LAS VEGAS — Cristian Olivera scored two goals to lift Los Angeles Football Club to a 3-1 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC in a U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday night at Cashman Field.
Olivera broke a 1-1 tie in the 70th minute then scored an insurance goal in stoppage time as LAFC avoided the upset and advanced to the Round of 16 of the nation’s oldest soccer tournament.
The 2023 MLS runner-up will host Loudoun United FC, a USL Championship team from Leesburg, Virginia, in the Round of 16. Loudoun edged Orange County SC, 2-1, on Tuesday night.
Kei Kamara scored his first goal in an LAFC uniform following a corner kick in the 47th minute to give his team the lead, but the Lights’ Shawn Smart headed home an equalizer in the 56th minute.
Neither team threatened much during the first half, but things got more physical late in the half and LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo was issued a red card in the final minute for whatever he said during a conversation with the officials.
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Olivera’s first goal came on a rebound. Omar Campos’ initial shot from the left of the goal was saved by the Vegas goalkeeper, but the ball bounced right to OIivera in front of the open net and he converted for the lead.
LAFC turned away a few Vegas threats before Olivera scored again for the two-goal cushion.
Right place. Right time.
Cristian Olivera is there to give us the lead.#LVvLAFC 1-2 pic.twitter.com/LBnxxfmpka
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 9, 2024
His first goal for the Black & Gold
Kei Kamara rises to head in a cross from Timothy Tillman.#LVvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/3fFgA2wUWZ
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 9, 2024
First of many for @keikamara
On to the next one pic.twitter.com/9Z0QEyGIRt
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 9, 2024
