Across 18 states this weekend, 64 teams fought it out in the Third Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, vying for a chance to play in the final qualification round and punch their ticket to the big dance. Along the way, a massive 149 goals were scored, 8 games went to extra time and 4 were forced to a penalty kick shootout.
The Fourth Qualification Round (“Win & You’re In”) is scheduled to be played across the weekend of Nov. 22-23. Unlike previous rounds, no teams will receive a bye, with 16 spots on the line for Open Division Qualification into the 111th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Read on for recaps of each and every game this past weekend. Links to highlights and streams are provided where available.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Akron City FC (USL League Two)
3:3
Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
Croatia Cleveland advance on penalties, 5-4
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
On a cool and partly cloudy afternoon, Akron City FC from USL League Two and Croatia Cleveland of the North Coast Soccer League added another thrilling chapter to the Akron-Cleveland rivalry in the Open Cup as they kicked off the Third Round in 2026 Open Division qualifying tournament. In a game that saw Croatia overcome a two-goal deficit in extra time, the Clevelanders prevailed on penalties 5-4.
In the 30th minute, Croatia nearly gifted Akron the opening goal when Lovorko Duvnjak played a dangerous back pass to Musa who had to scramble to clear the ball for a corner. The resulting corner led to Akron taking a 1-0 lead when Cole Werthmuller headed in the corner kick from Marko Rimac, then was shoved down by Musa, leading to all 22 players gathering in the Croatia penalty area. Order was quickly restored and both players received yellows. A couple minutes from halftime Croatia saw a goal nullified for offsides, leaving Akron ahead 1-0 at the break.
After keeping play in their half for most of the opening 20 minutes of the second half, Croatia finally broke through to equalize in the 71st minute when Tanner Hodgson slotted home a free kick from the top of the penalty area.
Croatia nearly took a 2-1 lead four minutes later when Akron goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy was beaten and had an open goal in front of him, but Omar Najjar came over to head the shot away at the goal line. Najjar would make another goal line clearance a few minutes later.
In the 89th minute Akron nearly won the game when Najjar had a golden chance in front of goal in the middle of a scrimmage, but his shot was cleared, leaving the initial 90 minutes to remain tied at 1-1.
The relative quiet of the first ten minutes of extra time was awoken when Akron took the lead in the 102nd minute. Colin Biros converted a free kick from just outside the corner of the penalty area. Things went from bad to worse for Croatia three minutes later when Croatia goalkeeper Marjo Musa accidently deflected a cross from Akron’s Emilio Spetic into his own net to give Akron a 3-1 lead.
Croatia pulled a goal back just before the opening extra 15 minutes expired, as John Duldner headed a free kick off the sideline from Carson Hodgson.
In the 114th minute, Croatia equalized when Ben Bolinger flicked in a corner kick from Carson Hodgson. The rest of extra time went scoreless, meaning penalty kicks were needed to determine a winner.
Just like the 120 minutes of play the Akron jumped in front only to see Croatia stage a comeback in the PK shootout. Zoltan Nagy saved the opening kick from Croatia’s Carson Hodgson, but Akron’s Hayden Haffner sent his team’s second attempt over the crossbar. Each team converted their next three kicks to send the shootout to sudden death. Dave Beattie converted for Croatia, then Musa made up for his own goal gaffe by saving Emilio Spetic’s shot to win the shootout 5-4 and send Croatia one step closer to returning to the US Open Cup.
PK summary
Akron City FC
Omar Najjar GOAL
Hayden Haffner MISS
Brenden Swann GOAL
Quinn Groves GOAL
Michael Burrington GOAL
Emilio Spetic SAVED
Croatia Cleveland
Carson Hodgson SAVED
Tanner Hodgson GOAL
Jamon McCourt GOAL
Amir Serikbaev GOAL
Danny Kalic GOAL
Dave Beattie GOAL
Ballard FC (USL League Two)
5:1
Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)
By Nate Sachs
In a free-flowing match, star-studded Ballard FC came away with a decisive 5-1 victory over Sharktopus FC in the Third Round of 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Led by braces from former MLS player Lamar Neagle and Nii Engmann, the Bridges are one win away from playing in the US Open Cup First Round for a third year in a row.
Nii Engmann, who played his college ball at Duke University, opened the scoring in the 6th minute off a feed from Ballard FC co-founder and Seattle Sounders FC legend Lamar Neagle. Just under ten minutes later, Neagle again fed a cross to Engmann who slid in to score Ballard’s second goal.
Gabe Kellum pulled back a goal from the penalty spot for Sharktopus and the halftime whistle blew with the score 2-1 to the hosts.
Six minutes after halftime, Cale Spence made it 3-1 Ballard with a shot from outside the box, before Lamar Neagle put the game away with goals in the 59th and 71st minutes. Neagle, a 3-time US Open Cup champion who was making his debut for the club, earned Man of the Match honors for his two goal and two assist effort.
Despite reaching the USL League Two championship game last season, Ballard missed out on qualifying for the Open Cup through league play and had to scramble to fill a roster for the Open Division qualifying tournament.
With their open tryouts for the 2026 season not until December, Ballard pulled together a squad of players from past seasons, former college players, and three former Seattle Sounders in addition to Neagle. The defensive duo of former top-ten MLS SuperDraft pick Jordan McCrary, and three-time US Open Cup winner Jhon Kennedy Hurtado made their Ballard FC debuts. Meanwhile Kelyn Rowe returned to the club’s roster after playing for the Bridges in their 2025 Open Cup matchup with Spokane Velocity.
Ballard advances to the Fourth and final round of qualifying on the weekend of Nov. 22-23.
Brockton FC United (UPSL)
0:1
CD Faialense (Bay State Soccer League/USASA)
After Extra Time
By Sam Fromowitz
In a high-intensity chippy matchup, Cambridge, Mass.-based club CD Faialense exacted revenge on Brockton FC United in a rematch of the 2024 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round, as they knocked out the latter 1-0 thanks to a goal by Jonathan Klein deep into extra time.
The game started out at a rapid pace. Neither team found much rhythm in the opening minutes; Brockton looking to counter with balls over the top and Faialense trying throughballs to their target man Martin Vician.
As the half went on, Brockton would claim the majority of possession, showing high technical ability and attempting to turn their time on the ball into lethal counters. With some tricky players on the wings, they managed to mount a couple of attacks, though nothing that troubled CD Faialense’s goalkeeper Lucas Verge. As the half went on, the game turned into more of a rapid, shoulder-to-shoulder physical battle with the referee opting to be more lenient in letting things go. Tempers would flare up and manifest in several arguments on the field, reaching a high point after Brockton FC United’s Manuel Andrade was booked for a strong challenge.
The second half started out favoring CD Faialense as they began to look more settled in possession, peaking in the 54th minute just yards from goal, where Vician fed former Boston University standout Gianluca Arlotti a golden opportunity to score which was scuffed wide of the post.
Brockton tested Faialense’s defense and keeper several times afterward, reclaiming momentum as the game entered the tactics-free zone. Up for the challenge, ‘keeper Lucas Verge made several saves leading up to full time; with a diving effort and a pair of quick-reaction saves. His defense bailed him out on a couple of chances with clearances from near the goal-line.
Into extra time, Brockton found much success shifting play from midfield out to the left wing, using the pace of Elizandro Cardoso to beat Faialense’s back line and put in dangerous cross after dangerous cross to the far post. This pattern repeated itself and nearly proved fruitful in the 92nd, 95th and 105th minutes with shots from inside the 6 yard line.
