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.

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)

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.

In the first USASA Open Cup qualifier ever played indoors, Detroit United earned their first trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They defeated 402 Academy, 4-2, in a penalty kick shootout, after finishing extra time tied 5-5 in a USASA Region II semifinal match.

A view from the press area at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas' main field as Detroit United hosts 402 Academy in US Open Cup qualifying. | Photo: Josh Hakala

United hosted the game at United Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., the indoor home of the PDL’s Michigan Bucks, and they bounced back after trailing 3-1 late in the game and sent the match into overtime. A shorthanded 402 squad, who only brought 12 players with them from Nebraska, battled hard after falling behind twice in the extra session, only to level the match each time. The final goal came in the 116th minute on a penalty kick.

It was the visitors from Nebraska who controlled the majority of the first half and they were rewarded with a pair of goals. Former Minnesota Thunder player Johnny Torres, who is now an assistant coach at Creighton University, scored the opening goal in the 30th minute on an assist from Sean Moahatt, one of Creighton’s athletic trainers.

Four minutes later, 402 would strike again, this time, it was another member of the Creighton coaching staff, player/manager Jason Mims, who also received a pass from Moahatt, to make it 2-0.

After the halftime break, Fernando Gatica, the hero of last round’s 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Kickers, pulled one back in the 49th minute. However, two minutes later, Torres would snatch the momentum right back, scoring his second of the match, on a third assist from Sean Moahatt.

As the 85th minute approached, it appeared as though Detroit was going to fall one game short of the Open Cup, like they did in 2007, but Taiwo Olorunnimbe came to the rescue. Gatica played a ball across the penalty area from the left wing to Olorunnimbe who, rather than hitting the ball one-time, he touched the ball forward to avoid his defender, and fired the ball past the helpless goalkeeper from close range. His goal gave the team new life, which led to Tommy Eller’s equalizer two minutes later where he dribbled in from the left side and beat the keeper from an angle.

The game finished tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and the momentum continued into the extra session. Olorunnimbe scored to put United up 4-3 in the 97th minute, and afterward he wow’d the crowd with an acrobatic goal celebration.

The celebration was cut short a few minutes into the second overtime period when Michael Krause, a player who was cut by the Kansas City Wizards in the final round of roster cuts, leveled the match. Moahatt assisted on his fourth goal of the night, winning the ball in midfield and dribbling to the top of the 18 before finding Krause on the left side of the box. Krause beat the goalkeeper to the far post to make it 4-4.

“Krause was the best player on the field tonight,” said 402 player/manager Jason Mims after the match.

Taiwo Olorunnimbe does an acrobatic goal celebration after putting Detroit United up 4-3 in overtime. Photo: Josh Hakala

The fans cheering on the home team had the wind knocked out of them by the tying goal, but Detroit would regain the lead three minutes later when Tommy Eller dribbled into the penalty area from the left wing and fired a shot that beat 402 goalkeeper Joshua Walz and clipped the underside of the crossbar and went straight down. The ball may have crossed the line, but it didn’t matter because Jake Munchiando crashed the net and headed it in from point blank range to give them the lead.

The Nebraska club continue to fight, despite not having any subs left and having a couple players playing through injuries in extra time. They would manage to find a second equalizer in the 116th minute when Krause drew a penalty kick on a tough individual effort. Krause received the ball in the penalty area with his back to goal. He battled with his defender, but when he found enough room to turn toward goal, he was tripped and the referee pointed to the spot. Tony Schmitz converted the spot kick to bring the game level a second time.

Olorunnimbe nearly drew a penalty kick with two minutes remaining, but the defender who grabbed a handful of his jersey went unpunished and the match finished tied at 5-5.

In the penalty kick shootout, United goalkeeper Ryan Mathe needed to make a stop in the fifth round to send his team to the Open Cup. Tim Walters of 402 approached the ball for his attempt, and then hesitated in an effort to get Mathe to show his hand. Mathe bit on the fake and started leaning heavily to his left, but unfortunately for Walters, he shot to the keeper’s left so the save was made and Detroit piled on Mathe in celebration.

