After 22 Second Round matches involving 25 USL Championship teams and 19 winners of the first round, we now enter the Third Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 22 winners of the Second Round are now paired off into Third Round matches, where the winners will advance to the Fourth Round and where Major League Soccer teams await to enter the 106th edition of the competition.
After waiting through a two-hour weather delay, the Oklahoma City Energy won a seven-goal thriller with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Tuesday night. There are 10 more matches on the schedule for Wednesday, May 29. Every game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Since 2003, fans who wanted to follow the opening round of the second-oldest, continually-operating soccer tournament in the world, would have to rely on updates from this site, or, in later years, the occasional live audio or video stream. Now, fans who are unable to attend a match in person, can watch every game from the comfort of their home, or through their favorite mobile device.
The draw for the Fourth Round will follow this week’s matches and will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The results of the draw will be announced on Twitter.
Below is a preview of all 10 of Wednesday’s Third Round games.
#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report)
Things you should know about the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)
Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)
LAST NIGHT: OKC Energy wins weather-delayed, back-and-forth shootout with Tampa Bay Rowdies
2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders
2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review
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NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal
THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers
#USOC2019 QUALIFYING
2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review
Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws
More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format
Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out
Bavarian SC qualify for 2019 US Open Cup by winning Amateur Cup title
MEET THE UNDERDOGS SERIES
Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929
West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup
NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going
Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club
FC Denver using US Open Cup to build to “higher level”
First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”
Indy Eleven (USL-C) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
Indy Eleven will be looking to break through and win multiple games in a single tournament for the first time in franchise history. They have qualified every year since their founding in 2014 and three times they’ve won their first game only to fall in the next round. Their Round 2 win against Lansing Ignite didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Goalkeeper Evan Newton was sent off in the first half for his challenge on Lansing forward Elma Nfor, who was forced to leave on a stretcher after the collision. Thomas Enevoldsen’s 57th minute goal in the second half was enough to see Indy squeak by into Round 3. They currently sit in sixth place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference having just played Nashville SC to a scoreless draw on Saturday.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are looking to win multiple games in a single tournament for the first time since 2015; they’ve accomplished the feat three times total going back to 2001. Their Round 2 affair with Dayton Dutch Lions was far more straightforward than Indy’s. Neco Brett scored twice in 12 minutes in the second half and Pittsburgh went on to win 3-0 at home. USL Championship league play hasn’t been kind to the Riverhounds. They currently sit in 13th place in the Eastern conference and just drew 0-0 with Charlotte Independence in their last game. It was their fourth draw in as many league games.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-4-1
Away: 0-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-14-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 8-5-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 2-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2001 Quarterfinals (Lost 3-2 ASDET at Chicago Fire of MLS)
Forward Madison (USL-1) at Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
World Wide Technology Soccer Park – Fenton, MO
Kickoff: May 29 – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Michael Battista
The Third Round match between Forward Madison FC and St. Louis FC will be the third straight tournament road game for the former while the latter looks to return to the Fourth Round for the second consecutive year – the first time it would have ever done so. Both teams are fairly newer clubs in the grand scheme of the tournament with large fan bases hoping to face a Major League Soccer team. St Louis FC, nor any team from the city in the Modern Era (1995-present), has advanced past the next round while the Mingos can become the first USL League One side to ever face an MLS team in tournament play.
Forward Madison FC is only one of three teams remaining from Round One and will be looking to become the second Wisconsin team in the Modern Era to reach the Fourth Round after Milwaukee Wave United (A-League) did in in 2003. The group started its inaugural tournament with a win over fellow Wisconsin side Milwaukee Bavarian SC, 2-0, before hitting the road and traveling 1,400+ miles to face another brand new team, USL Championships’ El Paso Locomotive FC, who were beaten in their first-ever Cup game, 3-0. Jiro Barriga Toyama has been huge on the scoresheet so far in his team’s run scoring in both games so far.
