The Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is in the books and it featured a number of surprising results. Nine teams from the mostly-amateur “open division” advanced to the Third Round, which is the round that puts teams one win away from a possible date with Major League Soccer (MLS).
Scroll down to get a brief recap of all 24 games (with links to match reports as they become available)
#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders
News
* USSF allows NY Cosmos B, Miami FC 2, Jacksonville Armada into 2018 US Open Cup
* El Farolito, 1993 US Open Cup champions, disqualified from 2018 tournament
* Why is it against the rules to change leagues during the US Open Cup?
* FC Cincinnati at Gettler Stadium: “Like Metallica playing a small venue”
2018 Meet the Underdogs series
* Christos FC
* FC Denver
* FC Kendall
* Kendall Wanderers
* La Maquina FC
* Los Angeles Wolves FC
* NTX Rayados
* Red Force FC
* Rochester River Dogz
* Santa Ana Winds
* Sporting AZ FC
Qualifying
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying results
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Win & You’re In review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup
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North Carolina FC held strong at home against the reigning Amateur Cup champion Lansdowne Bhoys FC, winning 3-0 to punch their ticket to the Third Round. NCFC, competing for the first time since moving to the United Soccer League, maintained the club’s perfect all-time record against amateur teams at 7-0-0. Connor Tobin set the tone with a goal in the second minute of the game and the home team maintained control with a Marios Lomis goal just before halftime, later sealing the deal in the 74th minute with Benard Luxbacher. North Carolina will put their perfect record against amateurs on the line in Round 3 when they host the upset-minded Ocean City Nor’easters of the PDL. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Ocean City Nor’easters came into their Second Round road match against the Charlotte Independence (USL) as the underdogs. A team full of college players making the 600-mile trip south to take on the pro team from Charlotte, they wasted no time in showing their resume — which features five pro team upsets — is not a fluke. The Nor’easters punched the pro team in the mouth, with Kyle Gurrier scoring two goals in the opening seven minutes, followed by a third goal by Haitian striker Fredlin “Fredinho” Mompremier just before halftime. Deri Corfe, a former Manchester City youth player, assisted on the second and third goals, giving him a tournament-high four assists. The Ocean City defense would hold off the Independence in the second half to earn the club’s sixth upset of a pro team. Only two amateur clubs (Michigan Bucks, Des Moines Menace) have more pro team upsets than the Nor’easters and they can match the Des Moines Menace with seven with a return to North Carolina next week to take on North Carolina FC (USL). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds came into the 2018 US Open Cup needing to bounce back after two straight one-and-done tournaments. With both of those losses coming at the hands of amateur teams (Lansdowne Bhoys in 2016, Chicago FC United of the PDL in 2017), the Riverhounds were anxious to end their losing streak on the road against the Erie Commodores (NPSL) from Western Pennsylvania. Thomas Vancaeyezeele opened the scoring in the 4th minute, with Kevin Kerr, who assisted on the first goal, added a 30th minute penalty kick to give them a two-goal cushion. Erie would cut the lead in half just before halftime but the Hounds will hold on in the second half to earn the win to snap their seven-game road winless streak and clinch a Third Round home game against USL rival FC Cincinnati on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Richmond Kickers (USL) and Reading United AC (PDL) came in with impressive Open Cup resumes. Richmond, the 1995 US Open Cup champions, were one victory shy of joining the Modern Era’s 30-win club, while Reading United came in having qualified for a record 10 straight tournaments and winning a record seven straight opening games. It was a physical battle with each team scoring a goal in either half and despite a red card to Richmond’s Oscar Umar during extra time, the Kickers held on to force penalties. Richmond advanced to earn a home game against fellow USL side Penn FC on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
For the second year in a row, Louisville City kicked off their US Open Cup run with a one-sided shutout of an amateur team in front of their home fans. Last year, they defeated the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (USASA), 9-0, and this year, they stayed home and dominated the PDL’s Long Island Rough Riders, 5-0. The defending USL champions spread out five goals across five different goalscorers to punch their ticket to Round 3 where they will host fellow USL team Saint Louis FC on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
For the 13th year in a row, the Charleston Battery (USL) won their opening round game, edging South Georgia Tormenta FC (PDL) 1-0. The win extends the Battery’s home unbeaten streak in the tournament to eight games. Patrick Okonkwo’s headed home a 21st minute goal to score the only goal of the game. Tormenta had their opportunities as Charleston’s Nico Rittmeyer received his second yellow card in the 63rd minute, giving the PDL side a man advantage. That advantage lasted nearly 25 minutes until South Georgia received a red card of their own, but they were unable to capitalize. With the victory, the Battery win their 32nd all-time win in the tournament which moves them into a tie with D.C. United for fifth-most in the Modern Era. Charleston moves on to Round 3 where they will host the defending NPSL champion Elm City Express on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