“[The Detroit United players] were excited after beating Milwaukee, and they are excited now,” said head coach George Juncaj. “Right now, our focus is the US Open Cup. There are better teams and it’s better competition.”

“We don’t really practice, we just put a team together for this tournament and see what we can get out of it,” said Mims about his 402 Academy team. “This year we got three games out of it and it was fun, but it was a tough trip having only 12 players. I was very proud of the way we played.”

Prior to begining their 13-hour trek back to Nebraska, three key players for 402 announced their retirement.  Mims, Walters and former New England Revolution player Matt Wieland.

With the win, Detroit United becomes the first USASA team from Michigan to qualify for the Open Cup since Detroit’s Chaldean Arsenal made it in 2001. They will begin play in the tournament in the first round which begins June 15.

Scoring Summary:
402: Johnny Torres (Sean Moahatt) – 30th
402: Jason Mims (Sean Moahatt) – 34th
DET: Fernando Gatica – 49th
402: Johnny Torres (Sean Moahatt) – 51st
DET: Taiwo Olorunnimbe (Fernando Gatica) – 85th
DET: Tommy Eller (Unassisted) – 87th
DET: Taiwo Olorunnimbe – 97th
402: Michael Krause (Sean Moahatt) – 108th
DET: Jake Munchiando (Tommy Eller) – 111th
402: Tony Schmitz (PK) – 116th

Penalty Kick Summary:
DET – Nate Robinson (GOAL)
402 – Johnny Torres (GOAL)
DET – Fernando Gatica (GOAL)
402 – Michael Krause (GOAL)
DET – Tommy Eller (GOAL)
402 – Ryan Junge (SAVED)
DET – Chris Long (GOAL)
402 – Tim Walter (SAVED)

AAC Eagles (Illinois) 3:3 KC Athletics (Kansas)
KC Athletics qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 5-3 on PKs
Saturday, May 15 – CommunityAmerica Ballpark (Kansas City, Kan.)

With their team already eliminated from the competition, Kansas City Wizards fans now have a local team to cheer for the in the US Open Cup with the KC Athletics | Photo: Gary Rohman

It was a night that was all about the city of Kansas City against the city of Chicago. At CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, the Wizards of MLS played to a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire. Following the game, the KC Athletics, the first Kansas entry into the USASA Region II qualifying tournament in several years, hosted Chicago’s AAC Eagles, the 1990 Open Cup champions who are celebrating their 70th anniversary.

AAC Eagles, the Illinois champions, held a one-goal lead twice during the match, only to see KC equalize both times in front of a handful of fans who braved the poor weather conditions.

In USASA qualifiers, it’s typically the road team that arrives with a short bench, but it was KC who played the game shorthanded. A pair of injuries, multiple coaching commitments, and a wedding left the team with only 11 available players.

The Eagles struck first with a goal by Jakub “Kuba” Piotrowski, on an assist by Sebastien Skital. Piotrowski is one of the main reasons why the team advanced to the Region II semifinals after he scored five goals in last round’s 8-3 win over Fire SC ‘00 of Minnesota.

Kansas City equalized in the 27th minute thanks to a cross by Geoff Miles. The former Wizard found space on the left wing and served a ball to Kyle Perkins, whose glancing header beat the keeper to the far post. The Eagles would answer just before halftime with another goal by Piotrowski on an assist by David Otachel.

The KC Athletics pose for a team photo prior to their US Open Cup qualifying match against the Des Moines Menace USASA in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: KC Athletics

The Athletics would come out firing in the second half, with Miles starting the attack in the 55th minute. Miles sent in a low cross from the left wing which found Perkins who left it for an onrushing Marty Johnston who took a touch, then shot the ball off the near post and into the back of the net.

