L.A. Blues' organization has long had a relationship with Hollywood United FC, working together on several projects -- the L.A. Sol, co-owned by the Blues, were one -- while battling in Southern California men's leagues.
The clubs will face off on a national scale in two weeks, meeting in a U.S. Open Cup first-round clash at Riverside Community College.
It's one of two all-So Cal matchups to start the tradition-laden tournament's 98th edition as announced Wednesday by U.S. Soccer.
The Ventura County Fusion will take on South Bay-based Doxa Italia at Ventura College in another June 14 first-rounder, and the winners of the L.A.-area matches will meet in the second round June 21.
Major League Soccer clubs, including the Galaxy, enter the competition in the third round, on June 28. Because pairings for the first three rounds are based primarily on geography, the L.A. survivor likely will face the Galaxy.
The Blues, as a USL Pro side, were automatic qualifiers. The club is based in West L.A. and plays most of its home games at Cal State Fullerton, and the choice of Riverside for its Open Cup opener is another thrust at the Inland Empire market. The club is playing four league games at Centennial High School in Corona.
Hollywood United won a mini-tournament within the National Premier Soccer League's Western Division and the Fusion a similar tournament within the USL's Premier Development League's Southwest Division. Doxa Italia, which plays in Manhattan Beach, won the U.S. Amateur Soccer Association's Region IV title last month to claim a berth.
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