2011 US Open Cup Qualifying: ASC New Stars & Regals FC claim berths at USASA Region III tournament

The draw for the USASA Region III Open Men’s tournament to be held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama May 27-30 that will also determine the region’s two Lamar Hunt US Open Cup berths was held at the University of Alabama Recreational Center Thursday evening. The draw set the stage for the next four days of competition, which kicked off Friday morning at 10:00 am ET.

With seven teams taking part, the format was similar to that of last year with two groups playing a round robin and the winner of each group qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. While it doesn’t affect the Open Cup tournament, those two group winners played each other on Memorial Day to determine Region III’s Open Cup champion that will represent Region III at the USASA’s national tournament.

The Region III tournament took place less than a mile from the path of destruction left by an F5 tornado. The tornado, estimated to be a mile and half wide, produced winds of 190 mph winds and traveled 80 miles killing more than 35 people in Tuscaloosa while injuring more than 800 others. The tornado was on the ground for nearly one and half hours.

The two returning clubs from last year, ASC New Stars and CASL Elite, were in different groups this year. A year ago they were in the same group with CASL Elite finishing unbeaten en route to the tournament title. ASC New Stars, meanwhile, were winless. ASC had a completely different experience the second time around though, and although CASL got off to a great start, they were surprised in the end as ASC’s fellow Houston-based rival Regals FC proved to be the other stars of the event.The ASC New Stars opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory against the Boston Avenue Athletic Club Reserves, coming from behind on a pair of Alex Bolan strikes after a BAAC penalty. The club also found itself behind a goal on differential as the Greenville Eagles also opened up group play with a win, blanking Florida Gators 2-0.  The deficit became meaningless the next day when ASC thumped the South Carolina club 4-1. Four different players scored this time, but Bolan tallied his third of the event, along with an assist, giving ASC command of the group. On the final day of group play Greenville rebounded against a dispirited BAAC side, and hoping for a chance via the goal differential tiebreaker ran up a 9-0 scoreline only to see ASC post their third win. Bolan struck 14 minutes in against Florida and ASC made the goal stand for a sweep of the group, clinching a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup berth for the second time in four years as well as a spot in Monday’s Final.

“After last year’s extreme disappointment we came into this year with redemption on our mind,” said ASC head coach Majid Savadkoohi. “We just keep building positive momentum after each win along with improved chemistry and purpose.

“Now this is our second qualification for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup which is an honor; however, we are especially eager to finish the overall tournament as victors and qualify for Men’s Open National championships in Kentucky,” he added after the group finale.

“I thank all the players for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Especially, I would like to thank the ASC Club President and co-founder Mr. Tom Khalili for all his efforts and hard work all year long.”

The defending Region III champion CASL Elite got off to a dominant start with its roster comprised of numerous former professionals, blanking the Royal Eagles, 3-0, with Stephen Nsereko scoring twice in the first half. Regals was idle as the group was reduced to three teams following the withdrawal of a club prior to the event. Regals made their debut the following day against Royal Eagles, who rebounded from the opening loss by downing Regals 2-1. The final match of the group proved to be a crazy turn of events. Regals jumped out to a stunning four-goal lead with Roy Hernandez scoring twice. CASL, though, replied with two goals as the game came to a close. The 4-2 result not only created a three-way draw with records, but also put Regals and CASL into a deadlock on tiebreakers, forcing a penalty kick tiebreaker to determine the group winner. The two clubs stepped to the spot with the Final and a berth into the US Open Cup on the line. Regals goalkeeper Marcos Sanchez became the star of the day, stopping three of CASL’s four attempts for a 4-1 tally, making the Final an all-Houston affair.

“Houston has one of the deepest talent pools in the country, so it does not surprise me to be facing the New Stars in the,” said Regals head coach Miguel Landaverde.”We are a very young club, formed only 17 months ago, but we built this team for the US Open Cup. We are very excited for the opportunity to showcase our players to professional teams.”

The club’s general manager, Stephen Heisler, added that the success of USASA entrant Dallas Roma in the 2006 tournament in which they upset USL-1 side Miami FC, 1-0, and edged MLS club Chivas USA in penalties after a scoreless draw was an inspiration.

