Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

J.T. Alwin

2012 US Open Cup First Round: Ventura County Fusion generate OT electricity, history in 6-2 win over Fullerton Rangers

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The Ventura County Fusion started off hot, and exploded for a record-tying four extra time goals to take out the hosting Fullerton Rangers on Tuesday night. The Fusion notched a brace in the first 22 minutes, but couldn’t make the lead hold in the second half.

After the game started as an end-to-end affair, the Fusion proved to win that game even-handed. Michael Roman took the feed from Kennedy Chongo in the back of the penalty box at 17′, and lofted it over Fullerton keeper Geovanni Hernandez to put Ventura on the board. Fullerton insisted in continuing the fast pace, and were torched again at 22′. The Rangers were caught napping, as three Ventura County players found themselves onside at close range. Francisco Lopez received from Chris Tsonis at close range, and slotted his second. Realizing their situation, Fullerton slowed the game down, their defense holding serve to prevent more damage going into the half.

The urgency started to build for the Rangers early in the 2nd half, and they started clawing their way back 55 minutes in. David Arvizu slid the ball in past Sam Hayden, cutting the deficit down to 1. Despite Sean Toth recieving a red for his second booking, Fullerton rallied around their lost man and leveled at the 67′ mark, with Eder Roldan doing the honors. Roldan put an excellent shot past Hayden, shocking Ventura. With both defenses proving sturdy, neither team could capitalize on rare chances by the end of regulation.

However, Ventura attacked early in extra time, and it paid off. Chongo was fouled in the box by the Rangers’ Leobardo Alvarez, and Francisco Lopez calmly slotted home the penalty bottom left to restore Ventura’s lead three minutes in. They seemingly plunged the dagger in at 98′, Chongo sliding in to restore the two-goal lead. Daniel Steres and Rodrigo Lopez would propel the Fusion into history with goals in the last ten minutes. Ventura County ended with four tallies in extra time, tying a Pro Era record. Miami FC notched the same amount in ET against the Central Florida Kraze (now Orlando City U23s) in the first round of 2010. Ventura’s chemistry proved to be electric to equal that goal, and look to continue that momentum next Tuesday, as they travel to Fullerton Stadium to play the Los Angeles Blues at 7:30 PM Pacific.

Join the conversation in the 2012 US Open Cup First Round Live Blog

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MORE on TheCup.us:
* 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup bracket
* 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup participant map
* TheCup.us’ 2012 Meet The USASA series
* Things you should know about the First Round

UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): Due to heavy rain, the match between FC Sonic Lehigh Valley and Long Island Rough Riders has been moved to the turf field at Whitehall High School.

The 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off tonight with the First Round, which includes 16 games starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The opening round consists of 32 amateur teams from the USL’s Premier Development League (PDL), the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and one team from US Club Soccer (USCS). The winners of Tuesday night’s contests will earn a date with a lower division professional team in Round 2 the following Tuesday.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all 16 games from our correspondents  from coast to coast. To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question.

Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play)

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup logo

Here’s your guide to the entire First Round:

Croatian Eagles (USASA) at Chicago Fire PDL (PDL)
Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Eagles win … vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) Site TBA
If Chicago wins … home vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro)

Surprisingly, the Fire have had only two home game in their 10 Open Cup matches, playing on the road for the last four since hosting Bavarian SC in the First Round of 2009. Chicago and Wisconsin clubs have met six times in the Modern Pro Era, with Chicago teams leading the series split with 3 wins each (Milwaukee clubs are 2-2-0 vs. Chicago clubs). The Fire are 4-4 in the Open Cup. The Fire are one of three PDL clubs that enter the tournament without having kicked off their league campaign.  |  Meet the USASA – Croatian Eagles

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chicago Fire PDL: 6-4-0 overall, 2-0-0 at home, 5-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2004, 2011), Last entry: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 3-1 at Sporting KC)
Croatian Eagles: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: 2006 (Qualifying Round, Lost 4-1 at Des Moines Menace), Last entry: 2006 (Qualifying Round, Lost 4-1 at Des Moines Menace)

NY Greek American Atlas SC (USASA) at Reading United AC (PDL)
Shirk Stadium, Albright College; Reading, Pa. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenario: Winner plays at Charleston Battery (USL Pro)

The Greeks are a four-time US Open Cup champion (1967-69, 1974) and are back in the tournament for the first time since 2005. They are trying to get in the win column for the first time in the Modern Era, sporting an 0-3 record since 1995, including two losses to PDL teams and a forfeit. Reading United, who are making their fourth straight tournament appearance and sixth overall, are looking for their first Open Cup victory (0-5-0). United have also not left the state of Pennsylvania for an Open Cup game since 2003. Reading opened their 2012 PDL season at home Saturday against the New Jersey Express. They got off to a fast start with a goal from Paul Wyatt in the first minute only to see the victory spoiled three minutes from time by a 1-1 equalizer.  |  Meet the USASA – NY GAA

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
NY Greek American Atlas: 0-3-0 overall, 0-2-0 at home, 0-2-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (3 times), Last entry: 2005 (Round 1, lost 3-0 vs. Ocean City Barons)
Reading United: 0-5-0 overall (0-3-0 as PDL), 0-1-0 at home (0-1-0 as PDL), 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (4 times), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 at Harrisburg City Islanders)

Jacksonville United (NPSL) at Orlando City U-23s (PDL)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla. – 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenario: The winner hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)

