Grant Czubinski

2014 US Open Cup Round 5: Scott Goodwin of Carolina RailHawks shuts out LA Galaxy, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round (video)

July 7, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Carolina Railhawks goalkeeper Scott Goodwin saves the shot of Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan. Photo: Carolina RailHawks — Carolina Railhawks goalkeeper Scott Goodwin saves a shot taken by Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan. Photo: Carolina RailHawks

Scott Goodwin, the Carolina Railhawks’ rookie backup goalkeeper is using the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament as his own personal coming-out party, and quickly proving he deserves first team minutes in the process.

After leading the RailHawks to victories in the US Open Cup’s Third and Fourth Round, the University of North Carolina graduate put in the finest shift of his young professional career in a 1-0 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy in Cary, NC. The victory sends the NASL club through to the Quarterfinals for the third time, and earned Goodwin TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. Goodwin becomes the second goalkeeper (PSA Elite’s Earl Edwards Jr.) to earn the award in 2014.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Goodwin ran away with the award due to his admirable poise and netminding against the Galaxy, who fielded a mostly first-choice team in their attempt to avoid a third straight upset to the second division side. Goodwin’s Player of the Round snub last round made the Railhawks goalkeeper’s performance hard to ignore this time around, as he clearly outpaced the other star performers of the Fifth Round. The Philadelphia Union’s Sebastien Le Toux record-tying brace and the Chicago Fire’s Juan Luis Anangono‘s impressive work off the bench received considerable attention, but ultimately did not garner enough votes to snatch the award way from Goodwin. The Portland Timbers’ Gaston Fernandez also received several votes for his two goals against Sporting Kansas City.

Goodwin proved the difference in the Railhawks matchup against the Galaxy, who gave Robbie Keane his first-ever US Open Cup start. Under siege the entire game from Los Angeles, Goodwin faced 30 shots and saved all eight shots on goal of them in 120 minutes of work ensuring the RailHawks a third consecutive victory over the Galaxy in Open Cup play.

“It was a really exciting game, I really can’t be more proud of my teammates,” said Goodwin. “I think everyone just put out an incredible effort to keep the ball out and maintain our composure and took advantage of the opportunity we had, so you really have to give it up to them.”

In a first half dominated by the Galaxy, Goodwin continually snuffed out the MLS club’s attacks leading the RailHawks into the half level with Los Angeles 0-0. All Goodwin did in the second half was put on a performance that proved he belonged in net by saving shots from Landon Donovan in the 84th minute and Robbie Keane in the 90th.

The Raleigh native held steadfast in extra time as well. After Daniel Jackson put the Railhawks up 1-0 in the 105th minute, Goodwin held off a continued Galaxy onslaught. Goodwin made another save against Keane in the 117th, which proved to be enough to make Jackson’s strike the game-winner.

“I thought I had a good solid game,” Goodwin said about his performance. “Any time you keep a shutout against guys like that, the majority has to really be put on the guys in front of me, but I felt that I had a solid game.”

The Railhawks game against the Galaxy was just Goodwin’s third game as a pro. The UNC standout and 2011 College Cup champion made his Carolina debut during the club’s Open Cup Third Round game against the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) after signing with the NASL club in January and spending a season in Iceland with IF Hottur.

In his American professional debut, all Goodwin did was make five saves and record a shutout in the Railhawks’ 2-0 win over the Eagles. Goodwin’s performance coupled with an injury to starting goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald saw the Chapel Hill product claim his second consecutive start in this year’s tournament when the Railhawks met Chivas USA in the Fourth Round. Goodwin built upon his fine performance against Charlotte guiding the Railhawks to another win after making 11 saves in 120 minutes of work capped by three additional saves in the game’s penalty shootout nearly earning Player of the Round honors in the process. Deshorn Brown’s hat-trick performance against Orlando City SC ultimately captured the award for the Fourth Round.

Goodwin’s pair of outstanding performances more than earned him a chance to take on a full strength Galaxy team. His play against Los Angeles and his string of performances are sure to catch the attention of clubs throughout the country.

“It’s about as good of a start as I could have hoped for,” Goodwin said. “In professional sports, you’re just waiting for your opportunity and you never know when that’s going to happen. What it’s really all about is getting as far as we can in the Open Cup, it’s not about any one individual. We went into this tournament not to just win a couple games, but to take it all the way to the end. At the end of the day, my performance is just a piece of the puzzle and we’re just trying to get on to the next round.”

Goodwin and the Railhawks will look to continue their run in the tournament when they host FC Dallas on July 9 in Cary.

2014 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 1: Vlad Baciu (RWB Adria – USASA)
Round 2: Luke Winter (Chattanooga FC – NPSL)
Round 3: Earl Edwards Jr. (PSA Elite – USASA)
Round 4: Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids – MLS)
Round 5: Scott Goodwin (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)

Recent Goalkeepers to win TheCup.us Player of the Round
2014 Round 5: Scott Goodwin (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)
2014 Round 3: Earl Edwards Jr. (PSA Elite – USASA)
2013 Final: Bill Hamid (DC United – MLS)
2013 Semifinals: Joe Willis (DC United – MLS)
2011 Quarterfinals: Ronnie Pascale (Richmond Kickers – USL PRO)
2011 Round 1: Zach Lubin (Kitsap Pumas – PDL)
2010 Round 3: Tim Melia (Charleston Battery – USL-2)
2009 Tournament MVP: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC – MLS)
2008 Tournament MVP: Chris Eylander (Seattle Sounders – USL-1)
2008 Quarterfinals: Chris Eylander (Seattle Sounders – USL-1)
2006 Round 3: Jesse Llamas (Dallas Roma FC – USASA)

HIGHLIGHTS: LA GALAXY AT CAROLINA RAILHAWKS

MATCH REPLAY: LA GALAXY AT CAROLINA RAILHAWKS

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Deshorn Brown scores first Colorado Rapids hat trick, narrowly wins Player of the Round

June 24, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Deshorn Brown not only scored the first hat trick in Rapids Open Cup history, he also became the first Jamaican to score three goals since 1995. Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood, Colorado Rapids

Deshorn Brown knows how to find the back of the net. That is undebatable. The highly-decorated collegiate striker and 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year runner-up continued to show he has a penchant for goal in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup’s Fourth Round netting a hat trick in the Colorado Rapids’ 5-2 victory over Orlando City SC (USL PRO). Brown’s performance proved worthy of TheCup.us Player of the Round Award for the tournament’s Fourth Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Brown’s hat trick garnered just enough votes for the award as the Jamaican international barely edged out a couple of strong upset performances by NASL players like New York Cosmos forward Mads Stokkelien and Carolina Railhawks goalkeeper Scott Goodwin for the honor. The Atlanta Silverbacks’ Kwadwo Poku and Philadelphia Union’s Andrew Wenger both received a considerable amount of votes in one of the most wide open votes of 2014.

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Brown was at the center of a dominating offensive performance as the Rapids out-shot Orlando City SC 23-6. The Lions, who have been one of the strongest USL PRO teams since joining the league in 2011, entered the tournament undefeated in league play.

After giving up an early goal, Brown responded with an equalizer in the 35th minute. Just after halftime, Brown completed the hat trick with two goals in eight minutes (47th, 55th mins.) as the route was on with a 4-1 lead.

The second-year forward has also found the scoring touch during the month of June scoring three goals in as many games in MLS play, scored his first professional hat trick during the second half of the Rapids game against Orlando. In addition to bagging his first professional hat trick, Brown also became the first Colorado Rapids player to score three goals in Open Cup play and also became the first Jamaican to achieve the feat in an Open Cup game in the tournament’s Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

For those who are familiar with Brown, his performance should come as no surprise. The University of Mobile and University of Central Florida striker was selected sixth overall in the 2013 MLS Draft amid high expectations. Many believe he should have been selected higher. Brown proved why during the 2013 MLS campaign scoring a team-leading and rookie-best 10 goals while adding four assists in 31 games making headlines along the way.

The Jamaican has continued to prove he is a danger in front of goal and is fast becoming one of the biggest offensive threats in MLS. Aside from his record-setting hat trick, Brown has scored five goals in 14 games this MLS season. Brown’s penchant for goal earned him MLS Player of the Week honors for the league’s 13th week after he scored twice in the Rapids’ 3-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on June 1.

