Twenty-six clubs will battle it out to determine who moves on to the final round on Dec. 7 and 8, and another 14 will engage in “Win and You’re In” contests this weekend in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This weekend’s winners will join UPSL spring champions Soda City FC and 2024 National Amateur Cup winners New York Pancyprian Freedoms as part of the 2025 US Open Cup field.
Of the 14 clubs in “Win and You’re In” games this weekend, nine have never qualified for the Open Cup, and three of the games are guaranteed to produce clubs that will be making their Open Cup debut.
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).
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Below you will find a brief preview of all 21 games:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
ROUND 3
O’Shea’s FC (USSL)
vs.
Miami United FC (UPSL)
Gaines Park; West Palm Beach, FL
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
Miami United travel two hours up the coast looking to move one step closer to their sixth Open Cup birth, while host O’Shea’s FC will hope to celebrate a victory at the pub they’re named after.
After receiving a bye in the First Round, Miami United cruised past River Miami FC, powered by a hat-trick from Robertino Insua, and two additional goals from Alessandro Mazzetta.
This is Miami United’s fifth time in qualifying through the Open Division, and they’ve been successful in their last three attempts (2020, 2023 and 2024). Prior to that, they qualified for the Open Cup three other times (2015, 2017, 2018) through the NPSL. Miami United’s 12 previous Open Division qualifying games have all been against opposition from Florida, and a win over O’Shea’s will push that total to 14, since the winner is guaranteed to play a Florida team in the final round. They are currently on an 11-game qualifying winning streak with their only loss coming in their debut attempt in 2018.
In the 2024 Open Cup, Miami United knocked off pro clubs Chattanooga FC (1-0) and Club de Lyon (2-0), before falling to Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship) 2-0. Jhon Pajoy scored the very first goal of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, and while no award was given for best goal of the tournament, his rocket free kick would have easily been a contender.
Miami United finished 9-3-1 in the 2024 UPSL Florida South Spring season and are a perfect 10-0-0 in the fall season. The team goal scoring leaders in the fall season are Alessandro Mazzetta with 10 followed by Robertino Insua with 6.
O’Shea’s FC are making their third appearance in Open Cup qualifying. Last year O’Shea’s defeated Hurricane FC 4-2, then fell to Parklands SC 2-0 after extra time. This year, after a bye in the First Round O’Shea’s crushed USSL rivals Atletico Miami Internacional FC 6-2, with Giancarlo Triulzi providing a hat-trick. O’Shea’s FC won the 2024 USSL Florida Elite Division championship.
The winner faces one of the other Third Round Florida winners on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
vs.
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
Melbourne HS; Melbourne, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
The Palm Beach Flames SC go two hours north to face off with fellow UPSL club Harbor City FC to determine who moves on to a “Win and You’re In” game in December.
Harbor City FC are making their second run at Open Cup qualifying after an unsuccessful qualifying bid in 2023. After an opening round 3-1 win over 2022 qualifier Orlando FC Wolves, Harbor City fell to 2024 qualifier FC America CFL Spurs 1-0. Harbor City finished 5-1-6 in the 2024 UPSL Florida Central spring season. and are currently 4-1-2 in the fall season. Derek Notardonato leads the team in the Fall season with four goals, followed by Mario Licor and Perrie Nascimeno with three apiece.
After a first-round bye,Harbor City blanked UPSL Florida Central rivals Deportivo Lake Mary FC 4-0. Derek Notardonato scored twice, with Perrie Nascimento and Gabe Shelton adding one each.
Palm Beach Flames SC are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. Palm Beach finished 3-9-1 in the 2024 UPSL Florida South Spring season. Palm Beach received a bye in the First Round of qualifying, then squeaked by the USSL’s Miami Soccer Academy 2-1.
The winner faces one of the other Third Round Florida winners on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
America CFL Spurs (USSL/USSSA)
vs.
Inter Nona SC (USSL/USSSA)
Lake Mary High School; Lake Mary, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
A pair of Orlando, Florida area clubs face off to determine who moves on to the Fourth round and a chance to qualify for the 2025 U.S. Open Cup.
FC America CFL Spurs return to Open Cup qualifying after a successful effort in 2024. FC America allowed just one goal in its three qualifying games, wins over Deportivo Lake Mary (8-0), Harbor City FC (1-0) and Leg-AZ World FC (4-1). FC America then gave USL League One side South Georgia Tormenta FC a tough time in the First Round, losing 1-0.
