TheCup.us has learned from multiple sources that the Premier Development League, the amateur division of United Soccer Leagues, will receive 16 berths for the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The expanded number of berths will be dispersed, with one exception, to the top two clubs from the 2011 standings in each division.

The news, coming from the USL Annual General Meeting being held currently in Clearwater, FL, is further confirmation of TheCup.us’ earlier report about upcoming changes for the tournament which will see an expansion of teams from 40 to 64 and an accelerated schedule that shifts the calendar too close to the start of the PDL season for the league to continue utilizing its four-match qualification format used since 1997. The report also noted that the expansion revolved around the inclusion of all Major League Soccer teams.

The one alteration to the PDL’s two-berth format, a total of four per conference, is in the Eastern Conference, which consists of three divisions. Based on the number of teams per division, the Mid Atlantic (9 teams last year) will receive two berths while the Northeast (5 teams) and South Atlantic (6 teams) will each receive one spot in the tournament.

With the USL AGM in the midst of planning the 2012 season, the final composition of clubs set to play next season has not been announced. Reading United AC and reigning PDL champion Kitsap Pumas are headed to a fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament, matching a record for consecutive entries from an amateur flight league set by Mexico SC (Fresno, CA) of the USASA.  The Michigan Bucks are adding a league-record ninth appearance to their ledger. The Portland Timbers U23s and the MPS Portland Phoenix (Maine) are the only two teams who will make their debut in the 2012 tournament.

The 16 PDL clubs are expected to enter the 2012 competition in the opening round, along with 16 other amateur clubs, according to an earlier report. The distribution of the remaining amateur teams, between the USASA, NPSL and possibly US Club Soccer, has yet to be unveiled.

2012 PDL Entries – Based on 2011 Standings (official 2012 alignment unknown)

Central Conference
Michigan Bucks – 1st place in Great Lakes Division – record 9th appearance (9-7-1 all-time), last appearance: 2008
Chicago Fire PDL – 2nd place in Great Lakes Division – 5th appearance (6-4-0), 3rd straight appearance
Des Moines Menace – 2nd place in Heartland Division* – 6th appearance (6-5-1, 1-0 in PKs) – Last appearance: 2010
Real Colorado Foxes – 3rd place in Heartland Division * – 2nd appearance (1-1-0), 2nd straight appearance
*Canadian club Thunder Bay finished 1st

Eastern Conference
Long Island Rough Riders – 1st place in Mid Atlantic Division – 5th appearance, 3rd as a PDL team (3-5-0 all-time, 1-2-0 as a PDL team) …  Last appearance: 2010
Reading United AC - 2nd place in Mid Atlantic Division … 6th appearance, 4th as a PDL team (0-5-0 all-time, 0-3-0 as a PDL team) … 4th straight appearance (tied for the amateur record)
MPS Portland Phoenix – 1st place in Northeast Division … 1st appearance
Carolina Dynamo – 1st place in South Atlantic Division … 8th appearance, 3rd as a PDL team (10-8-0 all-time, 5-3-0 as a PDL team) … 2nd straight appearance

Southern Conference
Laredo Heat – 1st place in Mid South Division … 2nd appearance (0-0-1, 0-1 in PKs … lost to Dallas Roma FC in 2006, who went on to make their magical run) … last appearance: 2006
El Paso Patriots – 2nd place in Mid South Division … 10th appearance, 5th as a PDL team (8-7-3, 1-2 in PKs all-time, 2-3-2, 1-1 in PKs as a PDL team) … 2nd straight appearance
Mississippi Brilla – 1st place in Southeast Division … 2nd appearance (0-1-0) … last appearance: 2009
Orlando City U23s (previously Central Florida Kraze) – 2nd place Southeast Division … 5th appearance (0-4-0) … 3rd straight appearance

Western Conference
Kitsap Pumas – 1st place in Northwest Division…. 4th appearance (2-3-1, 1-0 in PKs), 4th straight appearance (Amateur record) … have qualified in every year of their existence
Portland Timbers U23s – 4th place in Northwest Division* … 1st appearance
Fresno Fuego – 1st Southwest Division … 2nd appearance (3-1-0) … last appearance: 2003 (advanced to the Fourth Round and lost to the Los Angeles Galaxy. 1 of only 3 PDL teams to ever advance beyond the Third Round)
Ventura County Fusion – 2nd Southwest Division … 3rd appearance (1-1-1, 0-1 in PKs), 3rd straight appearance
*Canadian clubs Victoria Highlanders and Vancouver Whitecaps U23s were 2nd & 3rd

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The Battery Park Gunners defeated Boston Olympiakos 2-0 in the other semifinal to punch their own ticket to the championship game.

MPS had the lion’s share of the chances in the first half, but could not find the net, as MUFC keeper Steven Liechti was able to handle the shots that were on target. After a very sluggish start, United finally picked up some steam on the counterattack, but were equally as unsuccessful with scoring chances. Possession and chances were more even in the second half, as Untied switched to a 4-4-1-1 formation, and Premier kept firing away. MPS caught a huge break around the 85th minute, when MUFC midfielder Christopher Sharpe was sent off for a hard challenge on Figueiredo in front of the box. Figueiredo took the kick himself, and sent it past Liechti to finally break through. Short on time and short a man, United was unable to mount any serious challenge to equalize, leaving MPS the victors.

The other semifinal featured a pair of champions as the Battery Park Gunners from the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) and Boston Olympiakos from the Massachusetts State Soccer League (MSSL) squared off. The difference in the game was a pair of first half goals by Joe Annese and Jesse Milling. The first came in the 26th minute when the Olympiakos goalkeeper, Renato Paivo Barbosa, picked up a back pass from one of his teammates, giving the Gunners an indirect kick from about eight yards out. Ben Shuleva touched the ball to Annese, who found a gap in the wall, and put Battery Park up, 1-0.

