Brian O'Connell

Brian O'Connell serves as editor and staff writer at NESoccerToday.com. He formerly wrote for ESPN FC, and is Officer at Large for the North American Soccer Reporters. He's contributed to The Associated Press, The Canadian Press, and has been featured on MLSSoccer.com & RevsNet.com. E-mail: [email protected]

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals preview: Semifinals on line for MLS originals Revolution, Red Bulls at Harvard

July 9, 2017 by Brian O'Connell

New York Red Bulls (MLS) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Thursday, July 12 – 7:30 p.m. EST
Jordan Field (Harvard Univ.) – Boston, MA

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (video will be embedded when it becomes available)

Winner will play FC Cincinnati / Miami FC winner (Site / Date TBD)

New York Red Bulls Open Cup records
Overall: 19-7-3 (2-1 PK) | Home: 9-5-2 (1-1 PK) | Away: 9-11-1 (1-0 PK) | vs. MLS: 6-9-3 (2-1 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 2-1 at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round of 16)
Best finish: 2003 Runner-up
Leading goalscorer: Sacha Kljestan & Daniel Royer – 1 goal each

New England Revolution Open Cup records
Overall: 19-12-5 (3-2 PK) | Home: 13-4-3 (2-1 PK) | Away: 5-8-2 (1-1 PK) | vs. MLS: 6-8-1 (1-0 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 4-2 at FC Dallas of MLS in Final)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer: Five players tied with 1

Every rivalry match contains an added layer of drama when points are on the line, but when that shared history extends to tournament play, well, there’s usually no shortage of rich subplots.

That sentiment certainly holds true for Thursday’s US Open Cup quarterfinal tie between the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution, who’ll renew acquaintances at Harvard University only nine days after the former handed the latter a last-gasp home loss.

While some would point to the clash as a classic opportunity for the Revolution to seek revenge against the Red Bulls, the truth is there’s far more at stake when the MLS originals battle for a semifinal spot.

For New England, who punched their ticket to the Quarterfinals after beating D.C. United in the Round of 16, the outcome of Thursday’s match has the potential to carry serious reverberations for the rest of the year.

A loss could signal wholesale changes that could start at the top as coach Jay Heaps, whose club has lost four straight and currently sit in 10th place in league play, has struggled to get the most from his talented group of young players. A win would, at very least, give Heaps and his group a temporary reprieve. The sentiment in New England was that the Revolution’s run to last year’s Open Cup final saved the seventh-year coach from getting sacked.

But a win is far from certain given the state of the roster. The Revolution won’t have Kelyn Rowe or Juan Agudelo at their disposal with both currently a part of the USMNT’s Gold Cup tournament roster. The international tournament has also claimed last year’s Open Cup hero Je-Vaughn Watson, who was called in for Jamaica National Team duty.

On the other end of the pitch, New York, who booked their spot in the quarterfinals after beating Philadelphia on PKs two weeks ago, hasn’t exactly defended its Eastern Conference crown in convincing fashion this season.

Yes, last week’s road win over the Revolution gave it some much-needed confidence going into Open Cup play but the team wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs if the MLS season ended today. A quarterfinal triumph could give the Revs a crucial boost in league play.

Similar to the fortunes of their foes, the Red Bulls are far from assured of a victory on Thursday. Key contributor Kemar Lawrence is in camp with Jamaica while long-term injuries to Mike Grella and Aurelien Collin will prevent them from aiding the Red Bulls come Thursday.

One bright spot for both clubs: whoever comes out on top will face a lower-division side in the semifinal with the winner of Wednesday’s Miami FC-FC Cincinnati tie on tap for the next round.

Two beleaguered teams with one chance to salvage a disappointing league year on the line. You want drama? Thursday’s quarterfinal in the Commonwealth won’t disappoint.