“Getting coach Landaverde on board was the perfect foundation, and the rest is history.” Heisler commented, adding praise for those that made it possible. “This team represents Houston, we are a team of the people, for the people. Having amazing sponsors like Coors Light, Powerade, Maya Park, and  Lacho Alya Motors makes everything possible. Maya Park is an incredible home pitch, and we would not be here today if it were not for their generosity.”

In the all-Houston championship match, Savadkoohi’s New Stars did just what he was hoping, edging Regals 2-1 in overtime to claim the 2011 Region III title.

Having allowed just two goals in three group games, a defensive error left ASC trailing for the second time in the Region III tournament as Regals took the advantage in the 44th minute. The 1-0 Regals lead was also partially to the credit of keeper Marcos Sanchez, who made three spectacular saves to keep the veteran club off the board despite its domination of play.

In a more evenly played second stanza ASC would finally break through though in the 65th minute courtesy of Miko Simon to level the match. At the close of regulation the New Stars had a perfect opportunity to seal the title when Alex Bolan was fouled in the penalty area, but the attempt would fail to be converted, sending the final to overtime.

The stalemate continued, and as penalties neared for a second straight day for Regals, their city rivals found the back of the net. Four minutes from time Marco Carrizales sent a nice cross into the box that Chuks Ndame headed home for the championship-winning goal.

USASA REGION III TOURNAMENT
*Group winners qualify for 2011 US Open Cup*

All times Eastern

*ASC New Stars advance

All times Eastern

*Regals FC win tiebreaker penalty shootout 4-1 to advance

MATCH DETAILS:

A1 – Goals: GE – Chris Williams, Juan Martinez  Lineups: GE – Cody Gray, Talon Stroud, Jesse McCormick, Chris Williams, Adan Cabrera, Cesar Flores, Miguel Teos (JD Hufstetler), Sebastian Velasquez, Marvin Lemus, Keenon Copeland, Haven Bruce (Juan Martinez)  FL – Not Available
A2 – Goals: ASC – Alex Bolan (Sal Lopez) 37, Alex Bolan (Jad Masri) 92+ BA – Eric Defraites pen 25  Lineups: ASC – Aramik Allahverdian, Peter Kozlowski, Salvador Lopez, Gifford Okatah, Fatai Alabi, George Sangria, Lukas Simon, Jad Masri, Cuks Ndame, Alex Bolan, Arzgang Salahshoor subs Emilio Frias, Destiny Ohiri, Carlos Ayala, Martin Jimenez  BAAC – Jacob Rogers, Thomas Story, Jordan Gaines, Jason Rogers, Randy Randolf, Stephen Brocks, Brian McCurdy, Eric Defraites, James Dabney, Todd Goddard, Justin Cook
A3 – Goals: FL – Not Available  Lineups: BAAC – Dan Mason, Thomas Story, Jason Rogers, Greg McKenna, Randy Randolf, Stephen Brocks, Brian McCurdy, Eric Defraites, James Dabney, Todd Goddard (Dalesandro), Justin Cook
A4 – Goals: GE – Keenon Copeland 32 ASC – Lucas Simon 11, Piotr Kozlowski 15, George Sangira (Alex Bolan) 49, Alex Bolan (Aramik Allahverdian) 90  Lineups: GE – Cody Gray, Talon Stroud, Jesse McCormick, Chris Williams, Adan Cabrera (David Netz), Cesar Flores (Jeff Fulton), Miguel Teos (David Stovall), Sebastian Velasquez (Fernando Morales), Marvin Lemus (Juan Martinez), Keenon Copeland, Haven Bruce  ASC – Aramik Allahverdian, Peter Kozlowski, Salvador Lopez, Gifford Okatah, Marcos Carrizales, George Sangira, Lukas Simon, Anthony Ashiufu, Chuks Ndamed, Alex Bolan, Arzgang Salahshoor subs Emilio Frias Destiny Ohiri Carlos Ayala Martin Jimenez Jad Masri
A5 – Goals: GE – Sebastian Velasquez, Haven Bruce, Juan Martinez, JD Hufstetler, David Stovall  Lineups: GE – Cody Gray, Talon Stroud, Jesse McCormick, Chris Williams, Adan Cabrera (Marvin Lemus), David Stovall (Cesar Flores), J.D. Hufstetler, Sebastian Velasquez (Greg Fulton), Keenon Copeland, Haven Bruce, Juan Martinez (Fernando Morales)
A6 – Goals: ASC – Alex Bolan 14  Lineups: ASC – Aramik Allahverdian, Piotr Kozlowski, Salvador Lopez, Gifford Okatah, Marcos Carrizales, George Sangira, Lukas Simon, Anthony Ashiufu Chuks Ndamed, Alex Bolan, Arzgang Salahshoor subs Emilio Frias, Destiny Ohiri, Carlos Ayala, Martin Jimenez, Jad Masri
B1 – Goals: CASL – Nsereko 20, 36, Shields 80  Lineups: CASL – Akira Fitzgerald; Steven Curfman, Andre Sherard, Mike Walters, Caleb Norkus; Chris Lemons, Clint Pires, Stephen Nsereko, Aaron West, Daniel Shields; Daniel Revivo
B2 – Not Available
B3 – Goals: RFC – Jose Sibrian, Roy Hernandez, Roy Hernandez, Luis Licerio  CASL – Not Available, Not Available  Lineups: Not Available
Tiebreaker Shootout – Not Available (RFC keeper Marcos Sanchez made 3 saves on 4 attempts)