After repeated counter attacks going both directions and tired legs beginning to show, luck would finally prove to be on CD Faialense’s side as they scored off a corner in the 116th minute through Jonathan Klein, who sprinted all the way down the field to celebrate with his erupting bench. Tempers finally boiled over just before the final whistle as Cardoso would get into a scuffle that ended with him being shown a straight red in the 119th minute.
CD Faialense will look to carry their resilient performance into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where one more win will see them make their second-ever appearance in the full tournament.
Briar United FC (UPSL)
1:1
Grove United (NPSL)
Briar United advance on penalties, 6-5
By Ha Lien Gaskin
Briar United FC beat Grove United 6-5 in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw in a fiery, intense match sealed by Briar United forward Gianlucca Blas-Pereira’s final penalty.
The game featuring a pair of first-time entries in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament got off to a fast start. Grove United kicked off the game at breakneck speed with a fast pass-and-go quickly intercepted by Briar United for an early shot on goal.
However, a stumble by Briar United goalkeeper John Paulino led to an early goal by Grove United forward Demetrius Howe in the 4th minute.
Grove United’s Dame Pene was shown a yellow in the 8th minute for a messy tackle on defender William Doyen. Briar United struggled to respond to the early goal, making a few shots on goal throughout the rest of the half that were pressured out wide and neutralized by Grover United’s defense.
The second half began passionately, with a yellow card given to Briar United midfielder Jorlee Trejo in the early minutes of the half.
Gianlucca Pereira made it even for Briar United in the 52nd minute with a neat goal. Briar United were more in control of the half, making several attempts on goal that just failed to reach the back of the net. Tensions continued to rise as the game neared its full 90 minutes, with no winner in sight.
Two 15-minute halves of extra time were played with similar vigor, with no signs of slowing down for either side. Still, both halves were fruitless for the competing teams, and the match continued to penalties.
Even the penalty kick shootout was neck-and-neck between the two teams. The match was decided by a cool, confident goal by Briar United’s Gianlucca Pereira, met with jubilant cheers from fans and teammates alike as the North Carolinian side advanced to the next round.
Penalty Kick Shootout Summary
GU #16 Matthew Do – GOAL
BUFC #19 Cesar Gonzalez Rodriguez – GOAL
GU #14 Hamed Zakiri – SAVED
BUFC #7 Wuilmer Garcia – GOAL
GU #18 Asanda Tom – GOAL
BUFC #31 William Doyen – GOAL
GU #7 Leighton Langenhoven – GOAL
BUFC #26 Brayan Bermejo Rodriguez – GOAL
GU #15 Abdillahi Adan – GOAL
BUFC #9 Gianlucca Blas-Pereira – GOAL
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
3:2
Bold City SC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
By Taylor George
After an exciting, high-intensity matchup, Harbor City walked away with a 3-2 win in extra time over Bold City SC, punching their ticket into the Fourth Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Bold City started off intensely, putting themselves on the score sheet in the 4th minute thanks to a goal by Chan Hrin off an impressive cross into the box by Mirza Nevoric.
HCFC would fail to equalize until the end of the first half when Harbor City’s Mitchell Reed buried a header into the back of the net off a corner taken by Aden O’Hara.
The next 45 minutes started at 1-1 with Bold City yet again putting themselves ahead three minutes into the second half after Mirza Nevoric found the back of the net after maneuvering himself into the box after defeating defenders.
HCFC responded in the 82nd minute when Mario Licor utilized his attacking skills to glide past defenders and cross the ball into the box to tie up the game 2-2.
Regulation ended with the game turning into a scrappy affair as both teams fought to get ahead.
Mario Licor would quickly score the winning goal for HCFC off an assist by Mitchell Reed in the 92nd minute. The rest of the game would be scrappy with both teams gathering a plethora of yellow cards and one straight red card was issued to a Bold City player in the 102nd minute.
HCFC held onto their lead for the rest of the game, allowing them to move onto the fourth and final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. HCFC are looking for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year in 2024.
MSI Pro (UPSL)
5:0
Christos FC (APSL/USASA)
By Dan Creel
A battle of Central Maryland teams saw the upstart MSI of Rockville take down Baltimore’s Christos FC in a fairly surprising 5-0 result. The match was held under the lights on Field 14 of the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.
It was a classic press-versus-counter match with the latter coming out the victor. Christos came out strong from the opening whistle compressing MSI well back into their defensive third.
But, in just the 7th minute, MSI’s counter game paid dividends. A break up the right wing was crossed by Ilyes Ouldbrahim at the end line. The ball zipped across the face of goal to find MSI’s central midfielder, Francis Meyer, on the doorstep. Meyer, a former Johns Hopkins starter, knocked home the service to make it 1-0 early.
Christos would continue to press hard against MSI’s defense, but MSI’s midfield was more than up to the task. MSI’s counter game regularly found pockets in the Christos midfield defense which diffused much of the pressure and made Christos chase the game.
Christos’ attack began to get more comfortable as the first half wore on but still without putting the MSI keeper in danger. That momentum was snatched away by MSI’s second goal.
In the 33rd minute, off a quick restart, Meyer touched a ball wide to Ouldbrahim on the right near the center strip. Ouldbrahim would one time a through ball to striker Youssouf Barry. Behind the Christos defense, Barry, MSI’s leading goal scorer moved from the penalty spot to his right and chipped a beauty that lofted over the keeper and into the back of the net.
As the second half began, Christos FC adjusted and pushed a more direct attack at MSI’s goal. But, again, it was MSI’s counter attack that led to the first dangerous play of the half.
In the 49th minute, Christos roamed to the MSI 18 yard box but the attack was shut down with the ball skimming to Ouldbrahim. He sent a long ball perfectly weighted to find Alek Wroblewski sprinting to goal flanked by two Christos defenders. He paused just inside the Christos penalty area and dropped a lovely pass to his right for an onrushing Barry who took a shot that caromed off the underside of the Christos crossbar.
Just after that, Christos made its own quick attack up the pitch finding the club’s veteran striker, Jacob Bender, with tons of space in the penalty box. Bender’s low shot seemed destined for a goal but it bounced off the bottom of the right goal post and out. That would be Christos’ best scoring chance of the evening.
Things got chippy and physical as the second half wore on. Christos’ players became more frustrated as MSI kept finding just the right angle to shut down an attack or pocket of space to spring their own.
MSI finished things off by scoring a trio of goals in the last 10 minutes of regulation. In the 80th, Francis Meyer found himself with tons of space in the central midfield. A cutback caused his defender to fall and he was able to survey the pitch to find Wroblewski, a former UMBC Retriever and Annapolis Blue, on his left. Wroblewski sent a low shot near post to beat the Christos keeper.
Meyer got his brace in the 86th. Drifting wide left, he received a ball from left back Matthew Cappellina. Meyer juked his defender at the end line, dribbled to goal and sent a tight angle shot home for MSI’s fourth of the night. Midfielder Tomas Martini made it 5-0 by lashing a 20 yard shot to the Christos keeper’s right. Magruder High School grad, Yusupha Fofana, kept a clean sheet for MSI.
With that impressive win, MSI is one game away from their first-ever U.S. Open Cup.
