Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2024 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 Review: 22 teams advance to “Win & You’re In” round

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Photo: Leinbach Photography

The professional leagues of the United States are firmly in playoff mode. Meanwhile, last weekend the penultimate round of qualifying for the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup brought its own flavor of knockout drama. Twenty games played out over two days while two scheduled matches were called off ahead of time due to forfeits. FORO SC (Texas) and UDA Soccer (New Mexico) now have clear paths to the 109th edition of the tournament.

The winners have advanced to the “Win & You’re In” Fourth Round where they will square off the weekend of Nov. 18-19.

Below you will find a brief recap of all the games that were played, with some not to their full competition.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

CD Faialense (USASA/BSSL)
2:3
Brockton FC United (UPSL)
Miller Field; Winthrop, MA

By Eric Casey

Brockton FC United once again find themselves one game away from qualifying for the US Open Cup after a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over CD Faialense at Miller Field in Winthrop, Mass. This marks the fourth consecutive time that Brockton will be in a “win and you’re in” scenario in the competition’s final qualifying round.

The game got off to an ominous start for Brockton after CD Faialense’s Victor Menuder intercepted a pass from Brockton’s center back in the 11th minute and broke away for an easy goal. Just two minutes later, Menuder would strike again, this time via a cross from teammate Damian Attidore. At the other end of the pitch, Faialense goalkeeper Lucas Rezende had a strong first half; he stopped a penalty in the 31th minute and made a number of other key saves.


Brockton came out of the halftime break looking rejuvenated, with their chances of a comeback being boosted by CD’s lack of available substitutes. After a number of close chances, Brockton finally got on the board after a cross slipped through the hands of Rezende and landed at the feet of Leonardo Teixeira, who slotted it away for the team’s first goal. Just over ten minutes later, Brockton’s Euclides Ramos Mendonça would slot home a rebound to tie the match, and in the 86th minute Wuilito Fernandes found the back of the net with what would prove to be the game winner.


Sharktopus FC (USSSA/RATS)
2:4
International San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL)
Interbay Stadium; Seattle, WA

By Tyler Chott

On a very nice Seattle fall morning during a 3rd round qualification match for the 2024 US Open Cup, International San Francisco played local fan favorites, Sharktopus FC. This was as far as Sharktopus would make it as Inter came away with a 4-2 win. The quality was apparent on Inter SF’s time with the ball (which was 50/50 to be fair) as their No. 6 in center midfield, Adrian Argast, worked exhaustively to advance his side.

“Felt good,” said Argast about the experience playing at Interbay Stadium. “It was something I hadn’t experienced before. Fun flight. Fun game.”

When asked if the flight and the early 10 a.m. kickoff time had any affect on him, he replied, “Especially on me I feel like I was exhausted in the second half. I felt good about my game. Tired, but good.”

He was interrupted by a teammate passing by and yelling “best 20 year old in the country!”

Inter was the team on the front foot early, with goals from Rivera Hernandez and August in the opening 20 minutes. They continued to put pressure on the Sharktopus goal, hitting the crossbar twice before heading into the halftime break up 2-0.

After halftime, Sharktopus cut the lead in half after Gabriel Kellum converted a penalty kick in the 50th minute. However, six minutes later, Shayan Charalaghi would restore the two-goal advantage for the visitors. Five minutes later, in the 61st minute, former pro Matt Fondy scored to give San Francisco a commanding 4-1 lead.

Before August was subbed off halfway through the second half he had an assist on Hernandez’s opening goal and his own was very well taken as he spun around a defender while receiving a pass and placed his shot low into the far corner. When he wasn’t controlling possession and distributing to his wings he also worked really hard on defense. Sharktopus had no answer till after he was subbed off but they were already three goals behind.

Brett Wietecha would pull one back for Sharktopus in the 83rd minute but they were unable to get any closer.

Inter, who is trying to qualify for the second year in a row, advances to a “Win & You’re In” match scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 18-19.


Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/USL of PA)
1:1
United German Hungarians (USASA/USL of PA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse; Westminster, PA
VE advances 4-3 in penalty kick shootout

By Greg Oldfield

Evan Vare buried the final penalty to lead Vereinigung Erzgebirge to a 4-3 shootout victory (after a 1-1 draw) over rivals United German Hungarians Saturday afternoon at the VE Club. VE, now on the verge of the club’s first Open Cup berth since 2002. VE qualified for the 2020 edition but never participated due to the COVID-19 shutdown.


In an even game that featured outstanding defenses and exceptional goalkeeping, VE’s Tim Washam played the role of hero after coming on for Steve Paul minutes before penalties. Washam saved the opening kick from Dakota Taylor to put the home side on the front foot. After an ensuing goal from VE’s Chris Baker, UGH’s Daniel Grindrod smacked the post to give VE a cushion. Well-taken kicks from VE’s Chris Gomez and UGH’s Joshua Yurasits closed the gap to 2-1 before UGH keeper James Brett denied Kevin Smolyn to keep it interesting. Finishes from UGH’s Adam Nork and Patrick Raykovitz on either side of a Connor Fife strike set up Vare for the spotlight moment.

The hosts got on the board in the 7th minute when Baker played a ball between the UGH center backs to a surging Brett Miller, who took a touch to settle then beat James. From then on, UGH grew into the game with some outstanding play by striker Mohamed Jawara and playmaker Grindrod filling in behind. The pair set up several attacks that pushed the hosts back on their heels, and UGH’s best chance of the half came from a 13th minute shot by Nicholas Jachwak that deflected going in and forced a fine reaction save by Paul. 

UGH climbed back into the game in the 56th minute following a Vare free kick that hit the post. Belal Mohamed, who battled all day with Gomez, broke through the VE defense and tucked a pass from Jawara past Paul to knot the game at 1-1. Despite carrying a bulk of the play in the second half, UGH couldn’t convert a winner. VE jumped all over the visitors in extra time with several chances from Fife, Miller, and Jalen Weatherspoon, each of them denied by James, who stood on his head the first fifteen minutes of extra time and kept his team in it until the end.  


Athletic Katy FC (USSSA/USSL)
L:W
FORO SC (UPSL)
Matias Almeyda Training Center; Houston, TX
FORO SC advances after Athletic Katy FC forfeits due to lack of player availability

By Josh Hakala

FORO SC arrived in Houston after making the trip from Dallas. The team warmed up at the Matias Almeyda Training Center and after the match’s 4 p.m. kickoff time came and went, the UPSL side was informed that the match would not be played. Athletic Katy FC, who were seeking the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth, informed the visitors that they would be unable to play the game.

Athletic Katy was forced to forfeit because they didn’t have enough players to field a team. According to team officials, five players had vehicle problems on the way to the game and were unable to make it to the game in time for kickoff. A sixth player, the team’s starting goalkeeper was ruled to be ineligible. As a result, FORO SC, who are competing in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament for the first time, will advance to the competition’s final round (Nov. 18-19) where they will be one win away from qualifying for the 109th edition of the US Open Cup.


Harbor City FC (UPSL)
0:1
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
World Roofing Stadium (Palm Bay HS); Melbourne, FL

By Josh Hakala

A battle between two Florida UPSL clubs wasn’t decided until late in the second half. FC America CFL Spurs broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when a rebound fell to Melvrik Fernandes right in front of the goal to give them a 1-0 win over Harbor City FC. Fernandes was able to jump on the rebound and volleyed it home from close range.

The Spurs advance to the final round of qualifying (scheduled for Nov. 18-19) and are now one win away from playing in the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

With the win, FC America have earned back-to-back clean sheet victories. Eduardo Tinoco, a player who previously played for Costa Rican powerhouse Alajuelense, earned the shutout in between the sticks for the visitors.




Leg-AZ World FC (UPSL)
4:0
Florida Premier FC (UPSL)
The Villages SC Complex; Summerfield, FL

By Josh Hakala

With a second straight one-sided win over a Florida club, Leg-AZ World FC (Leg-AZ stands for Life Education Growth – Association of Friends) is now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time. They blanked fellow UPSL side Florida premier FC 4-0 to advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round.

