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Josh Hakala

Broadcast journalist / sports play by play announcer that created TheCup.us (in 2003) and continues to run the site. An active member of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association and the North American Soccer Reporters. Proud alum of Temple University and Lansing Community College. Read his work on TheCup.us HERE.

2024 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Review: 21 amateur teams advance to massive Second Round

September 11, 2023 by Josh Hakala

2024 US Open Cup Qualifying: Alamo City vs. Central Texas Lobos
Photo: Leinbach Photography | IG: @leinbachphotography | Twitter: @star_basker

The embers of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals are not yet cold, and the Final is still two weeks away, but qualifying has begun for the 109th edition of the tournament.

Twenty-one games in the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2024 US Open Cup took place this weekend across nine states and Washington, D.C. with 12 leagues represented.

The winners will move on and join 67 other amateur teams to form a massive Second Round that will feature 44 matches. Those games will take place the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Below you will find a brief recap of all 21 matches:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

DCFC (USASA/DC PL)
1:0
MoCo 1776 FC (UPSL)
The Fields at RFK; Washington, D.C.

By Sam Luebke

DCFC (USASA/DC PL) overcame the elements as well as a dogged but undermanned MoCo 1776 FC (UPSL) to advance to the next round of US Open Cup qualification with a 1-0 win.

Kickoff was delayed for about a half hour waiting for a late summer thunderstorm to pass. The weather delay gave MoCo 1776 FC a chance to try to round up late arriving players. Registration problems limited the club to 10 players for the entirety of the game. Despite this disadvantage, they hung in with a disciplined, skilled and well-drilled DCFC squad, who are beginning their second USOC campaign.  This is the first foray into Cup play for MoCo 1776 FC.

The first half belonged to DCFC. The 1-0 DCFC advantage could have easily been 3 or 4. DCFC forward Jonathon Boyd had two clear chances in the first five minutes of the game, chipping over the goal on the first and forcing the MoCo 1776 FC keeper into a sharp save.

Goalkeeper Dimas Fernandez Osorto was the Man of the Match for the MoCo 1776 FC. He made a half dozen saves of real quality, keeping his club in the match and was an extremely effective sweeper keeper, confident with the ball at his feet and making a couple of last-ditch tackles well outside his area. He is the reason why the score was as close as it was.

Chances continued to come for the home team. DCFC forward Nicholas Tate was stymied by Fernandez Ososrto in a one-on-one chance in the 18th minute. DCFC finally broke through in the 25th minute with Andrew Dane heading in a Rowan Pierson corner kick.

The rest of the first half fell into the same pattern. MoCo 1776 FC would have trouble playing out of the back and would end up striking speculative long balls from the defensive third. These long balls were generally turned back by the bigger and stronger DCFC defenders. DCFC Captain Sean Conway had a particularly effective match at the back, playing aggressively but not recklessly in breaking up numerous MoCo 1776 FC attacks. DCFC generated several more chances through the end of the half but they either were wasteful or snuffed out by Fernandez-Osorto.

DCFC dominance waned in the second half. They stopped generating chances, but MoCo 1776 FC struggled to generate offensive opportunities. The first 20 minutes of the second half were uneven and uneventful.

Around the 65th minute, DCFC started to fall back to protect their lead and the field tilted in the favor of the club from Montgomery County, Maryland. It tilted even more precipitously when in the 70th minute DCFC sub Theodore Booker was shown two quick yellow cards for fouls that looked more clumsy than malicious. Finally playing with equal numbers, and facing knockout, MoCo 1776 FC threw everyone forward and had DCFC hemmed in and under pressure for the last 20 minutes of the match. But DCFC held off the last, frantic attacks and survived to advance to the next round where they will host Northern Virginia FC (EPSL) on Oct. 1.

 


SF Viking SC (USASA/SFSFL)
0:1
International San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL)
Beach Chalet Soccer Field; San Francisco, CA

By Michael Koenig

Dillon Montgomery’s 30th minute goal enabled International San Francisco to advance with a 1-0 victory over San Francisco Soccer Football League rival SF Viking FC in the fourth meeting between the two clubs in 2023.

Montgomery’s goal came on a curving shot from the top of the penalty area that made its way into the upper right corner of the net. It made up for a missed opportunity less than a minute earlier, when a teammate missed on a breakaway, in a one-on-one situation with Viking goalkeeper Mike Loiacono. SF Viking’s best first half chance came in stoppage time, when a long ball into the box was headed on target, but the shot rebounded off the bottom of the crossbar and was cleared away.

Both clubs had chances in the second half, as International pushed forward and the Vikings’ defenders began to tire. International’s best chance came in the 78th minute, when Tanner Pappenfuss had an open net in front of him, but his soft header gave Loiacono to get back into position and make the save.

After a mostly quiet match, International goalkeeper Mason Kealy was called upon late to preserve his club’s tenuous lead. First, Kealy made a diving stop on a shot by James Baldwin and then a kick save in stoppage time on a shot by Felipe Gonzales Fuentes. The Vikings’ last chance came just before the final whistle when they brought Loiacono forward to make a long throw-in which was redirected on target, but Kealy came away with a tight grip on the ball.

Both coaches struggled with the unavailability of key players after the last-minute scheduling change that moved the match from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. International SF coach Amir Darabi said that his club was missing longtime professionals Matt Fondy, Nikolai Littleton, Dylan Autran, and Leonardo Lázaro. Viking coach Pat Cadam said that three of his starters were unavailable and another had to leave the match early.

Inter San Francisco advances to Round 2 where they will host fellow SFSFL side The Olympic Club on Sept. 30.

Inter San Francisco’s game-winning goal:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by International San Francisco (@intersfca)

 


VA Revolution Pro (UPSL)
1:4
Aegean Hawks FC (USASA/American PL)
Virginia Revolution Sportsplex; Leesburg, VA

By Josh Hakala

The Aegean Hawks, who have been regulars in US Open Cup qualifying dating back to 2009, opened up the 2024 tournament with a 4-1 road win over VA Revolution Pro. After back-to-back one-and-done appearances, the Hawks picked up their first qualifying win since 2019.

The Hawks took control early with a pair of goals in the opening four minutes of the match. The tallies came from former Georgetown University player Martin Ngoh and former D.C. United player Chris Odoi-Atsem. The Revolution got back into the match in the 24th minute when Stanley Alves was taken down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Gabi Gomez stepped up to convert the penalty to cut the lead in half.

After the halftime break, the Revs gifted the Hawks an own goal to restore the two-goal lead, but around the 53rd minute, the Revs were given an opportunity to get back into the match when a Hawks player was sent off. Christopher Hegngi was shoved, and as often happens in sports, the player who retaliates is the one who gets caught. Hegngi, a former Ohio State star and D.C. United Academy player, was shown a straight red card.

Despite being down a man, the Hawks continued to press and Ngoh added his second goal with about 10 minutes left to put the game away.

The Hawks advance to Round 2 where they will host Christos FC, a team that has eliminated them from this tournament three times (2017-19). The game is scheduled for Oct. 1.

Aegean Hawks’ red card:



Marin County Union SC (USSSA/NSL)
1:5
The Olympic Club (USASA/SFSFL)
Sonoma Valley HS; Sonoma, CA

By Josh Hakala

After more than 100 years in existence, The Olympic Club made their U.S. Open Cup debut in 2020. Here in 2023, the San Francisco-based club is entering the qualifying tournament for the first time since then and their quest to punch their ticket to the 2024 U.S. Open Cup got off to a positive start on Saturday. 

They defeated Marin County Union SC, 5-1 at Sonoma Valley High School in Sonoma, California.

Former Stanford University player Arda Bulut opened the scoring in the 5th minute when he headed a ball down into the path of his teammate Alex Weekes. Weekes, who played professionally with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, blasted a half volley from about 25 yards out to give the visitors the early lead.  and he hits a half volley from 25 yards.

Weekes actually has a US Open Cup goal on his resume. He scored the game-winning goal for the Riverhounds in a 2-0 home win over amateur side Detroit United in the opening round of the 2010 US Open Cup.

Olympic Club maintained control of the match with former Harvard University player Kyle Henderson adding two more goals, one in the 25th minute, and another eight minutes later. Javi Ayala Hill, who played professionally in Puerto Rico, added another goal in the 40th minute and the visitors went into the halftime break up 4-0.

The Union would break the shutout in the 53rd minute with a penalty kick, but later Bulut would add a goal of his own in the second half to give The Olympic Club a 5-1 lead and that’s how the game would end. 

It was the second year in a row that Marin County Union have entered the tournament and the second year in a row that they were eliminated in the opening game.

For The Olympic Club, they will play another road game in Round 2, but they won’t have to travel far. They will face Inter San Francisco on Sept. 30.

 


Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
2:0
Real San Jose (USSSA/NSL)
Keith Tice Memorial Park; Fresno, CA

By Josh Hakala

Valley 559 FC picked up their first US Open Cup qualifying win as they shut out Real San Jose, 2-0. After a scoreless first half, Valley FC scored two goals in a four-minute span and that was all the offense they would need.

Juan Flores scored in the 52nd minute and Gabreil Monteiro followed it up with a goal of his own in the 55th minute. The Valley defense would keep Real San Jose off the scoresheet to hand the home team their sixth straight qualifying tournament loss. In fact, Real San Jose hasn’t won a qualifying game since 2010 (Note: They did not enter from 2011-2015), 

Valley 559 FC advance to Round 2 where they will host NISA Nation side Bay Area United, who also just picked up their first qualifying win.

FULL MATCH VIDEO:

 


Alamo City Soccer Club (UPSL)
4:0
Central Texas Lobos (USASA/Gulf Coast PL)
Alamo Sportsplex; San Antonio, TX

PHOTO GALLERY by Leinbach Photography

By Harry Austin

Players from Alamo City SC (middle) and Central Texas Lobos battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Leinbach Photography | IG: @leinbachphotography | Twitter: @star_basker
Players from Alamo City SC (middle) and Central Texas Lobos battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Leinbach Photography | IG: @leinbachphotography | Twitter: @star_basker



What a night it was for Alamo City SC as they defeated Central Texas Lobos 4-0 in the First Round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2024 US Open Cup. It was the first win for Alamo City in Open Cup qualifying history for the UPSL club. For Central Texas Lobos it was a rough night, as they just could not slow down Alamo City, especially in the first half.

The game started off with Alamo City controlling the action in the first half. In the 14th minute, Ben Coway was able to put the first goal in, after Alamo City had a few chances that the Central Texas goalkeeper was able to stop.  After the first goal, Alamo City still kept pressing and off a throw in Coway cut to the center of the field at the top of the box and finished a clean shot in the bottom left corner. Coway got his hat trick in the 37th minute off a great cross and he finished it in the box as the Lobos defense could not clear it.

The second half was the best chance for Central Texas to get back in the game. As they came out strong and aggressive. With multiple chances that they could not get on frame. The Alamo City goalkeeper stayed in the game and when needed, stepped up huge with great saves. Pape Sarr finished the scoring of the night when he converted a great freekick shot in the 65th minute off a hard foul just at the top of the box.

Overall, it was a great night of Open Cup action at the grassroots level, around 50 fans were on hand and they were treated to a great game by both sides. Alamo City was clearly the better team on the night as they continue to play in honor of one of their former players, Melvin Molina (#erernomelvin) who passed away in June from a car crash. Alamo City will advance to Round 2 where they will face a test on the road against the Austin Longhorns on Oct. 1.

 


Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL)
3:0
Ole Football Club (UPSL)
Tibbetts Brooke Park; Yonkers, NY

By Michael Battista

Lansdowne Yonkers FC took the first step towards a third straight Open Cup appearance by beating Olé Football Club, 3-0, at home. In front of a crowd of 100, the experience of the four-time Open Cup competitors outweighed the younger side which won the UPSL regular season last fall. The visitors, competing in qualifying for the first time, were out-matched partially through circumstance. Many of Olé’s first team players were unable to compete after not being internationally cleared. The group, which nearly accounted for its own starting XI, watched on at Tibbetts Brooke Park as the younger players from OFC’s academy took the field.

After each team was shown yellow in the first 15 minutes the home side began to control possession. The ball remained in the Olé end for the most part. The first breakthrough came in the 30th minute. A long pass was inadvertently deflected by a diving OFC player to a waiting Lansdowne foot. A low cross into the box found former Irish professional Daryl Kavanagh. Goalkeeper Abraham Espinal got a hand to the shot but the ball still found the back of the net. Seven minutes later, Lansdowne doubled the lead with a fantastic series. Humbert Ferrer passed to Alexander Germain, who had his back to the goal about 10 yards from the penalty area. With a defender on him, he no-look back passed to a waiting, on-side Shaquille Saunchez. He shot to the right, hitting off the post and into the net to make it 2-0.

The humidity and fog rolled at times, especially during the second half, making watching similar to playing an old PlayStation 2 horror game. Olé accumulated more possession time in the second half but that did not accumulate to more offensive chances. Former Killester Donnycarney FC player Steven Nolan iced the game with a long strike in the 66th minute that slipped between Espinal and the right post.

Lansdowne advanced to the Second Qualifying Round where it will host once again, this time against the New York Renegades from the UPSL.

FULL MATCH VIDEO:



Hurricane FC (USASA/Florida Gold Coast League)
2:4
O’Shea’s FC (USSSA/United States SL)
Seacrest Soccer Complex; Delray Beach, FL

By Josh Hakala

After being one-and-done in their US Open Cup qualifying debut last year, O’Shea’s FC picked up their first tournament win on Saturday night. They traveled to Delray Beach and defeated Hurricane FC, 4-2.

They opened the scoring in the 6th minute as Johnny Schmilliguen made a run up the right wing and crossed it to the penalty spot. Nick Sowers headed the ball toward goal but the ball deflected off a Hurricane defender and fell to Ash Morrisey who put the ball into the back of the net.

Morrisey would return the favor in the 38th minute. He sent a through ball in to Schmilliguen who beat the keeper to double the lead. Then, just before halftime, Sowers pounced on a rebound from a Schmilliguen free kick to put O’Shea’s FC up 3-0 going into halftime.

About 20 minutes into the second half, Hurricane FC would pull one back, but O’Shea’s would restore the three-goal lead in the 80th minute on a goal from Stephen Jean. In the 86th minute, Dominique Camnusso of O’Shea’s committed a foul in the box and earned a second yellow card and was sent off. Hurricane FC would cut the lead to 4-2 after scoring the PK, but that’s as close as they would get as the O’Shea’s defense would hold strong until the final whistle.

O’Shea’s FC will advance to Round 2 where they will host first-time entry Parkland SC from the UPSL on Sept. 30.


Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
2:2
Holac FC (UPSL)
Bellevue College Soccer Field; Bellevue, WA
Holac FC advances, 5-4 on penalty kicks

By Stirling Russell

After an engaging game that ended all square at 2-2 through extra time, UPSL side Holac FC beat Bellevue Athletic FC 5-4 in penalties to advance to the second round of 2024 US Open Cup qualifying. Both teams pushed hard to find winners in regulation and extra time, saves from keepers Prithvi Randhawa for BAFC and Abdulahi Abdullali for Holac kept the match in the balance.

The game started with a bang as Connor Steward opened the scoring after less than 40 seconds. A swift move down the left side by BAFC lead to a squared ball from Alex Willet to Steward, who opened the scoring in the 1st minute. Holac was able to respond quickly in the 6th minute as Mohamed Jama scored to equalize. Bellevue then pulled ahead through Willet after a great counter down the right side lead to a quick switch to Willet who slotted his chance away. In the 30th minute, Fila equalized for Holac, a rebound that took the game level. In the 35th minute, Holac earned a penalty that was shot wide by Jama with a disappointing attempt. Both sides were full of energy as both found the woodwork throughout the 90 minutes but not a breakthrough. Each team found the referee’s book as multiple yellow cards were shown for energetic and overzealous challenges.

Extra time proved to be a more cagey affair as the end to end nature of the match fatigues both sides. Still, Jama found an open header on a corner that was saved by Randhawa. BAFC had chances on the break, but couldn’t connect to create a clear scoring chance. Penalties proved to be the deciding point. BAFC hit the crossbar on their third attempt, as Holac advanced to the next round after converting all five of their attempts.

Holac FC will face amateur side Sharktopus FC on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Interbay Stadium in Seattle in Round 2

FULL MATCH VIDEO:



Laguna United FC (UPSL)

1:4
Capistrano FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Niguel, CA

By Kathryne Padilla

Despite a slow start to the first round of the 2024 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, Capistrano FC were able to pick up momentum in the second half to beat Laguna United FC, 4-1.

LUFC started the match with intense pressure, pushing Capo FC to lose their form for most of the half. The pressure to regain composure increased the aggressiveness of the play between both teams. Yet, that wouldn’t stop LUFC Tyler Queens who put his team in the lead in the 35th minute.

After regrouping during halftime, Capo FC came back to the pitch to tie the match in the 56th minute from a goal from Marcos Cervantes.

“We had a conversation to have time to calm it down, you know, slow down, just see the game as a whole and not just individually and get zoned in and locked in,” Cervantes said.

Capo FC would gain and extend their lead with two goals from Hevany Ramos in the 66th and 68th minute and their fourth goal of the match from Cole Simes in the 86th minute.

Simes’ goal brought Capo FC to their 4-1 victory and now advance to the next round where they will travel to Irvine to take on Irvine Zeta on Oct. 1.

 


JASA RWC (UPSL)
2:6
Bay Area United FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
Red Morton Community Park; Redwood City, CA

By Jim Coppock

Open Cup debutantes, Bay Area United FC of NISA Nation, traveled north to Redwood City to take on JASA RWC of the UPSL. The visitors would run away with the result, 6-2. Their first USOC qualifying goal would happen after only five minutes.

Both nets rippled early – in the 3rd minute for JASA and in the 5th for Bay Area United by Landon Elfstrom—his first of two on the night. Elfstom’s second goal came in the 19th minute to put the visitors in front. JASA equalized just before the end of the half, off a free kick. The second half was well contested but only the visitors would find any joy. Goals by Ehab Almaznai in the 55th, Abdulrahamn Algabri in the 75th, Lorenzo Avila in the 85th and Victor Osperez three minutes into stoppage time would seal the deal. The victory gave NISA Nation teams two wins from two against UPSL sides on the night.

The victory sees Bay Area United advance to host Valley 559 FC of the UPSL, also USOC debutants, on Sept. 30 in the second qualifying round.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bay Area United FC (@bayareaunitedfc)

 


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Harpos FC (USSSA/Colorado PL)
2:1
Colorado Rovers (USSSA/Colorado PL)
Broomfield Commons Soccer Fields; Broomfield, CO

By Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC advanced to the second round of Open Cup qualifying beating Colorado Rovers 2-1.

Adam Mickelson and Jamie Gutierrez scored for Harpos. Stan Garcia had the Rovers’ only goal. It was the fourth all-time meeting between the two clubs in this tournament with Harpos winning all four.

Mickelson put Harpos in the lead 15 minutes into the match off a pass from Sean Baumann, making a slaloming run through the heart of the Rovers’ defense before finishing cleanly.

Garcia pulled Rovers level in the 24th minute as he scored off a cross from Jaret Townsend.

Moments before halftime, the Rovers lost their goalkeeper to injury when he entered into a brave arial challenge outside of the penalty area with Harpos’ George Marchant. The collision drew blood from both players, but Marchant ended up finishing the game.

The Rovers goalkeeper had to be replaced, but there was no backup netminder on the team’s 18-man roster. Rovers head coach Erick French had to put the gloves on a field player, and he chose “super athlete” (as he described him) Nick Shenburger.

Shenburger played well and only gave up that one goal, but that goal ended up being the difference in the game. Just after halftime, Harpos regained the lead when Adam Mickelson sent a corner kick into the box and Lucas King put a shot on goal, but the rebound fell to Gutierrez who finished to make it 2-1.

That’s how the game would finish. With the win, Harpos next face longtime and bitter rivals, Azteca FC. It will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs with Azteca winning all three previous meetings. All three of those matches were decided by a single goal and all three of them were “Win & You’re In” matches.

It was a rugged @opencup battle ???? The match had cards, drama and injuries. We executed our game plan for the dub. Harpos FC 2-1 Colorado Rovers. Thanks to our fans for their support ????

MOTM: Juddy McKinney
BOTM: Daniel Whittle, George Marchant#bullshitpubteam #usoc2024 pic.twitter.com/42P2pj5H1Y

— Harpos FC (@HarposFC) September 11, 2023

 


Peak Eleven FC (USASA/Mountain PL)
7:0
Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado PL)
Fairview HS; Boulder, CO

By Andrew Mosier

Azteca FC 5280 is one step closer to returning to the US Open Cup proper for the fourth time with a comprehensive 7-0 win over Peak Eleven FC.

Alan Salgado and Jovany Herrera accounted for all seven of Azteca’s goals.

Salgado put the visiting side up in the first half shortly before Peak Eleven went a man down after a red card was shown around the 30-minute mark. He doubled the lead moments later. Salgado added two more goals in the second half to make it 4-0 after the Peak Eleven goalkeeper was ejected for committing a goal-saving foul outside of his penalty area.

Herrera then added to the tally, scoring three consecutive goals in the final 30 minutes of the second half. A third ejection, and an injury to a Peak Eleven player after the side had used its allotment of substitutions left the home side with only eight players to finish the match.

The win was Azteca’s sixth consecutive opening win in Open Cup qualifying. Azteca advances to face longtime rival, Harpos FC in the next round.

“It is such an incredible rivalry, especially in the Open Cup,” said Azteca FC owner, Andy De La Rosa. “It’s going to be fun.”

 


BattleBorn FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
2:3
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Mackay Stadium; Reno, NV

By Andrew Mosier

FC Folsom advanced to the second round of 2024 US Open Cup qualifying, coming from behind to beat BattleBorn FC, 3-2.

Former Gonzaga University player Cole Revigno opened the scoring and Moshi Wilondja tallied a brace for Folsom in the win. Luis Chaves and Robert Rupp scored for BattleBorn.

Battleborn took the early lead off a Chaves goal near the 20 minute mark of the first half.

The lead did not stand long. Revigno, who spent time playing with the Sacramento Republic FC, leveled the score thanks to a Gio Romero assist.

Wilondja put Folsom in the lead in the second half, smashing home a ball from close range after Bryce Pando set him up.

Wilondja accounted for his second goal on the night shortly after his first thanks to some brilliant individual play, stripping a defender of the ball then beating the goalkeeper one-on-one.

Rupp pulled BattleBorn within a goal with ten minutes to play but it was not enough as FC Folsom picked up a win in the club’s Open Cup qualifying debut. The UPSL side will host UC Davis Club Soccer on Oct. 1 in Round 2.

FULL MATCH VIDEO:

 


Philadelphia Heritage SC (USASA/EPSL)
3:3
Kensington SC (USASA/EPSL)
Proving Grounds; Conshohocken, PA
Philadelphia Heritage advances, 3-0 on penalty kicks

By Jim Coppock

In an all-EPSL Delaware River Conference affair, in a damp Conshohocken, Pa., Philadelphia Heritage SC hosted Kensington SC in the first qualifying round for the 2024 US Open Cup. The two sides fought a see-saw contest to an exciting 3-3 draw, after extra time. Philadelphia Heritage won the penalty shootout, 3-0.

The Heritage side opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Kensington failed to clear the ball after a shot off the bar rebounded, Brendan Gorman found Chad Catalana for the 1-0 lead. Kensington would find an equalizer in the 40th minute. Gavin Coutts burying a 6-yard header at the back post from a corner kick.

Kensington would find the lead just before halftime. In stoppage time, Berlenz Lumarque found the net from 18 yards on an assist from Hamza Dabbour who crossed from the left side of the penalty area. It was 2-1 to Kensington at the break.

In the 56th minute, Heritage would find a second goal to level the score at 2. Jesse Weick scored with a back post tap-in from a ground level cross from Chad Catalana. In the 66th minute, Kensington retook the lead. Berlenz Lamarque with his second of the match to put Kensington back in front. The game continued fast and furious until the end of regulation. In the second minute of stoppage time, Heritage would equalize a second time. Catalana gets his second goal, to go along with an assist, to make it 3-3.

No goals could be found in the bonus 30 minutes. In the penalty session, Heritage would shoot first. Heritage converted their first, second and fourth penalties. Heritage netminder, Carlos Meinhard Lopez, would save the second Kensington attempt, but Kensington missed all their other attempts to lose the shootout 3-0.

Philadelphia Heritage advances in their Open Cup qualifying debut and will host Vereinigung Erzgebirge in the Second Round on Sept. 30.

Kickoff about to begin. #USOpen23 pic.twitter.com/4FXFctLmoo

— Philadelphia Heritage SC (@_heritage_sc) September 10, 2023

 


Dade County FC (UPSL)
1:4
Miami Soccer Academy (USASA/United States SL)
UPSL Stadium (Broward College-South Campus); Pembroke Pines, FL

By Bridget McDowell

Miami Soccer Academy made a slow but controlled start to the match due to the south Florida heat, scoring first against the hosting UPSL side Dade County FC and protecting the lead well. In just the 10th minute, Dade County conceded a dangerous freekick opportunity and Miami converted, a curling ball from Pacheco that went above the wall and into the top right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Despite a number of set pieces for both sides, and one goal for Dade County disallowed for offside, Miami’s 1-0 lead held until the 79th minute. DCFC’s Ewout Gouw got his head on a ball served in from the corner, through traffic, and sent it neatly past the Miami goalkeeper to equalize. Less than one minute later however a chip at the other end made it 2-1 Miami. 

Gouw had a chance to level the score again in the 90th minute with a free kick from the edge of the 18 but skied the chance. Miami took advantage of the host’s frustration (Dade drew four yellow cards to Miami’s one), sending in goals in the first and third minutes of stoppage time to seal a 4-1 win.

For Miami Soccer Academy, it was their third straight opening round win in the qualifying tournament. They will travel to Fort Lauderdale for Round 2 where they will face Florida Brothers on Oct. 1.

FULL MATCH VIDEO:

 


Zum Schneider FC 03 (USASA/EPSL)
2:1
New York Greek American SC (USASA/EPSL)
Jack McManus Field; New York, NY

By David Einhorn

Eastern Premier Soccer League clubs Zum Schneider FC 03 and NY Greek Americans SC both had high hopes of starting their 2024 US Open Cup qualifying campaign strong. They faced off on Roosevelt Island Sunday night in a strategic battle between familiar foes.

Zum Schneider took an early lead in the 12th minute. An excellent run from midfield led to a shot on goal that was saved, but bundled in on the rebound. The lead would last just eight minutes as the Greek Americans promptly responded. A foul near the edge of the 18 yard box gave them a perfect opportunity. The free kick was placed beautifully and left the keep rooted to his spot as the ball flew in. There were several opportunities for both teams to strike, but little fouls, miskicks and slips kept the score even 1-1 at half-time.

Rain had set in during halftime, which led to more slips and missed passes from both teams. Zum Schnieder FC 03 took control of the game in the 83rd minute. They worked the ball from the far side in midfield over to the left wing. Then an excellent cut inside and shot found its way into the back of the net with some help from a lucky bounce past the keeper. Zum Schneider would score the game-winning goal in the last few minutes and wrapped up the win.

They move into the second round of US Open Qualifying while the four-time US Open Cup champions were sent home. Zum Schneider will play Round 2 on the road when they take on the New York Renegades from the UPSL on Oct. 1.  



New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/EPSL)
1:0
New York Braveheart SC (UPSL)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Jamaica, NY

FULL MATCH VIDEO HERE

By David Einhorn

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms of the Eastern Premier Soccer League looked to take the first step towards qualification to the 2024 US Open Cup on Sunday when they faced New York Braveheart SC. The Pancyprian Freedoms have won the competition three times in their history (1980, 1982, 1983), but more recently, they have made their home at St. John’s University a fortress. They came into this match unbeaten at home since 2021.

Meanwhile, Braveheart SC of the United Premier Soccer League are just 19 months old and already seeking to qualify for their first ever US Open Cup. While the Freedoms are yet to play a league match, Braveheart came into this match unbeaten in five, including a 5-1 rout of last year’s UPSL North Eastern playoff winners Philadelphia Lone Star.

The first 15 minutes of play were wide open as both teams traded attacking chances, but play settled after no chances had been converted. Pancyprian Freedoms took the lead in the 30th minute through Simon Tchoukriel. A miskick from Mathew Forster fell perfectly for Tchoukriel as he rifled the ball home on a half-volley. A free kick just outside the 18 yard box gave Junior Rosero had an opportunity to bring Braveheart level in the 42nd minute, but he skied his shot over the bar. The score at half time was 1-0.

It started to rain during the second half, but that didn’t deter either team from playing attacking soccer. Braveheart worked a corner to Oscar Rivas, who’s low shot just missed the back of the net. Moments later, the Freedoms had a second free kick opportunity, but unlike the first half the shot beat the wall but couldn’t dip under the crossbar. The Freedoms had several chances to put the match to bed, but they could not convert. In added time, Oscar Rivas was issued a second yellow card and sent off for a foul in midfield and the Freedoms were able to settle the match and hold their 1-0 to the final whistle.

They continue their incredible home record and move on to Round 2 where they will host fellow EPSL rival Lansdowne Yonkers FC on Oct. 1

New York Pancyprian Freedoms’ game-winning goal:

 

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Irvine Zeta FC (UPSL)
3:1
Irvine FC (UPSL)
Orange County Great Park; Irvine, CA

By Kathryne Padilla

In the first round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2024 US Open Cup, Irvine Zeta FC found its way around Irvine FC’s defense for a 3-1 victory.

Irvine FC began the first half holding on to most of the possession. However, once Zeta FC regained control, they would quickly push offensively in order to create any opportunity to be the first on the board. While both team’s defense fought to keep any offensive play away from the goal, Zeta would finally make its way to the scoreboard.

In the 42nd minute, Mingxuan Zhao would see their shot of the match hitting the back of the goal putting Zeta FC in the lead. Just a few minutes later, in the second minute of first half of stoppage time. Manual Aranda III would break through the defense and past the goalie, to just tap in the ball to bring his team up 2-0 to end the first half.

The second half remained in the hands of Irvine Zeta FC. With continuous attempts on goal, and even one close opportunity in the 56th minute that was just shy of the goal post, led to Irvine FC subbing out their starting goalie. In the 69th minute, Zeta FC’s Zhao would test the limits of the new keeper and would result in his second goal of the match and stretching the lead to 3-0.

In the 77th minute, the score would change to 3-1 after Irvine FC’s Nathaniel Michaelis’ free kick hit the back of the net. Irvine would fail to make a comeback and Irvine Zeta FC advanced to the next round. In Round 2, Zeta FC will host Capistrano FC from NISA Nation on Oct. 1.

 

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Manhattan Kickers FC (USASA/Cosmopolitan SL)
0:5
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
Randall’s Island Wards Meadow Fields; New York, NY

By Michael Battista

The young New York Renegades FC were not slowed down by the rain on Randalls Island. The UPSL team handily beat Manhattan Kickers FC, 5-0, on Sunday night to advance. For Manhattan their second year of qualifying ends much like the first did, even down to the scoreline.

Rodrigo Descalzo Rocca and Rances Reneau Bardales were the main stars for the Renegades. Each scored two goals and assisted on two more. Rocca, which spent time this past summer with NPSL side FC Motown (helping them probably earn qualification as a national quarterfinalist), opened the game with a goal in the 10th minute. His second came in the 39th, when Bardales unselfishly passed to him on a run to secure a 2-0 lead.

While the Kickers held the age advantage, the Renegades’ youth and organization were the clinching factor. That was clear as Bardales scored twice in two minutes (49th, 51st) to make it 4-0. The rain got harder from there and play started to slow. The Kickers’ keeper, Benjamin Yabrow, still made some impressive saves throughout the match. Prior to the second half collapse, his goalkeeping was the only thing giving Manhattan a chance. The final nail came in the 71st minute when Rocca passed to Edgar Velasquez on the left side. He scored to make it 5-0.

The Renegades next challenge will, coincidentally, be coming from the next step in the NYC soccer ladder. After beating the Kickers of the Cosmo League Division 1, their next opponent in Round 2 will be Zum Schneider FC 03 of the Eastern Premier Soccer League (which uses the CSL as a feeder league). The Renegades will host on Oct. 1.

PARTIAL MATCH VIDEO:
(Stream ended early due to inclement weather)




UC Davis Club Soccer (USASA/West Coast SA)
7:1
Elk Grove Blues (UPSL)
Playfields Park; Davis, CA

By Jim Coppock

UC Davis Men’s Soccer Club of the West Coast Soccer Association, hosted Elk Grove Blues FC of the UPSL in the 1st qualifying round. The home side wasted no time in taking control, winning this one, 7-1.

Only four minutes after the opening whistle, UC Davis’ Nathan Shimamoto put the hosts into the lead. Goals in the 26th by Paris Martins, a 38th minute PK by Salvadore Gomez-Avila, and a 40th minute strike by Shimamoto put the collegiate side in cruise control. The half ended 4-0.

Elk Grove did not give up and reduced the deficit to 4-1 in the 52nd minute through Leonardo Mora. UC Davis’ Oscar Ortiz would push the lead back to four goals in the 60th minute (5-1). Salvadore Gomez-Avila added a sixth goal, his second of the night, in the 83rd minute. Finally, a PK in the 88th by Bennett Olsen-Zwick would be the final nail, with Davis’ seventh goal of the night.

With the victory, UC Davis will host FC Folsom of the UPSL in Round 2 on Oct. 1.

NOTE: The West Coast Soccer Association is a group of 36 college teams, based in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Round?

August 27, 2023 by Josh Hakala


The 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup came down to a pair of games on Wednesday night, and both of them needed extra time to be decided.

Inter Miami CF traveled to FC Cincinnati and battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw in front of a packed crowd. Miami would prevail in the penalty kick shootout, 5-4. The next match a match that culminated in a penalty kick shootout. In the second game, the Houston Dynamo defended their home turf with a 3-1 extra time win over Real Salt Lake. It was just the third time in tournament history that both Semifinals went to extra time.

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Amine Bassi (Houston Dynamo)

Bassi played all 120 minutes and assisted on all three of Houston’s goals in a 3-1 home win vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS). He becomes just the 14th player in the Modern Era to have 3 assists in a game

Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami CF)
Played 90 minutes and scored the first two goals, including the game-tying goal in the final minute of second half stoppage time in Inter’s 3-3 road draw at FC Cincinnati (MLS). Miami won the PK shootout 5-4.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Played 120 minutes and assisted on the Miami’s first two goals, including the game-tying assist in the final minute of second half stoppage time in Inter’s 3-3 road draw at FC Cincinnati (MLS). He also scored his PK attempt in Miami’s 5-4 penalty kick win.

2023 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners

Round 1: Nicklas Rulle (Jacksonville Armada U-23s)
Round 2: AR Smith Jr. (Chicago House AC)
Round 3: Christian Volesky (Monterey Bay FC)
Round 4: Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC)
Round of 16: Corey Baird (Houston Dynamo)
Quarterfinals: Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake)

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Messi mania joins the final four

August 22, 2023 by Josh Hakala


After a two and a half month pause, the 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is back.

Wednesday night will feature a Semifinal doubleheader with the first game taking place in Cincinnati and the second in Houston.

Since the Quarterfinals in early June, a lot has changed. The inaugural Leagues Cup took place with Inter Miami CF winning their first trophy armed with one of the greatest players to play the game. Miami will now try to bring a Open Cup title to South Beach for the first time in the Open Cup’s 107-year history. Their opponent, FC Cincinnati, are trying to be the first team from the Queen City to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, down south, the only remaining team with an Open Cup title under their belt, the Houston Dynamo (2018), will host Real Salt Lake, who are looking to be the first team from Utah to win the tournament.

The winners of Wednesday night’s final four matchups will advance to the US Open Cup Final on Sept. 27. If Real Salt Lake wins, they will host the Final. If Houston wins, the winner of Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will get home field advantage in the title game.

You can find in-game updates on TheCup.us’ Twitter account (@USOpenCup)

You can find a preview of both Semifinal games below:

Inter Miami CF (MLS) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
ENGLISH BROADCAST: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
SPANISH BROADCAST: Telemundo, Peacock

By Wendy Pintor & James Knowles 

Inter Miami has come from out of nowhere in the US soccer landscape. Lionel Messi has somehow managed to live up to the hype since signing with Miami last month. Messi, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, have made the team instant contenders for trophies. They already lifted one by winning the revamped Leagues Cup this past Sunday in Tennessee, with a 10-9 penalty kick shootout win over Nashville SC. Messi scored Miami’s lone goal in the final and converted his PK in the shootout. The World Cup winner has scored 10 goals and dished out four assists in his first seven games leading Miami to seven straight victories (including PK shootouts). His countless remarkable moments finding the back of the net in every game so far, has captivated American fans, making Inter Miami tickets a hot commodity.

Now, Inter has another trophy in their sights as they take their new-look roster on the road to Ohio to resume US Open Cup play.

Miami faces a tough test with FC Cincinnati, a team that has the best record in MLS (15-3-6). Inter began Leagues Cup play with the league’s worst record (5-14-3) and the second-worst goal difference (-14). However, those 22 games were in the Pre-Messi Era. As a result, Wednesday’s Semifinal is difficult to handicap.

Miami’s journey to the club’s first US Open Cup Semifinal appearance has been a challenge. The club’s four games were all decided by a single goal and one penalty kick shootout. Their opening game in Round 3 nearly saw a one-and-done performance at the hands of a Vice City rival. After an own goal by DeAndre Yedlin put The Miami FC (USL Championship) up 2-1 in the 116th minute, Inter found a late equalizer (118th min.) by Ryan Sailor to send the match into a PK shootout. Inter won win the shootout 5-3 to survive and advance.

Photo: FC Cincinnati

Another USL Championship team gave the MLS side a scare in Round 4. The Charleseton Battery scored the lone goal of the game, but it was a ball that ended up in the back of their own net. In the Round of 16 at home, Nicolas Stefanelli scored a 73rd minute game-winner to send them past Nashville SC, 2-1.

Stefanelli was the hero again in the Quarterfinals when he scored the lone goal in a narrow 1-0 road win over the Birmingham Legion FC.

Officially speaking, Inter Miami have never lost a US Open Cup game (5-0-2, 1-1 PK). This is just their second tournament appearance and last year, they were eliminated by eventual champion Orlando City SC in a penalty kick shootout, which is officially listed as a draw.

A team from Miami has never lifted the trophy in the 107-year history of the US Open Cup. In fact, when Orlando City SC won the tournament last year, it was just the second time a team from the Sunshine State had won. The only Miami team to have success in the competition was the now-defunct Miami Fusion, who reached the 2000 Final only to lose to the Chicago Fire in the championship game.

Leading the Eastern Conference in MLS, FC Cincinnati come into the US Open Cup on Wednesday hoping to snap a recent funk. After bowing out of the Leagues Cup competition with a disappointing, but still laudable, penalty kick loss to Nashville SC, Cincy kicked off their return to MLS play with an embarrassing defeat to intrastate rivals, the Columbus Crew.

Cincinnati’s Major League Soccer campaign in 2023 has been downright stupendous. They lead the overall table by at least seven points and their own conference by eight. Pushing for a good run in the playoffs wasn’t necessarily their only shot at a trophy, though, with their Open Cup exploits looking just as good so far. Cincy entered the competition in the Third Round, like most MLS clubs, and squeaked past local former rivals Louisville City 1-0. A late goal from homegrown Quimi Ordonez was all they needed.

Photo: Inter Miami CF

In the Round of 32, they drew fellow MLS team New York City FC. Another 1-0 result was sufficient here, even if the standard in opposition had gone up. It was US international Brandon Vasquez who scored the lone goal that night.

Cincy moved on to the Round of 16, where they drew the other New York (area) team, the Red Bulls. This one was another cagey affair, with the hosting Red Bulls scoring an equalizer in second half stoppage time. Their goal scorer, Dante Vanzeir, had his attempt saved in the penalty kick shootout as Cincinnati advanced to the Quarterfinals, 5-3. Alvaro Barreal fired home the winning PK.

Cincinnati went back as hosts in early June, facing another club from the USL Championship, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. FC Cincy won 3-1 as their cross-border rivals were unable to muster the necessary spirit and gave up three goals in the second half before finding a consolation goal of their own.

Starting July 21, the Leagues Cup, a creation of MLS and Mexican top division Liga MX, got going with all the teams in each league taking part. Cincinnati’s first involvement was two days later, when they drew Sporting Kansas City and then beat them on penalties. A 3-1 win over Mexican side Chivas of Guadalajara put them through to the another Round of 32 game. In this one, they would not be able to overcome Nashville in a shootout.

That game was on August 4, the last day Cincinnati kicked a ball in a competitive game until Sunday August 20. The derby loss to Columbus Crew left one opponent saying Ohio was yellow now. The ability of the Orange and Blue to take that insult and use it for fuel becomes all the more necessary when one sees their opponent is newly crowned Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami.

While Cincinnati has never lost a home game in the Open Cup as an MLS franchise (5-0-0), this could possibly be their biggest test yet. It should be noted, of course, that Miami is now home to the biggest scoring threat in the history of the sport. Lionel Messi descends on the Buckeye State with visions of his second trophy in his new colors. Containing him will be a massive task.

Nashville SC, who beat Cincinnati in that shootout on the way to the Leagues Cup final, gave up just two shots on target against Miami in that game. Both were to Messi, who managed to score one and hit the post with the other. Nashville also has the best goals against stat in the entire league, giving up only 22 all season, six fewer than Cincy. Keeping a shutout may be as close to impossible as it can get in soccer. But, Cincinnati will be hoping to take advantage of one of the MLS’s worst defenses as well. Without their recent additions, Miami gave up 36 goals in league play.

While other signees Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba help form a formidable wall, Brandon Vazquez will be looking to pick up his goalscoring exploits again. With five goals in his three Leagues Cup games before the break, his tag team with Cincy’s own recent signing, Aaron Boupendza, will need to be firing on all cylinders to get this club past the Herons. If they can beat this opponent, all signs will point to them winning just the second Open Cup title for the state of Ohio in the tournament’s 107-year history (2002 Columbus Crew). Then, they could hope to repaint the state in Orange and Blue.

MORE: Cincinnati’s forgotten US Open Cup history (2017)

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance (3rd as MLS team)
Overall: 12-4-3 (2-1 PK) | 5-2-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Home: 10-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 5-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 2-2-3 (2-1 PK) | 1-1-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 2-0-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022)


Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
ENGLISH BROADCAST: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
SPANISH BROADCAST: Telemundo, Peacock

By Andrew Mosier

There are a lot of unknowns going into Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal between the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

In the 75 days since the Quarterfinal round, both sides have played only a handful of matches as MLS took a nearly month-long hiatus for the Leagues Cup. Both clubs made Round of 16 exits. Houston played one game since a 5-0 win against the Portland Timbers in return to league play last Saturday, while RSL hasn’t played a competitive game since August 8 when it was eliminated from the Leagues Cup by LAFC, 4-0.

Photo: Real Salt Lake

Houston has conceded only one goal in four Open Cup matches this year, earning clean sheets in the first three matches of the tournament: 1-0 at the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C), 1-0 at home against Sporting Kansas City, and 4-0 against Minnesota United. Houston earned a berth in the Semifinals June 6 with a 4-1 win at the Chicago Fire, extending the club’s home Open Cup win streak to four matches dating back to the 2022 tournament.

However, Houston is going to have to contend with RSL captain and USOC scoring co-leader, Damir Kreilach, who has four goals in Open Cup play this year. He was also last round’s TheCup.us Player of the Round. He is joined by the newly-acquired, Chicho Arango, who has one goal for RSL since his July transfer from Pachuca.

Corey Baird and Aliyu Ibrahim both have three goals for Houston in Open Cup play this year. Baird also scored on Saturday in league play.

Photo: Houston Dynamo

Prior to this year’s tournament, RSL set a modern-era record with a seven game Open Cup winless streak dating back to 2014. RSL broke the streak with a 3-1 extra time win at Las Vegas Lights (USL-C), followed by road wins at Portland (4-3) and Colorado (1-0) before beating the struggling LA Galaxy 3-2 in the Quarterfinals at home.

This is Houston’s third trip to the Open Cup semifinals. In 2009 the Dynamo lost in extra time on the road to Seattle and beat LAFC in penalty kicks in en route to its only Open Cup title in 2018, steamrolling a heavily favored Philadelphia Union 3-0 in the final.

RSL have one US Open Cup semifinal appearance, in 2013, beating the Portland Timbers 2-1 before falling to D.C. United 1-0 in the club’s only USOC final appearance.

The two clubs have met once this year in league play, a scoreless draw at Shell Energy Stadium on May 6. Coincidently, the next scheduled league match for the two clubs is next Saturday, August 26, at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. In league play, RSL (10-7-7) sits in third place in the western conference. Houston (9-10-5) is in sixth.

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 23-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 18-5-1
vs. MLS: 9-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-5-0
vs. MLS: 6-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2013)

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Two USL teams, Six MLS teams battle for spot in Semifinals (with video links)

June 6, 2023 by Josh Hakala

Photo: Birmingham Legion FC
Photo: Birmingham Legion FC

For a second straight tournament two lower division professional teams have reached the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. They and six teams from Major League Soccer (Division I) will battle on Tuesday and Wednesday night to reach next month’s semifinals.

Birmingham Legion FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of USL Championship (Division II) beat MLS teams in Round 5 to reach the last eight. On the MLS side, three former Open Cup champions (LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire FC, Houston Dynamo FC) are looking for another piece of silverware.

Both of the western region games feature all MLS match-ups, while the east has two MLS visiting USL-C teams.

All four games this week will be streamed online for free, each on one of two different channels:

  • Bleacher Report’s app and the B/R Football YouTube channel
  • CBS Sports Golazo network, available on the free tier of Paramount+, Pluto TV, and this direct stream here.

Scroll down to find a preview of every game and live stream links.

Tuesday, June 6th

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: B/R Football YouTube channel

By Rachael Kriger

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have a tall mountain to climb tonight in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The ‘slayers of MLS’ are looking to take down their third club. However, it’s an opponent they know from the past.

Well, sort of.

FC Cincinnati and the Riverhounds were rivals once when Cincinnati spent time in the USL in 2018, before becoming an MLS club in 2019. The team looks much different than when they were in the USL. Honestly, FC Cincinnati look completely different from the team that first spent time in MLS. A once head-shaking club has become an MLS Cup fighter, with key acquisitions and upgraded management under Pat Noonan. Despite the ‘new history’ being created in Cincinnati, it’ll be a blast from the past having Pittsburgh at TQL Stadium. The history between the two cities goes back. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are fierce rivals. The Reds and the Pirates go at it. Only about 300 miles separate the two cities. 

Tonight, it’ll be much more than a rivalry match ignited. It’s the shot for Pittsburgh to make history and be the first Western Pennsylvania club to reach the Semifinals since Beadling SC did it in 1958. And FC Cincinnati will do everything they can, at home, to crush that dream.

Take a look at how each side can fare at TQL Stadium. 

FC Cincinnati 

Last year, Cincinnati got rocked in the Open Cup Round of 32 by New England — a team that Pittsburgh took down in the same round this year. FC Cincinnati, if the MLS season were to end today, would be the runaway Supporters’ Shield winner. They sit in the first place spot and are riding an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their last loss was April 15 against expansion side St. Louis. In fact, the loss was their lone one this season. Cincinnati has three draws on the season, so this team is used to winning.

Luciano Acosta leads the way with seven goals and has three assists to his name. Sergio Santos and US men’s national team youngster Brandon Vazquez have four goals each. While Brenner is on the out (he’ll be joining Udinese in July), it didn’t affect the team too much on the scoresheet, as the Brazilian only found the scoresheet once this season. Álvaro Barreal is Cincinnati’s playmaker, with five assists to lead the team.

However, defense is where heads should be turning. Matt Miazga, once a US international and looking to get his way back into the team, leads the defenders in minutes, but has been prone to pick up a few yellow cards. He and goalkeeper Roman Celentano have played every minute this season. The goalkeeper has recorded a whopping eight clean sheets in 16 matches this season in MLS play. Don’t sleep on defender Yerson Mosquera, too — especially on set piece plays.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

The Riverhounds are clearly the underdog. To get to this point, Pittsburgh — led by head coach and USL mastermind Bob Lilley — took down the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew SC by scores of 1-0 each, respectfully. Pittsburgh has enjoyed a recent streak of four-straight wins, starting on May 13 with a 2-1 win over Birmingham Legion. Right now, they sit in second — just one point behind first-place side Charleston — in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. In fact, the two teams will face off on Saturday for a shot at the top spot.

There is a bit of a halt for Pittsburgh. Leading goal scorer Albert Dikwa, who has nine goals to his name so far, is out with a hip injury. However, Pittsburgh Soccer Now writer John Krysinsky recently got an update from Lilley after Pittsburgh’s 1-0 win over Phoenix Rising this past weekend, stating: “He didn’t dress tonight, but he’s close. We’re unclear at this point, but I think he’ll be available to us in some capacity, but that will be determined in the next couple of days.”

Pittsburgh got into town early, with Krysinsky reporting that they trained at TQL Stadium on Monday. Dikwa’s return for the Open Cup match will be much needed for a variety of reasons. First, the second-leading goal scorer on the team is center back defender Arturo Ordoñez. The big-man has scored all three of his goals in the last three league games for the Riverhounds, being a crucial playmaker on set pieces. The third-leading scorer on the team is Edward Kizza, who is suspended after receiving a red card late in Pittsburgh’s win over Columbus. 

The Riverhounds need a strong output from Danny Griffin, who returned to the team on May 3, and from hometown kid Robbie Mertz, who both have one goal on the season. Griffin was the hero against New England, scoring the lone tally. To no one’s surprise, USL-leading assist star Kenardo Forbes leads the Riverhounds in the same category with four. On defense and goal, Jahmali Waite has appeared in 12 USL Championship matches, making 14 saves and recorded four clean sheets. In the Open Cup, he has recorded a clean sheet in all four of Pittsburgh’s games. On defense, the combination of Ordoñez and Mike DeShields at center back has worked wonders, with two-straight games with zero goals conceded.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 17-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 4-12-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 3-6-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001, 2023)

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-4-3 (2-1 PK) | 4-2-1 as MLS
Home: 9-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 4-0-0 as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 6-2-0 | 3-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)


Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) at Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo Network

By George Diamond

Two teams that have struggled in league play but found success in the Cup will clash at SeatGeek Stadium on Tuesday. Chicago Fire have shown flashes of their potential this season, but have rarely been able to finish games as strong as they start. The Houston Dynamo have similarly struggled for consistency but find themselves only a point away from crossing the playoff line in the west.

Chicago interim coach Frank Klopas knows a thing or two about the Open Cup. He did the double as a player with Chicago in 1998, winning MLS Cup and the Open Cup. Since then, he has been the Fire’s head coach on three separate occasions. He’ll need to use that experience because the Fire must find stability. They have dropped points from winning or tying positions in seven games this year. They have been solid in Open Cup play though, only conceding one goal through three rounds of play thanks to goalkeeper Spencer Richey.

A problem Klopas has to solve revolves around their DP number 10. In theory, Shaqiri is the best player on the team. In practice, not so much. The accomplished player has missed time through injury and has not been in form. However, homegrown Brian Guitierez has shown the ability to pick up the slack. In recent MLS matches, Shaqiri has started while Guitierrez comes off the bench. Klopas may start both in order to create as many chances for their forwards as possible. Przybyłko and Kamara are proven goal scorers, but they need service. That could spell danger for the Dynamo, who have shipped nine goals in the last two league matches.

However, Ben Olsen also knows a thing or two about Open Cups having won the tournament twice in his career. Both trophies came with DC United, one as a player in 2008 and another as their head coach in 2013.

Olsen may turn to forward/midfielder Corey Baird in pursuit of more goals. Baird bagged a hat trick in the Round of 16 against SKC and is currently tied for second in the Golden Boot race. Expect the midfield to contain Hector Herrera and Adalberto Carransquilla. Both players are integral to the Dynamo attack and frequently progress the ball into the opponent’s third. The chances they create are often finished by winger Amine Bassi who has scored a team leading six goals. Additionally, Artur is critical to their shape. He rarely gets on the scoresheet, but is excellent at recovering the ball via tackles and interceptions and is able to distribute effectively. They have yet to concede a goal in Open Cup play behind three shutouts from backup keeper Andrew Tarbell.

The Chicago Fire are historically the more successful side, laying claim to four Open Cups including the ‘98, 2000, ‘03 and ‘06 editions of the Cup. The Dynamo only have one, defeating the Philadelphia Union in 2018.

The fact of the matter is that at this point in the competition, every team is only two wins away from playing in a final. Some of the hardest fought, most chaotic and entertaining Open Cup games come at this point in the competition. Both the Fire and Dynamo have some real talent on their rosters and both head coaches have played and managed in these types of games. This game is poised to be a back and forth affair that should have both sets of fans stressed out and the neutrals entertained.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 4-7-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 8-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions

Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 45-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 28-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 24-10-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions


Wednesday, June 7th

Inter Miami CF (MLS) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo Network

By Jordan Beech

Birmingham Legion FC looks to continue their magical cup run as they welcome Inter Miami CF to Protective Stadium. Wednesday’s contest will mark the US Open Cup Quarterfinals debut for both clubs. 

Miami snuck past Nashville SC, 2-1, in the last round to reach the Quarterfinals. Franco Negri and Alex Muyl tallied in the win. Inter entered in Round 3, getting past the USL Championship’s Miami FC on penalties before a 1-0 win over the Charleston Battery to set up the tie with Nashville. 

Leonardo Campana leads IMCF with three goals this season. However, no player for Miami has scored more than one goal in Open Cup play this year.

Earning just four wins in nine across all competitions the last month, the Herons announced the dismissal of Phil Neville last week while installing Javier Morales on an interim basis. This season marks Morales’ managerial debut.

A bit up-and-down of late, Birmingham is one of just two USL Championship sides remaining in the tournament following a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 thru Adilson Malanda. Prior to securing the side’s first-ever win over an MLS opponent, Birmingham got past Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL1), Chattanooga FC (NISA), and Memphis 901 FC (USL-C). This is the first time an Alabama-based team has reached the Quarterfinals.

Since May 3, Birmingham is 2-5-0 across all competitions — both wins coming in Open Cup play. Enzo Martínez leads the Legion with five goals this season, while Juan Agudelo leads all Birmingham players with three goals in USOC action. Agudelo needs one goal to tie the lead for the USOC Golden Boot (Josh Dolling, 4).

The winner of Wednesday’s contest secures a first-ever berth in the US Open Cup Semifinals where they’ll meet the winner of Tuesday’s tie between FC Cincinnati and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 1-0-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022, 2023)

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Round of 16 (2023)


LA Galaxy (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
America First Field – Sandy, UT
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: B/R Football YouTube channel

By Wendy Pintor

After a 3-2 comeback win on the road against Real Salt Lake in league play on May 31, the LA Galaxy return to action by traveling to face RSL again in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at America First Field. Wednesday’s match marks the 57th all-time meeting across all competitions between the two teams, LA leading the all-time series of 24-19-13. Against RSL, the Galaxy hold a 20-17-11 record in league play, a 4-1-2 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs and a 0-1-0 record in the US Open Cup. In the only Open Cup meeting between LA and RSL, the Galaxy fell 1-0 on the road in the 2015 Quarterfinal Round. Aaron Maund scored a late 87th minute goal to decide the game that day.

LA will be looking to advance to the Semifinals of the US Open Cup for the eighth time in the club’s history, with the Galaxy last advancing to the Semifinals in 2016. They took out their neighborhood rival, LAFC, 2-0, at the BMO goals both in second half by Taylor Boyd in the 49th minute coming in as a substitute and also former Barcelona player Riqui Puig, in the 52nd minute with a takeaway that none of the young LAFC defenders could stop and with an excellent finish, he closed the game and took the victory. RSL, on the other hand, beat the Colorado Rapids on the road 1-0 with Jefferson Savariano scoring the lone goal. And also in league play taking the away victory 2-1 and staying active.

Now this being the second time these two meet in a week, with Galaxy coming in with the win gives RSL the comeback position in this case.

“We don’t compete well away, we’ve seen that, but last week I was very proud of the group, we fought hard and came together and saw a different version of us,” said Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney.

The LA Galaxy has also only scored one goal over their first seven away games (0-5-2) in regular season play.

Both LA and RSL have a few unfortunate injuries. Diego Luna, Zack Farnsworth, Moses Nyeman, Erik Lee Holt and Marcelo Silva are not expected to play for RSL. The Galaxy will be missing Sega Coulibaly, Douglas Costa, and Chris Mavinga.

The LA Galaxy have parted ways with president Chris Klein, the club announced Tuesday. Vanney will continue to lead all soccer operations while reporting directly to Dan Beckerman, the president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group.

“As a club we have not achieved our goals or met the standard that we have established for the LA Galaxy,” Beckerman said. “We believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a change and begin a comprehensive process to seek new leadership that will return the club to the level that our fans and partners expect. We are thankful to Chris for his years of dedication and commitment to the LA Galaxy as both a player and an executive.”

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

LA Galaxy (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 37-18-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 11-14-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 15-13-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 9-6-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-6-1 (0-1) PK
Best finish: Runner-Up (2013)

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round of 16 Preview: Bracket is set as 16 teams battle to reach Quarterfinals

May 23, 2023 by Josh Hakala

2023 US Open Cup Round 4 Austin FC
Photo: Austin FC


The Round of 16 for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup begins tonight.

Four games are on the schedule for Tuesday night, followed by the remaining four on Wednesday. The bracket is set for the remainder of the tournament, so everyone knows their path to the 108th Final. 

Out of the remaining 16 teams, there are two lower division teams left. Both of them are from the USL Championship (2nd Division) and both of them are hosting their Fifth Round match against MLS sides on Wednesday night. Birmingham Legion FC, who are the first Alabama team in the history of the tournament to reach the Round of 16, will host Charlotte FC. While the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will try to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time in more than two decades when they host the Columbus Crew SC.

Only four teams left in the tournament have won the competition before (Chicago Fire FC, Columbus Crew SC, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy), which leaves 12 teams vying for their first Open Cup trophy. Chicago is attempting to win an all-time record-tying fifth Open Cup title, while Columbus and Los Angeles are both trying to end lengthy Open Cup title droughts (2002 and 2005, respectively). Houston became the first South Texas team to ever win the tournament when they lifted the trophy in 2018.

All eight games this week will be streamed online through CBS Sports Golazo and on the Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel.

Scroll down to find a preview of every game and live stream links.

TUESDAY, MAY 23

Nashville SC (MLS) at Inter Miami CF (MLS)
DRV PNK Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
Winner will play at Birmingham Legion FC or Charlotte FC

By Tim Sullivan

Who takes the game more seriously? Which team can win with depth? How important is home-field advantage? The combination of those answers may well tell the story of a game in which these teams played a lopsided league match, with Nashville winning 2-1 but Miami finding only consolation with a goal on the final touch of the match, just six days before their meeting in the US Open Cup. It was just the second league meeting since the 2020 season – first in Major League Soccer – for both of these clubs.

En route to this Round of 16 matchup, Nashville dispatched USL Championship side San Antonio FC 1-0  and fellow MLS club FC Dallas 2-0, while Inter Miami beat local side The Miami FC and Charleston Battery, both of the USL Championship, in penalties and by a 1-0 scoreline, respectively.

The Boys in Gold boast reigning MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar, who has yet to play in the 2023 US Open Cup. MLS journeyman Fafa Picault, along with former MLS homegrowns Ethan Zubak (LA Galaxy) and Alex Muyl (New York Red Bulls) have scored the goals that brought Nashville to this point. Shanyder Borgelin and Ryan Sailor scored for Miami against local competition, while the Herons benefitted from an own goal to provide the difference in their matchup with Charleston.

Now, the Herons get to continue playing in sunny South Florida, while Nashville must leave Music City for the first time in the competition.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Nashville SC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-1-2 (0-2 PK) | 4-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Away: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK) | 1-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 3-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 2-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022)


FC Cincinnati (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Red Bull Arena – Harrison, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
Winner will host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC or Columbus Crew SC

By George Diamond

A hungry Cincinnati team travels to Harrison, N.J. to contest a potentially revitalized Red Bulls team in an Eastern Conference clash in the Round of 16.

FC Cincinnati is on the rise after their first three seasons yielded consecutive last place finishes in MLS. Since the hiring of former Union assistant Pat Noonan as manager, and former Union technical director Chris Albright as general manager, Cincy have improved their results dramatically. They are now fighting for their first real chance at a trophy since joining the league in 2019. They are currently first in the Supporters Shield race on 30 points and are unbeaten in their last seven matches through all competitions. Big name signings such as Lucho Acosta and Obinna Nwobodo combined with the breakouts of striker duo Brenner and Vazquez have heralded their rise.

New York Red Bulls players celebrate with fans during the 2017 US Open Cup Semifinals at Nippert Stadium. New York won 3-2 in extra time over FC Cincinnati (USL)

Pre MLS expansion, Cincy went on a famous run to the Semifinals of the 2017 edition of the Cup as a USL side. They knocked out Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire before being eliminated by NYRB 3-2 after extra time. That run, and the impressive home support shown by the Cincy faithful, are a large part of the reason why Commissioner Don Garber chose to award FC Cincinnati with expansion into MLS. This history in the Cup could give both teams an extra edge in their mentality for this game. Any Cincy fans traveling to Red Bull Arena will be pushing their team to avenge that loss.

Red Bulls are on a quest to right the ship after a slow, and at times, controversial start to league play. Their designated player, striker Dante Vanezir, was suspended six games due to violating league policy on racist language. This and a torrid start which resulted in an ugly winless streak of seven games got their head coach fired. As it stands, they have the second fewest goals scored in MLS with 10. Despite this, they also have the third best defense, only allowing 12 goals. Since assistant Troy Lesesne’s appointment as Head Coach on May 8, the Red Bulls haven’t lost across all competitions going 3-0-1.

Despite being a founding member of Major League Soccer, the Red Bulls are yet to win an MLS or an Open Cup so there is every reason to believe Lesesne will field his strongest eleven. Lesesne hasn’t started the same eleven in back-to-back games and has utilized a few different formations. An interesting decision will be who starts at striker. Cory Burke just scored in last weekend’s win against CF Montréal and could start. Alternatively, now that Vanezir has served his suspension and has internally been decided by his teammates to return to the team in a unanimous vote, he may draw the start if he is fit. One thing is for sure and that is that US international John Tolkin will retain his role as Right Back. Despite playing in defense, Tolkin is instrumental to the Red Bulls attack and build up play as evidenced by his team leading four assists.

The Red Bulls entered the competition in the Round of 32 and beat DC United 1-0 thanks to an Omir Fernandez goal.

Meanwhile, Cincy eliminated Louisville City 1-0 in the Third Round and dispatched NYCFC 1-0 in the round of 32 on the back of a Brandon Vazquez goal.

On paper this is an intriguing match as both teams have a lot to prove. FC Cincinnati want to further their case as the next big thing in MLS and a Lamar Hunt Trophy in the silverware cabinet would be a great step in their development. However, an away win is no small task. They only have one road win in the league and have not traveled in USOC play this year until now. New York Red Bulls are looking to redeem their rocky first few months of the season. A win against the hottest team in MLS could steady the ship and send a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference that they are back and mean business.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-4-2 (1-1 PK) | 4-2-0 as MLS
Away: 2-3-0 | 0-2-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 2-2-2 (1-1 PK) | 1-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 27-21-3 (2-1 PK)
Home: 13-6-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 12-13-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2003, 2017)


Minnesota United FC (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
Winner will play at Austin FC or Chicago Fire FC

By Bridget McDowell

Five years after winning their first and only US Open Cup title, Houston Dynamo returns home to host Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16. The two clubs just faced each other in league play one week ago, with the Loons getting their first home win of the MLS season on a 1-0 result. While Minnesota enters the round on a positive surge of results, Houston is struggling in league play and their Round 4 win displayed the squad’s frustration.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane has been Minnesota’s breakout star in May, registering four goals and one assist in 393 minutes. Two of those goals and the assist came in the Round 4 win over Philadelphia Union, earning him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. Hlongwane has scored twice in three appearances since, both game-winning goals in two consecutive 1-0 wins (5/17 vs Houston, 5/20 at Portland).

Things have changed a bit for the Loons since the midweek game against Houston: MNUFC announced Friday that midfielder/winger Robin Lod suffered a torn meniscus in that match and will undergo surgery on Monday. Hlongwane paid tribute to his midfield partner after his stoppage time goal in Portland with Lod’s trademark bow-and-arrow celly. With Emanuel Reynoso not yet reintegrated, Adrian Heath now has two midfield gaps to fill, but the squad’s performance in Portland showed that they can and will adapt. The Portland result bumped MNUFC up to fifth in the West, tied with San Jose on points but behind by just one goal behind in goal differential.

Minnesota defeated the Houston Dynamo in the Round of 16 in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Houston will also have to adapt. While they secured one big point in their Rivalry Week matchup at FC Dallas on Saturday, May has not been a productive month for the Dynamo and they currently sit tenth in the West. With two draws and two losses (one of each at home) in MLS play, they’ll need to shrug off the frustration that saw them go down to nine men in the 1-0 loss at Seattle and harness the energy that secured their 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in Round Four, despite playing down a man for 55 minutes (Chase Gasper will be unavailable for selection on Tuesday due to his red card ejection in the 35 minute mark at Sporting). Like Minnesota, Houston has a young forward leading a low-scoring but gutsy offense. Thor Úlfarsson scored the late equalizer at FC Dallas and notched the lone goal early in the 1-0 win at SKC. He had two shots, one on target, in a 31-minute sub shift at Minnesota last week, leading the squad with a 0.17 xG. A Dynamo attack of Úlfarsson and Adalberto Carrasquilla could trouble United’s stingy defense.

The Houston Dynamo do have the advantage of hosting the USOC leg of this matchup. Since 2023, Houston has played 24 USOC games, 18  of which have been at home – including all five of their wins in 2018 when they went on to win the tournament. Minnesota United has only won multiple games in a USOC tournament once since joining MLS (they reached the final in 2019, losing to expansion rival Atlanta United). The NASL iteration of MNUFC won multiple games in 2012, but lost out in Round Three. MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath, however, has a better USOC record. He is tied for fourth with SKC’s Peter Vermes in most US Open Cup coaching wins and advances in the Modern Era (22 wins / 25 advances).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance (5th as MLS team)
Overall: 12-9-3 (2-1 PK) | 7-4-2 (1-1 PK) as MLS
Away: 7-5-2 (1-1) | 3-3-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 5-7-1 (1-0 PK) | 4-4-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Runner-up (2019)

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 17-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 7-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions


LA Galaxy (MLS) at Los Angeles FC (MLS)
BMO Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
Winner will play at Colorado Rapids or Real Salt Lake

By Wendy Pintor 

The US Open Cup Round of 16 match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC at BMO Stadium on Tuesday marks the 19th meeting between the two teams across all competitions, with the Galaxy leading the all-time series 7-6-5. Against LAFC, the Galaxy hold a 6-4-5 record in league play, a 0-2-0 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs and a 1-0-0 record in the US Open Cup. The last time the two teams played in the Round of 16, the Galaxy earned a 3-1 win at Dignity Health Sports Park on May 25, 2022, with Javier “Chicharito” Hernández and Dejan Joveljić each tallying goals. Dating back to their first US Open Cup match in 1999, the LA Galaxy hold an all-time record of 36-18-1 (1-0 in PKs) in 55 matches played in the competition and have also been crowned champions twice (2001, 2005). But today all those statics mean nothing to LAFC.

To get here, LAFC’s defeated USL’s Monterey Bay FC with their MLS Pro team 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after a 2-2 draw. The Black & Gold now host the rival Galaxy with a spot in the Quarterfinals on the line.

In league play, LAFC defeated the San Jose Earthquakes in a 2-1 win at BMO Stadium over the weekend.  With the win, LAFC is at the top of the Western Conference standings with 25 points through 12 games played. Those 25 points are the most by any defending MLS Cup champion after 12 matches of a season in MLS history. The Black & Gold enter Tuesday with a three-game winning streak over the Galaxy in all competitions — including a 3-2 win on April 16 in Carson in MLS regular season action. While it is unclear if he will start, LAFC also boasts the league’s leading scorer in Dénis Bouanga. He finished the weekend with 10 goals in 12 matches.

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of LA Galaxy celebrates during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against LAFC. Photo: LA Galaxy

Meanwhile the Galaxy took on a younger team in the Seattle Sounders, winning 3-1 which they had hoped would give them a boost in league play, but they did not materialize.

The Galaxy are coming off two back-to-back shutout losses in the East. The first loss was 2-0 against Columbus Crew and then last Saturday they fell 3-0 at D.C. United. They now sit in the complete opposite of the town’s neighbor in the standings with nine points. This is the worst start to a MLS regular season in Galaxy history. A lack of offense is one of their issues. Only one player on the roster has scored multiple goals this year (Dejan Joveljic with 2). The club’s 10 goals in 13 games are the second-lowest in the league. When the teams will face each other today, the Galaxy are very much playing the role of underdog.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

LA Galaxy (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-18-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 10-14-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 14-13-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 6-1-0
vs. MLS: 4-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)


WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

Columbus Crew SC (MLS) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
Winner will play at New York Red Bulls or FC Cincinnati

By Jason Herbert

Columbus will travel to Pittsburgh for their Round of 16 match in the 2023 US Open Cup as it is only the second meeting ever between the two sides, with the initial match taking place in 2019 in the Fourth Round when David Accam scored the winner for Columbus as the Crew took a 1-0 win.

As Columbus enter their match at Pittsburgh, it should be noted that the Crew are the only Ohio team in history to win the tournament (2002.) This may prove vital as the Crew are coming off a 3-2 loss against instate rivals FC Cincinnati, who currently sit in the top spot of the Eastern Conference in MLS. Although Columbus has lifted the US Open Cup trophy, coming into 2023 they also had the third longest Modern Era streak of a team that has failed to win multiple games in a tournament. Prior to this season they have gone 10 tournaments in a row without winning more than one game, a streak dating back to their loss in the 2010 US Open Cup Final. Since winning the 2002 title the Crew have only won multiple games in a tournament twice.

David Accam of the Columbus Crew scored the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Columbus Crew SC

Columbus is still searching for their way under first year head coach Wilfried Nancy as they have taken strides forward but are still trying to find a consistent stretch to their season. After their derby loss at the hands of FC Cincy, the Crew now sit in eighth spot and twelve points off the pace of first place. The Crew took 14 points out of their opening seven games, but have since hit a dry spell only tallying two wins in their last seven league matches. Having six players out due to injury, which include their first choice goalkeeper and two center backs, has not helped a team that has also given important minutes to young newcomers from their inaugural MLS Pro champion side Crew 2. Players such as Jaycen Russell-Rowe, Patrick Schulte and Phillip Quinton have been given important opportunities with the first team, along with Alex Matan as Nancy has both willingly let the youth push into the first team while also having his hand forced recently due to injuries.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds, on the other hand, are trying to reach the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup for the second time in club history. The Riverhounds reached this round of the tournament in 2001 and have never beaten two MLS sides in the same tournament, a feat which they could accomplish against Columbus as they recently beat the New England Revolution in the previous round. 2023 also marks the first time in club history that the Riverhounds have been able to tally three wins in the same tournament (one of the wins was a forfeit win in Round 2 vs. Rochester New York FC). Pittsburgh is coached by Bob Lilley who also happens to rank sixth in the Modern Era for coaching wins with 21.

The Riverhounds are fresh off a 4-1 win over the weekend against Las Vegas that saw Edward Kizza bag a first half brace. Arturo Ordonez and Danny Griffin also scored for Pittsburgh as they have now won four of their last six taking nine league points during that stretch, as well as two US Open Cup wins. Griffin, a New England native, was the runner-up for the last round’s TheCup.us Player of the Round award for scoring the lone goal against the Revolution.

OPEN CUP HISTORY

Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 25-17-3 (0-3 PK)
Away: 8-10-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2002 US Open Cup champions

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 11-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 2-6-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)


Charlotte FC (MLS) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
Winner will host Inter Miami CF or Nashville SC

By Jordan Beech

Birmingham Legion FC welcomes Charlotte FC to Protective Stadium for a Round of 16 match up. Both sides will be making some history on Wednesday, as the Legion has never faced an MLS opponent and Charlotte, likewise, has never been challenged by a team from the USL Championship.

The Legion entered the 2023 US Open Cup in the Second Round, dispatching Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, 4-1, on the road. They then needed penalties to sneak past NISA’s Chattanooga FC before enjoying a 3-0 romp past Memphis 901 FC in the Fourth Round. Birmingham, the first Alabama-based team to ever reach the Round of 16, will need to shake off a bad run of form to get past Charlotte, having gone 1-4-0 in May across all competitions.

Photo: Birmingham Legion FC

Charlotte made their 2023 Open Cup debut in the Third Round, dropping USL League One’s South Georgia Tormenta, 4-1, before eliminating the 2022 Open Cup Champions, Orlando City SC, with a 1-0 victory in the last round. The Crown have enjoyed a good run of form in May, going 4-1-0. However, Charlotte will need to be on notice as they’re only loss in Open Cup history was on the road.

A win for Birmingham – coached by Tom Soehn, who led D.C. United to an Open Cup title in 2008 – would mark the first time an Alabama side has reached the Quarterfinals. A Charlotte triumph would mark the club’s first foray into the Quarterfinals, and they would be the first North Carolina team since 2014 (NASL’s Carolina RailHawks, now known as North Carolina FC), to reach that stage.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Charlotte FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-1-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022)

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)


Chicago Fire FC (MLS) at Austin FC (MLS)
Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
Winner will host Minnesota United FC or Houston Dynamo

By Chuck Carlson

When Frank Klopas’ Chicago Fire take on Josh Wolff’s Austin FC in a Round of 16 clash on Wednesday night in Texas, it will be a matchup between coaches with multiple Open Cup championships. Klopas and Wolff were teammates on the 1998 Chicago Fire Open Cup/MLS Cup championship team, so they will both know the joy and challenges of winning US’s oldest running knockout men’s soccer tournament.

Austin FC, who joined MLS in 2021, are playing in just their second US Open Cup, having lost their inaugural match to USL Championship side San Antonio FC in 2022. This year, the Verde and Black have gotten off to a more auspicious Cup start, defeating New Mexico United 2-0 in the round of 32. Coach Wolff’s men did not give the Albuquerque-based USL Championship side much hope of a Cupset, as Austin were up by two in the first 36 minutes and were never really threatened in the 2nd half as they got a comfortable win in Austin.

After defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1, the Chicago Fire celebrate the club’s 1998 US Open Cup championship at Soldier Field. Photo: Chicago Fire FC

The Fire have had a more challenging road to this game. Because of their low finish in MLS 2022 table, they entered the Cup in the Third Round, and faced fellow Windy City club Chicago House AC in a matchup only the Open Cup can produce: a first division professional side and an amateur side from the Midwest Premier League. The Fire easily defeated House 3-0 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, which set up a first ever meeting with fellow MLS side, St. Louis City SC, in the Round of 32.

It was clear from the get-go that the Fire, who had just fired their head coach Ezra Hendrickson, and installed Klopas as interim manager for his third stint as Chicago’s head coach, took this St. Louis match very seriously. Teams from the cities of St. Louis and Chicago have had contentious Open Cup matches dating back more than a century, when teams such as the Chicago Bricklayers and Scullin Steel of St. Louis competed to be “Champions of the West.” In this most recent matchup of these city rivals, the Fire scored in the 3rd minute to put St. Louis on the backfoot, then again in the 75th minute., and though St. Louis got a stoppage time consolation goal, the Fire moved on with a 2-1 win.

While Austin FC have a very limited Open Cup history, for the Fire, this 2023 Cup is a chance to make some serious history. Only three teams in the 108-year history of the tournament have won 5 Open Cup titles (Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers). When the Chicago Fire won their fourth Open Cup title in nine years of existence, it looked as though they would quickly join that list of all-time champions. However, since capturing that fourth title in 2006, the Fire’s Open Cup trophy case has been stagnant, and the Fire will be looking to give themselves the chance to win a record tying fifth title. However, they have knocked on the door of that fifth trophy multiple times, finishing runner-up in 2011, and reaching the Semifinals five times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018).

Both Austin FC and the Fire have struggled to stay in MLS playoff contention this season. In addition, Austin FC were knocked out of CONCACAF Champions league by Haiti’s Violette, so progress in the Open Cup would be an accomplishment for either side. It should be a great game at Q2 in Austin on Wednesday night, as there is no doubt that former Open Cup champion teammates Wolff and Klopas will ensure their teams are ready for this matchup of MLS teams that has significance well beyond a league game.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 44-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 15-15-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 23-10-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup

Austin FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)


Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
Winner will host LA Galaxy or LAFC

By Andrew Mosier

There is always a cup of one sort or another on the line when geographical rivals Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake play.

Last Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, it was the Rocky Mountain Cup, awarded to the supporters of the club that wins the regular season series between the two clubs. RSL is the perennial cup holder, winning 13 out of 18. A 3-2 RSL win on Saturday puts them on track to capture a third consecutive Rocky Mountain Cup.

The clubs shift gears on Wednesday, facing off, again at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for a berth in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. This is a place that neither club has reached in a while. The Rapids last reached the Quarterfinals in 2007, while RSL last got there in 2015. This also marks just the second time that the two teams have met in Open Cup play. The last time they met was back in 2006 when Colorado edged RSL 1-0 in the Fourth Round when Clint Mathis assisted on the game-winning goal by Jacob Peterson in the 61st minute.

This is a matchup between two rivals who have never won the US Open Cup, but both have come close. Real Salt Lake hosted the 2013 US Open Cup Final, but lost to a D.C. United team that had the fewest league wins of any Open Cup champion in the history of the competition. Colorado lost in the 1999 US Open Cup Final in Columbus, Ohio to the Rochester Raging Rhinos.

In league play this year, both clubs are mired near the Western Conference playoff line. RSL sits in 11th place (15 points, 4-6-3), one place ahead of the Rapids (15 points, 2-6-6).

RSL are coached by Rapids playing and coaching legend and Ring of Fame member, Pablo Mastroeni. As a player, he led the Rapids to the 2010 MLS Cup before taking over coaching duties in 2014.  In 2017 he was relieved from his head coaching duties of the Rapids a year after he led the Rapids to the most successful regular season in club history, finishing second in the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield behind Dallas and losing to Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup Conference Finals.

In Open Cup play this year, RSL moved into the Round of 16 in a seven-goal thriller on the road against the Portland Timbers. Maikel Chang had two goals and an assist. After going down in the fifth minute, RSL’s Danny Musovski leveled the score at the half-hour mark, slamming home a Chang cross from close range. Then Andrés Gómez put RSL ahead in the 41st minute. Portland opened the second half with two quick goals to pull ahead 3-2 followed almost immediately by Chang, pulling the game level in the 55th minute. Chang closed out scoring for the night in the 50th minute burying a feed from Musovski from close range.

RSL opened Round 3 with a 3-1 win at Las Vegas Lights FC of the USL Championship in extra time. Damir Kreilach opened scoring in the 106th minute, scoring again to put RSL back in the lead ten minutes later. Musovski closed out the game just before the final whistle. The win was extra special for Salt Lake as it snapped the club’s Modern Era-record seven-game winless streak in the competition. They hadn’t officially won a game in the tournament (they did have one penalty kick shootout win vs. Wilmington Hammerheads in 2016) since 2015.

With little difficulty the Rapids beat the Northern Colorado Hailstorm of the USL League One, 3-1, at home in the Third Round behind goals by Jonathan Lewis (two) and Max. That set up a road match with 2022 Open Cup finalist, Sacramento Republic FC. Colorado were facing a club that were riding a 14-game home unbeaten streak in the tournament, and the Rapids were also looking to snap the “Curse of the Rhinos.” Since the Rapids lost in the 1999 US Open Cup Final to the A-League’s (Div. 2) Rochester Raging Rhinos, the Rapids have never won more than one Open Cup match in a single year. Rochester is the last lower-division team to win the Open Cup.

The Rapids broke the curse at Sacramento, winning 4-2. Lewis continued his torrid Open Cup scoring streak, putting the Rapids up in the fourth minute, followed by Michael Edwards in the 15th. Sam Nicholson and Michael Barrios rounded out the scoring for the Rapids.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 2-5-0
vs. MLS: 4-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2013)

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-19-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 6-17-0
vs. MLS: 4-9-0
Best finish: Runner-Up (1999)

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 4 preview: MLS, USL Championship battle to reach Round of 16, with live stream links

May 9, 2023 by Josh Hakala

2023 US Open Cup Round 4 Preview Charlotte FC mascot
2023 US Open Cup Round 4 Preview Charlotte FC mascot
Photo: Forrest Wimberly

The remaining teams from Major League Soccer join the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the Fourth Round. The 16 games are split in half with eight on Tuesday and eight on Wednesday.

There are no third division Cinderella stories this year as the last remaining teams were eliminated last round (South Georgia Tormenta FC, Union Omaha and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC all split the $25,000 prize money). No amateur teams are left either as Tulsa Athletic took the $25,000 prize money through a tiebreaker with Chicago House AC, who both had their Open Cup runs end in Round 3.

So the Round of 32 is all MLS and USL Championship teams. There is one match featuring a pair of USL teams (Memphis 901 FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC) so there will be at least one second division pro team representing in the Round of 16.

All 16 games this week will be streamed online for free, each on one of three different channels:

  • Bleacher Report’s app and the B/R Football YouTube channel
  • CBS Sports Golazo network, available on the free tier of Paramount+, Pluto TV, and this direct stream here.
  • US Soccer YouTube channel

Scroll down to find a preview of every game and live stream links.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Orlando City SC (MLS) at Charlotte FC (MLS)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Adam Uthe

Defending Open Cup champions Orlando City SC hit the road to take on Charlotte FC in a matchup between two MLS Eastern Conference teams currently looking for some positive momentum. This will be Orlando’s first away game in the Open Cup since the Fourth Round in 2019. The Lions played all five games at home in 2022 and became the fifth champion in the Modern Era (1995-present) to play every match at home – the first since Houston Dynamo in 2018.

Orlando were drawn into the Round of 32 without a Round 3 contest and they currently find themselves in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Lions will be hungry to maintain some consistent success. Since their elimination in the Round of 16 in the CONCACAF Champions League on March 15, they have alternated between a win and a loss in their last seven league games.

Charlotte, meanwhile, are looking to carry over the momentum from some recent success. The Queen City club have won two of their last three league games and managed to take care of business in their 4-1 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC in Round 3. Charlotte got goals from four different players in that match and a similar pattern has borne out in league play for them as well; Enzo Copetti leads the with four goals this season, while three other players have chipped in with two

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Orlando City SC (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-11-5 (5-0 PK) | 9-5-5 (5-0 PK) as MLS
Away: 6-7-2 (2-0 PK) | 3-2-2 (2-0 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 6-9-4 (4-0 PK) | 4-3-4 (4-0  PK) as MLS
Best finish: 2022 US Open Cup champions

Charlotte FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022) 


Charleston Battery (USL-C) at Inter Miami CF (MLS)
DRV PNK Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jim Coppock

MLS’ Inter Miami will host USL Championship veteran side Charleston Battery in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. This is the first meeting between the two sides in the competition.

Inter Miami sit in tenth place in the MLS Eastern Conference (4-6-0, 12 points), just outside the playoffs. The team’s form has not been great, back-to-back wins on either side of a six-game losing streak. Miami’s route to the Round of 32 nearly ended at the first hurdle in Round 3, in the second consecutive Magic City Clasico. Miami FC of the USL Championship forced penalty kicks (5-3 to Inter) after finishing 2-2 after extra time. The USL side took a 2nd minute lead, leaving the MLS side scrambling to play catch-up.

The Charleston Battery currently sits atop the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship (5-3-1, 18 pts.) coming off a 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights last Friday. The team’s best finish in the Open Cup was a loss in the final to DC United in 2008—then, the first non-MLS side to make the final since the Rochester Rhinos won the tournament in 1999. The Battery’s path was slightly longer: a 4-1 win over NISA’s Savannah Clovers in Round 2 and an extra time victory over USL League One side, Charlotte Independence, 1-0 in Round 3.

Recent acquisition, Josef Martinez, scored both of Miami’s goals (against his former club) in a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United this past weekend. The first, his first Inter Miami goal, was a 59th minute penalty kick, just a minute after entering the game. The final goal, what would ultimately be the winning goal, in the 75th. Martinez is the fastest to reach 100 goals in MLS—hitting the century mark in just 142 games.

Augustine Williams leads the Charleston attack with five of their 14 goals (tied for 3rd in league play). Nicholas Markanich has also added three, as well as creating 14 chances in the young season. Derek Dodson and Fidel Barajas each have three assists on the season (and sit in a nine-way tie for the league lead). Barajas is also credited with creating 10 chances this season and has one goal.

Miami’s Martinez must be feeling a new lease on life after his last outing (goalless in the previous 10 games) and be eager to run roughshod over Charleston. Charleston’s attack is coming from multiple players this season, eight different players have tickled the twine, so Miami should not look past the visitors.

Inter Miami has yet to taste defeat in regulation in their limited tournament history. Last year, in their debut, they lost on the road in penalty kicks in the Fifth Round to eventual champion Orlando City SC. However, Charleston has more than two decades of experience in the Open Cup and a team that was one win away from lifting the trophy in 2008 has upset more MLS teams (9) than any active lower division team. The Battery’s 36 Open Cup wins are tied with FC Dallas for the fourth-most in the Modern Era.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 8-10-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 7-14-4 (2-2 PK)
Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022)


Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube

By Josh Taylor

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds will travel on the road in the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup to take on MLS side New England Revolution. This will be the first time these two sides face each other in the US Open Cup. The Riverhounds come into the match after a 2-2 draw against Monterey Bay on the road. The Hounds sit in 6th place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 11 points (2-2-5) and remain in the mix for the playoffs.

The Hounds road to the Round of 32 was supposed to begin in Round 2. MLS Next Pro side Rochester New York FC ceased operations and had to forfeit the match so the Hounds advanced to Round 3. Pittsburgh faced a familiar foe in the next round as it hosted the Maryland Bobcats (NISA) for the second year in a row. The Hounds defeated the Bobcats 2-0 at Highmark Stadium. Edward Kizza and Burke Fahling were the goal scorers for the Hounds. A player to keep an eye on for the Hounds is their forward Albert Dikwa. He leads the team with seven goals in the USL Championship. Right Back Luke Biasi is their leader in assists with two for the season. The Riverhounds haven’t won on the road in their last five league matches.

The Revolution got a big win this past weekend north of the border as it shut out Toronto FC 2-0. The Revs have been in good form recently as it hasn’t lost in their last nine matches. The Revolution lead the MLS Eastern Conference with 24 points (7-1-3). The Revolution got here by defeating Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) 2-1 in Round 3 of the US Open Cup with Justin Rennicks and Dave Romney scoring the goals for New England. Giacomo Vrioni along with forward Bobby Wood are the leading goalscorers for the Revs as both have three goals each.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 3-12-2 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-6-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)

New England Revolution (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-16-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 15-5-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 7-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions


D.C. United (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
MSU Soccer Park – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube

By Josh Taylor

The Atlantic Cup rivalry returns in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls defeated D.C. United last year in this round 3-0 down in the nation’s capital. The Red Bulls will host their rivals this time around at Montclair State University Soccer Park. This will be the fourth all-time meeting between the rivals. They met in the 2003 Semifinals and the 2006 Quarterfinals. The Red Bulls won the 2003 meeting to reach the Final (where they would lose to the Chicago Fire), while United got their revenge in 2006.

The Red Bulls lost on the road 1-0 this past weekend against the Philadelphia Union and remain on a seven-match winless streak. The Red Bulls are in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference with nine points (1-4-6). The Red Bulls got here by finishing as one of the top 4 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference last season in MLS so it starts it US Open Cup journey in the Round of 32. It only has seven goals scored this season from seven different goal scorers on the club including Corey Burke and Andres Reyes. John Tolkin is the club’s assists leader with four so far this season.

D.C. United also came into this match off a loss from the weekend losing 2-1 on the road to FC Cincinnati. Prior to that D.C. United was on a four-match winning streak. United is in the mix for the MLS playoffs sitting in 8th place with 14 points(4-5-2). D.C.’s journey to the Round of 32 came from a 1-0 win at Audi Field against USL League One side Richmond Kickers with Yamil Asad scoring a penalty kick goal in Round 3. A player to watch is Christian Benteke who leads the club with five goals while Mateusz Klich leads in assists with three.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

D.C. United (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-15-7 (3-4 PK)
Away: 10-9-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 11-11-3 (0-3 PK)
Best finish: 1996, 2008, 2013 US Open Cup champions

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 26-21-3 (2-1 PK)
Home:12-6-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 11-13-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: 2003, 2017 Runner-Up


St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) at Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Adam Uthe

MLS and Open Cup debutants St. Louis CITY SC will travel to the Windy City to take on four time Open Cup Champions Chicago Fire. Both teams were drawn into Round 3 and both won comfortably against lower division opponents. St Louis won their inaugural Open Cup match 5-1 against USL-1 side Union Omaha in front of a record crowd while Chicago took care of business with a 3-0 win over local amateur side Chicago House AC.

St. Louis CITY could not have dreamt up a better start to their inaugural Open Cup campaign. Aziel Jackson opened the scoring just three minutes in and St. Louis fans turned out in force with an announced attendance of 22,423 – a new Open Cup Modern Era record for a Third Round game (and the 10th best attendance of any game in tournament history). The result was an extension of what has already been a stellar start to league play in MLS for St. Louis. The expansion side currently find themselves tied for first place in the Western Conference, with a league-leading goal difference of +10 (tied with Western Conference co-leaders Seattle Sounders).

Chicago Fire, on the other hand, find themselves in desperate need of positive vibes as they currently find themselves second-to-last in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Not only do the Midwestern club have just one MLS playoff appearance since 2012, they’ve also lost their first Open Cup match in each of the last two tournaments – including a 2-1 loss at the hands of former USL Championship Saint Louis FC in 2019. Fire fans will be hoping their Round 3 win over Chicago House can provide a much needed spark and maybe a coaching change will help continue that momentum. Shortly before the team’s Round 4 match, the Fire fired head coach Ezra Hendrickson and replaced him with a familiar face. Frank Klopas, one of the great players in club history, will take over for the remainder of the season. It is his third stint as head coach of the Fire. Klopas is the reason why the Fire won the 1998 US Open Cup when he scored the tournament-winning golden goal in the 99th minute in a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew at Soldier Field. As a coach, he led the Fire to the 2011 US Open Cup Final (where they lost to Seattle on the road) and the 2013 Semifinals.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 43-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 27-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 22-10-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions


Philadelphia Union (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Allianz Field – St. Paul, MN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By George Diamond

Two MLS teams on different trajectories will contest a midweek matchup in the Midwest. Minnesota United are on the wrong end of a five-game winless streak in league play, including four losses, and will be looking to continue their run in the Cup. Union were recently eliminated in the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals, but have won their last two games in the league.

Minnesota entered the competition in the previous round and, despite conceding first, dispatched a plucky Detroit City FC side 3-1. Philadelphia will enter the Open Cup in this round. Since finishing as runners up in 2018, the Union have not advanced out of the Fourth Round and will look to break this duct. Meanwhile, Minnesota were famously upset in last year’s Round of 16 by Union Omaha. The Loons finished as runners up in 2019.

It is unclear how exactly each team will approach this fixture. Both played in MLS over the weekend. The Union’s Champions League exit could reinvigorate past desires for the Open Cup or they could view it, as they have in the last two editions, as a way to rest starters and give backups minutes. Head coach Jim Curtin could reinstate defenders Jack Elliot, Olivier Mbaizo and striker Mikael Uhre, usual starters who were rotated in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena. The Loons will be seeking stability and hoping to get their first win at home this season, across all competitions, in what promises to be a tough matchup for them. Expect Robin Lod to maintain his place in the lineup. The Finnish midfielder is Minnesota’s all time scorer in MLS and scored in the 2019 final against Atlanta.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Philadelphia Union (MLS)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-6-6 (3-3 PK)
Away: 1-4-4 (2-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 8-6-5 (2-3 PK)
Best finish: 2014, 2015, 2018 Runner-Up

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-9-2 (1-1 PK) | 7-4-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Home: 5-4-0 | 4-1-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 5-7-0 | 4-4-0 as MLS
Best finish: 2019 Runner-Up


Los Angeles FC (MLS) at Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
Cardinale Stadium – Seaside, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By William Hodges 

Monterey Bay FC look to continue their magical 2023 Open Cup run Tuesday night when they host Los Angeles FC at Cardinale Stadium. Monterey earned their spot in the Round of 32 after delivering the tournament’s first ‘Cupset’ by eliminating the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0. Monterey was able to get it done behind staunch defense and taking advantage of a costly Earthquakes mistake in the backline. Christian Volesky took stole the ball and scored the lone goal of the game in the first half. Volesky’s goal, combined with his overall performance was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. The victory came on the heels of Monterey nabbing their first Open Cup victory ever in the Second Round.

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) enter the Open Cup for the first time in 2023. This year marks the fourth time the club will compete in the tournament, with their best finish coming in 2018 when they made it to the semifinal round – ultimately falling to Houston Dynamo in penalties (7-6). 

LAFC come into the game 2-1-2 across all competitions over their five matches. Interesting, last Saturday, they lost 2-1 against the Earthquakes, who were eliminated by Monterey FC. Monterey FC come into the match after drawing Rio Grande Valley 0-0 on April 29.

Can Monterey FC keep the magic alive? They certainly seem up to the task, but will need monster games out of Hugh Alexander Dixon (7 goals) and Christian Volesky (4 goals) and another solid defensive performance to fend off players such as forward Dénis Bouanga who leads MLS in goals with eight (8).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 3-0-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)

Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)


Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By William Hodges

Sacramento Republic FC play host to Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup where they will look to extend their home unbeaten streak to 15 games – second longest streak in the Modern Era – and add a win to their incredible 18-1-1 all-time home record in the tournament. Last year, Republic FC became just the second lower division side to upset three or more MLS teams in one tournament en-route to the Open Cup Final. A win Tuesday night would give them six wins against MLS teams, which would be tied for the third-most in the Modern Era. If they are able to pull off another upset, it will be without the services of captain Rodrigo Lopez who underwent surgery last week to repair the rectus tendon in his right leg.

On the other side, Colorado will be looking to snap a streak of seven consecutive road losses (second longest in the Modern Era) as well as the “Curse of the Rhinos.” Since the Rapids lost the 1999 Open Cup Final to the Rochester Raging Rhinos, they have failed to win multiple games in 17 straight tournaments. If they are able to beat Sacramento, they will snap both streaks. 

Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round following a 1-0 win over USL Championship rival Oakland Roots behind defender Nick Ross’ goal in the 49th minute. Colorado advanced 3-1 over Northern Colorado Hailstorm behind a brace from Rapids midfielder Jonathan Lewis.

Both teams have played well recently in league play. Sacramento is the only remaining undefeated team in the USL Championship (5-0-3). They also lead the league in goals allowed (2) and goal difference (+12). The Rapids got off to a slow start with a four-game winless streak (0-3-1), but followed that up with an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (3-0-5). Last weekend, they went on the road and beat the LA Galaxy, 3-1. They are currently tied for 8th in the MLS Western Conference standings.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 14-19-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 5-17-0
vs. Div. 2: 6-8-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 1999 Runner-Up

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 20-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 18-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-5-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2022 Runner-Up


WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

New York City FC (MLS) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Bridget McDowell

FC Cincinnati had to outlast Dirty River Derby rival Louisville City to advance from the Third Round. It took 85 minutes of sloppy play for FCC to find the breakthrough, with Arquimides Ordóñez scoring the lone goal on a cross from Álvaro Barreal. While head coach Pat Noonan was disappointed with his squad’s performance, the result did bolster his side’s six-match win streak at their home ground, TQL Stadium. FCC stretched that streak to seven with a 2-1 win over DC United on Saturday night (MLS Matchday 11), improving to 7-3-1 in league play and holding on to second place in the East.

Cincinnati will have to harness all of that home energy when they host New York City FC on Wednesday for Round 4. NYCFC has held FCC winless in all meetings, leading with a record of 6-2-0. New York sits in fifth, going 4-3-4 in league play. It is tough to say whether having the Round 3 bye is an advantage or a hindrance to New York’s chances at Cincinnati, but the match comes on the heels of a two-game skid on the road (which followed a four-match unbeaten stretch). Much of their energy has come from Santiago Rodríguez and Gabriel Pereira, both of whom scored in the 3-2 loss at Charlotte FC on Saturday. Given their full shifts in that match and the upcoming Hudson River Derby, it is doubtful that both will be made available for long stretches as the squad enters Open Cup play.

Cincinnati seems to have a more balanced bench and utility tends to be a winning factor at this stage of the tournament. Perhaps that is what FCC needs to finally get a USOC win against an MLS opponent – a feat they have not accomplished since 2017, when the USL side made a run to the Semifinals. New York City can make it difficult, if only they conquer their road yips.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

New York City FC (MLS)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 1-3-2 (0-2)
vs. MLS: 2-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019, 2022)

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance (3rd as MLS)
Overall: 10-4-2 (1-1 PK) | 3-2-0 as MLS
Home: 8-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 3-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 1-2-2 (1-1 PK) | 0-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)


Columbus Crew SC (MLS) at Loudoun United (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jason Herbert

The Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup will see the Columbus Crew travel to USL Championship side Loudoun United in Leesburg, Va. on Wednesday night. After starting strong in the 2023 campaign, Columbus has slowed a bit and now sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of the top spot. The Crew did prevail in their Third Round match that saw them dominate statistically against Indy Eleven but they still needed a late winner in order to do so. That win however, was sandwiched between two league losses to Charlotte and Miami, respectively. Columbus have been boosted nonetheless by the return of Cucho Hernandez with the hopes that he can rekindle his attacking partnership with Lucas Zelarayan and further bolster the Crew’s attack with Aidan Morris and Alex Matan.

The Crew are also trying to snap an unfortunate streak. Every since Columbus lost to the Seattle Sounders in the 2010 US Open Cup Final, the Crew have not won multiple Open Cup games in a single tournament. That’s a stretch of 10 consecutive tournaments. A win on Wednesday would snap that streak.

Loudoun United, who made their debut as a team in 2018 as the reserve team for D.C. United (MLS) enter the Fourth Round of their inaugural cup play in third spot of the USL Championship. Loudoun are currently only four points out of first place despite a 2-1 loss over the weekend to Indy Eleven. Zach Ryan has been integral to Loudoun’s attack as he leads their efforts this season with five goals and two assists. Kalil ElMedkhar has also played a major part in the Loudoun attack as he leads the team in chances created.

Since Loudoun United were just purchased this season by Attain Sports and Entertainment and are no longer an official MLS reserve team, they are eligible, for the first time, to participate in the US Open Cup. Columbus, on the other hand, have a long history in the Open Cup including one championship trophy and three appearances in the final. In what is being touted by Loudoun United as the ‘biggest match in club history.’

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 24-17-3 (0-3 PK)
Away: 7-10-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 8-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2022 US Open Cup champions

Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A


Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube

By Chuck Carlson

Last year, USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC reached the US Open Cup Final. If there is to be a repeat of that lower division Cup success in 2023, the winner of this All-USL Championship Round of 32 match between Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC, might just be the team to accomplish it.

Birmingham Legion currently sit in second place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings, but they have started off May with a couple of tough league losses, so they will be looking to turn their recent form around with a Cup win. Legion entered the Cup in the second round, where they defeated USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves 4-1 on the road. Then they beat Chattanooga’s other third division side, Chattanooga FC of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), 4-3 in penalties, after drawing 1-1 in regular time. That 3rd Round match was technically a “home” match for Legion, but it was played at the University of Alabama Soccer Complex in Tuscaloosa, Ala. in front of a small crowd.

While Legion have been more successful in USL Championship League play, Memphis 901 FC, who currently sit eighth out of twelve teams in the Eastern Conference, have been on a bit of a run. Since losing 3-1 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds on March 18, the Bluff City men have not lost a game. This undefeated run has included two wins, three draws, and a couple of Open Cup victories as well. Memphis started their Cup campaign with a 2-1 Second Round win over fellow Tennesseans Knoxville One SC, then upset MLS Atlanta United in a dramatic Third Round match. Atlanta looked to be on their way to the Round of 32 with a slim 1-0 win, but Memphis equalized in the 95th minute, then won the match 2-1 in extra time.

This “Southern Harm” derby match is the first time these USL Championship rivals are meeting in an Open Cup match, and it should be an intense encounter. Strong goalkeeping will clearly be in evidence as Legion backup Trevor Spangenberg is coming off a big shootout win in the Open Cup Third Round, and former MLS/USA keeper Bill Hamid will almost certainly be in the nets for Memphis. Birmingham will be hosting at their home ground of Protective Stadium where they drew over 10,000 for a 2021 match against Memphis.

One result is guaranteed from this matchup, there will definitely be a USL Championship Eastern Conference team in the US Open Cup Round of 16. In the Modern Era, every year there has been a Round of 16 (from 1997 – present) there has been at least one lower division club included.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2019)

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 2-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)


Sporting Kansas City (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube

By Adam Uthe

You’d be hard pressed to find a more competitive – and recurring – Open Cup fixture than Sporting Kansas City and Houston Dynamo. These two sides have met in six of the last seven tournaments and only three other pairs have been drawn together more often in the Modern Era; Seattle Sounders-Portland Timbers currently lead the way with eight meetings. Sporting KC have won three of the past five – including their 2022 matchup – but neither side has won two in a row for five consecutive meetings now. Both sides also have four Open Cup title to their name in the last 10 tournaments; Houston most recently in 2018 and Kansas City won in 2012, 2015 and 2017.

Hosts from Houston had the more nerve wracking of the Round 3 results between these two. The Texas side found themselves making the trek east to Florida where they squared off with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies. Houston ultimately needed a goal from teenage prospect Brooklyn Raines to squeak past the second division side. It’s been a decent start to the MLS season for Dynamo as they currently find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference; right in the thick of the playoff race. Amine Bassi leads the way for Houston with five goals in eight league matches so far in 2023.

Sporting Kansas City’s comfortable 3-0 win over NPSL side Tulsa Athletic in Round 3 has so far masked an otherwise disastrous MLS campaign. Peter Vermes’ side are the only MLS yet to earn a win in 2023 and as a result, they find themselves with the worst record in the league – a meager three points to their name. Things have gotten so bad, supporters group The Cauldron sent a letter to the club explicitly calling out ownership, the front office, and the coaching staff – and they made their concerns quite plain.

“There is a strong perception that the club does not care about its invested fans. There is a lack of community, and an overall feeling of not being valued.”

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 32-15-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 8-8-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. MLS: 16-10-3 (3-0 PK)
Best finish: 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017 US Open Cup champions

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 20-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 16-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 6-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions


FC Dallas (MLS) at Nashville SC (MLS)
GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech

FC Dallas makes their 2023 US Open Cup debut as they travel to the Music City for a showdown with Nashville SC. The Hoops will be looking to advance out of their debut round for the first time since 2019, while host-side Nashville are trying to advance to the Quarterfinals for the second time in as many seasons.

Dallas are one of eight MLS sides making their first appearance in the tournament in the Round of 32. Last season, they fell to Sporting Kansas City, 4-2, after extra time. Dallas currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference, going 2-1-2 in their last five matches after their meeting with St. Louis CITY SC was abandoned due to weather over the weekend. Two-time Cup winners, Dallas hasn’t reached the summit since 2016.

Nashville advanced to the Round of 32 on the strength of a 1-0 victory over the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC. Ethan Zubak scored the lone goal in the contest, ensuring his side would remain unbeaten at home in cup play. Sitting in third in the Eastern Conference, Nashville has been on a tear going 4-1-2 across all competitions since April 1st.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Dallas (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-20-6 (5-1 PK)
Away: 14-13-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 13-14-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: 1997, 2016 US Open Cup champions

Nashville SC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance (2nd as MLS)
Overall: 7-1-2 (0-2 PK) | 3-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Home: 6-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 2-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 1-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)


New Mexico United (USL-C) at Austin FC (MLS)
Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By: Seth Biddulph

In only their third ever tournament appearance, New Mexico United enters this year’s Round of 32 with the ‘Giant Slayer’ moniker. In 2019, the club made a splash in their tournament debut when they upended two MLS sides (FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids) before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

This time out, they’ve advanced this far by virtue of two wins, first over UDA Soccer, an amateur side based out of New Mexico State University and then rivals Phoenix Rising FC. One of the biggest reasons for their success has been the play of Josh Dolling. Dolling has found the back of the net four times through two appearances and has put himself in a position to compete for the Golden Boot.

Austin FC makes their 2023 Open Cup debut at a time when they are desperate for some sort of consistency. In league play they have struggled, and are winless since March 11. Their tournament debut on Wednesday comes by way of their CONCACAF Champions League participation after the 2022 season.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

New Mexico United (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-2 (2-0 PK)
Away: 2-2-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)

Austin FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)


Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at LA Galaxy (MLS)
Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo

By Wendy Pintor 

The US Open Cup Round of 32 match between the LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC marks the 47th meeting across all competitions between the two teams as MLS franchises. The Galaxy following the all-time series 15-18-13. Against Seattle, the Galaxy hold a 10-13-13 record in league play, a 4-3-0 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs. But Seattle has won two of the three meetings in US Open Cup play as MLS teams. Overall, the Galaxy have won three of the five all-time meetings.

In the last US Open Cup meeting between LA and Seattle, the Galaxy earned a 4-2 win over Sounders FC in the Quarterfinals of the tournament on July 20, 2016. Last year, the Galaxy lost at home against Sacramento Republic FC a non MLS team who then went on to be the runner up last year in the 2022 Cup. It snapped a six-game home winning streak. Galaxy have won 23 of their last 25 Open Cup home games, LA Galaxy has won the cup twice in 2001 and 2005  once against New England Revolution and the other occasion against FC Dallas. Sounders were dominant in the USOC from 2009-2014, winning four titles. They are trying to win a fifth which would tie the tournament’s all-time record. But in recent years they’ve struggled. They haven’t won multiple games in a tournament since 2016. They were one-and-done three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2022).

Alan Pulido scored his first goal since August 2021 as visiting Sporting Kansas City finally snapped their winless start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, which became the last MLS team to win its first game against a Sounders team that remains atop the Western Conference standings. Nicholas Loderio scored from the penalty spot for his first goal of the season for the Sounders, who were previously unbeaten at home. Seattle (6-3-2, 20 points) also conceded at home for the first time this season on a day the Sounders missed starters Cristian Roldán, Raul Ruidiaz and Nouhou to injury, and Joao Paulo to a yellow card suspension. Sporting came to Seattle with only one goal scored away from home all season, but took the lead in just the fourth minute.

And to add to the bad news LA Galaxy is coming off a 3-1 home loss to the Colorado Rapids which have them with a record of (6-3-1) in league, the force has not been with LA Galaxy this weekend but it was Kevin Cabral who scored against his former team while Lalas Abubakar and Jonathan Lewis added goals. The visiting Colorado Rapids extended their unbeaten run to seven games with the victory over the Galaxy. The game this week will be played at the Sports Dignity Stadium and although fans are mad and disappointed with the team and staff it’s not clear to say they will be there to support.  With LA Galaxy struggling in league it’s also very much safe to say this week’s game will not only be extremely difficult to focus on but will give both Seattle and Galaxy an opportunity to redeem themselves  and find some good fortune going into the Cup this year. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
25th US Open Cup appearance (13th as MLS team)
Overall: 37-17-7 (4-3 PK) | 22-6-5 (3-2 PK) as MLS
Away: 8-13-4 (2-2 PK) | 4-4-3 (2-2 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 19-11-4 (2-2 PK) | 15-4-3 (1-2 PK) as MLS
Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 US Open Cup champions

LA Galaxy (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-18-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 25-4-0
vs. MLS: 13-13-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions


Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
Providence Park – Portland, OR
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

Wednesday’s Round of 32 meeting between the Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake affords both sides the opportunity to salvage underwhelming 2023 league campaigns. Both clubs, separated by a single point, are hovering around the Western Conference playoff line. Portland sits uncomfortably above the line in ninth place (12 points, 3-5-3) after Saturday’s 2-2 draw versus a struggling Austin FC side at Providence Park behind goals by Dario Zuparic and Claudio Bravo. With a game in hand, Real Salt Lake sits in eleventh place in the Western Conference, (11 points, 3-5-2) after playing the revitalized Houston Dynamo to a 0-0 draw on the road Saturday.

Wednesday’s match will be Portland’s second Open Cup match this year at home. Marvin Loría, Tyler Clegg, and Jarosław Niezgoda all tallied in the Timbers’ 3-1 win over Orange County SC of the USL Championship. The Timbers featured a reserve-heavy side versus Orange County. The Timbers were winless in the 2022 Open Cup, entering in the Round of 32 and losing at LAFC 2-0. Portland is 20-15-1 all-time in 17 Open Cup appearances, and 13-9-0 as an MLS franchise, making it to the semifinals in 2013 and 2019.

Salt Lake snapped the longest winless streak in the Modern Era (1995-present) of the Open Cup with the club’s Third Round win at Las Vegas Lights FC. After playing to a scoreless draw in regulation, Damir Kreilach scored in the 106th and 116th minutes, and Danny Musovski sealed the club’s first away Open Cup victory in club history. In Salt Lake’s first and only Open Cup final appearance, the club played all five matches—including the final—at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. In 2022, Salt Lake was shocked by USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm, 1-0. Salt Lake is 10-11-2 all-time in 13 Open Cup appearances. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 1-5-0
vs. MLS: 3-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2013 Runner-Up

Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance (10th as MLS team)
Overall: 20-15-1 (0-1 PK) | 13-9-0 as MLS
Home: 10-6-1 (0-1 PK) | 8-2-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 9-11-1 (0-1 PK) | 9-8-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2013, 2019)

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 2 Day 1 Preview: Action resumes on Tuesday with 10 games

April 4, 2023 by Josh Hakala

The Houston Dynamo lift the trophy after winning the 2018 US Open Cup title. Photo: Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo lift the trophy after winning the 2018 US Open Cup title. Photo: Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo lift the trophy after winning the 2018 US Open Cup title. Photo: Houston Dynamo

After a first round that saw the final game go all the way to 10 rounds of penalty kicks, we’re finally ready to get started with all of the lower division professional teams joining the competition. Even though one match was deemed a forfeit after Rochester NY FC folded before the season started, there are still have 29 matches over the next week to get through to decide who will join 18 lower seeded MLS sides in the Third Round, 10 of which will be played today. Four professional sides will make their US Open Cup debut today in the 10 matches to be played on April 4. 

Below you will find the 10 games being played today with links to each broadcast, if available.


TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL) at Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
Trinity Health Stadium – Hartford, CT
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jake Sillick @sportzfrk

Hartford Athletic host storied amateur side Lansdowne Yonkers tonight in a match that Hartford hopes is their first win of the 2023 season. Lansdowne will hope to continue their cup run for their first appearance in the Third Round since 2016.

Hartford is making just their third Open Cup appearance and has gone 1-1-0 in both tournament runs in 2019 and 2022. In the 2019 edition, Hartford would defeat New York Cosmos B in the Second Round by a score of 2-1 before falling in the Third Round to fellow USL Championship side Memphis 901, 4-0. The 2022 tournament started with a 3-1 victory over Oyster Bay United before losing to New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the Third Round.

This season has not started well for Hartford with a 0-2-2 record placing them in 10th place currently in the Eastern Conference. This includes a season opening 5-3 loss at Monterey Bay F.C. and a home defeat to Birmingham Legion 0-1.

Lansdowne Yonkers went through 4 grueling rounds of qualifying to get to the tournament proper this year, defeating storied teams like New York Greek American on their road. Their tournament proper started in Hartford as well, where in the first round they defeated Hartford City FC, 2-1.

Lansdowne currently sit in second place in the EPSL Metropolitan Conference with a 11-1-1 record, second to New York Greek American.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 3-3-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2016)

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 2-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)


Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL) at Miami FC (USL-C)
FIU Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Shana Kerby

Miami FC of the USL Championship will open Round 2 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at home against the NPSL’s Jacksonville Armada Under-23s. Both teams look to continue their cross-league rivalry and will compete for a potential matchup with a MLS side in the next round.

The Armada advance to face Miami FC after a dramatic first round win against Miami United. That match saw a red card for the Armada, 120 minutes of open play, 10 rounds of penalty kicks, and a penalty conversion to win the whole thing by the Armada’s starting goalkeeper, Nicklas Rulle. Notably, Nicklas Rulle also went on to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round, voted on by TheCup.us staff, for his efforts. The Armada will be looking for goals from last year’s top scorer, Eduardo Coimbra, Tuesday night before their regular season opener later this month against Tallahassee SC.

The match against the Armada serves as Miami FC’s debut in the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and a win would see them advance for the third straight tournament. Their league record is currently 0-1-3, leaving them 9th in league standings, but all their matches have had tight margins – their last against Memphis 901 FC was razor thin at a 1-1 final score. American forward Kyle Murphy and midfielder Florian Valot will both be looking to add to their score tallies.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
NOTE: Pro team entered 4 times
Overall: 2-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-2-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2012, 2014, 2017)

Miami FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-5-0
Home: 5-5-0
vs. Amateurs: 4-2-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2017)


Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) at One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
Regal Soccer Stadium – Knoxville, TN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

Regal Soccer Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, will play host to the action on Tuesday night as Memphis 901 FC takes on One Knoxville SC in Second Round action. Regardless of the outcome, club history will be made.

Memphis will be looking to secure their first-ever road triumph in Open Cup play, as well as first win over a third division side in tournament action. It’s been four years since Memphis has tasted victory in tournament play, but in 2019 they secured wins over New York Red Bulls U-23s and Hartford Athletic to reach the Fourth Round. Last year, Memphis finished second in the Western Conference in the regular season with a 21-8-5 record. They would fall in the Conference Semifinals 1-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They’ve been off to a tough start to the 2023 season, as they have yet to taste victory in their first three games (0-2-1). In their last outing they finished with a 1-1 draw against Miami FC this past Saturday.

One Knoxville will be making their debut in the Open Cup. After a successful stint in USL League Two during the 2022 season in which they made it all the way to the conference finals after winning the South Central Division. Knoxville made the jump to USL League One for the 2023 season; however, their debut match in their new league was postponed this past weekend.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2019)

One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A


Gold Star Detroit (NISA) at Detroit City FC (USL-C)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Dan Vaughn (@TheDanVaughn)

When Gold Star Detroit launched late in 2022, their coach Alex Lubyansky talked about making the Open Cup one his club’s big priorities. He went so far as saying it was his goal to win the Cup in the next five years. Of course, there’s a lot on Lybyansky’s plate at the moment.

Entering NISA play over the weekend, Gold Star took a 3-0 loss at Chattanooga FC. The Detroit club’s offense didn’t look entirely inept against CFC, but certainly wasn’t up to the challenge of the best club in the Division 3 league. But Gold Star’s opening match in the USOC isn’t against a D3 opponent.

Detroit City hasn’t got off to the run it hoped this season in the USL Championship, only getting points in a lone win against El Paso Locomotive. Out of the three losses in their 1-3-0 record, all of them were by a single goal. Regardless, DCFC will be up for this USOC opening match at Keyworth against an expansion club in Detroit. Their match could give them some momentum with a loud crowd behind them. They are also hoping to build on last year’s Open Cup run. In their first tournament as a professional team, they played three home games and defeated local rival Michigan Stars FC (NISA) 3-0, and pulled off the club’s greatest victory with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew (MLS). Their best cup run would end against fellow USL Championship side Louisville City FC in a penalty kick shootout.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Gold Star Detroit (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-5 (2-3 PK)
Home: 2-0-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)


Manhattan SC (USL-2) at Flower City Union (NISA)
Rochester Community Sports Complex – Rochester, NY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

By Dan Vaughn (@TheDanVaughn)

Manhattan SC snuck into the second round of the Cup, thanks to a goal in extra time by William Lulka in a 2-1 win over amateur side FC Motown. The USL League Two side now gets to face a very upgraded Flower City Union (NISA) side. While FCU debut season in NISA was a bit of a disaster, finishing 2-18-3, the 2023 version should be significantly improved. Despite the difficult league season, they did manage to pick up a win in their Open Cup debut on the road with only 10 men. They beat USL League Two side Western Mass Pioneers 1-0 in extra time. They would get their first taste of MLS opposition, falling at home to D.C. United 3-0.

Manhattan won’t begin league play until May, but last year, they qualified for the 2023 US Open Cup for the first time by winning the Metropolitan Division with a 12-2-0 record. Flower City kicked off its regular season NISA schedule this past weekend with a 1-0 loss to Maryland. Even with the added firepower of last year’s NISA golden boot runner-up, Alioune Diakhate (formerly of Indy Eleven and ALBION San Diego), FCU couldn’t put a goal into the net. Not that they didn’t try. In fact, the offense looked smooth at times, with players interchanging and progressing the ball. Will it be enough to win a Second Round match against a well-rested USL-2 side?

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Manhattan SC (USL-2)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Flower City Union (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)


Nona FC (USL-2) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By James Knowles (@RBLRSports)

The Rowdies come into this Open Cup game off the back of one their worst starts to a season in recent memory. The Green and Gold drew their first two matches of the year 1-1, before dropping their second two by a combined score of 5-0. The team is certainly on a skid and will be looking to turn things around.

Coming into their Open Cup game on Tuesday, the return of Lewis Hilton will bolster the Rowdies. He is a tough competitor who has been the heart of the midfield for the last several years now. Hilton playing against Nona FC is very likely, as he’ll still need to up his game-time fitness.

Tampa Bay needs a win in 2023 and will look to get that against a USL League 2 club two divisions beneath them. Orlando-based Nona FC are likely to have some talent that can create dangerous chances, a former Pittsburgh Riverhound and a former USF Bull in William Eyang and Gabrielle Privitera, respectively, and will try to trouble a back line of professionals. Nona FC kicked off their opening season in USL-2 with a 12-1-1 record and running away with the Southeast Division title. They would suffer an upset in their first playoff game, As the top-seed, they were upset 2-1 by the No. 8 seed West Virginia United.

Nona FC began their inaugural cup run playing against another Orlando-based club as they edged Club de Lyon, 1-0. William Eyang scored the lone goal in the opening minute and they managed to hang on for the win despite playing the final 26 minutes down a man after Jeferson Junior received his second yellow card.

Neil Collins will be hoping his lineup can use this game to improve their sharpness and cut out the silly mistakes that have plagued it so far. With team talisman Leo Fernandes missing the whole season through injury, Cal Jennings and JJ Williams will want to get their names on the scoresheet for the first time this year. Look to the Rowdies fullbacks to be heavily involved, whipping in crosses for them to head home. Also look to the aforementioned Hilton to be spraying passes out wide from where the attacks are likely to be initiated.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Nona FC (USL-2)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-10-0
Home: 5-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 5-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2013, 2016)


Savannah Clovers FC (NISA) at Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Patriots Point Soccer Stadium – Mount Pleasant, SC
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Forrest Wimberly @soccer_forrest

A new Lowcountry rivalry will be born as NISA expansion Savannah Clovers pay a visit to USL Championship Charleston Battery in the second round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The contrast between the two sides could not be any greater as it matches the new kids on the block versus one of the most successful lower-division professional franchises in the country with a rich history in the tournament.

The Battery has enjoyed over 20 years of US Open Cup success and have claimed several major “cupsets” in front of huge Palmetto state home crowds since their tournament debut in 1999.  Highlights for the Battery include wins over DC United (1999), Metrostars (2001), and San Jose Earthquakes (2013) over this stretch.  Recent results, however, have gone against the Battery as the weather has not cooperated with the hosts forcing delays and rescheduled matches versus South Georgia Tormenta (2022) and Atlanta United (2019) where the Battery were bounced from the Cup.

New head coach Ben Pirmann leads the Battery in 2023 and the reigning USL Coach of the Year has built a potent roster of strong returners along with some proven newcomers to entertain the crowds inside Patriots Point stadium.  Leading scorer Augustine Williams from 2022 as well as veteran defenders Leland Archer and AJ Patterson anchor the core of returning players while Trey Muse, Chris Allan, Emilio Ycaza, and Nick Markanich will look to add their mark to the 2023 campaign.  Teenager Fidel Barajas is another player to watch as the 16-year-old bagged his first professional goal versus Tampa Bay to push the Battery’s record to 2-0-1 after three games played.

The Clovers in their previous amateur seasons in the UPSL never qualified for the US Open Cup before making the jump to the professional ranks this spring in the NISA.  Clovers’ Head Coach David Proctor has been busy this spring building a roster of players from around the globe and a couple of players with previous ties to the Battery made the team in Savannah.

Goalkeeper Jack Pondy and forward Joel Bunting were the first two signings for the Clovers and they will make their return to the Patriots Point pitch this time wearing the visitor’s kit.  Other notable signings include Ahdan Tait (former Michigan Stars), Alex Ierides (former Jacksonville Armada U-23), and Yakov Pomozov (former Sochi FC, Russia).  Adding to this core group will be recently graduated collegiate soccer players from all levels of the US system to build this inaugural Clovers’ roster.  The Clovers made their NISA professional debut hosting the Michigan Stars on April 1st looking to put all the individual pieces together. That game would finish in a 1-1 draw.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Savannah Clovers FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 26-7-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 5-2-0
Best finish: Runner-Up (2008)


Club de Lyon (NISA) at San Antonio FC (USL-C)
Toyota Stadium – San Antonio, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

Two teams setting off on their 2023 Open Cup journey will take the field Tuesday night in San Antonio, Texas. While San Antonio FC are well acquainted with Open Cup play, Club de Lyon of NISA will be making their debut in the storied Cup competition.

Club de Lyon, out of Orlando, Florida, enjoyed an incredibly successful year in 2022, winning the Florida Region championship in the NISA Nation league while also going undefeated in the UPSL. Lyon are still working to get their legs under them this season, with a 1-0 loss to LA Force last Friday marking their first action of the year. The challenge for Club de Lyon is that the club qualified out of the tournament’s Open Division Local qualifying tournament. This cup tied their roster to the CDL’s amateur roster in NISA Nation. Then once the team announced that they were joining NISA, many of the players that would likely have moved up to join the professional roster, were already cup tied to the amateur team. So it will be interesting to see what kind of roster Club de Lyon is able to put together. Their amateur side lost their opening round game to Nona FC, 1-0.

On the other side of the pitch, San Antonio FC will be making their sixth Open Cup appearance. The reigning USL Championship champions have been excellent on their home turf in Cup play, posting a 4-1-1 record. Last season, the club matched their best performance in the tournament, advancing to the Fourth Round for the third time in club history. This run was highlighted by the club’s first-ever win over a MLS team, as they defeated Austin FC 2-1 in extra time.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Club de Lyon (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

San Antonio FC (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-4-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018, 2022)


UDA Soccer (UPSL) at New Mexico United (USL-C)
Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Andrew Mosier

For the first time in Open Cup history, two teams from New Mexico will face off in the tournament proper when New Mexico United (USL Championship) face Open Cup debutants, UDA Soccer at New Mexico State University (USPL) in the second round in Albuquerque.

New Mexico United are 3-2-2 in two appearances in Open Cup play. In 2019, the club’s inaugural year, the club advanced to the Quarterfinals. The first-year club played all five Open Cup matches on the road, beating fellow USL Championship sides Phoenix Rising in penalty kicks, and Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2-1 in extra time, followed by shocking wins over MLS sides Colorado Rapids in penalties, and FC Dallas 2-1 before falling in the quarters at Minnesota United, 6-1. In 2022, United walked past amateurs Las Vegas Legends (NPSL) 5-0 before falling to Phoenix Rising in the Third Round, 2-1.

United are 1-1-0 in the USL Championship league play this year, opening the season with a 1-0 win at Miami FC before falling by the same score at Oakland Roots. Justin Portillo scored the club’s only goal in the early season from the penalty spot in the win over Miami.

UDA Soccer at New Mexico State University (UPSL) are the second team affiliated with a college or university to qualify for the tournament proper in the modern era of the Open Cup (BYU 2006, 2007, 2015), and the only affiliated club to advance to the second round. UDA advanced to round two with a 1-0 over USL League Two side Park City Red Wolves. Jose Puente scored in the 78th minute from the penalty spot to put UDA through.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

UDA Soccer (UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

New Mexico United (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-2 (2-0 PK)
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)


El Farolito (NPSL) at Oakland Roots (USL-C)
CSUEB Pioneer Stadium – Hayward, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Abel Anguiano

“El Faro” is back in the US Open Cup. They have made a couple of appearances in the last six years, but they are most remembered for their championship run in 1993, when they won the Cup under then-name CD Mexico. This week, they face a Bay Area powerhouse in Oakland Roots.

El Farolito advanced from the first round after taking down International San Francisco by a score of 3-0. After going 0-0 for the first 90 minutes, El Faro went into extra time hot, scoring two goals in the first nine minutes. Cesar Benitez sealed the deal in minute 113 to make it three over the SFSFL debutants.

The Roots, on the other hand, will be making their 2023 Cup debut. After uncertainty regarding whether they can play on their home field, they settled for CSU East Bay’s Pioneer Stadium, which is where they played their first “home” game in this season’s USL.

For Bay Area soccer fans, a treat is in store Tuesday and Thursday.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

El Farolito (NPSL)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: 1993 US Open Cup champion (as CD Mexico)
Best finish (Modern Era): Second Round (2022)

Oakland Roots (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

 

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, Preview

2023 US Open Cup Round 1 Review: 14 amateur teams earn dates with pro teams in Round 2

March 24, 2023 by Josh Hakala

2023 US Open Cup Round 1 Review

2023 US Open Cup Round 1 Review
The 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicked off this week with 14 First Round games. The 28 amateur teams on the schedule battled for the right to take on professional teams in the Second Round. There were competitive games with half of the games (7) decided by a single goal. Two more were decided by penalty kick shootouts, one of them was the shortest shootout of the Modern Era, and the other lasted long enough for the goalkeepers to get involved.

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

Of the 14 teams that advanced, six of them were from the NPSL, four from USL League Two, and one each from the UPSL, EPSL, Midwest Premier League, and NISA Nation.

Those teams advance to the Second Round which will take place the week of April 4-6. 

Below you will find a brief recap of all 14 games with links to the full match report. 


TUESDAY, MARCH 21

West Chester United (USLPA)
1:3
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)

After an early goal by former Ocean City player Finn Reese, West Chester United had an early lead in the 12th minute. Six minutes later, a rocket shot from just outside the penalty area by Andres Latorre tied the game up. The Nor’easters would take the lead in the 60th minute when Kevin Curran delivered a pinpoint corner kick to the head of Dylan Evande who powered it past the goalkeeper. Seven minutes after that, a handball in the area led to a penalty kick goal by Latorre’s Bethel University (Ind.) teammate Andre Sabino. Brady Hochman made six saves for the Nor’easters, a few of them of the spectacular variety to preserve Ocean City’s 12th tournament win as an amateur side (13th overall), the third-most of the Modern Era. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

El Farolito (NPSL)
3:0
International San Francisco (SFSFL)

After Extra Time

After a scoreless stalemate in the first 90 minutes of the match, El Farolito poured it on to earn a 3-0 win over International San Francisco. The visitors got off to a good start with an even first half in which they created several decent chances. The home side was stronger in the second half, with a series of strategic substitutions enabling them to begin taking control of the match. But disaster struck in the 85th minute, when El Farolito was reduced to 10 men after a red card to Enrique Soto, resulting from a confrontation with Carlos Harnolis Quintero Omana.

In the extra session, El Farolito responded with a trio of goals that put an end to the hopes of the visiting side, which was making its Open Cup debut. The first two were set up by corner kicks: Jonathan Mosquera headed home a corner in the 94th minute to give Farolito the lead and second half substitute Jhon Quiñones Saya added a second goal less than five minutes later, after International’s goalkeeper Mason Kealy was unable to hold on to a loose ball in the box. An exhausted International defense gave up a third goal on a breakaway in the 113th minute, when Quiñones Saya fed the ball to César Benitez for a tap-in. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



Appalachian FC (NPSL)
2:2
NC Fusion U23 (USL-2)

Appalachian FC advances 3-0 on penalty kicks

US Open Cup first-timers, Appalachian FC, wasted no time in opening their Open Cup scoring account. Carson Dinger finding Camden Holbrook after just 45 seconds to take the lead. The home side would double the lead in the 32nd, again from Holbrook, who received a great ball from Kevin de Lange to make it 2-0.

The visitors would find a way back just 6 minutes later through Juan “Juancho” Fernandez on a beautiful header, assisted by Sam Bethell. Fred Ferreira would equalize on a free kick from 22 yards out after a series of corner kicks to make it 2-2.

30 minutes of extra time could not determine a winner, so off to penalties they went. NC Fusion would become the 5th victim of a 3-0 penalty score line, missing all three of their attempts. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



Club de Lyon B (NISA Nation)
0:1
Nona FC (USL-2)

Nona FC took the lead in the first minute of action and never looked back, as the club remained victorious 1-0 at the end of regulation.  Nona FC midfielder Sergio Barbosa connected with Cameroon youth international Will Eyang, who was able to score his first goal in the US Open Cup.

The match had its own flair of dramatics, though.  All in all, there were eight yellow cards awarded between the two clubs, culminating in Nona FC going down a man in the 64th minute.  With just under half an hour left in the match, Club de Lyon B looked to overpower their opponent with a barrage of offensive attacks, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Nona FC will travel west on April 4th to face USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies in Round 2 of the US Open Cup. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Manhattan SC (USL-2)
2:1
FC Motown (NPSL)

After Extra Time

Manhattan SC came from behind to defeat FC Motown, 2-1 AET, in the Bronx on Wednesday night. It’s the second straight year a first-time USOC squad has knocked out the defending NPSL National Champions.

The New Jersey side got on the board first when Franco Catania scored early in the first half. But two of MSC’s youth players played hero. In his first game with the team, 17-year-old Hakim Karamoko tied the match not long into the second half. Then recently turned 18 William Lulka scored immediately in the second half of extra time.

Manhattan now looks ahead to their first-ever match against a professional side. They’ll face Flower City Union in Rochester on Tuesday, April 4. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

UPDATE: Motown file and lose protest citing Manhattan SC’s field dimensions, NYC club still advances to play in Round 2



Beaman United FC (UPSL)
0:3
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)


For the third year in a row, the Des Moines Menace successfully moved past the opening round, following a 3-0 road victory against Beaman United FC.  The Menace countered quickly throughout the match, resulting in an early lead followed by a pair of goals in the second half.

Gabriel Rodriguez finished with two goals in the match, one of which came from the penalty spot in the second half.  Fernando Garcia contributed a goal of his own in the second half, as well.  Despite knowing very little about their opponent, the Menace showed composure on the ball and crisp passing in the attacking third, which proved too much for Beaman United FC.

On April 5th, the Des Moines Menace will host NISA club Chattanooga FC in Round 2 of the US Open Cup. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



Chicago House AC (MWPL)
1:0
Bavarian United (MWPL)


It only took one goal in the all-Midwest Premier League matchup in the first round of the US Open Cup. Chicago House AC took down USASA champions Bavarian United SC 1-0 after defender John Makowiecki knocked a loose ball from a corner into the net in the 39th minute. Despite constant pressure from the Wisconsin-based side, Chicago House managed to stave off the Bavarian attack throughout the match. At the match’s dying moment, Bavarian nearly tapped in a goal from a scramble in front of the net before Chicago House goalkeeper Tony Halterman made a sprawling save to send his side into the second round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
1:0
Brazos Valley Cavalry (USL-2)


For the second straight year, Tulsa Athletic advanced to the second round of the US Open Cup, after defeating Brazos Valley Cavalry 1-0 in regulation time.

Despite missing two penalty kicks, Tulsa Athletic was still able to find the net and separate the sides before the final whistle.  The winning goal was scored in the 31st minute, when Tulsa’s Stefan Cvetanovic slotted the ball near post and past the goalkeeper.  Brazos did themselves no favors by playing the entire match without a sub and finishing the match with ten players after Kyle Davis received his second yellow card of the night.

After advancing past the first round in consecutive years, Tulsa Athletic will also face USL Championship club FC Tulsa for the second time in as many years.  On April 5th, Tulsa Athletic will host FC Tulsa at Hicks Park. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



UDA Soccer (UPSL)
1:0
Park City Red Wolves (USL-2)


UDA at New Mexico State University made history Wednesday night beating Park City Red Wolves 1-0 in the first round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Jose Puente calmly slotted home a 78th minute penalty kick to put UDA through to the Second Round. More than 500 vocal fans—the largest in the program’s two-year history—packed the New Mexico State University Soccer Complex to cheer UDA on to its first Open Cup win. UDA is also the first team affiliated with a college or university to advance out of the first round in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup. 

It wasn’t until the 70th minute of the match that UDA was able to string multiple passes together in their attacking third. Attacking down the left flank, that sent Selah Alyones in on goal in the 78th minute. Alyones was unceremoniously chopped down from behind for a clear penalty.

Up stepped Puente while Park City did everything they could to get into his head. Multiple players had words with him while Ronaldo Onu kicked the turf at the penalty spot away. Onu received a caution for his efforts. With the win, UDA advances to face USL Championship side, New Mexico United Tuesday April 4. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT  



Project 51O (USL-2)
0:3
Crossfire Premier (NPSL)


Crossfire Premier unceremoniously ushered Project 51O out of the US Open Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory on Wednesday evening. In their debut match of US Open Cup action, Crossfire Premier used the second half to truly take advantage of the opportunity.  The first goal was scored by Lucas Hauswirth, followed by Eric Howard and the tertiary goal was provided by second-half substitute Hamza Haddadi.

In Round 2, Crossfire Premier travels to 2022 US Open Cup runner-up Sacramento Republic. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Ventura County Fusion (USL-2)
1:4
Capistrano FC (NISAN)

After going down a goal in the first six minutes of the match, Capistrano FC would dig deep and battle back to score four unanswered goals to advance to the second round of the US Open Cup with a 4-1 victory over Ventura County Fusion. Ventura County Fusion’s Jerry Desdune was in the right place at the right time for the backdoor tap in to take the early lead.  Ten minutes later, Capo FC equalized with a goal from Joshue Gallardo, assisted by Hevany Ramos-Mota.  Other Capo goalscorers included Parker Scalzo and Hevany Ramos-Mota, who would finish the night with two goals and an assist.

Capo FC will face USL Championship club Orange County SC in Round 2 of the US Open Cup. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



THURSDAY, MARCH 23


Cleveland SC (NPSL)
1:0
Lionsbridge FC (USL-2)


Cleveland SC reached the Second Round for the second year in a row with a narrow 1-0 win over Lionsbridge FC. It was a physical battle that saw nine cards shown, including one red card. Chris Cvecko scored the lone goal in first half stoppage time when Kieran Toland delivered a through ball into the box. Cvecko ran onto it, cut back to his left to avoid a defender and beat the keeper for what would prove to be the only goal of the game. The Cleveland defense was put to the test for the final 20 minutes of the match when Jannis Schmidt was shown a second yellow card in the 73rd minute. Cleveland’s defense would preserve the clean sheet and advance to Round 2 where they will travel to Virginia to take on the Richmond Kickers of USL League One. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL)
1:1
Miami United FC (NSL)

Jacksonville advances 9-8 in penalty kicks

The other all-Florida matchup in the First Round had to be decided by a penalty kick shootout. Mikah Thomas gave the hometown Jacksonville Armada the lead just before halftime when he pounced on a rebound in the 42nd minute. It wouldn’t take Miami United long to equalize as Bautista Dominguez headed home a corner kick in the 48th minute. In the 83rd minute, Thomas, the goalscorer was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, leaving the hosts shorthanded. The Armada managed to keep Miami off the scoresheet with 10 men, but also were not able to manage a goal of their own as extra time ended tied at 1-1. Both teams scored on their attempts in the first seven rounds of the shootout, only to see both teams fail to score in Round 8. In the end, the game was decided by the goalkeepers as Jacksonville’s Nicklaus Rulle scored against Miami’s Occenat Peterson, and when it was Peterson’s turn to shoot, Rulle made the save to send the Armada into the Second Round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT



Hartford City FC (NPSL)
1:2
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL)
 
Lansdowne Yonkers FC survived a physical match at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, Conn. They defeated Hartford City FC 2-1 to advance to the Second Round for the fourth time in as many Open Cup entries (2016, 2018, 2022, 2023). Joseph Devivo was the hero for the Bhoys, scoring both goals. After falling behind on a Hartford City penalty kick in the 28th minute, Lansdowne equalized with Devivo’s goal in first half stoppage time. He would score what would prove to be the game-winner in the 73rd minute when he had a penalty kick saved, but he managed to score off the rebound in the 73rd minute. With the win, the Bhoys will make a return trip to the same stadium to take on USL Championship side Hartford Athletic.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup: Who should be voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament?

September 27, 2022 by Josh Hakala

2022 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament Finalists for 2022 US Open Cup
2022 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament Finalists for 2022 US Open Cup

After two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 107th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup brought plenty of drama and excitement. Usually in this tournament, when there’s a drama, there’s often a few lower division teams involved and the 2022 US Open Cup was no different. 

The Sacramento Republic FC made the most headlines (and even drew the attention of National Public Radio, which is not known for its soccer coverage). The USL Championship side became just the fourth non-Major League Soccer team since 1996 to reach the championship game. In the end, they fell short in the Final, losing 3-0 to Orlando City SC. 

There were other underdogs who made some noise in 2022, like Union Omaha (USL League One, Div. 3) reaching the Quarterfinals, and Louisville City FC (USL-C) making it to the Round of 16. 

Following each year’s competition, TheCup.us honors a player with the distinction of being named “Player the Tournament” for their outstanding performance. However in 2012, an additional honor was added: TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament. The goal is to honor the players on lower division teams (Open Division, Division 3, and Division 2) who have stood out and helped their team make a memorable run in the Open Cup that year.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

We encourage everyone to read over each players’ tournament resume and make your case for who you think should win the award in the comments or on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instragram).

Here are 2022’s finalists (in near alphabetical order):

Joseph Brito (Union Omaha, USL League One, Div. 3)

Arguably the second-best Cinderella run in the 2022 US Open Cup was Union Omaha was USL League One (Div. 3). They upset two MLS teams on the road en route to becoming the first Division 3 club since 2013 (Orlando City SC, USL Pro) to reach the Quarterfinals. While there were many heroes for the defending USL League One champions during their run to the Quarterfinals, the one that stood out was midfielder Joseph Brito. The New England Revolution youth academy product scored a first half equalizer in a 2-1 home win over the Des Moines Menace, the defending USL League Two champions. Brito played the first 90 minutes in a road game against the Chicago Fire where Omaha eliminated the four-time champions in penalty kicks. Northern Colorado Hailstorm’s upset of Real Salt Lake in Round 3 meant Union Omaha got to play a fellow USL League One team in Round 4. Brito assisted on the second goal in a 2-0 win as Union advanced to the Round of 16. It was there when Brito and Omaha would have to play another MLS side away from home. There he scored what would prove to be the game-winner in a 2-1 win over Minnesota United FC. His impressive goal earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. The run would come to an end in the Quarterfinals with a 6-0 road loss to Sporting Kansas City as Omaha was unable to pull off a third road upset against a MLS team (which would have been a Modern Era first for a Division 3 team).

???? A volley like THIS to put us on top???

Put some respect on @josephbrito08's name immediately. ????#OneMeansAll | @opencup pic.twitter.com/Z4cNnjIqOc

— Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) May 26, 2022

Round 2: Started, played 77 minutes, assisted on a first half equalizer (19th min.) in a 2-1 home win vs. Des Moines Menace (USL-2).
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes, in a 5-4 PK shootout win (2-2 draw) on the road vs. Chicago Fire (MLS). 
Round 4: Started, played 71 minutes, assisted on the second goal in a 2-0 home win vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
Round 5: Started, played 80 minutes, scored the game-winning goal (51st min.) in a 2-1 road win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS). Brito was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 minutes in a 6-0 road loss vs. Sporting KC (MLS)

 

Rodrigo Lopez (Sacramento Republic FC, USL Championship, Div. 2)

Rodrigo Lopez was the most consistent offensive contributor for the Sacramento Republic in the club’s run to the 2022 US Open Cup Final. He began by scoring a goal and adding two assists in 60 minutes of work in a one-sided win over the Portland Timbers U-23s (USL-2).  In the next round, Lopez assisted on his team’s opening goal and eventually scored the game-winning penalty kick over Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-2). The 90th-minute goal was his fifth career US Open Cup goal, the second-most in Sacramento Republic history. After not playing in his team’s Round 4 win over Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C), Lopez once again played hero in his team’s upset win over the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS). His corner kick found former quakes player Luis Felipe in the 28th minute to give his team the lead. Then later on, he sealed the result himself with a clinching goal in the 84th minute to secure the team’s first-ever win against an MLS side. He continued to find the back of the net in the Quarterfinal against LA Galaxy (MLS), scoring the opening goal in what would be another cupset for the Indomitable Club. His final mark was stepping up to the spot in the fifth round of his team’s penalty kick shootout against Sporting Kansas City (MLS) in the semifinal. Following a Danny Vitiello save, his successful attempt pushed Sacramento into the final following a scoreless 120 minutes.

Ro Ro, you know! | ????

Rodrigo Lopez slams a fourth home for @SacRepublicFC — who are heaping woe on @TimbersU23.

4-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/nd5LmVPhTv

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 8, 2022

Round 2: Started, played 60 minutes, scoring a goal and adding two assists in a 6-0 home win vs. Portland Timbers U-23s (USL-2)
Round 3: Started, played all 90 minutes, assisted on the opening goal, scored the game-winning penalty kick in second half stoppage time in a 2-1 home win vs. Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1). 
Round 4: Did not play in 2-0 home win vs. Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, subbed out in second half stoppage time, assisted on the opening goal, scored an 84th minute clincher in a 2-0 home win vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS).
Quarterfinals: Started, played 62 minutes, scored the opening goal in a 2-1 road win vs. LA Galaxy (MLS)
Semifinals: Started, played 120 minutes, scored the game-winning PK in the 5-4 PK shootout win (after 0-0 draw) at home vs. Sporting KC (MLS)
Final: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-0 road loss vs. Orlando City SC

 

Maxi Rodriguez (Detroit City FC, USL Championship, Div. 2)

Detroit City FC waited two years to make their Open Cup debut as a professional team. But fans of the USL Championship (Div. 2) side were left more than fulfilled after their club downed both a in-state rival and MLS team in their club’s best tournament performance to date. While many might look towards the stalwart goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher as the most impactful player, it’s hard to overlook how much Maxi Rodriguez impacted his team’s results. The second-year DCFC striker assisted on two of his team’s three goals through “smoke, smell, and darkness” against rival Michigan Stars FC in Round 2. Besides just advancing, the result was City’s first outright win ever in the tournament (only advancing previously through penalty kicks). Rodriguez followed up the first game by playing every minute of the following two games and scoring every goal for his team going forward. In front of a sold-out Keyworth Stadium, with 6,000+ mostly home fans cheering, Rodriguez helped Detroit win possibly the biggest match in the team’s decade long history by dispatching a Major League Soccer side. His two goals in the second half countered a Gyasi Zardes penalty kick and lifted DCFC to a win over the Division 1 side. For his efforts, Maxi was awarded TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for Round 3. In Round 4 against league foe Louisville City, the former UNC Charlotte star channeled some of that southeast fire and played a complete match against the defending USLC Eastern Conference finalist. His successful penalty kick in the 14th minute put the team up, 1-0, and went on to convert his shot during the eventual shootout. His team went on to lose 4-2 in PKs after the match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.

HE DOES IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE.@MaxiRodrigue21#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mz2iww42Da

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

Round 2: Started, played 71 minutes, assisted on two goals in a 3-0 home win vs. Michigan Stars FC (NISA).
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes, scored both goals in a 2-1 home win vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Round 4: Started, played 120 minutes, scored the lone goal, converted his PK in the shootout in a 4-2 PK loss (1-1 draw) at home vs. Louisville City FC (USL-C)

 

Danny Vitiello (Sacramento Republic FC, USL Championship, Div. 2)

For Sacramento Republic their goalkeeper was probably the most indomitable piece of their run to the final. With three clean sheets to his name, including one against the local Division 1 team, Danny Vitiello solidified his presence on this list through a number of outstanding performances. After not playing in his team’s opening blowout win, Vitello’s 2022 tournament debut wasn’t stellar. He made 0 saves and allowed a tying goal against USL League One side Central Valley Fuego. His first Open Cup appearance since 2018 (a Round 2 loss with Long Island Rough Riders) was saved by fellow LDPOTT nominee Rodrigo Lopez’s stoppage time goal. The next two rounds, however, are what truly began Vitiello’s legend. His clean sheet in Round 4 saw him make six saves, including a penalty kick stop just before halftime, that lead to a win, 2-0, over league rival Phoenix Rising FC. In his team’s fourth straight home game the next Round, Sacramento and Vitiello finally got the monkey off their franchise’s back and beat a Major League Soccer team. His five saves combined with goals in each half gave Republic the 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the “Hella Derby”. Heading on the road for the Quarterfinal game against Div. 1 LA Galaxy was uncharted territory for team. While Vitiello allowed his first goal in two games, an own-goal at that, he technically kept every member of the Galaxy off the scoresheet. His four saves and a second half Luis Felipe goal pushed Sacramento to the semifinals, the first non-MLS team to reach the mark since 2017. All of this leads to the defining moment of what has been a journey man career for Vitiello. In the national semifinals against Sporting Kansas City of MLS, the New York state native was the biggest factor in his team’s upset win. In 120 minutes, the keeper made eight saves including multiple in extra time as his team’s offense waned. Pushed into a penalty kick shootout, Vitiello was unable to stop any of the first four shots that came his way – not including a called-back save in the third round for coming off his line. With his team perfect on the other side, the fifth round separated each team from sudden death. U.S. international Graham Zusi stepped and Vitiello guessed correctly by diving to his left for the save, allowing team captain Lopez the chance to convert and move the team onto the cup final.

Despite a second half collapse against Orlando City SC in the last game, Vitiello’s tournament performance still ranks among the best by a lower division keeper in the Modern Era.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man ????

How @dannyvitiello_ stepped up to claim @opencup glory for @SacRepublicFC last night ⬇️

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 28, 2022

Round 2: Did not play in a 6-0 home win vs. Portland Timbers U-23s (USL-2)
Round 3: Started, played all 90 minutes, made 0 saves in a 2-1 home win vs. Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1). 
Round 4: Started, played all 90 minutes, earned a clean sheet and made 6 saves in a 2-0 home win vs. Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, played all 90 minutes, earned a clean sheet and made 5 saves in a 2-0 home win vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS).
Quarterfinals: Started, played all 90 minutes, made 4 saves in a 2-1 road win vs. LA Galaxy (MLS)
Semifinals: Started, played 120 minutes, earned a clean sheet and made 8 saves in the 5-4 PK shootout win (after 0-0 draw) at home vs. Sporting KC (MLS) Vitiello was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Final: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-0 road loss vs. Orlando City SC

 

Honorable Mention: Sainclair Tueno (FC Motown, National Premier Soccer League, Open Division)

Sainclair Tueno never played a minute in the 2022 US Open Cup – at least officially. But it can be argued that no player had more of an impact on their team during this year’s tournament. Tueno came on as a substitute late in the first half of extra time in Motown’s original Round 1 game against West Chester United SC. By the time the Lycoming College alumnus entered, the visiting PA side had already taken the lead and his 20 minutes of play were uneventful as Motown fell, 3-2 (AET). While his team protested the result, something they’d eventually win, Tueno would not be able to see it personally. Four days after the game on March 26th Tueno was tragically struck by a fast travelling car just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Put on life support, he’d remain in that state until early May when he passed away at the young age of 25. But his story doesn’t end here. As he fought for his life, Tueno’s teammates continued their run in the Open Cup in his honor. In the West Chester replay, Ryan Peterson’s cross into the box deep into stoppage time seemingly continued to float right into the net for winner. In Round 2, against professional side AC Syracuse Pulse, a scoreless match entered extra time where Federico de Oliveira scored the game winner in the 96th minute. On the other side, goalkeeper David Greczek made an incredible save to keep it level but also, in his mind, had a little help. A late regulation time chance by Syracuse’s Molley Karpeh got past a defender and a diving Greczek but rolled mere inches wide to keep the game scoreless. Following the go-ahead goal, in the last moments of the first ET half, a low corner kick was headed over the Motown defense and looked to be going in the net. Inexplicably, Karpeh raised his leg as the ball neared the goal line, inadvertently redirecting it out of play.

“Obviously for our guy Sainclair, he saved us a couple of times today, he was there with us,” former Motown head coach Šaćir Hot said after the game. “Some goal line clearances. Some close calls that could have fallen their way. I think the power of our guy up there was with us.”

Motown’s run ended in Round 3 in a penalty kick shootout, 2-2 (4:3 pks) with MLS Next Pro side Rochester New York FC. That game also included some unique moments including Motown coming back from two goals down and tying the game in second half stoppage time. The team earned $25,000 dollars as the furthest reaching Open Division team and helped raise the same amount for Tueno’s family during that span to help cover medical expenses. Outside of the tournament, the team went on to win the National Premier Soccer League national championship for the first time later that year. Even up to that final whistle, members of Motown still believe Sainclair was with them fighting. The team’s pre-match attire for the rest of the year, even past the tournament, was a simple white shirt with Sainclair’s number 23 and initials on the back and “Fight the fight” proudly displayed across the front. His tragic circumstance brought Motown, a team that rarely if ever trains, together as a unit. In a way, Armel Sainclair Tueno Nguimfack (1996-2022) is possibly the most impactful lower division player from this year’s competition.

Thanks to ⁦@coachAlMac⁩ for getting a great banner honoring Sainclair Tueno at Drew University. We miss him dearly and have dedicated the season to our brother. #st23 #npsl #rbny #morristown pic.twitter.com/Fmojztc4zo

— FC Motown Celtics (@fc_motown) June 12, 2022

Round 1: Subbed on, played 20 minutes in extra time during 3-2 AET home loss vs West Chester United SC that was later successfully challenged

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2023 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Review: Recapping all 34 games

September 21, 2022 by Josh Hakala

Players from Vereinigung Erzebirge (left) and Philadelphia Lone Star FC battle for the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Carl Gulbish | @carlgulbishpho1
Players from Vereinigung Erzebirge (left) and Philadelphia Lone Star FC battle for the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Carl Gulbish | @carlgulbishpho1
Players from Vereinigung Erzebirge (left) and Philadelphia Lone Star FC battle for the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Carl Gulbish | @carlgulbishpho1

Two weeks ago Orlando City SC lifted the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by defeating Sacramento Republic FC, 3-0. The finish of the 2022 edition has little room to breath as the new cycle has already kicked off. Last weekend saw the first qualifying round of the 2023 tournament begin around the country featuring Open Division teams. In total, 34 matches took place across eleven states and the nation’s capital.

The 108th edition of the Open Cup started off better than last year. While 2022’s qualifying round was filled with forfeits, only one game was this year. And even still, a game was played despite the ruling. The biggest story of the first qualifying round is how many familiar faces went down in their first match. Two former champions failed to escape the first weekend while two 2022 competitors were pushed to the brink.

Due to the size of the qualifying field, a grand total of 37 teams were granted byes through the first round. They’ll join the field of victors from last weekend in October’s second qualifying round. All teams will play in the fourth round this year with the final games taking place December 17-18.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022

Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)
1:2
West Chester United (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)
Ukrainian American Sports Center; North Wales, PA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Kicking off the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Qualifying campaign were rivals from the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania, West Chester United and the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals. West Chester has previously qualified as a USASA team in 2016 & 2019, and their USL League Two club made the cut for the 2022 tournament.

On the opposite side, the Ukrainian Nationals are 4-time Open Cup champions (1960, 1961, 1963 & 1966), however they have yet to qualify for the Open Cup in the “Modern Era” (since 1995).

The Ukrainians jumped out to an early lead on a 12th minute goal from Jacob Gier, who played with Lehigh Valley United of USL League Two this past season. Equalizing in the 38th minute for West Chester was Finn Reese on an assist from Mike Gonzalez. Just as extra time seemed certain, West Chester were awarded a penalty in second half stoppage time, and Derek Remierez, who played this past summer with WCU’s USL League Two squad, converted the spot kick to send his team to the next round of qualifying.

@WCUSCPredators 2-1 Win. Not our best match but advance to 2nd Round! Great effort by @UkrNationalsSC ????! Ramirez winner 90'! @ussoccer @BrotherlyGame @USLPA @NPSLSoccer @PennFusion_SA @MattRalph_tBG @USLLeagueTwo @usopencup @PhilaUnion pic.twitter.com/A1F6hTFxbP

— West Chester United SC (@WCUSCPredators) September 17, 2022

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Houston FC (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)
10:1
Galveston Pelicans FC (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)
San Jacito College South; Houston, TX

Houston FC took one step closer to the 2023 US Open Cup with a comprehensive 10-1 victory over the Galveston Pelicans at San Jacito College South. Led by a hat trick by Quinton Bridges and a double by Mahmoud Adwani, Houston raced into the break with 5-0 lead. The second half saw five more Houston goals and Galveston’s goose egg was broken up by a goal from Ronaldo Garcia.

This marks just the fourth time since this new qualifying tournament began in 2015 that a team has reached double digit goals. 

With the win, Houston advances to the Second Qualifying round to be held October 15-16 with their opponent to be determined.

Houston FC goalscorers: Quinton Bridges (3), Mahmoud Adwani (2), Sergio Calvillo, Otney Crawford, Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, Alejandro Vigil, Michael Luster. Galveston Pelicans: Ronaldo Garcia.

MOST LOPSIDED GAMES (Modern Qualifying Tournament, 2015-present)

1. Union Dubuque F.C. (MWPL) 14:0 Spartan FC (WPASL) – 2021 USASA Region II Amateur Cup Round 1
2. Newcastle United (UPSL) 13:0 Del Rey City SC (UPSL) – 2018 Qualifying Rd. 1
3. Strikers FC South Coast (UPSL) 11:0 AC Brea Steaua (SoCal Premier Lg.) – 2017 Qualifying Rd 1
3. FC Kendall (APSL) 11:0 Leu Blacks FC (UPSL) – 2018 Qualifying Rd. 1
3. Kalonji Pro-Profile (APSL) 1:12 SCU-Heat (UPSL) – 2021 USASA Region III Amateur Cup Group Stage
6. HOUSTON FC (NSL) 10:1 GALVESTON PELICANS FC (NSL) – 2022 Qualifying Rd. 1

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City Soccer FC (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)
3:2
Florida Soccer Soldiers (UPSL)
Broward College-South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL

In a rematch of last year’s “Win & You’re In” match, City Soccer FC and Florida Soccer Soldiers met again in US Open Cup Qualifying. This time it was the opening round. But it was a similar result as City Soccer came out on top by the score of 3-2.

City Soccer are seeking their second straight USOC berth, while Florida Soccer Soldiers will have to wait until next year to try to recapture the magic of their 2019 run that saw them knock off the Charlotte Independence (USL Championship) to reach the Third Round.

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Club de Lyon (NISA Nation / USSSA)
3:0
Deportivo Lake Mary FC (NISA Nation / USSSA)
Showalter Field; Winter Park, FL

In a battle of two Orlando-area clubs, Club de Lyon shutout Deportivo Lake Mary FC, 3-0. This is Club de Lyon’s first entry into US Open Cup qualifying, while DLM was attempting to qualify for the second time in as many years (they lost to Orlando FC Wolves, 4-0 in the opening round).

Victor Rojas opened the scoring in the first 20 minutes with a penalty kick. It remained a one-goal game until the final 10 minutes when Damian Duda doubled the lead and then an own goal (off a shot from Rojas) in stoppage time put the game away.

Club de Lyon are a new club competing in NISA Nation. They have already gotten off to a positive start having won the first edition of NISA Nation’s Florida Region.

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Oyster Bay United FC (UPSL)
2:1 (AET)
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
Darcy Field; Rockville Centre, NY

Oyster Bay United logo

Oyster Bay United took a step toward returning to the US Open Cup with a 2-1 extra time win over New Jersey Alliance FC. Mike Bello put the visitors on top in the 4th minute. New Jersey, who attempted to qualify for the first time last year (lost in the second round to West Chester United), held that 1-0 lead until the very end.

However, United’s Said Giorgini equalized deep in second half stoppage time to send the match into extra time. Leonel Zelaya, a standout at Queens College (NCAA D-2) would score what would prove to be the game-winner in the 101st minute to send Oyster Bay into the next round.

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Juventus Academy (UPSL)
4:3
Doral SC (UPSL)
Broward College-South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL

A pair of South Florida-based first-time qualifying entries squared off in Pembroke Pines, Fla. on Saturday. Juventus took control of the game early with three straight goals by Lucas Coro, Matias Paredes and Jacopo Camilli. Doral pulled one back before halftime as a shot was mishandled by the Juventus goalkeeper. A header right in front of goal took a bounce in front of goal and the keeper tried to make the stop but was unable to get enough of his hands to it as it ended up over his head and into the back of the net.

In the second half, Doral put the pressure on, earning a penalty kick. However, the goalkeeper dove to his left to get a piece of the low driving shot as it deflected off the post, deflected off his body before he could gather it. But Doral’s pressure would pay off as they cut the lead to 3-2. However, the comeback hopes were dashed with a cross from the right wing that was tapped in by Juve’s Edu Ramirez. Doral would add a late goal but it wasn’t enough as Juventus advanced to Round 2.

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Germantown City FC (UPSL)
2:1
Aegean Hawks FC (American Premier League / USASA)
River Hill High School Stadium; Clarksville, MD

Three-time Open Cup qualifiers Aegean Hawks of the American Premier League got off on the right foot against Germantown City FC (UPSL). They scored in the opening 10 minutes, only to see the lead disappear about 15 minutes later. Christian Okomo equalized for the home team with a shot from just outside the 18-yard box on the left side around the 25th minute. In the second half, Stephane Mankemi scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the 65th minute. Franklin Reyes was out on the left wing and delivered a cross which found Mankemi for the tap-in. With the win, Germantown City picks up a win in their Open Cup qualifying debut.

Germantown City FC poses for a team photo after the club's 2-1 win over Aegean Hawks FC in the 2023 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Germantown City FC
Germantown City FC poses for a team photo after the club’s 2-1 win over Aegean Hawks FC in the 2023 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Germantown City FC

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FC Fort Worth (UPSL)
1:5
D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (UPSL)
Southwest High School; Fort Worth, TX

After earning their first ever Open Cup qualification in 2022, D’Feeters Kicks SC began their 2023 qualifying campaign with a decisive 5-1 victory over UPSL rivals FC Fort Worth at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The two sides were already quite familiar with each other after a Spring 2022 UPSL league campaign that ended with DKSC finishing first and Fort Worth finishing second with just a single point separating the two sides in the final standings; though D’Feeters did finish with a resounding goal difference of +56. 

All five of the visitors’ goals came from different goalscorers, but it was Oscar Ocampo and Sebastian Mendez who led the way with each tallying both a goal and an assist. The home side were right there in it at halftime, but three second half goals from DKSC, including two in the final 10 minutes, left no doubt about the final result. 

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LA Monsters FC (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
3:0
Irvine FC (UPSL)
Wilmington Athletic Complex; Wilmington, CA

The LA Monsters have been regulars in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament since the modern format began in 2016 but have fallen painfully close to punching their ticket. After losing three times in “Win & You’re In” matches (2016, 2018, 2020), the Monsters are determined to take that next step. They got off to a positive start with a 3-0 home win over UPSL side Irvine FC, who were making their qualifying debut. A first half brace by 22-year-old Colombian Steven Ramirez (15th min., 30th min.) gave them a two-goal advantage at halftime. Oswaldo Rodriguez put the game out of reach in the 75th minute. Player/coach Larry Sanchez, the son of the team’s head coach Leo Sanchez, earned the clean sheet for the Monsters.

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SC Vistula Garfield (Garden State Soccer League / USASA)
1:0
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
Athenia Steel Recreation Complex; Clifton, NJ

By Michael Battista

SC Vistula Garfield knocked off three time Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 1-0, thanks to a late game stunner.

The Freedoms controlled possession for most of the match. However the New York soccer institution was stopped by Garfield’s keeper Anthony Caruso. The former New Jersey Institute of Technology keeper earned the clean sheet in trial by fire, coming up huge on multiple Freedom chances. The winning moment came in the 89th minute as Garfield threw the ball long near the box. A quick flick to the far post saw Christopher Karcz (40 years old) dive for the header, sending the ball into the back of the net.

Vistula Garfield have entered the Open Cup in the past, but this is their first attempt since Open Division qualifying was revamped in 2016. The team, celebrating its 70th anniversary is having a tremendous year on the field. The team reached the semifinals of the USASA Region I Amateur Cup, knocking off FC Motown in the state final and Fall River FC in the regionals. A result of the team continuing to build on it’s long time heritage.

The Freedoms have entered Open Cup qualifying each of the last six years, qualifying for the 2016 tournament and the canceled 2020 edition. The Freedoms have also won three Open Cup Championship in 1980,.1982 and 1983. The team has also either qualified or attempted to qualify for every Open Cup tournament since it’s inception in the 1970s.

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Nova FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
0:0
Steel Pulse FC (Maryland Super Soccer League / USASA)
Nova FC advance on penalties, 3-1
VA Revolution Sportsplex; Leesburg, VA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

2022 Open Cup qualifier Nova FC of the Eastern Premier Soccer League hosted Steel Pulse FC of the Maryland Super Soccer League.

Steel Pulse were reduced to 10 men after losing a player to a red card after 10 minutes. Pulse wound up going another 110 minutes down a man as the teams battled to a scoreless draw, leading tio a penalty shootout.

In the shootout Steel Pulse missed on two of their first three attempts, while Nova converted all three. Nova then missed on their fourth attempt, but Steel Pulse failed to convert their fourth shot, giving Novas the shootout win and advancing them to the Second Round of qualifying on October 15-16

Steel Pulse were making their third attempt at qualifying since 2019, while Nova advanced to the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup.
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.@NovaFc goalkeeper Tyler Back makes a save during penalty kicks in NoVa FC's @opencup win. #USOC2023 https://t.co/TmxBOMOdtw pic.twitter.com/rfSwLfN2FC

— Tim Harvey ???? ⚽️ ???? (@timharvFC) September 18, 2022

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
5:0
Manhattan Kickers FC (Cosmopolitan Soccer League / USASA)
Tibbetts Brooke Park; Yonkers, NY

By Michael Battista

Lansdowne Yonkers FC dominated their former league-mates Manhattan Kickers FC, 5-0, just north of New York City proper. The former Bhoys’ hunt for a fourth Open Cup berth will continue into next month’s round. The Kickers’ inaugural qualification run ended in disappointment as the team looks ahead to the 2022-23 Division 1 season in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

Yonkers’ newcomer Shawn Genus made his presence known, scoring three of his team’s five goals, including two in the first half (14’, 42’). Julio Espinal knocked in a shot in the 17th minute while Joseph DeVivo scored in the 44th. The Kickers looked out of their depth against Lansdowne. A final goal in the 81st minute via a penalty kick by Genus to complete his hat trick saw the team to the final whistle.

Lansdowne Yonkers FC vs. Manhattan Kickers FC. Powered by @newlogicaltech . @opencup qualifying @usopencup @epslsoccer @newlogical @tommysmythespn @cosmoleague https://t.co/ktG7DtwqwS

— Lansdowne Yonkers FC (@Lansdownebhoys) September 17, 2022

Lansdowne Yonkers FC vs. Manhattan Kickers FC – YouTube

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FC Denver (Colorado Super League / USASA)
2:0
Harpos FC (Colorado Super League / USASA)
Northfield High School; Denver, CO

Long time local rivals FC Denver and Harpos FC squared off for the third time in USOC qualifying, at Northfield High School in Denver. The two sides met last June in the Colorado Super League final, with Harpos coming out on top.

FC Denver is attempting to qualify for the first time since 2019, while Harpos FC are attempting to qualify for the first time since the canceled tournament of 2020 (prior to that 2016). A crowd of about 75 saw FC Denver come out 2-1 winners.

FC Denver would start the scoring in the 19th minute when Alex Stephan’s through ball found Leo Castillo for a shot. The shot was deflected into the path of Ismail Garcia who slotted home to take the 1-0 lead. Castillo took a free kick in the 43rd minute which deflected in front of goal and found the back of the net to give FC Denver a 2-0 lead going into halftime.

Both sides started the second half brightly, but Harpos would soon begin to wear down the Denver defense. After several good chances in the middle third of the half, Harpos would win a PK and convert it in the 90th minute. Not enough to save Harpos aspirations, FC Denver wins 2-1.

With the win, FC Denver advances to the Second Qualifying round to be held October 15-16 with their opponent to be determined.

Massive 2-1 win last night in @opencup qualifying. Great work from all involved. One down, three rounds to go. ✅✔️✔️✔️ @usopencup #usoc2023 #DenverBuilt #DenverSoccer pic.twitter.com/mWihm2ohNx

— FC Denver (@FC_Denver) September 18, 2022

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FC Arizona (UPSL)
5:1
Valley FC Raiders (NISA Nation / USASA)
Bell Bank Park; Mesa, AZ

In an all-debutantes’ affair, FC Arizona and Valley FC Raiders met in USOC qualifying. Valley FC Raiders came out the winners 5-1. This is the first meeting between the two teams in any competition and the first qualifying game in the first attempt for both teams.

The first half started fast. Both sides had good possession and chances. Valley would draw first blood when Kevin Olivarez would score his first of the evening in the 23rd minute. Ruben Phiri scored from a long-range blast in the 30th minute. FC Arizona keeper, Adrian Thomas, brought down an attacker outside his penalty area and was sent off in the 44th minute. Field player Yuki Enomoto would step into goal to deal with the resulting free kick, which was put away by Olivarez for his second of the night. The half ended 3-0 to the NISA Nation side.

The second half began with FC Arizona looking for a goal. They would dominate the games for several stretches, but to little joy. Valley’s Eduardo Lazaro would score in the 80 to make the lead 4-0. Just a few minutes later, Jesus Ruiz would get a great cross from Jordi Figueroa to break the shut out, making it 4-1. The momentum shifted quickly and in the 88th minute, Bwaleso Igulu would put the game to bed once and for all pushing the lead to 5-1.

With the win, Valley FC Raiders advances to the Second Qualifying round to be held October 15-16 with their opponent to be determined.

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Laguna United FC (UPSL)
3:0
Olympiacos CA (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Niguel, CA

A pair of first-time entries from Southern California met in Laguna Niguel, Calif. with Laguna United FC defeating Olympiacos CA, 3-0. Yousef Farah opened the scoring with a penalty kick just before halftime. He would add a second goal from the run of play around the 70th minute, followed by a third goal from the team’s backup goalkeeper Jeremy Caringella who subbed on as a striker. United goalkeeper Ivan Hernandez earned the clean sheet for the home team.

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UC Davis Club Soccer (West Coast Soccer Association / USASA)
3:4
Davis Legacy SC (UPSL)
Dairy Outdoor Recreation Complex (UC Davis); Davis, CA

The Davis Legacy have been regulars in US Open Cup qualifying since 2016 (with the exception of 2020), but have yet to qualify for the US Open Cup proper. After two straight one-and-dones (2019, 2022), the Legacy picked up a 4-3 win over UC Davis Club Soccer.

UC Davis fall short in their Open Cup qualifying debut, joining a relatively small list of college club teams that have tried and failed to join the tournament.

UC Davis didn’t waste any time in taking the lead, scoring goals in the 7th and 12th minute of the match.  Davis Legacy’s tandem of Junior Kazeem and JJ Rigo were each able to score and tie the match before halftime.  The duo took charge in the second half as well, adding two more goals and creating an insurmountable lead.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022

Ruggles Pro FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
0:0
Boston Street FC (UPSL)
Boston Street advances 13-12 in penalty kicks
Fore Kicks II; Marlborough, MA
MATCH VIDEO

A pair of Massachusetts-based US Open Cup qualifying debutants met in Marlborough, Mass. on Sunday afternoon. While the match went 120 minutes without a goal, the two teams made up for it in the penalty kick shootout.

In the end, Boston Street FC advanced to the next round in the longest PK shootout in the tournament’s modern qualifying format (which began in 2015). Boston Street defeated Ruggles Pro FC 13-12 in a shootout that lasted 16 rounds.  

The first five rounds of the shootout ended in a 3-3 tie and rounds 3 through 11 resulted in mirrored results. Boston Street’s Eddie Yepes was able to bury his shot, which placed all of the tournament hopes and pressure on his teammate, goalkeeper PJ Mundis.  When Ruggles’ Michelle Lorran took his penalty kick, Mundis dove to his right, but was able to kick-save the ball away from the goal line. The tournament dreams of Boston Street FC were kept alive with that kick save. While the club redirects their focus back on the UPSL season, they can rest assured that they aren’t finished in their hopes to qualify for next year’s edition of the US Open Cup.

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Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)
2:1
Philadelphia Lone Star FC (UPSL)

Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse; Warminster, PA

Players from Vereinigung Erzebirge (left) and Philadelphia Lone Star FC battle for the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Carl Gulbish | @carlgulbishpho1
Players from Vereinigung Erzebirge (left) and Philadelphia Lone Star FC battle for the ball in a 2023 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Carl Gulbish | @carlgulbishpho1

Vereinigung Erzgebirge advanced to the second round of qualifying for the 2023 US Open Cup tournament after a 2-1 win against Philadelphia Lone Star FC. There were no goals in the first half but the second half was where all the action began. Kevin Smolyn scored the first goal in the match for VE in the 50th minute to put them ahead 1-0. Lone Star would respond in the 64th minute with a goal from Alvin Dahn. The score remained level until stoppage time when Johnny Ciarlante scored the game-winning goal to seal the win for Vereinigung Erzgebirge and avenge their loss (by the same score) to Lone Star in the qualifying rounds last year. VE advances in the opening round for the third tournament in a row in hopes of qualifying for the first time since 2002. (NOTE: VE qualified in 2020, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) 

https://twitter.com/BrotherlyGame/status/1571579570201022470

Goal highlights:

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Lancaster City FC (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania / USASA)
2:3 (AET)
Lancaster Elite (UPSL)

Lancaster Catholic High School Stadium; Lancaster, PA

We got the Lancaster, Pa. derby as both Lancaster Elite and Lancaster City made their debuts in the qualifying rounds for the 2023 US Open Cup. Lancaster Elite led City 2-1 at the half but City scored a dramatic equalizer in second half stoppage time. Jack Weaver would score for Lancaster Elite to give them the lead 3-2 in added extra time in the 110th minute, which was enough to send them through to the next round.  

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Team Tevez (DC Premier League / USASA)
2:4 (AET)
DCFC (DC Premier League / USASA)

Fields at RFK; Washington, D.C.

We got a rivalry match in  the nation’s capital as DCFC edged out Team Tevez 4-2 after added extra time to advance to the next round of qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup. It was a battle of the DC Premier League’s 2021 fall champions (DCFC) and the 2022 spring champions (Team Tevez) with both teams making their qualifying debut. In the first half, DCFC scored a pair of goals from Harry Engoren in the 41st and Charles Touche in the 43rd minute to put DCFC 2-0 going into halftime. However in the second half Team Tevez would respond quickly. They got a goal in the 48th minute from Colin Patch to cut the lead in half. Then, about 10 minutes later, Alex Firth scored the equalizer for Team Tevez. After 90 minutes, the game would go into extra time and DCFC would score two goals to get the win. Harry Engoren scored his second goal of the match and Ryan Mahoney added the insurance goal for DCFC to move on to the second round of qualifying. 

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Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake (Colorado Super League / USASA)
3:0
Peak Eleven Football Club (Mountain Premier League / USASA)
Wheat Ridge High School; Wheat Ridge, CO

AC Sloan’s Lake advanced to the second round of qualifying with their first tournament win, 3-0 over local rivals Peak Eleven FC.

All the scoring came in the second half, sparked by a goal from each of the team’s starting forwards. Former AC Carpi (Italian Serie B) player Jacob Love connected in the 48th minute, while Jack O’Brian, who won a national title with Stanford in 2017, doubled the lead in the 52nd. Miguel Camerolinga put the game out of reach in the 64th minute.

For Peak Eleven, it was a one-and-done tournament after advancing last year in a dramatic PK shootout over FC Denver in their debut. They missed their first two attempts and managed to come back and win 4-3.

For Sloan’s Lake, they advance to Round 2 of the tournament which will be held Oct. 15-16 with their opponent to be determined.

pic.twitter.com/gheoybSGCC

— Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake????????????⚽️✊????????????‍???? (@ACSLdirector) September 18, 2022

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Clearwater Chargers SC (UPSL)
0:4
Florida Premier FC (UPSL)

Glenn Oaks Park; Clearwater, FL

Florida Premier FC put on a dominating performance at Glenn Oaks Park as they shutout the Clearwater Chargers SC 4-0 to advance to the second round of qualifying. Both teams had some solid chances in the first half. Florida Premier had missed their penalty kick in the 10th minute, while Clearwater had a chance to score in the 21st minute but their shot hit the crossbar.

Florida would finally break through in the 42nd minute. Daht Faal won the ball at the top of the box, dribbled around the goalkeeper and put the ball into the back of the net before the defense could close him down.

Three minutes into the second half, Oliver Drost stole the ball from a Clearwater defender and played the ball across to Stewart Vigh at the opposite post to make it 2-0. In the 56th minute, Drost played provider again, beating two defenders and sending a ball across to Vigh who added his second of the night.

The game appeared to be out of reach when Alejandro Quintero Stewart played a through ball in behind the defense to Nico Colacci who beat the keeper to the ball and made it 4-0.

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Colorado Rovers (Colorado Super League / USASA)
1:3
Azteca FC (Colorado Super League / USASA)

Victoria Sports Park; Golden, CO

In a rematch from last year’s qualifying tournament, Azteca FC beat fellow Colorado Super League side Colorado Rovers, 3-1. It was the fourth time in as many tournament entries that they have won their opening game. Out of those four attempts, they have qualified three times (2017, 2018, 2022). Azteca dominated in the first half scoring three goals. Saul Garcia scored in the 6th minute from outside the box to put Azteca FC ahead 1-0. Jovany Herrera scored from a free kick to extend the lead to 2-0. Freddy Fragozo scored from another free kick chance to put Azteca up by three before halftime. The Rovers would add a goal late in the 83rd minute from Micah Herrmann but Azteca FC held on for the 3-1 victory.

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Kensington Soccer Club (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
0:3
United German Hungarians (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)

Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School; Philadelphia, PA

The United German Hungarians, one of the oldest active clubs in the country, defeated Kensington SC 3-0 to advance to the second round. Gabe Dwyer scored the first goal for UGH off a header to give them a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the 54th minute, Mike Liska doubled UGH’s lead followed by Jason Rocha who would add one more goal to put UGH ahead 3-0 and seal the win.

For UGH, a team that was an Open Cup runner-up in 1977 and 1993, it was their first qualifying win since the 2018 competition when they beat Vereinigung Erzgebirge, 2-1 in extra time. The club has not qualified for the tournament since that runner-up finish in 1993.

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Miami United FC (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)
3:1
Florida Brothers (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)

Ted Hendricks Stadium (Milander Park); Hialeah, FL
MATCH VIDEO

Miami United FC cruised into the second round of the qualifying tournament with a 3-1 win over fellow National Soccer League side Florida Brothers. They scored off a corner kick in the 11th minute. Nine minutes later, a free kick from about 35 yards out took a bounce in front of the Florida Brothers goalkeeper who was already going to the ground and it went over his outstretched arms. In the 62nd minute, a crowded  box saw a pass sent out to the top of the box and it was drilled into the upper 90 to make it 3-0 United. Florida would break up the shutout late but Miami would move on to Round 2.

Highlights (spanish)

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Real Central NJ Soccer (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
2:4
Jackson Lions FC (Garden State Soccer League / USASA)

MCCC Soccer Stadium; West Windsor, NJ

Jackson Lions defeated Real Central NJ Soccer 4-2 to move on to the second round of qualifying for the first time. The Lions scored first in the 28th minute from Christopher Thorsheim. Jackson Lions would get another goal early in the second half to go up 2-0. The Lions scored another goal in the 59th minute to go up 3-0. Real Central NJ Soccer would get one back in the 61st minute to cut the score to 3-1. The Lions would add another goal later in the second half to go up 4-1. RCNJ would add one more late goal in the 88th minute but it was not enough as the Lions advance.

Jackson Lions FC pose for a team photo before the club's 2023 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Real Central New Jersey. Photo: Jackson Lions FC
Jackson Lions FC pose for a team photo before the club’s 2023 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Real Central New Jersey. Photo: Jackson Lions FC

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Scots-American Athletic Club (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
0:5
Queensboro FC II (UPSL)

Kearny High School Stadium; Kearny, NJ

By Michael Battista

Queensboro FC II cruised past Scots-American Athletic Club, 5-0, in what might be the largest age gap ever between two Open Cup teams. Former LA Galaxy academy product Jonathan Santillan scored four of his team’s goals in a continuation of his performance last season in the UPSL.

He got to work quickly, taking advantage of a stunned Kearny Scots squad and scoring the opening goal in the 2nd minute. The pace of the game was simple from there; QBFC would attack and Kearny would clear the ball before repeating. In the 29th minute, one of these attacks forced a Scots foul on the last QBFC player on a break in the box. Santillan pulled a panelka calmly to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute. Six minutes later, the former USYNT U-15 player struck from distance on the right side of the field, sending Scots’ keeper Arturo Botero diving in vain.

In the second half Kearny gained possession more but the game still fell into QBFC’s control. In total, possession favored the visiots somewhere around 70 percent. Joshua Saavedra scored in the 65th minute for Queensboro II to make it 4-0. The final nail came in stoppage time, with Queensboro down to 10 men due to an injury, where Jona finished off an excellent low cross from the right side as the game’s final play.

Kearny Scots exit the competition after making their first appearance of the Modern Era. The team first appeared in the second ever National Challenge Cup (1914-15) and dates officially back to the 1800s. TheCup.us’ *incomplete* records have their last USOC match back in 1948.

Queensboro meanwhile advanced to the second round to continue their stellar 2022. The academy/reserve team to the yet-to-launch USL Championship reached the UPSL national semifinals in their inaugural season this past Spring/Summer.

Both Kearny Scots & Queensboro II are on the field! #USOC2023 #EPSL #UPSL #QBFC pic.twitter.com/c5WhB8fflb

— Michael Battista (@MichaelBattista) September 18, 2022

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Inter San Francisco (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA)
5:0
Marin County Union SC (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)

Beach Chalet Soccer Field; San Francisco, CA

By Michael Koenig

Inter SF cruised to a 5-0 victory over Marin County Union SC in a match played in windy and rainy conditions at the Beach Chalet. Last year, Inter made it to the third round of qualifying in its Open Cup debut, beating Real San Jose in a driving rainstorm at the Beach Chalet before losing 3-1 to Sporting ID11 in Lake Forest, California. This match marked Marin County Union’s Open Cup debut.

Inter added several players with professional experience for its Open Cup run, including former MLS and USL veteran Matt Fondy. After wrapping up his professional career with the Oakland Roots, Fondy helped Olympic Club of San Francisco qualify for the Open Cup in 2019 and led SF Metro to the final qualifying round in 2021 before losing in a shootout. 

Inter dominated the match from the opening whistle, thanks to a goal from Fondy in the 11th minute and another from Gerardo Burgos in the 38th minute. The second half was more of the same, with Fondy adding another in the 51st minute. Two other former Roots players also got onto the scoresheet later in the second half, with Dylan Autran scoring a few minutes later and Nikolai Littleton converting a penalty kick opportunity in the 80th minute to enable Inter to move on to the second round and a possible rematch with Real San Jose.

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Miami Soccer Academy (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)
2:1
O’Shea’s FC (UPSL)

Monsignor Edward Pace High School; Miami Gardens, FL

Miami Soccer Academy held on to defeat O’Shea’s FC 2-1 to move on to the second round of qualifying. Miami Soccer Academy scored in the 11th minute with a goal from Christopher Torres and they held on to that lead into halftime. In the 60th minute O’Shea’s FC would get an equalizer from RC to tie the match 1-1. Five minutes later, Miami Soccer Academy would get their second goal and held on for the win. 

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New York Greek American SC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
3:3
Newtown Pride FC (Connecticut Soccer League / USASA)

New York advances 11-10 in penalty kicks
Hofstra University Soccer Stadium; Hempstead, NY

It was a dramatic matchup on Long Island as NY Greek American SC advance on penalty kicks 11-10 against Newtown Pride FC to advance to the second round. After Newtown opened the scoring, Kurt Cameron equalized in the 32nd minute for the 4-time US Open Cup champs. Newtown re-took the lead in the 74th minute only to see Cameron tie the game back up seven minutes later. The match went into extra time and this time it was Cameron giving New York the lead in the 97th minute. The Greeks appeared to be escaping with a win only to see Newtown equalize in the 120th minute.

In the shootout, the first 10 rounds of penalty kicks produced 10 goals on each side. In Round 11, the Greeks’ goalkeeper made a save, followed by the 11th straight goal by New York to send them into the next round.

HIGHLIGHTS – @NYGreekAmerican vs. @NewtownPrideFC . @opencup Qualifying Round 1 . @USOpenCup#goal #soccerislife #futball #soccerlife #gameday⁠#soccer #sports #futbol #lovefootball #soccergame #thebeautifulgame #instafutbol #USASA #LISFL #CSL #EPSL #USSOCCER #USL #USLWLeague pic.twitter.com/7baqfQ6ulF

— New Logical (@newlogicaltech) September 19, 2022

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Outbreak FC (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
0:0
AS Los Angeles (UPSL)

Outbreak advances 4-2 in penalty kicks
Orange County Great Park; Irvine, CA

Outbreak FC, a US Open Cup qualifying regular, needed penalty kicks to get past qualifying debutants AS Los Angeles. After a scoreless 120 minutes, Outbreak relied on their former MLS goalkeeper Brian Rowe and won the shootout 4-2. Rowe, who spent most of his pro career with the LA Galaxy, made two saves, and guessed correctly on two others but couldn’t keep them out. After Trent Bryson missed the opening attempt for Outbreak, the team converted the next four (William Sanchez, Edgar Ortiz, James Turner, Matthew Murphy) to advance to Round 2. Outbreak is seeking to return to the tournament for the first time since their back-to-back appearances in 2016 and 2017.

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Rebels SC (UPSL)
2:2
Escondido FC (UPSL)
Escondido FC advances 3-1 on penalty kicks

Mount Miguel High School; Spring Valley, CA

By Mathias Medel

Round one of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualification schedule continued in San

Diego as a battle between two UPSL sides saw the visitors, Escondido FC, defeat Rebels SC 3-1 in a penalty kick shootout after a 2-2 draw.

The game began at a slow pace, with the referee handing out several yellow cars for players from both sides. Just three minutes before halftime, the home side’s Rafael Lua Rojo scored a tap-in to send the Rebels into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Coming back from halftime, Escondido FC looked like the better side, and equalized in the 69th minute off of a brilliant solo run from Marcos Rodrigo Celestino. With regulation time not being enough to find a winner, the game headed into extra time, where Escondido FC found the back of the net off of Christian Bahena’s curling shot into the right side net in the 98th minute.

Rebels SC responded with a well-timed volley by Edwing Zambrano off of a corner kick in the 107th minute, eventually sending the game into a penalty shootout. After both teams missed their first penalty, it was Rebels SC who couldn’t recover, with two of their shots hitting the crossbar. Escondido FC capped off the night with a win after Omar Rodriguez Corral converted from the spot, and ending the shootout in a 3-1 win.

Live stream 

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International Soccer Association (UPSL)
5:3
West Palm Beach Academy CF (National Soccer Leagues / USSSA)

Broward College-South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL

For the second straight qualifying tournament, the International Soccer Association (ISA) began with a win over a Palm Beach team. Last year, they blanked the Palm Beach Breakers, 4-0 to kick off their qualifying run. This year, they defeated West Palm Beach Academy CF, 5-3.

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OC Kings FC (UPSL)
at
Capo FC (NISA Nation / USASA)

Capo FC advances after OC Kings FC forfeited due to lack of player availability
Lake Forest Sports Park; Lake Forest, CA

OC Kings FC only had 14 eligible players entering their Open Cup qualifying debut over the weekend. Certainly not an ideal number of players, but enough to play. Unfortunately, three of those players were goalkeepers and two of them were injured. So without a full roster, OC Kings FC forfeited. However, the two teams still played a friendly on Sunday anyway.
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Trojans FC (UPSL)
1:3
Orange County FC (UPSL)

Duarte High School; Duarte, CA
MATCH VIDEO

Despite an equalizer in the first half, Orange County FC was able to prevail over fellow UPSL club Trojans FC with a final score of 3-1. Orange County FC opened the scoring, broke the deadlock with a penalty kick, and then added a third goal shortly before halftime. Trojans FC were unable to affect the scoreline in the second half, failing to qualify for the tournament in their fifth attempt.

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, 2023 US Open Cup Qualifying

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U.S. Open Cup History

1995 us open cup rewind graphic

1995 US Open Cup Rewind series: The Modern Era begins

The 30th anniversary of the 1995 Open Cup is upon us this year, and as we did with the inaugural tournament in 1913-1914, we’re going to take you back in time and relive the 1995 US Open Cup in chronological order, as it happened.

  • I-95 Quarterfinals: Best of New York-New Jersey vs. Philadelphia in US Open Cup history
  • 1995 US Open Cup Round 1: Richmond Kickers dominate shorthanded Spartans SC … again
  • 1995 US Open Cup Round 1: USASA orders replay for Richmond Kickers vs. Spartans SC match
  • 1995 US Open Cup Round 1: El Paso Patriots overcome early upset scare, beat 1989 USOC champs
  • 1995 US Open Cup Round 1: Day after a league game, Chico Rooks blank San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles

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