After a First Round bye, FC America CFL Spurs cruised by Kissimmee Soccer Club (UPSL) 6-0 in the second round. Angel Moulton and Micheil Russell Smith provided a pair of goals each, and Shandel Senior and Kwesi Caesar rounded out the scoring. Moulton, Senior and Caesar all played in FC America’s Open Cup debut last March.
Not to be confused with Nona FC of Kissimmee, Fla., who qualified in 2023 from USL League Two, Inter Nona, from Orlando, Fla., are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year.
Nona received a bye in the First Round, then defeated the UPSL’s International Soccer Association 2-0 in the second round, with Dominick White (10’) and Steve Cardona (74’) scoring in each half.
The winner faces one of the other Third Round Florida winners on December 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Tulsa Athletic (UPSL)
vs.
Woodland FC (TSL/USCS)
Athletic Community Stadium; Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
After drawing a double bye, Woodland Football Club of Shawnee, Kansas travel South to play their first ever qualifying game versus six-time Open Cup qualifiers Tulsa Athletic.
While Tulsa Athletic are making their Open Division qualifying debut this year, they are no strangers to the Open Cup. Tulsa has qualified for the Open Cup via the NPSL six times (2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024). 2023 was their biggest year in the tournament, upsetting FC Tulsa in the Second Round to set up a Third Round date with Sporting Kansas City of MLS. Tulsa finished tied with Chicago House for the Open Division prize money as a result. Tulsa won 2023 NPSL championship but left the league in the spring of 2024 due to differences with the league. Tulsa are debuting in the 2024 UPSL fall season and are off to a 8-1-0 start.
After receiving a bye in Round 1 of qualifying. Tulsa eased past the UPSL’s FC Bartlesville Buffaloes 4-0. Mitchell Cashion scored twice, with the other goals coming from Jonathan Harris and a Bartlesville Own Goal
Woodland Football Club of Shawnee, Kansas are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year, and were one of two teams to receive double byes into the Third Round. Woodland Football Club finished 15-1-0 in the 2024 The Select League season. Joseph Caughron led the team with 12 goals in league play, followed by Spence Jean Baptiste with 11. Woodland Football Club are the first club from Kansas to enter Open Division qualifying since Kansas City’s Santa Fe Wanderers in 2018.
The winner faces the winner of Chicago House AC vs. Wisloka Chicago on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
210 FC (UPSL)
vs.
Houston Regals SCA (USSL/USSSA)
South Texas Area Regional Soccer Complex; San Antonio, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: 210 FC Veo page (link coming)
The USSL’s Houston Regals make a trip across Texas to face San Antonio’s 210 FC to determine who will continue their qualifying debut next month for a “Win and You’re In” game.
210 FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying. 210 is the area code for San Antonio, Texas. 210 FC will try to become the second team to qualify for the Open Cup with an area code as its team name, with Omaha, Nebraska’s 402 FC first making the cut in 2009. 210 FC finished 3-6-1 in the 2024 UPSL Texas Central spring season and finished at disappointing 2-6-2 in the fall season, losing the final four games of their season. Devin Vega led the team in the fall with three goals.
Houston Regals are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. Regals won the 2024 Spring USSL Texas championship. Both clubs received a bye into Round 2. 210 FC defeated the Austin Thunder 2-1 in the second round, overcoming playing shorthanded in the opening half. Sergio Bustos’ first half goal held up for the victory.
Houston Regals also had a tough Second Round affair, needing extra time to knock off ASC New Stars 3-2. Yusuf Jabril and Victor Soria scored first half goals, and Samuel Cordero came through with what proved to be the winner eight minutes into extra time.
The winner faces either FORO SC or StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Bay Valley Suns Sports Club (UPSL)
vs.
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Las Positas College; Livermore, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Bay Valley Suns Veo page (link coming)
Fresno, California’s Valley 559 FC make the 150 mile trek north to face UPSL NorCal South rivals Bay Valley Suns Sports Club. The teams have met twice in the UPSL Fall season. Back in August, Bay Valley were 3-2 winners, with David Arenas scoring twice. More recently in November, 559 FC ran away with a 7-0 win, Ashkanov Apollon registering five goals.
Bay Valley are debuting in Open Cup qualifying this year. The Suns finished 5-4-1 in the 2024 UPSL NorCal South spring season and are 4-4-1 in the fall season. Victor Romero and David Arenas share the scoring lead in the fall season with five goals apiece.
