Major League Soccer teams have joined the 2022 US Open Cup with 17 teams entering the competition this week. The remaining eight US-based MLS teams will join the tournament in Round 4.
Twenty-nine lower division professional teams (15 USL Championship, 8 USL League One, 4 NISA, 2 MLS Next Pro) survived Round 2 along with two amateur teams (FC Motown of NPSL; North Carolina Fusion U-23s of USL League Two).
There are a number of juicy matchups, including Landon Donovan’s return to Los Angeles, Wilmer Cabrera’s return to Houston, a pair of rivalry matches in Florida, the first Columbus (Ohio) vs. Detroit (Michigan) matchup in decades, and New Mexico United and Phoenix Rising add another chapter outside of the USL Championship.
All games this round, and the rest of the tournament, will be broadcasted on the ESPN+ subscription service.
As always, TheCup.us will have reporters at every game and will be providing in-game updates on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and as we have done for more than a decade, the hashtag we recommend is #USOC2022.
Below you will find a brief preview of all 24 of this week’s games with links to each broadcast:
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Flower City Union (NISA) vs D.C. United (MLS)
Rochester Community Sports Complex – Rochester, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
There was once a time when D.C. United could almost be penciled for a spot in the Semifinals at the start of any Open Cup they entered. Nine out of their first 14 Cup appearances from 1996-2013 saw the club finish as a semifinalist of better. Since 2014, D.C. have fallen on hard times in Cup play, failing to advance past their second game in their last six appearances.
While this is Flower City’s first Open Cup tournament, D.C. United is well acquainted with clubs from Rochester in the Open Cup. Starting in the 1996 Final, D.C. has faced the Rochester Rhinos (now Rochester New York FC of MLS Next Pro) a total of five times. United won the first four encounters (1996 (3-0), 2000 (3-0), 2008 (2-0), 2009 (2-1)) before the Rhinos came out on top 1-0 in the Fourth Round for the 2014 competition. This will also mark the second trip to Rochester in Open Cup play for United since that 2014 loss.
Flower City earned their spot in the Third Round with a 1-0 extra time win over the Western Mass Pioneers of USL League Two on a goal from Oukas Fernandes in the 93rd minute.. It was the first ever Open Cup victory by a club from NISA (until Bay Cities FC became the second later that night, and California United Strikers and Chattanooga FC joined them the following day).
D.C. United got off to a good start to the MLS season, winning its first two games against Charlotte FC (3-0 and FC Cincinnati (1-0). After that they have lost four straight, the streak being extended this past weekend with a 3-2 loss to Austin FC where Austin scored three goals in the final ten minutes, including the winner in the 90th minute. Ola Kamara leads the team with four goals scored.
Flower City have had a rough start to their debut NISA season, losing all three of their games, scoring just once while allowing 10 goals. AC Syracuse Pulse agreed to postpone their NISA game with Flower City scheduled for this past weekend, allowing their Rochester rivals to be well rested for their Open Cup game.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Flower City Union (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
D.C. United (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-14-7
Away: 9-9-2
vs. Division 3: 9-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: US Open Cup Champions (1996, 2008, 2013)
Miami FC (USL Championship) vs Inter Miami CF (MLS)
FIU Stadium – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
In 2017 as a professional club in the NASL, Miami FC defeated two Major League Soccer clubs (Atlanta United 3-2 at home & Orlando City 3-1 away) to earn a Quarterfinal date with an even bigger Cinderella story, the red hot FC Cincinnati of the USL. FC Cincinnati had knocked off two MLS clubs themselves (Columbus & Chicago), with the latter being nationally televised on ESPN in front of 33,287 fans in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati prevailed 1-0 over Miami, earning a spot in the semifinals. 2017 was the only time Miami FC faced a team from MLS, as the following year the NASL suspended operations and Miami FC transferred its remaining players to its NPSL team. In 11 Open Cup games, Miami FC has yet to play a game outside of Florida. In fact, the only Open Cup game Miami FC has played outside of the Miami metro area was their win at Orlando City SC in 2017.
To reach the Third Round, Miami FC beat the NPSL’s Miami United FC 3-0. Goals from Adonijah Reid (30th minute) and Romeo Parker (82nd minute) added onto a 12th minute Kyle Murphy penalty.
Inter Miami have gotten off to a dismal start in the 2022 MLS season. After a season opening 0-0 draw with Chicago, the club lost their next four games in a row. They broke the streak with a 3-2 upset win over 2021 MLS Supporter Shield winners New England Revolution. Miami added to that with a 1-0 away win over Seattle this past weekend. Leonardo Campana leads the team with four goals scored.
Miami FC’s start in the 2022 USL Championship has been a little bit better. Miami is currently 3-2-1 in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, and riding a two game win streak over Hartford (2-0) and Tampa Bay (1-0). Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow is tied for second in the league with three clean sheets.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Miami FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-4-0
Home: 5-4-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 2-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2017)
Inter Miami CF (Major League Soccer)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
FC Cincinnati (MLS) vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Cincinnati’s Open Cup history actually goes all the way back to the 1931 tournament, when teams from the Queen City began entering the Ohio district’s qualifying rounds. The teams didn’t find much success and by the end of the 1930’s the city went dormant in Open Cup play until the early 1970s. Western Pennsylvania has been part of the Open Cup from its beginning in 1914, when Braddock FC dropped a 3-2 extra time game to Bethlehem Steel on Dec. 6, 1913. Three teams from Western Penn. have won the Open Cup: Harmarville Hurricanes (1952, 1956), Gallatin (1942), and Morgan-Strasser (1949).
The Riverhounds have met FC CIncinnati once before in the Open Cup, back when Cincy was a USL club. In the 2018 Third Round, Pittsburgh lost to Cincinnati 3-1 at the Riverhounds’ Highmark Stadium.
FC Cincinnati of course had their famous Open Cup run in 2017 as a USL club, reaching the semifinals and drawing crowds over 30,000 to three of the games they hosted that year. In fact, three of the top six attended Open Cup games in history are games hosted by FC Cincinnati. The game that put them on center stage was their epic Fifth Round contest with the Chicago Fire, which was televised live on ESPN. After a 0-0 draw Cincinnati advanced on penalty kicks, and went on to push the New York Red Bulls to extra time before losing 3-2 in the semifinals.
