L.A. Wolves FC Advance to the Second Round of U.S. Open Cup Qualifying
The L.A. Wolves have kicked off their second run of the U.S. Open Cup with a win in over Real Sociedad of Bellflower to advance to the third round. L.A. are aiming to secure their second consecutive spot in the U.S. Open Cup as they take on Inland Empire FC on October 23rd.
Related Article: UPSL Spotlight: L.A. Wolves FC
Los Angeles, CA – The L.A. Wolves FC have advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying following a controlling 4-1 win over Real Sociedad (Bellflower, CA) last Saturday.
The Wolves are looking to secure their second consecutive spot in the U.S. Open Cup as they prepare to face Inland Empire FC (Jurupa Valley, CA) in an all-UPSL Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game on Sunday, Oct. 23.
“The U.S Open Cup means exposure and credibility in the soccer marketplace for our club so its a big deal for us,” “We want to do better than last years cup as we came up one short of pitting ourselves against a MLS side so the challenge is on the table,” said L.A. Wolves General Manager Yan Skwara.
The Wolves currently lead UPSL Western Division as they march toward the 2017 tournament.
“It was a good win and a starting point for the club, in terms of getting back in the Open Cup mindset,” Skwara said. “This next second round match will be tough so now we have to prepare as Inland Empire FC is a much improved side with several new key signings during the off season.”
Paolo Cardozo opened up scoring for the Wolves, followed by Miguel Sanchez, Shannon Murphy and Henry Escobar.
“We got to test ourselves against a better opponent, players on a high level,” said forward Miguel Sanchez, who tallied two assists in the the win.
“With U.S. Open Cup it’s all different teams you’re playing,” midfielder Duncan Capriotti said. “It’s interesting to see different skill levels, and you have to adjust your game on the fly.”
The Wolves will face off against Inland Empire FC next, who upset Rancho Cucamonga (Ca.) Avalanche FC, 3-2, in its Round 1 qualifier on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Inland Empire are led by goal scorers Ramon Felix and Bennett Sperber as they aim make their first attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup,
“It’s great. It’s wonderful,” Inland Empire FC owner Tony Shawkat said. “To be part of this we thought, ‘Why not? Let’s do it.’ We have a lot of talent, and I always believe.”
L.A. Wolves’ Round 2 game against Inland Empire FC will be played at Jurupa Regional Sports Park at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23 with a possible change of venue. The Wolves will provide further announcements via social media and on their website.
