In the 77th minute, Irvine Zeta FC would again extend their lead to 3-0 when Daniel Moreno would complete the pass from Mejia.

In the final minutes of the match, a foul made in Irvine Zeta FC’s goalie box would award Temecula FC Braedon O’Neill a penalty kick in the 90+1 minute. O’Neill was able to provide a goal for his team and end the match with a 3-1 score. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: Second half brace from Memo Rodriguez pushes LA Galaxy past Seattle Sounders

by

Memo Rodriguez of LA Galaxy celebrates after scoring a goal against the Seattle Sounders FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
Memo Rodriguez of LA Galaxy celebrates after scoring a goal against the Seattle Sounders FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

A goal three minutes into the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup gave LA Galaxy it’s upperhand and hold of possession to end with a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders.

LA Galaxy We Want The Cup shirt US Open Cup
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

“I did think we simplified the game, the ball moved a little bit quicker between guys. There’s times though, especially the first half where I think we have some momentum and to attack and we tend to turn back in and we turned it into a possession,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney.

The start of the half proved to be in the favor of the Galaxy. Only three minutes of possession, a shot just a few steps into the goalie box by Julian Aude would find its way in the top left hand corner of the net, placing them on the scoreboard early on.

Aude made history by scoring the fastest US Open Cup goal in the Galaxy’s team history. It was about 45 seconds faster than Jellen Van Damme’s third minute goal in a match against the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2017 Quarterfinals

“One of the objectives of this group is to get the first goal. It was nice to get it so early. As you said I think that that frees up the group a little bit as well and Julian when when the ball popped out, he took a great first touch. He had a good look and good angle and he got a hold of it,” Vanney said.

The Sounders now in a deficit with roughly 87 minutes to play; they slowly began to pick up the pace and match LA Galaxy’s intensity.

However, LA Galaxy remained on top of possession with a 60/40 hold, but fell short with only two shots on goal as opposed to the Sounders’ three.

In a final attempt to lengthen the score, a break away opportunity was created for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez but ended with him being rewarded a yellow card following the play. In the 42nd minute, he was called offsides and while stopping his run; he kicked the ball away from the Sounders’ goalie. 

The half ended shortly after with the home side in front 1-0.

As the second half commenced, both teams began to increase their level of aggression. Possession seemed to decrease from the Galaxy’s grasp and become more even. However, the increased intensity would lead the Sounders to receive their first yellow card of the night.

It wouldn’t be long until the Galaxy raised the score, in the 66th minute, in a small battle of possession, just feet from the goalie, Memo Rodriguez was able to get a foot on the ball and put it past the netminder. The Galaxy’s 2-0 lead wouldn’t last long.

Less than two minutes later, in a quick offensive play, a center from on the right side of the field found its way Sounders’ Paul Rothrock whose header missed the hands of Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and ended up in the back of the net to cut the lead in half.

Rodriguez would respond later in the 84th minute with his second goal of the match to restore the two-goal lead. This goal would also mark his sixth goal for his Open Cup career. His first four came with the Houston Dynamo. Three of them came during Houston’s 2018 US Open Cup title run.

“I thought it was a good night, good goals from all three, good goals, great for Memo to come on … and he’s been working really hard over this stretch,” said Vanney. “He hits the hardest balls on the team and he found himself with two good looks today.”

With only less than 10 minutes of the match left, the Sounders were unable to produce a comeback and the Galaxy win their opening round game for the eighth year in a row. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Orange County SC cruise past Capo FC, 5-0

by

Players from Orange County SC and Capo FC battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Orange County SC
Players from Orange County SC and Capo FC battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Orange County SC

In a calm and collective manner Orange County SC placed themselves in the next round after defeating Capristrano FC, 5-0, in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. 

The beginning of the match showcased the intensity of the play that would unfold in the first half. Right off the bat Capo FC demonstrated their eagerness to be the first on the board with a smooth play in front of OCSC goalie in the sixth minute but with Capo FC’s Hevany Ramos’ shot ending in the keepers hand.
 

“I think that 92 (Ramos) was basically started the show in the last game for them. So we knew all about the guy,” head coach Richard Chaplow said. “We knew it was a danger man. I’m glad that Capo but they didn’t get the goal because it showed our guys what I was talking about in the builder that they’re a dangerous team.”