FINAL – Goals: RFC – Not Available 44 ASC – Miko Simon 65, Chuks Ndame 116 Lineups: ASC – Aramik Allahverdian, Piotr Kozlowski, Anthony Ashiufu, Alex Bolan, Marco Carrizales, Sal Lopez, Jad Masri, Chuks Ndame, Giff Okatah, George Sangira, lukas Simon, Subs: Fatai Alabi, Carlos Ayala, Emilio Frias, Martin Jimenez, Arzhang Salahshoor, Destiny Ohiri

ABOUT THE TEAMS:

ASC New Stars (South Texas): Houston’s Aria Soccer Club (ASC) New Stars are on fire entering the tournament. The team boasts an impressive goal difference after scoring 58 goals and allowing only 18 through as many match’s in the Houston Football Association league. The New Stars went 0-2-1 a year ago in the tournament and finished bottom of their group, only scoring 2 goals while conceding six.

Boston Avenue Athletic Club Reserves (Oklahoma): The BAAC of North East Oklahoma are nearing the end of their 2011 league campaign. The BAAC (9-0-1) are currently undefeated in league play and have scored 75 goals while conceding only 8 in 10 matches. BAAC won the Division I Adult State Cup tournament in mid-March, beating COASL IFC 2-1 in the championship.

CASL Elite (North Carolina): The reigning Region III champions are aiming for back-to-back US Open Cup berths. CASL Elite, formed just over two years ago, was meant to be a quality training team  for high level boys teams to train and compete against. The team eventually became more than just a  “training side” and developed an identity of its own. Last year’s team had six former professionals including Scott Schweitzer, a former Rochester Rhino who won the US Open Cup in 1999. In 2010  CASL fell in the first-round 4-2 to USL-2 side Charleston Battery.

Florida Gators (Florida): The first university club team to ever submit their application to compete in the competition. Florida’s club soccer program was established in 1953, making it the oldest in the country. The Gators made it to the quarterfinals of the 2010 NCCS National Soccer Championships, losing to the University of Arizona in penalty kicks. The Gators lost 3-2 to regional foe Royal Eagles in the Florida State Cup Final. (RECAP)

Greenville Eagles (South Carolina): The Eagles defeated Sin Bandera to win the Div. I 2011 SCYSA State Cup. The SCYSA State Cup was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Regals FC (South Texas): Regals FC is based in Houston, Texas and is a founding member of the Southern Premier Soccer League (SPSL) for the 2010-2011 season. Regals FC (16-2-2) were crowned SPSL Winter Cup Champions in April. Regals FC defeated fellow Region III competitor ASC New Stars on penalty kicks in the 2011 Copa Verizon Alianza. The Regals have gone 42-8-7 since October 2010.

Royal Eagles (Florida): The Royal Eagles are based in Lakeland, FL and were founded in the Spring of 2009. This season, the Eagles have won the FSSL Premier Championship, Florida Classic and were  finalists in the Amateur State Cup. The Eagles defeated Region III qualifying foe Florida Gators 3-2 for the state title. (RECAP)

Crossroads Alexandria (Louisiana) The team is a representative of Crossroads Soccer Association located in Alexandria. CSA operates adult, youth and indoor soccer in the area. This club withdrew in advance of the event.