Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

J.T. Alwin

2014 US Open Cup Round 5 review: Champions, Cinderellas advance in wild round (video)

by

With two goals in extra time the Chicago Fire improve to 4-0-0 all-time against the Columbus Crew in US Open Cup play. Photo: Chicago Fire
With two goals in extra time the Chicago Fire improve to 4-0-0 all-time against the Columbus Crew in US Open Cup play. Photo: Chicago Fire

The Fifth Round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup closed out on Wednesday night, capping two wild days of competition. Shootouts, fights, more lightning, and history were in abundance for Round 5, featuring six games on Tuesday and two on Wednesday. Two of the three NASL teams survived, while USL Pro’s tournament run ended as Rochester Rhinos crashed out.

The tournament moves on to the Quarterfinals, with four games taking place July 8-9.

Here is a look at how the eight games played out:

June 25: Chicago Fire (MLS) 4:2 (AET) Columbus Crew (MLS)

The two conference rivals matched up pretty evenly through regulation, though Fire sub Juan Luis Anongono would have the final say in the game. Patrick Ianni put the Fire in front in the 34th minute, but the Crew stormed back thanks to a Sportscenter-quality bicycle kick goal by Jairo Arrieta and a go-ahead goal by Bernardo Anor after halftime.

However, Anongono would get the first of his brace as the equalizer at 83rd minute, but the Fire would regain the lead in extra time. Quincy Amarikwa and Anongono would each score in the extra frame, but Michael Parkhurst’s red card hurt the Crew’s chances at a comeback. The Fire will travel to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks in the Quarterfinals. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: COLUMBUS CREW AT CHICAGO FIRE

June 25: New England Revolution (MLS) 2:1 Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)

#USOC2014 LINKS

Support TheCup.us: Buy #USOC2014 gear

2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results

2014 US Open Cup bracket

2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders

2015 US Open Cup qualifying news

The First Cup series (1913/14)

Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

Just like their previous match against the Richmond Kickers, the Revs got going early and held control of the match all the way through the first half. Saer Sene took a Lee Nguyen cross and netted it at the 11 minute mark and a rebound from a John McCarthy save was kicked in by Kelyn Rowe in the 33rd minute. The Rhinos ratcheted up the pressure in the second half, and were able to cut into the lead as Colin Rolfe kicked in his third goal of the campaign just after halftime. Rochester kept threatening until the end of regulation, as Babacar Diallo was sent off for a hard foul, ending their hopes for an equalizer. New England will travel to Philadelphia on July 8 to play the Union. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS/INTERVIEWS: ROCHESTER AT NEW ENGLAND

June 24: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) 1:1 (4:1 PKs) San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
The Sounders had to wait until the penalty shootout for the Starfire Sports Complex mojo to start working, as the only goalscoring happened in a quick flurry. Steven Lenhart notched a San Jose goal in the 24th minute only to be answered two minutes later by Kenny Cooper for the Sounders. While the home side had more than their fair share of chances, they were never able to convert any into a winner.

The shots started finding twine in the Shootout, as the Sounders’ Gonzalo Pineda and the Quakes’ Khari Stephenson both found the twine. However, San Jose would go cold, as Alan Gordon missed and J.J. Koval’s kick was saved by Marcus Hahnemann. Seattle would stay hot, as Marco Pappa, Brad Evans, and Lamar Neagle all converted to force an early end to the PK duel. Seattle hosts archrival Portland Timbers July 9 at Starfire. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: SAN JOSE AT SEATTLE

June 24: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 2:3 (AET) FC Dallas (MLS)

The Texas Derby came to the Open Cup, and true to form was another hard-fought battle. FC Dallas would capitalize on a couple defensive turnovers, one of which lead to an extra time goal from Tesho Akindele to defeat the Houston Dynamo 3-2 at Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium.

The first half would see a number of chances from both sides and the teams finish the first 45 notched at 1. A notable moment in the half was the injury to Houston’s leading scorer Will Bruin, who was subbed out in the 23rd minute when he suffered a hip injury. The second half would see more back-and-forth play between the sides and the teams would trade goals in the span of three minutes when Dallas’ Andres Escobar put away a shot from the top of the box in the 59th minute only to be followed by Houston’s Omar Cummings striding through defenders and leveling the score in the 62nd minute. After Akindele’s extra time goal in the 98th minute, Houston turned up their offensive pressure but Dallas would hold on for the victory.

FC Dallas will now travel to face the Carolina Railhawks on July 9th in the quarterfinals, after the NASL squad knocked over a full-strength Los Angeles Galaxy. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: FC DALLAS AT HOUSTON DYNAMO

June 24: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 1:2 Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)

The Silverbacks managed to sandwich two Jaime Chavez goals around an hour-long weather delay before the action on the pitch got as ugly as the weather. Chavez worked a drive with Junior Burgos to net a goal in the 22nd minute, then the storms hit seven minutes later to bring the match to a halt. Atlanta came back and controlled play into the second half, as Chavez was able to turn a Jesus Gonzales pass netward at the 57-minute mark. After the goal, Chavez pulled down a Rapids player from behind, leading to a brawl on the pitch. Three Silverback players (including Chavez), one Rapid, both head coaches, and another Atlanta coach were tossed, leaving Colorado with a 10 vs. 8 advantage. Colorado turned up the pressure afterwards, and halved the lead on a Dillon Powers penalty kick with 15 minutes to play, but were never able to find an equalizer despite two extra men. Atlanta (missing two of their most important offensive players) will host the Chicago Fire in the next round. MATCH REPORT [+]

FULL MATCH REPLAY: COLORADO RAPIDS AT ATLANTA SILVERBACKS

June 24: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) 1:3 Portland Timbers (MLS)

Portland ran roughshod over 2012 Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City, notching a 3-1 road win. Gaston Fernandez scored his second brace in two weeks, sandwiching them around Will Johnson’s penalty kick goal. Portland mostly controlled the entire game, though SKC’s Soony Saad was able to convert a penalty shot in the 73rd minute. However, the Timbers shut down Kansas City the rest of the way, making their second Quarterfinal appearance in a row after being infamously upset by Cal FC in Round 4 in 2012. The Timbers will now have a home-and-home with rivals Seattle Sounders FC. They will travel to Tukwila for the Open Cup match on July 9, then will host the Sounders in MLS play on July 13. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: PORTLAND TIMBERS AT SPORTING KANSAS CITY

June 24: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:0 (AET) Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

