Last night LA Galaxy beat La Maquina FC in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.
Extra time was required for Galaxy to get the better of the amateur side. The score read 1-1 after 90 minutes, 73 of which saw Robbie Keane's team play with just ten men.
Six minutes the first period of extra-time there was major controversy. Jose Villareal was fouled just out the La Maquina box and stayed down appearing to suffer with cramps. Players from both side remained stationary as they awaited Villareal to receive treatment.
Baggio Husidic, in a ruthless mood, wanted to get on with the game however. He played a quick free kick to Dave Romney who tucked the ball past the La Maquina keeper to put Galaxy up 2-1.
It was a moment which broke the amateur side's resistance. Confusion reigned as players from both sides wondered if the goal should stand. La Maquina, understandably, felt it should not.
Even goalscorer Romney wondered, as he slotted the ball into the net, if he was even allowed to do so.
‘Am I allowed to shoot this, is this really real?’ But I got it on my right foot and just tucked it away.
Baggio Husidic related what happened between him and the referee as he took the free kick.
I just saw that everyone was just talking, and no one was paying attention to the goal. The goalie wasn’t even in the goal. I actually scooted the ball to the right like a yard, and the referee made me put it back. And then I made eye contact with him again and said, ‘no whistle.’
Husidic felt little empathy for lower league team. Their naiviety was their undoing according to the Galaxy midfielder.
Maybe step over the ball, hand the ball over to the referee, make sure that we ask for a whistle.
We were a bit more clever than they were. Obviously, it sucks for them, but you've got to play to the whistle.
Galaxy would go on to win the game 4-1 with Sebastian Lletget scoring twice. That controversial goal really was the pivotal moment which ended La Maquina's defiance.
Here's the goal.
