Robert Wilson

Based in Denver, Robert Wilson has covered the US Open Cup matches in the Centennial State since 2014. He has enjoyed doing his part to grow the game in his part of the United States while balancing a career outside of soccer. Robert can be contacted by email at [email protected]

2019 Meet the Underdogs: FC Denver using US Open Cup to build to “higher level”

May 4, 2019 by Robert Wilson

FC Denver celebrates after the club's 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter — FC Denver celebrates after the club’s 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter

A year ago, FC Denver lined up three straight shutout victories over local amateur competition and qualified for their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. At the time, this was a benchmark achievement for the 13-year-old club that had largely excelled at the highest level of local leagues but never truly competed outside of the Denver area. The club’s 2018 qualification was just the first step toward growing FC Denver into what then player-coach Drew Melin hoped would be a club that garners national recognition.

“I think eventually our goal is to get to a higher level,” Melin told TheCup.us in 2018. A year later FC Denver has used their 2018 US Open Cup matches to springboard into another successful qualification run in 2019 and now is a club growing in all directions.

After reaching the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup and nearly knocking off the professional Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL Championship), FC Denver’s players, coaches, supporters, board of directors and president/founder Eric Fulton were all struck with a newfound belief that they could compete at a higher level. Fulton described it as an “opening of doors to new opportunities to connect with the larger soccer community, engage with new people, fans, sponsors and general awareness of who we are, along with all the memories . Opportunities that two years ago we would not have foreseen.”

FC Denver poses for a team photo after the club's 4-3 extra time win over Southwest FC in the final round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: FC Denver — FC Denver poses for a team photo after the club’s 4-3 extra time win over Southwest FC in the final round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: FC Denver

One of the most unexpected opportunities that arose from their US Open Cup exposure was when a group of parents approached Fulton with a proposition to form a youth academy. Despite being one of the leading large metro areas for professional and college soccer talent development, the Denver metro area has a limited supply of roster spots within elite training programs. FC Denver hired a former semi-professional player and USSF Youth B-Licensed coach Pete Bunting to head up their new youth academy starting with the under-19 men’s side. Later that summer, FC Denver launched a women’s team, signed a lease to play their Colorado Premier League and Open Cup games at Metropolitan State University’s soccer-specific stadium in downtown Denver and even received a shout out in a local magazine’s Best of Denver 2019 list.

Fulton admits that without the legitimacy that playing and advancing in the US Open Cup provided, many of these developments would have never happened and definitely not this quickly. Fulton added that he hopes to “develop and continue this institution for the city, one that will last long after his time with the club.”

In order to keep the momentum in the club’s favor, qualifying for the 2019 US Open Cup was made a top priority.

FC Denver’s route to the 106th edition of the tournament through the Open Division Local qualifying competition was no cakewalk. The club’s opening round match on Sept. 23 was a rematch against the team they beat to punch their ticket to last year’s Open Cup. And just like last year, FCD earned an extra time shutout with the lone goal coming late in the second period of OT from Alex Bernhardt. On Oct. 21, FC Denver eliminated two-time US Open Cup participant Harpo’s FC 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a physical 1-1- battle.

Players from FC Denver (green) and Southwest FC battle for the ball in a Fourth Round match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Southwest FC

A little more than a month later (Dec. 2), FC Denver knocked off Aurora, Colo.-based GAM United 4-1 in their first-ever match at their new home stadium in downtown Denver. At this point, FC Denver was the last Colorado team, and the last United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) team standing but they would have to wait for confirmation that they would be competing in the 2019 competition. Weeks later, the US Soccer Federation released the format for the 2019 U.S. Open Cup with a record number of professional clubs but a ten-year low number of tournament seeds available to Open Division clubs. This meant one more qualification match was required. On the road in El Paso, Texas against Southwest FC.

Flying down to El Paso midweek, early into the local league season, is no small task for an amateur club but one that tests their merit as a 2019 US Open Cup participant. FC Denver was fortunate to maintain the majority of the players that played in the previous Open Cup tournament, including the entire starting eleven from their 2018 second round matchup against Colorado Springs Switchbacks. In the words of Eric Fulton “we have been there, we have been tested.” Southwest FC proved to be a formidable test, scoring three goals on Denver before conceding a single goal right before the half time whistle.

Down by three, FC Denver managed to pull a goal back just before halftime and it may have been a sign of things to come. In the second half down 3-1, FC Denver’s recently-hired Under-19 coach and first team assistant coach, Pete Bunting and head coach Drew Melin made several tactical adjustments.

“We changed formation to go a bit more narrow and tighter, and it stopped them from playing the way they wanted,” said Melin. The well-timed adjustments and substitutions paid off one goal at a time eventually equalizing in the 78th minute. After the game went to extra time, Denver continued the momentum and Cesar Castillo scored the fourth unanswered goal in the 103rd minute sealing the victory and qualification to the 2019 US Open Cup.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated FC Denver to win their opening round game in the US Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. Photo: Isaiah Downing | Switchbacks FC

Now officially qualified into the First Round of the 2019 tournament, FC Denver is confident with both the draw and state of their club. Another trip to west Texas, to face the Midland-Odessa Sockers (NPSL) on May 8 will be another strong test that they should be ready for. The addition of Bunting to the coaching staff is a large point of confidence for FC Denver.

