Phil Naegely

The first night of the Fourth Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was one of the more tightly-contested evenings this tournament has had. Seven of the eight games were decided by one goal or less, with two of them going to penalty kicks.

The defending champion was one-and-done for just the third time in the Modern Era (1995-present), the Pittsburgh Riverhounds upset a MLS team for the first time in more than two decades and Monterey Bay FC took the lead over LAFC in extra time only to lose it and fall in PKs.

On Wednesday, it was home teams that shined. Six of the eight games were won by the home team (five of them by shutout). All but one of the teams that advanced were from Major League Soccer. The only lower division team to advance on Wednesday was the Birmingham Legion FC, who defeated fellow USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC. 

The draw for the Round of 16 will take place on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET on Bleacher Report’s app and the B/R Football YouTube channel. That draw will reveal a bracket that will remain in place for the remainder of the competition. 

Below, you will find a brief summary of every Round 4 game. Links to the full match reports will be added as the articles are published. 

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Charlotte FC (MLS)
1:0
Orlando City SC (MLS)

By Colton Coreschi

It took 70 minutes, but Charlotte FC eventually found the breakthrough and sent the defending champs home, defeating Orlando City SC 1-0 at the Sportsplex at Matthews. The lone goal was delivered by midfielder Kamil Józwiak midway through the second half with Orlando unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.

After a slow first half that saw two yellow cards as the primary action, things picked up in the second half as Charlotte substituted on a few powerhouse players, including Józwiak and fellow Polish designated player Karol Swiderski around the hour mark. Within ten minutes of entering the match, the two countrymen linked up as Józwiak finished off a stumbling run through Orlando’s back line to secure the lone goal of the evening.

While Orlando fought back valiantly, firing off 11 total shots, Charlotte’s defense was stout. The Lions were unable to put a single one of their double-digit shots on-target, with their Queen City hosts blocking five and keeping the evening simple for goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

With the win, Charlotte makes their second Round of 16 in two attempts and will attempt to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time after last year’s loss to the New York Red Bulls. For Orlando, the loss marks the end of their title defense after being crowned champions for the first time in 2022 and returns their focus to fighting among the final playoff spots in MLS’ Eastern Conference.

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Inter Miami CF (MLS)
1:0
Charleston Battery (USL-C)

By Andrew Mosier

Inter Miami advanced to the round of 16, defeating the Charleston Battery 1-0 at DRV PNK Stadium. The lone goal came off the face of Charleston defender Juan Palma just after the start of the second half.

The Battery were forced to adjust their game plan before the ten-minute mark when Nicholas Markanich was replaced with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Markanich has four goals in all competitions.

Miami’s first and best chance came in the 18th minute when Harvey Neville got in behind the Battery back line but hit his shot straight at Battery goalkeeper Trey Muse.

Miami got on the scoreboard three minutes after the start of the second half when Kamal Miller found Neville on the right flank. Neville’s cross was cleared desperately away from a poaching Josef Martínez at the far post by the Battery’s Derek Dodson off the face of Palma. It was the kind of goal Martínez would have historically scored were it not for the interference of Dodson.

The Battery nearly pulled level in the 71st minute when Augustine Williams sublimely controlled the ball in the penalty area and got a shot off, smacking it off the near post back into play. 

With the win, Miami advance to the Round of 16 for the second consecutive year. In 2022, Miami’s first Open Cup appearance, Miami lost in penalty kicks (4-2) at Orlando City after playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation. 

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New England Revolution (MLS)
0:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)

By Ray Curren

Danny Griffin’s toepoke goal in the 44th minute off an incisive through ball from Marc Ybarra held up as Pittsburgh stunned New England 1-0 Tuesday night at Gillette Stadium in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, eliminating the 2007 champs and giving the Riverhounds only their second ever win over an MLS side in the competition, some 22 years after their first over Colorado.

The Riverhounds controlled much of the play in the first half and had the only three shots on goal in the match. After the Revs, who have lost just once in 11 MLS regular season matches in 2023, could get little going after the intermission, Bruce Arena called on his big guns in the 63rd minute, making a quadruple substitution, including star Carles Gil. But although New England put some pressure on in the final minutes, the Revs recorded just one shot on goal, a relatively tame effort from Giacomo Vrioni in the 73rd minute.

Griffin, who grew up in Revs country (Wethersfield, Conn.), was just re-signed last week by Pittsburgh from Huntsville City FC. The Riverhounds, who have won just twice in nine USL Championship outings this season, went on the quarterfinals of the Open Cup in 2001 before losing in extra time to Chicago, their deepest Cup run to date.

The match marked Jozy Altidore’s first USOC match since his professional debut for Red Bull New York on August 23, 2006, a quarterfinal loss to DC United (he also played for Arena in that match). Altidore went 90 minutes and had a few chances, but never got a shot on goal.

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New York Red Bulls (MLS)
1:0
D.C. United (MLS)

By Michael Battista

The New York Red Bulls beat DC United, 1-0, at MSU Soccer Park to reach the Round of 16. Omir Fernández scored the game’s lone goal.

For New York the match is hopefully a jolt in the right direction. After only winning one match in eleven games this season, the Major League Soccer side mutually parted ways with three year head coach Gerhard Struber. New head coach Troy Lesesne, best known for his run to the 2019 Open Cup Quarterfinals with New Mexico United, won his Red Bulls debut.

Despite being without eight players, New York dominated the game. DC United was held to only five shots (0 on target) behind an excellent defensive front. Despite not being challenged, keeper Ryan Meara earned the clean sheet (his team leading seventh in USOC play).

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Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
2:1
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)

By Jordan Beech

For the first time since 2018, Chicago Fire FC are headed to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup. The Fire, in interim manager Frank Klopas’ first match in charge, dispatched St. Louis CITY SC, 2-1, at SeatGeek Stadium on Tuesday night.

Maren Haile-Salassie opened the scoring for Chicago in just the third minute of play after getting on the end of a long headed pass from Mauricio Pineda. The Fire then doubled their advantage through second-half sub Fabian Herbers match-winner in the 75th minute off an assist from Brian Gutierrez. St. Louis clawed one back in the third minute of second-half stoppage time thanks to a header by Miguel Perez from Eduard Lowen’s service from a corner kick.

The win marks just the first time in 10 years that the Fire have won their opening two rounds of the Open Cup in regulation. The club moves the Fire to a sterling 28-1-3 all-time in home Cup matches thanks to Tuesday night’s triumph.

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Minnesota United FC (MLS)
3:3
Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Minnesota advances, 7-6 in penalty kicks

By Tyler Crane

If you were looking for Open Cup drama Tuesday night, Minnesota United and Philadelphia Union came to deliver. After three goals from each side over the course of regulation and extra time it would ultimately be Minnesota United who came out on top after penalty kicks to advance to the Round of 16.

The entirety of the first 45 minutes of play saw both sides struggling to establish control with a momentum shift back and forth regularly. The Loons and the Union found opportunities more often than not, but failed to deliver any true danger until the second half.

Things began to heat up after the 63rd minute when Minnesota subbed on Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Just 5 minutes later D.J Taylor, working in from the left side of the attack, sent the ball into the box, finding Hlongwane who delivered a solid header into the back of the net. Hlongwane wasn’t finished yet as he found himself working through several Union defenders in the box before laying a pass off to Joseph Rosales at the top of the box. Rosales didn’t hesitate to take his shot and put Minnesota up 2-0 on the visitors.

Minnesota’s lead wouldn’t hold for long, though. In the 78th minute a failed clearance by the Loon’s would find its way to Chris Donovan who quickly broke through the defense to close the scoring gap with a goal. A reinvigorated Philadelphia side began to put the pressure on and was rewarded in the last few seconds of stoppage time with a Kai Wagner equalizer, sending the game into extra time.

Minnesota found themselves back in the lead after a Rosales goal, seeming to close out the match. Though, fate would see Philadelphia earn a free kick just outside of the box leading to another late equalizer by Wagner just before time expired. The outcome of the game was finally decided by penalty kicks with the Loons ultimately prevailing, 7-6.

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Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
2:2
Los Angeles FC (MLS)
LAFC advances, 5-4 on penalty kicks

By Josh Taylor

It was a packed house at Cardinale Stadium but LAFC had to go penalty kicks to put away Monterey Bay FC and avoid a cupset.

Christian Torres scored the first goal of the match in the 25th minute to put LAFC ahead. LAFC was in control but late into the 90th minute Simon Dawkins scored from outside the box with a nice assist from Christian Volesky to get the equalizer and send this match into extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Jesse Maldonado put Monterrey Bay in front to take a 2-1 lead in the 95th minute. However in the 105th minute, Matheus Maia buried his shot to get the equalizer to tie the match 2-2 just before the end of the first half of extra time for LAFC. We had no goals in the second half of extra time so the match went to penalty kicks.

Both teams made their penalty kicks in the first two rounds. Monterey Bay’s Sean Okoli shot was saved by LAFC goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic in Round 4. Jakupovic would score in the next round of PKs with a top left corner shot to put LAFC in front 4-3. Chase Andrew Boone would score for Monterey Bay to tie it at 4-4 and we go to sudden death after five rounds. LAFC’s Diego Rosales would convert his penalty kick for LAFC but Monterey Bay’s Mobi Fehr shot was saved and LAFC won 5-4 on penalties and advanced to the Round of 16. 

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Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
2:4
Colorado Rapids (MLS)

By Tyler Pilgrim

USL Championship-side Sacramento Republic played host to the Colorado Rapids Tuesday night as last year’s runner-up looked to keep their recent unbeaten streak alive. It would be the visitors, however, that would get off on the front foot in the fourth minute off a Jonathan Lewis goal. A sloppy bit of defending, which could partially be blamed on the slippery pitch, allowed Lewis an early, wide-open chance from the middle of the box that he easily buried. Sacramento did well to create opportunities from that point, but Colorado struck again in the 15th minute off a corner by Alex Gersbach that Michael Edwards expertly headed on goal.

The game entered a back-and-forth state for most of the first half until the home side found their opener in the 42nd minute from a Sebastian Herrera header delivered by Keko. It would then be Herrera that found the equalizer early in the second half to draw the game even at 2-2, with Jack Gurr laying another beautiful ball into the box for him to pounce on. Colorado would immediately respond three minutes later with a Michael Barrios screamer off the bar which was then tapped in by second-half sub Sam Nicholson.

Sam Wiedt of Sacramento Republic would then receive two yellows within 90 seconds to leave the team with 10 men on the pitch and 30 minutes to go. They continued to stay on the front foot, though, until a well-worked Colorado counter saw Brian Galvin deliver a long cross to Michael Barrios, who headed it home to make it 4-2. The Republic fought hard for the final few moments but they couldn’t overcome the deficit, allowing Colorado into the Round of 16 to break their “Curse of the Rhinos”. It was the first time that the Rapids had won multiple games in a US Open Cup tournament since they lost the 1999 US Open Cup Final to the Rochester Raging Rhinos. It also snapped a seven-game road losing streak. 

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
1:0
New York City FC (MLS)

By Craig Tower

It was a historic night for FC Cincinnati as they won for the first time in any competition against NYCFC and advanced for the first time (as an MLS franchise) to the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. While neither team dominated play in the midfield, FC Cincinnati had the better of the chances with five shots on goal. NYCFC recorded their only shot on goal and that occurred in the 79th minute.

The only goal came off a corner kick in the 58th minute, Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez lost his marker and tipped the ball to the far post past NYCFC keeper Matt Freese. NYFC’s best chance came over 20 minutes later when James Sands pounded a point-blank header into the arms of FCC’s Alec Cann.