Orlando, formerly the Central Florida Kraze, are making their third straight appearance in the Open Cup. The defending NPSL champion, who has a number of players from Lynch’s Irish Pub, a 3-time Open Cup qualifier. Both teams (including the Lynch’s Irish Pub records) are seeking their first Open Cup win. After opening the season with a scoreless draw against Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy, Orlando City found plenty of offense over the weekend in a second meeting with a 6-0 trouncing. Four different players scored in the first half with Nicolas Russo adding two off the bench in the second. Jacksonville United, meanwhile, won their opener on the road, downing Mississippi Storm, 4-2. Over the weekend they drubbed visiting Myrtle Beach, 7-1.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Jacksonville United: N/A
Orlando City U23s: 0-4-0 overall, 0-1-0 at home, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (4 times), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 4-0 at Wilmington Hammerheads)

Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at FC Sonic Lehigh Valley (NPSL)
Whitehall High School; Whitehall, Pa. – 7:05 p.m. ET  << CHANGED 5/15/12
Broadcast: Local TV (Service Electric)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)

Long Island returns to the Keystone State for the first time since losing to the Harrisburg City Islanders in the Second Round of the 2010 tournament. The Rough Riders made the Quarterfinals in 1997, but have gone 1-5 since then. This match marks the first time in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present) that the city of Bethlehem, PA, home of the five-time tournament champion Bethlehem Steel, has hosted an Open Cup game. FC Sonic finished 2nd in the NPSL’s Keystone Division last year, but qualified when division champion Erie Admirals declined to participate. Lehigh Valley begins its season next weekend and Long Island is one of three PDL clubs that has not opened the regular season campaign.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Long Island Rough Riders: 3-5-0 overall (1-2-0 as PDL), 1-4-0 away (0-2-0 as PDL), 2-2-0 vs. amateur clubs (1-0-0 as PDL), Best Finish: Quarterfinals (1997, Lost 1-0 after sudden death extra time vs. Metrostars), Last entry: 2010 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
FC Sonic Lehigh Valley: N/A

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Maryland Soccerplex Stadium; Boyds, Md. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Aegean Hawks win … home vs. Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)
If Carolina Dynamo win … play at Richmond Kickers (USL Pro)

The Dynamo are on the road for only the third time in 10 games since Macpherson Stadium opened in 2002. They are 1-3 in road games. It is the first home game for the Hawks in three appearances, who are seeking their first win. The Dynamo kicked off their campaign at home with a 5-1 win against Real Maryland. After giving up the opening goal eight minutes in Saturday, Shaun Sloan equalized two minutes later. Then Donnie Smith set up the next two streaks, including the first of two from Karo Okiomah.  |  Meet the USASA – Aegean Hawks

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Carolina Dynamo: 10-8-0 overall (5-3 as PDL), 2-6-0 away (0-1-0 as PDL), 6-1-0 vs. amateur clubs (2-0-0 as PDL), Best Finish: Quarterfinals (1996, Lost 2-0 at DC United), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 3-1 vs. Charlotte Eagles)
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks: 0-2-0 overall, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2009 (Round 1, Lost 1-0 at Real Maryland Monarchs)

Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arenas; Pontiac, Mich. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)

Since 2000, the Bucks have hosted all but one game (6 of 7 games) against non-MLS opposition (Richmond Kickers, 2007). Michigan is 2-0 against amateur teams in the Open Cup, defeating Jerry D’s 6-0 in 2000 and Chaldean Arsenal 3-0 in 2001. The Bucks are among the trio of PDL clubs that will not begin the regular season prior to the First Round.  |  Meet the USASA – Jersey Shore Boca

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Jersey Shore Boca: N/A
Michigan Bucks: 9-7-1 overall, 6-4-1 (0-1 in PKs) at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2006, Lost 4-1 vs. Columbus Crew), Last entry: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)

Mississippi Brilla FC (PDL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios:
If Georgia wins … home vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
If Mississippi wins … at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)

In the First Round’s battle of the two most inexperienced teams, Mississippi lost in their only Open Cup appearance in 2009 (vs. USL First Division’s Austin Aztex) and the Revolution are making their debut. The winner will not be traveling far, as Mississippi would travel to play the Atlanta Silverbacks in the second round, while Georgia would be hosting Atlanta. Georgia opened its campaign with a bang, stomping Mississippi Storm, 7-1, on Saturday with goals from five different players, two from Kwadwo Poku, and an own goal. Brilla, on the other hand, fell at home, 1-0, to the Ocala Stampede in only the second loss at home in five years for the club.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Mississippi Brilla: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2009, Lost 2-0 at Austin Aztex), Last entry: 2009 Round 1 (Lost 2-0 at Austin Aztex)
Georgia Revolution: N/A

Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
Memorial Field, Deering High School; Portland, Maine – 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)

While TheCup.us does not have a record of every game of the last 98 years of the US Open Cup (most of them, but not all) and there is no record of a team from Maine participating in the US Open Cup. The Italians are a two-time Open Cup champion (1979, 1991). Brooklyn is also seeking their first win in the Pro Era, having lost in the first round the past two competitions. Brooklyn is off to a good start. They dropped visiting FC New York, 2-1, in the league opener and won 4-1 on the road against Mass United three days later. Over the weekend they picked up a 1-0 road win against the Rhode Island Reds to move to 3-0-0. GPS Portland kicked off their season Saturday, taking a 2-1 victory against visiting Vermont Voltage with an opener from Itode Fubara and the winner from Chris Banks.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Brooklyn Italians: 0-2-0 overall, 0-2-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms)
GPS Portland Phoenix: N/A