“We would not be coming back from El Paso without Pete’s tactical eye,” added Fulton but the largest area of strength is the strong roster of returning players led by Alex Bernhardt, Peter Jacobson, Tyler Chauncey and Castillo, who scored a hat trick in last year’s 4-2 opening round win over Azteca FC.

No player is more integral to FC Denver’s success than forward Cesar Castillo. The diminutive forward has a next level dribbling and finishing abilities developed at college soccer powerhouse UC Santa Barbara. After college Castillo was on pre-season rosters with MLS franchises Chivas USA and the Colorado Rapids but at a time with smaller rosters and no USL developmental loan options Castillo is a player that fell through the cracks.

In 2015 Castillo moved back to his hometown of Gypsum, Colorado, a blue-collar “down valley” town near Vail, Colorado. Back home Castillo joined the indoor arena soccer team Freedom FC where he became a bit of a local legend in the Vail Valley leading the national PASL indoor league in goals scored. Castillo’s indoor goal scoring records did not go unnoticed as he was recruited by the USA Arena Soccer National Team as well as by Fulton to join FC Denver. On April 14^th Castillo made his debut and scored for the Arena National Team in a 6-2 victory over the Brazilian National Selection at the historic Corn Palace Arena in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Still a key player for Freedom FC and the Vail Valley soccer community, Castillo regularly drives the 110 miles across the Rocky Mountains to join up with FC Denver. In his two years with FC Denver, Castillo has scored in all five Open Cup matches, including a converted penalty kick following the Harpo’s draw. Castillo should be a key player to watch in the matchup against Midland Odessa Sockers.

FC Denver kick off the 2019 U.S. Open Cup at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland, Texas against the Midland-Odessa Sockers FC on May 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, giving the Denver side some additional national exposure.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3: FC Denver last USSSA club standing after win vs. Gam United

December 3, 2018 by Robert Wilson

FC Denver advanced in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after eliminating local rival GAM United on a freezing Sunday night on the Metropolitan State University soccer stadium in downtown Denver. It has not yet been announced if this is the last qualification match necessary before the tournament proper begins in 2019 however, Denver has now eliminated Indios FC, Harpos FC and GAM United and are the last Colorado-based amateur club, and the last United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) team remaining in the tournament.

Cesar Castillo and Alex Bernhardt led the way with a goal and an assist each as FC Denver moves on step closer toward qualifying for the second year in a row, and the second time in club history.

From the first whistle, FC Denver was on the front foot holding possession, finding their way around the GAM fullbacks and testing GAM goalkeeper Prince Goma. Denver’s early efforts paid off in the ninth minute when winger Cesar Castillo delivered a perfect cross to Alex Bernhardt who headed in the opening goal.

Ten minutes later, Lashaw Salta delivered a left footed cross to Fernando Magallanes who trapped the ball with his chest and scored a half volley goal directly in front of the net.

In the 27th minute, midfield maestro Castillo curved a free kick around the GAM wall and into the bottom right corner of the goal to give Denver a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark of the match. Just when it looked like FC Denver would cruise into halftime, GAM United’s Michael Sarpong scored off a quick counter attack to keep the visiting team within striking distance.

Through the second half, FC Denver continued to possess the ball and pin back the GAM backline. The front three of Magallanes, Castillo and Bernhardt would often shift positions popping up in dangerous positions for right back Kyle Crouse or midfielder Miguel Escobar to find with a line breaking pass. Head coach Drew Melin credited the “very fluid front three, that kept the defense guessing” to the consistent pressure generated.

In the 71st minute, FC Denver nearly scored again with a number of shots rattling the crossbar and eventually drawing a penalty. Goalkeeper Prince Goma made two quick saves in a matter of seconds saving Castillo’s penalty shot and then quickly jumping back up to save the second attempt.

Moments later FC Denver scored the final goal when Castillo served a long free kick to the near post where Alex Bernhardt flicked the ball to the back post where an unmarked Jon Lister was able to settle and score to put the game away.

After the match, Melin added that the effort from each FC Denver player was fantastic and they are looking forward to whomever they are paired with next in the Open Cup.

“We set a goal as soon as we lost to the Switchbacks last year that we want to get back to that point (US Open Cup Second Round) and build on that each year”

Melin credited Alex Bernhardt as the man of the match as he led his team one step closer to qualify for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

“He was everywhere,” said Melin. “Up on offense and defensively, he got a goal and an assist, he played his best game for the club”

Jim Coppock also contributed to this report

FC Denver Starters

U# First Last

14 Alex Bernhardt

3 Cesar Castillo

17 Tyler Chauncey

8 Kyle Crouse

6 Marco Escobar

5 Peter Jacobson

11 Fernando Magallenes

12 Joel Miller

1 Michael Moberg

4 Nabil Odulate

7 Lashaw Salta

Bench

19 Ryan Bernhardt (dnp)

13 Paul Hogan

9 Troy Hudson (dnp)

2 John Lister

18 Drew Melin (dnp)

20 Jacob Peterson (dnp)

16 Christian Weaver

Gam United Starters

U# First Last

10 Ajok Gai Abiar

9 Nana Boakye

17 Inza Cisse

4 Karrar Fouad

1 Prince Goma

3 Emmanuel Gymafi

12 Saad Hissein

22 Ibraheem Latona

47 Michael Sarpong

2 Karim Soumah

24 Carson Swope

Bench

20 Francis Afropong (dnp)

24 Sajjad Alfatlawi (dnp)

7 Alex Amador

19 Solomon Appiah

27? Francis Appio (dnp)

11 Brice Goma

18 Kodzovi Woglo (dnp)

Scoring Summary

9 FCD 14-Alex Bernhardt Assist: 3-Cesar Castillo

22 FCD 11-Fernando Magallenes Assist: 7-Lashaw Salta

27 FCD 3-Cesar Castillo free kick

39 GAM 47-Michael Sarpong Assist:

78 FCD 2-John Lister Assist: 14-Alex Bernhardt

Substitutions

FCD 57’ Out: 5-Peter Jacobson In: 16-Christian Weaver

70’ Out: 11-Fernando Magallenes In: 2-John Lister

80’ Out: 7-Lashaw Salta In: 13-Paul Hogan

GAM 61’ Out: 9-Nana Boakye In: 11-Brice Goma

74’ Out: 10-Ajok Gai Abiar In: 16-Abdou Mbaye

79’ Out: 4-Karrar Fouad In: 6-Alex Amador

Disciplinary

GAM 60’ Yellow 9-Nana Boakye

GAM 72’ Yellow 4-Karra Fouad

GAM 90+ Yellow 1-Prince Goma

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Cesar Castillo’s hat trick helps FC Denver beat Azteca FC in all-Colorado Premier League battle

May 16, 2018 by Robert Wilson

FC Denver outscored Colorado Premier League rivals Azteca FC, 4-2 in their first ever appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

FC Denver jumped out to a big lead after the first half. FCD’s number ten Cesar Castillo scored the first of his three goals in the 28th, Alex Berhardt headed in the second goal in the 37th off a long free kick, and Castillo made it 3-0 in the 55th minute.

Just when it looked like it might be a blowout, Azteca knocked in a goal of their own from Jesus Munoz in the 57th minute.

The match was marred by Azteca midfielder Adrian Gutierrez’s reckless open field hit on FC Denver center back Kyle Heppenstall who left the field in an ambulance with a severe concussion in the 75th minute. According to FC Denver’s social media, Happenstall was released from the hospital later that night and is recovering.

In the 74 minutes preceding the reckless play that led to the serious injury, the game was riddled with foul after foul. A total of 22 fouls were called, many, more were not called.

After the ambulance left the field a total of 16 minutes was added to the match. During this time Azteca FC had a brief moment of resurgence when Roberto Aguilera pounced on a temporarily saved free kick, bringing the match to within a goal, 3-2.

Despite Azteca’s physical tactics, man of the match Cesar Castillo had no problem weaving around and creating space in the Azteca defense. Castillo scored his third goal in what would be the last kick of the match in the 96th minute.

This victory was the first ever US Open Cup match for FC Denver. For Azteca FC, this was the club’s second appearance in the Open Cup including last year’s first round loss at FC Wichita. Up next for the victors, an away trip to Weidner Field to play second division professional side Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: FC Denver scores two extra time goals to qualify for first time

November 19, 2017 by Robert Wilson

FC Denver poses for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match vs. Indios Denver FC. Photo: FC Denver

Two goals in the second half of extra time was enough for FC Denver to eliminate UPSL side Indios Denver and qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup competition for the first time.

Through the first half of regulation, the two sides exchanged shots including free kicks called inches outside of the two 18-yard boxes, and attempts ricocheting off the two crossbars. As the second half progressed, FC Denver earned more and more possession and had several quality attempts on net, but Indios goalkeeper Diego Garcia could not be beat.

The turning point in the match occurred in the 89th minute when Indios midfielder Alejandro Alaniz was issued a red card after a last ditch tackle on a FC Denver breakaway.

Down a man, FC Denver dominated and eventually scored twice in extra time. The first goal came in the 107th minute when Mark Wallace’s left footed shot skipped under Indios goalkeeper. A minute later, Alex Bernhardt sealed the victory with a second goal, redirecting a low cross off the upright and into the back of the net.

FC Denver, who compete in the Colorado Amateur Soccer League, did not allow a single goal in their qualifying games with wins over three UPSL teams: Gam United (3-0), Fort Collins United (1-0), and Indios Denver FC (2-0, AET). FC Denver will make their US Open Cup debut next spring along with fellow Colorado club Azteca FC, as the only two representatives from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) in the 105th edition of the tournament.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: FC Wichita holds off shorthanded Azteca FC in the rain

May 14, 2017 by Robert Wilson

FC Wichita defeated Azteca FC 1-0 in extra time of a long, rainy first round US Open Cup match in central Kansas. The lone goal came in the 104th minute when Travis Pittman redirected Deri Corfe’s deflected shot into the visitor’s net.

Azteca FC’s first venture into the US Open Cup could not have been more trying. The night before the game Azteca’s already lengthy seven-hour trek from Denver to Wichita was derailed when their bus broke down in western Kansas and the game itself will be remembered for the lengthy rain delay, two red card ejections and the endless effort the Colorado team put in without getting the result.

