UPDATE: On Nov. 1, North Texas Rayados defeated Austin Real Cuauhtemoc 4-2 to advance to Round 2 after the original match was rescheduled. (Match report here)
UPDATE (11/12): US Soccer confirmed that International Portland Select has withdrawn from the tournament because they were unable to make their second round trip to Texas to play North Texas Rayados. Round 2 scheduled updated below.
Thanks to a heavy rain storm in Georgetown, Texas, thpe opening round of the 2016 US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament is just one game short of being complete. This past weekend (Oct. 24-25), 15 teams advanced to Round 2, with the North Texas Rayados (USASA) and Austin Real Cuauhtemoc match getting rained out. Among the winners were some familiar teams from last year’s US Open Cup as Cal FC, Harpo’s FC and Chula Vista FC moved one step closer to returning to the tournament.
The previous weekend was reserved for teams from the Northeast with 10 teams advancing, but this weekend was for the rest of the country with teams from California, North Carolina, Colorado, and Florida squaring off. After two teams withdrew from the tournament before the competition even started due to excessive travel (KC Athletics and Tobacco Road FC), a third team, Corinthians USA from the Los Angeles area failed to register enough players and had to forfeit.
Otherwise, there were plenty of exciting matchups and dramatic finishes as the winners move on to play their second round games in mid-November (updated schedule at the bottom)
Here is a brief summary of each game:
OCT. 24, 2015
Harpo’s FC (CO) 4:1 (AET) Colorado Rovers (CO)
Last year, Harpo’s FC, a pub team based in Boulder, Colo. made a name for themselves by qualifying out of the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and beating the Kansas City Athletics (USASA) and ousting the PDL’s BYU Cougars in penalty kicks to earn a date with the USL’s Colorado Springs Swichbacks. They played the Switchbacks tough, but fell 2-1. To qualify last year, they had to dethrone the two-time defending USSSA champion Colorado Rovers, and this year, those two teams met again. This year, Harpo’s did it again, by knocking off the Rovers 4-1. Forward Daniel Whittle scored the opener for Harpos before former MLS player Ritchie Kotschau equalized in the second half. The two Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) rivals went into to overtime tied at one a piece. After 100 minutes of physical, back and forth soccer the rowdy Harpo’s support pushed the Boulder-based pub team past the exhausted Rovers with three knockout goals from captain Dan Campbell and well-traveled forward Chris Salvaggione. Harpo’s will move on to host the Colorado Rush at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Nov. 22.
HIGHLIGHTS: Harpo’s FC vs. Colorado Rovers (CurrentOfColorado.com)
2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: Game 1 in Colorado from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.
San Nicholas (SOUTH CA) W:L Corinthians USA (SOUTH CA)
(Corinthians forfeited – not enough registered players)
San Nicolas FC, which features former Cuban international and MLS player Maykel Galindo, advanced to the second round of qualifying after Corinthians USA failed to register enough players and had to forfeit. However, on Saturday night they chose to play the game anyway. San Nicolas won the game 2-0 in a game that was cut short because of the lights going out at the stadium. Unfortunately for San Nicholas, the Chino (Calif.)-based club may be without Galindo after he left the game with an injury. They will play their Round 2 game on the road in Bellflower, Calif. against Real Sociedad on Nov. 22. FULL MATCH REPORT
La Maquina(SOUTH CA) 3:2 Strikers FC South Coast (SOUTH CA)
Santa Ana, Calif.-based La Maquina were in control after scoring just after halftime to take a 2-0 lead over United Premier Soccer League division rival Strikers FC South Coast. The Strikers battled back with two goals in a five-minute span and the match was tied up in the 63rd minute. La Maquina would regain the lead and their 80th minute goal would send them into Round 2 where the UPSL side will travel to play Chula Vista FC.
San Pedro Monsters (SOUTH CA) 9:0 Footballers Academy (SOUTH CA)
The most one-sided match of the first round took place in San Pedro, Calif. as the San Pedro Monsters crushed the Footballers Academy from Chino Hills, Calif. One of the top scoring teams in the UPSL (+36 goal difference) had no trouble with the Academy who entered the game in last place in the SoCal Premier League. Andy Nunez led the way with four goals, followed by Christopher Widdy and Cameron Krumpe adding two goals each. Krumpe also dished out two assists, as did Charlie Gonzales and Jose Diaz Palacios. The only other tally was from an own goal. The Monsters advance to host Outbreak FC in Round 2 on Nov. 21.
LA Wolves (SOUTH CA) 2:1 (AET) Del Rey City SC (SOUTH CA)
The LA Wolves needed a late goal to eliminate Del Rey City in the first-ever qualifier for both clubs. Suri Keira was the hero for the Wolves who scored the game-winner in the 85th minute after LA rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit. With the win, LA earns another tough task as they will host Cal FC on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT
OCT. 25, 2015
Boca Raton FC (FL) 2:1 (AET) Real Miami Club of Football (FL)
After finishing regulation in a scoreless draw, Boca Raton FC and Real Miami CF, both members of the APSL, went into extra time to decide their first-ever qualifying match. Boca struck first with Shadi Harb in the 95th minute, but Miami leveled the match on a free kick in the 119th minute of extra time. It looked like it would have to be decided by penalty kicks until Gabe Taboada saved the day with a dramatic goal in stoppage time. FULL MATCH REPORT
Boca Raton FC: Gabe Taboada’s game-winner
Colorado Rush (CO) 5:2 FC Boulder (CO)
With a roster full of former pros and Rush academy alumni, the Colorado Rush cruised past CASL rival FC Boulder, 5-2. The Rush will take on another Colorado club, Harpo’s FC in Round 2 on Nov. 22.
HIGHLIGHTS: Colorado Rush vs. FC Boulder (CurrentOfColorado.com)
CoC-USOC Highlights 10-26-15 from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.
San Francisco City FC (NORTH CA) 2:0 El Farolito (NORTH CA)
Last year’s qualifier San Francisco City continued their quest for a second straight US Open Cup berth with a 2-0 win over El Farolito. With over 1,000 fans in attendance, City received goals from Johannes Demarzi and Danny Kirkland to eliminate the 1993 US Open Cup champions (CD Mexico). City will host the Davis Legacy at Crocker Amazon Field on Nov. 21.
MORE: After debut last year, fan-owned San Francisco City begins new US Open Cup quest
Outbreak FC (SOUTH CA) 5:1 Buena Park FC (SOUTH CA)
It was a mismatch on paper as Outbreak FC, the top team in the SoCal Premier League took on Buena Park who had only won a single game in their last 10 UPSL matches. That mismatch on paper translated into real life as Outbreak won 5-1 to punch their ticket to the second round. Next up, Outbreak will travel to San Pedro to face the Monsters on Nov. 21.
Queen City United FC (NC) 4:1 Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC (NC)
Queen City United FC will be the one carrying the North Carolina, and the USSSA flag into the next round of US Open Cup qualifying after a 4-1 win over the Charlote Sporting Soccer Academy FC. The game featured a pair of teams from Charlotte, N.C. who also compete in the USSSA’s National Soccer League Atlantic Division. Queen City will travel to New Orleans to take on CD Motagua on Nov. 21
Real Sociedad (SOUTH CA) 2:2 (4:1 PKs) Ozzy’s Laguna FC (SOUTH CA)
On two occasions, Ozzy’s Laguna FC took the lead, but twice Real Sociedad tied the game up, and ultimately won the match in penalty kicks to advance to Round 2. Real earns themselves a home game in the next round where they will take on San Nicholas FC on Nov. 22.
Uruguay Kendall (FL) 3:0 Red Force (FL)
Juanca Jimenez, Mauro Grignola, and Jona Andrade all scored for Uruguay Kendall in a 3-0 win over Red Force, who qualified for the 2013 and 2014 US Open Cup. The Florida club advances to Round 2 where they will narrow the Sunshine State entries down to one as they host Boca Raton FC on Nov. 21.
Davis Legacy (NORTH CA) 1:0 IFX Ballistic (NORTH CA)
The Davis Legacy, who were formed earlier this year, won their first US Open Cup qualifier 1-0 over IFX Ballistic. The deciding goal was a penalty kick by Carlos Carranza in the 19th minute. With the win, Davis will travel to the Bay Area to take on San Francisco City FC on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT
Cal FC (SOUTH CA) 4:0 Valley United (SOUTH CA)
Cal FC, the US Open Cup darlings from 2012 that upset the Portland Timbers of MLS, took the first step toward qualifying for the tournament for the second year in a row with a 4-0 win over Valley United. Cal FC’s Todd Fairchild scored a pair of goals, while Max Madrigal and Tito Anguiano added a goal each. The next match for Cal FC will be a road game against the LA Wolves on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT
Chula Vista FC (SOUTH CA) 5:2 Temecula FC (SOUTH CA)
In a massive turnaround, Chula Vista overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit to score five unanswered goals to beat Temecula FC 5-2. Chula Vista, one of last year’s Open Cup darlings who upset the USL’s Arizona United, moves on to Round 2 where they will host La Maquina on Nov. 21.
NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) 4:2 Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX)
The North Texas Rayados took the next step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fifth year in a row with a 4-2 opening round win. The original match was scheduled a week earlier, but was postponed due to heavy rain that flooded the field. It was another wet match, but the field was in much better shape and the match was completed. FULL MATCH REPORT.
OCT. 17, 2015
Southie FC (MA) 1:0 Battery Park Gunners (MA)
Salone FC (EAST PA) 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge (EAST PA)
Aromas Café FC (DC/VA) 3:1 Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (WEST PA)
Junior Lone Star FC (EAST PA) 1:2 (AET) West Chester United (EAST PA)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) 2:1 South Jersey Elite Barons (NJ)
Lansdowne Bhoys FC (EAST NY) 3:0 Newtown Pride FC (CT)
OCT. 18, 2015
Global Premier Soccer Omens (MA) 5:0 Boston Olympiakos FC (MA)
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (MD) 2:1 (AET) Maryland Bays (MD)
NY Greek American SC (EAST NY) 2:4 (AET) NY Pancyprian Freedoms (EAST NY)
Worcester FC (MA) 2:1 Newport FC (RI)
OCT. 24, 2015
NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) vs. Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX) – PPD (rain)
Match rescheduled for Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at McMasters Athletic Complex (Georgetown, TX)
Harpo’s FC (CO) 4:1 (AET) Colorado Rovers (CO)
San Nicholas (SOUTH CA) W:L Corinthians USA (SOUTH CA)
(Corinthians forfeited – not enough registered players)
La Maquina(SOUTH CA) 3:2 Strikers FC South Coast (SOUTH CA)
San Pedro Monsters (SOUTH CA) 9:0 Footballers Academy (SOUTH CA)
LA Wolves (SOUTH CA) 2:1 (AET) Del Rey City SC (SOUTH CA)
OCT. 25, 2015
Boca Raton FC (FL) 2:1 (AET) Real Miami Club of Football (FL)
Colorado Rush (CO) 5:2 FC Boulder (CO)
San Francisco City FC (NORTH CA) 2:0 El Farolito (NORTH CA)
Outbreak FC (SOUTH CA) 5:1 Buena Park FC (SOUTH CA)
Queen City United FC (NC) 4:1 Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC (NC)
Real Sociedad (SOUTH CA) 2:2 (4:1 PKs) Ozzy’s Laguna FC (SOUTH CA)
Uruguay Kendall (FL) 3:0 Red Force (FL)
Davis Legacy (NORTH CA) 1:0 IFX Ballistic (NORTH CA)
Cal FC (SOUTH CA) 4:0 Valley United (SOUTH CA)
Chula Vista FC (SOUTH CA) 5:2 Temecula FC (SOUTH CA)
NOV. 1, 2015
NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) 4:2 Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX)
International Portland Select (OR) W:L KC Athletics (KS)
KC Athletics withdrew (travel); IPS advances to Round 2
CD Motagua (LA) W:L Tobacco Road FC (NC)
Tobacco Road FC withdrew (travel); CD Motagua advances to Round 2
QUALIFYING: SECOND ROUND (All Times Eastern)
International Portland Select (OR) at NTX Rayados (NTX)
IPS withdrew (travel); NTX Rayados advances to Round 3
NOV. 14, 2015
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (ENY)
Randall’s Island Field No. 75; Randall’s Island, NY – 7 p.m.
Lansdowne Bhoys (ENY) at Worcester FC (MA)
Foley Stadium; Worcester, MA – 7:15 p.m.
NOV. 15, 2015
Aegean Hawks FC (MD) at Aromas Café FC (DC/VA)
Charlottesville High School; Charlottesville, VA – 3 p.m.
GPS Omens (MA) at Southie FC (MA)
Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium; Lawrence, MA – 4 p.m.
Salone FC (EPA) at West Chester United (EPA)
WCUSC Turf Field; West Chester, PA – 5 p.m.
NOV. 21, 2015
Queen City United (NC) at CD Motagua of New Orleans (LA)
Pan American Stadium; New Orleans, LA – 8 p.m.
La Maquina (SCA) at Chula Vista FC (SCA)
Eastlake High; Chula Vista, CA – 9 p.m.
Cal FC (SCA) at LA Wolves FC (SCA)
Toyota Sports Complex (Field 1); Torrance, CA – 10:30 p.m.
NOV. 22, 2015
Boca Raton FC (FL) at Uruguay Kendall (FL)
Broward College South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL – 3:30 p.m.
Colorado Rush (CO) at Harpo’s FC (CO)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field 8); Commerce City, CO – 4 p.m.
Davis Legacy (NCA) at San Francisco City FC (NCA)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif. – 5 p.m.
San Nicolas (SCA) at Real Sociedad (SCA)
St. John Bosco Football Stadium; Bellflower, Calif. – 7:30 p.m.
Outbreak FC at San Pedro Monsters FC
Toyota Sports Complex (Field 1); Torrance, CA – 10:30 p.m.
QUALIFYING: THIRD ROUND
April 1-2, 2016
US OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND
May 11, 2016