As the sole remaining USL League One team, Forward Madison has already earned itself a $25,000 bonus for advancing the farthest. This may be one of the team’s bigger highlights this season as it currently sits in eighth place in the league table with a record of 2-2-4 and little rest separating this game and its next match at home against Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1.
St Louis FC has already kept its streak of winning at least one Open Cup game intact after the team defeated USL League Two side Des Moines Menace in the Second Round. It wasn’t an easy task as the St. Louligans at Cownie Soccer Park and those watching online can attest to. They saw their team take an early lead off a Kyle Greig goal before allowing a successful penalty attempt 25 minutes later to even the score right back up. After both regulation and extra time failed to decide a winner, the teams lined up for a penalty shootout where St. Louis went perfect through three rounds. The biggest factor was the team’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Schulte who became the 10th keeper in the Modern Era to make three saves in a PK shootout as he blocked Gaousso Bakayoko fourth round attempt to send his team through.
Since 2015, the club has yoyo-ed in tournament play losing in the third and fourth round every other year. With 2018’s lose to Louisville City FC in the Third Round, the trend would suggest a win in this game. Currently the team sits in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings with an overall record of 5-4-1 through ten games. In three of its last four league matches St Louis has been held scoreless but has held back opposing offenses to tie 0-0. The squad will be able to stay at home as their next game will be against fellow Third Round competitor Memphis 901 FC on Saturday.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Forward Madison (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 2-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A
Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-4-2 (2-0 PK)
Home: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 3 pro: N/A
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2017)
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) at OKC Energy (USL-C)
John Crain Field – Norman, OK
Kickoff: May 28 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Jake Sillick
UPDATE: OKC Energy wins weather-delayed, back-and-forth shootout with Tampa Bay Rowdies
Tampa Bay was able to soundly defeat USL League Two side The Villages SC in the second round 4-1, but they have never defeated another 2nd division side in the US Open Cup. However, this seems to be a great year to break that streak as the Rowdies remain undefeated in USL Championship play with a 7-0-5 record and still at the top of the Eastern Conference with 26 points in the 12 matches played. There’s another bad US Open Cup streak the Rowdies are looking to break against OKC. Tampa Bay has a six match road losing streak in the cup. The last road win was in 2013 when they only traveled within the Tampa Bay metro area to face VSI Tampa Bay in Plant City, FL. That was also the one and only time that Tampa Bay have won multiple cup games in a single tournament year. That 2013 campaign included a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders which ended Seattle’s unbeaten streak in the US Open Cup and ruined their chances to become the first team ever to 4-peat.
OKC Energy still sits in prime position of 5th place in the USL Championship Western Conference this year. Through 12 games they have obtained 18 points and a 5-4-3 record. Their cup record is stellar recently as they have made it to the MLS-entry Fourth Round in 2015-2017. Last season was an aberration as they fell in the second round to NTX Rayados. They were able to gain revenge this season though, defeating Rayados 3-1. This will only be the second home game for OKC Energy ever in their cup history (the second round victory being the first). They are also undefeated against the 2nd division in cup play.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
9th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-8-0
Away: 3-7-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2013, 2016)
OKC Energy (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-4-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016, 2017)
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Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA / UPSL) at North Carolina FC (USL-C)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Field 2 – Cary, NC
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
Florida Soccer Soldiers are competing for more than just the hearts and minds of US Open Cup fans in Round 3. The Soccer Soldiers, playing in their first tournament after being founded in 2018, are one of two remaining Open Division teams (the other is Orange County FC) and if things go right in their game against North Carolina FC, they could go home with $25,000 as the last remaining Open Division team. They’ve already taken down one North Carolina-based USL Championship side on the road, having defeated Charlotte Independence 2-2 (5-4 on PKs) in Round 2, so they won’t be intimidated heading into Cary. They also took down Miami FC 2-1 in Round 1. A win would also make them the third Florida-based Open Division side to advance to the fourth round of the tournament; Orlando City U-23 (2014) and Miami United (2018) have also accomplished that feat.
North Carolina FC are no strangers to crushing the dreams of Open Cup underdogs. They are 8-0-0 all time against Open Division sides and they’ve outscored their opponents 28-3 in those eight games. They’re also no strangers to playing at home in the tournament. North Carolina FC have played 33 Open Cup games in their history and 28 of those have been played on their home field. True to form, NCFC took care of business in Round 2 with a comfortable 4-1 win at home against Richmond Kickers. Robbie Kristo led the way with two goals. North Carolina will also be feeling confident in the middle of a positive USL Championship campaign. They currently sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings and just beat New York Red Bulls II on Saturday by a score of 2-1.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA / UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: N/A
North Carolina FC (USL-C)
12th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-9-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 20-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Open Division: 8-0-0
Best finish: 2007 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 AET at New England Revolution of MLS)
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Birmingham Legion (USL-C) at Louisville City (USL-C)
Lynn Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
Birmingham Legion are carrying the hopes of Alabama soccer fans on their shoulders; they are the first team from the Heart of Dixie to appear in any US Open Cup ever. Round 2 was kind to them as they handily beat Open Division side West Chester United SC 4-1 in Birmingham. Columbus Crew loanee Eddie Opoku led the way for the Legion with two goals and an assist and he also drew the penalty that led to the fourth. It’s been an uneven inaugural USL Championship campaign for Birmingham, however. They currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and just fell to Nashville SC 1-0 last Wednesday.
Louisville City FC will hope their home form in the tournament carries over into this round. The Purple and Gold are undefeated at home in Open Cup play. They’ve also scored 20 goals in their first seven tournament games since being founded in 2014. They had an easy go of it in Round 2, blanking Reading United 3-0 in Louisville behind goals from Abdou Mbacke Thiam, George Davis IV, and Sunny Jane. They’ve been on a roll in USL Championship league play with three wins in their past five games.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Birmingham Legion (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: N/A
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A
Louisville City (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-4-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 5-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 3-2-0
Best finish: 2018 Quarterfinals (Lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire of MLS)
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Hartford Athletic (USL-C) at Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
Mike Rose Soccer Complex – Memphis, TN
Kickoff: May 29 – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
Hartford Athletic, playing in their inaugural season, are looking to become the first Connecticut team to advance past the third round in the Modern Era (1995-Present). They’re also the first professional team from Connecticut to compete in a tournament since the Connecticut Wolves back in 2001. Hartford’s 2-1 win over the New York Cosmos B team in Round 2 was the club’s first ever win in any competition. Things haven’t been as great in USL Championship league player though. Hartford have taken just five points from their first 12 games, though four of those five points have come in their two most recent games.
Memphis 901 FC are just the second team from Memphis to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era; the PDL’s Memphis Express competed back in 2002 and won their first game before being bounced by the now defunct Atlanta Silverbacks. A win in Round 3 would make Memphis 901 just the third team from Tennessee to advance to the fourth round; the other two were both from Nashville (Nashville Metros in 1998 and Nashville SC last year). A severe weather delay and an early goal conceded weren’t enough to deter the 901 as they advanced past New York Red Bulls U-23 3-1 thanks to a pair of goals in each half from Josh Morton. Memphis are looking for a bit of respite from their USL Championship campaign. They currently sit in 14th in the Eastern Conference with just 10 points from their first twelve games.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: N/A
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A
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Charleston Battery (USL-C) at Nashville SC (USL-C)
Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium – Murfreesboro, TN
Kickoff: May 29 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
Few teams can match Charleston Battery’s record in the Modern Era of the Open Cup (1995-present). The Battery are currently tied with Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas for the fourth most wins (excluding penalty shootouts) in the Modern Era. They’ve also beaten nine MLS teams in that span, second only to the Rochester Rhinos (10). With their Round 2 victory over Greenville Triumph, Charleston have now won 14 consecutive opening round games; that is the 3rd longest streak of the Modern Era. It wasn’t an easy win for them however. They needed two goals in 11 minutes – including a stoppage time winner – from Ian Svantesson, who was making his first appearance back from an injury. Their USL Championship campaign is also mired in mediocrity at the moment. They’ve drawn three of their past five games, including a 1-1 result with Atlanta United 2 this past Saturday.
