Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup after their win over New Jersey Alliance on Sunday, 0-0 (4:2 on penalty kicks). It will be VE’s first time participating in the tournament in more than two decades (though it did qualify for the cancelled 2020 tournament). It was one of the stranger games in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying rounds: an initial yellow card was changed to red, extra time was shortened, and two teams who usually have no trouble scoring held each other goalless. In the end, penalty kicks decided who moved on. VE edged out New Jersey Alliance after the Alliance missed two penalties. It will be the first time Vereinigung Erzgebirge has featured in the Open Cup since 2002.
This fixture was always going to be difficult for both teams. Vereinigung Erzgebirge is used to grinding out wins and battling an opponent all 90 minutes. New Jersey is a well-disciplined and tactical team that wants to play their way. Unsurprisingly, the game started with lots of shuffling for position and feeling out the opponent. The Alliance had the better opportunities, even without their star striker, Isimohi Bello, who had four goals in the last round against Philadelphia Ukrainian Americans. New Jersey Alliance could not capitalize on their opportunities, as they were caught by the offside flag on a few occasions and stopped by Vereinigung Erzgebirge goalkeeper Steve Paul.
The second half saw immediate substitutes from both teams as the action heated up. Bello would sub in for New Jersey with the hope of giving them the lead. While his appearance did offer more upfront for the Alliance, it was clear that VE was growing into the game. In particular, a shot from a corner missed everyone in the box but managed to hit the far post itself. A well-worked ball from the left side was set up perfectly but was quickly flashed over the bar. As the seconds ticked away, extra time looked necessary. Neither team could break the deadlock, and the crowd was treated to more soccer.
Evan Vare sends @VEClub back to the Open Cup!#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/W0SIKoKjK1
— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) November 19, 2023
It was in extra time that every player and coach realized it was now do-or-die. Heads would go down after every miss, and teammates and coaches alike were vocal after the numerous fouls called. One, in particular, was a crunching tackle from Vereinigung Erzgebirge captain Kevin Smolyn. The sound of cleats clashing with pads so suddenly grasped everyone’s attention. The referee was in a good spot to make a call, a difficult one, and chose to show yellow. Moments later, he conferred with his assistants, and the card was changed to red. The Vereinigung Erzgebirge bench was furious with the decision as it appeared the change was made without formal evidence. The officiating crew stood by one another and were united in the decision being a red card. That brought Vereinigung Erzgebirge down to 10 men with the second half of extra time to play.
This brought us to the next twist in the tale. The United States Soccer Federation and the match commissioner shortened the second period of extra time to ten minutes due to the field’s lack of light. Although the match kicked off at 2 p.m., it was now close to 4:30. The sun was due to set at 4:41. This presented a slight advantage to Vereinigung Erzgebirge as they only needed to keep New Jersey Alliance at bay for 10 minutes before going to penalties.
90’ @VEClub almost finds one late. Still deadlocked.#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/ZX8wdYA67w
— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) November 19, 2023
They would do exactly that. During the short break in play, both sets of players seemed exhausted. Penalty takers were selected, as was the goal and order for shooting. The final act of the U.S. Open Cup qualifier had a new player – the home crowd. More than 100 people wrapped in jackets and blankets were now outside cheering for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. New Jersey were able to convert their first penalty calmly, but the eruption after every VE spot kick was incredible. New Jersey would unfortunately miss two penalties, leaving the final score Vereinigung Erzgebirge 4 and New Jersey Alliance 2. Upon the final penalty, VE players celebrated their accomplishments on the field with friends, family, and the Under-15 side. A moment that showed the pride of their program since 2002.
After the match, New Jersey Alliance coach Matthew Farrell felt his team had a great overall effort but didn’t assert their style of play as the match went on.
“I think it’s just a little bit of a rush where you’re not getting the necessary breaks, and then you try and resort to a long ball style of play, which isn’t what we’re used to,” said Farrell.
His counterpart, coach Rob Oldfield of Vereinigung Erzgebirge, quickly highlighted how home-field advantage played a role in the victory.
“What a great crowd,” said Oldfield. “Amateur soccer should be like this.”
As for Oldfield, he was a member of the 2002 squad that last played in the US Open Cup for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. The history of the moment was not lost on him.
“I’ve been basically chasing this my whole life to get the team back in it.” Several people congratulated him, even after the sun had officially set.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge are the victors and seek to make their mark on the US Open Cup after it has eluded them for so long. The party in their clubhouse was historic, and, in a sign of good faith, New Jersey Alliance players were invited as honored guests. Truly, the magic of the Cup was alive and well.