The Galaxy faced their Open Cup nemeses in Carolina for the third straight year, and as in their previous matches, would again fall to the RailHawks. An extra time goal by Carolina’s Daniel Jackson would secure the victory for the NASL club. Despite the Galaxy bringing close to a ‘first team’ lineup, including Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, and dominating possession through most of the game, the MLS side would fall prey to the stellar keeping of RailHawks rookie Scott Goodwin. Goodwin made eight saves from a barrage of over 30 shots from L.A. in front of the sellout crowd. The game would remain scoreless through 90. In extra time, Nick Zimmerman slipped the ball through an opening in the Galaxy defense to Jackson, who streaked in on L.A.’s Jamie Penedo to score the game winner in the 105th minute. The Railhawks will host FC Dallas on July 9 at WakeMed Soccer Park. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: LA GALAXY AT CAROLINA RAILHAWKS

June 24: Philadelphia Union (MLS) 2:1 (AET) New York Cosmos (NASL)

A historic penalty kick late in extra time capped off a chaotic finish that saw the Philadelphia Union hold off the visiting New York Cosmos 2-1. After a scoreless first half that saw New York push the tempo, the Cosmos would strike in the 56th minute with a goal from Alessandro Noselli. The Union would fire back only seconds later when Sebastian Le Toux put away a cross from Andrew Wenger. The match would head to extra time where in the 115th minute, Cosmos defender Jimmy Ockford made the costly mistake of pulling down Maurice Edu in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Le Toux would convert the kick to give himself 13 goals in his Open Cup career, which is tied for the most by any player in recent Open Cup history. The Union now host the New England Revolution winner, at PPL Park on July 8. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: COSMOS AT UNION

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE:

New England Revolution (MLS) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, PA – July 8, 7:00 p.m. ET

Chicago Fire (MLS) at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks Park; Atlanta, GA – July 9, 7:30 p.m. ET

FC Dallas (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – July 9, 7:30 p.m. ET

Portland Timbers (MLS) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Soccer Complex; Tukwila, WA – July 9, 10:30 p.m. ET

2012 US Open Cup Semifinals: Player of the Round Osvaldo Alonso sends Seattle Sounders back to the Final

by

Osvaldo Alonso of the Seattle Sounders is the Player of the Round for the Semifinals. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

Osvaldo Alonso’s tenacious play proved to be a thorn in Chivas USA’s side, and helped Seattle Sounders FC to become only the third team in the tournament’s 99-year history to reach the US Open Cup Final four years in a row. For that performance he was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Semifinals.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters. Teammate Zach Scott and Sporting Kansas City’s Jacob Peterson and Graham Zusi were other leading candidates in the voting.

Alonso earned what could be called soccer’s version of hockey’s “Gordie Howe hat trick” (goal, assist, fighting penalty) in the Semifinal match: a thread-the-needle assist to Eddie Johnson, a penalty kick goal, and a yellow card on the night. His stifling, physical play spurred a solid effort by Seattle’s defense, as Chivas managed only four shots the entire game.

The 26-year-old Cuban defector earned his second POTR honor, also having captured the award for his performance in the 2011 Open Cup Final.

This game was telling of what has been a solid campaign for Alonso, nicknamed “Honey Badger,” who has four goals along with two assists in the 2012 tournament. This puts him in a tie for second place in goalscoring for this Open Cup, one goal behind Carolina RailHawks’ Brian Shriver. Danny Barrera of Cal FC and Ventura County Fusion’s Frankie Lopez are tied with Osvaldo, and teammate Sammy Ochoa is the only other active player in the scoring top 10 (3 goals).

Alonso, who defected stateside from Cuba in 2007, will be playing in his fifth straight Cup Final. He was on Charleston Battery’s losing side in 2008, before establishing himself as a mainstay with Sounders FC in their debut season in MLS the next season, tallying six goals in that span. No one in the Modern Professional Era has appeared in five straight title games, and only two other players (Andy Williams and Peter Vagenas) have played in five championship games since 1995.

He is also the third Sounders player to earn multiple POTR awards, joining Sebastien Le Toux (2007 Round 3, 2009 Semifinals) and Nate Jaqua (2010 Quarterfinals, 2010 Semifinals). Seattle players have also captured the last four Players of the Tournament: Chris Eylander in 2008, Kasey Keller in 2009, Jaqua in 2010, and Fredy Montero last year. Osvaldo has a good case to become the fifth SSFC player on that list with his strong showing throughout the tournament, in both barnburners and defensive grudge matches. However that thought will be far from his mind, as his side will be going for their fourth straight Open Cup title on the road at Sporting Kansas City. The Final will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 8:30 PM ET at LiveStrong Sporting Park.

2012 Player of the Round award winners

Round 1: Danny Barrera (Cal FC) [+]
Round 2: Danny Barrera (Cal FC) [+]
Round 3: Artur Aghasyan (Cal FC) [+]
Round 4: Sainey Touray (Harrisburg City Islanders) [+]
Quarterfinals: Jose Correa (Chivas USA) [+]
Semifinals: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders FC)

2012 US Open Cup Semifinals: Seattle Sounders make history by repeating it against Chivas USA (Video)

by

The Seattle Sounders are the first team since the mid-1930s to reach the US Open Cup Final four straight years. Photo: Corky Trewin | Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Sounders FC have once again made history in the US Open Cup, becoming the third team to ever to appear in four straight Finals. They earned it, ironically enough, by repeating history, knocking off Chivas USA for the second time in the Semifinals, by a score of 4-1 at Starfire Sports Complex. They defeated the Goats 3-1 at the same stadium back in 2010.

Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Sammy Ochoa and Eddie Johnson all tallied for the Sounders who win their 30th all-time tournament win and add to their Modern Pro Era record unbeaten streak of 21 games.

No team has ever won four straight tournament titles in the 99-year history of the US Open Cup, and to accomplish that, the Sounders will have to win it on the road. The Final will be hosted by Sporting Kansas City, who defeated the Philadelphia Union 2-0 in the other Semifinal, at LiveStrong Sporting Park on Aug. 8.

The game was fairly crisp early on, as both teams were on top of each other’s passes. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado had a chance for Seattle 11 minutes in, but Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy was up to the task to keep the game scoreless early.

Chivas was able to get a free kick 25 yards out from Sounders FC keeper Bryan Meredith’s left with the sun in his eyes, but instead of playing the ball high, went on the ground for an easy clearance with 19 minutes gone. A couple of minutes later the Goats’ Jorge Villafana threatened with a cross, but it went clear of Alejandro Moreno and out for a goal kick.

Seattle would settle down, easily clearing the Goats’ first corner at the 26 minute mark, and started to impose themselves offensively. Forward Fredy Montero went down in the box, but play was waved on with about 30 minutes gone. Seattle recovered the clearance at midfield a minute later, and Osvaldo Alonso threaded the ball through two defenders to catch Eddie Johnson onside running behind the defense. Johnson took the ball into the area, and Kennedy could only get a finger on the shot as the home team jumped in front. Johnson nearly recorded a brace three minutes later, forcing Kennedy to make an excellent kick save with his header.