In the Third Round, the Riverhounds used a pair of Toby Sims goals on either side of halftime to get past the Maryland Bobcats of NISA 2-0. FC Cincinnati have won their opening match in each of the four tournaments they have been involved in, although their last appearance in 2019 ended in an upset road loss to Saint Louis FC in the Fifth Round. One thing in Cincinnati’s favor is the Riverhounds road record in the Open Cup, which is a dismal 3-11-2. Pittsburgh’s last road win was in 2018 (2-1 over Erie Commodores), but prior to that they had lost seven road games in a row.
The ‘Hounds record against MLS teams isn’t not much better, 1-5-0 with their only win being their very first Open Cup game with MLS opposition, a 2-0 home win against the Colorado Rapids in the 2001 Second Round.
After finishing the 2021 season with a 4-22-8 record, FC Cincinnati’s 2-4-1 start to the new season could be seen as progress, though they are in the middle of a three game-winless streak (0-2-1). Brandon Vasquez leads the team with five goals scored, which is tied for tops in the league with four other players.
The Riverhounds are in good shape in the USL Championship, sitting second in the Eastern Conference at 4-1-1, winners of three of their last five. Dane Kelly and Alberrt Dikwa each have four goals, putting them in the top five in USL-C.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
FC Cincinnati (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-3-2 (1-1 in Major League Soccer)
Home: 6-1-2 (1-0 in Major League Soccer)
vs. Division 2: 4-2-0 (1-1 in Major League Soccer)
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)
18th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-15-3 (1-2 PKs)
Away: 3-11-2 (0-2 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 1-3-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)
Detroit City FC (USL Championship) vs Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
The first known meeting between the cities of Detroit and Columbus in US Open Cup play came in 1977 in the First Round. Detroit’s Macedonian FC Vardar traveled to Columbus to face Macedonian SC, and came away as 4-2 victors. Vardar would be halted in the next round by Cleveland’s Karadjordje by the same score. The only time the Crew has faced a team from Michigan was in the 2006 Third Round, when the Crew beat the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks), 4-1 in a game played in Rochester Hills, Mich.
Since its run to the 2010 Open Cup Final success has been hard for the Crew to find. In its nine tournament appearances since then, Columbus has failed to advance beyond two matches each time. Four times (2011, 2012, 2017, 2018) the Crew dropped its opening game.
Detroit City won its first Open Cup game as a professional club, defeating former league mates Michigan Stars 3-0. Matthew Lewis scored twice to add to a Connor Ruts opening goal. Maximilliano Rodriguez assisted on two goals via corner kicks. Detroit City’s previous four Open Cup appearances came as an amateur NPSL club, and during their time as a pro club with NISA, the Open Cup had been canceled.
In the early going Detroit City is showing they could make a successful move from NISA to the USL Championship, sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 3-1-2. Their one loss was the first game of the season, since then they have gone five games unbeaten.Goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher has provided three clean sheets, and former MLS player Antoine Hoppenot leads the team with three goals.
Columbus got off to a good start with two wins and a draw in their first three games, but since then they are mired in a four game winless streak (1 draw, 3 losses) in which the Crew have failed to score in the last three games.. Lucas Zelarayan’s four goals lead the team.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Columbus Crew (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 23-16-3
Away: 7-9-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 8-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2002)
Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-2-4 (2-2 PKs)
Home: 1-0-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2016, 2018)
Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship) vs South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One)
Preston Goldfarb Field (Birmingham-Southern Col.) – Birmingham, AL
8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
South Georgia wound up playing their Third Round game at the Charleston Battery at 11 a.m. on April 7 after the game was pushed back a day due to inclement weather. In addition there were zero fans in attendance due to stadium damage caused by a previous storm. The Tormenta took advantage of the reduced home field advantage to pull off a 1-0 surprise on the strength of Athur Bosua’s 61st minute goal. The loss snapped a pair of massive streaks for the Battery. Charleston’s 14-game opening round win streak came to an end (second-longest streak of the Modern Era), along with the club’s nine-game home unbeaten streak.
Birmingham handled the NPSL’s Southern States SC Stars pretty easily in their 3-1 Third Round win. Prosper Kasim, Bruno Lapa and Marlon gave the Legion a 3-0 lead in the second half before Southern States pulled back a consolation goal. Birmingham outshot their amateur opponent 22-8.
Neither team has much Open Cup history heading into the contest. Prior to 2022, South Georgia’s lone Open Cup game was a 1-0 loss to leaguemates Greenville Triumph in the 2019 Second Round. Birmingham’s only other Open Cup appearance was in the same year, a 4-1 home win over West Chester United (then an Open Division Local qualifier), followed by a 1-0 elimination at Louisville City FC.
Birmingham have struggled to get going, currently 1-3-2 in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. The club has scored just four goals in six games, spread out among four different players.
South Georgia have played just two games in the USL League One season thus far. They opened with a 1-0 loss to North Carolina FC, followed by a 0-0 draw with Union Omaha.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Division 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022)
Chicago Fire FC (Major League Soccer) vs Union Omaha (USL League One)
Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
The Chicago Fire are a single team Open Cup record book. Four championships, two other finals appearances, seven runs to the semifinals. The only time the Fire has gone more than one tournament without reaching the semis was between 2007-2010. This has led the Fire to 13 semifinal appearances, the most in the 107-year history of the Open Cup.
The last Open Cup game played at Soldier Field was the 2000 Open Cup Final, when the Fire defeated the Miami Fusion 2-1 on a Hristo Stoichkov first half score and an 88th minute own goal by Miami’s Tyrone Marshall. Chicago’s home Open Cup unbeaten streak sits at nine games, tied for second among active streaks with Sporting Kansas City, and two behind Philadelphia Union (11). They are tied with Seattle for the longest ever Modern Era home winning streak at 19. The Fire’s all-time home record in the tournament is an impressive 26-1-2 (1-1 PKs) with their only outright home loss coming in the 2013 Semifinals, a 2-0 loss to D.C. United.