#USOC2017 coverage:

MORE:
* Who is the US Open Cup equivalent to Lincoln City FC and their magical FA Cup run?
* Eric Wynalda hired to lead LA Wolves for 2017 US Open Cup run
* Reading United qualifies for record 9th straight US Open Cup, seeking more than an opening round win
* Things you should know about the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup
* The nine upsets of the US Open Cup Quarterfinals (Modern Era)

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2017 US Open Cup Round 4: New England Revolution capitalize on 10-man Rochester Rhinos in 3-0 win

June 16, 2017 by Brian O'Connell

The New England Revolution defeated the Rochester Rhinos 3-0 in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Keith Nordstrom | New England Revolution

A reserve-laden New England Revolution team beat an undermanned Rochester Rhinos (USL) 3-0 in Wednesday’s US Open Cup fourth round in front of 1,633 fans at Chapey Field in Providence, Rhode Island.

The locals struck right before the break after Teal Bunbury sent it through from the spot in the 44th minute moments after reserve midfielder Zachary Herivaux was brought down inside the box by Rochester defender Wal Fall. New England’s backup defender Donnie Smith headed through a Daigo Kobayashi corner kick in the 50th minute. Herivaux added another for the Revs in the 51st minute after goalkeeper Tomas Gomez failed to corral a Femi Hollinger-Janzen shot.

Hear from the #NERevs following their first match of the #USOC2017. pic.twitter.com/ZXkjCe55Dv

— NewEnglandRevolution (@NERevolution) June 15, 2017

The Revolution wasted little time putting the second-division Rhinos under pressure, but Rochester withstood it for much of the first frame thanks to some timely tackles. But the guests’ efforts took a significant hit when Farrell, who was already on a caution, was booked a second time in the 40th minute for a foul on Bunbury.

Not long after, the Revolution took advantage as Herivaux darted into the box before he was cut down by Fall to earn the penalty try, which Bunbury sank right before the half to notch his first goal of the year.

The Revolution picked up right where they left off at the start of the second half. Five minutes into the half, Kobayashi sent a corner kick near the top of the box where Smith met hit with his forehead to send it through to collect his first professional goal.

Barely a minute after Smith’s score, the Rhinos were under siege again as Hollinger-Janzen made his way into the area and fired low shot that was initially saved by Gomez. But Herivaux followed up on the rebound and shoved it into the back of the net, marking the second straight year in which the Revolution’s Homegrown Player scored in the fourth round.

Holding a commanding lead against a 10-man Rochester squad, New England spent the final half hour menacing the Rhinos in search of a fourth goal. Regulars Kelyn Rowe and Diego Fagundez, who notched his club-record 13th all-time appearance in Open Cup play, both came off the bench after the hour mark to test Gomez and his defenders.

The Revolution, however, would have to be content to settle for the three-goal margin as referee Henrik Karlsson blew his whistle before a fourth strike.

For the second straight year, a trip to the round of 16 awaits the Revolution, who will face D.C. United at Harvard University’s Jordan Field on June 28.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Camaraderie spurs Boston-based GPS Omens to US Open Cup glory

May 7, 2017 by Brian O'Connell

GPS Omens celebrate their 2015 Bay State Soccer League MacKenzie Cup championship. Photo: GPS Omens

The more things change, the more they stay the same: it’s a phrase that rings especially true for Massachusetts-based USASA side GPS Omens.

In 2013, the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) squad qualified for the US Open Cup tournament for the first time as Mass Premier Soccer, a moniker that was replaced by GPS Massachusetts, when in 2014 and 2015.

After missing the cut last year, the boys from Boston are back and it’s only fitting that they will sport a different name that they adopted last year.

“When Mass Premier Soccer merged into Global Premier Soccer (GPS), we saw it as an opportunity to refresh our name with something unique to the current players,” Omens skipper Greg Zuboff said. “We were originally the MPS MOA (Monsters of the Apocalypse). We changed to GPS Omens, which is a phrase used among our players in a social setting, though it’s also foreshadowed our terrific success under this brand.”

