Chris Hockman

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: San Antonio FC “academy boys” need extra time PK to edge shorthanded Club de Lyon

April 5, 2023 by Chris Hockman

In a line up of essentially two academies San Antonio FC defeated a spirited Club de Lyon 2-1 after extra time to advance to the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in front of 3024 fans at Toyota Field.

Kevin Hernandez stunned the hosts when he opened the scoring in the 51st minute. After a shot that was saved onto the post allowing Hernandez to react quickly and tap home the rebound.

San Antonio FC finally got back into the match in the 80th minute with its first clear chance of the match. A good run from Adrian Valencia squared the ball to Dane Augustin in space in the box, allowing him a simple finish to equalize and send the match to extra time.

In the 98th minute, a tight penalty call gave San Antonio a chance to wrap things up. Roman Holt stepped up to the spot and passed the ball into the back of the net to seal the 2-1 win.

“Incredibly proud,” said San Antonio FC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Our academy boys did the team proud, their family proud and the city proud. We called them mentality mini-monsters.”

Before the match even started there was controversy with Club de Lyon FC complaining about having too many cup tied players. This was due to entering the tournament as an amateur side (and being eliminated last week) and as a professional side. Many of the players who likely would have made up the professional roster were cup-tied to the amateur side because they competed in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. That left the visitors with only 12 men to play in the match.

CLASS???? pic.twitter.com/QLQBLe8sNH
— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 5, 2023

San Antonio FC made things harder for themselves before the opening whistle. Marcina opted to play an entirely academy line up apart from goalkeeper Carlos Mercado and almost paid the price.

“We have 10 or 11 pro-players available, so one kick and we wouldn’t be able to field a team on Saturday,” said Marcina. “I wouldn’t change the decision.”

It was a disjointed game due to the nature of the two lineups but it was apparent that San Antonio FC had the early advantage.

The best chances for Club de Lyon was off set-pieces, a corner in the 17th hminute looking especially promising but it was too powerful. For all of SAFC’s promise it was Lyon who had the better chances, a brilliant through ball forcing Mercado off his line.

The task got much more difficult for the visitors when the only substitute they had available was used in the 38th minute. Cristhian Arroyave came on for Gabriel Pellegrino who had taken a number of knocks in the early stages and just couldn’t keep going. That didn’t stop the chances as it was Lyon still having the better chances but just missing that final product.

Only a stunning double-save from Mercado kept the match scoreless in the first three minutes of the second half. His save on the first was at full-stretch before the rebound was well dealt with as well. He was bailed out by his defense on a third shot sparing SAFC.

San Antonio FC should have opened the scoring in the 54th minute, Eduardo Fernandez sprung the offside trap and was clean through but could only put it on the roof of the net.

Mercado had to save the day in the 120th minute as a corner was headed towards the upper 90 by his opposing goalkeeper but his save salvaged a fortuitous win for a San Antonio academy side.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Jordan Farr’s OT heroics preserve San Antonio FC win over Austin FC

April 23, 2022 by Chris Hockman

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr makes a save in the club's match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC — San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr makes a save in the club’s match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

It took withstanding a barrage of attacks late, but San Antonio FC got the job done, winning 2-1 over Austin FC after extra-time in front of a sold-out and loud Toyota Field in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Austin broke the scoreless deadlock in the 47th minute. Diego Fagundez was played in by Sebastian Driussi, and despite a tight angle, placed his strike carefully past Jordan Farr to give the Major League Soccer side the lead in the club’s Open Cup debut.

San Antonio FC sent the match to extra-time in the 83rd minute. A perfect cross from Justin Dhillon found Elliot Collier who was able to continue his vein of goalscoring form and bury it at the near post.

In the 96th minute an unexpected source found the goal to put the USL Championship side ahead. Carter Manley placed a perfect header past the keeper to score his first goal for San Antonio FC after a great cross from Mitchell Taintor.

For the first time in San Antonio FC history it felt like a derby, with the capacity crowd lifting the roof off the media side of the stadium in what was not only the club’s first-ever win over an MLS opponent, it was San Antonio’s first-ever win over a professional opponent (NOTE: San Antonio’s PK win over Colorado Springs in 2018 is officially listed as a draw, per US Open Cup rules)

San Antonio looked to capitalize early, perhaps knowing that the MLS side’s fitness would be better in the stretch. That led to plenty of shots early but mostly from distance as a disciplined Austin defense kept the hosts from getting into the box.

A night to remember. #Defend210 pic.twitter.com/ovyxJB80XT

— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 22, 2022

It was mistake after mistake in the 27th minute when Austin should have hit the lead. A mishit ball bounced off the post and into Diego Fagundez who couldn’t control it enough. The ball was loose in close range before the SAFC defense managed to clear it off the line.

It should have been a San Antonio lead in the 34th minute when a good run from Deshane Beckford saw him able to cut the ball back. But he got no help from his teammates only being able to put it across the face of goal.

Being a goal down, San Antonio FC had to open up for the rest of the second half which created an end-to-end match but the end-product from the hosts just didn’t match up.

This night won’t soon be forgotten🙌 Thank you for showing out San Antonio that’s for everyone that’s been with this club since the beginning y’all deserve it.
Now full focus on the weekend and progressing every further! https://t.co/9u69UlzYSB

— Jordan Farr (@jordanfarr0) April 22, 2022

In the 67th minute, Santiago Patino worked magic on the wing to get clear to send a ball square. Unfortunately his teammates weren’t on the same page, keeping them off the scoreboard.

San Antonio had the ball in the back of the net in the 76th minute but it was only after the whistle had already gone as Patino was pinned for offside.

