The Second Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup wrapped up on Wednesday night. Three amateur teams advanced to the Third Round. On Tuesday, two amateur sides from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) survived as Lubbock Matadors blanked FORO SC 2-0 and El Farolito pulling off the upset on the road, 2-1 at Central Valley Fuego (USL-1). On Wednesday, the lone amateur team to move on made some history as Miami United upset Club de Lyon (NISA) 2-0. United, who competes in the United States Soccer League, became the first team from a United States Specialty Sports Association league to reach the Third Round.
USL League One were the big winners of the Second Round as eight teams advanced to Round 3. MLS NEXT Pro had just three teams survive and the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) had just two punch their ticket to the next round.
The draw for the Third Round will take place on Thursday, April 4 at 1 p.m. ET. It will be streamed live online via US Soccer’s YouTube channel.
You can find the 2024 US Open Cup schedule / results and the statistical leaders here.
Below you will find a brief summary of all of the Second Round action, with links to the full match report (and video highlights) as they become available.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
5:2
Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
BY: Dave Einhorn
The Richmond Kickers booked their place in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup after beating the Maryland Bobcats (NISA) 5-2. Richmond jumped out to an early lead in the 6th minute when Nil Vinyals converted a penalty for a dubious handball. Chandler O’Dwyer added the second goal for the Kickers in the 20th minute, but Maryland would respond quickly. Abdul Kooistra bundled the ball over the line just minutes later to make it 2-1. Dakota Barnathan would add a third for Richmond in stoppage time.
Maryland was immediately on the attack in the second half. They were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute, but Darwin Espinal, a goalscorer in Round 1, put his chip too high as he hit the crossbar. Maryland’s task went from difficult to impossible in the 61st minute as midfielder Julian Possian received his second yellow card for lashing out at a Kickers player after a foul was called. Despite being a man down, Espinal would make up for his error and gave Maryland a lifeline in the 71st minute. An outrageous strike from long-range was just what his team needed to feel like they were still in the match. It was too little too late, as tired legs conceded goals four and five to Richmond’s Ryan Sierakowski and Dakota Barnathan respectively as Richmond advanced to Round 3 for the fifth year in a row. It was the Kickers’ 36th all-time Open Cup win, which is tied for fifth-most in the Modern Era (1995-present) {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
0:0
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL)
Charlotte advances, 4-3 on penalty kicks
BY: Dave Einhorn
Charlotte Independence and South Carolina United Heat played with intensity and desire in their contest to determine who moves onto the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. There were plenty of chances for both sides, but last-ditch saves, off-target shots, or miss-placed passes deterred either team from scoring. Even after 90 minutes, in extra time, both teams were unable to find a winner. It took penalty kicks to decide a victory. South Carolina United Heat jumped out to an early lead, but Charlotte was able to claw their way back and seal their place in Round 3 for the second year in a row. The shootout’s final score ending with Charlotte prevailing, 4-3. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
NYCFC II (MLS NEXT Pro)
4:2
New York Red Bulls II (MLS NEXT Pro)
BY: Dave Einhorn
In a match dubbed the “Hudson River Derby Jr.,” both NYCFC II and New York Red Bulls II traded goals as they sought to progress to the Third Round of the 109th US Open Cup. Red Bulls II jumped out to an early lead after NYCFC II goalkeeper Tomas Romero failed to stop Mohammed Sofo’s shot in the 6th minute. NYCFC would equalize through Jonathan Jimenez in the 22nd minute. He would add another goal in the 38th minute to make the score 2-1. Malachi Jones scored in stoppage time to ensure that NYCFC had a strong 3-1 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, the Red Bulls came out in their signature press. They immediately scored a goal from Serge Ngoma to put the pressure back on their cross-town rivals. They were later awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute, but Romero made up for his early error and denied the Red Bulls starlet Julian Hall. Jonathan Jimenez completed his hat trick in the 88th minute to seal the victory. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Lubbock Matadors SC (NPSL)
2:0
FORO SC (UPSL)
BY: Jordan Beech
The Lubbock Matadors of the NPSL were the sole amateur team to punch their ticket to the Third Round on Wednesday night after besting FORO SC, 2-0, at home in the Lone Star State. The match was the only match of the Second Round to pit two amateur teams against each other.
After a scoreless second half, Salvador Martinez scored the opening salvo in the 71st minute following a free kick. The ball fell to Martinez’ feet inside the box and he coolly slotted it home for the hosts. Lubbock then took advantage of a 76th-minute red card to FORO to salt away the match with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time through Shuma Sasaki who connected on a corner from Douglas Appiah-Kubi. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:2
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
After Extra Time
BY: Jordan Beech
It took extra time, but Michigan Stars FC edged Minnesota United FC 2, 2-0, to reach the Third Round. The Stars were the lone NISA club to secure advancement on Tuesday night.
After a scoreless regulation, it took another nine minutes for the opening goal to be scored. Sacko Konate did the honors, heading home a cross from Steven Juncaj in the 99th minute of play. Hunter Olson supplied the finishing blow in the 106th minute, capping off a fast break from Elias McCloud’s assist.
