Adam Uthe

Adam is a Dallas-based TheCup.us contributor who enjoys covering the tournament's lower (and non) division teams and is a proud alum of the University of Dayton.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: ASC New Stars win PK shootout to end 14-year USOC drought

November 25, 2025 by Adam Uthe

ASC New Stars celebrate after defeating Denton Diablos 4-3 in a PK shootout (after a 0-0 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: ASC New Stars

For the fourth time in club history – and the first time since 2012 – Houston’s ASC New Stars are headed to the US Open Cup. The visiting side overcame an extra time red card from defender Eric Robertson (his second yellow of the match) and a furious attack from hosts Denton Diablos to force penalty kicks, where they advanced 4-3 behind two massive saves from goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias.

From the opening kick, it looked as if Denton Diablos were destined to advance. Their initial pressure forced three corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the match. Striker Jay Lee – who scored two goals on two separate occasions in the earlier rounds of qualifying – stretched ASC’s backline throughout the first half, but the visitors managed to bend without breaking. Denton’s sustained pressure began to wane towards the end of the first half and the New Stars’ confidence grew as they began to find the gaps in transition. Neither side, however, broke the deadlock.

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Both sides picked up where they left off coming out of halftime; Denton kept up its attack and New Stars exploited the space in behind in transition. The Diablos looked to have finally broken the dam in 77th minute, but a brilliant diving header off a free kick from Eric Robertson’s first yellow card was ruled offside. Lee’s finishing touch seemingly had abandoned him; a 90th minute header sailed just over the bar and extra time would be required.

ASC New Stars head coach Tom Khalili admitted his side were losing the fitness battle late in the game as extra time came into play. And in the 113th minute, Eric Robertson’s second yellow card of the night looked as if it might be a fatal blow to the Houston side’s resistance. But the New Stars managed to hang on and force a shootout.

Each side converted their first three chances before ASC’s goalkeeper Emmanual Frias – who has featured previously in the Open Cup with NTX Rayados – came up with not one, but two saves that proved to be decisive; New Stars’ proved too much for Denton to overcome. Camilo Botero Fonseca converted the winning spot kick for the visitors.

“Oh, it was an awesome game. Anybody could have won it.” Khalili mused afterwards “ are a good, legitimate team…but we wanted to get there, and the guys showed passion. And when it goes to penalty kicks, it’s anybody’s game.”

He felt so strongly in his team’s overall performance, he couldn’t bring himself to single out any individual players.

“I honestly cannot pick one out. It would be unfair to all the other players. So I think I would just take my hat off to all my players. I love them all.”

ASC New Stars now await their fate in the 2026 Open Cup draw.

Penalty Kick Shootout Summary

Diego Herrera, ASC: GOAL
Eric Gomez Silva, Denton: GOAL
Ivan Andre Luquetta, ASC: GOAL
Jay Lee, Denton: GOAL
Hani Husain Ahmad, ASC: GOAL
Mason Moyers, Denton: GOAL
Quayyum Akorede Murana, ASC: SAVED
Matthew Albury, Denton: SAVED
Camilo Botero Fonseca, ASC: GOAL
Arnold Onyango, Denton: SAVED

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: FC Dallas eliminate USOC debutants AV ALTA FC

May 8, 2025 by Adam Uthe

FC Dallas players celebrate after scoring a goal against AV ALTA FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas

FC Dallas overcame a brief first half scare on the way to a comfortable 3-1 win over US Open Cup debutantes AV ALTA FC in Round 4 on Wednesday.

Dallas needed just three minutes to get on the scoreboard, but the highlight of the night came when goalkeeper Michael Collodi was caught off his line in the 16th minute and conceded a somewhat embarrassing chip from midfield. His teammates ultimately came through for him though, with goals from Kaick and Bernard Kamungo helping the home side take care of business and advance to the Round of 16.

The loss ends an impressive inaugural Open Cup run for AV ALTA, who are playing in their first full season as members of USL League One. The southern California side notched three wins — including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over USL Championship side Orange County SC — before ultimately bowing out to hosts FC Dallas, who were looking to right the ship after a brutal 5-0 loss to San Diego FC in MLS play over the weekend.

Dallas came out firing from the start and just three minutes in, Shaq Moore found himself in space on the right and drove a low cross into the box, where Lucho Acosta was marked but still waiting to convert for the goal. Alta responded immediately with a shot on goal from Osvaldo Lay that Collodi nearly leaked into his own net at the near post.

