Sockers take down Tropics, 3-0, in Lakeland's first-ever U.S. Open Cup matchup

A late flurry of goals – three in the final 15 minutes of the first half – was too much for the Lakeland Tropics to overcome as they fell to the Midland-Odessa Sockers, 3-0, in its first ever appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

It was the second appearance for the Sockers, who also won an opening round match in 2015. They will host San Antonio FC of the United Soccer League on May 16.

The Tropics had scoring chances, but hit goal posts in both halves.

The Sockers got all the needed and then some in the first half, opening the scoring in the 34th minute on a penalty kick by Xavi Lao. Five minutes following that, after the Tropics cleared the box on a Sockers corner, Peter Dominguez was left unchallenged and found the top corner of the net from 30 yards out for a 2-0 Midland-Odessa advantage. Jhonatan Velasquez added the third goal from 20-yards away in the 44th minute.

Lakeland, which plays in the USL's Premier Development League, will have its regular season opener Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Bryant Stadium when they host the Next Academy Palm Beach Suns. Tickets are available online at www.lakelandtropics.com, or by calling 863-240-0101.