The game appeared to be headed into the halftime break scoreless but Leg-AZ picked up two goals in the final few minutes of the first half. In the 42nd minute, pressure from Nazar Deputat saw the ball find its way to Nick Butler, who fed Denilson Macon for the game’s first goal. Just before the halftime break Shelby Phanor delivered a cross from the right wing which found Butler who headed the ball across to the backside where he found Mamadou Seye who scored to make it 2-0.

Butler would create a third goal when he was taken down in the box and would score the ensuing penalty kick in the 63rd minute. Butler, who spent time playing professionally in Spain with SD Huesca (La Liga Segunda Division), would put a bow on the game in the final few minutes of the game with an impressive individual effort. He dribbled through three defenders and found Louis Omar Bouquet to give the Central Florida side a 4-0 win.

Congaros Medina earned the clean sheet in goal for Leg-AZ World FC.


Miami United FC (USSSA/USSL)
4:0
Miami Soccer Academy (USSSA/USSL)
Ted Hendricks Stadium; Hialeah, FL

By Josh Hakala

A hat trick from Robertino Insua powered Miami United FC to a 4-0 home win over Miami Soccer Academy on Saturday night. With the win, United advance to the final round of qualifying (Nov. 18-19) and are one win away from punching their ticket to the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

In the 24th minute, Insua opened the scoring when a shot from just outside the box was deflected in front. The ball fell to Insua at the top of the box and he beat the keeper to give Miami United a 1-0 lead. In the 33rd minute, United earned a penalty kick and Insua had his attempt saved. The rebound came right back toward him and he pounced and put the ball in the back of the net.

Just after halftime, Insua finished off his hat trick. In the 49th minute, a cross came in from the left wing and a close-range header saw the ball break free to the top of the box. It rolled out to Insua and the Argentinian blasted the ball past the goalkeeper. United would add a fourth goal in the 76th minute when Francesco Valdes fired a shot through traffic and it took a deflection in front and beat the keeper.

Miami United’s Christian Blanco made some key saves in goal to earn his second straight clean sheet.



Edgewater Castle FC (USASA/Midwest Premier Lg.)
1:3
Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest Premier Lg.)
Taft High School Stadium; Chicago, IL

By Adnan Basic

It was Chicago House Athletic Club who advanced to the fourth and final round of U.S. Open Cup qualifying as they defeated Edgewater Castle 3-1 at Taft High School.

The House jumped in front early through a Alejandro Mentasti goal after just a few minutes. Edgewater then went down a man shortly after, and Chicago capitalized on their advantage, making it 2-0 before the half thanks to captain AR Smith.

Castle did not go quietly into the night, though, and a powerful header from former House defender David Abidor following the break made things interesting. Their comeback did not last, as Nico Williams hit on the counter to seal the result for Chicago.

It was a fun night despite the cold and rainy conditions at the stadium, and the House will now look to qualify for the US Open Cup proper for a second straight year.

FULL MATCH REPORT: MenInRed97.com


Austin Thunder (USASA/AMSA)
1:2
Alamo City SC (UPSL)
Round Rock Multipurpose Complex; Round Rock, TX

By Jim Coppock

The Austin Thunder, the lone entrant from the Austin Men’s Soccer Association, hosted the UPSL’s Alamo City Soccer Club Saturday evening in Round Rock, Tx. It was a tight and fast contest. The final score was 2-1 to the visitors from San Antonio. Austin currently sits atop of their league’s Premier Division (12 points from 12) and Alamo City sits in the top half of the UPSL’s Premier Division, Texas Central Conference (8 points from 15).

All three goals were scored in a 13-minute span. The first half was end to end. Both teams held possession for long spells, Austin had more of the better chances, but no one was able to find a goal. The second half began as the first ended–fast and furious. After 70 minutes of play, Austin would finally start the scoring. Cam Lennon worked a one-two with Paddy Baxter after a long breakaway, sliding his shot to the back post for the 1-0 lead. Eight minutes later, Alamo City would find the equalizer in the 78th minute on a Miguel Hernandez free kick from the left side of the Austin box. Hernandez launched a perfect strike to the top left corner to tie the game. Five minutes after that, Alamo City would take the lead on a right-sided cross and a headed winner by Diego Toribio from six yards out. Austin pushed to tie it up again, but time ran out on a second victory for them in qualifying.