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Loudoun United (USL-C)
1:5
Columbus Crew (MLS)

By Abram Heredia

After having succeeded in a convincing 5-0 victory against Flower City Union in the previous round, Loudoun got a taste of their own medicine as they were pelted 5-1 at home by the Columbus Crew. The tall task of facing the first MLS side in their history proved too difficult even in front of their home fans at Segra Field. That task was made even more difficult when Loudoun was forced to play with 10 men for nearly 80 minutes. Columbus however, will be happily traveling back home after successfully moving on to the next round as well as giving valuable minutes to some of their youngsters.

It became clear early on that this would be a difficult game for Loudoun United when they conceded in the sixth minute to Yaw Yeboah and it only became increasingly more difficult as play went on. Following a straight red card to Gaoussou Samake in the 10th minute, the Crew were able to score another four before the end of the half, averaging a goal every 7.2 minutes. Though Columbus would fail to score for the remainder of the match they did enjoy 68% of possession and continued to pepper their opposition with shots. The only consolation Loudoun will be able to take from this match is their first goal against a MLS team which came via a penalty in the 86th minute which Khalil ElMedkhar tucked away to ruin the clean sheet.

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Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3:0
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)

By Chuck Carlson

Birmingham Legion FC became the first Alabama team in the history of the tournament to reach the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as they sent fellow USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC packing with a comfortable 3-0 home win at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala.

In the first ten minutes, Memphis, who had been the more in-form team, were on the front foot, and dominated the Legion. But in the 19th minute, Birmingham was awarded a free kick. Tyler Pasher, who had been the engine driving Birmingham’s resurgence, passed a short corner to Enzo Martinez. Martinez whipped in a low cross, which Open Cup veteran Juan Agudelo met with his right foot, and he smashed the ball off both posts before it crossed the line and ended up in the net.

Nineteen minutes later, it was again Pasher, as he drove through the Memphis defensive line, and hit a 25-yard left footed drive. Memphis keeper Bill Hamid could only parry the shot on to the right foot of an on-rushing Enzo Martinez, who deftly cut to his left, took another dribble, and beat Hamid low at the inside post. This second goal clearly took the heart out of Memphis, and they were lucky to get into half only down by 2.

The second half started where the first half ended, with Birmingham firmly in control of the game. In the 64th minute, Legion put the game to bed. Birmingham forward, Prosper Kasim slipped as he attempted to control the ball at the top of the box, but it fell to an overlapping Tyler Pasher, who took the ball on his left, cut to the right, and curled the ball around Hamid and inside the post to put Legion up 3-0. The home side would maintain that scoreline until the final whistle.

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Houston Dynamo (MLS)
1:0
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

By Rich Flemings

Despite playing down a man for almost an hour, Houston Dynamo rode a 12th-minute goal from Thor Úlfarsson to victory over Sporting Kansas City.  The visitors, and four-time US Open Cup champions, finished the match with 17 total shots, compared to Houston’s two, but were unable to capitalize on the advantage served in the first half.  For the third straight appearance in the US Open Cup, Houston Dynamo has advanced to the Round of 16. 

Sporting Kansas City looked to threaten early in the match and almost took an early lead. In the 2nd minute, Gadi Kinda received a pass from Stephen Afrifa and couldn’t finish the opportunity, sending the shot wide of the goal. Minutes later, when Sporting Kansas City was on the attack, Afrifa had an opportunity that was sent over the crossbar.  With spells of open play following these chances, the visitors wouldn’t see a quality chance until the 20th minute, when Chris Rindov couldn’t direct a cross from Kinda on frame.  Try as they might, Sporting Kansas City couldn’t tip the scales any further in their favor and left Shell Energy Stadium empty handed.

Houston took the early lead when Thor Úlfarsson jumped on a loose ball, directed the ball back to the middle, and set himself up for a beautiful left-footed shot to the bottom right corner.  Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp was able to get horizontal, but couldn’t react quickly enough to parry the ball away from goal.  The goal was Úlfarsson’s first of the season across all competitions. With the victory, Houston looks to break their current streak of exiting the tournament in the Round of 16.  The last time Houston was able to advance to the Quarterfinals was in 2018, when the Dynamo won the Cup. This was the sixth meeting between the two sides in the last seven tournaments, which is one of the most common matchups in the Modern Era. With the win, Houston evens the series at 3-3. 

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Nashville SC (MLS)
2:0
FC Dallas (MLS)

By Jordan Beech

For the second time in as many seasons, Nashville SC has punched their ticket to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Playing host to FC Dallas, Nashville secured a 2-0 triumph.

Though the offense was lacking in the first half, the second provided plenty of action. Fafa Picault drew first blood in the 63rd minute, firing home a low effort off Taylor Washington’s service. Alex Muyl doubled the advantage in the 76th minute off an assist from Brian Anunga. Though they were outshot by Dallas, 7-4, the Nashville defense only allowed one shot on goal.

With the win, Nashville maintains an unbeaten home record of 7-0-1 at home in the Open Cup in club history. 

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Austin FC (MLS)
2:0
New Mexico United (USL-C)

By Seth Biddulph

Any hope that New Mexico United to become giant killers once again in the US Open Cup were quickly extinguished by Austin FC. The MLS team thoroughly dominated the USL Championship side 2-0 in front of their home fans in Austin.

United lacked any sort consistency in their play throughout the first half and multiple giveaways in their own half opened up chances for Austin to jump ahead early. In the 24th minute, the first corner of the night for either side was for the hosts and Emiliano Rigoni sent the ball into the area where Rodney Redes was able to flick the ball into the side netting for the 1-0 lead. Twelve minutes later, Max Urruti doubled the lead. Taking a cross from Adam Lundkvist on his right foot, Urruti slotted home to the center of the net extending the lead to 2-0.

With the win Austin FC advances to the Round of 16 for the first time in the club’s brief history

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LA Galaxy (MLS)
3:1
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

By Jim Coppock

At Dignity Health Sport Park, the LA Galaxy hosted league rivals Seattle Sounders in the round of 32. The crowd of 8,412 saw the home side beat the four-time Open Cup champions, 3-1.

The game kicked-off with LA in the driver’s seat. LA’s Julian Aude found a rebound from a corner kick in the 3rd minute, blasting a rocket to the upper left corner to open the scoring. At the 2:10 mark, it was the fastest US Open Cup goal in team history. LA’s Lucas Calegari nearly doubled the lead in the 29th with a 35-yard blast that went just wide. Fredy Montero and Dylan Teves had great looks for Seattle. Montero’s effort required a save, via Lucas Calegari’s knee, off the goal line only minutes after LA took the lead. Despite the slow start, Seattle seemed to have the more dangerous chances through the first half, though none were converted.

The second half started at a much faster pace for both sides. After trading dangerous chances for 15 minutes, Memo Rodriguez extended the lead in the 66th for the Galaxy, just two minutes after entering the game and with his first touch of the ball. Seattle’s Paul Rothrock quickly pulled a goal back on a diving header from an Ethan Dobbelaere cross in the 68th minute. The two goals were just 96 seconds apart. The final nail in the coffin, however, was Memo’s second goal of the night (the sixth of his career) in the 84th minute. With the victory (their 36th all-time), the Galaxy has qualified for the Round of 16.

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Portland Timbers (MLS)
3:4
Real Salt Lake (MLS)

By Jeremiah Braeback

Real Salt Lake punched their ticket to the 2023 US Open Cup Round of 16, defeating the Portland Timbers 4-3 in a goal fest at Providence Park on Wednesday.

The Timbers struck quickly, as Sebastian Blanco quickly capitalized on some early pressure, nutmegging Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Gavin Beavers to put the Timbers up 1-0 in the 4th minute.

The sides would trade chances over the next 25 minutes, including a penalty call in the 25th minute for the Timbers, which would be overruled following a meeting between referee Victor Rivas and the nearside assistant referee. Not five minutes later, Real leveled the match, as Daniel Musovski took advantage of a failed Timbers clearance to level the match at 1-1. RSL would take the lead 11 minutes later as Andres Gomez hit an incredible goal from outside the box to the top corner, giving them the 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

Following the break, the Timbers came out firing, scoring twice in seven minutes to take the lead 3-2, as Justin Rasmussen hit a rocket from the top of the box in the 49th minute, followed by second half substitute Jarozlaw Niezgoda hitting the back of the net in the 52nd.  The lead was short-lived, as Mikael Chang quickly responded to level the match in the 55th minute and take the lead in the 59th minute as he caught the Timbers’ defense napping.

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On paper, the first night of the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup followed the script. All of the higher division clubs held serve in the first eight games of the round, with the exception of one. Monterey Bay FC (USL Championship) pulled off the lone upset with a 1-0 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes. .

On Wednesday, there were 16 more games on the schedule. Most of them went to plan with the exception of Memphis 901 FC knocking off Atlanta United FC. 

Twelve of those 16 games feature Major League Soccer teams playing against lower division clubs. Tulsa Athletic took home the prize money for Open Division (amateur) clubs, winning a tiebreaker with Chicago House AC. The game of the tournament so far might be the Seattle Sounders’ 5-4 win over San Diego Loyal. 

Below, you will find a brief summary of every Round 3 game. Links to the full match reports will be added as the articles are published. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
1:0
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
After Extra Time 

By Josh Hakala

It took about 112 minutes, but the deadlock was finally broken between the Charleston Battery and the Charlotte Independence. Nick Markanich gave the hometown Battery a 1-0 lead in the 112th minute. Chris Allan made a run down the left wing, crossed the ball to Markanich, who popped the ball up and volleyed it past the goalkeeper from close range. The Battery defense would hold on to preserve the clean sheet. It was the first win by Charleston in extra time since 2007.

For the Battery, it was the club’s 36th all-time win in the tournament, which ties the Seattle Sounders FC and FC Dallas for third-most in the Modern Era.  

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Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
2:0
Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA)

By Rich Flemings

It was déjà vu at Highmark Stadium, as fans witnessed another US Open Cup match between Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Maryland Bobcats finish 2-0 in favor of the home side. This time, however, both goals were scored in the last ten minutes, as Edward Kizza opened the scoring in the 81st minute and Burke Fahling followed up with a 90th-minute goal. The Riverhounds kept the Bobcats on their heels, barraging their defense with 22 total shots, compared to Maryland’s six. Only four of Pittsburgh’s shots were outside the box and they often connected on accurate crosses from the flanks, winning 65% of their aerial duels.

After automatically advancing to the Third Round as a result of Rochester New York permanently closing their doors, Pittsburgh proved their presence in the tournament is deserved.  The Riverhounds advance to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup for the first time since 2019 and the fifth time in club history. The club will learn their next opponent in Thursday’s Fourth Round draw.

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Charlotte FC (MLS)
4:1
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)

By Josh Hakala

An early goal set the tone for Charlotte FC, but it was the three goals in the second half that broke it open in a 4-1 home win over South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One). It was the first US Open Cup home game for the second-year MLS side. And they won their second straight tournament opener on the strength of four different goalscorers. Kamil Jozwiak opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but didn’t pick up a second until after halftime when Enzo Copetti doubled the lead in the 55th minute. After a nice 1-2 passing combo by Brandon Cambridge on the right side of the box, Cambridge sent a low-driving pass to the front of goal where Copetti buried it from close range.

Ten minutes later, Derrick Jones’ low shot from outside the penalty area made it 3-0. And just when Tormenta seemed poised to stage a comeback with a long-range goal by Matheus Cassini in the 83rd minute, Karol Swiderski answered right back less than a minute later with a low shot at the top of the ‘D’ to give Charlotte a 4-1 lead.