The Fire also have the most Open Cup wins in the modern era, checking in with 42 victories, three ahead of Rochester New York FC of MLS Next Pro (formerly Rochester Rhinos). Chicago’s record against Division 3 teams in the Open Cup site at 11-1-1, and the last time they were eliminated by a team from that level was in the 2010 Third Round by the Charleston Battery on penalties after a scoreless draw at home. Their only outright loss to a D-3 club was in 2009, a 1-0 road defeat to the Wilmington Hammerheads.
The Fire’s last Open Cup appearance ended on a down note however, a 2-1 road loss to Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship in 2019.
On the other hand, the Fire’s USL League One opponents Union Omaha have an Open Cup history that stretches…to two weeks ago. Union made their Open Cup debut against the Des Moines Menace, and dispatched the stubborn USL League Two side 2-1. John Scearce got Union level after an early Menace goal, and eventually won the game on an 81st minute own goal.
Union Omaha has two draws to its credit in its first two USL League One games, a 2-2 draw with Forward Madison followed by a scoreless tie with South Georgia Tormenta.
After a disappointing 2021 season the Chicago Fire are off to a decent start in 2022 at 2-1-4, although all four draws have been scoreless. The Fire have just five goals over seven games, so Gabriel Slonina’s five clean sheets have been much needed.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Chicago Fire (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 42-16-6 (4-2 PKs)
Home: 26-1-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 11-1-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006)
Union Omaha (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
FC Dallas (MLS) vs FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
Toyota Stadium – Frisco, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
The two-time Open Cup champs FC Dallas have quietly built up an impressive resume over their previous 22 appearances. Dallas have lifted the trophy twice (1997, 2016) but they have been a model of consistency by reaching at least the Quarterfinals in 16 of the club’s 22 appearances. Their 16 Quarterfinal appearances are only second all-time to the 17 held by St. Louis powerhouse Kutis SC.
The two clubs met back in the 2017 Fourth Round when FC Tulsa was known as the Tulsa Roughnecks. Current Nashville SC assistant coach Kosuke Kimura tied the game at 1-1 for Tulsa in the second half after Coy Craft’s first half goal gave Dallas the lead. FC Dallas won the game in stoppage time on a Modou Jadama (now with Hartford Athletic) own goal. This will mark the fifth time in the last six tournaments FC Dallas has hosted a team from Oklahoma. The other three times the visitors were the Oklahoma City Energy, all Fourth Round matches that FC Dallas won. FC Dallas has not lost an opening game in the Cup since their 2-0 loss in the Third Round against the Charlotte Eagles in 2012.
FC Tulsa snapped their four game Open Cup winless streak in the Second Round by winning the Tulsa Derby against Tulsa Athletic of the NPSL. Brian Brown and Ronald Gomez gave Tulsa an early 2-0 lead that held through most of the game, until Athletic cut the lead in half with fifteen minutes remaining.
FC Dallas are looking to rebound from a 7-15-12 finish in 2021, and are getting off to a good start in 2022. The club is 3-1-3 thus far and are on a five game unbeaten streak (3 wins, 2 draws). Jesus Ferreira leads the team with 5 goals and Brandon Servania has provided three assists.
FC Tulsa are currently 3-4-0 in the USL Championship Western Conference. Tulsa is one of the top scoring teams in the league with 12, but they have allowed 13 goals. J.J. Williams leads the scoring charge for Tulsa with 4 goals.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
FC Dallas (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-19-6 (5-1 PKs)
Home: 21-7-3 (5-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 19-2-2 (2-0 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (1997, 2016)
FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Away: 0-4-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) vs Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL Championship)
PNC Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
The Toros and Dynamo have had a rather unique relationship as Open Cup opponents. From 2016 to 2020 the Toros served as a “hybrid affiliate” of Houston, meaning the Dynamo were responsible for handling the soccer duties of the club (selecting players & coaches), while the ownership group (Lone Star) took care of the day-to-day operations of the club. As a result, the Toros were not eligible to the Open Cup during that time since the team were using players solely under contract with the Dynamo. In December 2020 the club parted ways with Houston, becoming an independent team, thus becoming eligible to play in the Open Cup.
The Toros do have one other connection with Houston. Their head coach, Wilmer Cabrera, led Houston to its only Open Cup championship in 2018, the first time a team from South Texas has won the Open Cup. Cabrera was in charge of the dynamo from 2016-2019. Cabrera was brought on by Rio Grande this season as their new manager.
Houston has quite a remarkable home field record in the Open Cup, having played 20 of their 30 cup games at home. 13 of their last 16 Cup games have been at BBVA Compass Stadium, including the last eight games. Their entire championship run (5 games) in 2018 was played at BBVA. Houston has lost a Cup game to a non-MLS opponent since their 1-0 road loss to the San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL in the 2012 Third Round.
Rio Grande Valley started their Open Cup history with their Second Round victory over North Carolina FC of the USL League One. After falling behind 1-0, Frank Garcia and Frank Chaves scored second half goals to lift the Toros to a 2-1 win.
In their first season as an independent club, Rio Grande Valley have bookended wins around a four game losing streak, which they snapped with a 1-0 victory over New York Red Bulls II this past weekend. Frank Lopez has four of the club’s five goals scored this season.
Houston are currently 3-1-3 and in the middle of a five-game unbeaten streak (3 wins, 2 draws). Darwin Quintero leads the team with four goals. Quintero was the goalscoring champion from the 2019 US Opene Cup with Minnesota United, netting a Modern Era-record tying six goals.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Houston Dynamo (MLS)
14th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 17-11-2 (1-1 PKs)
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 5-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2018)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
FC Tucson (USL League One) vs California United Strikers FC (NISA)
Kino North Stadium – Tucson, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
FC Tucson are looking to advance past their second tournament game for the first time since their Open Cup debut in 2013 when they reached the Third Round. 2013 was also the only other time Tucson has played multiple professional clubs in the same tournament. Opening with a 2-1 win over Phoenix FC (USL Pro, Division 3), Tucson then knocked off San Antonio Scorpions (NASL, Division 2) on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Their run ended with a loss to the Houston Dynamo of MLS 2-0.
