View from the Blues, Volume 15: LA Smashes the Hollywood United Hitmen

Before their first-round tie with the Hollywood United Hitmen in the U.S. Open Cup, Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues got a welcomed addition to the lineup in Peter Byers, who joined the club from Antigua Barracuda FC.

“After the game at Antigua in mid-April, some of our players told me about him,” Naimo told labluesprosoccer.com's Gunnar Berndt. “I guess he had spoken to them and mentioned that he was interested in joining the team. I reached out to him the next day, but before I heard back I saw a press release that he had signed with Antigua. So we figured that would be his club for the whole season.

“Then, a couple of days after we played Antigua at home in early May, I got an e-mail from his agent telling me that it was only a one-month contract. Of course, we immediately responded that we were interested, and after pursuing him for a little while, we came to an agreement. We’re extremely excited about his acquisition because we think Peter is a great fit for the team.”

One month can only last so long. Byers' experience has led him to stints with Trinidad and Tobago's San Juan Jabloteh and future MLS side Montreal Impact.

“If you think about our team right now, we have almost all the pieces we wanted,” Naimo said. “The one type of player we haven’t had so far is a big, strong, fast forward that could stretch defenses and be a high target for us. Peter is that kind of player.

"He’s the type of guy who, even if we’re playing poorly, can operate in very tight spaces and handle two or three defenders at a time. That should be a tremendous help as we try to launch counter-attacks.

“That being said, his skills also make him a fantastic asset in terms of our possession game. He really adds another dimension to it. We can probably be a little more direct now in pushing players up the field because Peter will be able to hold the ball for us. Having him here will just make our attack that much more diverse.”

On Tuesday, the Blues traveled to Riverside Community College to take on the Hitmen.

“We’ve got to be smart, keep the ball and not make mistakes, because they have a lot of good players and play well as a team,” midfielder Edwin Miranda told Berndt. “I expect their style to be similar to ours.

"They move the ball around, but at the same time they’re always looking for that final pass. It could be a long ball over the top since their forwards are very fast, so we need to be ready for that.”

“Our biggest advantage might be greater fitness from training more,” Naimo added. “That’s where being the team from the higher league comes into play. Our players have probably spent more time on the training field together, meaning hopefully we’re also a little bit better attuned to each other.”

“It’s unlucky that people keep getting these little knocks, but I still feel like the time off was good for us,” said defender Mike Randolph. “It seems to me that the guys who were not injured got the rest they needed and used the break to get their legs back under them.

"At the same time, the three weeks took care of some of the more serious injuries. Now, most of it is just minor stuff that will keep a player out for a game or two.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about getting results. Nobody really cares if you’re injured or sick or anything like that. Being professionals, we all know that. When it comes down to it, we’ll just have to work hard and get the job done.”

Merhshad Momeni scored a brace in the 37th and 55th minutes, and Gerardo Bravo added a third in the 90th minute as the Blues, who played with nine men by the final whistle, defeated Hollywood United 3-1.

Carlos Morales scored in the 67th minute for the Hitmen but was sent off in the 86th minute of play. Also sent off were LA's Leonard Griffin in the 19th minute and Josh Tudela in the 89th minute of play.

Their second round opponent will be the Ventura County Fusion of the USL Premier Development League. Kickoff at Ventura College in Ventura, Calif., is scheduled for Tuesday. June 21, at 7:05 p.m. PT/10:05 p.m. ET.