LAFC 3-Portland Timbers 2
LAFC remain unbeaten at the Banc of California Stadium as they advanced to the semifinals of the US Open Cup with a 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers.
The Black and Gold snapped the Timbers fourteen match unbeaten run Wednesday night, thanks to goals from Carlos Vela, Marco Ureña, and Portland’s own David Guzman.
Both clubs had very little time for recovery as they played one another to a scoreless draw just four days ago. LAFC head coach Bob Bradley made three changes to the squad from this past Sunday. Latif Blessing replaced Benny Feilhaber in the midfield. Jordan Harvey replaced João Moutinho at left back and Marco Ureña made his first start since returning from 2018 World Cup in place for Adama Diomande.
Portland known for being defensive-minded usually having four to five players in the back allowed LAFC to have a majority of the possession. But it was Portland that had the first chance at goal in the 18th minute. Sebastian Blanco placed the ball in Dairon Asprilla’s path whose attempt at goal was saved by LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller. The rebound though bounced back to Asprilla who took another shot again with a volley. However he was once again denied by Miller.
LAFC took the lead in the 33rd minute when Carlos Vela’s cross was headed in by Portland’s own David Guzman. LAFC doubled their lead five minutes later when Portland’s Vytas Andriuškevičius tried to clear the ball out of the box, only for Walker Zimmerman to intercept his clearance into the path of Carlos Vela who placed it on his favored left foot and fired his shot pass keeper Jeff Attinella.
Portland were able to get a goal back just before halftime. Julio Cascante was able to get on the end of a David Guzman free kick and score to peg LAFC back to a one goal lead.
LAFC wasted very little time by scoring their third goal early in the second half. Marco Ureña recorded his first ever goal for LAFC as he flicked Jordan Harvey’s shot into the back of the net.
I’m really happy to finally be playing. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. I got injured in my first game. It was tough. I’m really happy about it and don’t have words to say about it. It means a lot to me; I feel the support from the guys.
-Marco Ureña
Portland responded immediately with their second goal of the night. Asprilla’s low cross into the box found Vytas Andriuškevičius who smacked it hard and low leaving Tyler Miller no chance at saving it reducing Portland’s goal deficit to one.
Both sides had chances late on in the match, but LAFC were able to hold on to their one goal lead and eliminate Portland from the US Open Cup.
LAFC are to play Houston Dynamo in the semifinal, but location and time have not been determined. The draw for that was meant for today, but US Soccer has postponed it due to Portland Timbers filing a formal protest against LAFC.
Portland are claiming that LAFC fielded more than the required number of foreign players they are allowed to have during a match.
According to the US Open Cup rule “A team may list up to 18 players on its Gameday roster. Professional teams may have no more that 5 foreign players listed.”
It also states that “If any team plays an ineligible player in an Open Cup match, that team is subject to fines or other penalties, including game forfeiture, as determined by the Adjudication and Discipline Panel.”
A statement from US Soccer reads “The US Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel will review the matter as soon as possible. The timing for the Draw will be determined in the near future.”
If LAFC is found guilty of breaking the rule, it is unclear what penalty they will be handed.
LAFC must put this news on the back burner as they prepare for a road trip to Minneapolis to face Minnesota FC on Sunday.
LAFC
Portland