Things did not get much better for Collodi though.

In the 16th minute, Lay pounced on a poor Dallas pass inside his own half near midfield and caught Collodi out with a brilliant long range chip that neither player is likely to forget anytime soon, albeit for very different reasons. The two sides traded possession for the rest of the half and it looked like there would be a stalemate at the break until the 43rd minute. Tsiki Ntsabeleng played a deadly through ball into the box from the left side and Kaick was able to get on the end of it and power it through Alta keeper Denzil Smith’s outstretched hand to give the home side a 2-1 lead going into halftime. The goal was Kaick’s first in an FC Dallas uniform.

The second half remained fairly even, with Alta creating several dangerous chances from set pieces to keep themselves in the game. In the 72nd minute, Kamungo finished off a cross from second-half substitute Show and the hosts went on to wear down the lower division side and pick up some momentum heading into an MLS match with Real Salt Lake on Saturday. The goal was Kamungo’s first — in any competition — since October 21, 2023.

Dallas head coach Eric Quill made it clear that he has high expectations for his team in this year’s tournament.

“It’s not like league play where you get to make mistakes and you’ve got a game the next week,” he said. “You get punished in this format. If you lose, you’re out, right? So you have to heighten the concentration, mentality, and effort. All that’s got to be there and you can’t take plays off.”

Next up, FC Dallas will travel to New Jersey to face New York Red Bulls in the Round of 16 later this month.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Logan Farrington’s first pro goal gives FC Dallas narrow win over Memphis 901

May 8, 2024 by Adam Uthe

Logan Farrington of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against Memphis 901 FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas

Logan Farrington’s first professional goal proved to be enough to help hosts FC Dallas take down USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Farrington came off the bench in the second half and provided the ultimate spark as he got on the end of a Jesus Ferreira free kick and made the most of his chance.

Farrington was thrilled to make his mark on the tournament, but also tempered expectations after the match.

TOP BINS LOGAN ????

Logan Farrington gives us the lead with his first career goal. pic.twitter.com/YyqpQNxDGs
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) May 8, 2024

“It’s fantastic being able to score my first goal in this tournament and feeling the warmth and support of our fans after the goal. It’s amazing but it’s only the first step and we have more challenges ahead of us.”

It was the 37th US Open Cup win for FC Dallas in club history, which moves them into a tie for third place in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present) with the Seattle Sounders FC (who play on Wednesday night) and the LA Galaxy who did not enter the competition this year.

Dallas set the tone early, earning a corner kick in just the second minute. Katlego Ntsabeleng had arguably the best chance of the half in the 13th minute, but his point blank shot inside the box was deflected out for a corner; which Dallas failed to capitalize on.

Memphis came back with their best chance in the 22nd minute when Marlon Dos Santos Prezeres found himself in space inside the Dallas penalty box but his shot went over the crossbar.

Frustration began to set in for the home side as Dallas picked up back-to-back yellow cards in the 41st and 43rd minutes. Dallas finally picked up their first shot on goal in first half stoppage time, but Nkosi Tafari’s header was hit right at Memphis goalkeeper Tyler Deric.

Our Man of the Match, Logan Farrington. pic.twitter.com/CWZ2c60lfX
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) May 8, 2024

Dallas wasted no time applying pressure in the second half, earning a corner kick in the 49th minute. Three minutes later, Petar Musa found himself 1-on-1 with Deric, but his chip went over the bar. Memphis responded immediately with a close range shot from Luiz Fernando Nascimento that went just wide of the goal. Both sides made multiple substitutions to try and shake things up in the 65th minute and the visitors from Memphis were able to quickly earn a corner kick, but ultimately couldn’t convert.

Dallas finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Ferreira whipped in a free kick towards the back post and Farrington needed just one touch to settle the ball and fire past the keeper for the goal. Memphis immediately came back to force back-to-back corner kicks at the other end but could not take advantage. Dallas maintained their hold over the game and Musa managed to conjure multiple shots on goal in the final 10 minutes, but failed to double his team’s advantage. In the end it wouldn’t matter though, as Dallas secured the 1-0 win to move on to the next round.

"I just smashed it" –Logan Farrington on his first pro goal https://t.co/S1SGfhV68D
— Garrett Melcer (@GarrettMelcer) May 8, 2024

Dallas head coach Nico Estevez commended his team’s adjustments at halftime to help turn the tide.

