Michael Berton

Communications and Development Associate at the Public Interest Law Center. Based in the Philadelphia area, has been helping out with TheCup.us since 2012. Graduated with a degree in journalism from Penn State University.

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: City Islanders oust West Chester United to continue 4th division dominance

May 19, 2016 by Michael Berton

Harrisburg City Islanders vs. West Chester United in the 2016 US OpenCup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

City Islanders FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders) has made a name for itself in the US Open Cup as giant-killers. On Wednesday night, the giant-killers took the role of the giants and held off their amateur opponents in West Chester, Pa.

In front of the largest crowd in West Chester United SC history, the City Islanders scored a goal in each half en route to a 2-0 victory that propelled them to the US Open Cup Third Round. With the win, Harrisburg improved to 12-1-0 all-time against amateur opponents.

After four years of falling just short of the Open Cup, West Chester qualified this year by notching a pair of wins over Philadelphia-area teams Junior Lone Star and Salone FC in the open division qualifying tournament. United, which plays in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania, advanced past Fredericksburg FC 8-7 in penalty kicks after finishing 1-1 at the end of regulation in the First Round.

With its First Round victory, West Chester got to host an Open Cup game for the first time.

Bobby Warsaw of the City Islanders scores the team's first goal against West Chester United in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger. — Bobby Warsaw of the City Islanders scores the team’s first goal against West Chester United in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger.

“This is the biggest game we have ever hosted, and it was our first game against a pro side” West Chester coach Blaise Santangelo said. “We filled the place. It was an exciting night.”

The home crowd had very little to cheer about in the beginning of the match. The City Islanders pressed forward early and dominated the first portion of play. The away side was awarded for its effort in the 13th minute. The ball was played into the West Chester penalty area, where City Islanders forward Craig Foster passed it on to Bobby Warshaw. The defensive midfielder made no mistake with his shot, burying it in the back of the net.

City Islanders FC coach Bill Becher said, “Bobby is more of a defensive player usually, but he helps the guys around him a lot. He and the rest of the team played a very good first half.”

After the goal, West Chester started to get some chances going forward. Those chances were not leading to goals, however, and the City Islanders kept threatening with their speed over the top.

Speaking about the City Islanders, Santangelo said, “They kept stretching us defensively. They also played a lot of one-touch soccer, moving our guys around. They were getting us out of our shape.”

The City Islanders, which are currently 12th out of 14 teams in the United Soccer League Eastern Conference, started the second half in much the same way they started the first. Early pressure led to a corner kick in the 49th minute. The initial kick from Jose Barril did not find a player in the box, but the ball was eventually played to Matthew Bolduc, who curled a shot around keeper Charlie Sales to give his team a 2-0 lead.

With a comfortable lead, the pro side took its foot off the gas a little, and West Chester pushed everything forward. In the 59th minute, the home team even scored a goal, only to have the play called back for a foul.

Through a light rain, City Islanders FC held West Chester at bay for the rest of the second half. The 2-0 scoreline held, sending the fans home disappointed.

Becher said, “It was a good result. These games are tricky. We knew it would be a battle. They gave us a tough time, and this tournament is crazy. But we played well enough to get the win.”

With the win, City Islanders FC moves on to the Open Cup Third Round. It will play on the road to another amateur team–Chattanooga FC. A victory there would mean the chance to become giant-killers yet again, as a Fourth Round berth comes with a guaranteed match-up with an Major League Soccer team. Harrisburg has eliminated a MLS team five times since its first Open Cup appearance in 2007.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Reading United AC kicks off season with cup win over Atlanta Silverbacks

May 12, 2016 by Michael Berton

Reading United AC and the Atlanta Silverbacks square off in a FIrst Round match in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Reading United AC (PennImages.com)

The US Open Cup tends to catch many amateur teams at the wrong time, with the First Round usually also serving as the first competitive game for those teams.

Such was the case on Wednesday in West Lawn, Pa., Reading United of the Premier Development League (PDL) hosted the Atlanta Silverbacks of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the first game of the season for both sides.

