Phil Naegely

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UPDATE: D.C. United pulls away late to end Christos FC’s Cinderella run (video)

By Adam Uthe

When the draw for the Fourth Round was announced, this is the matchup most Open Cup fans wanted to see. Baltimore amateur powerhouse Christos FC, led by University of Maryland-Baltimore County alumni Peter Caringi III and goalkeeper Phil Saunders, will travel to our nation’s capital to square off against MLS side D.C. United.

Not only is Christos the last remaining amateur side in this year’s tournament (thus earning a cool $15,000 cash prize) but they are also just the 13th amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present) to make it this far.

They might not admit it themselves, but Caringi and Saunders have been the stars of the tournament. Caringi produced a hat trick in Round 1 to help take down NPSL side Fredericksburg FC and the performance earned him Player of the Round honors. In Round 2, Christos faced USL side Richmond Kickers and Saunders stood on his head, saving seven shots en route to his team’s 1-0 victory; he was also awarded Player of the Round honors. They may be amateurs and heavy underdogs, but there is reason for Christos to feel good about their chances against their next opponent.

2017 has not been kind to D.C. United. They currently find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference with a goal difference of minus-11, which is the third-worst in the league. They’re also saddled with the worst offense in MLS, having scored just 10 goals in 14 league games this season. To add injury to insult, forward Patrick Mullins has been ruled out for the next six weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery. D.C. will have to be at their best if they’re going to beat back the darlings of this year’s tournament.

This is just the second time that United has faced an amateur club in the tournament. Back in 2009, the Ocean City Nor’easters (then known as the Ocean City Barons) of the PDL gave them a run for their money but D.C. won 2-0 on the strength of two second half goals. Since MLS joined the tournament in 1996, only six teams have been upset by amateur clubs.

United have won the tournament three times (1996, 2008, 2013), but have struggled in the Open Cup since they last won it in 2013. They are 1-3-0 and have been eliminated in their opening match twice (2014, 2016). Last year, they knocked out by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) in penalty kicks at the Maryland Soccerplex, the site of Tuesday’s match vs. Christos FC.

The draw for the Round of 16 will take place on Thursday, June 15 after all of the round’s matches are completed.

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UPDATE: Colorado Rapids pull off historic comeback in win over OKC Energy (video)

By Adam Uthe

For the second straight round, United Soccer League (USL) side OKC Energy will travel to Colorado to face their Open Cup opponent. This time they’ll head to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City to face Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Colorado Rapids. This is also OKC’s second all-time meeting against an MLS side in as many last years. Last year they put up a spirited effort but fell to eventual champions FC Dallas in penalty kicks.

The Open Cup has been a good distraction for OKC Energy who, after a scoreless draw with San Antonio FC on Saturday, have just 14 points from 11 league games and a goal difference of minus-4. In the Second Round, the Energy cruised to a 5-1 home win over Moreno Valley. Alex Dixon bagged a brace and Wojciech Wojcik also added a goal; both are tied (with Kyle Hyland as well) to lead the Energy in goals scored this season. Their trip to Colorado Springs in Round 3 was a much closer battle, but OKC came out on top, 2-1 behind goals from Jose Barril and Wojcik.

They’ll be feeling confident about their chances of pulling off the upset this time.

The Colorado Rapids currently have the worst record in MLS and have scored the fewest goals in the Western Conference; though they do have multiple games in hand over their conference rivals. To make matters worse, Shkëlzen Gashi and Kortne Ford are out with injuries and team president Tim Hinchey will be leaving the team in July to take charge of USA Swimming. The Rapids, however, aren’t giving up on the season just yet though. Several sources reported last week that the team is looking to side Luis Montes, a standout midfielder from Liga MX’s Leon when the next transfer window opens. And perhaps the magic of the US Men’s National Team’s World Cup qualifying win against Trinidad & Tobago will bring a positive aura back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Oklahoma City has reached the Fourth Round in three of the club’s four seasons, but has yet to advance beyond Round 4. The Rapids have struggled in their Open Cup history. In fact, since they lost in the 1999 US Open Cup Final to the Rochester Rhinos, they have yet to win multiple games in a single tournament. It’s an unfortunate Modern Era record that has stretched to 13 tournaments.

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UPDATE: Seattle Sounders win reserves-heavy rematch with Portland Timbers (video)

By Nick Schiffler

The last time the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers met in the US Open Cup, the two teams produced an affair more memorable for the extracurricular activity than the final score, a 3-1 Portland victory in 2015. The match featured three red cards, multiple injuries, and Clint Dempsey famously ripping up the referee’s notebook and received a long-term tournament ban.

Two years later, the teams face off again in the same venue, Seattle’s home-away-from-home of Starfire Sports Complex. This time, both sides will likely field something below their strongest teams due to injuries and international call-ups. Timbers coach Caleb Porter has confirmed his team will heavily rotate their squad and the Sounders will do the same, possibly even calling up players from their second team.

Seattle, the defending MLS champions, have not gotten off to a fast start this season. They have yet to click on offense and they’re currently clinging to the last playoff spot in the MLS Western Conference. They do, however, have a proud history in the US Open Cup, with four tournament titles, the most recent of which came in 2014. In last year’s tournament, they knocked off the Kitsap Pumas (PDL) and edged Real Salt Lake on penalties before falling to the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals. The Sounders are aiming for a fifth trophy in the competition, something only three teams in the 104-year history of the tournament have achieved.

On the other hand, Portland is in the midst of a strong – if inconsistent – season, and are coming off an impressive win over FC Dallas last weekend. They’re still seeking their first US Open Cup win, although the draw has not been kind to them the last several years. In each of the past three tournaments, they have been one of the unlucky sides to be matched up against a fellow MLS team in their first game. Last year they beat the San Jose Earthquakes before dropping a home match to that same LA Galaxy team in the Round of 16.

This will be the 7th all-time meeting in the Open Cup between the two rivals, which dates back to 2005 when they two were members of the United Soccer League. The Sounders lead the series 3-2-1 (1-0 PKs).

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By Harrison Huntley

The top two clubs in Ohio will meet for what many are calling the Ohio Derby. It’ll be the first time the two will meet, and with the teams separated by a little over 100 miles, there’s a chance for both home and road supporters to see their teams.

FC Cincinnati will be making their first-ever appearance in the Fourth Round after suffering a third round loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2016 US Open Cup.

Prior to June, the club was on a four-match win streak, including two wins in Open Cup play. Their fourth win in that stretch came over Louisville City FC, as Djiby Fall scored in the 48th minute. It was his second straight game-winning goal in the tournament after scoring the lone goal in a Round 2 win over NPSL champion AFC Cleveland.

The Crew has long been an Open Cup mainstay, advancing past the Fourth Round in 16 of their 19 appearances, including winning it all in 2002. However, in the six tournaments since they reached the Final in 2010, they have failed failed to win multiple games in a single tournament. Last year, after beating the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Round 4, they suffered a 2-1 road loss to the Chicago Fire.

Columbus will need to find some consistency if they want to make a run. After a strong 3-1-1 start to league play, the Crew have been unable to achieve back-to-back wins. They’ll come into their cup match well-rested, since their last match was back on June 3 when they took a 2-1 road loss to the Colorado Rapids.

Wednesday’s match will mark the first time in US Open Cup history that professional teams from Cincinnati and Columbus will square off in the competition.

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By Riley Maleitzke

The Charleston Battery, One of the most prestigious and historic teams in the USL, are celebrating their 25th year. They take on their MLS affiliate with the high-powered offense, Atlanta United.

The Battery have enjoyed some recent success in the US Open Cup. Charleston reached the Final in 2008, while Atlanta, known as the “Five Stripes”, will enter the match in their Open Cup debut.

The Battery come into the June 14 matchup 8-2-3 in league play which puts them in first place in the USL Eastern Conference. While Atlanta United are sitting at 5-6-3 which is good enough for 8th place in the Eastern Conference of MLS.

Charleston comes into the match after a 1-0 victory on the road against the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada in the Third Round. It was a revenge game for the Battery as Jacksonville knocked them out a year ago. The only goal of the game came from an own goal on a cross that no one controlled was put into the back of the net by an Armada defender trying to clear the ball.

