US Open Cup action is back for LAFC tonight, as the team are back at home with a little unexpected rest. With their last match against Houston Dynamo being postponed due to weather – here is hoping all our Texas friends are safe – LAFC were able to sneak in an extra bit of rest as they prepare for the final few matches ahead of the Olympic Break and subsequent start of the Leagues Cup. A matchup against the Seattle Sounders awaits the winner of this USOC matchup.
Chasing Hardware.
Chasing History. #LAFC | @opencup pic.twitter.com/hg656Gube6— LAFC (@LAFC) July 10, 2024
Trophy hunters
While the US Open Cup has been on the receiving end of some wild disrespect this year, it is still the most prestigious cup an MLS side can win. Maybe not as sexy as the Champions League, but before we even had that tournament, we had the US Open Cup, and for LAFC, the time has come to lift the trophy that has eluded them so far. Surprisingly, the team has only gotten past this Quarterfinals round just once, during their inaugural season in 2018. Since then they have been knocked out right around this round, the past two times to rivals LA Galaxy.
To be fair, this is usually the least prioritized tournament, and with LAFC having had their schedules full with other competitions in recent years, this is usually where we see the youth and reserves given play time. While we will likely see the same tonight, there will be extra motivation for the team to really put their best foot forward. Outside of the Shield race and MLS Cup, this is the only other trophy LAFC can hoist this season, After their tough sweep in Finals last season, the black & gold will be looking to add some silverware to a cabinet longing for some company.
Avoiding the Cupset
New Mexico United may be a team from the USL Championship – the second division of football here in the US – but they are far from a bad team. Sitting atop the West in the USL, they are a team that is coming into this match in form and unafraid. “They are a team that also has some MLS experience” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo ahead of this match. “They are very clear in the way they play, a direct team, quite a physical team so its not going to be easy for us. I expect a rested New Mexico, a fit New Mexico, and a team that will put everything on the line to advance.
We already saw one upset this tournament last night, with USL Championship side Indy Eleven, getting past Atlanta United. LAFC do not want to be the latest team to suffer that fate, especially given the way their form is right now. This is not the match you want snapping the run and ending your hopes at some silverware this season. Again, we fully expect to see a bit more of the kids out there, but the team would be smart to keep guys like Kei Kamara and Denis Bouanga close by just in case the chaos gets to be too much.
How To Watch
The match is set to kickoff at 8:00pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. The broadcast can be seen for free this time, on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for the radio broadcast can find it on 710 ESPN LA, as well as the ESPN LA App for English and 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish.
Thoughts ahead of the match? Leave a comment below!