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
5:3
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
After Extra Time
By Bruce Corrie
From the first kick there is an intensity from both teams that is made blissfully apparent with three fouls in the first three minutes of play. Right off the bat, Lansdowne Yonkers put themselves in the front foot; winning a penalty kick and Musa Danso converting in the 8th minute. However, the NY Renegades answered just seven minutes later from a Francesco Flores header. Contrary to their 2025 Qualifying matchup, goals would continue to flow as both squads put caution to the wind and open up the field.
A half hour later, Danso converted another penalty kick for Lansdowne. The penalty was initially saved, but the referee ordered a retake because the Renegades’ goalkeeper came off his line early. Eight minutes later, NY Renegade’s Sebastian Ruiz stepped up and converted his own penalty to bring the match back square at 2-2.
Lansdowne pushed forward going into the half and found the advantage from Musa Danso’s effort in the 43rd minute. With Lansdowne up 3-2 into the second half, they couldn’t hold off the Renegades’ persistent pressure in their defensive third for much longer. Sebastian Ruiz stepped up and converted from the spot 62 minutes in after his teammate was shoved from behind in a shot towards goal.
Regulation ended with Lansdowne Yonkers and New York Renegades tied at 3-3. About 98 minutes in, Junior Rosero collected the ball at the top of the box on a misclearance and slid home their fourth goal of the night.
Landowne’s hopes of a comeback were delivered a blow when striker Kyle Galloway was sent off in the 108th minute. Three minutes later Sebastian Ruiz scored his third goal of the match to put the game away and send the Renegades to the fourth and final round of 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying.
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
3:4
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
By Matt Clark
Thirty-eight fouls, 10 yellow cards and two reds created an interesting atmosphere between UPSL rivals Palm Beach Flames SC and City Soccer SC in Wellington, Florida, Saturday night. However, it was a 97th-minute winner from Ricardo Tapia that made the difference as City knocked off the Flames, 4-3.
Auner Cobon scored the first of his two goals in the sixth minute, before City’s starting goalkeeper Ortiz Lovera was sent off with a straight red card for playing the ball with his hands outside the box.
The Flames regained control of the match behind back-to-back goals in two minutes from Kobe Harris.
City equalized before the break as a ricocheted shot in the box bounced off the foot of Flames’ midfielder Jeffrey Michaud for an own goal.
Between Cobon’s opening strike and Harris’s brace, officials only doled out four cards before halftime.
Things got more testy between the teams in the second half as the Flames racked up another four yellow cards and a red for forward Louay Gharzeddine. City Soccer tacked on another two yellow cards in the second half.
Substitute Malte Schmale put the Flames back on top in the 60th minute, thanks to a cross from Harris. However, Cobon answered seven minutes later with his second to tie the game at 3.
Finally, in the 97th minute, Cobon hit Tapia for the eventual winner past Flames’ keeper Sebastian Turbyfield.
In all, the teams combined for 18 shots on goal – 10 for City Soccer and eight for the Flames.
For the Flames, their quest for their first Open Cup berth ends in Wellington, while City Soccer SC moves on after reaching the Final Round in 2024.
Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
1:2
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)
By Adam Uthe
Two goals in five minutes from striker Jay Lee were enough to help Denton Diablos advance past Dallas Atletico to the fourth and final round of qualifying. The two teams traded possession and chances in a close game.
The start of the game was delayed about 20 minutes due to issues with the line markings on the field, but the game was well worth the wait. The two sides were evenly matched from the start and a tactical battle quickly ensued.
After trading a handful of half chances, Denton striker Jay Lee broke the deadlock. Lee’s first goal came in the 22nd minute after Dallas’ goalkeeper mishandled a back pass and Lee curled the resulting shot perfectly into the upper 90.
Another Dallas mistake presented Lee with his second opportunity just five minutes later. This time, he pounced on the back pass before it could reach its intended target and his subsequent shot was initially saved, but still managed to squeeze through the keeper’s grasp and over the line.
It didn’t take the home side long to respond though.
Five minutes after Lee’s second goal, Dallas midfielder Juan Ramirez lofted a clever through ball over the top of Denton’s backline and Jason Miranda made the most of his shot from the edge of the penalty area.
In the 38th minute, Denton earned a questionable foul on a routine cross into the box. Waleed Cherif stepped up to the spot and struck his attempt cleanly, only for it to be saved. The second half turned out to be a stalemate the Diablos did just enough to hold on and get the victory.
The Denton Diablos move one step closer to qualifying for the second time in team history. They have qualified three times, but only participated once (2022) because the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
7:0
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ
By Tim Thomas
It was the Don Tchilao show in Gilbert, Ariz. as the Next Level Soccer player led his team to victory with four goals in a 7-0 win over UDA Soccer. UDA Soccer, who are the collegiate side for New Mexico State University, had something of a Cinderella run to Open Cup qualification in 2023. It was not to be for 2026.
Next Level got off to a quick start with a David Koko goal in the 9th minute of play. The match became stagnant for the rest of the first half and through the opening minutes of the second half.
During this time action was limited to a smattering of chances for Next Level. The most exciting part of the game for the fans was when the announcer made a reference to the inscrutable “6-7 meme”. Which sent all the youth in attendance into a frenzy.
In the 63rd minute, a switch was apparently flipped. Don Tchialao scored a goal. Then mere minutes later Danny Baca scored. Danny’s brother Robby Baca would also contribute to the victory with a pair of assists.
In the 73rd minute Tchialao would secure a brace. He would immediately turn around and make it a hat trick in the 76th minute. Tchialao would score his fourth and final goal in the 81st minute. Not wanting to be left out, Riccardo Arguello slotted home the final goal for Next Level Soccer in the 85th minute.
When the whistle was mercifully blown Next Level Soccer had completely dominated the final thirty minutes of the game. Scoring two goals between the 60th and 70th minutes, two goals between the 70th and 80th, and two goals between 80th and 90th. A dismantling that when combined with the outlier early goal brought the tally to 7-0 in a resounding victory.
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
4:0
Irvine FC (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
By Tim Thomas
Once Laguna United FC started scoring, they couldn’t be stopped. Beating Irvine FC for the second consecutive year during amateur qualifying in what turned out to be a 4-0 romp.
The match got off to a quick start when Irvine FC defender Jacob Raugel had to make a sliding goal line clearance to prevent his team from falling behind early. After that, the first half saw limited chances as the two sides felt each other out.
Laguna United made three substitutions at the beginning of the second half. These substitutions would prove to be key in the story of Irvine FC and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad half.
Second half substitute Marquis Mitchell would open the scoring for Laguna in the 62nd minute. From there, it was off to the races.
A corner kick led to a mad scramble in front of the net that eventually saw a different second half substitute, Shukur Azizov, knock in the second goal for Laguna.
Goals in the 73rd minute by Michael Barraza and 80th minute by Marc Binkelund were purely window dressing on an emphatic victory. Laguna United moves on in their quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
5:2
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA
By David Victor
Valley 559 FC will have another shot at competing for a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating FC Folsom with the help of a brace from Ernesto Espinoza on Saturday night in Fresno.
“We have some guys with experience and younger guys that are hungry,¨ said Valley 559 Head Coach Milton Blanco.
Valley was in this same position last year, but fell just shy after losing 5-4 to Inter San Francisco in extra time. Now they will attempt to overcome the hurdle that barred them from participating in the 2025 edition of the cup.
Just like it happened against Real San Jose in Round 2, Valley found themselves trailing at home and had to come from behind to get the victory.
