Bright Dike battles for the ball in a league match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Photo: Portland Timbers

The award is voted on by the staff of TheCup.us and a selected panel of members of the North American Soccer Reporters (www.soccerreporters.com).

After a rough 0-5-3 stretch in the USSF Second Division, the Timbers have used Open Cup play to propel themselves on a four game winning streak, with Dike scoring 4 goals in the last two games. However, he was quick to credit team chemistry for his success.

“The difference is really the team effort, not just about me,” said Dike, who goes by his middle name. “I think we’ve been playing together recently after we had several games when we ended up with losses or draws when we should have won. But when we are playing together better they have given me more chances to score, and that’s been the difference.”

The Timbers will host longtime rival Seattle Sounders FC in the Third Round on Wednesday, June 30, in their last match before Portland joins Seattle in MLS next year. The recent win streak has given Dike and his teammates plenty of confidence heading into the game.

“We’ve played well recently after having a series of results when we think we could have done better so this is a good time to be playing this match.”

Our thanks to Allison Andrews of SoccerCityUSA.com for interviewing Bright Dike for this story.

Charleston used the home field to their advantage as they dominated the first half while taking the lead on a Rudolph Mayard goal off a header from Stephen Armstrong. Lamar Neagle doubled the lead 18 minutes later, firing into the left corner. Carolina got on the board in the second half, as Etienne Barbara fired a pass to Greg Shields, who converted to get the RailHawks back in the game. However, they would get no closer, as Charleston held on for the 2-1 win.

For Carolina, it was their first opening round exit in their franchise’s brief history, highlighted by a semifinal appearance in their inaugural season. The Battery have won at least two Open Cup games in four of the last five years, including a trip to the Open Cup championship game  in 2008 where they lost 2-1 to DC United.

The Battery travel to Chicago to play the MLS’s Fire next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Central Time.

The first 30 minutes the teams matched up fairly equally, until Alex Nimo’s corner in the 34th minute led to Ross Smith’s header to open the scoring for Portland. Dike attacked on the counterstrike to scorch the net just three minutes later. Kitsap was able to pressure the ball in the last five minutes of the half, but could not capitalize.

Two minutes into the second half, Dike found the net again, as Portland controlled the game almost the rest of the way. Dike had another score at 62 minutes, and it took Kitsap 87 minutes to finally establish themselves. Stephen Phillips found the net to restore some pride for Kitsap, avoiding their second consecutive shutout loss to Portland in the Open Cup.

Portland will host Seattle Sounders FC from MLS at PGE Park in Portland next Wednesday. The last time the two rivals met was in the third round of last year’s Open Cup when the Sounders prevailed 2-1 at PGE Park in Portland in front of the biggest crowd (16,382) for a non-final, non-doubleheader in the Professional Era (1995-present).

Lineups:
POR: GK Cronin, D Thompson (Purdy, 54), D Smith, D Danso, D Cameron, M Nimo, M McManus (Keel, 70), M Gaudet, M Pore (Keita, 74), F Dike, F DeMartin

KIT: GK Brim, D Mohn, D Scott, D Hyde (Gray, 45), D Lee, M Hepple, M Fishbaugher (Friesen, 70), M Besagno, M Cascio, F Perdido (Phillips, 63), F Christner

Scoring Summary:
POR: Smith (Nimo), 34
POR: Dike (Pore), 37
POR: Dike, 47
POR: Dike, 63
KIT: Christner (Phillips, 90)

Miami got off to a very quick start in the match, scoring in the second minute. A free kick was awarded just outside the Rowdies penalty box, and Christian Gomez stepped up to take it. His kick bounced off goalkeeper Josh Lambo’s chest and into traffic in front of the net. The ball landed at the feet of Miami FC striker Paulo Jr, who shot the ball into the net to give his team the 1-0 lead. The hero from the first round scored his fifth goal of the 2010 US Open Cup, matching the totals of Sebastien Le Toux in 2007 and 2008 with the USL’s Seattle Sounders and scoring the most by a player in the tournament since 2005.

Miami almost doubled their lead in the 10th minute as threatening free kick by Euzebio Neto went past traffic and out of bounds. Despite the miss, the Blues managed to keep possession for most of the first half. The Rowdies would get their own chance at goal in the 35th minute, as a Yendry Diaz header was tipped over the crossbar by Miami goalkeeper Caleb Patterson to keep the shutout intact through the end of the half.

Both teams came out at full force to start the second half, with each getting a good scoring chance within minutes of kickoff. Tampa Bay would then pressure later in the match to force the equalizer as more chances came their way. They would finally break through in the 82nd minute as Mozzi Gyorio sent in a free kick into the box, which Diaz converted to tie the match. Diaz would get his shot at a game winner in the 87th minute with a hard shot, but Patterson made a diving save to keep his team alive through regulation.

In the 97th minute, Miami FC would get their advantage by virtue of a handball. Robert Valentino was called for a handling the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Abe Thompson stepped up to the spot and converted in the 98th minute, giving the Blues the lead they would hold onto for the rest of extra time.

Miami FC has moved on to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2008, when they lost 2-1 at FC Dallas. This time they travel to face Dallas’ Texas rival, the Houston Dynamo. The game is scheduled to take place at Robertson Stadium on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 p.m.

