LAFC at Monterey Bay FC
Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30pm PT
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Round of 32
Location: Cardinale Stadium - Seaside, California
TV: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, Paramount+, Pluto TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
After losing their first MLS game of the year of 2023 on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on the road, LAFC faces a quick turnaround and will shift gears to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they travel to face Monterey Bay FC of the United Soccer League in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, May 9
LAFC begins its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign in search of its first-ever tournament trophy. The Club was defeated in the Round of 16 in 2022 but got as far as the semifinals in 2018.
The Black & Gold will square off at Cardinale Stadium against Monterey Bay FC for the first time in the Club’s history.
Monterrey Bay FC advanced to play LAFC in the Open Cup after a 1-0 defeat of the San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of the tournament.
MONTEREY BAY FC IN-DEPTH
Led by MLS coaching legend Frank Yallop, Monterrey Bay FC is in its second full year of the Club’s history. Yallop won the 2001 and 2003 MLS Cup with the San Jose Earthquakes, and his 130 career wins ranks 7th all-time in MLs history. His new club is currently undefeated in its last seven matches and sit in the sixth place of the USL Western Conference Standings.
Monterrey Bay FC is led by forward Alex Dixon, who is tied for the league lead in goals with seven goals scored through seven games played. Forward Christian Volesky has added four goals and three assists of his own.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can overcome the challenge of their depth being tested. This is the third competition and third game played in a seven-day span. The Black & Gold need to work together as a unit to shut down a hungry and motivated Monterey Bay FC team and look to capitalize on opportunities early on.
MONTEREY BAY FC CAN WIN IF
They are able to take advantage of LAFC having to use its depth pieces. The Club will most likely come out in a 4-2-3-1 formation and look to feed off the blueprint given to them by their northern friends, who were just able to hand LAFC its first defeat in MLS league play over the weekend.