Valley 559 FC return for their second attempt at Open Cup qualifying. In their debut last year, Valley defeated Real San Jose 2-1 (USSSA/NSL) 2-1 and Bay Area United FC (NISA Nation) 4-1 before falling to FC Folsom (UPSL) 5-3. 559 is the area code for Fresno, Calif. Valley 559 finished 9-1-0 in the 2024 UPSL Nor Cal South Spring season and reached the Final 8 of the UPSL Spring National playoffs. In the fall season they are 5-3-0.
Both clubs received a bye in Round 1 of qualifying. In the Second Round Bay Valley got goals from David Arenas and Adolfo Trujillo in the final two minutes to knock off Napa Valley 1839 FC (UPSL) 2-1. Valley 559 FC had an easier time in their Second Round contest, rolling over Modesto City FC (NISA Nation) 7-0. Aaron and Andrew Huerta accounted for three and two goals respectively.
The winner faces either International San Francisco or Real Galt FC on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Real Galt FC (UPSL)
vs.
International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
Galt High School; Galt, Calif
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
The SFSFL’s International San Francisco make a short trip to the North to face the UPSL’s Real Galt FC to determine who will advance to a “Win & You’re In” game next month.
Real Galt are making their qualifying debut this year. Galt finished 3-3-4 in the 2024 UPSL NorCal North spring season and finished 5-4-1 in the fall season. Galt made a successful qualifying debut on Oct. 6, winning 3-1 over Acoreano Sport (UPSL), Gilberto Angel Lopez scored twice. In the Second Round Galt knocked off FC Folson (UPSL) 3-1, breaking a 1-1 draw with a pair of goals in the 90th minute. Lopez once again scoring twice.
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, winning promotion two seasons in a row to reach the Premier Division.
Inter got off to a winning start in their opening game, defeating SFSFL rivals SF Vikings SC 4-1 on Oct. 6. Former MLS & USL veteran Matt Fondy led the way with two goals. In the Second Round, Inter prevailed in a wild 5-3 extra time affair with JASA RWC (UPSL). Fondy once again led Inter with a hat-trick, and Sergio Laguna Jacob Castro also scored in extra time, where both teams scored three goals in the final two minutes of the extra session.
The winner faces either Bay Valley Suns Sports Club or Valley 559 FC on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Irvine FC (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Night, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
Irvine FC make the 20-minute trip across Southern L.A. to face Laguna United FC to decide who moves on to a “Win & You’re In” game in early December.
Laguna United hope to do better than their first two qualifying attempts the past two years. Both years Laguna was eliminated by Capistrano FC, each time by 4-1 scores. The good news is Capistrano FC is now a professional club with NISA and they don’t have to worry about them. Laguna United finished 7-3-1 in the 2024 UPSL SoCal North spring season, and are 7-2-1 in the Fall season with one game remaining. Michael Barraza leads the team in the Fall season with 11 goals.
After receiving a First Round bye, Laguna mauled the shorthanded Trojans FC (UPSL) 14-0. Jacob Garcia, Andrew Bowles and Michael Barraza each had hat-tricks in the rout.
Irvine FC are making their third appearance in Open Cup qualifying. Both of their previous attempts in 2023 and 2024 ended with losses in their opening games. Irvine FC finished 5-4-1 in the 2024 UPSL SoCal South Division 1 spring season and are 7-3-0 in the Fall season, Elliot Ruoo leads the team with 13 goals in the Fall. Irvine received a bye in Round 1 of qualifying, then opened 2025 qualifying with a 4-0 win over Playmaker FC of the Southwest Premier League, Rene Sanchez scored twice for Irvine. While all the Open Division is classified as “Division IV”, you could technically say Irvine is “Division V”, since they are currently in the second tier of the UPSL system.
The winner faces either Chula Vista FC or San Diego Internacional on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
vs.
Las Vegas Legends FC (NISA Nation/USASA)
Faith Luthern HS; Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
In a battle of qualifying debutants versus a club that has previously made the cup cut, the UPSL’s Next Level Soccer travel from the outskirts of Phoenix to face the Las Vegas Legends of NISA Nation.
Next Level Soccer are making their debuts in both Open Cup qualifying and the UPSL in 2024 Fall season, where they are 3-5-1. After a First Round bye, Next Level knocked off 2023 qualifier UDA Soccer 2-1, Michael Miller and Danny Baca scoring in each half.