FC Tampa Bay Rowdies Lineup: Josh Lambo, Kwame “JJ” Adjeman-Pamboe, Yendry Diaz, Aaron King (80′ – Chad Burt), Gordon Kljestan (102′ – Joe Donoho), Pascal Millien, Stanley Nyazamba, Long Tan, Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Takuya Yamada (65′ – Mozzi Gyorio).

Miami FC Lineup: Caleb Patterson, Paulo Araujo Jr. (97′ – Bryan Dominguez), Bryan Arquez, Cristiano Dias (104′ – Sean Cameron), Christian Gomez, Zach Kirby, Neto, JP Rodrigues, Edward Santeliz (116′ - Jair Cabas), Abe Thompson, Kyle Veris.

Scoring Summary
MIA – Paulo Araujo Jr. – 2′
TB – Yendry Diaz – 82′ (Mozzi Gyorio)
MIA – Abe Thompson – 98′ (PK)

Misconduct Summary
MIA – Zach Kirby – yellow (22′)
TB – Yendry Diaz – yellow (32′)
TB – Stanley Nyazamba – yellow (58′)
MIA – Abe Thompson – yellow (61′)
TB – Rob Valentino – yellow (79′)
MIA – Bryan Arquez – yellow (85′)
TB – Chad Burt – yellow (110′)

Peri Marosevic, on loan from Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, recorded the second hat trick in team history – and second in just four days – as the Austin Aztex knocked off the Arizona Sahuaros 3-1 in a second-round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night in Austin, Texas. (Video highlights below)

Austin advanced to the third round of the tournament for the second straight year, and will play MLS club Chivas USA in the third round next Tuesday night in Fullerton, Calif. Last season, the Aztex lost to the Houston Dynamo of the MLS in the third round.

The 21-year-old Marosevic, a U.S. youth international, was making his second appearance and first start adding to an already-impressive attack for the Aztex, who lead the USSF Division-2 Pro League in goals scored and goal differential.

Sahuaros goalkeeper Brad Swenby started the match the same way he ended the amateur side’s first-round game: By saving a penalty kick.

Swenby turned aside Michael Callahan’s shot from the spot in the 10th minute after Stephan Campbell was taken down in the box – last Tuesday, Swenby made a big stop in a penalty kick shootout after Arizona tied the Ventura County Fusion of the USL Premier Development League.

The veteran keeper also made a nice save on a drive by Marosevic, but the former University of Michigan standout broke through in the 35th. Callahan slipped a pass to Marosevic on the left side, and he slotted a left-footed past Swenby for the 1-0 lead.

The Sahuaros, the only one of nine U.S. Adult Soccer Association teams to advance out of the first round, equalized when second-half substitute Kevin Cornwall ran on to a long ball from Alex Lopez and scored against Austin keeper Sean Kelley in the 55th.

But that came on Arizona’s lone shot of the second half – the Sahuaros also had but one in the first 45 minutes – and Marosevic put the Aztex ahead for good with 10 minutes to go. He collected a pass from Sullivan Silva and again went in down the left side before zipping a right-footed shot past Swenby.

Marosevic capped his hat trick in stoppage time, when Silva rounded Swenby on the side and crossed the ball back for him to finish in front. Maxwell Griffin posted Austin’s first hat trick Saturday in a 3-1 league victory over Miami FC.

Lineups
AUS: GK Kelley, D Allen, D Bernard, D Brill, D Worthen, M Silva, M Callahan, M Caicedo (Alvarez 73), M Campbell (Watson 61), F Marosevic, F McFayden (M. Griffin 72).
ARI: GK Swenby, D Parson (Cornwall 46), D DeLeon (Blase 52), D Duhaney, D B. Green, M C. Green, M Hampton, M Lopez, M Sleniker, F Thames (Auditore 62), F Garcia.
Scoring Summary
AUS: Marosevic (Callahan), 35
ARI: Cornwall (Lopez), 55
AUS: Marosevic (Silva), 80
AUS: Marosevic (Silva), 90+
Misconduct Summary
AUS: Marosevic (caution/foul), 31
ARI: Thames (caution/dissent), 65
ARI: Blase (caution/foul), 85
AUS: Callahan (caution/delaying a restart), 88
ARI: Hampton (caution/foul), 89
Match Statistics
Shots: Austin 20, Arizona 2. Saves: Austin (Kelley) 0, Arizona (Swenby 4). Fouls: Austin 15, Arizona 10. Corner kicks: Austin 7, Arizona 0.

The Kickers, champions in 1995 and quarterfinalists three times since then, defeated Real Maryland 3-1 on a steamy Tuesday night in Richmond to earn a date up I-95 at D.C. United in the round of 16.

Mike Burke, who played for United in 2000, played a role in the first two Kickers goals. In the 10th minute, his free kick found defender Yomby William’s head to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. In the 69th, he played a ball to Roger Bothe, who centered to leading scorer Matthew Delicâte for the goal.

Richmond made it 3-0 in the 79th, with Stephen Nserko setting up fellow second-half sub Bobby Fogelsong.