“I think the adjustments we made at halftime, offensively and defensively, helped us to be more of a threat and aggressive. At the end, we couldn’t score more goals, and this is why it’s very important to score the first goal. It was late for us, but I think we gained good experience and now we have to recover and get ready for Austin (next league match).”

Dallas will hit the road in the Round of 16 to take on the winner of Birmingham Legion and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Kyle Bennett of FORO SC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

April 1, 2024 by Adam Uthe

kyle bennett player of the round — Graphic by Phil Naegely / Photo by Leinbach Photography

It doesn’t get more clutch than scoring an equalizer in stoppage time of extra time, but that’s exactly what FORO SC’s Kyle Bennett did in the Dallas-based amateur side’s First Round match in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The goal sent their road game against reigning MLS NEXT Pro champs Austin FC II into extra time, tied at 2-2. And then the 6 feet, 3 inch tall forward outdid himself and sealed the win by converting from the spot on FORO’s fifth and final attempt of the shootout.

Bennett’s performance was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the First Round of the 109th edition of the US Open Cup.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Bennett was the top vote getter, edging Jordan Adebayo-Smith of MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) and third place finisher Sacha Kljestan of Des Moines Menace (USL-2).

Bennett – a second half substitute – knew his size could be the difference but he would have to wait to make his impact on the game. First, he had to redeem himself after missing an excellent opportunity to put FORO ahead towards the end of the second half. In the 80th minute, Bennett intercepted a poor Austin FC II throw-in near midfield and was clear on goal but failed to beat the onrushing keeper from the edge of the penalty area. Mere moments later (81st min.), FORO went down to 10 men and things were not looking good for the visitors from Dallas.

“I just let it go”, Bennett said of the crucial miss, praising his teammates for lifting each other up and keeping everyone’s confidence at a high level.

Foro SC do it the hard way ????

Up against pros (with 10 men) winning on PKs pic.twitter.com/2QxsMsrjiz
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) March 20, 2024

Bennett and his teammates went on to force extra time. And that’s when things got interesting.

The hosts went up 2-1 with a goal in the 105th minute and the pros looked headed for a victory to advance. But in the waning seconds of stoppage time in the second period of extra time, FORO threw everyone they had forward and a last gasp cross managed to find Bennett’s head to put the ball in the back of the net. Penalty kicks were up next.

“It was just at the right height and I was in the right spot,” said Bennett of the equalizing goal.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

In the shootout, both sides converted three of their first four chances. Then FORO goalkeeper Gonzalo Martinez came up with a massive save on Austin FC II’s fifth attempt by Ervin Torres and that set the stage for Bennett to play the hero a second time. He converted his attempt into the top right corner of the net to send the United Premier Soccer League side into Round 2 in the club’s tournament debut.

Bennett finds himself in good form with FORO after a few false starts early in his semi-professional career. After leaving local youth powerhouse Dallas Texans at 19, he received several offers from Division 3 college programs but decided he wanted to go straight to work instead. Two years later, he was approached by UPSL side Dallas Dynamo about playing for them and, after bouncing around the local scene with several teams, he began to make a name for himself as a proven goalscorer.

Then, in early 2023, FORO head coach Michel Garbini recruited him to join FORO’s quest to qualify for the 2024 US Open Cup. Bennett, however, broke his metatarsal in August and found himself unable to continue. But Garbini told Bennett his spot on the roster was safe if Bennett could get himself back into playing shape – which he managed to do. His services, however, were not required for FORO’s 4-0 victory over Alamo City SC that clinched their spot in the 2024 tournament.

Bennett, however, is still hungry for more and thinks he has another gear, even after such an impressive performance in Round 1.

“It feels like I’m really close to that next level.”

FORO FC will head west to Lubbock, Texas in Round 2 to take on NPSL side Lubbock Matadors on Tuesday, April 2.

2023 US Open Cup Qualifying: Referee ends match early after D10 Lions player spits at him, D’Feeters advance

November 20, 2022 by Adam Uthe

D'Feeters Kicks SC and D10 Lions warm up prior to their Open Division Qualifying match for the 2023 US Open Cup in Mansfield, TX. Photo: Adam Uthe — D’Feeters Kicks SC and D10 Lions warm up prior to their Open Division Qualifying match for the 2023 US Open Cup in Mansfield, TX. Photo: Adam Uthe

“The opposing team were getting abusive physically and verbally with , so they left for their safety,” said D’Feeters head coach Edgar Hernandez. He added that the center official “wasn’t even calling the game poorly” in his opinion.