Four minutes later, KC took the lead when another former Wizard Brian Roberts switched the ball to Garrett Guthrie who headed the ball toward the center of the penalty box. Perkins ran on to the ball and connected on a diving header, sending the ball to the underside of the crossbar and in. For Perkins it was his fifth goal in the last two qualifying games, after he notched a hat trick in their opening round game against the Des Moines Menace USASA.

Trailing 3-2, the Eagles leveled the match with a shot from distance by Otachel in the 75th minute. The match would end up in extra time, and after 30 minutes of scoreless soccer, KC would make their fans’ patience pay off, by winning the penalty kick shootout, 5-3, to punch their first-ever ticket to the US Open Cup. The team will enter the first round, which is scheduled for June 15.

“The match was played at a high level,” said AAC Eagles president Stanley Makowka. “I think for the eye, it was better than the Wizards and Fire game earlier. The Eagles surely had no luck that day, but we are a young team and we’ll be back.”

“We are very grateful to the Kansas City Wizards organization for allowing us to play at CommunityAmerica Ballpark,” said player/manager Kyle Perkins. “We also would like to say thanks to all the fans who stuck around to cheer us on. We are grateful for their support.”

You can also read Mike Kuhn’s report of the match on his Kansas City Wizards blog, “Down The Byline.”

Lineups

AAC Eagles: Piotr Sliwa, Piotr Kolasinski, Darek Szewczyk , Mariusz Napiorkowski, Jacek Lechowicz, David Otachel, Mathew Kochanowski, Sebastian Skital, Jakub Piotrowski, Rafal Popko, Michael Kapusta
Subs: Mark Golik (47th), Rafal Zalewski (65th), Chris Gasiorek (78th)

KC Athletics: Zach Brennan (GK), Neal Woodworth, Brian Roberts, Jason Woods, Stephen Hoffman, Garrett Guthrie, Ryan Barber, Josh McDaniel, Geoff Miles, Kyle Perkins, Marty Johnston (No subs available)

Scoring Summary:
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Sebastien Skital) – 6th
KCA: Kyle Perkins (Geoff Miles) – 27th
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (David Otachel) – 42nd
KCA: Marty Johnston (Kyle Perkins) – 55th
KCA: Kyle Perkins (Garrett Guthrie) – 59th
AAC: David Otachel (Unassisted) – 75th

Penalty Kick Summary:
KCA: Stephen Hoffman (GOAL)
AAC: Piotr Kolasinski (GOAL)
KCA: Josh McDaniel (GOAL)
AAC: David Otachel (SAVED)
KCA: Ryan Barber (GOAL)
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (GOAL)
KCA: Geoff Miles (GOAL)
AAC: Chris Gasiorek (GOAL)
KCA: Marty Johnston (GOAL)

The

Once again, 40 teams will take aim at being the team to lift the Dewar Challenge Trophy and claim the $100,000 winner’s prize in the final Oct. 5.

However, there will be 17 amateur sides in the first round, one more than has been the case the past few years. The extra spot is available because the USL Second Division includes only six teams this season, rather than seven.

The USL Premier Development League and the US Adult Soccer Association each will continue to have eight berths each, which leaves the total number of teams at 39, one short of the necessary 40. To bring the number to a nice even number, an additional amateur play-in game was added between two California clubs, the Sonoma County Sol and PSA Los Gatos Storm.

The Storm contacted TheCup.us on April 8 asking about how to join the tournament. After passing along the necessary information, most of which was found in the “How to join the US Open Cup” article (found HERE), after some obstacles, they eventually got in touch with the right people and filled out the required paperwork.

The PSA Los Gatos Storm are the first US Club Soccer team to enter US Open Cup qualifying

The Storm became the first team from US Club Soccer to ever enter in Open Cup qualifying, which is surprising because they are directly affiliated with the US Soccer Federation (a minimum requirement for participating in the tournament). Even though they are a part of the USSF, there is not a procedure in place for them to qualify. Since the USASA and US Club Soccer are essentially competitors, it doesn’t make sense for them to join the Region IV tournament, and since there are no other clubs of their kind to compete against, how else would they get in?