With their first five Cup appearances coming as an amateur club in the PDL (USL League Two), Tucson played their first ever Open Cup game as a professional club in the Second Round, knocking off the Las Vegas Lights of the USL Championship 3-2. Jake Crull and Tyler Adams scored before and after a Las Vegas own goal, and held off a late Vegas rally for the win.
California United Strikers FC made their Open Cup debut in the Second Round with a resounding 5-0 win over San Fernando Valley FC of the UPSL. The star of the show was 15-year old Marcus Lee, who scored the opening goal in the 4th minute and assisted on another. Lee has his very own supporters group from the high school he attends, and is believed to be the youngest player to score an Open Cup goal in the Modern Era. Lee fell just short of being named TheCup.us Player of the Round.
Just two games into their USL League One season, FC Tucson opened with a 4-0 loss to Richmond, but rebounded to draw Forward Madison 1-1 this past weekend.
California United Strikers are unbeaten three games into the 2022 NISA season. They started with a pair of scoreless draws versus Bay Cities and Valley United, and got their first win, and goals, against Los Angeles Force this past weekend with a 2-0 victory.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
FC Tucson (USL League One)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 5-2-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2013 … as USL-2 team)
California United Strikers FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer) vs Bay Cities FC (NISA)
PayPal Park – San Jose, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Bay Cities has the unique distinction of playing at the same venue two rounds in a row as both the home and visiting team. For their Second Round match with Monterey Bay FC, neither team put in a bid to host, so the match was held at the Earthquakes’ PayPal Park, with Bay Cities designated as the home team. This time around they play as the visitors against the normal tenant’s acting as hosts.
The Earthquakes are on a four game home Open Cup winning streak that goes back to 2017. The club has had limited success in their 16 previous Cup appearances, having reached the Quarterfinals nine times but only advancing to the Semifinals twice (2004 & 2017). The Earthquakes only have had five games against division 3 opponents, going 2-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), and perhaps the most notable of those was in 1997, when the upstart San Francisco Bay Seals of the D3 Pro League pulled off a 2-1 upset.
In the Second Round, Bay Cities FC had the most dramatic win thus far in this year’s tournament. Holding a 1-0 lead on a Rei Dorwhat goal midway through the second half, Monterey Bay FC scored with three minutes remaining to tie the game at 1-1. In stoppage time Edson Cardona took advantage of a defensive miscue to score the dramatic winner.
In the very early stages of their 2022 NISA season, Bay Cities sit at 0-1-2, with two scoreless draws and a 2-0 loss to Valley United FC, and should be well rested as they had this past weekend off in league play.
The Earthquakes could not have envisioned a worse start to 2022, sitting dead last in the Western Conference at 0-4-3 and the only team in the league without a win. The Quakes will enter the Open Cup with a brand new man in charge, as the club announced they are moving on from manager Matias Almeyda.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-12-7 (3-4 PKs)
Home: 8-5-2 (1-1 PKs)
Division 3: 2-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Semifinals (2004, 2017)
Bay Cities FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Los Angeles Galaxy (Major League Soccer) vs San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
LA Galaxy legend Landon Donovan returns to his old stomping grounds, this time on the opposite sideline as manager of the San Diego Loyal. Donovan scored five goals for the Galaxy in Open Cup play, all in 2005 & 2006 when the club reached the Final both years, winning in 2005.
It’s been 16 years since the Galaxy’s back-to-back Finals appearances, and since then they’ve struggled to find consistent success. 2007 through 2014 saw a string of tournaments the Galaxy did not qualify for or were eliminated after just two games. 2015 saw a return to the Quarterfinals followed by a Semifinal (2016) and another Quarterfinal (2017). The last two tournaments the Galaxy were stopped by the Portland Timbers each time.
The Galaxy have faced San Diego opponents twice in their history. LA defeated the San Diego Flash of the A-League 3-2 in 1999 and 2-0 in 2000, both times at San Diego and in the Fourth Round.
The Galaxy have a four game home winning streak stretching back to 2017. They have also lost just three home Open Cup matches all time, and haven’t lost to a Division 2 opponent since 2013, when they fell in the Third Round to the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL.
San Diego Loyal won their debut Cup contest in the Second Round against NISA’s ALBION San Diego 2-1. Evan Conway gave the Loyal a 1-0 lead just before halftime , and Taylor Crull scored the game winner in the 89th minute.
The Galaxy are off to a good start in the 2022 MLS season, currently 4-2-1, and recently beating rivals Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the “El Trafico” derby. Chicarito is among the league’s leading goal scorers with five this season. Raheem Edwards leads the team with five assists.
San Diego are riding high in the USL Championship, on top on the Western Conference at 5-2-1, and are the highest scoring team in the league with 18 goals, six more than the next closest team. Kyle Vassell leads the attack with five goals, and nine other players have added their name on the scoresheet this season.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 32-17-1 (1-0mPKs)
Home: 23-3-0
Division 2: 10-4-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2001, 2005)
San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro) vs FC Motown (NPSL)
Monroe Community College – Rochester, NY
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
FC Motown has already had quite a ride despite only playing two rounds in this years tournament. Their First Round game with West Chester United was replayed when Motown’s protest of an improper substitution was upheld. Motown then won the replay on a Ryan Peterson goal in the 90th minute.
Before the replay the team was dealt an emotional blow when Sinclair Tueno was struck by a car, leaving him in a coma. Motown then pulled off an upset in the Second Round over AC Syracuse Pulse of NISA, taking the game to extra time where Federico De Olivera scored the eventual game winning goal in the 95th minute. FC Motown are one of two teams to advance from the First Round of this year’s tournament.
The Rochester Rhinos had been on hiatus since 2018 due to financial difficulties, finally returning to play this season in MLS Next Pro under new ownership and a new name: Rochester New York FC. Rochester are the only independent club in the league, and if they remain they’ll stay eligible to enter future Open Cup tournaments. In their 23 Open Cup appearances, RNYFC has played a remarkable 45 of their 63 Open Cup games at home, where they hold a 33-8-4 record. The club’s 39 Modern Era Open Cup win ranks only second behind the Chicago Fire with 42. For the last sixteen times Rochester had played in the Open Cup, they have advanced to face an MLS club, a streak that runs back to 2002.