In league play, the Battery played their rival Richmond Kickers on Saturday in USL action for the 60th time. Justin Portillo buried a PK for the only score of the match.

Atlanta United played Saturday against The Chicago Fire on the road at Toyota Park. The Fire scored the first goal on a counter that they patiently lured Kann away from the net, and then passed out to Luis Solignac for the chip shot. Then, a Five Stripes hand ball led to a Nikolic PK which ended the scoring in a 2-0 loss. United continued to struggle on corner kicks. They had seven in the match against the Fire as they have yet to score on a corner kick all season long.

Media speculation is that Atlanta could have Josef Martinez on the field for the first time this year after suffering a quad injury while on international duty for Venezuela. That would be a huge boost for United to have a playmaker like Martinez on the field.

United have an opportunity to make some history for the state of Georgia if they are able to put together a run in the Open Cup. There has never been a team from the state of Georgia that has reached the Final, and the last team from the Peach State to reach the Semifinals was a club called Datagraphics in 1981.

More than 10,000 fans are expected to pack Fifth Third Bank Stadium for Atlanta’s inaugural Open Cup game on Wednesday.

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By Brendan Doherty

The Rochester Rhinos earned their place in the Fourth Round by defeating two amateur opponents at home; now they’ll travel to New England. Wednesday’s match in Providence will be the New England Revolution’s debut in the 2017 US Open Cup as they host their one-time USL affiliate.

Rochester had a fairly simple day at the office on May when the Rhinos hosted FC Motown and the visitors conceded twice in the opening 8 minutes. The early goals helped Rochester to a 3-0 win over the New Jersey side in the Second Round of the Cup.

The Rhinos faced stiffer resistance in their Third Round game against GPS Omens of Massachusetts on May 31. Jalen Brown’s 52nd minute strike for Rochester was cancelled out by Keith Caldwell’s free kick from range in the 55th minute. Rochester’s forward Sammy Edoung-Biyo popped up with a near post run in the stoppage time on extra time to grab the game-winner and propel his team into the next round.
That next round game will include Keith Caldwell’s younger brother Scott, a homegrown midfielder for the Revolution. Former Rochester loanee Donnie Smith may also play against Bob Lilley’s side, for whom he’s made eight appearances in USL.

New England comes into this match on its best run of form this season. The Revs are 3-1-1 in their last five MLS games and most recently blanked Toronto FC 3-0 at home. On the other side, Rochester in undefeated in all competitions since April 15 and has only conceded six goals in those 9 games.

The Revolution will host Rochester on June 14 in Providence, Rhode Island. The two teams have met on six occasions in this competition and the MLS side holds a commanding 4-0-2 (1-1 PKs) record over the Rhinos.

In the most recent of their six meetings, at Brown University in 2014, the Revs won 2-1 and Rochester saw Babacar Diallo was sent off late. The previous summer, New England hit Rochester for five goals in a 5-1 win that was marked by inclement Rochester weather and a lightning delay.

In 2007 New England beat Rochester 4-2 in Western New York and the Revs beat the Rhinos 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw in Rochester in 2006. In 2003 New England beat Rochester 2-1 in Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Massachusetts but the Rhinos prevailed for the first and only time in a penalty shootout in 2004 after a 1-1 draw in Ludlow.

The dissolution of the affiliate partnership between the two clubs, which saw New England send a handful of players on loan to Rochester from 2013 to 2016, sets an enticing backdrop for this Fourth Round match.

Rochester will have worked on absorbing pressure and springing on the quick break leading up to this matchup. The Revolution coaching staff will decide how many regular MLS starters they want to use in this midweek fixture without detracting from their league campaign.

There might be fireworks from how the affiliate relationship broke down, there might be an upset if the Rhinos beat New England for the first time, but there should be goals in this contest. Through the previous six meetings, the teams have combined for an average of 3.3 goals per game and that trend should continue on June 14.

The match kicks off from Anderson Stadium on the campus of Providence College at 7:30 on Wednesday, June 14.

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By Harrison Huntley

After two decisive victories in the first two rounds, North Carolina FC will look to continue the Open Cup success with their new name. Formerly the Carolina Railhawks, North Carolina FC has done well in recent Cups, including three straight victories over the LA Galaxy from 2012-2014.

On the other side, Houston returns to the Open Cup following a Quarterfinal loss to eventual champion FC Dallas a year ago.

NCFC boasts a new identity, but they’ve channeled the Railhawks of old when it comes to Open Cup play. The Railhawks were exceptional in Open Cup play, and North Carolina FC has been no different as of late. In their first two cup matches, they’ve knocked off two other North Carolina clubs (Carolina Dynamo of PDL, Charlotte Independence of USL) by a combined score of 10-2.

Houston has made the Quarterfinals in each of the last two Open Cups, and have the offense to make a deep run in the Cup. Eric Torres is second in MLS in goals with 10 while Alex Lima (known simply as “Alex”) is third in assists with seven. They showed off that offense with a 5-1 win over Real Salt Lake on May 31st, but couldn’t translate that into their most recent game which ended in a 1-0 loss to Seattle.

The Dynamo have never won the Open Cup and have reached the Semifinals (2006, 2009).

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By Riley Maleitzke

Miami FC comes into the Fourth Round after an impressive 2-0 win over former NASL (and current USL) side, Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Orlando City SC will enter Wednesday after a scoreless draw at home against the Chicago Fire.

Miami is comfortably sitting in first place in the NASL with a 7-3-1 record, while the Lions are 7-5-3 in league play which is good enough for 4th place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Orlando City’s last match was seen by most American fans as a boring scoreless match but City fans look at this as a match where their team overcame remarkable odds. Rafael Ramos and Antonio Nocerino were given red cards. With two men down, Orlando prevailed behind a sold out home crowd. The coaches and players praised the supporters and fans for being so knowledgeable and understanding how big of a moment that was for the club.

Miami comes off a win over Tampa Bay in the Third Round of the US Open Cup. The Rowdies had many great opportunities early but were out of luck as none of them hit the back of the net. The best opportunity was in the 20th minute when Joe Cole had a one-on-one chance but he missed high. Miami buried a spot kick in the 73rd to secure a 1-0 advantage. They padded their lead with another goal in the 83rd minute to cap off a 2-0 win.

Miami’s latest match was in NASL action Saturday night in Edmonton Canada. The match was destined for a 0-0 draw as the Eddies dropped two players into their defense for every Miami forward. This limited Miami’s opportunities. Edmonton failed to do much with the ball and played sloppy when they had the ball. Miami’s control over 61% of the possession finally paid off in the 80th minute when a quick pass from Stéfano Pinho to a streaking Vincenzo Rennella who tapped the ball into the back of the net for the game’s only goal.

Miami is coming off the longest road trip of the year to Edmonton Canada a 2,569-mile-long plane ride three days before their match at Orlando. The Lions last match was at home and was 10 days ago. The two-hour time change and long plane trip plus the quick turnaround will be very tough on Miami.

This is Miami’s second entry into the Open Cup. Last year, they were knocked out by the Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) 2-1 in their opening match. Orlando has been taking part in the tournament under a variety of team names (Austin Aztex) and leagues (USL) since 2009. They have reached the Quarterfinals twice, once as a USL Pro team in 2013 and again in 2015 as a MLS side.

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By Ian Foster

The Philadelphia Union open their 2017 US Open Cup campaign at home against near perennial in-state opponent Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL in a battle between the Keystone State’s capital and its biggest city.

The Union look to continue their strong Open Cup traditions, having reached (and hosted) two consecutive finals in 2014 and 2015. However, an Open Cup title still eludes them as they embark on their seventh campaign in the tournament. Meanwhile, Harrisburg has a fairly strong history themselves, having reached the Quarterfinals four times in the Modern Era, the third-most of any lower-division side.

The City Islanders will be looking for their first win against the Union in their fourth attempt. The last two ties have been particularly heart-breaking for Harrisburg fans, as Maurice Edu found an 89th-minute equalizer in 2014 (the Union went on to score two in extra time to win 3-1) and last year, Bobby Warshaw’s 90th-minute equalizer for Harrisburg was quickly canceled out by Roland Alberg’s final-whistle game-winner.

After a rough start to their MLS campaign, the Union seem to have found something of a rhythm between new midfielders Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya. The Union are 4-6-4 leaving them four points out of a playoff spot.

