The LA Galaxy have learned their opponent for their fourth round entry into the U.S. Open Cup. And as luck would have it, they’ll host Orange County SC – an official affiliate of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
The game between first division Galaxy (MLS) and second division OCSC (USL) will be played on June 14th at the StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium with a 7:30 PM kickoff.
OCSC defeated the LA Wolves 1-0 on Wednesday night after previously defeating FC Golden State by a score of 5-2 on May 18th.
The two organizations are no strangers to each other. LA Galaxy II, the Galaxy’s USL team, have already faced off against their freeway rivals twice this year. Drawing at home on April 22nd and losing 4-0 two weeks later at the grand opening of OCSC’s new stadium.
OCSC currently sits in twelfth place in the USL Western Conference standings with a record of 3-3-1.
- What: 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup fourth round
- When: June 14, 2017 at 7:30 PM
- Where: StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium
- Who: LA Galaxy vs Orange County SC
The 2016 Galaxy advanced to the semi-finals of last year’s Open Cup, before being eliminated by FC Dallas in extra time. But they have won the tournament twice before (2001, 2005) and they’ve also finished as runners-up twice (2002, 2006). Overall, the team holds a 30-16-1 record in the tournament.
The U.S. Open Cup is the second oldest continually operating soccer tournament in the world. It started in 1913 and crowned its first champion in 1914. The annual competition has been ongoing for over 100 years.
- TV INFO: SpectrumSN & SpectrumDeportes
The 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup started back on May 10th with 56 teams from the amateur ranks through lower level semi-professional teams playing in 28 games. But unlike a straight field of 64 teams, as in the NCAA Basketball tournament, the Open Cup adds in higher level competition as they continue into each round.
Local clubs, NPSL, and PDL teams enter in the first round before Division 2 clubs, NASL and USL, enter in the second round. MLS doesn’t make its entry into the competition until the fourth round, with most MLS clubs facing off against USL or NASL opponents. Some MLS clubs, six in total, will need to beat an MLS opponent in this round if they’re to advance.
In total, there are eight rounds of games that culminate in the U.S. Open Cup Final on September 20, 2017.
A complete bracket can be found HERE as well as some excellent historical information on the tournament (TheCup.US).
It’s always fun to see amateur and lower level teams face off against the big guns in US Soccer. It’s the fairytale stories that keep this competition so interesting. But for the Galaxy, they’ll know very well that the team they’ll be facing has the DNA of their future rival. And that will make for an interesting match.
Tickets, starting at $20 for all fans or $10 for season ticket holders, are available by visiting LAGalaxy.com or by clicking this LINK.