“This situation kind of fell into place for us, and it’s great that it all worked out,” said Neil Buethe, the director of communications for US Soccer. “Hopefully this will encourage more US Club Soccer teams to compete in the future.” Buethe also said that if more US Club teams express interest in competing, then the format for qualifying and the tournament in general would likely have to be re-evaluated and tweaked.

The Open Cup committee decided to reward last year’s NPSL champions (Sonoma County) with a one-game qualifying process against the one team that was in qualifying limbo.

The Sol have qualified for the Open Cup three times in the last five years through USASA Region IV, advancing to the second round of the Open Cup in 2006 and again last year. The Storm plan to join the PDL next year, are playing in the NorCal Premier League this season and their roster includes former NPSL players and two former Major League Soccer players (Stephen Wondolowski, Nick Hatzke).

Thirty-two teams will kick off the tournament June 15 with first-round matches, with all nine US teams in the USSF Division-2 Pro League joining the six USL-2 sides and the 17 amateur teams.

The eight Major League Soccer teams, including defending champion Seattle Sounders FC, again will enter the fray in the third round June 29. An MLS side has won the Open Cup all but one year since the league started in 1996 – the lone exception was the Rochester Raging Rhinos, who won in 1999.

A $50,000 prize will be awarded to the tournament runner-up, while the teams that advance the furthest from each level (USSF D-2, USL-2 and amateur) will receive $10,000 apiece.

Schedule
May 31: Qualifying deadline
June 15: First round – 32 lower-division teams (USSF D-2, USL-2, amateur)
June 22: Second round – 16 first-round winners
June 29: Third round – Eight second-round winners plus eight MLS teams
July 6 or 7: Quarterfinals – Third-round winners
Aug. 31 or Sept. 1: Semifinals – Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 5: Final – Semifinal winners

Participants range from old regulars to new kids on the block. The team possibly most recognizable in the group is the Arizona Sahuaros. They are only participating team that has previously qualified for the US Open Cup, having done so four times. Their most recent appearance, in 2008, resulted in a First Round loss to the USL’s Seattle Sounders in extra time. Other teams that have previously played in Region IV qualifying include Doxa-Italia, FC Hasental, and San Diego United, who all competed in 2009 qualifying. Ironically, they all competed in the same group last year, and finished below 2009 qualifier Sonoma County Sol, who did not re-enter Region IV qualifying (their reason is explained below). Newcomers include the French Soccer Academy and Yakima United, the first qualifying entries from the State of Washington in at least the past 10 years. Both look to be the first USASA team from Washington to qualify since FTI (Seattle) made the First Round back in 1993 (before the Pro Era).

Some might wonder where Open Cup regulars Sonoma County Sol is. Well, they are taking a different path to the Open Cup. If the tournament followed the format from last year, with all of the second division and third division professional teams along with eight USASA, MLS and PDL teams, the total number of teams would add up to 39. That leaves the competition one team short of keeping an even bracket, so the USSF announced that they would add an extra amateur play-in game. The Sonoma County Sol, who has qualified for the Open Cup three times in the last five years, will take on fellow California club PSA Los Gatos Storm. The two clubs met in a friendly on April 25, with the Sol winning 3-0. The winner of the amateur play-in game will be the 17th amateur club (8 USASA, 8 PDL) entered into the tournament.

