MaryBeth Zmuda

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Laguna United qualify at San Diego’s expense again

November 24, 2025 by MaryBeth Zmuda

Laguna United celebrates after defeating San Diego Internacional 4-2 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Laguna United FC

Laguna United FC held a master class on Saturday night as they completed their path to qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup with a decisive 4-2 win over visiting UPSL side San Diego Internacional.

This win looked very similar to last year’s “Win & You’re In” match in the qualifying rounds where LUFC beat Inter down in San Diego by an even wider margin, 6-2.

“We played a familiar opposing team, repeating the same round versus San Diego Internacional last year but the match was away,” said Sam Nicholson, head coach of Laguna United. “This year it was great to play, and win, in front of a home crowd.”

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Brandon Cortez was the only goal scorer for San Diego Internacional, getting a brace for his team in the first half as all the goal scoring for both sides came in the first 45 minutes.

SD Internacional got the scoring started quickly as Cortez was at the receiving end of a long throw-in from teammate Jake Haupt in the 4th minute. Haupt’s massive effort placed the ball dead in front of the net allowing Cortez to flick a perfect header right past Laguna United keeper Jacob Estall.

Not to be outdone, just four minutes later LUFC got to light up their side of the scoreboard. Starting all the way from their own net, Laguna utilized a series of stealthy passes to move the ball quickly into striking distance. The final two passes at the end of that chain were Hudson Garner with a lightening pass to star striker Mikey Barraza who blasted it past the out of position Laguna keeper making 1-1.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "US Open Cup Champions" shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “US Open Cup Champions” shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Garner got his second assist for the night when he sent the ball over to teammate Woody Angell who slotted it home giving Laguna their first lead of the game at 2-1.

In the 36th minute, Cortez got his second for Inter.

Once again he was in a perfect position as a ball got placed directly at his waiting boot — and without letting it hit the ground — he was able to leave Estall stunned and sent the ball straight to the back of the net.

United would regain the lead for good with goals in the 39th and 42nd minutes. Woody Angell scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot. Three minutes later, Angell assisted on Marc Birkelund’s goal. That 4-2 halftime lead would hold up for the remainder of the game.

Little did either side know that the final goal of the match had already been scored. After a huge six goals in the first half, the second half wouldn’t see a single ball get between the pipes.

Both sides continued to put in full effort and did manage to create chances but neither could complete the task.

LUFC advances to the US Open Cup proper where they will try to improve on their debut last year. They lost their first round game to MLS NEXT Pro side Ventura County FC 7-0 on the road.

2025 US Open Cup: Sam Surridge of Nashville SC voted TheCup.us Player of Tournament

November 18, 2025 by MaryBeth Zmuda

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, American soccer’s oldest and most prestigious knockout tournament, has a long history of crowning unlikely heroes. Yet, few tournaments have seen a striker dominate with such brutal efficiency and decisive impact as Sam Surridge did in the 2025 edition. The Nashville SC forward didn’t just win the Golden Boot as the top scorer; his incredible scoring run—culminating in the championship-winning goal—made him the undeniable centerpiece of the competition, delivering an MVP-caliber performance that secured the club’s first-ever major trophy.

Despite only playing in three of his team’s five games, Surridge tied the Modern Era’s single-tournament record with six goals. Surridge also became just the sixth Modern Era player to score a game-winning goal in three consecutive games and just the second player to score a hat trick in a Semifinal game. His performance was enough for him to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to cast a vote for any of the awards, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue our US Open Cup coverage and to research it’s long history.

Surridge distanced himself from the second place finisher, Ricardo Jerez of the Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League One), who was named the Lower Division Player of the Tournament. Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake finished third.

The bulk of his formative years were spent navigating the demanding loan system, a crucial rite of passage for young players in England aiming for first-team exposure. These spells honed his competitive edge and provided him with the necessary grit to perform under pressure. He capped off that period by making his Premier League debut for AFC Bournemouth in February of 2019, a momentous occasion that underscored his upward trajectory.

Sam Surridge of Nashville SC scores a goal against the Philadelphia Union in the Semifinals of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Surridge eventually made the move across the Atlantic in July 2023, joining Nashville SC as a Designated Player. While highly-regarded, few could have predicted the sheer dominance he would unleash in the 2025 US Open Cup, the tournament that would ultimately solidify his place in the annals of Nashville SC history.

Sam Surridge’s selection as the pivotal figure of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, recognized widely through his Golden Boot accomplishment and the defining nature of his goals, was a result of a tournament performance marked by efficiency, variety, and timely execution. He achieved the remarkable feat of scoring six goals in just three games, averaging a stunning two goals per match, a rate of productivity rarely seen in the competition’s Modern Era.

Surridge was about to show what he’s made of with devastating effect in the Quarterfinal against D.C. United. In a crucial come-from-behind rout that saw Nashville ultimately prevail 5-2, Surridge scored a brace that provided the necessary impetus to swing the momentum back in Nashville’s favor, demonstrating his capability to deliver crucial goals in high-stakes elimination matches.

If the Quarterfinal previewed his form, the Semifinal cemented his legendary status for the tournament. Against the Philadelphia Union, Surridge delivered a sensational hat-trick, propelling Nashville to a commanding 3-1 victory and their first-ever U.S. Open Cup Final appearance.

The goals showcased the complete package of the 6’3” striker. Two of his goals were characteristic headers, leveraging his height and aerial prowess—a consistent threat throughout his career. However, it was his third goal that stood out, a moment of individual brilliance that sealed the win. On the receiving end of a long ball upfield, Surridge executed an exquisite full-volley, striking the ball with perfect technique to nestle it into the top corner of the net. As Nashville’s head coach, B.J. Callaghan noted, Surridge is a player who “scores when it counts,” and this spectacular strike was the very definition of a meaningful moment.

All the goals and performances led to the Final against Austin FC, played on the road at Q2 Stadium. With the score knotted at 1-1 after Hany Mukhtar had given Nashville an early lead, the tension was palpable. The decisive moment arrived at the 60’ minute when a penalty was awarded to Nashville.

Stepping up to the spot to take the tournament-best sixth goal, He drilled the shot straight up the middle, beating the goalkeeper and giving Nashville the 2-1 lead they would ultimately defend until the final whistle. This game-winning goal secured not only the Golden Boot trophy for Surridge but, more importantly, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy for Nashville SC—the first major professional sports championship in Tennessee history.

Sam Surridge’s U.S. Open Cup campaign was a masterclass in center-forward play. His six goals in three games was a historical output, and the fact that his final goal was the game-winner in the final match against a fierce opponent, provides the perfect narrative for an MVP honor. He didn’t just score goals; he scored the right goals at the right moments—the brace to turn the tide in the Quarterfinal, the hat-trick to crush the Semifinal opponent, and the game-winning penalty to clinch the trophy.

In a club determined to succeed through “out-teaming” opponents and fighting for something “larger than ourselves,” as described by Coach Callaghan, Surridge provided the singular, irreplaceable component, the immovable ability to perform under a potentially crushing amount of pressure. His success in the U.S. Open Cup, coupled with his phenomenal form in MLS play, places the Englishman in a rare echelon of Nashville SC legends and confirms him as one of the most impactful mid-season signings in recent MLS history. His name will forever be synonymous with the club’s first taste of major silverware.

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Laguna United cruise to first USOC berth with 6-2 win in San Diego

December 9, 2024 by MaryBeth Zmuda

Laguna United FC celebrate after defeating San Diego Internacional 6-2 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laguna United FC

San Diego Internacional hosted Laguna United FC as both UPSL sides sought a coveted spot in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Laguna rolled over San Diego Inter in a decisive 6-2 victory, claiming the club’s first-ever Open Cup spot with a chance to potentially prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country.

Laguna United made the trip south to Mission Bay Stadium in San Diego with one thing on its mind and it showed. Within their crushing defeat of San Diego Internacional, they held a master class. Laguna operated like a well-oiled machine and had control of the entire match. This was in stark contrast to SD Inter who struggled to keep up with the visitors and essentially outplayed themselves.

#USOC2025 #WeWantTheCup
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2024-12-09T06:50:22.327Z

LUFC came out guns a blazing, grabbing four goals lead by halftime.

Left wing Michael Barrazas was responsible for two of those. He struck early with a banger in the 9th minute that was set up due to a defensive miscue. Barrazas would take advantage of another mistake at the back and double the lead in the 25th minute.

In the 32nd minute, San Diego forward Marck Cruz Benito was able to get the home side on the board as he cut the lead to 2-1.

Eight minutes later LUFC would respond. After making it past Inter’s entire defense Barrazas came face to face with goalkeeper John Neves whom he was easily able to maneuver the ball past. Barrazas then got an assist for himself when he and teammate, striker Yousef Farah, deftly moved up the pitch getting into range. Barrazas sent a perfectly timed and centered ball to the waiting foot of Farah who slotted it past the keeper to make it 3-1.

While the display of teamwork previously displayed was a thing of beauty, Farah’s second goal was what fans live for. A Laguna corner created a small melee in front Inter’s net. Farah was able to take advantage of a loose ball and performed a perfect bicycle kick past an unsuspecting Neves to make it 4-1 right before the half.

“(The bicycle kick goal) was huge,” said Laguna United center back Ben Nicholson. “The three goal cushion made a big difference. And the manner in which it was scored definitely contributed to the feeling that the game was going to go our way.”

The second half was a more subdued event. Laguna United was still playing strongly, but they were more about containment. SD Inter was again in contrast of their opponents. They appeared to be overthinking the game, rather than playing more instinctive. Laguna United would extend their lead in the 50th minute when Farah rounded the goalkeeper and slotted it home to complete the hat trick.

Luke Raley did manage to get another for SDI in the 69th minute. But this would be the end of scoring for them.

Laguna United would add a sixth and final goal from the penalty spot when Luke Newman drew a foul inside the box. Ben Nicholson would convert the PK to deliver a memorable result for LUFC with the club’s first-ever trip to the US Open Cup.

“This is a historic moment for our club that really dates back to 10 years of hard work,” said Laguna United director of coaching Sam Nicholson. “Our UPSL team is driven by home grown developed youth players with 10 different age groups represented between the 2010-2002 birth years bringing our current top youth players and our alumni together to achieve this goal. To be part of such a historic cup and have our name in that hat for the real first round is proud for our whole community.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Ex-MLS players help Des Moines Menace add to cupset resume with PK win at Capo FC

March 22, 2024 by MaryBeth Zmuda

Sacha Kljestan had an assist in 120 minutes of action for the Des Moines Menace in the club's First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace — Sacha Kljestan had an assist in 120 minutes of action for the Des Moines Menace in the club’s First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

The 109th edition of the historic Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament is underway this week and as in previous incarnations the 2024 version has already produced incredibly exciting matches. The match between Capistrano FC (NISA) and the Des Moines Menace (USL-2) at JSerra Stadium fit that bill to a T.

We know @SachaKljestan has a lot of his assists in his career, but this one to Cyrus Harmon to open the scoring was extra special ✨@MenaceSoccer94 lead in the second half! pic.twitter.com/IpQoEAOSLF
— USL League Two (@USLLeagueTwo) March 21, 2024

The headlines entering the match was the recruiting of the Menace. The USL League Two powerhouse added former US international Sacha Kljestan and former MLS goalkeeper Brian Rowe to the roster and both players played significant roles. Kljestan assisted on the opening goal in the second half only to see Parker Scalzo equalize for Capo FC less than 15 minutes later. Then in extra time, Leroy Enzugusi put the Menace ahead in the 117th minute, only to see Scalzo tie it up again in the final minute to send the match into penalty kicks. Des Moines would win the shootout 5-4 with Kljestan scoring the last goal for the visitors.

With the shootout win, the Menace earn their eighth pro team upset in Open Cup history, second-most of any amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present). Only Des Moines’ rival the Flint City Bucks have more with 10.

The match was a slow burn that turned into roaring fire by the time the final whistle was blown. The first half was a display of both sides trying to show who wanted it more with possession and shots being split, mostly, evenly. And though home and away were consistent with shots taken, Capo had more on target which gave Des Moines keeper Brian Rowe a chance to shine. With several consecutive shots by the likes of Cole Sime and Omar Sabbagh that could have, possibly should have, put Capo FC on the board, Rowe showed his speed and skill, preventing the ball from finding the back of the net. For Rowe, it was his eighth US Open Cup appearance, with the seven previous appearances coming with the LA Galaxy of MLS.

Capo keeper Nate King had his own opportunities to show his stopping power including a shot from inside the box by Kijestan in the 18 yard box. As the first half wound down the shots and blocks continued leaving the match tied at 0-0 as the teams headed off for the halftime break.

The way the first half looked one might assume that Capo would be the first to light up the scoreboard, but it was Des Moines that cracked the seal with a rocket from Cyrus Harmon that was able to find its way past King in the 53rd minute giving them the lead. As play carried on, several sets of fresh legs sent in for both sides kept this match moving at the high level of play we saw in the first 45.

The extra boost of energy finally cleared the way for the home side to reply to Des Moines’ earlier goal. In the 66th minute, Capo’s Scalzo sent one in, dead center, leaving the Menace’s Rowe unable to get a glove on it, tying the score at 1-1.

Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capistrano FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

As the match moved on frustration started to show through. The second half would culminate with two back to back handballs, one for each side, a yellow card shown to Capo team captain Daniel Segal in the 78th minute, a long series of fouls, and a score still knotted at one. Overtime was upon these tired teams.

WHAT A SAVE, BRIAN ROWE!

The @MenaceSoccer94 man between the sticks tonight keeps it level!#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/IpWzYubwkv
— USL League Two (@USLLeagueTwo) March 21, 2024

Capo FC showed the first glimmer of hope to break the tie. Daniel Segal had a chance from a corner sent in by Lukas Ender that he unfortunately sent high over the crossbar. As the exhaustion, passion and desire to move to the Cup’s second round came together, the chippiness that can happen also reared its head. Segal, Capo’s skipper, was shown yellow a second time, resulting in his ejection from the match. The home team was now down to 10 men and still had 25 minutes of playing time left on the clock. Des Moines attempted to capitalize on their man advantage with two shots in quick succession but were unable to complete the task.

The shots continued to come from both sides but none would get between the pipes until minute 117 when Leroy Enzuguzi smashed a close range missile past Nate King giving a 2-1 lead to the visitors. With only three minutes left in overtime, the disappointment of the Capo team was visible. In the final three minutes, the 10 man home side popped off three shots on target, the third of which found the back of the net. A ball was sent in and Rowe was unable to catch it and Scalzo pounced on the loose ball with seconds left in extra time. With the score tied at 2-2, the whistle signaled the end of play and the start of a shootout to determine who moves on in the tournament.

Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capo FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

The shootout would be quick but exciting as each side converted their first four attempts. The anticipation was thick in the air as two more shots were to come. Kljestan was the fifth player for Des Moines and after playing 120 minutes, he scored. Then Capo’s goalscorer Scalzo went next and skied his attempt well over the bar to send the Menace to the Second Round.

It was @SachaKljestan's love for playing in the @opencup that led him to sign with @MenaceSoccer94.

Sacha returns to the field tonight for the Menace! pic.twitter.com/AVpfV7c2r0
— SiriusXM FC (@SiriusXMFC) March 20, 2024

“To go through all the extra time and penalties, and come away with the victory and get on to Round 2 is brilliant,” said Menace head coach Troy McKerrel.

With this as his first match at the helm of the Menace he also said that this win is a good way to set the tone and he intends to continue forward in the same way.