The club has never lost to an amateur side in 19 Open Cup games, adding to that record with a 1-0 win over Lansdowne Yonkers in the Second Round. Girban Rayo’s goal in first half stoppage time was enough for Rochester to see off the amateurs. The clubs faced off in 2017 Second Round when FC Motown was a USASA club, with Rochester coming away 3-0 winners.
In the early MLS Next Pro season, Rochester is near the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 0-1-2, having played all three games on the road. FC Motown has yet to start its NPSL season.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 39-18-6 (3-3 PKs)
Home: 33-8-4 (2-2 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 19-0-0
Best finish: Champions (1999)
FC Motown (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
NOTE: Merged with Clarkstown SC Eagles after 2017 season, which had 2 appearances in 2016 and 2017)
Overall: 4-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Away:
vs. Division 3: 3-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2017, 2018, 2022)
Richmond Kickers (USL League One) vs North Carolina Fusion U23 (USL League Two)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
North Carolina Fusion U-23s are one of two teams (FC Motown the other) that have advanced from this years First Round. In the Second Round the Fusion upset Charlotte Independence of USL League One 4-2. Goals from Luis Neto and Joao Silva kept the Fusion level with Charlotte at 2-2. Tom Marriot’s 88th minute goal have NCF the late lead and William Lorentz put the game away deep into stoppage time. Richmond won their Second Round game 1-0 over Northern Virginia FC at home. The lone goal was netted by David Olden, his first goal in over four years while away from the game battling injuries.
The Fusion, who qualified as South Atlantic Division champions and USL League Two runner-up, have a rich history dating back to 1993 when they were founded as the Carolina Dynamo. The Fusion made their Open Cup debut in 1996. The club made five appearances as a Division 3 pro team before joining USL League Two (then known as the PDL) in 2004.
The Kickers and Fusion met in Open Cup play once before. In the 2006 Second Round, the Fusion (then as the Carolina Dynamo) pulled off a 1-0 upset over the Kickers. This was followed by a 3-2 extra time upset of the Seattle Sounders of USL-1. The run ended in the Fourth Round with a 4-2 loss at the Houston Dynamo, ending the teams best-ever Open Cup run.
The Kickers have been involved in the Open Cup since 1995, winning that year’s tournament as an amateur club. Their most recent deep run came in 2011 when they knocked off two MLS clubs (Columbus & Kansas City) to reach the semifinals, where they lost to the Chicago Fire 2-1. Over the years Richmond has jumped between second and third level USL leagues, having spent 2017 and 2018 in the USL, then moving down when USL League One was created. The Kickers are 13-2-1 (1-0 PKs) against amateur opponents, their last loss coming in 2017 when they were upset 1-0 by amateur side Christos FC.
Early on in the USL League One season, Richmond are 1-1-1. The Kickers opened with a resounding 4-0 win over FC Tucson, then cooled off with a 1-1 draw versus Northern Colorado, then a 1-0 loss to Charlotte this past weekend. North Carolina Fusion U-23s have yet to begin its USL League Two season.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 32-19-4 (2-2 PKs)
Home: 25-7-1 (1-0 PKs)
Amateurs: 14-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions
North Carolina Fusion U23 (USL League Two)
13th US Open Cup appearance (8th as USL-2 team)
Overall: 13-12-1 (1-0 PKs) | 8-7-1 (1-0 PKs) as USL-2
Home: 3-9-0 | 1-4-0 as USL-2
vs. Division 3: 3-2-0 | 3-2-0 as USL-2
Best finish: Fourth Round (2006)
Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) vs New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Dillon Stadium – Hartford, CT
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
The New York Red Bulls have a bit of a split personality in their Open Cup history. As the Metrostars, the club reached the Semifinals four times, making a championship game appearance in 2003 (1-0 loss to Chicago Fire). When the team changed its name to Red Bulls, it went nine years without advancing past a second game, going 3-7-0 in that span. A blip of success came in 2015 with a Quarterfinal appearance, then a trip to the Final in 2017. In the two tournaments after that disappointment returned with early exits each time at the hands of MLS clubs.
Not only is this the Red Bulls first ever Open Cup trip to Connecticut, it’s alsol as the first time NYRB has played a team from the state in the Open Cup. The Red Bulls record against division 2 opponents is 7-5, although most of the losses came in the Metrostars era.
Hartford Athletic’s Open Cup history is limited to the 2019 tournament, beating NY Cosmos B 2-1 before falling to leaguemates Memphis 901 FC 4-0 in the Third Round. Dillon Stadium has been a venue for the Open Cup dating back 64 years. The first known Open Cup game at Dillon was on Nov. 16, 1958, as Hartford’s Italian American Stars won 2-0 over KS Ogniwo. This was followed on Dec. 7, 1958 with a 5-4 extra time win by the Stars over Boston Italia. The Stars fell 3-2 in the following round to eventual runners-up Fall River SC.
Hartford Athletic are off to a bad start to the USL Championship season, sitting last in the Eastern Conference at 0-4-1, the only team in the league without a win. Hartford are on a four-game losing streak, which was extended this past weekend with a 2-0 loss to Miami FC.
The Red Bulls are off to a 3-2-2 start in the 2022 MLS season. Lewis Morgan leads the way with three goals, and Frankie Amaya and Patryk Klimala have provided three assists each thus far.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer)
US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-20-3 (2-1 PKs)
Away: 11-13-1 (0-1 PKs)
Division 2: 7-5-0
Best finish: Final (2017)
Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019)
Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One) vs Charlotte Football Club (MLS)
Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College – Greenville, SC
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
Greenville just barely has more Open Cup experience than Charlotte, having played two games in the 2019 tournament, a 1-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta of USL-1, and a 2-1 loss to the Charleston Battery.
In the Second Round, Greenville hosted the Oakland Roots of the USL Championship, and came away as 2-0 victors, despite being outshot 17-9. Jake Keegan gave the Triumph a 1-0 first half lead, and Don Smart got the clincher in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.
After dropping their first three games, Charlotte has turned around a bit, winning three of their last five, but are coming off a 2-1 loss to New England this past weekend. Karol Swiderski leads the new club with four goals, and Benjamin Bender is tops on the team with three assists.