12 minutes in to the first half Azteca FC defender Christian Moran was given a red card ejection for a studs-up tackle on Wichita’s Deri Corfe. Despite going down to 10 men, Azteca maintained their organization and occasionally tested Wichita goalkeeper Mark Weir.

Throughout the second half the home team dominated position but both teams had equal amounts of shots on net, including the 75th minute shot by Azteca FC that rang off the cross bar. Just as the game was heating up heavy rain and lightning took over forcing the game to be paused at the 81st minute.

After a 45-minute delay, the game resumed and the final nine minutes were goalless ending the 90 minutes at 0-0.

The visitors tested Weir on multiple occasions in the first extra time period and looked like they may have what it would take to pull off the against-all-odds victory. But it was the hosts that claimed the go-head goal in the dying second of the first extra time period. Forward Travis Pittman pounced on Deri Corfe’s deflected shot and tucked his shot under the Azteca goalkeeper.

In second period of extra time Wichita looked like they were about to double their lead as Wichita attacker Matt Clare opened up the defense again. Azteca FC midfielder Jorge Velasquez flew in with a crunching tackle resulting in his second yellow card leaving the visitors short two players.

Once again the understaffed Azteca FC dug deep to find a boost of energy after the second ejection. Azteca FC tired and depilated tested Wichita up until the very end of the match however it was the home team that came out the victor.

The victory was FC Wichita’s first-ever Open Cup victory, after falling to the Des Moines Menace in their tournament debut last year. On Wednesday, May 17, they will take on their first professional opponent as they will hit the road to take on Saint Louis FC of the USL.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC, the latest amateur power from Colorado ready to represent in US Open Cup

May 10, 2017 by Robert Wilson

Denver, Colorado-based Azteca FC will make their US Open Cup debut in 2017 with a midweek road trip to Wichita, Kansas.

Azteca FC is owned and managed by Andy De La Rosa who also runs a successful construction company which sponsors the team. Over the years, the club has been a regular fixture of the Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL), which was recently re-branded as the Colorado Premier League (CPL). However, it was not until watching local rivals Harpo’s FC embark on back-to-back US Open Cup upset runs that the local competition heated up.

Back-to-back upsets over defending title holders FC Denver and league champions Harpo’s earned Azteca FC the 2016 Colorado State Cup and opened the door to qualify for the 2017 Open Cup. The Cup final was a scrappy battle with multiple ejections on both sides resulting in Azteca’s first ever State Cup trophy as well as fueling a burgeoning rivalry. Two months later US Soccer paired the two clubs together once again in a single game qualifier for a spot in the Open Cup and once again Azteca came from behind to upset Harpo’s 2-1 qualifying Azteca FC for the 2017 US Open Cup.

Since dethroning Colorado’s most notable U.S. Open Cup participant in years past; Azteca FC has changed their look and increased their status in the local soccer scene. Over the winter the club was a key organizer of the newly formed UPSL Colorado Division however opted to remain with the rebranded Colorado Premier League. Azteca FC also rebranded themselves with a new team badge that combines their Mexican-American pride with the Colorado flag.

Through all the changes the core of Azteca FC remains the same. Head coach and owner Andy De La Rosa’s team has always built his teams picking the top players from the Denver area Hispanic, mostly Mexican-American, Sunday leagues. As De La Rosa’s business and team grows he has expanded his recruiting efforts both in the Denver area and on both sides of the Mexican-American border across the southwest. Looking across the roster a healthy mix of youth and veteran players will be looking to this Open Cup opportunity as their shot to play at their highest level while a few key players, including ex-Chivas Guadalajara winger Omar Ledesma and ex-Club America center back Alfredo Duran, will be using this opportunity to recapture the spotlight and possibly make a move back into professional soccer.

This year is no different for the Azteca player pool. Over the offseason most of their players stayed with the team in their indoor sessions while others traveled back to Mexico and Texas to visit their families or play in other leagues. As the spring CPL season progresses their team is re-unifying just in time for the all important Open Cup match in Kansas.

The most notable return is winger Omar Ledesma who returned from his indoor team in El Paso, Texas in mid April. Ledesma’s impact on the team is undeniable; in his first game back the ex-Chivas Guadalajara winger electrified the Azteca offense that was previously in the lower half of the league in goals scored to a 5-3 league victory. Playing off center forward Robert Aguilar the Azteca offense can be characterized by their ability to disrupt the rhythm of their opponent’s backline and capitalize on whatever opportunity they produce.

Looking forward to representing the Centennial State and Colorado Premier League along with Rush FC Azteca FC manager Andy de la Rosa and captain Armando Chavira are having no issues fielding their strongest team for the U.S. Open Cup.

”It is hard for a lot of guys to take three days off work and make that seven-hour drive on a Tuesday, practice on Wednesday morning, play Wednesday night and turn around back to Denver the next day,” said Chavira. “But everyone is committed, the whole squad is ready to go … everyone is ready to represent for our state and our league”

Wichita FC hosts Azteca FC Wednesday May 10th 7:00 PM (CT) at the Stryker Soccer Park in Wichita, Kansas.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Well-traveled Colorado Rush head to Arizona for its first-ever US Open Cup match

May 6, 2017 by Robert Wilson

The Colorado Rush pose for a team photo prior to the club's 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match against the IPS Marathon Taverna. Photo: Colorado Rush — The Colorado Rush pose for a team photo prior to the club’s 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match against the IPS Marathon Taverna. Photo: Colorado Rush

The Littleton-based Colorado Rush have a big trip to make for its first-ever Lamar Hunt US Open Cup appearance. It took a long road trip to qualify, and now that they’re in, the Rush have to make the First Round’s biggest road trip, traveling more than 900 miles to Arizona to take on FC Tucson (PDL) on May 10.

