Motagua pulls away from Queen City United, 5-2, advance to Round 3 of US Open Cup

Motagua of New Orleans took another step toward being the first amateur team from Louisiana to qualify for the US Open Cup in the modern era after defeating a well-traveled Queen City United side 5-2 on Saturday in the second round of the 2016 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Coming out of the Louisiana Premier League, CD Motagua would be the first amateur team from the state since the modern era began in 1995. Motagua plays in the final round of Open Cup qualifying in April 2016.

Charlotte-based Queen City United arrived at Pan American Stadium in New Orleans after traveling more than 700 miles, but there were no signs of road-weary legs as they came out flying with a high-pressure approach and kept Motagua on their toes.

After the two teams canceled each other out for the opening 15 minutes, Motagua started to control the game and create some chances.

Around the 22nd minute, Motagua’s Stuart Hayers had a bad pass in the defense which resulted in a counterattack by Queen City. Jary Barahona was able to get enough space in the final third and slotted home the first goal of the match.

The match began to pick up and Motagua began to regain control of the game. Three minutes later, Leo Feirrera de Barros slotted home Motagua’s first goal with a perfect through ball by Reece Wilson to tie the game.

Motagua had a few chances before the half but nothing too threatening, but enough to keep the pressure on the visitors.

The second half started out in Motagua’s favor as they got on the board quickly with a header by Leo Feirrera de Barros from a Steven Morris cross around the 50th minute.

A few minutes later, United tied the game at 2-2, when their player was able to slide a through pass to a trailing runner who slotted it home.

From then on, it was all Motagua.

In the 63rd minute, with the wind at Motagua’s back, Stuart Hayers sent in a heavy-footed cross from about 35 yards. With a little assistance from the wind, and some distraction from forward Reece Wilson, it sailed over the keeper’s hands and into the back of the net to give Motagua a 3-2 lead.

Around the 71st minute, Motagua doubled their lead off well-struck 35-yard free kick from Honduran defender Jaime Rosales.

Motagua’s fifth and final goal came from another free kick, this time from Honduran midfielder Fernando Vargas (VIDEO BELOW).