It ended up being Reading that was the more prepared team, winning 2-0 in a comfortable fashion to advance to the Second Round. For United, it was the fifth straight year that the PDL club had won its opening round game, the second-longest streak among amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present).

After an even first 15 minutes, United began to assert control of the game. Both teams struggled to earn clear chances, but much of the game was being played in the Silverbacks end. This sustained period of dominance culminated in a 31st minute goal for Reading.

William Picoux hit an in-swinging corner kick that bypassed all but one player in the box. That player was his teammate Khori Bennett, who kicked it into the bottom left corner of the net from two yards out. Bennett, a soon-to-be sophomore at Northeastern, made no mistake on the easy chance.

Atlanta, which formerly was the development team of the now-defunct pro team, put much more pressure on Reading in the second half. Two early substitutions and a focus on offense led to some Silverbacks chances. The away side was forced to make an early third substitution when Kemar Brown went down with an injury in the 66th minute.

The Silverbacks could not capitalize on their sustained pressure, however, and Reading grabbed an insurance goal in the 86th minute.

Ismael Noumansana of Lenoir-Rhyne University shot in a laser of a cross that found Frantzdy Pierrot of Coastal Carolina on the back post. Pierrot bypassed the Atlanta goalie and slotted the ball into the net.

Reading United, which is making a Modern Era record eighth straight US Open Cup appearance as an amateur side, will travel to Tennessee to take on Chattanooga FC of the NPSL at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 in the Second Round.

2016 Meet the Underdogs: West Chester United finally ready for US Open Cup debut

May 10, 2016 by Michael Berton

West Chester United prepares to face Junior Lone Star in 2016 US Open Cup qualifying.

A berth in the US Open Cup has been a long time coming for West Chester United.

A combination of losses and rule changes kept the amateur side from the Philadelphia area out of the Open Cup for four straight years—but all of that changed in 2016. For the first time in club history, West Chester United will play a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match when the club takes the field against Fredericksburg FC on Wednesday.

Initially founded in 2008 as an over-30 team, West Chester quickly rose to prominence in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania–a league that features Open Cup winning teams like United German Hungarians and Ukrainian Nationals, among other storied teams such as Vereinigung Erzgebirge and Phoenix SC. A majors team was soon created, and now West Chester has an expansive youth program and an under-23 side that is aiming to play in the NPSL next season.

West Chester founder Vince D’Ambrosio had big plans for his club. “The idea was always to enter cups and win as many trophies as possible. That give us a lot of soccer to play, and the trophies attract many high-quality players.”

In such a historic and soccer-rich region of the country, a more cautious person may have had lesser expectations. Instead, coach Blaise Santangelo and his team defied caution and began to win trophies, specifically in USASA Open Cup competition.

United won its first Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup championship in 2011. The club followed this up with another victory in 2012. A historic three-peat was achieved in 2013, and a fourth title was earned in 2014.

West Chester United and Salone FC battle for the ball in 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

The organization earned its trophies, but it struggled to take the next step forward–qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. To do so, West Chester would have to win its region.

Fresh off its first Eastern PA Open Cup championship, United experienced USASA Region I play for the first time. That experience would prove short-lived, as United fell 3-1 to the Maryland Bays in the first round. In its second attempt a year later, West Chester hosted but lost to New Jersey side Icon FC.

After failing to qualify for the 2012 and 2013 editions of the Open Cup, a rule change for 2014 kept United out of the competition due to USASA changing its qualifying format. Another loss in its next qualifying attempt, again to the Maryland Bays, kept West Chester out of the 2015 tournament.

Things finally changed for West Chester in its next go-around. After winning its fourth-straight Eastern PA title, United got past FC Motown and Newtown Pride to win its first Region I championship. The club even went on to win the USASA National Championship. This time it was US Soccer’s turn to deny West Chester, as another rule change yet again modified the qualifying format.

“We lost four straight years, and then in the fifth year we finally won a regional game. We had our sights set on the Open Cup. We found out we weren’t getting an automatic bid prior to the USASA Open Cup finals. The guys were bummed,” Santangelo said.

