The second 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal sees the Los Angeles Galaxy pitted up against FC Dallas. The winner of this match will play the New England Revolution in the finals of this Cup.

Run to the semifinals

Los Angeles Galaxy’s first match in this edition of the U.S. Open Cup they faced off against amateur side La Maquina. Jose Villarreal scored the opening goal, but then, the visitors leveled 13 minutes later. In extra time, despite being down to ten-men, the Galaxy scored three goals. One of the goals scored might have been controversial, but in the end, it did not matter as they won 4-1.

Following their defeat of La Maquina in their first match of the tournament, the Galaxy had to play the two American Pacific Northwest clubs. Los Angeles had to go on the road in the next round where they faced off against the Portland Timbers. Raul Mendiola scored the only goal five minutes in and that was enough to get his side through. The match against the Seattle Sounders was nearly their downfall. Seattle took a 2-1 advantage near the hour mark. But then, LA scored three times in the final 13 minutes to move on.

FC Dallas’ first opponent was the OKC Energy of the United Soccer League. The Energy took the match to their MLS opponents and battled with them all the way. OKC scored the first and last goal of a four-goal thriller. It took penalties before Dallas could get by the OKC Energy.

Dallas faced a similar path to the semifinals. Against the Colorado Rapids, it took extra time before the Texas outfit eventually moved on. Maximiliano Urruti found the back of the net in the 96th minute to give FC Dallas the 2-1 win. Then, Dallas faced off with their in-state rivals, the Houston Dynamo. It took the full 90 minutes, but eventually, Fabian Castillo scored the lone goal in this match.

Key players to watch

Giovani dos Santos is going to be one of the big factors for the Galaxy. He is the creative outlet for his side and can usually play directly behind whoever is in the striker role. What's so special about dos Santos is an ability to create just enough space for himself to create that opportunity for either himself or a teammate.

For Dallas, their hopes are on the shoulders of Maximiliano Urruti. Urruti has not even been in Dallas for one full season, but already, he is an important figure. In many ways, Urruti is similar to that of the Galaxy’s Giovani dos Santos. He exploits space left by opposition defenses and will strike when it is most appropriate.

Maximiliano Urruti has been a great signing for FC Dallas this season. | Photo: USA Today Sports
Maximiliano Urruti has been a great signing for FC Dallas this season. | Photo: USA Today Sports

Match details

This all important match will be played on Wednesday night where Los Angeles and Dallas will meet at the StubHub Center. Kickoff is set for 10:00 PM Est and can be seen on ESPN and watchESPN.

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