The October games for the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are nearly complete. Out of the 31 games on the schedule for the weekend of Oct. 16-17, 29 of them were played with one game getting postponed and the other being forfeited.
The 2022 US Open Cup could potentially feature a number of new faces. Of the 29 teams that advanced to the next round over the weekend, only 10 have previously participated in the tournament.
By winning their games over the weekend, eight teams from the Northeast Region and four teams from the Central Region have advanced to the Fourth Round where they will be in a “Win & You’re In” game, scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 18-19.
| #USOC2022 Essentials |
|
2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule Qualifying Schedule Sept. 18-19 Oct. 16-17 Nov. 20-21 Dec. 18-19 |
The remaining winners from the Southeast and the West advanced to Round 3 and will compete over the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The dates and times and venues for the November qualifiers will be announced by the United States Soccer Federation in the coming weeks.
Below is a summary of every game from the October games of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2022 US Open Cup.
SECOND ROUND
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021
Miami Soccer Academy (USSSA/NSL)
2:1
Naples City FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast – Part 1 / Part 2)
Miami Soccer Academy received a pair of goals from 19-year-old Ander-Evenson Pierre in the first 15 minutes and held on for a 2-1 win over Naples City FC. Pierre, who recently spent time training with LA Galaxy II, scored in the 10th and the 15th minutes to give the home team an early lead.
Naples City pulled one back before halftime to cut the lead in half. However, things got interesting in the 75th minute when Miami’s San Rabens Pierre (no relation to the goalscorer) was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. However, despite being down a man for the final 15 minutes of regulation, MSA kept Naples City off the scoresheet to secure the club’s first qualifying win.
Georgia Revolution FC Reserves (USASA/Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League)
2:2
Georgia Storm FC (USASA/UPSL)
Georgia Revolution FC Reserves advances 4-2 in penalty kicks
Two Georgia sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes and Georgia Revolution Reserves came out on top in a penalty shootout. Revolution’s Christian Duncan opened the scoring with a 66th minute goal, but Storm’s Jacob Bivens managed to redirect a free kick from teammate Bobby Hopper in second half stoppage time to force extra time. This time Duncan had to provide the equalizer as Storm took the lead in the first 15 minutes of extra time but Duncan scored with the last kick of the ball to force the shootout, where his side ultimately prevailed.
Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL)
4:0
Oceanway FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast – Part 1 / Part 2)
For the second straight game in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, Orlando FC Wolves earned a 4-0 home win. After defeating Deportivo Lake Mary in the opening round, the Wolves had the same result in a win over Oceanway FC.
The Wolves received the opening goal from JP Lopez in the 18th minute but it was Joseph O’Sullivan that stole the headlines with a hat trick (29’, 67’, 81’). Goalkeeper Zach King got the start and earned the clean sheet.
HIGHLIGHTS: Orlando FC Wolves vs. Oceanway FC
View this post on Instagram
Oakland Stompers (USASA/NPSL)
0:7
El Farolito (USASA/NPSL)
In 1993, El Farolito won the 1993 US Open Cup title (under the name “CD Mexico”), but after lifting the trophy, they would not qualify again until 2017. Now, as a member of the NPSL, El Farolito took another step toward returning to the tournament for the third time in the last five attempts.
They began their quest to the 2022 US Open Cup with a 7-0 road win over fellow NPSL club Oakland Stompers. Alexis Gomez led El Farolito with four goals, while Alex Medina had a brace and Sebastian Garcia added another goal.
El Farolito will now move on to Round 3 where they will host Contra Costa FC match. The game is expected to be played the weekend of Nov. 20-21 at a date, time and venue that will be announced in the coming weeks.