Alan Sanchez pulled one back for Real Maryland in the 83rd minute, but it was too late.

The visitors got a boost from Andre Akpan, on loan from the Colorado Rapids. Akpan played in the Rapids’ qualifiers for the Cup, but because those games are organized by MLS and aren’t part of the Cup proper, he was not Cup-tied. The Harvard alum had several shots in the first 15 minutes and rang the crossbar in the 35th.

Richmond has met D.C. United three times in Open Cup play, winning a 2-1 decision in 2004.

RIC: GK Ronnie Pascale; D Yomby William, D Henry Kalungi, D Sascha Görres, D Dave Hertel; M Roger Bothe, M Mike Burke, M Edson Elcock, M Luke Vercollone (Bobby Fogelsong 60), M Jonathan Villanueva (Stephen Nserko 50); F Matthew Delicâte

RM: GK Brian Levey; D Jonathan Borrajo (Israel Sesay 66), D Kenneth Sola, D Gareth Evans, D Mason Trafford; M Nate Baker, M Ben Hunter (Sean Rush 76), M Nicholas Paterson, M Joel Senior (Jykel Noviello 46); F Andre Akpan, F Alan Sanchez

Scoring summary:
RIC Yomby (Burke) 10
RIC Delicâte (Bothe) 69
RIC Fogelsong (Nserko) 79
RM Sanchez 83

Cards:
RM Sola 58
RIC Vercollone 60
RM Hunter 73

Shots: RIC 12:8 RM
Saves: RIC 3:2 RM
Fouls: RIC 8:6 RM
Offsides: RIC 0:7 RM
Corners: RIC 4:3 RM

16 teams will battle on Tuesday night for the right to face Major League Soccer clubs. A few of the games will be broadcast online, but we’ll have updates from all eight games on the live blog that begins at 6:30 p.m.

Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
7 p.m. ET – Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: None | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Long Island Rough Riders
Founded: 1994
Location:  South Huntington, New York
Head Coach:  Paul Roderick
Record: 4-1-2 14 Pts., 11 GF 4 GA, 3rd in PDL Northeast Division
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (TTWL)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Ben Arikian and Luke Magill, 2
Assists:  Ben Arikian and Michael Todd, 2
Goalkeeping:  Guillermo Gatti, 483 Min., 0.55 GAA
Open Cup History:  Most of the Rough Riders Open Cup participation came when they were a professional club, as they have qualified only one other time as a PDL team. Of their three Pro appearances, their biggest splash came in 1997 when they reached the Quarterfinals after a 4-3 extra time win over the New England Revolution.

Harrisburg City Islanders
Founded:  2004
Location:  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Head Coach:  Bill Becher
Record:  1-6-4  7 pts. 10 GF 18 GA, 6th in USL Second Division
Recent League Form:  0-3-1 in last four games (TTLT)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Jason Hotchkin, Sheanon Williams and Nicholas Zimmerman, 2
Assists:  Jason Hotchkin, 2
Goalkeeping:  Daniel Cepero, 720 Min. 1.62 GAA
Open Cup History:  Harrisburg has made three appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, and has reached the Quarterfinals twice. In 2007 they upset D.C. United 1-0 in the third round before falling to the New England Revolution 2-1 in the quarters. In 2009 it was New England on end of a 2-1 loss to the City Islanders, who fell to D.C. in the Quarterfinals by the same score.

Harrisburg’s once porous defense has clamped down a bit over the past month. The team gave up 14 goals in their first six games, but only five in their last five USL-2 contests. Harrisburg has the worst record of all the remaining USL clubs. However, twice in recent years, the Minnesota Thunder (2005) and Charleston Battery (2007) had deep runs in the Open Cup despite finishing the season with single digit wins.

Outside of putting six goals in against Vermont early in the PDL season, Long Island’s offense has been slender, as they have scored only five goals in the other six games. The fact that they have allowed only four goals all season explains their 6-1-0 record.

Did You Know?
Both teams own an Open Cup win against MLS teams. Harrisburg defeated D.C. United 1-0 in the third  round in 2007, while Long Island beat the New England Revolution in extra time 4-3 in 1997’s third round.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
8 p.m. ET – Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.

New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
7 p.m. ET – Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.

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Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
7 p.m. ET – University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Virginia
Broadcast: None | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Real Maryland Monarchs
Founded:  2008
Location:  Rockville, Maryland
Head Coach:  Anthony Hudson
Record:  3-3-5  14 Pts. 10 GF 9 GA, 3rd in USL Second Division
Recent League Form:  1-0-3 in last four games (TTTW)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Jamie Darvill, Benjamin Hunter and Alan Sanchez, 2
Assists:  Nicholas Paterson, 3
Goalkeeping:  Brian Levey, 990 Min. 0.81 GAA
Open Cup History:  The Monarchs have not had much success in the Open Cup in their two appearances. Both times they got past their USASA opponents by the slimmest of margins, a 3-2 overtime win vs. New York Pancyprian Freedoms in 2008, and a storm shortened 1-0 win over Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks in 2009. Both times their tournament run ended in the next round, both 1-0 losses, to the Carolina RailHawks (USL-1) in 2008 and in overtime to the Ocean City Nor’easters (then known as the Ocean City Barons) last year.

