LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Football Club is heading to Houston to take on the Dynamo for a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET at BBVA Compass Stadium. Here are some things you need to know before the match:
- LAFC defeated the Portland Timbers 3-2 July 18 to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. There was some controversy regarding LAFC’s roster eligibility, to the extent that Portland filed a formal complaint. After a formal review process, Portland withdrew its protest and LAFC was cleared to proceed to the next round.
- This match will be LAFC’s first road match in U.S. Open Cup play. The club has yet to endure a loss at home so far in the Major League Soccer regular season.
- The Houston Dynamo defeated Sporting Kansas City 4-2 July 18 to make their way to the semifinals. Similarly, they have hosted all three matches so far in the tournament, and will host another on Wednesday.
- LAFC has scored seven goals so far in the U.S. Open Cup: Rossi (2), Blessing (2), Feilhaber (1), Ureña (1) and Vela (1).
- In the club’s most recent MLS match, LAFC lost 2-1 on the road Sunday against the New York Red Bulls. LAFC head coach Bob Bradley played a strong starting lineup in that match, opting not to rest key players for the USOC semifinal. “We’re at a point in the season where we feel like we’re fit,” Bradley said. “I want to put a good team on the field today, and then size up everything and then put a good team on the field Wednesday.”
- The Houston Dynamo lost 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City Aug. 4th, with a goal in the 74th minute from SKC’s Diego Rubio.
- The winner of this match will move on to face either the Chicago Fire in Chicago Oct. 3 or to host the Philadelphia Union Sept. 26th. Chicago and Philadelphia play in the other semifinal Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.