Neil Blackmon

Neil W. Blackmon is the co-founder and editor of The Yanks Are Coming. He is a member of the North American Soccer Reporters and his work has appeared in Howler Magazine, Eight by Eight Magazine, MLSSoccer.Com, SB Nation and ESPN FC, among other publications.

2019 US Open Cup Semifinals: Atlanta United blank Orlando City to become first Georgia team to reach the Final

August 7, 2019 by Neil Blackmon

Players from Atlanta United celebrate a goal in a 2019 US Open Cup Semifinal match against Orlando City. Photo: Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United defeated Orlando City 2-0 Tuesday night at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final. United will host the championship game on Aug. 27 and will be the first Georgia-based club in the 106-year history of the tournament to reach the Final.

“Obviously, it’s an honor to advance to the Final of the US Open Cup,” Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan said after the game. “It’s a storied competition, and it’s something we haven’t accomplished in Atlanta. We have a MLS Cup. We’d love to add another trophy.”

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The berth to the final wouldn’t come easy for Atlanta, who were playing on short rest in a raucous environment that saw an Orlando City record crowd of 18,461 come with hopes that the purple and gold would be the club making history, advancing to their first US Open Cup Final and playing for a trophy of their own. Orlando City’s famed “Wall” of supporters pour into the stadium well over an hour prior to kickoff and chant and sing and cheer all the way to the final whistle.

It was a ringing retort to those who wonder if this competition truly “means anything.”

For Orlando, it meant everything.

Entering Tuesday night’s Open Cup contest, Orlando City were winless against Atlanta United in seven tries, posting a 0-5-2 mark that included three losses in Orlando City Stadium. It’s a sore spot for Orlando City supporters, who, with their boisterous crowds and unique supporters culture were the darlings of American soccer before their rivals from the Peach State arrived on the scene in 2017, commanding continental attention with their enormous, record-shattering home crowds and capturing hearts with their free-flowing, open, attacking style of play. As Orlando City struggled on the field, failing to qualify for the playoffs, Atlanta surged to early success, reaching the MLS playoffs in their inaugural campaign and winning MLS Cup, and with it, the city of Atlanta’s second major sports championship last year in only their second season.

The constant defeats to Atlanta and the way Atlanta’s team and soccer culture have quickly become a shining success story within the American soccer fabric, has worn into the psyche of Orlando City players and supporters alike, who greeted Atlanta United with clattering tackles, trash talk, and the collective crowd jeers of a jaded little brother. Even Orlando City’s supporters TIFO was salty; evoking Tarantino’s Kill Bill films, it read: “You and I have unfinished business.”

Ezequiel Barco of Atlanta United dribbles the ball against Orlando City in a 2019 US Open Cup Semifinal match. Photo: Atlanta United FC

For all the pregame hype and adrenaline on the Orlando City side, it was all Atlanta United in the early stages. The Five Stripes nearly scored on an early corner, with Leandro Gonzalez Pirez’s unmarked header sailing just over the net. Minutes later, it was Miles Robinson’s turn to latch onto a lovely set piece delivery, but his free header from seven yards drifted surprisingly wide left. Finally, after a Will Johnson foul in zone 14, Pity Martinez’s set piece from a terrific angle deflected off Sacha Kljestan- another golden chance spoiled. Martinez would also miss wide from the run of play in the fifteenth minute, a frustrating start to the game in what has been a disappointing first MLS campaign for the Argentine.

Orlando’s best chance in the first half came when Dom Dwyer latched onto a clever, slicing ball from Nani only to put the ball mystifyingly high from seven yards.

Dwyer came to Orlando City in a record deal worth well over $1.5 million in 2017. Fresh off his first US national team appearances and a strong run of form with Sporting Kansas City, the thought was that Dwyer– who had broken through in professional soccer playing for Orlando City in the club’s USL Pro days–would inject new life into an Orlando City attack that had gone moribund in the wake of Cyle Larin’s injuries and off-field issues and the retirement of the legendary Kaka.

It hasn’t worked according to plan.

? The moments that secured our spot in the #USOC2019 final pic.twitter.com/eEee3HNifM

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 7, 2019

Yes, Dwyer has 22 goals for the purple and gold in just over two years. But all too often, especially this season, he’s been absent when the frontline has needed him most, battling with consistency issues and in and out of manager James O’Connor’s doghouse.

When you pay over $700,000 in future allocation money for a player, you expect them to deliver, especially in the club’s biggest moments. That Dwyer didn’t deliver, only 18 minutes into the biggest game in the history of the club that spent so much money to acquire him, changed the complexion of this Open Cup semifinal and sadly for Orlando, may have been the moment the magic ran out of the club’s joyous Open Cup run.

“We need to better in big spots, take our chances,” Orlando City manager James O’Connor said following the game. “I thought we were tentative, and Dom missed a big chance there early, you have to take those. Credit to Atlanta. They don’t miss those.. You wondered if the moment was too large for us at times in the first half.

Put plainly, Orlando weren’t the same side after the Dwyer miss.

Atlanta nearly took the lead in the 29th minute, when deep-lying midfielder Eric Remedi picked up the ball after a corner clearance and made his way to the edge of the area without much resistance before rifling a shot goalward that was turned away by quarterfinal hero Adam Grinwis.

But the breakthrough was coming, and in the 37th minute, the peach-clad Georgians ended the deadlock.

Hector Villalba (left) of Atlanta United battles for the ball against Orlando City in the 2019 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Atlanta United FC

Another late, deep secondary run from Remedi forced Grinwis into a punch save, but Julian Gressel quickly collected the rebound and squared it back to Remedi, who had lingered in the area to finish the play. On the second chance, Remedi didn’t miss, scoring for the first time in Atlanta United’s 2019 campaign and giving Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

The Five Stripes nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Ezequiel Barco dropped off a lovely ball to Pity, but the Argentine’s hard and low effort was parried away well by Grinwis at the far post.

All told, it was a dominant opening half performance from the reigning MLS champs, who controlled possession, had five shots on target to Orlando’s one, and earned eight set piece opportunities (corners, free kicks) to only one for Orlando.

“I think if you see the first half, I think we were much better and I think we could have punished them more than once,” said Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer. “Of course they had one very good chance, but overall the first half was for us and the second half they put a lot of energy in. I think also, of course it’s very tiring after three days you play again and in this heat. I have to give a very big compliment, they fought like Lions, they defended like Lions and also tried to attack.”

Orlando City came on fighting early in the second half.

“We were much better in the second half, we showed character and fight. We spent a good deal of time camped in their half,” O’Connor said.

A good sequence saw Ruan cross well to Dwyer, who appeared to have tremendous position only to see his point blank shot sail high after a spectacular last-ditch challenge from Franco Escobar. In the 53rd minute, it was Sacha Kljestan’s chance to equalize off a Nani dime, only to see the US international arrive just a moment late, failing to hit the chance squarely as it sailed just over Brad Guzan’s net.

By the hour mark, both Dwyer and Kljestan, two of Orlando City’s higher-priced talents, were off the pitch, replaced by homegrown forward Benji Michel, hero of Orlando City’s round of 16 victory, and Chris Mueller, one of the Lions more dynamic attacking talents now filling a bench role.

Mueller and Michel certainly helped Orlando City’s energy, and thanks to a dynamic Sebastián Méndez, the purple and gold certainly kept the pressure on Atlanta United’s defense for much of the second half.

But in the end, it was ultimately Atlanta who would add to their total.

Eric Remedi won a second ball, took a touch towards the center of the midfield and laced a probing ball to Franco Escobar, darting down the left flank. Escobar handled the ball well and crossed to an onrunning Emerson Hyndman in traffic, and the former Fulham and Bournemouth man did the rest, slotting past Grinwis and giving the Five Stripes the insurance goal.

After the second Atlanta goal, the fatigue of a short turnaround and the early August heat put the game in a vise grip, with neither side particularly threatening late as the Five Stripes sealed the 2-0 win.

“We had opportunities and finally we get a relieving goal to score and make it 2-0 and then it was all over,” said de Boer. “I think it was a good performance. You know they’re going to press and try to do everything with two fast guys in, but I think we still managed to do a good job and I’m very proud of the team.”

With an announced crowd of 18,461, Orlando City SC supporters achieved the third-largest Semifinal attendance in US Open Cup history. Photo: @OrlandoCitySC Twitter

As for Orlando, the best Open Cup run in club history is over. But there’s lessons to be learned culturally, said Sacha Kljestan, who has played at Supporters Shield winning and Champions League cultures with New York Red Bulls and Anderlecht.

