LAFC Move Onto the Quarter-Finals Of The US Open Cup After A 3-0 Victory Over Loudoun United

In a decisive clash at BMO Stadium on May 21, 2024, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) demonstrated their superiority by defeating Loudoun United 3-0, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The energy was palpable as the fans entered the stadium, anticipating a strong performance from their team

Bouanga and Olivera celebrating goal... Phot by Gilbert Bita

LAFC wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the 8th minute, Timothy Tillman scored the opening goal, thanks to a precise assist from Cristian Olivera. Reflecting on his experience, Tillman remarked, "LAFC is like a family, and it was very easy for me to feel welcome: our style of play suits me well: The important thing is helping the team and looking forward to the next round: The Open Cup is a quick way to win a trophy, and we as a team aim to win every game."

Ordaz blocked by Loudoun defender... Photo by Gilbert bita

Loudoun United tried to regroup but faced setbacks, including a yellow card for Wesley Leggett in the 18th minute for a foul. LAFC was forced to make an early substitution in the 23rd minute when llie Sanchez was replaced by Eduard Atuesta due to an injury. Despite this, LAFC maintained their pressure. In the 38th minute, Sergi Palencia received a yellow card for a foul, followed by another yellow card for Loudoun's Robert Dambrot in the 41st minute. The first half concluded with LAFC leading 1-0

Olivera celebrating his goal... Photo by Gilbert Bita

The second half saw Loudoun United making tactical changes with a double substitution at the break, Introducing Abdellatif Aboukoura and Drew Skundrich. However, LAFC continued their offensive onslaught. Cristian Oliveria netted the second goal in the 52nd minute, assisted by Denis Bouanga, extending their lead.

LAFC's Omar Campos was booked in the 56th minute, but the team remained unfazed. Tomas Angel further solidified LAFC's dominance by scoring their third goal in his debut match in the 61st minute, again with an assist from Bouanga. Reflecting on his home debut, Angel said, "It was a hone debut that I imagined. I was hoping for this opportunity. We can't stop; we need to keep winning. As a big team like lafcz we have to continue to win".

LAFC made additional substitutions to manage their lineup and maintain their advantage, Including Jesus Murillo and Nathan Ordaz in the 65th minute. Loudoun United, despite making multiple substitutions in the 66th, 67th, and 76th minutes, they struggled to break through LAFC's solid defense. LAFC continued to control the game, making their final substitutions in the 79th minute, ensuring fresh legs on the field to see out the match.

LAFC players, Bogusz, Bouanga and Olivera celebrating Olivera's goal.... Photo by Gilbert Bita

As the final whistle blew, LAFC celebrated a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Loudoun United. This win not only advances them to the quarter-finals but also highlights their determination and tactical powers in the competition

As the assistant coach said after the match, "It's only a 5 game tournament and each win is crucial to advancing. We aim to win every competition we enter. Since we knew we were gonna participate in the Cup we wanted to win it."

With this impressive performance, LAFC looks ahead to the next round of the US Open Cup, determined to continue their winning streak and claim the coveted trophy.