For Eddie Johnson, it was his fifth career US Open Cup goal, and his first since 2005 when he played for FC Dallas.

Johnson had been mired in controversy after the last round, being involved in a postgame fracas with San Jose Earthquakes’ Jed Zayner. The US Open Cup disciplinary committee ultimately decided against issuing any discipline to either player, and his play showed that he clearly wasn’t bothered by the incident.

Play threatened to get chippy at the end of the first half, however the ref was fully determined to prevent things from getting out of hand. Osvaldo Alonso saw yellow in the 42nd for persistent infringement, while Oswaldo Minda was booked two minutes later for taking down Montero. The half ended with Seattle looking the stronger side, as Chivas had not attempted a shot in the first 45.

The Sounders seemed determined to prove that statement true, as they went on the attack immediately after the halftime break. Montero was once again pulled down inside the box, this time by Chivas’ Rauwshan McKenzie, in a nearly-identical play to the takedown in the first half. This time, however, a penalty was called, and Alonso fooled Kennedy into diving low and floated the ball above him to double the Seattle lead. Johnson would nearly put the game away after receiving a lofty cross from the other side of the field and volleying it in, but the goal was ruled offside.

After Seattle dominated the first fifteen minutes of the last half, Goats manager Robin Fraser started adding firepower to his side, subbing in Cesar Romero for Blair Gavin in the 64th minute. Brad Evans of the Sounders had been subbed in for 19-year-old Cordell Cato three minutes earlier, and both new players would prove to be important to the game’s outcome.

Romero would receive the ball inside the area in the 74th minute and fire on goal but Meridith made the save. The ball rebounded right back to the shooter though, and this time Cesar’s shot was true, cutting the home lead in half. History had begun repeating itself, as two years ago Jesus Padilla scored in the 66th to generate the same scoreline at that point in the Semifinal game. Chivas was definitely spurred on by the goal, gaining confidence in the next few minutes, however being unable to generate an equalizer.

Seattle would yet end up proving their class again with seven minutes left. Montero dribbled the ball toward the edge of the box, freezing Kennedy on his line with his long-distance prowess and willingness to pull the trigger. Once again having Kennedy fooled, Montero slid the ball to streaking sub Evans, who left the Chivas keeper helpless as he one-timed the ball into the twine, icing the game for the three-time defending champions.

Johnson’s day ended three minutes later, as Sammy Ochoa subbed on for him. With Seattle attacking, fellow sub Alvaro Fernandez lost the ball inside the box. Ochoa was keen to recover it though, and caught Kennedy out of position to tally the game’s final goal.

Chivas tried to rally for a pride goal, however the Sounders deftly played keep-away through the three minutes of stoppage time, keeping their perfect all-time record at Starfire intact (15-0-0, outscoring opponents 45-9) and improving their all-time home record to 23-2-1 (1-0 PKs).

The Sounders are just the third club in the history of the tournament to reach four straight Finals. Bethlehem Steel (1915-1919) and Stix, Baer & Fuller (1933-1937) each advanced to five straight championship games. Bethlehem Steel were National Challenge Cup (as it was called then) champions in 1915 and 1916 before finishing runner-up in 1917, and then lifting back-to-back trophies again in 1918 and 1919. St. Louis-based Stix, Baer & Fuller won three straight titles in 1933, 34 and 35 with the third championship coming under the team’s new sponsor, ‘Central Breweries.’ They changed their name to ‘Shamrocks SC’ in 1936 and finished runner-up that year and again in 1937, losing by one goal in the second leg to the New York Americans.

Full match highlights (SoundersFC.com)

Sigi Schmid post-game interview

Eddie Johnson post-game interview

Osvaldo Alonso post-game interview

Brad Evans post-game interview


SCORING:
SEA- Eddie Johnson (Osvaldo Alonso) 31′
SEA- Osvaldo Alonso (PK) 48′
CHV- Cesar Romero (Unassisted) 74′
SEA- Brad Evans (Fredy Montero) 83′
SEA- Sammy Ochoa (Unassisted) 88′

LINEUPS:
SEA- Bryan Meredith; Zach Scott (Capt), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Pat Ianni, Leo Gonzalez; Cordell Cato (Brad Evans 61′), Osvaldo Alonso, Mike Rose, Alex Caskey (Alvaro Fernandez 81′); Fredy Montero, Eddie Johnson (Sammy Ochoa 86′). Subs not used: Josh Ford; Jeff Parke, Marc Burch, Mauro Rosales.

CHV- Dan Kennedy; Danny Califf, James Riley, Rauwshan McKenzie, Jorge Villafana; Oswaldo Minda, Ben Zemanski (Ryan Smith 85′), Blair Gavin (Cesar Romero 64′), Alejandro Moreno (Capt); Paolo Cardozo, Juan Pablo Angel (Jose Correa 69′). Subs not used: Tim Melia, John Alexander Valencia, Peter Vagenas, Casey Townsend.

DISCIPLINE:
SEA- Osvaldo Alonso 42′ (persistent infringement)
CHV- Oswaldo Minda 44′ (tactical foul)
CHV- Danny Califf 78′ (tactical foul)

STATS:
SEA: Shots-18; Saves- 3; Corners- 6; Fouls-17; Offsides- 5
CHV: Shots- 4; Saves- 5; Corners- 1; Fouls-15; Offsides- 2

Referee: Chris Penso
Assistants: Frank Anderson, Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Baldomero Toledo
Attendance: 4,500

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Champion Sounders end Cal FC’s dream run, 5-0 (video)

by

Fredy Montero scored his sixth and seventh career US Open Cup goals against Cal FC to move him into a tie for second place on the Sounders' all-time list for the tournament. Photo: Rod Mar | Seattle Sounders FC

For the first 45 minutes, US Open Cup darlings Cal FC held their own against three-time defending champions Seattle Sounders. However, in the second half, the floodgates opened for the Sounders, as they poured onto the twine, rolling to a 5-0 win at Starfire Sports Complex in suburban Tukwila, Wash. The Sounders scored all of their goals in a 20-minute span, and then continued to hold the majority of possession until the end, as the defense proved to be lock-tight in the few possessions Cal FC managed to control in the game.

With the club extending its Modern Pro Era record unbeaten streak to 19 games, and their home unbeaten streak to 14, the Sounders will hit the road for the first time since 2010 when they face the San Jose Earthquakes in the Quarterfinals on June 26.

