Cristian Olivera scores twice to lead LAFC into U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16 – Orange County Register

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.