Allisson Faramilio celebrates with his FC Golden State Force teammates after upsetting the Las Vegas Lights in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Carranza – gossamr.com
Allisson Faramilio’s late game heroics for FC Golden State Force in an upset over USL newcomers Las Vegas Lights FC earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for Round 3 of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Faramilio was the runaway winner of the award after twice giving his Premier Development League (PDL) team the lead, the first time in the 75th minute and for good when he converted a stoppage time penalty kick. The goals were his third and fourth of this year’s competition. (Watch the goals below)
The award is voted on by the staff at TheCup.us and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.
“It was very important, for me and for all of the Golden State Force,” Faramilio said of his winner. “For being the one time that the club arrives in that phase of the competition and for me being an attacker I’m always happy to be making goals and helping my teammates and team.”
One of the more experienced players on his team and in the predominantly Under-23 league, the 30-year-old Brazilian, who started his career in the Corinthians youth academy, doesn’t take his leadership role lightly.
“I am passing on tranquility for the youngsters,” he said.
#Cupset Alert
The @FCGSForce advance to the @opencup Fourth Round to face off against an @MLS foe after defeating @lvlightsfc!
Check out the Force goals ⬇️ #Path2Pro #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/g4xtnSqsfz
— USL PDL (@USLPDL) May 24, 2018
Two other players, both professionals on USL teams in Louisville City FC’s Sean Totsch and North Carolina FC’s Austin da Luz, received strong consideration for the honor. But Faramilio’s role of dragon slayer won over the voters.
“Because of playing against a stronger team, being all professionals, we do not let down,” Faramilio said.
He and his teammates will get another date with a professional team in the competition when they travel to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. to take on LA Galaxy on June 6.
“It will be an exciting match, and without a doubt, we will seek victory once again, respecting the Galaxy, more knowing that in the field anything can to happen,” he said.