A screen shot of the live stream of the Open Division Qualifying match for the 2023 US Open Cup between D'Feeters Kicks SC and D10 Lions FC. This was the scene shortly before the match was abruptly ended in the 74th minute. — A screen shot of the live stream of the Open Division Qualifying match for the 2023 US Open Cup between D’Feeters Kicks SC and D10 Lions FC. This was the scene shortly before the match was abruptly ended in the 74th minute.

As for the game itself, D’Feeters Kicks took control with forward Sebastian Mendez registering multiple shots on goal in the first seven minutes, but neither chance really threatened the keeper.

D10 responded with their best chance of the half in the 15th minute. A long throw-in managed to reach the six yard box but the subsequent header failed to find the back of the net. Mendez continued to test the Lions’ backline and hammered a well struck free kick that was ultimately secured by D10 goalkeeper Jorgely Rodriguez.

The frustration first set in for the visitors in the 23rd minute when Guity was issued his first yellow card. It ultimately turned out to be the first of five issued to D10 Lions in the first half, including the first yellow for the aforementioned coach for dissent.

Finally, the breakthrough for D’Feeters – and Mendez – came with the forward crushing a shot from 18 yards after a quick restart from a free kick; Rodriguez could not even react in time to muster a save attempt. The home side took the 1-0 advantage with them into the break.

It looked, for a moment, like the Lions might regain control of the match early in the second half. Orellana was brought on as a sub coming out of the halftime break and immediately forced a save from D’Feeters keeper Anthony Rodriguez that resulted in a corner. But the Lions could not capitalize and the visitors seemed to pass the point of no return once Cabo-Verdiana was sent off moments later.

Right before the chaos began, D’Feeters doubled their lead. D’Feeters were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after the Lions keeper was judged by the assistant to have handled it outside the box. Mendez took the free kick right away and he found Oscar Ocampo completely unmarked in front of goal and he beat the keeper to make it 2-0.

D10 Lions team captain David Perez was critical of the officials for the fallout. Accusing the center referee of favoring the D’Feeters and initiating the physical confrontation at the end.

He tells TheCup.us that at the time of publication that the team was exploring their options about possibly protesting the outcome with the federation.

For his part, D’Feeters coach Edgar Hernandez praised his side after the game for their composure.

“Our guys kind of played our game. We stayed relaxed. We didn’t fall into any of the, I guess, frustrations of the other team … at the end of the day, what matters is the result and getting to the next round.”

The match is likely to be reviewed by US Soccer’s Disciplinary Panel, but as things stand D’Feeters will advance in qualifying. In addition to seeking their second consecutive (and second overall) Open Cup qualification, D’Feeters are also preparing for an upcoming playoff match in National Premier Soccer League play.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Teenager scores twice to help San Antonio FC keep win streak

April 6, 2022 by Adam Uthe

Henrik Sakshaug San Antonio FC 2022 US Open Cup — 17-year-old Henrik Sakshaug of San Antonio FC became the youngest player in team history to score two goals in the club’s 3-1 win over D’Feeters Kicks SC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

At 17 years old, Henrik Sakshaug — making just his second appearance with San Antonio FC’s senior team — scored twice during a four-minute stretch in the second half to help the home side defeat Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks SC by a score of 3-1.

Sakshaug, one of several teenagers from the San Antonio academy system getting the start for the USL Championship side, became the youngest player in San Antonio FC history to score two goals in a match.

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With the win, San Antonio extends the club’s winning streak in opening round games to five, and improves to 6-0-0 all-time against amateur teams.

After a scoreless first half, San Antonio injected some urgency into the second, bringing on first team captain Connor Maloney coming out of the break. The midfielder made his presence felt almost immediately, creating multiple chances, including one to his right back Shannon Gomez, but Gomez was denied at point blank range by D’Feeters goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez from about eight yards out.

The breakthrough finally came for the home side in the 53rd minute. Brazilian midfielder PC played a free kick into the box that D’Feeters failed to sufficiently clear. The ball fell kindly for Sakshaug on the edge of the penalty box and the youngster buried a clinical low driven shot that was mature beyond his current age. A minute later, Maloney added a goal of his own after getting on the end of another failed clearance by the D’Feeters defense. In the 57th minute, Gomez played a perfect square ball into the box and Sakshaug calmly finished for his second of the night.

D’Feeters quickly pulled one back in the 61st as Cardone failed to corral an early cross and Sebastian Mendez was inside the six-yard box to finish off the chance. Moments later Oscar Romero put a header just wide of the near post and the visitors continued to apply pressure right up until Juan Ramirez was sent off in the 83rd minute with his second yellow card of the night. Sakshaug almost completed the hat trick, but his late chance was denied by Rodriguez and he would have to settle for a mere brace in the breakout performance of his young career.

The home side controlled possession early in the first half but could only generate half chances, including a wasted corner kick in the opening two minutes. San Antonio kept up pressure and managed to test D’Feeters’ Rodriguez in the 15th minute. San Antonio whipped in a corner kick that the 20 year old Rodriguez failed to pluck out of the air, but San Antonio couldn’t capitalize on the loose ball in the box. The hosts continued to control possession and keep the ball in DKSC’s half, but no chances came.

D’Feeters abruptly breathed new life into the game with a low, driven early cross in the 29th minute that was smothered by San Antonio’s Matt Cardone before it could reach its target. Two minutes later, DKSC’s Miles Byass had the best chance of the half for the visitors, but his shot inside the box missed the far post by a matter of inches. Both teams continued to grow into the game and traded more chances, but neither could find a decisive goal and halftime arrived with the scoreline still stuck at 0-0.

San Antonio advances to the Third Round with an opponent to be determined on Friday, April 8 at Noon Eastern Time.

Just a few minutes later he followed that up with his second ✌️#Defend210 | #OurFuture https://t.co/NejHWSguNY pic.twitter.com/nDekAQaogG

— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 6, 2022

2022 Meet the Underdogs: D’Feeters Kicks ready for new era in Dallas

March 17, 2022 by Adam Uthe

D’Feeters Kicks SC pose for a team photo before the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Southwest FC. Photo: D’Feeters Kicks SC

For the first time in 10 years, an amateur club not named NTX Rayados will represent the city of Dallas in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. After a two year hiatus during the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Open Cup is back and there’s a new squad out of Dallas that’s ready to take up the mantle. D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (DKSC), in their first ever Open Cup qualification, will represent the DFW metroplex.

The D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (DKSC) was formed in 2018 when two youth clubs, one for girls (D’Feeters) and one for boys (Dallas Kicks), merged together. That was also the year program director Edgar Hernandez organized FC Harrington, an adult men’s team initially made up of players who regularly played pickup games at Harrington Park in Duncanville, a south Dallas suburb. Duncanville isn’t exactly “run down” but the southern portion of the Dallas metroplex tends to get overshadowed by many far more affluent neighborhoods and suburbs to the north. Hernandez saw an opportunity to shine some light on an underappreciated community.

“I began this program because I felt there was a lot of talent in the South Dallas area that was being overlooked and that never was given the opportunity to play at a higher level,” said Hernandez who handles administrative duties and also assists his father, Edgar, with coaching as well. “Why go play for other programs when you can play at home in front of your family and friends and still compete and train at a high level? Our community is so passionate for the game and I felt like our program brings everyone together to celebrate our community’s talent.”

In the summer of 2020, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) imposed strict travel restrictions on it’s members during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hernandez’s side was pulled into a southern division and traveled to Houston, Texas where it managed to win the Central Conference Championship. This was all while missing several key players from Southern Methodist University (SMU), who had to quarantine and could not travel to Houston in order to prepare for their fall season.

It should be noted that despite technically being a “national” league, the UPSL is actually made up of multiple regional conferences/divisions. The league is currently in the process of gaining official “National League” status from U.S. Soccer and recently acquired associate member status at the recent AGM session. It should gain full status, and therefor automatic US Open Cup berths, at the end of 2023.

It wasn’t until 2021 that FC Harrington came under the D’Feeters Kicks banner. Prior to that, the team had started out in the 3rd division of the UPSL (as FC Harrington) and has since worked its way up to the Premier Division, the highest level of the league. Their new UPSL campaign will begin in April after the Open Cup gets underway.

DKSC has also expanded to other local leagues. The Roja League, which competes under US Club Soccer, started in 2020 as a local outfit for teams in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Kicks joined for the summer, also known as Verano, season and have enjoyed success in the competition. The team finished the 2021 Invierno season (winter) season in first place and reached the championship final. D’Feeters also entered US Open Cup qualifying as a member of the Roja League.