Greenville is 0-1-1 in the early USL League One season. They opened with a 2-0 loss to Northern Colorado, then followed up with a 1-1 draw with North Carolina FC this past weekend.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019)
Charlotte FC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Orlando City SC (Major League Soccer) vs Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
Exploria Stadium – Orlando, FL
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
Tampa Bay had no trouble in the Second Round, rolling past The Villages SC (USL League Two), 6-0. Lucky Mkosana led the way with two goals, while Jordan Scarlett, Kyle Greig, Jake LaCava and Laurence Wyke added a goal each. The 6-0 win was the largest in the Rowdies’ Open Cup history, and extended their home winning streak in the tournament to five.
Orlando City started in 2009 in USL First Division (Div. 2 pro) as the Austin Aztex, where they reached the Third Round in 2009 and 2010. Success followed them in their move to Orlando, with the peak being a 2013 run to the Quarterfinals, knocking off two MLS clubs (Colorado & Sporting KC) along the way. In 2015, the club moved up to MLS, adding to their resume a pair of Quarterfinal runs (2015 & 2018), and a Semifinal spot in 2019 where they fell to Atlanta United 2-0.
Orlando and Tampa Bay met in the Cup in the 2014 Third Round, when Orlando was in USL Pro and Tampa Bay was a part of the NASL. The Columbus Crew’s Kevin Molino scored twice for Orlando City in their 4-1 win over the Rowdies.
The Rowdies are only 1-3 against MLS teams, but that single win was huge. The Rowdies’ 1-0 upset of the Seattle Sounders in 2013 ended Seattle’s chances of becoming the first club in tournament history to four-peat, and snapped the club’s all-time record 22-game unbeaten streak. Tampa also has the second-longest road losing streak in the Modern Era, dropping their last seven road Cup games.
Orlando City are near the top of the Eastern Conference in MLS at 4-2-2, and have a two-game win streak following their 2-1 victory over Columbus this past weekend. Junior Urso leads the Orlando attack with three goals and two assists. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has recorded five clean sheets in seven starts.
The Rowdies have lost just once in their first seven games, sitting third in the USL Championship Eastern Conference at 3-1-3. Jake LaCava leads the team with three goals, and goalkeeper CJ Cochran has three clean sheets in his six games.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Orlando City SC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance | 6th in Major League Soccer
Overall: 17-11-3 (3-0 PKs) | 5-5-3 (3-0 PKs) in Major League Soccer
Home: 11-4-1 (1-0 PKs) | 2-3-1 (1-0 PKs) in Major League Soccer
vs. Division 2: 3-2-0 | 2-2-0 in Major League Soccer
Best finish: Semifinals (2019)
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-9-0
Home: 3-8-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 1-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)
Forward Madison FC (USL League One) vs Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI
7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Tim Abbott / Chuck Nolan Jr.
The Battle of the Birds sees Minnesota United make the short trip southeast to face a Forward side who dispatched NPSL side Cleveland SC 3-0 in the previous round.
Forward Madison are taking part in the US Open Cup for the second time after making a splash in their 2019 debut. Madison picked up a 2-0 road win over Bavarian SC in the club’s first-ever USOC game before traveling south to blank El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) 3-0 to earn the Division 3 pro $25,000 prize money. Their run would end with a 3-1 road loss at Saint Louis FC (USL Championship).
Minnesota began as the Minnesota Stars in the USSF Division 2 in 2010 before joining the NASL the following year. The club’s only highlight during its NASL era was a 3-1 road upset of Real Salt Lake (MLS) in 2012. They joined MLS as Minnesota United FC in 2017 and after a pair of short-lived runs, United became the first team from the North Star State to reach the Final, falling to Atlanta United, 2-1
The state of Minnesota’s Open Cup history goes back deep into the roots of the current side and is highlighted by a Semifinal berth by Minnesota Thunder.
The match already marks the furthest that a Wisconsin side has made it in the Modern Era, although amateur powerhouse Bavarian United made the Round of 16 every year between 1972 and 1975, Croatian Eagles made the same round in 1943, 1944 and 1945 and Falk Field Club in 1944. However, all of those clubs are Milwaukee-based and the pedigree is not as deep in Madison.
From 1988-1991 the Madson 56ers rose to prominence, representing Wisconsin all four years in the tournament proper. In 1991, the 56ers reached the Quarterfinals where they lost to Chicago’s RWB Adria on penalties after a 4-4 draw.
Minnesota’s first entry in the Open Cup game in the 1958 tournament, when the Minneapolis Tigers were the only entry from the state. The Tigers lost to Milwaukee’s Serbian SC 2-1 in extra time, and in the following years the Minnesota entry would play the Wisconsin winner, but failed each time to get past their neighbors to the East.
Minnesota are currently 3-2-2 in early MLS play, having snapped a two game losing streak with a 3-1 win over Colorado this past weekend. Their eight goals have been spread out among six players, with Luis Amarilla and Robin Lod leading the way with two apiece.
Forward Madison has played to a draw in all three of their USL League One games. A 1-1 draw with Chattanooga was followed by a 2-2 tie with Union Omaha. This past weekend saw another 1-1 draw, this time with FC Tucson.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Forward Madison FC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019)
Minnesota United (Major League Soccer)
11th US Open Cup appearance | 4th in Major League Soccer
Overall: 9-8-2 (1-1 PKS) | 4-3-1 (1-0 PKs) in Major League Soccer
Away: 5-5-2 (1-1 PKs) | 1-3-1 (1-0 PKs) in Major League Soccer
vs. Division 3: 1-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | 0-0 in Major League Soccer
Best finish: Final (2019)
Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer) vs Chattanooga Football Club (NISA)
Fifth Third Bank Stadium – Kennesaw, GA
7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Tim Abbott
Defending champions Atlanta United enter this year’s competition having had to wait three years to defend their crown. They’ve played four games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium to the north of Atlanta. The first three wins were all against Charleston Battery of the USL Championship and they also beat fellow Championship side Saint Louis FC 2-0 in the Quarterfinals. Therefore, despite never having played a Division 3 professional side before, the Five Stripes enter this game undefeated against professional opponents in Cobb County.
Chattanooga have never faced an MLS side and only have two wins overall from seven US Open Cup appearances, although they have won three penalty shootouts.