“We are getting better; the culture is getting better,” Kljestan said. “We are learning how to win, but winning is a habit. You have to learn to play in big moments. Atlanta United- they have that culture, having won MLS Cup last season. We’re building it. It sucks right now. People are hurting. The locker room is sad. But the hurt is part of building it, bettering it. The season isn’t over.”

“We are learning how to win. We’re getting better. Winning is a habit. We are building a better culture, but you learn to play in big moments. Atlanta has that culture. For us, It sucks right now, we are hurting, but it’s a part of building it. Season isn’t over.”

Despite a disappointing result, Orlando City fans walk away with something to be proud of. According to TheCup.us records, the announced crowd of 18,461 was the third-largest Semifinal attendance in the 106-year history of the competition.

For Atlanta, they have a chance to become the first Georgia team to win the US Open Cup title, and the team is well aware of the challenge ahead of them.

“It’s never easy to get to a final. It’s a knockout format and that’s never easy,” said Emerson Hyndman. “In the league you can have a bad result and put it right, where as these one-off games they can be difficult if you make it difficult. I thought tonight, obviously playing away from home, we knew it was going to be a difficult game. Thankfully we scored the first goal in the first half and could open up a little bit, good thing we got the clincher. It was a really good feeling all around.”

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report)
2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders (Goals, Assists, GKs)
2019 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)

USSF announces hosts for 2019 US Open Cup Semifinals, hosting priority for 2019 Final

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round of 16: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Game-by-game review

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THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers
Round 3: Blake Frischknecht – Orange County FC
Round 4: Teal Bunbury – New England Revolution
Round of 16: Sam Fink – Saint Louis FC
Quarterfinals: Adam Grinwis – Orlando City SC

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2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Adam Grinwis’ PK heroics send Orlando City past NYCFC, into Semis for first time

July 11, 2019 by Neil Blackmon

Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club's fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC — Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club’s fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Orlando City advanced to their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinal Wednesday night, defeating New York City FC in penalties in front of a rowdy 7,227 in attendance on a steamy night at Exploria Stadium.

One of two all-MLS Open Cup Quarterfinals, the matchup lived up to the billing as both teams fielded strong lineups and played a rollicking, back and forth, tense game that featured stark momentum changes, chaotic goals and last-minute heroism.

In the end, James O’Connor’s side won the day, thanks to an incredible- perhaps unlikely- star turn from goalkeeper Adam Grinwis, who made three vital saves in 120 minutes, controlled his area well and parried away two NYCFC penalties to secure the victory in spot kicks.

The match was a credit to the character of both teams, who entered the game playing on short rest, having struggled through Sunday league fixtures. Orlando City also suffered through a travel delay that pushed their return to Florida back a day, further limiting their rest ahead of this crucial quarterfinal.

What a ????!@OrlandoCitySC is headed to the Semifinals with a win in PKs vs. @NYCFC!

This is what #USOC2019 is all ABOUT!?

? Highlights pic.twitter.com/Y45LLpXySk

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) July 11, 2019

O’Connor was pleased none of those hardships became an excuse, and even more proud of how his team found a result despite surrendering a heart wrenching late equalizer in regular time.

“We’ve talked about culture and having a next man up mentality. We’ve tried to build that from preseason, to get a level of trust and commitment in our performances,” O Connor said after the game. “The difference this year has been noticeable and we saw it matter tonight. It’s a special night for our club and we should savor it.”

“Being on the field at the end of the game, seeing the joy it brought to the crowd, that was amazing,” Chris Mueller said after the win. “We want to bring the first trophy to Orlando, that’s the mentality. But we’re going to enjoy this right now, making the first semifinal in club history. It’s a big moment.”

Early on, it didn’t look as if it would be Orlando’s night.

Despite the questions about fitness- or perhaps because of them– NYCFC seized the initiative early. The Pigeons dominated possession for the first twenty minutes, winning nearly every second ball and pinning Orlando City deep with terrific pressure from their wingbacks.

The hard work nearly paid off just under the ten-minute mark.

A searing run down the left flank by Ronald Matarrita saw the Costa Rican international latch onto a well-placed diagonal and fire a strong effort just wide of the far post from just inside the left edge of the eighteen.

Players from Orlando City SC celebrate after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Minutes later, Matarrita was again the source of NYCFC’s danger, pumping in a lovely ball that found the head of Maxime Chanot, who placed his header well only to be denied on a spectacular leaping save from Orlando City goalkeeper Adam Grinwis.

The hosts managed the early scares and came into the game late in the first half, nearly taking the lead themselves after a corner, when Nani played a strong cross to Sebastián Méndez, only to see the Ecuadorian strangely decide to hit the ball one-time and well-wide. Nevertheless, it was a statement of intent from the Lions that they didn’t plan on going quietly into the humid central Florida night.

Orlando City controlled the early stages of the second half. First, Chris Mueller made a sharp run through NYCFC’s center, only to be denied a shot on goal by a swarming Pigeons defense. Minutes later, it was Nani probing the NYCFC defense, playing a slicing ball to Kyle Smith whose ensuing cross just missed the extended leg of Mueller.

The early second half purple and gold onslaught wasn’t over, either.

After a corner, Nani’s effort was deflected but crossed again by Mueller, only to see a terrific effort Will Johnson miss just high and right. Next, it was Sacha Kljestan’s turn to nearly breakthrough as the veteran beat his defender with a tidy pirouette only to be denied a shot on frame by a timely Alexander Ring challenge.

A Juan Torres injury gave the Blues a moment to collect themselves at the hour mark, but the respite was only brief. After the restart, Nani latched onto a ball on the left flank and scorched his defender on the incut, slicing an inch perfect cross to an unmarked Chris Mueller at the far right post. Mueller’s head did the rest, easily beating Brad Stuver, who could do little beyond hopelessly appeal for offside.

Mueller has had a special year for Orlando, but O’Connor, predictably, saw a team effort.

“(Mueller) is an exciting young attacking player, one who plays with great composure. He took the header well, fantastic ball from Nani and all he had to do was place it. But credit Tesho for getting back onside- a testament to his character and intelligence. We made a number of good plays to score a good goal.”

Domènec Torrent went to his bench shortly after the Orlando goal, calling on Benfica loanee and US U-23 prospect Keaton Parks off the bench to try to stabilize the NYCFC left flank. Defensively, it worked, with Parks tucking centrally to solidify the spaces being exploited by Mueller, Méndez, and Kljestan. Offensively, however, the Pigeons lacked a creative spark outside of the existential threat created by their wingbacks.

Tempers flared late as late NYCFC substitute Valentin Castellanos put in a hard, late tackle on Orlando’s Robin Jannsson in the 83rd minute, earning a yellow card and jeers from the Orlando City Wall for his efforts. Torrent may have seen that moment as a sign of life for his side, and Castellanos nearly leveled proceedings two minutes afterward on a headed cross from Jesús Medina, only to see Grinwis beat him to the ball.

Less than two minutes later, Parks exploded through the channel with only one defender to beat, but took too heavy a touch and lost the ball– another chance to level squandered.

The Pigeons, however, would get one more glorious chance late in stoppage time- and this time, they would take it. Maxi Moralez, fresh off being named MLS Player of the Month in June, got a toe to the end of a 50/50 in a congested scramble in the eighteen, clipping the ball just past Adam Grinwis and two Orlando defenders to level proceedings at one and send what had been a jubilant home crowd into agonized disbelief.

In extra time, Orlando was happy to sit deep, defend and wait for penalties, rarely seeing the ball and not hurling bodies forward when they did. For the most part, it worked, though NYCFC nearly found a winner in the 112th minute when Jesus Medina played Castellanos through and the young Argentine’s well-struck, curling effort was parried away by the extended arms of Grinwis. That would be the best chance for either side in extra time, as the game headed to penalties knotted at one goal apiece.

.@NYCFC chose the opposite end of The Wall.

The Wall doesn’t care. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/RnAsjJsTb1

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 11, 2019

In penalties, as Orlando supporters on the “Wall Side” raced from one side of the stadium to the other to cheer on their Lions.

O’Connor said that was a sight to see.

“To see them- bumrush their way over there or whatever you want to call it- was incredible. I’m so thankful for them. It provided us an immense lift and put us in the right frame of mind to win in penalties,” O’Connor said.

The Lions shot first, with Tesho Akindele burying the kick in the left corner and saluting the fans who made the trek. Alexander Ring was denied by Grinwis on the NYCFC opener, sending the LIons faithful into rapture. Their joy was short lived, as moments later, Dom Dwyer’s meek effort was saved by Brad Stuver and after NYCFC’s Anton Timmerholm connected, proceedings were again level. They would remain that way until the sixth penalty taker, when once again, Grinwis would come up huge for the purple and gold. Maxime Chanot stepped up and Grinwis read the penalty properly, punching the hard and low penalty away to send Orlando City to the semifinals.

“As a goalkeeper, those are the situations you dream of,” Grinwis said. “Growing up, you play penalty shootouts with friends and you want to be the hero. Usually, if you’re the goalkeeper, the idea is to not be noticed. But the team fought hard for 120 minutes, and I was just glad to come up big for them at the end too. I’m still trying to figure out where I am and what’s going on. It was surreal.”

It won’t get any easier for the Lions, who will face Atlanta United in the Semifinals, a club they’ve never defeated in a game of soccer. But for a club that has never won a trophy- indeed, never made a MLS Playoff appearance– this deep Open Cup run is a well-deserved gift to a tremendous and patient fanbase, and one Orlando City doesn’t want to end any time soon.

2019 US Open Cup Round of 16: Orlando City back in Quarterfinals after OT win over New England Revolution

June 20, 2019 by Neil Blackmon

Benji Michel of Orlando City celebrates after scoring a goal against the New England Revolution in a Round of 16 match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution, both struggling teams from Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, met at Exploria Stadium in Orlando Wednesday night, with each club fielding strong starting elevens. It was a signal that each side hoped to use a deep Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run to wash away the sting of disappointing seasons in MLS. The game was the first game played in Orlando under the name Exploria Stadium, formerly known as Orlando City Stadium.

In the end, Orlando City vanquished Bruce Arena’s New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time on goals from rookie Benji Michel and Canadian international Tesho Akindele.

“It was an outstanding effort,” Orlando City head coach James O’Connor said after the win. “We can be immensely proud of all the players, and I think our fans will certainly appreciate the level of fight and commitment from all the players. It’s fantastic to get through and have the opportunity to play at home and play for something bigger.”

It took 120 minutes, but @OrlandoCitySC was able to push past @NERevolution for its second-straight quarterfinal appearance. They will host @NYCFC on July 10.#USOC2019 | ? Highlights pic.twitter.com/tEowq6h5E4

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 20, 2019

For the first ninety minutes, the game was largely a listless stalemate.

“I thought both teams did a great job of canceling each other out for much of the game,” O’Connor said.

Certainly, both clubs tried to seize the early initiative, with the best attacking moments of an otherwise choppy, stolid first half coming in the game’s first ten minutes.

First, New England had a marvelous chance three minutes in when Teal Bunbury latched onto a pass from Carles Gil in space, only to push a decent effort just wide of the right post.

Minutes later, it was the hosts turn, with a clever late run from Cristian Higuita onto a probing ball from Tesho Akindele forcing New England goalkeeper Matt Turner into a nice save.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href="https://shop.thecup.us/">THECUP.US SHOP</a> — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The game tightened after those early chances, with the clubs looking very much the part of teams that had enjoyed a Gold Cup weekend away. Orlando City did control tempo and flow, but failed to produce quality first-half chances despite the lion’s share of possession. The purple and gold’s best chance likely came in the 37th minute, when Santiago Patiño, who was active throughout, sailed an unmarked volley high and wide off a corner kick in the 37th minute.

Beyond that, the only truly memorable moment in the opening 45 came when longtime Lion Cristian Higuita left the game in tears with what appeared to be a serious injury. Higuita was met with a roaring ovation and hugs from teammates, a sign of the respect he’s earned in Orlando and a sign of what his presence means in the locker room.

In the second half, it was the visiting Revolution who seized control early. Five minutes into the half, Carles Gil played a slicing ball to the speedy Cristian Penilla in space but the diminutive winger’s shot went harmlessly wide of the target, despite little pressure from a late closing Lamine Sané.

Ten minutes later, the Revolution again nearly found the breakthrough, after a darting run by Juan Agudelo again freed Penilla up in space. Only a spectacular, lunging challenge from Orlando City’s Dillion Powers kept the Ecuadorian from putting the visitors out in front.

Minutes later, Penilla would miss an even better chance for New England, whiffing on a sitter from three yards with the Brazilian defender Ruan hopelessly a step behind.

In a sign of what the game meant to both teams, each manager turned to offensive firepower off the bench after the hour mark. First, O’Connor brought on Portuguse superstar Nani in the 65th minute, replacing Patino. Arena countered with Colombian Juan Caicedo minutes later, for Pinella.

It was Caicedo who made the larger impact, at least initially. First, his flick onto Teal Bunbury forced a great save by Lions keeper Adam Grinwis on a backheel in the 74th minute. Minutes later, Caicedo fired brilliantly from distance, beating Grinwis, only to be cruelly turned away by the woodwork. The woodwork deflection fell towards Bunbury, who was in a great position, but the former Hermann Trophy winner’s rebound was mishit wide, leaving Orlando City to fight on with the game level.

Orlando City would have golden chances of their own late.

In the 86th minute, Tesho Akindele made a slalom run through the channel and fired off a powerful strike that beat Turner, only to hit the post, with the woodwork unkind. Dillon Powers fired a shot across his body minutes after that, with Matt Turner making a strong, lunging save to keep the game level. The game headed to extra time moments later.

Early in extra time, the hosts finally made the breakthrough.

Orlando City and the New England Revolution square off in a Round of 16 match in the 2019 US Open Cup at the newly-renamed Exploria Stadium in Orlando. Photo: Neil Blackmon

João Moutinho’s overlapping run led to a low cross whipped in a cross from the left flank, which fell to midfielder Carlos Ascues. The first shot was parried away by Turner, but fell back towards Benji Michel, who had come on for Chris Mueller in the 81st minute.

Michel, a 21-year-old MLS homegrown player who grew up in the Orlando area, tapped home, scoring an immense goal for Orlando City- and his first professional goal in the process.

For Michel, it was a dream come true.

“To score my first professional goal, for my hometown club, in front of these fans, was an amazing feeling,” Michel said. “You dream about your first professional goal but to do it in that moment, it’s incredible.”

O’Connor was thrilled with the performance of the homegrown talent, and not just in attack.

“(Michel) scored the goal, and that showed fantastic composure. But what I was pleased with was he tracked back late in the game and made a fantastic tackle and interception in our penalty area,” O’Connor said. “It’s easy to be complacent when you score a goal, but Benji didn’t do that. He tracked back and made a play that impacts winning that you don’t often see in a young player.”

The Lions would add to their lead only five minutes later. With New England pressing for an equalizer, Orlando City won a fifty-fifty ball in midfield and pressed forward on the counter, with Sacha Kljestan winning a free kick on the left. On the restart, Tesho Akindele took a touch near the top of the box and, dribbling into the area, clipped an effort towards goal. While Akindele didn’t get much on the shot, it took a wicked deflection and trickled past an off-balance Matt Turner’s near post anyway, providing the Lions with a 2-0 lead.

As it turned out, Orlando City would need the insurance.

Late in the second extra time period, Carles Gil, dangerous all night, made a darting run down the flank and crossed to another MLS homegrown product, the late running Justin Rennicks. Rennicks, fresh off a terrific Under-20 World Cup for the United States, greeted the cross with a clinical header and scored his first professional goal to cut Orlando City’s lead to one.

New England would almost equalize twice in stoppage time.

First, Diego Fagundez whipped in a cross and Caicedo beat his defender to the spot, only to see his header glance just wide of an outstretched Grinwis. Then, in the dying moments of the game, with New England hurling bodies forward following a last gasp corner and with chaos in the box, Orlando City defender Sané somehow managed to see- and deflect- a low, driven effort from Caicedo that would have surely sent proceedings to penalties.

The victory assures that Orlando City will host a quarterfinal against their expansion brother NYCFC at Exploria Stadium on July 10, and with that opportunity, the Lions will have the chance to advance further in the Open Cup than the club has in its history. This will be the second year in a row that Orlando as reached the Rough of Eight, and the fourth time in club history.

For Orlando City, the sense is that this year might be the year for a semifinals breakthrough and perhaps, even more.

“We showed a lot of character in this game,” Grinwis said after the game. “(O’Connor) arrived for preseason and he insisted and we wanted to flip the script about the expectations around here, to give something to the fans. We showed it today, that this team has great character and togetherness and the connection this year is special and different.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Florida Soccer Soldiers upset NPSL champion Miami FC in tournament debut

May 9, 2019 by Neil Blackmon

Players from Florida Soccer Soldiers and Miami FC battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Orovio Photography

The reigning national champions of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Miami FC began and ended their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign Wednesday night with a 2-1 loss to the Miami-based Florida Soccer Soldiers.

