L.A. Wolves Defeat San Diego Zest In U.S. Open Cup
L.A. Wolves defeated San Diego Zest in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup as the UPSL club advances past the first stage for the second consecutive year.
Next up: In Round Two of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 17 the L.A. Wolves FC will take on Chula Vista FC (USASA)
The Wolves also are preparing to take on Sporting San Fernando in a UPSL Pro Premier Division Western Conference game at Toyota Sports Complex at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.
Related Article: Chula Vista FC Edges Albion Pros In U.S. Open Cup
Soccer News: L.A. Wolves FC has secured its spot in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup following a 4-2 win over San Diego Zest FC on Wednesday at Cougar Soccer Complex on the campus of Azusa Pacific University.
“I think the way the game started there were some nervous moments, and that’s to be expected,” said L.A. Wolves FC head coach Eric Wynalda. “We weathered that storm and we didn’t get punished. We made some adjustments — we had to risk a little bit more. They’re a good side but we were able to put the game away in the second half.”
Wynalda’s first U.S. Open Cup match with L.A. Wolves FC since his hiring in March marked the second consecutive First Round victory for the club.
“It’s a good start to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for L.A. Wolves FC’s coaching staff and players, and a positive first step as we continue our march toward what will hopefully be a long, successful run in this tournament,” said L.A. Wolves FC President Yan Skwara.
Chuck Pitts opened the scoring in the 37th minute to give Wolves FC a 1-0 advantage. Miguel Sanchez extended the lead for the Wolves in the 60th minute with a back post finish off a corner kick from Pablo Cruz. Three minutes later Cruz pounced on a rebound to gain a comfortable 3-0 lead for the home side.
“This was a solid win for us but at the same time we have to stay humble and more importantly prepare our bodies in mind for our next match up which is going to be even a tougher matchup versus Chula Vista,” said Skwara. “This is a tough tournament and we are very aware that the deeper you go the harder the games get, so frankly there’s nothing to dance about and we now prepare for this coming Wednesday’s match up against CV.”
Joseph Fortini scored in the 72nd minute for San Diego, a PDL team making its first appearance in the U.S. Open Cup.
“They had a couple of chances that could have ended in goals for them,” said Wynalda. “They have a good team, and they have great weapons up top that gave us some real problems. They were one knock down away from making this a 3-2 or 4-3 game.”
Paolo Cardozo, who recorded an assist on Cruz’s goal, was credited with L.A. Wolves FC’s fourth goal when his 75th minute cross into the box was deflected into the net. Wolves FC led 4-1 heading into the final minutes.
Wolves FC goalkeeper Lucas Nascimento was called for a late foul in the penalty area, and Zest FC captain Patrick McGrath converted from the spot in the 88th minute.
L.A. concluded the match with a 4-2 advantage as they now prepare for the Second Round of the prestigious tournament.
L.A. Wolves FC will take on Chula Vista FC in the Second Round scheduled for May 17th.
Match details will be announced in the coming days.