Soccer Academy Nevada are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. This is also the first attempt at Open Division qualifying for the Las Vegas Legends FC, though they previously qualified in 2022 as a member of NPSL. In that appearance Vegas beat Park City Red Wolves (USL-2) 3-2, but then lost 5-0 to New Mexico United (USL Championship). The Legends NPSL team finished 10-0-0 in the 2024 season and are 6-0-2 in the Fall season of NISA Nation. Ethan Kovach and Roberto Soto lead the NISA Nation team with 7 goals apiece.
Legends opened Open Cup qualifying with a convincing 6-1 win over NISA Nation rivals Soccer Academy Nevada, scoring six unanswered goals after falling behind 1-0 in the 8th minute, Esequiel Coronel bagged a brace in the win.
The winner faces either Deportivo Rose City or Washington Athletic Club on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
ROUND 4 (“Win & You’re In)
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
vs.
Dalton United (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex; New Albany, Ind.
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
The first “Win and You’re In’ game to kick off this weekend pits two clubs who not only have never qualified for the Open Cup before but are also making their initial attempt at qualifying. Southern Indiana look to become the first Indiana team to qualify through Open Division qualifying team since it was re-organized in 2016, and the first Open Division/USASA team to qualify from Indiana since Indianapolis’s Reggae Boyz in 2005.
Southern Indiana FC (not to be confused with Southern Indiana Guardians, another UPSL club in Open Cup qualifying), received a First Round bye, then made their Open Cup qualifying debut on Oct. 6 with a 3-1 win over Valhalla FC (Ohio Valley Prem. League), with Jake Calderbank converting a pair of penalty kicks in the opening half, and Vladyslav Peretyatko adding the third. In the Third Round SDIFC rolled over UIPSL rivals Bowling Green FC 5-0, getting goals from five different players (Ekuchi Salehe, Diallo Irakoze, Jake Calderbank, Kellen Clegg and Luca Perrin).
SIFC finished 9-0-1 in the UPSL Fall season, winning their final two games 8-0 and 14-0, and await an opponent TBD in the division playoffs. Vladyslav Peretyatko led the Fall campaign with six goals, and nine other players scored two or more of the team’s 46 Fall season goals.
After a First Round bye, Dalton United made their Open Cup qualifying debut on Oct. 6 with a 3-0 win over Pre-College Development Academy (UPSL) on goals from Frank Herrera, Ezequiel Hernandez and Tony Saldana. In the Third Round Dalton and the UPSL’s Mint Hill played to a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes, the only qualifying game this year to go scoreless. Dalton prevailed in the PK tiebreaker 4-1 to advance to their first ever “Win and You’re In” game for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup
Dalton are currently 8-0-1 in the fall season UPSL Georgia, with a 7-0-0 start interrupted by two draws. Frank Herrera, Ezequiel Hernandez and Francisco Medina lead the way in the Fall season with 5 goals each. There is also a Dalton United FC in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, England playing in the West Lancashire League Division Two (13th tier of the English pyramid).
ROUND 4 (“Win & You’re In)
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
vs.
FCY New York (UPSL)
Miller Field; Winthrop, Mass.
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Mass Soccer Veo page (link coming)
Another “Win & You’re In” matchup featuring clubs looking for their first Open Cup appearance also kicks off at the same time as SIFC vs. Dalton United. Buffalo’s FCY New York travel south to Winthrop, Massachusetts to face CD Faialense with a birth in next year’s Open Cup field on the line.
Faialense are in their second qualifying run but have been around since 1971. In their initial qualifying attempt last year Faialense defeated Boston Street via penalties, but then fell 3-2 to Brockton FC United in Round 3, Faialense finished atop the 2024 Bay State Soccer League Division 1 table with a 13-3-2 mark. They also finished atop the BSSL in the 2023 season. After an opening round bye Faialense had no trouble dispatching Boston Street FC (IUPSL) 4-1, former Harvard University standout Alessandro Arlotti leading the way with a pair of goals. Faialense used the same scoreline to defeat Project Football (UPSL) in the Third Round, with goals coming from Garrett Leary, Gianluca Arlotti, Eoin Houlihan and Mirko Nufi.
Faialense is Portuguese meaning native or inhabitant of Faial, an island among the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Faialense cruised in their opening qualifying game, beating Boston Street FC (UPSL) 4-1.