Nashville SC are looking to get back to the fourth round of the tournament for the second time in as many years. To do so, they’ll need to continue their strong play at home. Going back to last year’s inaugural season, Nashville are 4-0-0 at home in the Open Cup. Their league play in 2019 has been stellar as well. They currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, good enough for the third best record in either USL Championship conference this season. Alan Winn was the hero for Nashville in Round 2, scoring once and assisting on the other two goals in a 3-2 win over amateur side South Georgia Tormenta 2.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
20th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-16-6 (3-3 PK)
Away: 7-9-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 7-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up (Lost 2-1 at D.C. United of MLS)
Nashville SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-1-0
Home: 4-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-0
Best finish: 2018 Fifth Round (Lost 2-1 at Louisville City of USL)
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San Antonio FC (USL-C) at Austin Bold (USL-C)
Bold Stadium – Del Valle, TX
Kickoff: May 29 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Adam Uthe
San Antonio FC are looking to reach the fourth round of the tournament for the third time in four years. In each of their previous appearances, they were ousted by a Texas MLS side; Houston Dynamo in 2016 and FC Dallas in 2018. They got their 2019 run off to a good start with a comfortable 2-0 win over Laredo Heat in Round 2. Jack Barmby led the way for San Antonio, assisting on both goals. Their USL Championship season has left a lot to be desired. They currently sit in 16th in the Western Conference standings with just one win in their last five games.
Austin Bold are out to chart a new path for soccer fans in the Texas capital. They are playing in their inaugural season and will be looking do something that only the old Austin Aztex were able to accomplish, back in 2015: advance past the third round of the tournament. A goal in each half was enough to help Austin advance past the Tulsa Roughnecks in Round 2. They’ll be feeling confident going up against San Antonio having defeated them once already this season in USL Championship play, though the rest of the league campaign has been inconsistent; Austin currently sit in 12th in the Western Conference standings with three losses in their last five games.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
San Antonio FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018)
Austin Bold (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A
New Mexico United (USL-C) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: May 29 – 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Michael Battista
New Mexico United and Colorado Spring Switchbacks are both looking to prove something in their Round Three match on Wednesday. For United, the chance to become the first team from their state to play a Major League Soccer side in the tournament is one win away. For Colorado, a win against the USL Championship Western Conference leaders would advance them to the Fourth Round for the first time in three years.
New Mexico United is the first club in the Modern Era (1995-present) from its state to advance in a US Open Cup tournament. In its first tournament, the club was one of only six road teams to advance from the last round when they defeated fellow USL Championship side Phoenix Rising, 2-2 (4-3 on penalties). Albuquerque, New Mexico native Devon Sandoval was the hero for his hometown team as he scored the tying goal in the 79th minute and gave his team the lead early in extra time before Phoenix was able to respond not long after. In the penalty shootout, he was one of three players to make their attempts before Justin Schmidt scored in the fifth round to advance the squad through. Sandoval isn’t a stranger to Open Cup overtime heroics. During Real Salt Lake’s 2013 Cup run to the final, he scored an extra time goal against the North American Soccer League side Atlanta Silverbacks in their Third Round match on route to a win, 3-2, before scoring what would be the game winner in extra time in the next game against USL Championship (then USL Pro) team Charleston Battery.
With the expansion side currently leading the Western Conference in its first season by a full four points heading into Wednesday, and a win already over Colorado earlier this season in league play, 3-1, recently on May 18, the team will have time to rest before its next match against OKC Energy on June 5.
