Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Los Angeles Galaxy

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 Quarterfinals: Wondolowski’s brace gives Earthquakes first USOC win over rival Galaxy

by

Chris Wondolowski scored two goals in the San Jose Earthquakes' 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy in the 2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: ISI Photos | San Jose Earthquakes
Chris Wondolowski scored two goals in the San Jose Earthquakes’ 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy in the 2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: ISI Photos | San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes were able to overcome an early one-goal deficit to the Los Angeles Galaxy to win 3-2 and advance to the US Open Cup Semifinals for just the second time in club history. They were led by captain Chris Wondolowski who scored two of San Jose’s three goals to give them their first-ever win over their California Clasico rivals.

With the win, the Earthquakes advance to the Semifinals for the first time since 2004 as the club seeks its first US Open Cup title. They will play the winner of Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas. The home team will be determined after the Quarterfinals are complete.

The Galaxy opened the scoring in the 3rd minute of the match when Jaime Villarreal played in a corner kick and found the rising head of Jelle Van Damme, who powered it home to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.

“You know the guy is one of the best in the league at what he does on set pieces,” said Earthquakes’ head coach Chris Leitch about the goal.

After going down early, the Quakes seemed to wake up and really start taking the game to their opponent. It wasn’t long before they were creating chances of their own and were able to find the equalizer.

Wondolowski, who has scored numerous goals against the Galaxy over the years, found the back of the net for the first time in the 16th minute to draw the scores level at one a piece. He received a pass at the top of the box, just outside the penalty area, he put the ball to his left foot and fired a shot toward goal. The strike wasn’t the hardest shot of his career, but it was just enough to beat Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe who dove to his right unsuccessfully. It wasn’t the most spectacular finish, but he did what he needed to do. “He puts on frame which he does every single time goes in,” said Leitch about the goal. San Jose continued to take the game to their rivals, creating several more dangerous opportunities in the first half. Jahmir Hyka hit the cross bar off a clever back heel attempt, before Nick Lima turned and fired his shot just wide minutes later. The best chance for San Jose to take the lead in the first half came when Nick Lima played in a perfect cross to Hyka who missed the target somehow from point blank range as the half finished 1-1.

The Earthquakes would come out of the locker room with a fast start. Six minutes into the second half, Tommy Thompson found Wondolowski for the second time as he drove a cross into the box that found the head of the US international who beat the keeper to give San Jose the lead. It was Wondo’s sixth career US Open Cup goal, and his fourth for the Earthquakes, which ties him with Ronald Cerritos for the club record.

Danny Hoesen of the San Jose Earthquakes strikes a pose after scoring the third goal of the game (his second of the tournament) against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: ISI Photos | San Jose Earthquakes
Danny Hoesen of the San Jose Earthquakes strikes a pose after scoring the third goal of the game (his second of the tournament) against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: ISI Photos | San Jose Earthquakes

“Two goals is what the guy does,” said Leitch about his captain. “It’s really good to see your club captain be the leader on the field and get it done, but then in the locker room, in the community and for the organization, you can’t ask for a thing more out of what Wondolowski brings.”

Wondolowski, who normally wears the No. 8 shirt for the Quakes, was wearing No. 38, in honor of teammate Mathias Silva, who is recovering from an incident where he nearly drowned during a Fourth of July gathering. Silva recently emerged from a coma and is on the path to recovery.

The San Jose head coach was also happy with the play of Thompson who provided the assist on each of the first two goals.

“He’s in a creative attacking role. I hope he’s loose. I hope he’s creative, and he’s picking his times to take risks. That is what we want,” said Leitch.

The Earthquakes would add an insurance goal when Danny Hoesen found himself on the breakaway on the right wing in the 62nd minute and beat Rowe, to make the score 3-1. It was the 50th US Open Cup goal in Earthquakes history.

The Galaxy pushed hard to get themselves back into the match after going down a second goal. They were able to get one goal back in the 84th minute when Ariel Lassiter’s shot rebounded off Jackson Yueill before bouncing off goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell and into the net for an own goal. However, this would not be enough as the San Jose Earthquakes were able to beat their rivals for the first time ever in this competition. (1-4-1, 0-1 PK)

“We’ve won a couple of these US Open Cup games. They are important. It’s an opportunity to win a trophy for this organization. It’s an opportunity to play Champions League,” said Leitch about the importance of the Open Cup. “I don’t know a single guy in that locker room that doesn’t enjoy winning and doesn’t enjoy the idea of winning a trophy, and we are two games away from that.”