The Rapids will surely be looking to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. If Brown’s performance against Orlando is any indication, the Colorado club has a chance to make some real waves in MLS play and in the Open Cup when the Jamaican striker is in form.

2014 US Open Cup Third Round: PSA Elite’s Earl Edwards Jr. conquers LA Galaxy II, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

June 6, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Earl Edwards Jr. made 14 saves, including a PK save, and a pair of stops in the shootout for PSA Elite (USASA) in their Third Round upset of LA Galaxy II (USL PRO).

In the Lamar Hunt Open Cup tournament, goal scorers usually garner the lion’s share of the fans adoration, but every now and then, the man between the posts takes center stage and deserves recognition. Earl Edwards Jr.’s Third Round performance in PSA Elite’s (USASA) victory over LA Galaxy II (USL PRO) is one such instance, as his play captured the fans and media’s attention earning the goalkeeper TheCup.us Player of the Round award in the process.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters. Edwards Jr. becomes just the fourth goalkeeper since 2011 to win the award, and the first since Bill Hamid and Joe Willis of DC United won the award back-to-back for the 2013 Final and Semifinal, respectively.

Unlike the voting for the Second Round’s award, the voting was much less wide open. It was basically two-horse race between Edwards Jr. and Blake Smith of Indy Eleven who accounted for all five of his team’s goals with a hat trick and two assists in a 5-2 home win over the Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO). No other player received more than 3 total votes as almost all of the first and second place votes went to either Edwards Jr. or Smith. In the end, Edwards Jr. finished 18 first-place votes and Smith finished with 14.

The UCLA captain and US Under-20 international helped PSA Elite become the last USASA club standing in this year’s tournament by stopping everything that came his way. Edwards Jr. racked up 14 saves throughout the game including a save in the 81st minute on a penalty kick taken by Galaxy forward Travis Bowen that would have broken the scoreless tie. After a pair of scoreless halves in extra time, Edwards Jr. proved resolute in the ensuing series of penalty kicks saving two of the Galaxy’s attempts helping to send PSA Elite through to the fourth round.

“Going into the game we knew we were the underdogs, so we knew that as a team we were going to have to make some plays,” said Edwards Jr. “Fortunately, I was able to make some plays alongside my team who were strong defensively.”

Earl Edwards Jr. of PSA Elite comes off his line to defend a shot in a Third Round match against LA Galaxy II. Photo: Aaron Jaffe | LA Galaxy

“Being underdogs we all had something to prove,” added Edwards. “As a group of college players, we all want to play at the next level. Getting the opportunity to compete against a professional organization gave us extra motivation, and thankfully we’re moving on to play another one.”

The win earned PSA Elite a trip to Seattle to face three-time US Open Cup champions the Seattle Sounders. This is the farthest the Irvine, California club has progressed in the three consecutive years that the USASA side has competed in the tournament. PSA Elite are one of three amateur clubs still competing in this year’s tournament. They are just the third USASA club to ever reach the Fourth Round after Cal FC (2012) and Dallas Roma FC (2006) who both upset Major League Soccer teams to reach Round 4.

Edwards Jr. performance in the Third Round is indicative of ability on the field. He has captained UCLA for the past two years and earned a bevy of awards throughout his collegiate career, including First-Team All-Pac 12 honors in 2013. Edwards Jr.’s coaching staff at UCLA – particularly assistant coach Nick Carlin-Voigt – urged the standout goalkeeper to get as many games under his belt as possible, and PSA Elite offered Edwards Jr. the opportunity to compete at a high level during the college offseason.

“PSA Elite has a history of fielding UCLA players, and I knew they were a quality side continually playing in the Open Cup,” said Edwards Jr. “Nick reached out to them and they were happy to have me, and I was excited to play for them.”

“The fact that they are in the Open Cup and able to compete at that level was appealing to me,” added Edwards Jr. “Once I attended a few training sessions and played with the team, I knew that we could make a run in the tournament. In the end it was an easy decision to join PSA Elite.”

Edwards Jr. and PSA Elite will be looking to continue their fine run of success in this year’s tournament and take down another professional opponent when they take on the Seattle Sounders June 18 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, WA. It will be a challenge for the amateur side as not only will they face a quality MLS side, but they will do it in front of a packed stadium as the match has already sold out.

2014 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 1: Vlad Baciu (RWB Adria – USASA)
Round 2: Luke Winter (Chattanooga FC – NPSL)
Round 3: Earl Edwards Jr. (PSA Elite – USASA)

2014 US Open Cup Second Round: Luke Winter’s brace helps Chattanooga FC to historic win, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 26, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Luke Winter added to his growing list of achievements as his two goals propelled Chattanooga FC to a historic US Open Cup win in Round 2. By defeating the Wilmington Hammerheads 3-1 on May 14, the Tennessee club became the first NPSL side to register a win against professional competition. Prior to CFC’s victory, NPSL clubs were 0-15-0 against professional teams. Winter’s role in the significant victory earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round Award for the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup’s Second Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

With a slate of Modern Pro Era record 23 games on the schedule for the Second Round of the tournament there were bound to be some standout performances. The teams and players involved did not disappoint with as many as 13 different players receiving votes for the award.

The wide open vote came down to Winter and four other players: Heviel Cordoves (Charleston Battery), Darius Madison (Reading United AC), Alfredo Rodriguez (North Texas Rayados) and Josh Trott (NY Greek American Atlas). In the end, Winter’s historic brace was enough to separate himself from the pack to earn Player of the Round honors.

Winter also makes a little individual history as he joins Gustavo Villalobos of FC Hasental (2013 Preliminary Round) as the only two NPSL players to ever win Player of the Round.

Photo: Chattanooga FC

Winter could do no wrong during his shift against Wilmington. In his time of the field, he proved more than a handful for the Hammerheads defense. The CFC forward took advantage of a poorly executed Wilmington offside trap to volley home his first goal of the game in the 21st minute. From there his night only got better. In the 63th minute, taking advantage of a Wilmington team down a man, Winter headed in a scintillating cross from Luis Trude. The goal proved to be the game winner as Chattanooga became the first Tennessee club to win a tournament game since the PDL’s Memphis Express in 2002.

“It was a great team performance,” said Winter. “Everything worked well together and things just clicked for us. I scored two goals but both assists were spot on, making it easier for me.

“Now we’re eyeing up and can’t wait for the challenge,” he added.

Winter is no stranger to producing award-winning performances. The Norwich, England native scored three consecutive hat tricks in NPSL play in 2012, and racked up multiple awards during his collegiate career at Tennessee Wesleyan University. In addition to his TheCup.us Player of the Round Award, Winter also received considerable attention for NPSL National Player of the Week honors for the week of May 12-18. Ultimately, FC Buffalo’s Russell Cicerone forward edged out the CFC forward for the award.

Winter is also familiar with, and up to, the level of play in the US Open Cup, notching a goal and an assist in CFC’s loss to the Carolina Dynamo (PDL) in the first round of last year’s tournament. His brace against Wilmington provided a victory that mollified the sting of CFC’s two previous first round exits to professional opponents in 2011 and 2013, and helped the club earn the first victory for a Tennessee club since 2002 (Memphis Express – PDL)

2014 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 1: Vlad Baciu (RWB Adria – USASA)
Round 2: Luke Winter (Chattanooga FC – NPSL)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2014 US Open Cup Round 2 review: Largest round in Modern Pro Era brings more drama, another forfeit

May 23, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Arizona United put heavy pressure on the Timbers' goal in the second half, producing three goals in the final 10 minutes. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers — Arizona United put heavy pressure on the Timbers’ goal in the second half, producing three goals in the final 10 minutes. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

The Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup took place on May 13 and 14 with a record 24 games on the schedule. After a rare forfeit, the remaining 23 games did not disappoint as all 46 teams were looking to book a place in the next round, which features the entrance of NASL clubs into the competition.

