After a resounding 3-0 victory in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifiers at Mission Bay High School, SD Internacional is looking to get a measure of revenge against Laguna United FC.
They play a third-round qualifier on Oct. 31 at La Paz Sports Park in Laguna Niguel.
Laguna United eliminated Mission Bay-based SD Internacional in the fourth and final qualifying round the last two years with a resounding 6-2 victory on Dec. 8, 2024 and then again on Nov. 23, 2025 by a score of 4-2.
“The first time, two years ago, was a pretty embarrassing result and we played them at home, but last year was a lot closer with a couple of goalkeeper mistakes leading to our downfall,” said SD Internacional head coach, Matt Palpal-Latoc. “I got to know their coach Sam (Nicholson) pretty well the last few years because of our encounters. I know they have a slightly different roster than they usually do, but they are going to play very organized and very strong defensively.”
SD Internacional did get some payback in mid-January during the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) California Cup with a 5-4 victory over Laguna United in Group B play of the Southern California region.
SD Internacional also has a history of success in league play having won the Fall 2025 UPSL SoCal South crown after a 2-1 win over City SC San Diego. The club achieved the same feat in the spring of 2023.
“We are very familiar with each other which makes it a good and competitive match-up,” said Laguna United FC head coach Nicholson. “They are a well-structured organization and team, so we are looking forward to it.”
Laguna United FC plays in the UPSL SoCal North Conference while SD Internacional plays in the SoCal South so it’s only possible for them to meet in the playoffs or during tournament play.
“Laguna United is going to be very strong on the counterattack and transition,” Palpal-Latoc added. “I feel like it’s going to be a tight affair.”
SD Internacional defeated Chula Vista FC on Oct. 3. The winner of the SD Internacional vs. Laguna United match will advance to the final qualifying round, on Nov. 21–22. After a break, the official opening round for the US Open Cup starts on April 13, 2027, leading up to July 8, 2027 when all 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs begin to enter the bracket.
The U.S. Open Cup started in 1914 as the National Challenge Cup. It was officially renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999 to honor the American soccer pioneer and Major League Soccer founding executive. It is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and the oldest annual tournament for team sports in the country.