Nathaniel Carrasco opened the scoring in the 19th minute and gave FC Folsom the lead after capitalizing on a flawed back pass in Valley’s defense.
Valley found the equalizer 32 minutes into the first half after Mason Gonzales pounced on a rebounded ball inside the box and put it in the back of the net.
The game was physical, with both sides exchanging rough tackles meriting yellow cards that set the tone for a high-intensity matchup.
Gonzales later assisted Aaron Huerta, who received the ball inside the box and placed it in the bottom-right to turn the score around for Valley at 50 minutes in the second half.
This lead was short-lived as Folsom’s Oscar Govea approached the goal from right field and blasted it into the net at the far post to even up the score at two goals just four minutes later.
Just when it seemed the game was heading for a tense closing, Espinoza found a gap in FC Folsom’s defense. He used it to release his left foot and score a screamer from outside the box to give Valley the lead once again.
It had been the shot he was looking for the entire game.
“The key thing was to give me a lot of space so I can dribble and do myboldthey gave me the space. I had the opening and I took the shot,” Espinoza said.
Everything went downhill for FC Folsom after Valley’s third goal.
At the 82nd minute, the ball slipped through the hands of FC Folsom keeper Juan Negrete Quintero after failing to control a cross, which MLS veteran Quincy Amarikwa took advantage of to make it four for Valley.
Espinoza then scored his second of the night to conclude the game by blasting it above the keeper while coming in from left field during the 90th minute for the definitive 5-2 score.
In addition to avenging defeat against their fellow UPSL adversary during qualifying for the 2023 Open Cup, Valley has put itself just one game away from securing its ticket to the 2026 US Open Cup.
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
2:1
City SC San Diego (UPSL)
By MaryBeth Zmuda
Two UPSL sides faced each other on Saturday in the third round of qualifying matches for the 2026 Lamar Hunt Open Cup. San Diego International were hosts to City FC San Diego for one of the “Open Cup After Dark” matches this weekend. Under the lights of Mission Bay Stadium , SD International closed out City SC’s chance to play in next season’s Cup with a 2-1 victory.
This match was a case of history repeating itself as last year’s qualifying rounds saw City SC get knocked out of Open Cup qualifying by Internacional 2-1 in the Second Round.
The first half was a display with both sides playing controlled steady soccer and knowing what was on the line with a win. SD Inter was on the board first in the 17th minute when City’s defense made a crucial error and lost control of the ball in very dangerous territory. International midfielder Daniel Strockis was in the right place at the right time and able to easily slot the ball right past keeper Renier ter Riet. The evenly matched tempo continued as both sides were continuing to make way toward the other’s net.
The 30th minute is when City SC was finally able to create some space on the pitch and get on the scoreboard themselves. With two beautiful long balls, starting from the defense, City’s German Sierra found himself alone with Inter’s keeper Carter Orchuli and easily maneuvered around and it was nothing but net. The halftime break saw the teams knotted up at 1 all.
The second half started similarly to the first. With both sides having already faced one another many times, the sense of urgency for a rivalry win started to show itself. Both City and Inter were starting to ramp up the energy and the chippy play came to the forefront. After a relatively quiet first half the second saw home and away being shown several yellow cards each as the anxiety built.
It wasn’t until the 83 minute that a potential draw was avoided. With a volley of very controlled passes SD Inter made its way quickly up the pitch. Mike Khan was the final link in that passing chain and on the receiving end of a beautiful cross from teammate Jacob Fuson. Khan was able to blast it past net minder Renier ter Riet to give the home side the advantage and not much time on the clock for City to comeback.
Neither side was backing down and fresh legs were being sent in to keep up the blazing fast tempo that had been shown throughout the second half. Unfortunately for City, it was to no avail and the final score would remain 2-1 in Inter’s favor allowing them to move on in the quest for a place at the table in the historic U.S. Open Cup Tournament 2026 edition.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
0:1
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
By Andrew Mosier
Harpos FC will not be returning to the Open Cup for a second consecutive year. Arch rivals, Azteca FC rode a 13th minute goal from Jovany Herrera to knock last year’s qualifiers out of the competition 1-0 at a windswept Broomfield Commons on Sunday.
The win moves Azteca one step closer to a return to the tournament proper having qualified in 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.
With gusting winds blowing across the field, the opening minutes of the game was incredibly ragged as both teams struggled to maintain possession for any period of time. Herrera put the visitors in the lead after Harpos uncharacteristically turned the ball over exiting its own defensive third. Azteca’s Andres Arcila took advantage of the space, driving to the endline, which pulled Harpos’ center backs out of position. Arcila’s ball found Herrera—the hero of Azteca’s 2024 qualifying run—unmarked, with the whole goal in front of him to put Azteca up 1-0.
Arcila continued to give Harpos troubles from his spot on the left flank, forcing Harpos’ goalkeeper Hayden Rus to make a desperate kick save in the 21st minute after getting in behind the Harpos back line.
At the half-hour mark, the game became chippy as Harpos began to find an attacking rhythm. Over the span of ten minutes three different Azteca players were cautioned for tactical fouls preventing Harpos from continuing promising attacks.
Harpos nearly leveled the score in the 37th minute when Quin Matulis beat Azteca goalkeeper Gerardo Aguilar from inside the penalty area, only to have it cleared off the line. Seven minutes later it was Aguilar denying Harpos Isaias Daniel Barajas, parrying Barajas’ curling shot away at full stretch to take the game to half time.
With 20 minutes to play, Harpos emptied its bench, using the fresh legs to stretch the wilting Azteca back line. In the 75th minute, substitute Shane Wheeler stripped an Azteca defender of the ball inside the penalty area, slotting the ball to Barajas, whose poorly-hit shot was saved by Aguilar. With four minutes to play, Harpos substitute Danilo Pekovic smashed a free kick off the crossbar from 25-yards from goal. Harpos did not create another chance after Pekovic’s near miss.
With everyone pushed forward, Azteca mounted one final counter, springing Edgar Hermosillo on Harpos’ goal. Harpos defender Hale Curtis’ clip on Hermosilly was enough to bring him to the turf and for referee Brian Yip to point to the penalty spot. Fighting the wind, Azteca’s Bryan Medina put the shot wide of the post to his right, with the final whistle sounding after the restart.
Steel City FC (USL League Two)
1:0
Capital City Islanders (UPSL)
By Colton Coreschi
After a competitive, evenly played first half, Steel City FC would seize control at home in the second half and see off their intra-state challengers in a 1-0 victory to advance one step closer to an Open Cup proper return.
The two Keystone State sides spent the early portions of the match feeling each other out, with much of the battle playing out in a midfield scrap for possession. Both sides looked clean and comfortable, but aggressive pressing prevented any cohesion into the final third.
Steel City FC would find their footing first, generating several corners, free kicks, and moments of danger in the Capital City box, but were unable to find the critical moment or threaten the defense with a shot on-target. But the visitors grew more comfortable late in the half, generating a dangerous chance on a stoppage-time corner that led to a header pinging off the post – but nullified by a foul for a shove in the box.
The only stat-keeping record of note for the first half came in the 36th minute, as Capital City’s Josiah Ramirez came flying in late on a challenge in Steel City’s box in a bid to win back possession high. The challenge was both late and elevated, and the referee saw fit to issue a caution to cool things down. Otherwise, the halftime whistle would blow with zeroes on the scoreboard all around.