The team pressed on, however. Under the new qualifying format, West Chester would have to win three games to get in. After beating two Philadelphia teams, United was prepared to play Southie FC out of Massachusetts. Another update came down from US Soccer, but this time it was to say that United had qualified for the 2016 US Open Cup.

West Chester United's Jason Ayoama celebrates a goal. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger — West Chester United’s Jason Ayoama celebrates a goal. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

“The guys were really stoked,” said Santangelo. “They were ready to go and confident to play Southie FC. But we were happy to hear the news. Our guys felt vindicated–we felt that we should have been in the tournament anyway.”

West Chester features players that are full-time college coaches. Some run youth programs. Others have jobs in marketing, sales and accounting. Some are even in medical school. Regardless of their situations, every United player is ready for this new opportunity. Whether it means taking off work or missing class, all of United’s players will be on the bus to Virginia on Wednesday.

“It’s a really big honor to be a part of this tournament,” Santangelo said. “All of our players made commitments to step away from their everyday lives.”

The opponent is Fredericksburg FC, a team in the National Premier Soccer League. Unlike West Chester, Fredericksburg’s roster features mostly college players. Santangelo knows that the team they will face will be young and good, but he is hoping that his squad’s experience together will be a factor that leads to victory.

In addition to just wanting to win the game in front of them, a massive opportunity looms if West Chester can advance to the second round. If they win, United will get to host the pro side from the USL, and Open Cup giant killers, Harrisburg City Islanders.

Santangelo said, “That would be the highest honor we could achieve as an amateur club. To host and to have Harrisburg come to our venue would be monumental. It is all very exciting, but we have to take care of business first.”

It may have taken five years and multiple heartbreaks before finally making the US Open Cup, but winning a game and hosting a pro team would more than make up for it.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Julien Aoyama carries West Chester United to 3-0 win over Salone FC

November 15, 2015 by Michael Berton

West Chester United's Julien Aoyama celebrates a goal. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger — West Chester United’s Julien Aoyama celebrates a goal. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

MORE: Five teams advance to final round of qualifying in first weekend

Since 2011, West Chester United has come close every season to qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but the four-time Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup champion has not been able to make the tournament. West Chester is yet again close to its goal, one win away from a berth in the tournament after a 3-0 victory over Salone FC.

Amherst College graduate and 2012 NCAA Division III 1st team All-American Julien Aoyama had two goals and an assist, and Widener University men’s soccer assistant coach Matt Poole contributed a goal in the comfortable victory.

West Chester’s goals came after a disjointed start; it took about 20 minutes for the home side to start controlling the game.

“We went from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1,” West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo said. “We started connecting a little more and started playing well.”

That change in formation almost immediately led to a goal. In the 27th minute, Christian Benner of West Chester University got past the defense down the right side of the field. He put a cross into the Salone box that Aoyama easily tapped home.

Salone FC, of the Philadelphia Premier Soccer League, gave up another goal 12 minutes later, when Poole beat the offside trap and scored past the onrushing Salone keeper.

Prior to halftime, the away side made two substitutions, changing its tactics to push as many men forward as possible. The first half ended without any more scoring, but United was able to take advantage of these tactics early in the second half.

Less than 10 minutes into the second stanza, Benner got a second assist after a nifty interchange with Eric Giovagnoli, a senior at Eastern University. After a quick give-and-go with Giovagnoli, Benner found Aoyama in the center of the box. Aoyama had no trouble bagging his second goal of the game.

Up 3-0, West Chester was content to let Salone push forward. United turned this pressure into quick counter attacks, but were left wanting more on the offensive side of the field. Whether it was missed final passes, poor shots, or great saves from the Salone goalie, West Chester just could not find another goal.

Santangelo said, “We messed around with the ball a little bit too much. We left some goals on the field.”

