After a first round that saw the final game go all the way to 10 rounds of penalty kicks, we’re finally ready to get started with all of the lower division professional teams joining the competition. Even though one match was deemed a forfeit after Rochester NY FC folded before the season started, there are still have 29 matches over the next week to get through to decide who will join 18 lower seeded MLS sides in the Third Round, 10 of which were played on Tuesday night. Wednesday and Thursday will see 18 matches played.
For the first day, the home teams dominated, winning nine of the 10 matches. The lone match where the visitors prevailed was Memphis 901 scoring a game-winning goal in the final seconds of extra time to beat One Knoxville SC.
Below you will find the 17 games being played today (Wednesday) and the one game on Thursday along with links to each broadcast, if available.
Appalachian FC (NPSL) at Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Facebook
By Andrew Mosier
Charlotte enters Round 2 of the Open Cup at the top of the USL League One standings with two wins and a draw. Five different Independence players account for the five goals the Independence have scored in the young USL League One season. The club has only advanced beyond the Second Round three times in six appearances. The club’s best finish was in 2015, the club’s inaugural year, beating the New England Revolution 1-0 in New England in the Fourth Round, before losing at the Chicago Fire 3-1 in the Round of 16. In 2022, Charlotte was knocked out in Round 2 by USL League Two side North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 4-2.
Rising from the ashes of the discontinued men’s program at Appalachian State University, Appalachian FC began play in the fourth-tier NPSL in 2021. In its second NPSL season, the club finished first in the Southeast Conference, advancing to the regional final, and qualifying for the 2023 US Open Cup for the first time. In the opening round, Appalachian FC hosted North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL-2): playing to a 2-2 draw before advancing to the second round 3-0 on penalty kicks. Camden Holbrook scored both goals for Appalachian FC in the first round.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Appalachian FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round / Round of 16 (2015)
Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at Indy Eleven (USL-C)
Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By Matthew DeWitt
It’s a border battle, as one team looks to to reclaim its success from yesteryears while the other looks to build from a league championship with Indy Eleven playing host to Michigan Stars FC Wednesday night.
Michigan will be looking for its first win in the Open Cup after finding success last season in NISA. Making their tournament debut in the second round as part of the 2022 edition, the Stars were quickly bounced by rival Detroit City FC, 3-0. The season ended up on a high note for Michigan, as the Stars took home the NISA championship in November.
Indy Eleven come in having tasted success in the tournament before joining the USL Championship. During its days in the now-defunct NASL, Indy twice reached the Fourth Round, falling to a pair of MLS teams: Columbus (2014) in extra time in 2014 and Chicago Fire in penalty kicks in 2016. Since joining the USL pyramid, the Eleven has posted just one win in four tries (a 1-0 result against the now-defunct Lansing Ignite FC in 2019).
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 3-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)
North Carolina FC (USL-1) at Loudoun United (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By Matthew DeWitt
While they might not be strangers, North Carolina FC and Loudoun United FC have vastly different Open Cup experiences.
Visitors North Carolina FC have found regular success in the Open Cup, having reached the Fourth Round or better in nine of its 13 previous appearances. Since rejoining the USL pyramid after a seven-year stint in the NASL as the Carolina Railhawks, Their greatest cup run was their first one in 2007 when they reached the Semifinals. North Carolina has played 15 games against MLS opposition in the Open Cup, advancing six times (5 wins + 1 PK shootout win). Last year, they lost to Rio Grande Valley FC 1-0 in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.
Loudoun United will be a name recognized by those previously following the MLS reserve teams. Founded in 2018 and directly affiliated/owned by D.C. United, Loudoun was not eligible to participate in previous versions of the tournament. After being sold in February 2023, United is now able to make its Open Cup debut.
