LA Galaxy advance in U.S. Open Cup with 3-1 victory over Orange County SC

The LA Galaxy enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory over USL side Orange County Soccer Club in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, advancing in 4th round play Wednesday night at the StubHub Center track and field stadium.

Fielding a mixed of starters and reserves vs. the LAFC affiliates, the Galaxy set the tempo early, and things looked good when Jose Villarreal collected in the midfield, took a few steps and smashed a rocket into the top right hand corner to give LA the early lead.

Orange County responded in the 26th minute when suspect defending on a corner kick allowed Amirgy Pineda to find Roy Meeus inside the 18-yard-box, and his low shot beat Jon Kempin to level an exciting contest.

Ten minutes later, LA were back up when Jack McBean drew a penalty on Salomon Wbias, then converted from the spot. Roy Lassiter sealed the victory in the 76th with a solo tally, and Jon Kempin had a wonder save from point-blank range late to preserve the Galaxy’s lead.

The Galaxy move on to the 5th round and will battle Sacramento Republic FC June 28th at the Home Depot Center Track and Field stadium.