Two teams entered, and one emerged victorious on Wednesday, as La Maquina beat LA Wolves FC 2-0 in the third round of the 2016 U.S. Open Cup at Westmi
Two teams entered, and one emerged victorious on Wednesday, as La Maquina beat LA Wolves FC 2-0 in the third round of the 2016 U.S. Open Cup at Westminster High School.
Both goals on the night came courtesy of former pro and Mexican Primera champion Edwin Borboa, who tallied in each half to take La Maquina to victory.
The game was the only all-amateur game of the round, and the only game that involved Southern California sides in the round. On one hand, it’s a bit of a shame the UPSL rivals faced off against each other since only one could advance, but it also likely maximized each side’s chances of winning. It also unquestionably helped the budgets for both teams that long-distance travel was not required.
The reward for La Maquina’s win? Another all-SoCal showdown, but this time against two-time Open Cup winners LA Galaxy. The Galaxy beat another local amateur team, PSA Elite, 6-1 last year in the fourth round, so it’s safe to say the odds are stacked against La Maquina.
But, they’re still in the running for the $15,000 cash prize to the amateur team that advances furthest in the Open Cup, alongside PDL side Kitsap Pumas, and the Galaxy have been known to take the Open Cup rather casually at some points in the past. It won’t be an easy game, but one expects the underdog La Maquina to give it their best shot, and maybe they can make history on June 15 at StubHub Center, in what’s sure to be a must-watch game for Southern California soccer fans.