The win marks the first time the Michigan Stars won advancement to the Third Round of the US Open Cup and the club’s first win over a professional team. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1)
1:2
El Farolito (NPSL)
BY: Jordan Beech
El Farolito delivered a late stunner to Central Valley Fuego FC, triumphing, 2-1, over the professional outfit in Second Round action on Tuesday night. El Farolito is now the only NPSL team in history to beat two professional teams in regulation in one tournament.
Despite a bright start from El Farolito, it was Central Valley who found themselves with a 1-0 lead after a 19th-minute penalty scored by Jose Carrera-Garcia. El Farolito wouldn’t be deterred, however, leveling the match just before halftime through Dembor Benson.
With extra time beckoning, Benson delivered the late heroics just like he did in his club’s First Round match, one-timing a looping cross from Jhohann Yabur into the bottom right corner in the 88th minute. Though Central Valley had an opportunity to level it, the El Farolito defense stood tall to secure the victory.
The win moves El Farolito to 4-2-1 overall and 3-1-0 in road matches in Open Cup play. It’s the 1993 US Open Cup champs’ first time in the Third Round in the Modern Era of the competition. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Miami United FC (USSSA/USSSL)
2:0
Club de Lyon FC (NISA)
BY: Dave Einhorn
Miami United FC won comfortably 2-0 over fellow Floridians Club de Lyon (NISA). Windy conditions played a big part in the match as both teams struggled in the elements. Miami opened the scoring in the first half when pressure from Alejo Melo Fernandez led to miscommunication in Club de Lyon’s backline. This gave a golden opportunity to Jhon Pajoy, who only had to beat the goalkeeper to score. Miami would double their lead in the second half, with Pajoy setting up Fernandez at the back post. The goal capped an excellent passage of play from Miami, featuring some great passing in the tough weather. Club de Lyon would have a lifeline in the 71st minute as Miami defender Frank Fraggetti would be sent off for a second yellow card offense, and conceding a penalty. It wasn’t to be for Club de Lyon as Juan Manuel Martinez put the penalty at hip height and goalkeeper Cristian Emanuel Blanco made the save. Martinez tried to follow up on the rebound, but Blanco made another save, tipping the ball out of touch over the crossbar.
Even with their extra man advantage, Club de Lyon was unable to create many meaningful chances. Miami United FC made a few substitutions and let their experience in the US Open Cup guide them to victory. With the win, United become the first USSSA club to advance to the Third Round. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
4:0
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA)
BY: Jordan Beech
South Georgia Tormenta FC stormed past Savannah Clovers FC in a Peach State showdown, 4-0, to advance to the Third Round for the second year in a row. Four different players scored for the USL League One outfit on the night.
Fans of the home side didn’t have to wait long for the opening salvo, with Niall Watson scoring in just the second minute off Pedro Fonseca’s assist. Joshua Ramos doubled South Georgia’s advantage in the 35th minute thanks to help from Jackson Khoury. At the 57-minute mark, Pedro Fonesca recorded his second assist of the evening, helping Sebastian Vivas make it 3-0. Austin Wehner then put the finishing touches on the scoreline in the 90th minute.
The win was South Georgia’s first against a Third Division opponent in Open Cup play. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
2:3
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
After Extra Time
BY: Jordan Beech
A cagey affair between USL League One foes saw Greenville Triumph SC edge past One Knoxville SC, 3-2, after extra time. Chapa Herrera scored the matchwinner after the contest ended 2-2 in regulation.
Greenville struck first through Lyam MacKinnon in the 15th minute, but the match saw itself knotted up quickly at 1-1 through Kempes Tekiela’s penalty conversion just three minutes later. MacKinnon bagged his brace in the 33rd minute to send Greenville into halftime nursing a 2-1 advantage. Not to be outdone, Tekiela scored the second half’s lone goal in the 62nd minute for a brace of his own off an assist from Innocent Nshuti.
With the match tied 2-2 after 90 minutes of play, extra time heroics were needed to determine a winner. Herrera stepped into that spotlight in the 107th minute, thanks in part to Leonardo Castro’s assist.
As a result of the win, Greenville has secured passage to the Third Round for the second straight season. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Vermont Green FC (USL-2)
1:2
Carolina Core FC (MLSNP)
BY: Dave Einhorn
Vermont Green looked to build on their Round 1 success as they played host to Carolina Core on Wednesday night. The amateur side from USL League Two had another stellar crowd, featuring United States Women’s National Team player Samantha Mewes, even with rain and snow in the forecast. The home fans went crazy in the 28th minute as Carolina Core conceded a penalty, which was converted by Yaniv Bazini. Vermont would take their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Several great attacking opportunities and saves for both teams led to a thrilling second half. Carolina made up for their first-half mistake when Papa Ndoye converted a penalty to equalize in the 60th minute. Substitutions would also play a big role for Carolina Core. Striker Joshua Rodriguez came into the match at halftime and made a huge impact in the 70th minute, rebounding the ball into the back of the net for a 2-1 Carolina lead. Vermont made a valiant effort to equalize, but they were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute. Jacob Lebovitz was shown red for retaliating and headbutting a Carolina Core player. Vermont would throw everything they had left into the mix, but Carolina was resolute. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Apotheos FC (NPSL)
0:1
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
BY: Jordan Beech
A 52nd-minute strike by Stefan Lukic was all that separated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC from their amateur counterparts, Apotheos FC in Second Round action.