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL)
Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis. – 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner hosts Minnesota Stars FC (NASL)

Home field is a consolation prize for the organization that had its USASA club miss out on Open Cup qualifying because the state association lost their paperwork last year. Now, the Bavarians’ NPSL team are in the tournament for the first time, hoping to carry on the Milwaukee club’s tradition against the Des Moines Menace, one of the elite PDL teams. This game marks the first road game for the Menace against an equal or lesser division opponent, including a 2003 loss, 2-1, to the USASA’s Bavarian SC in sudden death overtime. Milwaukee is 2-3 in the Pro Era (though were semifinalists in 1993 and finalists in 1994), while Des Moines is 6-6 all-time, and 1-1 against amateur teams. The Bavarians have not begun their NPSL campaign. The Menace, meanwhile, are coming into the contest on a positive note having downed visiting St Louis Lions, 4-1, Saturday courtesy of a hat trick from Husref Jupic. They were winless in the first three contests playing to a 1-1 draw and 1-0 loss on the road against Real Colorado Foxes and another 1-0 loss away to Springfield Demize.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Des Moines Menace: 6-5-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall, 2-3-0 away, 2-1-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 4 (2005, Lost 6-1 at Kansas City Wizards), Last entry: 2010 (Round 1, Lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
Milwaukee Bavarians: N/A

KC Athletics (USASA) at Real Colorado Foxes (PDL)
Colorado School of Mines Soccer Stadium; Golden, Colo. – 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online video (CoachesAid.com– $8.00)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Orlando City SC (USL Pro)

The Athletics are back in the tournament for the second time in three years, losing their debut against NSC Minnesota Stars in 2010. Real Colorado are making their second straight appearance, having won in their debut last year at home against DV8 Defenders from the USASA, before losing at the Kitsap Pumas in Round 2. Real Colorado played to a scoreless draw at home Sunday versus WSA Winnipeg. The week prior they had another pair of close-fought outings with a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 victory against the visiting Des Moines Menace.  |  Meet the USASA – KC Athletics

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
KC Athletics: 0-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2010, Lost 4-2 vs. NCS Minnesota Stars), Last entry: 2010 (Round 1, lost 4-2 vs. NCS Minnesota Stars)
Real Colorado: 1-1-0 overall, 1-0-0 home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 2 (2011, Lost 3-1 at Kitsap Pumas), Last entry: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 3-1 at Kitsap Pumas)

ASC New Stars (USASA) at Laredo Heat (PDL)
Texas A&M International University; Laredo, Texas – 9:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)

ASC New Stars are making their second appearance in a row and their third in the last five years. They are shooting for their first tournament win, in what will be their first game against an amateur side. Laredo hasn’t qualified since making their debut in 2006, when they nearly kept the historic run of Dallas Roma FC from ever happening, falling short 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw. The Laredo Heat dropped their first game of the season, falling 2-0 on the road to the Texas Dutch Lions.  |  Meet the USASA – ASC New Stars

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
ASC New Stars: 0-2-0 overall, 0-2-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (twice), Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Lost at Orlando City SC, 4-0)
Laredo Heat: 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) overall, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 1 (2006, Draw 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, Lost 4-2 in PKs), Last entry: 2006 (Round 1, Draw 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, Lost 4-2 in PKs)

North Texas Rayados (USASA) at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will host the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)

The Rayados, making their first appearance in the tournament out of USASA’s Region III, will face a club with a rich history in the competition at multiple levels. The Patriots were a professional team from their founding in 1991 until 2004 when they joined the PDL, and were 1995 finalists. El Paso has a .500 Open Cup Record at 9-9, including 3-4 as a PDL team. Enrique Cervantes, son of the club owner, scored the lone goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win at home against the Austin Aztex. The Patriots previously played to a 1-1 draw in their opener on the road versus West Texas.  |  Meet the USASA – NTX Rayados

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
NTX Rayados: N/A
El Paso Patriots: 8-7-3 (1-2 in PKs) overall (2-3-2, 1-1 in PKs as PDL), 7-5-3 at home (2-1-2, 1-1 in PKs), 4-1-2 (0-2 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs (2-0-1 as PDL), Best Finish: 1995 US Open Cup runner-up, Last entry: 2011 (Round 1, Draw 0-0, Lost 6-5 in PKs vs. Kitsap Pumas)

Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Stanislaus United Turlock Express (US Club Soccer)
Academica Fields; Turlock, Calif. – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)

The Fuego have been one of the better PDL teams over the last decade, but have only qualified once. They accomplished that in their inaugural season in 2003, and what a run it was, winning three games, upsetting two professional teams (Utah Blitzz of the PSL and the El Paso Patriots of the A-League) before falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center. The Fuego are one of just three PDL teams to ever reach beyond the Third Round (Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace). They will face off against the Stanislaus United Turlock Express (no relation to the Stanislaus United Cruisers who qualified in 2000), who are the first US Club Soccer team to compete in the Open Cup. The Fuego are off to a fantastic start. They posted a pair of victories against LA Misioneros, 4-1 at home and 3-1 away, and a 2-1 win against FC Tucson before dropping their first points Friday in a 1-1 road draw against Orange County Blue Star.  |  Meet the USCS – Stanislaus United Turlock Express