Just two minutes later, the Gunners added a second when Mark Parshley attacked from the right wing and found the head of Milling who nodded it into the back of the net to double the lead.

Battery Park, one of the top defensive teams in the BSSL (allowed 10 goals in their last 21 matches in all competitions), had to hold off the pressure put on by Boston as they tried to get back in the game. In the 40th minute, Denivaldo Da Silva connected on a bicycle kick which rattled off the post. In the 75th minute, the Gunners watched another Olympiakos shot strike the post, but their defense, led by goalkeeper Phil Nelson, kept the clean sheet and emerged victorious, 2-0.  The two teams will meet again, in the Massachusetts Amateur Cup final on Sunday, Dec. 18.

MPS will play the Gunners in the Final which will be scheduled at a date to be determined. The two clubs met in the BSSL regular season, where they split the series at a game a piece. The Gunners were victorious in the second game, which clinched the league championship for them in the season finale. The winner of that game will advance to play in the USASA Region I Open Cup Qualifying Tournament, to be held in the Spring of 2012. Both clubs are trying to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time.

Battery Park Gunners 2:0 Boston Olympiakos

SCORING SUMMARY:

BPG: Joe Annese (Ben Shuleva) – 26th minute
BPG: Jesse Milling (Mike Parshley) – 28th minute

LINEUPS:

BPG: Phil Nelson (GK), Joe Annese, Jason Pan, Steve Hepburn, Myles Gerraty, Jesse Milling (James Begen 88th), Ben Shuleva, Greg O’Neil, Mike Parshley, Aaron O’Neal (Bobby Linaberry 60th), Joe Vitale (Kevin Griffith 70th)

BOS: Renato Paiva Barbosa (GK), Queivon Correia, Russell Guidici, Allen Ashenfelter, Thomas Smith, Jessey Fernandez, Baffour Boateng, Geoffrey Walker, Admilson Miranda, Alenca Ventura, Denivaldo Da Silva

Mass Premier Soccer 1:0 Mass United FC

SCORING SUMMARY:
MPS: Nick Figueiredo (Unassisted) – 86th minute

LINEUPS:

MUFC: Steven Liechti; Christopher Sharpe, Daniel Antonio Jr., Adrian Kawuba, Anton DaSilva; Christopher Bedi, Bruno (James Grant 1st), Rafael Santos, Enco Lika (Gerry Munani 2nd), Victor Costa (Austin Reed 2nd); John Bavota

MPS: Jeff Newman; Nick Christman, Matt Cross, Sam Brill (Pumele Maqubela 2nd), Matt Handy; Desmond Mitchell, Harris Smriko, Matt Lemire, Derek Nobrega (Mariano Arrua 2nd); Nick Figueiredo, Matt Hoff

AAC Eagles celebrate their 1990 US Open Cup championship. Photo: Renee Bechtoldt | AAC Eagles

The predominantly Polish side from Chicago has much to say about the US Open Cup.  Contestants AAC Eagles have won the entire tournament in 1990 and had a number of strong showings in years following.

2011 will mark the Eagles’ fifth Professional Era (1995-present) appearance (1995, 2002, 2005, 2008), and they will travel to Madison, Wis. for their First Round match-up with the NPSL’s Madison 56ers on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST. The winner of that match will play the winner of the Chicago Fire Premier (PDL) and Iowa Menace (USASA ) in Round 2.

The club returned to prominence a year ago when they ended state rival RWB Adria’s three-year reign as Illinois state champions. The Eagles defeated RWB Adria 2-0 in the Illinois state qualifier the previous November before knocking out Minnesota entrant Fire SC in the Region II Quarterfinals, 8-3. The side was then eliminated in the Final Four via penalties 4-2 by KC Athletics after a 3-3 draw. The two matches took place at MLS venues, playing at Toyota Park’s training field and in a doubleheader with the Kansas City Wizards at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

This year, AAC Eagles were seeded as host of the Illinois Final as defending champion, and defeated Viking AA 2-1 to retain the state crown. They earned a date with FC Indiana in the opening round of the Region II tournament and dispatched them 7-2 thanks to four goals by Jakub Piotrowski. It then came down to a “Win & You’re In” match between the Eagles and RWB Adria (who replaced Viking AA after they withdrew from the tournament), which the Eagles won 4-1 with Piotrowski leading the way with three goals. `

CLUB HISTORY

AAC Eagles were formed in the year 1940 by a number of Polish immigrants. The club underwent a number of rebrandings over the years from then on. Until the 1950s, Eagles were originally known as the Polish American Athletic Club (PAAC Eagles).

The team also played its inaugural season in the National Soccer League of Chicago.

After the 1950s, the team rebranded to the Chicago Eagles. Since then, the club has interchanged between a couple of other names. Having won the cup in 1990, the club had finally settled on the AAC Eagles moniker for years to come.

The Eagles currently play in the Metropolitan Soccer League, where it has won 11 Major Division championships.

HISTORY IN THE CUP

AAC Eagles celebrate their 1990 US Open Cup championship. Photo: Renee Bechtoldt | AAC Eagles

The club has a number of successes worth mentioning. It reached the final in 1945 and 1948 before winning the Open Cup in 1990. The Eagles defeated the Brooklyn Italians, who have also qualified for the 2011 competition, 2-1 in the championship game with goals from Jan Kiaca and Peter Modrzejewski at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. , six years before MLS would be launched.