With the victory, the Quakes move to 14-10-6 (3-3 PK) all time in US Open Cup Play and 7-5-2 (1-1 PK) at home. With just one more victory, they can reach the final of the Cup for the first time in the club’s history. They also broke the Club’s attendance record for the tournament with 14,056 at Avaya on Monday night. The Quakes will play the winner of the FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City match for the right to go to the final.

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Live Video: Galaxy, Earthquakes bring California Clasico back to Open Cup (live video)

by

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Monday, July 10 – 10:30 p.m. EST
Avaya Stadium – San Jose, CA

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner will play Sporting KC / FC Dallas winner (Site / Date TBD)

San Jose Earthquakes Open Cup records
Overall: 13-10-6 (3-3 PK) | Home: 6-5-2 (1-1 PK) | Away: 7-5-3 (2-1 PK) | vs. MLS: 1-7-3 (0-3 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 2-0 at Portland Timbers of MLS in Round 4)
Best finish: 2004 Semifinals (Lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards of MLS)
Leading goalscorer: Four players tied with 1 (Cordell Cato, Danny Hoesen, Shea Salinas, Jackson Yueill)

Los Angeles Galaxy Open Cup records
Overall: 30-14-1 (1-0 PK) | Home: 21-3-0 | Away: 9-11-1 (1-0 PK) | vs. MLS: 12-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. FC Dallas of MLS in Semifinals)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer: Ariel Lassiter (2)

The California Clasico will decide the first of four US Open Cup semifinalists in 2017. The San Jose Earthquakes will host long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Galaxy, at Avaya Stadium in the Quarterfinals on Monday, July 10. The LA Galaxy has never lost to San Jose in Open Cup play, currently holding a 4-0-1 (1-0 PKs) record over their rivals in this competition. Only two other matchups (Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers / New England Revolution vs. Rochester Rhinos with 7 each) in the Modern Era are more common than the Galaxy and the Earthquakes will face off for the sixth time on Monday night.

Avaya Stadium will be the site of the sixth all-time US Open Cup meeting between the San Jose Earthquakes and the L.A. Galaxy. The Galaxy have advanced in all five previous meetings. File Photo: Center Line Socket
Avaya Stadium will be the site of the sixth all-time US Open Cup meeting between the San Jose Earthquakes and the L.A. Galaxy. The Galaxy have advanced in all five previous meetings. File Photo: Center Line Socket

The two California MLS clubs have already met twice this year in league play with each side winning one game. On July 1, in the annual match between the two clubs at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, the home fans were treated to an epic last-minute winner from long-time Earthquake player, Shea Salinas. This was after the captains of both sides, Jelle Van Damme and Chris Wondolowski, had each hit the back of the net to make the score 1-1 heading into stoppage time.

In the first match between the two sides back on May 27, the Galaxy won 4-2 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose. Giovani Dos Santos led the way for LA with two goals that night, while Emmanuel Boateng scored as well. The host got goals from Wondolowski, who always seems to score against the Galaxy, and Daniel Hoesen, who also scored the match winner in the last round of the Cup for San Jose.

The Earthquakes come into the Open Cup match off of a tough road loss in Atlanta. This was the team’s first loss under new head coach Chris Leitch. San Jose took the lead early through Tommy Thompson’s first-ever goal for the club, but then went down to 10 men when Kofi Sarkodie got a second yellow in the first half. Wondolowski scored for the Quakes in the second half to level the match at two before Atlanta United scored twice more late in the game to win the match 4-2.

San Jose reached the Quarterfinals of the Open Cup by knocking off the NASL’s San Francisco Deltas 2-0 in the Fourth Round at home. They then got by a 10-man Seattle Sounders in the Round of 16 off of a late winner from Daniel Hoesen in a 2-1 win at Avaya. This was the Earthquakes’ first-ever win over a MLS side in their history in the Open Cup proper rounds (1-7-3, 0-3 PKs). With a victory over LA, the San Jose would equal its best-ever run in the Cup when they reached the Semifinals back in 2004. That year, they featured players like Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, Dwayne De Rosario, and Jeff Agoos.