Just a few minutes later in the 13th, another close opportunity from Capo FC’s Hevany Ramos would end up in the keeper’s hands yet again; fueling the Capo FC to find a way to finish their plays.

However, that determination would leave Capo FC to collect three yellow cards with more than 20 minutes of play left.

“We knew that we knew there will be physical. I would say I thought Capo, you know, tried to try to do what they needed to do to win the game and I respect that,” said Chaplow. 

OCSC continued to play with calmness though each of their shots were deflected multiple times, but still pushed offensively and in the 33rd minute they raised the score. 

In a one and one run from the left corner into the goalie box, Orange County’s Emil Nielsen found a shot to the bottom corner of the net to give them the lead.
 


The following minutes after their first goal, OCSC would have conceded two more goals but in each event, there would be an offside call that would keep them at a 1-0 scoreline.

Orange County’s Bryce Jamison would put Capo FC in a deficit right at the end of the first half in the first minute of stoppage time after heading a free kick from Daniel Penderson to give them a 2-0 lead.

Returning in the second half, Capo FC didn’t lighten up their physical intensity on the field. In the 58th minute, this would disrupt Orange County’s calm demeanor of play as they would receive their first yellow card of the match in order to compete with Capo’s attack. 

By the 62nd minute, the intensity level on the field had reached its all-time high. A foul would be committed where it seemed an elbow was thrown between two players, but ultimately, Capo FC’s Sergio Montes would receive his second yellow card of the evening and would exit the field. Capo FC continued on with only 10 players. 

In the 69th minute, OCSC would lengthen the lead with a goal by Milan Iloski who was assisted by Alexander Villaneuva. However, that would not end their scoring ride, in the 87th minute, Thomas Amang would bring Orange County up to 4 -0. 

With the game dwindling down, three minutes were added to the end of the half, but a penalty kick by Iloski would seal Orange County’s spot in the next round. 

“I think we had a lot of momentum we were very clinical finishing wise and finish our chances,” said Ruiz. 

 

2023 US Open Cup Qualifying: Capo FC need PKs to beat Orange County FC, earn first USOC berth

by

 

Capistrano FC celebrates after the club's PK shootout win over Orange County FC in the 2023 US Open Cup Qualifying touranment. Photo: Josiah Sanders
Capistrano FC celebrates after the club’s PK shootout win over Orange County FC in the 2023 US Open Cup Qualifying touranment. Photo: Josiah Sanders

In a nail-biting end in Round 4 of the U.S Open cup qualifier, Capistrano FC pulled off a 3-2 win in a penalty shootout over Orange County FC.

“I thought it was wide open ; it’s back and forth. They had big moments, and we had some big moments, but it just felt like the team that made the least mistakes would win the game. It’s just one of those games you hold your breath,” Capo FC’s head coach Peter Carey said.

As the first half commenced, it was evident that both teams were motivated to gain the lead. With time winding down on the clock, it was a possession battle between both teams. However, OC FC maintained possession more in the first 25 minutes with several close opportunities but could not finish them.

Slowly the match turned into a 50/50 possession, with both teams taking any opportunity to make offensive plays, only to end with a save or loss of the ball. Any mistake could have let either team gain the upper hand; however, defensively, both teams were working to keep the score at a draw.

Any close chance either OC FC or Capo FC would miss just added to the game’s intensity. Minor fouls were made, but it wouldn’t be until the 29th minute that Capo FC’s Brayan Herrera would be given a yellow card.

A second yellow card would be given out in the 37th minute to Capo FC’s Marcos Cervantes.

OC FC regained possession in front of Capo FC’s goal for three minutes but failed to make a goal because Capo FC’s goalie Nathan King made back-to-back saves to end their offensive push.

Nearing the end of the half, the score would remain 0-0, and a final yellow card would be given for this half to Capo’s FC Oliver Caprine in the 44th minute.

The second half was much like the first half. The consistency of possession remained between the two teams; the only difference that could be seen was the aggression and intensity the Capo players had come into the half with.

“We had enough to pull it off. And that we’ve, we felt we wanted a little bit more. And so you know, we were working hard for the golden calm, but we were able to keep them from scoring too,” Carey said.

Tempers slowly began to flare between players, and minor fouls became more frequent. This led to OC FC’s Cody Shelton being awarded his team’s first and only yellow card in the match.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

There would be no goals made by either team as they reached the end of the regulation period; the match headed to overtime.

The tension is now at all-time high between the teams to score and claim their spot in the U.S. Open Cup.

However, that was still a challenging quest as play continued to be a struggle for possession. The first 15 minutes of overtime remained scoreless. It was in the second half of overtime that OC FC would be able to change the score.

In the 115th minute, on a run, an OC FC player was fouled inside the goalie box, which was quickly awarded a penalty kick, creating the opportunity for what could have been the game-winning goal. However, a minute before, the sideline referee called offside on the OC FC player who made the initial run, thus retracting the penalty call.

Remaining scoreless in overtime, the teams now faced a penalty shootout. The first two players from OC FC and Capo FC made their shots. The following third player for both teams had their shots blocked by the goalie, still leaving the score at 2-2.

With the final two players left for both teams, the tense atmosphere loomed over the players and the crowd. Capo FC’s Hevany Ramos would make his goal, ultimately the game-winning goal. OC FC would miss the final three penalty kicks losing their chance to be in the U.S. Open Cup.

“We’ve created a platform for guys to play at a high level and continue to chase a dream … Everything’s positive with the Group. We’re a tight group … We come from a small community, so it’s a tight group of guys. It’s exciting because of all the work and commitment and stuff we make these guys do, and it’s paying off..” Carey said. “We’re enjoying the ride right now. We’re gonna keep pushing.”

2022 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Long-range winner helps Sacramento Republic score rare road upset of LA Galaxy

by

Sacramento Republic players celebrate after defeating the LA Galaxy 2-1 in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

A goal in the fourth minute of the quarterfinal match of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup foreshadowed Sacramento’ Republic FC’s 2-1 upset victory over the LA Galaxy on Tuesday night.

“​​I think shows that we’re a football club that can be that can compete with the elite clubs in this country … so proud of the group we have here and the result that we’ve achieved tonight,” said Sacramento Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs, who will lead his club into the Semifinals for the first time in team history.

This marks just the 14th time that a lower division team has advance to the US Open Cup Semifinals, and they are the ninth different club to do it. It is the fourth time that Sacramento has upset a MLS team

Sacramento also becomes just the second club (and the first lower division club) in the last 21 years to win a US Open Cup game on the Galaxy’s home field. 

A battle of possession looked to be in the favor of the LA Galaxy, however, that was short-lived when Sacramento FC created its first opportunity of the night.

Just four minutes into the match, a play from the backfield to its strikers, Sacramento Republic’s Douglas Martinez took possession of the ball and quickly released it to fellow teammate Rodrigo Lopez.

Lopez completed the pass from Martinez and put up Sacramento Republic FC on the board early on.

.It was Rodrigo Lopez’s seventh career US Open Cup goal, which pulled him ahead of Tommy Stewart on the Republic’s all-time tournament scoring list. It also gave him four goals for the 2022 US Open Cup which puts him alone atop the competition’s leaderboard.

His seven career goals and seven career assists in the US Open Cup give him 21 points which put the 35-year-old tied for 12th on the Modern Era’s scoring chart. 

A bit distraught by the early defect, the Galaxy began to increase their pressure on Sacramento. A few close shots were attempted from the added offensive push, but all would just barely skim outside the goal posts or were blocked by Sacramento’s goalie.

 

However, in front of Sacramento’s goal post, a small huddle appeared where both teams attempted to remove the ball and score at the same time. Unknowingly to both, the ball would be played by a Sacramento player and fall into their own goal.

The match would turn into a 1-1 score in the 18th minute.

With that unforeseen own goal, both teams were now eager to surpass the other. The momentum increased, but so did the aggressive play on the pitch. Two yellow cards were awarded to LA Galaxy, one in the 25th minute (Kevin Cabral) and the 42nd minute (Derrick Williams). Sacramento Republic FC did not just scrape the first half without a caution, as Jack Gurr received a yellow in the 37th minute.

However, the pace of the game would continue the same, and even with three minutes added to the half; neither team would take the lead.

Returning to the pitch for the second half, the aggressiveness from the first half continued to be prominent with both teams.

Though just like most of the match, opportunities were created but were just inches away from the goal.

It wasn’t until the 70th minute that Sacramento Republic FC would find itself finally taking back the lead. Luis Felipe Rodrigues would be just feet outside of the goalie box for a straight shot to the right side of the goal post and just inches out of the reach of LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann’s reach.