These teams have met in the regular season though. After its stint in the NASL, NCFC rejoined the USL Championship. The teams split their regular-season meetings in 2019 with the home team winning each – a 3-0 win by North Carolina in July followed by a 4-0 result for Loudoun in August’s return fixture. The teams did not meet in 2020 and the following year, NCFC jumped down to Division III USL League One.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
North Carolina FC (USL-1)
14th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-11-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 1-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2007)
Loudoun United (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1) at Louisville City FC (USL-C)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Jordan Beech
Wednesday night features a first-ever meeting between Bluegrass State teams as Lexington Sporting Club travels to Lynn Family Stadium to take on Louisville City FC.
Lexington SC, entering the fray for the Dewar Cup for the first time, is in its first season of action. Still gelling as a team, head man Sam Stockley will be tasked with leading his charges against a well-seasoned Louisville City side that are no strangers to the Open Cup.
Louisville has never failed to advance in at least one round in the Open Cup since making their tournament debut in 2017. Last season, LCFC reached the Round of 16 after securing wins against Chattanooga Red Wolves, Saint Louis City SC 2 and Detroit City FC. LouCity has been a powerhouse during its time in the USL. The club has reached at least the league semifinals in all six of its seasons, winning the league title twice, and finishing as runner-up two more times.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Louisville City FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-6-3 (3-0 PK)
Home: 7-1-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2) at Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
Maryland Soccerplex (Maureen Hendrix Field) – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports
History will be made on Wednesday as the Maryland Bobcats host their first-ever US Open Cup match against the Ocean Nor’easters at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
The Bobcats enter Wednesday’s fixture in fine form, having defeated Flower City Union 1-0 in their NISA season opener. Midfielder Josselin Possain finished off a clever pass from Darwin Espinal to give his side the lead and the eventual win in the 38th minute. Newly added goalkeeper Alex Sutton worked well with defenders Jack Villatoro and Jimmy Filerman to limit Flower City’s speed on the outside and earn the clean sheet.
New coach Alex Kao is very familiar with the Bobcats program, having previously played for the club and is currently their President of their Youth Academy. It is a very technical side that likes to move the ball north and south in the midfield. Defender Richard Forka and midfielder Manuel Gonzalez work extremely well along the spine with Espinal and Possain, who is also the club’s captain, to perfectly time their attacking chances.
This will be the Bobcats’ second US Open Cup game in team history. Last year, they lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) in their opening game on the road.
Ocean City are also coming into this Round 2 match with a bit of spark, having defeated West Chester United 3-1 to book their match against the ‘Cats. After falling behind early, the Nor’easters came storming back thanks to goals from Andres Latorre, Kevin Curran, and Andre “DeDe” Sabino. Since the tournament started in March, the Nor’easters are unable to use current NCAA players, so just like last year, they have collected a number of former Ocean City players, local year-round players, and some standout NAIA players. Among the veterans is Kevin Curran who played for the Nor’easters back when they were known as the Barons. He played six seasons with the club from 2009-2014, which explains why he ranks sixth on the club’s all-time minutes played list. Nor’easters qualified after winning the Mid-Atlantic Division with an undefeated record (11-0-3).
Ocean City is making the club’s 11th appearance in the tournament, and is one of the most successful amateur sides of the Modern Era (1995-present). Only two amateur teams in the country (Flint City Bucks and the Des Moines Menace, both of USL-2) have more Open Cup wins (12) and professional team upsets (6) than Ocean City has as a USL-2 team. Of those six wins over professional opposition, five of them were shutouts in front of their home fans at Carey Stadium (“The Beach House”).
The Nor’easters have also reached the Third Round four times, including two games against Major League Soccer teams. They will play the Bobcats at the Maryland Soccerplex on Wednesday night. The last time they played on that field, they put a scare into D.C. United in the Third Round of the 2009 US Open Cup. United won 2-0, but their only goals came on a second half penalty kick and a late counter attack goal when Ocean City was pushing everyone forward. In 2013, they played the Philadelphia Union to the very end, but the MLS side scored a controversial 90th minute game-winner to avoid the upset.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 5-4-0
vs. Div. 3: 5-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2005, 2009, 2013, 2018)
Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh was awarded a 1-0 win over Rochester due to RNYFC’s forfeit.