MORE: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future in Cambridge, MA (US Soccer)
After a First Round bye, FCY New York made their debut in Open Cup qualifying with a 5-3 win over Roc City Boom (NISA Nation). Ali Shawish led with a pair of goals, and Whitman Hernandez put the back-and-forth game away with a 90th minute stoppage time goal. FCY’s Third Round game wasn’t decided until 90th minute stoppage time, as Freddy Fikiri’s goal at the end lifted FCY over the Pittsburgh Dynamo 1-0 at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’s Highmark Stadium.
FCY got its start as the Lackawanna Yemen Soccer Club in 1975, and joined the UPSL in the 2021 Spring season. FCY finished the 2024 UPSL Western NY spring season with a 5-0-5 record but fell to Rochester NY FC in the Western NY division playoff final. Ali Shawish led the team with 5 goals, followed by Ali Alomari with 4. FCY did not play in the 2024 UPSL Fall season. FCY would be the first team from Buffalo to qualify for the US Open Cup through the USASA or Open Division qualifying in the Modern Era (since 1995).
ROUND 4 (“Win & You’re In)
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
vs.
Steel Pulse FC (MSSL/USASA)
Athenia Steel Park; Clifton, N.J.
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
The third “Win & You’re In” game to kickoff at 6 p.m. on Saturday features one club who reached this stage last year versus a team who have never been this close to an Open Cup berth. Neither New Jersey Alliance FC nor Steel Pulse FC have ever qualified for the Open Cup.
New Jersey Alliance are making their fourth qualifying appearance and opened their 2025 campaign with a 2-0 Second Round win over SC Vistula Garfield (EPSL), Emiland Elezaj and Joshua Geller scoring in the second half. In the Third Round, the Alliance dominated Alloy Soccer Club (UPSL) 6-1 with Emiland Elezaj and Ramchwy St. Vil leading the way with a brace each.
NJA FC finished the 2024 UPSL Northeast American South Fall season 6-2-2, Marlon Preciado leading the team with 7 goals.
After going “one and done” in 2022 and 2023, the club reached the final round of qualifying last year, conceding no goals in their three games. Their opening game last year was also 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.
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 spring season and won the 2024 Rowland Cup (Maryland State Cup) 2-1 over Christos FC. The club is currently 5-2-2 in the 2024 MSSL Division 1 Fall season. Diarra Zoumana and Stephen Jude lead Steel Pulse in goals for the MSSL Fall season with 5 and 4 respectively.
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. In their qualifying opener on Oct. 6, Steel Pulse dominated Maryland Bobcats II (EPSL) 7-0.
Starting in the Second Round, Steel Pulse dismantled Maryland Bobcats II (EPSL) 7-0. Stephen Jude and Williams Yami Nono each scored a pair of goals in the rout. Their Third Round game against VA Revolution Pro (UPSL) was bit more challenging, but Pulse came away 4-2 winners through goals from Emmanuel Oluwesi, Williams Yani, Zoumana Diarra and Sinasi Emre Deniz.
ROUND 4 (“Win & You’re In)
West Chester United SC (USLPA/USASA)
vs.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA/USASA)
Kildare’s Turf Field; West Chester, Pa.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
Two clubs who are VERY familiar with one another battle it out for a spot in next year’s Open Cup.
West Chester finished atop the standings for the 2023/24 USL of Pennsylvania season at 12-1-0, VE finished the 2023/24 USL of PA season with a 10-3-1 record. In the early 2024/25 season, VE is on top of the league at 3-1-0 and West Chester is 1-0-1. West Chester United’s Jacob Gier and Ridge Robinson topped the USL of PA goal scoring list for the 2023/24 season with 14 goals apiece. Christopher Baker was VE’s leading scorer with six.
West Chester and VE have met numerous times over the past year. Last December, WCU upended VE 5-0 in the Eastern PA Amateur Cup Semifinals. In May 2024, VE gained a measure of revenge in league play with a 1-0 win, but West Chester came back the next week and beat VE 4-2. In the early stages of the 2024-25 season in September, VE topped WCU 3-0. Finally, in Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur cup group play on Nov. 10, WCU rolled over VE 8-2, advancing them to the EPA Amateur Cup semifinals. Technically, West Chester United are involved in qualifying for both the 2025 and 2026 Open Cup, since the current Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur Cup feeds to USASA Region I Amateur Cup, and then to the 2025 National Amateur Cup, whose winner earns spot in the 2026 US Open Cup.
West Chester also won the Frank Giancroce Open Cup (Eastern Pennsylvania), defeating Alloy SC of the EPSL 4-2. Besides qualifying in 2016, 2019 and 2023 through the Open Division, West Chester have also qualified for the Open Cup through USL League Two (2022) and the NPSL (2024).
