On a cold night in Mount Vernon, NY, fans and families of the New York Pancyprian Freedoms gathered for the Second Round match up in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Pancyprian Freedoms, the three-time US Open Cup champions, had upset on their minds. They were fresh off of a victory in Round 1 against FC Cincinnati II, and sit at the top of the American Premier Soccer League, looked to pull off a major cupset. Meanwhile, fans, players, and staff celebrated Westchester SC’s first home match as a club. Westchester SC moved onto the Third Round of the US Open Cup after a famous 3-2 victory against the Freedoms.
The action started early as Westchester got their first goal in the third minute: former New York Red Bulls player Kenmar Lawrence, Westchester’s first signed player, put an excellent ball over the top of the defense from his own half. It fell right into the path of JC Obregon Jr. Obregon Jr did well riding a challenge from Westchester and slotted home with his left foot. It was a dream start for Westchester, a nightmare for New York.
Things would go from bad to worse for the Pancyprian Freedoms as they conceded an own goal in the 22nd minute. A cross from the left side was deflected poorly off of Jack Sluys, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance for a save as it sailed into the corner of the goal. Suddenly, the Freedoms were down 2-0, but Westchester wasn’t finished yet.
Daniel Bouman would add a third as a Westchester clearance fell to his feet at the top of the box, and he guided it into the top right corner. The score at half time was 3-0.
The Pancyprian Freedoms decided to throw caution to the wind in the second half. They were given a lifeline from Westchester SC in the 53rd minute when Westchester goalkeeper Dane Jacomen caught a corner in the box, but he fell into his own player, and the ball came out. Pablo Herrera was right there to put the ball home for the Freedoms, making it 3-1. There were shouts for handball from the New York bench. Those no-calls didn’t have a huge effect on the match, but New York scored again late into stoppage time.
This time, it was a cross from the left side of the area into James Thristino. He brought the ball down and had a lucky misskick land in an opportune place for a right-footed shot. With one minute left, the Freedoms were only a goal away from the impossible. It wasn’t meant to be, as they ran out of stoppage time. Westchester’s announced crowd of 2,026 erupted at the sound of the final whistle. It was their first-ever home win in the tournament.
After the match, NY Pancyprian Freedoms manager Andreas Chronis praised his team for their outstanding second half.
“Our true self was in the second half … I think the boys did an amazing job,” said Chronis. “There were a couple of moments where I thought we would tie it.”
He also praised the players’ work rate, especially those who had been at their full-time jobs earlier that day.
“Seven of our starters were working before they came to the match. It takes time to get started after you’ve worked a full day, come here, and play against a professional team. That’s why we’re more of a second-half team.”
This victory is important for Westchester SC manager Dave Carton, but the road is very long.
“One game at a time. We want to deliver on our owner’s high expectations, but we might be in Pancyprian’s shoes in our next game,” said Carton. “We just have to be prepared for that. The target is to be in the Fourth Round.”
Carton also showed a lot of class in highlighting the NY Pancyprian Freedoms’ efforts throughout the match, even touting one of their players as the man of the match.
“They found another gear, and good for them. They deserve a lot of credit,” added Carton. “They are a proud club with a proud tradition in the competition. I’d give it to someone from Pancyprian Freedoms. I like Joey Holland. He’s a great player and played a good game.
NY Pancyprian Freedoms will turn their attention to the National Amateur Cup and American Premier Soccer League. Meanwhile, Westchester will await their third-round opponents and prepare for their first home league match on April 27th in the USL Jagermeister Cup.