The first half was uneventful, as Seattle controlled possession, but could not break through. Cal FC wisely chose to place most of their team in their half of the field, as they could not solve the Sounders’ defense in the rare occasions they were able to get the ball to the offensive end. Seattle kept possession and kept attacking, giving Cal FC keeper Derby Carirllo much more of a workout than he faced against the Portland Timbers last week.

Everything came to a head in the second half, as the Sounders earned a penalty shot in the 50th minute. Osvaldo Alonso shot it hard to the bottom left, and Carrillo did everything he could to get a hand on it, but couldn’t stop the ball from going into the left-side bottom corner to finally put the home side up. From there, the Sounders took advantage of the lapse in confidence of Cal’s team to full effect. Open Cup hero Fredy Montero received a gorgeous pass from Cordell Cato off an interception, and slotted the ball past Derby at the 58-minute mark to double the lead.

From then on, it was a Sounders storm. Andy Rose, who had opened up the scoring against the Atlanta Silverbacks the previous week, was once again the right man at the right time, as he headed a ball in from close range after the ball popped up out of a crowd in front. It was his second goal of the campaign in the 65th minute.

Just three minutes later, Montero struck again. Off a free kick, far outside of the box, he arced the ball over the wall, and the rebound bounced right past Carillo and into the goal to put the Sounders at 4-0. Osvaldo then took advantage of a goal-line scrum less than a minute later, as Alex Caskey connected with Alonso, sending the ball to the twine to give the home side a commanding lead.

The remaining minutes were just playing keep away and removing potential targets of chippy play from the pitch, as David Estrada, Servando Carrasco, and Open Cup hero Roger Levesque subbed on for Ochoa, Montero, and Alonso. While Cal did start commanding their offensive end late, Seattle’s back line was up for it, and when the ball did get past them, keeper Bryan Meredith was up to the challenge.

Their Quarterfinal match against San Jose, a team the Sounders have faced twice as a USL franchise (2002, 2003), will be played in San Francisco at Kezar Stadium at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Highlights (SoundersFC.com)

Sigi Schmid: Post-game interview (SoundersFC.com)

Fredy Montero: Post-game interview (SoundersFC.com)

Alex Caskey: Post-game interview (SoundersFC.com)

LINEUPS:
CAL- Derby Carillo; Alberto Navarro, Hector Espinosa (Paulo Ferreira-Mendez 76), Michael Randolph, Richard Menjivar; Jesus Gonzalez, Eder Arreola (Pedro Ferreira-Mendez 60), Pablo Cruz (Alex Caceres 65), Arthur Aghasyan; Danny Barrera, Diego Barrera. SUBS NOT USED: Laurent Grill, Makai Werring, Carlos Torres, Ceasar Riviera.

SEA- Bryan Meredith; Zach Scott, Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Marc Burch; Cordell Cato, Osvaldo Alonso (Servando Carrasco 75), Andy Rose, Alex Caskey; Sammy Ochoa (Roger Levesque 73), Fredy Montero (David Estrada 81). SUBS NOT USED: Brad Evans, Alvaro Fernandez, Mike Seamon, Andrew Weber.

SCORING:
SEA- Osvaldo Alonso (PK) 50 ‘
SEA- Fredy Montero (Cordell Cato) 58′
SEA- Andy Rose (Alex Caskey) 66′
SEA- Fredy Montero 68′
SEA- Osvaldo Alonso (Alex Rose) 70’

BOOKINGS:
SEA- Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Reckless Tackle) 19
SEA- Sammy Ochoa (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 45
CAL- Richard Menjivar (caution; Reckless Tackle) 74

Referee: Daniel Radford
Referee’s Assistants: Mike Rottersman, Ray Moffatte, Jr.
4th Official: Timon Berry
Attendance: 3,894
Weather: 55 degrees, cloudy.

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Live Blog: Join the conversation with updates from every game!

by

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 4 [+]
Quarterfinal pairings [+]

After possibly the most historic round in Open Cup history, only eight of the 16 MLS teams entered in the Third Round survived. Fourth level sides Michigan Bucks and Cal FC created a little deja vu from 2006, as they knocked off the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers, respectively. In Michigan’s case, they repeated history, as they were one of two amateur sides to knock off MLS teams in the same round (Dallas Roma being the other). We have reached the Sweet Sixteen of the Cup, with at least one Cinderella getting the opportunity to continue into the Quarterfinals, and Seattle Sounders FC still intent on making history of their own with a fourth straight Open Cup title.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all eight games. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Fourth Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (CarolinaRailHawks.com)
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner will either play at San Antonio Scorpions or host Charlotte Eagles

Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Chivas USA (MLS) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: PSA Elite (USASA) 0:6 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:2 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap

The RailHawks are playing host to a second consecutive club from the Home Depot Center, having knocked off the more high profile half of the LA Clasico by beating the LA Galaxy. Chivas USA is on the road yet again having had games against only two of its previous eight out-of-state opponents at home. The club’s first-ever Open Cup match was in North Carolina, a3-2 overtime loss to the Charlotte Eagles on a goal by Isaac Romo in the 120th minute. .

Chivas USA was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Carolina, meanwhile, finally registered its first victory in league play after starting 0-4-5. Despite losing US youth international Gale Agbossoumonde to a red card in the first half, Carolina got an own goal for the lead and then, after league-leader Puerto Rico equalized, the game-winner in the 88th through Ty Shipalane, who tallied a goal and assist in the victory over the Galaxy.

Wake-Med Soccer Park is home sweet home for the RailHawks as the club has played 12 of its 14 all-time matches in Cary, NC and are 10-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) in front of their fans.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 4-5-1 (0-1 PKs), 3-5-0 away, 1-3-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 10-3-1, 10-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 2-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)

—————————————-

Red Bull New York (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (NewYorkRedBulls.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner Plays at Philadelphia Union or DC United

Red Bull New York’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Red Bull New York (MLS) 3:0 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: New England Revolution (MLS) 3:3 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) (Harrisburg win 3:4 PKs) [+] Recap

League form may be thrown out the window as the two clubs meet for the second time in three years. In the 2010 Third Round the City Islanders knocked off the Red Bulls with a 1-0 overtime decision on a goal from Dominic Oppong. The City Islanders are giant killers having eliminated four MLS teams over the last six tournaments, while the Red Bulls are looking to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 2003.