They advanced to the Third Round with a win in a Tennessee tussle over USL Championship side Memphis 901.
The Third Round is the furthest they have ever advanced.
Atlanta’s first prominent team in the Open Cup was Datagraphic in the early 1980s. Datagraphic reached the Quarterfinals in 1979, and then the Semifinals in 1981. The club also won the 1979 National Amateur Cup.
Atlanta are 3-2-2 on the season in MLS so far, good for 4th place in the Eastern Conference. Their season has been up and down so far, alternating wins, losses and draws without putting any kind of streak together. Eight players have scored for Atlanta this season, with Josef Martinez leading with a pair of goals.
Chattanooga have drawn both of their matches so far this season, a scoreless draw with Valley United, and a 1-1 stalemate with the Maryland Bobcats. Chattanooga had this past weekend off from NISA play.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Atlanta United (Major League Soccer)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-2-0
Home: 5-1-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2019)
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-5-4 (3-1 PKs)
Away: 0-2-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016)
Louisville City FC (USL Championship) vs St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS Next Pro)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Louisville City have been one of the more successful USL Championship teams in recent Open Cup play. Louisville holds a 10-5-1 all-time record in the Cup, and are 7-0-1 with one win on penalties, with an ongoing eight-game home unbeaten streak, the third-longest active streak.
St. Louis CITY 2 is one of two teams (along with Rochester New York FC) from the new MLS Next Pro league to participate in this season’s Open Cup. Normally reserve teams of MLS clubs are not allowed entry into the Open Cup, but since City’s parent MLS club does not start play until the 2023 season they are able to take part in this year’s tournament.
St. Louis CITY 2 became the first MLS Next Pro team to win an Open Cup game with their 2-0 victory over Indy Eleven of the USL Championship. Ezra Armstrong gave St. Louis a first half lead, and Wan Kuzain padded the lead in the second half. Louisville had a bit tougher task with Chattanooga Red Wolves of USL League One, squeaking out a 1-0 win on a Wilson Harris goal with 15 minutes remaining.
The first confirmed team from Kentucky to enter the Open Cup was in the 1993 edition, when the Louisville Soccer Alliance fell to Milwaukee’s Bavarian SC, 2-0.
St. Louis is one of the legendary cities in Open Cup history, with 10 Open Cup championships having been won by teams from the city. Stix Baer & Fuller lead the way with three (1933-1935), followed by Kutis SC (1957, 1986) and Simpkins Ford (1948,1950) with two each. Ben Miller (1920), Scullin Steel (1922), and Busch SC (1988) each have one.
Louisville City are on top of the USL Championship Eastern Conference with a 5-0-2 record, and have a two game win streak after their 5-2 victory over Western Conference leading San Diego Loyal this past weekend. Louisville’s Wilson Harris is among the top goal scorers of the league with four, and goalkeeper Kyle Morton has a league leading five clean sheets to his credit.
St. Louis CITY 2 has yet to lose in MLS Next Pro, holding a perfect 3-0-0 record. Six players have shared in the clubs seven goals, with Akil Watts leading with two.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 7-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)
St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS Next Pro)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Division 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A
San Antonio FC (USL Championship) vs Austin FC (MLS)
Toyota Field – San Antonio, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
San Antonio have made decent runs in their short Open Cup history, twice going three rounds deep in 2016 and 2018. In those years their tournament ended at the hands of MLS teams. In 2016, that dropped a 4-0 decision to Houston, and in 2018 FC Dallas stopped their run 1-0. Five of San Antonio’s last six Open Cup games have been at Toyota Field, where they hold a 2-1-1 (1-0 PKs) record in Cup play.
Austin has been represented four times in the Open Cup in the Modern Era. The Austin Lone Stars took part from 1997-1999. From 2008-2010 the Austin Aztex (2009, 2010) and Austin Aztex U-23s (2008) saw Cup play before the Aztex moved to Orlando. Finally, a new version of the Aztex joined the PDL in 2012, qualifying twice in 2013 & 2014 before moving up to the USL and playing in the 2015 tournament. Combined, the teams had a 5-5-2 (0-2 PKs) record in the Open Cup, with only the USL Aztex facing an MLS club, a 2-0 loss to Houston in the 2015 Fourth Round. The first Modern Era team from Austin was the Austin Lone Stars who qualified as a D-3 Pro League team three straight years from 1997-1999.
Austin FC are in second place in the MLS Western Conference at 4-1-2, and are the highest scoring team in the league with 17 goals along with LAFC. They are unbeaten in the last four games, including a current two game winning streak. Sebastian Driussi leads the team with five goals, and Diego Fagundez is tops for Austin with five assists.
San Antonio is off to a flying start at 5-1-0 in the USL Championship, winning four of their last five games. Elliot Collier leads the team with 3 goals, and David Loera has two.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-3-2 (1-1 PKs)
Home: 3-1-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018)
Austin FC (Major League Soccer)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer) vs Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL1)
Rio Tinto Stadium – Sandy, UT
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Northern Colorado had the odd distinction of their debut Open Cup match also being their first-ever match as a club. Despite being outshot 25-9 by the host Colorado Springs Switchbacks, the Hailstorm pulled off the 1-0 upset in extra time on Jerry Desdunes’ goal in the 96th minute.
Real Salt Lake has just two notable Open Cup runs in their 11 previous appearances. In 2013 they reached the Final, losing 1-0 to D.C. United. Then in 2015, RSL reached the Semifinals. RSL’s last three tournaments have been “one and done” for the club, and since their 2015 Semifinal appearance, the club has not won a game outright in five attempts. On the bright side, RSL is 3-0-1 against division 3 opponents, but their overall cup record is just 9-10-2 (1-1 PKs).
The first known Utah club to participate in the Open Cup was Hellas All Stars of Salt Lake City, who fell to Maccabee AC (Los Angeles) 7-1 in the Second Round of the 1975 tournament.
Northern Colorado are 0-1-1 in USL League One so far. They opened the season with a 1-1 draw against Richmond, and this past weekend fell 2-1 to Charlotte.