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Fresno Fuego: 3-1-0 overall, 1-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 4 (2003, Lost 3-1 at LA Galaxy), Last entry: 2003 (Round 4, Lost 3-1 at LA Galaxy)
SU Turlock Express: N/A

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) vs. Fullerton Rangers (NPSL)
Santa Ana Stadium; – Santa Ana, Calif. – 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online video (LiveStream.com)
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro)

This is the third straight Open Cup appearance for the Fusion, as well as their first road game (1-2 at home). The Rangers qualified tournament in their inaugural season, as NPSL decided to hold a tournament due to major lineup changes. The Fusion are off to a surprisingly slow start with two losses. They fell on the road against LA Misioneros, 1-0, Sunday after an initial 1-1 draw with them at home previously. Fullerton, meanwhile, has faced all five other clubs in the West-Southern Conference and has a 3-2 record. They were idle over the weekend.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Ventura County Fusion: 1-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) overall, 0-0-0 away, 1-0-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 2 (2011, Lost 1-0 vs. LA Blues), Last entry: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. LA Blues)
Fullerton Rangers: N/A

PSA Elite (USASA) at Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL)
Jeld-Wen Field; Portland, Ore. – 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

The Timbers PDL square are making their first appearance in the US Open Cup after missing out last year despite finishing qualifying with an undefeated record (3-0-1). Rather than going through a tiebreaker, they decided to have the Kitsap Pumas and the Timbers U23s use their regular season game on double as a play-in game, where Kitsap won 3-2. PSA Elite are making their first appearance in the tournament after emerging from the USASA Region IV tournament. The Timbers got off to a fast start in their opening game Friday with a three-goal first half in the 3-0 win against visiting Fraser Valley. Mark Sherrod scored twice with Emery Welshman providing the second tally.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
PSA Elite: N/A
Timbers U23s: N/A

16. Cal FC (USASA) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)
Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash. – 10:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro)

This is the fourth consecutive year that Kitsap will kick off the tournament at home. The Pumas reached the third round last year, falling 2-1 to three-time champion Seattle Sounders FC, and hold a 3-3 Open Cup record. USASA Region IV qualifier Cal FC are led by a mix of young players and former professional players and their manager, former US international Eric Wynalda. After opening the season with a 3-0 loss north of the border to the Vancouver Whitecaps U23, the Pumas rebounded in their home opener by drubbing Canada’s Fraser Valley Mariners, 6-0.  |  Meet the USASA – Cal FC

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC: N/A
Kitsap Pumas: 2-3-1 (1-0 in PKs) overall, 2-2-0 at home, 2-0-1 (1-0 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs, Best Finish: Round 3 (2011, Lost 2-1 at Seattle Sounders), Last entry: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 2-1 at Seattle Sounders)

2012 Meet the USASA: Four-time US Open Cup champion New York Greek American Atlas SC

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New York Greek American Atlas SC: 4-time Open Cup champions (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974)

Welcome to our continuing series of Meet the USASA features where we annually profile the clubs representing the United States Adult Soccer Association in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Advancing from the four regional tournaments, these often unknown clubs have great stories to tell and each year, our goal is to allow fans to get to know them as they attempt to become this year’s Cinderella story.

While the name Greek American Atlas has not been seen in the US Open Cup in seven years, the club is very intertwined with the competition’s history. Founded in 1941, the club from New York City has won the Cup four times, including a three-peat from 1967 to 1969, making them one of four clubs to do so (Fall River/New Bedford 1930-32, Stix, Baer, and Fuller 1933-35, Seattle Sounders FC 2009-11). The club is also successful on the homefront, winning their division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League 10 times since joining in 1994, including this season. The team also captured the Dr. Manning Cup in 2009, the main cup tournament for the Eastern New York Federation.

Atlas’ path to the Open Cup began with a satisfying 4-0 win over archrival New York Pancyprian-Freedoms in the Eastern New York Federation’s Open Cup, ending Pancyprian’s two-year run of USOC qualification. They were also authoritative in the USASA’s Region I qualifying tournament, notching 2-0 wins against Massachusetts’ Battery Park Gunners and eventual qualifier Jersey Shore Boca. This will be the fourth appearance in the Pro Era for Greek American, their other appearances resulting in a 2-0 forfeit to Western Mass Pioneers in 1998, a 4-1 loss to Cape Cod Crusaders in 2004, and a 3-0 loss to Ocean City Barons in 2005.

Greek American SC team in 1969. Photo: Bill Graham Guide | National Soccer Hall of Fame

The club recognizes this history, as General Manager George Mellis explains. “Our clubhouse is like a museum, so that everyone who comes in knows about the honor and tradition when they put on a Greek American jersey.” “We are all honored to be playing for such a great club that is rich in history,” concurs player/manager Michael Todd.

However, the club also has to deal with the present. Some of the players split time between Greek American Atlas and the Long Island Rough Riders, and with both teams participating in the Open Cup, a compromise had to be made. “We let our members who also play for the Rough Riders play with them, and they will let them be available to us for the Amateur Cup…. Our goal has been for the to be the national champion, though realistically we have a better shot in the amateur cup than the professional cup.”

