This year, US Soccer has taken steps to minimize the overall total travel distance faced by teams in qualifying. All of the 114 teams have been sorted into 14 geographical groups (with three groups further split into sub-divisions). This means that for the first time, teams in qualifying know who they might play based on the pool of teams they are in. The groups are as follows:
- California North (10 teams)
- California South (10 teams)
- Colorado (7 teams)
- DMV (7 teams)
- East (8 teams)
- Florida (18 teams) – Two teams qualify
- Mid Atlantic (8 teams)
- Midwest (8 teams) – Split into Illinois & South Central Divisions
- New York (8 teams)
- Northeast (7 teams) – Split into New England & Rust Belt Divisions
- Pennsylvania (7 teams)
- Texas (7 teams)
- West (9 teams) – Split into Pacific Northwest & Desert Divisions
This version of the Open Cup’s qualifying tournament has been in place since 2016 and this year’s 114-team field is the largest of the competition’s nine-year history. Thsi year, 49 clubs will make their debut in the qualifying tournament.
Out of the 24 different states (and the District of Columbia) involved in the 2025 qualifying tournament, 26 different leagues are represented. The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) tops the list with, by far, the most entries with 50.
Follow TheCup.us on X (Twitter) @USOpenCup throughout the weekend for live updates from each game and links to live video streams (which will also be linked below).
Below you will find a brief preview of all 32 games:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
ROUND 1
Playmaker FC (SWPL)
vs.
Independente Los Angeles FC (UPSL)
Los Angeles City College; Los Angeles, CA
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Another matchup of qualifying debutants. Independente finished 6-5-0 in the 2024 UPSL Socal South Spring season, and are currently 1-4-0 in the Fall season. Playmaker FC are currently 1-0-1 in the SWPL Socal Premier League, and were 3-0-0 in group play of the SWPL Raul Birones Cup, eliminated in the opening round of the knockout stage.
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
vs.
Miami Soccer Academy (USSL/USSSA)
UPSL Stadium; Pembroke Pines, FL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
One thing City Soccer FC can count on, they don’t have to face Miami United FC (yet). While City Soccer has won at least two games in its three previous qualifying appearances, Miami United have been their Open Cup boogeymen. After qualifying for the main tournament in 2022 with a 4-0 win over Florida Soccer Soldiers, City fell to Miami United 3-1 in the opening round. Last year, City lost a “Win & You’re In” match at Miami United FC, 3-1
2022 Meet the Underdogs: City Soccer FC
Miami Soccer Academy are making their 4th qualifying appearance, and have won their opening game the previous three times. In 2023 & 2024 MSA advanced to the Third Round of qualifying, losing to Naples City (I3-0) and Miami United FC (4-0)
Chula Vista FC (SWPL/USSSA)
vs.
Desert FC (SWPL/USSSA)
O’Farrell Charter School; San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Desert FC are making their first qualifying appearance since 2023, having not entered last year. In 2023, an opening 6-1 win iver LA Monsters was followed by a forfeit loss to Capistrano FC due to a shortage of players. Chula Vista has considerably more qualifying experience, making their seventh appearance, though this year marks a return after a two year hiatus. Chula Vista has qualified three times, 2015, 2017 & 2020, with 2020 voided due to COVID-19. During the 2015 Open Cup. Chula Vista pulled a 3-0 road upset over the USL’s Arizona United (now Phoenix Rising).
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
vs.
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
Benedictine University; Lisle, IL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
MWPL league-mates meet for the second year in a row in Open Cup qualifying. Last year, House prevailed 3-1 over Edgewater in the Third Round. Chicago House are making their third qualifying appearance, having advanced to the tournament proper in 2023 and 2024. this year marks Edgewater’s second attempt at qualifying following last year’s ouster from House. Chicago House finished with a 6-3-1 record in the 2024 MWPL Heartland division 1 season, while Edgewater was 5–3-4 in the MWPA Heartland Division 2. Edgewater Castle reached the Final of the 2024 Illinois state Cup, losing 2-0 to fellow open Cup qualifying entrant KS Wisloka.
Acoreano Sport (UPSL)
vs.