No doubt Omens have certainly enjoyed plenty of success as of late. In 2016, they became the first team in BSSL history to post an undefeated season by going 16-0-2. That remarkable run not only allowed them to be crowned league champions, but it also extended to Open Cup qualifying as well, as they beat Southie FC (MA) and Newton Pride (CT) to earn one of the 17 local qualifier spots in the 99-team field.

So how does Omens, an outfit whose identity seems to change with the autumn leaves, remain one of the best amateur sides in New England? One word: Depth

“We have a 30-man roster, and given personal schedules we usually turn out half for any game,” Zuboff said. “Any combination of that 30 is a force, and it’s enabled our success, particularly in late June games where occasionally find ourselves with only 11 or 12 men.”

Among the 30-man roster, a total of 21 players remain from the squad’s last Open Cup run back in 2015, and 15 have stuck around for each of the three first-round tilts since 2013, according to Zuboff. That familiarity among the players has no doubt made them one of the most formidable amateur outfits in New England.

Case in point: Omens has picked up right where they left off following last year’s table-winning season by notching victories in each of their first BSSL matches this year and already boast a goal-differential of +28.

Omens with 7-1 W over @oneida_fc E Anderson MOTM with 5 g’s @baystatesoccer @NESoccerToday @NonLeagueUSA pic.twitter.com/lMNhAFRJTU

— GPS Omens (@GPS_Omens) April 29, 2017

But relying on longstanding connections isn’t the only dynamic at play when it comes to their success.

“We also don’t take the game too seriously,” Zuboff said. “This is an outlet for our otherwise white collar lifestyles, and so we are there to play because we love the game, we love to win and we love drinking our coolers after a hard fought victory.”

After many such victories in league play last season, Omens is seeking something greater when they begin their Open Cup run in earnest on May 10 at GPS Portland Phoenix, which will take place in Portland, Me. The game is a rematch of the club’s first-ever Open Cup game in 2013 when they lost 2-0 to the Phoenix on the same field at Deering High School in Portland.

“The Open Cup is an opportunity to play against first class opponents and test our might,” Zuboff said. “Our league is very strong; however, the added diversity of playing teams against which we don’t regularly compete adds excitement about the unknown. “

The excitement and the unknown are undeniable draws for many amateur squads who’ve earned tickets to the historic tournament. But the way Zuboff tells it, there’s even more at play when Omens packs its bags for Portland on Wednesday.

“We also take advantage of the chance to travel together,” Zuboff said, “and enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with that.”

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Boston area’s Southie FC want to be more than weekend warriors

May 18, 2016 by Brian O'Connell

Like many great success stories in American soccer, the idea of Southie FC started with a couple of college buddies who weren’t quite ready to give up playing the beautiful game after graduation.

Following the completion of their studies – as well as their NCAA soccer careers — at Providence College in 2010, Sean Bakhtiari and Roy Sandeman soon hit a fork in the road.

While Bakhtiari and Sandeman both intended to extend their playing days at the PDL level – Bakhtiari had played for Seacoast United while Sandeman suited up for Western Mass Pioneers – the reality of starting a career in the real world conflicted with that idea.

So they compromised. Initially, both were content with linking up with one of many local amateur sides in Boston. But before long, they both realized they didn’t just want to show up and play every weekend.

“After one year with this local team, we thought it would be fun to start our own team, run it in a semi-professional manner, recruit our own friends and players, and try to surpass the success of local clubs like GPS Omens, Battery Park Gunners and Boston Olympiakos,” Bakhtiari said. “So in the fall of 2012, Southie FC was launched with the vision of playing our first outdoor season in the spring of 2013.”

The duo immediately went to work on their new idea. During the winter of 2012-13, the Providence alums gathered together some of their former Providence Friar teammates and friends and put together a roster.

“We didn’t really ‘recruit’ players,” Bakhtiari said. “We’re basically a group of friends and friends of friends who love the game, played competitively growing up, and demonstrate a ‘team-first’ focus.”

