A new journey begins on Wednesday for the Club.
LAFC host Fresno FC in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. The oldest ongoing soccer competition in the country, the Open Cup's knockout format means its win or go home for all its competitors.
Here's a look at LAFC's inaugural Open Cup match:
Where To Watch/Listen
LAFC vs Fresno FC, June 6 at 7pm PT
TV: Streaming via ESPN+ and at USsoccer.com
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
Currently sitting 11th in the USL's Western Conference, Fresno travel to Banc of California following a 4-0 win at home over Seattle Sounders 2. The USL newcomers progressed to the Open Cup's fourth round by eliminating semi-pro sides Orange County FC 2-0 in the second round, followed by a 2-1 victory over Sporting Arizona FC.
What The Players Are Saying
Mark-Anthony Kaye on the LAFC attitude headed into its first Open Cup match: "The team has been waiting for a chance like this, first Open Cup game. I think that the guys are going to be ready to go. It's a one and done, you gotta win or you go home. This will be a good test to get our spirits back up for when we have to play on the weekend."
Benny Feilhaber on the excitement of the Open Cup: "It's the longest tournament in the US. A lot of teams take it very seriously. A lot of teams are involved in it. It's an exciting tournament because a lot of the lower level teams can compete against MLS teams and USL teams. It's an exciting tournament. It's a one-off, a knockout tournament. Something Americans love. It's very important, I think, to participate in it and really compete in it. We're excited about it. It's another opportunity to win a trophy and another opportunity to qualify yourself for CONCACAF Champions League"
What To Watch For
Another First For LAFC: Wednesday marks another first for the Club. The first match in the country's oldest tournament, LAFC will be looking to represent for all of Los Angeles in the Open Cup.
Chances For Squad Players: With the midweek test, Bob Bradley will likely make some changes to his starting 11. Players that may have gotten limited run are now going to be asked to go out and get a result for their side. It keeps the squad fresh and also fosters healthy competition for places. A good run of form in the Open Cup could lead to more minutes during the regular season for these players. But they'll have to live up to the challenge first.
Veteran Leadership: Despite it being LAFC's first match in the Open Cup, the players and staff of the Club have a rich history in this competition. Benny Feilhaber and Latif Blessing raised the Open Cup trophy just last season with Sporting KC. And Bob Bradley guided the Chicago Fire to an MLS and Open Cup double in the club's inaugural season. So the Black & Gold aren't short on experience from within in this competition.