Qualified Clubs:

Arizona Pros (Arizona)

Arizona Sahuaros (NPSL – on hiatus)

Bay Area Ambassadors (NPSL)

Doxa-Italia (California South)

FC Hasental (California South)

French Soccer Academy (Washington)

Real San Jose (NPSL)

Sacramento Gold (NPSL)

San Diego Boca FC (NPSL)

San Diego United (NPSL – on hiatus)

San Francisco Italian Athletics (California North)

Yakima United (Washington)

All times Eastern

All times Eastern

All times Eastern

The Brooklyn Italians defeated Go Soccer FC 1-0 and will face newcomers Fenerbahce USA in the semifinals. Fenerbahce survived a wild match with Danbury United and advance on penalty kicks. Meanwhile, the United German Hungarians defeated Charm City FC 3-1 to set up a match with the historic club, New York Pancyprian Freedoms. The Freedoms needed extra time to eliminate D.C.’s Aegean Hawks, 2-1. The semifinal matches are scheduled to be played on Sunday, May 23, with the winners qualifying for the US Open Cup. Fenerbahce USA is the only club of the four who has never qualified for the tournament, with the other three having either won the tournament (Brooklyn: 1991; New York: 1980, 1982, 1983), or finished as a runner-up (UGH: 1977, 1993; Brooklyn: 1979, 1981, 1990).

RECAPS:

GO SOCCER FC (NJ) 0:1 BROOKLYN ITALIANS (NPSL – NY)
John Dewey High School – Brooklyn, NY

The Brooklyn Italians moved one step closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup with a 1-0 win over New Jersey’s Go Soccer FC. JP Ahoua headed home the lone goal off a free kick in the 55th minute. The free kick was cleared out, but Brooklyn sent it back in where Ahoua nodded it past the keeper.

After the game, Go Soccer’s player/coach Dominic Paolella was proud of the way his team played. “It was a good game, though really tight the entire time,” said Paolella. “Our keeper Faouzi Bendaoud played a hell of a game. He made at least a dozen saves. I thought we did a good job against a very good NPSL team.” He added, “We made it one round further than we did last year, so at least we improved. We’ll be back next year for sure.”

Brooklyn is the NPSL representative in the Region I tournament, having just joined the league this past off-season, after decades in New York’s historic Cosmopolitan League. Brooklyn will travel to play at Fenerbahce USA on May 23 in the next round, however the site and time of the match are yet to be determined.

Go Soccer FC lineup:
GK: Faouzi Bandaoud
RB – Paul Racz
CB – Paul Breen (injured and subbed out 6th min)
CB – Dan Ryan
LB – Chris Tatro
RM – Steve Mellen
LM – Matt Connor
CM – Steve DeMatteo
CM – Dennis Maldonado
CM – Gary Gibbings
ST – Dominic Paolella (injured and subbed out in 60th min.)

FENERBAHCE USA (EAST NY) 4:4 DANBURY UNITED (CT)
(Fenerbahce USA advances 4-3 on PKs)
Portuguese Cultural Center – Danbury, Conn.

Keith Detelj of Fenerbahce USA challenges for the ball against Danbury United. Photo: Gus Xikis

After a crazy back and forth match, it would take penalty kicks to separate Fenerbahce USA of Eastern New York and Connecticut’s Danbury United. Fenerbahce, competing in US Open Cup qualifying for the first time, would emerge victorious in the tiebreaker after finishing extra time tied at 4-4.

Fenerbahce USA scored two goals in the first ten minutes of the match, but before the game got out of hand, Danbury answered with two goals of their own before halftime. The two clubs couldn’t break the deadlock in regulation, but in overtime, it was the first half all over again. Fenerbahce scored twice, and it looked like they were going to walk away with the match, but, once again, the Connecticut club retaliated with two goals to tie the game back up in the final minutes of extra time to send the match into a penalty kick shootout.

Jose Batista scored two of the goals for Fenerbahce, with Keith Detelj and Frank Alesci adding one each.

Fenerbahce USA will host fellow New York club, the Brooklyn Italians, in a battle of the old and the new. Brooklyn won the tournament in 1991 and finished runner-up three times, while this is brand new to Fenerbahce, who was founded in 2001.

