(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: Once again LAFC interrupted its winning, and very entertaining MLS schedule to take part in the annual Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament. Head Coach, Steve Cherundolo took his hand-picked team, composed of several veteran LAFC1 players plus a strong and young group of players who are on the roster for LAFC2’s Next Pro Squad. On Tuesday, 5/9, they traveled to Northern California, specifically to the city of Seaside, CA to play the Monterey Bay Football Club in the Opening Round battle between these two of (32) teams seeking the title of Champion.

In a brief recap, LAFC trailed (2-1) late into the match, when in the 105th minute of play, the 18 year-old teenager, Mathius Maia scored the tying goal to make it (2-2). Then, when the match ended in a tie due to the expiration of overtime, the penalty kick shootout was set for the decision to render a declared winner for advancement to the next round. 

LAFC will move on to the 2nd round of 16 when they learn of their opponent this Thursday at 11:00 am. Give a good read to the Communications Staff’s press announcement for all of the match details.

Here is the account of the Match as presented by the LAFC Communications Staff.

LAFC DEFEATS MONTEREY BAY FC IN PENALTY KICKS TO ADVANCE TO ROUND OF 16 OF LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) defeated USL team Monterey Bay FC Wednesday night on the road in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 in a penalty kick shootout after the match ended 2-2 after overtime.

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The young LAFC lineup featured six starters from LAFC2, the club’s MLS Next Pro squad, as head coach Steve Cherundolo opted to rotate the team as the Black & Gold prepares for the Concacaf Champions League Final against Mexico’s Club León.

Monterey, LAFC Homegrown forward Christian Torres, in his U.S. Open Cup debut, scored first, finding the back of the net in the 25th minute to give LAFC the advantage. Monterey Bay leveled the score in the 90th minute on a goal from Simon Dawkins, and then took the lead in the 95th minute of overtime on a goal from Jesse Maldonado. LAFC forward, 18-year-old Matheus Maia, would answer back in the 105th minute to even the score at 2-2.

The game would be decided by kicks from the penalty spot where LAFC would come out on top, 5-4. Veteran LAFC goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic turned in a standout performance, scoring a goal and making two saves – including the game-winning save in the sixth round of PKs – to help LAFC advance past Monterey Bay FC.

The Black & Gold await their opponent in the Round of 16 draw on Thursday, May 11 at 11 AM PT to learn the details of their next match. LAFC now turns its attention back to the MLS regular season as they prepare to take on Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Saturday, May 13.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM PT and will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and on radio on ESPN 710 AM and 980 AM La Mera Mera.