Despite leaving goals on the field, West Chester cruised to a 3-0 victory and a spot in the final round of 2016 Open Cup qualifying tournament. That round is scheduled for April of 2016, with matchups to be announced at some point after the new year.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: West Chester United edge Junior Lone Star to continue Philly dominance

October 19, 2015 by Michael Berton

West Chester United took a first step toward qualifying for its first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by going on the road and defeating Junior Lone Star 2-1 on a frigid October night.

From 2011-2013, West Chester won the Eastern Pennsylvania qualifying tournament, but fell short of the US Open Cup with losses in the USASA Region I tournament. In 2014-15, United won their third straight Eastern Pennsylvania title, won the Region I championship for the first time, and even moved on to win the USASA national tournament, but a change in the qualifying format denied the team a spot in the 2015 US Open Cup.

This year, West Chester, who competes in the United Soccer League of Philadelphia, is determined not to let anything get in its way, including a fiery Junior Lone Star team that took the lead in the 47th minute. After a cagey first 45, Lone Star came out strong in the second half. Jerome Pour, a native of Liberia (as are many of Junior Lone Star’s players), hit a beautiful shot from 25 yards out into the bottom left corner of the West Chester goal.

But the road team equalized seven minutes later with a nearly identical effort. Eric Giovagnoli, an Eastern University graduate and 2015 NCAA Division III All-American hit a laser from distance that gave the Lone Star keeper no chance.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: West Chester United vs. Junior Lone Star

Buoyed by strong home support, Junior Lone Star continued to press forward, but West Chester had the best chances as regular time came to a close.

In overtime, the game opened up and both teams had some incredible chances, but the focus at the end of the match would be on a referee decision. In the 115th minute, West Chester was on the attack, and the ball was played into the Junior Lone Star penalty area. After a Lone Star player made what seemed to be a normal clearance, the referee called him for a penalty, presumably for a dangerous play.

Arguments ensued, but that did not faze Giovagnoli, who stepped up and scored his second to give United the lead. Junior Lone Star pushed everything forward to no avail, not able to convert on two opportunities as the game came to a close.

“We are familiar with the Junior Lone Stars squad,” said head coach Blaise Santangelo. “We came in expecting a very physical battle. They took advantage of a mistake and scored on a ball from distance but once we started linking up on the carpet and running at the backline, we created scoring chances. Our quick ball play paid off.”

With the victory, West Chester United moves on to the second round against Salone, a team that plays in the same league as Junior Lone Star, the Philadelphia Premier Soccer League. Salone defeated Eastern Penn. heavyweight Vereinigung Erzgebirge 1-0 earlier in the day. Salone will host West Chester on Nov. 15, scheduled for 4 p.m. at Marcus Foster in Philadelphia.

MORE: Ten teams advance to Round 2 in opening weekend of 2016 US Open Cup qualifying

2015 US Open Cup Final: Sporting KC wins third USOC title after PK shootout with Philadelphia Union

September 30, 2015 by Michael Berton

Sporting Kansas City celebrates the club's third US Open Cup title. Photo: Bob Larson — Sporting Kansas City celebrates the club’s third US Open Cup title. Photo: Bob Larson

UPDATE: Tim Melia was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round and Sporting KC rookie Krisztian Nemeth was voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

For the second time in four years, Sporting Kansas City is the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Champion. And for the second time in four years, the victory was claimed in penalty kicks.

Jordi Quintilla’s conversion in the eighth round of penalties was the difference as Sporting Kansas City topped the Philadelphia Union 7-6 in kicks after a 1-1 regulation draw. It is the third time that Kansas City has lifted the Open Cup trophy (2004, 2012, 2015).

Sporting had to come from behind to get to penalty kicks, giving up the opening goal in the 23rd minute. Looking dangerous throughout the first half, the Union got that goal when Vincent Nogueira hit a laser of a diagonal pass to Sebastian Le Toux. The Frenchman made no mistake with his right foot, putting the ball in the back of the net. That goal was Le Toux’s 16th in Open Cup play — the most of anyone in the Open Cup Modern Era.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE 2015 US OPEN CUP FINAL

The Union, playing in their second Final at home in a row, could not find a second goal however. The lack of a killer second goal gave Sporting hope heading into the second half.

“In the first half we pushed the tempo,” Union coach Jim Curtin said. “I was sitting on the sideline saying ‘we need a second goal.’ ”

The road team pushed forward in the second half and were eventually rewarded. In the 65th minute, Chance Myers crossed a ball into the Union box that was played by Graham Zusi. Krisztian Nemeth collected the ball and hit a right-footed curler to the far post, past Andre Blake to tie the match. It was the fifth goal of the competition for Nemeth who would finish the Open Cup tied with teammate Dom Dwyer in goals (5) and points (11). It also marked the fourth straight game that Nemeth had scored a goal in, which ties a Modern Era record.

“Our biggest thing was that we wanted to get set higher up the field,” said Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes. “We couldn’t get ourselves out . I knew we had the ability to break down.”

For 10 minutes after the goal, Philadelphia looked down and out. Conor Casey came in as a sub and changed that, getting a shot on goal with his first touch. Casey remained influential for the remainder of the match, but Kansas City and keeper Tim Melia kept him off the scoreboard.

The crowd of 14,463 wet fans — including a fair amount of Sporting Kansas City supporters — were not treated to a game-winner. Instead, the teams headed to overtime, something the Union especially were used to in Open Cup play.

Both teams had a few chances in the second half, but the most interesting moment came when Curtin made his final sub. With a minute left in the second overtime, Curtin switched goalkeepers, bringing in John McCarthy for Blake. McCarthy was the hero against both Rochester and the New York Red Bulls in earlier rounds of the Open Cup, winning penalty kick shootouts in each game.

“It’s something we talked about all week,” Curtin said. “He is special at PKs.”

But it was Sporting Kansas City that came out on top. After two rounds, Melia saved Maurice Edu’s shot, but McCarthy followed up with a save on Nemeth. Both teams converted four more kicks until the Union’s Andrew Wenger had his shot stopped by Melia. Quintilla was the hero, putting his shot away to give Kansas City the victory.

Highlights: 2015 US Open Cup Final

US Open Cup championship celebration

Sporting KC lifting the trophy

Sporting KC fans celebration/reaction

2015 US Open Cup Semifinals: Philadelphia Union reach second straight title game as Sebastien Le Toux makes more history (video)

August 12, 2015 by Michael Berton

Sebastien Le Toux scores the game-winning goal for the Philadelphia Union against the Chicago Fire in the 2015 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Paul Rudderow/Philly Soccer Page

For the first time since 1964, a Philadelphia team will compete in back-to-back US Open Cup Final after the Philadelphia Union defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0.

Sebastien Le Toux added to his legendary Open Cup resume with his record 15th career tournament goal, and his fifth game-winner which ties Matthew Delicate’s Modern Era record.

“ has had a heck of a run in this competition,” Union coach Jim Curtin said. “I’m glad took the initiative and took the hit there.”

The hit came in the 74th minute. Cutting in from the right side, Le Toux dribbled along the top of the penalty box, took a hit with his left foot, and placed his shot in the bottom right corner of the net just past the fingers of Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

That goal came after numerous Union chances throughout the game. The home side outshot the Fire 11-3.

Curtin, who won two US Open Cup titles as a player with the Fire, said his team controlled the game but were only able to find the back of the net once.

“There are moments of nerves. But defensively we were very good. We like to make it tough.”

Philadelphia had good opportunities from the onset of the match. In the eighth minute, Cristian Maidana’s shot was saved by Johnson – one of several great chances for the Union in the half. Maidana also hit a post in the 24th minute, and Johnson made a point-blank save on Brian Carroll a few minutes later.

Chicago encountered some bad luck in the first half as well. Making his first appearance for the Fire, Gilberto had to exit the match with a thigh contusion, forcing Chicago to make its first substitution in the 21st minute.

The four-time Open Cup champions had their best chances come after the Union got the go-ahead goal. The most spectacular chance coming when Kennedy Igboananike’s bicycle kick had to be saved by Union keeper John McCarthy.

But Chicago could not find an equalizer, and the Union will be heading to their second championship game in a row. Last season, Philadelphia hosted the Seattle Sounders, falling 3-1 after extra time.

The Union will now host the 102nd edition of the US Open Cup Final at PPL Park on Sept. 30.

Curtin said, “ is everything. It’s why you play. It’s forever. The fans deserve it, and the club deserves it. We’re ready to take that next step.”

POSTGAME: SEBASTIEN LE TOUX, PHILADELPHIA UNION

POSTGAME: JIM CURTIN, PHILADELPHIA UNION

POSTGAME: PHILLY SOCCER PAGE ANALYSIS

FULL MATCH REPLAY: CHICAGO FIRE AT PHILADELPHIA UNION

2015 US Open Cup Round 5: Philadelphia Union overcome early red card, rally to beat DC United 2-1 (video)

June 30, 2015 by Michael Berton

The Philadelphia Union overcame a red card and a 45-minute weather delay to defeat DC United 2-1 in the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from Eric Ayuk and Fabinho erased a first-half strike by DC’s Jairo Arrieta. All three goals came after a questionable 24th-minute red card to CJ Sapong, who was given the card on a routine battle for a header. The referee deemed that Sapong led with his elbow and gave him a straight red card.

Union coach Jim Curtain said, “It’s a mistake by the referee for sure. It wasn’t a contentious game. made it a hard night for us.”

Arrieta scored just three minutes after the card. Miguel Aguilar made some nifty moves on the right side of the penalty box and crossed to a wide open Arrieta. The Costa Rican made no mistake, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Even with the man disadvantage, the Union pushed forward. At times playing with all save the goalie in the offensive have of the field, Philadelphia put together a few close chances. The best chance came in the 42nd minute when Eric Ayuk’s was bobbled by DC keeper Andrew Dykstra. Andrew Wenger would have had a great chance on net on the rebound, but was offside.

The home side’s pressure meant DC could sit back and counter. Aguilar was dangerous down the right hand flank, and only last ditch defending kept the MLS leaders from scoring a second goal. The half came to an end nearly two hours after kickoff thanks to a 45-minute weather delay that stopped the game 14 minutes in.

Philadelphia kept up the pressure in the second half. In the 51st minute, Cristian Maidana played in Ayuk on the right, who crossed to a wide open Andrew Wenger in the middle of the box. Wenger’s shot somehow hit both posts before careening out of the penalty area.

Five minutes later, Ayuk got the goal that eluded Wenger. Sheanon Williams was played through on the left and crossed to Ayuk, who easily tapped home the equalizer.

In the 77th minute, it was second-half substitute Fabinho who put the Union up for good. Intricate passing between himself and Maidana eventually led to the Brazilian getting into the penalty area. Fabinho hit a screamer past DC keeper Andrew Dykstra to put the Union up 2-1.

With the early red card to Sapong, the Union were put in a strange situation of having to play Maidana, normally a creative attacker, in the target forward role. He was effective, playing a part in both goals.

“When your star striker goes out so early, it’s tough to burn a sub. We decided to let that group ride with it,” Curtain said.

With the win, the Union improve to 8-3-2 all-time in Open Cup play. Philadelphia will play the winner of the New York Red Bulls-New York Cosmos matchup in the Quarterfinals. If the Red Bulls win, the Union will travel to Red Bull Arena. Philadelphia will host if the Cosmos are the victors.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: DC UNITED AT PHILADELPHIA UNION

2015 US Open Cup Round 4: John McCarthy helps Philadelphia Union survive PK shootout with Rochester Rhinos (video)

June 16, 2015 by Michael Berton

John McCarthy of the Philadelphia Union celebrates a penalty kick save against the Rochester Rhinos. Photo: Greg Carroccio | Philadelphia Union

UPDATE: The Round of 16 draw was conducted by the US Soccer Federation and it was determined that the Philadelphia Union will host DC United in the next round.

It took 120 minutes before the Philadelphia Union and Rochester Rhinos could score some goals. The teams needed a penalty kick shootout to decide things after a scoreless draw in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Fourth Round.

In the end, Union goalkeeper John McCarthy, a former Rochester Rhinos player, was the hero, saving three penalty kicks to win his team the tiebreaker. Philadelphia scored three penalties to take the shootout 3-1.

“ made some big saves for us in the PKs,” Union coach Jim Curtin said. “The second of three saves was special. He stepped up and bailed us out.”

It did not always look like McCarthy was going to be the hero, however. Several times in the second half and in extra time, he came way out of his penalty box to try to stop plays. Twice he made errors; on the first Raymon Gaddis saved the ball of the line, and on the second, a Rochester goal was disallowed due to a foul.

“I yelled at him for coming out for a couple balls he shouldn’t have,” said Curtin.

Other than a dominating opening 20 minutes for the MLS side, the match was pretty even. Rochester, which won the Open Cup in 1999, put more shots on goal than the Union (5-4), and frustrated the Union defensively. The USL outfit came into the match at 8-0-4 in league play, giving up just four goals.

The Rhinos’ best chance came in the 83rd minute. After a corner taken by Jonny Mendoza, the ball found its way to Julian Ringhof. The defender chested the ball and volleyed it, only to produce a spectacular double save by McCarthy.

“I thought they outplayed us in the second half. Credit to Rochester. That’s a tough team to break down,” Curtin said.

With neither team able to capitalize on chances in extra time, the match came down to penalty kicks. It was McCarthy making three saves—two to his right and the final to his left—to give the Union the victory.

With the win, the Philadelphia Union, last year’s runner-up, advance to the Fifth Round, winning their opening game for the fourth year in a row. The draw for the Fifth Round will occur on Thursday at 10 a.m.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: ROCHESTER AT PHILADELPHIA

2015 US Open Cup Round 3: Asani Samuels sparks OT stampede as Rochester Rhinos beat Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1 (video)

May 28, 2015 by Michael Berton

Asani Samuels only played 32 minutes in the Rochester Rhinos’ US Open Cup Third Round win over the Harrisburg City Islanders, but that was plenty of time to turn in a man-of-the-match performance.

Samuels assisted on one goal and scored two others in the Rhinos 3-1 extra-time victory. With the win, Rochester moves on to play the MLS’ Philadelphia Union in the Fourth Round.

The game struggled to get going, with both teams content to play defensive soccer. The game was unexpectedly turned on its head, however, when Rochester’s Steevan dos Santos picked up his second yellow card in the 38th minute, meaning the Rhinos would have to play a man down the rest of the game.

Harrisburg, which was trying to advance to the Fourth Round for the second year in a row, pressed forward in the second half, but chances were few and far between. The 1999 Open Cup champs, Rochester was able to keep the City Islanders off the scoreboard and even had a few chance of its own.

Samuels entered the game in the 88th minute and instantly produced problems for Harrisburg defenders. It was the home side with the best chance at the end of the game, however, when Jose Barril’s free kick from 25 yards out was saved by Rochester keeper Brandon Miller.

After a scoreless first half of extra time, the second half produced more action than the rest of the match combined. In the 106th minute, Harrisburg’s Eric Bird (on loan from Philadelphia) hit a laser of a shot that was initially saved by Miller. The rebound fell to Brett Jankouskas who easily scored from the left side of the box.

At this point Samuels began to put in a man-of-the-match performance.

Two minutes later, Samuels headed the ball in the Harrisburg box to Kenardo Forbes, who slotted it home to tie the game.

In the 115th minute, after a scrum in the City Islanders penalty area, the ball bounced to Samuels, who put it home for a 2-1 lead.

Harrisburg threw everything forward, giving Samuels another chance to show off his goal-scoring prowess. In injury time, Samuels dribbled to about 20 yards out from the Harrisburg goal and got the ball past Harrisburg City keeper Kyle Renfro for the final goal.

It may have taken a while to get to the action in this Third Round matchup, but that just made it all the sweeter for Samuels and the Rochester Rhinos, which will now play the Union on June 16.