That would quickly change in the second half, however, as Steel City really took control of proceedings. Within five minutes of kickoff, Nicky Graeca played a stellar, central through-ball to the feet of Stefano Paulino, leaving him one-on-one with the Capital City keeper. Paulino would very calmly tap the ball beyond his reach, and it nestled into the bottom-right for the 1-0 lead for the hosts.
The chances would all flow through Steel City for the majority of the half, with Paulino consistently putting chances on-target and forcing saves out of the Capital City keeper and defense. Things also became progressively chippier as Capital City sought an equalizer, with several yellows handed out to either side for late challenges and dissent.
But despite the visitor’s efforts to press higher and higher, Capital City couldn’t seem to string together the sequences necessary to threaten Garret Watson in the Steel City net. The hosts would comfortably see out the closing moments defensively and secure their 1-0 victory.
Steel City FC advances to the fourth round in a few short weeks, just one win away from returning to the Open Cup proper for the first time since their 2024 debut, while Capital City’s debut qualifying attempt reached its conclusion.
Potros FC (UPSL)
2:1
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)
By Calum Ewing
Potros FC goalkeeper Cameron Verona made three 1-v-1 saves in a rain-delayed second half, and a late penalty from star Marc Bineau gave the home side a 2-1 win over Atletico Buford in a matchup of UPSL Georgia heavyweights.
In the 24th minute, Buford forward Cristian Suazo received a cross from Eder Cruz on the right wing. With some space afforded in the 18, his half volley attempt was skied over the bar. The ensuing goal kick was flicked on towards Potros right winger Marc Bineau (called Dadynho), who cut back from pressure and, even though he and the ball were moving the opposite direction, turned his hips and played a forward through ball to Pedro Lima. Lima would score to the goalie’s right for the 1-0 lead.
Just nine minutes later, the away side responded. Buford’s Cristian Suazo was played through under pressure from two defenders, forcing him to cut back. When he did, he passed into space on the right flank, where defender Nicolas Salazar was making a rapid run to meet the ball. His shot hit the left side netting, and the game was square at 1-1.
The game would stay level through halftime and for three minutes into the second half. At that time, a lightning delay was called that lasted for over half an hour. When players returned to the rainy, cold conditions, what had once been an evenly matched affair turned strongly in favor of Buford.
In the 56th minute, Cristian Suazo was again involved, taking a strong touch past a defender to go through on goal from the left flank. That gave Potros goalkeeper Cameron Verona enough time to slide out and get his arm behind the low shot. Just a minute later, Buford’s Martinez ripped a half volley from 45 yards out that dipped towards the top right corner, hitting the bottom of the American football crossbar. Only two minutes after that, Guerra played through Carlos Chavarria, and he managed to beat a defender, seemingly control the ball with his right arm (the handball call was missed), and get off a shot. However, Verona was there again, sticking out a strong left arm to save his team.
It was not one, not two, but three 1v1 saves made by Verona. In the 65th minute, Cristian Suazo was through on goal for the second time after defender Omar Barrow whiffed an attempt to stop a pass. This time, Verona’s right arm was the one that valiantly shot upward and sent the ball over the net.
With only six minutes to play, Potros won a corner that was whipped toward the back post and met by Barrow. His header back towards goal was blocked by the extended arm of a Buford player, and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Dadynho, who sent the keeper left as he went down the middle, and Potros would see out a gritty 2-1 victory.
In their debut Open Cup campaign, the 2025 UPSL Georgia Premier Spring Champions are just one win away from making the tournament proper.
The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
4:1
Ariana FC (UPSL)
By Otis Lyons
The Olympic Club (SFSFL) continued its dominant run through qualifying with a commanding 4-1 win over Ariana FC (UPSL) on Sunday afternoon. Arda Bulut was the hero, scoring all four goals for the hosts to send them to the fourth and final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Bulut got his first two goals in quick succession midway through the first half. The 2017 NCAA champion with Stanford converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, before capitalizing on a defensive error one minute later.
Bulut got his hat-trick just before halftime. Charlie Wehan, a fellow member of the 2017 Stanford squad, slipped a nice ball against the grain between two defenders at the top of the box, and Bulut took a touch before smashing it home.
In the 63rd minute, another defensive mistake cost Ariana FC. The ball was played from a centerback to goalkeeper Zack Rabold who was unaware Bulut was closing in, and the striker’s fourth was his easiest of the game.
Ariana FC got a consolation goal with a few minutes to play. Justin Truax played a free kick in from the center circle, and Said Houseyni reacted first, catching the Olympic Club’s defense sleeping. However, a late flurry was too little, too late for the UPSL club.
With the win, the Olympic Club are now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the second time. Although, their first time was in 2020 when the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
3:0
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
By Joshua Taylor
Chicago House AC defeated Edgewater Castle 3-0 on Sunday at Benedictine University Soccer Field. It was a physical battle between these two Midwest Premier League rivals throughout the match. After a scoreless first half, both teams created some good scoring opportunities in the second half. We had to wait until the 74th minute as Nico Williams broke the deadlock to put Chicago House AC ahead 1-0. Shortly afterwards Edgewater Castle FC Head Coach Duygu Erdogan received a red card.
House kept pushing and pounced on another scoring chance as their captain, AR Smith, slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 in the 81st minute. Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos would add the insurance goal to seal the win for Chicago House AC with a 3-0 victory.
For the fourth consecutive year, Chicago House AC has made it to the final round of qualifying for the US Open Cup while Edgewater Castle FC were unable to get past the House in Open Cup qualifying for the third year in a row. With one more win, Chicago House AC will qualify for the third time in the last four years.
Miami United FC (UPSL)
1:1
Florida FC (UPSL)
Miami United advance on penalties 4-3
By Andrew Torres-Blanco
UPSL Florida Rivals Miami United and debutant of the tournament Florida Futbol Club kicked off the third round of qualifications in a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Despite a quiet first half where both opponents had scarce opportunities to open the scoring, including forward Alejo Fernandez hitting the woodwork after a brilliant delivery from magician Robertino Insua from a corner kick early on, Miami United opened the deadlock in the 66th minute thanks to midfielder Peterson Revange linking with winger Sony Norde, driving in a low cross for the winger to tap in past Florida’s keeper to deliver the deserved lead. Celebrations were cut short after Florida’s Andoni Garrogerricaechebarria scored a screamer in the 92nd minute to send the game into extra time.
Extra time began the same way as the end of the second half with both teams pushing for a winner as Florida came alive after their equalizer almost scoring a dangerous free kick that grazed the bar four minutes into the first half of extra time that almost shocked the Miami bench.
However, this was short-lived, when center back Gianluca Mejia who kept the Miami forward line at bay for most of the night was sent off towards the end due to a late challenge.
In the end, Miami United prevailed in penalties 4-3 after a heroic save from the experienced Argentine keeper Franco Acerbi who calmly parried away former Miami United and current Florida player Jose Luis Aguinaga’s penalty in the shootout which was enough to send Miami United into the fourth round of the 2026 Open Cup Qualifying. Miami United are now one win away from a fourth straight US Open Cup berth.
Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
3:1
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)
By George Diamond
Despite entering the match as underdogs against storied Vereinigung Erzgebirge, Oaklyn United were able to slay the USL of Pennsylvania giants and walk away as winners. Erzgebirge had the majority of chances and possession to start, but United flipped the script on the Philadelphia-area club after three first half goals and a saved penalty kick.
After soaking up early pressure from VE, Oaklyn struck first through Jake Mulinge. The former Saint Joseph’s Hawk capitalized on a poor clearance from an Erzgebirge defender and ripped a dipping strike from 25 yards out that found the top corner of the net in the 17th minute.
Looking to avoid the upset, VE quickly responded and found the equalizer through former professional Antoine Hoppenot in minute 20. After an Oaklyn turnover near midfield, Kevin Smolyn spotted the run of Hoppenot, who got in-behind the United backline. The former Philadelphia Union striker finished from a tight angle past Oaklyn keeper Matt Perrella.
Then, in the 26th minute, it looked like Vereinigung Erzgebirge would pull ahead. After being played in-behind again, Hoppenot was brought down by United’s Nico Tramontana in the box and a penalty awarded to VE. However, in a shock turn, Matt Perrella made the save on Jalen Weatherspoon’s attempt and the follow up from the rebound, keeping things level.
“ an opportunity to rally the guys, it felt good to be able to do that for the group … you want to come up in big moments … it was cool to get that save and see the guys respond,” remarked Perrella after the game.
The saves invigorated Oaklyn, but the game still hung in the balance for several minutes, until Oaklyn re-took the lead with another spectacular goal.
In the 37th minute, Oaklyn restarted play through Jade Messias after a VE foul near midfield. Messias quickly played a forward pass up to Austin Johnson. Johnson turned inside past his defender, and stroked home a finish to the far post from outside the box to give United another lead.
It was all Oaklyn for the rest of the half and United would get a third shortly before the break through Jason Mancuso. After a prolonged buildup by United, a line-breaking pass found the feet of Osman Barrie. The full-back squared a pass across net and Mancuso was there to tap home.
The half-time whistle would sound shortly thereafter.
The second half saw an unchanged score, and while Oaklyn grew into the game throughout the second half, their defense and Matt Perrella had to make several essential plays to prevent Erzgebirge from coming back. The most notable came in the 56th minute via another double save. First, he got low to deny the shot from Smolyn, then he pounced on the rebound before Hoppenot could finish it across the line.
Hoppenot would have another chance to resuscitate VE hopes at the death, but he was under pressure from Paul Bechtelheimer, and his close range strike was once more smothered by Perrella.
After 4 uneventful minutes of added time, the contest was brought to an end, with Oakly United securing the win.
“We can’t overstate what a big win this is for us,” said Oaklyn manager Alex Lewis. “It’s the most high profile competition a club like ours can compete in, and it was against a well-organized opponent who have a history of success in the Open Cup … for our guys to show up and execute for a full 90 minutes is a testament to what we’re building. The match was a great advertisement for grassroots football in our area.”
With the victory, Oaklyn are now just one win away from qualifying to their first ever US Open Cup appearance. This is the furthest United have reached in qualifying.
Looking ahead to their next match, Lewis said: “We don’t have any secret weapons. Our volunteer coaches put in a ton of time and effort reviewing film and organizing our training. Everyone at this level is making sacrifices purely for the love of the game. But South Jersey is a special place and we’ll always bet on our grit and spirit regardless of the opponent we draw.”
Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
2:2
FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
FC Lonestar Gpse advance on penalties 5-4
By Eric Casey
FC Lonestar GSPE (USPL) fought back from the brink in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament against Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA), winning 5-4 in penalties after drawing 2-2 in a game which saw most of its drama packed into the final seconds of stoppage time.
The only serious chance in the first half of this all-Massachusetts matchup fell in Boston’s favor, as a looping cross in the 35th minute from Ohad Yahalom fell to the feet of Brendan Clare, who calmly dribbled before flipping over outstretched Lonestar goalkeeper Jacob Heinsel. It would be Clare’s second goal of qualifying, having scored against Western Mass Pioneers in the Second Round.
Lonestar would strike back in the 73rd minute, when forward Jonathan Oliveira finding the back of the net.
Just as stoppage time began, Boston’s Johnathan Bonner smoothly struck the ball past Heinsel for what appeared to be the game winner. But Lonestar would succeed in pushing forward and retaining possession from the restart, immediately creating a chance to tie the game as the ball fell to the foot of Sheu Alamu. He slotted it home to miraculously tie the game back up.
Both teams have at least one solid opportunity for a goal in extra time, but the game would end up in penalties. Every goal was scored until the final stage of the fifth round, when Boston’s Fabio Machado sailed one over the bar, sealing the win for Lonestar.
Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
5:0
O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)
By Josh Hakala
The Florida Badgers’ debut run in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament has them into the final round after a 5-0 win over O’Shea’s FC on Sunday. It was the club’s second straight shutout win as they advance to a “Win & You’re In” match scheduled for the week of Nov. 22-23.
It was a bad start for the O’Shea’s FC backline when they gifted a goal to the Badgers in the 8th minute. They played a goalkick short and Florida’s attacking players applied pressure to the defenders and forced a turnover in the O’Shea’s penalty area. After passing around the goalkeeper, Roodolph Jean opened the scoring with an easy tap in from close range.
In the 24th minute, the Badgers were continuing to put on the pressure on the O’Shea’s goal. The ball was chipped into the box and headed out by an O’Shea’s defender but the ball fell to Jonex Sirius who launched a missile into the upper corner of the net to give his team a 2-0 lead.
Six minutes later, more Badgers pressure paid off with a midfielder dispossessed an O’Shea’s player near the center circle leading to a counter attack. With three players taking on two defenders, the ball was played to the right side to Roodolph Jean who fired a shot in the upper corner of the far post.
In the 39th minute, James Dorneus put his head to a corner kick to give the Badgers a 4-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
The scoring would wrap up in the 67th minute when the Badgers’ pressure paid off again by creating a turnover in the O’Shea’s defensive third. The ball fell to Schimiliguen Castin, who rounded the goalkeeper to push the lead to 5-0 and the score would remain that way until the final whistle.
The win extends the Badgers’ winning streak. Including games in the UPSL Premier, Florida are undefeated in all competitions.
Miami Soccer Academy (USSL / USSSA)
1:2
Red Force FC (PFL / USASA)
By Josh Hakala
In a South Florida matchup in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, Red Force FC held off Miami Soccer Academy 2-1 to advance to the final round for the second year in a row.
Red Force opened the scoring about 30 minutes into the match. Stiven Salinas assisted on David Ochoa’s goal to give the visitors an early lead. That 1-0 lead would hold until around the 80th minute when Steven Saballos found Santiago Fajardo to double the lead.
Miami Soccer Academy didn’t roll over as they cut the lead in half less than five minutes later. MSA’s Matthew Pacheco converted a penalty kick.
With the 2-1 win, Red Force advance to the Final Round where they will find themselves one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fifth time and the first since 2018. This marks the second year in a row that they have reached the “Win & You’re In” game. Last year, they lost 3-2 in extra time against Miami United FC.
Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
0:1
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
By Dave Einhorn
SC Vistula Garfield celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bulldogs SC on Sunday night in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. There was some light controversy at the start of the match as both teams wore red socks as a part of their uniforms. After some discussions, the match was able to be played. Both Vistula and Bulldogs have had less than stellar seasons, so it was no surprise that every challenge, tackle, and shot, was heavily contested. Both sides had opportunities in the first half, but couldn’t pull off the final ball or the right pass to really threaten each other’s goals.