2011-12 NY Greek American Atlas season
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Sep. 11 ’11 – Win, 4-1 vs. NY Croatia
Sep. 17 ’11 – Win, 3-0 vs. NYC Albania
Sep. 25 ’11 – Win, 3-0 vs. Central Park Rangers Whites
Oct. 2 ’11 – Win, 6-0 vs. Manhattan Kickers
Oct. 9 ’11 – Win, 2-0 vs. Polonia FC
Oct. 16 ’11 – Win, 5-1 vs. United FC
Nov. 6 ’11 – Win, 4-0 vs. Clarkstown FC
Nov. 21 ’11 – Win, 2-0 vs. NY Pancyprian-Freedoms
Nov. 27 ’11 – Tie, 1-1 vs. Lansdowne Bhoys
Dec. 11 ’11 – Win, 3-1 vs. NYAC
Mar. 22 – Tie, 2-2 vs. Polonia FC
Apr. 3 – Win, 2-0 vs. Barnstonworth Rovers
Apr. 17 – Win, 1-0 vs. NY Pancyprian-Freedoms
May 6 – Win, 4-0 vs. NY Croatia
May 8 – Win, 4-1 vs. Manhattan Kickers

USASA Region I Open Cup tournament
Apr. 1 – Win, 2-0 vs. Battery Park Gunners (MA)
Apr. 22 – Win, 2-0 vs. Jersey Shore Boca (NJ)

That does not mean they will be without capable weapons, by any stretch of the imagination. Chris Megaloudis has paced the team in goals through an undefeated regular season this year, and brings experience to the team having played with Red Bull New York. Captain Josh Trott has led the team in goals the past five years until Megaloudis took the crown this year. “Josh is one of the most dominant soccer players on the amateur scene,” states Todd. “His hard work and dedication is one of the platforms for the team’s success.”

Todd also has some history with Greek American Atlas, scoring a goal against his current team while while playing for the Ocean City Barons in 2005. “Our General Manager has not forgot nor forgiven me for it,” Michael recalls. However, Mellis shows that this history doesn’t matter in picking players or managers: “Once we saw Michael play with St. John’s , we knew we wanted him in a Greek jersey, and we finally got our wish. We are very happy to have him here.”

Greek-American Atlas takes on Philadelphia Union-backed Reading United AC at 7 PM on May 15th, but they will not lay down for their opponent, with history on their side, and their minds on the present as well as the future.

MORE: Check out the rest of the 2012 Meet the USASA series

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Mass Premier edge Mass United, will face Battery Park Gunners in MA final

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Mass Premier Soccer continued its run in the Massachusetts U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Tournament, picking up a 1-0 win against Mass United FC. MPS snuck a goal in on a free kick by Nick Figueiredo late in the game.

The Battery Park Gunners defeated Boston Olympiakos 2-0 in the other semifinal to punch their own ticket to the championship game.

MPS had the lion’s share of the chances in the first half, but could not find the net, as MUFC keeper Steven Liechti was able to handle the shots that were on target. After a very sluggish start, United finally picked up some steam on the counterattack, but were equally as unsuccessful with scoring chances. Possession and chances were more even in the second half, as Untied switched to a 4-4-1-1 formation, and Premier kept firing away. MPS caught a huge break around the 85th minute, when MUFC midfielder Christopher Sharpe was sent off for a hard challenge on Figueiredo in front of the box. Figueiredo took the kick himself, and sent it past Liechti to finally break through. Short on time and short a man, United was unable to mount any serious challenge to equalize, leaving MPS the victors.

The other semifinal featured a pair of champions as the Battery Park Gunners from the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) and Boston Olympiakos from the Massachusetts State Soccer League (MSSL) squared off. The difference in the game was a pair of first half goals by Joe Annese and Jesse Milling. The first came in the 26th minute when the Olympiakos goalkeeper, Renato Paivo Barbosa, picked up a back pass from one of his teammates, giving the Gunners an indirect kick from about eight yards out. Ben Shuleva touched the ball to Annese, who found a gap in the wall, and put Battery Park up, 1-0.

Just two minutes later, the Gunners added a second when Mark Parshley attacked from the right wing and found the head of Milling who nodded it into the back of the net to double the lead.

Battery Park, one of the top defensive teams in the BSSL (allowed 10 goals in their last 21 matches in all competitions), had to hold off the pressure put on by Boston as they tried to get back in the game. In the 40th minute, Denivaldo Da Silva connected on a bicycle kick which rattled off the post. In the 75th minute, the Gunners watched another Olympiakos shot strike the post, but their defense, led by goalkeeper Phil Nelson, kept the clean sheet and emerged victorious, 2-0.  The two teams will meet again, in the Massachusetts Amateur Cup final on Sunday, Dec. 18.

MPS will play the Gunners in the Final which will be scheduled at a date to be determined. The two clubs met in the BSSL regular season, where they split the series at a game a piece. The Gunners were victorious in the second game, which clinched the league championship for them in the season finale. The winner of that game will advance to play in the USASA Region I Open Cup Qualifying Tournament, to be held in the Spring of 2012. Both clubs are trying to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time.

Battery Park Gunners 2:0 Boston Olympiakos

SCORING SUMMARY:

BPG: Joe Annese (Ben Shuleva) – 26th minute
BPG: Jesse Milling (Mike Parshley) – 28th minute

LINEUPS:

BPG: Phil Nelson (GK), Joe Annese, Jason Pan, Steve Hepburn, Myles Gerraty, Jesse Milling (James Begen 88th), Ben Shuleva, Greg O’Neil, Mike Parshley, Aaron O’Neal (Bobby Linaberry 60th), Joe Vitale (Kevin Griffith 70th)

BOS: Renato Paiva Barbosa (GK), Queivon Correia, Russell Guidici, Allen Ashenfelter, Thomas Smith, Jessey Fernandez, Baffour Boateng, Geoffrey Walker, Admilson Miranda, Alenca Ventura, Denivaldo Da Silva

Mass Premier Soccer 1:0 Mass United FC

SCORING SUMMARY:
MPS: Nick Figueiredo (Unassisted) – 86th minute

LINEUPS:

MUFC: Steven Liechti; Christopher Sharpe, Daniel Antonio Jr., Adrian Kawuba, Anton DaSilva; Christopher Bedi, Bruno (James Grant 1st), Rafael Santos, Enco Lika (Gerry Munani 2nd), Victor Costa (Austin Reed 2nd); John Bavota

MPS: Jeff Newman; Nick Christman, Matt Cross, Sam Brill (Pumele Maqubela 2nd), Matt Handy; Desmond Mitchell, Harris Smriko, Matt Lemire, Derek Nobrega (Mariano Arrua 2nd); Nick Figueiredo, Matt Hoff

2011 US Open Cup Second Round: Wilmington Hammerheads storm back to beat Eagles in OT

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Photo: Wilmington Hammerheads

The Wilmington Hammerheads fought back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Charlotte Eagles 3-2 in overtime to advance in the US Open Cup on Tuesday. Luke Mulholland, who had the Hammerheads’ first shot on goal, provided the winning shot to cap a furious comeback in the last third of the game.

This was the third Open Cup meeting between the two clubs in the last six years, and with the victory, the Hammerheads maintain their perfect record, having defeated the Eagles the first two times they played (2006, 2009). Wilmington advances to Round 3 where they will face Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. The club has reached an MLS opponent in each of the last three trips to the tournament, including a 2009 Third Round upset of the Chicago Fire.

Charlotte controlled the opening 60 minutes, pressuring their in-state USL Pro rivals throughout. They broke through just before the half, as Weston Roberts took a free kick and nailed a shot to the far corner. The pressure continued in the second half, capped off by a Darren Toby goal in the 54th minute.

However, Wilmington refused to give up. Andriy Budnyy answered seven minutes later, taking a ball from newly-subbed Chris Banks and firing a low shot to cut the deficit in half. It was Budnyy’s third goal of the tournament.

The home team continued to pressure, eventually smothering the Eagles for the equalizer in the 78th minute. Jack Avesyan hit a free kick into the box, where Banks headed the ball in to pull the game level. Banks almost grabbed the lead three minutes later, as his header hit the crossbar and bounced out.

The teams fought hard in overtime, with Mulholland’s shot in the 103rd gave Wilmington the edge. The teams traded chances in the second overtime period, but neither would find the back of the net again.

The Hammerheads have a big trip ahead of them next week when they travel to Utah to play Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium next Tuesday at 9:00 PM EDT.

TheCup.us Match MVP: Chris Banks

Scoring:
CHAR: Weston Roberts – 44th minute
CHAR: Darren Toby – 54th minute
WILM: Andriy Budnyy (Chris Banks) – 61st minute
WILM: Chris Banks (Jack Avesyan) – 78th minute
WILM: Luke Mulholland – 103rd minute

Lineups:
Eagles: Reed, Dalby, Moore, Roberts, Bryan, Herrera, Bloom, Guzman, Rife, Toby, Sanchez
Hammerheads: Polak, Riley, Evans, Becerra, Spendlove, Mullholland, Nicholson, Gusman, Avasyan, Budnyy, Noviello (Banks 56)

Cautions:
19′: Guzman (Char)
35′: Noviello (Wilm)
55′: Avesyan (Wilm)
90′: Nicholson (Wilm)
93′: Moore (Char)
94′: Mulholland (Wilm)
109′: Herrera (Char)

Ejections:
None.

Referee: Daniel Fitzgerald
Assistant Referees Larry Stroud, Conor Williams
Fourth Official: Mark Kadlecik

2011 US Open Cup First Round: Foxes get sly in 5-0 win over DV8 Defenders

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The PDL’s Real Colorado Foxes started off hot early and scorched the USASA’s DV8 Defenders of California 5-0. Five different players netted goals that helped the team advance to the Second Round in their first-ever trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

While unable to find the net in the first third of the game, the Foxes controlled possession early, becoming a sign of things to come. Taylor Kemp opened the scoring with a volley in the 33rd minute, followed shortly by Isaiah Schafer knocking one in at 37′. Kyle Christensen then started the rout with another goal in the 42nd minute.

DV8 Defenders (USASA)
 0:5
 Real Colorado Foxes (PDL)
Shea Stadium – Highlands Ranch, CO
RECAP: Colorado
Scoring Summary
REAL: Taylor Kemp 33′
REAL: Isaiah Schafer 37′
REAL: Kyle Christensen 42′
REAL: Sterling Copeland 47′
REAL: Craig Thompson 87′

Sterling Copeland continued the fireworks, scoring just two minutes into the second half. While DV8 did generate a few scoring chances, Foxes keeper Johnny Foley was equal to the task and kept the clean sheet. Craig Thompson added a final tally at 87 minutes, putting an exclamation point on the game.