“It’s great for Luis, obviously, he was with San Jose for three years, and didn’t get the minutes that he would have liked. And he’s come to us and last year he was fantastic for us, playing defensive midfield and was one of our top goal scorers. And then this year, he’s carried on that form,” Briggs said.

The score was now 2-1 and with less than 20 minutes remaining in the match, LA Galaxy looked to create a comeback before the end of regulation time.

With no other close opportunities created by LA Galaxy, Sacramento Republic FC held on for the win to become the first lower division team to reach the Semifinals since FC Cincinnati of the USL (2nd div. pro) cracked the final four in 2017.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

It was a rare home loss for the Galaxy in the tournament. It was just the fourth time that the MLS side had lost a US Open Cup game at home, dropping their all-time record to to 25-4-0. Entering tonight, they had won their last six home games and 23 of their last 24 in the competition, a run that dates back to 2001, and includes a 2-0 win over the Sacramento Repubulic in the Round of 16 in 2017. 

“I think winning football games gives confidence or were focused on we want tonight we’re through to the semi-final, which is the next round. That’s all we can focus on. Take each game as it comes. Taking each opponent as it comes, makes you make sure the players are tactically set up correctly. Make sure the players understand our strengths, their weaknesses, and how we can win games and then ask the players to execute like they did tonight,” Briggs said.

The Republic will play the winner of Sporting Kansas City (MLS) and Union Omaha (USL League One) in the Semifinals. The host for that game, and the hosting priority for the US Open Cup Final will take place on Wednesday, June 23.

2022 US Open Cup Round 5: LA Galaxy win emotional USOC “El Trafico” with LAFC

by

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez of LA Galaxy celebrates during the club's 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against LAFC. Photo: LA Galaxy
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of LA Galaxy celebrates during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against LAFC. Photo: LA Galaxy

In a high emotion-driven round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, LA Galaxy would take the lead late into the second half and edge out Los Angeles Football Club in a 3-1 victory, and head to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2017. 

“I think the mentality, the confidence, the hunger, the bravery, and the confidence that we show … we need to maintain that,” said Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of the LA Galaxy. “And mostly in our home, you know, we want to make every team come here, and if they’re going to take any points, they need to give the game of their life. So I think today, it’s a great feeling. It’s a great game, what as well, it’s great, we set the bar there.”

The two Los Angeles clubs have had an instant rivalry since LAFC launched in 2018. That year, the “El Trafico” phrase was coined, however, despite meeting 15 times in all competitions entering Wednesday, the two teams have not played in the Open Cup.

As the whistle sounded at the commencement of the first half, both LAFC and LA Galaxy began with an aggressive force to gain possession. LA Galaxy would ultimately be the first at any attempts on goal with two being close to goals before the third minute of the match was even reached. 

However, LAFC goalie Maxime Crepeau would block those close calls and keep his team in a good rhythm defensively. 

The game continued with high energy, but that energy would materialize into a yellow card being awarded in the 11th minute. During an offensive attack by LAFC, a push from behind from LA Galaxy Marco Delgado would lead him to the first athlete awarded the card. 

As time passed during the first half, the score would remain at 0-0, with teams both pushing to keep possession and be the first on the scoreboard. 

Finally, in the 37th minute, LAFC had an opportunity to take the lead but was blocked by a slide from LA Galaxy. 

In a hurry to regain the possession in the 39th minute,  both teams rushed in the direction of the ball, but LA Galaxy’s Chicharito would body LAFC Diego Palacios much too aggressively causing him to flip over his back and leaving Palacios to land directly on his back. 

LAFC’s Kellyn Acosta was the player identified who pushed Chicharito following the foul and caused him to also land hard on the field as a quick instinct to protect his teammate. 

Both teams proceeded in a small scuffle as emotions overtook them as they were both raging from the fouls that were committed. Ultimately, Palacios was removed from the field with no signs of returning. Chicharito and Acosta would receive yellow cards for their actions. 

“There was a lot of emotion. I’ve heard speculation as to what kicked it off, but I didn’t see anything specific. Certainly, there was a lot of emotion in that game and it certainly carried over at the end,” LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said. 

The half would conclude a few minutes after with both teams scoreless. 