West Chester’s path to this game took them past two rival USL of PA clubs rich in Open Cup history. First up was two-time Open Cup finalists (1977, 1994) United German Hungarians, whom West Chester rolled over 6-0. Josh Luchini scored four of the six goals. Next up was four-time Open Cup champions (1960, 1961, 1963 and 1966) Ukrainian Nationals, and West Chester United had no trouble winning 6-1. Ridge Robinson tallied a hat-trick in the win.
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 routed Colonial SC 4-0 on Oct. 6 to open qualifying. Chris Baker scored two goals, and former pro Antoine Hoppenot added two assists. In the Third Round, VE dismissed the EPSL’s Kensington Soccer Club, with Baker scoring again joined by Alex Hajj, Kevin Smolyn and Derek Antonini.
ROUND 4 (“Win & You’re In)
Virginia Dream FC (VSSL/USASA)
vs.
Aegean Hawks FC (APL/USASA)
Meridian High School; Falls Church, Va.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
A trip across the Potomac River awaits Aegean Hawks FC to determine if they secure their fourth Open Cup appearance, or if Virginia Dream FC can earn their first ever spot in the nations oldest soccer tournament.
Virginia Dream’s UPSL team finished 8-1-1 in 2024 spring season & reached the Round of 16 in the UPSL national playoffs. Their team in the Virginia Super Soccer League finished 9-0-1 in the summer season and are 6-0-2 in the fall session. Jakob Asfaha is the top scorer for VDFC in the VSSL with 7.
Virginia Dream drew a bye through Rounds 1 and 2. In the Third Round, Virginia defeated the UPSL’s Alexandria Reds 2-1 after extra time, both goals coming from Nico Likulia.
MORE: Virginia’s Dream team dressing for the big occasion (US Soccer)
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 and 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 the APL’s 2024 Spring season and are currently 6-2-0 in the Fall season. David Rosenbaum leads the team with 4 goals.
The Hawks kicked off their 2025 qualifying run on Oct. 6 with a dramatic 2-1 win over DC Hyper (UPSL). After Hyper tied the game with an 88th minute penalty kick, David Rosenbaum won the game for the Hawks with a goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time. In the Third Round, the Hawks knocked off another UPSL club, MSI Pro, 2-0. Salah Ward and Ethan Heydt scored for the winners in the first half.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
ROUND 3
KS Wisloka Chicago (UPSL)
vs.
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USSSA)
Redmond Park; Bensenville, IL
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: KS Wisloka Chicago Veo page (link coming)
Chicago House AC and KS Wisloka Chicago battle it out to determine who represents the Windy City in a “Win & You’re In” contest next month.
The Peter Wilt founded Chicago House are making their third qualifying appearance, having advanced to the tournament proper in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, House upset USL League One’s Forward Madison 3-2 after extra time, also earning AR Smith Jr. TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. The win set up a Third Round match with Wilt’s former club, the Chicago Fire, who were victorious, 3-0. Chicago House finished with a 6-3-1 record in the 2024 MWPL Heartland Division 1 season.
House opened their qualifying run on Oct. 5 with a 3-2 win over MWPL league-mates Edgewater Castle FC. Two early first half goals from Pau Mateo Chacon and Alejandro Mentasti held up for House in their 2-0 win over United SC (UPSL) in the Second Round.
WATCH: Chicago House AC vs. Edgewater Castle
Wisloka are also making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. Wisloka won 2024 Illinois State Cup over Edgewater Castle FC 2-0 in July. Wisloka finished 7-2-1 in the 2024 UPSL Midwest Central-North Spring season and are 6-2-2 in their just completed fall season. Adrian Diaz and Wojtek Wojcik shared the scoring leadership in the Fall season with four apiece.
Playing in a 2-0 deficit most of the game, Isaac Perez and Giovannie Ortiz scored for Wisloka in the final eight minutes to tie the game 2-2 and force extra time, Wisloka eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout 5-4.
The club takes its name from Wisłoka Dębica, one of the oldest existing sports clubs in Poland having been founded in 1908.
The winner faces either Tulsa Athletic or Woodland FC on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club (DSA/USASA)
vs.