Austin woke up after going behind and were only denied from a winner at the death by a clearance off the line by Dhillon who had run the length of the field.

At the very end of stoppage time a fracas broke out in the San Antonio right corner but ultimately the officials thought nothing of it.

Jordan Farr rescued his team in the 94th minute when Rodney Reyes was played through on goal but Farr’s quick thinking was enough to get the save and allow his team to clear.

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club's match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC — San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club’s match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

At the very end of the first half of extra-time a corner perfectly found Patino but his volley bounced into the pitch which was too hard and sent it over the bar keeping Austin in the match.

The woodwork denied Austin in the 110th minute as the packed San Antonio FC defense couldn’t cover every angle and Felipe Martinez got on the end of a Jon Gallagher cross but could only find the bar.

Promise kept. 🗣🤝

Mic’d up with one of our ball boys, Brayden! 🎤#Defend210 pic.twitter.com/4HKLulkDnC

— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 22, 2022

Farr was at his best again with four minutes to play as Hector Jimenez hit a ball along the ground, with pace but Farr got his body behind it to send his side through.

In what proved to be the last attack of the game, five minutes into stoppage time, there was chaos in the box as Farr could only punch clear but San Antonio scrambled. Austin then fired a shot from just outside the box which took a deflection in front and fell into the path of Austin’s Felipe Martins at the edge of the six-yard box. Martins slid to the ground to try to get a touch to it but Farr came out to meet him and the two met at the ball and it deflected away from goal, but only a few yards away. Austin’s Rodney Renes pounced on the loose ball with the goalkeeper and Martins still on the ground after their encounter just a few seconds ago. Renes immediately shot the ball on frame, but despite having nearly the entire goal to choose from, his quick reaction shot saw him send the ball directly at Farr, who was sitting on his backside in front of goal.

Moments later, the whistle blew, which triggered jubilation among the San Antonio players and their fans.

Clint Dempsey’s ‘referee abuse’ gets two-year or six-game US Open Cup ban from US Soccer (video)

June 25, 2015 by Chris Hockman

Clint Dempsey is sent off in the 112th minute after ripping up the referee's notebook. Photo: Video screengrab — Clint Dempsey is sent off in the 112th minute after ripping up the referee’s notebook. Photo: Video screengrab

UPDATED (6/26/15): Clint Dempsey issued an apology on Twitter.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has been making mainstream media headlines this week, but unfortunately for fans of the competition, it wasn’t the exciting extra time games or the dramatic finishes. The Open Cup video clip (SEE BELOW) that fans saw on ESPN’s Sportscenter was Clint Dempsey of the Seattle Sounders making the bizarre decision to rip up the referee’s notebook and receiving a red card for his troubles.

The drama has finally come to an end today as the US Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel suspended Dempsey for two years, or six matches, whatever is greater. That means, the earliest last year’s championship game MVP can return to the US Open Cup is if his team plays in six total games over the next two years, then he would be eligible in 2018. If his team does not play a total of six games in 2016 and 2017 combined, he will not be eligible until those six games are played. It’s unlikely, but the worst-case scenario would be if his team is eliminated in the opening game of the tournament six years in a row, then he wouldn’t be eligible for 2022. Dempsey would be 39 years old.

He has also been fined an undisclosed amount by the federation. Last week, Major League Soccer handed down a three-game league suspension for the incident.

Dempsey had not spoken publicly about the incident until nine days after the incident, on Thursday, June 25, when he posted on Twitter “I would like to apologize for my actions in the U.S. Open Cup.”

I would like to apologize for my actions in the U.S. Open Cup.

— Clint Dempsey (@clint_dempsey) June 25, 2015

The day after the match, Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid addressed the media to talk about not only his team’s behavior in extra time, and his own reaction to the controversy, but the fans in the stands.

“I’m not happy with my behavior, walking away towards the end of the game,” Schmid said. “No matter what goes on on the field, I have to be better about that. I appreciated our fan support but, as fans, we’ve got to support our team. We can’t go overboard and throw things on the field.”

Last Friday, the decision came from Major League Soccer, who handed down a three-match suspension for Dempsey. His suspension will end just in time for Dempsey to depart for the 2015 Gold Cup.

In the 2014-15 USSF Policy Manual, Policy 202(1)(H)-2 (Professional Leagues Policy Against Referee Assault) three weeks would be the minimum ban required for referee abuse.

“Referee Assault” shall include, but is not limited to: striking, kicking, choking, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; spitting on a referee with ostensible intent to do so; kicking or throwing an object at an official that could inflict injury; or damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property (e.g., car, uniform, or equipment).

The MLS disciplinary committee ruled that it was referee abuse, which is covered as the following:

“Referee Abuse” shall include, but is not limited to: verbal and nonverbal communication which contains foul or abusive language and which implies or directly threatens physical harm; spewing a beverage on or spitting at a referee or the referee’s personal property.

The minimum sentence for abuse is three matches, and the minimum for assault is six, without pay (this can be found in 1(a) and 1(b)), which is what he has received from US Soccer for “damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property.”

Clint Dempsey sent off for ripping referee’s notebook

2015 US Open Cup Round 3: Austin Aztex take sting out of San Antonio Scorpions, 2-0

May 29, 2015 by Chris Hockman

A Texas Hill Country derby was in store for fans in the Third Round of the US Open Cup and it was the Austin Aztex who advanced following a tense 2-0 win over the San Antonio Scorpions at Toyota Field.

Michael Ambrose and Trevin Cesar scored for Austin in the victory, which will play on the road against the Houston Dynamo of MLS in the Fourth Round.

The match got off to an even start with both sides looking to assert themselves. This created a tight midfield battle with chances rare in the early stages.

Guaraci Oliviera tried to liven up the match as he found space 25 yards out and shot. The swerve caught out Daryl Sattler who just got enough on it to send it out for a corner.

San Antonio may have had plenty of the ball but they just struggled to do anything with it, with Austin giving away plenty of fouls which broke up the flow for the Scorpions. The best chance for the Scorpions came in the 18th minute as a through ball for Billy Forbes forced Devin Perales off his line, only for Forbes to send his effort just wide.

After a lengthy lull in the match the Scorpions seemed to have control and in the 29th minute they had another opportunity. It came from a free kick as the cross came in to Zourab Tsiskaridze but he sent his header wide of goal.

The best chance on the latter stages came after a poor backpass allowed Eric Hassli a chance but he sent his effort wide of goal. San Antonio manager, Alen Marcina was obviously not happy as he brought on Rafael Castillo and Stephen DeRoux at halftime in an effort to get back into the match.

Those changes did not work as Austin hit the lead early in the second half thanks to back to back corners, which created confusion. The ball spilled out for Ambrose who hit it powerfully back past Sattler to open the scoring.

There was a great opportunity for the Scorpions on the hour mark as the ball was squared for a rushing Castillo. His powerful shot came from the edge of the area, but it was well-saved low by Devin Perales, which allowed Austin to clear.

Castillo was again set up after some neat work from Stephen DeRoux down the left. His square ball caught out the Austin defense, allowing him to shoot powerfully but Perales got down well and made the save.

After the Scorpions had a shout for a penalty denied in the 76th minute, Austin found their second thanks to a counter. The Aztex worked the ball up to Julio Cuero who sent the ball back for Cesar who made no mistake, sealing the win.

The Scorpions thought they had a goal in the 81st minute as the ball was in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed as two Scorpions players were caught by an offside trap.
With that as the last chance, the Aztex advanced to a smattering of boos from a frustrated San Antonio crowd.

The frustration boiled over afterward as San Antonio’s DeRoux and Julius James were given post-match red cards. Obviously, since the Scorpions are eliminated, those one-game bans will take effect the next time those players participate in the tournament.

2014 FFA Cup: Adelaide United wins Australia’s inaugural domestic cup competition (video)

December 18, 2014 by Chris Hockman

The Westfield FFA Cup trophy. Photo: TheFFACup.com.au

Since 2003, TheCup.us has given full coverage to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. As we wrap up the 101st edition of our domestic cup competition, Australia is holding its first with the FFA Cup. We thought it would be interesting to follow a brand new national cup competition to see how it plays out and see how well the tournament catches on in its inaugural season.

The first ever FFA Cup final took place on Tuesday night in Adelaide and it was the home side, Adelaide United who lifted the inaugural trophy as they managed a 1-0 win over Perth Glory.

Perth Glory are a club on fire lately, sitting top of the A-League, and appearing in this match, alongside their W-League team winning the premiership and hosting the Grand Final next week and the National Youth League side also hitting top of the table but this match seemed to be just one too far.

With home field advantage, Adelaide needed to go at Perth from the opening whistle and they did just that in the opening 10 minutes.

Awer Mabil was key to Adelaide’s play in the opening stages and in the 16th minute he tried to provide an opportunity but his teammate, Bruce Djite, wasn’t quite as ready as he couldn’t control the pass, allowing Perth to clear.

Richie Garcia, who had something of an offseason stint with the NASL’s Minnesota United, tried to win a penalty in the 24th minute as he collided with Eugene Galekovic after a solid run but the referee was not interested in the appeals from Garcia.

Adelaide pushed for a goal in the final 20 minutes of the half and nearly scored in the final minute. Djite sent a cross to a wide open Mabil, but he launched the ball over the bar keeping it scoreless at the break.

Nine minutes into the second half, it was another frustrating moment for Adelaide. Sergio Cirio played Mabil through but just like before, he sent the ball over the goal. That would be the last action Mabil would be involved in as he was subbed off in the 59th minute with Adelaide’s coaching staff finally losing patience with the youngster.

Perth’s chances took a big hit in the 58th minute as Josh Risdon was sent off. It didn’t come from a reckless challenge, but rather a simple shirt pull, which produced his second yellow card, leaving his team shorthanded for the rest of the Final.

Not long after gaining the man advantage, Adelaide United had their goal. United’s Marcelo Carrusca sent in a perfect ball for Cirio who was able to squeeze the ball between Danny Vukovic and the post to get the vital goal.

Now with a lead, Adelaide just passed the ball around to maintain possession while Perth brought on Jamie MacLaren in an effort to go for the match.

Perth went all-out in the final 10 minutes of the match but they were unable to break down a stern Adelaide defense allowing Adelaide United to get the victory and lift the very first FFA Cup.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2014 FFA CUP FINAL

Adelaide United 1:0 Perth Glory
ADL: Sergio Cirio – 40th min.

Chris Hockman, who was born in Australia, is a freelance writer who also covers the sport for SanAntonioSoccerNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrishsport

2014 FFA CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

FINAL
Perth Glory (HAL) 0:1 Adelaide City (SAPL)

SEMIFINALS – RECAP [+]
Adelaide United (HAL) 3:2 Central Coast Mariners (HAL)
Bentleigh Greens (VICPL) 0:3 Perth Glory (HAL)

QUARTERFINALS RECAP [+]
Palm Beach Sharks (QLDPL) 0:5 Central Coast Mariners (HAL) – RECAP [+]
Sydney FC (HAL) 1:3 (AET) Adelaide United (HAL) – Oct. 21
Perth Glory (HAL) 4:2 (AET) Melbourne Victory (HAL) – Oct. 29
Bentleigh Greens (VICPL) 2:1 (AET) Adelaide City (SAPL)- Oct. 29

ROUND OF 16 – RECAP [+]
Adelaide City (SAPL) 1:0 Brisbane Strikers (QLDPL)
Olympic FC (QLDPL) 1:3 Central Coast Mariners (HAL)
Sydney Olympic (NSWPL) 1:2 Bentleigh Greens (VICPL)
Tuggeranong United (ACTPL) 0:6 Melbourne Victory (HAL)
Adelaide United (HAL) 2:0 Brisbane Roar (HAL)
Palm Beach Sharks (QLDPL) 1:0 South Springvale (VICD1)
St Albans Saints (VICPL1) 1:4 Perth Glory (HAL)
Sydney United 58 (NSWPL) 1:3 Sydney FC (HAL)

FIRST ROUND

July 29 – RECAP [+]
Brisbane Strikers (QLDPL) 2:1 Broadmeadow Magic (NNSWPL)
Sydney Olympic (NSWPL) 3:1 Manly United (NSWPL)
Melbourne Knights (VICPL) 1:3 Olympic FC (QLDPL)
South Cardiff (NNSWPL) 2:2 (4:3 PKs) South Springvale (VICD1)

August 5 – RECAP [+]
Perth Glory (HAL) 2:0 Newcastle Jets (HAL)
St Albans Saints (VICPL1) 1:0 Parramatta FC (NSWPL2)
Tuggeranong United (ACTPL) 1:1 (5:4 PKs) South Hobart (TL)
Wellington Phoenix (HAL) 0:1 Adelaide United (HAL)

August 12
Bentleigh Greens (VICPL) 1:0 Blacktown City (NSWPL)
Sydney FC (HAL) 3:1 Melbourne City FC (HAL)
Far North Queensland (QLDPL) 1:4 Sydney United 58 (NSWPL)
Western Sydney Wanderers (HAL) 0:1 Adelaide City (SAPL)

August 19
Palm Beach (QLDPL) 2:1 Hakoah Sydney City East (NSWSL1)
Brisbane Roar (HAL) 4:0 Stirling Lions (WAPL)

August 20
Central Coast Mariners (HAL) 1:0 South Coast Wolves (NSWPL)
Bayswater City (WAPL) 0:2 Melbourne Victory (HAL)

PARTICIPATING LEAGUES

Division 1
HAL – Hyundai A-League

Division 2
QLDPL – Queensland Premier League
NNSWPL – Northern New South Wales Premier League
NSWPL – New South Wales Premier League
NSWPL2 – New South Wales Premier League Division Two
ACTPL – Australian Capital Territory Premier League
TL – T-League
SAPL – South Australia Premier League
WAPL – Western Australia Premier League

Division 3

VICPL1 – Victorian Premier League Division One

Division 4
VICD1 – Victorian State League Division One
NSWSL1 – New South Wales State League Division 1

FFA Cup First Round: A-League teams join the competition as four more clubs advance (video)

August 4, 2014 by Chris Hockman

MORE: FFA Cup Day 1 recap

Australia’s lengthy opening round of the inaugural FFA Cup continued on Tuesday night (local time) as four more teams made their way into the Second Round.

The second week of competition saw the A-League sides join the competition as the Newcastle Jets took on Perth Glory and Adelaide United hosted Wellington Phoenix, the lone non-Australian team in the competition.

South Hobart 1:1 Tuggeranong
Tuggeranong advance 5-4 on penalty kicks
SHO: Sean Kiddey (Own Goal) – 70th min.
TUG: Zach Munster – 85th min.

Neither side in this match is expected to go far, with South Hobart from the island state of Tasmania while Tuggeranong comes from the Capital Territory, both short of the strongest federations.

The first half was entertaining and tight but neither team was able to break through, with South Hobart perhaps being the stronger side.

The Tasmanian club were the stronger in the second half, but in goalkeeper Rohan Shepherd, South Hobart were kept at bay, but in the 70th minute that pressure paid off.

It was an own-goal that got the hosts the lead as Sean Kiddey was the unlucky one, putting it in his own net after a goal-mouth scramble. But Tuggeranong did not go away and with five minutes to play they sent the match into extra time as Zach Munster was able to head home a goal from close range.

The extra time period was thrilling with both sides having chances, and both hitting the posts, but they could not break through as an entertaining match headed into penalty kicks.

Shepherd’s good form from the match continued in the second half as he saved the effort from Caleb Ludlow, which was enough as Tuggeranong scored every shot for a 5-4 shootout win.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: South Hobart vs. Tuggeranong

Newcastle Jets 0:2 Perth Glory 2
PER: Andy Keogh – 20th min.
PER: Andy Keogh – 88th min.

The first match involving A-League teams saw a return to a venue from the first week as the Jets hosted Glory at Broadmeadow Magic’s home ground, but just like the first match, the home side was defeated.

Andy Keogh was the star for Perth, as he was the first to really take control of the match after a tight opening half. His goal came in the 20th minute after Sidnei Sciola was able to work the ball in and find Keogh who was left with a simple finish to score on his Glory debut.

Just before the half-hour, Newcastle had an opportunity as Jeronimo Neumann hit a powerful effort from distance but he could only find the crossbar. He had second chance, two minutes after his first, but he couldn’t put away what should have been a simple finish, after being put through by Joel Griffiths.

Unlike the lower leagues, the A-League clubs are barely starting their preseason preparations and that showed in the second half as both sides struggled to finish their chances, the best coming in the 61st minute as Griffiths got a shot away but was denied by a Danny Vukovic save.

That save proved vital, as Perth wrapped up the match with two minutes to play when Mitch Nichols made a great run down the right, allowing him to cross for Keogh who headed home the clincher, sending Perth through to the Second Round.

Parramatta FC 0:1 St. Albans Saints
SAS: Barry Devlin – 35th min.

The match pitting two third division sides against each other was a tight and entertaining affair and it was the St. Albans Saints who secured the win.

The goal that did it came with 10 minutes left in a tight first half which was largely played in the midfield as Barry Devlin was able to hit a powerful strike from distance to put his side in front.

10 minutes in to the second half, Brodie Paterson, nearly found a second as he shot from the edge of the area but was denied by a save from the keeper. That seemed to wake up Paramatta as they kept on attacking and in the 66th minute went close as Daniel Rezo was played through in to space but shot wide.

With 12 minutes remaining, Parramatta looked certain to score an equalizer but Stuart Webster rescued his side, making a phenomenal double save to send the Saints through.

Adelaide United 1:0 Wellington Phoenix 0
ADE: Sergio Cirio – 31st min.

For the first time, the FFA Cup left the shores of the East Coast and headed to South Australia for another all A-League affair as Adelaide got past the tournament’s lone New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix, 1-0.

After a bright start from Wellington, Adelaide fought back and in the 31st minute scored the vital goal as Tarek Elrich and Awer Mabil linked up well to draw the defense, allowing Sergio Cirio to take full advantage and send home the lone goal of the match.

Wellington tried to find goals but Paul Izzo was immense in the Adelaide goal, when Izzo wasn’t stopping Wellington it was the post, which cruelly denied Wellington at the death, sending Adelaide through to the next stage.

Chris Hockman, who was born in Australia, is a freelance writer who also covers the sport for SanAntonioSoccerNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrishsport

2014 FFA CUP FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE

July 29
Brisbane Strikers (QLDPL) 2:1 Broadmeadow Magic (NNSWPL)
Sydney Olympic (NSWPL) 3:1 Manly United (NSWPL)
Melbourne Knights (VICPL) 1:3 Olympic FC (QLDPL)
South Cardiff (NNSWPL) 2:2 (4:3 PKs) South Springvale (VICD1)

August 5
Perth Glory (HAL) 2:0 Newcastle Jets (HAL)
St Albans Saints (VICPL1) 1:0 Parramatta FC (NSWPL2)
Tuggeranong United (ACTPL) 1:1 (5:4 PKs) South Hobart (TL)
Wellington Phoenix (HAL) 0:1 Adelaide United (HAL)

August 12
Bentleigh Greens (VICPL) at Blacktown City (NSWPL)
Sydney FC (HAL) at Melbourne City FC (HAL)
Far North Queensland (QLDPL) at Sydney United 58 (NSWPL)
Western Sydney Wanderers (HAL) at Adelaide City (SAPL)

August 19
Palm Beach (QLDPL) at Hakoah Sydney City East (NSWSL1)
Brisbane Roar (HAL) at Stirling Lions (WAPL)

August 20
Central Coast Mariners (HAL) at South Coast Wolves (NSWPL)
Bayswater City (WAPL) at Melbourne Victory (HAL)

PARTICIPATING LEAGUES

Division 1
HAL – Hyundai A-League

Division 3
VICPL1 – Victorian Premier League Division One

Division 4
VICD1 – Victorian State League Division One
NSWSL1 – New South Wales State League Division 1

2014 FFA Cup First Round: Pair of upsets, red cards highlight Day 1 of Australia’s inaugural cup competition (video)

July 29, 2014 by Chris Hockman

South Springvale celebrates their victory over South Cardiff. Photo: Twitter @AlenDelic

MORE: As 101st US Open Cup nears end, Australia’s FFA Cup kicks off inaugural tournament

Australia’s version of the US Open Cup, the Westfield FFA Cup, had its first-ever match day on Tuesday night (local time) and it was a thrilling start to the tournament’s history as two matches went to extra time, one forced a shootout and four teams advanced to the Round of 16.

It’s clear that the tournament has created a buzz Down Under as the hashtag #FFACup was trending in Australia on twitter throughout the evening.

Here is a recap of the opening day’s action:

Broadmeadow Magic 1:2 (AET) Brisbane Strikers
BM: Petit 57′
BS: Scott Thurtell 61′
BS: Scott Coulson 103′

The first match of the competition saw Broadmeadow Magic from the Northern New South Wales Premier League and Brisbane Strikers from the National Premier Leagues: Queensland in a head-to-head match at Wanderers Oval in Broadmeadow.

The Strikers have a proud history in Australian Football, being winners of the former National Soccer League (the Division 1 league before the A-League) in 1996-97 and the first coaching position for former Australian national team manager (and current Syrdney FC boss), Frank Farina.

The first half was hard-fought, with neither side really able to get through the nerves, with Brisbane Strikers particularly guilty of giving away easy chances, sending both teams to the break scoreless.

The Strikers were the better side but in the 57th minute they were stunned as Petit was able to put the hosts in front, thanks to a poor turnover, stunning the visitors. But that joy was short-lived as a powerful strike from Scott Thurtell, in form in the state league, put his side back on level terms.

There were two unwanted firsts as the match wore down with Broadmeadow’s Josh Piddington earning the FFA Cup’s first red card, which was quickly followed by the first failed penalty as Keena Duimpies effort was saved by Chris Bowling.