Richmond Kickers
Founded:  1993
Location:  Richmond, Virginia
Head Coach:  Leigh Cowlishaw
Record:  5-3-3  18 pts. 16 GF 14 GA, 2nd in USL Second Division
Recent League Form:  3-1-0 in last four games (LWWW)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Matthew Delicate, 9
Assists:  Mike Burke, 4
Goalkeeping:  Ronnie Pascale, 900 Min. 1.10 GAA
Open Cup History:  The Kickers were the first Open Cup champions of the Professional Era, defeating the El Paso Patriots on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 1995. Since then, their best success has been a pair of Quarterfinal appearances in 2004 and 2007.

Maryland and Richmond have played three times this season, with the Kickers winning two games (1-0, 2-0), and the third ending in a 1-1 draw. Kickers players scored all of the goals, as Maryland’s lone score was a Richmond own goal. Maryland has beaten Richmond just once in seven all-time meetings. The lone win came on June 13, 2009 when they defeated them 1-0.

Richmond’s veteran forward Matthew Delicate leads the USL Second Division with nine goals scored. He’ll be hard pressed to breach the Monarchs net, they have allowed only nine goals in eleven games, the fewest in the USL-2.

Did You Know?
Kickers head coach Leigh Cowlishaw had a goal and an assist for the Kickers in their first-ever US Open Cup game, a 6-1 win over Spartans SC on July 2, 1995.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Richmond Kickers (USL-2)/Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) Winner at D.C. United (MLS)
7:30 p.m. ET – George Mason Stadium; Fairfax, Va. (on June 30)

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Carolina RailHawks (USSF D-2) at Charleston Battery (USL-2)
7:30 p.m. ET – Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, South Carolina
Video: USLLive.com | Radio: None | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Carolina RailHawks
Founded:  2006
Location:  Cary, North Carolina
Head Coach:  Martin Rennie
Record:  3-2-5  14 Pts. 12 GF 9 GA, 4th in USSF D2 NASL Conference
Recent League Form:  1-0-3 in last four games (WTTT)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Etienne Barbara, 5
Assists:  Etienne Barbara, Cory Elenio, Josh Gardner and David Hayes, 1
Goalkeeping:  Eric Reed, 720 Min., 0.75 GAA
Open Cup History:  Carolina reached the semifinals in their initial effort in 2007, but since then, their success has gradually decreased in 2008 (third round) and 2009 (second round)

Charleston Battery
Founded:  1993
Location:  Charleston, South Carolina
Head Coach:  Michael Anhaeuser
Record:  7-2-3  24 pts. 24 GF 17 GA, 1st in USL Second Division
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (TTLW)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Lamar Neagle, 8
Assists:  Kevin Jackson, Tommy Heinemann, Alioune Gueye, 2
Goalkeeping:  Timothy Melia, 810 Min., 1.44 GAA
Open Cup History:  Behind the Rochester Rhinos, Charleston may be the most famous USL club in the Open Cup. The team has made one finals appearance (2008), two semifinal appearances (1999 & 2004), and has claimed the scalps of six MLS teams.

The Charleston Battery, with just a 7-2-3 record, is threatening to run away with the USL-2 lead. However, that is due more to the rest of the league failing to find any consistent results. While Charleston is averaging two goals a game, they have also allowed at least one goal in all but one of their 12 league games. In contrast, of Carolina’s nine league matches, only twice have more than three goals been scored between the RailHawks and their opponents.

Four Charleston players (Neagle, Heinemann, Nunes and Mayard) occupy four of the top 10 spots on the USL-2 goal scoring leaders list. Charleston, a longtime USL-1 team, dropped to USL-2 in the midst of the USL/NASL conflict over the winter.

If the match ends 1-1, it’s won’t be a surprise for Carolina. Five of their ten games have ended in 1-1 draws.

Did You Know?
This is the fourth time teams from North and South Carolina have met in the Pro Era of the Open Cup. Charleston has represented South Carolina each time, and has yet to lose.

1999
2r – Charleston Battery (A-League) v. Wilmington Hammerheads (D3 Pro), 2-1
2004
3r – Charleston Battery (USL-1) v. Wilmington Hammerheads (PSL), 2-0
2008
2r – Charleston Battery (USL-1) v. Charlotte Eagles (USL-2), 2-1

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Carolina RailHawks (USSF D-2)/Charleston Battery (USL-2) Winner at Chicago Fire (MLS)
8:30 p.m. ET -Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.

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Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) at Rochester Rhinos (USSF D-2)
7:05 p.m. ET – Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, New York
Video: Rochester | Radio: Rochester | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Founded:  1999
Location:  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Head Coach:  Justin Evans
Record:  2-3-5 11pts. 13 GF 12 GA, 5th in USL Second Division
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (LWTT)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Alex Weekes, 3
Assists:  Matthew Baker, Thomas Gray, Lee Kouadio Tobey and Chad Severs, 2
Goalkeeping:  Richard Gilstrap, 720 Min. 1.23 GAA
Open Cup History:  Only two of Pittsburgh’s seven Cup attempts have seen them progress past their opening game. One of those resulted in a spot in the Quarterfinals in 2001, after they defeated the Colorado Rapids in the second round, and lost to the Chicago Fire in the Quarterfinals in extra time, 3-2.