It wasn’t until the 78th minute that Vistula Garfield found their answer to the Bulldogs stout defense. A long ball over the top fell just right for Christopher Karcz, who was able to control the ball around a defender and lob the ball over the keeper for the go-ahead goal. Bulldogs looked to respond quickly, but in a match that seemed to feature more fouls than shots on target, finding momentum was already an uphill battle. Vistula’s 1-0 victory meant that Bulldogs’ first US Open Cup qualifying campaign came to a close.
Vistula will turn their attention back to the APSL season as well as their next opponent in the final round of qualifying. Bulldogs will begin to gather themselves this offseason as they look towards the spring season of the UPSL, and, perhaps, another crack at US Open Cup qualifying next season.
Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
0:7
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
By Thomas Dupree
Emerald FC showed up in green for the match against FC America but they couldn’t stop seeing red.
Three in total as the beleaguered side finished the night with only 8 men left standing, starting in the 7th minute when Jean-Paul Lopez imbibing a straight red in the box, a PK finished by Alexandre Teixeira we were off for a 7 goal extravaganza.
Halftime saw FC America’s Jorge Lamerias adding a brace and Emerald FC’s Adam New adding a red card leaving little doubt in the outcome of the match. The second half saw Alexandre Teixeira turning his first half PK into a full match hat trick and FC America added goal contributions from Akeem Flemmings and Casey Atwell to push them up to 7 on the night,
Emerald FC did manage to discover one more red from the ref’s pocket and finished the night with eight presumably exhausted players. On a great night to play the game in central Florida, Emerald FC had to walk away disappointed while for FC America they are on to the final round and are one win away from qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup.
Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
4:0
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
By: Grace Ott
After an hour-long weather delay, Karim Tmimi and Kalonji Pro-Profile dominated the 90 minutes to get the 4-0 win at home over Mint Hill FC. After a brace in the previous US Open Cup qualifying round, Tmimi continued his tear with all four of the goals scored in this game. Though Mint Hill’s keeper had a few impressive saves in the beginning of the match, Tmimi scored his first in the 19th minute as Owanja Medard sent a pass across the center for him to tap into the far corner.
Twenty minutes later, at the end of the first half, Tmimi scored two goals in two minutes to complete a hat trick. In the 43rd minute, he scored a header off of a corner delivered by Nathan Charry, and then in the 45th minute, Medard slipped through a nutmegged pass for Tmimi to get past the keeper from just inside the box for Medard’s second assist of the game.
In the second half, Kalonji Pro-Profile added one more in the 75th minute after Omero Ramos stripped a Mint Hill defender of the ball inside the box and tapped it toward an oncoming Tmimi, who sent it into the far corner. With the commanding win, Kalonji Pro-Profile advances to the final round of Open Cup qualifying for the first time in their history.
Tennessee United SC (UPSL)
1:7
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
By Josh Hakala
Southern Indiana FC took a step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row with a one-sided 7-1 road win over Tennessee United SC. The Third Round match for the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament was played at Station Camp High School Soccer Field in Gallatin, Tenn.
The game’s first goal came early with Southern Indiana taking the lead in the 6th minute. After an impressive series of quick passes between teammates, Southern Indiana worked the ball into the box where Daniel Nkurunziza had the ball knocked away momentarily. He managed to recover and was able to get off a shot that beat the goalkeeper from close range.
SIFC earned a corner kick in the 23rd minute and after playing it short, the ball was crossed in to the near post. There, former Michigan Stars player and co-captain, Elias McCloud was unmarked and powered a header into the back of the net.
Six minutes later, SIFC worked the ball up the left wing and a shot was fired from a tough angle to the far post. The goalkeeper made the save but Nate Brown crashed the net and put it in. Brown, who also played for the Michigan Stars, had given his team a commanding 3-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Southern Indiana was awarded a penalty kick and Brown stepped up to take it. The goalkeeper guessed correctly and dove low to his right to make the save, but the rebound popped right back to Brown who shot the ball into the opposite side of the net for the fourth goal.
With a 4-0 lead, some heavy fog started to roll in for the second half and SIFC added to their lead in the 53rd minute. Brown received a throughball in behind the Tennessee backline and he beat the keeper 1-on-1 to complete his hat trick.
Three minutes later, Nick Krall would ruin the clean sheet for SIFC goalkeeper Zane Love with a shot from the left side of the box.
Around the 65th minute, after Love punched a ball away from his goal, that ignited a counter attack for SIFC as they raced up the field with numbers. The ball was crossed in low by Kellen Clegg from the left wing to Casey McCloskey who made a sliding shot past the goalkeeper to make it 6-1.
In the 73rd minute, a backpass by United led to a miscommunication, and Elorm Dogbey pounced on the loose ball to finish out the scoring.
The fog continued to get more intense and so did the physicality. With the one-sided scoreboard, frustrations boiled over in the 82nd minute when players came together at midfield. According to SIFC officials, Jack Kramer was elbowed in the face and players had to be separated. A red card was shown to a Tennessee player as the game would end without further incident.
It marked the third time this year that SIFC has defeated Tennessee United in all competitions, having earned two shutout wins in UPSL play. Now Southern Indiana is one win away from returning to the US Open Cup for the second straight year.
Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
4:1
Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA)
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
For the first time, Zum Schnieder 03 are headed for a “Win and You’re In” game after a convincing 4-1 victory over 2025 League for Clubs champions Metropolitan Oval Academy at Jack McManus Field on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
It was a young Met Oval side who opened the scoring in the 17th minute when U-19 MLS NEXT Pro prospect Sebastian Patten fed Glenford Gentile in front of the goal for the opener. Gentile has played for Zum in the current APSL season, scoring two goals.
From then on it was all Zum Schnieder as midway through the opening half they would strike for two goals in the span of three minutes. The first goal came in the 35th minute when Diego Silva’s free kick from near the sideline was headed in by Deniz Oncu.
An errant pass in the Met Oval defensive end led to Zum’s second goal two minutes later when Tomas de Andrade Gomes was fed a pass and shot from inside the penalty area to suddenly make the score 2-1. de Andrade Gomes was one of Zum’s leading goal scorers in the 2024-25 season.
It didn’t take long into the second half for Zum to increase their lead. In the 50th minute the Met Oval goalkeeper punched away a shot, only for it to find the foot of Diego Silva, who sent back a rocket shot from outside the penalty area to make it 3-1 Zum.
Silva was involved in Zum’s fourth and final goal seven minutes later, sending in a corner kick that eventually found the foot of Cesare Marconi, who had come on as a sub mere seconds earlier.
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
6:1
Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
By Grant Czubinski
Virginia Dream FC (USPL) hosted Guerilla FC (DCPL) on a seasonably brisk fall night in Falls Church, Va. in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Both teams were returning to the competition seeking to qualify for the tournament proper. Virginia Dream FC would ultimately prove too much and move on to the final round of qualifying with a 6-1 victory, thanks in part to a hat trick by Zoumana Diarra.
The hosts, Virginia Dream FC attempted to control the game from the opening whistle, and did not have to wait long for the first goal of the game, as left back Jimmy Filerman scored in the 4th minute. Filerman forced a turnover nearly 30 yards from Guerilla FC’s goal, ran at the defense, passed to forward Wiliams Yami near the top of the box before getting it back and chipping it over Guerilla FC keeper Aidan Powers-Riggs. The high pressure, one-two passing sequence set the tempo for the first half and established a lead that the Dream would build upon.
Dream FC continued to control the game early in the first half pressing Guerilla FC every time the visitors touched the ball. After an array of attacks both over the top of and through the Guerilla FC defense, Diarra scored his first goal of the game in the 25th minute after slotting the ball into the right corner of the goal. The next 20 minutes proved decisive, as Virginia Dream FC continued to attack Guerilla FC’s goal. Yami added a third goal in the 29th minute, a header in the box from a pin-point cross delivered by Filerman.
Guerilla FC continued to fight despite being down 3-0 in the first 30 minutes of the game. A long shot by Guerilla FC’s number 9, Ajmal Behsudi, in the 31st minute forced Dream FC keeper Lorenzo Herrera Rauda into a save. The shot served as a small jolt that proved perfect for an immediate counter attack by Dream FC resulting in another goal, Diarra’s second of the game and fourth for Dream FC. Diarra curled the ball just over the outstretched arms of Power-Riggs into the top right corner of the goal. The balance of the game remained in Dream FC’s favor. Elijah Amo added another goal to Dream FC’s tally in the 35th minute. Halftime saw Dream FC ahead 5-0.
The second half started slowly compared to the first with the temperature dropping slightly during the halftime break. Dream FC continued to try and control the game, but Guerilla FC did not go without a fight. Guerilla FC found more possession of the ball early in the second half. The visitors put together sustained pressure on Dream FC in the first 15 minutes of the second half and found success in their approach, a goal in the 62nd minute by Alexander Koritsas. The goal provided a lifeline for the visitors who continued to try and claw back into the game.
Koritsas’ goal would prove to be the only ball that found the back of the Dream FC goal. The hosts were content to allow more possession from Guerrilla FC in the latter part of the second half, absorbing shots on goal. Dream FC continued to attack until the end of the game, but with less ferocity than the first half. Diarra finished the scoring in the 89th minute to secure both his hat trick and a 6-1 victory for Dream FC. The Northern Virginia outfit advances to the final round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying. They will certainly look to repeat last year’s success that saw them advance into the tournament proper and upset USL League One side Richmond Kickers in the opening round.
International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
0:4
San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)
by Connor Bunnell
In a Sunday night battle in the shadow of San Francisco City Hall, The League for Clubs’s San Ramon FC ran roughshod over San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) side International San Francisco, taking the game 4-0 to reach the final stage of qualifying.
In a fast and physical first half, San Ramon seized the early lead in the 12th minute thanks to a score from Jonathan Montoya-Castro. Eight minutes later, Giovanni Mota-Morfin made a strike of his own to double San Ramon’s money. Despite Inter’s efforts to claw one back, it would remain 2-0 heading into halftime.
As tempers flared in the second half, Inter continued plugging away, making some good chances for themselves that peaked with a dangerously close free kick pinging off the crossbar. But in the 78th, disaster struck, as keeper Jesus Rangel Medina’s attempt at a save went horribly awry and turned into an own goal. San Ramon’s Roberto Gonzalez sank the final dagger seven minutes later, threading the needle in the box between multiple defenders to cement the four-goal rout.
For Inter SF, this marks the first time since 2022 that they haven’t at least reached the final round of qualifying. San Ramon, on the other hand, have now scored ten goals on two clean sheets and stand one match away from their first official entry into the US Open Cup.
210 FC (UPSL)
0:5
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
By Josh Hakala
In a battle of Houston vs. San Antonio, it was H-Town who came out on top as ASC New Stars shut out 210 FC 5-0 on Sunday night. It was the second shutout for New Stars in this year’s qualifying, after a 3-0 win over SV Beaumont in the Second Round. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias earned the clean sheet for the Stars.
ASC opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Bryan Celis played a ball down the right wing to Ivan Luquetta who ran onto it and crossed the ball into the box. A failed clearance by a 210 defender saw the ball end up at the feet of Lukas Simon who quickly played the ball to Allison Dessaline Felix who sent the ball into the back of the net.
Less than a minute later, Celis sent Luquetta down the left wing. Luquetta cut inside and fired a shot that struck a defender’s hand. The former Charlotte Independence forward took the penalty kick and beat the keeper with a shot down the middle of the goal.
In the 55th minute, Simon played a through ball to Luquetta in behind the defense, who took the shot and rattled it off the crossbar and in to make it 3-0.
Around the 70th minute, ASC would add on when Tayeb Ahmadi found Simon in the box. Simon controlled the ball, drew the defender in and laid it off to Jovacy Macias who tapped it in the open goal.
With about 10 minutes remaining, Luquetta completed his hat trick. Macias would create a turnover in the 210 FC defensive third and the ball would fall to Simon, who played the ball to Luquetta who beat the goalkeeper to make it 5-0.
With the win, ASC New Stars advance to the Final Round where they will be one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time in 13 years.
Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
2:4
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
By Tim Howerton
Omaha Street finally got to make their on-field qualifying debut after advancing to the Third Round of qualifying via forfeit. Unfortunately, BOHFS St. Louis were not in the mood for a welcoming party as they defeated the UPSL side 4-2 on a chilly night in Omaha.
The first half was excessively one-sided on the scoreline, but that didn’t mean Omaha was without quality. An early chance in the 15th minute saw Javi Balde make a run past two defenders from the left side to a cut-back inside the box for Oumar Sissoko. The striker’s near point-blank shot went high over the bar, but it gave the hosts some hope for things to come.
That hope was quickly extinguished only two minutes later as BOHFS’ Liam Collins, dribbling across the top of the box, found room to put a shot on against the Omaha keeper’s momentum. It was fully against the run of play, but it was not an undeserved goal by any means.
Then the counter-attack would start to become a problem for Omaha as BOHFS used their quickness to double the lead soon thereafter. In the 23rd minute, a long ball from the back line found Michael Utley running between two defenders from midfield and shepherding the ball all the way to the box before he easily slotted home to double the lead.
Omaha Street started to show some poise in possession, despite being down, and looked as if they might be able to find a way back into the match. However, six minutes before the half BOHFS struck yet again. Ryan Wakeman found himself even with the defensive backline on a run in transition, and Chad Bond found him perfectly in stride. Wakeman left the defenders behind him and easily touched the ball home to set the scoreline at 3-0 to the visitors going into halftime.
The second half started brighter for the hosts as they looked quicker and more creative on the ball. The creativity paid off with a 48th minute strike from Jeff Sumali on a looping ball that seemed to confuse the BOHFS back line, but was well-met from the Omaha forward.
From there Omaha looked like they might be in line for another with controlling play and a quick attack that mirrored what BOHFS was able to accomplish in the first half. Several great chances presented themselves, but ultimately lacked a finishing touch. BOHFS couldn’t find much going forward, and seemed mostly content to just try to hold on to the lead.
After absorbing everything that Omaha could throw, BOHFS would find a breakthrough and put the game away. In the 85th minute, off a set piece just outside the Omaha box, Liam Collins deflected a ball off of the defensive wall that found its way to Brian Bement at the back post. The ball looked like it was probably on its way in, but Bement left no doubt. His quick reaction beat his marker to the ball to let him grab the St. Louis side’s fourth goal of the match.
Sumali would strike again for Omaha four minutes later to claim his brace and finish off the scoring, but it was too little, too late. The referee’s whistle ended any hopes of the qualifying debutants reaching the US Open Cup proper.
BOHFS, meanwhile, are one win away from being the St. Louis area’s first Open Division qualifier in the Modern Era (1995-present) and etching their name into the city’s long and glorious soccer history.