JASA RWC (USASA/UPSL)
2:4
Metro FC (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)
San Francisco Soccer Football League club Metro FC scored a pair of goals in each half to take down fellow Northern California side JASA RWC. Jacob Butler (30th minute) and Cristian Garcia (45th minute) gave Metro the lead going into halftime. A second half brace from former pro Matt Fondy helped seal the victory. Fondy has played for a number of pro teams in his career. He was the 2015 United Soccer Leagues MVP and scoring champion as a member of Louisville City FC and also made several appearances in MLS with Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 17, 2021
BattleBorn FC (USASA/UPSL)
4:2
FC Davis (USASA/NPSL)
(Partial Match Broadcast)
BattleBorn FC, the lone Nevada-based club left in the competition advanced to the Third Round with a 4-2 win over FC Davis. Goals from Guillermo Hernandez and Junior Mailly put the visitors up 2-0 at halftime. Mailly added another goal after the break and Angel Gonzalez scored to give BattleBorn a 4-2 win.
BattleBorn are trying to become just the second amateur team from the state of Nevada to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present). The first team to compete in the tournament was Anahuac FC who advanced to Round 2 with a penalty kick win over the Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) before falling to the Sacramento Republic (USL).
South Carolina United Heat (USASA/UPSL)
3:1
Atletico Atlanta (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)
South Carolina United Heat defeated Atletico Atlanta 3-1 Sunday evening at Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center in Columbia, S.C. It was a battle of two UPSL teams that were both making their US Open Cup qualifying debuts.
United came out with an attacking edge from the start. The first goal came in the 9th minute from Hunter Delvalle. He scored a tap-in off an assist from George Nicolas Melo Perez.
Delvalle caused problems for the Atletico defense all night. Alongside a goal and an assist, he created a surplus of goal-scoring opportunities.
Atlanta responded with a goal right before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Atletico’s George Perez struck a loose ball first-time from the top of the box to tie things up.
Despite Atletico’s equalizer, United came out and dominated the second half, scoring two more goals. In the 60th minute, Perez was able to get on the end of a free-kick from Michael Smith. Minutes later, Delvalle delivered a beautiful pass in behind to Bryan Davis to give United a comfortable lead.
United controlled the tempo for most of the match and maintained solid possession. The difference-maker was the way they executed their moments.
Their performance tonight was enough to advance them to the third round of qualifying. (Recap by Cameron Dixon – @camryndixon6)
Florida Brothers (USSSA/NSL)
3:3
Red Force FC (USSSA/NSL)
Red Force FC advances 4-2 in penalty kicks
(Match Broadcast – ends in the 99th minute)
Red Force FC came away with the victory on penalties after a tense, back-and-forth affair. Florida Brothers got things started with the first two goals and held the lead until the final 15 minutes of regulation. Red Force scored twice to send the game to extra time. Florida Brothers took the lead again in the first half of extra time, but Red Force equalized again in the second half of stoppage time and ultimately prevailed in the shootout.
Desert Communities SC Pathfinders (USASA/UPSL)
1:0
Villarreal Las Vegas (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)
In a battle of two teams making their US Open Cup qualifying debut, Desert Communities SC Pathfinders edged Villarreal Las Vegas, 1-0. Chris Garcia scored the game-winning goal early in the second half but it was the backline for the Pathfinders that were the heroes. Goalkeeper Pedrito Zequeida earned the clean sheet as the defense held strong despite playing down a man for the final 25 minutes of the match.
Desert Communities will hit the road in Round 3 as they take on San Fernando Valley FC (UPSL).
Los Angeles Monsters FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
0:4
Outbreak FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
Outbreak FC took a step toward a return to the US Open Cup with a 4-0 road win over the Los Angeles Monsters FC. Former pro Alex Antonescu opened the scoring about 15 minutes into the match, but the scoreline would remain the same heading into halftime. In the second half, Outbreak FC took over with goals from Juan Meza, a second tally from Antonescu, and the final goal from Yuuki Irei. The win improves Outbreak to 3-0-0 all-time in qualifying meetings with the Monsters, with previous wins coming in the final round in 2016 and the opening round in 2019. OSC, who qualified for the 2016 and 2017 US Open Cup tournaments, advanced to Round 3.
Chula Vista FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
2:0
White Tigers FC (USASA/UPSL)
October’s second qualifying round for the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup saw Chula Vista FC defeat White Tigers FC 2-0, with goals coming from midfielder Jorge Navarro and forward Oscar Hernandez.