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Detroit City FC (USL-C)
1:3
Minnesota United FC (MLS)

By George Diamond

It only took Detroit City five minutes to open the scoring at Keyworth Stadium. DCFC Center back Amoo-Mensah carried the ball into Minnesota’s third and set up Yazeed Mathews. The striker finished his chance off the post. 

Halftime saw the score unchanged despite several chances for both teams. Detroit started brightly but the Loons’ players, who were largely composed of backups, grew into the game.

Although Detroit’s Goalie Nate Steinwascher saved a certain goal from a Kevin Arriaga volley, Minnesota found the leveler through Fragapane after a nifty passing sequence in the 60th minute.

Shortly after, in the 63rd minute, the Loons got the lead from a deflected Iwe strike which lifted over Steinwascher and into the back of the net. In the 66th minute, Luis Amarilla forced the third Minnesota goal in, off a Detroit defender. The Loons scored three goals in six minutes and completely flipped the script on their USL Championship opponents.

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New England Revolution (MLS)
2:1
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech 

A 76th-minute goal proved the difference as New England Revolution dispatched a game Hartford Athletic, 2-1, in the Third Round on Tuesday night. Dave Romney connected with Carles Gil for the match-winner.

The Revolution quickly got on the board to open the match thanks to Justin Rinnicks nodding home a goal in the 13th minute off an assist from Damián Rivera. Antoine Hoppenot leveled the contest in the 52nd minute before Romney sealed the victory for the hosts.

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St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
5:1
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Rich Flemings

St. Louis CITY caught the Open Cup magic, decisively dispatching Union Omaha 5-1.  CITYPARK was the place to be on Tuesday night, as over 24,423 fans filled the stadium and set a record for Third Round attendance (10th largest crowd in tournament history).  Fans didn’t have to wait long after the opening whistle to get a taste of what was to come, as Aziel Jackson scored a goal in the third minute of play. Célio Pompeu had an impact on every single St. Louis goal tonight: 3 assists, fed the ball that was deflected in as an own goal, and then had his thru-pass deflected into the path of designated player Eduard Löwen, who scored soon after being subbed into the match.

The home team was relentless in their attack, finishing the match with 17 shots inside of Union Omaha’s penalty area. The Owls tried to stretch St. Louis, converting 45 accurate long balls, but St. Louis’ defense steadied their nerves and acted swiftly to counter the attempts against them.  Another big contributor to success from the home side was their ability to dominate the flanks. With Union Omaha’s shape, the sidelines were often left unattended and St. Louis took full advantage of the opportunity. In their first appearance in the US Open Cup as an MLS club, St. Louis CITY advanced to the Fourth Round and fans will have another chance at selling out their home stadium.

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Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
3:0
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)

By Michael Battista

Sporting Kansas City equaled their in-season goal total against amateurs Tulsa Athletic on Tuesday night. The Major League Soccer side dominated in possession and fully broke through in the second half to advance, 3-0.

Nearly 10,000 fans at Children’s Mercy Park, including a bus traveling contingent front Tulsa, saw the MLS side outpace the National Premier Soccer League side. However, the amateurs got a break in the 16th minute when Jordan Watson was taken down in the box by SKC keeper John Pulskamp. The following PK attempt by Christopher Taylor was saved by Pulskamp and was one of Tulsa’s two shots on target all game.

Dániel Sallói got the four-time Open Cup champions on the board in the 32nd minute. His takeaway from a Tulsa player allowed him to cut into the middle and shoot from far out, getting past Athletic keeper Bryson Reed. To use a hockey term, the amateurs played the rest of the match as if they were trying to kill a power play. They rarely possessed and hoped the defense and keeper could hold up against the division 1 side. Former Mexican national team player Alan Pulido put the dagger into the match in the 54th minute with his team’s second goal. A third from Marinos Tzionis in the 68th was one of SKCs 39 total shots compared to Tulsa’s four.

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Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
1:0
San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

By William Hodges

Monterey Bay FC capitalized on a botched back pass in the 26th minute by Earthquakes defender Antonio Josenildo Rodrigues De Oliveria. Forward Christian Volesky quickly pounced on the mistake and his right-footed shot made it just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Brito to give the home side a 1-0 lead and send Cardinale Stadium into a frenzy.

Despite a number of second half substitutions from the Earthquakes to bring on starters, their inability to finish in the final third was a problem throughout the match. Additionally, standout performances by the Monterey Bay backline and goalkeeper Gerold Siaha Ngnepi were major factors in the 1-0 Monterey win.

San Jose Earthquakes bow out of the Open Cup for the second consecutive year to a lower division team (Sacramento Republic FC in 2022). Monterey advances to the round of 32, and with it, delivers the first Cupset of the Third Round.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
1:0
Louisville City FC (USL-C)

By: Phil Naegely

FC Cincinnati advanced to the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup over Louisville City FC behind Arquimides Ordonez’s late game-winner. The 85th minute goal sealed the 1-0 victory for the hosts as Alvaro Barreal set up his teammate’s close range shot that found the back of the net.

The hosts almost doubled their lead in the waning moments, but Louisville City’s keeper collected Luciano Acosta’s right-footed shot from right outside the box.

Despite holding a 15-7 shots advantage, Louisville City failed to find a goal. The USL Championship side threatened throughout the first half, forcing Cincy goalie Alec Kann to dive and punch away the ball on multiple occasions.  

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Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
5:0
Flower City Union (NISA)

By: Rich Flemings

Loudoun United scored three goals in the first half and never looked back, eventually defeating Flower City Union 5-0 at home.  Loudoun’s forward Tommy Williamson had a first-half brace and Kalil ElMedkhar added a goal and an assist to the evening, as well.  While the possession battle was nearly split evenly, the home side carried every offensive statistical category, including 23 total shots, 15 shots inside the box, and 89% accurate passing.

Flower City was making their second-ever appearance in the Open Cup and bettered their 2022 appearance by advancing one extra round.  In an ill twist of fate, Flower City Union’s Open Cup run in 2022 came at the hands of MLS Club DC United. Their 2023 run ends at the hands of Loudoun United, who have a minority owner in DC United. Loudoun United is making the most out of their first-ever appearance in the Open Cup by advancing to the Fourth Round of the tournament. 

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Atlanta United FC (MLS)
1:2
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)

By Jon Sicotte 

Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia is usually a home away from home for the Atlanta United. But a late penalty kick in stoppage time by Phillip Goodrum, followed up with an extra time goal from Memphis 901 FC’s Nighte Pickering in the 100th minute gave the USL-Championship side a 2-1 extra time victory against the host MLS squad on Wednesday in the Third Round.

In the fifth minute of six minutes of stoppage time with Atlanta clinging to a 1-0 lead, Juan José Purata took down Goodrum in the box to set up a penalty kick. Goodrum, a former Atlanta United 2 protégé, swifty drilled the ball past Atlanta keeper Clément Diop to knot the game at 1-1.

In extra time, a turnover in by Atlanta gave the ball to Memphis’ Luiz Fernando who drove the ball down the right side and volleyed it to Pickering who shot the ball in mid-air, slamming the shot home to take a 2-1 lead in the 100th minute.

The Five Stripes went into the match with a 8-0-0 record in Kennesaw, including five of those coming during Open Cup play.

Making his first start of the season, Atlanta’s Tyler Wolff found the back of the net in the third minute to get things started. Wolff received a long pass from Luiz Araújo — the lone typical starter for Atlanta’s XI — who swung it deep from midfield toward the front of the 18-yard box. Wolff received the pass cleanly and slotted it with his left foot past Memphis keeper Bill Hamid’s outstretched left hand. It ended up being the only shot on goal for United in the entire match.

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Columbus Crew (MLS)
1:0
Indy Eleven (USL-C)

By Jason Herbert 

The Columbus Crew hosted Indy Eleven Wednesday evening at Lower.com field in the Third Round of the 108th US Open Cup. Although Wilfried Nancy rested playmaker Lucas Zelarayn, Columbus fielded a pretty strong side that included Darlington Nagbe, Jacen Russell-Rowe and the return of Cucho Hernandez who had been out for a prolonged period due to injury. Throughout the first half the Crew were able to create a handful of great chances on goal but things were scoreless at halftime due in large part to Indy Eleven’s Yannik Oettl, who thwarted the Crew’s efforts time and time again.

Indy Eleven would hold strong throughout much of the second half even as Nancy made significant substitutions to change the Columbus attack including regulars Aidan Morris and Alex Matan. One such substitute, Mo Farsi, would come up big for the Crew and finally break through as Steven Moreira slipped a pass through the Indy Eleven defense that Farsi would slot home in the 83rd minute. Evan Bush, who tallied two saves on the night, was forced into action in the 90th minute as he made a diving save to preserve the scoreline for Columbus.

In a match that saw the Crew earn 17 corner kicks, create 21 shots (eight on goal) and have a 65/35 advantage in possession, they will nonetheless take the 1-0 win as they avenge last year’s early exit and move on to the next round of the US Open Cup.

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D.C. United (MLS)
1:0
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

D.C. United scraped out a hard-fought win against the Richmond Kickers to advance to the Round of 32. Yamil Asad scored the lone goal of the match in the 51st minute, converting from the spot to send United through. Alex Bono earned the clean sheet for United. 

For United, the win marks the second-straight year they’ve dispatched a third-division opponent to advance to the Round of 32. The three-time winners of the Open Cup are now 11-2-1 all-time against the third division in tournament play. This also marked the seventh all-time meeting between United and Richmond in Open Cup play, the second-longest rivalry in the competition’s Modern Era (1995-present).

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Miami FC (USL-C)
2:2
Inter Miami CF (MLS)
Inter Miami CF advances, 5-3 in PK shootout

By Josh Hakala

For the second year in a row, Inter Miami CF kicked off their US Open Cup run against Miami FC at Florida International University. And for the second year in a row, Inter Miami eliminated the USL Championship side. This year, they needed a penalty kick shootout to do it. It looked like Miami FC might avenge their 1-0 loss from last year. A goal in the 2nd minute by Miami FC’s Christian Sorto held up for 87 minutes, but Shanyder Borgeli’s scored off a cross from the right wing by Jean Mota in the 89th minute. Then, when DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami put the ball in his own net in the 116th minute, it appeared as though Miami FC would be advancing. But once again, Inter Miami tied the game up late as Ryan Sailor scored two minutes later on a header from a cross from the left wing.

After both teams scored on their first three attempts, Jean Mota converted his attempt in the 4th frame for Inter Miami. Ryan Telfer missed his attempt in the bottom half of the frame, which left it up to Kamal Miller. He scored to give the MLS side a 5-3 shootout win.  

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
0:1
Houston Dynamo (MLS)

By Josh Hakala

The Houston Dynamo won their opening game in the US Open Cup for the ninth year in a row with a 1-0 road win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The difference in the game was a goal from Houston’s 18-year-old homegrown signing Brooklyn Raines in the 44th minute. The Liberian-born midfielder scored on the counterattack when he received a pass from Corey Baird just before halftime. Goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell kept the clean sheet for the Dynamo.

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Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
1:1
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
Birmingham advances, 4-3 in PK shootout

By Josh Hakala

Birmingham Legion took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a goal from Kasim Prosper in the 31st minute. It would take a little more than 30 minutes for Chattanooga to find an equalizer. Markus Naglestad would convert a penalty kick in the 68th minute. The match would have to be decided by a penalty kick shootout. Each team converted their first attempts, but in the second frame Richard Dixon (Chattanooga FC) missed his attempt and Juan Agudelo had his shot saved. After trading goals for the next two frames, Leonel Alvarenga (Chattanooga FC) had his attempt saved and combined with Enco Martinez’s goal that followed, Birmingham are moving on to Round 4. 

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Chicago Fire (MLS)
3:0
Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest PL)

By Eric Casey

Midwest Premier League side Chicago House AC took on the Chicago Fire Wednesday, but they were unable to pull off the upset against the MLS club that House AC President Peter Wilt once managed. Wilt won four US Open Cup titles as the Fire’s general manager from 1998-2006. The Fire won the game 3-0 to snap a three-game winless streak in the tournament.  

The first 25 minutes saw a handful of attacking chances for the Fire as they largely controlled possession. They eventually broke through in the 26th minute when striker Kacper Przybyłko calmly finished a cross from Federico Navarro, and the Fire would find the goal again just 11 minutes later when defender Kendall Burks headed in a corner from Alonso Aceves. They continued to apply pressure as the first half wore on, attempting 12 shots with three on target, compared to just a single shot attempt from House AC. 

The beginning of the second half saw much of the same; by the 65th minute, the Fire had attempted 19 shots, with House AC goalkeeper Anthony Halterman making several acrobatic saves to prevent the game from getting even more out of hand. House’s substitutions and tactical changes failed to make a difference, and Burks scored again for the Fire’s final goal in the 70th minute to make it 3-0, with fellow defender Wyatt Omsberg picking up the assist.  

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Nashville SC (MLS)
1:0
San Antonio FC (USL-C)

By Josh Hakala

Nashville SC defeated San Antonio FC 1-0 to advance to the Fourth Round. Ethan Zubak scored the lone goal of the game in the 71st minute to keep Nashville undefeated all-time at home in US Open Cup play. For Zubak, it was the second tournament in a row where he scored a goal. Last year, he scored the game-winner in extra time in a 3-2 win over Atlanta United. Elliot Panico made five saves in goal for Nashville to earn the clean sheet. Dating back to the club’s 2018 debut season in the USL, Nashville is 6-0-1 at home. The only blemish on their home record is a 2019 Third Round draw against the Charleston Battery when they lost in a penalty kick shootout.  

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Colorado Rapids (MLS)
3:1
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Jonathan Lewis delivered a Man of the Match performance as the Colorado Rapids claimed a victory over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the inaugural Platte River Derby. It’s the first time since 2017 that the Rapids have managed to advance past their debut match in the tournament.

It didn’t take long for Lewis to make his mark on the match, firing a low strike from distance into the bottom corner in just the fifth minute of play. He’d score again on a nifty bit of build up play with Max in the 55th minute before assisting on Max’s goal in the 65th minute.

Jackson Dietrich scored the lone goal for the Hailstorm, connecting on a diving header at the back post from Bruno Rendon’s service.

The Rapids will find out their Round of 32 opponent on Thursday afternoon. A win in the next round would mark the club’s return to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2017.

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New Mexico United (USL-C)
2:1
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Emotions ran hot as New Mexico United claimed a measure of revenge in a 2-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC that mirrored last season’s Third Round matchup. William Hale handed out nine cards, including a straight red to Phoenix’s Baboucarr Njie in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.

Greg Hurst, who scored the winner for PRFC in last season’s Open Cup meeting, put his new side up 1-0 just before halftime. Events got chippy from there, with seven of the matches’ nine cards shown between the 45th minute and seventh minute of stoppage time.

Though Carlos Harvey pulled Phoenix level in the 77th minute, it was Josh Dolling that put the finishing touches on the match. He fired home an unassisted goal in the 87th minute to see NMU through to the Round of 32.

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Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
1:3
Real Salt Lake (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Jon Sicotte 

Damir Kreilach’s corner kick goal late in the first half of extra time seem to be enough for Real Salt Lake to eke out a Third Round US Open Cup victory, but the Las Vegas Lights’ Luke Stauffer had something to say in that with an equalizer minutes later. 

Yet, Kreilach completed a brace with a goal in the 115th minute of extra time while Danny Musovski put the final nail in the coffin five minutes later to help RSL advance with a 3-1 AET win and snap a seven-match Cup winless streak on Wednesday.

The win for the MLS side also snapped a 7-match winless streak in Open Cup play, the longest such streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). It also marks the first time in six attempts that RSL has won a road game in Open Cup play 

The teams played level to a 0-0 draw through regulation time with both squads finding the framework at least twice despite no score. The match was the first time the USL Championship Lights had the opportunity to host a MLS club at Cashman Field in the team’s history.

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Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
1:0
Oakland Roots SC (USL-C)

By William Hodges

Following an uneventful 45 minutes, Sacramento Republic FC broke through in the 49th minute after forward Russell Cicerone laid it off just outside the 18-yard box to midfielder Nick Ross who stepped into space and slotted it home to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.

Collectively, there were only three chances on goal all evening. The match would end 1-0, which was a bit of a surprise given how hotly contested their matches typically are.

With the win, Republic FC, last year’s runner-up, advance to the Round of 32, while Oakland bows out of the tournament. 

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Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
5:4
San Diego Loyal (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Mathias Medel

In what many will consider the match of the round, Seattle Sounders FC bested San Diego Loyal SC 5-4 after an exhilarating 120 minutes of soccer. The MLS side lined up mainly with reserve players saw a had a two-goal lead twice and San Diego still managed to battle back on the strength of a pair of goals from Joe Corona. San Diego would find a way to to send the game into extra time with a stoppage time missile by Kyle Adams.

It took Seattle just 10 minutes to find the lead again, this time through defender Reed Baker-Whiting’s beautiful shot into the top right corner from just outside the 18-yard box. With just four minutes left in extra time, San Diego Loyal found another miracle, this time in Jackson Simba’s header off of an assist from Corona. Simba had been on the field just seconds prior to his goal. In stoppage time of the second half of extra time, San Diego’s hero committed a foul in his own box, which forced the referee to point to the spot. Fredy Montero converted his second goal of the game, and the 10th of his career to give the Sounders a 5-4 win. 

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Portland Timbers (MLS)
3:1
Orange County SC (USL-C)

By Wendy Pintor 

Taking a midweek rest from their regular-season schedule, the Portland Timbers hosted USL side Orange County SC on Wednesday in the Third Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Portland would take the win, 3-1. Marvin Loria scored the first goal in the 37th minute opening up the game for both teams after a nervous start on the pitch. Then Tyler Clegg added to his debut by scoring in the 48th minute with a header in the box out beating the defense. Six minutes later, Orange County cut the lead in half with a goal from Milan Iloski. The Timbers put the game away in second half stoppage time with a goal from Jaroslaw Niezgoda.

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The Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the second-largest round of the Modern Era with 30 games on the schedule. One game was forfeited, leaving 29 games this week. Once the dust had settled on Thursday night’s action, there were 28 games in the book. Forward Madison’s match against Chicago House AC was moved to April 11, with Chicago House pulling off the upset. While Tuesday didn’t see a single upset with nine of the 10 home teams advancing, Wednesday’s 17 games were a little more unpredictable. The Sacramento Republic, last year’s runner-up, survived a nine-goal thriller with an amateur side, Tulsa Athletic picked up their first win over a professional team against FC Tulsa, and six games went into extra time, including one of them decided on the final kick of the game. Thursday’s lightning-delayed match between the Richmond Kickers and Cleveland SC seemed like a one-sided game but Cleveland scored a pair of late goals to make it interesting. 

We’re already on prize money watch as Chicago House AC and Tulsa Athletic are the last two remaining teams in play for the $25,000 prize money as the last remaining amateur side. 

The draw for the Third Round took place on Thursday with 24 games scheduled for the week of April 24-25. Click here for the full schedule. 

Scroll down for a brief summary of all 29 Second Round games with links to a full game recap. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
3:0
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Elvis Amoh was a dominant force on the night, powering Hartford Athletic to a 3-0 triumph over Lansdowne Yonkers FC. Amoh drew first blood in the 27th minute of play before completing the trifecta with goals deep into the second half of action. 

The Hartford defense did its part, limiting Lansdowne to just six shots as Joe Rice picked up a clean sheet. Kyle Edwards and Jeciel Cedeño both recorded an assist on the night.

For the second time in as many years, Hartford Athletic advances to the Third Round. Hartford moves to 3-0-0 against amateur sides in cup play, as well as 3-1-0 at home. 

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Miami FC (USL-C)
3:1
Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL)

By Andrew Mosier

Miami FC’s Claudio Repetto scored a pair of goals late in the game to give a 3-1 win over the Jacksonville Armada Under-23s (NPSL). 

The Armada’s Charles Eloundou put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute.

But the lead didn’t last long though. Five minutes later, Miami FC pulled level when Ryan Telfer hammered home a Curtis Thorn corner kick. Things went from bad to worse for Armada when midfielder Luto Tom picked up a couple of bookings at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Five minutes into the second half Miami ‘s Thorn received his second yellow card of the night a few minutes for a professional foul. In the 82nd minute, Miami substitute Repetto finished from close range to give the home side the lead with less than ten minutes left. Two minutes later, Repetto put matters beyond doubt from the penalty spot. 

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One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
1:2
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Memphis 901 FC left it late, but were victorious against One Knoxville SC, 2-1, on Tuesday night on the road at Regal Soccer Stadium. A corner kick from Aaron Malloy in the 124th minute fell to the feet of Jeremy Kelly who smashed it home to the far post to break the stalemate.

Regulation wasn’t enough to establish supremacy for either One Knoxville SC or Memphis 901 FC in a Volunteer State showdown. Dylan Borczak got visiting Memphis out in front in the 38th minute, but Knoxville drew level thanks to a Ilija Ilić penalty in the 58th minute.

The win is Memphis 901’s first on the road in Open Cup action, as well as their first win against a third division side in the tournament.

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Detroit City FC (USL-C)
1:0
Gold Star Detroit (NISA)

By Jordan Beech

Yazeed Matthews’ goal proved the difference as Detroit City FC held off their crosstown neighbors Gold Star Detroit, 1-0, to earn advancement in the Third Round. Adrian Billhardt whipped in a cross that found the head of Matthews who nodded it home from the middle of the box in the 43rd minute of action. 

The contest was cagey from the outset, with Gold Star shown yellow cards twice in the first 16 minutes of play. In total, seven yellow cards were handed out between the two sides. While the teams combined for 24 shots, only four were put on frame.

The win is DCFC’s third in the club’s Open Cup history, and they are now 2-0-1 against third division opponents. This is the second year in a row that Detroit City has managed to reach the Third Round.

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Flower City Union (NISA)
3:1
Manhattan SC (USL-2)

By Andrew Mosier

Stephen Elias tallied a brace as Flower City Union (NISA) advanced to the Third Round past Manhattan SC, 3-1. Elias opened scoring in the 36th minute, then doubled the Rochester-based club’s lead six minutes later. 

Bibi Hakim Karamoko pulled the visitors back to within one in the 71st minute, before Flower City’s Alioune Diakhate extended the host’s lead to two goals again in the 82nd minute. 

This is Flower City’s second Open Cup appearance. In 2022 the club was eliminated at home in the Third Round D.C. United (MLS), 3-0.

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
2:0
Nona FC (USL-2)

Tampa Bay Rowdies cruised past USL-2 squad Nona FC 2-0 to advance to the round three. 

Jerome Williams scored from 12 yards out to put the Rowdies up 1-0 off a feed from Lucky Mkosana in the 26th minute. Mkosana’s 35-yard blast seven minutes later, the eighth of his career, put the Rowdies up 2-0. 

With the game in hand, the Rowdies played out the second half looking forward to Round 3. 

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Charleston Battery (USL-C)
4:1
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA)

By Andrew Mosier

The Charleston Battery advanced to the third round topping NISA side, Savanna Clovers FC, 4-1. 