Harrisburg are 2-5-4 in league play which puts them third from the bottom of the USL Eastern Conference. They are winless in their last eight league games, with their last win coming against Bethlehem Steel back on April 15.

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By Harrison Huntley

New York’s two MLS clubs will meet in the first US Open Cup match for either side this year. In last year’s tournament, both faced other New York clubs. This year, they will open the Fourth Round with a Hudson River Derby, the first time the clubs have ever met in the competition.

Simply put, NYCFC is ready to make some noise in the Open Cup. In the short history of the club, they’ve never won a Open Cup match, falling to the New York Cosmos (NASL) in 2015 and 2016. It won’t be any easier this year with an MLS opponent, but there’s no lack of motivation for NYCFC in their third cup appearance.

The Red Bulls have been in the Open Cup for more than two decades, but haven’t had much success in later rounds. They’ve reached the Semifinals three times, but haven’t been back since 2003 when they lost in the Finals to the Chicago Fire. To date, the Red Bulls hold a 5-1 advantage in previous Hudson River Derbys.

The Red Bulls will play without their head coach Jesse Marsch on the sideline who was sent off after a sideline tirade in last year’s 2-1 road loss to the Philadelphia Union. The Red Bulls have been eliminated by the Union in each of the last two tournaments.

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By Adam Uthe

Westcott Field, on the campus of Southern Methodist University, will play host to the first Open Cup meeting between Major League Soccer’s (MLS) FC Dallas and the United Soccer League’s (USL) Tulsa Roughnecks. Both teams find themselves looking to spark a good run of form heading into Wednesday’s night match in Dallas.

The Roughnecks currently find themselves in eighth place in the USL’s Western Conference standings following a 3-1 loss against Swope Park Rangers on Sunday. Not only that, but their overall goal differential sits at a less than stellar minus-4. Their form in the Open Cup, however, has been better. Behind a pair of goals from both Pavel Kondrakhin and Tulsa native Cristian Mata, the Roughnecks took down OKC Energy’s U-23 side in Round 2. In the third round they met current USL leaders San Antonio FC and advanced via penalty kicks after the first 120 minutes of soccer failed to produce a goal. Tulsa goalkeeper Fabian Cerda was named TheCup.us Player of the Round for the clean sheet, two saves in the penalty kick shootout and a goal of his own in the shootout.

FC Dallas, meanwhile, is suffering more from a case of failure to meet expectations. After winning the 2016 Open Cup and the 2016 MLS Supporters Shield (awarded to the team with the best overall record), the Hoops currently find themselves mired in the middle of the Western Conference standings. After a 2-0 loss to the Portland Timbers on Saturday night, they sit in fourth place in the West; good enough for a playoff spot, but not as high as many would expect. Max Urruti has picked up where he left off with Dallas last season and leads the team with seven goals in 11 matches so far; he’s also chipped in three assists.

The winner will have to wait until the Round of 16 draw on June 15 to know their next potential opponent.

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By Alex Picchietti

Former club affiliates are slated to do battle when the Chicago Fire of MLS take on Saint Louis FC of the USL on Wednesday, June 14. As recently as 2016, St. Louis was a developmental team of the Fire, who’s USL affiliate is now the Tulsa Roughnecks.

Saint Louis FC will look to keep their Open Cup run going in what will be their third game thus far. Their first fixture in the tournament was a dramatic win over FC Wichita back on May 17. The match, featuring plenty of drama, including a late sending off for Wichita, ended 4-3 in extra time. Saint Louis found a way through the defense in stoppage time, with substitute Tyler David scoring a goal in the 90+6th minute to force an extra period. Eventually, St. Louis was able to capitalize on the man advantage when Jose Angulo netted his second match of the evening in the 95th minute.

In their second game, they squared off against the Michigan Bucks of the PDL. In the third round fixture, Sebastian Dalgaard scored two early goals to put St. Louis up 2-0, and they would eventually hold off the Bucks by a score of 2-1.

This will be the Chicago’s first match in the cup, earning three byes as an MLS club. The Fire come into this game in tremendous form, sitting second in the MLS Western Conference standings. In their last match, Chicago took care of Atlanta United by a score of 2-0 at home on June 10. Chicago have won 5 of their 15 matches by two or more goals, their best mark since 2013, and they still have 19 matches left to play. They also boast the current Golden Boot leader in Nemanja Nikolic. The Hungarian international striker has scored an impressive 12 goals in 15 league matches. Needless to say, the Fire will be expecting to pick up another victory come Wednesday night.

In their last league match, Saint Louis FC lost a closely-contested game to Bethlehem Steel FC in an interconference battle on Sunday, June 11. Even with the loss, Saint Louis are only one point short of playoff position, with two games in hand. For the season as a whole, Saint Louis has earned four wins from 12 matches, currently sitting at 15 points.

The match between Midwest clubs is scheduled for 7:30pm CST on Wednesday at the 5500-seat Toyota Stadium in Fenton, Missouri. St. Louis will be looking forward to hosting the match, as their first two matches in the cup were on the road. Furthermore, they have been very successful at home, with an excellent record of three wins from four played.

The Chicago Fire are the most successful team of the Modern Era with the most Open Cup wins (39) and they have won the tournament four times in club history. They are still looking to make it a record-tying fifth as their 2017 tournament begins with this match.

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By Alex Picchietti

In one of only three MLS vs. MLS matches this round, Sporting Kansas City will play host to Minnesota United FC on June 14. The matchup will feature a US Open Cup stalwart in Sporting KC, and a brand new MLS team, which has some history in the tournament in Minnesota United.

To say the two teams coming into this game are going in different directions would be an understatement. Sporting KC has rebounded from a very average season in 2016 to their current position at the top of MLS’ Western Conference. Minnesota United, on the other hand, are having a rough inaugural season, sitting in 9th of 11 Western Conference clubs, 12 points behind the leaders.

Minnesota United will be looking to flip the script on Sporting KC, who recently defeated them by a score of three goals to none. The biggest problem for MNUFC so far has been a lack of defensive performances, allowing an astonishing 33 goals in just 14 matches. If they hope to have a chance in this MLS club rematch, they’ll need to do a better job in the defensive third of the pitch. Scoring goals would also be a welcome sight for United fans, as the team has only scored 1 goal in the past 3 matches. Christian Ramirez, a lone bright spot for the club, will need to get his scoring boots on early to relieve the pressure on his defensive teammates.

Sporting KC are flying high at the moment, and haven’t lost a match since April 22 when they played away to FC Dallas. Kanas City have been led by an iron clad defense, allowing a miniscule 11 goals in 16 matches played, the best defensive record in the league by far. Scoring has been a bit of an issue at times for SKC, but Gerso Fernandes has been a lone bright spot in the final third of the pitch, netting six goals thus far.

Both teams will be looking forward to their first US Open Cup match of the tournament, and a berth into the Round of 16. Sporting KC have won three US Open Cups in their club history, but were knocked out by Houston last year in the Round of 16. As they look to add to their Open Cup trophy cabinet, Minnesota United are still looking for their first.

United have been competing in the tournament since 2010, but have yet to advance beyond the Fourth Round. They have reached Round 4 three times, losing to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2012, and to Sporting Kansas City twice (2014, 2016). Last year, the two teams played at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. and after trading penalty kicks in the second half, the match had to be decided in extra time. Diego Rubio-Kostner broke the 1-1 tie in the 109th minute to send Kansas City to Round 5.

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By Dennis Pope

The Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) makes its first appearance in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. An Open Cup semifinalist in 2016, the team has improved its form since a 2-5-0 league start and currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run.

The 2001 and 2005 US Open Cup champions lost to FC Dallas, 2-1, in overtime in last year’s semifinal round.

This is the first matchup between the Galaxy and Orange County SC (USL), which was rebranded from Orange County Blues SC to start the 2017 season.

Galaxy captain Jelle Van Damme is the heart and soul of this club, which has suffered through numerous injuries in 2017 and will be without several players including Giovanni Dos Santos (international duty) for the game.

Orange County SC (USL) is playing its third game in the Open Cup this year, advancing to the Fourth Round on the back of two victories over regional amateur opponents.

Orange County defeated FC Golden State Force (PDL), 5-2, in a 2nd Round game on May 17, and edged L.A. Wolves FC (USASA), 1-0, in a Third Round game on May 31.

Goalkeeper Charles Lyon made several crucial saves in the shutout over L.A. Wolves FC in the 3rd round, stopping back-to-back point-blank shots in the first half before teammate Roy Meeus’ 41st minute free kick gave OCSC the lead.

Orange County is seeking its first-ever win over a professional team since they first entered the Open Cup in 2011. Their only other meetings were 2-1 win against Chivas USA in 2013 and a 2-1 Third Round loss in the club’s inaugural season back in 2011. In that first meeting, Mike Magee scored the game-winning in the 81st minute to send the Galaxy into Round 4.

Currently 3-4-1 in the PDL’s Western Conference, Orange County SC has lost three consecutive league matches.

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By Thomas Hodul

The NASL expansion club, the San Francisco Deltas, will get their first shot at their Bay Area MLS rivals, the San Jose Earthquakes, in a competitive match. The new rivalry is beginning to be called the “101 Derby”. The Deltas picked up wins in Rounds 2 and 3 to earn the ticket to face the Earthquakes at their home ground Avaya Stadium in Round 4.

The Deltas knocked off the Earthquakes PDL affiliates, the Burlingame Dragons, in Round 2 with a come from behind 2-1 victory. They then traveled to Phoenix in round 3 to face the USL’s Phoenix Rising, where again they picked up the 2-1 victory. However, this time it was via a stoppage time winner after already taking the lead once. The key man for the Deltas to this point in the Open Cup has been forward, Tommy Heinemann. Heinemann has two goals thus far, one in each game and both were game-winning goals.

Deltas’ captain Nana Attakora is the only man to have played for both clubs as he played for the Earthquakes in 2011 and 2013. The Deltas are coming off a difficult cross-country trip to Puerto Rico on Saturday, where they picked up the full 3 points, in a game that included two goals from Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. They currently sit in 3rd place in the eight-team NASL table.

The Earthquakes are making their debut in the 2017 competition as all MLS clubs join the tournament at the Fourth Round stage. While San Jose have won the MLS Cup twice, they have never won the US Open Cup in their history. They have not even made an Open Cup Final. Their best run in the tournament came in 2004 when they reached the Semifinals, before falling to eventual champions Sporting Kansas City 1-0.

Captain and US national team player, Chris Wondolowski leads the Earthquakes. Wondolowski is the club’s all-time leading scorer. He has three US Open Cup goals to his name as well. The Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear, has a history playing in both Bay Area cities, as he played for the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks from 1989-1992, as well as the San Jose Hawks in 1993 and the San Jose Clash in 1997.

The Earthquakes will have had a long rest heading into this game, as their last match prior to this game will have been almost two weeks ago when they lost in Portland. The Earthquakes currently find themselves in 7th of the 11-team MLS Western Conference standings

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By Thomas Hodul

Sacramento earned the right to host a MLS side in Papa Murphy’s Park for the first time in the club’s history. They will host former MLS Cup winner, Real Salt Lake, in Round 4 of the competition.

The Republic reached Round 4 of the Cup by knocking off local qualifiers and UPSL champions, FC Anahuac, by a comfortable margin of 4-0, before they were matched up with new rivals, Reno 1868, in round 3. They controlled much of the match against Reno, winning the game 2-0. The man of the match that night was Trevin Caesar, who provided both a goal and an assist to lead his side to victory. This was the Republic’s first win over a professional side in their history in the tournament.

Sacramento has twice previously faced MLS competition in the Cup, twice losing to the San Jose Earthquakes in San Jose. The Republic has rebounded from a stretch that saw them go scoreless in 6 consecutive League matches. However, they were unable to keep that run going this weekend as they fell 2-0 to Reno 1868 in league play, the same club they knocked out in Round 3 of the Cup. Currently, they find themselves in 9th place in the 15-team USL Western Conference standings. They are even on points with both 7th and 8th place, but have played three more games than both those teams.

Real Salt Lake has struggled in league play to this point in the season, and could probably use a fresh competition and new venue to kick-start their play. They currently find themselves with the worst goal differential in all of MLS, and are in 10th place in the 11-team Western Conference table.

Former MLS Cup champions, Salt Lake’s best run in the Open Cup was in 2013 when they lost 1-0 to D.C. United in the Cup Final. Real will rely on long time leader, captain Kyle Beckerman, who has nearly 300 appearances for the club. As well, if the match were to go to penalties, Salt Lake has one of the best penalty-saving goalkeepers of all-time, Nick Rimando.

Real Salt Lake will be coming off a bye week in their League play, so they will be plenty rested for this trip to Sacramento.

BROADCAST: TBA
Winner will play winner of South Florida Surf (PDL)/Miami FC (NASL) on May 31

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Stuart Campbell and the Rowdies have the roster to best their club-best Fourth Round finish, but will face a testy Armada youth team eager to prove itself against an in-state club with MLS ambition.

Tampa Bay enter the match unbeaten in three games, but after a victory in USL play Saturday, expect Stuart Campbell to make some changes from the side that defeated Louisville City.
As ever, the Rowdies frontline is led by Georgi Hristov, who scored the winning goal in Tampa Bay’s lone Open Cup triumph last year, a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in third round action. More casual fans will recognize names like Jamaican international and former Colorado Rapids number nine Deshorn Brown, as well as longtime Premier League stalwart Joe Cole, who is no stranger to cup competition having won multiple FA Cups while playing for Chelsea in England. The Rowdies are also strong in defense, with speedy fullbacks Luke Boden and Darnell King providing menace on the overlap and steady veterans like Neill Collins and Damion Lowe in the center.

Jacksonville Armada’s U-23s are coached by Pat Cannon, who got all the changes right in helping the team pull off a come from behind win over The Villages SC last week. The Armada U-23s equalized moments after Cannon’s first two changes, and the winning goal, and seized control of the game from that point forward. The winning goal was scored by Cameron Grassmyer, who is one of several players on the club that also features for the Jacksonville University Dolphins, playing under the reputable manager Mauricio Ruiz.

BROADCAST: NONE
If AFC Cleveland wins …at Tartan Devils (USASA) or home vs Louisville FC (USL) on May 31
If Cincinnati FC wins… home vs. Tartan Devils/Louisville winner on May 31

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Reigning NPSL champion AFC Cleveland had an impressive showing in Des Moines, Iowa in Round 1, defeating the host Des Moines Menace 3-1.

The Royals opened up play in the NPSL on Saturday evening, drawing with Dayton Dynamo 3-3. AFC Cleveland is looking to improve on its US Open Cup performance last season, during which it advanced to the Second Round but then fell to Saint Louis FC (USL), 2-0.

FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, sits at 2-4-3 in the early stages of its USL campaign. The Orange and Blue, in their second year, are led offensively by Djiby Fall who has tallied six goals so far this season. Kenney Walker has contributed three assists, while Harrison Delbridge has added one goal and one assist.

Last season, FC Cincinnati won its second round match up of the US Open Cup 2-1 over Indy Eleven NPSL before falling in the third round to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1-0.

BROADCAST: NONE
Winner at Carolina Dynamo (PDL)/North Carolina FC (NASL)winner on May 31

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It’s old versus new in the Charlotte Derby as the Eagles host the Independence for the second straight year, hoping to avenge last year’s 2-0 loss in the Second Round.

The Eagles are flying high after a comprehensive 2-0 win over perennial NPSL contender Chattanooga FC, with Joao Costa providing the firepower (1 goal, 1 assist). They’ll be looking to expound on their Open Cup resume, having recently been to the Quarterfinals in 2012 when they were a pro team in the USL. Of course, this will be only their second go as an amateur team, as many of their Open Cup runs were as a professional team.

The Independence bought the Charlotte rights to a USL team from the Eagles in late 2014, and have gotten pretty good return from their first two Open Cup runs, advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2015 after beating in-state rival North Carolina FC and MLS’s New England Revolution. A win over the Eagles would potentially get them into WakeMed Soccer Park for their third consecutive showdown with North Carolina FC.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner will host Charlotte Eagles (PDL)/Charlotte Independence (USL) on May 31

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North Carolina FC (formerly Carolina RailHawks) begins this year’s US Open Cup run with their first-ever trip to MacPherson Stadium in Browns Summit, North Carolina to take on the Carolina Dynamo.