As is the case for the current tournament, back in 1990, the Eagles’ famous US Open Cup victory gave them a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (now called the Champions League). The club lost on aggregate 4-1 to Bermudian side PHC Zebras in early stages of the tournament, but had already accomplished the impossible getting there.

The team first entered the Cup in 1948 and won their first-ever tournament match, 6-4, over Hansa SC on Nov. 16, 1947. In the ‘48 Cup they reached the Illinois Final, where they lost to Sparta A & BA 3-2 after extra time.

In 1949, they made it all the way to the Western Final (National Semifinals), losing to Pittsburgh’s Morgan Strasser 4-3 on aggregate over two legs. Strasser went on to win the title that year.

In 1950 they reached the Western Semifinals where they lost to another eventual champion, St. Louis’ Simpkins Ford 5-0. Along the way they thrashed Hakoah Center 11-0 in the Illinois quarterfinals.

In 1953 a group of players who felt they were not being given a fair shot for playing time left the club and founded the Falcons SC, and that newly-formed club went on to win the Open Cup in their first attempt.

In their four previous Professional Era appearances, the club has failed to win a game in the competition. In fact, in their last three appearances, the Eagles have been eliminated by a team that has also qualified for the 2011 Open Cup. In 2002, they lost 1-0 on a golden goal by the New York Freedoms (now the NY Pancyprian Freedoms), who were a member of the PDL that year. They fell to the Chicago Fire Premier in 2005 by a score of 4-1, and in their last appearance they hosted the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, losing 4-0.

Adding to their list of achievements, AAC Eagles won the USASA Open Cup in 1989 and 2002.

MEET THE PLAYER: PETER BIELECKI

Peter Bielecki is a 6’1” left back playing a pivotal role for the Eagles, especially this season. Bielecki earned his spot through the youth ranks of Eagles as well as playing for Lane Tech High School in his earlier days.

Can you talk about the current atmosphere in the team and how you personally prepare for this tournament?

The AAC Eagles celebrate qualifying for the 2011 US Open Cup at the practice field outside the Chicago Fire's Toyota Park

PB: Overall, we have strong team chemistry. Everyone backs each other up, where everyone seems to get along in both a professional and casual way. Our outlook is very serious, where everyone believes we can make it very far in the tournament. There is very little room for slacking, because a 27+man roster leaves a lot of room for competition on our team.

What does the US Open Cup mean for yourself and the Eagles?

PB: The US Open Cup is one of the biggest tests for an amateur men’s team. Within our league, we are always looking for a challenge. The US Open Cup offers everyone on our team a chance to give it their all and compete on higher levels. Many of our players are college level quality, but very few have broken into the professional levels, in which this tournament provides many opportunities to seize.

Who are some of the key players on the Eagles roster? Who are the veterans or someone you look up to?

PB: We have a lot of underrated talent. [Jakub] “Kuba” Piotrowski, for example, is an incredible “amateur” talent that has plenty of ability to score goals with speed comparable to many of the fastest strikers. Piotr Kolasinski is a central defender that has an incredible touch and makes plays in all areas of the field. He also has the ability to strike the ball from set pieces, leaving us with a serious weapon, no matter what team we play. Jacek Lechowicz and Sebastian Skital provide our team with years of experience from higher levels, while Miroslaw Modzelewski brings in experience from some of the highest levels of football, playing teams such as Manchester United in his Polish football career [Modzelewski played for Legia Warszawa during the 1990/91 season where the club advanced to the Semifinals of the Cup Winners' Cup where the lost to Manchester United].

Can you tell fans a little about yourself and your relationship with the Eagles?

PB: As a youngster, I was constantly looking for chances to break into this “veteran” squad. I am a left back, standing at 6′1″ and 185 lbs, but I am still finding it difficult to capture my spot on this team. We have plenty of players to choose from, which is surprising for the level we play at. We are going to leave higher level teams with quite a challenge during these next few US open Cup games. It will be important for other teams not to underestimate us, because we train with the mindset of a professional squad.

The AAC Eagles are always trying to improve their reputation as an amateur soccer team. The US Open Cup is just another opportunity for us to make a statement and advance as far as possible. No matter what, our team will leave the tournament with no regrets, knowing that we have given our best performance and have showcased the best football that we can provide.

Only 3,074 fans braved the muggy June weather, questionable officiating and largely uninspired play at RFK Stadium for D.C. United’s U.S. Open Cup qualifier against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. But after 116 minutes, a 17-year-old kid from Honduras gave them a moment to hang on to, a dose of drama and class that defined the match.

REAL SALT LAKE 1:2 DC UNITED After Extra Time RFK Stadium – Washington D.C. Scoring Summary DCU: Luciano Emilio (PK) – 74th RSL: Ryan Johnson (PK) – 81st DCU: Andy Najar (Unassisted) – 107th Recaps MLSSoccer.com | ESPN LA World Soccer Reader | SL Tribune Quotes: DC United 2010 US Open Cup Bracket 2010 US Open Cup First Round Draw

With the game tied 1-1 and the second extra time period starting, United used its final sub to add Andy Najar, a crafty young winger who scored his first MLS goal four days earlier. He promptly collected the ball on the right flank, cut into the penalty area and used a clever touch to split Salt Lake’s Tony Beltran and Will Johnson before sliding a shot under the charging Kyle Reynish.

Goal. He had been on the field for less than two minutes, but his impact was made. Just like that.

“I’m really happy to score the goal,” Najar said. “Luckily, I got the opportunity and was able to take advantage of it.”
United fielded a largely second choice lineup for its third fixture in eight days, with right back Jordan Graye and central midfielder Stephen King as the only starters from Saturday’s 3-2 league win over Chivas USA to again crack the first 11. This meant a seat on the bench for Najar during regulation while a pair of dubious penalty kick calls led to a tally for each side. When coach Curt Onalfo called the rookie’s number late, however, Najar was more than ready.