Robbie Crawford put the home side up 1-0 in the 37th minute. Augustine Williams doubled the score in the 51st, followed by Tristan Trager in the 63rd. 

Savanna pulled one back in the 76th minute. 

A minute later, Nick Markanish scored for the Battery with his right foot to seal the victory for the hosts. It was the first Open Cup victory for the Battery since 2019.

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San Antonio FC (USL-C)
2:1
Club de Lyon (NISA)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

In a battle between a youthful San Antonio FC and an understaffed Club de Lyon, it was SAFC that emerged the winners on Tuesday night, 2-1 after extra time. San Antonio fielded a team composed largely of players from their academy system, while Club de Lyon had only 12 travel for the Second Round matchup in Texas.

Roman Holt converted from the spot in the 95th minute to put the hosts up 2-1 after a finishing regulation in a 1-1 stalemate. San Antonio then saw off sustained pressure from Club de Lyon to secure the win.

A deflected header from a free kick forced SAFC’s Carlos Mercado into a save, but Kevin Hernández was there to clean up the trash in the 61st minute. However, Club de Lyon’s lead would not last as Adrian Valencia found Dane Agustin unmarked in the middle of the box in the 79th minute to level the affair.

The win sees SAFC advance to the Third Round for the second time in a row, and fourth time overall.

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New Mexico United (USL-C)
6:0
UDA Soccer (UPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Led by a Josh Dolling hat trick, New Mexico United ran rampant en route to a 6-0 win over UDA Soccer at Rio Rancho High School. 

Four different players scored for United, and none proved more potent than Doling. He scored his first goal of the night in the 48th minute off an assist from Andres Robles, before converting from the spot in the 61st minute. Dolling then got on the end of another Robles pass in the 73rd minute for his third.

Jose Ariel Sosa, Justin Portillo and Daniel Bruce also found the back of the net, while Bruce notched an assist on Sosa’s opening goal in the second minute of play as well. United’s defense was largely untested in the contest, giving up just one shot on goal that Ford Parker controlled in order to preserve the clean sheet.

As a result of Tuesday night’s win, United has advanced to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. It is the first time NMU has advanced since the club’s inaugural season in 2019 when they reached the Quarterfinals.

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Oakland Roots (USL-C)
3:1
El Farolito (NPSL)

It was all business for the Oakland Roots as they advanced to the third round over NSPL side El Farolito 3-1. 

Johnny Rodiguez put the hosts up 1-0 in the 11th minute, followed by Wolfgang Prentice in the 16th. Prentice put the game away with his second on the night in the 24th minute. 

El Farolito did manage to pull one back right before halftime off a Ricardo Delgado Araujo penalty kick to make it 3-1. 

This is Oakland’s first Open Cup win in two appearances. In 2022 the club made a trip to the other side of the country and was eliminated by USL-1 side Greenville Triumph SC, 2-0 in Greenville.  

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
2:0
Appalachian FC (NPSL)

By David Einhorn

Khori Bennett and Clay Dimick led Charlotte Independence to a 2-0 win over Appalachian FC on Wednesday. Charlotte Independence dominated from the start as they had 17 total shots in the match. They took the lead in the first half when Khori Bennett was awarded a penalty in the 25th minute for a push in the back inside the 18. He converted the penalty with a cool finish into the left corner to give Charlotte a 1-0 halftime lead. 

In the second half, Charlotte continued to push for a second goal. It came in the 66th minute from captain Clay Dimick as he poked the ball past the Appalachian goalkeeper to cap off a quick counter attack. Charlotte wouldn’t look back as the match finished 2-0 in their favor. Bennett was named man of the match as Charlotte advances in the tournament for the first time since 2017.

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Indy Eleven (USL-C)
3:1
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
After Extra Time

By Josh Taylor

After inclement weather delayed kickoff for about an hour, Indy Eleven faced the Michigan Stars FC at Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium in Indianapolis. Late into first half stoppage time, Indy Eleven gave up a penalty kick to the Stars. Nebojsa Popovic buried his penalty kick from the spot to put the Stars ahead 1-0 going into halftime. 

In the second half, Indy Eleven got the equalizer in the 59th minute with a goal from Harrison Robledo with Solomon Asante adding the assist to tie the match 1-1. Both sides kept pushing throughout the second half for a game winner, but after 90 minutes it was level and needed extra time. 

In the first half of extra time, Adrian Diz pe scored in the 92nd minute to put Indy Eleven ahead 2-1. Indy Eleven struck just before the first half of added time wrapped up. Jonas Fjeldberg delivered a nice pass to Juan Tejada to extend Indy Eleven’s lead by two in the 106th minute.  

Indy Eleven hung on to that two-goal advantage to knock out the Stars and move on to Round Three.

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Loudoun United (USL-C)
2:1
North Carolina FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By David Einhorn

Loudoun United squeezed out a 2-1 win at home in extra time against North Carolina FC for Loudoun’s first ever win in US Open Cup play. They started on the front foot when forward Zachary Ryan opened the scoring with a beautiful header right in front of the six-yard box in the 8th minute and Loudoun took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

North Carolina FC made several changes during the second half. Substitute Jaden Servania was only on the pitch for a few minutes before scoring an equalizer from outside the box. The game was level at 1-1 and extra time was needed to separate the two sides. Both teams were very competitive in extra time, but Loudoun substitute Wesley Leggett had the final say in the 116th minute. His goal gave Loudoun United the win as they moved onto Round Three of the U.S. Open Cup. For North Carolina FC, it marks the first time in team history that they have lost in the opening round of the US Open Cup two years in a row.  

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Louisville City FC (USL-C)
1:0
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Louisville City FC put away the upstart Lexington Sporting Club, 1-0, on Wednesday night. For the seventh tournament in a row, Louisville has secured passage out of Round 2.

Though the hosts had plenty of chances in the Bluegrass State affair, Louisville only managed to convert one opportunity. However, Sean Totsch’s 69th minute header proved all that was necessary as LCFC held Lexington to just five shots on the night.

Louisville advances to Round 3 with the win, and will find out their opponent on Thursday, April 6.

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Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
3:2
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
After Extra Time

The Maryland SoccerPlex has played host to plenty of wild US Open Cup matches and Wednesday night was no different as the Maryland Bobcats defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters 3-2 in a chippy affair in Boyds, Md. 

Ocean City, making its 11th US Open Cup appearance, found their breakthrough in the 23rd minute with Kaleb Jackson heading home the go-ahead goal in the 23rd minute. The former Rockhurst University standout connected on a cross from Kyle Galloway from the right side. 

Things once again got testy late in the first half with Jackson getting sent off with his second yellow and Richard Forka earning a straight red card.

Maryland took over in the second half with an equalizer in the 67th minute from the penalty spot after a handball in the box was called. Darwin Espinal walked up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home for the Bobcats. Espinal would bag his second for the Bobcats in the 82nd minute hammering home a pass taken by Michael Akinkoye to give his side the late lead. It looked like they might get the win before extra time but a late squeaker from Vilius Labuis in second half stoppage time squelched any chances of that. 

The game would remain tied at 2-2 until the very last kick of the game in stoppage time of the second extra time period when Phillip Brown crashed the net on a corner kick and volleyed home the game-winner to give Maryland its first US Open Cup win.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
1:4
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)

The Birmingham Legion took until halftime to find the offensive breakthrough but once they did, they took care of business with a 4-1 road win over Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL-1). Juan Agudelo opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, then Collin Smith added a second just after halftime. Even when Grayson Dupont was sent off in the 55th minute, the Legion continued to roll. Agudelo added a second in the 63rd minute.

The Red Wolves ruined the shutout through Aaron Lombardi in the 79th minute, but Diba Nwegbo closed the show in the 87th minute to give them a third straight tournament opening win.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
2:1
Rio Grande Valley FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

South Georgia Tormenta FC pulled off a cupset of Rio Grande Valley FC, 2-1, on Wednesday night in Statesboro, Ga. John Murphy and Kingsford Adjei both found the back of the net to power the USL-1 side past their USL Championship counterparts.

Tormenta took the lead in the 39th minute off a goal from Murphy. After a nifty bit of build up play down the right flank, Mukwelle Akale slotted a ball into the box that Murphy stretched to get a foot on and past Carlos Merancio for the 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.

A bad bit of defending by Tobias Otieno gifted Rio Grande Valley an opportunity from the spot in the 68th minute, but Taylor Davila’s initial attempt to the bottom right corner was stymied by Pablo Jara. Davila then pushed his rebound effort wide of the goal.

With RGV throwing numbers forward in the final 10 minutes, the Toros lost the ball in the midfield and South Georgia sprang a counter. Waiting on the backpost, Adjei hammered home a volley from Nick Akoto to give the hosts a little bit of breathing room. Rio Grande Valley managed to pull one back in second half stoppage time thanks to Ricky Ruiz, but it was all for not as Adjei’s goal stood up as the matchwinner that ensured Tormenta’s passage into the Third Round for the second time in as many years.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
1:4
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
By: George Diamond

In a game that was largely dominated by Chattanooga FC, the NISA club put four past a hard-working but outmatched Des Moines Menace team. In the 23rd minute, Markus Nagelstad fired home from close range after Taylor Gray cushioned a header across the face of net. Shortly after the first, Chattanooga struck gold again. This time it was Damian Rodriguez, a first-half sub, scoring the second goal. He played a give-and-receive pass with Luis García Sosa and fired his shot past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Des Moines were able to get one back in the second half. Menace striker Garcia’s powerful strike in the 69th minute brought the score within one. Unfortunately, McGrath quickly stifled any hope for the Menace. Goalie Makela had to charge off his line to try and chase down a dangerous ball and the Chattanooga midfielder hardly hesitated, lofting a half volley home from downtown.   

Chattanooga found the dagger in the 85th minute as substitute Juan Luis found the space behind a Des Moines team that was desperate for another goal. His low finish secured the win for Chatanooga. Chattanooga’s 4-1 win sees them advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup for the fourth time in their history. Des Moines’ loss means the Menace are out of the Cup in the Second Round in consecutive tournaments. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
1:0
FC Tulsa (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

The bumpy pitch at Hicks Park played host to history as Tulsa Athletic slayed their derby rivals FC Tulsa, 1-0, in a classic upset. KB Harris’ scored the lone goal of the match as the NPSL side got a measure of revenge for last season’s Round Two meeting, which FC Tulsa won 2-1.

Athletic took the lead in the 63rd minute off a beautiful set piece put in the box by Roman Torres. Harris beat his man and nodded it home to the back post to put the NPSL side up over their crosstown rivals.

Wednesday night’s win was Tulsa Athletic’s first against a pro team and punched their ticket to Round 3 for the first time in club history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Union Omaha (USL-1)
2:0
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Union Omaha played giant killers on Wednesday night, upsetting USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC, 2-0, in Round 2.

Both goals came in the final 30 minutes of play. Junior Palacios got on the end of a Steevan dos Santos corner kick in the 58th minute to open the scoring. Dos Santos then nodded home off Joe Brito’s service in the 75th minute to double the advantage and ensure that the Union would advance.

The win was Union Omaha’s first win over a second division team. Last year, in their Open Cup debut, they eliminated two MLS teams, one USL League Two team (Des Moines Menace) and one USL League One (Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC). 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
1:3
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

All Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC does is torment the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the US Open Cup. Much like last year’s affair, Northern Colorado used extra time to upset the Switchbacks for a second straight year, this time to the tune of 3-1.

Donald Benamna broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 95th minute to send Northern Colorado through. After Benamna’s heroics, the Hailstorm’s Marky Hernández gave the upstart USL-1 team an insurance goal in the 107th minute.

Colorado Springs’ Drew Skundrich put the hosts up 1-0 in the 82nd minute, but the lead evaporated quickly when Trevor Amann nodded home just six minutes later.

Northern Colorado advances to Round 3 for the second year in a row following Wednesday’s result. The club is now 3-1-0 all-time in the cup competition.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
1:3
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)

Monterey Bay FC defeated Central Valley Fuego 3-1 to pick up their first-ever U.S. Open Cup win on Wednesday night. After 90 scoreless minutes, the offenses didn’t wake up until extra time. Christian Volesky scored in the 97th minute, followed by a goal in the 110th minute by Hugh Dixon gave the visitors a 2-0 lead. Central Valley would cut the lead in half five minutes later, but Sam Gleadle would put the game away in stoppage time. For MBFC sporting director and head coach Frank Yallop, it was his first Open Cup win as a coach since 2016 when he was in charge of Arizona United SC. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4:0
LA Force FC (NISA)

By Josh Taylor

The Las Vegas Lights got off to a flying start in the first half as they had a 3-0 lead against the LA Force in the first half. Azriel Gonzalez scored two goals in the 16th and 23rd minute in the first half to put the Lights ahead 2-0. Justin Ingram would add another goal in the 37th minute for the Lights to give them a commanding lead 3-0 just before halftime. Pablo Soares provided a nice pass to Erik Torres for the goal in the 65th minute to give the Lights a 4-0 lead. That would be the final score as the Lights bounce back from being one-and-done last year. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Orange County SC (USL-C)
5:0
Capistrano FC (NISAN)

Orange County SC has a history of struggles with amateur teams in the US Open Cup, but on Wednesday night, they left those struggles in the past. The USL Championship side cruised past Capistrano FC, 5-0. They outshot the NISA Nation side 25-7 and went into the halftime break up 2-0 with goals from Emil Nielsen (33rd min.) and Bryce Jamison (45th+ min.). Any hope Capo FC had of making a comeback was delivered a blow when Sergio Montes was shown a red card in the 62nd minute. OCSC took advantage, adding a pair of goals (one of them a PK) from Milan Iloski and another from Thomas Amang. It marked Orange County’s first win over an amateur team since 2017.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
5:4
Crossfire Premier (NPSL)
After Extra Time

There was an early candidate for U.S. Open Cup game of the year in Sacramento on Wednesday night. Very few people had the Sacramento Republic on upset alert going into their Second Round match against NPSL side Crossfire Premier. The Republic are one of the top USL Championship clubs, coming off reaching the US Open Cup Final last year. They also entered the night with a 16-1-1 (1-0 PK) home record with a 12-game home unbeaten streak (second-longest of the Modern Era).

Crossfire jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening 13 minutes with goals from Richard Aman and River Stewart. Republic fans at Heart Health Stadium had to sweat it out because it took until the 81st minute for Zeiko Lewis to get the home team on the scoreboard. Four minutes later Sacramento’s big offseason signing Russell Cicerone (who had come off the bench at halftime) scored the equalizer as the match went into extra time. Extra time was wild. Munier Hussen regained the lead for Crossfire in the 93rd minute, only to see Cicerone tie it back up four minutes later. When Lewis gave the Republic their first lead in the 105th minute it seemed like the professional side was going to take over but someone forgot to tell the visitors. Aman tied the game back up in the 111th minute but the excitement was short lived because Johnny Fenwick would give the Republic the lead back two minutes later and they would not let it go. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
2:0
ALBION San Diego (NISA)

By Josh Taylor

We had another local derby at the SDSU Sports Deck in San Diego in a rematch from last year as the San Diego Loyal edged ALBION San Diego 2-0. ALBION San Diego gave up a penalty kick to the Loyal in the first half and Charlie Adams buried his shot from the spot in the 27th minute and held on to that lead going into halftime. 

Evan Conway would add another goal for the Loyal in the second half to go up 2-0 against ALBION with Adrien Perez adding the assist. The Loyal held on to their two goal advantage as they shut out ALBION 2-0 and moved on to the Third Round. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
1:0
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)

By Chuck Carlson

USL-1’s Greenville Triumph of South Carolina traveled cross-country to Arizona for a 2nd round US Open Cup matchup with USL Championship side Phoenix Rising on Wednesday night. The Triumph were hoping to emulate their USL-1 compatriots Union Omaha and South Georgia Tormenta FC by knocking off a Championship side, but it was not to be, as the Rising held on for a 1-0 win.

Phoenix got on the board in the 21st minute when Panamanian International Carlos Harvey got the only goal of the night. Nine Rising players touched the ball and 11 passes ultimately ended with a Baboucarr Njie’s mishit volley from the left of goal being headed in by Harvey from inside the six-yard box. John Harkes Triumph did not sit back, but were unable to create any clear chances as the half ended 1-0 for Phoenix.

The Triumph opened the second half promisingly with an early 25-yard drive by Venton Evans, which tested, but could not beat, Rising keeper Patrick Rakovsky. Meanwhile, with the Gambian Njie pressing on the left flank, the Rising looked likely to double their lead. Despite this Phoenix advantage, in the 66th minute, the Triumph should have equalized when a cross from Aaron Walker reached Lyam MacKinnon’s head before Rakovsky could get a fist to the ball. Perhaps it was the keeper’s presence that threw MacKinnon off, as he headed tamely wide.

Both sides had decent 2nd half opportunities in this even matchup, but it was Rakovsky who saved the game for Phoenix in stoppage time. Two Triumph second half subs teamed up for a real scoring opportunity when Allen Gavilanes played a simple square pass 7-yards outside the Rising 18-yard box to midfielder Lucas Coutinho. Coutinho settled with his right, then hit a right-footed drive headed for the upper 90 of Rakovsky’s goal. The German dove to his right, and pushed the ball onto the bar and ultimately out for a corner.

That was the last real chance of the night, and Phoenix walked away with a deserved win and a 3rd round U.S. Open Cup matchup with an opponent to be determined Thursday night.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
3:2
Cleveland SC (NPSL)

After nearly four hours of lightning delays and heavy rain at City Stadium in Richmond, the Kickers and Cleveland SC finally were able to finish their Second Round game. The Kickers took full control of the game through Emiliano Terzaghi, who scored a pair of goals and assisted on the third by Dakota Barnathan. When Barnathan put the Kickers up 3-0 in the 79th minute, the game appeared to be over. However, Thomas Beck pulled one back with a shot from close range a minute later. Then Skye Harter launched a free kick into the back of the net to cut the lead to one with just about five minutes left. The NPSL side would continue to push for the equalizer but it wouldn’t come. Richmond will now advance to play DC United for the seventh time in the Fourth Round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Forward Madison (USL-1)
2:3 (AET)
Chicago House AC (USASA/MWPL)
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Michael Battista

The official Open Cup Twitter account put it best; “Peter Wilt beat Peter Wilt and now plays Peter Wilt”.

The Second Round closed with a Cupset as Chicago House AC beat USL League One side Forward Madison FC, 3-2, in extra time. The game at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin was between two clubs started by soccer executive Peter Wilt, with the winner playing his most famous creation – the Chicago Fire Football Club of Major League Soccer.

Madison dominated most of the match, finishing the game with 32 total shots trying to get past keeper Tony Halterman. Two did, with the first by Jayden Onen in the 19th minute putting the home side ahead. Early in the second half, Celestino Vasquez doubled it up with his team also dominating possession by nearly 80%. However the third division side couldn’t hold on and things began to fall apart. A run off a Madison defensive error allowed Adam Mann to punch in a goal in the 75th minute. In stoppage time, team captain Anthony “AR” Smith capitalized on another error and tied the game in the 90+2′ to force extra time.

Late in the first extra half, Smith cemented his place in Open Cup lore by scoring the game winning goal and giving House it’s first lead of the night. Pulling the defense out of place in the box, his shot from the far side hit the opposite netting to make it 3-2. Madison looked to tie, including a contested no call on a handball late, but the amateurs survived.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh was awarded a 1-0 win over Rochester due to RNYFC’s forfeit.

By Jake Sillick

Rochester New York FC ceased operations on March 10, leaving them no choice but to forfeit their match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information on this story, please read our full article here.

After a first round that saw the final game go all the way to 10 rounds of penalty kicks, we’re finally ready to get started with all of the lower division professional teams joining the competition. Even though one match was deemed a forfeit after Rochester NY FC folded before the season started, there are still have 29 matches over the next week to get through to decide who will join 18 lower seeded MLS sides in the Third Round, 10 of which were played on Tuesday night. Wednesday and Thursday will see 18 matches played.

For the first day, the home teams dominated, winning nine of the 10 matches. The lone match where the visitors prevailed was Memphis 901 scoring a game-winning goal in the final seconds of extra time to beat One Knoxville SC.

Below you will find the 17 games being played today (Wednesday) and the one game on Thursday along with links to each broadcast, if available.

Appalachian FC (NPSL) at Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Facebook

By Andrew Mosier

Charlotte enters Round 2 of the Open Cup at the top of the USL League One standings with two wins and a draw. Five different Independence players account for the five goals the Independence have scored in the young USL League One season. The club has only advanced beyond the Second Round three times in six appearances. The club’s best finish was in 2015, the club’s inaugural year, beating the New England Revolution 1-0 in New England in the Fourth Round, before losing at the Chicago Fire 3-1 in the Round of 16. In 2022, Charlotte was knocked out in Round 2 by USL League Two side North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 4-2.

Rising from the ashes of the discontinued men’s program at Appalachian State University, Appalachian FC began play in the fourth-tier NPSL in 2021. In its second NPSL season, the club finished first in the Southeast Conference, advancing to the regional final, and qualifying for the 2023 US Open Cup for the first time. In the opening round, Appalachian FC hosted North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL-2): playing to a 2-2 draw before advancing to the second round 3-0 on penalty kicks. Camden Holbrook scored both goals for Appalachian FC in the first round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Appalachian FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round / Round of 16 (2015)

Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at Indy Eleven (USL-C)
Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Matthew DeWitt

It’s a border battle, as one team looks to to reclaim its success from yesteryears while the other looks to build from a league championship with Indy Eleven playing host to Michigan Stars FC Wednesday night.

Michigan will be looking for its first win in the Open Cup after finding success last season in NISA. Making their tournament debut in the second round as part of the 2022 edition, the Stars were quickly bounced by rival Detroit City FC, 3-0. The season ended up on a high note for Michigan, as the Stars took home the NISA championship in November.

Indy Eleven come in having tasted success in the tournament before joining the USL Championship. During its days in the now-defunct NASL, Indy twice reached the Fourth Round, falling to a pair of MLS teams: Columbus (2014) in extra time in 2014 and Chicago Fire in penalty kicks in 2016. Since joining the USL pyramid, the Eleven has posted just one win in four tries (a 1-0 result against the now-defunct Lansing Ignite FC in 2019).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 3-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

North Carolina FC (USL-1) at Loudoun United (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Matthew DeWitt

While they might not be strangers, North Carolina FC and Loudoun United FC have vastly different Open Cup experiences.

Visitors North Carolina FC have found regular success in the Open Cup, having reached the Fourth Round or better in nine of its 13 previous appearances. Since rejoining the USL pyramid after a seven-year stint in the NASL as the Carolina Railhawks, Their greatest cup run was their first one in 2007 when they reached the Semifinals. North Carolina has played 15 games against MLS opposition in the Open Cup, advancing six times (5 wins + 1 PK shootout win). Last year, they lost to Rio Grande Valley FC 1-0 in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.

Loudoun United will be a name recognized by those previously following the MLS reserve teams. Founded in 2018 and directly affiliated/owned by D.C. United, Loudoun was not eligible to participate in previous versions of the tournament. After being sold in February 2023, United is now able to make its Open Cup debut.

These teams have met in the regular season though. After its stint in the NASL, NCFC rejoined the USL Championship. The teams split their regular-season meetings in 2019 with the home team winning each – a 3-0 win by North Carolina in July followed by a 4-0 result for Loudoun in August’s return fixture. The teams did not meet in 2020 and the following year, NCFC jumped down to Division III USL League One.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

North Carolina FC (USL-1)
14th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-11-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 1-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2007)

Loudoun United (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1) at Louisville City FC (USL-C)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech

Wednesday night features a first-ever meeting between Bluegrass State teams as Lexington Sporting Club travels to Lynn Family Stadium to take on Louisville City FC.

Lexington SC, entering the fray for the Dewar Cup for the first time, is in its first season of action. Still gelling as a team, head man Sam Stockley will be tasked with leading his charges against a well-seasoned Louisville City side that are no strangers to the Open Cup.

Louisville has never failed to advance in at least one round in the Open Cup since making their tournament debut in 2017. Last season, LCFC reached the Round of 16 after securing wins against Chattanooga Red Wolves, Saint Louis City SC 2 and Detroit City FC. LouCity has been a powerhouse during its time in the USL. The club has reached at least the league semifinals in all six of its seasons, winning the league title twice, and finishing as runner-up two more times. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-6-3 (3-0 PK)
Home: 7-1-2 (2-0 PK) 
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2) at Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
Maryland Soccerplex (Maureen Hendrix Field) – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

History will be made on Wednesday as the Maryland Bobcats host their first-ever US Open Cup match against the Ocean Nor’easters at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Bobcats enter Wednesday’s fixture in fine form, having defeated Flower City Union 1-0 in their NISA season opener. Midfielder Josselin Possain finished off a clever pass from Darwin Espinal to give his side the lead and the eventual win in the 38th minute. Newly added goalkeeper Alex Sutton worked well with defenders Jack Villatoro and Jimmy Filerman to limit Flower City’s speed on the outside and earn the clean sheet.

New coach Alex Kao is very familiar with the Bobcats program, having previously played for the club and is currently their President of their Youth Academy. It is a very technical side that likes to move the ball north and south in the midfield. Defender Richard Forka and midfielder Manuel Gonzalez  work extremely well along the spine with Espinal and Possain, who is also the club’s captain, to perfectly time their attacking chances.

This will be the Bobcats’ second US Open Cup game in team history. Last year, they lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) in their opening game on the road.

Ocean City are also coming into this Round 2 match with a bit of spark, having defeated West Chester United  3-1 to book their match against the ‘Cats. After falling behind early, the Nor’easters came storming back thanks to goals from Andres Latorre, Kevin Curran, and Andre “DeDe” Sabino. Since the tournament started in March, the Nor’easters are unable to use current NCAA players, so just like last year, they have collected a number of former Ocean City players, local year-round players, and some standout NAIA players. Among the veterans is Kevin Curran who played for the Nor’easters back when they were known as the Barons. He played six seasons with the club from 2009-2014, which explains why he ranks sixth on the club’s all-time minutes played list. Nor’easters qualified after winning the Mid-Atlantic Division with an undefeated record (11-0-3).

Ocean City is making the club’s 11th appearance in the tournament, and is one of the most successful amateur sides of the Modern Era (1995-present). Only two amateur teams in the country (Flint City Bucks and the Des Moines Menace, both of USL-2) have more Open Cup wins (12) and professional team upsets (6) than Ocean City has as a USL-2 team. Of those six wins over professional opposition, five of them were shutouts in front of their home fans at Carey Stadium (“The Beach House”).

The Nor’easters have also reached the Third Round four times, including two games against Major League Soccer teams. They will play the Bobcats at the Maryland Soccerplex on Wednesday night. The last time they played on that field, they put a scare into D.C. United in the Third Round of the 2009 US Open Cup. United won 2-0, but their only goals came on a second half penalty kick and a late counter attack goal when Ocean City was pushing everyone forward. In 2013, they played the Philadelphia Union to the very end, but the MLS side scored a controversial 90th minute game-winner to avoid the upset.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 5-4-0
vs. Div. 3: 5-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2005, 2009, 2013, 2018)

Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh was awarded a 1-0 win over Rochester due to RNYFC’s forfeit.

By Jake Sillick

Rochester New York FC ceased operations on March 10, leaving them no choice but to forfeit their match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information on this story, please read our full article here.

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C) at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
CHI Memorial Stadium – East Ridge, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Jordan Beech

Two teams with US Open Cup experience step into the arena Wednesday night in East Ridge, Tenn., as Chattanooga Red Wolves SC plays hosts to Birmingham Legion FC. For both sides, 2023 marks their third appearance in the tournament.

Birmingham will hope to notch a road win for the first time in Cup play after falling to USL-1 side South Georgia Tormenta FC last year. A win on Wednesday and advancement to the Third Round would match the Legion’s best performance in the tournament, a feat they’ve managed twice before.

The Legion are off to a hot start in league play as they are in first place in the Eastern Conference with an undefeated record (3-0-1). After a 1-1 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their home opener, they’ve won three straight, including the last two games being shutout wins on the road over Hartford Athletic and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Host side Chattanooga enter Wednesday night searching for their first taste of success in Open Cup action. The Red Wolves are 0-2 in the tournament, including an 0-1 record against USL-Championship teams after falling 1-0 to Louisville City FC last year.

The Red Wolves have yet to taste victory or score a goal in their first two league games of the season. They finished with a scoreless draw in their home opener against Northern Colorado Hailstorm followed by a 1-0 home loss to the Central Valley Fuego last weekend.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C) at South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Forrest Wimberly  @soccer_forrest

The USL Championship Rio Grande Valley Toros will make the trip to beautiful Statesboro, Georgia to face the defending USL League One champs South Georgia Tormenta in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides both founded in 2016.

RGV had been the draw specialist to open the 2023 campaign posting three straight 1-1 draws against Vegas, Monterrey Bay, and Oakland before securing their first win of the season in a 1-0 result over Detroit City in matchday four.   The scoring in 2023 has run through three players with Taylor Davila netting two goals and Ricky Ruiz along with Jonathan Ricketts each adding a goal for the Toros.  Oddly, none of the Toros’ goal scorers play the forward position.  Stingy defending highlighted by goalkeeper Tyler Deric’s 14 saves have kept the Toros close in all their matches in 2023.  Forward Christiano François has one assist on the season and looks to be on the verge a major breakout game here in the early season.

Tormenta have experienced a bit of a championship hangover to open the 2023 season.   After edging past North Carolina FC 1-0 on the road in matchday one, the team returned home only to stumble versus Charlotte in a 3-1 loss followed by another loss this time to Northern Colorado 3-0.  Injuries and roster changes have certainly played their parts in the sluggish start for the defending champs.

Forward Mukwelle Akale has filled in at the scoring role for Tormenta as 2022 leading scorer Kazaiah Sterling has not played this season recovering from injury.  Strong goalkeeping from Pablo Jara and solid midfield play from John Murphy Jr. and Tobias Otieno will prove a tough task for the visiting Toros.

Tormenta made a solid run on the road during the 2022 US Open Cup defeating the Charleston Battery 1-0 and Birmingham Legion 2-0 to advance to face Inter Miami in the 4th round falling 3-1 to the MLS hosts.

RGV defeated North Carolina FC 2-1 in the second round of the 2022 US Open Cup and then pushed the Houston Dynamo to 3rd round stoppage time before falling 2-1 in the final minutes of the match to their MLS hosts.

Tormenta Stadium opened late last season and the birds from the ‘Boro made this a fortress winning all their final 2022 home matches including the USL League One Championship match in front of the home crowd.  The Charlotte Independence cracked the code on Tormenta Stadium this season and the Toros will look to find this same formula in their Second Round USOC match.  Tormenta, however, will be looking to regain their home form and send their guests home empty handed with the blues.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Chattanooga FC (NISA) at Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Matthew DeWitt

With one team looking to reclaim its title as a lower-division buzzsaw and the other looking to notch its first win over amateur opposition in regulation, Wednesday’s second-round matchup between Chattanooga FC and Des Moines Menace offers an opportunity for one team to overcome a US Open Cup slump.

Visitors Chattanooga is coming off a 3-0 win over Gold Star FC Detroit to open the NISA season Saturday. Goals from Mutaya Mwape (2) and 2022 NISA Golden Boot Winner Markus Naglestad punctuated the win for the hosts.

The Menace opened its 2023 US Open Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Open Cup debutants Beaman United FC (NPSL). Returners Gabriel Rodriguez and Fernando Garcia opened their scoring accounts for the tournament, with Rodriguez notching the first two before Garcia tallied a late goal to secure a spot in the next round.

Both teams will be looking to get over their respective Open Cup blues. Having knocked off pro teams seven times in its 14 previous appearances, the Menace is looking to regain its stature against professional opposition. The last win against a pro side came in 2016, when the hosts beat Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the second round. That set up the last time Des Moines advanced to the third round of the tournament when visitors San Antonio FC rallied for a 2-1 win in Des Moines.

Meanwhile, CFC has struggled against amateur opposition, failing to register a win in regulation (two wins via penalties: 2015 vs. Ocala Stampede, USL2; 2016 vs. Reading United AC, USL2) in its previous seven appearances. The 2022 edition of the tournament saw defending champion Atlanta United end Chattanooga’s first run in the open cup as a pro-side. Its previous appearances came as a qualifier from the NPSL.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chattanooga FC (NISA)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-6-4 (3-1 PK)
Away: 0-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 0-1-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022)

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
15th US Open Cup appearance (13th as USL-2)
Overall: 15-14-3 (2-1 PK)
Home: 9-7-3 (3-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2005)

FC Tulsa (USL-C) at Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
Hicks Park – Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

Hicks Park plays host to a rematch of last year’s US Open Cup Second Round matchup between FC Tulsa and Tulsa Athletic. In last year’s contest, FC Tulsa scraped out a 2-1 victory over their NPSL rival.

FC Tulsa is making their seventh US Open Cup appearance. While the club has never won a match on the road in tournament play, all three of their wins have come at the expense of amateur sides. A win would see the Black and Gold advance to the Third Round for the third time in club history.

In league play, FC Tulsa is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 1-1-3 record. They are unbeaten in their last three matches (1-0-2)

Tulsa Athletic advanced to the Second Round following a 1-0 triumph over Brazos Valley Cavalry in the First Round. This is the third time in club history that Tulsa Athletic has reached the Second Round, and a triumph over their USL-Championship rival would see them advance to the Third Round for the first time in club history.

The A’s were a dominant force in the NPSL last season, posting a 9-2-1 record, a Heartland Conference title, and a spot in the NPSL national semifinals. Tulsa will look to build off their first ever win in Open Cup action – a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s Azteca FC.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Tulsa (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-5-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2014, 2022)

El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C) at Union Omaha (USL-1)
Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Matthew DeWitt

One side comes in after a big splash in their first appearance of the Open Cup while the other comes in looking for their first tournament win, as Union Omaha hosts El Paso Locomotive FC Wednesday evening.

After reaching the quarterfinals in their debut edition of the Open Cup, Union Omaha will look to Wednesday’s games against El Paso as a springboard to another deep run in the Open Cup. Two wins against MLS opposition and a win against fellow USL-1 side Northern Colorado Hailstorm in the 2022 tournament generated a lot of buzz about the Union side making its first appearance in the cup after the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled.

Falling at the hands of Forward Madison (USL-1) in 2019 and Central Valley Fuego FC (USL1) in last year’s tournament, El Paso is looking for its first result in the tournament. Returning leading goal scorer Luis Solignac notched two goals in the Locomotive’s last time out – a 2-2 draw against FC Tulsa – as El Paso looks to build momentum with a potential date with an MLS side on the line.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022)

Union Omaha (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

Last year’s first Open Cup meeting between the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL Championship) will go down in history as one of the biggest upsets in Colorado soccer history.

In the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive match, the third-tier side shocked just about everyone escaping the Switchbacks Weidner Field with a 1-0 win in extra time. Even more stunning was they did it playing down a man for the majority of the match after Irvin Parra was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute. After grinding out a scoreless draw in regulation, Jerry Desdunes, scored the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive goal in the 96th minute to put the USL League one side into round three of the Open Cup without ever having played a league match.

Two weeks later, the Hailstorm continued to make team and Open Cup history, stunning Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Defender Rob Cornwall put the visitors up in the 70th minute in a chippy affair that saw seven cautions give—six to the Hailstorm. The Hailstorm’s dream run came to a screeching halt in the round of 32 by fellow USL League One side, Union Omaha, 2-0, in what was only the second match in Hailstorm history the club failed to score. The first was also against Omaha, a 0-0 draw.

Last year’s exit was the earliest in the Switchbacks’ eight-year history. In 2015, the club’s inaugural year, the Switchbacks won second and third round matches before falling to the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round. The next year the club again advanced to the fourth round, again losing to the Rapids. Fellow USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC knocked the eliminated the Switchbacks in the third round in 2017. In 2018 the Switchbacks were again knocked out of the tournament in the third round, this time by USL Championship San Antonio FC in penalty kicks. The next year it was New Mexico United, again in the third round to eliminate the Switchbacks.

The Switchbacks have started the league season with a 2-1-1 record with their only loss coming on the road to last year’s league champs San Antonio FC by a score of 1-0.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 6-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C) at Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
Fresno State University Soccer Stadium – Fresno, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

By Matthew DeWitt

A couple of second-year squads meet in Fresno as Monterey Bay and Central Valley Fuego look to cement a spot in the third round.

At the helm for Monterey is head coach Frank Yallop, who will be managing his 26th Open Cup game. Dating back to his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the English native has reached the Final of the Open Cup in 2006 and added to his tournament depth with semifinal appearances with Chicago Fire in 2014 and 2015.

As for the hosts, manager Martin Vasquez Gomez is no stranger to Open Cup success. In his first and only year leading Chivas USA, Vasquez reached the semifinals as part of the 2010 tournament. His only other Open Cup managerial appearance came as part of Central Valley Fuego’s third-round appearance last year when he took over shortly after their second-round win.

Both teams will be looking to build from lackluster inaugural seasons. Monterey finished the USL Championship season 21st from 27 teams, while Central Valley took 8th from 11. Monterey have begun the USL Championship season with a 1-2-1 record. Central Valley won their opening league game 1-0 on the road agains the Chattanooga Red Wolves. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

LA Force (NISA) at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
Peter Johann Soccer Field (UNLV) – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Andrew Mosier

The LA Force travel to Las Vegas to face USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights in the NISA club’s second consecutive Open Cup appearance. The Force fell 5-2 to Orange County SC of the USL Championship in their debut Open Cup match last year. The Force are 1-0-0 in the new NISA season, topping Club De Lyon 1-0. Gustavo Villalobos scored the match’s lone goal in the 81st minute for the Force win at home.

Las Vegas looks to rebound from last year’s 3-2 round two loss at USL League One FC Tucson. In the club’s previous two Open Cup appearances, Las Vegas was eliminated in the third round.

Las Vegas has three draws in three games in the early USL Championship season. All three draws were earned on the road.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

LA Force (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-3-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019)

Capistrano FC (USASA/NISA Nation) at Orange County SC (USL-C)
Championship Soccer Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

One of four local qualifiers to advance to the second round, Capistrano FC (NISA Nation) face a stern test at USL Championship side, Orange County SC.

Also known as Capo FC, they are part of the NISA Nation. They waltzed past USL-2 club Ventura County Fusion 4-1 in the club’s Open Cup debut. Jerry Desdunes, Joshue Gallardo, Hevany Mota, and Parker Scalzo all scored against the Fusion.

Orange County have advanced into the third round once, in 2022, falling to LAFC (MLS) 5-1. They are 0-1-3 (10th place) so far in USL Championship play, drawing 1-1 at Hartford Athletic last weekend. Elvis Amoh scored in first half injury time to pull Orange County level.

Orange County hasn’t won multiple games in a single tournament since 2017. They also hold the unfortunate distinction of being tied with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds as the team that has been upset the most by amateur teams. They have been eliminated six times by amateur competition.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Capo FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Orange County SC (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-3-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 5-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

Crossfire Premier (NPSL) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By James Knowles (@RBLRJamesK)

Crossfire Premier continue their first ever Open Cup campaign after successfully overcoming USL League 2 side Project 510. Crossfire will have to significantly up their game as they travel to California’s capital to take on 2022 US Open Cup runners up Sacramento Republic FC. The Republic are looking to have another bite at the apple and see if they can go one better from last year to win the whole thing.

Crossfire Premier from Redmond, Wash., have a long and proud history in the youth soccer space. Famous alumni include current professionals Kelyn Rowe, Ethan Bartlow, and Hassani Dotson, all with MLS experience. However, the club is now making a foray into the adult leagues with a men’s team to compete in the National Premier Soccer League and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Their first game was a stirring success. Having traveled to Fremont, Calif., Crossfire came away 3-0 winners on the night with goals from two of their own current youth coaches, Luke Hauswirth and Hamza Haddadi, around another from Eric Howard. Haddadi shares the distinction of also being a former Crossfire player, rejoining his prior club now after college.

Sacramento Republic come into this game following a string of good performances in the USL Championship. Sitting atop the Western Conference, and tied for first overall in the league, Republic will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an amateur team out of the gate in this competition. The club will be approaching the 2023 Open Cup as unfinished business. Last year, after knocking off several top tier Major League Soccer teams on their way, Republic stumbled at the final hurdle when they traveled to Florida to take on Orlando City. They held off in that game until the 75th minute before the floodgates opened and Sacramento lost their nerve.

Sacramento’s statistics in 2023 suggest Crossfire will more than have their work cut out for them. Perennial USL Championship scorer Russell Cicerone joined Republic and has three goals so far in a very young season. Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, who was a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Tournament last year, also has three clean sheets on the year, showing Sacramento are good at both ends of the pitch. Will Crossfire be able to overcome the odds? Or will Republic look to start a second Cinderella run of their own tonight on home turf?

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Crossfire Premier (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 18-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 16-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 8-1-0
Best finish: Runner-Up (2022)

ALBION San Diego (NISA) at San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
SDSU Sports Deck – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Michael Battista

The second edition of the Stay Clasico in the Open Cup.

ALBION San Diego is hopeful its second Open Cup lasts longer than its first. The team formerly known as San Diego 1904 FC pushed the Loyal to the brink last year in the Second Round. After Mayele Malango tied the game midway through the second half, extra time looked imminent before the Loyal’s Taylor Crull scored in the 89th to seal the 2-1 win.

For San Diego Loyal, 2023 is all about improving on last year. Following it’s win over ALBION, former USMNT great and Loyal head coach Landon Donovan reunited with his old friends the LA Galaxy in the Third Round. A first half goal by LA’s Kévin Cabral was enough for the 1-0 win in front of nearly 10,000 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Albion has yet to play a league match this season after being off during NISA’s kickoff last weekend. The team had a Cinderella- like run to the league championship last fall, winning two games including knocking off top seed California United Strikers FC. The team did eventually fall to Michigan Stars FC, 1-0, in the final. The Loyal have been hot to start 2023 with a 2-1-1 record. Wins over Detroit City FC and a 3-0 crushing of Phoenix Rising have Landon Donovan’s squad on the early season radar.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

ALBION San Diego (NISA)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1) at Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Phoenix Rising Stadium – Phoenix, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Michael Battista

In 2022, Greenville Triumph SC hosted Oakland Roots SC in the Second Round due to geographical pairing and bad luck (on the Roots’ part). This year they find themselves on the receiving end of a tough draw and they travel to play a higher division team, two time zones away from home.

Greenville will need to battle the nearly 2,000 mile trip if it hopes to match its best ever Open Cup result from last year. The team, entering its fifth season, has played in two previous tournaments. They’ve won a game each time, but their inaugural run in 2019 saw them start in the First Round – meaning its following loss to Charleston Battery came in the Second Round. Last year’s win against the travel weary Oakland Roots provided a Cupset that was nearly repeated in the following Round against Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC. However Harrison Afful’s stoppage time go-ahead goal in extra time saved the debuting Division 1 team from embarrassment. Greenville, coached by former USMNT captain (and Kearny, NJ legend) John Harkes, has won a USL League One title and been to three of the league’s four championship finals.

Phoenix Rising matched it’s all-time best US Open Cup performance last season and is hoping a $1 beer night on Wednesday sets them up to do the same this year. The two time USL Championship finalists (including the canceled 2020 edition) have played in seven previous tournaments. Last year, the team started its run with an extra time win over NISA side (and eventual ICE suspect) Valley United FC , 1-0. A late goal by Greg Hurst pushed Rising over league rival New Mexico United in the following round before the team eventually fell to Sacramento Republic FC, 2-0.

Neither team has had a strong start to 2023. Greenville comes into Wednesday night after dropping its season opener to the Richmond Kickers, 1-0, at home. However with that game being on March 25, the long traveling visitors will at least be rested. Phoenix Rising won’t be so lucky. After a 0-1-1 start on the road Phoenix returned home on April 1 with a draw against San Diego Loyal.

It remains to be seen which team will be at a bigger disadvantage; the one with a longer trip or the one with shorter rest time.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-5-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2022)

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Cleveland SC (NPSL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By: George Diamond

Thursday’s second round USOC matchup between the Richmond Kickers and Cleveland SC will mark the first time these clubs have faced off. 

Historically successful in the Open Cup, USL League One’s Richmond Kickers will be looking to build on recent league triumphs with what they hope will be a deep cup run. The Kickers famously won the 1995 tournament. This will be their first cup match this year and their 23rd entry in the tournament. The regular season champions of the 2022 USL1 season, Richmond have had a balanced start to their 2023 campaign. Their record sits at an even 1-1-1 on 2 goals scored and two allowed.

Conversely, Cleveland SC, of the Great Lakes division in NPSL, have only played one competitive game this season. Their regular season has not yet begun. However, they did prevail in the opening round of the Open Cup courtesy of a first half stoppage time goal by defender Chris Cvecko. This will be the club’s fourth ever game in USOC play. Richmond will be just the second professional team Cleveland has faced in the Cup, after being eliminated 3-0 against Forward Madison in 2022’s second round. 

Cleveland’s head coach Vlad Muresan will have a selection decision on his hands as midfielder Jannis Schmidt was sent off following a serious foul in their first round matchup. Forward Vinny Bell could spark a Cleveland upset as the prolific goal scorer has finished as the teams top scorer across the previous 4 NPSL seasons with 38 goals in 44 games. 

Richmond Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky will hope that new transfer Kharlton Belmar, acquired from Colorado Switchbacks, could be a difference maker as the former SKC man’s attacking prowess has already resulted in a goal and an assist through three league games.

Richmond will back themselves in the home confines of City Stadium against their semi-pro opponents, but need to be wary of the ever-present potential of the ‘cupset’.

Cleveland SC will be looking to prove themselves against a tough opponent. A win would see them advance to the third round of the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Cleveland SC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-20-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 26-8-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 15-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions