Westchester SC of USL League One defeated the New York Renegades of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) 2-0 Thursday night to advance to the Second Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was a hard-fought battle for both sides, with tactics and physicality on display for about 100 fans in attendance in Mount Vernon, New York.
For Westchester, it was their second straight opening round win, after defeating FC Motown (NPSL) on the road in the First Round last year.
The first few minutes felt like a heavyweight bout as each side looked to create space and expose the other’s weakness. Westchester SC found a way through in the 34th minute through a penalty converted by Daniel Burko. A cross not properly dealt with by Renegades keeper, Jean Perez, led to a dangerous moment for Westchester. It left the defender Jeison Solano with little option but to go to ground, and his slide tackle caught Burko. After joining the club just a few months ago, this was Burko’s third appearance across all competitions and first-ever goal for Westchester.
With the lead at home, Westchester continued to look for more opportunities. Westchester coach George Gjokai spoke about his tactics to find the NY Renegades’ weakness.
“I think we played a lot of nice soccer just behind the ball in front of them. You had to commit to get higher up the pitch and break lines, and get behind, and put them on their heels.”
In the second half, Westchester would do exactly that. Making it difficult for the Renegades’ attackers, like Sebastian Ruiz and Junior Rosero, to use their experience to affect the play without the ball.
In the 80th minute, New York had arguably their best opportunity of the night when Angelo Quintanilla played a give-and-go down the right wing. He was able to cut inside and get his shot away, but Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley saved it. Renegades head coach and president, Boris Linares, would lament not converting opportunities like that.
“We did have our chances, and we didn’t convert. That’s what happens when you play at this level. You have to convert your chances. That’s football, you know.”
Westchester sealed their victory with a second goal in the 83rd minute. Burko scored his second of the match when a shot from substitute Johnathan Jimenez was blocked, and the rebound found its way to Burko. Jean Perez could do nothing but watch as Burko found the far right corner from close range and gave Westchester a 2-0 lead. Defenders collapsed upon realizing their Open Cup dream was coming to an end, but it was a well-fought battle between the two sides.
Daniel Burko had a stellar performance for Westchester and was thrilled to be the player who took the pressure off the rest of his team.
“A goal is always nice to release some pressure, you know, you’re up a goal, (NY Renegades) need to pressure you,” said Burko. “You don’t have to force anything. You can play with calmness and without pressure. It’s really nice for us just to have that pressure off.”
When asked about the next round of the competition, Burko relished the opportunity to advance to the next round.
“I love the cup,” he said, “I mean, the chance to play someone in a higher league to test yourself is just a great experience.”