Los Angeles, CA- In its first year of existence, LAFC has had several historic moments, like the teams first MLS game, its first goal and its first home game. Tonight, LAFC made history once again participating in its first-ever Lamar Hunt U.S. Open cup match-up.
Major League Soccer newest addition stood tall and LAFC outlasted visiting Fresno FC 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium.
The home team had its chances in the first half but so did Fresno FC.
Fresno came out early proving it was going to be a battle for LAFC to advance onto the final 16. In the first minute Fresno FC’s Christian Chaney struck a left footed shot that missed right, but woke up LAFC’s defense.
LAFC came out striping shots from outside the box. Shots by Adama Diomande and Latif Blessing couldn’t find the back of the net. The first half ended 0-0.
It took 53 minutes for LAFC to get on the board, but its goals came in bunches. The Uruguayan forward, who one day hopes to join his national team in the future during periods before the World Cup, got his name and team on the scoreboard. Off a corner kick, Fresno FC’s goalkeeper saved an LAFC header, but Diego Rossi was there to clean up the mess and tap the ball in for the 1-0 lead.
Three minutes later, the net would begin to dance once again for LAFC. This time it was Blessing, who had been sniffing and threatening to get on the scoreboard most of the match.
LAFC’s Lee Nguyen was threading defenders in the midfield and launched a gem to teammate Calum Mallace who had his shot blocked by a defender. Blessing came flying into the middle of the box to blast the rebound for LACF’s 2nd goal.
LAFC advances to the round of 16 and will find out its next opponent tomorrow afternoon.