MORE on TheCup.us:
* 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup bracket
* 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup participant map
* TheCup.us’ 2012 Meet The USASA series
* Things you should know about the First Round
UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): Due to heavy rain, the match between FC Sonic Lehigh Valley and Long Island Rough Riders has been moved to the turf field at Whitehall High School.
The 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off tonight with the First Round, which includes 16 games starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The opening round consists of 32 amateur teams from the USL’s Premier Development League (PDL), the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and one team from US Club Soccer (USCS). The winners of Tuesday night’s contests will earn a date with a lower division professional team in Round 2 the following Tuesday.
Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all 16 games from our correspondents from coast to coast. To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question.
Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.
Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play)
Here’s your guide to the entire First Round:
Croatian Eagles (USASA) at Chicago Fire PDL (PDL)
Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Eagles win … vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) Site TBA
If Chicago wins … home vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro)
Surprisingly, the Fire have had only two home game in their 10 Open Cup matches, playing on the road for the last four since hosting Bavarian SC in the First Round of 2009. Chicago and Wisconsin clubs have met six times in the Modern Pro Era, with Chicago teams leading the series split with 3 wins each (Milwaukee clubs are 2-2-0 vs. Chicago clubs). The Fire are 4-4 in the Open Cup. The Fire are one of three PDL clubs that enter the tournament without having kicked off their league campaign. | Meet the USASA – Croatian Eagles
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chicago Fire PDL: 6-4-0 overall, 2-0-0 at home, 5-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2004, 2011), Last entry: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 3-1 at Sporting KC)
Croatian Eagles: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: 2006 (Qualifying Round, Lost 4-1 at Des Moines Menace), Last entry: 2006 (Qualifying Round, Lost 4-1 at Des Moines Menace)
NY Greek American Atlas SC (USASA) at Reading United AC (PDL)
Shirk Stadium, Albright College; Reading, Pa. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenario: Winner plays at Charleston Battery (USL Pro)
The Greeks are a four-time US Open Cup champion (1967-69, 1974) and are back in the tournament for the first time since 2005. They are trying to get in the win column for the first time in the Modern Era, sporting an 0-3 record since 1995, including two losses to PDL teams and a forfeit. Reading United, who are making their fourth straight tournament appearance and sixth overall, are looking for their first Open Cup victory (0-5-0). United have also not left the state of Pennsylvania for an Open Cup game since 2003. Reading opened their 2012 PDL season at home Saturday against the New Jersey Express. They got off to a fast start with a goal from Paul Wyatt in the first minute only to see the victory spoiled three minutes from time by a 1-1 equalizer. | Meet the USASA – NY GAA
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
NY Greek American Atlas: 0-3-0 overall, 0-2-0 at home, 0-2-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (3 times), Last entry: 2005 (Round 1, lost 3-0 vs. Ocean City Barons)
Reading United: 0-5-0 overall (0-3-0 as PDL), 0-1-0 at home (0-1-0 as PDL), 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (4 times), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
Jacksonville United (NPSL) at Orlando City U-23s (PDL)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenario: The winner hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
Orlando, formerly the Central Florida Kraze, are making their third straight appearance in the Open Cup. The defending NPSL champion, who has a number of players from Lynch’s Irish Pub, a 3-time Open Cup qualifier. Both teams (including the Lynch’s Irish Pub records) are seeking their first Open Cup win. After opening the season with a scoreless draw against Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy, Orlando City found plenty of offense over the weekend in a second meeting with a 6-0 trouncing. Four different players scored in the first half with Nicolas Russo adding two off the bench in the second. Jacksonville United, meanwhile, won their opener on the road, downing Mississippi Storm, 4-2. Over the weekend they drubbed visiting Myrtle Beach, 7-1.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Jacksonville United: N/A
Orlando City U23s: 0-4-0 overall, 0-1-0 at home, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (4 times), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 4-0 at Wilmington Hammerheads)
Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at FC Sonic Lehigh Valley (NPSL)
Whitehall High School; Whitehall, Pa. – 7:05 p.m. ET << CHANGED 5/15/12
Broadcast: Local TV (Service Electric)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)
Long Island returns to the Keystone State for the first time since losing to the Harrisburg City Islanders in the Second Round of the 2010 tournament. The Rough Riders made the Quarterfinals in 1997, but have gone 1-5 since then. This match marks the first time in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present) that the city of Bethlehem, PA, home of the five-time tournament champion Bethlehem Steel, has hosted an Open Cup game. FC Sonic finished 2nd in the NPSL’s Keystone Division last year, but qualified when division champion Erie Admirals declined to participate. Lehigh Valley begins its season next weekend and Long Island is one of three PDL clubs that has not opened the regular season campaign.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Long Island Rough Riders: 3-5-0 overall (1-2-0 as PDL), 1-4-0 away (0-2-0 as PDL), 2-2-0 vs. amateur clubs (1-0-0 as PDL), Best Finish: Quarterfinals (1997, Lost 1-0 after sudden death extra time vs. Metrostars), Last entry: 2010 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
FC Sonic Lehigh Valley: N/A
Carolina Dynamo (PDL) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Maryland Soccerplex Stadium; Boyds, Md. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Aegean Hawks win … home vs. Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)
If Carolina Dynamo win … play at Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)
The Dynamo are on the road for only the third time in 10 games since Macpherson Stadium opened in 2002. They are 1-3 in road games. It is the first home game for the Hawks in three appearances, who are seeking their first win. The Dynamo kicked off their campaign at home with a 5-1 win against Real Maryland. After giving up the opening goal eight minutes in Saturday, Shaun Sloan equalized two minutes later. Then Donnie Smith set up the next two streaks, including the first of two from Karo Okiomah. | Meet the USASA – Aegean Hawks
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Carolina Dynamo: 10-8-0 overall (5-3 as PDL), 2-6-0 away (0-1-0 as PDL), 6-1-0 vs. amateur clubs (2-0-0 as PDL), Best Finish: Quarterfinals (1996, Lost 2-0 at DC United), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 3-1 vs. Charlotte Eagles)
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks: 0-2-0 overall, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2009 (Round 1, Lost 1-0 at Real Maryland Monarchs)
Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arenas; Pontiac, Mich. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
Since 2000, the Bucks have hosted all but one game (6 of 7 games) against non-MLS opposition (Richmond Kickers, 2007). Michigan is 2-0 against amateur teams in the Open Cup, defeating Jerry D’s 6-0 in 2000 and Chaldean Arsenal 3-0 in 2001. The Bucks are among the trio of PDL clubs that will not begin the regular season prior to the First Round. | Meet the USASA – Jersey Shore Boca
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Jersey Shore Boca: N/A
Michigan Bucks: 9-7-1 overall, 6-4-1 (0-1 in PKs) at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2006, Lost 4-1 vs. Columbus Crew), Last entry: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)
Mississippi Brilla FC (PDL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Georgia wins … home vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
If Mississippi wins … at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
In the First Round’s battle of the two most inexperienced teams, Mississippi lost in their only Open Cup appearance in 2009 (vs. USL First Division’s Austin Aztex) and the Revolution are making their debut. The winner will not be traveling far, as Mississippi would travel to play the Atlanta Silverbacks in the second round, while Georgia would be hosting Atlanta. Georgia opened its campaign with a bang, stomping Mississippi Storm, 7-1, on Saturday with goals from five different players, two from Kwadwo Poku, and an own goal. Brilla, on the other hand, fell at home, 1-0, to the Ocala Stampede in only the second loss at home in five years for the club.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Mississippi Brilla: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2009, Lost 2-0 at Austin Aztex), Last entry: 2009 Round 1 (Lost 2-0 at Austin Aztex)
Georgia Revolution: N/A
Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
Memorial Field, Deering High School; Portland, Maine – 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)
While TheCup.us does not have a record of every game of the last 98 years of the US Open Cup (most of them, but not all) and there is no record of a team from Maine participating in the US Open Cup. The Italians are a two-time Open Cup champion (1979, 1991). Brooklyn is also seeking their first win in the Pro Era, having lost in the first round the past two competitions. Brooklyn is off to a good start. They dropped visiting FC New York, 2-1, in the league opener and won 4-1 on the road against Mass United three days later. Over the weekend they picked up a 1-0 road win against the Rhode Island Reds to move to 3-0-0. GPS Portland kicked off their season Saturday, taking a 2-1 victory against visiting Vermont Voltage with an opener from Itode Fubara and the winner from Chris Banks.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Brooklyn Italians: 0-2-0 overall, 0-2-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms)
GPS Portland Phoenix: N/A
Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL)
Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis. – 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner hosts Minnesota Stars FC (NASL)
Home field is a consolation prize for the organization that had its USASA club miss out on Open Cup qualifying because the state association lost their paperwork last year. Now, the Bavarians’ NPSL team are in the tournament for the first time, hoping to carry on the Milwaukee club’s tradition against the Des Moines Menace, one of the elite PDL teams. This game marks the first road game for the Menace against an equal or lesser division opponent, including a 2003 loss, 2-1, to the USASA’s Bavarian SC in sudden death overtime. Milwaukee is 2-3 in the Pro Era (though were semifinalists in 1993 and finalists in 1994), while Des Moines is 6-6 all-time, and 1-1 against amateur teams. The Bavarians have not begun their NPSL campaign. The Menace, meanwhile, are coming into the contest on a positive note having downed visiting St Louis Lions, 4-1, Saturday courtesy of a hat trick from Husref Jupic. They were winless in the first three contests playing to a 1-1 draw and 1-0 loss on the road against Real Colorado Foxes and another 1-0 loss away to Springfield Demize.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Des Moines Menace: 6-5-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall, 2-3-0 away, 2-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 4 (2005, Lost 6-1 at Kansas City Wizards), Last entry: 2010 (Round 1, Lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
Milwaukee Bavarians: N/A
KC Athletics (USASA) at Real Colorado Foxes (PDL)
Colorado School of Mines Soccer Stadium; Golden, Colo. – 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online video (CoachesAid.com– $8.00)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Orlando City SC (USL Pro)
The Athletics are back in the tournament for the second time in three years, losing their debut against NSC Minnesota Stars in 2010. Real Colorado are making their second straight appearance, having won in their debut last year at home against DV8 Defenders from the USASA, before losing at the Kitsap Pumas in Round 2. Real Colorado played to a scoreless draw at home Sunday versus WSA Winnipeg. The week prior they had another pair of close-fought outings with a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 victory against the visiting Des Moines Menace. | Meet the USASA – KC Athletics
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
KC Athletics: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2010, Lost 4-2 vs. NCS Minnesota Stars), Last entry: 2010 (Round 1, lost 4-2 vs. NCS Minnesota Stars)
Real Colorado: 1-1-0 overall, 1-0-0 home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 2 (2011, Lost 3-1 at Kitsap Pumas), Last entry: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 3-1 at Kitsap Pumas)
ASC New Stars (USASA) at Laredo Heat (PDL)
Texas A&M International University; Laredo, Texas – 9:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
ASC New Stars are making their second appearance in a row and their third in the last five years. They are shooting for their first tournament win, in what will be their first game against an amateur side. Laredo hasn’t qualified since making their debut in 2006, when they nearly kept the historic run of Dallas Roma FC from ever happening, falling short 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw. The Laredo Heat dropped their first game of the season, falling 2-0 on the road to the Texas Dutch Lions. | Meet the USASA – ASC New Stars
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
ASC New Stars: 0-2-0 overall, 0-2-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost at Orlando City SC, 4-0)
Laredo Heat: 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) overall, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2006, Draw 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, Lost 4-2 in PKs), Last entry: 2006 (Round 1, Draw 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, Lost 4-2 in PKs)
North Texas Rayados (USASA) at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will host the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)
The Rayados, making their first appearance in the tournament out of USASA’s Region III, will face a club with a rich history in the competition at multiple levels. The Patriots were a professional team from their founding in 1991 until 2004 when they joined the PDL, and were 1995 finalists. El Paso has a .500 Open Cup Record at 9-9, including 3-4 as a PDL team. Enrique Cervantes, son of the club owner, scored the lone goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win at home against the Austin Aztex. The Patriots previously played to a 1-1 draw in their opener on the road versus West Texas. | Meet the USASA – NTX Rayados
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
NTX Rayados: N/A
El Paso Patriots: 8-7-3 (1-2 in PKs) overall (2-3-2, 1-1 in PKs as PDL), 7-5-3 at home (2-1-2, 1-1 in PKs), 4-1-2 (0-2 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs (2-0-1 as PDL), Best Finish: 1995 US Open Cup runner-up, Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Draw 0-0, Lost 6-5 in PKs vs. Kitsap Pumas)
Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Stanislaus United Turlock Express (US Club Soccer)
Academica Fields; Turlock, Calif. – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
The Fuego have been one of the better PDL teams over the last decade, but have only qualified once. They accomplished that in their inaugural season in 2003, and what a run it was, winning three games, upsetting two professional teams (Utah Blitzz of the PSL and the El Paso Patriots of the A-League) before falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center. The Fuego are one of just three PDL teams to ever reach beyond the Third Round (Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace). They will face off against the Stanislaus United Turlock Express (no relation to the Stanislaus United Cruisers who qualified in 2000), who are the first US Club Soccer team to compete in the Open Cup. The Fuego are off to a fantastic start. They posted a pair of victories against LA Misioneros, 4-1 at home and 3-1 away, and a 2-1 win against FC Tucson before dropping their first points Friday in a 1-1 road draw against Orange County Blue Star. | Meet the USCS – Stanislaus United Turlock Express
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Fresno Fuego: 3-1-0 overall, 1-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 4 (2003, Lost 3-1 at LA Galaxy), Last entry: 2003 (Round 4, Lost 3-1 at LA Galaxy)
SU Turlock Express: N/A
Ventura County Fusion (PDL) vs. Fullerton Rangers (NPSL)
Santa Ana Stadium; – Santa Ana, Calif. – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online video (LiveStream.com)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro)
This is the third straight Open Cup appearance for the Fusion, as well as their first road game (1-2 at home). The Rangers qualified tournament in their inaugural season, as NPSL decided to hold a tournament due to major lineup changes. The Fusion are off to a surprisingly slow start with two losses. They fell on the road against LA Misioneros, 1-0, Sunday after an initial 1-1 draw with them at home previously. Fullerton, meanwhile, has faced all five other clubs in the West-Southern Conference and has a 3-2 record. They were idle over the weekend.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Ventura County Fusion: 1-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) overall, 0-0-0 away, 1-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 2 (2011, Lost 1-0 vs. LA Blues), Last entry: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. LA Blues)
Fullerton Rangers: N/A
PSA Elite (USASA) at Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL)
Jeld-Wen Field; Portland, Ore. – 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
The Timbers PDL square are making their first appearance in the US Open Cup after missing out last year despite finishing qualifying with an undefeated record (3-0-1). Rather than going through a tiebreaker, they decided to have the Kitsap Pumas and the Timbers U23s use their regular season game on double as a play-in game, where Kitsap won 3-2. PSA Elite are making their first appearance in the tournament after emerging from the USASA Region IV tournament. The Timbers got off to a fast start in their opening game Friday with a three-goal first half in the 3-0 win against visiting Fraser Valley. Mark Sherrod scored twice with Emery Welshman providing the second tally.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
PSA Elite: N/A
Timbers U23s: N/A
16. Cal FC (USASA) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)
Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash. – 10:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro)
This is the fourth consecutive year that Kitsap will kick off the tournament at home. The Pumas reached the third round last year, falling 2-1 to three-time champion Seattle Sounders FC, and hold a 3-3 Open Cup record. USASA Region IV qualifier Cal FC are led by a mix of young players and former professional players and their manager, former US international Eric Wynalda. After opening the season with a 3-0 loss north of the border to the Vancouver Whitecaps U23, the Pumas rebounded in their home opener by drubbing Canada’s Fraser Valley Mariners, 6-0. | Meet the USASA – Cal FC
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC: N/A
Kitsap Pumas: 2-3-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall, 2-2-0 at home, 2-0-1 (1-0 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2011, Lost 2-1 at Seattle Sounders), Last entry: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 2-1 at Seattle Sounders)