The Soccer Soldiers were a tough opening draw for Miami FC, having themselves been a national finalist in the UPSL a year ago. The Soccer Soldiers steamrolled through the qualifying competition, earning their shot at Miami FC by outscoring four opponents 9-1 in the Cup’s Open Division Local qualifying tournament. The Soccer Soldiers also play a difficult brand of soccer to play against, comfortable sitting deep in a setup that allows them to play 5-3-2 when they aren’t in possession but quickly morph into a wingback-driven counterattacking 3-5-2 in possession.

2019 MEET THE UNDERDOGS SERIES: First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”

Miami FC came out prepared and struck first. Dylan Mares made a swashbuckling run down the Soccer Soldiers left flank before peppering a ball across the face of goal for Ariel Martinez. The 31-year-old Cuban international is no stranger to the US Open Cup, having been a part of Miami FC’s magical run to the Open Cup quarterfinals as a member of the now-defunct North American Soccer League in 2017. Martinez added to his Open Cup tally with a clinical finish, giving the Orange and Blue a 1-0 lead just six minutes into the match.

The Florida Soccer Soldiers pose for a team photo before their match against Miami FC in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Orovio Photography

Soccer Soldiers recovered well, absorbing pressure until making a vital tactical change in the 34th minute. Pushing their fullbacks higher up the pitch and removing left back Carlos Paredes for substitute Mario Ferro, the Soccer Soldiers managed to grab a bit more of the ball and with it, a pulse in the game. They created two golden chances to equalize in the final ten minutes of the first half, only to see forward Valentin Sabella denied by Mark Pais in the 36th minute and Sabella missing a sitter just before halftime.

Miami FC pressed for a second before halftime, but Soccer Soldiers keeper Bryant Martin was repeatedly up to the task, making big save after big save. Martin, who played in NPSL last year for Miami United, made a spectacular save on Tomas Granito in the 40th minute, stoned Dylan Mares two minutes later from only twelve yards, and closed the half with a lunging save on Ariel Martinez just prior to the halftime whistle.

Instead, it was Soccer Soldiers who would score next.

Just moments into the second half, Miami FC centerback Brenton Griffiths sent a pass lazily across the face of his own goal. None of his teammates showed for the ball, and before goalkeeper Mark Pais could react, Soccer Soldiers number nine William Stamatis had intercepted the pass and buried it in the Miami FC net. Suddenly, the game was 1-1, and the prospects of some early round Open Cup magic– in the Magic City no less- seemed high.

A genuine #Cupset. ?@SoccerSoldiers charged past @NPSLSoccer pro side @TheMiamiFC to book a date in the #USOC2019 Second Round. GAME ? HIGHLIGHTS ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/eIdn8jV4Be

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 9, 2019

Soccer Soldiers nearly took the lead at the hour mark after Miami goalkeeper Mark Pais was caught hopelessly off his line after another Miami FC midfield giveaway. An initial attempt at a chip was deflected, leading to a Miami FC handball. The Soccer Soldiers were unable to capitalize on that Pais error, but minutes later they would get another opportunity.

A lovely ball from midfield sliced into the 18 towards Valentin Sabella, who had split the Miami defense. Reacting late, Pais took down the Soccer Soldiers forward and referee Jamie Willis pointed to the spot.

Goalkeeping can be brutal business, but it’s one of the few positions on the field where you can go from goat to hero in an instant, and Pais seized his moment. Carlos Meneses hammered a ball hard and low, but Pais was up to the challenge, parrying it away with his right leg. As the penalty rebound sailed harmlessly high, it appeared as if Miami FC may have dodged Soccer Soldiers’ best bullet.

Unfortunately for Miami FC, they hadn’t.

With both teams out of substitutions, a driving tropical rain falling and time-winding down, yet another poor Miami clearance resulted in Soccer Soldiers winning the ball in the always dangerous zone fourteen, where former NPSL Boca Raton midfielder Carlos Meneses took a touch and lifted a beautiful strike over a helpless Pais. The goal set-off a raucous sideline celebration from the Soccer Soldiers, and sent an immediate hush over the typically rowdy Miami FC supporters group.

Miami FC sent bodies hurling forward late, but couldn’t muster a shot on goal despite nearly ten minutes of stoppage time and plenty of the ball. When it ended, an overjoyed Soccer Soldiers team lingered on waterlogged field to celebrate.

“We knew we were capable, a strong team. We just had to show it tonight and we did. We gave up the early goal but felt we were the better team most of the night and the result showed. I’m proud of our effort,” a jubilant Martin said afterwards.

There was no joy on Miami FC’s side.

As the NPSL national champion, Miami FC were one of the few teams with the talent to make a deep Open Cup run. Instead, their Cup dreams were snuffed out after one evening, and their players, front office and fans were left to wonder what might have been. On the heels of another early Open Cup exit last year, the team rallied and won the NPSL championship. But the pressure is now firmly on manager Paul Dalglish, who was well aware of the emphasis Miami FC’s ownership placed on the Open Cup. Whether Dalglish will get a third chance at an Open Cup run next year is now a fair question. Such is life in the lower tiers of American soccer, where the only chance to prove oneself against the best is the Open Cup, and to have the chance snuffed out after one evening is an especially brutal blow.

A hushed Dalglish acknowledged as much post game, first praising the victorious Soccer Soldiers but adding, “I need to reassess what I’m doing as a coach as well.”

He will. He just won’t get to do it in a US Open Cup.

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: Orlando City SC ignore league form, outclass Miami United, 3-0

June 7, 2018 by Neil Blackmon

Orlando City advanced in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in convincing fashion Wednesday night, dominating the stylish and sartorially splendid but outclassed Miami United 3-0 at Ted Hendricks Stadium.

A lively crowd of 2,721 paid to see it, including a sing-song and boisterous chorus of traveling Orlando City supporters.

Miami United had the better chances early, with early round Open Cup-hero David Ochoa troubling Orlando’s central defender pairing of Jon Spector, who was playing his first game after a month in concussion protocol, and Tony Rocha. Miami had two glorious chances in the the12th minute through Ochoa, only to see midfielder Tomas Grannito and Ochoa miss chances from 10 yards.
The game evened out after the early chances, and when David Ochoa picked up an injury around the half-hour mark, Miami United lost the valve that had pressured and pinned Orlando back throughout the early stages.

After a long spell of possession, Orlando finally broke through late in the opening half. Sacha Kljestan won a second ball in the center of the field and played a ball to Josue Colman, who switched the field to fullback RJ Allen. Allen’s cross found a surging Stefano Pinho, who tapped home from five yards to give the Lions the lead.

For Pinho, it was a well-earned goal on a night where his off-ball movement and secondary runs created havoc in the area. The Brazilian had made his star turn a year prior against Orlando City in the Open Cup.

This season, he enjoyed sending the Purple and White through to the next round.

“I have confidence in the Open Cup, but I’m a goalscorer, I always want to score,” Pinho said. “I have to be myself and prove myself every day, whether a league game or a Cup game or a practice, but to help us win in Miami in front of friends and family, it’s a great feeling.”

While Pinho is no stranger to Open Cup success, having earned Player of the Round honors during last year’s competition playing with Miami FC, Orlando City have had difficulties the last two years playing fellow Florida sides in Open Cup competition. The Lions provided the city a moment of bittersweet joy in beating Jacksonville Armada in 2016 after the tragic Pulse shooting but succumbed at home to Fort Lauderdale in the following round and lost a lopsided affair to Miami FC in 2017.

Compounding matters, Orlando also entered the match winless in nearly a month, having lost four consecutive games to league foes Atlanta United, Toronto FC, New York City FC and the Chicago Fire.

But for all the trouble the Lions have had recently and historically at home against NASL sides, they handled a turf field and a hostile road environment in Miami against a tricky NPSL side Wednesday night.

“It was a moment we needed desperately,” Orlando coach Jason Kreis said. “This was a critical result for us and hopefully it builds confidence for the future.”

Kreis also noted the respect he had for Miami United when he watched them on video, insisting that he didn’t take the Open Cup — or his team’s NPSL opponent — lightly.

“I select the team that gives my club the best chance to win the game. There’s no part of me that says the league is more important, not at all,” Kreis said. “We may have league games where we’ll rest certain players to be ready for Open Cup games, because we think we can make a deep run.”

The Lions added to their lead within the first ten minutes of the second half, when a high-pressing Mohamed El-Munir charged forward down the left flank, took a ball away and chipped out of three defenders to Sacha Kljestan. The U.S. international took one cut and played a ball across to a late-running Dillon Powers, who finished clinically to give Orlando a deserved two-goal advantage.

The third would come minutes later, off an unforced error in the back by Elisma Pierre, whose simple clearance pass was intercepted by Sacha Kljestan. The Orlando star quickly turned inside and slotted the ball to PC, who tapped home from seven yards to signal that the rout was on in Miami.

As often happens when a game gets sideways, things turned chippy late, with Orlando taking exception to Miami United putting in hard, physical tackles as they chased possession down three goals. Fortunately, referee Elvis Osmonovic kept proceedings under control, issuing a handful of cards and even ejecting a Miami United coach for a bump on Orlando’s Brazilian fullback PC. Meanwhile, Jason Kreis, fully aware of Orlando’s precarious position as they chase their first MLS Cup playoff berth, used his substitutions wisely, protecting stars like Sacha Kljestan and Jonathan Spector with early substitutions as the Lions seized control.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Miami United eliminates shorthanded Miami FC 2

May 20, 2018 by Neil Blackmon

Last year, Miami FC’s US Open Cup run was a magical trip to the quarterfinals. This year, it ended before the club even left the Magic City.

Miami United defeated Miami FC 2 by the score of 3-1 on Wednesday night in front of 1,607 fans at Florida International University Soccer Stadium. David Ochoa scored twice for the visitors, with Victor adding a third for Miami United in second-half stoppage time.

Miami FC 2 opened the scoring when Dylan Mares, volleyed home a lovely cross from Cuban international Ariel Martinez.

Mares is no stranger to US Open Cup star turns, having been one of the heroes of the Miami FC senior team’s historic run to the Quarterfinals of the competition a year ago. Much has changed for Miami FC since.

The NASL is in legal limbo, a soccer purgatory with no competitive season as they press forward with antitrust litigation against Major League Soccer and the US Soccer Federation. Without a league to play in, Miami FC chose to drop down to the NPSL, albeit without many of the faces that made the club NASL Spring and Fall season champions in 2017 and one of the most formidable second-division sides in the history of US Soccer. As the club presses forward (without a permanent league home but with the lucrative financial backing of Riccardo Silva), Mares is one eight Miami FC players who played a prominent role in last year’s Open Cup run and stayed to wear the colors when he tells the tale.

The strike from Mares awakened the Orange and Blue and stunned the visitors from Miami United, who had played most the opening fifteen minutes of the game on the front foot, dominating possession and playing a high line, with Miami FC content to sit deep and wait for chances to counter through the torrid pace of Martinez.

Miami United’s decision to play a high line and press early was surprising, given the side was playing with only five available substitutions and that the side played a game over the weekend and Miami FC did not. The strategy created chances early, but left United very vulnerable on the break, and Miami FC repeatedly looked the more dangerous side after the Mares opener.

Just before halftime, however, Miami United was thrown a lifeline. Miami FC playmaker Kris Tyrpak was issued a straight red for a late, rash challenge, leaving the hosts down a man with more than a half of soccer to play. It was a surprising and foolish play from Tyrpak, a veteran of San Antonio FC of the USL and Ottawa Fury FC before that, and while the predominantly pro-Miami FC booed, it was hard to fault the decision of referee Andres Videlas.

Miami United made the most of the break within five minutes.

A giveaway magnified by a communication breakdown in the middle of the field between Tyler Ruthven, Enzo Rennella and Rhett Bernstein allowed David Ochoa to break through, and the former U-23 Fort Lauderdale Strikers product buried the equalizer past Daniel Vega.

“It’s disappointing, to have individual mistakes and communication give a lead away. We knew at halftime if we stayed compact, played smart and held our clean sheet we would win. It’s frustrating to make simple mistakes. You can’t legislate for mental errors,” Miami FC manager Paul Dalglish said after the match.

The visitors needed only three more minutes to take the lead.

It was David Ochoa who again did the damage, making a menacing run into the channel and latching onto a lovely pass from Tomas Grannito. Ochoa took a touch, cut inside towards goal and calmly slotted past Daniel Vega.

A stunned Miami FC nearly conceded a third two minutes later, when Ochoa again found space in between a discombobulated Miami FC back four and fired a rocket of a shot at Daniel Vega, who bravely saved low.

53’ GOOOOOOOOAL! As we finished tweeting his last goal, David Ochoa decided it was time to take matters into his own hands (or feet, rather) MIAMI UNITED TWO! Miami FC 1. #MIAvMUFC #ForeverUnited pic.twitter.com/nOI8LTSRq3

— MIAMI UNITED F.C. (@miamiunitedfc) May 17, 2018

In the 65th minute, a speedy Ariel Martinez counter gave Miami FC hope, but his cross was a bit too far for the trailing back post run of Mares, whose late lunge saw his left boot find only a chunk of turf, missing the ball by inches.

Still, Miami FC weren’t ready to relinquish their chance to chase last year’s US Open Cup glory quite yet. They pressed forward with wave after wave of attackers, often leaving only two center backs to protect the goal, and consistently probing for an equalizer through Martinez, Mares and influential substitution and Indy Eleven veteran Don Smart.

But for every Miami FC attack, Miami United had a defensive answer.

Darryl Gordon had several critical clearances in the area, and Elusma Pierre did the yeoman’s work containing FC Dallas youth product Coy Craft and Jamie Chavez’s forays through the middle.
In stoppage time, the dam broke, as former Fort Lauderdale Striker Victor won a fifty-fifty ball in the final third, turned past his defender and buried an exclamation point third goal past Daniel Vega.

Victor, who took a job as a coach at a local academy when the Strikers folded, relished the moment and the meaning of a rivalry Cup-set win.

“It’s an amazing thing, to advance in the Cup. I’ve seen the happiness in brings the fans in Fort Lauderdale. I’ve seen what it means to our fans,” Victor said. “We’re a small club, but a proud one, with a winning tradition. To beat Miami FC tonight here and to score a goal, it’s everything.”

One of the special things about the early rounds of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is that you get a rash of rivalry games. A handful of contests, like Wednesday night’s second round tilt between Miami United and Miami FC, even feature teams that share a city fighting to win the affection of their city’s soccer fans, as well as a healthy share of bragging rights.

The Magic City Clasico, as the tilt between Miami United and Miami FC is known locally, had already been contested two times in NPSL play this season, but this meeting, with a trip to the third round of the US Open Cup at stake, meant the most to the players and local fans, who waited out an hour and a half lighting delay and chanted and sang at each other for most of the game’s ninety humid minutes.

In the end, only Miami United’s fans were left singing, the famed “Vamos, Vamos United, Esta Noche” ringing out into the Miami night, with their rival left to dwell on glories past, and wonder what went wrong.

“It’s a crushing disappointment,” Dalglish said. “You prepare so hard and become undone by simple errors. And yet you can’t hang your head and promise to do better next time, because there’s no next time in the Open Cup.”

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Djiby Fall’s historic winner, FC Cincinnati’s historic defense blanks Miami FC

August 2, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

FC Cincinnati celebrate their 1-0 win over Miami FC in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Miami FC

FC Cincinnati’s impregnable defense, sound goalkeeping and some timely counterattacking proved a winning formula again, as they upended NASL spring champion Miami FC 1-0 on the road Wednesday night. A Miami FC season high crowd of 10,145 witnessed the Senegalese striker Djiby Fall become the hero for FC Cincinnati once again, tallying his fourth goal of the US Open Cup. Remarkably, all four have been game-winners, making him the first player in the US Open Cup Modern Era (1995-present) to score four of them in a single tournament.

FC Cincinnati’s Mitch Hildebrand, the reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round, is now on the brink of a pair of Modern Era records after earning his fourth straight clean sheet (the team’s fifth straight). He now has a 469-minute personal scoreless streak which is just a few minutes away from Jon Conway’s (San Jose Earthquakes 2000-01) personal record of 473 minutes. Hildebrandt’s 390-minute single-tournament shutout streak is 63 minutes away from breaking that record held by Chris Eylander of the Seattle Sounders of the USL in 2008.

In the Miami game, Hildebrandt made his case for back-to-back Player of the Round honors with three saves, including a game-saving stop late in the contest on a Kwadwo Poku attempt.

