CARSON, Calif. – ​San Diego Loyal SC challenged late on but saw its first journey in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup come to an end on Tuesday night as the LA Galaxy took a 1-0 victory at Dignity Health Sports Park as Kevin Cabral scored the only goal for the hosts, eliminating Head Coach Landon Donovan’s side from the tournament he had won as a Galaxy player 17 years ago.

“I thought it was a really good game all around. I think the Galaxy probably have the best second team in Major League Soccer,” Donovan said. “[They have] quality players all over the field. It was a really good challenge for our team. I’m a little disappointed we didn’t score a goal. Overall, I am really proud of our team. We played the way we always play against a very good opponent, and we had a chance to get something from the game. I am proud of our guys. I thought it was a great game and it was enjoyable to be a part of.”

SD Loyal carved out an early chance in the seventh minute when Nick Moon moved into the penalty area on the left before shooting wide of the far post. Soon after, there was Alejandro Guido with a right-footed shot that bounced in front of Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, who dove to punch it away with both hands in the 10th minute.

But it was Cabral who found the breakthrough for the Galaxy after the visitors had created some momentum. After a defensive miscue, the Galaxy striker was quick to retrieve possession and fired a right-footed shot that ricocheted off the left post, then took his rebound and sent it in past SD Loyal goalkeeper Koke Vegas with his left foot.

The moment proved decisive for the hosts as while SD Loyal had a couple opportunities to level late on an equalizer wouldn’t present itself. Evan Conway had a chance at a clean header with three minutes to go but was unable to get full purchase on his finish as Klinsmann claimed easily, while Moon had a long-range effort through traffic that was also kept out. Donovan’s team kept pushing late, looking for the equalizer but the home side held its own to secure the win and move on to the next round of the competition.