RSL sit at 3-2-3 in the Western Conference of MLS. A previous three game winning streak was stopped by a loss and two draws. RSL hit a brick wall this past weekend, getting pounded by New York City FC, 6-0. RSL’s 10 goals are spread out among seven different players, with Tata Schmidt and Bobby Wood the leaders with two each.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Real Salt Lake (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-10-2 (1-1 PKs)
Home: 9-5-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 3-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Final (2013)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Major League Soccer: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship) vs New Mexico United (USL Championship)
Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass – Chandler, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Phoenix Rising has struggled in its six Open Cup appearances, holding a 5-4-2 (0-2 PKs) record, while holding a 2-4-1 (0-1 PKs) record at home. They are 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs) against teams from their own league or division.
New Mexico United’s debut Open Cup appearance in 2019 was a history-making one that ended in the Quarterfinals. On their way they defeated Phoenix Rising in the Second Round on penalties, then knocked off Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2-1 in extra time. In the Fourth Round, NMU took down their first MLS opponent, defeating the Colorado Rapids on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Up next was a 2-1 win over FC Dallas. The run came to a halt with a 6-1 loss to Minnesota United. All five of New Mexico’s Cup games have been on the road, and if they advance this year they will be visitors as well since their agreement with Isotope Park allows for only USL Championship games.
Phoenix holds a 3-2-0 advantage over New Mexico United in USL Championship play since 2019. The teams will be very familiar with each other as they played a USL Championship game at Phoenix on April 16. Phoenix came out on top 1-0, and avoided a draw in the final minute when Phoenix goalkeeper Benjamin Lundy saved a penalty kick from New Mexico’s Chris Wehan.
Phoenix had a hard time with Valley United FC (NISA) in the Second Round. Claudio Repetto broke the scoreless draw after 115 minutes to give Phoenix a 1-0 win. New Mexico United had a much easier time with their second round opponents, defeating the NPSL’s Las Vegas Legends, 5-0. Four different players scored for New Mexico, with Jerome Kiesewetter leading the way with a pair of goals.
Phoenix’s win over New Mexico this past weekend moves them to 4-2-0, while New Mexico drops to 2-1-2in the USL Championship. Phoenix now has a three game winning streak, while New Mexico has gone winless in its last three games (2 draws, 1 loss). Luis Seijas leads Phoenix in scoring with three goals, while Aodhan Quinn has added three assists. New Mexico’s scoring is lead by Nico Brett with three goals, and Harry Swartz with two.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-4-2 (0-2 PKs)
Home: 2-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014)
New Mexico United (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-2 (2-0 PKs)
Away: 2-1-2 (2-0 PKs)
Division 2: 2-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship) vs Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Sacramento are nearly unbeaten at home in the Open Cup, carrying a 13-1-0 record with an active eight-game home winning streak dating back to 2017, the longest current streak of its kind.
Sacramento has gone as deep as the Fifth Round on two occasions, in 2017 and 2018. Each time they knocked off MLS opposition, 3-1 over Real Salt Lake in 2017, and a 2-1 extra time win over Seattle in 2018. The Fuego will be the first division 3 opponents Sacramento has faced in their Open Cup history.
The Central Valley Fuego are a new team in USL League One, and if the name sounds familiar, it’s a nod to the Fresno Fuego of USL League Two fame (then PDL). The Fresno Fuego made four Open Cup appearances between 2003 and 2017.
Central Valley reached the Third Round with a 4-1 dismantling of El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship. TheCup.us Player of the Round Villyan Bijev scored twice and assisted on another. Nathan Smith and Christian Chaney had the other Fuego goals.
Sacramento had no trouble beating the Portland Timbers U-23s, 6-0 in the Second Round. Sacramento held a 6-0 lead at halftime and eased up in the second half so as not to run up the score on the youngsters.
Central Valley are 1-0-1 in USL League One. They opened the season with a 2-0 win over Greenville, and then pulled out a 3-3 draw against Charlotte when Bijev scored the tying goal in stoppage time.
Sacramento are 3-1-1 in the USL Championship, and are unbeaten in their last three games (2 wins, 1 draw). Douglas Martinez and Rodrigo Lopez share the team lead in goals scored with two apiece.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 14-5-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 13-1-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2017, 2018)
Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Los Angeles FC (Major League Soccer) vs Orange County SC (USL Championship)
Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN+
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Los Angeles FC has a long way to go to catch up to the Galaxy, but in their two Open Cup appearances so far they’re off to a good start. Their debut in 2018 saw them reach the Semifinals where they were eliminated by the Houston Dynamo on penalties after a 3-3 draw. In 2019 all three of their opponents were from MLS, and after knocking off Real Salt Lake and the San Jose Earthquakes, LAFC fell to the Portland Timbers 1-0 in the Quarterfinals. Of the seven Open Cup games LAFC has played, five have been at Banc of California Stadium, and they have a 4-1 record there.
LAFC also has a historical hill to climb to reach the heights set by the Open Cup champions of Los Angeles. Leading the way is Maccabee AC with five Championships (1973, 1975, 1977, 1978 & 1981), tied with Bethlehem Steel and Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers for the most Open Cup titles in history. Other LA winners include the Los Angeles Galaxy (2001, 2005), Los Angeles Kickers (1958, 1964), and McIlvaine Canvasbacks (1959)
Orange County has yet to defeat an MLS club in the Open Cup, losing all three games. Their last MLS opponent was the LA Galaxy in the 2017 Fourth Round, which ended 3-1 in favor of the Galaxy. All of Orange County’s 15 Open Cup games have been played against teams from California.
Orange County got to the Third Round with a convincing 5-2 win over LA Force of NISA. Five different players scored for OCSC.
Orange County are in the bottom half of the Western Conference in the USL Championship at 1-2-2, going three games without a win (2 draws, 1 loss). Milan Iloski and Sean Okoli have four of the team’s five goals, each with two.
Los Angeles FC are off to a great start at 5-1-1, winning four of their last five, good for first place in the Western Conference. The LAFC’s 17 goals are tied with Austin FC for most in the league. Carlos Vela leads the team with four goals, with the other 13 spread out among nine other players.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Los Angeles FC (Major League Soccer)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-1-1
Home: 4-1-0
vs. Division 2: 2-0-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)
Orange County SC (USL Championship)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-7-2 (0-2 PKs)
Away: 3-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)