With the victory, Alamo City advances to the “Win and You’re In” (fourth and final) qualifying round. The final qualifying round will take place on Nov. 17-18.

Alamo City SC vs Austin Thunder


Temecula FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
3:1
Santa Monica Surf (UPSL)
Chaparral High School; Temecula, CA

By Luis Reyes

For the first time in the team’s history, Temecula Football Club find themselves one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup after defeating Santa Monica Surf 3-1 on Saturday evening. The Quails will now await their rival for the fourth and final “Win & You’re In” round.

Temecula came out on the front foot recording the first ten shots of the game. The attacking players were ambitious to say the least as only two of the first nine shots were on target. The 10th shot which came about in the 30th minute proved to be the tipping point when Donovan Wilson wearing the prestigious number ten jersey connected a first touch strike into the net from the top of the box after Darion Mealing dribbled up the left wing from his own half into the final third and delivered a perfectly placed ball into the path of the number ten. The first half finished 1-0 in favor of the Quails who out shot the visiting Santa Monica Surf team 10-1 in the first 45 minutes.



In the second half, the Quails picked up right where they left off registering the first three shots with the third finding the back of the net in the 51st minute by number nine Amfed Luquez. The 2-0 lead did not last long as the visitors pulled one back in the 55th minute via Jordan Hughes who capitalized on a missed clearance and struck the ball through traffic into the net. The final 30 minutes were full of scrappy moments with both teams battling it out as the ref allowed the game to carry on in this manner.

The dagger came about well past the 90th minute as the Quails were attempting to run out the clock through a short corner, where Donovan Wilson was harassed by two Santa Monica players who failed to detain him, resulting in the ball finding the path of Sean Palema who played a well-weighted pass into the path of Diego Valle who delivered the final blow to seal the game.


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (USASA/USL of PA)
0:6
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
Ukrainian American Sports Center; North Wales, PA

By Dave Einhorn

New Jersey Alliance FC booked their place in the next round with a 6-0 rout of the Ukrainian Nationals. The Alliance showed their speed and technical quality as they came together for several team goals, culminating with impeccable finishing from their number 9, Isimohi Bello. He was the man of the hour for New Jersey as he scored five of their six goals. They left Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals with a lot to think about for their next match, and next hopeful run at the cup.

Rain in the area cleared up in time for a picture perfect day to play soccer. New Jersey Alliance started on the front foot and had a majority of the possession throughout the first half. Some excellent saves and defensive work from the Ukrainian Nationals’ goalkeeper kept the Alliance at bay midway through the first half, but the Alliance would go into the break up 2-0 at halftime. Their goals were deserved as they dominated the midfield and created opportunities left, right and center. They continued to add to their lead in the second half with quick pass and move soccer, combined with great technical quality and spacial awareness. 

The Alliance move on to the final round of qualifying, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 18-19. If they are able to defeat their opponent (still to be determined), they will qualify for the 2024 US Open Cup.


Sahara Gunners FC (UPSL)
1:10
Valhalla FC (USASA/Ohio Valley Premier Lg.)
Crosby Soccer Field; Buffalo, NY

By Jake Sillick

Valhalla FC from Milford, OH and the Ohio Valley Premier League romped over Sahara Gunners FC of UPSL by a score of 10-1, with it being 4-0 at halftime. Finn Sallows scored all four goals in that first half finishing with a double hat trick of six goals in the game. Conner Clark would score two of the second half goals including the final 10th team goal in the 86th minute. Finn’s brother, Brodie Sallows, would also tally one in the 49th. Bbuye Manisuul would get a goal in the 78th minut to round off all of the scoring for Valhalla. 

