Another week, another tournament for LAFC. After suffering their first MLS loss of the season just a few days ago against the San Jose Earthquakes, the team stayed up North to face off against USL Championship side, Monterey Bay FC. This midweek matchup wasn’t CCL competition, but rather some U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 action. Coming into the match, LAFC made it clear this would be a match where they would take the opportunity to rest some of the regular Starting XI, and get some match time and experience for the youngsters in the squad.
📍 Seaside, CA pic.twitter.com/5Bp6aqLNnM
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 10, 2023
It didn’t take too long for the kids to make their mark. One of the fastest rising youngsters within the club, forward Christian Torres, put his side on the scoreboard first in the 25th minute. Staying onside just long enough, Torres got on the end of a great pass, stayed calm, and slotted it past the opposing keeper for the lead.
GO ON BOYS. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c7X9x09WbR
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 10, 2023
Monterey Bay FC controlled the first half. The home side maintained over 70% possession, and put on four shots towards the goal. Unfortunately, they only found the target just once, unable to take full advantage of their opportunities. With just two shots on target, LAFC found themselves heading into the break with the lead, but there was still plenty work to do. With such a young squad out there, the question now was could they see out the win in a tournament environment such as this one.
The second half was even more tense for the visitors. Monterey Bay went into full-on attack mode and began applying the pressure to the young LAFC side. The hosts nearly came away with the equalizer on several occasions but poor timing on the runs and some stellar play from the defense kept the lead intact going into the final moments of the match. The pressure worked, as Monterey Bay FC got the equalizer in the waning minutes of the match, sending it to extra time, with penalty kicks to follow should a winner still not be decided.
Great buildup by @MontereyBayFC and Simon Dawkins sweeps it home and we are gonna play another 30!@CBSSportsGolazo ➡ https://t.co/9Aa6GRkQug#USOC2023 pic.twitter.com/wgi7ubJjfi
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 10, 2023
Monterey Bay kept that momentum going into extra time, where they struck first and took the lead. Jesse Maldonado got on the ball in the box, and muscled his way through the defense for the goal.
An aggressive start to Extra Time pays off for @MontereyBayFC, as Jesse Maldonado puts the home team in front!@CBSSportsGolazo ➡ https://t.co/9Aa6GRkQug#USOC2023 pic.twitter.com/YpOf20qCi8
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 10, 2023
Perhaps the most impressive moment for LAFC came after conceding. When just about everyone likely expected them to fold and slink their way out of the tournament, they dug deep and got an equalizer of their own. Matheus Maia got some space in the box on his attack, stayed calm, and brought his side even in extra time, putting us in prime penalty kick position should a winner not be found.
MATHEUS. MAIA. pic.twitter.com/mIB0nj5DHV
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 10, 2023
The two sides remained even after 90 minutes and extra time, meaning we were headed to penalty kicks to determine a winner in this one. In truth, this scenario favored the hosts, who have plenty of experience in these moments, while the talented teenagers of LAFC, were very much in unfamiliar territory.
The penalty shootout was just as wild as the action before it, with both sides staying perfect through two kicks, with LAFC blinking first with a shot missed. Just two spots later, Monterey missed one of their own, and we were back to even once again. It took six round of kicks to find a winner, and in the end it was the youngsters of LAFC who came away victorious. While not a complete upset, it was a huge moment for what is definitely the future of the black & gold. LAFC will stay on the road, heading to Utah to take on Real Salt Lake this weekend, as they look to shake off their recent MLS loss, and get back to winning ways in the league.
What do you think of the US Open Cup win? Leave a comment below!