In a sign that the soccer gods were clearly smiling upon the efforts of Bakhtiari and Sandeman, the Boston-based outfit was afforded the
opportunity to take over the spot formerly inhabited by Suchi FC and enter the first division Massachusetts State Soccer League (MSSL)
instead of starting from scratch in the league’s second tier.

GPS Omens and Southie FC square off in 2016 US Open Cup qualifying at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass.

It didn’t take long for the newly-formed outfit to thrive. In its first season in MSSL, the so-called Boys in Neon (for its neon green
kits) finished in second place, one point behind league champion Mass United FC.

Southie’s initial success was no flash in the pan, either. Not long after, the club expanded its reach, fielding three separate teams in
different leagues in Massachusetts, all which have garnered success.

To say that the original squad has set the bar would be an understatement.

Since its debut three years ago, Southie has gone on to win the Massachusetts Amateur Cup (2015), Massachusetts State US Open Cup
(2015), MSSL Division 1 North, (2015), MSSL Cup (2014), and claimed runner-up finishes in the MSSL league (2014) and Massachusetts US
Amateur Cup (2014).

The most recent – and perhaps greatest – success came last week, when Southie pulled off a 2-0 win over Seacoast United Phantoms of the PDL during the First Round of the US Open Cup.

“ was something special for all the guys involved in our club,” Bakhtiari said. “We have about seven guys, including myself, who
played for Seacoast United growing up. Very few teams and players ever get the chance to compete in the most prestigious soccer tournament in the country and we’re very proud to have qualified and represent Massachusetts well.”

While Bakhtiari and his Southie teammates already have plenty to be proud of, they’re certainly not resting on their laurels.

“Right now, we’re focused on May 18th’s US Open Cup match in Rochester ,” Bakhtiari said. “On paper, we are heavy underdogs, but we’re confident in our ability to pull off an upset on the road midweek.”

Whether Southie can pull off another stunner against the defending USL champions remains to be seen.

No matter the outcome of the Second Round clash, Bakhtiari is clearly savoring the spoils of the dream birthed by two college buddies who simply wanted to keep playing competitive soccer after commencement day.

“Our team-first focus has always been our No. 1 motive and, in my opinion, has been the biggest contributor to our club’s success,”
Bakhtiari said. “This means, committing to the team’s goals, understanding certain player selection decisions, having each other’s back on and off the field, and focusing on team play vs. individual play.

“I’m probably most proud of our team-first attitude more than anything with Southie FC. It’s something special.”

Brian O’Connell is a freelance writer who also created and runs the website New England Soccer Today.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: AFC Cleveland travels far to earn first Open Cup win

May 12, 2016 by Brian O'Connell

Story used with permission from New England Soccer Today

Matt Danilack nearly scored a last-gasp equalizer for GPS Portland Phoenix, but the flag went up as AFC Cleveland survived to secure a 1-0 win in Wednesday’s US Open Cup first round tie at Deering High School in Portland, Me.

The Royals scored their lone goal in the 26th minute when Antonio Manfut converted on a cross from outside the box. The Phoenix nearly leveled it before the hour when substitute Guilherme Da Silva Leme hit the post moments after he entered the match in the 56th minute.

Danilak appeared to level the match in stoppage time on a deflected shot, sending the home crowd into jubilation. But the cheers immediately died down when the attention turned to the raised flag of the assistant referee, which nullified the would-be goal.

The Phoenix was the aggressor for much of the match, outshooting the Royals 10-2 on the evening. However, the one shot on goal that went in was all Cleveland needed to earn its first Open Cup win in franchise history.

Portland earned their first round spot by winning the PDL’s Northeast Division championship in 2015 with a 9-2-3 mark while Cleveland booked its ticket via an at-large NPSL berth after finishing 8-2-2 in NPSL play last season. Cleveland, who qualified but declined to enter due to lack of player availability in 2013, became the first amateur team from the city to qualify since the Cleveland Kickers in 1994.

Cleveland made the roughly 750-mile trip to Maine to pick up their first Open Cup win. How will they be rewarded? With a nearly 600-mile trip to Fenton, Mo. to play Saint Louis FC on May 18. Meanwhile, Portland will begin its divisional title defense on Saturday when they face AC Connecticut at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Ct.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Southie FC shuts out Seacoast United in tournament debut

May 12, 2016 by Brian O'Connell

Used with permission from New England Soccer Today

Roy Sandeman scored on each side of the break as Boston-based USASA outfit Southie FC picked up a win in their inaugural US Open Cup appearance. Southie FC defeated Premier Development League (PDL) side Seacoast United Phantoms 2-0 at Della Russo Stadium in Revere, Mass.

Sandeman opened the account the 28th minute, then struck from the spot in the 59th minute after a Seacoast defender was called for a handball inside the box.

While Sandeman provided the scoring, the Southie backline rose to the occasion keep Seacoast’s most potent weapon, striker Alencar Junior, off the board.

Wednesday’s match was the first in the tournament proper for the Boys in Neon, who were formed in 2012. They joined the Bay State Soccer League in 2014, and recently competed in the National Amateur Cup tournament.

Southie, who booked Wednesday’s first-round spot via the Open Divison, will face the USL’s Rochester Rhinos in the second round on May 18 at Rhino’s Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Lansdowne Bhoys cruise to 5-0 road win over Worcester FC

November 15, 2015 by Brian O'Connell

Lansdowne Bhoys before their 2016 US Open Cup qualifying match against Worcester FC. Photo: Lansdowne Bhoys

MORE: Five teams advance to final round of qualifying in first weekend

A match that started out evenly-played eventually turned into a demolition as Worcester FC fell 5-0 to Lansdowne Bhoys FC in Saturday’s second qualifying round of the 2016 US Open Cup tournament at Foley Stadium in Worcester, Mass.

Ovan Oakley opened the account in the 27th minute while Sikele Sylvester allowed the guests to go into halftime with a two-goal advantage after he tallied in the 33rd minute. The Bhoys put the game out of reach with second half goals by Karim Russell and Ian Sweeney, and then Gareth McGlynn scribbled his name on the scoresheet in stoppage time to put an exclamation point on the comprehensive victory.

With the win, Lansdowne Bhoys advance to the third qualifying round, which will take place during the weekend of Apr. 2-3, 2016. The loss ended Worcester’s first foray in US Open Cup qualifying only months after they were established.

“We didn’t have our whole team,” Worcester keeper Cam Staples said. “We were missing our (first-choice) right back, and that’s where they decided they wanted to come down and attack.”

Although temperatures dipped into the low-30s at kickoff, the early action kept the hardy spectators on the edge of their seats.

Inside of four minutes, Bhoys midfielder Daryl Kavanagh tested Worcester keeper Cam Staples with a blast from the left flank. Not long after, Worcester made a bid for the opener when Braima Samati slithered through the backline and beat keeper Abdoukarim Danso, who breathed a heavy sigh of relief when the shot veered wide of the woodwork in the 16th minute.

Samati’s miss proved to be the best chance for Worcester to take control of the match before Lansdowne unleashed an offensive that was for too much for the hosts to handle.

On a quick break, Ovan raced onto a through ball from Karl Sjostrom that split the Worcester backline before he froze Staples and sent it through to put Lansdowne ahead in the 27th minute.

The Bhoys wasted little time building upon the Ovan’s goal when Sjostrom crossed it for Sylvester, who coolly headed it through on the doorstep to put Worcester in a deeper ditch going into the 33rd minute.

Frustrated, but far from finished, Worcester entered the second frame hoping to pull one back and make it anyone’s match. Marcus Pizzetti, who scored twice in their first qualifying round victory over Newport FC, entered the match at halftime in a move to strengthen the attack.

But getting stronger up front wasn’t enough to overcome the holes in the rear. Staples was forced to make a trio of heady saves off his line early in the second stanza, but it wasn’t nearly enough to quiet Lansdowne’s lively attack.

Just after the hour, Russell exploited an opening and buried his close range shot to put the game well out of reach.