LA Galaxy We Want The Cup shirt US Open Cup
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

After ending the first half with a major foul, the energy going into the second half seemed to have increased just a bit as both teams are still focused on changing the score. 

Several attempts later, LA Galaxy would be the one to raise the score 1-0 in the 51st minute. LA Galaxy Samuel Grandsir was able to get the ball rolling just meters away from the goalie and  Kevin Cabral would gently slide to change the direction of the ball to the corner of the net and out of Crepeau’s reach. 

A few minutes later, in the 57th minute, Grandsir would create another opportunity for his fellow teammate Chicharito to beat LAFC on the run and gain their second goal of the night. 

LA Galaxy led 2-0 with plenty of time left in the match. 

LAFC tried to hold its composure after falling into a deficit but would fail as the team would gain another yellow card of the night. In an attempt to halt an offensive run, LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead would foul LA Galaxy’s Cabal from behind and force him to stumble to the ground. 

With the clock counting down, both teams pushed to make their final attempts on goal but possession would continue to go back and forth and all shots were blocked or out of range of the goal. 

Less than 10 minutes left in the match (82nd minute), Dejan Joveljic would lengthen the lead for LA Galaxy for a 3-0 score. 

It may have seemed to be the end of the match following Jovelijic’s goal, but LAFC didn’t lighten up and Jose Cifuentes found the opportunity to make an offensive play that ended with a header from Hollingshead changing the score 3-1 in the 85th minute. 

The last-minute goal by LAFC fueled the team with hopes of being able to tie the game. Five extra minutes were added to the second half, they were still unable to create the comeback they were in the midst of making. 

LA Galaxy knocks out LAFC from the US Open Cup with a final score of 3-1 and moves on to the next round where they will host the Sacramento Republic FC in a return to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2017.

The win also extends the Galaxy’s home winning streak in the Open Cup to six games

“This is the best, I think, the best game we played at home obviously I’m so you know, guys are just so happy and they want to continue this way at home. Because as you guys know, in the last couple of games, we’re not that we’re not up to par up to the level that we know. So to get a victory here an Open Cup against our rivals is perfect,” LA Galaxy Edwards Raheem said. 

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Dejan Joveljic brace helps LA Galaxy pull away from underdog Cal United Strikers

by

Dejan Joveljic of the LA Galaxy celebrates after scoring one of his two goals against California United Strikers in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
Dejan Joveljic of the LA Galaxy celebrates after scoring one of his two goals against California United Strikers in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

A sold-out Fourth-Round match of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open cup would result in LA Galaxy dominating in possession and shots that led to their 3-2 victory over the host California United Strikers in Irvine, Calif. 

“It very, very hard game, very tough game, they’re a very good team,” said Galaxy striker Dejan Joveljic who led the Galaxy with a pair of goals. “Of course, we won. I’m very happy because we’re in the next phase.”

At the start of the match, both teams began with a high level of intensity for play as the battle of possession was at hand.  However, LA Galaxy would be the first in front of the goal post but would not finish the opportunity they had created. 

While LA Galaxy gave strong offensive play against the CUSFC’s defense, it would still not be enough as they fall short of every set play. 

After defending their post, they had the opportunity to make an offensive stride that ultimately worked in its favor. 

In the 19th minute, a ball from CUSFC Anthony Edward López-Carillopass found its way through the center of the goalie box and into the feet of his teammate, Shinya Kadano, who was able to complete the shot and gain the lead early into the match. 

Falling behind early in the half fueled the Galaxy and changed the pace of the game. LA began to add extra pressure to the Strikers’ backline using its speed on top to its advantage. 

The game continued with the fast pace play but that would lead to a small scuffle where a foul would be made within the CUSFC’s goalie box. In the 45th minute, LA Galaxy’s Joveljić would make the penalty shot and end the half with the game tied at 1-1. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href=
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

“I think that we should finish this game in the first half, we played too slow,” Joveljić said about his team’s early performance. 

Beginning the second half with the game tied, the teams were both eager to be the first to change the score. 

At the start of the whistle, the LA Galaxy continued to have an offensive hold over the CUSFC’s defense but just as the first half showed, CUSFCs held their ground. The fast pace play carried on from the first half and did not lighten up. 

As most of the game went on with aggression from both teams, it wouldn’t be until the 72nd minute that a yellow card would finally be awarded. LA Galaxy Efran Alvarez would be given the card after fouling a CUSFC player with a push from behind. 