The connections between the two teams run deep. Brian Shriver, who was the top scorer in the 2012 US Open Cup while playing for the RailHawks, played two summers with the Dynamo. And many of the Dynamo players started out in the CASL (Capital Area Soccer League) youth system that’s based in WakeMed Soccer Park where North Carolina plays its home games.

Indeed, both teams play at soccer stadiums that sit among large youth setups. Mamadee Nyepon, who scored last week’s game-winner for the Dynamo, got his start playing on the various fields surrounding MacPherson Stadium while in the Greensboro United setup.

It’ll be a rare senior team matchup for two organizations whose youth teams play each other regularly. Even though the two clubs are regular entrants to the US Open Cup, this will be just their second meeting in Open Cup history, with North Carolina prevailing 3-1 in the Second Round of 2013.

The winner will host the winner of the other all-North Carolina matchup between Charlotte Eagles and Charlotte Independence in the Third Round.

BROADCAST: NONE
If Boston City wins…at Rochester Rhinos (USL) or home vs FC Motown (USASA) on May 31
If GPS Omens wins…at Rochster Rhinos (USL) or vs FC Motown (USASA) – host TBD – on May 31

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GPS Omens has qualified for the US Open Cup four of the last five years, but one thing that has escaped the Massachusetts-based amateur club is multiple wins in a single tournament. In fact, prior to their 2-0 First Round road win over GPS Portland Phoenix, they were 0-3-0 in the tournament. With a win under their belt, they have a chance to make it two in a row as they travel to Revere, Mass. to take on Boston City FC.

Boston City FC from the NPSL advanced beyond the opening round in their first-ever trip to the US Open Cup. They needed penalty kicks to eliminate the Western Mass Pioneers in Round 1 and now are one win away from reaching Round 3 where they could play their first pro team in the Rochester Rhinos, or if the Rhinos get upset, Boston will only have FC Motown in between them and a date with a MLS team in Round 4.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner at Miami United (NPSL)/Jacksonville Armada (NASL) winner on May 31

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NPSL) are coming off an impressive first round win over SC United Bantams by a score of 4-1. The match included an amazing half field goal from Alex Harlley, the nephew of former English Premier League star Emmanuel Adebayor. Deon McCaulay led the scoring for the match, with two goals. Atlanta are off to a hot start this year, having not lost yet in league play (3-0). This will be their 3rd US Open Cup appearance; they have never advanced in their previous outings (2009, 2016). Atlanta faced the Battery in 2009, losing 2-0 at Charleston.

The Charleston Battery (USL) are entering the second round of the 2017 tournament having a strong showing in league, currently holding a 5-1-1 record. In the 2016 tournament, the Battery lost in the third round in an exciting overtime match to the Jacksonville Armada.

The Battery’s claim to Open Cup fame are that they are one of two lower division clubs to reach the Final in the Modern Era (1995-present). They lost to DC United of MLS in the 2008 championship game. Charleston has the most Quarterfinal appearances of any lower division club since 1995 and are tied with the fifth-most wins (29) by any club in the Modern Era.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner at home vs Atlanta Silverbacks (NPSL)/Charleston Battery (USL) winner

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Contrasting styles.

Perhaps the most interesting matchup of the three second round games played in Florida, the Armada of the NASL are led by the young Englishman Mark Lowry, who demands his side defend, maintain quality shape and counterattack. The Armada are difficult to break down, having kept three clean sheets in their first seven games of the NASL campaign and conceding more than once on only one occasion.

The Armada lack a lethal forward, however, relying instead on smart midfield play from MLS veterans Zach Steinberger and Kevan George in the midfield and the blistering pace of Charles Elondou and Jemal Johnson, among others, on the wings. JC Banks and Jack Blake may be rested after lengthy NASL shifts this past weekend. Trinidad and Tobago international Jonathan Glenn is another speedy player built to counter.

What will be interesting is whether the Armada play to their strengths against a Miami United side chock full of professional experience and technical skill.

Nacho, the hero of Miami’s first round win, is a Miami amateur circuit legend and can finish comfortably with either foot. Mattias Menza is a pacy central midfielder who can effectively score from distance and the Brazilian Rafinha, from Cruzeiro’s youth system, is a punishing number six and a good option on a set piece.

If there’s an upset in the three 2nd round Florida games, it seems most likely to occur.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If Christos FC wins … at Chicago/Pitt winner
If Richmond Kickers wins … vs Chicago/Pitt winner

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Christos FC received a hat trick from Peter Caringi in its first round match against Fredericksburg FC to advance to round two by a 3-0 scoreline. The hat trick was enough to earn Caringi TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

Christos FC, the reigning USASA Amateur Cup champions, is in the midst of its first US Open Cup tournament.

Christos FC has opened the spring season in a number of other cup competitions, playing in qualifiers for the USASA Amateur Cup and the Werner Fricker Cup.

The Richmond Kickers, meanwhile, have played to a 2-4-2 record in their USL campaign and have yet to find their offensive rhythm. In eight matches, the team has notched just four goals, led by Fred Owusu Sekyere who has tallied two.

The Kickers organization is no stranger to success in the US Open Cup. The team won the Cup in 1995, and as recently as 2011, advanced to the semifinals of the competition, defeating two MLS sides in the process. In the 2016 edition of the US Open Cup, the Kickers advance to the third round before falling to the Ft Lauderdale Strikers on penalty kicks.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
If FC Motown wins…at Boston City FC (NPSL) or against GPS Omens – host TBA – on May 31
If Rochester Rhinos wins…at home vs Boston City FC/GPS Omens winner on May 31

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If you thought that FC Motown Celtics was an Irish team from Detroit, it’s ok, but this is not an old-school ethnic club. Motown is a common nickname for Morristown NJ, where FC Motown is based. And the Celtic moniker? The team’s first jerseys copied Glasgow Celtics because they looked good, and the name stuck.

FC Motown plays in the Garden State Soccer League, Yellow Super Division and entered round 2 after a dramatic 2-1 overtime win over NJ Copa. With the score tied at the end of regulation, the first period of overtime proved to be decisive as Motown’s Sammy Gehman smacked a 32 yard freekick over Copa’s two man wall to notch the game winner.

Motown come into their game against the Rhinos with a perfect 11-0-0 record in league play with 59 goals for and 13 goals against. Coach Sacir Hot, formerly with the NY Red Bulls and US youth national teams, is the most noteworthy individual with Motown, but fans should also watch for the athletic Marcus Hackett, and, if he is healthy, Andres Barriel, a crafty player on the ball.

Rochester Rhinos enter the 2nd round of USOC play as an automatic qualifier, playing in the USL Pro Eastern Conference where they finished 4th in 2016. So far in 2017, they are 2-2-1, with a tie and a win in the last two games and 6 goals scored over that span. Players to watch are on the wings and in goal. Jalen Brown, an NYCFC draft pick, holds down the left wing and impresses with his confidence on the ball. On the right side, Cristiano Francois – a former FC Motown player and Haitian national teamer – has speed to burn and will test the Celtics with his pace. Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez, formerly of San Jose Earthquakes, earned the USL’s Golden Glove award in 2016 with a 0.69 goals against average and will prove a stingier netminder than FC Motown are used to facing in the Garden State Soccer League. As the last non-MLS team to win the US Open Cup, in 1999, the Rhinos start their 2017 campaign with the memory of that success in the back of their minds, while remembering to take each game as it comes in their quest for a second title.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If Tartan Devils win … at FC Cincinnati (USL) or home vs AFC Cleveland (NPSL) on May 31
If Louisville City wins … at FC Cincinnati (USL) or at AFC Cleveland (NPSL) on May 31

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Since its inaugural season in 2015, Louisville City FC have been one of the top teams in USL — finishing second in the Eastern Conference right behind the eventual league champions each year.

This year they’re right back near the top of the USL standings, but a 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday dropped them down to 3rd place — and looking forward to spending the upcoming week in Pittsburgh, where they will also take on the USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday.

First things first though, as this year’s US Open Cup path for Louisville City F.C. will run through the Steel City, where they will face an amateur team, Tartan Devils Oak Avalon FC, consisting of recent and former local college players.

The Devils advanced to the second round after battling back to defeat Louisville-based PDL side Derby City Rovers, 1-1 (4-3 on penalties) last Wednesday. After conceding an early goal, the Devils equalized on a Rob Heuler header from Derek Mackenzie’s free kick to the far post area in the 89th minute.

Louisville City FC (3-2 all-time in Open Cup play) will be looking for its third straight Second Round Open Cup win, while the Devils are the first amateur team from Western Pennsylvania to advance to the 2nd Round in the Open Cup modern era (since the inception of Major League Soccer). The results of this match may very well set up intruiging regional rivalry match-ups in the Open Cup’s third round game to be played on May 31. The winner will take on the winner of 2016 NPSL Champions AFC Cleveland-FC Cincinnati 2nd Round match, with possibilities of renewing a bitter rivalry between Lou City and FC Cincinnati or even a potential Pittsburgh vs Cleveland game.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If South Florida wins … at Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on May 31
If Miami FC wins … vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on May 31

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On paper, you’d think this is a mismatch, as Miami FC, coached by Italian World Cup champion Allesandro Nesta, enter the match sitting first in the NASL, led by powerful Ghanaian number ten Kwadwo Poku and Brazilian forward Stefano Pinho.

Miami FC play attractive soccer between the lines, with a staggered midfield trio of Dylan Mares, Johnny Steele or Calvin Rezende and the anchor man Richie Ryan all capable of pulling the string in attack. Still, the club do concede at a rate of a goal a game, and are vulnerable a bit on the flanks.

Look for the Surf, with a midfield that includes former Tampa Bay Rowdies man Jeff Michaud and Manny Gonzales, who played a significant part of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers run to last year’s Open Cup quarterfinals, to set up with a back five and wait to pick their spots on the counter. They defeated South Florida amateur power Red Force FC in the First Round to earn their first tournament win in franchise history.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner will host FC Wichita/Saint Louis FC winner on May 31

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The Michigan Bucks welcome the Indy Eleven to Ultimate Soccer Arenas this upcoming Wednesday as the US Open Cup shifts to Round 2.

The Bucks are currently 1-0-0 on the PDL season with a monumental win over division rivals K-W United of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The match featured the last three PDL champions (Bucks in 2014, 2016, K-W in 2015).

The Indy Eleven just had their first result of the season that wasn’t a draw, a 3-2 loss to Miami FC, dropping them to 0-1-6 (6 points) in the eight-team North American Soccer League.

The Bucks have a new team from the last time they were in the US Open Cup, missing current pro players like Lalas Abubakar (Columbus Crew), Francis DeVries (Vancouver Whitecaps 2), Adam Najem (Philadelphia Union, and Russell Cicerone (Portland Timbers 2), but for every person they miss, they always seem to bring in a new player to fill, like former pro Mo Kaba, Michigan Wolverine wing forward Francis Atuahene, and an exciting midfielder from Oakland University named Austin Ricci. Their returning spark plug off the bench is Andre Landell. He scored 11 goals for the Bucks last year, and already has one in the US Open Cup this year, the game-winner against AFC Ann Arbor in Round 1.

The Indy Eleven have a 2-3 record overall in the USOC, have come in off of great 2016 Spring and Fall season, finishing first and second respectively. But this year, it’s been very uneven. In seven games, they have scored eight goals, and given up nine. But they have the current goal scoring leader of the NASL with Justin Braun who has four. Indy Eleven still have their top two goal scorers in their short history, with Braun (12) and Irish-Libyan Eamon Zayed (17). They even sport former Buck David Goldsmith off the bench.

BROADCAST: ONLINE RADIO
If Ocean City wins … home vs. New York Cosmos (PDL) or at Reading United (USL)
If Harrisburg City Islanders wins … at Reading United (PDL)/New York Cosmos (NASL) winner

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In a rematch of a US Open Cup match from 10 years ago, the Harrisburg City Islanders will return to Carey Stadium to take on the Ocean City Nor’easters. Back in 2007, also in the Second Round, Harrisburg edged Ocean City (then known as the Ocean City Barons) 2-1 to deny the amateurs from the Premier Development League a chance at upsetting a pro team.

While it didn’t happen that day, Ocean City has given many professional teams a hard time in the US Open Cup. They have upset five pro teams in club history, the third-most of any amateur team in the Modern Era. The Nor’easters won the Eastern Conference championship last year and earned a spot in the PDL Final Four this year, but it’s a new year in 2017. Ocean City has a new head coach, John Thompson, a former PDL Defender of the Year who played for the club from 2002-06. The club features a talented roster, but very few players have returned from the team that reached the PDL Final Four last year. This collection of mostly new faces performed well in their opening round game. In Round 1, last Wednesday, they defeated Junior Lone Star from Philadelphia, 3-1 at “The Beach House”.

There are plenty of connections between these two teams. There have been 10 former Ocean City players that have moved on to sign with the City Islanders since the Nor’easters joined the PDL in 2003.

While Ocean City is one of the best Open Cup teams within the amateur ranks, the Harrisburg City Islanders have one of the most impressive resumes among lower division pro teams. While Ocean City has defeated five pro teams (none of them MLS), the City Islanders have eliminated five MLS teams. That is tied for 4th-most among lower division pro teams in the Modern Era. Harrisburg has also reached the Quarterfinals four times (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012).

The City Islanders are currently 12th in the USL Eastern Conference with a 2-3-2 record. Former PDL MVP Aaron Wheeler leads the team with two goals in seven appearances. In goal, Brandon Miller is the team’s top goalkeeper with five goals conceded in six appearances so far this season.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If New York Cosmos wins … at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) or vs Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) on May 31
If Reading United wins … home vs. Ocean City/Harrisburg winner on May 31

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The New York Cosmos enter the US Open Cup as one of the most successful non-MLS teams in recent years. In each of its three appearances it has reached the Fifth Round (Round of 16). And in each of those three years, they have eliminated a team from Major League Soccer. However, in each of those three years, their run ended in the Fifth Round to team from MLS.

Twice the Cosmos have been close to reaching the quarterfinals. A season ago, it led the New England Revolution until two goals in the last 15 minutes to lose 3-2. In its first appearance in 2014, New York went to extra time with the Philadelphia Union before losing 2-1.

Entering Wednesday’s matchup with Reading United, the Cosmos are in second on the NASL with one loss in seven games. Javi Marquez leads the team with two goals and seven players with one.

In two previous matchups with PDL teams, the New York Cosmos defeated Jersey express 3-0 in 2015 and 2-0 in 2016 with both games at home. This will be the first road game for New York against a non-MLS team in the Open Cup.

Reading United continued to find success in its Open Cup openers by winning its sixth straight (a Modern Era record for an amateur club). Haitian International, Frantzdy Pierrot scored the lone goal heading in the rebound off his penalty kick in first half stoppage time.

Aaron Molloy will not be available after receiving a red card in the first round in the 76th minute.

Reading played its first PDL game of the season Saturday defeating Lehigh Valley United 3-1. Pierrot, Molloy and Khori Bennett scored for United.

Reading has struggled against professional teams going 1-7-0 with the lone win coming at home against the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2013.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner will host Richmond Kickers (USL) or be on the road vs Christos FC (NPSL) on May 31

 

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It was an own goal in the last minute of regular time of its first round match-up that sent Chicago FC United into the second round with the rights to host another match. The PDL side will have no other focus except the US Open Cup as it does not start its league schedule until Tuesday, May 23.

Chicago FC United will look to continue its run in its first appearance in the US Open Cup, under the direction of head coach Jamie Smith. Smith is a former Scottish national team player who had professional experience playing for Celtic and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, among other clubs.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are in the midst of their USL campaign, sitting at 3-3-2 so far. The Riverhounds have been led by Corey Hertzog, who has notched five goals so far this season. Marshall Hollingsworth has added two goals and two assists.

The Riverhounds look to improve on last season’s performance in the US Open Cup, in which they lost in their opening appearance in the second round. In the 2015 US Open Cup, Pittsburgh advanced to the fourth round of the competition where it narrowly lost to MLS-side D.C. United in extra time.

BROADCAST: ONLINE RADIO
Winner hosts OKC Energy/Moreno Valley winner on May 31

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FC Tucson will face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the Second Round of the US Open Cup at Colorado’s Weidner Field Wednesday.

PDL side FC Tucson arrives off a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rush in USOC’s First Round and with the momentum of their first league win of the year, a 2-0 road win against the San Diego Zest. USL’s Switchbacks will make their first appearance in the 2017 tournament, looking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss on the road to league opponents the Vancouver Whitecaps 2.

With both teams on short rest, the key to a Second Round win rests solidly on the depth of each team.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If San Antonio wins … at Tulsa Roughnecks or vs OKC Energy U-23s on May 31
If Dutch Lions win … at Roughnecks/OKC Enery U-23s winner on May 31

 

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The latest chapter in the sporting rivalry between Houston and San Antonio takes place on Wednesday as the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Dutch Lions FC host San Antonio FC of the United Soccer League (USL). Although the Dutch Lions are actually based out of Conroe, a far north suburb of Houston, they still draw players from all over the greater Houston area and they’ll do their best to represent the entire metro area as they take on San Antonio’s premier team.

There used to be several Dutch Lions-themed teams around the US, but Houston has since become the flagship team for the brand. As the name might suggest, the club is run by coaches who were educated over in Europe and are looking to offer elite training to the youth players in the greater Houston area. The Lions have only played one competitive match so far: their 3-1 victory over North Texas Rayados in Round 1. Their first NPSL Lonestar Conference match takes place on Saturday against Fort Worth Vaqueros.

Meanwhile, San Antonio FC currently boast the best record in the entire USL with seven wins, two draws, and no losses in league play so far. Their goal difference of plus 15 is also the best in the league. Former San Antonio Scorpions standout Billy Forbes is leading the way for San Antonio FC with six goals in nine games. The Scorpions folded in November of 2015, but prior to that Forbes made a name for himself in the Alamo by scoring the game winner in the 2014 NASL Soccer Bowl. Backed by the same group that owns the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio FC have aspirations of joining Major League Soccer in their next round of expansion. In the meantime, they’ll have to settle for being the USL affiliate of New York City FC.

The winner of this one will advance to take on the winner of the OKC Energy’s U-23 side and the Tulsa Roughnecks.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner at Michigan Bucks/Indy Eleven winner on May 31

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Wichita FC will host St. Louis FC this week in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.
The National Premier League side advanced last week with a 1-0 extra time win over Azteca FC on the rain-soaked turf at Friends University. It was the Kansas side’s first ever USOC win, as well as its first game of the year.

Now Wichita FC will welcome USL side St. Louis FC to town.

St. Louis is off to uneven start in USL, with three wins in its first eight league games, but the team is still in position for an Eastern Conference playoff berth despite losing its last three games.

The matchup with Wichita FC will be St. Louis FC’s first game in this year’s US Open Cup.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner at FC Tucson/Colorado Switchbacks FC winner on May 31

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OKC Energy FC will host its first ever U.S. Open Cup match on May 17 when the USL side welcomes Moreno Valley FC.

The California-based squad earned its spot in the USOC second round by knocking off the Ventura County Fusion, 2-0, last week.

Moreno Valley leads the California division of the United Premier Soccer League, with four wins and a draw in five game so far this season.

Energy FC is off to a slow start in USL’s Western Conference, with only one win in six games. It has four wins and one tie, but has won each of its second-round USOC games in its three previous entries in the tournament.

Wednesday’s game will be at the University of Oklahoma soccer complex in nearby Norman.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If Burlingame Dragons wins … vs. Phoenix Rising or at Fresno Fuego on May 31
If San Francisco Deltas wins … home vs. Fresno/Phoenix Rising winner on May 31

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While considered a home game for the Deltas in the record books, this match will be played on the Stanford University Campus. This is closer to the home field of the Burlingame Dragons than to the San Francisco Deltas as Stanford is located on the south end of the San Francisco Peninsula.

The Burlingame Dragons are in their 3rd year of existence and are making their 3rd straight appearance in the tournament. They picked up their first win in the Cup last week in the 1st round against historic El Farolito. The Dragons won a hard fought game 6-5 on penalties to advance to play their first ever pro-side in the competition. The Dragons are led by Gabe Silveira who created a majority of their best chances against El Farolito in the 1st round. They are coached by former MLS goalie, Joe Cannon, who will be making his debut as a head coach in a Cup match after not being able to attend the 1st round game. The Dragons faced a difficult lead up to the match as they played two games this past weekend, one against PDL Rivals SF City FC on Saturday and their own home opener against the Fresno Fuego on Sunday. They have picked up just one point from league play through the first 3 games of the PDL season.

The SF Deltas will be making their Cup debut, as they are the lone NASL expansion side for the 2017 season. The Deltas will be faced with a difficult week of their own with league matches three days before this Open Cup match and two days after. They are led by Head Coach Marc Dos Santos, who is no stranger to big matches in lower league soccer, having had stints in multiple different second division leagues. However, with most of his experience in North American soccer being in Canada, this will be his first time taking charge as a head coach in this tournament. The Deltas currently sit 2nd in the NASL table, having picked up 12 points in 7 games. Their captain is Canadian international, Nana Attakora, who will be looking to add a US Open Cup to his three Canadian cups.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If Anahuac FC wins…at OSA FC or vs Reno 1868 on May 31
If Sacremento wins…vs OSA FC/Reno 1868 winner on May 31

 

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Republic FC host the current UPSL Champion, FC Anahuac of Las Vegas, NV. Anahuac was minutes away from elimination from this, their debut Open Cup performance, but drew even 1-1 with Sonoma County Sol in overtime, before coming back to win in PKs. Anahuac currently sit fourth in the UPSL Nevada Conference, and qualified to the Open Cup by defeating fellow UPSL NV clubs MF10, and the Vegas High Rollers via forfeit.

Sacramento enters this Open Cup looking to make it to the fifth round for the first time in their history, and to return to their usual fourth round appearance. Republic FC made the fourth round in 2014 and 2015 but were eliminated in the third round last season by PDL turned NPSL club Kitsap Pumas, now known as Kitsap Soccer Club.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
If OSA FC wins…vs Sacramento Republic/Anahuac winner on May 31
IF Reno 1868 wins…vs Anahuac FC or at Sacramento on May 31

 

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Starfire Sports complex is no stranger to playing host to big US Open Cup matches. It will once again play host to the Cup when NPSL side OSA FC of the Seattle Metro Area host USL Reno 1868, who will be making their Cup debut. OSA FC picked up the Club’s first ever win in the 1st round, knocking out the Seattle Sounders U-23 5-3 on penalties. In its previous incarnation as FC Tacoma 253, the Club played its inaugural match in the US Open Cup qualifying rounds in 2015. OSA FC is the defending Northwest Conference champions of the NPSL, and reached the 2nd round of the League’s playoffs last season. This will be just the 3rd match of the young season for OSA FC as they began NPSL play this weekend where they lost their opening league match to PDX FC of Portland, Oregon.

Their opponents are USL expansion side, Reno 1868. Reno has found life difficult as an expansion side as they currently sit in the bottom half of the USL Western Conference standings. However, they did pick up their first win in Club history in their most recent outing, beating the Phoenix Rising FC with a score of 4-0. They can use the Cup match as a way to keep that momentum going. This match will also be a homecoming of sorts for Reno Head Coach Ian Russell who was born in Seattle and played for both the Washington Huskies and the Seattle Sounders of the old USL A-League.

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If Fresno Fuego wins…at San Francisco Deltas or vs Burlingame on May 31
If Phoneix Rising wins…at San Francisco Deltas/Burlingame winner on May 31

 

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The Fresno Fuego and their top-level home support will play host to USL Phoenix Rising and their trio of big name players. The Fuego are no stranger to the 2nd round of the tournament having reached at least the 2nd round in all four of the Club’s appearances in the US Open Cup to date. Their most recent appearance in the tournament back in 2014 included an upset of USL pro-side, the Orange County Blues, in a 2-0 victory. The Fuego’s best run in the Cup was back in 2003 in the Club’s inaugural season. In 2003, they reached the 4th round of the Cup, but went on to lose 3-1 to MLS power, the LA Galaxy. The Fuego currently have 6 points from their first 2 matches and sit 2nd in the Southwest Division standings of the PDL on goal difference. They are led by local product and Club captain, Milton Blanco. Blanco has played with the Fuego in between multiple different stints with pro teams, including all the way back in the Club’s inaugural season in 2003.

Phoenix Rising FC has a trio of big name players, including Didier Drogba, Omar Bravo, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Shaun Wright-Phillips picked up his first ever goal for the Club this past weekend with a dramatic winner in the 95th minute. This is the Club’s 4th appearance in the Cup since they were founded in 2014 as Arizona United Soccer Club. The Club’s best run in the Cup came in that inaugural season when they reached the 4th round, where they fell 2-1 to the MLS side. Through six games so far in USL League play in 2017, the Rising have won half and lost half of their matches, placing them currently mid table in the USL Western Conference. They are led by interim head coach, Rick Schantz.

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Winner tavels to LA Wolves/Chula Vista winner on May 31

 

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FC Golden State Force is the last remaining PDL side from the Los Angeles area in this Open Cup. They’re a traditional Southern California youth club power, with teams operating in Los Angeles and Orange County. In fact, 2016 Open Cup dark horse La Máquina was a project of FC Golden State Orange County, forged for competing in the UPSL. Golden State Force also have a U23 squad in the UPSL Championship, or second, division. FCGS got to this second round by defeating the top club in the So Cal Premier League, Outbreak SC, in the first round.

Orange County returns to the Open Cup rebranded from Orange County Blues to Orange County SC. OCSC will look to forge a new history and detach themselves from the historically poor performance of the OC Blues, who were eliminated by three amateur teams, one game and out, in three consecutive tournaments, by Fresno Fuego, PSA Elite and LA Wolves, who eliminated them from last year’s cup in PKs.

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If OKC Energy U23s win … at San Antonio FC or home vs. Dutch Lions on May 31
If Tulsa Athletic wins … home vs. Dutch Lions/San Antonio FC winner on May 31

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The Oklahoma derby will be contested in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, with a twist.
Tulsa Roughnecks FC will host the under-23 side of cross-state rival OKC Energy FC.

OKC Energy U-23 already owns a win over a Tulsa team this year. The youth side advanced to the USOC second round last week with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Tulsa Athletic after the teams played to a 1-1 tie.

Tulsa, which will be playing its first match in this year’s Open Cup, has won four of its first seven USL games this year.

The game will be played Wednesday at the University of Tulsa’s soccer complex, which also was the site of last week’s Energy U-23 victory.

Portland Timbers 2 and the Seattle Sounders 2 started off Round 3 at 4 p.m. EST at Starfire Sports Complex to avoid a conflict with the MLS Sounders, who had a home game at CenturyLink Field scheduled in the evening. The hosts got the upper hand as Sounders 2 beat Timbers 2 for the second time in less than a week. Pablo Rossi’s goal in extra time fueled the win for Seattle. Andy Craven equalized 12 minutes after Timbers 2’s Rennico Clarke scored the game’s first goal early on in the second half. FULL MATCH REPORT »

For the second straight year, the Rochester Rhinos will face MLS side Philadelphia Union in US Open Cup Play. Rochester striker Steevan Humberto Fortes dos Santos was ejected in the 38th minute for his second booking causing the visitors to play down a man for the rest of the action. However, they pulled through by scoring three unanswered goals in extra time after the game was scoreless after 90 minutes. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Kickers delivered in dominating fashion against NASL side Jacksonville Armada and extended their streak of not losing to a non-MLS side in US Open Cup play which dates back to 2009. Richmond scored early and often as Brian Ownby, Jason Yeisley, and George Davis IV found the net for the hosts. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Riverhounds and Rowdies battled for a game that was a deadlock against two professional teams. In the end, Pittsburgh’s Rob Vincent broke the scoreless affair with a stoppage time strike. The goal advances the USL side to the Fourth Round. For the third game in a row, the Riverhounds will host a game, this time against 2013 US Open Cup champion DC United who they haven’t played against since 2003. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Atlanta brought some good news to the NASL with a dramatic 2-1 extra time win over the NPSL’s last remaining representative, Chattanooga FC. The Silverbacks are only one of two NASL teams to find their way into the Fourth Round. Chattanooga’s Luke Winter open the game’s scoring in the 87the minute before Atlanta equalized on a penalty kick in stoppage time. The game headed to extra time with the game knotted at 1-1 and the visitors came away victorious as Jaime Chavez fired a shot into the upper 90 securing the game-winning goal with about 10 minutes left to play. With the win, Atlanta Silverbacks will take on MLS side New York Red Bulls in Round 4. FULL MATCH REPORT »

In the battle of North Carolina the team in its first US Open Cup, the Charlotte Independence, came out victorious over a team with one of the strongest tournament resumes in American soccer. Ryan Finley’s late goal lifted the newcomers over the experienced Railhawks, 1-0. With the win, they move on to face the New England Revolution of MLS. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Dane Kelly’s goal with about 10 minutes left in the match capped the Battery’s comeback from a goal down and was the second goal in about three minutes. Moments earlier Zach Prince scored to equalize at 2-2. Charleston’s 3-2 win advances them to a Fourth Round home game against MLS newcomers Orlando City SC. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Another USL side triumphed over an NASL side as Louisville City’s inexperience didn’t show as they rolled past the Indy Eleven. It would take extra time, but Louisville scored twice in the second extra time period to pull away with the win. As a result, they will take on the Chicago Fire on the road in Round 4. FULL MATCH REPORT »

After earning an upset win last week over the New York Red Bulls 2 (USL), PDL side Jersey Express struggled against the NASL’s New York Cosmos. Leo Fernandes opened the scoring in the 14th minute and New York added goals in the 40th and 81st minutes to seal a 3-0 victory. The Cosmos will host MLS expansion side New York City FC in the US Open Cup’s next round. FULL MATCH REPORT »

One of the most exciting matches of the Third Round was Saint Louis FC prevailing over Minnesota United FC in penalty kicks. After the score remaining tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of soccer, St. Louis advanced to the fourth round 3-1 in the shootout. St Louis will travel to Sporting KC for a cross-state battle in Round 4. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Two Midwest USL sides battled in a tight affair. In the end, Oklahoma City came away with the 1-0 win. The loan goal was scored by Peter Toth who blasted a shot from distance into the back of the net. The Energy will travel to take on FC Dallas in Round 4 and if they are able to pull off the upset, they would be the first Oklahoma team in 40 years to reach the Round of 16. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The San Antonio Scorpions made a quick exit from US Open Cup play as their 2015 season continues to not go as planned. USL side Austin Aztex found themselves in the lead thanks to goals from Michael Ambrose and Trevin Caesar. Ambrose’s strike came from an impressive 30 yards out. Austin will now take on the Houston Dynamo in the Fourth Round. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Switchbacks took the lead just five minutes into the match when Josh Phillips played a nice through ball to teammate Aaron King who slotted the ball past the Monarchs keeper. At the half, the score remained and after a 90-minute weather delay the match resumed. Despite many opportunities on goal, the Real Monarchs couldn’t find an equalizer. As a result, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks move on to take on their MLS affiliates, the Colorado Rapids, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. FULL MATCH REPORT »

In a match that featured two amateur sides, PSA Elite proved to be the better of the two. Mats Bjurman scored his third goal of the tournament in the 39th minute with a penalty kick. Ventura County would equalize in the 72nd minute, but PSA Elite found the eventual game-winner only eight minutes later. They are the only amateur side to reach the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup and the only one in the Modern Era to do it in back-to-back seasons. As the last remaining amateur club, they will be awarded $15,000 as the amateur (Div. 4) club that reached the furthest. PSA Elite’s next US Open Cup opponent is the LA Galaxy. FULL MATCH REPORT »

For those who weren’t paying attention for the game’s entirety, they may have confused this match for a baseball game. Sacramento’s Adnan Gabeljic scored a hat trick, making the Republic, the first club in the Modern Era to have a 3-goal scorer in back-to-back rounds. Tommy Stewart, who scored a trio of goals in the last round, scored a goal as well, giving him a tournament-high four. In the end, the USL side defeated Chula Vista 7-3 in a thrilling match from a neutral party angle. Sacramento will take on the San Jose Earthquakes in the Fourth Round. FULL MATCH REPORT »