Real Colorado will face fellow PDL side Kitsap Pumas in the next round, in a battle of 2009 expansion teams. The match will be on June 21st at Memorial Stadium in Bremerton, WA, at 10 p.m. EDT.

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Sounders FC’s Nate Jaqua scores brace and Player of the Round

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Nate Jaqua scored both goals in the Seattle Sounders FC’s 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the US Open Cup quarterfinals. The win not only sent Seattle to the semifinals for the second consecutive year as a MLS side (and fourth straight year under the Sounders banner), but also served as revenge against LA.

Nate Jaqua celebrates one of his two goals against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the semifinals. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

TheGalaxy had beaten Seattle 3-1 three days before in Los Angeles. Jaqua’s clutch performance earned him the Player of the Round for the quarterfinals.

The award is voted on by the staff of TheCup.us and a select panel of members of the North American Soccer Reporters (www.soccerreporters.com).

Jaqua edged Justin Braun of Chivas USA for the award, who scored a pair of goals in the Goats’ 3-1 win over the Houston Dynamo. Both Braun and Jaqua will face off with their respective teams in the final four, which will be held at Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila, Wash. The game will be played September 1 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

Jaqua was gracious enough to make time to talk with Matt Gaschk of SoundersFC.com about his performance:

How important was the 2-0 win over LA for the Sounders?

Jaqua: It was big. Especially since we just played them and lost to them down there , so there was a bit of revenge there. There was also the Open Cup – we’re the defending champions and it’s something we want to defend. It was good for us and got us some motivation going forward. We’re in the semifinals now, so were one game away from the final and another chance to bring another championship back to Seattle.

You had two goals in that game, how were they set up?

They were both good service. One was bouncing around and I was able to get my head on it. The other one, Miguel Montano put a good ball in. If you make good runs and get to the right spots and we get good service, we’re going to score a lot of goals.

You were fresh off an injury at that point. How important was it for your confidence to go into a game and get a couple of goals?

It was big. I was trying to carry that over a little bit and had a bit of a setback with the injury, so now I’m just trying to get going again.

How much did that help the team in starting the run that you’re on now?

I can’t really pinpoint what it was that got us playing better and playing more as a team, but that was one step in the right direction. It’s something that we are trying to build going forward every game. We’re still not playing to our potential. I think we can still improve and get better and have everybody more on the same page and be the team we can be. I don’t think we’re there yet, but we’ve definitely made some good steps in the right direction.

How close does this team feel to the one that won the US Open Cup last year?

We’re really close. We’ve got the game at home at Starfire again and that will be a big lift. It’s fun playing out there. We’re definitely close. It’s just a matter of getting out and playing at home against Chivas. If we play the way we can and get that win we’ll be in the final again and anything can happen then.

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinal: DC United downs Harrisburg 2-0, continues home dominance

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DC United struck early in both halves, then held on to defeat the Harrisburg City Islanders for the second year in a row in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals, this time by a 2-0 tally. Branko Boskovic struck in the first minute, and Thabiso Khumalo doubled the lead at 47′.

Branko Boskovic of DC United scored in the first minute in United’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Harrisburg City Islanders. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

Boskovic, playing in his second game since being signed from Rapid Vienna, struck 40 seconds into the game, taking the feed from Santino Quaranta and bouncing it past City Islanders keeper Danny Cepero into the net. DC kept control throughout the rest of the half, outshooting Harrisburg 8-3 and never giving the visitors any room.

The second half began in much the same fashion, as Bill Hamid slotted the ball in for Khumalo, who put the ball past Cepero for a 2-0 lead two minutes in. Harrisburg struggled to mount an effective counterattack, and their hopes of getting back into the game were dashed at 75′. Tyler Ruthven committed a hard foul on DC United’s Khumalo, earning a straight red card and leaving the City Islanders a man down. DC easily controlled the rest of their match, earning a third straight trip to the Semifinals.

DC United will host fellow MLS club Columbus Crew in the Semifinals at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, September 1. This will be the team’s 17th straight home US Open Cup game (including MLS qualifiers), with their only loss in that stretch coming during last year’s final to Seattle Sounders FC. Harrisburg earns a $10,000 prize for being the USL-2 club advancing the farthest. Though both the City Islanders and Charleston Battery were eliminated in the Quarterfinals, Harrisburg earns the money based on winning their Third Round game against the New York Red Bulls outright, while Charleston drew the Chicago Fire before defeating them in Penalty Kicks.

Scoring:
DC — Branko Boskovic (Santino Quaranta) 1
DC — Thabiso Khumalo (Bill Hamid) 47

Misconduct Summary:
HAR – Jason Pelletier (caution; reckless foul) 23
HAR – JT Noone  (caution; reckless foul) 33
DC – Barry Rice (caution; tactical foul)62
HAR – Tyler Ruthven (ejection; dangerous foul) 75

Lineups:
DCU: Bill Hamid, Stephen King, Devon McTavish, Carey Talley, Barry Rice, Branko Boskovic (Clyde Simms 67), Thabiso Khumalo, Kurt Morsink, Santino Quaranta (Jordan Graye 89), Danny Allsopp, Pablo Hernandez (Jaime Moreno 67)

HAR: Danny Cepero, Dustin Bixler, Anthony Calvano, Tyler Ruthven, Jerritt Thayer, Geoffrey Bloes, Jason Hotchkin, Kai Kasiguran (Mpho Moloi 70), Jason Pelletier (Vince Petrasso 79), JT Noone (Dominic Oppong 83), Sheanon Williams

Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Referee’s Assistants: Jason Cullum, Adam Wienckowski
4th Official: Andrew Chapin
Weather: Clear, 88 degrees
Attendance: 2,089

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Columbus Crew cruise past Battery, return to semifinals

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The Columbus Crew dispatched the Charleston Battery 3-0, ending the USL-2 club’s underdog run. Emilio Renteria, Steven Lenhart, and Eddie Gavin all hit the net for the Crew.

Photo: Jason Mowry | Columbus Crew

The Crew controlled play through the first half, but needed a hard tackle from Charleston’s Stephen Armstrong in the box to capitalize. Armstrong, who played for the Crew in 2005, fouled Steven Lenhart in minute 37, setting up a Renteria penalty kick. Emilio sent the ball past Tim Melia, snapping the goalkeeper’s 187 minute Open Cup scoreless streak. Columbus kept attacking, but were frustrated by missed opportunities through an hour of play.

Lenhart, the hero of the Crew’s Third Round win over Rochester, once again stepped up and delivered at 70′. Emmanuel Ekpo fed the ball to a waiting Duncan Oughton, as Lenhart took the pass and sent it through to seal the game for Columbus. Ekpo got into the action again at 87′ taking a pass from sub Leandre Griffit and taping it to another sub, Eddie Gaven, to drive the last nail into the Battery’s Open Cup season.

Columbus awaits the winner of July 21st’s Harrisburg City Islanders/DC United match. That semifinal match will either be August 31st at home against Harrisburg, or September 1st at DC.

Scoring Summary:

CLB – Emilio Renteria (penalty kick) 38’
CLB – Steven Lenhart (Duncan Oughton) 70’
CLB – Eddie Gaven (Emmanuel Ekpo) 87’

Misconduct Summary:

CLB – Jed Zayner (caution: reckless tackle) 24’
CHA – Ian Fuller (caution: dissent) 37’
CLB – Steven Lenhart (caution: unsporting behavior) 42’
CHA – O’Brian Woodbine (caution: reckless tackle) 64’

Lineups:

Charleston – Tim Melia; O’Brian Woodbine, Colin Falvey, John Wilson, Nigel Marples; Brandon Massie (John Gruenewald, 70’), Alioune Gueye, Ian Fuller (Kevin Jackson, 82’), Stephen Armstrong (Amaury Nunes 72’); Lamar Neagle, Tom Heinemann.

Columbus – Andy Gruenebaum; Jed Zayner, Chad Marshall, Eric Brunner, Shaun Francis; Duncan Oughton, Danny O’Rourke, Dilly Duka (Eddie Gaven 61’), Emilio Renteria (Leandre Griffit 76’), Emmanuel Ekpo; Steven Lenhart (Jason Garey88’).

Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Referee’s Assistants: John Safar, Pierre Saintil Francillon
4th Official: Rizal Millikan
Weather: 90 and sunny
Attendance: 1,847

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Justin Braun’s brace powers Chivas USA past Houston, 3-1

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Justin Braun of Chivas USA scored early and late, and the Goats defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-1 to reach their Open Cup Semifinals. The win was also their first at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

However, the Dynamo were left in the dust in the second half as well. Ante Jazic split the Houson defense to give Michael Lahoud an easy finish at 65′ to double the Chivas lead. Houston finally managed to strike late, as Joseph Ngwenya rocketed a shot that got a piece of Dominc Oduro and between the posts. Braun ended any hope the Dynamo had of equalizing four minutes later, splitting through defenders and into the net.

Braun got Chivas going early, heading home a Mariano Trujillo pass in the fifth minute. The Goats pressed their advantage throughout the half, however Houston was able to hold their own defensively and kept the game 1-0 at the half. Photo: Houston Dynamo

Chivas USA will await the winner of the Los Angeles Galaxy/Seattle Sounders FC match on July 7.

Scoring Summary:
CHV — Justin Braun (Mariano Trujillo) 5
CHV — Michael Lahoud (Ante Jazic) 65
HOU — Dominic Oduro (Joseph Ngwenya) 86
CHV — Justin Braun (unassisted) 90

Misconduct Summary:
HOU — Eddie Robinson (caution; Reckless Tackle) 54
CHV — Jesus Padilla (caution; Reckless Foul) 68
HOU — Craig Waibel (caution; Reckless Foul) 93+
HOU — Danny Cruz (caution; Dissent) 93+
CHV — Gerson Mayen (caution; Reckless Foul) 93+

Lineups:
Chivas USA — Zach Thornton, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umana, Yamith Cuesta, Ante Jazic (Carlos Borja 66), Michael Lahoud, Marcelo Saragosa, Ben Zemanski, Blair Gavin (Dario Delgado 72), Jesus Padilla (Gerson Mayen 77), Justin Braun.

Houston Dynamo — Tally Hall, Craig Waibel, Eddie Robinson, Ryan Cochrane (Mike Chabala 35), Francisco Navas Cobo, Adrian Serioux, Richard Mulrooney (Lovel Palmer 74), Joseph Ngwenya, Sammy Appiah (Danny Cruz 56), Dominic Oduro, Cam Weaver.

Referee: Daniel Fitzgerald
Referee’s Assistants: Courtney Jackson; Arthur Odems
4th official: Ismail Elfath
Attendance: 1,097
Weather: Partly Cloudy and 87 degrees

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