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2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 4 [+]
Quarterfinal pairings [+]
After possibly the most historic round in Open Cup history, only eight of the 16 MLS teams entered in the Third Round survived. Fourth level sides Michigan Bucks and Cal FC created a little deja vu from 2006, as they knocked off the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers, respectively. In Michigan’s case, they repeated history, as they were one of two amateur sides to knock off MLS teams in the same round (Dallas Roma being the other). We have reached the Sweet Sixteen of the Cup, with at least one Cinderella getting the opportunity to continue into the Quarterfinals, and Seattle Sounders FC still intent on making history of their own with a fourth straight Open Cup title.
Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all eight games. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.
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Here’s your guide to the entire Fourth Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:
Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (CarolinaRailHawks.com)
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner will either play at San Antonio Scorpions or host Charlotte Eagles
Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Chivas USA (MLS) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: PSA Elite (USASA) 0:6 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:2 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
The RailHawks are playing host to a second consecutive club from the Home Depot Center, having knocked off the more high profile half of the LA Clasico by beating the LA Galaxy. Chivas USA is on the road yet again having had games against only two of its previous eight out-of-state opponents at home. The club’s first-ever Open Cup match was in North Carolina, a3-2 overtime loss to the Charlotte Eagles on a goal by Isaac Romo in the 120th minute. .
Wake-Med Soccer Park is home sweet home for the RailHawks as the club has played 12 of its 14 all-time matches in Cary, NC and are 10-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) in front of their fans.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 4-5-1 (0-1 PKs), 3-5-0 away, 1-3-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 10-3-1, 10-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 2-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)
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Red Bull New York (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (NewYorkRedBulls.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner Plays at Philadelphia Union or DC United
Red Bull New York’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Red Bull New York (MLS) 3:0 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: New England Revolution (MLS) 3:3 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) (Harrisburg win 3:4 PKs) [+] Recap
League form may be thrown out the window as the two clubs meet for the second time in three years. In the 2010 Third Round the City Islanders knocked off the Red Bulls with a 1-0 overtime decision on a goal from Dominic Oppong. The City Islanders are giant killers having eliminated four MLS teams over the last six tournaments, while the Red Bulls are looking to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 2003.
New York was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Harrisburg, with a wise schedule, played to a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers in their sixth consecutive home game over league and tournament play. Garrett Pettis provided the second half equalizer for a club that has not found a consistent goal scorer.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New York Red Bulls
OVERALL: 14-13-1 (1-0 PKs), , 8-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2003, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 11-4-3 (2-1 in PKs), 9-1-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 3-3-1 (1-0 PKS) vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)
Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2010 Third Round – New York Red Bulls (MLS) 0:1 AET Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)
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Philadelphia Union (MLS) at DC United (MLS) (USL PRO)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, MD; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner hosts Red Bull New York/Harrisburg City Islanders Winner
Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 0:3 Philadelphia Union (MLS) [+] Recap
DC United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd. 3: DC United (MLS) 2:1 Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) (AET) [+] Recap
Rivals DC United and Philadelphia Union square off with yet another chapter, this time with a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Both teams dispatched of solid lower level teams in the last round to achieve this point. Union beat 1999 Open Cup Champion Rochester Rhinos 3-0, with Freddy Adu leading the way with a brace. DC United needed more than 90 minutes, but they managed to take out 1995 Open Cup champion and 2011 semifinalist Richmond Kickers 2-1 off a Marcelo Saragosa goal minutes into the second half of extra time.
Philadelphia holds a slight lead in the series (2-1-1, +1 GD), with both teams yet to face each other this year. Philadelphia has had a bad run as of late, going 0-4-1 in league play. They have played some of the better teams of the league in that span, like Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes, but have also lost to wooden spoon leaders Toronto FC. United, on the other had, has rode a 4-1-0 run into first place, as well as having a strong history with the Open Cup. DC won the Cup in their inaugural year in 1996 and again in 2008, as well as being the first victim of current three-time Champion Seattle Sounders FC in 2009. However, the Union will not be looking to go away easily in their first Open Cup run, as they had proved in knocking off an opponent of similar caliber and historical significance last round.
Note: Last round, DC United played their first road game in the tournament since 2007, a span of 11 straight home games. They were 9-2-0 during that 11-game run in the competition, including the 2008 championship played at RFK Stadium.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
DC United
OVERALL: 26-9-3 (1-2 PKs), 20-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-6-2 (0-2 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1996, 2008 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at home vs. Columbus Crew)
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Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (Sporting KC)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winners hosts Dayton Dutch Lions/Michigan Bucks winner
Colorado Rapids’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:1 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:3 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap
Both sides were idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. But their only meeting thus far this season is fresh in their minds having played just two weeks ago.
The 2-2 affair in Colorado was dramatic. The visitors took the initial lead through Teal Bunbury with a pair of goals in the first 14 minutes. The advantage stood until the second half when Tyrone Marshall connected in the 52nd and Kosuke Kimura leveled on the hour-mark.
It is an interesting matchup because, along with the New York Red Bulls, these are two of the worst teams when it comes to the Open Cup. While Kansas City has their 2004 Open Cup title displayed in their trophy case, there’s not much else to be proud of. Aside from the 2004 run, KC has only won multiple games in a single year once (2002) and their win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last round pushed them to a record of 12 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws (1-2 in PKs). However, the franchise has been reborn recently with a new stadium, a new name and a roster full of talent, so this could be a springboard for the team.
The only team in MLS that needs a good Open Cup run more than Kansas City is Colorado, who hold a 9-11-0 all-time record coming into Tuesday’s match. The club has just one deep run to their credit and that came in 1999. Aside from 1999, the Rapids have never won multiple games in a competition. To make matters worse, their loss in the 1999 Final will always stand out to soccer fans because it remains the only year in the Modern Professional Era that a lower division team won the Open Cup title (Rochester Raging Rhinos). But just like their opponents, since they last entered the tournament in 2007, the Rapids have enjoyed some success as a franchise in recent years, winning MLS Cup in 2010, and are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference table.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Colorado Rapids
OVERALL: 9-11-0, 5-10-0 away, 4-4-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1999, lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos
LAST ENTRY: 2007 (Quarterfinals, lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 12-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 8-5-0 at home, 3-6-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)
Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
1996 Quarterfinals – Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:2 Kansas City Wiz (MLS)
2003 Fourth Round – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) 2:3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland University; Rochester, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (USLNation.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner will play at Colorado Rapids/Sporting Kansas City
Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Columbus Crew (MLS) [+] Recap
Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:3 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
In a match-up of Cinderellas, one’s search for the glass slipper will continue, while the other will shatter. While Michigan has grown accustomed to slaying giants, both teams are in entirely unfamiliar territory. Dayton had not won an Open Cup game in their brief existence until this year, let alone taken down an MLS team. The Dutch Lions’ Open Cup wins still stand as the lone victories in 2012 as the team is 0-5-4 in USL Pro play and is now the only professional league club without a win. However, they managed to go into Columbus and take down the Crew after trailing in the second half. Their Open Cup showing couldn’t propel the team though, as they fell 1-0 to second place Charleston Battery over the weekend.
One would think that facing a bottom-level team would provide Dayton with a boost, but the Bucks are no ordinary amateur team. Their resume is a laundry list of achievements as they are the only amateur team to upset two MLS teams (at New England in 2000, vs. Chicago in 2012), they have more upsets of professional teams (9) than any amateur club, and their 12 wins in the tournament are not only the most at their level, but more than a lot of professional teams. They have also been dominant in the PDL’s Great Lakes Division, sporting a perfect 3-0 record while outscoring opponents 14-5. However, they are also in uncharted territory as this is the first time they’ve been this far in the tournament. If they win, they will become the first PDL team to reach the Quarterfinals. The winner will face another giant in the quarters, traveling to face either Sporting Kansas City or the Colorado Rapids.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 2-2-0, 2-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
AS USL PRO: 2-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 12-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 7-4-1 home (0-1 in PKs), 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)
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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
If Charlotte wins … plays at Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner
If San Antonio wins … home vs. Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner
Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 FC Dallas (MLS) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:2 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0:1 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap
In one of two matches not featuring an MLS club, the expansion Scorpions of the NASL and a longtime USL side square off in their fifth combined tournament game in Texas. San Antonio has been able to stay in state with shutout wins against the PDL’s Laredo Heat (2-0) and MLS’ Houston Dynamo (1-0) while Charlotte is making its third trek to the state having beaten the PDL’s EL Paso Patriots (1-0) and MLS’ FC Dallas (2-0). A win keeps San Antonio in state to host another match while a Charlotte victory will eliminate the last Texas side and send them to either California or nearby Cary, NC.
San Antonio was at home over the weekend, playing to a scoreless draw with the Minnesota Stars, the lone remaining unbeaten team in the professional ranks. The result extended San Antonio’s unbeaten streak to seven games (4-0-3). It was the fourth shutout for Daryl Sattler. Charlotte, meanwhile, was idle over the weekend, giving the team a much-needed rest following four consecutive road games over league and tournament play.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 7-9-0, 4-8-0 away, 0-4-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup
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Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (SJEarthquakes.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner hosts Cal FC/Seattle Sounders FC winner
Minnesota Stars’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2:0 Des Moines Menace (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Minnesota Stars (NASL) 3:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap
The Minnesota Stars take to the road again, looking for another upset after downing one of MLS’ best in Salt Lake City. It won’t be the first-ever meeting between the Earthquakes and a Minnesota club. The previous Thunder side fell at home in penalties in the 2004 Quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw in a game in which Brian Ching and Landon Donovan scored for San Jose. The pair were also accompanied by penalty takers Richard Mulrooney, Dwayne De Rosario and Todd Dunivant, who narrowly edged Minnesota 5-4 from the spot.
San Jose was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Minnesota, meanwhile, played to a scoreless stalemate on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions, one of the league’s hottest teams. Several starters rested again for the Stars, though goalkeeper Matthew VanOekel was between the posts for his fourth shutout of the season. The result kept the club’s unbeaten status intact.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 3-1-0, 2-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 9-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-1-2 (2-0) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)
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Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Fox Soccer (TV)
Quarterfinals scenarios (June 26):
Winner plays at Minnesota Stars/San Jose Earthquakes Winner
Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Cal FC (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap
The Fourth Round clash is a meeting of arguably the two clubs with the most high-profile US Open Cup stories this decade. The three-peat Seattle Sounders are facing the upstart entry from the USASA, who have made history of their own to reach the Sweet 16. Cal FC knocked off Seattle’s rival Portland Timbers with a stunning 1-0 overtime decision, the first USASA team to defeat an MLS team without the use of penalty kicks in the Modern Pro Era.
There are several ties between the two clubs. Cal FC goalkeeper Berby Carrillo tried to latch on with the Sounders in 2010, ultimately playing for the nearby Kitsap Pumas, whom Cal FC defeated, 2-1, in the First Round. Defender Jesus Gonzalez also had a trial with the club.
The biggest tie is between the two managers. Cal FC coach and co-owner Eric Wynalda was identified in high school by Sounders coach Sigi Schmid. The rest, as they say, is history. The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Soccer, marking the first time an Open Cup was broadcast prior to the Quarterfinals since 2001 when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Nashville Metros 5-0 in the Second Round.
Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 3-0-0, 3-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 27-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 21-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 12-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 10-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 against amateur teams
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)
QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE – Tuesday, June 26
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Titan Stadium (Cal State Fullerton); Fullerton, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
—
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET