
The third weekend of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying tournament brought the number of confirmed qualifiers to nine.
Seven more teams punched their ticket to the 110th edition of the US Open Cup this weekend as they join the USASA Amateur Cup winners (New York Pancyprian Freedoms) and UPSL Spring champions (Soda City FC).

In addition, 14 other teams advanced to next month’s “Win & You’re In” matches which will ultimately complete the Open Division Local field for next year’s tournament. Those games are scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 7-8.
The teams who won through to a final qualifier range from debuting Harbor City FC to old hands like Miami United and the curious case of Tulsa Athletic, who were the winners of the NPSL but are no longer in the league and are thus seeking to qualify from scratch.
Five first time qualifiers, Southern Indiana FC, FC Faialense, Virginia Dream FC, New York Renegades and New Jersey Alliance FC will be looking to make a debutant flourish. On the other hand, Harpos FC and West Chester United SC are returning to the competition.
On Monday, the draw for the final round was announced (Date/Time/Venue TBA):
Home team listed first
Harbor City FC vs. FC America CFL Spurs
FORO SC vs. Houston Regals SCA
International San Francisco vs. Valley 559 FC
Washington Athletic Club vs. Las Vegas Legends FC
San Diego Internacional vs. Laguna United FC
Miami United FC vs. Red Force
Tulsa Athletic vs. Chicago House AC (host TBD)
Below you will find a brief recap of each game with the “Win & You’re In” matches including a full match report:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
ROUND 3
O’Shea’s FC (USSSA/USSL)
0:3
Miami United FC (UPSL)
Gaines Park; West Palm Beach, FL
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Andrew Torres-Blanco
Miami United FC are one step closer to qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for a seventh time after defeating O’Shea’s FC late into the second half 3-0. United was led by a brace from playmaker Robertino Insua and the opening goal provided by Alejandro Fernandez which earned the UPSL side a place in next month’s final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2025 US Open Cup. A dominant second half prevented any chance of an O’Shea’s comeback.
While Miami United FC dominated most of the match, the locals showed resilience putting in a solid shift in defense as well as goalkeeper Franco Acerbi having a few heroic saves during various moments in the first half. O’Shea’s FC could have also gone up ahead in the dying minutes of the first half after a counter attack led to Miami’s defender Sebastian D’Angelo clearing the ball off the line, keeping the game scoreless just before halftime.
Despite Miami’s lack of efficiency in the first half, the visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with winger Luis Peralta driving in a low cross for Rodriguez to tap in the far right corner. By then the hosts were not able to recover from the setback. Insua, who was dangerous throughout the match earned a foul near the box in the 81st minute scoring a free kick and later a penalty in added time after an impressive solo run that was won by Peralta.
ROUND 3
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
5:1
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
Melbourne HS; Melbourne, FL
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Taylor George
Melbourne High School hosted UPSL teams Harbor City FC and Palm Beach Flames SC on Saturday as both teams aimed to earn a spot the first US Open Cup berth in club history. Harbor City dominated most of the game, winning 5-1 to advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round (Dec. 7-8).
Harbor City scored three goals in the first half and one in the first three minutes of the second half to pull away from their UPSL rivals. Harbor City was led by a brace by Derek Nodardonato and goals from Perrie Nascimento, Gabriel Shelton, and Mario Licor.
Palm Beach Flames had chances of their own. In the first half, there was a handball in the Harbor City box, giving the Flames an opportunity to get a point on the board. However, Denari Watson missed just wide of the goal.
In the 71st minute, Nicholas Castellanos scored the Flames’ only goal to make it 4-1.
Tre Collins, Perrie Nascimento, Gabriel Shelton, and Derek Notardonato all had assists for HCFC.
ROUND 3
FC America CFL Spurs (USSSA/USSL)
2:0
Inter Nona SC (USSSA/USSL)
Lake Mary High School; Lake Mary, FL
By Christian Gomez
FC America CFL Spurs moved one step away from a second straight US Open Cup berth with a 2-0 win over Inter Nona SC at Lake Mary High School on Saturday. It was a battle of the two of the top teams from the United States Soccer League.
Victor Blanco of FC America would open the scoring in the 17th minute with a free kick goal. Blanco curled the ball from just under 30 yards out and into the upper 90.
Then, eight minutes later, the Spurs would use the momentum and add a second. Herod Geffrard would track down a ball on the right wing and just before the ball rolled past the end line and fired a low-driven pass to the center of the box where John Perpilus would blast it past the keeper to double the lead.
Inter Nona would fight for an equalizer in the second half but FC America’s defense, led by former University of Charleston goalkeeper Marc Torrado, would hold strong. It was the Spurs’ second shutout in a row and the fourth clean sheet in the club’s five qualifying games dating back to last year.
ROUND 3
Tulsa Athletic (UPSL)
8:0
Woodland Football Club (USCS/TSL)
Athletic Community Stadium; Tulsa, OK
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Tim Hanson
Tulsa Athletic’s Jacob Zamarron finished with a hat trick, and Tulsa exploded for eight goals in a dominating 8-0 victory over Open Cup newcomer Woodland (Kan.) Football Club on Saturday night at Hicks Park in Tulsa.
Zamarron scored his three goals in a stretch of 21 minutes to take a 1-0 Tulsa Athletic lead and extend it to 4-0 in the 57th minute of the game. Zamarron’s goals came in the 36th, 45th and 57th minutes.
Tulsa went in front early in the 13th minute when Ruben Torres scored the first goal for the green and yellow to give the home side a 1-0 edge before the three-straight goals from Zamarron.
Luis Flores, who helped lead Tulsa Athletic to the 2023 NPSL national championship with eight goals in the postseason, scored in the 63rd minute for a 5-0 margin.
Tulsa totaled three more goals in the final seven minutes of the contest. Joe Ruiz put the home side up 6-0 in the 83rd minute, and Abou Diallo scored in the 90th minute to extend the score to 7-0. Ruben Carrasco tallied the final Tulsa Athletic goal for the 8-0 victory.
Logan Campbell started in goal for Tulsa Athletic and earned the shutout win in his first appearance in US Open Cup qualifying. The shutout was the second consecutive for Tulsa Athletic in US Open Cup qualifying after the green and yellow defeated FC Bartlesville Buffaloes 4-0 in Round 2.
After receiving a double bye, Woodland FC was playing in their first ever qualifying game against the six-time Open Cup qualifiers in Tulsa Athletic.
Tulsa Athletic will now play Chicago House AC for a spot in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup set for the weekend of Dec. 7-8.
ROUND 3
210 FC (UPSL)
2:3
Houston Regals SCA (USSSA/USSL)
After Extra Time
STAR Soccer Complex; San Antonio, TX
By Jonathan Check
Following a pattern very similar to its win in the previous round, Houston Regals SCA defeated 210 FC 3-2 after extra time Saturday night at STAR Soccer Complex in San Antonio, Texas, to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Both teams created chances in the first half at different times but neither could break the deadlock. 210 started stronger with the first of its narrow misses coming in just the second minute off a corner, while Houston grew into the match and forced 210 goalkeeper Victor Villareal into multiple saves as the half wore on.
210 started the second half well and finally opened the scoring in the 50th minute from the penalty spot. A foul inside the box two minutes earlier paved the way for Lance Laing, whose professional career included stints with Minnesota United FC and FC Cincinnati in MLS, to slide the ball into the bottom right corner as he sent goalkeeper Jonathan Mauricio the wrong way.
Herbert Garcia tied the match up for Houston in the 65th minute, receiving the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and firing it into the bottom right corner from distance beyond Villareal’s reach.
Houston took its first lead of the night in the 80th minute as Villareal ran forward to snuff out a chance but couldn’t get to the ball before it was squared to Victor Soria, who calmly slotted the ball into the open net to make it 2-1 for the visitors. Soria scored to put his team up 2-1 in the previous round of qualifying as well, against ASC New Stars on Oct. 27.
Houston worked to see out its lead and nearly managed to do so before 210 grabbed an equalizer in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, nearly the final moment of regulation. Keegan Woolley, who had come on as a substitute in the 90th minute, was able to follow up with a header after Mauricio parried an initial header and tried to tip it over his crossbar but failed to do so, giving 210 a thrilling late equalizer to force extra time.
That equalizer would prove to be in vain though as Houston retook the lead in the 95th minute and didn’t let it slip again. Kevyn Montaño brought down a cross from the left flank just a few yards from goal, taking a touch before firing it into the bottom left corner to round out the scoring in this seesawing match.
The result ended 210’s first foray into the qualifying rounds of the Open Cup, while Houston kept its own maiden voyage alive as it faces just one more hurdle to making the first round of the actual tournament in Spring 2025.
ROUND 3
Bay Valley Suns Sports Club (UPSL)
0:1
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Las Positas College; Livermore, CA
By Otis Lyons
Valley 559 FC needed extra time, but ultimately advanced past the Bay Valley Suns 1-0 at Las Positas College in Livermore, Calif. Despite missing a penalty kick in regulation, Mason Gonzales was the hero, scoring in the 109th minute to propel Valley 559 FC to the final round of qualification next month (Dec. 7-8).
The first hour of the game was largely a chess match. As time went on, Valley 559 showed their quality, imposing themselves on the match throughout the second half. Following a series of silky team moves, Gonzales won a penalty for the visitors in the 77th minute. However, his attempt was poor, missing the left post by a couple feet, sending the match towards extra time.
Valley 559 continued to pile on pressure in extra time, the breakthrough seemingly inevitable. Victor Falck forced Bay Valley Suns’ goalkeeper Anthony Ayala into the best save of the night just before halftime of extra time; Ayala lunged to his left with one hand, thwarting Falck’s effort that was headed to the upper corner.
Despite Valley 559 combining well, the goal came off of a poor giveaway in the midfield. Gonzales did it all himself, shrugging his way past the final defender and beating Ayala with just 10 minutes to play before penalty kicks.
Just seven minutes later, Ayala became the villain. With the ball comfortably in his hands, the goalkeeper inexplicably shoved a Valley 559 attacker, earning a clear red card, forcing his team to mount the comeback with 10 men. At this point, the writing was on the wall for the Suns, and Valley 559 ran out deserving winners.
ROUND 3
Real Galt FC (UPSL)
1:4
International San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL)
Galt High School; Galt, Calif
By Marcos Lopez
In a Third Round matchup in the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, International San Francisco came away with a 4-1 victory over Real Galt FC in Galt, Calif. With the win at Galt High School, Inter San Francisco advances to the “Win & You’re In” round next month (Dec. 7-8) with the goal of returning to the competition for the first time since 2023.
The scoring kicked off very early for Inter SF in the 9th minute with a goal by midfielder Javier Rivera Hernandez.
Fellow midfielder Dylan Autran would put the visiting team up by two goals in the 29th minute.
After a foiled penalty taken by Inter SF, forward Lionardo Ruiz connected on a free kick to put Real Galt on the scoreboard.
But Inter SF stormed to a commanding win by the last whistle. Center-back Jack Callan scored in the 79th minute, while midfielder Adrien Argast scored in the 88th minute.
Inter SF will now advance to the 4th round, where they will compete against Valley 559 FC, after their win over Bay Valley Sun Sports Club, for the chance to play in the 2025 US Open Cup.
ROUND 3
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
3:1
Irvine FC (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Night, CA
By Josh Hakala
In a battle of two SoCal UPSL rivals, Laguna United scored a pair of late goals to beat Irvine FC, 3-1 to advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round of the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Laguna United opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a goal from Ryan Hubbard who scored off a corner kick delivered by Andrew Bowles. Irvine would answer back in the 38th minute with an equalizer from Nelson Tabarez.
The match would remain tied at 1-1 until late in the second half when Bowles would create the go-ahead goal. Bowles sent in a cross which found Sungho Yun who scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 77th minute.
Bowles would help put the game away in the 87th minute when he delivered a pass to Uriel Morales who went in on a breakaway and beat the keeper to seal the game. With the win, Laguna United is one win away from the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth.
ROUND 3
Las Vegas Legends FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
2:1
Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
Faith Lutheran High School; Las Vegas, NV
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Dominick Delpech
The Las Vegas Legends defeated Next Level 2-1 in a hardfought match at Faith Lutheran High School. With the win, the Legends advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round as they attempt to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in team history.
Both teams had great scoring opportunities however the Legends had an overall dominance of the game in the first half.
In the 9th minute, Ethan Kovach played a through ball to Esequel Coronel who took the ball past the goalkeeper Alejandro Chavez and chipped it into the back of the net giving the Legends a 1-0 lead.
After the opening goal, the Legends kept the pressure on over the next 10 minutes. Ricardo Oliveira rattled the right post and moments later, Kovach went through on goal, but was denied twice by the Next Level defense.
In the 17th minute, Roberto Soto struck a rocket from outside the box and slotted it into the top corner giving the Legends a 2-0 lead.
Las Vegas continued to dominate, forcing Chavez to make multiple saves, but Next Level managed to pull one back against the run of play. Just before halftime, Joao Victor Alvarez Rocha tapped a loose ball into an open net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Chavez continued to keep Next Level in the game as Las Vegas kept the pressure on in the second half. But despite the offensive advantage, Las Vegas was unable to add to their lead.
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
3:0
Dalton United (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex; New Albany, Ind.
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Hamish Munro
Southern Indiana FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over Dalton United FC on Saturday night in a “Win & You’re In” match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
All three goals came in the final 15 minutes of the match. Former pro Dylan Mares netted a brace, scoring in the 77th and 81st minutes, while Allain Bizozoa sealed the win with a stoppage time goal (91′).
With the win, SIFC became the first Open Division Local team from the Hoosier State to qualify for the US Open Cup since the Indianapolis-based Reggae Boyz did it back in 2005. It’s a milestone for a club from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) that has only been around for 10 months.
FULL MATCH REPORT
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
3:1
FCY New York (UPSL)
Miller Field; Winthrop, Mass.
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
CD Faialanese secured a berth in the 2025 US Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over the UPSL’s FCY New York on a clear but cool night in Withrop, Mass. Faialanese qualifies for the US Open Cup for the first time in team history and becomes the first team from the Bay State Soccer League to qualify since Brockton FC United in 2022. Former UMass Lowell player Yanis Lakhlifi accounted for all three goals on the night for the home team.
Faialanese opened the scoring in the 26th minute after a long pass from midfield into the penalty area was lobbed to Lakhlifi who headed it past the FCY goalkeeper.
FCY equalized in the 36th minute after a long pass down the sideline was taken to the touchline, then across towards the goal where Witman Hernandez beat the Faialense goalkeeper.
Ten minutes into the second half Faialense regained the lead when Lakhlifi headed home a pass from the touch line at close range. Off the restart Faialense took advantage of a defensive lapse from FCY, as Lakhlifi stole the ball from a FCY defender and took it straight into the penalty area to easily beat the goalkeeper for a 3-1 lead.
Jacob Maddox and Gianluca Arlotti provided assists on Lakhlifi s first two goals.
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
2:2
Steel Pulse FC (MSSL/USASA)
New Jersey qualifies, 4-2 on penalty kicks
Athenia Steel Park; Clifton, N.J.
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Michael Battista
New Jersey Alliance FC lost a lead in stoppage time, tied the game in extra time stoppage time, and won their “Win & You’re In” match against Steel Pulse FC, 2-2 (4:2 on PKs) to qualify for their first US Open Cup. Pulse, which traveled nearly 200 miles up I-95 for the match, fall short after book-ending their PK shootout with saved attempts.
The first 81 minutes showed two quality teams testing one another looking for an opening. That came when Emiland Elezaj scored NJ’s opening goal late in the second half from the ground. The Pulse responded in the 90+1’ when Stephen Jude’s shot was re-directed in net by a NJAFC player to force extra time in an already chaotic game.
The visitors, also seeking their first ever USOC appearance, took the lead just under 30 seconds into the second extra time half off an Emmanuel Olusesi banger from 30 yards out. Unfortunately for them, turnabout’s fair play as the hosts crashed the net once again in 120+1’ and Dorgeles Coulibably snuck a ball between the goalkeeper and post to equalize. The game, and the 60 fans watching from the cold Clifton, NJ bleachers, was heading to a penalty kick shootout.
Alliance keeper Yamil Macias made two huge saves in Rounds 1 & 4 while his team’s shooters were perfect. The UPSL side qualified for their first ever USOC and became the first local qualifiers to do so from the Garden State since 2017.
FULL MATCH REPORT
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
West Chester United SC (USASA/USLPA)
2:1
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/USLPA)
Kildare’s Turf Field; West Chester, Pa.
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Dave Einhorn
West Chester United SC qualified for the US Open Cup for the third year in a row with a 2-1 win over league rival Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE).
The two teams face off in competitions yearly, and the matches always promise passion, drama, and showmanship. The “Win and You’re In” round of the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying tournament proved to be precisely that, as both teams left everything on the field. The first half of play was dominated by West Chester, with a penalty goal by Ken Roby and a break away goal from Joshua Luchini.
The second half added more spice and sizzle as VE bundled the ball in through Derek Antonini for their only goal of the game. Later on, however, their momentum was taken out of their sails, as Kevin Smolyn saw red on a second yellow for dissent against the referee. VE did their best not only to create chances but also to keep the scoreline close. VE goalkeeper Steven Paul had an outstanding night, and the VE defense held on tight, including three goalline saves by defenders. It wouldn’t be enough, as West Chester United SC hung on for the win.
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
Virginia Dream FC (VSSL/USASA)
2:1
Aegean Hawks FC (APL/USASA)
Meridian High School; Falls Church, Va.
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By George Diamond
Virginia Dream FC have qualified for their first ever US Open Cup following a tightly contested, physical match with Aegean Hawks FC. The Dream took the lead through a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Nicholas Likulia earned the foul and converted the kick. Despite an Aegean Hawks equalizer casting the issue into doubt, Mike Akinyoke found a go-ahead goal in the 89th minute which proved to be a winner.
The first half saw a majority of chances go Virginia Dream’s way but the Hawks showed dangerous flashes of possession that forced Dream defenders and goalkeeper Bill Hamid into action. Hamid, a former U.S. international and 2013 US Open Cup champion with D.C. United, made X saves to lead the defense.
The Dream was able to take the lead in the 17th minute through a penalty kick. Nicholas Likulia was fouled by Hawks defender Teshawn Johnson. The former UNLV forward stepped up to take it and converted, hitting the side netting of Franco Savastana’s net.
After a quickly taken set piece caught the Dream defense napping, Peter Omunyidde snuck a tap in past Bill Hamid to tie the game up in the 53rd minute.
After a period where the Dream began to dominate, they finally found a winner in the 89th minute. Mike Akinyoke volleyed home a half-cleared cross to score the goal that qualified Virginia Dream for their first ever US Open Cup.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
ROUND 3
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USSSA)
2:1
KS Wisloka Chicago (UPSL)
Redmond Park; Bensenville, IL
By Brendan Ploen
Chalk it up as another U.S. Open Cup classic. Chicago House AC 2, KS Wisloka Chicago 1.
Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos scored in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time Sunday night at Redmond Park as House fended off an electric atmosphere and a one-goal halftime deficit, as the visitors stormed back in the second half with two goals to advance in front of a raucous crowd of well over 200-plus fans.
The hosts, Wisloka, took the lead in the first half as former House forward-turned Wisloka star Wojciech Wojcik received a cross into the box and he struck a brilliant half-volley which found the upper net to make it 1-0. House tried to find an answer but the sides went into halftime with the hosts leading.
In the second half, House leveled the score in the 51st minute as they found success down the left-hand flank. AR Smith received a low-driven cross and kept his shot low to tie it at 1-1.
90 + 4’ GOAL, Chicago House AC! Oh the drama! 2-1, House. With under 30 seconds left, House wins it. Brilliant through ball. Calm finish. #USOC2025 pic.twitter.com/XhGdmld5I9
— Brendan Ploen (@BrendanPloen) November 17, 2024
After head coach Shannon Seymour made late substitutes, House found the latest of winners with less than 30 seconds remaining in normal time. Substitute Nico Williams found a cutting Avalos, who made no mistake and calmly finished, sending House fans into euphoria. The full-time whistle sounded moments later, and the celebrations continued.
“We always play (for) the badge,” Williams said. “The badge holds a lot of weight. We like to come out here and show ourselves every time we step onto the field. Shoutout to Wisloka, their fans are amazing. They make it very tough to play here. We (stuck) to what we know and the basics get us through.”
Seymour would’ve loved to see House win it earlier, but he knows advancing in the Open Cup no matter the cost, is all that counts.
“A stoppage-time winner? It never gets old for the club. Maybe from a coach and players’ perspective, we’d like to do it a little bit earlier, but that’s the House way,” Seymour said. “Grind it out with heart, see it out ’til the end and expect positive things.”
Third round qualifying round of the U.S. Open Cup between @ChicagoHouse_AC and Wisloka Chicago. 20 minutes in and no score so far. Story coming later for @usopencup. #USOC2025 pic.twitter.com/KmjSIwWohz
— Brendan Ploen (@BrendanPloen) November 17, 2024
While it wasn’t their day, Wisloka head coach Wojciech Piotrowski knows it’s an opportunity his club can further build upon.
“Two years ago, we could only dream of playing games like that as a club because we were around, but we were playing local leagues. Two years ago when we watched those games on YouTube, I wanted to be part of those games. Two years later with hard work, we have this atmosphere and it just shows that whatever we’re doing, we’re on the right track. Sooner or later, the hard work will defend itself.
ROUND 3
StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club (USASA/DSA)
1:4
FORO SC (UPSL)
Willow Springs Stadium; Lucas, TX
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Adam Uthe
FORO SC moved one step closer to their second US Open Cup appearance in as many tries after a comfortable 4-1 win over StrikerZ DFW. Manuel Lopez, Eric Gomez Silva, and Antonio Perez each provided a goal and an assist while the lone goal for StrikerZ came from second half substitute Oliver Hamby.
The game was fairly one sided from the start, with FORO dominating possession early and grabbing their first goal just seven minutes in. Eric Gomez Silva produced a lethal cut back pass from the goal line and Manuel Lopez did well to bury the shot. The 2024 US Open Cup entrants were in no hurry and StrikerZ offered little resistance until the 25th minute when a dangerous cross found its mark but failed to result in a shot on goal. Antonio Perez got his goal in the 40th minute and responded with an assist to Gomez Silva just two minutes later to give FORO a commanding 3-0 lead going into the break.
StrikerZ came flying out of the break in response and put FORO’s defense under pressure with a shot from the edge of the box that skimmed the crossed bar on its way over. They emptied their bench with substitutions in the 60th and 63rd minutes but failed to capitalize on their momentum. Oliver Hamby did manage to pull one back for StrikerZ when he pounced on an error in possession from FORO’s keeper, but Hector Romero made it 4 for FORO just three minutes later.
In the end, it was a thoroughly deserved result for FORO and head coach Michel Garbini was subsequently pleased with his team’s performance.
“We dominated the actions. Second half, I think we got a little bit tired … .but at the end of the day it was about the result. We got it.”
FORO SC advances to the final round of qualifying, where they will meet Houston Regals SCA to determine who qualifies for the 2025 US Open Cup in the spring.
ROUND 3
Washington AC (USASA/SRATS)
5:0
Deportivo Rose City (UPSL)
Shoreline Soccer Field; Shorline, WA
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Bruce Corrie
It wouldn’t be competitive soccer in Seattle without rain, fog and flaring tempers. Deportivo Rose City took the train up the I-5 corridor Sunday ahead of their match with dozens of fans making the journey with them. Rose City had just taken down Sharktopus FC in the previous round and much of the same energy was in the air. Players were warming up gleefully, young fans had their noisemakers as loud as they could get them, but unfortunately for the Portland side, WAC was ready to spoil the party.
Washington AC shut out the Rose City visitors 5-0 to advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round (Dec. 7-8). WAC are now one win away from qualifying for the tournament for the first time in club history.
Within the first five minutes, Washington Athletic Club gathered the ball down the left side of the pitch, worked around the Rose City right back and played the ball to the top of the D. The ball was quickly shifted out to the right inside of the box for Eric Lagos to put away handily making it 1-0. Lagos found another in the 12th minute in a similar fashion.
There were warning signs that this game would become physical and get out of hand. Over the first 20 minutes, tit-for-tat fouls were given on each side of the pitch for both teams; a few firm challenges, but nothing that warranted too much further thought. That was until the assistant referee caught Deportivo Rose City’s David Silva de Leon throwing a punch and the eventual spiral of his Portland side.
David was only shown a yellow as the head referee did not see the action. In the 23rd minute, Emanuel Grespan was put into the book for a horribly inconsiderate, crunching, challenge near the benches. Not three minutes later (26’), a free kick was called against Rose City just outside of their box to the right for WAC. Emanuel Grespan decided, while on a yellow, to boot the ball off into the accompanying field after the official began setting up the free kick process. It is simply perplexing behavior knowing you’re already on the edge in such an important match. By letter of the law he was booked again and sent off. They would never find their feet after this.
Washington Athletic Club didn’t ever really look phased by the gamesmanship or antics from Rose City. They “just want to play bro”, Goncalo Mendes was overheard saying as he chased a loose ball into the parking lot. A third goal came by WAC’s Christian Soto on a penalty kick, which gave them the 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
WAC started the second half up a man, clearly wanting to keep the ball for the rest of the game. It was ever so frustrating for Rose City. Forcing them to dive into tackles, forcing them to create issues of time delays and to pick apart the officials handling of the game when in reality most of the damage was self-inflicted.
Two more goals went in for Washington Athletic Club both scored by Adeseyi Adekoya, in the 75th and 88th minutes. Only for the game to conclude on a straight red card for the Rose City captain putting the visitors down to nine men and the official to call the game at that point.
ROUND 3
Red Force FC (USASA/PFL)
4:0
Pinecrest Premier SC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park; Miami, FL
By Matthew Bunch
Red Force FC started early and finished strong at Kendall Soccer Park on Sunday night, besting Pinecrest Premier SC 4-0 to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
The key moment of the match was the hard foul in the 33rd minute by Pinecrest Premier’s Sebastian Ayllon in front of his team’s bench. After a lengthy discussion between the head referee and assistant referee, Ayllon was shown red.
Red Force built a solid lead before the red card, thanks to a curling shot from Steven Saballos in the 12th minute – an effort from the right corner of the 18-yard box into the upper-left corner of the goal – and a goal from Danny Tenorio ten minutes later.
Tenorio made it a brace in the second half, and Santiago Fajardo received a loud cheer when he provided Red Force its final goal of the night.
Pinecrest Premier’s best chance at a consolation goal came in the 88th minute, but the shot from Manuel Calvo hit the near post, and Christian Carranza skied an opportunity with Red Force keeper Fabio Orjuela on the ground.
Red Force now awaits its opponent in next month’s “Win & You’re In” match (Dec. 7-8) with an opportunity to qualify for the US Open Cup for the fifth time.
ROUND 3
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
3:2
Chula Vista FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Mission Bay HS; San Diego, CA
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Marybeth Zmuda
San Diego International FC’s 3-2 victory brought Chula Vista FC’s road to the US Open Cup tournament to a close on Sunday. CVFC has qualified for the esteemed tournament three times previously and were hoping for a win in order to propel the team closer to a fourth time. Now, San Diego will look to begin an Open Cup legacy of their own as the Open Cup qualifying debutants advance to next month’s “Win & You’re In” round (Dec. 7-8).
The match was intense and exciting for the full 90 minutes and San Diego Inter got the scoring started with a bang in the 7th minute. Inter’s Marck Cruz Benito blasted a rocket through a mob of Chula Vista defenders and past keeper Ricardo Vilalva to light up the scoreboard early.
Not to be outdone, CVFC followed up with one of their own a mere four minutes later. SDIFC’s keeper Evan Stoll was a good distance off his mark allowing Chula Vista FC’s resident scoring machine, Jordan Rojas, to pop one over the line as well to put a matching 1 on the scoreboard.
This high intensity remained evenly distributed through the first half. Both sides created many scoring opportunities but both keepers were equally as intense and kept things even until the 44th minute. Just before halftime, San Diego Inter’s Garrett Heine maneuvered past Chula Vista’s captain Abraham Rodriguez and slotted the ball into the net to give his side a short-lived one goal advantage.
But Chula Vista would respond again swiftly just two minutes into first half stoppage time. Rojas grabbed a brace and the teams headed off for the halftime break.
The second half was equally as action packed but with different momentum as Inter turned up the heat and showed the nearly capacity crowd that winning was what they came to do.
Due to a technicality, Chula Vista’s usual starting keeper, Oliver Holt didn’t come on until the second half started. This personnel change would prove to be pivotal as SD Inter showed no mercy showering Holt with a barrage of shots. Howevere, Holt was up to the task with some masterful saves keeping the match knotted until the last minute of play.
Cruz Benito, who had just re-entered the pitch after experiencing some cramping, took the ball down the left side looking for someone in the middle. Benito spotted teammate Luke Raley and beautifully centered the ball. Raley was able to get the ball past CVFC’s Holt and give them the lead one final time. Chula Vista was unable to respond before the official blew the final whistle and their 2025 Cup hopes were dashed with a final score of 3-2.
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
Harpos FC (USSSA/CPL)
2:0
Azteca FC (USSSA/CPL)
Broomfield County Commons Park; Broomfield, CO
By Andrew Mosier
Harpos FC exorcized its U.S. Open Cup qualifying demons Sunday, topping bitter league rivals Azteca FC 2-0 at Broomfield Commons.
Halftime substitutes Jack O’Brian and Adam Mickleson scored to put Harpos back into its fourth tournament proper after a four-year hiatus. Harpos last qualified for the 2020 tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The win was Harpos’ first over Azteca in Open Cup qualifying in its fifth attempt with all four previous meetings decided by a single goal. Azteca, who has qualified for the Open Cup four times, entered Sunday’s match 18-0-0 against teams from Colorado in Open Cup qualifying.
With the win, Harpos return to the tournament proper for a fourth time, equaling Azteca’s Open Cup appearances.
ROUND 4 (“WIN & YOU’RE IN”)
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
1:1
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL/USASA)
New York qualifies 4-1 in PK shootout
SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex; Central Islip, N.Y.
FULL MATCH VIDEO (YOUTUBE)
By Michael Anderer
With a qualifying spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on the line, both the visiting team, Lansdowne Yonkers FC and hosts, New York Renegades were ready to play a physical game with elevated intensity. The game would end in a penalty kick shootout but that scoreline does not tell the full story.
In the end, the Renegades qualified for the US Open Cup for the first time in club history with a 4-1 win in the shootout after a 1-1 draw.
It would be former pro Daryl Kavanagh that would break the deadlock between the two sides in the 78th minute. A Lansdowne corner kick would find the head of its target Danso. Danso nodded the ball back across the goal area where Kavanagh was standing unmarked allowing him to beat goalkeeper Eric Edwards with a strong right-footed shot from close range.
Less than 15 minutes to play and it would seem like the visitors from Yonkers might add another Open Cup appearance. The Renegades would again use their bench and bring on Alex Palais in the 80th minute and he would have an immediate impact. A poor turnover by Lansdowne in the middle third of the field would allow New York to connect two passes to Palais wide on the right side with time and space. Palais found the head of attacker Jeison Solano for the equalizer in the 82nd minute.
Tempers would flare in the 113th minute after Renegades goalscorer, Solano, was issued a violent conduct red card. The glory of his earlier shining moment was dulled by his lack of discipline late in the affair forcing his team to play a man down for the last seven minutes plus injury time in an attempt to get the game into penalty kicks. The strength and depth of the Renegades would prove to be enough to carry the game to the end of the extra time periods and the winner would come from the PK spot.
Just as the home side showed their advantage in the regulation play they would also show it in the shootout. Each Renegades shooter calmly approached the area and scored their chances beating DiMarco despite the keeper diving the correct way in two of the four attempts. Lansdowne’s Kyle Galloway put his attempt over the bar and after Patrick Burns scored to quiet the enthusiastic home crowd, early hero, Daryl Kavanaugh, would have his shot saved by Eric Edwards giving the Renegades a chance to win on their next attempt.
The pressure would once again be on Oscar Rivas Romero, the player who had his earlier PK attempt saved by DiMarco, but when the game was on the line Rivas Romero delivered and the Renegades carried the day 4-1.
FULL MATCH REPORT