In terms of support, the team has plenty of experienced talent.

Miles Byass, who joins DKSC from another UPSL Premier Division side, Foro SC, is expected to lead the line. Byass was named an honorable mention all-Pac-10 selection at San Diego State and also featured for the Seattle Sounders Under-23 team in 2013. Byass isn’t the only newcomer either. Former FC Dallas and North Texas SC (the USL affiliate of FC Dallas) player Oscar Romero hopes to join D’Feeters but there are questions around his fitness that may limit his availability.

If all else fails, the club still has its all-time leading scorer Sebastian Mendez available to support Byass in attack. Mendez’s 85th minute converted penalty turned out to be the winner in their 2-1 Third Round qualifying win over Southwest FC. Prior to that, D’Feeters Kicks SC took down Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC in the Second Round of qualifying via an extra time penalty converted by captain Miguel Ojeda. This is the first year DKSC has attempted to qualify for the Open Cup and Hernandez is trying to maintain perspective going into their first match.

“We are 100 percent focused and locked in on our first round match up with Denton. We aren’t even thinking about the second round at the moment,” said Hernandez. “Of course, we would love to make a deep run but you can’t get lost in the bigger picture and that is why we are taking the Open Cup game by game.”

D’Feeters Kicks SC will travel north to UNT Soccer and Track & Field Stadium in Denton on Tuesday, March 22 where they will face the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Denton Diablos in Round 1.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Indirect free kick, saved PK spark D’Feeters Kicks’ OT win

October 21, 2021 by Adam Uthe

D’Feeters Kicks SC pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC. Photo: D’Feeters Kicks SC

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results

Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks FC used a bit of luck and a late extra time penalty to overturn a halftime deficit and advance past Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC in the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Houston got on the board first via a penalty converted by winger Isaac Ortega, but in the second half the host D’Feeters swung the tide and equalized via a rare in-the-penalty-box indirect free kick plus a second half of stoppage time penalty that was converted by captain Miguel Ojeda.

“We executed the chances we had,” said D’Feeters coach Edgar Hernandez after the game.

D’Feeters found themselves missing star striker Oscar Romero, who was serving a suspension he received three years ago when he last participated in an official Open Cup match. Romero had a spell with FC Dallas’ USL feeder club North Texas SC, but left after mutually agreeing to part ways with the team in September of 2020. Still, D’Feeters didn’t exactly miss a player of Romero’s caliber.

Both sides came out with plenty of energy in the early minutes and traded spells of possession, but Houston looked the more comfortable on the ball and managed to get two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes courtesy of the forward pairing of Jordan Velasco and Juan Ricciardi. One was hit directly at D’Feeters’ keeper and the other was blocked by a defender. The home side managed to settle in for the next few minutes to maintain possession, but neither side was able to break through.

D’Feeters Kicks’ indirect free kick equalizer in the 63rd minute

Then in the 13th minute, Houston whipped a free kick into the box and in the ensuing scuffle a penalty was given to the visitors. Isaac Ortega converted from the spot and Hotshots earned a deserved early lead in the 14th minute. D’Feeters quickly fought back though and managed to create several corner kick opportunities but nothing found the back of the net. Just before halftime, Luiz Morales turned and fired, only to be denied by the near post. Despite the spirited comeback, the hosts still found themselves down a goal at the break.

The early parts of the second half looked similar to the first with both sides creating half chances from brief spells of possession. Then things got interesting in the 60th minute. After a D’Feeters defensive giveaway almost gave Houston a second goal, the hosts received a free kick at the other end seconds later when Hotshots keeper Cristo Gayoso inexplicably fielded a direct back pass with his hands. Morales crushed his shot through the Houston wall off the ensuing indirect free kick from inside the penalty box and the home side finally had their equalizer. 10 minutes later, Gayoso found himself at the center of attention again as he came more than 10 yards outside his penalty box to clear a D’Feeters’ through ball. He might have regretted his decision, but Morales couldn’t get his shot on frame from an awkward angle and the score stayed 1-1. No other goals came and the two sides were still even after 90 minutes.

D’Feeters looked to be on the front foot early in extra time, but Velasco found himself in space on the right on the counter and managed to get into the box, where he drew a penalty. This time Ortega was denied by D’Feeters keeper Anthony Rodriguez and Houston’s Hanif Mohammad couldn’t keep his shot off the rebound down; the score stayed 1-1.