“We wanted to make sure we would save our last sub until the last possible moment,” Onalfo said. “Certainly, at the end, Andy stepped up and showed us some brilliance that he really has.”

The hype surrounding Najar has been tangible since he first traveled with United for preseason training in February. Although his presence was widely dismissed as an exercise in experience, the Choluteca native’s flashy play and uncanny confidence earned him a first-team contract and an opening day start.

“I thought he was a very special player, very talented,” recalled forward Santino Quaranta, who himself entered the league as a 16-year-old. “The best thing about him is he has an amazing head on his shoulders.”

Najar’s first few performances were quiet affairs as he adjusted to the rhythm and physicality of the professional game while also being slowed by injuries. In recording his first professional goal and assist during a 4-2 Open Cup qualifier triumph against FC Dallas on April 28, Najar gave the Black-and-Red supporters a taste of what he could do. During Saturday’s victory, Najar’s well-taken header against Chivas USA opened the scoring, and his energy gave the Goats’ backline fits all match.

If there were any doubters about his status as one of the most exciting young players in MLS today, his game-changing 15-minute cameo against Real Salt Lake should silence them.

When Najar set his eyes on goal, he didn’t think twice about individually taking on Beltran and Johnson, two key cogs from a team that won the MLS Cup in November. And why should he have? After all, a few months ago he thought he would be spending early June winding down junior year and looking forward to summer vacation.
“He’s dynamic. He doesn’t really think a lot – he just does it,” Quaranta said. “It’s great to have him on the team. He’s gritty, he’s a great kid and I really enjoy having him here.”

Added defender Devon McTavish: “It doesn’t matter what minute you put him in, he’s going to be dangerous.”
Scarecely attended and only televised via a live stream on United’s website, the match didn’t garner the audience it – and Najar – ultimately deserved. But word of mouth will spread about the wunderkind roaming the pitch at 2400 East Capitol St. When it does, MLS fans will understand what they’ve been missing.
Simply put, it’s time to believe the hype.

Video highlights, courtesy of Behind The Badge.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Great Lakes Division

With a week to go, Dayton and Chicago both led the division at 2-0. The Fire would stumble for the next two games, losing to Cincinnati and tying in Cleveland, allowing the Michigan Bucks to pass them, which they did so by defeating  Kalamazoo on the road and Cincinnati in a late game-winner. Dayton tied Indiana, which meant that they had to win in Kalamazoo in order to pass the Bucks and qualify for their first Open Cup. They took care of business by winning 4-1 to finish with a 3-0-1 record, one point ahead of Michigan.

Heartland Division

After last week, this division came down to one game, as Des Moines sat at 3-1, with Rochester on their heels at 2-1. Rochester needed to defeat the Kansas City Brass in order to qualify. The score was no matter as they held the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Menace. However, they couldn’t complete their task, tying Kansas City 0-0. This allowed Des Moines to qualify for their fifth trip to the US Open Cup. They share a record (with the Carolina Dynamo) for the furthest advancement by a PDL team, making it to the Fourth Round in 2005. Can they go further? It all starts with game #1 on June 15.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Mid-Atlantic Division

Two teams went all out in making sure they had their chance to make the US Open Cup: the Ironbound Express of Newark and Reading United AC (formerly the Reading Rage). Ironbound made their case by shutting out all the teams on their schedule, defeating the West Virginia Chaos, Central Jersey Spartans, New Jersey Rangers, and Ocean City FC. They finished with 9 goals scored. At the time, Reading was 2-0, having beaten Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, and had a +5 goal differential with 6 goals scored. They would need to win both their games (both on the road) by a total of 4 goals, as well as having to  in order to make the tournament. Any slip up, and Ironbound were Open Cup-bound. They proceeded to beat West Virginia 1-0 and Carolina 4-0, finishing at 4-0 with a +9 goal differential (tying Ironbound) and 10 goals scored (edging the Express by 1 goal). With that, Reading United qualify for the US Open Cup for the second straight year, and their fourth trip overall. Ironbound received the unfortunate distinction of being the third team since the current PDL qualifying format began in 1997 to win all four of their games and still miss the tournament (the other two being the Colorado Comets in 1999 and the Southern California Seahorses in 2005). However, out of those three teams, they are the first to miss out after earning shutout victories in all four of their qualifying games.

Northeast Division

The Albany BWP Highlanders and Long Island Rough Riders were the two teams left in the running with a week to go. Albany had finished their campaign at 3-0-1, with Long Island sitting at 3-0 with a game in Westchester to play. A draw was all they needed to qualify, and a draw is what they got. They tied the Flames 0-0 to qualify for the US Open Cup for the fifth time, and their second as a PDL team.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

Mid-South Division

Three teams were in the running with a week remaining: DFW and El Paso, who sat in the drivers’ seats at 2-0, and Rio Grande Valley, who were at 0-1-1, but had games against both of those clubs remaining. The Bravos started their comeback with a 1-0 win over the Tornados, pulling themselves within two points. Meanwhile, the Patriots dropped a humiliating 6-0 result to the Laredo Heat. RGV then took care of business and finished off El Paso with a 2-0 win, to put themselves at 7 points. DFW then needed a win over Houston to qualify, as RGV held the head-to-head tiebreaker between the clubs. The Tornados did their job to fend off the comeback kids, beating the Leones 1-0 to qualify for their fourth US Open Cup, and their first since 2004.