Fenerbahce USA lineup: GK: EJ Xikis (45th – John Sanfilippo), James Davis, Laurent Manuel, Alejandro Montanez, Diego Martinez, Mohammad Mashriqi, Torres Garcia, Christopher Alesci (75th – Deleon Herbert), Frank Alesci, Jose Batista, Keith Detelj

DULLES SPORTSPLEX AEGEAN HAWKS (DC/VA) 1:2 (AET) NY PANCYPRIAN FREEDOMS (EAST NY)
Belson Stadium – Queens, NY (St. John’s University)

Robby Wright of the Aegean Hawks, pictured above in pre-game warm-ups, scored the lone goal for the Hawks. Photo: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms are through to the semifinals after being taken the distance by a shorthanded Aegean Hawks club from D.C. The Freedoms won the match 2-1 after extra time, but needed a late equalizer to survive into overtime against a team who had only brought 11 players up to New York.

The previous night, the Hawks had competed in the championship game of “La Super Copa” tournament, which was hosted by DC United of Major League Soccer. They won the game in a penalty kick shootout after a 3-3 draw but lost three key players to injury. Less than 24 hours later, the 11 players remaining drove up to Queens for Sunday’s quarterfinal match.

Predictably, the Hawks played a defensive game throughout, especially after striker Carlos Garcia suffered a hamstrong injury. Garcia played through the injury, but was largely ineffective throughout.

The Hawks held off the New York attack, but it was the visitors who scored the first goal. Watson Prather sent a penetrating ball into John Stephens who flicked a layoff to Robby Wright, who was making a secondary run. Wright dodged a defender at the top of the box, then hit a looping left-footed strike into the top left corner of the goal.

Just when it looked like the Hawks were going to pull off an improbable upset, New York’s Joel Gustafsson saved the Freedoms with a goal in the 86th minute. The match went into extra time and the Hawks would run out of gas. The Freedoms Stelios Andreou would find Julio Cesar DoSantos for the game-winning goal.

For a full report of this match by Dylan Butler of the New York Post, click HERE.

New York will host the United German Hungarians (East PA) in the next round on May 23.

Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC lineup: Alex Fatovic (GK – Long Island University), Eddie Thurston (Brown), Devlin Barnes (UMass), Karsten Smith (American University), Alan Golden (William & Mary), Michael Goldman (George Washington University), Watson Vaughan-Prather (Univ. of Wisconsin), Robby Wright (Virginia), Erwin Diaz (U of Maryland), John Stephens (James Madison), Carlos Garcia (William & Mary)

CHARM CITY FC (MD) 1:3 UNITED GERMAN HUNGARIANS (EAST PA)
UGH Field – Oakford, PA

The United German Hungarians are now one step away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time in over a decade after a 3-1 win over Charm City FC. The representative from Maryland got an early goal in the fifth minute and held on to the lead until halftime, but the second half was taken over by the hosts. Jeremy Ortiz tied the game in the 51st minute and David Castellanos gave UGH the lead nine minutes later. Andrew Weyershaeuser would put the game away in the 83rd minute to put the 100-year old club into the semifinals to face the New York Pancyprian Freedoms.

Scoring Summary:
CHA: Unknown goalscorer – 5th
UGH: Jeremy Ortiz – 51st
UGH: David Castellanos – 60th
UGH: Andrew Weyershaeuser – 83rd

UGH lineup: Eric Talbot (GK), Jason Karasow (c), Ryan Tadley, Will Thornton, Jeremy Ortiz, Brian Blesi, Ben Marucci, Tony Rod, Ryan Moseley, Blair Carson, Dave Castellanos | Subs: Andrew Weyershaeuser, Brian Bowers, Jimmy Bradley, Kevin Sherry | Coach: Mike Curley

USASA Region I quarterfinals results
(All games are Sunday, May 2)