The Earthquakes currently sit in fifth place in the MLS Western Conference standings and are currently 2-1 in all competitions under new head coach Chris Leitch. Leitch picked up his first-ever win as a head coach in the last round of the Open Cup and his first loss against Atlanta United on July 4. Leitch won the Cup as a player for the Columbus Crew back in 2002. The key player for the Earthquakes will be Wondolowski, who has a knack for scoring in big games against the Galaxy. He has scored twice against them already this year.

Their opponent, the LA Galaxy, are coming off of a tough period that has seen them battle through multiple player injuries and absences. Following the heartbreaking California Clasico loss, the Galaxy were beaten down by Real Salt Lake at home in their annual 4th of July match, 6-2. At the time, Real was in last place. The Galaxy won just one game in the month of June outside of US Open Cup play and have yet to win in July.

The Galaxy, a two-time champions of the US Open Cup (2001, 2005), reached the Quarterfinals of this year’s tournament without playing a MLS side in their first two rounds of action. They beat Orange County SC (USL) at Stubhub Center Track and Field Stadium, 3-1. Both Jack McBean and Jose Villarreal, two former Galaxy Academy products, found the back of the net. They then got by another USL team, the Sacramento Republic, by a score of 2-0. Ariel Lassiter scored his 2nd goal in as many Open Cup games for LA, while another Galaxy Academy product, Bradford Jamieson, added the second goal.

The Galaxy have a 30-14-1 (1-0 PKs) all-time record in the tournament, the seventh-most wins of the Modern Era. However, last year, the Galaxy reached the Semifinals of the tournament for the first time since they won it all in 2006. From 2007-2014, they failed to qualify twice, were one-and-done to a lower division team three times, and lost to a lower division team in the second game three times.

The Galaxy have dropped out of the playoff spot in the MLS Western Conference and into 7th place following the losses this past week. The return of a few Galaxy leaders will be key as LA looks to bounce back from this rough patch. Giovani Dos Santos has returned to the Galaxy following his time with Mexico at the Confederations Cup, while Jelle Van Damme looks set to return after a red card suspension stemming from the end of the July 1 California Clasico. This kept him out of the match against Real Salt Lake on July 4.

The winner of this Open Cup match will earn a ticket to the semifinals against the winner of the match between Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas on the following night. The hosting scenarios will be decided following the conclusion of all four games to be played in the quarterfinal round.

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

2016 US Open Cup Round 5: Los Angeles Galaxy edge Portland Timbers to reach Quarterfinals

by

Photo: Diego Diaz for ProstAmerika.
Photo: Diego Diaz for ProstAmerika.

It seemed like the ideal situation.

For years, the Portland Timbers have played the majority of their Open Cup matches on the road in hostile environments (see: last year’s win against Seattle at Starfire) but finally, the cards had fallen their favor: first one, then a second home match.

But their opponent in that second match, the LA Galaxy, proved to be too much for the Timbers to handle.

“It’s disappointing to be out of the competition,” Portland head coach Caleb Porter said after Portland’s 1-0 loss to the Galaxy Wednesday night at Providence Park. “I think what makes it even more disappointing is losing the home game. Obviously this year, we had a couple games at home and if we would have won this one, we would have been back at home.”

“I thought we lost the game in the first ten minutes,” Porter continued. “I thought the last 80 minutes, we were the better team.”

The lone goal of the game came in that first ten minutes when a fifth minute pass from Emmanuel Boateng found Raul Mendiola 15 yards out. Mendiola put the ball into the bottom corner past Portland keeper Wade Hamilton and that was that.

Where the Timbers struggled to find their defensive footing (the team’s MLS lineup is captained by veteran centerback Liam Ridgewell, who was not included on its Open Cup roster), LAG’s defenders allowed no space for Portland to move offensively.

“It’s a game of moments,” Porter said. “Too much back-foot defending, you need to be more aggressive. I do think a part of that was not having Ridgy in there. He’s the guy that leads the line. You sort it out over the next 80 minutes and it wasn’t sorted out.”

“We played very well,” Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. “We have a very good team, we just haven’t had it together this year for long periods of time…It was a game we thought we could win and I was real pleased we could come here and walk away with the win.”

“I was surprised so many people came out,” Arena said. “The field’s much better this year with the new surface. It’s never easy, but if you have to play on an artificial field, this is the one to play on. The combination of a great environment and the fact that you can play a little bit on this field as opposed to some of the others is good. All the credit always to the Portland supporters. They do a magnificent job for their team. You know, one day, we’d like to see the whole league look like Portland in terms of their base of support.”