“We pressed up too high,” Staples said. “They figured it out and they just kept playing through balls and that’s what got us – those through balls.”

Twelve minutes later, Sweeney casually tapped through a cross through from point blank range, and in stoppage time, McGlynn gave his teammates one more reason to celebrate when he bagged the fifth goal of the game.

“Our core group of guys weren’t here,” Staples said, “and that’s what we needed. We fought to the end. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we didn’t quit until the 90th minute.”

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Banana kick goal helps Tulsa Roughnecks edge Seacoast United Phantoms, 1-0

May 21, 2015 by Brian O'Connell

Chad Bond’s strike from the corner flag proved to be enough to send Tulsa Roughnecks FC through to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after beating Seacoast United Phantoms 1-0 at Tulsa University on Wednesday.

Bond’s ‘banana kick’ broke a scoreless match in the 58th minute while goalkeeper Zac Lubin, a former TheCup.us Player of the Round, kept the sheet clean to steer the Roughnecks to a Second Round victory.

Tulsa will face the Oklahoma City Energy FC in the Third Round on Wednesday, May 27.

Despite travelling nearly 1,600 miles to face their second round opponent, Seacoast entered the match intent on extending their first Open Cup run since 2006. And they wasted little time announcing their intentions.

Inside of 12 minutes, Phantoms midfielder Anthony Grant broke through and circled Lubin in a bid for the opener. But his shot was cleared off the line to deny the guests of seizing the momentum early.

The Roughnecks found a golden chance of their own three minutes later. Gibson Bardsley powered a header from close range only to watch it smack off the crossbar.

After Bardley’s effort, the Roughnecks began to settle in and put pressure on the Phantoms’ backline. But Abel Perez nearly stole a goal for the Phantoms when he fired a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. But Perez’s attempt met a fate similar Bardsley’s header when it hit the post.

Given that Tulsa had handily won the possession battle during the first half, Seacoast had to like its chances with the match still scoreless going into the second stanza. But any hope that they’d be able to pocket a goal and park the bus vanished just before the hour mark.

On a 58th minute corner kick, Bond whipped an inswinger that, somehow, curled into the back of the net, much to the delight of his teammates and the home crowd.

Tulsa nearly widened the gap in the 65th minute when Lucas Cordeiro fired a shot that slipped out of the grasp of Dominic DiMaggio and hit the crossbar.

With only a goal separating them from sending it to extra time, the Phantoms refused to back down. In the 70th minute, they tested the Roughnecks’ defense with consecutive corner kicks. But those opportunities went to waste, as the hosts held off their guests to get the victory.

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: GBFC Thunder advance for first time, edging Western Mass Pioneers in PKs

May 18, 2015 by Brian O'Connell

Daniel Kraynak’s successful penalty sent Greater Binghamton Thunder FC (NPSL) on to the Second Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after beating Western Mass Pioneers (PDL) 4-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday at Lusitano Stadium.

After Thunder keeper Jason Stenta made his second penalty stop, Kraynak sent his shot left, where it deflected off the fingertips of Pioneers keeper Nick Zucco and fell into the back of the net to seal the first round result for the guests. For the Thunder it was the first time they will advance to the next round in their second straight attempt. Last year, they lost 5-2 at Reading United.

The match went to penalties after Thunder midfielder Zebulun Cross’ 53rd minute strike canceled out Ryan Taylor’s 24th minute goal.

Western Mass finished with 10 after Kyle Tomas received his second caution in the 57th minute.
With the win, the Thunder will face fellow Empire State squad the Rochester Rhinos on May 20 at Sahlen’s Stadium.

Although the guests prevailed in the end, it was the hosts who opened the scoring midway through the first half. With the Pioneers pushing forward, Zach Grady sent a cross to Taylor, who put it through in the 24th minute.

But not long after Taylor’s goal, an experienced Thunder selection started to make some headway of their own. Using the right flank to great effect, the guests nearly pulled one back right before halftime when Jacob Sutherland sent a low drive toward Zucco, who scooped it up and smothered it in the 44th minute.