The Rush qualified for the 104th edition of the competition after a strong finish in the 2016 Colorado Amateur Soccer League – since rebranded as the Colorado Premier League – placing them in the Open Division Qualification tournament last fall. They qualified without giving up a single goal. They started out with a 3-0 home win over FC Boulder, with three first half goals from Nick Blanco, Griffen Dorsey and Jack O’Brian.

In Round 2, the Rush players had to all chip in to cover the cost of traveling more than 1,200 miles to Portland Oregon to take on International Portland Select. The game ultimately proved to be the match that punched their ticket to the US Open Cup, as they cruised past the 2016 Oregon Premier League champions, 4-0.

Formed in 1997, Rush began the merger of two local youth soccer clubs: Club Columbine and Lakewood United Soccer Club. After becoming one of the largest Denver-area youth soccer clubs, Rush expanded into regional branches around the state of Colorado, then into other states and eventually around the world currently enrolling more than 40,000 youth soccer players across North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Oceania and as far away as South Africa and Nepal.

The venture into an adult “first team” was a logical step as the player pool of generations of youth players that had graduated the Rush academy was continuing to grow.

The Rush alumni in the pros include Collen Warner (Minnesota United), Paolo DiPiccolo (Louisville City FC) and Collin Clark (Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo). Clark has returned to Rush as a first team midfielder and academy coach. Led by Clark, the rest of the Rush team that will take on FC Tucson are all players that have completely learned soccer the “Rush Way” – a system that emphasizes players experimenting at multiple positions and taking risks valuing well-rounded development over results.

“The Rush Way is the embodiment of all that is Rush Soccer,” said Joe Webb, the team’s head coach. “The rules and manner in which Rush members hold themselves and how they expect other Rush members to conduct themselves. This is not inherent in all people, but can be learned. The Rush Way encourages passion, leadership, respect and, above all, quality.”

Currently the club enters two first teams; one in the Colorado Premier League as well as the recently created United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). 2017 has been the first year that Rush has entered in such an arrangement and it has not been without its troubles.

Going into the season, head coach Joe Webb stated the goal of the first season was a championship in theUPSL’s newly-formed Colorado Division. The UPSL team is well on their way to achieving this goal, leading the Colorado Division of eight teams with a 5-1-2 record and a +13 goal differential. Should Rush claim the UPSL Colorado Division title the team will be entered into the National Tournament potential making for a busy summer of games across the country in the both the UPSL National Tournament and the U.S. Open Cup.

The neglected CPL team meanwhile is second to bottom in the league with a 1-1-4 record and a minus-44 goal differential, mostly due to a number of lopsided losses on days where Rush players were clearly not prepared to compete.

Competing on multiple fronts has certainly has not been easy for the Rush.

“We certainly have had some hurdles to overcome, most of those have been put in place by a very small group of detractors though, so it has not been to hard to navigate past some of these silly things,” said Webb. “Anytime your programs are growing and having a lot of success, there are always going to be some folks who don’t like it. Right now we are making improvements and changes to how we do things, in order to better serve our players. We knew the direction we wanted to go with our program so we just set our goals ,we have stayed the course, and so far the results have been great.”

As the CPL season closes in May, and the UPSL season continues through June, the team that will show up in Tucson with their best collection of players across all teams, according to Webb.

“We are in an awesome place right now,” added Webb. “We have been able to meet the demands of all of our adult players, so it’s really exciting for us. We used to only have one level of teams and now we have a place for our higher level players who were wanting something more, we are adding a women’s program this fall too.”

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Azteca FC dethrone Harpo’s FC in Colorado clash

October 25, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Field No. 8 at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park complex was the site for the 2017 US Open Cup qualifier between Azteca FC and Harpo's FC. Photo: Jim Hart — Field No. 8 at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park complex was the site for the 2017 US Open Cup qualifier between Azteca FC and Harpo’s FC. Photo: Jim Hart

Omar Ledezma delivered for Azteca FC by drawing the equalizing penalty kick and scoring the winning goal to defeat Harpo’s FC two goals to one. With this victory, Azteca FC will advance to the third round of the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament which will take part next spring (Mar. 11-12, 2017).

Harpo’s FC, who had qualified for the last two US Open Cup tournaments and won two games and also advanced once by penalty kicks. Azteca FC, who won the last Colorado State Cup and recently defeated Harpo’s in league play. Now, Azteca FC will join the Colorado Rush as the only two remaining open division amateur teams from Colorado remaining in the competition.

Harpo’s FC took the initial lead when Chris Salvaggione finished a straightforward shot from the top of the 18 yard box. After taking the lead, owning most of the possession and opportunities on net in the first half, Harpo’s FC were unable to maintain the physical and mental sharpness into the second half.