FULL MATCH REPLAY

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)

Things you should know about the Third Round of the US Open Cup

by

Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers
Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time against the Portland Timbers of MLS. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers

MORE: Notable upsets in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Since the expanded format in 1997, a USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) team has failed to reach the Third Round just six times (1998, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2019). The recent struggles can be attributed to the fact that in 2007, the format was changed so that all non-MLS teams began the tournament in the First Round, unlike previous tournaments where USL League Two teams were matched up with other Open Division clubs. In more recent years, that format has been altered slightly where the First Round is exclusively Open Division clubs, with lower division pro teams entering in Round 2 and Round 3.

The biggest rout in the Third Round during the Modern Era came in 2014 when the Sacramento Republic (USL PRO) defeated the Fresno Fuego (PDL) 6-0.

In their 1998 Third Round match, Major League Soccer’s Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Worcester Wildfire of the A-League combined for nine cautions, and saw four players sent off. Tampa Bay won the match on penalties, after finishing extra time drawn 2-2.

The attendance record for the Third Round during the Modern Era is technically 20,376, which was set in 1999 by the Colorado Rapids when they hosted the Seattle Sounders (USL) at Mile High Stadium. The number of fans who actually watched the game is unknown because that game was part of a doubleheader with the U.S. Men’s National Team who were playing against English club Derby County. Since that game, the highest attendance in a Third Round game has been 17,212. This was set on May 29, 2012 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah when Real Salt Lake of MLS hosted the Minnesota Stars FC of the NASL. Unfortunately for the home team, they lost 3-1.

The highest scoring Modern Era Open Cup game occurred in the Third Round on July 19, 2005 when the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) defeated the Ocean City Barons (now the Ocean City Nor’easters of USL League Two) 8-4. The game was played at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Va., a week after the original match was re-scheduled due to bad weather. The Barons scored first in the 4th minute, but Richmond stormed back with four goals in less than 20 minutes. With the score 4-1, Ocean City scored a pair of goals on either side of halftime to cut the lead to one. At that point, Neil Holloway, the Barons player/manager made some offensive-minded substitutions and pushed for the equalizer, but at that point, the flood gates opened and Richmond scored four more in the second half. The game would finish 8-4. The previous total goals record was shared by a pair of games. In 1995, the Seattle Sounders (A-League, now USL-1) defeated the Everett BigFoot (USISL Pro, now USL-2) 9-2 and in 1999 the San Diego Flash (A-League) cruised past the Arizona Sahuaros (D3 Pro, 3rd Division) by the same score.

In 2007, a record five MLS teams were upset in the Third Round, with only three clubs advancing to the next round. It was the fewest MLS teams to enter the Quarterfinals in the Modern Era (1995-present).

On five occasions, a pair of 3rd Division clubs have won Third Round games in the same tournament. In 2007, the Richmond Kickers (1-0 win vs. Los Angeles Galaxy) and the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-0 win vs. DC United) were victorious. Two years later, in 2009, the Wilmington Hammerheads won another Third Round match (their fourth) and with the Harrisburg City Islanders, they were the second pair of USL-2 teams to reach the Quarterfinals in the same season. In 2010, the City Islanders made it two years in a row, upsetting the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in overtime, while the Charleston Battery (who moved down to the 3rd Division after several years in the 2nd Division) eliminated the Chicago Fire of MLS in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless draw. In 2012, with the expanded tournament (64 teams), three clubs from the 3rd Division reached Round 4. The Harrisburg City Islanders erased a 3-0 deficit in the second extra time period, forced penalty kicks and upset the New England Revolution. The Charlotte Eagles knocked off FC Dallas 2-0, while the Dayton Dutch Lions surprised the Columbus Crew by winning the first ‘Ohio Derby’ by a score of 2-1. In 2013, Orlando City SC upset their first MLS team, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 3-1, while the Charleston Battery upset the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0.

In 2014, seven 3rd Division clubs (USL PRO) and in 2015, 12 advanced past the Third Round, but this was largely due to a change in format where Major League Soccer didn’t enter the tournament until Round 4. In 2016, that number dropped to six.