After a slow-paced beginning to the opening half, Navarro got his name on the scoresheet in the 30th minute off of a well-placed, driven strike from a few yards out. The midfielder, who has been playing for Chula Vista for nearly six years, commented that the strength of the squad comes from the strong relationships and winning culture present throughout the team.
“The kind of culture that we have here, that committee, the friendship, everyone on the team is really cool”, said Navarro. “We all get along, and we’ve just known each other and played for a while so it’s a good group.”
Nearing the end of the match, in the 86th minute, Chula Vista was awarded a penalty kick after Hernandez was brought down in the box. He securely converted from the spot, doubling his team’s lead, and earning the victory after the referee blew the final whistle to end the game.
Chula Vista’s win comes after a dramatic qualifying campaign in 2019, where CVFC made history becoming the first team since the current Open Division Local qualifying tournament was launched in 2015 to qualify for the US Open Cup with three consecutive penalty kick shootout wins. Now, they set their eyes on the third qualifying round of the USOC, scheduled to kick-off in November. (Recap by Mathias Medel)
Palm Beach Breakers (USSSA/NSL)
0:4
International Soccer Association (USASA/UPSL)
At Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach, Fla., the Palm Beach Breakers hosted the Boca Raton-based International Soccer Association (ISA) in Round 2 of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament. ISA earned their first qualifying win, 4-0 over the Breakers led by 15-year-old striker David Mendes, who scored the opening goal and assisted on the second.
ISA throughout played a high-pressure and highly defensive tactic that left the Breakers struggling to leave their own half. ISA would score their first goal in the 6th minute, which saw Jefferson Martins send a pass across goal to Mendes, who easily tapped it into the back of the net.
While TheCup.us does not track the ages of the players that participate in the US Open Cup, Mendes is very likely the youngest player to score a goal in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Four minutes later, Mendes would strike again but this time providing an assist to Stanley Theodore.
The Breakers would get their first major chance in the 16th minute off a corner kick. The Breakers sent the ball over the top, evading all the ISA defenders and it fell in front of Ryan Bourne who headed the ball into the side netting.
ISA would score their third goal right before the end of the first half. This goal came from Romi Ambroise, who took on two defenders with ease and then slotted the ball across the net, giving the keeper no chance to react. Rodrigo Rabelo was credited with the assist.
In the second half, ISA would score their fourth and final goal. This was scored by Lucas Andrade off a corner kick. This goal would be redemption for Andrade after he missed a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. (Recap by Alex Vanegas)
Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA/UPSL)
5:1
Hurricane FC (USSSA/NSL)
In 2019, the Florida Soccer Soldiers introduced themselves to the American soccer world by making a Cinderella run to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. They upset Miami FC (a pro team competing in the NPSL) and the Charlotte Independence (USL Championship) before suffering a narrow road loss to North Carolina FC (USL Championship), 1-0.
They were eliminated in the qualifying tournament for the eventually canceled 2020 US Open Cup, but they are now two wins away from getting back to the tournament after a 5-1 win over Hurricane FC.
Sebastian Aldunate and Pascual Calderaro each scored a pair of goals and Luis Cabrera added another to send them into Round 3. In the next round, they will host Red Force FC for the third time in the last three competitions. Soccer Soldiers earned shutout wins in the first two meetings. The two South Florida teams will square off over the weekend of Nov. 20-21 at a venue that will be announced at a future date.
Inter San Francisco (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)
4:2
Real San Jose (USSSA/NSL)
Inter San Francisco scored the first goal of the game and ultimately scored three unanswered to pull away from Bay Area side Real San Jose in a soggy affair with slick and rainy conditions throughout the evening. Gregory Hui opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but it was a flood of goals in the second half that proved to be the difference. Inter scored three goals in a span of less than 10 minutes with Tyler Wall kicking off the run in the 74th minute, followed by a pair of goals by Bokil Pineda in the 79th and 83rd minutes.
With the win, Inter will have a lengthy road trip ahead of them as they will take on Sporting ID11 in Southern California in Round 3. The game is expected to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue has yet to be announced. The winner of that match will advance to the fourth and final round.
Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL)
3:2
Rebels SC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)
Escondido FC overcame a second half deficit to beat Rebels SC 3-2 in a battle of UPSL clubs. With the win, Escondido advances to Round 3 of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament where they will host Chula Vista FC.
The two teams traded first half goals with Arturo Hoyos scoring in the XXth minute for the Rebels and Josue Hernandez tallying for Escondido FC in the 40th minute. After halftime, the Rebels took the lead in the 50th minute courtesy of Julian Kennedy only to see Luis Velazquez equalize for Escondido two minutes later. The two teams appeared headed to extra time until Robson Rolim de Moura scored what would prove to be the game-winner for Escondido in the 83rd minute. and
Sporting ID11 (USASA/UPSL)
6:0
Rose City FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)
Sporting ID11 shut out fellow UPSL side Rose City FC 6-0 to advance to Round 3. Sporting ID11 was led by a Yerry Mendez who scored a hat trick. Sergio Vega, Anthony Vasquez and Eto Atiabet added a goal each to round out the scoring. Goalkeeper Ian Hernandez earned the shutout to give Sporting a win in their US Open Cup qualifying debut.
Sporting will host Inter San Francisco over the weekend of Nov. 20-21 in Round 3 at a date, time and venue that will be announced at a future date.
San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)
2:1
Trojans FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast | Match Photos by @Tmesis)
San Fernando Valley FC earned their first US Open Cup qualifying win, 2-1 over Trojans FC. It was the combination play of Irving Rivas and Cristo Deras that decided the game. Early in the second half, Rivas sent a cross in from the right wing which found Deras for the opening goal around the 55th minute. About 15 minutes later, the two connected on nearly the same goal only with the roles reversed. This time, Deras sent a cross in from the right wing and Rivas connected with it to make it 2-0.
Trojans FC were formed by students from the University of Southern California (USC), a school that does not have a men’s varsity program. In their third straight tournament appearance, the Trojans fought back, earning a penalty kick with about five minutes left in regulation. SFV goalkeeper Steve Acosta saved the PK, but the Trojans weren’t done. Trojans midfielder Kyle Adomian pulled one back in the 87th minute, and they hit the woodwork in the final minute but the San Fernando Valley defense held strong to close out the game.
Real Sociedad Royals (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
0:6
Capistrano FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
(Match Broadcast)
Capistrano FC cruised to a 6-0 win over fellow Southwest Premier League side Real Sociedad Royals to earn the club’s US Open Cup qualifying debut. Michael Petrovski led the way with a pair of goals, while Brandon McArdle, Daniel Segal, Gustavo Chavez, and Julian Anaya added a goal each. Goalkeeper Nathan King started for Capistrano and earned the clean sheet.
Capistrano will play a second straight road game in Round 3, this time against another league rival, Outbreak FC the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue has yet to be announced.
Modesto City FC (USASA/UPSL)
1:3
Contra Costa FC (USASA/NPSL)
After the original match on Oct. 16 was postponed because of poor field conditions, it was moved to a new venue on Oct. 24. However, the day before the match, Contra Costa FC (the home team) was informed by the operators of the venue that the field had been double booked. When the match was finally played on Halloween (Oct. 31), Contra Costa FC advanced with a 3-1 win. Contra Costa received first half goals from Addison Escobar (12th min.) and Fernando Lara (42nd min.) only to see Modesto City’s Diego Silva pull one back just before halftime. Late in the second half, Roberto Gonzalez would put the game away for Contra Costa in the 78th minute.
Contra Costa advances to play fellow NPSL side El Farolito in Round 3, which is scheduled to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The venue, time and date will be announced in the coming weeks.
The game has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 24 at Mount Diablo High School in Concord, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT).
*******************
THIRD ROUND
*******************
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021
DC Cheddar (USASA/D.C. Premier League)
2:3 (AET)
Districtonia Futbol (ANFEEU/Woodbridge Soccer League)
(Match Broadcast)
In the pouring rain at The Fields at RFK Campus, Districtonia Futbol defeated D.C. Cheddar 3-2 in extra time to advance to the final round of 2022 US Open Cup qualifying. Their opening match in the tournament against Alianza Futbol Club was forfeited, so this was the first game for Districtonia. With the win, they advance to the fourth and final round where they will play on the road against fellow Virginia club Northern Virginia FC at a date and venue that is yet to be announced.
