On a chilly spring evening in Wayne, PA, the visiting Maryland Bobcats faced off against a determined West Chester United side in the opening round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Bobcats, a professional side from the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) proved to be too strong for the hosts from the NPSL. Darwin Espinal scored both goals in a 2-0 road win as Maryland advanced to Round 2.
A passionate crowd of around 250 people gathered in the bleachers and behind the goal at the YSC Complex. Following a call to action from the Sons of Ben, many members of Philadelphia Union supporters groups attended to lend their voices in support of local soccer and the Open Cup. Additionally, a smaller but equally passionate contingent of Maryland Bobcats fans could be seen proudly flying the distinct Maryland state flag in the stands.
Maryland Bobcats FC got off to a strong start and were duly rewarded for their efforts. In the 8th minute, a long ball forward from the defense was skillfully knocked on by Amo-Gottfried. The winger raced down the wing with blistering speed, leaving the West Chester defenders trailing in his wake. Although Sanders rushed off his line, the winger managed to slip a pass across the face of goal to Darwin Espinal, who calmly slotted the ball home. Despite Maryland’s initial dominance, West Chester United gradually settled into the game and began creating opportunities of their own.
Bobcat Attack by a Cup legend | Darwin Espinal ????@MDBobcatsFC | #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/NmQxhSOVBJ
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) March 19, 2024
After a sustained period of possession, United’s Robinson intercepted an errant Bobcat back-pass. Dribbling around the center back, he squared the ball for Roby Kenneth, only for it to be cleared by a Bobcat defender into the woods surrounding the complex.
Around the 35th minute, a foul set up one of West Chester’s better chances. A long ball forward saw the United winger beat his defender just outside the edge of the box. Jacob Campell brought down the winger, resulting in a yellow card and a free kick. However, some West Chester supporters felt the foul occurred on the line of the box and should have been a penalty. Despite a well-worked free kick routine, the resulting shot sailed over the bar.
The two best chances of the half for West Chester came in added time. A precise entry ball initiated a smooth sequence resulting in a one-two pass that put Mason Miller through on goal. However, Miller’s shot went straight at Trevor Jackson, and the rebound was sent wide. Shortly after, a crunching tackle from Brenes initiated a counterattack that led to an inviting ball across the face of goal, forcing the Bobcats to clear. West Chester were unable to capitalize on their momentum, and halftime saw Maryland Bobcat FC holding onto a narrow 1-0 lead.
As the second half unfolded, tensions rose, and the game became increasingly physical. Yellow cards were brandished as both teams fought fiercely. Early in the second half, John Ricks received a yellow card for pushing a Bobcat attacker to the turf while challenging for the ball.
Maryland was able to double their advantage in the 57th minute following a good attack from West Chester. After United Forward Robinson produced a nice turn and shoot opportunity, the Bobcats hit on the counterattack. Jackson initiated play with a throw out to the wing, and Maryland recycled play between the midfielders and defenders until a lane opened along their right sideline.
We just can’t get enough of Espinal! ???? @MDBobcatsFC @opencup | #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/Nma2hqpUgB
— NISA Official (@NISALeague) March 20, 2024
Amo-Gottfreid again used his pace to burn the United defender and played a low first-time cross to Thiam, who squared it to Espinal, who beat his defender and scored. In a series of eleven passes, nearly every Bobcat player touched the ball. For Espinal, it was his second goal of the evening and the fifth US Open Cup goal of his career. Espinal scored a pair for Maryland last year, and his first tournament goal came back in 2017 with the South Florida Surf of the PDL (now USL League Two).
Ricks was almost sent off for a second bookable offense; however, the referee reconsidered and opted to keep the card in his pocket, much to the chagrin of Maryland’s coaching staff. The ensuing free kick was sent into the box by Maryland and headed on to the winger, who rifled a shot at goal. Sanders made an incredible save, tipping the ball onto the post to keep United alive with 15 minutes left.
In the 77th minute, United came agonizingly close to scoring. A long ball switched the field of play and was settled by Roby. He cut back and beat one defender before holding off two more and slipping Brenes into the box behind him. Brenes unloaded a powerful shot that forced a diving save from Jackson to tip the ball over the bar.
The match concluded with the Maryland Bobcats booking their ticket to the second round of the US Open Cup, scheduled for April 2-3. Their triumph was a testament to their cohesive teamwork, clinical finishing, and impressive goalkeeping. Meanwhile, West Chester United can take pride in their valiant effort and attacking creativity, despite falling short on the night.