Most of the goals in the second half were on counter attacks as Sahara Gunners tried desperately to get back into the game but were not successful. The Gunners were shorthanded for the second game in a row as five starters were missing, including their starting goalkeeper that was not cleared to play, according to captain Kovan Dalil. Field player Kibrom Gebrekidan, who was the hero in last round’s win over IASC Boom, had to suit up in goal for the second game in a row because the team’s starting goalkeeper was not added to the team’s qualifying roster before the tournament deadline. The team had two subs available, and one of them was the team’s head coach, who ended up entering the game when a player went down due to injury. There were also served multiple red cards being down to nine men after going down 5-0 early in the second half. Sahara also had some giveaways in their own end of the field that led to a couple goals in the second half towards the end of the game. The lone goal by Sahara Gunners came by Zakaria Shaibi on a nifty nutmeg through a defender before slotting it past the Valhalla keeper in the 73rd minute.

Valhalla advances to the final round of qualifying the weekend of Nov. 18-19 seeking the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth.




Steel Pulse FC (USASA/Maryland Super Soccer Lg.)
1:1
Christos FC (USASA/Maryland Super Soccer Lg.)
Milford Mill Academy; Windsor Mill, MD
Christos FC advances, 5-4 in penalty kick shootout

By Marc Burkom

As members of the Maryland Super Soccer League, Christos FC and Steel Pulse FC face off regularly in league play. Most recently, Steel Pulse dealt Christos its lone loss of the season, 5-0 on Oct. 8. Tonight, the tables were turned as Christos edged Steel Pulse 5-4 in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of deadlocked soccer to advance to the fourth and final round of 2024 US Open Cup qualifying. Neither club is a stranger to qualifying round shootouts. Last year, Steel Pulse was eliminated in Round 1 after falling in a shootout against Northern Virginia FC, and Christos met the same fate in Round 2 against DCFC.

After a scoreless first half, William Yami Nono opened the scoring for Steel Pulse in the 68th minute with a low drive into the far post side netting. Christos responded with multiple attacking substitutions, and before long substitute Brian Graham equalized for in the 85th minute curling a free kick into the top corner at the near post from 28 yards out. A thrilling pair of extra time periods saw both teams get numbers forward to go for the win, but stalwart defending and some outstanding goalkeeping from Joel Isyaq for Steel Pulse and Daniel Mccleary for Christos saw the game to penalties. In the shootout, after nine straight conversions, Christos was in front 5-4. Yami Nono stepped up for Steel Pulse and put his shot just off the woodwork, ending Steel Pulse’s run for the cup.

Steel Pulse got key contributions from Stephen Jude in the midfield and Youssef Naciri on the attack. Jakob Asfaha was dangerous up top as well in combination with Yami Nono. Fullbacks Jack Villatoro and Charles Boateng both put in a great night’s work. For Christos, Kyle Saunderson was instrumental at center back winning the ball out of the air and initiating attacks with his passing. Morgan Lussi and Clement Blanc were dangerous attacking threats, while Malcolm Harris was key in midfield.


Christos, who put themselves on the map by playing D.C. United (MLS) in the Fourth Round in 2017, have not qualified for the tournament since 2018 (NOTE: They qualified for the 2020 US Open Cup, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.). Christos are now one win away from returning to the tournament.


South Carolina United Heat (UPSL)
4:0
Majestic SC (USASA/ADASL)
SCUFC SEFL Soccer Center; Columbia, SC

By Forrest Wimberly

The South Carolina United Heat surged past Majestic SC 4-0 to reach the final qualifying round for the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

What looked like a mismatch on paper proved to be just that on the field. With the win, SCU Heat advance to the “Win & You’re In” round for the third year in a row and are seeking the club’s first-ever Open Cup berth. A COVID-19-related forfeit (2022) and nan extra time goal last year (2023) have kept the Heat out of the Cup proper.


Majestic SC from the Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League (ADASL) made the 3.5 hour drive to Columbia, S.C. with just 13 players where the UPSL Mid-Atlantic powerhouse SCU Heat proved to be rude hosts for their Sunday League opponents.

The Heat had a very strong opening to the match controlling both the tempo and possession in the first half hour. Majestic SC looked most dangerous on the counter as they would soak up the Heat pressure before quickly springing forward with the ball.  Majestic SC would bend but not break until the 37th minute when Adetayo Adefioye finally found the breakthrough moment for the Heat by quickly collecting and turning the ball at the top of the box before firing a low driven shot through the crowded box into the net. The Heat took this 1-0 advantage into the break.



All of the possession from the Heat began to wear down the Majestic defense and the Heat found their second goal off a Luis Molina corner kick in the 65th minute as Oghenerobo Ominiabohs rose highest inside the box to guide his header into the far post for the 2-0 advantage. Majestic SC goalkeeper Mitchell Kupstas made several point-blank saves to keep the score line close until the very end of the game as he collected five saves.

The Heat then added a third goal in the 70th minute as Trevor White calmly slotted home a low shot far post to make it 3-0 before Ivan Viek headed home another Molina corner kick into the near post in the 84th to put the final score at 4-0.

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Parkland SC (UPSL)
0:2
City Soccer FC (USSSA/USSL)
Terramar Park; Parkland, FL

By James Knowles (@RBLRJamesK)

The game between Parkland SC and City Soccer SC was a hard fought affair with thin margins for error. After regulation passed without a goal, the game went to extra time where City Soccer found themselves in the position to finish it off before penalties. It was Ricardo Tapia with a “doblete” who saw Parkland SC out on their home turf – with just a little bit of luck after a substitution in net. For City Soccer FC, they advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2024 US Open Cup for the second time in the last three years. They are aiming to qualify for the tournament for the first time since their Open Cup debut in 2022.

While both teams did their best to create and defend, it was the keepers who stood out most in this contest. Marc Florestal for Parkland SC and his counterpart, Edison Ostia Naranjo of City Soccer, had some dramatic saves throughout the first 90 minutes. In particular, Florestal had a flair for the acrobatic while flying across his box to prevent opponents from getting on the end of crosses. Each was proactive in his defensive work and also tried to kickstart attacks from their own end.



Many of the best chances came from set pieces. However, none of those had enough quality to get past the outstanding pairs of gloves blocking each net. In the end, and after several similar attempts, it was a shot from well outside the box that opened the scoring for City Soccer SC. Ricardo Tapia found himself in space in the center of the park and lashed at it. Parkland had changed their goalkeeper to allow Florestal to play in the field. Alexander Jimenez replaced him and seemed to misjudge the bounce of the ball. He would probably want that one back, considering the distance. A few minutes later, a penalty was conceded after a bad challenge. Tapia doubled the lead for City Soccer and sealed the win.

Fatigue was visible on the field when the final whistle blew. Despite playing away from home, City Soccer had run out victorious in the end. Parkland players in their white kits could be seen burying their heads in their shirts. They likely felt as though they had created enough chances to score a goal and win it themselves. However, being unable to convert, it was left to the visitors to finally break the deadlock deep into extra time. All of Florestal’s hard work was undone.


Escondido FC (UPSL)
1:1
Irvine Zeta FC (UPSL)
San Pasqual High School; Escondido, CA
Irvine Zeta FC advances, 10-9 in penalty kick shootout

By Jordan Beech

In a shootout that seemed likely to never end, it was Francesco Zanin who made the decisive play to send Irvine Zeta FC to the fourth and final round of 2024 US Open Cup qualifying. The Irvine-based outfit advanced with a 10-9 win in the shootout after a 1-1 draw with fellow UPSL side Escondido FC.

Escondido got on the board first, striking in the 42nd minute through Omar Rodriguez. Unfortunately for the visitors, Irvine Zeta leveled just before the stroke of halftime as Luan Barbosa got his head on Joseph Barry’s long throw and nodded it home. After neither team could break through in the second half and extra time, neither team missed a PK until the second half of the 10th round when Zanin dove low to his left to save Roberto Guerrero’s attempt.

Irvine Zeta will seek their first-ever USOC berth next month in a “Win & You’re In” match at an opponent that is still to be determined. Zeta has yet to play away from home, and has used that home field advantage to outscore opponents 10-2 through the first three rounds.


Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
0:2
Tennessee Tempo FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School; Snellville, GA

By Henry Higuita

Despite the chilly weather in Snellville, Ga., Tennessee Tempo’s 2-0 victory over Kalonji Pro-Profile was a heated and exciting encounter. The match kicked off as an evenly-matched contest with both sides creating chances and playing some stylish attacking soccer. The Tempo, a club formerly known as Beaman United, found the net early in the first half, but the goal was called back for offside.

The scales tipped significantly in the 32nd minute when Kalonji’s Samaan Williams was issued a red card for violent conduct. The hosts played the remaining hour of the match a man down and were noticeably frustrated by the state of the game. Nevertheless, they were able to hang on until halftime with an even 0-0 score.



The second half saw the visitors put on a dominant display that allowed them to find the net once more, but the offside flag saved the Georgia side once more. The visitors wouldn’t be silenced, however, as they finally broke the deadlock thanks to a superb strike by captain Nathaniel Bedai in the 74th minute. Seth Poku then doubled the lead in the 87th minute by perfectly placing a 21-yard free kick out of the reach of Kalonji goalkeeper Henry Pleitez. The Tempo, who are trying to qualify for the second year in a row, held on for the final minutes of the match and punched its ticket to the final round of qualifying with a 2-0 win.


FC Folsom (UPSL)
5:3
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Livermore Community Park; Folsom, CA

By Tyler Pilgrim

The two California UPSL clubs FC Folsom and Valley 559 FC met for the first time since the previous season’s playoffs for this round of the Open Cup, and a subsequent goal fest ensued. Livermore Community Park played host to an incredibly entertaining match. Valley started the first two minutes of the match with nine men on the field as two of their players ran late. FC Folsom’s Dalton Pando opened the scoring not long after in the third minute from a beautiful cross by Cole Rovegno. Pando would then give up a handball in the box in the 24th minute to give Valley 559 a chance to convert, and Jose Tovar netted the equalizer from the spot.

It would be Joe Restani who put Folsom back ahead before the half with a screamer from outside the box that he placed perfectly in the right upper 90 to make it 2-1. Rovegno, Folsom’s left back, would make it 3-1 in the 59th minute after a sensational solo run along the left wing from his own half before finding the back of the net. Valley 559’s Juan Flores made it interesting and netted their second in the 75th minute, but it would be Folsom’s Nick Potts and Moshi Wilondja who made it 5-2. Moshi had his shot deflected off the defender and in, while Potts netted an unassisted goal after an emphatic run inside from the wing.

The scoring wasn’t finished yet, though, as Valley 559 found a late third goal in stoppage time. It would ultimately be too little, too late as FC Folsom came out on top 5-3 to advance to the final round of qualifying next month (Nov. 18-19). Folsom are seeking the club’s first Open Cup berth in their first qualifying attempt.


New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/EPSL)
3:0
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Jamaica, NY
Match ended in 76th minute

By Michael Battista

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms advanced to the fourth and final qualifying round for the 2024 US Open Cup on Sunday night. Three first half goals looked like enough to get the three-time Open Cup champions there regardless. However a situation late in the match against New York Renegades FC caused the game to be ended prematurely.

It took the Freedoms less than 180 seconds to get on the board. The play started out of the back with James Nealis, brother to New York Red Bulls’ defenders Dylan and Sean, and eventually found former USL and Grenada national team star Shavon John-Brown on the left side. He ran toward the end line with James Tristino calling for the ball. A cross into the box found the forward sliding, with the shot slotting into the lower right corner to put the hosts up 1-0. A few minutes later in the 10th, the Freedoms doubled their lead. A team pass around in the box gave John-Brown a point blank shot on net, which he roofed.



The Renegades were missing a handful of players and as time wore on the younger side began to get aggressive. By the end of the first half the referee had warned multiple players and showed them some yellow cards. On the other side, John-Brown earned a brace in the 40th minute. A long pass found him onside, on a breakaway, where he chipped NYR keeper Raul Bonilla to make it 3-0.

The second half progressed as normal, though the Renegades began to get more possession time. Rodrigo Descalzo Rocca made great runs up the right side but could not connect with players in the final third or in front of the Freedoms’ net. And the aggression continued to build.

It boiled over in the 74th minute. Renegades’ player Jonathan Silveira was shown a yellow card for tripping Tristino after the latter got on an intercepted play. For the next few moments, players began crowding around the area and the head referee. A minute later, former Paraguayan professional Samuel Cáceres was shown yellow as well, seemingly for something the NYR player said to the referee. All the while, the Renegades’ Yohance Alexander was visibly arguing from a distance and began getting closer to the referee. In the 76th, the referee had enough and gave Alexander a straight red. Players from both teams got between the player and referee, with the former continuing to mouth off.

At this point, there are conflicting reports on what happened. Alexander was not leaving the field and, reportedly, shouted a verbal threat toward the match official. The referee blew his whistle and the game was called off. The referees would not tell coaches, press, or on-site U.S. Soccer affiliates any information regarding the decision. They asked for 30 minutes to confer and left before that, leaving all parties confused.

TheCup.us has now confirmed with the US Soccer Federation that the game was ended because of “referee abuse” after the player made a verbal threat toward the referee.

MATCH BROADCAST


Yinz United (USASA/APL)
1:2
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL)
Oakton High School; Vienna, VA

By Liam Wolf

For the third year in a row, Northern Virginia FC punched their ticket to the final round of the Open Division qualifying tournament for the US Open Cup. They defeated Yinz United 2-1 to move themselves one win away from qualifying for the second time in three years.

It was a slow start in Vienna, Va. for both sides, early on it was Yinz United taking control of the game. Just six minutes into the first half they had the ball in the back of the net and were off celebrating, just for the linesman to raise the offside flag. The first half was slow and methodical with both sides moving the chess pieces and frustrating each other.

The second half would be a complete flip as NoVa FC would make three halftime changes and change formation. It didn’t take any time for the substitutions to change the game as in the 53rd minute NoVa would strike, Bernando Majano would take Aj Sheta’s pass and find the bottom left corner.

Yinz would not back down as just 13 minutes later substitute Jonathan Okafor would find himself on the end of a James Grace cross and level things. A goal that Yinz felt that deserved after a good spell of possession and forcing NoVa goalkeeper Tyler Back to make multiple good saves. 

NoVa FC wasted no time taking the lead back. Two minutes later, Majano would get his second goal contribution of the night as he fed what would be the eventual winner to the frenchman Jean Phillipe Ayolmbong who made no mistake and poked the ball into the back of the net.

NoVa FC would hold onto the lead and progress onto the fourth round of qualifying which is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 18-19.


FC Denver (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg.)
0:2
Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier Lg.)
Northfield High School; Denver, CO

By Andrew Mosier

For the sixth time in six tries, Azteca FC advanced to the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They did that with a 2-0 win over FC Denver on Sunday. Oscar Montoya and Freddy Fragozo tallied second half goals for Azteca, while Gerardo Aguila earned the clean sheet in goal.

“They made it very difficult for us to play,” said Azteca owner Andy De La Rosa. “They kept 11 players behind the ball for long periods of time, so it was hard to find the space. Once we got that first goal they had to open up and play and we were able to get a second.”

But it was FC Denver who was nearly on the scoresheet first. Earning a corner kick in one of their few forays into the Azteca defensive third, towering center back Brian Roddy slammed a header off the crossbar in the first real scoring opportunity in the game.



The first half ended with a series of saves by FC Denver goalkeeper, Cesar Romero Cameon, to keep the score level at zero.

Off a quick break, FC Denver thought they broke the deadlock when Alex Bernhart ran onto a through ball from Cesar Castillo, slamming the ball into the roof of the net just as the flag was raised for offside in the 72nd minute.

Two minutes later, Jovany Herrera was taken down in the right channel 25 yards from goal. Montoya curled a free kick to the far post for his third goal in Open Cup qualifying.

Herrera also had a hand in the second goal, auspiciously finding Fragozo inside the penalty area where he finished with certainty from close range in the 76th minute.


UDA Soccer (UPSL)
W:L
Sporting Arizona FC (USASA/SWPL)
New Mexico State Univ. Club Soccer Field; Las Cruces, NM
UDA Soccer advances via forfeit after Sporting Arizona withdrew from tournament

By Josh Hakala

Sporting Arizona FC forfeited the match. According to UDA Soccer officials, they were informed that Arizona were not able to field enough players.

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