New York was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Harrisburg, with a wise schedule, played to a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers in their sixth consecutive home game over league and tournament play. Garrett Pettis provided the second half equalizer for a club that has not found a consistent goal scorer.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New York Red Bulls
OVERALL: 14-13-1 (1-0 PKs), , 8-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2003, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 11-4-3 (2-1 in PKs), 9-1-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 3-3-1 (1-0 PKS) vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2010 Third Round – New York Red Bulls (MLS) 0:1 AET Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)

—————————————-

Philadelphia Union (MLS) at DC United (MLS) (USL PRO)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, MD; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner hosts Red Bull New York/Harrisburg City Islanders Winner

Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 0:3 Philadelphia Union (MLS) [+] Recap
DC United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd. 3: DC United (MLS) 2:1 Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) (AET) [+] Recap

Rivals DC United and Philadelphia Union square off with yet another chapter, this time with a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Both teams dispatched of solid lower level teams in the last round to achieve this point. Union beat 1999 Open Cup Champion Rochester Rhinos 3-0, with Freddy Adu leading the way with a brace. DC United needed more than 90 minutes, but they managed to take out 1995 Open Cup champion and 2011 semifinalist Richmond Kickers 2-1 off a Marcelo Saragosa goal minutes into the second half of extra time.

Philadelphia holds a slight lead in the series (2-1-1, +1 GD), with both teams yet to face each other this year. Philadelphia has had a bad run as of late, going 0-4-1 in league play. They have played some of the better teams of the league in that span, like Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes, but have also lost to wooden spoon leaders Toronto FC. United, on the other had, has rode a 4-1-0 run into first place, as well as having a strong history with the Open Cup. DC won the Cup in their inaugural year in 1996 and again in 2008, as well as being the first victim of current three-time Champion Seattle Sounders FC in 2009. However, the Union will not be looking to go away easily in their first Open Cup run, as they had proved in knocking off an opponent of similar caliber and historical significance last round.

Note: Last round, DC United played their first road game in the tournament since 2007, a span of 11 straight home games. They were 9-2-0 during that 11-game run in the competition, including the 2008 championship played at RFK Stadium.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
DC United
OVERALL: 26-9-3 (1-2 PKs), 20-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-6-2 (0-2 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1996, 2008 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at home vs. Columbus Crew)

—————————————-

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (Sporting KC)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winners hosts Dayton Dutch Lions/Michigan Bucks winner

Colorado Rapids’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:1 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:3 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap

Both sides were idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. But their only meeting thus far this season is fresh in their minds having played just two weeks ago.

The 2-2 affair in Colorado was dramatic. The visitors took the initial lead through Teal Bunbury with a pair of goals in the first 14 minutes. The advantage stood until the second half when Tyrone Marshall connected in the 52nd and Kosuke Kimura leveled on the hour-mark.

It is an interesting matchup because, along with the New York Red Bulls, these are two of the worst teams when it comes to the Open Cup. While Kansas City has their 2004 Open Cup title displayed in their trophy case, there’s not much else to be proud of. Aside from the 2004 run, KC has only won multiple games in a single year once (2002) and their win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last round pushed them to a record of 12 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws (1-2 in PKs). However, the franchise has been reborn recently with a new stadium, a new name and a roster full of talent, so this could be a springboard for the team.

The only team in MLS that needs a good Open Cup run more than Kansas City is Colorado, who hold a 9-11-0 all-time record coming into Tuesday’s match. The club has just one deep run to their credit and that came in 1999. Aside from 1999, the Rapids have never won multiple games in a competition. To make matters worse, their loss in the 1999 Final will always stand out to soccer fans because it remains the only year in the Modern Professional Era that a lower division team won the Open Cup title (Rochester Raging Rhinos). But just like their opponents, since they last entered the tournament in 2007, the Rapids have enjoyed some success as a franchise in recent years, winning MLS Cup in 2010, and are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference table.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Colorado Rapids
OVERALL: 9-11-0, 5-10-0 away, 4-4-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1999, lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos
LAST ENTRY: 2007 (Quarterfinals, lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 12-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 8-5-0 at home, 3-6-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
1996 Quarterfinals – Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:2 Kansas City Wiz (MLS)
2003 Fourth Round – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) 2:3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)

—————————————-

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland University; Rochester, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (USLNation.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner will play at Colorado Rapids/Sporting Kansas City

Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Columbus Crew (MLS) [+] Recap
Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:3 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap

In a match-up of Cinderellas, one’s search for the glass slipper will continue, while the other will shatter. While Michigan has grown accustomed to slaying giants, both teams are in entirely unfamiliar territory. Dayton had not won an Open Cup game in their brief existence until this year, let alone taken down an MLS team. The Dutch Lions’ Open Cup wins still stand as the lone victories in 2012 as the team is 0-5-4 in USL Pro play and is now the only professional league club without a win. However, they managed to go into Columbus and take down the Crew after trailing in the second half. Their Open Cup showing couldn’t propel the team though, as they fell 1-0 to second place Charleston Battery over the weekend.

One would think that facing a bottom-level team would provide Dayton with a boost, but the Bucks are no ordinary amateur team. Their resume is a laundry list of achievements as they are the only amateur team to upset two MLS teams (at New England in 2000, vs. Chicago in 2012), they have more upsets of professional teams (9) than any amateur club, and their 12 wins in the tournament are not only the most at their level, but more than a lot of professional teams. They have also been dominant in the PDL’s Great Lakes Division, sporting a perfect 3-0 record while outscoring opponents 14-5. However, they are also in uncharted territory as this is the first time they’ve been this far in the tournament. If they win, they will become the first PDL team to reach the Quarterfinals. The winner will face another giant in the quarters, traveling to face either Sporting Kansas City or the Colorado Rapids.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 2-2-0, 2-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
AS USL PRO: 2-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 12-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 7-4-1 home (0-1 in PKs), 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)

—————————————-

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
If Charlotte wins … plays at Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner
If San Antonio wins … home vs. Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner

Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 FC Dallas (MLS) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:2 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0:1 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap

In one of two matches not featuring an MLS club, the expansion Scorpions of the NASL and a longtime USL side square off in their fifth combined tournament game in Texas. San Antonio has been able to stay in state with shutout wins against the PDL’s Laredo Heat (2-0) and MLS’ Houston Dynamo (1-0) while Charlotte is making its third trek to the state having beaten the PDL’s EL Paso Patriots (1-0) and MLS’ FC Dallas (2-0). A win keeps San Antonio in state to host another match while a Charlotte victory will eliminate the last Texas side and send them to either California or nearby Cary, NC.

San Antonio was at home over the weekend, playing to a scoreless draw with the Minnesota Stars, the lone remaining unbeaten team in the professional ranks. The result extended San Antonio’s unbeaten streak to seven games (4-0-3). It was the fourth shutout for Daryl Sattler. Charlotte, meanwhile, was idle over the weekend, giving the team a much-needed rest following four consecutive road games over league and tournament play.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 7-9-0, 4-8-0 away, 0-4-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup

—————————————-

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (SJEarthquakes.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner hosts Cal FC/Seattle Sounders FC winner

Minnesota Stars’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2:0 Des Moines Menace (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Minnesota Stars (NASL) 3:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap

The Minnesota Stars take to the road again, looking for another upset after downing one of MLS’ best in Salt Lake City. It won’t be the first-ever meeting between the Earthquakes and a Minnesota club. The previous Thunder side fell at home in penalties in the 2004 Quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw in a game in which Brian Ching and Landon Donovan scored for San Jose. The pair were also accompanied by penalty takers Richard Mulrooney, Dwayne De Rosario and Todd Dunivant, who narrowly edged Minnesota 5-4 from the spot.