Starting off the second half Azteca FC manager Andy De La Rosa made his first substitution at striker, bringing in Makyr Opoeza, and told his team to pick up the tempo, play quicker and complete shorter passes. The adjustments payed off immediately. Ex-Chivas Guadalajara winger Omar Ledezma drew a penalty at the top of the box, converted by Opoeza. Later in the second half Azteca midfielder Jesus Jeaus Muños flicked on a corner kick to the far post directly in the path of Ledezma who converted the winning goal.

After routinely getting beaten on set pieces by the much taller and more physical Harpo’s FC the pre-designed corner kick was a brilliant call. After the game De La Rosa took no credit for the goal saying that set pieces have always been the Azteca’s weakness, instead it was Ledezma’s creativity and play calling that won the game.

Looking forward to the Open Cup De La Rosa added that he hoped to be the last amateur team standing next summer and hopes that their recently formed under-23 side will provide the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts.

“The loss was a reality check of the level that is needed to compete at this level,” said Harpo’s manager Johnny Freeston. “Today they won the game no question, and we are even more motivated to return to the Cup next year.”

2017 US Open Cup qualifying preview, results: 14 games scheduled for this weekend

October 21, 2016 by Robert Wilson

The second round of the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament wraps up this weekend with 14 games between open division amateur teams.

The previous weekend, four teams punched their ticket to Round 3. Christos FC (MD), GPS Omens (MA), Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (West PA), FC Motown (NJ) will represent the eastern part of the tournament in the third round which is scheduled to take place in late November.

Below you will find a brief preview of every game from this weekend.

You can follow updates from all qualifying games on Twitter @USOpenCup or with the hashtag #USOC2017. If you are attending any qualifying match, use #USOC2017 to share your photos and videos on Twitter or Instagram. You can also find the updates scores below in this article and on our home page scoreboard.

Supporter-owned Minneapolis City Soccer Club host Oakland County FC in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. The two clubs finished 3rd in the West and 4th in the East Divisions of Premier League of America teams respectively, thus placing them into the qualifying rounds of the 2017 US Open Cup.

Minneapolis received a first round bye, while Oakland County FC defeated fellow Michigan team Ann Arbor FC 3-1 behind goals from Julian Birge, Kyle Bretimeyer and Shawn Sloan.

Should Minneapolis City advance they will be the second Minnesota based team to qualify for the 2017 US Open Cup, the other being Minnesota United (although the format for 2017 has not been made official as of yet). Oakland County FC, on the other hand, is looking to become at least the third Michigan team expected to qualify for the tournament behind Grand Rapids FC (NPSL) and the Michigan Bucks (PDL).

WATCH THE GAME LIVE HERE

Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) champions Harpo’s FC face off against Colorado State Cup champions Azteca FC for a chance to advance in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Read the full preview of the game HERE.

New Jersey’s Brick Lions FC face another Philadelphia area team in the second round after defeating Vereinigung Erzgebirge in September. This time they will host Junior Lone Star who ran through Rising Stars FC 5-1 in the opening round.

Junior Lone Star is a team founded by Southwest Philadelphia Liberian immigrants in 2001. Junior Lone Stars have been very successful over the past few years; including awards at the Under-23 level, friendlies against the Puerto Rican national team and are currently unbeaten in the Philadelphia Premier Soccer League.

Both teams are looking for their first entry to the US Open Cup.

In the first of two South Florida-based American Premier Soccer League US Open Cup qualifiers, reigning APSL champions Boca Raton FC meets Hurricane FC. As the league champion, Boca Raton FC reaches this round after a first round bye, while Hurricane FC advanced after Miami Dade FC forfeited their first round qualifier.

Boca Raton FC, founded in 2015 has kicked off their existence with instant success, winning the aforementioned title and signing Brazilian talents Luizao and Netto. They made their Open Cup debut in 2016 but fell in the opening round to the Miami Fusion FC (NPSL) 4-1 in extra time. Boca Raton recently crushed Hurricane FC 8-3 in a league match.

East of Dallas, two US Open Cup regulars, North Texas Rayados will host CD Motagua of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Rayados were planning on entering their fifth straight US Open Cup, an open division record for the Modern Era last year before they were disqualified due to sitting out the 2015 North Texas Premier Soccer League season. Healthy and prepared for their Open Cup return, the Rayados crushed Celtics Cowboys Premier 7-0 in the opening round of this year’s qualifying tournament.

CD Motagua of New Orleans, who shares the name of a popular Honduran team, is looking for their second entry into the US Open Cup. The Gulf Coast Premier League (USASA) team was the first amateur team from Louisiana in the Modern Era to qualify for the Open Cup last year. This year, they are looking to build on the success of the their 2015 USASA National Cup semifinal run and their previous 2016 Open Cup appearance where they fell to Mississippi Brilla.

Inland Valley clubs Ozzy’s Laguna FC and Moreno Valley FC enter this US Open Cup qualifier after victories over OC Crew SC and HD Rush, respectively. Neither team has ever qualified for the Open Cup but given the track record of unknown California teams, keep an eye on the outcome of this match.

Both teams compete in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and are largely comprised of NCAA eligible players. That fact could make the rosters for Saturday’s game much different than fans are used to since college soccer is currently in season.

Colorado Rush make one of the longest road trips of the tournament when they travel to Portland, Oregon to take on International Portland Select (IPS)/Marathon Taverna. The Rush reached this game by cruising past FC Boulder with three first half goals from Nick Blanco, Griffen Dorsey and Jack O’Brian. IPS/Marathon Taverna enter this game after a first round bye earned by winning the Oregon Premier Soccer League.

Travel was an issue for IPS last year in their attempt to qualify for the Open Cup. They received a free pass into Round 2 when the Kansas City Athletics were financially and logistically unable to make the trip from Missouri. As a reward, IPS earned a date with the North Texas Rayados in Round 2 in Dallas. Unfortunately, IPS were also unable to make the trip to North Texas, so they forfeited. The Colorado Rush had players all chip in to cover the travel cost.

The blue turf of Chaminade College Prep will be the venue for two US Open Cup veterans; Chula Vista FC and FC Hasental. Chula Vista FC missed the 2016 tournament after being eliminated at this stage but the year before they pulled off two consecutive upsets on the road beating FC Tucson (PDL) and Arizona United (USL) before falling to Sacramento Republic (USL). In the previous round of qualifying this year Chula Vista once again traveled to Arizona and won big, this time defeating Frontera United 5-1 in Yuma, AZ.

FC Hasental has also had their moments in the spotlight with victories over Orange County Blue Star, PSA Elite. Hasental reaches this match after defeating Del Rey City SC by scoring three consecutive goals after a Del Rey player was shown a second yellow.

A pair of American Premier Soccer League (APSL) teams from Florida will square off in Round 2 of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament as Uruguay Kendall will host Red Force. Red Force are looking to return to the tournament after they qualified in 2013 and 2014. Red Force reached the second round with a 3-0 weather-shortened win over Miami Nacional.

Uruguay Kendall were the runners-up in the APSL last year, falling to Boca Raton FC in the Final. Those two teams met in the 2016 US Open Cup qualifying tournament with Boca Raton advancing in penalty kicks. This year, UK received a first round bye, so this will be their opening match of the open division competition.

The San Fernando Valley (SFV) Scorpions will host Outbreak FC in a battle between two rival Southern California-based leagues. The Scorpions, representing the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), are seeking their first US Open Cup berth, but they will have to get past 2016 qualifier Outbreak FC of the SoCal Premier League to do it.

In their tournament debut last season, Outbreak traveled up to the Pacific Northwest and lost their opening match to the Seattle Sounders U-23s (PDL), 3-1

The Scorpions defeated Valley United 3-1 to kick off the 2017 qualifying tournament, while Outbreak had no trouble with Buena Park FC, 5-0.

La Maquina FC hope to duplicate a successful 2016 Open Cup run, where they became just the 12th amateur club in the Modern Era to reach the Fourth Round. They were eliminated after a brave performance against the Los Angeles Galaxy where they took the Major League Soccer power into extra time before falling 4-1. They made history as they were the first Modern Era amateur team to win three straight games by shutout. They advanced to this match by beating Orange County FC (SoCal Premier League) 3-0 in September. They currently sit in a three-way tie for first in the UPSL Southeast Division.

They will face intra-divisional foe Santa Ana Winds, who currently sit fifth in the UPSL Southeast. They faced UPSL Western Division opponent La Habra City FC in the first round of qualifying, rolling to a 5-0 victory. The two teams have played once in the league, with La Maquina winning 5-1.

El Farolito is the only remaining US Open Cup champion, having won under the name CD Mexico in 1993. After more than 20 years of being away from the tournament, they entered the qualifying tournament last year. They lost the opening game to San Francisco City, but this year, they rebounded by defeating one of San Francisco’s rivals: Davis Legacy. They won by the score of 2-1 to earn a date with Strikers FC.

The San Francisco Football League team will travel down to Lake Forest, Calif. to take on Strikers FC South Coast from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). Strikers provided one of the most one-sided victories in qualifying history. They thrashed AC Brea Steaua 11-0 in the opening round game.

Anahuac FC and MF 10 are the top two teams in the UPSL’s Nevada Division, with one point separating top side Anahuac from their opponent. MF 10 received a bye into the Qualifying Second Round, while the Las Vegas High Rollers from UPSL’s Western Division were supposed to play Anahuac, though the former forfeited the match. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw earlier this month in Nevada Division play.

There has never been a team from Nevada qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era.

Inland Empire scored an upset to advance to Qualifying’s Second Round, beating Southeast Division co-leader Avalanche FC 3-2. The team sits seventh in the division, barely averaging over a point a game.

The LA Wolves are no stranger to the Open Cup, making the Third Round in 2016 before falling to fellow United Premier Soccer League side La Maquina. The side sits on top of UPSL Western Division play, claiming every point possible in eight games. They advanced to this match by beating the SoCal Premier League’s Real Sociedad Royals 4-1 in September.

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Harpo’s FC, the “bull shit pub team”, faces challenge from newcomers Azteca FC in Colorado clash

October 21, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Harpo's FC celebrates a league game against FC Denver at Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo. Photo: Harpo's FC — Harpo’s FC celebrates a league game against FC Denver at Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo. Photo: Harpo’s FC

On Saturday, Oct. 22, outside of Dick’s Sporting Good Park, the top two Colorado amateur teams line up for the right to represent the region in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Defending their hold on this region’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup spot, in what could be their third consecutive entry into the tournament is the ever-confident Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) champions Harpo’s FC. Green with envy and ready to throw everything at the incumbent, this year’s final challenger is Colorado State Cup champions Azteca FC.