Persistence eventually paid off for Greater Binghamton not long after the break. Sutherland sent a pass into the box for Cross, who poked it through to level the match in the 53rd minute.

Not long after Cross’ equalizer, the Pioneers dug themselves into a hole after Tomas was sent off after receiving his second caution. With only ten men for the duration, the hosts went with a 4-4-1, looking to find the go-ahead on a well-timed counter.

While that was taking place, the Thunder busied themselves by building out of the back and putting the Pioneers under siege. Slavisa Ubiparpovic curled a dangerous cross for Patrick Thompson in the 64th minute, but Zucco stood firm.

Cross made a bid for the game-winner in the 78th minute on a long-distance blast that briefly gave Zucco some trouble. But the Pioneers’ keeper quickly recovered the rebound, and the match went to extra time not long after.

Western Mass made its intentions known early on in the first period of extra time by stationing nine players in the final third. Down a man, and tired legs abound, the Pioneers were clearly looking ahead to penalties.

Greater Binghamton, to its credit, tried to permeate the defensive shell. Substitute Lucas Heffron found no fewer than three opportunities to grab the game-winner in extra time with 97th minute shot that required a reaction save from Zucco, and a pair of long-distance blasts veered just off target in the 115th and 120th minutes.

With the match knotted at 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, the spotlight fell on Zucco and Stenta with penalties on tap. Stenta stopped Tyler Carlos and Marcelo Cunha on the Pioneers’ second and fifth tries, while Zucco denied Sutherland. Moments after Cunha’s effort was stopped, Kraynak converted to send the reigning Keystone Conference champions to Rochester for the second round.

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Rochester Rhinos avoid first-ever upset, edge Western Mass Pioneers 2-1 in OT

May 15, 2014 by Brian O'Connell

The Western Mass Pioneers pushed the Rochester Rhinos to extra time, but a pair of late goals doomed the PDL side in a 2-1 loss at Sahlen’s Stadium in the Second Round of the US Open Cup.

A scoreless match gave way to a three-goal bonanza in the second period of extra time when Levi Houapeu (110’) and Thomas Obasi (114’) both scored for the Rhinos, while Will Daniels (117’) brought one back for the Pioneers.

With the win, the Rhinos advance to the Third Round, where they’ll host Reading United AC at Sahlen’s Stadium on May 21.

The Pioneers faced the Rhinos without goalscoring maestro Alencar Junior, who was unable to travel to Rochester on Wednesday. Nevertheless, the guests found a way to absorb the pressure, and collect a couple of chances.

After Jossimar Sanchez of the Rhinos pressed Warren Gross into action with a low shot in the 5th minute, the Pioneers began settle in and put the Rhinos on their heels.

While the Rhinos struggled to connect passes, and the Pioneers were unable to find strong chances in the final third, play turned chippy. Both sides traded hard challenges, with Onua Thomas Obasi of the Rhinos seeing yellow in the 31st minute.

At halftime, the Rhinos held the edge on shots (2-1), but were unable to put the Pioneers away. The scoreboard was unblemished going into the second half, but Rochester would improve its form and test the Western Mass back line.

In the 69th minute, Obasi found Samuel Petrone for a Rhinos chance, but Petrone’s shot veered wide. Ten minutes later, Petrone was cut down near the outer edge of the final third, setting up a dangerous free kick. Levi Houapeu sent it on frame, but Gross denied the shot to keep the game scoreless.

With 90 minutes not enough to separate the sides, overtime was called. And in the second period of overtime, the Rhinos finally grabbed the goal that eluded them all evening when Houapeu easily tapped through the remnants of a JC Banks header in the 110th minute.

Rochester widened the gap four minutes later when Obasi scored to put the Rhinos in command. But the Pioneers wouldn’t go quietly, as Daniels grabbed a pass from Kyle Tomos and tallied in the 117th minute.

With the victory, the Rhinos will host Reading United of the PDL in a 3rd round matchup on May 28th.