By Jake Sillick
Rochester New York FC ceased operations on March 10, leaving them no choice but to forfeit their match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information on this story, please read our full article here.
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C) at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
CHI Memorial Stadium – East Ridge, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By Jordan Beech
Two teams with US Open Cup experience step into the arena Wednesday night in East Ridge, Tenn., as Chattanooga Red Wolves SC plays hosts to Birmingham Legion FC. For both sides, 2023 marks their third appearance in the tournament.
Birmingham will hope to notch a road win for the first time in Cup play after falling to USL-1 side South Georgia Tormenta FC last year. A win on Wednesday and advancement to the Third Round would match the Legion’s best performance in the tournament, a feat they’ve managed twice before.
The Legion are off to a hot start in league play as they are in first place in the Eastern Conference with an undefeated record (3-0-1). After a 1-1 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their home opener, they’ve won three straight, including the last two games being shutout wins on the road over Hartford Athletic and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Host side Chattanooga enter Wednesday night searching for their first taste of success in Open Cup action. The Red Wolves are 0-2 in the tournament, including an 0-1 record against USL-Championship teams after falling 1-0 to Louisville City FC last year.
The Red Wolves have yet to taste victory or score a goal in their first two league games of the season. They finished with a scoreless draw in their home opener against Northern Colorado Hailstorm followed by a 1-0 home loss to the Central Valley Fuego last weekend.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C) at South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube
By Forrest Wimberly @soccer_forrest
The USL Championship Rio Grande Valley Toros will make the trip to beautiful Statesboro, Georgia to face the defending USL League One champs South Georgia Tormenta in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides both founded in 2016.
RGV had been the draw specialist to open the 2023 campaign posting three straight 1-1 draws against Vegas, Monterrey Bay, and Oakland before securing their first win of the season in a 1-0 result over Detroit City in matchday four. The scoring in 2023 has run through three players with Taylor Davila netting two goals and Ricky Ruiz along with Jonathan Ricketts each adding a goal for the Toros. Oddly, none of the Toros’ goal scorers play the forward position. Stingy defending highlighted by goalkeeper Tyler Deric’s 14 saves have kept the Toros close in all their matches in 2023. Forward Christiano François has one assist on the season and looks to be on the verge a major breakout game here in the early season.
Tormenta have experienced a bit of a championship hangover to open the 2023 season. After edging past North Carolina FC 1-0 on the road in matchday one, the team returned home only to stumble versus Charlotte in a 3-1 loss followed by another loss this time to Northern Colorado 3-0. Injuries and roster changes have certainly played their parts in the sluggish start for the defending champs.
Forward Mukwelle Akale has filled in at the scoring role for Tormenta as 2022 leading scorer Kazaiah Sterling has not played this season recovering from injury. Strong goalkeeping from Pablo Jara and solid midfield play from John Murphy Jr. and Tobias Otieno will prove a tough task for the visiting Toros.
Tormenta made a solid run on the road during the 2022 US Open Cup defeating the Charleston Battery 1-0 and Birmingham Legion 2-0 to advance to face Inter Miami in the 4th round falling 3-1 to the MLS hosts.
RGV defeated North Carolina FC 2-1 in the second round of the 2022 US Open Cup and then pushed the Houston Dynamo to 3rd round stoppage time before falling 2-1 in the final minutes of the match to their MLS hosts.
Tormenta Stadium opened late last season and the birds from the ‘Boro made this a fortress winning all their final 2022 home matches including the USL League One Championship match in front of the home crowd. The Charlotte Independence cracked the code on Tormenta Stadium this season and the Toros will look to find this same formula in their Second Round USOC match. Tormenta, however, will be looking to regain their home form and send their guests home empty handed with the blues.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
Chattanooga FC (NISA) at Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Matthew DeWitt
With one team looking to reclaim its title as a lower-division buzzsaw and the other looking to notch its first win over amateur opposition in regulation, Wednesday’s second-round matchup between Chattanooga FC and Des Moines Menace offers an opportunity for one team to overcome a US Open Cup slump.