FC Cincinnati becomes the first non-MLS side to reach the Semifinals since the Richmond Kickers of the USL advanced to the final four in 2011. FCC will host the New York Red Bulls of MLS on Aug. 15 (8 p.m. EST) at Nippert Stadium where they have drawn record crowds in each of their last two Open Cup matches.

The hosts came out the aggressors, creating a great chance on a good combination between Dylan Mares and Stefano Pinho, who made a blistering run through the left channel. Pinho’s cross just missed everything: dodging an on-running Enzo Rennella near post, skidding past a lunging Mitch Hildebrandt and then sliding just beyond the reach of a late running Poku.

WATCH: @baye_djiby scores the game-winning goal, his 4th of the @opencup! pic.twitter.com/Ra99N6R4sU

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) August 3, 2017

Early chance from Pinho aside, it was a clever tactical decision from FC Cincinnati manager Alan Koch that helped the Queen City visitors who had the better of the play throughout the first half hour. Using his forwards Danni König and Djiby Fall to apply heavy off-ball pressure, Cincinnati made life difficult on the Miami FC back four to move the ball out of the Miami final third. On one occasion, a Rhett Bernstein back pass forced Vega to distribute and his errant pass was intercepted by König, who fired just wide of the right post.

The pressure from Cincinnati helped the visitors continuously create dangerous moments in the opening half, as they forced Miami’s crucial defensive midfielder Richie Ryan, so often a smooth distribution conduit to the creative Miami attackers, very deep. With Ryan functioning almost as a third centerback, Miami’s spacing was disjointed and the team struggled to build any rhythm in possession. The disrupted rhythm made Miami fore things too, with playmakers Poku and Pinho often opting to take multiple defenders on rather than making simple passes into space. The result was a disjointed Miami attack throughout.

This was undoubtedly the plan, and Cincinnati manager Alan Koch was thrilled with the way his team executed in the first half.

“Without question, we wanted to make it hard on Miami to build any rhythm or tempo,” Koch said. “We felt the best way to do that was to pressure the center backs and force Richie Ryan to come back and help. We made him drop deep and they suffered moving the ball as a result.”

Hildebrandt agreed.

“We came into the game with a line of confrontation in mind and we executed it,” said the Cincinnati keeper. “We held our line and we pressured their back line off the ball. I’ve played against Richie Ryan before, when he was with Ottawa and I was with Minnesota. I know and we knew how he can spray the ball around and how important he is to them moving the ball. We did a great job making it harder on him.”

Cincinnati was able generate chances with the ball as well, thanks to the clever play centrally of Aodhan Quinn and the solid play wide from Justin Hoyte, a former Arsenal player and Trinidad and Tobago international. On one first half sequence, Hoyte galloped down the left, cutting inside and waiting on the ball for support before switching the point of attack just outside the area. The switch freed up Quinn, who put a move on Mason Trafford and chipped just high of Daniel Vega from about 21 yards.

Still, when Hildebrandt collected a header off a Richie Ryan cross deep into first half stoppage time, the teams were level headed to the break, despite the visitors looking the more inspired side, outshooting Miami 8-3 and creating the better chances throughout the opening 45.

For Hildebrandt, after breaking Chris Eylander’s (2008 Seattle Sounders, USL) single-tournament shutout streak record of 453 minutes, he deflected praise for the record-setting performance.

“I never thought I’d go 500 minutes without allowing a goal, but all credit to the team and coaches for that,” Hildebrandt said. “Our coaches have done a great job at putting together plans and keeping it simple in terms of giving individual instructions that we can execute. They did that again tonight against a great team in tough conditions.”

The hosts seized the initiative out of the gate in half number two, with manager Alessandro Nesta responding to the backline struggles by moving his line much higher early in the second half. The move paid immediate dividends, as Miami moved the ball with fluidity and tempo.

A menacing run and cross by Blake Smith nearly forced a Cincinnati own goal in the 52nd minute, and the ensuing corner saw Hunter Freeman find Rhett Bernstein in a bit of space, only to see the defender’s shot deflect off a lunging Sem de Wit. Another strong Freeman corner in the 60th minute was headed centrally by Poku, only to see Cincinnati clear away desperately.

But Cincinnati again responded, and this time, the visitors were rewarded for their resilience when Hoyte made a strong run on the left flank and dribbled around Freeman. His cross found late running Djiby Fall at the near post, who slotted home past Daniel Vega for the game’s first goal.

Predictably, Cincinnati dropped into a deep shell after taking the lead, and Miami struggled to find the final ball. A silly foul by Sem de Wit, who had plenty of help defense, gave Miami a free kick in a dangerous position in the 76th minute, and again Freeman delivered a dangerous ball only to see Hildebrandt save substitute Michel’s header on the far post.

Following a water break, Blake Smith found another substitute, Ariel Martinez on a slicing cross, but the Cuban forward headed harmlessly high into the stands. Miami’s best chance to equalize came in minute 88, when Poku made a dazzling run through the center of the pitch, beating three Cincinnati defenders and firing at Hildebrandt, who made a stunning save. Rennella made a great run and had a chance to hammer home the rebound far post, but couldn’t get his body squared and shouldered the ball just wide.

Unfortunately, in the final minutes of the game FC Cincinnati received a heavy blow when Fall received a yellow card. Combined with yellow cards he received against AFC Cleveland (Round 2) and Louisville City FC (Round 3), that gave him three, which according to tournament rules means he will receive a one-game suspension and will miss the Semifinal match against the Red Bulls.

Miami manager Alessandro Nesta credited the opponent for making life difficult.

“They made it hard for us to move the ball,” Nesta said. “We made changes in the second half, pushed up our line, pushed up our wings, moved our forwards central. In the end, we had chances to score and win. Against Atlanta, Poku scored in the end. Tonight, he doesn’t. That’s football. Sometimes you lose.”

Cincinnati’s reward for the victory is a home semifinal against the New York Red Bulls. It’s another chance to showcase one of America’s blossoming soccer cities, and that’s not lost on Cincinnati’s players and coaches.

“To play in front of those types of crowds, 20,000-30,000 fans a night in only our second year, it’s incredible,” Hildebrandt said. “The way they have embraced us, even though it is only our second year, I feel like the club and the city deserve this run.

Alan Koch agreed with his star goalkeeper.

“What we have in Cincinnati and what we’re building, it isn’t just special in the United States,” he said. “It’s special globally. To have that type of immediate connection with your city is incredible. We want to keep it going.”

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals preview: Miami FC hosts FC Cincinnati in battle of underdogs (Live Video)

August 2, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Miami FC (NASL) and FC Cincinnati (USL) will square off in the Quarterfinals, assurring that at least one lower division team will reach the Semifinals for the first time since 2011.

Links to full #USOC2017 coverage located at the bottom

In a battle of tournament underdogs, the NASL’s Miami FC will host the USL’s Cincinnati FC Wednesday night in a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup quarterfinal. The game, rescheduled from July 12 due to inclement weather, will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and be live streamed online (it will be embedded above when it’s made available). The winner will become the 13th lower division side to reach the Open Cup semifinals since 1996, and the first since 2011 (Richmond Kickers, USL)

Adding a little extra flavor to the matchup, it features a team from the NASL and the USL. The two leagues have been rivals since a handful of teams broke away from the USL to form the NASL back in 2010. This is the 21st Open Cup meeting between NASL and USL sides, with the USL holding a narrow 10-8-2 edge in those contests.

A reasonable accounting would suggest Miami FC, champions of the NASL’s spring season, are the favorites, but circumstances have changed for the two clubs in the three weeks since the postponement of the original quarterfinal. While Miami have lost only two games during the NASL’s spring season, they suffered easily their most convincing defeat of the year Saturday in their NASL fall season opener against the New York Cosmos.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati, led by the reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round, goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt. The Oakland University (Mich.) product, who carries a staggering US Open Cup personal shutout streak of 379 minutes into the quarterfinal, is better-rested. Entering the July 12 match, the Queen City club would have been playing for the seventh time in 19 days. Entering the Aug. 2 reschedule, the schedule has slowed, and despite a 3-2 loss over the weekend to the Rochester Rhinos, Cincinnati play tonight’s game with far fresher legs.

Mitch Hildebrandt made 10 saves and stopped three of the Chicago Fire's four penalty kick attempts to send FC Cincinnati to the Quarterfinals. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati — Mitch Hildebrandt made 10 saves and stopped three of the Chicago Fire’s four penalty kick attempts to send FC Cincinnati to the Quarterfinals. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati

Above all, tonight’s game is a credit to two smart front offices, an intriguing contrast of soccer styles, with Alan Koch and Cincinnati’s compact, organized defense and counterattacking style a stylistic opposite to Miami FC’s possession-intensive pressure attack.

Still, Cincinnati aren’t without goalscoring threats, led by Senegal international Dijby Fall, who has tallied three goals for the side in the Open Cup. There is attacking depth in Jamaica international Omar Cummings and the bruising Dane, Danni König. There is also Premier League veteran and former Arsenal product Justin Hoyte, a Trinidad and Tobago international, who provides speed and width on the break, and often plays off the bench, giving the team an electric option as legs tire.

Cincinnati will also have fresh faces available, as recently acquired striker Kevin Schindler, who has played for Werder Bremen, will be eligible for Wednesday’s match. Vancouver Whitecaps product Sem de Wit, a centerback, is unlikely to travel for the fixture but would be eligible to play if he did.

The Cincinnati calling card is defense, starting with a stout midfield that covers ground first. Aodhan Quinn, Kenney Walker and Paul Nicholson patrol the midfield, putting in hard tackles and waiting for the opponent to make mistakes, distributing quickly in transition when Cincy win the ball. And behind them, Cincinnati play an organized trap and when all else fails, have Hildebrandt, whose heroics against the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire are a huge reason the club are here.

Miami FC, with their cupboard of attacking talent in the tournament’s leading scorer Stefano Pinho, Ariel Martinez, Jaime Chavez, Enzo Rennella and Kwadwo Poku, will test Cincinnati’s defense as intensely as any team they’ve played in this competition. And this time, there won’t be 30,000 fans at Nippert Stadium urging Cincinnati forward. But Miami know and respect what a difficult challenge it will be to finally be the team that breaks through and scores against Cincinnati in this competition.

“Cincinnati are a good team that’s very good at what they do, especially defensively,” said Miami FC captain Michael Lahoud. “They have had an amazing Open Cup run to get to this round, and have really benefited from their inspiring home crowds. I expect them to be well organized and a lethal counter-attacking team, looking to take advantage of whatever chance they get, while keeping it extremely tight at the back.”

Stefano Pinho of Miami FC scored one of his three goals against Orlando City in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC

Still, Miami FC are eager to show they are more than just a splendid blend of attacking riches. They defend too, as one would expect from a team managed by Alessandro Nesta, a World Cup winner with Italy nicknamed “The Minister of Defense.”

“If you play for Nesta, you’ll defend,” Kwadwo Poku said. “We have to suffer that together.”

The orange and blue have done enough defensively to get to this point, despite conceding two goals to both the South Florida Surf (PDL) and more understandably, Atlanta United of MLS. They stifled the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ counterattack and frustrated Kaka and Orlando City for ninety minutes, using defensive pressure to earn chances high up the pitch. It’s a formula for success, and the club are looking forward to building on the championship resume they secured in the spring.

“We are excited about the match and the opportunity to take one step closer to one of our biggest goals this season,” Lahoud said. “It will be an incredible night for my teammates, the fans, and the city of Miami.”

If Miami do win, they will become the first team from the state of Florida to reach the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinals since 2000 (Miami Fusion, MLS). Meanwhile, Cincinnati are playing to become the first team from southern Ohio to reach the semifinals of the competition since the Columbus Crew accomplished the feat in 2010. No team from either city has ever lifted the US Open Cup trophy, and no lower division team has done so since the Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) in 1999.

One underdog’s dream will live on. And with these two well-coached and well-constructed teams, who’s to say it stops there?

FC Cincinnati Open Cup records
Overall: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK) | Home: 4-0-1 (1-0 PK) | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2016 Third Round (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL)
Leading goalscorer: Djiby Fall – 3 goals (T-2nd in 2017 US Open Cup)

How they got here
Round 2: 1-0 (AET) home win vs. AFC Cleveland (NPSL)
Round 3: 1-0 home win vs. Louisville City FC (USL)
Round 4: 1-0 home win vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Round 5: 0-0 home draw (3-1 PK win) vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)

Miami FC Open Cup records
Overall: 4-1-0 | Home: 3-1-0 | Away: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 2-1 vs. Wilmington Hammerheads of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2016 Third Round (Lost 2-1 vs. Wilmington Hammerheads of USL)
Leading goalscorer: Stefano Pinho – 4 goals (1st in 2017 US Open Cup)

How they got here
Round 2: 3-2 home win vs. South Florida Surf (PDL)
Round 3: 2-0 home win vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL)
Round 4: 3-1 road win vs. Orlando City SC (MLS)
Round 5: 3-2 home win vs. Atlanta United (MLS)

#USOC2017 coverage:

Quarterfinals
* Wondolowski’s brace gives Earthquakes first USOC win over rival Galaxy
* Inspired Sporting KC explode in OT to dethrone FC Dallas
* BWP scores late winner as Red Bulls edge 10-man Revolution

#USOC2018 qualifying coverage

* Which NPSL teams will qualify for 2018 US Open Cup?
* Which PDL teams will play in the 2018 US Open Cup?

MORE:
* Cincinnati’s forgotten US Open Cup history
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* Eric Wynalda hired to lead LA Wolves for 2017 US Open Cup run
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2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Underdogs Miami FC, FC Cincinnati fight for spot in Semifinals

July 9, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

FC Cincinnati (USL) at Miami FC (NASL)
Wednesday, July 11 – 7:30 p.m. EST
Riccardo Silva Stadium – Miami, FL

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO

Winner will play New England Revolution / New York Red Bulls winner (Site / Date TBD)

FC Cincinnati Open Cup records
Overall: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK) | Home: 4-0-1 (1-0 PK) | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2016 Third Round (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL)
Leading goalscorer: Djiby Fall – 3 goals

In a battle of darling underdogs, the NASL’s Miami FC will host the USL’s FC Cincinnati Wednesday night in a 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup quarterfinal. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. and can be watched online (video will be embedded above). The winner will become the eighth lower division side to reach the Open Cup semifinals since 1996. This is also the 21st Open Cup meeting between rival leagues NASL and the USL, with the USL holding a narrow 10-8-2 (1-1 PKs) edge in those contests.

A reasonable accounting would suggest Miami FC are the favorites, having already secured the NASL’s Spring Season Championship with room to spare following a 7-0 thrashing of the San Francisco Deltas, which saw Stefano Pinho, who leads the 2017 US Open Cup in goalscoring, scoring four goals. Miami have lost only two games this season and in defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Third Round action, already eliminated one of five USL teams ahead of Cincinnati in the USL table. Still, no game is won on paper and Cincinnati enter tonight’s quarterfinal playing tremendous defense in the competition, having not allowed a single goal in four matches. The reigning Player of the Round winner goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt has shut out Louisville City, the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire and hasn’t allowed an Open Cup goal since last year’s Third Round loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The game is a credit to two smart front offices and an intriguing game featuring a contrast of styles, with Alan Koch and Cincinnati’s compact, organized defense and counterattacking style, a stylistic opposite to Miami FC’s possession-intensive pressure attack. Still, Cincinnati aren’t without goal-scoring threats, led by Senegal international Djiby Fall, who became just the third player in the Modern Era to score three consecutive game-winnig goals in the Open Cup. There is attacking depth in Jamaica international Omar Cummings and the bruising Dane, Danni König. There is also a Premier League veteran and former Arsenal product Justin Hoyte, a Trinidad and Tobago international who provides speed and width on the break, and often plays off the bench, giving the team an electric option as legs tire.

But the calling card is defense, starting with a stout midfield that covers ground first. Aodhan Quinn, Kenney Walker and Paul Nicholson patrol the midfield, putting in hard tackles and waiting for the opponent to make mistakes, distributing quickly in transition when Cincy win the ball. And behind them, Cincinnati play an organized trap and when all else fails, have Hildebrandt, whose heroics against the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire are a huge reason the club are here.

Cincinnati kicked off their Open Cup run with a 1-0 extra time win over defending NPSL champion AFC Cleveland, followed by a 1-0 win against fellow USL side Louisville City FC. In Round 3, the most fans to ever show up for a non-Final (30,160) were in Cincinnati to watch their team upset the Crew 1-0 at Nippert Stadium. The fourth consecutive home crowd (and a national audience on ESPN) saw an even bigger crowd (32,287) in the Round of 16 when Cincinnati finished scoreless with the Chicago Fire before winning in penalty kicks, thanks to three saves by Hildebrandt in the shootout.

After being one-and done in their inaugural Open Cup appearance last year, Miami FC has cruised into the Quarterfinals with a pair of wins over MLS opposition. The run started with a 3-2 home win over the South Florida Surf (PDL), followed by a 2-0 win at home over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They hit the road in Round 4 and came away with a convincing 3-1 upset of Orlando City SC where Pinho scored a hat trick and Player of the Round honors. To get to the Quarterfinals, they had to pull off a dramatic win at home over MLS expansion side Atlanta United where Kwadwo Poku scored a goal on what proved to be the final kick of the game to pull off the 3-2 “cupset”.

Miami FC, with their cupboard of attacking talent in Pinho, Poku, Ariel Martinez, Jaime Chavez, and Enzo Rennella, will test Cincinnati’s defense as intensely as any team they’ve played in this competition. And this time, there won’t be 30,000 fans at Nippert Stadium urging Cincinnati forward. But Miami know and respect what a difficult challenge it will be to finally be the team that breaks through and scores against Cincinnati in this competition.

“Cincinnati are a good team that’s very good at what they do, especially defensively,” Miami FC captain Michael Lahoud said Monday. “They have had an amazing Open Cup run to get to this round, and have really benefited from their inspiring home crowds. I expect them to be well-organized and a lethal counter-attacking team, looking to take advantage of whatever chance they get, while keeping it extremely tight at the back.”

“If you play for Nesta, you’ll defend,” Kwadwo Poku said. “We have to suffer that together.”

The orange and blue have done enough defensively to get to this point, despite conceding two goals to both the South Florida Surf and more understandably, Atlanta United of MLS. They stifled the Rowdies counterattack and frustrated Kaka and Orlando City for 90 minutes, using defensive pressure to earn chances high up the pitch. It’s a formula for success, and the club are looking forward to building on the championship resume they secured Saturday night.

“We are excited about the match and the opportunity to take one step closer to one of our biggest goals this season,” Miami FC captain Michael Lahoud said. “It will be an incredible night for my teammates, the fans, and the city of Miami.”

If Miami do win, they will become the first team from the state of Florida to reach the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinals since 2000 when the Miami Fusion (MLS) ultimately made a run to the Final. Meanwhile, Cincinnati are playing to become the first team from southern Ohio to reach the semifinals of the competition since the Crew accomplished the feat in 2010. FC Cincinnati are already the first team from the Queen City to advance this far in the tournament.

One underdog’s dream will live on. And with these two well-coached and well-constructed teams, who’s to say it stops there?

MORE:
* Who is the US Open Cup equivalent to Lincoln City FC and their magical FA Cup run?
* Eric Wynalda hired to lead LA Wolves for 2017 US Open Cup run
* Reading United qualifies for record 9th straight US Open Cup, seeking more than an opening round win
* Things you should know about the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup
* The nine upsets of the US Open Cup Quarterfinals (Modern Era)

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2017 US Open Cup Round 5: Poku’s last second winner gives Miami FC dramatic upset of Atlanta United

June 29, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Miami FC upset a second straight MLS opponent with a 3-2 win over Atlanta United. Photo: Miami FC

A storybook breakaway goal from Kwado Poku in stoppage time helped Miami FC defeat Atlanta United 3-2 Wednesday night at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami.

The thrilling victory marks the second-consecutive year an NASL side based in south Florida has reached the quarterfinals of the Open Cup, after the now-defunct Fort Lauderdale Strikers accomplished the feat in 2016.

It was a deserved result for the hosts, who created the better chances throughout the second half. Miami captain Michael Lahoud credited the side’s character.

“I think Atlanta was shell-shocked. Usually how it works is the MLS side scores the first goal and the lower division side gives up,” Lahoud said. “We didn’t. We kept going, and it says everything about who we are.”

Manager Alessandro Nesta agreed with his captain’s assessment.

“For us it’s important, for the coaching staff and the players,” Nesta said. “This is a dream for us — but a dream costs nothing. You have to believe and you have to have the character to work to get it right.”

Nesta added his side needed character on a night they made plenty of mistakes.

“We didn’t play our best football; the possession was sloppy and we made mistakes,” he said. “But we fought through it, and we beat a team managed by Tata Martino. Managing him is an honor. Beating him is … wow,” the Italian legend said with a smile. “But now — we go back to work.”

Early on, however, Martino’s Atlanta took the initiative, a high line and withering pressure pinning Miami FC back. The pressure earned Atlanta two bright early chances to take the lead. First, an uncharacteristic turnover from Lahoud sent Julian Gressel and Kevin Kratz crashing towards the goal, only to see Kratz’s blast parried away by Miami goalkeeper Danie Vega. Minutes later, it was Atlanta’s 17-year-old hometown star Andrew Carleton slaloming through the orange and blue defense and again forcing Vega to punch-save away.

.@Poku at the death! He slots home to give @TheMiamiFC the lead! #USOC2017 #MIAvATL pic.twitter.com/htq2wVH2hz

— NASL (@naslofficial) June 29, 2017

Eventually, Miami adjusted to the frenetic tempo of the match, however, and were able to settle the game, and even earn chances on the break, exploiting number advantages through the middle thanks to Atlanta’s high defensive line. Miami nearly took the lead in minute 28, a blast from Dylan Mares with a defender on the shoulder saved bravely by Atlanta’s Alec Kann.

In the 34th minute, however, it was Atlanta who made the breakthrough, with another talented Atlanta youngster, Brandon Vazquez heading home on a set piece. The goal was the first set piece goal in Atlanta United’s young club history, and also marked the first time in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that Miami FC trailed.

The lead for the MLS visitors was short-lived.

Only three minutes later, Chris McCann gave the ball away near midfield and Kwadwo Poku deftly played a pass to Stefano Pinho. The Brazilian forward, who was TheCup.us’ Player of the Round for Round 4, turned his defender with a slick stepover and finished far post, tying the game.

Both teams had splendid chances to enter the halftime dressing rooms with a lead. First, Stefano Pinho collected a Richie Ryan pass on the left wing and darted past Tyrone Mears, only to see his hard and high shot blocked away by Kann. Then it was Atlanta’s turn to nearly score on a dynamic run, with Carleton attacking a pocket of space between the Miami FC CB’s and volleying just over Vega’s net. All told, it was fair the sides were level at the half, with chances created and possession nearly level.

The second half began with more Atlanta pressure, but this time, Miami made the adjustment, cycling the ball quickly through Lahoud to the wings and attacking the young Atlanta flanks. One such sequence helped Miami earn a free kick in the 51st minute. Moments later, Rhett Bernstein’s head met Hunter Freeman’s parabola service, beating Alec Kann and giving Miami FC a 2-1 lead.

Lahoud credited Miami’s fitness for withstanding Atlanta’s high pressure, and ultimately, helping the side gain a bit of control in the match.

“I don’t think Atlanta took us lightly,” Lahoud said. “They are fighting for their playoff lives and they are managing their schedule. They rested some players, but they played their game. With the high pressure they play, if you come down to Miami, good luck in this heat and humidity. They just couldn’t sustain it.”

For a good spell after the hosts took the lead, it looked like they’d add to it.
Another McCann giveaway sent Miami off to the races, Poku playing a soft ball to Enzo Renella, who chipped across Pinho, who beat a defender to the ball but clipped his volley just high far post.

The near-miss seemed to revive Atlanta, who ratcheted up the pressure until Andrew Carleton changed the game again in the 74th minute, dribbling past a pursuing Blake Smith and putting a shimmy on Poku, who chopped him down in the area. Referee Jose Carlos Rivero pointed to the spot, and Julian Gressel, one of the stars of Atlanta’s inaugural MLS campaign, calmly scored to level the proceedings.

Once again, as befitting the rollicking back and forth nature of this match, both sides had tremendous chances to score the vital third goal.

A series of fast, physical counterattacking runs by Pinho and Poku gave Miami two fine chances, only to see Rennella miss cutback passes to Poku in space on each occasion. Meanwhile, Atlanta would pressure Miami centrally, with substitution Lagos Kunga, a veteran of the U.S. U-20 World Cup quarterfinalists, doing well to peel away Miami defenders and create space for Kratz and Vazquez to run on centrally.

With extra time — and lightning — looming on the near horizon, Miami had one final chance to win in regulation. Rennella and Poku won a midfield fifty-fifty, with the latter emerging with the ball and making a final barrel towards the Atlanta net. With Atlanta’s Carlos Carmona closing, Poku managed to stay upright and hit a soft shot past an onrushing Kann, sending the crowd of 9,404 into raptures and the hosts into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup quarterfinals. For Poku, it was his 9th career US Open Cup goal.

Miami will host the quarterfinal against FC Cincinnati (USL) on July 12.