Thirteen minutes in to extra time Scot Coulson got the goal Brisbane Strikers needed as he was able to pop-up and put away a Jonti Richter cross. That wasn’t the end of the drama though as Bowling was the second player shown a straight red-card for a foul he committed while rushing back to an empty net after coming forward for a goal, sealing Broadmeadow’s fate.

The match will have done plenty to draw fans to the majesty of the cup, with it making history as the first-ever televised Australian cup match. [+] FULL REPORT

South Springvale 2:2 (4:3 PKs) South Cardiff
SC: Lee Ashton 4′
SS: Alex Florea 26’
SC: Wallace 41′
SS: Dimitrakopoulos 78’

In what will be considered an upset, fourth division South Springvale managed to defeat second division South Cardiff in a penalty kick shootout at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. The win continues an incredible run for South Springvale who made the main draw of the tournament by beating a strong second division side in the state cup.

Both teams are semi-professional, and made history, with the first-ever shootout and the first-ever goal in FFA Cup history as Lee Ashton scored just four minutes in to give South Cardiff the lead.

In the 26th minute, a corner kick allowed South Springvale to equalize as Alex Florea headed home before South Cardiff went back in front in the 41st minute to make it 2-1 at the break.

Facing elimination, South Springvale came back in the second half and powered through, with a 78th minute goal forcing extra time, which saw little action, sending the match to penalties.

The dream run continued for South Springvale on penalties as Rani Dowisha made a vital save to seal a 4-3 shootout win for the fourth division side. [+] FULL REPORT

Olympic FC 3:1 Melbourne Knights
OLY: Jake McLean 17′
OLY: Jake McLean 25′
MEL: Jordan O’Doherty 52′
OLY: Musti Jafari 86′

The Olympic-Melbourne match loomed as the most interesting match of the first match day. The Knights entered play with a long and proud history and finishing second in the strong Victorian Premier League last season but Olympic FC came in from the Queensland Premier League in hot form and determined to bring that in to cup play.

League form continued in the tournament for Olympic FC as the Brisbane side shot out to a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes thanks to two impressive goals from Jake McLean, the first a stunning volley.

Early in the second half there was a rollercoaster ride for Jordan O’Doherty as he put Melbourne back in the match with a goal before earning a straight red card moments later.

With four minutes to play Musti Jafari wrapped it up for Olympic before the Knights finished the match with nine men as Chris May was shown a straight red card in the final minutes. [+] FULL REPORT

Manly United 1:3 Sydney Olympic
MAN: Chris Payne 10′
SYD: Mike Gaitatszis 59′
SYD: Harris Gaitatszis 74′
SYD: Mike Gaitatszis 76′

The match between Manly United and Sydney Olympic was the only match in the round of 32 to pit two teams from the same league against each other as the two New South Wales Premier League clubs did battle in a thrilling match.

Sydney Olympic have the much stronger history, having won the NSL twice. On the other side, Manly United are proving a rising force in the NSWPL and against a depleted Sydney Olympic, were seen as favourites, which was confirmed with Chris Payne’s 10th minute strike to open the scoring.

The Sydney Olympic’s Gaitatszis brothers stole the spotlight in the second half with Mike managing to equalize just before the hour mark before Harris put Olympic in front in the 74th minute. Mike put the icing on the cake two minutes later to send Olympic through to the Round of 16. [+] FULL REPORT

Chris Hockman, who was born in Australia, is a freelance writer who also covers the sport for SanAntonioSoccerNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrishsport

DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS

2014 FFA CUP FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE

August 5
Perth Glory (HAL) at Newcastle Jets (HAL)
St Albans Saints (VICPL1) at Parramatta FC (NSWPL2)
Tuggeranong United (ACTPL) at South Hobart (TL)
Wellington Phoenix (HAL) at Adelaide United (HAL)

August 19
Palm Beach (QLDPL) at Hakoah Sydney City East (NSWSL1)
Brisbane Roar (HAL) at Stirling Lions (WAPL)

August 20
Central Coast Mariners (HAL) at South Coast Wolves (NSWPL)
Bayswater City (WAPL) at Melbourne Victory (HAL)

PARTICIPATING LEAGUES

Division 1
HAL – Hyundai A-League

Division 3
VICPL1 – Victorian Premier League Division One

Division 4
VICD1 – Victorian State League Division One
NSWSL1 – New South Wales State League Division 1

As 101st US Open Cup nears end, Australia’s FFA Cup kicks off inaugural tournament

July 29, 2014 by Chris Hockman

UPDATE: 2014 FFA Cup First Round: Pair of upsets, red cards highlight Day 1 of Australia’s inaugural cup competition

Australia’s version of the US Open Cup gets underway today as the FFA Cup commences its first season, completing a long wait for Australia’s football fans for a national knock-out competition.

Football has been played in Australia since 1880 but a cup competition has never successfully taken root with the country’s long-term surviving knock-out competitions taking place at the state level.

The most recent attempt at an Australian Cup competition came to an end in 1996 when the NSL Cup wound up after 21 seasons, but only contained clubs from the top flight National Soccer League, with the 1996 champions being Collingwood Warriors, a defunct club, making Collingwood the reigning Australian Cup champion.

The previous iteration, a full Australian Cup ran from 1962-1968 while the most recent cup competition was nothing more than a preseason tournament for A-League clubs.

Since the end of the NSL Cup in 1996, Australia’s football landscape has changed dramatically, out is Soccer Australia, in is Football Federation Australia, while the NSL also fell away, replaced by the A-League.

More noticable than the A-League change is how the Socceroos standing on the international stage has changed. In 1996, Australia hadn’t qualified for the World Cup since 1974, but with their appearance at the 2014 World Cup marked the Socceroos’ third straight trip to the tournament.

The Westfield FFA Cup, sponsored by a shopping center corporation, presents an attempt to bring together the “new football” and “old soccer” movements as a number of former NSL clubs, now playing in state levels in Australia, will be competing in the FFA Cup.

The format of the FFA Cup is similar to the US Open Cup but with significant differences, in the not-to-distant past the US Open Cup used to be set up to favor Major League Soccer teams, but the FFA Cup does quite the opposite, with a Member Federation (i.e. lower division) club guaranteed to make the Semifinals.

At the draw for the opening round, which was broadcast on Fox Sports News, the 32 teams were divided in to to three pools. Pool A contained the four semifinalists of the previous A-League season, while Pool B contained the remaining six A-League clubs and Pool C contained the Member Federation clubs.

Teams from Pool B were all drawn against each other, while teams from Pool A were drawn against the four teams from Pool C before the remainder of the Pool C clubs faced one another. The draw going forward will keep Member Federation clubs away from A-League clubs as much as possible, which will allow three Member Federation clubs to make the Quarterfinals.

The other major difference between the US Open Cup and the FFA Cup comes in the form of the Wellington Phoenix. Every A-League club will compete in the FFA Cup and that includes the league’s lone New Zealand club, Wellington.

The First Round, the round of 32 teams, will commence on today (July 29) and will take a whole month to complete, with the final matches of the Round of 32 being played on August 20. At least one game per round will be broadcast live on Fox Sports thanks to a deal reached between the federation and cable provider FoxTel.

For 2014, the final will be played on December 16, a Tuesday, but going forward the match will be on a weekend, with speculation that the final will be played on Australia Day, January 26.

2014 FFA CUP FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE

July 29
Brisbane Strikers (QLDPL) at Broadmeadow Magic (NNSWPL)
Sydney Olympic (NSWPL) at Manly United (NSWPL)
Melbourne Knights (VICPL) at Olympic FC (QLDPL)
South Cardiff (NNSWPL) at South Springvale (VICD1)

August 19
Palm Beach (QLDPL) at Hakoah Sydney City East (NSWSL1)
Brisbane Roar (HAL) at Stirling Lions (WAPL)

August 20
Central Coast Mariners (HAL) at South Coast Wolves (NSWPL)
Bayswater City (WAPL) at Melbourne Victory (HAL)

PARTICIPATING LEAGUES

Division 1
HAL – Hyundai A-League

Division 3
VICPL1 – Victorian Premier League Division One

Division 4
VICD1 – Victorian State League Division One
NSWSL1 – New South Wales State League Division 1

Chris Hockman, who was born in Australia, is a freelance writer who also covers the sport for SanAntonioSoccerNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrishsport

FFA CUP PROMO

2014 US Open Cup Round 5: FC Dallas wins Texas-size extra time battle with Houston Dynamo, 3-2 (video)

June 25, 2014 by Chris Hockman

FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) and Houston Dynamo midfielder Giles Barnes (23) battle for the ball during. Photo: FC Dallas

Houston Dynamo twice came from behind but it wasn’t enough in a thrilling Texas derby as FC Dallas advanced in the US Open Cup following a 3-2 extra-time win.

Dallas’ Tesho Akindele scored eight minutes into extra time and the side held Dynamo off the board through the final 30 minutes after Omar Cummings had evened the score in the 62nd minute.

Houston was going to struggle as the match wore on, with only three substitutes, no goalkeeper among them, surely making life tough.

Houston started the match well but for all their impressive early possession they struggled to put chances away.

After the quarter-hour mark Dallas started to take charge and if not for Tally Hall, Fabian Castillo could well have put his side in front, but his effort was too tame.

In the 23rd minute disaster struck for Dynamo as they had to use a sub early as Will Bruin succumbed to an injury after a hit to his hip, forcing him from the field.

#USOC2014 LINKSSupport TheCup.us: Buy #USOC2014 gear

2014 Quarterfinal draw scenarios

2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results

2014 US Open Cup bracket

2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders

2015 US Open Cup qualifying news

The First Cup series (1913/14)

Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

Chris Seitz kept Dynamo out in the 24th minute as Kofi Sarkodie was able to get space and shoot, after a good ball from Omar Cummings, but Seitz got down well and low to keep it scoreless.

Castillo was looking dangerous and in the 34th minute it was his work that gave Dallas the lead as he broke through the Houston defense and slot past Hall to open the scoring.

In the 40th minute, Dallas should have doubled their lead as Andres Escobar made a run in on goal, and instead of passing to one of three open men, chose to shoot but was denied as Hall saved easily.

Dallas paid the price for failing to clear a Houston corner, as a scramble lead to a handball which allowed Giles Barnes to step up and slot past Seitz, who guessed correctly but was denied.

Late in stoppage there was controversy as a foul on the edge of the area gave a penalty to Dallas, after the referee consulted with his assistant, allowing Blas Perez to step up, but he launched his effort letting Houston off the hook and keeping it 1-1 at the break.

Dynamo started the second half well again as they attacked at Dallas but struggled to get those chances put away.

Just before the hour Escobar made his presence felt again as his shot from the edge of the area was hit with a swerving effort which left Hall with no chance.

Houston responded two minutes later as Cummings was played through, behind Zach Loyd before he shot from a tight angle to level the scores.

In the 72nd minute a free-kick gave Houston a good opportunity as a goal mouth scramble allowed AJ Cochran a chance to head at goal but his effort went over the bar.