Districtonia opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a long-range shot that found the back of the net from Uriah Bentick.
After halftime, D.C. Cheddar answered with Tristen Schnader scoring on a free kicks from the top of the box. Schanader’s shot was struck well into the top right corner of the net.
A few minutes later, Cheddar was awarded a penalty kick after one of their players was taken down in the box. DF goalkeeper Carlos Alberto Treminio Reyes made the save to keep the game locked up at 1-1.
Seven minutes into extra time, Districtonia regained the lead when Juan Alberto Izequierre Barahona dribbled past two defenders and fired a shot to the left side of goal.
A few minutes before the end of the first extra time period, D.C. pulled level again. Districtonia defenders thought a ball headed to the right corner was going to roll out but instead it was crossed into the box and Piroz Bahar tapped it in to tie the game.
Districtonia would get the lead back for the third and final time in the 108th minute when a long ball was sent forward, forcing the D.C. goalkeeper to come off his line. Uriah Bentick used his speed to beat the keeper to the ball and slid to knock the ball past him and the ball slowly rolled past him and into the back of the net.
Kendall Wanderers FC (USASA/Bay State Soccer League)
0:7
Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer League)
(Match Photos)
Brockton FC cruised into the final round of US Open Cup qualifying with a 7-0 win over fellow Bay State Soccer League side Kendall Wanderers FC. Brockton earned the one-sided result thanks, in part, to Kendall only fielding 10 players, including a field player starting in goal.
Geo Alves led Brockton with four goals while Walter Varela, Jay Veiga, and Ruben Almeida added a goal each. With the win, Brockton advances to the fourth and final round where they will travel to the City of Brotherly Love where they will take on the Philadelphia Lone Star FC in a “Win & You’re In” match. The game is expected to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue will be announced at a future date.
Virginia United (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)
1:2
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)
On a windy day in Woodbridge, Va., Northern Virginia FC edged the host Virginia United 2-1 to advance to the fourth and final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Virginia United, who qualified for the 2019 US Open Cup, struck first with a goal in the 31st minute. Northern Virginia answered with a 42nd minute goal. NOVA’s KJ Nadeau snuck behind the United backline and stole the ball which put him in one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Nadeau beat the keeper to tie the game. The score remained the same heading into halftime. The game would be decided in the 67th minute when Luke Campbell pounced on a rebound in front of goal.
Northern Virginia, who registered this team through the Eastern Premier Soccer League, also has a senior team in USL League Two during the summer months. The club has had a team in the United Soccer League for more than two decades. Prior to joining USL League Two in 2006, the Royals played eight seasons as a third division pro team in the USL.
The Royals are now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time since they were a USL D-3 Pro League team in 2000. They will host Districtonia Futbol in a “Win & You’re In” match over the Nov. 20-21 weekend at a venue that has yet to be announced.
67' | .@luk3_10 gives @NovaFc a 2-1 lead over @VAUNITEDFC2021 in @opencup third qualifying round following shot by @Brandonclegg #USOC2022 @usopencup https://t.co/X9ivCC2uOM pic.twitter.com/I3mTY5xgMM
— Tim Harvey ???? ⚽️ ???? (@timharvFC) October 17, 2021
Azteca FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
5:2
Colorado Rovers (USSSA/Colorado Premier League)
Azteca FC hosted Colorado Rovers at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park facility on Saturday in the first-ever contest between the two sides in US Open Cup qualifying. It was a battle between two clubs with Open Cup experience. Each team has qualified twice, and each has yet to win a game in the tournament proper. Colorado Rovers competed in the 2013 and 2014 tournaments, while Azteca punched their ticket in 2017 and 2018.
In the end, it was Azteca who came away with the win, 5-2.