Visitors Chattanooga is coming off a 3-0 win over Gold Star FC Detroit to open the NISA season Saturday. Goals from Mutaya Mwape (2) and 2022 NISA Golden Boot Winner Markus Naglestad punctuated the win for the hosts.
The Menace opened its 2023 US Open Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Open Cup debutants Beaman United FC (NPSL). Returners Gabriel Rodriguez and Fernando Garcia opened their scoring accounts for the tournament, with Rodriguez notching the first two before Garcia tallied a late goal to secure a spot in the next round.
Both teams will be looking to get over their respective Open Cup blues. Having knocked off pro teams seven times in its 14 previous appearances, the Menace is looking to regain its stature against professional opposition. The last win against a pro side came in 2016, when the hosts beat Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the second round. That set up the last time Des Moines advanced to the third round of the tournament when visitors San Antonio FC rallied for a 2-1 win in Des Moines.
Meanwhile, CFC has struggled against amateur opposition, failing to register a win in regulation (two wins via penalties: 2015 vs. Ocala Stampede, USL2; 2016 vs. Reading United AC, USL2) in its previous seven appearances. The 2022 edition of the tournament saw defending champion Atlanta United end Chattanooga’s first run in the open cup as a pro-side. Its previous appearances came as a qualifier from the NPSL.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-6-4 (3-1 PK)
Away: 0-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 0-1-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022)
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
15th US Open Cup appearance (13th as USL-2)
Overall: 15-14-3 (2-1 PK)
Home: 9-7-3 (3-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2005)
FC Tulsa (USL-C) at Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
Hicks Park – Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube
By Jordan Beech
Hicks Park plays host to a rematch of last year’s US Open Cup Second Round matchup between FC Tulsa and Tulsa Athletic. In last year’s contest, FC Tulsa scraped out a 2-1 victory over their NPSL rival.
FC Tulsa is making their seventh US Open Cup appearance. While the club has never won a match on the road in tournament play, all three of their wins have come at the expense of amateur sides. A win would see the Black and Gold advance to the Third Round for the third time in club history.
In league play, FC Tulsa is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 1-1-3 record. They are unbeaten in their last three matches (1-0-2)
Tulsa Athletic advanced to the Second Round following a 1-0 triumph over Brazos Valley Cavalry in the First Round. This is the third time in club history that Tulsa Athletic has reached the Second Round, and a triumph over their USL-Championship rival would see them advance to the Third Round for the first time in club history.
The A’s were a dominant force in the NPSL last season, posting a 9-2-1 record, a Heartland Conference title, and a spot in the NPSL national semifinals. Tulsa will look to build off their first ever win in Open Cup action – a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s Azteca FC.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-5-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2014, 2022)
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C) at Union Omaha (USL-1)
Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube
By Matthew DeWitt
One side comes in after a big splash in their first appearance of the Open Cup while the other comes in looking for their first tournament win, as Union Omaha hosts El Paso Locomotive FC Wednesday evening.
After reaching the quarterfinals in their debut edition of the Open Cup, Union Omaha will look to Wednesday’s games against El Paso as a springboard to another deep run in the Open Cup. Two wins against MLS opposition and a win against fellow USL-1 side Northern Colorado Hailstorm in the 2022 tournament generated a lot of buzz about the Union side making its first appearance in the cup after the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled.
Falling at the hands of Forward Madison (USL-1) in 2019 and Central Valley Fuego FC (USL1) in last year’s tournament, El Paso is looking for its first result in the tournament. Returning leading goal scorer Luis Solignac notched two goals in the Locomotive’s last time out – a 2-2 draw against FC Tulsa – as El Paso looks to build momentum with a potential date with an MLS side on the line.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022)
Union Omaha (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Andrew Mosier
Last year’s first Open Cup meeting between the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL Championship) will go down in history as one of the biggest upsets in Colorado soccer history.