Rochester Rhinos
Founded:  1996
Location:  Rochester, New York
Head Coach:  Bob Lilley
Record:  5-3-4  19 Pts. 14 GF 11 GA, 3rd in USSF D2 USL Conference
Recent League Form: 2-0-2 in last four games (WTWT)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Anthony Hamilton, 3
Assists:  Andrew Hoxie and Tyler Rosenlund, 2
Goalkeeping:  Scott Vallow  720 Min. 0.87 GAA
Open Cup History:  Champions in 1999, runners up in 1996, the Rhinos are the most successful USL club in the Open Cup. It’s almost a given that the Rhinos will face at least one MLS club in each tournament. Only once (2001) have they exited after a single game.

This is the third year in a row these teams have met in Open Cup play. In 2008, Rochester walked away with a 3-0 win. 2009’s contest was a bit more dramatic, as the Rhinos needed a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to eliminate the Riverhounds.

Did You Know?
Current Rhinos manager Bob Lilley was the manager of the only team to knock the Rhinos out of the Open Cup after a single game. In 2001, the Lilley led Hershey Wildcats knocked off the Rhinos 1-0 in the second round, the opening game for each team in that year’s tournament.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Rochester Rhinos (USSF D2)/Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) Winner at Columbus Crew (MLS)
7:30 p.m. ET – Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio

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AC St. Louis (USSF D-2) at NSC Minnesota Stars (USSF D-2)
8 p.m. ET – National Sports Center; Blaine, Minnesota
Broadcast: TBA | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

AC St. Louis
Founded:  2009
Location:  Fenton, Missouri
Head Coach:  2009
Record:  2-7-1  7 Pts. 7 GF 17 GA, 6th in USSF D2 NASL Conference
Recent League Form:  2-1-1 in last four games (TWWL)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals: Mike Ambersley, 2
Assists: Dillon Barna, Jefferson De Lima, Luke Kreamalmeyer and Tim Velten, 1
Goalkeeping:  Alec Duffy, 900 Min., 1.70 GAA
Open Cup History:  AC St. Louis is making their debut in the US Open Cup

NSC Minnesota Stars
Founded:  2009
Location:  Blaine, Minnesota
Head Coach:  Manny Lagos
Record:  5-8-2  17 Pts. 12 GF 21 GA, 4th in USSF D-2 USL Conference
Recent League Form:  2-1-1 in last four games (TWW-)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals: Neil Hladaty, 3
Assists: Simone Bracalello and Brian Cvilikas, 2
Goalkeeping:  Joe Warren,  1,215 Min. 1.68 GAA
Open Cup History: The NSC Minnesota Stars are making their U.S. Open Cup debut.

The two clubs have met once in the young USSF Division 2 season. On May 29, Minnesota came away with a 3-2 win on substitute Neil Hlavaty’s goal in the 87th minute. The game also marked St. Louis’ biggest offensive outburst of the year, with Jefferson De Lima and Luke Kreamalmayer scoring two of St. Louis’ seven goals on the year. This game could very well resemble the May 29 contest, as Minnesota and St. Louis have the worst defense in the league. The Stars have allowed a league-high 19 goals through 14 games, and the St. Louis net has been breached 17 times in 10 games.

After staring the season 0-4-1, Minnesota has run off a four match unbeaten streak (3-0-1). St. Louis hasn’t been so lucky, with their only two wins coming at the expense of the two teams (Puerto Rico and CP Baltimore) just above them at the bottom of the standings.

Did You Know?
US Open Cup semifinals and finals from 1984 to 1989 were played at the Anheuser-Busch Center (then known as St. Louis Soccer Park), the current home of AC St. Louis. This was when the USASA was in charge of running the tournament, and would hold the semifinals and finals of all their cups over a weekend at one location, as it does today.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at NSC Minnesota Stars (USSF D-2)
8 p.m. ET – National Sports Center; Blaine, Minnesota

AC St. Louis (USSF D-2) at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
10:30 p.m. ET – The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.

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FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (USSF D-2) at Miami FC (USSF D-2)
7:30 p.m. ET – Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Broadcast: None | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
Founded:  2009
Location:  Tampa, Florida
Head Coach:  Paul Dalglish
Record:  5-4-3  18 Pts. 18 GF 14 GA, 2nd in USSF D2 USL Conference
Recent League Form:  2-2-0 in last four games (WWLL)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Aaron King and Aaron Wheeler, 4
Assists:  Long Tan, 2
Goalkeeping:  Daryl Sattler, 900 Min. 1.00 GAA
Open Cup History:  FC Tampa Bay Rowdies are making their US Open Cup debut.

Miami FC
Founded:  2006
Location:  Miami, Florida
Head Coach:  Victor Pastora
Record:  2-3-7  13 Pts. 14 GF 18 GA, 4th in USSF D2 NASL Conference
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (TTWL)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Paulo Araujo, Jr. and Christian Gomez, 4
Assists:  Christian Gomez, 3
Goalkeeping:  Caleb Patterson 991 Min. 1.63 GAA
Open Cup History:  Miami FC have little to brag about when it comes to their Open Cup record. They were the first pro team to lose to a USASA side (Dallas Roma in 2006) and their only success came in 208 when they reached the third round.

The teams have met only once this season, back on May 1 at Lockhart Stadium. In that game, Christian Gomez scored just before halftime for Miami, and Julian Valentin equalized for Tampa with eight minutes remaining. Since that game, Miami are 2-3-4, while Tampa Bay are 4-3-2.

Did You Know?
Teams from the Tampa and Miami areas have met just once in the Pro Era of the Open Cup. In the second round of the 2000 tournament, the Tampa Bay Mutiny defeated Ft. Lauderdale’s Uruguay SC 1-0 in extra time. Mamadou Diallo scored the winner for the Mutiny. Two players from each team were sent off in the 88th minute after a bench clearing brawl erupted.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (USSF D-2)/Miami FC (USSF D-2) Winner at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
8:30 p.m. ET – Carl Lewis Track Stadium; Houston, Texas

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Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) at Austin Aztex (USSF D-2)
8:30 p.m. ET – House Park; Austin, Texas
Broadcast: None | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Arizona Saurahos (Meet the USASA: Arizona Sahuaros)
Founded:  1989
Location:  Phoenix, Arizona
Head Coach:  Orhan Kraja
Record:  2-2-2  8 Pts. 12 GF 7 GA (Open Cup qualifying & First Round)
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (TWLT) (Open Cup qualifying & First Round)
Open Cup History:  This year marks the third Open Cup appearance in a row for the Sahuaros, and their fourth in five years. They also have two tournaments played in 1998 and 1999 as a USL D3 Pro League club under their belts.

Austin Aztex
Founded:  2008
Location:  Austin, Texas
Head Coach:  Adrian Heath
Record:  8-2-3  27 Pts. 25 GF 15 GA, 1st in USSF D2 USL Conference
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Edward Johnson, 6
Assists:  Maxwell Griffin and Lawrence Olum, 3
Goalkeeping:  Miguel Gallardo 1,170 Min. 1.07 GAA
Recent League Form:  2-1-1 in last four games (WTLW)
Open Cup History:  Austin’s debut cup appearance in 2009 took them to the third round, where they fell to the Houston Dynamo 3-0.

Despite being an amateur side on hiatus from the NPSL, the Sahuaros have had some success in the Open Cup, reaching the second round in 1998, 1999, and 2006.  Austin is built for offense, their team leading the USSF Division 2 Pro League in goals scored and goal differential.

Did You Know?
This is the first time since 1997 that a team from Austin has faced an Arizona team in Open Cup play. In 1997’s first round match, the Austin Lone Stars defeated the Tucson Amigos 4-2, on the strength of a Gabe Jones hat trick.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Austin Aztex (USSF D-2)/Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) Winner at Chivas USA (MLS)
10:30 p.m. ET – California State-Fullerton; Fullerton, Calif.

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Portland Timbers (USSF D-2) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)
10 p.m. ET – Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Washington
Video: None | Audio: Portland & Kitsap | Updates: TheCup.us Live Blog

Portland Timbers
Founded:  2001
Location:  Portland, Oregon
Head Coach:  Gavin Wilkinson
Record:  4-5-4  16 Pts. 12 GF 10 GA, 5th in USSF D2 USL Conference
Recent League Form:  1-1-2 in last four games (TTLW)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Ryan Pore, 9
Assists:  Ryan Pore, 2
Goalkeeping:  Steven Cronin 1,159 Min. 0.77 GAA
Open Cup History:  The Timbers Open Cup pedigree is not much to write home about. 2009 marked the first time they advanced to the third round in six tries.

Kitsap Pumas
Founded:  2008
Location:  Bremerton, Washington
Head Coach:  Peter Fewing
Record:  7-1-0 21 Pts. 22 GF 6 GA, 3rd in PDL Northwest Division
Recent League Form:  3-1-0 in last four games (WLWW)
Team Stat Leaders
Goals:  Matt Friesen, 4
Assists:  David Gray 3
Goalkeeping:  Dustyn Brim, 585 Min., 0.76 GAA
Open Cup History:  Kitsap qualified for the Open Cup in their debut season in 2009, but fell to the Portland Timbers 3-0 in the opening round.

The Timbers have a chance to get revenge for their PDL club, the Portland Timbers U23. The PDL Timbers missed out on the Open Cup despite a perfect 4-0-0 record, and are the only PDL club with an unblemished record at 8-0-0. In fact, the U23 Timbers gave Kitsap their only PDL loss of the season, a 3-0 defeat on June 5.

To say the Timbers offense goes through Ryan Pore is an understatement. Pore has scored nine of the Timbers ten goals, and has assisted on the two of the other three. Unfortunately for Portland, most of that came in the first four games, as the Timbers have only scored three goals in their last eight games, and have a 1-5-3 record in that span.

Kitsap, on the other hand, wants revenge for a 3-0 loss to the Timbers in their first Open Cup match last year. Their offensive output is the direct opposite of Portland’s. The Pumas’ 22 goal have been scored by 10 different players, the most coming from Matt Friesen with four.

Did You Know?
Portland is 2-2 against Seattle area teams since beginning Open Cup play in 2004. They are 1-0 against Kitsap (3-0, 2009) and 1-2 against the Seattle Sounders (W 2-0 2005, L 2-1 2007, L 2-0 2009).

Also, the Kitsap Pumas are the first PDL team in history to qualify for the US Open Cup in each of their first two seasons.

Third Round Hosting Possibilities
Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)
10 p.m. ET – Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.

Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Portland Timbers (USSF D-2)
10 p.m. ET – PGE Park; Portland, Ore.

From US Soccer Communications

CHICAGO — U.S. Soccer has announced the home teams for the second round possible pairings in the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Results from the first round of play on June 15 will determine the potential matchups and venues for the second round to take place one week later on Tuesday, June 22.

All 32 lower division teams will enter the tournament in the first round and have been grouped geographically into eight groups of four teams. The first-round match ups were drawn randomly within the four-team groups, although matchups between teams in the same division were avoided when possible.

The two first-round winners from each group will face off in the second round on June 22, with these winners then advancing to the third round to face the eight qualified Major League Soccer teams on June 29. The quarterfinals willbe played July 6-7, the semifinals will be played Aug. 31-Sept. 1, and the final will be played Oct. 5.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 95 consecutive years dating back to 1914. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE

*NOTE: Change of venue since orginal announcement on June 2.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND POSSIBLE MATCHES

Check out the 2010 US Open Cup bracket HERE

From US Soccer Communications

All 32 lower division teams will enter the tournament in the first round. First-round pairings were determined by dividing the clubs geographically into eight groups of four, with match-ups within each group determined by random draw. In the second round on June 22, the 16 first-round winners will face off, with eight victors moving into the third round to square off against eight Major League Soccer teams.

The third round will take place June 29, with the quarterfinals set for July 6-7, the semifinals on Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and the final slated for Oct. 5.

Of the 16 amateur division teams representing the U.S. Adult Soccer Association regional qualifiers and the Premier Development League, only the Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) are returning for their second consecutive U.S. Open Cup. The Sahuaros have qualified for four of the last five U.S. Open Cups, the best record of any amateur team during that span. Another team returning from last year is the Sonoma County Sol of the National Premier Soccer League, (an affiliate of the USASA), who qualified for the first round by virtue of winning a play-in match against PSA Los Gatos Storm, a club affiliated with U.S. Club Soccer (a member organization of U.S. Soccer).

Within the U.S. Open Cup framework, teams compete in one of the following four categories: professional outdoor Division I (Major League Soccer), Division II (USSF D-2 Pro League) or Division III (USL Second Division), or Amateur Division. In recent years, the Amateur Division has been comprised of the USL Premier Development League and regional qualifiers from the U.S. Adult Soccer Association.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 95 consecutive years dating back to 1914.

The U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, with games tied after regulation being decided in two 15-minute overtime halves. If the score is still tied after overtime, the winner is decided in a penalty kick shootout. The team that advances the furthest from each level except Division I will earn a $10,000 cash prize. The runner-up will take home $50,000, while the champion will collect $100,000. In addition, the winner will have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, the oldest trophy competed for nationally in American team sports.

2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule

May 31    Qualifying Deadline
June 15   First Round: 32 lower division teams enter tournament
June 22   Second Round: 16 First Round winners face off
June 29   Third Round: Round 2 winners face eight MLS teams
July 6-7  Quarterfinals: Round 3 winners
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Semifinals: Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 5 Final: Semifinal winners

LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND
(All games June 15)

Game 1: N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA) at Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) – 7:30 p.m. ET – Cy Donnelly Stadium; South Huntington, N.Y.

Game 2: Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club (USASA) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) – 7 p.m. ET – Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.

Game 3: Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) at Reading United A.C. (PDL) – 7:30 p.m. ET – Don Thomas Stadium; Reading, Pa.

Game 4: Crystal Palace Baltimore (D2) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2) – 7 p.m. ET – University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va.

Game 5: Capital Area Soccer League Elite (USASA) at Charleston Battery (USL-2) – 7:30 p.m. ET – Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.

Game 6: Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) at Carolina RailHawks (D2) – 7:05 p.m. ET – WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.

Game 7: Dayton Dutch Lions FC (PDL) at Rochester Rhinos (D2) – 7:05 p.m. ET – Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.

Game 8: Detroit United Soccer Club (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) – 7 p.m. ET – Chartiers Valley High School; Bridgeville, Pa.

Game 9: Kansas City Athletics (USASA) at NSC Minnesota Stars (D2) – 8 p.m. ET – National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.

Game 10: AC St. Louis (D2) at Des Moines Menace (PDL) – 8:30 p.m. ET – Valley Stadium; West Des Moines, Iowa

Game 11: Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Miami FC (D2) – 7:30 p.m. ET – Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Game 12: FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (D2) at Legends FC (USASA) – 9 p.m. ET – Richland Stadium; Dallas, Texas

Game 13: Dallas-Fort Worth Tornados (PDL) at Austin Aztex (D2) – 8:30 p.m. ET – House Park; Austin, Texas

Game 14: Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL) – 10:05 p.m. ET – Ventura College; Ventura, Calif.

