By Ivan Yeo
Following a long layoff, and with it’s next MLS match not until they face FC Cincinnati on June 22, the LA Galaxy looked to it US Open Cup match against Orange County FC to get its legs back underneath them.
One player that took advantage of the opportunity was Efrain Alvarez. Fresh off national team duty with Mexico at the U-20 World Cup, Alvarez put on a shot at the track and field facility of Dignity Health Sports Park, as his two goals were key in in the Galaxy’s 3-0 win over OCFC on Wednesday night.
“This was my best moment here at the LA Galaxy and I can’t explain how happy I am to get the first goal, but I’m happier that we qualified for the next round,” Alvarez said.
The win puts the Galaxy in the quarterfinals, where they will face the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on June 19.
“I’ve been on that side; I know exactly what they’re thought process is, Galaxy head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said of Orange County FC. “I know how these games go. You never want to be the team that goes down to a team like that, but they put in a good effort. They put us through a good game here. We just took care of it and move on to the next round.”
After a scoreless first half, the Galaxy got a chance when Emmanuel Boateng sprinted and drew a foul just outside the penalty area. The foul gave the Galaxy a set piece from about 20 yards out, Juan Araujo dummied the first attempt and Alvarez came in and sent the free kick past keeper David Preys, beating him near post to open the scoring for the Galaxy.
The Galaxy weren’t done yet. Six minutes later, the Galaxy received another gift when Fabio Alvarez stole a ball from an Orange County defender as he was trying to clear the ball and broke for goal. Efrain Alvarez joined in, preys left his line but Fabio Alvarez slipped a pass to Efrain Alavrez, who buried the open netter to widen the Galaxy lead. The Galaxy sealed its advancemen to the round of 16 in the tournament in the 90th minute, as Emil Cueto took a pass from Fabio Alvarez, took a touch before firing a shot just outside the penalty area that beat Preys far post.
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