Real Galt FC (UPSL)
Holy Rosary St. Mary’s Chapel; Hilmar, CA
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Both Real Galt and Acoreano Sport are making their qualifying debuts. Both had lackluster Spring seasons in the UPSL, Galt finishing 3-3-4 in Norcal North and Acoreano 2-7-1 in Norcal South. Both show signs of improvement in the fall session, with Galt holding a 2-2-1 record and Acoreano 2-3-0.
FC Omens (Bay State Soccer League/USASA)
vs.
Project Football (UPSL)
Madison Park High School; Boston, MA
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Project Football are making their qualifying debut, and finished the 2024 UPSL Spring season at 3-6-1. FC Omens , On the other hand FC Omens are well seasoned in the qualifying battles. Making their fifth appearance, Omens qualified in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. In 2017 they nearly pulled an upset in the Third Round, losing 2-1 after extra time away versus the Rochester Rhinos. Omens reached the ‘Win and You’re In” round in 2016, dropping a 4-0 decision to Southie FC. Last year Omens were knocked out in the opening round of qualifying with a 3-0 home loss to Brockton FC
2017 Meet the Underdogs: GPS Omens
Kensington Soccer Club (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
Vidas United FC (EPSL/USASA)
Germantown Supersite Turf Stadium; Philadelphia, PA
Kickoff: 6:30 PM
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
Vidas are making their qualifying debut. while this is Kensington’s third attempt. Both of Kensington’s previous qualifying runs ended after one game, a 3-0 loss to United German Hungarians in 2023, and a penalty kick elimination by Philadelphia Heritage SC after a 3-3 draw last year. This game will be the first of two in a row between the clubs, as they meet again in EPSL play on Oct. 8. Kensington are 2-2-1 in the 2024/25 EPSL Delaware River Conference season, while Vudas United are 1-1-0 in the same conference.
Patuxent FA (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
MSI Pro (UPSL)
Liberty Sports Park; Upper Marlboro, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Both clubs are making their qualifying debut. MSI finished with an impressive 7-3-1 mark in the UPSL DMV North Spring season, and are currently 4-1-0 in the Fall season. Patuxent were 4-5-1 in the EPSL MId Atlantic Conf. 2023/24 season, and are 0-1 in the young 2024/25 season, though that one loss was a 7-1 defeat to Christos FC.
Alloy Soccer Club (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
Oaklyn United FC (EPSL/USASA)
Lancaster Bible College; Lancaster, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: VEO
The EPSL Delaware River Conference rivals are making their qualifying debuts. Alloy finished atop the EPSL Delaware River Conferencewith a 13-1-2 record for the 2023/24 season, and Oaklyn were right behind them in fourth at 8-5-2. The clubs have met twice in 2024 in EPSL play, Alloy winning 5-0 in April, Oaklyn prevailing 2-1 in June. In the early 2024/25 season the teams were 1-2 in the conference standings, Oaklyn first at 3-0-1, and Alloy right behind at 3-1-0.
Oaklyn has a partnership with the Ocean City Nor’easters of USL League Two. Alloy reached the final of the 2024 Frank Giancroce Open Cup (Eastern Pennsylvania), losing to West Chester 4-2.
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL)
vs.
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
SCUFC Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center; Columbia, SC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Mint Hill are making their third appearance in Open Division qualifying, and the previous two ended after just one game, a 3-1 to Tobacco Road FC in 2022, and a 6-1 defeat in 2024 to their opponents this year. mint hill’s 2024 season did not go too well either, finishing 4-7-2 in the UPSL Mid Atlantic Spring season, although they are 5-1-0 in the Fall session. SCU Heat have been one of the most successful UPSL clubs in the last three years. In the Spring and Fall season from 2022-2024, the Heat have lost just 3 times and drawn four times out of 59 games. In all three of their qualifying attempts they reached the “Win and You’re In’ game, but only in 2024 did they finally make it over the hill. In 2022 they were denied due to an outbreak of COVID-19, and in 2023 Club de Lyon kept them out with a 2-1 extra time defeat. SCU Heat and Mint Hill met in UPSL play in may, with SCU prevailing 2-0, and are set to meet again on Oct. 20 in the fall season.
West Chester United SC (USLPA/USASA)
vs.
