LA Galaxy Require Cheapest Overtime Goal Imaginable to Upset Amateur Soccer Team in U.S. Open Cup

Happy 20th birthday MLS! 2016 is the milestone 20th anniversary of America’s premiere professional soccer league. It is also the year that the LA Galaxy scored this super-cheap goal to help defeat American adult amateur team La Máquina FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

I know. When hear about a team whose name is Spanish for “The Machine,” you would assume they’re a storied club from an little-known international professional “liga.” Nope! La Máquina FC was founded in 2011 and calls Orange County home. From the LA Galaxy website:

"The Santa Ana-based club from the United Premier Soccer League reached the fourth round of the tournament after defeating fellow UPSL side Los Angeles Wolves FC.  La Máquina also beat Portland Timbers U-23s and Sacramento Gold earlier in the tournament."

Impressive resume! Anyway, let’s myth-build some MLS history, shall we?

With the score tied, 1-1, in overtime of the U.S. Open Cup, Jose Villarreal was fouled just outside the box. See? Look at him get fouled in this picture.

Ouch! While Villarreal writhed in pain on the pitch, his teammates felt a sense of urgency. They didn’t just stand around while opponents tried to help Villarreal stretch and think about how early they had to get up for their actual jobs the next morning. No. They quickly restarted play and scored a goal on their unsuspecting and unpaid opponents.

Here’s how the Galaxy website describes the goal:

"The Galaxy found the winner in the 6th minute of extra time when a quick free kick by Baggio Husidic found Dave Romney wide open in the box. The defender comfortably slotted his shot into the net for the eventual game-winner."

Sorry, not sorry. At least the Galaxy Twitter account seemed to feel a little shame.

Had their been fans in attendance, they wouldn’t have paid for sportsmanship. They would have paid for results and the Galaxy got them by any means necessary. The Galaxy went on to score two more in overtime and win, 4-1. Needless to say, their opponents in the next round better remain focused at all times.