Fenerbahce USA (East NY) 4:4 Danbury United (CT) (Fenerbahce USA advance 4-3 on PKs)
Aegean Hawks FC 1:2 (AET) NY Pancyprian Freedoms
Charm City FC 1:3 United German Hungarians
Go Soccer FC 0:1 Brooklyn Italians
Go-Soccer FC vs. Emigrantes Das Ilhas *Emigrantes Das Ilhas disqualified*

USASA Region I semifinals schedule
(All games are Sunday, May 23 – All times Eastern)

Brooklyn Italians at Fenerbahce USA – Park Stadium (Franklin Square, NY) | 5 p.m.
United German Hungarians at NY Pancyprian Freedoms – Belson Stadium (St. John’s University) | 4 p.m.
*Semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

AAC Eagles: 1990 Open Cup champions

FIRE SC ‘00 (MN) 3:8 AAC EAGLES (IL)
Toyota Park Turf Field – Bridgeview, Ill.

At the Toyota Park turf field in Bridgeview, Ill., the host AAC Eagles scored a goal against Fire SC ‘00 in the opening minute of the match and never looked back. The goal was scored by Jakub “Kuba” Piotrowski, and it would be the first of five goals he would tally in the match in an 8-3 blowout against the newcomers from Minnesota. Piotrowski, who was an All-American college player at the NAIA level playing for the University of Illinois at Springfield. He also scored the second goal in the Illinois Open Cup title game last November as the AAC Eagles defeated RWB Adria 2-0.

AAC Eagles lineup: Marek Los (GK), Mirek Modzelewski (46th), Piotr Kolasinski, Pawel Policht, Darek Szewczyk, David Otachel, Sebastian Skital, Michal Kapusta, Rafal Zalewski (60th), Matchew Kochanowski (73rd), Jakob Piotrowski. Subs: Mariusz Napiorkowski (46th), Jacek Lechowicz (60th), Rafal Popko (73rd)

Scoring Summary:
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Michal Kapusta) – 1st
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Unassisted) – 38th
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Assist?) – 40th
AAC: Matchew Kochanowski (Sebastien Skital) – 44th
AAC: David Otachel (Michal Kapusta) – 45th
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 45th+
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 49th
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Sebastien Skital) – 62nd
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 73rd
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Jacek Lechowicz) – 74th
AAC: Jacek Lechowicz (Jakub Piotrowski) – 76th

KC ATHLETICS (KA) 4:4 DES MOINES MENACE USASA (IA)
(KC Athletics advances 6-5 on PKs)
Cownie Stadium – Des Moines, Iowa

The Eagles will travel to Kansas City in the semifinals where they will face the KC Athletics, who survived an exciting quarterfinal match against the Des Moines Menace USASA on Saturday. The match is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 15 at a site to be determined. Player/coach Kyle Perkins lead the way with a hat trick for the first Kansas-based team to compete in Open Cup qualifying in several years.

KC would break through first with a goal by Perkins, set up by a cross by Marty Johnson, but it wouldn’t take long for the home team to answer. 15 minutes later, Des Moines would level the match on a counter attack goal by Austin Otto.

Former two-time Premier Development League MVP, Tomas Boltnar and long-time teammate Armin Mujdzic each added a goal on either side of halftime to put Des Moines up 3-1.

A few minutes later, Perkins would add another, this time from a free kick from 25 yards out. The ball took a deflection on the way and ended up in the back of the net. He would complete the hat trick soon after that off a corner kick that was delivered to the far post and then crossed back across goal to the foot of Perkins who fired it home.

Scoring Summary: KCA: Kyle Perkins (Marty Johnston) DMM: Austin Otto DMM: Tomas Boltnar DMM: Armin Mujdzic KCA: Kyle Perkins (Stephen Hoffman) KCA: Kyle Perkins (Brian Williams) DMM: Armin Mujdzic KCA: Brian Williams (Josh McDaniel)

Penalty Summary: DMM: Armin Mujdzic – GOAL KCA: SAVED DMM: GOAL KCA: GOAL DMM: Medina – SAVED KCA: GOAL DMM: Austin Otto – SAVED KCA: GOAL DMM: Tomas Boltnar – GOAL KCA: SAVED DMM: Scott – MISS KCA: SAVED DMM: Downes – GOAL KCA: GOAL DMM: Staley – GOAL KCA: GOAL DMM: Collins – SAVED KCA: Zach Brennan – GOA

Not long after that, Mujdzic would give the lead back to the Menace, only to have the Athletics pull one right back just minutes later. With 10 minutes left, KC’s Stephen Hoffman played a diagonal ball to midfielder Josh McDaniel who beat the offside trap and found teammate Brian Williams wide open at the far post for the game-tying tap-in.After 30 minutes of scoreless overtime, the two teams went to the penalty shootout. All three keepers, Zach Brennan for KC, and Kyle Fitch (first half) and Jason Williams (second half, overtime) for Des Moines, made clutch saves for their teams. In the end, the Athletics would emerge victorious as Brennan saved Des Moines’ attempt in the ninth round, and then immediately stepped to the spot himself to score the winning PK.

The KC Athletics pose for a team photo prior to their US Open Cup qualifying match against the Des Moines Menace USASA in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: KC Athletics

“Going to Des Moines in our first Open Cup qualifier and coming out with a win was big,” said Perkins after the match. “I think this game shows the resolve of our team as we overcame a 3-1 deficit. A lot of credit goes to our goalkeeper Zach Brennan, who not only did he save four penalty kicks, but he also coverted the game-winner.”
Des Moines Starting Lineup: GK: Kyle Fitch, DEF: Staley, Smith, Downes, Scott, MID: Perez, McGowan, Tomas Boltnar, Austin Otto, FWD: Piffer and Armin Mujdzic.

KC Athletics Starting Lineup: Zach Brennan, Barber, Robards (subbed off at 70 Hicks), Woods (subbed off at 80 Woodworth), Stephen Hoffman, Josh McDaniel, Atwood, Miles, Gutherie (subbed off at 60 for Brian Williams) Kyle Perkins, Marty Johnston

DETROIT UNITED (MI) 2:1 MILWAUKEE KICKERS (WI)
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, Wis.

Fernando Gatica scored two impressive goals for Detroit United as the Michigan champions eliminated the Milwaukee Kickers, 2-1. Read a full report of the match by Matt Schroeder of WisconsinSoccerCentral.com. Detroit United will host the 402 Academy from Nebraska in a “Win & You’re In” match tentatively scheduled for May 15.

MINNESOTA TWIN STARS (MN – NPSL) 1:2 402 ACADEMY (NE)

There was some late drama with the 402 Academy from Nebraska, as they needed a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game to get past the Minnesota Twin Stars of the National Premier Soccer League. It was a wet game from the start and Minnesota struck first and taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. 402, who qualified for the US Open Cup in their first-ever attempt last year, would equalize thanks to Minnesota native Amad on a shot from about 20 yards out. Finally, in the 89th minute, 402 was awarded a penalty kick, which Tim Walters converted to make it 2-1.

402 will travel to Detroit in their “Win & You’re In” match on May 15.

USASA Region II Quarterfinal schedule

KC Athletics (KS) 4:4 Des Moines Menace USASA (IA) – (KC advance 6-5 on PKs)
Detroit United (MI) 2:1 Milwaukee Kickers (WI)
Minnesota Twin Stars (MN – NPSL) 1:2 402 Academy (NE)
Fire SC ‘00 (MN) 3:8 AAC Eagles (IL)

USASA Region II semifinals schedule
(All games are Saturday, May 15 – All times Eastern)

402 Academy at Detroit United – 6 p.m. (Borden Park – Rochester Hills, Mich.)
AAC Eagles at KC Athletics – 9:45 p.m. (CommunityAmerica Ballpark – following Chicago Fire / KC Wizards game)
*Semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup