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:
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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
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
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.
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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
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.