In the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive match, the third-tier side shocked just about everyone escaping the Switchbacks Weidner Field with a 1-0 win in extra time. Even more stunning was they did it playing down a man for the majority of the match after Irvin Parra was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute. After grinding out a scoreless draw in regulation, Jerry Desdunes, scored the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive goal in the 96th minute to put the USL League one side into round three of the Open Cup without ever having played a league match.
Two weeks later, the Hailstorm continued to make team and Open Cup history, stunning Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Defender Rob Cornwall put the visitors up in the 70th minute in a chippy affair that saw seven cautions give—six to the Hailstorm. The Hailstorm’s dream run came to a screeching halt in the round of 32 by fellow USL League One side, Union Omaha, 2-0, in what was only the second match in Hailstorm history the club failed to score. The first was also against Omaha, a 0-0 draw.
Last year’s exit was the earliest in the Switchbacks’ eight-year history. In 2015, the club’s inaugural year, the Switchbacks won second and third round matches before falling to the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round. The next year the club again advanced to the fourth round, again losing to the Rapids. Fellow USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC knocked the eliminated the Switchbacks in the third round in 2017. In 2018 the Switchbacks were again knocked out of the tournament in the third round, this time by USL Championship San Antonio FC in penalty kicks. The next year it was New Mexico United, again in the third round to eliminate the Switchbacks.
The Switchbacks have started the league season with a 2-1-1 record with their only loss coming on the road to last year’s league champs San Antonio FC by a score of 1-0.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 6-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)
Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C) at Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
Fresno State University Soccer Stadium – Fresno, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports
By Matthew DeWitt
A couple of second-year squads meet in Fresno as Monterey Bay and Central Valley Fuego look to cement a spot in the third round.
At the helm for Monterey is head coach Frank Yallop, who will be managing his 26th Open Cup game. Dating back to his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the English native has reached the Final of the Open Cup in 2006 and added to his tournament depth with semifinal appearances with Chicago Fire in 2014 and 2015.
As for the hosts, manager Martin Vasquez Gomez is no stranger to Open Cup success. In his first and only year leading Chivas USA, Vasquez reached the semifinals as part of the 2010 tournament. His only other Open Cup managerial appearance came as part of Central Valley Fuego’s third-round appearance last year when he took over shortly after their second-round win.
Both teams will be looking to build from lackluster inaugural seasons. Monterey finished the USL Championship season 21st from 27 teams, while Central Valley took 8th from 11. Monterey have begun the USL Championship season with a 1-2-1 record. Central Valley won their opening league game 1-0 on the road agains the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
LA Force (NISA) at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
Peter Johann Soccer Field (UNLV) – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By Andrew Mosier
The LA Force travel to Las Vegas to face USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights in the NISA club’s second consecutive Open Cup appearance. The Force fell 5-2 to Orange County SC of the USL Championship in their debut Open Cup match last year. The Force are 1-0-0 in the new NISA season, topping Club De Lyon 1-0. Gustavo Villalobos scored the match’s lone goal in the 81st minute for the Force win at home.
Las Vegas looks to rebound from last year’s 3-2 round two loss at USL League One FC Tucson. In the club’s previous two Open Cup appearances, Las Vegas was eliminated in the third round.
Las Vegas has three draws in three games in the early USL Championship season. All three draws were earned on the road.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
LA Force (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-3-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019)
Capistrano FC (USASA/NISA Nation) at Orange County SC (USL-C)
Championship Soccer Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Andrew Mosier
One of four local qualifiers to advance to the second round, Capistrano FC (NISA Nation) face a stern test at USL Championship side, Orange County SC.
Also known as Capo FC, they are part of the NISA Nation. They waltzed past USL-2 club Ventura County Fusion 4-1 in the club’s Open Cup debut. Jerry Desdunes, Joshue Gallardo, Hevany Mota, and Parker Scalzo all scored against the Fusion.
Orange County have advanced into the third round once, in 2022, falling to LAFC (MLS) 5-1. They are 0-1-3 (10th place) so far in USL Championship play, drawing 1-1 at Hartford Athletic last weekend. Elvis Amoh scored in first half injury time to pull Orange County level.
Orange County hasn’t won multiple games in a single tournament since 2017. They also hold the unfortunate distinction of being tied with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds as the team that has been upset the most by amateur teams. They have been eliminated six times by amateur competition.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Capo FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Orange County SC (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-3-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 5-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)
Crossfire Premier (NPSL) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By James Knowles (@RBLRJamesK)
Crossfire Premier continue their first ever Open Cup campaign after successfully overcoming USL League 2 side Project 510. Crossfire will have to significantly up their game as they travel to California’s capital to take on 2022 US Open Cup runners up Sacramento Republic FC. The Republic are looking to have another bite at the apple and see if they can go one better from last year to win the whole thing.
Crossfire Premier from Redmond, Wash., have a long and proud history in the youth soccer space. Famous alumni include current professionals Kelyn Rowe, Ethan Bartlow, and Hassani Dotson, all with MLS experience. However, the club is now making a foray into the adult leagues with a men’s team to compete in the National Premier Soccer League and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Their first game was a stirring success. Having traveled to Fremont, Calif., Crossfire came away 3-0 winners on the night with goals from two of their own current youth coaches, Luke Hauswirth and Hamza Haddadi, around another from Eric Howard. Haddadi shares the distinction of also being a former Crossfire player, rejoining his prior club now after college.
Sacramento Republic come into this game following a string of good performances in the USL Championship. Sitting atop the Western Conference, and tied for first overall in the league, Republic will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an amateur team out of the gate in this competition. The club will be approaching the 2023 Open Cup as unfinished business. Last year, after knocking off several top tier Major League Soccer teams on their way, Republic stumbled at the final hurdle when they traveled to Florida to take on Orlando City. They held off in that game until the 75th minute before the floodgates opened and Sacramento lost their nerve.
Sacramento’s statistics in 2023 suggest Crossfire will more than have their work cut out for them. Perennial USL Championship scorer Russell Cicerone joined Republic and has three goals so far in a very young season. Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, who was a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Tournament last year, also has three clean sheets on the year, showing Sacramento are good at both ends of the pitch. Will Crossfire be able to overcome the odds? Or will Republic look to start a second Cinderella run of their own tonight on home turf?
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Crossfire Premier (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 18-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 16-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 8-1-0
Best finish: Runner-Up (2022)
ALBION San Diego (NISA) at San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
SDSU Sports Deck – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
By Michael Battista
The second edition of the Stay Clasico in the Open Cup.
ALBION San Diego is hopeful its second Open Cup lasts longer than its first. The team formerly known as San Diego 1904 FC pushed the Loyal to the brink last year in the Second Round. After Mayele Malango tied the game midway through the second half, extra time looked imminent before the Loyal’s Taylor Crull scored in the 89th to seal the 2-1 win.
For San Diego Loyal, 2023 is all about improving on last year. Following it’s win over ALBION, former USMNT great and Loyal head coach Landon Donovan reunited with his old friends the LA Galaxy in the Third Round. A first half goal by LA’s Kévin Cabral was enough for the 1-0 win in front of nearly 10,000 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Albion has yet to play a league match this season after being off during NISA’s kickoff last weekend. The team had a Cinderella- like run to the league championship last fall, winning two games including knocking off top seed California United Strikers FC. The team did eventually fall to Michigan Stars FC, 1-0, in the final. The Loyal have been hot to start 2023 with a 2-1-1 record. Wins over Detroit City FC and a 3-0 crushing of Phoenix Rising have Landon Donovan’s squad on the early season radar.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
ALBION San Diego (NISA)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1) at Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Phoenix Rising Stadium – Phoenix, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Michael Battista
In 2022, Greenville Triumph SC hosted Oakland Roots SC in the Second Round due to geographical pairing and bad luck (on the Roots’ part). This year they find themselves on the receiving end of a tough draw and they travel to play a higher division team, two time zones away from home.
Greenville will need to battle the nearly 2,000 mile trip if it hopes to match its best ever Open Cup result from last year. The team, entering its fifth season, has played in two previous tournaments. They’ve won a game each time, but their inaugural run in 2019 saw them start in the First Round – meaning its following loss to Charleston Battery came in the Second Round. Last year’s win against the travel weary Oakland Roots provided a Cupset that was nearly repeated in the following Round against Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC. However Harrison Afful’s stoppage time go-ahead goal in extra time saved the debuting Division 1 team from embarrassment. Greenville, coached by former USMNT captain (and Kearny, NJ legend) John Harkes, has won a USL League One title and been to three of the league’s four championship finals.
Phoenix Rising matched it’s all-time best US Open Cup performance last season and is hoping a $1 beer night on Wednesday sets them up to do the same this year. The two time USL Championship finalists (including the canceled 2020 edition) have played in seven previous tournaments. Last year, the team started its run with an extra time win over NISA side (and eventual ICE suspect) Valley United FC , 1-0. A late goal by Greg Hurst pushed Rising over league rival New Mexico United in the following round before the team eventually fell to Sacramento Republic FC, 2-0.
Neither team has had a strong start to 2023. Greenville comes into Wednesday night after dropping its season opener to the Richmond Kickers, 1-0, at home. However with that game being on March 25, the long traveling visitors will at least be rested. Phoenix Rising won’t be so lucky. After a 0-1-1 start on the road Phoenix returned home on April 1 with a draw against San Diego Loyal.
It remains to be seen which team will be at a bigger disadvantage; the one with a longer trip or the one with shorter rest time.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-5-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2022)
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
Cleveland SC (NPSL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By: George Diamond
Thursday’s second round USOC matchup between the Richmond Kickers and Cleveland SC will mark the first time these clubs have faced off.
Historically successful in the Open Cup, USL League One’s Richmond Kickers will be looking to build on recent league triumphs with what they hope will be a deep cup run. The Kickers famously won the 1995 tournament. This will be their first cup match this year and their 23rd entry in the tournament. The regular season champions of the 2022 USL1 season, Richmond have had a balanced start to their 2023 campaign. Their record sits at an even 1-1-1 on 2 goals scored and two allowed.
Conversely, Cleveland SC, of the Great Lakes division in NPSL, have only played one competitive game this season. Their regular season has not yet begun. However, they did prevail in the opening round of the Open Cup courtesy of a first half stoppage time goal by defender Chris Cvecko. This will be the club’s fourth ever game in USOC play. Richmond will be just the second professional team Cleveland has faced in the Cup, after being eliminated 3-0 against Forward Madison in 2022’s second round.
Cleveland’s head coach Vlad Muresan will have a selection decision on his hands as midfielder Jannis Schmidt was sent off following a serious foul in their first round matchup. Forward Vinny Bell could spark a Cleveland upset as the prolific goal scorer has finished as the teams top scorer across the previous 4 NPSL seasons with 38 goals in 44 games.
Richmond Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky will hope that new transfer Kharlton Belmar, acquired from Colorado Switchbacks, could be a difference maker as the former SKC man’s attacking prowess has already resulted in a goal and an assist through three league games.
Richmond will back themselves in the home confines of City Stadium against their semi-pro opponents, but need to be wary of the ever-present potential of the ‘cupset’.
Cleveland SC will be looking to prove themselves against a tough opponent. A win would see them advance to the third round of the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Cleveland SC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-20-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 26-8-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 15-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions