Diop Helps LA Galaxy Hold On For 1-0 Win

By Connor Aylward
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Updated: June 30, 2016

The LA Galaxy traveled to Portland Wednesday night to take on the Timbers in their round of 16 matchup for the US Open Cup.

With some starters sitting in this game(as is typical Bruce Arena style) the Galaxy were able to integrate younger players into the lineup with a few starters sprinkled in there.

#LAGalaxy XI: Diop; DLG, Romney, Van Damme, Cole; Husidic, Larentowicz; Boateng, Lletget, Mendiola; McBean #PORvLA pic.twitter.com/QEeZjyvkRp

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 30, 2016

This game would be all about how the Galaxy could deal with the Timbers counter and most importantly their speed. Jack Mcinerney and Darren Mattocks gave the Galaxy troubles early as their speed was allowing them to break into the open field and create chances for Portland.

However all it took for Los Angeles to gain the lead was a heads up play by 22-year-old Raul Mendiola off of a cross from Emmanuel Boateng in the fifth minute.

WATCH: Raul Mendiola opens the scoring early for @LAGalaxy in Portland. #USOC2016 https://t.co/i1xPFnQ4GO

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 30, 2016

A great goal from the youngster had Galaxy fans buzzing, but it was another Los Dos usual that will keep them talking. Clement Diop did a wonderful job in-goal for Los Angeles. Making some great saves and showing his athleticism in ways that Galaxy fans could’ve only hoped for coming into this game against last season’s MLS Cup champs.

.@Air_Diop: “NOPE.” https://t.co/xXNNZ0lZXT #PORvLA pic.twitter.com/mjOQ95e7bV

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 30, 2016

Some great defensive stops and blocks by Jelle Van Damme and Ashley Cole helped the Galaxy hold off the Timbers throughout this game as the two looked determined to not allow a clear shot on their 22 year-old keeper.

Los Angeles would use the early goal and superb defense throughout the rest of the contest to advance narrowly on to the round of 8 where they will have home field advantage against the rival Seattle Sounders. This is the furthest the Galaxy have advanced in the hunt for the Lamar Hunt Cup under the tutelage of Bruce Arena.

A great win for Los Angeles in this one as they showed great depth advancing past a Timbers side that was playing a good majority of their starters. Thanks for reading along Galaxy fans and keep on coming back to CaliSports for all your Galaxy news!

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