However, this occurrence would not affect how LA Galaxy played, and a few minutes later, in the 80th minute, a pass from Alvarez from the far corner of the post to Owen Lambe would break the tie. 

Lamb, who was signed to a short-term loan prior to the game, gave the Galaxy a 2-1 lead.

Just moments later, a penalty would be called again in the CUSFC goalie box leaving Joveljic against Cal United Jean Antoine yet again. He would lengthen the lead, 3-1 in the 83rd minute. 

“I helped my team with my two goals. But Sacha helped me a lot because he gave me a shot at those penalties. He’s truly there,” Joveljić said. 

With LA Galaxy leaving CUSFC behind on the scoreboard, it would give the team a boost of motivation as the final minutes of the game approached. 

In the 88th minute, CUSFC’s Kevin Garcia-Lopez would navigate through traffic in the penalty area and receive a perfectly-timed pass and put the ball past Galaxy netminder Jonathan Klinsmann to cut the lead to one.  

However, the match would end after just three minutes of stoppage time with the Galaxy LA Galaxy dominating 3-2 over CUSFC. 

The next round draw for the US Open cup will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: LAFC blanks Timbers to reach third straight Round of 16

by

LAFC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Portland Timbers in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC
LAFC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Portland Timbers in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

The Fourth Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup went off without a hitch for the Los Angeles Football Club as steady possession and set plays led them to a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. 

“We’re ecstatic to be a round further in the Open Cup, Portland is a tough team to beat,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. “I think for the most part we were satisfied with how we played. I think our matchplay was correct and I think they implemented it well. In these tight games, plays or set pieces are kind of what unlock the match and results.” 

As the whistle sounded at the beginning of the first half, both teams were eager to capitalize on any opportunity they created to be the first on the board. 

LAFC would have its first shot of the match in the fourth minute but would ultimately end up being blocked by Portland goalkeeper David Bingham. 

Another close save was made by Portland would follow in the 13th minute when a shot from LAFC would brush off the fingers of Bingham and was deflected away from the goal. 

Time would pass in the first half with both teams keeping a steady possession. The intensity on the field slowly would increase as each team continued to change the score, but both teams displayed great defensive work stopping any opportunity. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href=
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

It would be in the 32nd minute when LAFC’s Kwadwo Opuku entered from behind the defensive line and a short pass in front of the goalie was completed by his teammate Cristiano Arango; putting LAFC in the lead. 

“I get a chance to look at Ryan pass so at that point I tried to find the first post and the ball was set and flicked it with the heel and the rest was the goal. It was amazing,” Arango said. 

The remaining minutes of the half carried on with both teams playing almost a 50/50 possession and strong defensive lines. The first half would end with LAFC still in the lead, 1-0. 

As the second half was underway, the momentum of the game seemed to increase just a bit for Portland as they trailed behind. 

In the 49th minute, Portland would find themselves in a close opportunity to even the score when a shot right in the center of the goalie box would be inches away from Nathan Fogaca. However, a collision would occur between Fogaca and LAFC goalie Maxime Crepeau who stepped out to clear the ball from his zone. 

By the 54th minute, LAFC would find themselves lengthening their lead. A subtle pass through the middle of the goalie box would end with Mamadou Fall seeing the pass and taking the chance to finish the play. 

“What first came to my mind was they have been telling us to play those balls any chance we get,” Fall said. 

LAFC reigns 2-0 over the Portland with less than 40 minutes remaining in the match. 

With fouls adding up throughout the match and riling up both teams, a yellow card would finally be called in the 60th minute and awarded to LAFC’s Danny Musovski. 

It wouldn’t be long until another yellow card was shown on the field. The card was awarded to Portland’s Fogaca in the 65th minute. 

In the 73rd minute, Portland would try their luck as they created two opportunities in front of LAFC’s goal, but Crepeau deflected each occurrence leaving LAFC with possession. 

Portland had just under 20 minutes left to create a comeback but LAFC’s defense would hold its shape. Crepeau would finish with six saves to earn a clean sheet in his Open Cup debut.

The match would conclude in LAFC’s favor, 2-0, and push them through to the Round of 16 for the third tournament in a row.

The draw for the next round of the US Open cup will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

Copyright © 2025 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development