After winning the 2017 US Open Cup title, Sporting Kansas City’s locker room at Children’s Mercy Park may have still faintly smelled like celebration beer and champagne when the opening round of the 2018 tournament kicked off a few days later. There were 52 games on the schedule, but after five forfeits, 47 games were played featuring open division clubs from across the country. (“Open Division” clubs are amateurs that are not part of the NPSL or the PDL).
The First Round featured a record 108 registered teams, representing 35 different leagues and 24 different states. The overwhelming majority of teams (97) came from leagues in the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), followed by eight from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and three from US Club Soccer (USCS).
Four teams received byes into Round 2: Cajun SC (La.), Nashville United (Tenn.), Galati FC (Ariz.), and Sporting Arizona FC (Ariz.). They will join Ann Arbor FC (Mich.), Stegman’s SC (Minn.), Valley United SC (Calif.), Aurora Borealis SC (Ill.) and Miami Nacional SC (Fla.) who advanced by way of forfeit.
Among the teams heading to Round 2 include the tournament’s last two Cinderella stories: Christos FC from Baltimore, who reached the Fourth Round earlier this year and La Maquina who reached Round 4 in 2016. Elsewhere, North Texas Rayados were victorious as they aim to qualify for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Two former US Open Cup champions entered the qualifying tournament and both advanced to the next round. The New York Pancyprian Freedoms (1980, 1982, 1983) got past Newtown Pride FC (Conn.) and El Farolito (1993) blanked Dynamos FC, 3-0.
Below is a brief summary of all 47 opening round games below (with some links to a full match report):
Home team listed on left
Unations FC (USASA) 1:5 Safira FC (USASA)
Pablo Guimaraes scored a hat trick and Andre Carvalho and Hugo Bonfim added a goal each as Safira FC cruised past Unations FC in a one-sided affair in Worcester, Mass. Both Massachusetts clubs were making their Open Cup qualifying debuts and Safira, who compete in the New England Over-The-Hill Soccer League, will advance to Round 2 where they will face Mass United FC.
Kendall Wanderers (USASA) 5:2 Boston Siege FC (USASA)
Despite only dressing 11 players for the game, the Kendall Wanderers defeated Boston Siege FC (UPSL), 5-2. The Wanderers even had to put their head coach, Phil Keane, into the game. Kendall, who competes in the Bay State Soccer League, received a pair of goals from Tyler Gorman, and a goal each from Oscar Zepeda, Ryan Miller, and Coach Keane. Kendall managed to hold on despite playing a man down for the final 30 minutes after Zepeda left the game with a knee injury.
Lynn United (USASA) 3:8 GPS Omens (USASA)
GPS Omens’ quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row and the fifth time in six years got off to a promising start with an 8-3 road win over Lynn United of the UPSL. Charlie Romero and Eric Anderson each had hat tricks, with a goal each from Nick Figeurido and Keith Caldwell (the brother of Scott Caldwell of the New England Revolution).
Majestic SC (USASA) 2:0 Lowcountry United (USASA)
A pair of first-timers squared off at the practice facility of Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. The home team, Majestic SC blanked Lowcountry United of Charleston, SC to advance to Round 2. Nomis Cisic scored midway through the first half, and veteran Josh Lietch came off the bench to ice the game in the final 15 minutes. Mitchell Kupstas earned the clean sheet for Majestic, who is the first Georgia-based club to compete in the USSF’s new Open Cup qualifying tournament that began in 2015. They are trying to become the third amateur club from the Peach State to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (Atlanta Silverbacks/Atlanta FC & Georgia Revolution, both of the NPSL).
Mass United FC (USASA) 3:3 (4:3 PKs) Southie FC (USASA)
After attempting to qualify and falling short for the US Open Cup from 2012-15, Mass United has entered the new Open Division tournament for the first time. In their opening match, they finished tied 3-3 with Southie FC, a team that qualified for the 2016 US Open Cup. Southie nearly escaped with a win. After overcoming a 2-1 deficit, Southie took a 3-2 lead before Mass United was awarded a penalty kick in second half stoppage time when Manuel Augusto Fortes Jr. suffered a hard tackle in the box. Majid Saeed converted the spot kick, his second goal of the game, to send the game into extra time.
Salone FC (USASA) 1:3 Junior Lone Star U-23s (USASA)
The Junior Lone Star Under-23s may be a youthful team, but they played like veterans in their first US Open Cup qualifying win. The U-23s, erased an early deficit against Salone FC to win 3-1 in a battle of Philadelphia area clubs. FULL MATCH REPORT BY MICHAEL BERTON
Central Texas Lobos (USSSA) 0:2 North Texas Rayados (USASA)
The North Texas Rayados have qualified for every US Open Cup tournament since 2012 (although they were disqualified shortly before the 2016 tournament began) and they took the first step to getting back to the competition with a 2-0 road win over the Austin-based Central Texas Lobos. Christopher Escalera who attends Midwestern State, scored both goals, one of them a penalty kick, on a field that, according to North Texas’ Tito Sales was in need of a lawn mower. In fact, that wasn’t the only issue with the field. While the teams were warming up, the match officials ordered that the field should be narrowed because there were light poles that were too close to the sidelines. North Texas only traveled with 12 players, so there were some nervous moments in the final 20 minutes when Erien Campbell received a second yellow card forcing the visitors to play a man down for the remainder of the match.
Gam United FC (USASA) 0:3 FC Denver (USSSA)
On a rainy day in Aurora, Colo., FC Denver won their first-ever US Open Cup qualifying match with a 3-0 shutout of Gam United FC. FC Denver’s Cesar Castillo scored a pair of first half goals one minute apart and Alex Bernhardt drew the foul and converted the penalty kick in the second half that put the game away. FC Denver, who was founded in 2006 and has won four Colorado Premier League championships, moves on to Round 2.
Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (USCS) 2:3 Celtic Cowboys Premier (USSSA)
After both teams traded first half goals, it was the Celtic Cowboys Premier who scored twice in the second half to edge Austin Real Cuauhtemoc, 3-2. It was the first victory for Celtic who are competing in the tournament for the second year in a row. It was a vastly different result from last year when the Cowboys lost their opening round match to Open Cup regulars North Texas Rayados, 7-0. Rob Jelinek, Federico Pigorini, and Ben Savage all scored for Celtic as they move on to Round 2 where they will host the Rayados in a rematch of last year’s qualifier.
Hurricane FC (USASA) 3:4 Boca Raton FC (USASA)
For the second year in a row, APSL rivals Boca Raton FC and Hurricane FC squared off in US Open Cup qualifying. And for the second year in a row, Boca Raton FC advanced to the next round. This time, they won 4-3 as the club aims to qualify for the third year in a row, but it wasn’t easy. Boca Raton was only able to dress 11 players, but Lucas Ferreira scored two goals and Junior Prevalous and Kevin Ireland (who played for San Antonio FC last season) had a goal each.
West Chester United (USASA) 4:1 Junior Lone Star FC (USASA)
West Chester United overcame Junior Lone Star FC in a wild game between Eastern Pennsylvania’s last two Open Cup representatives. The intense rivalry between the teams showed with three red cards and six goals in the US Open Cup qualifying first round match. FULL MATCH REPORT FROM MICHAEL BERTON
Davis Legacy (USCS) 2:0 Western Nevada FC (USASA)
After two consecutive years of falling short in regional amateur qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup,, the Davis Legacy men took the first step towards a berth with a 2-0 win over Western Nevada FC Saturday night at the Davis Legacy Soccer Complex. FULL MATCH REPORT BY EVAN REAM
Azteca FC (USSSA) 2:0 Denver Metro FC (USASA)
On a cold and rainy day in Aurora, Colorado, Azteca FC received second half goals from Armando Gonzalez and Adrian Gutierrez to beat Denver Metro FC of the UPSL, 2-0. Gonzalez is a California native who plays locally and Gutierrez is a 17-year-old who plays for Kennedy High School in Denver. Azteca FC is looking to return to the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. Last year, they defeated Harpo’s FC to punch their ticket to the tournament where they lost a tight opening round road game against FC Wichita, 1-0 in extra time.
Chiapas FC (USASA) 0:9 Inter Empireworks (USASA)
It was a one-sided affair as Inter Empireworks FC of the UPSL crushed Chiapas FC 9-0 in an All-Arizona battle in Phoenix. Omar Ledesma kicked off the scoring with the game’s first two goals, followed by two goals each by Ismael Santana and Eduardo Hermosillo and a goal each from Erick Reina, Ivan Talavera and Irvin Cortez. It was the first Open Cup qualifier for Inter as they advance to Round 2 where they will face Sporting Arizona in Scottsdale. Empireworks is a painting and construction company based in Phoenix, Ariz. According to a team official, it’s a very close-knit club because more than half the players on the team are employees of the company and all work together.
Ojuelos Jalisco (USASA) 4:0 ALLSTARS SC (USASA)
A pair of first-time Open Cup qualifying entries from the Arizona Champions League squared off on Saturday and it was Ojuelos Jalisco shutting out ALLSTARS SC, 4-0. Team captain Bryan Median scored two of the goals with Alejandro Zavala and Francisco Zenteno adding a goal each.
Academica SC (USCS) 1:0 Oakland Pamperos (USASA)
Fans of the Open Cup may remember Academica SC under a different name. The club, founded in 1972 by a group of Portuguese immigrants, represented US Club Soccer under the name Stanislaus United Turlock Express in the 2012 US Open Cup when they lost an opening round game against the Fresno Fuego of the PDL, 2-0. They have not qualified since that 2012 tournament and took a step toward returning to the competition with a 1-0 win over first-time entry Oakland Pamperos (UPSL). The lone goal was scored after ASC defender Arnaldo Gutierrez tracked down a poor goalkeeper clearance and headed it into the back of the net with about five minutes left in the match.
Dynamo FC (USASA) 0:3 El Farolito (USASA)
The 1993 US Open Cup champions (under the name CD Mexico) are aiming to get back into the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. El Farolito started that journey with a 3-0 win over Dynamo FC, a club founded in 2016 and based in Livermore and San Ramon. UC Santa Clara graduate Carlos Montes accounted for all of the scoring as he bagged a hat trick to send El Farolito into the Second Round. FULL MATCH REPORT BY THOMAS HODUL
Las Vegas Mobsters (USASA) 3:2 Pacific Side FC (USASA)
The Las Vegas Mobsters picked up the club’s first Open Cup qualifying win, edging Pacific Side FC 3-2. The Mobsters rallied from a 2-0 deficit to stun Pacific Side. With the win, the UPSL side is the last remaining Nevada-based club in the tournament. In this game, the Mobsters received goals from Brandon Vargas, Milan Popovic and Robert Garcia. This was the first qualifying game held in Las Vegas that was completed. In last year’s tournament, Anahuac FC clinched a spot in the tournament with a 2-0 win over MF 10, a game that was abandoned after 45 minutes.
Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA) 5:2 Outbreak SC (USASA)
After falling one game short of the Open Cup last year, Santa Ana Winds began their quest for their first tournament berth with a 5-2 win over Outbreak SC, a team that has qualified for the last two competitions. Goals were provided by Kramer Runager (2), Juan Meza, Juan Arellano and an own goal.
IPS/Marathon Taverna (USASA) 3:2 (AET) Boise FC Cutthroats (USASA)
International Portland Select (IPS) Marathon Taverna picked up their first-ever qualifying win, overcoming a 2-0 second half deficit to beat Boise FC Cutthroats, 3-2. Matt Paine, a former member of the US National Futsal Team opened the scoring, followed by an equalizer by Nathan Pogue with about 10 minutes left in regulation. Then another former U.S. National Futsal Team member, Joao Cunha, scored the game-winner in the final minutes of the second extra time period.
Bell Gardens FC (USASA) 0:5 La Maquina (USASA)
The darlings of the 2016 US Open Cup, La Maquina, kicked off their 2018 qualifying run with a 5-0 win over Bell Gardens FC. Edwin Borboa, the former Chivas de Guadalajara forward who tied for the tournament lead with five goals in 2016, scored a pair of goals to lead the way. La Maquina, who reached the Fourth Round where they took the LA Galaxy to extra time, is aiming to qualify for the third year in a row. Last year, they lost their First Round match on the road against Fresno Fuego (PDL).
Real San Jose (USASA) 2:3 Cal Victory FC (USASA)
A minute after Real San Jose equalized in the second half, Cal Victory FC scored the game-winner in the 60th minute and held on for a win in the club’s qualifying debut. San Jose opened the scoring in the 17th minute but a PK from Jesus Quintero brought Cal level before halftime. David Briceno put the Victory in front in the second half before RSJ leveled the game in the 59th minute.
Vanquish FC (USASA) 3:2 (AET) CF Cachorros USA (USASA)
Nathan Miramontes scored the game-winning goal in the second extra time period as Vanquish FC defeated CF Cachorros in a matchup between two Southern California UPSL clubs. Vanquish also received goals from Victor Aldana and Michael Mabanag to advance to Round 2 in their first trip to the qualifying tournament.
FC Ginga (USASA) 1:8 Red Force (USASA)
The first qualifying game on Sunday was over pretty quickly as Red Force FC jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead and didn’t look back against UPSL side FC Ginga. Red Force added four more second half goals and won the opener 8-1 as they seek to qualify for the tournament for the fourth time in six years. The team was led by John Tamayo who had two goals and an assist, while Sergio Van Kanten also chipped in a pair of goals.
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA) 2:1 Newtown Pride FC (USASA)
The three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms edged the Newtown Pride FC, 2-1 in the club’s opening match in the 2018 US Open Cup tournament. Andreas Chronis scored the first goal and Jeff Matteo, who is tied for the most career assists (8) in the Modern Era, scored the game-winner for the Freedoms. It was a rematch of a controversial qualifying match in 2013 when the Freedoms defeated Newtown 1-0. After the game, the Pride filed a protest arguing that New York had used an ineligible player, Andreas Chronis. Since Chronis was mistakenly approved by the USSF, the federation ordered a replay at Newtown’s home field. Newtown would advance after the game finished in a scoreless draw and the Pride won the penalty kick shootout.
NLS Graduates (USASA) 1:3 (AET) Izee Auto FC (USASA)
On a sweltering Banner Field in Baltimore, less than a mile away from Ft. McHenry, Izee Auto FC hosted NLS Graduates in the first qualifying round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, defeating the visitors by a 3-1 scoreline after extra time. FULL MATCH REPORT BY CRAIG TOWER
Christos FC (USASA) 3:0 Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Christos FC has been trying to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for many years and last year, they made the most of their tournament debut. They got the attention of the soccer world with three wins including an upset of the USL’s Richmond Kickers, before giving D.C. United a scare in Round 4. As a result, they won the $15,000 prize money for the amateur team that advanced the farthest. To get back to the tournament, they had to get past the Aegean Hawks, a team that has also been trying to qualify for many years, but have been successful. The Hawks have qualified three times (2007, 2009, 2012), but a fourth berth in the competition will have to wait as Christos eliminated them from the qualifying tournament in the opening round for the second year in a row, this time by the score of 3-0. FULL MATCH REPORT BY SEAN MASLIN
Phoenix SC (USASA) 3:0 Upper Darby FC (USASA)
One of the longest-running soccer clubs in the country, Phoenix SC (Est. 1926), qualified for the US Open Cup as far back as 1945, but they haven’t qualified since 2011. They took a step toward returning to the competition with a 3-0 home win over first-timers Upper Darby FC. Dan Murtagh scored a first half goal, followed by a Ben Castor score less than a minute into the second half. Castor added his second goal around the 65th minute to put the game away.
Vereinigung Erzebirge (USASA) 1:2 (AET) United German Hungarians (USASA)
This was, by far, the matchup in the 2018 US Open Cup qualifying tournament featuring the two oldest clubs. United German Hungarians (UGH) were founded in the Philadelphia area back in 1910 and started playing soccer in 1922. They have been competing in the US Open Cup for decades, including finishing as the runner-up in 1977 and 1993, but haven’t qualified since 1999. They needed an extra time goal to beat another Philadelphia-area club with a rich history, Vereinigung Erzebirge (Est. 1931), 2-1. After VE took a 1-0 lead into halftime, Doug Sharp equalized in the 75th minute for UGH. In extra time, Jake Mulinge sent a cross into the box which was mishandled by the VE goalkeeper and ended up into the back of the net. This avenged a loss a few years ago, the last time that UGH attempted to qualify for the Open Cup. In the 2015 Open Cup qualifying tournament (that began in the fall of 2013), VE knocked them out of the Eastern Pennsylvania competition in the Quarterfinals. Sunday’s game was the first time that UGH attempted to qualify for the tournament through the federation’s new qualifying format that began in 2015.
Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (USASA) 1:2 Rochester River Dogz (USASA)
Pittsburgh amateur club Tartan Devils Oak Avalon’s hopes for another Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run were dashed in a moment’s notice on Sunday at Rooney Field on the campus of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, as Rochester River Dogz’ Austin Gerber scored on a counter in the 89th minute, lifting the visitors from Western New York to a 2-1 qualifying round win. This is just the third open division amateur team from Western New York to enter qualifying since 2007 and the River Dogz are led by former Rochester Rhinos star Doug Miller, who is the team’s head coach. FULL MATCH REPORT BY JOHN KRYSINSKY
FC Boulder (USASA) 2:2 (5:6 PK) Harpo’s FC (USSSA)
After missing out on a third straight trip to the US Open Cup last year, Harpo’s won their opening match of the 2018 qualifying tournament in a penalty kick shootout over FC Boulder. After the game finished deadlocked at 2-2, Harpo’s defeated their fellow Boulder, Colo.-based rivals with a 6-5 penalty kick win. Michael Jordahl gave FC Boulder a 1-0 heading into halftime. After the intermission, Harpo’s took the lead with goals from Ross Van Osdol and Daniel Whittle. FC Boulder would send the match into extra time with a dramatic 90th minute equalizer by Alex Dickerson.
Indios Denver FC (USASA) 6:2 FC Union Jerez (USSSA)
Christian Ochoa scored a pair of goals and Jostin Roamos dished out four assists as Indios Denver FC cruised to a 6-2 win over FC Union Jerez. Jairo Gomez, Mirza Karasalihovic, Steven Robellada and Kevin Arreola added a goal each to give the club its first qualifying win in its debut match. This is part of a massive turnaround for Indios Denver. According to Indios president Irvin Gonzalez, the team finished second from the bottom of their league last season but after some significant changes to the roster, they find themselves undefeated in league play with wins over the Colorado Rush, Colorado Springs FC and Fort Collins United.
Buena Park FC (USASA) 3:0 Newport FC (USASA)
After two unsuccessful attempts in the last two years, Buena Park FC finally picked up a US Open Cup qualifying victory. The SoCal Premier League team defeated tournament newcomers Newport FC 3-0 to advance to Round 2. Nathan DeRosa scored a pair of first half goals and then assisted on his former Kennedy High School (La Palma, Calif.) teammate Jordan Hunter’s second half goal.
South Florida FC (USASA) 3:1 Miami United Under-23s (USASA)
For the first time, the NPSL’s Miami United entered an Under-23 team into US Open Cup qualifying, but they fell short in their debut, losing 3-1 to another first-time entry, South Florida FC. Both Miami United U-23s and South Florida FC compete in the APSL. SFFC only dressed 12 players for the match and found themselves down 1-0 at halftime. Then, Ismael Longo brought them back in the second half with a natural hat trick.
Colorado Springs FC (USASA) 2:0 Colorado Rovers (USSSA)
Colorado Springs FC earned the club’s first US Open Cup qualifying win with a 2-0 result against the Colorado Rovers, a team that qualified for the tournament twice back in 2013 and 2014. CSFC received goals on either side of halftime from Franky Perez (Assist: Jorge Guzman) and Marcus Reynolds (Assist: Tristan Heath) to win their debut match in front of their home fans.
Orlando Storm (USASA) 0:0 (4:3 PK) InterUnited AC (USASA)
Out of 47 opening round qualifying games, only three of them went to penalty kicks and the match between Florida clubs Orlando Storm and InterUnited AC was the only one to finish without a goal. In fact, this is the third year of the USSF’s new open division qualifying tournament and in 127 games in those three years, this is the first game to finish scoreless. The Orlando Storm won the penalty kick shootout 4-3 to advance to Round 2 in a battle of first-time entries.
Gaffa FC (USASA) 1:4 Motagua of New Orleans (USASA)
Motagua of New Orleans is back in the Open Cup qualifying tournament with a slightly different name (they dropped the “CD” in CD Motagua of New Orleans). They fell one game short of qualifying for a third year in a row, and are now through to Round 2 after a 4-1 win over the lone Mississippi entry Gaffa FC. Gaffa FC struck first, but Motagua answered back with four unanswered goals from Brandon Chagnard, Carson Gorecki (2), and Leo Barros to reach Round 2.
SFV Scorpions SC (USASA) 3:1 AC Brea Steaua United (USASA)
After falling one game short (losing to Outbreak SC) of qualifying for the 2017 US Open Cup, the SFV Scorpions of the UPSL are back. The Scorpions handled AC Brea Steaua United 3-1 with goals by Lloyd Virgill, Mluo Villanueva in the first half and a second half tally by Samuel Wadieh. It was a much better showing by United, who crashed out of last year’s tournament 11-0 to Strikers FC South Coast.
Colorado Rush (USASA) 2:1 (AET) Club El Azul (USASA)
After giving up an own goal in the first half, the Colorado Rush were down 1-0 going into halftime. However, they responded in the second half by equalizing on a penalty kick by former Major League Soccer veteran Colin Clark. The match went into extra time where Colorado’s Chayce Moniz scored the game-winner on diving header to overtake Club El Azul and advance to Round 2. Rush qualified for the Open Cup for the first time last year and are now one step closer to returning, but they will have to get past fellow Colorado side Azteca FC on the road to advance to the final round.
Jackson Lions FC (USASA) 1:2 Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA)
It was New York vs. New Jersey in the opening round of the qualifying tournament with the Lansdowne Bhoys of the famed Cosmopolitan Soccer league edging the Jackson Lions FC 2-1. The Bhoys made the Big Apple proud in their US Open Cup debut in 2016 when they beat the Long Island Rough Riders (PDL), followed by a stunning 2-0 road win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL. Their magic would end in Rochester when they fell by the same score to the Rhinos (USL). It was a New Jersey team (FC Motown) that knocked the Bhoys out of the qualifying tournament’s final round and they got their revenge with goals from Lukas Zarges and Daryl Kavanagh, who spent more than a decade playing professionally in his native Ireland. Jackson would pull one back but it wouldn’t be enough as the Bhoys would advance to Round 2 where they will square off with fellow Cosmo League powerhouse New York Pancyprian Freedoms. The game will be a rematch from last year’s opening round qualifying game that Lansdowne won 3-2 in extra time.
Leu Blacks FC (USASA) 0:11 FC Kendall (USASA)
Anyone reading the scoreline above will have a hard time believing that when FC Kendall and Leu Blacks went into the locker room at halftime, the two Florida-based clubs were deadlocked at zero. FC Kendall of the APSL exploded with 11 second-half goals to win their Open Cup qualifying debut. About 15 minutes into the second half, a Leu Blacks FC player was sent off, which led to an argument and then a scuffle which resulted in a second Leu Blacks red card. After that, the floodgates opened. Daniel Gonzalez had a hat trick, while Martin Nunez and Daniel Villegas had two goals each. Jona Andrade, Alessandro Mion, Heber Hernandez and Andres Navas each scored a goal.
Fort Collins United (USASA) 5:1 FC Greeley (USASA)
In a battle between two first-time UPSL entries based in Colorado, Fort Collins United defeated FC Greeley 5-1 to advance to Round 2. Fort Collins received a pair of braces from Hector Rodriguez and Jack Allard (who also had an assist) and another tally from Munther Al-Kindi. Eduardo Rodriguez also dished out two assists for the home team as they advance to play FC Denver on Oct. 21.
UFA Hawks LA (USASA) 0:5 Santa Clarita Storm (USASA)
Santa Clarita Storm, the club formerly known as the Lancaster Rattlers, earned a 5-0 road win over the UFA Hawks LA in the club’s open division qualifying tournament debut. The game featured two UPSL teams making their qualifying debut and Christian Esnal, who played professionally in El Salvador and Uruguay, led the way with a first half hat trick. Darryl Odom and Philip Boscacci added second half goals and Kyle Cunningham earned the clean sheet in goal to send the Storm into Round 2.
Newcastle United FC (USASA) 13:0 Del Rey City SC (USASA)
First-time entry Newcastle United FC handed fellow UPSL side Del Rey City SC the most lopsided defeat in the three-year history of the USSF’s new Open Division qualifying tournament. Former UConn player Alan Ponce scored seven of the 13 goals, with Nor Agudelo and Michael Barbeito adding two goals each and Reggie Edu and Jaime Garcia chipping in a goal each.
San Pedro Monsters (USASA) 4:0 Fontana International SC (USASA)
After falling one game short of the US Open Cup in 2016, the Monsters from San Pedro didn’t enter the 2017 competition. They’re back and they kicked off their qualifying campaign for the 2018 tournament with a 4-0 home win over Fontana International. Francisco Ojas gave San Pedro a 1-0 halftime lead with a penalty kick goal after Yoni Garcia was fouled in the box. Then, in the second half, Andy Salguero scored a hat trick to ice the game for the home team.
Strikers SC South Coast (USASA) 1:5 Chula Vista FC (USASA)
Chula Vista’s quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row got off to a good start with a 5-1 road win over Strikers SC South Coast. With the win, Chula Vista has continued its dominant performance in Open Cup qualifying over the last three years. With the exception of their loss to La Maquina in the final round of 2016 qualifying, the SoCal Premier League club that was founded in 1982, has scored four goals or more in every match. They have outscored their opponents 19-5 in four matches. In this particular game, Alberto Diaz scored twice and they got a goal each from Sergio Zamudio, Francisco Ramirez and Rafael Lua. Diaz, a former US youth international, is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in Open Cup play (3 goals) and was TheCup.us Player of the Round winner in 2015 when he helped Chula Vista pull off an upset of Arizona United (now Phoenix Rising FC) in the Second Round.
Los Angeles Wolves FC (USASA) 6:1 Real Sociedad Royals (USASA)
Eric Wynalda is no longer the head coach of the LA Wolves, but they aren’t missing a beat with team president Yan Skwara in charge. For the second year in a row, the Wolves defeated the Real Sociedad Royals of the SoCal Premier League in convincing fashion. On Sunday, they cruised to a 6-1 win led by a pair of goals by Dmitry Zhuralev. The Wolves are aiming to qualify for a third year in a row. Last season, they became just the second USASA club in the Modern Era to reach the Third Round of the tournament in back-to-back seasons.
Below you will find the schedule for Round 2 and all of the results from Round 1.
2018 US Open Cup Qualifying – Round 2
All Times Eastern / Home teams on the right
UPDATED: 10/14/17
Oct. 21 | Kendall Wanderers (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | 10 a.m. | GPS Omens (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | Hillside School | Marlborough, MA |
Oct. 21 | North Texas Rayados (USASA/North Texas Prem. Soccer Assoc.) | 4:30 | Celtic Cowboys Premier (USSSA/Austin Men’s Soccer Assoc.) | Onion Creek Soccer Complex | Austin, TX |
Oct. 21 | Safira FC (USASA/New England Over-The-Hill Soccer Lg) | 7:00 | Mass United FC (USASA/American Soccer Lg) | Hormel Stadium | Medford, MA |
Oct. 21 | Colorado Rush (USSSA/Colorado Amat. Soccer Lg) | 7:00 | Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | Aurora Public Schools Stadium | Aurora, CO |
Oct. 21 | Las Vegas Mobsters FC (USASA/UPSL) | 7:00 | La Maquina (USASA/UPSL) | Valley High School | Santa Ana, CA |
Oct. 21 | Phoenix SC (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | 7:30 | West Chester United (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | West Chester United SC Turf Field | West Chester, PA |
Oct. 21 | Chula Vista FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | 8:00 | Valley United SC (USASA/UPSL) | Heritage High School | North Hills, CA |
Oct. 21 | Fort Collins United (USASA/UPSL) | 8:30 | FC Denver (USSSA/Colorado Amat. Soccer Lg) | Aurora Sports Park | Aurora, CO |
Oct. 21 | Newcastle United FC (USASA/UPSL) | 10:00 | Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA/UPSL) | Lake Forest Sports Park | Lake Forest, CA |
Oct. 21 | Galati FC (USASA – Arizona Champ. Lg), | 10:00 | Ojuelos Jalisco (USASA – Arizona Champ. Lg) | Desert West Sports Complex | Phoenix, AZ |
Oct. 21 | Inter Empireworks FC (USASA / UPSL) | 10:00 | Sporting AZ FC (USASA / UPSL) | Phoenix Rising Stadium | Scottsdale, AZ |
Oct. 21 | Vanquish FC (USASA/UPSL) | 10:30 | Los Angeles Wolves FC (USASA/UPSL) | John Anson Ford Park | Bell Gardens, CA |
Oct. 21 | SFV Scorpions SC (USASA/UPSL) | 9:45 | San Pedro Monsters FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | Banning H.S. Soccer Stadium | Wilmington, CA |
Oct. 22 | Stegman’s SC (USASA/Minnesota Amat. Soccer Lg) | 2:00 | Aurora Borealis SC (USASA/Premier Lg of America) | Ohio Moose Sports Complex | Mooseheart, IL |
Oct. 22 | Academica SC (USCS/LIGA NorCal) | 2:15 | El Farolito (USASA/SF Soccer Football Lg) | Boxer Stadium | San Francisco, CA |
Oct. 22 | Ann Arbor FC (USASA/Ann Arbor Prem. Development Lg) | L:W (FORFEIT) | Rochester River Dogz (USASA/Rochester District Soccer Lg) | Doug Miller Family Sports Park | Spencerport, NY |
Oct. 22 | Red Force FC (USASA/APSL) | 3:00 | Miami Nacional SC (USASA/APSL) | Ives Estates Park | Miami, FL |
Oct. 22 | Junior Lone Star U-23s (USASA/Philadelphia Prem. Soccer Lg) | 3:00 | United German Hungarians (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | United German Hungarian Club | Oakford, PA |
Oct. 22 | Izee Auto FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer Lg) | 3:00 | Christos FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer Lg) | Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, MD |
Oct. 22 | Majestic SC (USASA/Atlanta District Amateur Soccer Lg) | 4:30 | Nashville United (USASA/Middle TN Soccer Alliance) | Richard Siegel Soccer Park (Stadium Field) | Murfreesboro, TN |
Oct. 22 | Harpo’s FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | 5:00 | Colorado Springs FC (USASA/UPSL) | Grace Center for Athletics | Colorado Springs, CO |
Oct. 22 | Boca Raton FC (USASA/APSL) | 5:00 | South Florida FC (USASA/APSL) | Brian Piccolo Park | Cooper City, FL |
Oct. 22 | Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA/Cosmopolitan Soccer Lg) | 5:30 | NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/Cosmopolitan Soccer Lg) | Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.) | Jamaica, NY |
Oct. 22 | IPS/Marathon Taverna (USASA/Oregon Prem. Lg) | 5:45 | Indios Denver FC (USASA/UPSL) | Englewood High School Stadium | Englewood, CO |
Oct. 22 | Santa Clarita Storm (USASA/UPSL) | 6:00 | Buena Park FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | John F. Kennedy High School | La Palma, CA |
Oct. 22 | Motagua of New Orleans (USASA/Gulf Coast Prem. Lg) | 6:00 | Cajun SC (USASA/Gulf Coast Premier Lg) | Moore Park | Lafayette, LA |
Oct. 22 | FC Kendall (USASA/APSL) | 7:00 | Orlando Storm (USASA/Central Fla. Soccer Lg) | Lake Myrtle Sports Complex | Auburndale, FL |
Oct. 22 | Davis Legacy (USCS/Nor Cal Adult Prem. Lg) | 8:00 | Cal Victory FC (USASA/UPSL) | Casa Grande High School | Petaluma, CA |
2018 US Open Cup Qualifying – Round 1
Sept. 23 | Safira FC (USASA/New England Over-The-Hill Soccer Lg) | 5:1 | Unations FC (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | Burncoat HS | Worcester, MA |
Sept. 23 | Boston Siege FC (USASA/UPSL) | 2:5 | Kendall Wanderers (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | Danehy Park | Cambridge, MA |
Sept. 23 | GPS Omens (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | 8:3 | Lynn United (USASA/UPSL) | Manning Stadium | Lynn, MA |
Sept. 23 | Lowcountry United (USASA/Charleston Soccer Lg) | 0:2 | Majestic SC (USASA/Atlanta District Amateur Soccer Lg) | Atlanta United Training Ground | Marietta, GA |
Sept. 23 | Mass United FC (USASA/American Soccer Lg) | 3:3 (4:3 PK) |
Southie FC (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg) | Medford HS | Medford, MA |
Sept. 23 | Junior Lone Star U-23s (USASA/Philadelphia Prem. Soccer Lg) | 3:1 | Salone FC (USASA/Philadelphia Prem. Soccer Lg) | West Chester United’s Turf Field | West Chester, PA |
Sept. 23 | North Texas Rayados (USASA/North Texas Prem. Soccer Assoc.) | 2:0 | Central Texas Lobos (USSSA/Austin Men’s Soccer Assoc.) | Gregg-Clarke Park | Kyle, TX |
Sept. 23 | FC Denver (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | 3:0 | Gam United FC (USASA/UPSL) | Aurora Public Schools Stadium | Aurora, CO |
Sept. 23 | Celtic Cowboys Premier (USSSA/Austin Men’s Soccer Assoc.) | 3:2 | Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (USCS/Texas Prem. Lg) | McMasters Athletic Complex | Georgetown, TX |
Sept. 23 | Boca Raton FC (USASA/APSL) | 4:3 | Hurricane FC (USASA/APSL)/APSL) | Seacrest Soccer Complex – Field 1 | Delray Beach, FL |
Sept. 23 | Junior Lone Star FC (USASA/Philadelphia Prem. Soccer Lg) | 1:4 | West Chester United (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | West Chester United’s Turf Field | West Chester, PA |
Sept. 23 | Western Nevada FC (USASA/UPSL) | 0:2 | Davis Legacy SC (USCS/LIGA NorCal) | Davis Legacy Soccer Complex | Davis, CA |
Sept. 23 | Denver Metro FC (USASA/UPSL) | 0:2 | Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | Aurora Public Schools Stadium | Aurora, CO |
Sept. 23 | Inter Empireworks FC (USASA / UPSL) | 9:0 | Chiapas FC (USASA – Arizona Champ. Lg) | Desert West Sports Complex (Field 1) | Phoenix, AZ |
Sept. 23 | ALLSTARS SC (USASA – Arizona Champ. Lg) | 0:4 | Ojuelos Jalisco (USASA – Arizona Champ. Lg) | Desert West Sports Complex (Synthetic Field) | Phoenix, AZ |
Sept. 23 | Oakland Pamperos (USASA/UPSL) | 0:1 | Academica SC (USCS/LIGA NorCal) | Academica Fields | Turlock, CA |
Sept. 23 | El Farolito (USASA/SF Soccer Football Lg) | 3:0 | Dynamos FC (USASA/UPSL) | Dougherty Valley HS | San Ramon, CA |
Sept. 23 | Pacific Side FC (USASA/UPSL) | 2:3 | Las Vegas Mobsters FC (USASA/UPSL) | Kellogg-Zaher Soccer Complex | Las Vegas, NV |
Sept. 23 | Outbreak FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | 2:5 | Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA/UPSL) | Lake Forest Sports Park | Lake Forest, CA |
Sept. 23 | Boise FC Cutthroats (USASA/UPSL) | 2:3 (AET) |
IPS/Marathon Taverna (USASA/Oregon Prem. Lg) | Rob Strasser Memorial Field | Portland, OR |
Sept. 23 | La Maquina (USASA/UPSL) | 5:0 | Bell Gardens FC (USASA/UPSL) | John Anson Ford Park | Bell Gardens, CA |
Sept. 23 | Cal Victory FC (USASA/UPSL) | 3:2 | Real San Jose (USASA/UPSL) | PAL Stadium | San Jose, CA |
Sept. 23 | CF Cachorros USA (USASA/UPSL) | 2:3 (AET) |
Vanquish FC (USASA/UPSL) | Great Park (Main Stadium) | Irvine, CA |
Sept. 24 | Red Force FC (USASA/APSL) | 8:1 | FC Ginga (USASA/UPSL) | Buccaneer Soccer Field (Barry Univ.) | Miami Shores, FL |
Sept. 24 | Newtown Pride FC (USASA/Connecticut Soccer Lg) | 1:2 | NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/Cosmopolitan Soccer Lg) | Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.) | Jamaica, NY |
Sept. 24 | Izee Auto FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer Lg) | 3:1 (AET) |
NLS Graduates (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer Lg) | Banner Field at Latrobe Park | Baltimore, MD |
Sept. 24 | Aegean Hawks FC (USASA/Washington Prem. Lg) | 0:3 | Christos FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer Lg) | Troy Park (Field 4) | Elkridge, MD |
Sept. 24 | Upper Darby FC (USASA/Philadelphia Prem. Soccer Lg) | 0:3 | Phoenix SC (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | Phoenix Sports Club | Trevose, PA |
Sept. 24 | United German Hungarians (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | 2:1 (AET) |
Vereinigung Erzebirge (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) | Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse | Warminster, PA |
Sept. 24 | Rochester River Dogz (USASA/Rochester District Soccer Lg) | 2:1 | Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (USASA/Greater Pittsburgh Soccer Lg) | Rooney Field (Duquesne Univ.) | Pittsburgh, PA |
Sept. 24 | Harpo’s FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | 2:2 (6:5 PK) |
FC Boulder (USASA/UPSL) | Fairview HS | Boulder, CO |
Sept. 24 | FC Union Jerez (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | 2:6 | Indios Denver FC (USASA/UPSL) | Englewood HS Stadium | Englewood, CO |
Sept. 24 | Newport FC (USASA/UPSL) | 0:3 | Buena Park FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | John F. Kennedy High School | La Palma, CA |
Sept. 24 | Miami United FC Under-23s (USASA/APSL) | 1:3 | South Florida FC (USASA/APSL) | Brian Piccolo Park | Cooper City, FL |
Sept. 24 | Colorado Rovers (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg) | 0:2 | Colorado Springs FC (USASA/UPSL) | Grace Center for Athletics | Colorado Springs, CO |
Sept. 24 | InterUnited AC (USASA/APSL) | 0:0 (3:4 PK) |
Orlando Storm (USASA/Central Fla. Soccer Lg) | UCF Soccer & Track Stadium | Orlando, FL |
Sept. 24 | Motagua of New Orleans (USASA/Gulf Coast Prem. Lg) | 4:1 | Gaffa FC (USASA/Gulf Coast Prem. Lg) | Freedom Ridge Stadium | Ridgeland, MS |
Sept. 24 | AC Brea Steaua United (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | 1:3 | SFV Scorpions SC (USASA/UPSL) | Alemany HS | Mission Hills, CA |
Sept. 24 | Club El Azul (USASA/UPSL) | 1:2 (AET) |
Colorado Rush (USASA/UPSL) | Shea Stadium | Highlands Ranch, CO |
Sept. 24 | Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA/Cosmopolitan Soccer Lg) | 2:1 | Jackson Lions FC (USASA/Garden State Soccer Lg) | Jackson Justice Complex | Jackson, NJ |
Sept. 24 | FC Kendall (USASA/APSL) | 11:0 | Leu Blacks FC (USASA/UPSL) | Amelia Earhart Park Field 5 | Hialeah, FL |
Sept. 24 | FC Greeley (USASA/UPSL) | 1:5 | Fort Collins United (USASA/UPSL) | Loveland Sports Park | Loveland, CO |
Sept. 24 | Santa Clarita Storm (USASA/UPSL) | 5:0 | UFA Hawks LA (USASA/UPSL) | Salesian HS | Los Angeles, CA |
Sept. 24 | Del Rey City SC (USASA/UPSL) | 0:13 | Newcastle United FC (USASA/UPSL) | SilverLakes Sports Complex | Norco, CA |
Sept. 24 | Fontana International SC (USASA/UPSL) | 0:4 | San Pedro Monsters FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | Banning HS Soccer Stadium | Wilmington, CA |
Sept. 24 | Chula Vista FC (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | 5:1 | Strikers FC South Coast (USASA/UPSL) | Lake Forest Sports Park | Lake Forest, CA |
Sept. 24 | Real Sociedad Royals (USASA/SoCal Premier Lg) | 1:6 | Los Angeles Wolves FC (USASA/UPSL) | John Anson Ford Park | Bell Gardens, CA |
Ann Arbor FC (USASA/Ann Arbor Prem. Development Lg) | W:L (FORFEIT) | Carpathia FC (USASA/Prem. Lg of America) | Avondale HS | Auburn Hills, MI | |
Stegman’s SC (USASA/Minnesota Amat. Soccer Lg) | W:L (FORFEIT) | Santa Fe Wanderers KC (USASA/KC Kansas Soccer Lg) | Olathe District Activity Center | Olathe, KS | |
Los Angeles SC (USASA/L.A. Municipal Lg) | L:W (FORFEIT) | Valley United SC (USASA/UPSL) | Heritage HS | North Hills, CA | |
United Serbian SC (USASA/Wisconsin Soccer Lg) | L:W (FORFEIT) | Aurora Borealis SC (USASA/Premier Lg of America) | Ohio Moose Sports Complex | Mooseheart, IL | |
Miami Nacional SC (USSSA/Nat’l Soccer Lg) | W:L (FORFEIT) | Miami Wolves FC (USASA/UPSL) | Flamingo Park | Miami Beach, FL |