THREE ADVANCE IN USOC QUALIFYING
Real San Jose, Deportivo Coras USA, and San Diego Flash all advanced to the next step of U.S. Open Cup qualifying thanks to decisive wins on Saturday night.
Real San Jose came away with a 3-0 win over the Sacramento Gold thanks to goals from Danny Martinez, Edwin Luna, and Salifu Jatta.
“Playing against my old team and scoring was a big moment for us especially playing a man down,” Luna commented. “We fought the whole game, pressuring, defending, creating chances, and we deserved to win tonight.”
Martinez scored first, converting a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. Luna, named Man of the Match by both teams, tallied a goal of his own in the 77th before Jatta scored in extra time.
“The boys did a great job tonight,” RSJ manager Nick Arellano added. “Sacramento pushed hard especially after we lost a man and then Edwin produced some real magic.”
Deportivo Coras USA, an expansion team from the West Region, advanced with a 3-0 victory over FC Hasental.
Cristian Zamora was the hero in this match, finishing with the game-winning goal and an assist. Shane Shelton and Julio Ayala also scored for the visitors.
San Diego advanced with a 4-2 win over Temecula FC.