Southeast Division

The loss of the Panama City Pirates made a serious mess in how division qualification worked here in the Southeast, and New Orleans and Central Florida had to adjust their schedules accordingly. The Jesters had a match against Bradenton count double for them, while the Kraze had an extra game against Fort Lauderdale only count for themselves and not for Schulz Academy. Both took advantage of their “extra” qualifying games, winning 5-0 and 3-1, respectively. Then the race to the finish got crazy, as three of the five teams still in the running did all they could to make it to the tournament. First, the Kraze defeated Atlanta to go to 2-o-1, tying Mississippi at the top, while knocking the longshot Blackhawks out. Then, in a matchup to decide who still got a chance, Baton Rouge defeated the Jesters 2-1 to move into the lead at 2-0-2, knocking New Orleans out. They would then have to wait for results from the Brilla and Kraze. Mississippi would bump the Capitals with a 3-0 win over Nashville to finish at 3-0-1, but their trip wasn’t quite booked yet. Central Florida had to win by 3 to make it, and win by 3 they did. A 3-0 victory over Schulz Academy gave the Kraze their first trip to the US Open Cup since 2007.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Northwest Division

The Kitsap Pumas and Portland Timbers U23s both lined up with the same schedule, and all at the same site (Tacoma/Washington at home, Spokane/Yakima on the road). They both proceeded to take care of business and win all four of their games. The final day consisted of the Timbers playing in Yakima and Kitsap hosting the Crossfire. Portland needed to better the result of the Pumas in order to qualify. They did their job, defeating the Reds 2-0, but then would have to wait and see how Kitsap would respond. The Pumas did so by defeating Washington 2-0 themselves, making the US Open Cup for the second straight year, in only their second year of existence. In the same token, Portland becomes the fourth team in PDL qualifying history – and the second of the DAY – to finish 4-0 and not qualify for the Open Cup.

Southwest Division

The Ventura County Fusion, the defending champions of the Premier Development League, are well on their way to a repeat, currently with a 4-1 record. Their first task, qualifying for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (their first), had already been achieved with a game to spare. They stand at 3-0, defeating Lancaster, Ogden, and Southern California. No other team can finish with more than eight points.

LIGHTNING STRIKES
Updated 5/28, 11:33 p.m.

The USASA Region III tournament has received a makeover after the first day of the competition was canceled due to lightning. It seemed like an easy fix, but the situation was complicated by the fact that Brazil Soccer Academy from Florida inexplicably failed to show up, leaving the tournament short a team. The format changed from three groups of three to two groups of four. Now, the round robin format will see each team play two games on Saturday, and a third game on Sunday, with the winner of each group qualifying for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Check out TheCup.us twitter feed (@usopencup) all weekend long for the latest news and in-game updates as the last two Open Cup spots from the USASA will be filled.

PREVIEW

Bear Bryant and the Alabama Crimson Tide are associated with the type of football normally played in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but this weekend the other game of football will hold court at the University of Alabama Recreational Center. Nine amateur teams will compete over four days to determine which two will represent the USASA’s Region III in this summer’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as well as a spot in the USASA National Cups Finals.

Four of the nine teams have qualified for the Cup in recent years, while a fifth was affiliated with a club that last qualified seven years ago. The most experienced of the bunch is Lynch’s FC of Jacksonville, Florida, having made the cut three times (2003, 2007 and 2009). Legends FC from Dallas, Texas have two Open Cup appearances to their credit, most recently in 2006 where they dropped a close 3-2 decision in the first round to the PDL’s Des Moines Menace. They recently finished first in the North Texas Premier Soccer Association first division with an 8-0-1 record.

The two other clubs with recent Open Cup experience have only qualified once each. Houston’s ASC New Stars entered in 2008, losing to the Charleston Battery 3-0 in the first round. The New Stars recently clinched their sixth straight the Houston Football Association Premier championship with a 14-3-1 record, and have also won the South Texas State Cup three times since they were founded in 2002. Atlanta FC made the Cup cut in 2009 as an NPSL expansion team, also losing to the Charleston Battery in the opening round by a 2-0 count.

The team that has an indirect Open Cup pedigree is CASL Elite from Raleigh, North Carolina. The team qualified for the US Open Cup in 2002 and 2003, but did so as a USL PDL club. The CASL severed ties with the team in 2005, which is now known as the Cary Clarets. Both times the team made it into the second round, and in 2003, advanced at the expense of Lynch’s FC, known then as DS United. The club’s current roster boasts several former USL players, including Jacob Coggins (Charlotte Eagles), Tim Merritt (Miami FC), Chris McClellan (Carolina RailHawks), and Scott Schweitzer (Rochester Rhinos (player), Carolina RailHawks (coach))

Both NPSL teams from the host state, Rocket City United and Pumas USA, make a return to the Region III qualifying tournament this year. In last year’s competition, Rocket City failed to advance with a 1-2-0 record, while Pumas were denied an Open Cup berth by the slimmest of margins. While Pumas watched from the sidelines with a 3-0 forfeit victory over the Greenwood Wanderers, Lynch’s FC defeated Baton Rouge Classics 6-0, enough to win the group on goal tiebreakers by one goal. Rocket City went on to win the NPSL Southeast division with a 5-2-1 record in 2009.

Lynch's F.C. - 2009 USASA Region III champions

The two remaining clubs are experiencing their first taste of Open Cup qualifying. FC Tulsa is an expansion team from the NPSL Southeast division. Brazil Soccer Academy out of Boca Raton, Florida, are also making their qualifying debut.

The field was originally set at ten teams, but Justice from the San Antonio Soccer Association withdrew. As a result, the tournament will be played as three groups of three, with the group winners and best runner-up earning spots in the semifinals. The two semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and the Championship game winner will advance to the USASA National Cups tournament, hosted by the United German Hungarian club in Oakford, Penn. from July 30-August 1.

The groups and the schedule for the tournament will be determined by a blind draw on the evening of Thursday, May 27, with play beginning the next morning.

2010 USASA Region III US Open Cup tournament
May 28-31 | Tuscaloosa, Ala. – University of Alabama Recreational Center

ASC New Stars (South Texas): Qualified for the first time in 2008 (Lost to Charleston Battery, 3-0)
Atlanta FC (NPSL – Georgia): Qualified for the first time in 2009 (Lost to Charleston Battery, 2-0)
FC Tulsa (NPSL – Oklahoma): First Region III tournament appearance
Legends FC (North Texas): 2-time US Open Cup qualifier (2004, 2006)
Lynch’s FC (Florida): 3-time US Open Cup qualifier (2003, 2007, 2009)
CASL Elite (North Carolina): First Region III tournament appearance
Pumas USA (NPSL – Alabama): Second straight Region III app.
Rocket City United (NPSL – Alabama): Second straight Region III app.

Brazil Soccer Academy (Florida): First Region III tournament appearance (FAILED TO SHOW)
Justice (South Texas): First Region III tournament appearance (WITHDREW)

They had to take the longest road to get there, but the New York Red Bulls have reached the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating the Colorado Rapids 3-0 at Red Bull Arena. John Wolyniec scored a pair of goals for the second straight Open Cup play-in game, and Conor Chinn added a third as the Red Bulls eliminated the Rapids. For Colorado, it marks the third year in a row that they have fallen short in Open Cup qualifying.

The luck of three coin flips gave the Red Bulls three straight home games for Open Cup qualifying, and they took advantage, defeating the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, back on April 27, the New England Revolution, 3-0, on May 12 and the Rapids on May 26. Wolyniec scored two of the three goals in the win over the Revolution. New York, who missed out on the tournament last year, have now qualified for the US Open Cup proper and will begin play in the Round of 16 on June 29.

With 90-degree temperatures at kick off, and with a largely reserve lineup for both teams, the Red Bulls took control in the opening 10 minutes. Sinisa Ubiparipovic dribbled down the middle of the field and just as he approached the penalty area he played the ball off to the right wing to Irving Garcia, who passed the ball on the ground back to the middle. Wolyniec was right there on the doorstep to slide it into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Just before halftime, Wolyniec struck again. Tony Tchani dribbled down the right wing and sent the ball to Wolyniec in the middle of the field who turned and fired a shot that beat Rapids goalkeeper Ian Joyce.

The Red Bulls would break the game open in the second half thanks to Ubiparipovic. In the 56th minute, he played a through ball into the heart of the Colorado backline toward Chinn. Rapids defender Drew Moor attempted to clear the ball but he misplayed it and it got behind him, falling to the feet of Chinn, who struck it past Joyce to make it 3-0.

The Rapids offense was unable to get on the scoreboard, but their best chance came in the 78th minute. Mehdi Ballouchy hit a hard, bending free kick from the left wing to the far post, and beat New York’s Greg Sutton, but it smacked off the cross bar.

Highlights (Red Bulls Reader)

Post-game interviews (Red Bulls Reader)

Scoring Summary:
NY: John Wolyniec 3 (Irving Garcia 1, Sinisa Ubiparipovic 2) 11’
NY: John Wolyniec 4 (Tony Tchani 1) 43’
NY: Conor Chinn 3 (unassisted) 56’

Disciplinary Summary:
COL: Jeff Larentowicz (caution) 12’
COL: Wells Thompson (caution) 54’
NY: Seth Stammler (caution) 77’
COL: Danny Earls (red card, ejection) 86’

New York Red Bulls – Greg Sutton (GK), Roy Miller (Danleigh Borman 46’), Luke Sassano, Carlos Mendes (Mike Petke 46’), Chris Albright, Jeremy Hall, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Tony Tchani, Irving Garcia (Seth Stammler 68’), John Wolyniec (Dane Richards 68’), Conor Chinn

Substitutes not used: Bouna Coundoul, Tim Ream, Juan Pablo Angel

Colorado Rapids – Ian Joyce, Marvell Wynne, Julien Baudet (Michael Holody 53’), Drew Moor, Danny Earls (Ejected 86’), Ross LaBauex, Jeff Larentowicz (Mehdi Ballouchy 46’), Claudio Lopez, Wells Thompson (Omar Cummings 70’), Colin Clark, Quincy Amarikwa (Andre Akpan 46’)

Substitutes not used: Chris Sharpe, Scott Palguta

Referee: Niko Bratsis
Referee’s Assistants: Claudio Badea, Albert Calise
4^th Referee: Lee Suckle
Attendance: 2,637

The single game play-in contest was made necessary when it was found that the US Club Soccer affiliated Storm could not participate in the USASA’s Region IV tournament since US Club Soccer are competitors. US Soccer does not have any plans in place for US Club Soccer teams to qualify, since no team from that organization has ever expressed interest in participating in the tournament.

The Sol jumped in front quickly on a 9th minute goal from team veteran Eric Larson. The Storm found it difficult to create chances at goal against the Sol defense. After thirty minutes, Sonoma County doubled their lead when Lee Summerscales headed in a corner kick. The opening 45 minutes finished with the Sol’s 2-0 advantage.

Just five minutes into the second half, Sonoma County put the game out of reach. Tyler Hurst, another of the Sol’s veteran players, scored on a cross from the far left corner after a defensive lapse by the Storm.

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms pose for a team photo before their USASA Region I semifinal match with the United German Hungarians. Photo: NY Pancyprian Freedoms

UNITED GERMAN HUNGARIANS (EAST PA) 0:0
NY PANCYPRIAN FREEDOMS (EAST NY)
New York qualifies for the US Open Cup, 3-0 on PKs
Belson Stadium (St. John’s University) – Queens, NY

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms have qualified for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after winning a penalty kick shootout with Eastern Pennsylvania’s United German Hungarians. The Freedoms qualify for the tournament for the fourth time in the Professional Era, while UGH fell short of returning to the tournament for the first time since 1999.

This matchup featured two teams who have not only both participated regularly in the US Open Cup, but they are no strangers to each other. Their last meeting in Region I qualification was in the 2008 quarterfinals, won by the Freedoms 3-1. Looking a bit further back, they met in the regional finals (also known as the Quarterfinal stage) of the 1993 US Open Cup, which was won 1-0 by UGH. They went on to lose in the Final that year to CD Mexico. Overall, both of these clubs have some successful history in the US Open Cup. The Pancyprian Freedoms won the title in 1980, 1982, and 1983, while UGH has lost in the Final twice (the other coming in 1977 to Maccabee AC from Los Angeles).

United German Hungarians, the only non-New York-based club (they are based in Oakford, Penn., just north of Philadelphia), reached the semifinals by defeating Charm City FC of Maryland 3-1 in the quarterfinals after going down 1-0 at the half. NY Pancyprian Freedoms, however, have had recent success in gaining entry to the Open Cup. They last made the tournament in 2008, losing to Real Maryland 3-2 in extra time. Their road this year went through Phoenix SC (another Eastern PA representative) and notable club Aegean Hawks FC of DC/Virginia, defeating both teams by one goal at home.

In this match, New York went down to 10 men after Stelios Abdreou received his second yellow card in the 43^rd minute. Despite the man advantage, UGH was unable to capitalize. In fact, it was New York that nearly stole the match in the final minutes. The Freedoms were awarded a penalty kick in the 89^th minute, but UGH goalkeeper Eric Talbot saved the Jeff Matteo spot kick attempt to send the match into extra time. UGH nearly scored a goal in the dying seconds but the referee blew the whistle for the end of regulation as United forward Tim O’Neill was on a breakaway toward the New York goal.

After overtime did not produce a winner the two teams went to a penalty kick shootout where New York would emerge victorious, 3-0. Julio DoSantos, Jeff Matteo and Chris Zisimatos all converted theirs for the Freedoms, while UGH missed one and had three others saved by New York goalkeeper Chad Calderone to send the Freedoms to the Open Cup for the second time in three years.

Scoring Summary:
None

Penalty Summary:
UGH: (MISS)
NYP: Julio DoSantos (GOAL)
UGH: (MISS)
NYP: Jeff Matteo (GOAL)
UGH: (MISS)
NYP: Joel Gustafsson (SAVED)
UGH: (MISS)
NYP: Chris Zisimatos (GOAL)

Lineups:

New York Pancyprian Freedoms: Chad Calderone (GK), Andreas Pafitis, Joel Gustafsson,  Chris Zisimatos, Gabe Ortega, Stelios Abdreou, Taso Polydefkis, Jeff Matteo, Matia Damiani, John Koutsounadis, Julio Cesar DoSantos
Subs: Bart Stolarczyk (91st for Pafitis), Peter Antoniades (55th for Polydefkis), Pete Halkidis (104th for Koutsounadis)

United German Hungarians: (1)  Eric Talbot (GK), (2) Jason Karasow (Capt), (5) Ryan Tadley, (6) Will Thornton, (7) Blair Carson (8) Jeremy Ortiz, (9) Brian Blesi, (12) Ben Marucci, (13) Tony Rod, (15) Ryan Moseley, (20) Dave Castellanos
Subs: Ptah Myers (50th for Ortiz), Andrew Weyershaeuser (75^th for Blesi), Tim O’Neill (46^th for Moseley), Brian Bowers (110^th for Castellanos)

BROOKLYN ITALIANS (NPSL – NY) 4:0 FENERBAHCE USA (EAST NY)
Park Stadium – Franklin Square, NY

In a bit of unfortunate scheduling, the Brooklyn Italians, came into their Region I semifinal match after playing an NPSL league match the night before. They defeated the Boston Tea Men 3-1 and less than 24 hours later, they were back on the field, playing against fellow Eastern New York club, Fenerbahce USA. The Italians, who date back to 1949 and are long-time members of New York’s famed Cosmopolitan League, entered a team in the NPSL beginning this year and are off to a good start with a 2-0 record.

After a scoreless first half, the Italians made some halftime adjustments and blew out Fenerbahce USA 4-0 to deny the home team their first trip to the US Open Cup. The scoring began in the 55th minute when Paul Nittoli made it 1-0, only to have Semso Nikocevic double the lead five minutes later. In the 72nd minute, Nittoli added a second, while Kevin Beaton made it 4-0 just three minutes later.

“After playing a league match the night before, we came out a little slow,” said Brooklyn head coach Joe Barone. “But we made some adjustments in the second half and we dominated the match.”

Fenerbahce, a new entry this year, fell one game short of becoming the first team to ever reach the US Open Cup without winning a game in qualifying. In the semifinals of state qualification, they lost to NY Greek American Atlas, however, a protest was filed by Fenerbahce. An ineligible player for GAA (Abbe Ibrahim) disqualified them, and Fenerbahce USA was allowed to move on. In the Eastern New York final, they lost to the NY Pancyprian Freedoms. Due to the structure of the Region I tournament this year, 16 teams were included, and Fenerbahce was allowed to participate as one of the state finalists. They then were granted a pass to the quarterfinals because their opponent, the Erie Admirals, dropped out due to a player shortage. Finally, in the quarterfinal stage, they defeated Danbury United (Conn.), but only on penalty kicks after a 4-4 tie.

