LAFC Defeats New Mexico United 3-1 to Advance to US Open Cup Semi-Finals

In a thrilling US Open Cup quarter-final Match at BMO Stadium, LAFC secured their place in the semi-finals with a decisive 3-1 victory over New Mexico United. The game held on July 10, 2024, showcased LAFC's dominance and strategic prowess on the field

The match kicked off with LAFC quickly asserting control. In just the 6th minute, Timothy Tillman put LAFC on the scoreboard with a well-placed goal. New Mexico United struggled to find their footing, and their frustration was evident with two quick yellow cards, Houssou Landru in the 20th minute and Marco Micaletto just two minutes later, both for fouls

David Martinez double LAFC's lead in the 37th minute, giving the home team a comfortable 2-0 advantage heading into halftime, which saw only one additional minute of play

The second half began with a tactical triple substitution for LAFC, bringing Eduard Atuesta, Ryan Hollingshead, and Tomas Angel onto the field, replacing Sergi Palencia, David Martinez, and Kei Kamara. New Mexico united responded with a surge of energy, and in the 56th minute, Greg Hurst, assisted by Houssou Landru, founded the back of the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

New Mexico continued to press with substitutions of their own, introducing Dayoon Harris and Sergio Rivas in the 63rd minute, and Daniel Bruce in the 71st minute. However, LAFC's Mateusz Bogusz extinguished any hopes of a New Mexico comeback with a goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Timothy Tillman, making it 3-1

Further substitutions saw Ille Sanchez replaced by Erik Dueñas for LAFC in the 75th minute, and Metusz Bogusz making way for Nathan Ordaz in the 78th minute. New Mexico final attempt to change the game's dynamic included bringing on Dominick Hernandez and Mukwelle Akale in the 79th minute, but LAFC's defense held firm.

With two minutes of additional time, the final whistle confirmed LAFC's 3-1 victory over New Mexico United. LAFC will now prepare to face the Seattle Sounders in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup.

This win comes after LAFC's recent 2-1 victory over the Galaxy and a past 3-0 triumph over Loudoun united in the last round of the open cup. New Mexico United, who previously defeated orange county 2-0 and NYCFC ll 3-0 in the open cup, now bow out of the tournament

LAFC's performance at BMO Stadium demonstrated their readiness and determination to claim the US Open Cup title. The upcoming semi-final clash against Seattle promises to be an exciting and high-stakes encounter