FORO SC (UPSL)
Willow Springs Stadium; Lucas, TX
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
FORO SC are making their second run at Open Cup qualifying after a successful attempt in 2024. In last year’s qualifying, FORO started with a 2-0 win over Tenfifteen FC (UPSL), then received a forfeit win over Athletic Katy FC. FORO punched their Open Cup ticket with a 4-0 win over Alamo City SC (UPSL). In the Open Cup, FORO pulled off a memorable upset of Austin FC II of MLS NEXT Pro, scoring the tying goal in extra time stoppage time, then winning the penalty tiebreaker. FORO’s Kyle Bennett earned TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for his performance in the match.
FORO finished 6-2-2 in the 2024 UPSL Texas North spring season and reached UPSL 2023 fall season final four. They finished 8-2-0 in the 2024 fall season, with Kyle Bennett the leading scorer at 10 goals.
In their lone 2025 qualifying game, 2024 Open Cup hero Kyle Bennett once again came to the rescue in FORO’s 4-1 extra time win over D’Feeters Kicks SC (Dallas Soccer Association). With the game going into extra time at 1-1, Bennett caught fire, scoring three times in the extra session to advance FORO into the Third Round.
StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. StrikerZ won the Open 1 Summer season of the Dallas Soccer Alliance, and received a double bye in this year’s qualifying, meaning this will be their first ever qualifying game.
The winner faces either 210 FC OR Houston Regals SCA on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Washington AC (SRATS/USASA)
vs.
Deportivo Rose City (UPSL)
Shoreline Soccer Field; Shorline, WA
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
Deportivo Rose City returns to the Seattle area to face Washington AC to determine who will get one step closer to claiming their first ever Open Cup berth.
Making their Open Cup qualifying debut, Portland’s Deportivo Rose City traveled north to face Seattle’s Sharktopus FC in their opening qualifying game, and it was quite a wild affair. After taking a 3-1 lead in the second half, Sharktopus came back to tie the game at 3-3 and force extra time. Deportivo then took another two-goal lead in the extra session, but Sharktopus could only pull one goal back, giving Deportivo a 5-4 win.
Rose City finished 7-0-3 in the UPSL Oregon 2024 spring season and are 7-2-0 in the fall season with one game remaining. Kevyn Lo leads the team in the Fall season with 6 goals.
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 and spring regular season and Shaktopus taking the summer section. Washington opened 2025 qualifying with a 4-3 win over Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL) with Christian Soto scoring twice. In the Second Round, WAC defeated Holac FC (UPSL) 2-1, with Eric Lagos scoring twice to erase a 1-0 deficit. Washington Athletic Club enters the competition with some rich history as they were founded in 1930.
The winner faces either Las Vegas Legends or Next Level Soccer on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
vs.
Pinecrest Premier SC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park; Miami, FL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Red Force FC Veo page (link coming)
Pinecrest Premier SC and Red Force FC make the short trip West to Kendall Soccer Park to decide who moves on to a “Win & You’re In” game next month.
Pinecrest Premier SC are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. Pinecrest Premier SC finished 7-1-5 in the 2024 UPSL Florida South Spring season and are 6-2-1 in the fall season with two games remaining. Manuel Calvo leads the team in scoring with 6 goals, followed by Daniel Lazardi with 5. Pinecrest received a bye through the First Round, then defeated Hurricane FC (FGCL) 4-0 on the strength of a hat-trick from Lazardi.
After a two-year absence, Red Force return to Open Cup qualifying. They’ve qualified four times (2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018) with the final two times coming under the current Open Division qualifying format. They have been eliminated three times by Florida Soccer Soldiers (2019, 2020 & 2022) Red Force finished 7-1-1 in the 2024 Premier Futbol League Premier Spring season.
After a First Round bye, Red Force defeated Naples United U-23s (SCSL) 3-2, getting goals from John Diaz, Santiago Fejardo and David Holguin
2017 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC
2018 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC
The winner faces one of the other Florida winners on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
vs.
Chula Vista FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Mission Bay High School; San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
Looking to return to the Open Cup for a third time, Chula Vista FC makes the trip across the city to face the UPSL’s San Diego Internacional, who are trying to reach the Open cup for the first time.
Founded in 1982, 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 and 2020, with 2020 voided due to COVID-19. During the 2015 US Open Cup. Chula Vista pulled a 3-0 road upset over the USL’s Arizona United (now Phoenix Rising FC). Chula Vista opened their 2024 qualifying campaign on Oct. 5 with a penalty kick win over fellow SWPL club Desert FC after a 1-1 draw, Oscar Hernandez scoring the lone goal for Chula Vista. In the Second Round, Chula Vista eased by FC Balboa (UPSL) 3-0, Jordan Rojas providing all the goals. Chula Vista are currently 3-0-1 in the SWPL San Diego Premier League Fall season, having won the 2024 SWPL Spring championship.
Highlights: Chula Vista vs, FC Balboa (Facebook)
San Diego Internacional are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. SDI finished 6-4-1 in the 2024 UPSL SoCal South Spring season and sit at 7-3-0 in the fall season with one game remaining. Spencer Hoyle led the team in scoring for the fall season with nine goals, followed by Luke Raley with eight.
After a bye in Round 1 of qualifying, SDI defeated UPSL rivals City SC San Diego 2-1 in the Second Round. Luke Riley and Garrett Heine scored in the first half, and SDI held off a comeback from City in the second half.
The winner faces either Laguna United FC or Irvine FC on Dec. 7 or 8 for a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.
ROUND 4 (Win & You’re In)
Azteca FC (USSSA/CPL)
vs.
Harpos FC (USSSA/CPL)
Broomfield County Commons Park; Broomfield, CO
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: None
As members of the Colorado Premier League, Azteca FC and Harpos FC are very familiar with each other outside of the US Open Cup. The clubs last met in CPL play on Oct. 13, with Harpos coming out 2-1 winners. Previously Azteca took home a 1-0 win back in May during the spring season. 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. In the fall season, Azteca are off to a 4-1-0 start.
Harpos have appeared in every qualifying tournament since 2016. Since 2016, Harpos have reached the final round of qualifying five times, with the last coming in 2022. Colorado rivals Azteca FC have eliminated Harpos four times, most recently last year. Harpos have qualified three times, 2015, 2016 and the COVID-19 cancelled 2020 tournament. Harpos finished 5-1-3 in the 2024 CPL Premier Division spring season and are 4-1-2 in the fall season.
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 is 18-0-0 against Colorado opposition in Open Cup qualifying since 2016. They’ve faced Harpos four times in qualifying, three of those games with an Open Cup berth on the line (2017, 2018, 2022), and Azteca eliminated Harpos from last year’s qualifying tournament 2-1.
Harpos received a double bye through Rounds 1 and 2. In the Third Round, Harpos won 2-0 over CPL rivals FC Denver, Elijah Mereness accounting for all the scoring. Azteca FC got off on the right foot in their opening qualifying game on Oct. 6 with a 5-1 win over CPL rivals Boulder United FC, Edgar Castillo scoring twice. In the Third Round, Azteca defeated the Colorado Rovers, another CPL rival, 4-1. Cesar Mesa scored twice with Jovany Herrera and Brandon Rosas adding the other goals.
2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
2016 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC
ROUND 4 (Win & You’re In)
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL/USASA)
vs.
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex; Central Islip, N.Y.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube
Lansdowne Yonkers FC travel to Central Long Island looking for their 5th appearance in the US Open Cup. Standing in their way are the New York Renegades, an Open Cup newcomer and one of the powerhouses of the UPSL.
The New York Renegades made their qualifying debut last year, and almost made it in, falling to the New York 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. Renegades finished 8-2-0 in the UPSL fall season. Forward Reneau Rances leads the UPSL fall season with 28 goals.
On Oct. 5 the Renegades opened qualifying with a 4-3 win over one of the more historic clubs in the years qualifying New York Greek American SC (EPSL), Oscar Rivas Romero leading the way with a pair of goals in the first half. In the Third Round, the Renegades cruised past Leros SC (Long Island Soccer Football League) 6-0, Reneau Rances scoring twice.
One of the more seasoned participants of Open Cup qualifying, Landowne Yonkers are making their eighth qualifying appearance. Lansdowne have reached the Open Cup proper four times, three through Open Division qualifying (2016, 2018, 2024) and again in 2022 as National Amateur Cup champions.
Lansdowne had an easy time in their qualifying opener, a 6-1 win over EPSL league-mates KidSuper Samba, Ali Daw Ha leading the way with two goals. In the Third Round, Lansdowne beat another EPSL rival in Zum Scneider FC, 3-1. Kyle Galloway, Ethan Homler and Liam Walsh scored for the winners.
Like West Chester United, Lansdowne are involved in qualifying for both the 2025 and 2026 Open Cup, as they are in the Semifinals of the current Dr. Manning Cup (Southern New York). which feeds to USASA Region I Amateur Cup, then to the 2025 National Amateur Cup, whose winner earns spot in the 2026 US Open Cup.
2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Yonkers
2016 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Bhoys