Brooklyn’s path to the tournament was a little different, but also benefited from a protest. They entered the tournament as the New York representative from the NPSL but began the Region I tournament with a loss to Massachuetts’ Emigrantes Das Ilhas (MA). A protest was filed and they were awarded a forfeit victory because the USASA ruled that they had used an ineligible player. (Emigrantes disputes that ruling and are planning to file a lawsuit against the USASA). With Emigrantes out of the picture, the Italians followed that up with a quarterfinal win over Go Soccer FC (New Jersey) to reach the semifinals.

The Italians have won the tournament twice, winning in 1991, and in 1979 when they were known as the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Lineups:

Brooklyn Italians: Candela, Moncaleano(88th Soli), Vavalle, Dean-Scarlett, Ahoua, Iriarte, Lehto (20th Tramontozzi) Conigliaro, Hamilton(78th Sykes), Nikocevic (78th Beaton), Nittoli

Fenerbahce USA: Not available

The Arizona Sahuaros and the Bay Area Ambassadors of the NPSL both reached the final of the Region IV tournament and therefore qualified for the tournament. For the Sahuaros, this is their third straight Open Cup appearance and fifth overall in the Professional Era (1995-present). The Ambassadors have not only punched their ticket to the Open Cup but won the entire tournament, defeating the Sahuaros in the final to advance to the USASA National Cup Finals.

The Ambassadors opened the weekend on a high note beating San Diego Boca 2-0. Both goals came in the 2nd half from Tony Salcicca and Jacob assisted by Pedro Osorio and Jordan Keyes. The victory was sweet for the 2nd year NPSL club as they struggled with injuries of three keys players in the first game.

On Saturday morning, BayArea FC beat the Arizona Pros 1-0. Jasko Begovic netted the game’s only goal in the 70th minute.  Fresh from the win the Ambassadors handed the French Soccer Academy a lesson with a final score of 5-1. Dannylo Ayllon scored two Goals each and Jasko Begovic assisted by Aneesh Rana.

Bay Area emerged as Group B winners with a record of 3-0-0 and would take on Sacramento Gold.

Come Sunday morning, the soccer Gods were with the Ambassadors. Team captain Sergio Valle who had an outstanding tournament saved a Sacramento penalty kick in the first half. BayArea FC midfield maestro Jasko Begovic scored in the 69th minute to give the Ambassadors the 1-0 victory.

In the finals, the Ambassadors came up against a strong Arizona Sahuaros who beat Real San Jose 2-1 to advance to the finals. The teams were evenly matched in the first half, not to mention exhausted playing four 90-minute competitive matches in a span of three days.

The Bay Area Ambassadors were not deterred with only a two hour rest and playing with only 10 men for most of 2nd half due to injury and no subs. In the 53rd minute Jasko Begovic rose to the occasion and slotted one home and the second goal came in the 80th minute from St. Mary’s College star player, Mohammed Yusuf Samy.

“The Bay Area Ambassadors won today because the players played with heart. Most of the players carried an injury and some of them missed their graduation to sacrifice for this victory. It is a gallant effort noting that we played with very limited men and so many games in a short span.,” said Mohammed Mohammed, Head Coach the Bay Area Ambassadors.

The Arizona Sahuaros run to the Open Cup proper was not as clear cut as Bay Area, as they finished 1-1-1 in group play.

A first match loss 1-0 to the Sacramento Gold forced Arizona to get points in their last two matches.  The next match was a 10-1 drubbing of Yakima United, while the last was a 2-2 draw against Doxa Italia.

The 9-goal blowout proved to be the most important result as Arizona tied with three other clubs with four points, as the best second place team would book a place in the semifinals. With a plus-8 goal differencial, the Sahuaros would edge out Doxa-Italia (+6), San Diego Boca FC (+0), and the French Soccer Academy (-2) for a spot in the final four.

Teams in Group A, which consisted of only three teams due to San Diego United dropping out of the competition, were informed prior to the tournament starting that the second place team in the group would not be eligible for the semifinals, since each team was only playing in two matches.

In the semi-finals the Sahuaros defeated Real San Jose 2-1.  Pat Perkins netted both goals for Arizona. The second goal appeared to be a handball, but after consulting with the AR, the center ref let the goal stand.  Real San Jose pulled one back in the second half but it was too little, too late.

“What can we do? I thought the boys battled very hard and were very unlucky on that call and unlucky not to get the game into overtime at least. In all it was great experience. We took perhaps powerhouse amateur team to the wire in our first Open Cup experience. I learned a lot about coaching from my coaching opponent today. He’s one of the best in my opinion,” said RSJ manager Nick Arellano.

“I think our GK Brad Swenby was the key to our success this weekend.” said Sahuaros head coach Petar Draskin.  ”A few other players to recognize were Skelly Keller, Mitch Garcia, Defenders Chris Green and Brian Green. Midfielder Paul La larva and forward Pat Perkins. This was the youngest team Sahuaros have ever brought to this event. Also, Seth George former pro had his first appearance in the Sahuaros Jersey.”

This is the third straight US Open Cup for Arizona Sahuaros (2008, 2009, 2010).  They are the third USASA club to qualify for the US Open Cup for three straight seasons.  Los Lobos (Oaklahoma) qualified from 1997-1999 and Mexico SC qualified four years in a row from 1999-2002.

I think our GK Brad Swenby  was the key to our success this weekend. Few other players to recognize Skelly Keller, Mitch Garcia, Defenders Chris Green and Brian Green. Mid fielder Paul La larva and forward Pat Perkins. This was the youngest team Sahuaros brought to this event. Also, Seth George former pro had his first appearance in the Sahuaros Jersey.