LAFC DEFEATS REAL SALT LAKE 3-0 TO ADVANCE IN LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) advanced to the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Tuesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT.

MLS MVP candidate Carlos Vela started the scoring for LAFC in the 8^th minute off a beautiful pass from Eduard Atuesta, and Lee Nguyen and Adama Diomande added second half goals to help the Black & Gold to the fourth Open Cup win in Club history.

Pablo Sisniega made his debut for LAFC in goal and made several key saves, including a tough block on a Tate Schmitt close-range shot moments before Nguyen put LAFC ahead 2-0 in the 64^th minute. Diomande scored off a rebound from Fito Zelaya’s free kick in the 93^rd minute to finish the scoring, and ensure that the top team in MLS would remain unbeaten in its last nine matches in all competitions.

The oldest, longest-running national competition in the country, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was founded in 1914 and features clubs from all divisions and leagues of American soccer.  LAFC will find out its opponent for the next round of the Open Cup on Thursday.  

LAFC returns to league play on Friday, June 28 on the road against the Colorado Rapids at 7:00 p.m. PT at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park (UniMás, ESPN 710 AM, KFWB 980 AM).