In 2004, a Modern Era record four Open Division teams reached the Third Round. All four teams were from USL Leageu Two (PDL) and all four of them lost by a single goal (three of them by golden goal) in their Round 3 matches:

* Boulder Rapids Reserve lost to the Minnesota Thunder (A-League, Division II) 2-1 in sudden death extra time
* Carolina Dynamo lost to the Atlanta Silverbacks (A-League, Division II) 3-2 in sudden death extra time
* Cape Cod Crusaders lost to the Richmond Kickers (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in sudden death extra time
* Chicago Fire Reserves lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in regulation.

In 2013, that record was matched with four new teams:

* Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) lost 2-1 at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL) lost 2-0 at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
* Reading United (PDL) lost 2-0 at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
* FC Tucson (PDL) lost 2-0 at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

In 2015, that record was broken with FIVE teams:

* Chattanooga FC (NPSL) lost 2-1 (AET) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
* Chula Vista (USASA) lost 7-3 at Sacramento Republic (USL)
* Jersey Express (PDL) lost 3-0 at New York Cosmos (NASL)
* PSA Elite (USASA) defeated Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 2-1 (1st all-Open Division Round 3 matchup)

In 2016, that number was up to SEVEN:

* Lansdowne Bhoys (USASA)
* Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
* Jersey Express (PDL)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL)
* La Maquina (USASA)
* LA Wolves FC (USASA)
* Kitsap Pumas (PDL)

In 2006, four more Open Division clubs reached Round 3, but for the first time, TWO of them advanced:

* Dallas Roma FC eliminated Chivas USA of MLS 4-2 in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw to become the first USASA club to eliminate a Major League Soccer team.
* Carolina Dynamo defeated the Seattle Sounders (USL First Division, Division II) 3-2 after extra time
* Michigan Bucks lost to the Columbus Crew (MLS, Division I) 4-1
* Des Moines Menace lost to the Kansas City Wizards (MLS, Division I) 2-1

In 2014, due to an increase in Open Division entries and a change in format (most teams beginning in Round 2), a record 12 Open Division clubs reached the Third Round. Three of them advanced.

In 2012, for just the second time in the Modern Era, two Open Division teams advanced beyond Round 3, but both of them were particularly historic:

*The Michigan Bucks became just the fourth USL League Two (PDL) team to eliminate a Major League Soccer team when they defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. With the win, they also became the first Open Division team to defeat multiple MLS teams in club history after they upset the New England Revolution in Foxboro, Mass. in 2000.

* Cal FC, a USASA club from Southern California managed by former US international Eric Wynalda, not only became the first USASA team to score a goal against a Major League Soccer team, but they became the first to defeat one. (Dallas Roma FC won their game in PKs, and therefore is officially a draw) Cal FC upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Ore. Cal FC joined the Michigan Bucks as the only Open Division team to defeat an MLS team on the road, but the Bucks’ upset of New England in 2000 remains the only time an Open Division team has done it within 90 minutes.

In 2003, the Fresno Fuego (PDL) became the first Open Division team to win a Third Round game in the Modern Era (1995-present), upsetting the El Paso Patriots (A-League, Division II) by a score of 5-2.

Prior to 2014, only 12 3rd Division clubs have ever advanced beyond the Third Round. In 2015, seven NEW clubs advanced. San Antonio FC was the only new USL teams to accomplish that feat in 2016.

Wilmington Hammerheads (2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2016)
Harrisburg City Islanders (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
Charleston Battery (2010, 2013, 2015)
Richmond Kickers (2007, 2011, 2014, 2015)
Charlotte Eagles (2012)
Dayton Dutch Lions (2012)
Orlando City SC (2013, 2014)
San Francisco Bay Seals (1997)
Rochester Rhinos (2014, 2015, 2016)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2014, 2015)
Arizona United SC (2014)
Seattle Sounders 2 (2015)
Charlotte Independence (2015)
Louisville City FC (2015)
Saint Louis FC (2015)
Oklahoma City FC Energy (2015, 2016)
Austin Aztex (2015)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2015, 2016)
Sacramento Republic (2014, 2015)
San Antonio FC (2016)

Note: The format of the 2014 US Open Cup changed so Major League Soccer teams didn’t begin the tournament until Round 4 to accommodate the increase in teams (80).

In the Modern Era, only 16 open division teams have advanced beyond the Third Round:

Fresno Fuego (2003, PDL)
Des Moines Menace (2005, PDL)
Dallas Roma FC (2006, USASA)
Carolina Dynamo (2006, PDL)
Cal FC (2012, USASA)
Michigan Bucks (2012, PDL)**
Orlando City U23s (2014, PDL)
Laredo Heat (2014, PDL)
PSA Elite (2014, USASA)
PSA Elite (2015, USASA)*
Kitsap Pumas (2016, PDL)
La Maquina (2016, USASA)*
Christos FC (2017, USASA)*
Miami United FC (2018, NPSL)*
NTX Rayados (2018, USASA)*
FC Golden State Force (2018, PDL)**
Orange County FC (2019, NPSL)

** Defeated a MLS team in Round 3
* Defeated an Open Division team in Round 3

2015 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Real Salt Lake spoils Steven Gerrard’s LA Galaxy debut with late winner (video)

by

Real Salt Lake celebrate Aaron Maund's game-winning goal in the 87th minute against the LA Galaxy. Photo: Tino Arana | Prost Amerika
Real Salt Lake celebrate Aaron Maund’s game-winning goal in the 87th minute against the LA Galaxy. Photo: Tino Arana | Prost Amerika

Aaron Maund scored his first professional goal as Real Salt Lake continued its 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run with a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Maund’s header from Luke Mulholland’s cross in the 87th minute caught Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe off balance, and RSL keeper Jeff Attinella finished with four saves and a clean sheet to preserve the result.

“I don’t think a lot of people outside this locker room thought we were going to win this game tonight – and we did,” Attinella told Chris Kamrani of The Salt Lake Tribune.

The victory advances RSL to the Semifinals where the club will play the winner of next week’s Houston Dynamo-Sporting Kansas City match. The date of the match is expected to be Aug. 11 or 12. It’s the second appearance in the Open Cup Semifinals in the last three seasons for Real Salt Lake, who were runners-up in 2013.

“That game could have gone either way,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “Credit to them; They’re the ones that finished it off.”

Maund’s goal culminated heaping pressure from RSL, which produced 10 corner kicks – three in a span of less than two minutes – and controlled possession for long stretches.

“(Luke) puts a perfect ball in there, just got get my head on it, so credit to Luke,” Maund told Kamrani. “I get in good spots, but I’m heading it up. Finally I was able to get my head down and get it on target.”

Steven Gerrard made his LA Galaxy debut in the US Open Cup against Real Salt Lake in the Quarterfinals. Photo: Tino Arana | Prost Amerika
Steven Gerrard made his LA Galaxy debut in the US Open Cup against Real Salt Lake in the Quarterfinals. Photo: Tino Arana | Prost Amerika

L.A.’s newest Designated Player, Steven Gerrard, came on to start the second half and had a one-on-one opportunity against Attinella in the 55th minute which RSL’s reserve keeper pushed aside.

“I’m going to save the YouTube clip, probably,” Attinella said.

Attinella, starting while Nick Rimando is away on international duty at the Gold Cup, was otherwise rarely tested.

“It’s always tough when you lose on the road, especially towards the end of the game,” said Gerrard. “We had some good chances to at least take the game to extra time.

“I’m strangely very happy at the moment,” he added. “It gave me a flavor of the MLS standard tonight. I’m very confident that the goals and the assists and the dangerous play will come to me in the future.”

Part of the challenge for the England international is trying to get match fit and playing a game at roughly 4,500 feet.

“I think always when you play at altidude when you have your first couple of strides or sprints, you feel it in your throat, and you feel it in your lungs. As soon as I got my second wind, I was fine,” said Gerrard. “I felt really dangerous. I felt like when I came in and played behind Robbie (Keane) we were creating chances, but unfortunately we never took one.”

Combined with his exhibition debut against Club America, Gerrard has had four shots on goal but has yet to score in over 90-plus minutes in the Galaxy’s previous two games but has yet to produce his first goal or assist.

The Galaxy, last season’s Major League Soccer champions, were eliminated from the Open Cup with a shutout for the third year in a row. The road has not been kind to the Galaxy either with Los Angeles getting eliminated from the tournament away from home eight straight years. They are still seeking their first Open Cup title since 2005.

RSL advance to the final four where they are seeking to become the first Utah-based club to ever win the US Open Cup.

AARON MAUND’S GAME-WINNER FOR RSL
POSTGAME: STEVEN GERRARD

POSTGAME: LA GALAXY HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA

FULL MATCH REPLAY: LA GALAXY AT REAL SALT LAKE

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development