LAFC narrowly avoided an upset in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, as a late goal by Latif Blessing handed them a 3-2 win over USL side Sacramento Republic FC at Banc of California Stadium.
Republic FC scored in the 35th minute, as they ran through LAFC’s defense into the box, and Jure Matjasic unleashed a shot that was blocked by Tyler Miller. The rebound bounced in front of goal, and Elliott Hord pounced on the loose ball to score from point-blank range.
LAFC appeared to be back in the game on the stroke of halftime, as they earned a penalty, but Benny Feilhaber’s shot from the spot was easily saved by Sacramento goalkeeper Josh Cohen.
The teams traded goals after the break, as Feilhaber tied it up for LAFC, only for Sacramento’s Villyan Bijev to put the visitors ahead just two minutes later. Diego Rossi then scored to bring LAFC level again, and then set up Blessing for the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute.
LAFC will host the Portland Timbers in the quarterfinal round next month.
Goals
- 35′ – SAC – Elliott Hord | WATCH
- 58′ – LAFC – Benny Feilhaber | WATCH
- 60′ – SAC – Villyan Bijev | WATCH
- 67′ – LAFC – Diego Rossi | WATCH
- 89′ – LAFC – Latif Blessing | WATCH
Lineups
The #LAFC Starting XI vs. @SacRepublicFC#LAFCvSAC | #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/BK1naDSTOO
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 21, 2018
Tonight’s @usbank starting XI vs @LAFC. #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/vFau8WQ0As
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 21, 2018
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