Knotted up at 0-0 after the break, Lukic finally found the breakthrough the USL League One outfit from Chattanooga was searching for in the 52nd minute. The winger fired home with his left foot into the bottom left corner to provide the match’s lone goal in favor of the visitors.
The win marks the Red Wolves’ first on the road in their third attempt. The club will be advancing to the Third Round for the first time in club history after bowing out in the Second Round the last two years. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Chicago Fire FC II (MLSNP)
2:0
Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
BY: Jordan Beech
Goals on either side of halftime pushed Chicago FIre FC II into the Third Round over Forward Madison FC on Wednesday night.
David Poreba got the scoring going just 11 minutes into the match, tapping in from close range to put the MLS NEXT Pro side up 1-0 over their visitors from Madison. Jason Shokalook then put away a second for the hosts in the 90th minute, with Lamonth Rochester assisting on the effort.
Chicago Fire FC II remains unblemished in their Open Cup debut, defending their home field twice so far. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Union Omaha (USL-1)
3:1
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
BY: Jordan Beech
Union Omaha fended off Cup darling Des Moines Menace, 3-1, on Wednesday evening in Open Cup action. In doing so, Omaha moved to a sterling 4-0-0 in home contests in tournament play.
With halftime beckoning, Pedro Dolabella got on the end of Josue Gomez’s corner to put the host side up 1-0 in the 44th minute. Shortly after the restart, in the 48th minute, Union Omaha secured an insurance goal thanks to Marco Milanese. Lagos Kunga put the final touches on the scoreline with a goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Not to be denied a goal on the evening, Leroy Enzugusi cleaned up Rashid Nuhu’s save on former US Men’s National Team player Sacha Kljestan’s initial effort to pull one back in the 87th minute.
As a result of Wednesday night’s triumph, Union Omaha has now reached the Third Round in every Open Cup the club has participated in. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Colorado Rapids 2 (MLSNP)
2:3
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time
BY: Jordan Beech
After a scoreless first half, both teams found an offensive spark in the second. Opening up the scoring just two minutes into the second half, Wayne Frederick II got on the end of a Marlon Vargas cross to put the Colorado Rapids 2 up 1-0. Northern Colorado answered in the 59th minute through Marky Hernandez.
An 80th-minute goal by Ethan Hoard meant that the Hailstorm had surely won it, but it was all for not. Kimani Stewart took advantage of Northern Colorado’s failure to clear a cross to level the match in the third minute of stoppage time and send it to extra time.
With the match appearing to be headed to penalties, it was Northern Colorado who found the late-match heroics necessary to see out the win. Taking advantage of a harried Rapids 2 transition, the Hailstorm sprung a fast break that saw David Garcia tap in a low cross from Lucky Opara to clinch victory in the 121st minute.
The consummate road warriors, this marks Northern Colorado’s fifth road win in three tournament appearances. Every Cup win for the Hailstorm has been on the road. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Ventura County FC (MLSNP)
0:3
Irvine Zeta FC (NISA)
BY: Jordan Beech
A rush of blood to the head saw Irvine Zeta FC enjoy a man advantage for 74 minutes to see out a 3-0 victory over Ventura County FC.
Nicola Barros Schelotto earned a straight red in just the 16th minute of action, putting Ventura County at a disadvantage that Irvine Zeta would capitalize on before the end of the opening stanza. Linking up with Oscar Cervantes, Rafael Espinoza fired his shot into the upper right corner to take a 1-0 lead into halftime for the visitors from Irvine. George Almeida and Marcel Salceda scored insurance goals in the second half as Irvine cruised into the Third Round.
The win marks Irvine’s first road win and first win over a Third Division side in their debut tournament appearance. Irvine was the only NISA representative to advance to the Third Round on Wednesday, and just one of two NISA teams to win in the Second Round overall. {FULL MATCH REPORT}
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)
1:0
Los Angeles Force FC (NISA)
BY: Jordan Beech
Luis Gil’s late goal proved the distance as Spokane Velocity FC edged out LA Force, 1-0, to earn advancement to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. Spokane is the sixth USL League One side to punch their ticket on Wednesday night.
After being frustrated by the LA Force defense for 84 minutes, Spokane finally claimed a deserved lead in the 85th minute of action through Gil. After Andre Lewis’ attempt was saved, Gil was there to clean up the rebound and put the hosts through to the Third Round. {FULL MATCH REPORT}