The first half started briskly with both teams pushing the pace. Azteca’s Cesar Meza hit the crossbar in the 3rd minute and the Rovers sent a free kick just over the bar a minute later. Salvador Brigido would draw first blood in the 7th minute, putting Azteca into the lead. Jared Thompson would keep Rovers in the contest, controlling the right side. Azteca would extend their lead in the 41st minute with a goal from Jovany Herrera. The lead would increase to three in stoppage time when Eric Hernandez tallied to make it 3-0.
The second half started with Rovers clearly on the front foot trying to get back into the game. Azteca’s Jovany Herrera would make a strong run into the penalty area and be run over from the back for a penalty in the 53rd and Eric Hernandez slotted home in the 54th for his second of the night. Ten minutes later, Herrera dribbled along the goal line and found an open Freddy Fragozo five yards out to increase the Azteca advantage to 5-0.
Undeterred, but with a giant hill to climb, Rovers kept up the pressure and would end the shutout in the 87th minute through Karsten Hanlin. With nearly the last kick of the ball, James Ross, IV, would cut the final deficit to 5-2.
Eric Hernandez was a persistent thorn in the side of the Rovers. His double might have been a double hat-trick with a tiny bit more luck, having four solid, but unfulfilled opportunities late in the game. (Recap by Jim Coppock)
Harpos FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
1:0
Peak Eleven FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
Harpos FC, one of the few clubs that have participated in every US Open Cup Qualifying tournament since the new format launched in 2015, needed a late goal to edge fellow Colorado Super League rival Peak Eleven FC, 1-0. Former MLS player Freddie Braun scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute to send Harpos into the fourth and final round of the tournament. There they will face another rival, Azteca FC in what will be the third time that they will face them in a “Win & You’re In” match. Azteca won the first two meetings in the 2017 and 2018 qualifying tournaments.
The game had a little extra spice to it as Peak Eleven was created by some members of FC Boulder, the club that Harpos FC merged with in 2019. The club changed its name to “FC Boulder Harpos” but that partnership only lasted a year before it ended prior to the 2021 season. After the partnership dissolved, many of those involved with FC Boulder got together and created Peak Eleven FC.
Southwest FC (USASA/UPSL)
7:1
Gam United (USASA/Colorado Super League)
After falling one game short of qualifying for the 2019 US Open Cup, Southwest FC have put themselves back into a Win & You’re In game with a 7-1 win over Gam United. The UPSL side was led by a four-goal performance by Alexis Gomez, with his first two goals coming in the first 13 minutes of the game to give the El Paso-based club an early 2-0 lead. Gomez would score two more in the second half, while Alex Medina also added a brace, and Sebastian Garcia also scored a first half goal.
With the win, Southwest FC advances to the fourth and final round of the competition where they will host Dallas-based club D’Feeters Kicks SC the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The winner of that game will qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021
Rockville SC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer League)
0:3
Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL)
Despite a bit of a drive from central Virginia, Lynchburg FC made the most of their trek east on the I-495, defeating Rockville SC 3-0 to book their spot in the next round of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Any notion of travel lag was quickly erased as Lynchburg took the lead in just the 15th minute of the match with a strike from Tudor Berne. The UPSL side had been using their speed on the outside to disrupt the Rockville defense, forcing the young side to get out of position. Berne was able to slip between his defenders and put away the game’s first goal of the match.
After taking the lead early, Lynchburg held possession for large portions of the match. Isaac Aggrey and Olu Balogun orchestrated several long possessions for the visitors, forcing Rockville to chase for large portions of the match. Rockville’s best chance for a goal came in the second half off of set pieces. In the 64th minute, Brian Nolasco nearly found the equalizer when his high curving free kick went toward the far right post. While it had the Lynchburg goalkeeper beat, it couldn’t escape the woodwork, hitting the post. The Lynchburg defense regained their composure and made a key clearance to maintain their advantage.
Late in the second half, Lynchburg would put the match away. Just minutes after nearly conceding, Lynchburg forward Matthew Zaczyk made a deep run on the counter and hit a low shot past the Rockville keeper to make the score 2-0. In the 86th minute, Tyler Bullock would seal the win with his from just inside the eighteen. (Recap by Sean Maslin – @seanmaslin)
View this post on Instagram
Philadelphia Lone Star FC (USASA/UPSL)
2:1 (AET)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
Philadelphia Lone Star FC remains the last team from Philadelphia in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament after a 2-1 victory over Vereinigung Erzgebirge on Sunday.