Game 15: Sonoma County Sol (USASA) at Portland Timbers (D2) – 10 p.m. ET – PGE Park; Portland, Ore.

Game 16: Bay Area Ambassadors FC (USASA) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL) – 10 p.m. ET – Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.

LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND POSSIBLE PAIRINGS

Game 17: Winner 1 vs. Winner 2

Game 18: Winner 3 vs. Winner 4

Game 19: Winner 5 vs. Winner 6

Game 20: Winner 7 vs. Winner 8

Game 21: Winner 9 vs. Winner 10

Game 22: Winner 11 vs. Winner 12

Game 23: Winner 13 vs. Winner 14

Game 24: Winner 15 vs. Winner 16

Note: Potential Second Round hosts to be announced at a later time.

The Mid-Michigan Bucks have always been one of the lower division troublemakers of the US Open Cup, and this match against the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium helped build that reputation. Goalkeeper Eric Pogue was the early hero for the Bucks, saving a Shaker Asad penalty kick in the 7th minute to keep the game scoreless. The Bucks stayed with the Revolution for 90 minutes using a high-tempo style of play and eventually sent the sparse crowd of 1,857 Revolution fans home disappointed.

Three minutes into stoppage time, midfielder Chad Schomaker scored the winner on an assist from Boniventure Maruti. The win was the first time an amateur side defeated a Major League Soccer team and since then, only one other amateur club (Seattle Sounders Select of the PDL beat the Dallas Burn of MLS in the 2001 Second Round) has accomplished that feat. The Bucks, however, remain the only amateur club to upset an MLS team without the help of extra time or penalty kicks. Their Cup run would come to an end in the next round, when the Miami Fusion of MLS needed a penalty kick shootout to eliminate the giant killers after a 3-3 draw in regulation.

2000 – Chicago Sockers (PDL) 0:0 Kansas City Wizards (MLS) (Chicago advances on PKs 7-6)

The Mid-Michigan Bucks weren’t the only team making the MLS giants cry in the Second Round of the 2000 Open Cup. The Kansas City Wizards were leading Major League Soccer in points at the time of the match, but that didn’t matter to the PDL’s Chicago Sockers, who were the defending champions of the fourth division league. Adam Throop of the Sockers put in a spectacular performance, keeping a clean sheet for 105 minutes despite 23 shots from the Wizards. Both teams slugged though extra time scoreless as well, and the 3,140 on hand at Forest View Park in Chicago eagerly awaited the penalty kick session to decide the game. Adam Throop came though again, saving Uche Okafor’s penalty to give Chicago the win.

The Sockers, like the Bucks, went on to put a scare into their next MLS opponents. In the Third Round, the Sockers took on the Chicago Fire and only a Josh Wolff goal in the 22nd minute seperated the two clubs in a rare Open Cup derby match.

2006- Dallas Roma F.C. (USASA – Region III) 1:0 Miami F.C. (USL-1)

Dallas Roma FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the Professional Era of the US Open Cup, defeating the USL First Division’s Miami FC 1-0 at Dallas. Roma scored the lone goal of the match early in the game, when Miami midfielder Zinho was called for a handball in the penalty area. John Waters stepped to the spot and converted the penalty for the 1-0 lead.

The Roma defense, along with goalkeeper Jessie Llamas, held World Cup winners Romario and Zinho in check all night, only allowing Miami to attack from the side, instead of up the middle. Roma head coach Michael Schell did not start three of his regulars for disciplinary reasons, making the 1-0 lead that much more remarkable. When he eventually brought in the likes of Patrick Shamu and Mark Rowland, Schell said the Miami players began to get frustrated.

“They (Miami) realized these guys were better then the ones they replaced”, Schell said. It was during this time that both Michael Erush and Fabian Sandoval were sent off, leaving Miami with just nine men to finish the game. Schell was also quick to point out that the visitors did not take his team lightly, as they constantly put pressure on Roma’s defense throughout the night.

The win marked the first time a USASA club had beaten a team from the USL First Division. Roma are also only the second USASA team since 1995 to advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. “I don’t think I’m going to go to sleep tonight!” said an ecstatic Schell after a post-match dinner with his team.

Other Second Round upsets

1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 1:0 Seattle Sounders (A-League)
1998 – Orlando Nighthawks (D3 Pro) 2:1 Milwaukee Rampage (A-League)
1998 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 3:2 Hershey Wildcats (A-League)
1999 – Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2:1 Minnesota Thunder (A-League)
1999 – Carolina Dynamo (D3 Pro) 2:0 Orange County Zodiac (A-League)
2000 – Richmond Kickers (A-League) 3:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2001 – Connecticut Wolves (MLS) 3:2 Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS)
2001 – Charleston Battery (A-League) 4:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2001 – Seattle Sounders Select (PDL) 3:2 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2001 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds (A-League) 3:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2003 – Bavarian SC (USASA) 1:0 Reading Rage (PSL)
2006 – Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2:1 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2)
2006 – Des Moines Menace (PDL) 1:0 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
2006 – Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:0 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
2008 – Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) 2:0 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)