D’Feeters Kicks’ game-winning penalty kick in the 103rd minute

Hernandez praised his keeper afterwards, noting that he came within an inch of keeping Ortega’s first half penalty out.

“I would say this game, our keeper got us to the next round.”

But D’Feeters still needed one more moment of magic to secure the win. Minutes after Rodriguez denied Ortega from the spot, D’Feeters had Houston under siege and an extra hard challenge off a corner kick earned the home side a 102nd minute penalty. Captain Miguel Ojeda converted from the spot and the hosts were in front and in control. With tensions rising late in extra time, D’Feeters defender Paul Gorish was sent off in the 114th minute for a blatant post-foul push that also resulted in a yellow card for Houston’s bench. Ultimately, it turned out to be inconsequential as D’Feeters were able to see the game out and advance to the next round of qualifying where they will travel to El Paso to take on Southwest FC in a “Win & You’re In” match in November.

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Sesay’s hat trick clinches NTX Rayados 9th straight berth

November 27, 2019 by Adam Uthe

Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

Mohamed “James” Sesay’s hat trick was the difference as NTX Rayados defeated Celtic Cowboys Premier to qualify for their ninth consecutive Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; a Modern Era (1995-Present) record for an Open Division Local side.

Having scored six goals coming into Saturday night’s showdown, Sesay’s total number of goals scored in qualifying stands at nine, the top goalscoring total of this year’s Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

You’d be hard pressed to find two amateur sides in Texas more worthy of an Open Cup appearance. NTX Rayados’ history of qualifying for the Open Cup is well-documented by now, but this wasn’t the first time these two sides have met. Celtic’s first-ever game in an Open Cup qualifying tournament was at Premier Park in 2016 with NTX gave them a rude welcome to the competition, thumping them 7-0 in front of their home fans. The two met the following year in Austin, but it was the same result: Rayados cruised to a 4-1 win. Both of those games were decidedly less competitive than Saturday’s game at Premier Park, located in the Dallas suburb of Balch Springs.

Mohamed "James" Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: NTX Rayados — Mohamed “James” Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou | NTX Rayados

Both teams were high on confidence, each having won their Round 2 qualifying game comfortably, but it was NTX Rayados who came out and controlled the game in the first 15 minutes. Right from the start, Sesay ran over, around, and through Celtic’s backline but struggled to test Celtic goalkeeper Muhammed Sule early and the visitors struggled to counter effectively.

But as the first half wore on, Celtic’s target forward Christopher Wright began to slip in behind Rayados’ defense as well and eventually the chances evened out for both sides. Perhaps in an effort to stay warm, both goalkeepers made questionable decisions to come out of their respective boxes at different points, but neither was ultimately punished and halftime came with no goals tallied.

It didn’t take long for things to heat up in the second half. Five minutes out of the break, Rayados had already earned two corners, and the second coming after Sesay hit the crossbar from point blank range. Celtic absorbed the pressure well and moments later looked to have earned a chance in on goal, but the whistle for a foul went against Wright.

It would prove costly as Sesay was through on goal just minutes later and opened the scoring to put the home side up 1-0 in the 55th minute.

Celtic created a couple chances in response but nothing dangerous and Sesay made them pay in the 69th minute with his second; a scintillating run through multiple defenders before splitting Sule’s legs.

Eight minutes later, he got a fortuitous bounce on the edge of the box and made the most of it on the volley to complete his hat trick.

Sesay – whose teammates have taken to calling him “Eto’o”, after retired Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o – has featured for Rayados in previous campaigns, but never as such a focal point of the offense. Still, he’s earned the comparison to the former Barcelona forward and his comfort with the role he’s been asked to play comes through clear on the night.

“I’m happy because this is a normal thing for me: scoring goals.”, said Sesay, who was grinning from ear to ear after the game.

But the success in qualification hasn’t gone to his head and he was quick to heap praise on his team, especially their mental fortitude coming out of halftime at a stalemate despite having created plenty of chances.

Sesay may be having a moment, but his team captain (and player-coach) Tito Salas, was unusually even keeled after the match. Perhaps that’s because Salas has been more or less in charge of NTX Rayados during the entirety of their current nine year run.

“This is really what we were shooting for: being back in the actual Cup.”, Salas said afterwards.

Rayados also won their league title a week ago on the same field and Salas – speaking like a veteran of qualifying for the tournament – says the main thing he told his players was to go home and enjoy the holidays and come prepared for the tournament in the spring. For him – and the club – that’s what counts more than anything.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Weekend Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

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2019 US Open Cup Round of 16: New Mexico United edges FC Dallas to continue inaugural Cinderella run

June 20, 2019 by Adam Uthe

New Mexico United rallied from a first-half deficit to advance to the Quarterfinals of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 win against FC Dallas on Wednesday night. | Photo courtesy Matt Begala / FC Dallas

New Mexico United’s historic inaugural season continued Wednesday night when they took down MLS side FC Dallas 2-1 at Westcott Field on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The two sides traded goals in the first half, but it was New Mexico defender Sam Hamilton’s 64th minute strike that made the difference and sent the visitors through to the Quarterfinals.

United head coach Troy Lesesne put the win into perspective after the game.

“It gives us a ton of credibility, not only in the USL Championship but then across the landscape in North American soccer and it allows the state of New Mexico to dream … now we open up a different world for our state and I love that.”

Hamilton concurred with his coach.

“It’s big for the players trying to make the jump and it’s just big for a first time organization to go this far into the Open Cup.”

This is what the Open Cup is all about – @USLChampionship side @NewMexicoUTD pull off the 2-1 win on the road (their 4th away win) against @FCDallas of @MLS to book a Quarterfinal date at @MNUFC. #CUPSET #USOC2019 | ? Highlights pic.twitter.com/IAsft1gJ1g

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 20, 2019

Neither team is likely a stranger to the summer heat, but the temperature of 96 degrees (heat index over 100) at kickoff may have had something to do with the game’s slow start. Neither side registered a shot until the 15th minute and the first shot on goal – courtesy of Dallas’ Dominique Badji – didn’t arrive until the 30th minute. To drive the point home, there were three shots on goal in the first 40 minutes and two of them came from Dallas right back Ryan Hollingshead from outside the box.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href="https://shop.thecup.us/">THECUP.US SHOP</a> — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

But then in the 41st minute, Dallas’ Brandon Servania broke free on the corner kick and got on the end of Barrios’ service, firing home a rocket from just outside the box. The assist from Barrios was the fourth of his career in the US Open Cup.

New Mexico needed just four minutes to respond as Kevaughn Frater found himself at the right place at the right time and converted from inside the six yard box after Dallas keeper Jimmy Maurer failed to secure the initial shot on goal. Frater’s goal was his third in the 2019 tournament and the fourth of his career.

The visitors picked up a free kick opportunity in a dangerous area in stoppage time, but failed to make it count and the game went into halftime even at 1-1.

The second half picked up right where the end of the first left off. Two minutes after the break, Barrios found himself free in the box, only for his centering pass to be cleared for a corner. New Mexico came back in the 54th minute with a shot from inside the box by Daniel Bruce, but it didn’t clear the crowd of Dallas defenders. Dallas made the first change in the 58th minute with Paxton Pomykal replacing 16-year-old Ricardo Pepi, who didn’t look quite as sharp as he did in his debut in Round 4 when he went the full 90 and recorded an assist.

Then in the 64th minute, New Mexico earned a free kick near the corner flag and, after some ping-ponging inside the box, Hamilton’s shot squeezed through to put the visitors up 2-1. Six minutes later, Frater went down and needed treatment but would ultimately stay in the game.

Pomykal made his presence felt in the 74th minute with a slick run into the box, but his centering ball couldn’t get directed on frame. He put a shot on goal himself in the 82nd minute, only to be denied by New Mexico keeper Cody Mizell, who Lesesne called “an absolute rock for us.”

Dallas continued to make inroads, mostly through Barrios out wide, but Hamilton and the New Mexico defense stood tall and made no mistakes to help their side secure the win and move on.

“I think that we were under some pressure, but we handled that pressure well and just grinded out a fantastic victory and a historic moment for our club”, said Lesesne of his team’s defensive effort throughout the match.

New Mexico United continue to represent their state well this season. They are the second team from the state of New Mexico to ever reach the quarterfinals and the first to do so in the Modern Era (1995-present); the New Mexico Chiles made it all the way to the Semifinals in 1991. In Round 2 this year, United became the first New Mexico side in the Modern Era to even advance in the Open Cup. In Round 3 they became the first New Mexico side to win a game in the Open Cup. And in Round 4 they became the first side from the state to beat an MLS side. Now they have two such victories and they’ll look to make it three when they travel north on July 10 to meet Minnesota United in the Quarterfinals.