In a very physical match that featured 18 fouls and seven yellow cards, Lansdowne Yonkers FC advanced to the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 2-1 win at Trinity Health Stadium on Thursday.
“Obviously, it’s fantastic to get the win,” said Lansdowne manager Sean Kelly. “These boys deserve it more than anybody, no disrespect to Hartford City, but I am watching these guys come to train. Most of these boys have full-time jobs. They come from halfway across New York, Tuesday or Thursday or whenever we decide to train, and they put in the hard work. It’s just a fantastic group. This has been going on since we lost last year.”
Lansdowne have now advanced in their opening round game in each of the last four Open Cups they have qualified for (2016, 2018, 2022, 2023). Last year, they narrowly lost 1-0 to Rochester New York FC in the Second Round, and they will be looking to improve on last year’s finish when they return to Trinity Health Stadium on April 4 to take on another pro team: Hartford Athletic (USL Championship). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kelly believes that physical fitness was the primary weakness in the loss to Rochester, and believes his side has learned and is better equipped in 2023.
“This is the best team we have had in this club, and I have been here 11 years,” said Kelly.
Lansdowne, who qualified for this tournament by winning four games in the fall qualifiers by a combined score of 14-1, was the more physical outfit and produced the most dangerous chances throughout the match.
The game-winning goal came in the 73rd minute as Joseph Devivo scored on the rebound of his saved penalty kick. It was his second goal of the game as his first-half stoppage time goal provided the equalizing goal and the change in momentum.
However, the Hartford City side saw the decision to award a penalty differently.
“I think I saw what a lot of people in the crowd saw, which was a pretty clean tackle,” said Hartford City manager Nicholas Balistierri. “Obviously, the officiating crew felt differently. It’s unfortunate a game like this can swing based on a decision like that. A penalty in the second half really impacts the outcome of the match.”
After consistent pressure for most of the half, Lansdowne finally capitalized on its chances as Joseph Devivo knocked in a pass from Edward Speed at the back post in the first minute of stoppage time.
LANDOWNE YONKERS FC WIN! 2 goals from Joey DeVivo propel Lansdowne into the 2nd Round of @opencup where they will face Hartford Athletic of USL. Thanks to all the fans who traveled 100+ miles to the game and/or watched the broadcast online. LET’S GO BHOYS!!!#WeAreLansdowne pic.twitter.com/MJtDjZho8j
— Lansdowne Yonkers FC (@Lansdownebhoys) March 24, 2023
“Scoring the two, you know, we did a lot of work as a team to get those opportunities,” said Devivo.
“I think the momentum shifted with 20 minutes left in the half,” Devivo continued. “We started to move the ball, create chances. We could of had one or two (goals), but definitely getting one on the scoresheet right before half changes everything.”
Hartford City FC opened the scoring as Hugo Guerra was fouled in the box, and then cashed in the penalty kick in the 28th minute. It was the first-ever Hartford City FC goal in the US Open Cup. City is now 0-2 all-time in the tournament as they fell to Oyster Bay United FC 3-0 a season ago.
With learning in early February that they will be competing in this tournament, Hartford City was forced to quickly assemble a team, and the lack of practice time hurt the hosts. With college players still in school, the Hartford City team could look dramatically different when they return to the pitch.