A quick 79th minute counter gave Castillo another great opportunity but he was again denied by an impressive Hall save.

Dallas kept on knocking but time and time again Hall was immense to keep their rivals out and keep their US Open Cup hopes alive as the match headed to extra time.

Eight minutes in to the extra-time period Dallas got the crucial goal as Akindele made the turn and shot past Hall to restore Dallas’ lead.

Dynamo pushed in the second-half of extra time, forcing Seitz into several saves but the Dallas keeper did the job to give his side the win.

POST-GAME INTERVIEWS (HOUSTON)

POST-GAME INTERVIEW (TALLY HALL)

MATCH REPLAY: FC DALLAS AT HOUSTON DYNAMO

2013 US Open Cup Second Round: FC Tucson ousts another pro club with PK win at San Antonio

May 22, 2013 by Chris Hockman

A week after a stunning rally at home to knock off a third division USL Pro club, FC Tucson proved it was no fluke in the Second Round by taking the lead on the road against the second-tier NASL San Antonio Scorpions in a 2-2 draw and advancing via penalties by a 4-3 tiebreaker decision. The result means FC Tucson a return trip to the Lone Star State next week to face the reigning two-time MLS Cup runners-up Houston Dynamo.

FC Tucson coach, Rick Schantz, was delighted after the match. “It was kind of a gut-wrenching game to go up 2-1. I thought the boys were playing really well but we just couldn’t hold on.”

Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson was frustrated after the match. “Our lack of intensity throughout the game and lack of effectiveness was just inexcusable. Our players should be ashamed of the performance they put in.”

The two sides exchanged chances in the first half hour before the hosts found the opening tally. In the 20th minute, San Antonio’s Javier Saavedra came close to scoring the match’s first goal but his curling right-footed free kick sailed just wide of the post. A free kick allowed FC Tucson a chance of their own as David Clemens was left free on the far post, but his header went across the face and out.

A corner on the half-hour mark allowed the Scorpions to take the lead as Ramirez’s corner found Kevin Harmse at the near post where he headed the ball home powerfully for the opening goal.

“You try and get in the box.” said Harmse. “That’s what you earn your paycheck for. Just try and link up with the guys and create something.”

In truth, the Scorpions could have and maybe should have been further ahead but too often poor communication led to a final ball going astray and the Scorpions had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the break.

Esteban Bayona had a good opportunity in the 52nd minute after he was sent clean through the Tucson defense, but he overran the ball and couldn’t recover enough to shoot on target, opening the door for the visitors.

FC Tucson stunned the hosts in the 57th minute as they leveled the match when Ricardo Velasco hit a shot from distance that curled and snuck in between Vuolo and the post

The Scorpions responded almost instantly though as they countered up the pitch and sent a ball to Bayona, whose powerful shot was well saved.

David Clemens thought he’d put the PDL team in front in the 65th minute but the Scorpions were spared by the offside defense.

Two minutes later, however, FC Tucson did claim the lead in the 67th minute as Conner Brandt used his strength to get possession and passed to last week’s two-goal hero Conner Bevans. The striker, off coming off the bench to provide heroics struck again with a cross that was easily tapped home by Saeed Robinson.

“We should never get out-muscled,” said coach Hankinson, “We physically weren’t good enough, offensively weren’t good enough and defensively weren’t good enough.”

“We were very surprised that when w e ran at them and got behind their midfield four and ran at their back four, they kind of retreated as a group and let us come at them.” said Schantz.

The Scorpions had a chance in the 81st minute as Bayona broke free only to send his shot across the face of goal, and the hosts continued to press in the final 10 minutes, believing they captured the lead in the 83rd minute only to have Hans Denissen’s goal denied for timing his run poorly and being offside.

It should have been three for Tucson in the 87th when Daktoa Collins set up Ricardo Velasco in space but he shot well over the bar.

A lifeline was quite literally handed to the Scorpions in stoppage time as a handling penalty allowed Hans Denissen a chance from the spot, and he put his team back on level terms to send the match to extra-time.

In overtime the hosts had several opportunities to find a winner, but came up empty. Luka Vucko came close to scoring in the 94th minute from a long free-kick as he was left free to head at goal but sent his effort over the bar. In the 97th minute, Denissen was left free on the left and crossed for a wide open Bayona, who again couldn’t hit the target as he headed wide. One minute later Jordan held off his defender and got in to the box but saw his shot denied by a great Dallas Jaye save. The chances kept coming and in the 100th minute Bayona was again left free on a corner but his effort was right at the keeper, keeping it 2-2 after the first half of extra-time.

The second half of extra-time was a much more sedate affair but was nearly brought alive by Galbraith-Knapp whose shot from distance scraped the crossbar just missing the goal. San Antonio should have sealed it in the 115th minute as Vucko crossed for Jordan at point blank range but his header went wide.

After converted shots in the first round, the Scorpions stung themselves when Pat Phelan skied his effort on a stuttered approach to start the second round, leaving them behind a goal. Both sides scored in the third and fourth rounds but Kevin Harmse also put his shot over the bar for San Antonio in the fifth, sending FC Tucson through to the Third Round.

“We’re very disappointed,” lamented Harmse after the match, “Me personally and Pat personally, we’re two experienced leaders and we let the guys down in a big way.”

With the loss, the Scorpions lose their chance to host Houston Dynamo; something bitterly frustrating for Hankinson. “It’s also about the business of football. We also lost hosting Houston Dynamo and a packed stadium, which is an enormous piece of revenue for the club and we blew it.”