Both teams are representing the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). They are two of three remaining USSSA teams in the qualifying tournament (Colorado Rush).

Over the past two years very few amateur teams around the country have enjoyed their time in the US Open Cup as much as Harpo’s FC. Johnny Freeston’s self-proclaimed “bull shit pub team” has used their Open Cup victories, and their narrow defeats at the hands of the professional Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2015, 2016), to grow their player pool and fan support. Over this time, the Boulder-based club has been a dominate force in every competition they have entered – until this year’s Colorado State Cup when they ran into Azteca FC.

Azteca FC has been a Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) regular for years now either under the current name or their previous name Cruz Select. Over the years, Azteca has always been a collection of the top Hispanic players in the area that would compete in CASL, as well as other local Hispanic leagues and occasionally other tournaments across the Southwest with varying success while teams like Harpo’s were running away with the league.

In an interview with TheCup.us, Azteca captain and rightback Armando Chavira admitted “watching Harpo’s get to the level they did the last two seasons motivated us. If they can do it why not us?”

Turning that desire into a reality has been the work of head coach and team sponsor Andy de la Rosa. The owner of a successful stucco and plastering company de la Rosa has been able to acquire the team, formerly known as Cruz Select, and provide the resources needed to commit to tournaments like the Colorado State Cup, Las Vegas Silver Mug and now the US Open Cup. He has also helped grow the club’s growing sense of professionalism to the amateur competitions that they enter, much like ambitious teams like Harpo’s.

“(Harpo’s FC) made us step up,” added Chavira. “We used to go to games and rely on our talent but now we are training harder and more frequent… if it was up to Andy (de la Rosa) we would train every day.”

A lot of the players on Azteca have had experience playing in various professional, semi-pro and amateur teams across Mexico and the southwestern USA, so training four to five times or even seven times a week is something they were excited to return to. Balancing the demands of an aspiring soccer club and their day jobs with de la Rosa’s stucco and plaster business, or in the case of Chivara in an auto body shop, proved to be difficult. Putting in a full shift at work and then going out to the field and training to go up against the best amateur soccer players in the region made for long days, but quickly became the hallmark of the blue-collar team.

Hard work turned into results earlier this year when Azteca FC knocked off Harpo’s FC in the semifinals of the 2016 Colorado State Cup before defeating FC Denver in the final.

More recently, Azteca defeated FC Denver again in the opening round of this year’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament, and then picked up a win over Harpo’s FC later that week in CASL league play. Now this opportunity to play the top local team for the right to continue to the national level would be the perfect cap for a great season.

“For the younger players it’s an opportunity, said Chivara. “A lot of them deserve this chance, but for me personally, I appreciate all the hard work that myself and the older guys put in. All the training, all the paperwork. This could be our last chance and we are going to give it our all.”

Azteca FC head coach De La Rosa has also elevated the club in terms of recruitment. Prior to the State Cup, De La Rosa brought in two former Liga MX pros in ex-Chivas Guadalajara playmaker Omar Ledesma and ex-Club America center back Alfredo Duran to his squad. This move, while completely within the rules of the league, cup and the US Open Cup, has ruffled a few feathers in the local soccer community. The local league is filled with ex-NCAA players, and each team has a former pro or two on their roster. Typically these former pros have had opportunities at the USL level, lower division European clubs and occasionally a season or two in MLS but these signings are truly unprecedented in the local scene and indicative of the crazy competition among the Colorado rivals.

Harpo's FC celebrates their 2015 US Open Cup First Round win over KC Athletics. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler — Harpo’s FC celebrates their 2015 US Open Cup First Round win over KC Athletics. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler

Now that the stakes have been raised, Harpo’s FC is anxious to get out on the field and defend their place at the top of the Colorado soccer scene. Club owner John Freeston says their best 18 players are ready to go for Saturday’s game and they have proclaimed that this qualifier is their top priority and would hold as much weight as all of the State Cup, League, everything prior to this game combined.

One of those previous wins came in the opening round of the Open Cup qualifying tournament when Harpo’s FC defeated another in-state rival, the Colorado Rovers, 4-1 after extra time. It was the third year in a row that the Rovers have been eliminated by Harpo’s FC in qualifying.

The most notable change for Harpo’s FC going into this game is that long-time goalkeeper Zac Gibbens has signed with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL.) and midfield stalwart Justin Geibel moved back home to Vermont. Replacing Gibbens in net has been the job of Marc Herzberger who recently returned to Colorado from a stint working and playing abroad in Holland.

The playmaking duties have gone to two of the top local college recruits in the area now graduated and returned home to work in the area; Santiago Velez from Louisville and the University of Milwaukee’s Ross Van Osdol. Alongside established CASL league leaders Shane Wheeler, Dan Whittle, Ben Iames, Chris Salvaggione, Aaron Woodruff, Dan Campbell, Kyle Luetkehans, Edgar Olivas, and Sawyer Frank, Harpo’s are expected to continue their recent Open Cup form. However, with Azteca FC winning recent state cup and league meeting make this game tough to predict.

The game will be played at one of the secondary fields at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field No. 8) in Commerce City, Colo. The game will kickoff at 5 p.m. EST / 3 p.m. local time.