FC Motown (NPSL) opened up the scoring in the 53rd minute with a low shot to the far post on Dilly Duka’s third goal of the tournament. However, Penn FC (USL) scored three goals in the final twelve minutes to defeat the hosts and win the Second Round encounter, 3-1. Miguel Jaime tied the game in the 79th minute and Prince Boffo’s strike from 25 yards out gave the visitors the lead for good moments later. Pedro Galvao’s stoppage-time goal insure the win for the USL side as it advances into the Third Round of the 2018 US Open Cup where they will play at the Richmond Kickers on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
After nearly 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, defending NPSL champion Elm City Express scored two goals in the final ten minutes to pick up a road win over Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL). Shaquille Saunchez scored both goals as the Express became the first Connecticut team to win multiple games in a tournament in the Modern Era (1995-present). The Express will face off with a pro team for the first time in Round 3 when they travel to South Carolina to take on the Charleston Battery (USL) next Wednesday. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Detroit City FC and FC Cincinnati, two teams that have received a lot of national attention for their passionate fanbases, squared off on the field at a small soccer venue in the Queen City in Round 2. Both teams traded goals in the first half and when the game went to extra time, the USL side took over with Cincinnati scoring three goals to advance. Emery Welshman scored three of the team’s four goals and became the second Canadian to score a hat trick in the Modern Era. FC Cincinnati will hit the road in Round 3 when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Jacksonville Armada won their third straight game in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. After a scoreless first half, JC Banks buried a shot with help from Joshua Castellanos in the 58th minute to give the Armada a 1-0 lead. The Rowdies had a chance for the equalizer in the 71st minute but Zac Portillos’ shot hit the crossbar. The Rowdies tried again to get a last minute equalizer late in the match with former Armada player Jack Blake getting a free kick to Lance Rozeboom for the Rowdies but goalkeeper Brian Holt came up with a huge save to keep the shutout and the win for the Armada. This marks the first NPSL team not named Chattanooga FC to eliminate a professional team since the league was founded in 2003. The Armada will host NPSL Sunshine Conference rivals Miami United in the Third Round next Wednesday. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
In this Magic City classico derby, Miami United, finally defeated their crosstown rivals Miami FC 2 with a convincing 3-1 win on the road at FIU Stadium in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup second round match. In the first half Miami FC 2 got on the board in the 18th minute when Dylan Mares blasted a half volley in the back of the net to give Miami FC 2 the lead. The game changed just before half time when Miami FC 2 Forward Kris Tyrpak was shown a straight red card after an off the ball call from the referee. Miami United FC took advantage with a man up in the second half with David Ochoa getting 2 goals in the 49th and 52nd minute and there was no looking back for this team. Victor Pelae all but sealed it for United late into stoppage time for a 3-1 victory and send their fans home happy as they’ll finally get to see their team get past the Second Round in the tournament and will travel to Jacksonville in the Third Round to take on NPSL Sunshine Conference rival, the Jacksonville Armada. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Brilla FC became the first Mississippi-based club to reach the Third Round of the US Open Cup and the first to upset a professional team after a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven (USL). Koray Easterling scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute. Mississippi will take on another pro team in Round 3 when they travel to the Music City to take on Nashville SC of the USL on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Tulsa Roughnecks (USL) took the lead three times and three times FC Wichita (NPSL) tied the game. Then, in the end, with the score tied 3-3, Franck Tayou score his second goal of the game in the 90th minute to give FC Wichita their first win over a professional team. FC Wichita made history with the win as they become just the fourth NPSL team to eliminate a pro team in the US Open Cup. Chattanooga FC did it twice and the Jacksonville Armada FC (a pro team themselves) did it on the same night when they eliminated the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL). FC Wichita benefited from an upset because they will play another amateur team, NTX Rayados, in Round 3 with a chance at playing a Major League Soccer team on the line. NTX Rayados will host FC Wichita on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