Since their launch five years ago, the Colorado Spring Switchbacks have been on a downward trend across all competitions. In their first two seasons in USL Championship (then just the United Soccer League), the Switchbacks reached the semifinal and quarterfinal of the western conference playoffs respectively while also reaching the Fourth Round of the USOC. However, during the past two seasons the team has failed to reach the playoffs in league play while suffering Third Round exits in tournament play. The team has kept its streak of opening round game wins this year after Kwansi Donsu’s first half stoppage time goal lifted the Switchbacks over local qualifier FC Denver two weeks ago. A win against New Mexico United would be the club’s first win over a Division 2 team in the competition.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
New Mexico United (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 5-1-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)
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Orange County FC (NPSL) at Las Vegas Lights (USL-C)
Cashman Field – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: May 29 – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Michael Battista
Entering the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup Orange County FC was one of the four remaining National Premier Soccer League sides in the tournament. Heading into Wednesday night the organization can become the first NPSL side to beat two professional teams in a single tournament since the league became nationally recognized. For their opponents in a city where professional sports are becoming ever more present, the Las Vegas Lights have a chance to make history with a win and earn a chance to play a Major League Soccer team in the Fourth Round.
Orange County FC became only the fifth NPSL side to defeat a professional team when it advanced past USL Championship’s Orange County SC on the road last round. Despite letting in two goals, including what looked to be the game winner in the 87th minute, OCFC’s goalkeeper David Preys made multiple key saves in extra time include a few goalline blocks before saving two shots in the penalty shootout to advance his team through. The sole remaining NPSL team in the competition has already outdone its inaugural tournament performance last season where the team lost to USL-C side Fresno FC, 2-0, in the Second Round and is still in contention with local qualifier Florida Soccer Soldiers to earn a $25,000 bonus for being the farthest advancing Open Division team.
Las Vegas Lights advanced to the Third Round for the second consecutive year over local qualifier Cal FC, 2-0. Vegas’s head coach Eric Wynalda, who coached Cal during its well known 2012 USOC run, had his team control the game physically with his side picking up four yellow cards in the second half along with a red right before the final whistle. That red now means midfielder Jonathan Levin will miss out on this game. His team has more than enough weapons to compensate, with forward Irvin Parra leading the team in goals with seven which also ties him for fifth in the league. The Lights will be playing in their fourth ever Open Cup match and fourth straight against an Open Division opponent. A win would guarantee them a chance against an MLS side and make the team the first from the state of Nevada to advance past the Third Round.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Orange County FC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 Second Round (Lost 2-0 at Fresno FC of USL)
Las Vegas Lights (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-0-0
Open Division: 2-1-0
Best finish: 2018 Third Round (Lost 2-1 at FC Golden State Force of PDL)
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Fresno FC (USL-C) at Sacramento Republic (USL-C)
Papa Murphy’s Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: May 29 – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Jake Sillick
Fresno FC looks to continue its great season on Wednesday against Sacramento Republic FC. After traveling to historic Boxer Stadium in the Second Round and defeating NPSL side El Farolito, Fresno now face a professional side for the first time in club history. Their USL Championship season is going very well so far as they sit 3rd in the Western Conference with 20 points in 11 matches and a 5-1-5 record.
Sacramento has won at least one game in every tournament they have played in, including the Second Round victory over Reno 1868 FC. Hosting most of their matches has probably helped in that regard as 12 of their 16 cup matches have been at home. The record at home has also been great in the cup as they have only lost once at home, to Kitsap Pumas in 2016. Their current season in USL Championship isn’t going as well as usual for the Republic. Sacramento currently sit in 14th place in the Western Conference, only earning 14 points in 11 matches this season with a 4-5-2 record.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Fresno FC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: 2018 Fourth Round (Lost 2-0 at Los Angeles FC of MLS)
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 11-1-0
Div. 2 pro: 3-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2017, 2018)