San Jose was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Minnesota, meanwhile, played to a scoreless stalemate on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions, one of the league’s hottest teams. Several starters rested again for the Stars, though goalkeeper Matthew VanOekel was between the posts for his fourth shutout of the season. The result kept the club’s unbeaten status intact.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 3-1-0, 2-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 9-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-1-2 (2-0) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

—————————————-

Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Fox Soccer (TV)
Quarterfinals scenarios (June 26):
Winner plays at Minnesota Stars/San Jose Earthquakes Winner

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Cal FC (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap

The Fourth Round clash is a meeting of arguably the two clubs with the most high-profile US Open Cup stories this decade. The three-peat Seattle Sounders are facing the upstart entry from the USASA, who have made history of their own to reach the Sweet 16. Cal FC knocked off Seattle’s rival Portland Timbers with a stunning 1-0 overtime decision, the first USASA team to defeat an MLS team without the use of penalty kicks in the Modern Pro Era.

There are several ties between the two clubs. Cal FC goalkeeper Berby Carrillo tried to latch on with the Sounders in 2010, ultimately playing for the nearby Kitsap Pumas, whom Cal FC defeated, 2-1, in the First Round. Defender Jesus Gonzalez also had a trial with the club.

The biggest tie is between the two managers. Cal FC coach and co-owner Eric Wynalda was identified in high school by Sounders coach Sigi Schmid. The rest, as they say, is history. The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Soccer, marking the first time an Open Cup was broadcast prior to the Quarterfinals since 2001 when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Nashville Metros 5-0 in the Second Round.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 3-0-0, 3-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 27-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 21-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 12-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 10-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 against amateur teams
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE – Tuesday, June 26

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
—
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
—
Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Titan Stadium (Cal State Fullerton); Fullerton, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
—
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: Seattle Sounders tame Silverbacks as third title defense beginso)

by

Sammy Ochoa | Photo: Brandon Bleek/Prost Amerika

Three-time defending Open Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC returned to the field on Wednesday, hosting the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. The fact that this game was at Starfire Soccer Complex in itself was controversial, as Seattle had bought the hosting rights from Atlanta, one of two MLS teams to do so. However, the Sounders avoided the fate Real Salt Lake had endured the night before with a 5-1 rout of their Southern opponent.

With the win, the Sounders extend their record 18-game Open Cup unbeaten streak (15-0-3, 2-1 in PKs) that dates back to 2008. The club has still yet to lose a game in the tournament since joining MLS in 2009.

Cordell Cato causes problems for Raphael Cox. Photo: Mike Russell | Prost Amerika

Seattle controlled the run of play early and often from the start, with Sammy Ochoa forcing Atlanta keeper Joe Nesco to save a low shot 30 seconds into the match. Ochoa, Cordell Cato, and Osvaldo Alonso were all active in the early going, as Seattle fired freely, and fired often. While not fielding all of their starters, the Sounders had plenty of battle-tested depth to pick from, and the Silverbacks had a hard time containing, bending, but somehow not breaking under the pressure. Nesco appeared to have less and less confidence in his defense as the half rolled on, playing off the line unusually often for a netminder.

Atlanta finally started getting some chances about 25 minutes in, but Seattle’s defense was locked tightly, as keeper Bryan Meredith did not register a save in the half. The Silverbacks were visibly frustrated, as forward Reinaldo Navia was seen shouting at the referee and his assistants throughout the rest of the half, flirting very closely with being carded. The Sounders came very close to breaking through on a very bizarre play 38 minutes in, as Nasco collieded with a defender, and Alonso shot from around 40 yards away. Nasco did get a hand on the ball, but was extremely close to being outside of the box, though the refs instead let the ball slide out for one of ten corner kicks for the home side. Alex Caskey continued the pressure two minutes from half, forcing Nesco to tip a shot over the crossbar for another corner. On the ensuing corner, the ball bounced through traffic to the back of the penalty box. Andy Rose was right in position, and shot a screaming right footer that burned the twine as it gave Seattle the lead going into the half.

Sounders fans want to see their team win an unprecedented fourth straight US Open Cup title. Photo: Rod Mar | Seattle Sounders FC

The Sounders doubled their lead quickly in the second half, as Cato continued to frustrate the Silverback defense. He sent the ball up to Alonso, who ran right around the defense and deposited the ball past Nasco for a 2-0 lead. Atlanta then gave Seattle a scare (and proved that a 2-0 lead is the hardest to keep in soccer) six minutes later. Defender Shane Moroney sent a ball onto Navia, whose hammer just inside the box beat Meredith and put the Silverbacks on the board. However, Caskey answered quickly for the Washingtonians, as he intercepted a clearance, outran the defense and once again had Nasco fetching the ball from the twine just a minute later.

The goal seemed to take the steam out of the Silverbacks, and things got chippy in the 59th minute as Navia came in with a real late tackle on Seattle’s Marc Burch, and the two engaged in a shoving match in Atlanta’s half. The scrum was eventually sorted out, and both players ended up with yellow cards. The Sounders refused to sit back though, as Alonso played a through ball to Ochoa after the ordeal was sorted out, and Ochoa shot inside the far post to make it 4-1. Just four minutes later, Ochoa once again capitalized on a sloppy Atlanta defense, taking subsitute David Estrada’s blocked shot and slicing twthe defense from the right side of the box to notch a brace. He was subbed out to a standing ovation shortly thereafter for Open Cup hero Roger Levesque, a smart move as Atlanta continued to play chippy.

Levesque, Estrada, and fellow sub Servando Carrasco were intent on getting in on the action as well, continuing to put pressure on Nasco and the defense to the end. Cato, who had tormented the Atlanta defenders all match long, was dealt a hard foul by late sub Jordan Davis, who earned a yellow for his late bump in the back. Seattle finished with 24 shots, and 14 on goal, never giving Atlanta much breathing room on the night.

Seattle will once again be back in action at Starfire next tuesday, as they host Eric Wynalda’s Cal FC. Cal FC beat the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time on Wednesday, becoming the first USASA side since Dallas Roma in 2006 to knock off an MLS team in the Open Cup. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Pacific/10:30 p.m. Eastern.

LINEUPS:

ATL- Joe Nasco (GK); Shane Moroney, Martyn Lancaster, Jose Burciaga, Jr., Raphael Cox; Tony McManus (Jordan Davis 84′), Ciaran O’Brien, Danilo Turcois, Borfor Carr (David Santamaria 72′); Matt Horth (Nico Colaluca 63′), Reinaldo Navia. SUBS NOT USED: Daniel Illyes (GK), Lucas Paulini, Willie Hunt, Lindemar Ferreira.

SEA- Bryan Meredith; Marc Burch, Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Zach Scott; Alex Caskey, Andy Rose, Osvaldo Alonso (Servando Carrasco 72′), Cordell Cato; Sammy Ochoa (Roger Levesque 70′), Eddie Johnson (David Estrada 46′). SUBS NOT USED: Andrew Weber (GK), Brad Evans, Fredy Montero, Christian Sivebaek.

SCORING
SEA: Andy Rose 44′
SEA: Osvaldo Alonso (Cordell Cato) 47′
ATL: Reinaldo Navia (Moroney) 53′
SEA: Alex Caskey 54′
SEA: Sammy Ochoa (Osvaldo Alonso) 62′
SEA: Sammy Ochoa 66′

BOOKINGS:
ATL- Reinaldo Navia 59′ (caution; Reckless Tackle)
SEA- Marc Burch 59′ (caution; Unsporting Behavior)
ATL- Jordan Davis 87′ (caution; Reckless Foul)

STATS:
Shots: ATL- 8; SEA- 24
Saves: ATL- 9; SEA- 2
Fouls: ATL- 11; SEA- 8
Corners: ATL- 2; SEA- 10
Offsides: ATL- 4; SEA- 4

Referee: Josh Wilkens
Referee’s Assistants: Ron Lagraff, Jeremy Hanson
4th Official: Chipalo Street
Attendance: 3,703
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65 degrees

2012 US Open Cup Third Round: Sporting KC withstands late Orlando City surge, advances to Round 4 (Video)

by

Seth Sinovich of Sporting Kansas City tries to get position on Orlando City

Sporting Kansas City forward Soony Saad netted a brace within three minutes, then held off a late challenge by an Orlando City SC side reduced to ten men to claim a 3-2 win. They survived a day where lower division clubs came to play and knocked out multiple MLS teams, earning a home match against the Colorado Rapids next Tuesday.

While Kansas City started a lot of their regulars, they did decide to go with 19-year-old keeper John Kempin, who is signed to a Homegrown Player contract. The Lions, defending USL Pro champions, would throw the young netminder into the fire midway through the half with Charlie Campbell and Kevin Molino forcing Kempin to make solid saves. Sporting also got pressure on shorthanded City (who only brought 15 players), forcing captain Miguel Gallardo into making eight saves in the game.

The home side finally broke through in stoppage time. Peterson Joseph fed the ball to Paulo Nagamura, who rifled the ball past Gallardo from 30 yards distance just before the halftime whistle. City would level ten minutes into the second half, as Molino recieved an Erik Ustruck cross and headed into the net. However, ten minutes after that, the game turned into the Soony Show.

Saad would take the pass from goalscorer Nagamura at 65 minutes and laid it inside the far post, making up for earlier missed opportunities. Three minutes later, he again netted the ball, lauching a Gallardo punchout past the Lion keeper from outside the box. Things would get worse for City at 70 minutes in, as midfielder Anthony Pulis would be shown a straight red for an elbow in the back. This enraged the Orlando players, who felt that considering how their forward Jamie Watson had been beaten around earlier in the game, they should have had a man advantage since the first half. They finally had turned their rage into determination with six minutes left, as Dennis Chin rifled a shot into the top netting. The Lions would continue to press further and attempt to equalize, but Sporting would hold firm to advance.

LINEUPS:
ORL- Miguel Gallardo; Kieron Bernard, Erik Ustruck, Luke Boden, Robert Valentino; Charlie Campbell, James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, Kevin Molino; Dennis Chin, Jamie Watson (Ian Fuller 78)

SKC- Jon Kempin; Chance Myers, Konrad Warzycha (Matt Besler 85), Aurelien Collin, Seth Sinovic; Paulo Nagamura, Lawrence Olum, Peterson Joseph (Graham Zusi 59); Jacob Peterson, Dom Dwyer (C.J. Sapong 46), Soony Saad

SCORING:
SKC- Paulo Nagamura (Peterson Joseph) 45+2′
ORL– Kevin Molino (Erik Ustruck) 55′
SKC- Soony Saad (Paulo Nagamura) 65′
SKC- Soony Saad 68′
ORL- Dennis Chin 84′

BOOKINGS:
SKC– Aurelien Collin (caution; tactical foul) 23′
ORL– Robert Valentino (caution; reckless tackle) 51′
ORL– Anthony Pulis (ejection; violent conduct) 70′
SKC– Jacob Peterson (caution; tactical foul) 78′

STATS:
Shots: ORL- 13; SKC- 18
Saves: ORL- 8; SKC- 6
Fouls: ORL- 11; SKC- 12
Corners: ORL- 6; SKC- 2
Offsides: ORL- 7; SKC- 1

Attendance: 12,217
Weather: 81 degrees, sunny

2012 U.S. Open Cup Third Round: New York Red Bulls silence Charleston Battery, 3-0

by

John Wilson fights for position against Jan Gunnar Solli and Kenny Cooper. Photo: Charleston Battery

The New York Red Bulls, who are notorious for throwing their second team into the Open Cup and losing early, decided to take a different approach into their game against the Charleston Battery. This approach would serve them well, as for once they avoided being upset by a lower division side, winning 3-0 and advancing to the fourth round.

It was a welcome offensive outburst for the Red Bulls who scored three goals in an Open Cup game for the first time in a decade

The Battery challenged early, however New York keeper Ryan Meara met the early challenges, and Red Bull quickly started pressing themselves. Mehdi Ballouchy helped the team strike paydirt first, as he found forward Kenny Cooper in the box. Cooper then unleashed a ground shot into the corner with his left foot. The teams spent most of the half’s remainder going up and down the field, yet unable to capitalize. This changed at 41 minutes in, and it was once again the visitors able to break through. Ballouchy once again started the play, as his corner found Dax McCarty in the corner of the penalty area. McCarty then led on for Heath Pearce, who sent it past Charleston keeper Brock Duckworth to double the lead by halftime.

Sallieu Bundu tried to rally Charleston multiple times to get them back in it, yet Meara proved to be up to the task every time. Connor Lade finally put the game away for the Red Bulls with 20 minutes left, as Solli got him the ball, and Lade launched a top-corner shot from 27 yards out.

New York had initially planned on hosting New England, as the Revolution had built up a 3-0 lead with ten minutes left in extra time. However, the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL Pro would not be denied, tied the game, and emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. This means Harrisburg will host NY in Hersheypark Stadium (Hershey, PA) at 7:30 PM Eastern Time next Tuesday.

New York Red Bulls 3:0 Charleston Battery
Blackbaud Stadium – Charleston, SC

SCORING
NY- Kenny Cooper (Mehdi Ballouchy) 14’
NY- Heath Pearce (Dax McCarty) 41’
NY- Connor Lade (Jan Gunnar Solli) 70’

LINEUPS:
NY- Ryan Meara (GK); Brandon Barklage (Jonathan Borrajo 77’), Markus Holgersson, Wilman Conde, Heath Pearce, Jan Gunnar Solli (Victor Palsson 74’), Dax McCarty (Ryan Maduro 88’), Mehdi Ballouchy, Connor Lade, Jhonny Arteaga, Kenny Cooper
Charleston- Brock Duckworth (GK); John Wilson, Colin Falvey, Taylor Mueller (Dane Kelly 67’), Kyle Hoffer, Amadou Sanyang, Tony Donatelli (Ryan Richter 71’), Jose Cuevas, Nicki Paterson (Zach Prince 81’), Navion Boyd, Sallieu Bundu

BOOKINGS
CHS- Amadou Sanyang 65′ (caution)

STATS:
Shots: NY- 13; CHS- 11
Saves: NY- 5; CHS- 5
Fouls: NY- 10; CHS- 12
Corners: NY- 3; CHS- 4
Offsides: NY- 0; CHS- 2

2012 US Open Cup Third Round: Colorado Rapids rush Tampa Bay Rowdies in return to the tournament

by

Jaime Castrillon congratulates Edu on his PK goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Photo: Mark May Photography/Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Colorado Rapids traveled to Tampa on Tuesday determined not to become one of what became many upsets of MLS teams, and fielded a full-strength side against the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. The tactic worked to full effect, and the Rapids came away with a 3-1 win in the Third Round of the Open Cup. Brazilian striker Edu and Andre Akpan put the game away early for Colorado, and Kamani Hill added some late insurance before Rowdies sub Matt Clare salvaged a goal late in stoppage time.

With the win, the Rapids pick up their first Open Cup victory since 2007, after failing to qualify for the tournament four years in a row before qualification was done away with this year. Colorado moves on to face Sporting Kansas City next Tuesday in the Fourth Round as they attempt to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 1999.

Tampa, playing a more aggressive 4-3-3 to the MLS side’s 4-4-2; missed an early opportunity to put the Rapids on their heels, as striker Luke Mullholland hit the crossbar two minutes in, and Colorado keeper Steward Ceus gobbled the ball up for the save. The Rowdies were forced on their heels shortly after, with keeper Jeff Attinella forced to defends shots by strikers Andre Akpan and Edu, and midfielders Hill and Wells Thompson. However, a Tampa Bay defender was called for a handball in the box at 17 minutes, and Attinella guessed wrong on Edu’s penalty kick.

Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Rowdies picked up their game after the opening goal, with Mulholland and Daniel Antoniuk both forcing saves from Ceus. The Rapids counterattacked after Antoniuk’s miss, and Thompson slotted to Akpan, who put it inside the far post two double their lead. Tampa couldn’t capitalize on chances by Antoniuk and Mike Ambersley late in the half, and the score remained 2-0 to the away squad at the half.

The second half was much quieter, with neither team able to capitalize on their minutes. One particularly chippy stretch included three yellow cards in three minutes: two to Colorado (Thompson and Tyrone Marshall), with Tampa Bay’s Draymond Washington earning the other. Colorado solidified their defense late, stopping shots by Washington and sub Fafa Picault late. Akpan turned giver late, as Hill put away his pass a minute into stoppage time, and Clare took a pass from Mulholland past Ceus to round out the scoring a minute later.

Colorado will travel to Sporting Kansas City next week, as KC survived a 3-2 battle with USL Pro side Orlando City SC. They will meet at 7:30 PM Central time at Livestrong Sporting Park, with a place in the Quarterfinals at stake.

LINEUPS:
COL- Steward Ceus (GK); Hunter Freeman (Kosuke Kimura 72′), Tyrone Marshall, Scott Palguta, Luis Zapata; Wells Thompson, Harrison Henao (Joseph Nane 58′), Kamani Hill, Jaime Castrillon (Tony Cascio 67′); Andre Akpan, Edu
TB- Jeff Attinella (GK); Frankie Sanfilippo, Andres Arango, Takuya Yamada, Draymond Washington; Stuart Campbell, Shane Hill, Keith Savage (Fafa Picault 61′); Luke Mulholland, Mike Ambersley, Daniel Antoniuk (Matt Clare 72′)

SCORING:
COL- Edu (PK) 17′
COL- Andre Akpan (Wells Thompson) 33′
COL- Kamani Hill (Andre Akpan) 90+1′
TB- Matt Clare (Luke Mulholland) 90+2′

BOOKINGS:
TB- Daniel Antoniuk 19′ (yellow)
COL- Wells Thompson 55′ (yellow)
TB- Draymond Washington 56′ (yellow)
COL- Tyrone Marshall 57′ (yellow)
COL- Steward Ceus 90+2′ (yellow)

STATS:
Shots: COL- 13; TB- 13
Saves: COL- 6; TB- 6
Fouls: COL- 18; TB- 14
Corners: COL- 3; TB- 6
Offsides: COL- 2; TB- 5

Meet the USASA: Class of 2012

by

Nine teams from the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and one from United States Club Soccer have qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this year.

Will a club imitate Dallas Roma FC’s famous run in 2006? Will our bonus feature, Stanislaus United Turlock Express, make a name for US Club Soccer? These questions are yet to be answered, but we can introduce you to the amateur sides that will be taking the field on Tuesday. Click on the links below to read about the clubs:

Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (Region I – DC/VA – Sterling, VA)

Greek American Atlas (Region I – East New York – New York, NY)

Jersey Shore Boca (Region I – New Jersey – Toms River, NJ)

Croatian Eagles (Region II – Wisconsin – Milwaukee, WI)

KC Athletics (Region II – Kansas – Kansas City, MO)

ASC New Stars (Region III – Texas-South – Houston, TX)

North Texas Rayados (Region III – Texas-North – Dallas, TX)

Cal FC (Region IV – Southern California – Thousand Oaks, CA)

PSA Elite (Region IV – Southern California – Irvine, CA)

BONUS: US Club Soccer

Stanislaus United Turlock Express (US Club Soccer – Turlock, CA)

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development