Arizona United SC (USL Pro) 3:2 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
Arizona United Soccer Club was the author of a stunning comeback to end their second round match, winning 3-2 over the home side Portland Timbers U23s on May 13. After trailing 2-0 entering the 84th minute, Arizona scored three goals in the final 10 minutes, including a game-winner on what proved to be the final kick of the game. After winning their Open Cup debut, they will host fellow USL PRO expansion team Oklahoma City Energy FC on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Jacksonville United FC (NPSL) 1:2 Orlando City U23s (PDL)
Orlando City U23s snapped the tournament’s longest winless streak (6) by defeating the NPSL’s Jacksonville United for their first Open Cup victory in club history. After trading goals in the first half, the deciding goal came in the 58th minute when a Jacksonville own goal gave Orlando their first win since they first qualified back in 2000 as the Central Florida Kraze. Orlando next meets USL PRO side Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston. MATCH REPORT [+]

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:0 Schwaben AC (USASA)
The Dayton Dutch Lions entered their match against Schwaben AC of Chicago as favorites. The Ohio outfit is a regular participant in the tournament, while Schwaben were making their first Cup appearance in 50 years. The 1956 Open Cup runner-up from Illinois controlled the game early on, but could not create anything with their early possession. Unfortunately for Schwaben, the Lions proved their class soon enough as Eli Gardner scored a goal off a Jesjua Angoy-Cruyff cross just after the 30th minute. The goal proved the spark that the Lions needed to control the game. Angoy-Cruyff, the grandson of the Dutch legend, doubled the lead in the second half with a goal of his own to the third round where they are scheduled to meet NASL newcomer Indy Eleven. MATCH REPORT [+]

Icon FC (USASA) 1:4 Baltimore Bohemians (PDL)
Making their tournament debut, the Baltimore Bohemians did not want to disappoint their home fans as they took on Icon FC from Montville, NJ. The Boh’s made sure not to disappoint, and took an early lead in the 15th minute after local boy Mamadou Kansaye scored via a penalty kick. The Bohs increased their lead just seven minutes later in the 22nd minute when Austin Martz scored on a counter attack. Icon FC valiantly tried to claw their way back into the game for the remainder of the first half, but a Jarod Laventure red card in the 42nd minute hampered the visiting New Jersey squad. Brandon Allen, who was meeting his teammates for the first time that night, and Brian Graham added a fourth goal to give Baltimore a 4-1 win and a date with the Harrisburg City Islanders in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Alfonso Motagalvan of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds slides in for a tackle against the New York Red Bulls U23s in their second round US Open Cup match. Photo: Terry O'Neil | Pittsburgh Riverhounds — Alfonso Motagalvan of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds slides in for a tackle against the New York Red Bulls U23s in their second round US Open Cup match. Photo: Terry O’Neil | Pittsburgh Riverhounds

New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) 1:3 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
The first half between the New York Red Bulls Under-23s and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds proved a lively affair with each team scoring a goal. However, the second half was all Pittsburgh as Jose Angulo and Rob Vincent each scored to give the Riverhounds a 3-1 win. With the win, the Riverhounds earn a rematch against USASA side RWB Adria on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

NY Greek American Atlas (USASA) 2:0 Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
On a foggy and rainy night in New Jersey, the Ocean City Nor’easters took on four-time Open Cup Champions New York Greek American Atlas at Carey Stadium. The weather proved prophetic for Ocean City’s chances in the game as the NY amateur club got a pair of goals from Josh Trott to give them a 2-0 win at the stadium known as ‘The Beach House.’ For as much success as the Greeks have had over the years, entering their match against the Nor’easters, they were previously winless (0-4-0) in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). Now they move on to face a another former US Open Cup champion as they will travel to Richmond to take on the Kickers in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Greater Binghamton FC (NPSL) 2:5 Reading United AC (PDL)
Reading United AC pulled away from NPSL foe Greater Binghampton Thunder FC in the second half with three unanswered goals to win 5-2. Reading’s highest goal output in club history was largely courtesy of Darius Madison who scored a goal and added three assists. Reading will next face the fabled Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester, NY. MATCH REPORT [+]

Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) 6:1 RVA FC (NPSL)
After weeks of hype, the Richmond Kickers met RVA FC in the first edition of the Richmond Derby at Sportsbackers Stadium. The game’s first half did not live up to its lofty billing as the Kickers thoroughly dominated RVA FC. The Kickers scored three goals and held RVA FC to zero shots in the first frame. The second half was more of the same as the 1995 US Open Cup champions notched two more goals to put the game out of reach at 6-1. The Kickers advance to the Third Round to meet New York Greek American Atlas at home. MATCH REPORT [+]

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) 4:0 Lehigh Valley United (NPSL)

The Harrisburg City Islanders celebrate one of their four goals in their 4-0 win over Lehigh Valley United Sonic. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

Lehigh Valley United hosted the City Islanders in their Second Round Cup match, after edging out GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) in their First Round game a week ago. This game against Harrisburg mirrored Lehigh Valley’s previous game as both teams failed to score in the first half and the winning team pulled away in the second half. Unfortunately for the NPSL side, it was the City Islanders that pulled away, scoring four goals down the stretch to earn their first tournament shutout since 2012. Harrisburg, which has been among the teams with the most home games since 2007, hit the road for the fourth straight game, this time to Baltimore to play the PDL’s Bohemians on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:3 Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)
USL Pro side Charlotte Eagles fought their way past Carolina Dynamo of the PDL thanks largely to the production of Columbian duo Jorge Herrera, who notched two goals and one assist, and Juan Guzman whose lone goal started the scoring for the home side. The match was even until Guzman’s 43rd minute tally off a Herrera assist, but the second half largely favored the Eagles. Herrera’s two unassisted goals sandwiched a strike by Mamadee Nyepon of the Dynamo.

Herrera, who now has six career US Open Cup goals, needs just one more to become the Eagles’ all-time leading goalscorer. They will head to Cary, NC for Round 3 where they will take on the Carolina RailHawks. MATCH REPORT [+]

RWB Adria (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL)
For the second round in a row, USASA competitor RWB Adria of Chicago took down a Metro Detroit team, this time with an overtime victory over PDL hosts Michigan Bucks. After 90 minutes the sides were level with no goals scored, but Adria found the winner in the 93rd minute when Carlos Muños received a cross and beat two defenders to fire the Croatian side’s only goal home. The amateur side then packed into their defensive end and denied the Bucks for the remainder of overtime. Adria has been competing in the Open Cup for decades, but last week’s penalty kick win over Detroit City FC and this round’s overtime win over the Bucks marked the first time the club has advanced in the tournament during the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). They will go for their first pro upset when they travel to Pittsburgh for a rematch with USL PRO’s Riverhounds. MATCH REPORT [+]

Ocala Stampede (PDL) 1:4 Orlando City (USL Pro)
Strike duo Dennis Chin and Corey Hertzog each bagged a brace as Orlando City claimed a 4-1 victory over the Ocala Stampede during Second Round play at the Seminole Soccer Complex. The Stampede were able to get on the scoreboard in the 61st minute when Ben Knight converted on an Orlando City back line error, beating goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.

With the victory, Orlando City will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on May 28 in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) 0:4 Charleston Battery (USL Pro)

Heviel Cordoves of Charleston Battery dribbles through traffic against the Panama City Beach Pirates of the PDL. Photo: Charleston Battery — Heviel Cordoves of Charleston Battery dribbles through traffic against the Panama City Beach Pirates of the PDL. Photo: Vin Duffy | Charleston Battery

Heviel Cordoves logged his first professional hat trick and fellow Cuban teammate Maikel Chang scored his first goal as a pro Saturday to lead the Charleston Battery to a 4-0 win over visiting Panama City Beach Pirates. Second-year forward Cordoves scored twice in the first half, missed a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time, and then took a pass from rookie midfielder Dante Marini, shrugged off a defender and finished strong in the box in the 50th minute. Chang actually opened the scoring with a volley off a cross from Justin Portillo in the fifth minute.

The match was delayed by 15 minutes as US Soccer officials and Panama City Beach wrangled over the eligibility of three Pirates players. The dispute ended with the three being sent to the locker room, leaving reserve ‘keeper Andrea Giombetti as the sole replacement. He was called to duty when defender Anderson Savage was injured in the 19th minute, before Charleston had established their dominance. The Battery move on to the Third Round and will host the Orlando City U23s at Blackbaud Stadium. MATCH REPORT [+]

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) 1:3 Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
Chattanooga entered the game as just another NSPL side trying to advance in the tournament as they took on the Wilmington Hammerheads for a spot in the Cup’s Third Round. Don’t tell the Chattahooligans that their club is the same as any other, and today they would be correct as Chattanooga became the first NSPL club to defeat a professional team in the tournament. The NPSL, which launched in 2003, entered the 2014 tournament 0-15-0, but Luke Winter’s two goals helped CFC pull off the upset, 3-1. The victory sees CFC advance to the Third Round to take on the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. MATCH REPORT [+]

Western Mass Pioneers (PDL) 1:2 (AET) Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)
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. The match remained scoreless through regulation, only to become 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 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Brooklyn Italians SC (NPSL) 4:2 Jersey Express (PDL)
The NPSL’s Brooklyn Italians survived a slow start and advanced with a four-goal second half performance against the PDL’s Jersey Express at the J. Malcolm Simon Stadium on the campus of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ. The first half belonged to Open Cup debutante’s Jersey Express who went to the locker room with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of William Torreson Paulino’s free kick in the 12th minute that found Markus Hackett at the far post to open the scoring. Brooklyn’s turnaround started early in the second half with a goal by Jiro Barriga, followed by a goal from a penalty kick by Salvatore Barrone, and two goals after the 80th minute by Yvener Guerrier. The Italians next take on another Open Cup first-timer in the New York Cosmos at St. John’s University in a much-anticipated Third Round matchup. MATCH REPORT [+]

Oklahoma City Energy (USL Pro) 2:0 Tulsa Athletics (NPSL)
The Tulsa Athletics of the NPSL hosted the Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) for the first time as both teams made their Open Cup debuts. In the end, the professional expansion team Energy FC were too much for the amateur side as Dave Leichty and Cyprian Hedrick scored a goal in each half to win the game 2-0. The Energy now earn a spot in the Third Round where they will travel to Peoria, AZ to take on fellow USL Pro expansion team Arizona United SC on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) 0:3 Des Moines Menace (USASA)
The Des Moines Menace stepped up in a big way in the Second Round, defeating the Real Colorado Foxes 3-0 to earn their first win as a USASA representative (they failed to qualify out of the PDL, but were successful in the USASA tournament). Menace goals were scored by Nico Wright at five minutes, Alec Bartlett just before halftime, and Sean Dong in the 53rd minute. The Menace will face NASL entry Minnesota United FC at home on May 28 in the Third Round. MATCH REPORT [+]

North Texas Rayados (USASA) 4:4 (4:2 PK) Austin Aztex (PDL)
In a rematch from last year’s competition, the North Texas Rayados of the USASA traveled south to take on the PDL’s Austin Aztex, hoping to avenge last year’s 2-0 opening round loss. The Rayados fell behind three times, each time finding their way back. After a second half stoppage time equalizer took the game into extra sessions, North Texas finally took the lead in the 118th minute. Before the celebration could begin, Austin tied the game in the final minute to force penalty kicks. North Texas won the PK shootout to advance to Round 3 for the first time in club history. The Rayados will travel to San Antonio to take on the NASL’s Scorpions in the Third Round on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Orange County Blues (USL Pro) 0:2 Fresno Fuego (PDL)
The Fresno Fuego pulled off one of the upsets of the Second Round, knocking off USL Pro side Orange County Blues 2-0 behind some solid defending and two opportunistic goals. Fresno ran into trouble before the match even kicked off as three of their players were ruled ineligible, and the match kicked off nearly 45 minutes late as a result of the roster confusion. Abraham Campos and Jose Cuevas scored within three minutes of each other late in the first half to give the Fuego their pass to the next round. They travel north on May 28 to take on the USL PRO’s Sacramento Republic. MATCH REPORT [+]

Red Force (USASA) 1:2 Laredo Heat (PDL)
Miami’s USASA entrant Red Force fell to hosts Laredo Heat of the PDL in a wild 2-1 clash marked by a penalty, a fight, and five red cards. Miguel Fernandez tallied from the penalty spot for the Heat but teammate Danny Garza got the game-winner in the second half following a Red Force equalizer from Stiven Salinas. The real heat was generated in the 39th minute, however, when Red Force’s Kevin Nylen and Laredo’s Fernandez collided in the air and fell to the ground. Players from both teams leaped into a heated scrum which only ended after four red cards and one yellow card had been issued. Kevin Nylen and Heber Hernandez from Red Force FC as well as Laredo Heat’s Joao Monteiro and Yair Hernandez were all ejected while Salvador Luna was issued the yellow card. The Heat advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup with a match at Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ Lockhart Stadium on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

PSA Elite (USASA) W:L (FORFEIT) San Diego Flash (NPSL)
San Diego Flash advanced to the Second Round last week due to a forfeit, and in an ironic twist to this tournament, dropped out of the tournament due to another. San Diego could not find a suitable home field, and were forced to allow PSA Elite to move on without a game. FULL STORY [+]

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 1:2 Sacramento Republic (USL Pro)
In a game that the Republic controlled the whole way, it took 78 minutes to finally shake the upset-minded Fusion. A counterattack goal by Jordan Rideout in the 36th minute gave Ventura County the lead that held through the half. Ironically enough, Sacramento went level through a pair of former Fusion players. Harrison Delbridge headed in a Rodrigo Lopez free kick in the 59th minute to even the score. Anxious to get their first Open Cup win under their belts, the northern California team finally broke through with 12 minutes left when Dakota Collins caught a rebound after a save by Ventura’s Trey Mitchell and sent it past the keeper for the winner. Sacramento will host another PDL Southwest Division side, the Fresno Fuego, at 10:30 pm on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Cal FC (USASA) 1:6 LA Galaxy II (USL Pro)
There would be no Cinderella magic this year for Cal FC. LA Galaxy II got off to a running start with a goal from Alejandro Covarrubias just six minutes into the game and the team never looked back. This was just a prelude of a lopsided game, as the score stood 5-0 to Galaxy II just 33 minutes in, thanks to a brace by Travis Bowen and goals by Bradley Diallo and Bradley Jamieson. LA will host PSA Elite on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

2014 US Open Cup Round 1: Vlad Baciu’s brace for RWB Adria earns him TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 13, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Vlad Baciu’s second goal of the game came in second half stoppage time and helped RWB Adria (USASA) force overtime against NPSL side Detroit City FC. The match eventually went to penalty kicks where the Croatian club won 3-1 to advance past Detroit and into the second round for the first time in the tournament’s Modern Professional Era. Baciu’s outstanding performance buoyed Adria, earning him enough votes to be named TheCup.us Player of the Round for the competition’s first round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Coming a close second for the honor was Alencar Junior, who scored two goals for Western Mass Pioneers (PDL) in its 4-1 victory over GPS Massachusetts (USASA). Jose Preciado of PSA Elite (USASA) also received several votes for his equalizer and game-winning PK against PDL side Los Angeles Misioneros.

Baciu won the award due to his undeniable knack for goal. Adria’s target man made Adria’s trip to suburban Detroit worthwhile, putting his club ahead in the 16th minute heading in a corner kick. He then proved a penchant for drama as he coolly netted his second goal of the game in the dying minutes of stoppage time to send the game to extra-time, and eventually penalty kicks. The award is Baciu’s first and the first his club has ever received.

“My performance was the result of a hard-working team, a great group of teammates who enjoy playing together and a great staff and support group,” said Baciu about his performance. “We all had fun and we are ready for the next game. We are going back to Detroit to win, it’s in our DNA.

He added: “I also want to praise Detroit City FC and their fans, they created a great atmosphere.”

Adria, coming off their championship National Soccer League (Chicago) Indoor Season before the first round cup-tie, came into the game as underdogs, but Baciu would have none of it. His brace provided some vindication for Adria’s after their first round exit to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in penalty kicks last year.

Baciu’s two goals put him atop the tournament’s scoring leaders alongside Western Mass Pioneers players, Alencar Junior and Will Daniels, and seem to have set a solid foundation for the Romanian’s next game against the Michigan Bucks (PDL) on Wednesday at 7:30 in Pontiac, Mich.