For 16 teams, Christmas will come a month early as the winners of this weekend’s “Win and You’re In” Fourth Round games will reserve their spots in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup field. Among the 32 teams battling it out this weekend, 12 teams have been to the Open Cup before, and four games are guaranteed to produce a team earning its first-ever Open Cup appearance. The action kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 22 with seven games and wraps up with nine more games on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Already waiting in the 2026 US Open Cup field are 2025 National Amateur Cup winners West Chester United SC, UPSL Spring champions Tennessee Tempo FC and 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner (aka: 2025 Open Division prize money winner) El Farolito SC.
*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 1995 USOC Rewind Series
* Subscribe to our newsletter!
* Follow TheCup.us on X (@USOpenCup)
* Follow TheCup.us on BlueSky
* Follow TheCup.us on Facebook
* Follow TheCup.us on Instagram
* Contact us HERE
Follow live updates from every game this weekend on X (Twitter) and Bluesky – @USOpenCup.
Find the full weekend schedule with a brief profile bio of each team below:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
vs.
Steel City FC (USL League Two)
Mentor High School Soccer Stadium – Mentor, OH
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
The Cleveland-Pittsburgh rivalry carries over into the Open Cup with a spot in next year’s tournament on the line as Steel City FC of USL League Two travels to the North Coast to face Croatia Cleveland at Mentor High School Soccer Stadium in Mentor, Ohio. In Croatia’s run to the 1975 Open Cup Semifinals, they also had to go through Western Pennsylvania, defeating Harmarville 2-1 in the Second Round on second half goals from Joe Zdrilic and Ratko Erceg.
Known alternately as American Croatian and Croatian Rebels over the years, Croatia Cleveland got its start in 1957 and was a regular participant in the Open Cup from the 1960s to the 1990s Croatia’s most successful Open Cup run came in 1975 when they reached the national semifinals, falling to Inter Giuliana of New York City 1-0 after extra time. Croatia Cleveland are the 2024 North Coast Soccer League Champions.
U.S. Soccer: Checkered Roots and Family Ties: Croatia Cleveland’s U.S. Open Cup Renaissance
Steel City earned their lone Open Cup bid in 2024 via a 10-2-0 performance in the 2023 NPSL season and earning a spot in the NPSL Playoff Quarterfinals. Steel City moved to USL League Two in 2025, and finished 8-1-3 in the Great Forest Division, which fell just short of earning one of the nine automatic berths for USL League Two for the 2026 Open Cup. In their first three seasons, Steel City played under the name Pittsburgh Hotspur.
Steel City slipped by FCY New York 3-2 in the Second Round. A pair of penalty kicks from Cameron Territo helped them get past the UPSL side. Steel City only needed one goal to get by the UPSL’s Capital City Islanders, a 49th minute strike from Stefano Paulino.
Croatia prevailed 5-2 over the UPSL’s Detroit Metro FC with Adam Wade scoring the first two goals in the opening half, and Cleveland Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic (AFC Cleveland 2017-18, Cleveland SC 2022-23) netted two goals in the final minute, with Amir Serikbaev converting a PK in the middle.
Croatia’s Third Round match with Akron City FC was a wild affair that saw Croatia overcome a two-goal deficit in extra time to force a penalty shootout. Going into extra time tied 1-1, Akron scored twice in three minutes, only to see John Duldner and Ben Bolinger tally for Croatia to make it 3-3. Croatia prevailed in the PK tiebreaker 5-4.
FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
vs.
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
CD Faialense are one step away from repeating their 2025 qualifying performance but will have to travel up to Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass. to face the UPSL’s FC Lonestar Gpse, a club not only seeking its first Open Cup appearance but also making their first attempt at qualifying.
FC Lonestar finished 7-1-2 in UPSL Division 1 New England North and moved up to the UPSL Premier New England North for the Fall season where they finished 2-6-2. GPSE stands for Global Pro Soccer Exposure.
2025 qualifiers CD Faialense are back to make it two in a row and are participating in their third straight qualifying tournament. Faialense finished 11-5-2 in the Bay State Soccer League Division 1 season and lost 2-1 in the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup Semifinals to fellow Open Cup qualifying participants Atletico Boston. Faialense finished on top of the BSSL in 2023 and 2024.
US Soccer: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future for Cambridge, MA-Based Cinderellas in Waiting
Lonestar got by FC Omens 2-1 in an extra time affair in their Second Round match. Joshua Fichers’ first half goal equalized for Lonestar after an early Omens goal, and Stavros Campbell scored the eventual winner in extra time.
Lonestar’s Third Round game against Atletico Boston not only went into extra time but needed penalties to determine who moved on. With the score 1-1 near the end of regulation Atletico scored what seemed like the game-winner, but Sheu Alamu responded for Lonestar to force extra time. The additional 30 minutes went scoreless, and Lonestar advanced on penalties 5-4.
Martin Vician scored a hat trick for CD Faialense in their opening qualifying game, a 5-0 win over Project Football of the APSL. Graham Brenner and Jonathan Klein also contributed goals in the win.
Faialense’s Third round game was much tougher, a 1-0 extra time win over two-time qualifier Brockton FC United. Jonathan Klein helped avoid penalties with his goal in the 116th minute.
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
vs.
Briar United FC (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
High scoring Southern Indiana FC hosts fellow UPSL club Briar United FC in a bid to return to the Open Cup after their 2025 debut, and Briar are looking to finish a disappointing UPSL year with an Open Cup berth.
After a successful qualifying run last year, Southern Indiana FC are back to try for two in a row. SIFC ran the table during the UPSL spring season, going 11-0-0 in the KY-TN division, but were eliminated in the playoffs by FC Leopards BGKY in a shocking 5-0 defeat. SIFC are currently 4-1-1 in the Fall season.
Founded in 2020, Briar United FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 1-7-2 in the UPSL Mid-Atlantic North Division Spring season and finished 2-6-2 in the Fall season.
Southern Indiana began this year’s qualifying with a dominant 10-0 win over the Southern Indiana Guardians FC of the UPSL. Seven different players scored for SIFC. Led by Kellen Clegg and Nathan Brown with two each. SIFC’s Second Round win was a little closer. Spotting Bootleggers AC an early 1-0 lead, Southern Indiana scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 win.
Southern Indiana continued piling up the goals in the Third Round, overwhelming Tennessee United Soccer Club 7-1. Nate Brown notched a hat trick to leave SIFC within three goals of besting the mark for most goals scored in a qualifying run since 2016, which was set by Laguna United in 2025 qualifying at 23.
Briar United FC advanced to the Third Round with a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s Greenville United. Trailing 1-0 for the first 70 minutes, a pair of goals from Wuilmer Garcia in the space of three minutes gave Briar the lead and eventually the win.
In the Third Round, Briar erased a 1-0 halftime deficit against Grove United on a goal from Gianlucca Blas-Pereira, eventually forcing extra time and a penalty tiebreaker, which Brian won 5-4.
MSI Pro (UPSL)
vs.
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
MLK Jr. Recreational Park (Field 4) – Silver Spring, MD
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
2025 qualifiers Virginia Dream FC aim to make it two in a row as they host MSI Pro, who are going for their first ever Open Cup appearance.
MSI are back at it after their debut effort in 2025 took them to the Third Round of qualifying. MSI finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North Spring season, and finished 6-2-1 in the Fall season, with Youssouf Barry leading the team with 10 goals in the Fall. MSI stands for Montgomery Soccer Inc., and was established in 1971 as a youth soccer club.
Qualifying in their debut last year, Virginia Dream FC went on to upset the Richmond Kickers from USL League One 3-1 in the tournament proper. Virginia Dream finished 8-0-2 in the UPSL DMV South-A division and had a 7-3-0 in the Fall season. Virginia also fielded a team in the NPSL, finishing 9-1-0. Dream recently won the Fall Championship of the Virginia Super Soccer League.
In the First Round, MSI defeated Yinz United 2-1. Yousef Barry’s first half tally and a Yinz own goal propelled MSI to the second round.
MSI had another close game in the Second Round, defeating Arlington SA Pro 1-0. Daniel Gebura scored the lone goal in the 35th minute from an Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out.
MSI shocked Christos FC 5-0 in the Third Round, with Francis Meyer and Nicolas Pasternoster each scoring twice.
After falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd minute, Virginia Dream came back on goals from Williams Yami in each half to defeat Doradus FC 2-1.
In the Third Round, Dream made easy work of Guerrilla FC with a 6-1 victory. Dream jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead paced by Diarra Zoumana who had a hat-trick.
Ballard FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Led by three-time Open Cup champion Lamar Neagle, Ballard FC are on the cusp of their third straight Open Cup appearance. In their way is Fresno’s Valley 559 FC, who came close to making the Open Cup field in 2024 and 2025, but fell just short.
Ballard FC are looking to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third year in a row. Now that USL League Two teams are allowed to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament, they are getting another shot at qualifying after falling short in USL League Two. Ballard finished just outside of the cutoff for the nine USL League Two clubs that gained an automatic spot in next year’s tournament. The Seattle club finished 9-2-3 in USL League Two Northwest Division and reached the USL League Two championship, losing to Vermont Green 2-1.
Valley 559 FC returns to qualifying after falling at the final hurdle last year. In their first appearance in 2024 they reached the Third Round where they lost 5-3 to eventual 2024 qualifiers FC Folsom. Last year they reached the final round, losing to Inter San Francisco in a 5-4 extra time barnburner. Valley finished 6-2-2 in the UPSL NorCal South Division Spring season and reached the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Valley are finished 4-4-0 in the UPSL Fall Season. Valley 559 have been one of the more consistent teams in the UPSL, finishing either first or second in the NoCal South Division every Spring and Fall season since starting in 2023.
After receiving a double bye through the first two rounds, Ballard finally joined the competition in Round 3, and had no trouble with Sharktopus FC, winning 5-0. Nii Engmann started by scoring the first two goals, and Lamar Neagle, three-time Open Cup winner with the Seattle Sounders in 2009, 2011 and 2014, scored the final two goals.
Valley had to stage a comeback to win their opening qualifying game over Real San Jose. After RSJ took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute, Jose Luis Cuevas and Quincy Amarikwa scored on either side of halftime for the 2-1 win. Amarikwa is a 10-year veteran of MLS, spread out over six different clubs. After being tied 2-2 with FC Folsom through 54 minutes, Valley eventually pulled away for a 5-2 win, with former Chattanooga Red Wolves winger Ernesto Espinoza scoring twice.
Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
vs.
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
A longtime participant in Open Cup qualifying, Azteca FC travels south to face one of the qualifying newcomers, Next Level Soccer.
After making their debut last year, Next Level are back for another shot at qualifying. Next Level finished 5-3-2 in the UPSL Arizona division and went on to reach the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Next Level are currently 6-0-1 in the Fall UPSL season.
Azteca are one of the grizzled veterans of Open Division qualifying, having entered every qualifying tournament except 2016 and 2019. Azteca qualified for the Open Cup in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024, and reached the final round of qualifying in 2020, 2023 and 2025. Azteca finished 7-0-1 in Colorado Premier League Spring season and are currently 5-2-1 in the Fall.
2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC
Next Level advanced by defeating UPSL rival Olympians FC 3-1, with Danny Baca leading the way with a pair of goals.
In the Third Round, Next Level took it to the next level by wiping out UDA Soccer 7-0. A 1-0 halftime lead exploded when former LA Galaxy II player Don Tchilao scored four times in the span of 18 minutes.
Azteca started by getting past Peak IX FC 2-1 after extra time. Jovany Herrera scored both goals for Azteca.
In the Third Round, Azteca gained a measure of revenge by eliminating Harpos FC 1-0. Harpos knocked out Azteca in the Final Round last year, 2-0. Jovany Herrera once again accounted for all the scoring Azteca needed.
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
vs.
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park – Laguna Niguel, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
For the second year in a row, Laguna United FC and San Diego Internacional meet with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line. Last year Laguna United traveled to San Diego and got the upper hand 6-2, Yousef Farah notching a hat-trick and Michael Barrazas scoring twice.
San Diego Internacional are in their second qualifying run, having fallen short last year, Internacional finished 7-3-0 in the UPSL SoCal South Division and are 9-1-1 in the Fall season.
Laguna United have participated in Open Cup qualifying three previous times, finally breaking through last year to qualify for the first time. Laguna United finished 9-1-2 in the UPSL SoCal North Division Spring season and finished 7-2-1 in the Fall session, with Woody Angell leading the way with 13 goals scored.
Laguna United was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds. Once they played their opening match, they blanked Irvine FC (UPSL) 4-0. Marquis Mitchell, Shukur Azizov, Michael Barraza and Marc Binkelund shared the scoring duties.
In their first game, Internacional rolled over fellow UPSL club FC Balboa 7-1, with Taj Winnard scoring twice and five other players filling the scoresheet.
In the Third Round, SDI eliminated their UPSL rivals City SC San Diego 2-1 on goals from William Garton and Michael Khan. It was the second year in a row that SDI eliminated City in qualifying.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
vs.
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
St. Mary’s High School – St. Louis, Mo.
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
Midwest Premier League clubs clash in St. Louis as Chicago House AC try to complete a successful return to the Open Cup after missing out last year. In their way is qualifying debutant BOHFS St. Louis, who play in the MWPL Gateway Conference
BOHFS are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying this year. BOHFS finished 6-3-1 in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference.
Protagonist Soccer: Who Are Ya!: BOHFS St Louis
Chicago House have reached the final round of qualifying in their previous three attempts, making the cut in 2023 and 2024, and falling via penalties to Tulsa Athletic last year. Chicago House is co-owned by Peter Wilt, who has helped start other clubs such as Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Red Stars, Indy Eleven, Forward Madison and Green Bay Voyageurs FC. House was a founding member of NISA but only played one season after a falling out with the league, prompting a move to the Midwest Premier League. House finished 8-2-2 in the Midwest Premier League Heartland Division 1.
BOHFS earned their first qualifying win with a 3-1 triumph over Woodland FC. Elliot Goodwin, Alex Webern and Michael Utley scored for the winners. BOHFS then vanquished the UPSL’s Omaha Street 4-2, with Liam Collins, Michael Utley and Ryan Wakeman and Brian Bement putting BOFHS up 4-1.
Chicago House got by the UPSL’s Wisloka Chicago 2-0 to enter the Third Round. Nico Williams’ two goals in the first seven minutes were all House needed.
Next, House posted a 3-0 win over fellow MWPL club Edgewater Castle, the third qualifying win over Edgewater in as many years. After 74 minutes of scoreless play Nico Williams, AR Smith and Ricardo Avalos all scored in a nine minute window.
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
vs.
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
Lake Mary High School Stadium – Lake Mary, FL
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
UPSL Florida rivals face off in Lake Mary, Fla. as FC America CFL Spurs, 2024 qualifiers host Harbor City FC, who make the cut in 2025. Harbor City earned their spot in 2025 at the expense of FC America CFL Spurs, advancing via penalties. More recently the teams have met during the UPSL Fall season on Nov. 8, with Spurs rolling to a 6-0 win.
2024 Open Cup qualifiers FC America CFL Spurs are making their third straight qualifying appearance. Aside from qualifying in 2024, FC America nearly made it two in a row, falling in the final round of qualifying last year to Harbor City FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw. FC America finished 6-3-1 in the UPSL Florida – Central Zone 2 division and reached the UPSL Round of 32, and are currently 9-0-1 in the Fall season.
Harbor City FC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties over FC America CFL Spurs.
Harbor City finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL Florida Central Zone 2 division Spring season and are currently 6-2-1 in the Fall season.
FC America needed extra time to knock off Pinellas County United Pelicans SC 3-1. Kwesi Caesar gave America a 1-0 lead in the second half, and Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven scored in extra time.
FC America had a much easier time in the Third Round, smashing Emerald FC Orlando 7-0. Alexandre Teixeira registered a hat-trick, and Jorge Lamerias added two goals.
In their opening game, Harbor City defeated FC Kanks (UPSL) 3-0, scoring all three goals in the opening half. Aden O’Hara scored twice and assisted on John Oshakpemhe’s goal.
In the Third Round, Harbor City got by Bold City SC 3-2 after extra time. Mario Licor tied the game at 2-2 with eight minutes left, and then scored the eventual game winner two minutes into the extra session.
Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
A pair of APSL clubs from different conferences face off with an Open Cup spot on the line as SC Vistula Garfield makes the trip downstate to face Oaklyn United FC. While both are in the APSL, Oaklyn is near Philadelphia and plays in the Delaware River Conference, while Vistula is closer to New York City and competes in the Metropolitan Conference
Established in 2008, Oaklyn United are making the most of their second attempt at qualifying after their 2025 effort ended after one game. Oaklyn finished 10-6-2 in 2024/25 APSL Delaware River Conference and are currently 2-4-0 in the early 2025-26 season.
SC Vistula Garfield are making their fifth qualifying appearance in a row, and came closest to qualifying in 2022, when they were beaten by Lansdowne Yonkers 2-0 in the final round. Founded in 1952, Vistula have entered the Open Cup off and on since the early 1970s. Vistula finished 5-11-6 in the 2024/25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season, and are just 2-6-1 in the early 2025-26 season.
A first half goal from Jason Mancuso and a second half penalty kick by Austin Johnson was all Oaklyn needed to see off Scots-American Athletic Club 2-0 in the Second Round.
In the Third Round, Oaklyn traded goals midway through the first half with Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors but Austin Johnson and Jason Mancuso closed out the half with goals that eventually gave them the 3-1 win.
Vistula kicked off their 2026 qualifying run with a 2-1 win over Ironbound SCP. Paul Kondratowicz opened the scoring in the first half and Kevin Valdivia scored the eventual winner in the 60th minute.
Christopher Karcz’s 80th minute goal propelled Vistula to a 1-0 win over the UPSL’s Bulldogs SC. Karcz, a former pro, registered three goals and an assist with the PDL’s Jersey Express in the Open Cup from 2014-2016.
Miami United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Miami United are going for their fourth Open Cup qualification in a row, and eighth overall when they host newcomers Florida Badgers FC, a club that holds a record of 17-0-2 in the Spring and Fall seasons of the UPSL this year.
Miami United are one of the more successful clubs in the current qualifying tournament, having made the cut the last three years (2023, 2024, 2025), as well as the canceled 2020 tournament. MUFC have also made Open Cup appearances in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 through the NPSL. Miami United finished 10-2-1 in the UPSL Florida South division and reached the UPSL Quarterfinals losing 1-0 to eventual champions Tennessee Tempo. United are currently 8-0-1 in the Fall UPSL season, with Alejo Fernandez and Sonny Norde leading the way with six and five goals respectively.
Founded in 2025, the Badgers are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and finished 10-0-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Florida South Zone 3 division. They have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season where they are currently 7-0-1. Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin is the team leader in the Fall with 8 goals, followed by Dave Altidor with 6 and Roodolph Jean with 5.
Miami United started their 2026 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs. Miami. Robertino Insua scored twice, and Luis Peralta added the third goal.
Miami United needed penalties to advance past the Third Round over Florida Futbol Club. After former Haitian international Sony Norde gave Miami a 1-0 lead with 14 minutes remaining, FFC drew level in stoppage time. Miami United won the penalty tiebreaker 5-4.
Badgers FC won their first ever qualifying game in dramatic fashion, beating Fort Myers City FC 1-0 on a 90th minute stoppage time goal from Dave Junior Altidor.
Following up in the Third Round, the Badgers put in a dominating performance against O’Shea’s FC, jumping out to a 4-0 halftime lead and finishing 5-0. Roodolph Jean scored twice and Jonex Sirius, James Dormeus and Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin contributed the other goals.
Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
The New York Renegades are aiming for their second consecutive Open Cup berth zas they head to Jack McManus Field on Roosevelt Island in New York City to face the APSL’s Zum Schneider FC, a club looking for their first ever Open Cup appearance.
Zum Schneider are making a third straight appearance in Open Cup qualifying. The club was founded in 2003 three years after the bar of the same name was established by owner Sylvester Schneider. Last year they reached the Third Round where they fell to Lansdowne Yonkers 3-1. Zum finished 6-11-5 in the 2024-25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season and have started 3-5-0 in the 2025-26 season.
The New York Renegades are looking to return to the Open Cup after qualifying in 2025. In their qualifying debut in 2024 they were stopped by the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the next to last round, The Renegades finished the UPSL Northeast American spring season with a 9-0-1 mark and finished 6-2-2 in the Fall season and have reached the Round of 16 in the UPSL Fall playoffs.. Angelo Quintanilla and Junior Rosario share the goalscoring lead with five each.
Zum Schneider pulled off a remarkable comeback win in the Second Round over Osner’s FC. Down 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining, Zum stormed back to score three times to force extra time. In the extra session Zum continued their barrage, scoring four more goals to win 7-3. Seven different players filled in the scoresheet for the winners. After spotting Metropolitan Oval Academy an early 1-0 lead, Zum reeled off four unanswered goals from Deniz Oncu, Tomas de Andrade Gomes, Diego Silva and Cesare Marconi for a comfortable 4-1 win in the Third Round.
The Renegades got their 2026 qualifying run started by beating American Soccer Club New York from the NPSL 2-0. Oscar Rivas and Junior Rosero.
NYR eliminated four-time US Open Cup champions New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in the middle of a nor’easter in Round 2.
The UPSL club jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening five minutes through goals from Ojai Bedward, Sebastian Ruiz and Junior Rosero. Rosero and Ruiz each scored twice in the Renegades 5-3 win over Lansdowne Yonkers FC in the Third Round.
Rosario has appeared in the Open Cup with two other clubs, the Long Island Rough Riders 2015, 2026 & 2018, and in 2022 with Oyster Bay United where he had one goal and two assists in their 3-1 First Round win over Hartford City FC.
Denton Diablos (MSSL/USSSA)
vs.
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
Mean Green Soccer Stadium – Denton, TX
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
UPDATE (11/22 – 11:30am): This game was moved to a 2 p.m. local time kickoff (3 p.m. ET) due to a severe weather forecast for Sunday evening
Three-time qualifiers ASC New Stars will attempt to secure their first appearance in the tournament since 2012 when they travel north to the outskirts of Dallas to face the Denton Diablos, who are also gunning to return to the big stage after an absence of three years.
Denton has qualified for the Open Cup twice (2020 and 2022) through the NPSL, but their 2020 appearance was cancelled when the 2020 Open Cup was shut down due to COVID-19. Denton spent their first six seasons in the NPSL, winning the league championship in 2021,. In 2025, the Diablos moved to USL League Two where they posted a 7-4-1 record in the Mid-South Division. Denton are entering qualifying through the Metroplex Premier League where their Under-23 team, Denton Diablos Estudiantes, plays.
ASC New Stars are making their second attempt at Open Division qualifying after going one and done last year. ASC (Aria Soccer Club) are no strangers to the Open Cup, having qualified three times (2008, 2011, 2012) before Open Division qualifying was re-organized in 2016. The New Stars finished 11-2-5 in Houston Football Association 2024-25 season and are 5-1-2 in the 2025-26 HFA campaign. ASC also reached the Region III Final of the National Amateur Cup in 2025.
Denton opened their 2026 qualifying campaign with a 6-2 victory over Sporting NTX of the UPSL. Newcomer Jay Lee led the way with a pair of goals.
Denton were involved in one of the wildest games of qualifying in the Second Round, defeating Tulsa Athletic 5-4 after extra time. Denton held a 2-0 lead for 76 minutes when Tulsa scored twice in three minutes to tie the game. Two minutes after Denton regained the lead, but Tulsa drew level deep into stoppage time. Tulsa took a 4-3 lead just after extra time started, but Matt Albury scored the final two goals of his hat trick to put Denton in front for good at 5-4.
Denton’s Third Round game with Atletico Dallas was a bit less dramatic, as Jay Lee scored twice in the opening half to power Denton to a 2-1 win.
ASC New Stars advanced to the Third Round with a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s SVD Beaumont. Scoring for New Stars were Iván Luquetta, Delano Foster and Felix Allisson.
Another shutout followed in the Third Round as the New Stars beat San Antonio’s 210 FC 5-0. Ivan Luquetta led the way with two goals and Jovany Macias, Lukas Simon and Allison Dessaline Felix added the others. Luquetta spent time in Colombia before returning to the States in 2022 to play for the Charlotte Independence, registering an assist in their Second Round 4-2 upset loss to North Carolina Fusion U-23.
Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
vs.
Potros FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Kalonji Pro-Profile and Potros FC, a pair of Georgia UPSL rivals seeking their first ever Open Cup appearance meet in Snellville, Ga. to determine who moves on and who has to wait another year. While they were in separate divisions during the 2025 Fall season Kolonji and Potros finished 1-2 in the Spring season, playing to a 1-1 draw on May 11.
Kalonji returned to qualifying after sitting out last year. They previously entered in 2023 and 2024, winning their opening game before being eliminated in the next round. Kalonji finished 10-1-2 in the UPSL Georgia division and finished 8-1-1 in the Fall season, with six different players scoring at least three goals.
Portos are also having a fine 2025, finishing 9-1-3 in the UPSL Spring season and had a perfect 10-0-0 in Fall play. 18-year old Nazario Mbomio, from Equatorial Guinea, led the team in the Fall season with nine goals. Founded in 2016 as an Under-19 team and part of the UPSL since 2020, this is the first ever attempt at Open Cup qualifying for Potros.
Portos won 2-0 over North Georgia United to start their qualifying run. Marc Bineau and Steven Raymont scored in the second half.
In the Third Round Potros got the better of fellow UPSL side Atletico Buford FC 2-1.
Pedro Lima gave Potros a 1-0 lead in the opening half, and Marc Bineau, aka Dadynho converted a penalty kick with six minutes remaining.
Kalonji came out on top of a back and forth game in the opening contest, defeating LSA Norcross Pro 4-2. Kalonji fell behind 1-0 at the half but took a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. After LSA pulled even, Kalonji scored twice in the final minute to take the win. Karim Tmimi and Zain Hylton each had a brace.
It was all Karim Tmimi in the Third round, scoring all four goals in Kalonji’s 4-0 romp over Mint Hill FC (UPSL). The 29-year-old Frenchman spent three years with French lower league club Chauvigny before coming to the United States where he landed with Atlanta United 2 in 2023 and 2024, making 52 appearances and scoring 15 goals. Tmimi also had a brief spell with the Georgia Revolution in 2022, scoring the lone goal in Georgia’s 3-1 First Round loss to Southern States SC Stars of the NPSL.
Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
vs.
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park (Field 3) – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Two former Open Cup qualifiers face off at Kendall Soccer Park in Miami as 202 qualifier City Soccer FC hosts four-time Open Cup participant Red Force FC.
Red Force are making their eighth appearance in Open Cup qualifying, making the final cut in 2017 and 2018. They also reached the final round last year, falling to Miami United 3-2 after extra time. Red Force previously qualified for the Open Cup in 2013 and 2014. In 2013 they lost their opening match to fellow Florida club Ocala Stampede of the Premier Development League (now USL League Two). They returned the following year and picked up their first cup win, edging the Colorado Rovers (USSSA) on the road by the score of 2-1. The run would end in Round 2 with a rough and tumble 2-1 road loss to the PDL’s Laredo Heat. The match saw a fight break out and five red cards handed out. Red Force finished 8-2-0 in the Premier Futbol League.
2017 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC
2018 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC
City Soccer FC qualified for the 2022 Open Cup and reached the Final Round in 2024 before falling to qualifiers Miami United, 3-2. 2025 was the lone year out of four qualifying runs that City failed to move past their opening game. City finished 6-4-3 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and held a 7-2-0 mark in the Fall.
Red Force opened their 2026 qualifying run with a back-and-forth 4-3 extra time win over Atletico Miami Internacional FC. The clubs traded the lead twice before Red Force pushed their advantage to 3-1 with five minutes remaining. AMI tied the game in second half stoppage time and Steven Saballos scored for Red Force with three minutes remaining in the extra session to advance. Andres Navas, David Ochoa and Santiago Fajardo scored for the winners in regulation.
Ochoa and Fajardo were the scorers in Red Force’s 2-1 win over Miami Soccer Academy in the Third Round.
City Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds, and in the Third Round survived a wild 4-3 extra time win over the UPSL’s Palm Beach Flames SC. The game saw 38 fouls, 10 yellow cards and two reds between the teams, one of the red cards going to City goalkeeper Ortiz Lovera early in the game. City overcame a 2-1 deficit to force extra time where Ricardo Tapia scored the eventual game-winner in the 97th minute. Auner Cobon Escobar scored twice for City in regulation. Tapia and Escobar both played in City Soccer’s lone Open Cup appearance, a 3-1 loss to Miami United FC in the 2022 First Round.
San Ramon FC (TLFC/USASA)
vs.
The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
A qualifying newbie hosts one of the oldest clubs in this year’s qualifying tournament as San Ramon FC, the lone survivor from The League for Clubs, takes on The Olympic Club at Tiffany Roberts Field in San Ramon, Calif.
The Olympic Club began play in the San Francisco Soccer Football League in 1916 and is also the oldest athletic club in the United States having been established on May 6, 1860. According to TheCup.us records, Olympic made their Open Cup debut in the 1956 tournament. Olympic won the 2025 SFSFL Premier Division with a 16-3-3 record and finished in second place in 2024 and 2023.
This is the 3rd qualifying attempt (2020, 2024) for Olympic Club, qualifying for the canceled 2020 tournament. In 2024, they were stopped in the Second Round by SFSFL rivals Inter San Francisco 4-1.
San Ramon are making their qualifying debut this year and finished 9-4-2 in The League for Clubs NorCal Conference, reaching the NorCal Championship where they were eliminated by Napa Valley 1839 FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw. San Ramon has been active since 1973 and previously played in the NPSL. San Ramon turned in a dominating 4-0 performance to defeat Napa Valley 1839 FC in the TLFC NorCal Conference Fall Cup final on Nov. 16.
In the First Round, Olympic Club pushed past Norcal Shockwaves of the SFSFL third tier 4-2. Alexander Weekes, Arda Bulut and Kevin Lopes scored to give Olympic a 3-0 lead, but the Shockwaves managed to make it 3-2 before Bulut scored his second goal from the penalty spot.
In the Second Round, Olympic just needed a single goal from Bulut to get past Albion SC Silicon Valley of the UPSL 1-0. In the Third Round, it was all Arda Bulut, as he scored all four goals in Olympics 4-1 win over the UPSL’s Ariana FC.
Bulut was a part of 2017 NCAA champions Stanford Cardinal then played with SFSFL club San Francisco Glens. Bulut then signed with Louisville City in 2020 but never appeared in a game for them. He spent 2021 with Turkish 2. Lig club Kasimpasa, scoring four goals in 17 appearances. Bulut has scored seven of Olympic’s nine goals in their three qualifying games. Bulut also scored two goals in Olympic’s 2024 qualifying run.
San Ramon cruised past Dublin Celtic FC of the Southwest Premier League 6-0. Six different players scored for San Ramon, who jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead.
In the Third Round, San Rafael stopped International San Francisco from reaching their fourth consecutive “Win and You’re In” game with a 5-0 win. Jonathan Montoya, Giovanni Mota and Roberto Gonzalez scored for San Rafael, with an own goal added from Inter.