LAFC defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Senufubak on Wednesday night at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. A penalty kick by Denis Bouanga late in the second half made the difference.

The first half was cautious as both teams tested each other out and tried to adjust to the smaller space of Starfire Stadium.

LAFC had the first real scoring opportunity for either side in the 40th minute when Bouanga smashed in a free kick that was deflected into the air and then punched away by Andrew Thomas. Kei Kamara volleyed the ensuing loose ball from 12 yards out, but Jackson Ragen headed the ball away from the goal line.

The Sounders’ first shot on goal came in the 55th minute when Cristian Roldan fired from 25 yards out, but his effort was easily saved by Hugo Lloris.

In the 63rd minute, Thomas made a brilliant save to deny Bouanga’s header at the far post.

LAFC was awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when the referee ruled that Mateusz Bogusz’s volley struck the arm of either Pedro de la Vega or Alex Roldan, or both. Bouanga converted the penalty in the 83rd minute.

Jordan Morris seemed to have equalised with a diving header in the first minute of injury time, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

LAFC hosts Sporting Kansas City in the US Open Cup final on September 25.

The Sounders’ quest for a fifth US Open Cup title will have to wait another year. Seattle ranks second in all-time USOC trophies, with all four won between 2009 and 2014.

Georgi makes his official debut as a first team player

After making several appearances in the Open Cup earlier this season on loan from Tacoma Defiance, midfielder Georgi Minoungou signed a first-team contract on Wednesday and was named in head coach Brian Schmetzer’s squad. The Ivorian came on as a substitute in the 84th minute.

Quick turnaround to Portland

The Sounders will quickly turn their attention back to MLS play, with a big clash against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Saturday (7:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV). The meeting will be the second of three this season after Seattle left Portland 2-1 on May 12.