After regulation was complete, both teams remained scoreless, with several opportunities were denied by the goalpost. As extra time commenced, Lone Star FC’s Eugene Dennis was shown a red card after a second-yellow in the 103rd minute, leaving them with 10 men.
The action intensified in the 111th minute as Lone Star’s Hassan Kone opened the scoring, shortly before Erzgebirge equalized one minute after. Lone Star then closed the game in the 116th minute, as Kanibah Kutu-Akoi made it 2-1 for his team.
With a third round victory behind them, Philadelphia Lone Star FC now has their eyes on their fourth round qualifying matchup against Brockton FC United in November, with dates and kick-off times to be announced. (Recap by Mathias Medel)
D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League)
2:1 (AET)
Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC (USSSA/NSL)
(Match Broadcast)
Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks FC used a bit of luck and a late extra time penalty to overturn a halftime deficit and advance past Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC. Houston got on the board first via a penalty converted by winger Isaac Ortega, but in the second half the host D’Feeters swung the tide and equalized via a rare in-the-penalty-box indirect free kick plus a second half of stoppage time penalty that was converted by captain Miguel Ojeda.
“We executed the chances we had,” said D’Feeters coach Edgar Hernandez after the game.
In extra time, D’Feeters goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez saved a Houston penalty kick. The Kicks earned a penalty kick of their own in the 102nd minute. Miguel Ojeda converted from the spot and the hosts were in front and in control. With tensions rising late in extra time, D’Feeters defender Paul Gorish was sent off in the 114th minute for a blatant post-foul push that also resulted in a yellow card for Houston’s bench. Ultimately, it turned out to be inconsequential as D’Feeters were able to see the game out and advance to the next round of qualifying. (Read a full recap with video highlights by Adam Uthe HERE)
IASC Boom (USASA/Rochester District Soccer League)
1:1
FC Maritsa (USASA/Metro East Football Association)
FC Maritsa advances 5-4 in penalty kicks
(Match Broadcast)
A 1,500-mile trip, some biting wind, and a valiant display from the home side was not enough to stop FC Maritsa from earning a win on penalties against IASC Boom on Sunday night in Rochester, N.Y.
The side from St. Louis woke up in the early hours of the morning to start their travels to the Empire State. Despite a lengthy flight that included a stop in Atlanta, the well-traveled amateur side played well. FC Maritsa managed to hold IASC Boom, an amalgamation of the Roc City Boom (UPSL) and a long-standing community team called Italian American Sports Club, to a 1-1 draw. FC Maritsa’s Vadim Cojocov gave the visitors a lead in the 64th minute, but it was second half sub Ali Shawish who came to the rescue for IASC Boom, scoring the equalizer in second half stoppage time.
After a scoreless extra time, FC Maritsa player/coach Lucas Almeida buried the winning penalty to seal Maritsa’s advance to the next round of 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying. (Read a full recap of the match by Brendan Doherty here)
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)
0:2 (AET)
Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)
Round three of the 2022 edition of the USOC qualifying tournament in the Northeast region saw Oyster Bay United FC defeat three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2-0 in an overtime thriller. Davidson Marseille and Jeison Solano provided the goals in extra time to give Oyster Bay their second straight qualifying win over a team with multiple US Open Cup titles on its resume. Last round, they knocked off four-time champion New York Greek American SC.
The opening 90 minutes of play saw both teams keep the clean sheet, with little opportunities to open the scoring. This, however, changed in the closing moments of the first period of extra time, as Marseille broke the deadlock off of a well-placed shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.
In the closing 15 minutes of play, New York struggled to create opportunities and equalize the game. Their chances of extending the game to penalties came to an end when Solano doubled his team’s lead on an open net in the 123rd minute.
With their 2-0 victory, United FC looks to punch their ticket into the 107th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as they now focus on the next qualifying round in November, where they will face Westchester FC in New York. (Recap by Mathias Medel) (Read a full recap of the match by Michael Battista here)