United German Hungarians (USLPA/USASA)
Kildare’s Turf Field; West Chester, PA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
United Soccer League of Pennsylvania rivals clash once again in Open Cup qualifying. The clubs met back in 2023, with West Chester prevailing 4-0. UGH have entered qualifying six times, though their last appearance in the Open Cup proper was in 1999. West Chester finished atop the standings for the 2023/24 USL of PA season at 12-1-0, while UGH trailed them in 5th at 8-4-1. West Chester also won the Frank Giancroce Open Cup (Eastern Pennsylvania), defeating Alloy SC of the EPSL 4-2.
If UGH get past West Chester, don’t be surprised if they wind up facing another league rival, Vereinigung Erzgebirge. UGH and VE have met four times, with VE eliminating UGH three times, including a penalty tiebreaker after a 1-1 draw last year.
Besides qualifying in 2016, 2019 and 2023 through the Open Division, West Chester have also qualified for the Open Cup through the USL-2 (2022) and NPSL (2024). UGH are 16-time USL of PA champions, 1965 National Amateur Cup champions and Open Cup Finalist in 1977 & 1993.
New York Greek American SC (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
Hofstra University; Hempstead, NY
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: GAME IN FRAME
NY Greek American SC are one of the legendary clubs in the New York area. While they haven’t qualified since 2015, they have made the cut six times in the Modern Era (1998, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2014 and 2015. NYGA are 4-time Open Cup Champions (1967, 1968, 1969 and 1974). Of their five qualifying appearances since 2016, four have ended after just one game.
The New York Renegades made their qualifying debut last year, and almost made it in, falling to the NY Pancyprian Freedoms (EPSL) 3-0 in the next to last round. The Renegades had a stellar year in the UPSL Spring season, finishing 10-0-0 and reaching the Quarterfinals of 2024 Spring UPSL national playoffs. They were just one of just three teams to go unbeaten and untied in 2024 UPSL Spring season. Currently they’re 5-1-0 in the UPSL Fall season.
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
KidSuper Samba AC (EPSL/USASA)
Tibbetts Brook Park; Yonkers, NY
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
One of the more seasoned participants of Open Cup qualifying faces one of the rookies. Landowne Yonkers are making their 8th Qualifying appearance, while league rivals KidSuper Samba AC are in it for the first time. Landowne have reached the Open Cup proper five times, four through Open Division qualifying (2016, 2018, 2022, 2023) and again in 2022 as National Amateur Cup champions.
Lansdowne and KidSuper occupied opposite ends of the 2023/24 EPSL Metropolitan Conference standings, Lansdowne finishing first at 18-1-3, and KidSuper sitting 9th with a 6-13-3 mark. Landowne have swept the previous three meetings between the clubs, 10, 3-0 and 3-0 on Sept. 15.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
ROUND 1
Atletico Miami Internactional FC (USSL/USSSA)
vs.
Hodler Miami FC (UPSL)
Monsignor Edward Pace HS; Miami Gardens, FL
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
Holder Mami are back for their second run at Open Cup qualifying, having been bounced in extra time 3-2 last year by City Soccer FC in their opening game. Holder finished 5-7-1 in the 2024 UPSL Florida South Spring season, and are currently 3-1-0 in the Fall session.
Atletico Miami Internacional, who originally registered for the competition of the name Fenix United before a re-branding, are making their Open Cup qualifying debut.
Washington Athletic Club (SRATS/USASA)
vs.
Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
Interbay Stadium; Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Bellevue Athletic are making their third run at Open Cup qualifying, having gone one-and-done in 2022 (1-0 loss to Las Vegas Legends) and 2023 (PK loss to Holac FC after a 2- draw). Bellevue finished the 2024 UPSL spring season 5-5-0, but still managed to reach the Round of 16 in the UPSL National playoffs. In the UPSL Fall campaign, Bellview are off to a perfect 5-0-0 start.
Washington AC are making their qualifying debut, and come from Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer, the same league as 2024’s viral sensation Sharktopus FC. The teams have taken turns atop the SRATS, Washington AC winning the Winter & Spring sessions and Shaktopus taking the Summer section.
San Francisco Vikings SC (SFSFL/USASA)
vs.
International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
James Lang Field; San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Rivals from the oldest league in America face off as SF Vikings take on International San Francisco. The Vikings have never qualified for the Open Cup in the Modern Era, but have been involved in Open Cup play dating back to 1954. The Vikings made their qualifying debut last year, losing 1-0 in their opening game to Inter San Francisco. The Vikings finished 12-7-3 (5th) in 2024 SFSFL Premier Division season, one spot behind Inter, who finished 12-6-4. Vikings swept both league meetings in 2024, winning 4-2 in April and again in July.
Inter are making their fourth qualifying attempt, having entered every year since 2022. Inter qualified in 2023 with a 5-1 win over BattleBorn FC, but failed to repeat that success last year, losing 4-2 to FC Folsom in the final round. Inter started in the SFSFL 3rd tier in 2021, won promotion two seasons in a row to reach the Premier Division
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
ROUND 2
Valhalla FC (OVPL/USASA)
vs.
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
Charity Lucas Soccer Stadium; Milford, OH
Kickoff: 11 a.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TWITCH
Southern Indiana FC (not to be confused with Southern Indiana Guardians, another UPSL club in Open Cup qualifying), are making their first run at Open Cup qualifying SIFC finished 5-5-0 in the 2024 UPSL gateway Spring season, and are currently 5-0-1 in the Fall season.
Valhalla FC are making their third Open Cup qualifying run, last year reaching the final round before falling to Chicago House AC 3-1. Valhalla finished 9-1-0 in the 2024 OVPL season, allowing just six goals in 10 games.
Colonial SC (USLPA/USASA)
vs.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA/USASA)
Victory Field; Plymouth Meeting, PA
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Another all USL of Pennsylvania qualifying match pits Colonial SC against Vereinigung Erzgebirge (or just VE). Colonial are making their second appearance in Open Cup qualifying. In 2024, Colonial lost their opening round game 3-1 in extra time to another league rival, Ukrainian Nationals. VE has entered every edition of qualifying since it was revamped. VE qualified once in 2002, then again last year, winning 3-0 over Philadelphia Heritage SC (EPSL), and advancing twice on penalties over United German Hungarians (USL of PA) and New Jersey Alliance (UPSL). VE also qualified in 2020 with a 2-1 win over West Chester United, but the Open Cup was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
VE finished one spot ahead of Colonial in the 2023/24 USL of PA season with a 10-3-1 record, three points better than Colonial’s 9-4-1. In the early 2024/25 season, VE is on top at 3-1-0, with Colonial right behind them at 3-0-0. The teams split the two games in the 2023/24 season, VE winning 5-4 in march and Colonial prevailing 3-1 in May. In the new season Colonial handed VE its lonely loss, a 2-1 setback in September.
Roc City Boom (NISAN/USASA)
vs.
FCY New York (UPSL)
Finger Lakes Community College; Canandaigua, NY
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Alternately known as IASC Boom, Roc City are making their fourth attempt at Open Cup qualifying. They have yet to reach the final round, and last year were eliminated in their opening contest against Sahara Gunners 2-1.
Roc City finished 8-1-1 in the 2024 NISA Nation Western NY Spring season. FCY New York are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying. FCY finished the 2024 UPSL Western NY Spring season with a 5-0-5 record.
Steel Pulse FC (MSSL/USASA)
vs.
Maryland Bobcats II (EPSL/USASA)
Milford Mill Academy; Millford Mill, MD
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
Maryland Bobcats II are the Under-23 club of NISA’s Maryland Bobcats, and are making their initial foray into Open Cup qualifying. The “baby Bobcats” finished 4-5-0 in the 2023/24 EPSL Mid Atlantic Conf.season, and are currently 1-1-1 in the early stages of the 2024/25 season.
Steel Pulse FC have not qualified in their four previous appearances, but have an impressive resume outside of qualifying. Steel Pulse finished 8-2-0 in the 2024 MSSL Division 1 season, and won the 2024 Rowland Cup (Maryland State Cup) 2-1 over Christos FC. qualifying has been a different story however. Their first three attempts ended after just one game, and last year their lone qualifying win (13-2 over Villarreal CF Virginia) was followed by a penalty kick loss to Christos FC after a 1-1 draw. FC Denver finished 5-3-1 in the 2024 CPL Spring season, and are struggling at 0-1-3 in the Fall season.
Peak Eleven Football Club (MPL/USASA)
vs.
FC Denver (CPL/USSSA)
Fairview High School; Boulder, CO
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Peak Eleven are making their fourth appearance in Open Cup qualifying, and are looking for better results than the last two years. In 2023 and 2024 Peak were “one and done”, losing 3-0 to Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake and 7-0 to Azteca FC. The only time Peak “won” in qualifying was a penalty kick triumph over FC Denver in 2022. Peak finished 6-3-1 in the 2024 Spring MPL season and are currently 2-1-1 in the Fall season.
FC Denver are one of the more seasoned clubs in qualifying from Colorado, having entered every year since 2016. They qualified in 2018 and 2019. FC Denver has been on a dry spell since 2019, going “one and done” in 2020 and 2021, and being eliminated by Azteca FC in 2023 and 2024.
2018 Meet the Underdogs: FC Denver
2019 Meet the Underdogs: FC Denver
Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
vs.
Alexandria Reds (UPSL)
The Fields at RFK; Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: NONE
Guerrilla FC and Alexandria Reds are each making their Open Cup qualifying debuts in 2024.
Alexandria finished 6-1-3 in the 2024 UPSL DMV South Spring season, and are currently 2-3-1 in the Fall season. Guerrilla FC are 4-0-0 the DC Premier League Fall season, after having won the 2024 Spring and 2023 Fall seasons.
Boulder United FC (CPL/USSSA)
vs.
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Broomfield Commons; Broomfield, CO
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Boulder United face off with Colorado Premier League rivals Azteca FC. Boulder are making their third qualifying appearance, after not entering in 2024 and going “one and done” in 2022 and 2023.
Azteca FC are perhaps the most accomplished club from Colorado in Open Division qualifying. Azteca have qualified four times (2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024), last year defeating UDA Soccer 2-1 to punch their ticket. Azteca finished 6-1-2 in the CPL Premier Division 2024 Spring season, defeating Harpo’s FC in the CPL Spring playoff for their third straight league championship. Meanwhile Boulder struggled at 3-5-1 (7th) in the CPL 2024 Spring season. In the Fall season, Azteca are off to a 3-0-0 start, while Boulder is 2-1-0.
2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
Timbers SC (MPL/USASA)
vs.
Colorado Rovers (CPL/USSSA)
Englewood High School; Englewood, CO
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Timbers SC make their qualifying debut this year, They are currently 2-1-1 in the 2024 Mountain Premier League fall season.
The Colorado Rovers are starting their ninth qualifying run, but have struggled to find success in that time. Five times they have been “one and done”, and just once, in 2020, did they reach the final round of qualifying, ending with a 4-0 loss to FC Boulder Harpos. The Rovers finished 2-4-2 in the Colorado Premier League Premier Division 2024 Spring season, and are currently 2-1-0 in the Fall season.
Dalton United (UPSL)
vs.
Pre-College Development Academy (UPSL)
Dalton Stadium; Dalton, GA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
Both Dalton United and the Pre-College Development Academy are making their Open Cup qualifying debuts. Dalton finished 9-2-1 in the UPSL Georgia 2024 Spring season, and are 5-0-0 in the Fall season. Pre-College Development Academy finished 5-4-1 in the 2024 UPSL KY-TN Spring season, and sit at 2-3-1 in the Fall standings.
Boston Street FC (UPSL)
vs.
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Harry Della Russo Stadium; Revere, MA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: VEO
Making their third run at Open Cup qualifying, Boston Street sees themselves paired with CD Faialense for the second year in a row, with last year’s meeting ending in a 2-2 draw and CD Faialense advancing on penalty kicks. In their qualifying debut, Street took part in one of the longest penalty shootouts in recent qualifying history. After a 0-0 draw with Ruggles Pro FC, Boston prevailed in the shootout 13-12.
Faialense are in their second qualifying run, and after defeating Boston Street last year, they fell 3-2 to Brockton FC United in Round 3, Faialense are currently 9-2-2 and in 1st place in the Bay State Soccer League Division 1 2024 season. They also finished atop the BSSL in the 2023 season.
Zum Schneider FC 03 (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
Central Park Rangers FC (EPSL/USASA)
Jack McManus Field; New York, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Central Park Rangers are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying, while Zum Schneider are making their second attempt, with last year ending after one game, a 3-1 loss to the NY Renegades
Zum Schneider and the Rangers split their two EPSL: meeting last year, Zum taking a 3-1 win last December, and Central Park prevailing 2-1 in May. The two clubs finished the 2023/24 EPSL season next to each other in the standing, Rangers finishing 7-10-5 (8th) and Zum Schnieder right above them at 8-11-3. both club are struggling in the young 2024/25 EPSL season, Rangers at 1-2-1, and Zum Schnieder at 0-3-1.
VA Revolution Pro (UPSL)
vs.
Northern Virginia FC (EPSL/USASA)
RavenTek Park; Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
This is the second qualifying attempt for VA Revolution Pro with last year’s run stopping after one game, a 4-1 loss to Aegean Hawks FC. VA Revolution Pro finished 5-1-4 in the 2024 UPSL DMV South Spring season, and are 1-4-0 in the Fall season.
Northern Virginia FC, or NoVa FC for short, are one of the more successful Open Division clubs in qualifying. All three times NoVa have entered Open Division qualifying they have reached the final round, qualifying in 2022, losing in 2023 and 2024. NoVa still made it in the 2024 Open Cup through their USL League Two team when they replaced Salem City FC after they withdrew from the tournament. NoVa made their first Open Cup appearance in 1999 as Northern Virginia Royals as a member of the USL D-3 Pro League. NoVa finished 10-0-0 in the 2023/24 EPSL Mid Atlantic Conf. season, and are 3-0-0 in the 2024/25 EPSL season.
Leros SC (LISFL/USASA)
vs.
New York Empire FC (UPSL)
College Point Fields; Flushing, NY
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE
Both Leros and New York Empire FC are making their initial Open Cup qualifying attempts.
Leros are currently 3-0-1 in the Long Island Soccer Football League Premier Division, and NYT Empire are making their debut in 2024 UPSL Northeast American North Fall season, currently 3-2-1.
Bowling Green FC (UPSL)
vs.
Southern Indiana Guardians FC (UPSL)
Bowling Green Junior High School; Bowling Green, KY
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: TO BE ANNOUNCED
This is Bowling Green FC’s second run at Open Cup qualifying. Their debut in 2023 ended with a 3-1 loss to Beaman United in their Opening game. Bowling Green finished 7-2-1 in the 2024 UPSL KY-TN Spring season, and are currently 4-1-0 in the UPSL Fall season..
Southern Indiana Guardians FC of Floyds Knobs, Ind., (not to be confused with Southern Indiana FC, who are just 14 miles away in Jeffersonville, Indiana) are making their qualifying debut this year. The Guardians finished 5-5-0 in the 2024 UPSL Gateway Spring season, and are currently 2-1-2 in the UPSL Fall season.
Aegean Hawks FC (APL/USASA)
vs.
DC Hyper (UPSL)
Langley High School; McLean, VA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE (DMV Sports Media)
DC Hyper are making their debut in the 2024 UPSL DMV South Fall season, and are currently 4-1-1.
Their opponents, Aegean Hawks (named by club founders after Greek military helicopters) are well seasoned in Open Cup qualifying. They have entered eight of the last nine qualifying tournaments. While they have qualified for the Open Cup three times (2007, 2009 & 2012), they have failed to qualify since Open Division qualifying was revised in 2016. In fact, the club has never made it past a second game. The Hawks finished 7-2-1 in APL 2024 Spring season.
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
vs.
SC Vistula Garfield (EPSL/USASA)
Athenia Steel Park; Clifton, NJ
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YOUTUBE / FACEBOOK
New Jersey Alliance are making their fourth qualifying appearance. After going “one and done” in 2022 & 2023, the club reached the final round of qualifying last year, conceding non goals in their three games. Their opening game last year was a 2-0 win over vistula Garfield. Unfortunately, the final game was a 0-0 draw with Vereinigung Erzgebirge, and they were eliminated via penalty shootout. NJA FC finished 7-0-3 in the 2024 UPSL Northeast American South Spring season, and are 3-2-1 in the Fall season.
SC Vistula Garfield are making their fourth qualifying appearance in a row, and came closest to qualifying in 2022, when they were beaten by Lansdowne Yonkers 2-0 in the final round. Vistula have entered the Open Cup off and on since the early 1970’s. Vistula finished 6-14-2 in the 2023/24 EPSL Metropolitan Conference season., and started the 2024/25 season at 0-3-1.Vistula takes its name from the longest river in Poland.