With temperatures dropping from 90 degrees to a more seasonal 50 degrees, Duluth FC (PDL) played a defensive game against Saint Louis FC (USL), but Duluth surrendered two first-half goals in front of its home crowd. Kadeem Dacres gave the visitors the lead in the 25th minute as he collected Corey Hertzog’s cross and fired the shot into the net. Ten minutes later, Dacres returned the favor as he beat his man on the left touchline and found Corey Hertzog on a near post run. Hertzog’s header went just under Duluth’s bar and between the outstretched arms of Duluth’s goalie. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The Sacramento Republic are in their fifth year of existence and for the fifth year in a row they were victorious against an amateur team in their opening round US Open Cup game. They defeated the supporter-owned San Francisco City FC 3-1 to advance. The win sets up an all-USL matchup in Nevada as the Republic will take on Reno 1868 FC on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Tucker Hume was the man of the match as he scored two goals, both with the help of Robin Shroot who offered assists on both, to lead Nashville SC to a 2-0 victory over the Inter Nashville FC. Nashville was coming into the game having snapped a three-game winless streak against USL Cup champion Louisville City FC over the weekend. They won the “Elnashico Derby” and will host the Mississippi Brilla (PDL) next week. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The NTX Rayados from the North Texas Premier Soccer Association have qualified for seven straight US Open Cup tournaments, but only last week did they finally pick up their first tournament win (they advanced via penalty kicks in 2014 which is officially listed as a draw). A week later, North Texas picked up their first win over a pro team and they did it in dramatic fashion. It looked like the Rayados were on their way out of the tournament until Christian Okeke scored a 90th minute equalizer. Then, in extra time, Okeke scored another and the Rayados added two more to put the Oklahoma City Energy away. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
San Antonio FC held on to an early goal by Darnell King on the road against amateur side Midland-Odessa FC and then put the game away with three goals in the final few minutes of the game to advance to Round 3. The win earns San Antonio a home game in Round 3 against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
In an all-Colorado Second Round battle, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks avoided an upset thanks to an 86th minute game-winner by Jordan Burt. FC Denver’s Cesar Castillo, who scored a hat trick in their First Round win over Azteca FC, tied the game in the 77th minute and it looked like the momentum was shifting toward the visitors but Burt came to the rescue to avoid the Switchbacks’ first-ever loss to an amateur team. The Switchbacks will travel to play San Antonio FC in the Third Round on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
USL expansion side Fresno FC nearly had a disastrous US Open Cup debut as Orange County FC, led by head coach and former US international Paul Caliguri, took them to extra time with the score deadlocked at 0-0. Fresno would eventually take control in extra time with goals from Terran Campbell in the 95th minute and a late 118th minute goal by Renato Bustamante. Fresno will travel to the Phoenix area in Round 3 to take on amateur side Sporting AZ FC (UPSL) on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
FC Golden State Force upset their first pro team in their brief club history. The third-year PDL club knocked off Orange County SC, which put the USL club in some unfortunate company. With the loss, Orange County has been eliminated by five amateur teams in their eight trips to the tournament. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are the only other team to suffer five upsets at the hands of amateur teams. Orange County took the lead twice in the first half only to see the Force equalize each time before taking a 3-2 lead in the 67th minute on a goal by Samuel Goni Villava. Pedro Fonseca put the game away with an 89th minute goal as the Force not only advance to Round 3 for the first time but they will host the game against the expansion Las Vegas Lights (USL) on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
The UPSL’s Sporting AZ FC are making the most of their US Open Cup debut. A week after defeating local rival FC Arizona (NPSL) in Round 1, they eliminated the USL’s Phoenix Rising in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. This was just the fourth time that an open division local qualifier (non-PDL, non-NPSL) eliminated a Division 2 pro team. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Despite the amateur side taking the early lead, Reno’s Jerry van Ewijk’s hat trick helped the USL side get past the Timbers U-23s side, 7-3. Portland’s Ryo Shimazaki and Wouter Verstraaten finished two goals off set pieces earlier in the game. Ewijk finished his hat trick in the 81st minute as the professional side now hosts Sacramento Republic in the Third Round of play. This also marked just the eighth time that two teams have combined for 10 or more goals in a single Open Cup game in the Modern Era. (The record is 12) [+] FULL MATCH REPORT
Las Vegas broke the 2-2 tie in the second half as Sammy Ochoa scored two goals in the 56th and 65th minutes to give the Lights their first US Open Cup victory in club history. Carlos Alvarez contributed to the action-packed game with a goal and assist as well. Las Vegas will hit the road in Round 3 as they travel to Southern California to face the PDL’s FC Golden State Force on May 23. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT