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]

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Late goal gives Colorado Rapids second straight win over Switchbacks

June 14, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Dillon Serna once again pushed the Rapids past their in-state rivals, advancing to the Round of 16 for the third year in a row. The deciding goal came in the 84th minute off a Marco Pappa corner kick, initially headed by Dominique Badji towards a patiently-waiting Serna located just beyond the 18-yard box. The lone goal was enough to clinch the tactical battle.

With the 1-0 win, the Rapids eliminated the Switchbacks for the second year in a row, after defeating the USL side 4-1 at the same stadium last year.

Despite being in-between two away league matches this week, Switchbacks head coach Steve Trittschuh decided to go with a mostly full strength lineup. The prematch instructions were simple. Drop a fifth defender, typically wingers Aaron King or Saeed Robinson or central midfielder Ronny Arguta, and force the Rapids to either opt for the long shot from midfield or attempt wayward crosses from the corners. Even with tired legs after a gritty 0-0 draw at Los Angeles two days ago the Switchbacks managed to keep the Rapids attack at bay for the majority of the game while managing a fair amount of counter attacks that resulted in attempts on Rapids’ goalkeeper Zac MacMath’s net.

Returning to the field for the first time in over two weeks, the Rapids were rusty. The front four of Dominique Badji, Marco Pappa, Dillon Serna and Conor Doyle skied numerous shots far and wide over the net often playing into the visitors defense. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni added after the game that is was the “first time this season we faced a team that dropped 10 guys the whole game … but at the end of the day you want to see a group of guys figuring it out together.”

And that they did, as the game progressed Pappa, Serna and midfielder Dillon Powers shook off the rust and forced a total of thirteen corners, eventually converting one near the very end.

The result aside; one of the many positives that Trittschuh pointed out was the closer contest compared to last year’s 4-1 drubbing but just as important the growing atmosphere around this budding rivalry. Within shouting distance of each other directly behind the two benches the two teams boasted their own growing contingent of supporters waging a vocal tug of war throughout the match.

“However many people came down, it was loud it was great, we need to keep growing it,” said Trittschuh, “It would be nice to host this match sometime.”

The Rapids advanced and tally their second win in as many chances but everyone involved is certainly looking forward to the next year’s tournament hoping to see the same matchup again.

Man of the Match:
Dillon Serna, scored the game winning goal and was the catalyst for the Rapids across the 90 minutes. For the Switchbacks, center midfielder Ronny Argueta and defender Jordan Burt had memorable defensive efforts breaking up passes left and right. The two kept the backline organized and efficient not allowing the Rapids a quality look at the net for most of the game. Goalkeeper William Thompson deserves some recognition for his two saves, both full extension punching saves that kept the scoreless until the very end.

SERNA’S GAME-WINNING GOAL

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Harpo’s FC kicks off second straight tournament with win in Albuquerque

May 14, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Harpo’s FC (USSSA) rode two first half goals to an away victory at Albuquerque Sol (PDL) in the First Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Casual fans may see it as an upset, but after last year’s run to Round 3, nobody should be surprised by the veteran and in-form group from Boulder, Colo.

Harpo’s opened the game with a 3-5-2 lineup intent on allowing the hosts maintain possession amongst their defenders but cutting down every attempt out of their own half. Eventually defensive miscues and some timely passes by the Harpo’s counterattack gave the visitors the lead and they never looked back.

Harpo’s opened the scoring in the 14th minute when midfielder Chris Salvaggione pounced on Dan Campbell’s long ball that was misplayed by the Albuquerque goalkeeper Andres Seazzu and his backline. Salvaggione and the rest of the Harpo’s full team press continued to pressure the Albuquerque defense corralling the hosts back into their own half. Seventeen minutes later long free kick picked up by Kyle Luetkehans forced the Albuquerque defense into another precarious situation. Luetkehan’s cross in side to penalty area was defected, by a handball not called by the referee, but collected by forward Shane Wheeler whose first touch drove the ball into back of the net for the second goal.

Albuquerque Sol’s playmaker Patrick Pacheco and second half substitute Elliot Prost provided the hosts with a number of second half attacking combinations, few which tested Harpo’s goalkeeper Zac Gibbons. Harpo’s Chris Salvaggione, on the other hand, never took his foot off of the gas, testing Seazzu numerous times in the second half including a disallowed finish from an offside position in the 53rd minute and a long-range effort that required a diving Seazzu fingertip save.

The victory sets up a Centennial State rematch with second year USL side Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The Switchbacks ended Harpo’s three-game Open Cup run before setting off on a three game run themselves in last year’s tournament. The 2015 match turned into a fierce back and forth battle on a cold, rainy evening. This year’s matchup is guaranteed to be equally as heated with both teams confident and eager to push into the later rounds of their second U.S. Open Cups.

Man of the Match: Team effort. Chris Salvaggione’s pace along with Dan Campbell and Kyle Luetkehans’ passing created many of the highlights for Harpo’s however it was defender Joey Matibag that held a very high and very consistent three man backline throughout the match. As the field was compacted the counterattack was pushed higher and higher into the Albuquerque backline eventually forcing the pivotal mistakes.

Moment of the Match: Shane Wheeler’s goal in the 31st minute. At this point Albuquerque was already a goal down, but they were establishing possession and starting to build into dashing attacks led by winger Patrick Pacheco. The offensive foul by Wilkinson and ensuing long free kick by Joey Matibag led to a messy situation that if the missed handball on Kyle Luetkehans’ cross passed without effect perhaps the tide could have turned in the host’s favor. Instead Shane Wheeler blasted the deflected ball into the net and pushed the game out of reach.

LHUSOC highlights Harpo’s 2, ABQ Sol 0 from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC coach confident ahead of US Open Cup run, “we could win the USL”

May 5, 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

Started in 1997 as a way for University of Colorado players and their friends to get more games, Harpo’s Tavern sponsored a soccer team and started the local legend.

Johnny Freeston was part of the old crew and is now the owner and the man behind Harpo’s FC and their focus on winning at higher and higher levels.

“Last year we weren’t ready for the US Open Cup,” Freeston said. “This year it is our number one priority.”

Last season, Harpo’s had an attention-grabbing run, defeating amateur side KC Athletics at home and the PDL’s BYU Cougars away before ultimately falling away at the USL’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

The Colorado Rapids have been accommodating hosts for Harpo’s FC and other regional amateur rivals during their Open Cup run and qualifying matches, offering the practice fields at Dicks Sporting Goods Park as a consistent home base.

Grateful but ambitious, Harpo’s FC have set a goal for this year’s Cup run: to play on the Dick’s Sporting Goods Field pitch, inside the stadium – where the Rapids play their MLS home matches – against the highest competition the region has to offer, the Rapids themselves.

This run would require the fearless group to win two games on the road: at Albuquerque Sol (PDL) and at Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL) in the month of May before being matched up with a NASL side or another side that has advanced this far. A win in this third round game would make a matchup of an amateur team vs. a top-division MLS team. Only five amateur clubs have knocked off an MLS team; Cal FC (2012), Michigan Bucks (2012, 2000), Dallas Roma (2006) and Chicago Shockers (2000) but Harpo’s owner Freeston repeatedly states that forcing this matchup is this year’s goal.

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

There is no lack of confidence in this group. Head coach Steve Lepper, who grew up in Switzerland and came to the United States where he played soccer at Hope College (Division 3 school in Michigan) and played in the PDL for the now-defunct West Michigan Edge. He has coached at various clubs here in the States, and was the executive director at St. Vrain FC youth club in Longmont, Colo. for eight years and the Colorado Rapids U-23s. With his experience, Lapper is highly confident in the skills of the Harpo’s side.

“We think we could win the USL right now with the players we have,” says coach Lepper.

And Harpo’s does have an experienced and cohesive squad.

“We might be a pub team, we can’t train every day because of work and family, but on any given day we can hang with anyone,” said Freeston. “I desperately want to move up, I think all of our guys want to move up, our fans want us to move up and challenge ourselves at the highest level.”

The system that Lepper and Freeston have put together is a mixture of youth and experience, continuity mixed with constant competition. Lepper and Freeston have the ability to call upon 50-60 players at any given time, since they are not a professional team everyone has a job and a home life, but from that group the best 18 will suit up on match day.

This year’s squad returns almost all of their 2015 Open Cup starters including center forward Shane Wheeler, speedy frontman Dan Whittle, acrobatic goalkeeper Zac Gibbens, the team’s leading scorer/former Finnish pro Kyle Luetkehans, and offensive-minded wingback Sawyer Frank. Notable additions who will feature in this year’s Open Cup opener include Michael Ogletree, a veteran of MLS’ now-defunct Chivas USA, captain Dan Campbell, a D1 college player who has turned into one of the core players for both the outdoor side as well as the outstanding indoor side, as well as former USL Charlotte Eagles super-sub Chris Salvaggione.

Harpos' FC players battle for the ball in a league game against FC Denver. — Harpos’ FC players battle for the ball in a league game against FC Denver United. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler

2016 has begun in similar fashion to the previous year with Harpo’s FC dominating indoor Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) play up until the final. Once again Harpo’s FC fell just short in the PASL final thriller to a Texas based club, this year it was RGV Devils in penalty kicks. The outdoor Colorado Amateur Soccer League (USSSA) Spring Season has recently kicked off and Harpo’s FC is in fine form, currently 3-0 with 12 goals scored and zero allowed in games vs. Union Jerez, Real Colorado and FC Denver United.

Last year, Harpo’s had to dethrone two-time defending USSSA champion Colorado Rovers to qualify for the Open Cup. This year, those two teams met again in the 2016 qualifying tournament. This year, Harpo’s did it again, by knocking off the Rovers 4-1 in the opening round. Harpo’s forward Daniel Whittle scored the opener before former MLS player Ritchie Kotschau equalized in the second half. The two Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) rivals went into to overtime tied at one a piece. After 100 minutes of physical, back and forth soccer the rowdy Harpo’s support pushed the Boulder-based pub team past the exhausted Rovers with three knockout goals from captain Dan Campbell and well-traveled forward Chris Salvaggione to win 4-1.

In the next round, a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rush at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Field No. 8 would prove to be the game that clinched a spot in the tournament. Last year’s TheCup.us Player of the Round from the Preliminary Round, Kyle Luetkehans, scored the opener, followed by Dan Campbell before halftime and Sawyer Frank adding the insurance goal in the 81st minute.

Wednesday, May 11, when Harpo’s FC takes the field in Albuquerque, they will not be the unknown quantity they were last season, but with their depth and continued form, the coaches and players expect this to be their best year yet. Their dreams are big, but they have the plan to take it one step at a time, and one of the most important steps is: might as well have fun while you are doing it, because you never know when another upstart #bullshitpubteam (the hashtag they started) might come out of nowhere and take it all away.

Watch a promotional video of Harpo’s FC below

2015 US Open Cup Round 4: Colorado Rapids win inaugural Centennial State battle over Colorado Springs Switchbacks

June 17, 2015 by Robert Wilson

UPDATE: The Round of 16 draw was conducted by the US Soccer Federation and it was determined that the Houston Dynamo will host the Colorado Rapids in the next round.

In the first ever US Open Cup meeting between two professional teams from the Centennial State, the Colorado Rapids cruised to a 4-1 victory over visiting Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

The Rapids, often criticized for fielding weaker lineups in the Open Cup, ran out a starting eleven comprised of mostly reserves players and players returning United Soccer League loans or US youth team call-ups, but the team showed no signs of struggling against the visitors from the USL.

In the end, Colorado advanced to the fifth round behind goals from Dominique Badji, Joseph Greenspan and a brace from Dillon Serna.

Serna, making his first start of the year for the Rapids, also notched an assist. Greenspan scored in his professional debut, just weeks after finishing his spring semester at the US Naval Academy.

Colorado Springs started off the game with a vicious attack, looking for an early goal. Led by forward Aaron King and midfielder Shintaro Harada, the visitors pushed the ball up in dangerous areas but could not get past an impressive centerback pairing of Greenspan and Shane O’Neill.

The Switchbacks’ best chances came early in the first half, as they forced Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath to make three saves.

The Rapids were more effective with their chances and quickly took control of the game. The scoring began in the 26th minute when rookie Badji, held onside by right-back Jordan Burt, snuck behind the Switchbacks backline and redirected a Sam Cronin through-ball into the back of the net.

Minutes later, the 6-foot-6 Greenspan rose above the backline and headed in the second goal off a Serna free kick.

In the second half, the Rapids took control after frustration eventually got the best of Colorado Springs defender Josh Phillips, who earned a 62nd minute red card for a reckless tackle on Badji.

With a replacement centerback waiting to enter the game, Serna weaved his way through the depleted Switchbacks backline and scored the third Rapids goal.

Colorado Springs got on the board in extra time when substitute Luke Vercollone slipped away from his defender on a Switchbacks’ counterattack, but the Rapids restored their three-goal advantage about two minutes later.

Argentine imports Luis Solignac and Lucas Pittinari tore apart the undermanned Colorado Springs defense, with Solignac passing the ball across the open face of goal for Serna to tap in.

2015 US Open Cup Round 3: Colorado Springs Switchbacks strike early, hold off Real Monarchs in lightning-delayed match (video)

May 29, 2015 by Robert Wilson

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks rode a 5th minute Aaron King goal to a 1-0 victory over USL rivals Real Monarchs SLC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday night. Similar to their Second Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup victory over Harpo’s FC last week, the Switchbacks wasted no time taking the early lead. Center back Josh Phillips sent a well-timed through ball to King, who outpaced defenders and pushed a right-footed finish past goalkeeper Eric Osswald.

The remaining 85 minutes of play — separated by a 90-minute lightning delay at halftime — featured constant attacks from Monarchs forwards Emery Welshman, Max Rauhofer, and Ricardo Velazco. Velazco finished with four of his seven shots on-goal for the night.

Monarchs head coach Freddy Juarez praised his defenders and attackers after the game.

“We asked them to up the tempo, to be brave,” Juarez said, “to be daring and get forward and not be afraid to make mistakes.”

With the game still scoreless late into the second half, the hosts continued to attack and held virtually all of the possession.

“In the second half, we obviously defended too much. We’ve got to do a better job holding onto the ball,” admitted Switchbacks head coach Steve Trittschuh after the game. “In the end, we’re lucky to get out of here with a win.”

Welshman found himself marked by two Switchbacks defenders for much of the night, yet he continued to create offensive opportunities with Rauhofer and Velazco.

According to Monarchs defender Danilo Acosta, “the coach told us after the first half to try from outside the 18 because it was wet. You never know. A lucky shot might go in.”

With five minutes of stoppage time and plenty of momentum, it appeared inevitable that the Monarchs would equalize. Velazco hit a one-touch connection near the penalty mark, wide right. Welshman dribbled past multiple defenders, only to watch his chip float inches from the goalpost. Rauhofer’s last shot slammed the underside on the crossbar and bounced into Switchbacks goalkeeper Samir Badr’s arms.

The visitors held on for the shutout. They’ll travel to Los Angeles for a league game against Los Dos (LA Galaxy 2) on Friday, May 29. On June 16, the team from Colorado Springs will head 80 miles north to face the Colorado Rapids of MLS, their more established in-state neighbors, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the Fourth Round of the tournament.

Patrick Shea of Current of Colorado provided the video and contributed to this report.

HIGHLIGHTS: COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS AT REAL MONARCHS

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks hold on, end cup run for Harpo’s FC, 2-1 (video)

May 22, 2015 by Robert Wilson

The USL’s Colorado Switchbacks rode two first-half goals by forward Martin Maybin to their first US Open Cup victory, beating Harpo’s FC 2-1 in the Second Round.

Harpo’s did not go out without a fight, throwing everything they had towards Switchbacks goalkeeper Samir Badr in the second half.

The result eliminated the Boulder, Colo.-based and ended their run from local recreation league champs to Open Cup Cinderellas.

“We could have won this game, and I think the guys take a lot of positive out of this,” said Switchbacks owner and general manager Johnny Freeston, “like we always say we either win or learn and this game gives ambition to look at the next level for guys and the club.”

Right off the opening whistle Maybin outjumped Harpo’s goalkeeper Zac Gibbens and flicked Kleyner Bejarano’s cross into the top left corner of the net. The first-minute goal allowed the hosts to comfortably sit back and hold possession for most of the first half. Maybin added his second with a ‘goal of the round’ nominee in the 34th minute.

Down two goals at half, Harpo’s looked outmatched by the professional side.

“We worked so fricken hard,” Freeston said. “We owe it to ourselves to be better than this.”

While Switchbacks FC were content with their two-goal lead, the motivated and refocused Harpo’s FC took the field by putting it all on the line. After waves of attacks and successful passing combinations led Kyle Luetkehans, Justin Geibel and Sawyer Frank, the visitors finally broke through with what Freeston described as centerback Kevin Haber “running through a brick wall.”

The 48th minute goal came off a long free kick sent in by Frank.

Photo: Richard Wheeler — Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler [email protected]

After finally breaking through, the visitors could feel the momentum shifting and that an equalizer was possible.

In the 76th minute, Switchbacks midfielder Rony Argueta was issued a second yellow after a forcefully-applied header in a 50/50 ball. At this point Harpo’s knew it was the time to attack.

Switchbacks head coach Steve Trittschuh added two defender and star midfielder Luke Vercollone to help mitigate the momentum shift as Freeston went all in with three attacking substitutions. Harpo’s best chance for an equalizer came late in the second half when forward Shane Wheeler played and excellent through ball to Kyle Luetehans who was in on net with just the keeper to beat. Luetkehans took one touch before the ball completely stopped in a deep muddy puddle on the edge of the box; ending the attack.

In the closing minutes of the game the exhausted visitors scrapped for every free kick and corner they could including sending Gibbens in the attack. In the end the Switchbacks held on.

After the game an optimistic yet disappointed Freeston lamented how his team, “trained hard, we trained smart, we watched video and understood their players, knew their tendencies but we made two very amateur mistakes at the beginning of the game.

“They took their chances early, we had to battle back. Under different circumstances we could have a different result, but we made those mistakes.”

In reference to his enjoyable three game Open Cup run the inspired coach added that “the next level beckons for us, but we are not sure what that means yet.”

Going forward Trittschuh is looking forward to what will be the third official meeting between Real Monarch SLC and Switchbacks on Wednesday.

Overall his side plans on taking this tournament “round by round” adding that, “it’s going to take the whole roster to adjust to the Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday,” rhythm of balancing the USL season and Open Cup run.

When asked about Open Cup goals Trittschuh smiled and added, “maybe we could meet the guys up the road,” referring to the his former club the Colorado Rapids in MLS where he reached the Open Cup Final in 1999.

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: Harpo’s FC pitches another shutout, reaches Round 2 with PK win over BYU (video)

May 16, 2015 by Robert Wilson

BYU's South Stadium in Provo, Utah — BYU’s South Stadium in Provo, Utah

Harpo’s FC (USSSA) defeated the BYU Cougars (PDL) 4-2 from the penalty spot after 120 minutes of scoreless soccer on the BYU campus. The result continues Harpo’s dream run into the second round when they return to the Centennial state to face Switchbacks FC (USL) at Sand Creek Stadium in Colorado Springs on May 20.

Both teams enjoyed large periods of possession and accurate passing on South Field, but with few quality attempts on net. From the beginning of the match, the older, more experienced Harpo’s squad successfully maintained an organized defense. As the game continued, the college-aged BYU attackers got closer and closer to breaking down the visitors with exceptional attacks from Pedro Vasconcelos, Jacob Ence, and Dallin Cutler.

“The hardest part was the guys were exhausted,” said Harpo’s manager Johnny Freeston. “We made our subs early so we could finish off the game in regulation, but that didn’t work. It was a big gamble, but my players dug deep to give everything they had.”

Harpo’s defenders Jose Matibag, Kevin Haber, Sawyer Frank, and goalkeeper Zac Gibbens stayed organized to keep BYU off the scoreboard during relentless attacks.

According to BYU head coach Chris Watkins, “It’s disappointing to lose a game like this. We gave them a little too much early in the game because we came out unsure of ourselves. Hat’s off to them. They were playing for overtime for the last hour or so. They parked the bus.”

Watkins redirected his young players during the break.

“We came out at halftime wanting to push the ball more,” Watkins said. “As they got more tired, we pushed more. The plan was working, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”

In the closing seconds of regulation, a long clearance found Vasconcelos in the BYU attack with one defender to beat before firing a potential game-winner. As he cocked his leg to shoot, Matibag cut him down with a clutch, yet controversial tackle outside of the penalty area.

During the extra 30 minutes, BYU attacked in waves with occasional counterattacks from Harpo’s. Both keepers — Gibbens for Harpo’s and Jake Peterson for BYU — had their moments preserving the shutouts and forcing the game to spot kicks.

Cutler shot first for BYU, placing the ball past Gibbens to give the Cougars the lead. Justin Geibel leveled the score for Harpo’s with a clean shot to Peterson’s right. Vasconcelos took BYU’s second shot, but Gibbens made the save and gave the visitors momentum.

Ben Iiames scored the second Harpo’s shot. Matt Rider followed for BYU and sent his attempt wide left. Corey Cullen stretched the score to 3-1 for Harpo’s, yet Ethan Meyer scored to keep the Cougars in the hunt at 3-2. But Sawyer Frank tucked away his shot to seal the game and send Harpo’s to their second-round match in Colorado Springs.

For Freeston, reaching the second round was an ambitious goal that the team clarified before the tournament. Freeston’s squad is familiar with the Switchbacks roster, most notably Switchbacks veteran captain Luke Vercollone, who trained with Freeston’s Avery Brewing FC over the winter. Most of all, Harpo’s players like Gibbons, Matibag, and striker Shane Wheeler are eager to continue their Cup run and hope to gain notoriety by proving their abilities above the amateur level. The determined Harpo’s squad believes they can play at a professional level, and USL exposure is what they were hoping for in this tournament.

After the game, the easy-going group from Boulder shared cans of Avery India Pale Ale and Ellie’s Brown Ale that they hauled for the road trip. Looking ahead?

“We envision beers, ice baths, rest, and unfortunately some of us have to go to work,” Freeston said. “People will rest up and take care of themselves. We’ll train accordingly. We’ll prep like we did for this, and we’ll be ready for Wednesday and give it our best.”

Patrick Shea of the website Current of Colorado also contributed to this report, along with producing the video below.

Highlights: Harpo’s FC at BYU
Harpo’s-BYU-USOC-Highlights-5-13-15 from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.

2015 Preliminary Round: Harpo’s FC gives USSSA first US Open Cup win, 2-0 over KC Athletics (video)

April 25, 2015 by Robert Wilson

Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler wheeler@pocketsofpeace.com — Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler [email protected]

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debutants Harpo’s FC celebrated their first tournament berth with a Preliminary Round win over the Kansas City Athletics by a score of 2-0. Second half goals from midfielder Dan Campbell and forward Shane Wheeler pushed the home team to victory in front of a small crowd at one of the practice fields at Dick’s Sporting Goods, home of the Colorado Rapids.

The Boulder, Colo.-based USSSA squad will now travel to Utah to face the BYU Cougars (PDL) in the First Round on May 13. It will be just the third matchup between the state of Colorado and Utah in the tournament’s modern era (1995-present).

The first half was a cagey midfield battle between the familiar foes. The two teams had met twice in last month’s USSSA Open Cup qualifying tournament with Harpo’s winning 4-1 in the group stage and the Athletics winning in the USSSA Final.

“Both sides wanted to attack, so it turned into a bit a chess match in the first half,” said Harpo’s FC owner and head coach Johnny Freeston. “Both teams had their chances.”

Kansas City’s fullbacks Oran Andrew and Skelly Kellar, along with former Colorado Rapid & Denver native Steven Emory provided the visitors with some of their best opportunities in the first half. None the less, neither Andrew’s long throw-ins, Kellar’s marauding left-sided runs nor Emory’s consistent midfield passing were able to find forward Bryan Williams in the Harpo’s penalty box.

In the second half, the home team took control of the game producing more sustained possession and composed attempts on net. The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute when a Harpo’s forward got a hold of a loose ball and calmly dropped it into the bottom right hand corner of Kansas City’s net. The goal energized the small but lively contingent of Harpo’s FC fans and families as well as the eleven players on the field. After the goal, Harpo’s FC had a number of quality shots on net from forward Shane Wheeler and midfielder Edgar Olivas.

In an effort to retake control of the game, player-coach Kyle Perkins took matters into his own hands and entered the game in the 60th minute. Perkins, who has scored a goal in each of the Athletics’ last two Open Cup runs, reenergized the KC attack expanding the field of play. The Athletics’ high line and eagerness to attack eventually provided opportunities for Harpo’s forward Shane Wheeler to repeatedly test the KC back line on the counter attack.

After multiple quality attempts, Shane Wheeler got his goal in the 70th minute after pushing KC’s high line at the back all game. Moments after shooting a 20-yard free kick inches over the crossbar, Wheeler broke through the KC backline and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Steve Grow.

“I knew what I was going up against,” said Wheeler about his familiarity with the Athletics having played against them recently. “I wanted to give them a hard time and I knew I would get my chance, and when I got it, I took a deep breath, took the goalie on, duked him and I knew it was in.”

In the closing 20 minutes, Kansas City’s final attempts were handled by fullback Sawyer Frank and goalkeeper Zac Gibbens. After the game, KC right back Oran Andrews denied that neither the altitude nor travel were an issue in their performance.

“It was (Harpo’s FC’s) cohesion,” said Andrews. “You could tell they have played together for a while … it was a pretty even game. We made a couple mistakes and they were able to capitalize.”

After the match, beers in hand, the players, fans and families celebrated true to their beer league roots.

“We take this seriously,” said Freeston. “Everyone wants to win but at the end of the day, we are all best friends … it was great for everyone, I am really proud of the guys and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Harpo’s FC returns to Colorado Amateur Soccer League play the next day, and they don’t want to overlook a league game, but a May 13 tie with the PDL’s BYU Cougars is certainly on their mind.

“We are going to train hard and come out for the next game,” said Wheeler.

“Since the draw came out, our goal has always been to get to (a second round matchup with) Colorado Springs (Switchbacks – USL) and face the Switchbacks in their stadium, but until then it’s one game at a time – now Utah,” said Freeston.

Robert L. Wilson covers Colorado-based US Open Cup games for TheCup.us and occasionally contributes to DenverUrbanism.com because he loves everything Colorado. He can be reached on twitter at RLW2020

Highlights: KC Athletics vs. Harpo’s FC
Harpo’s2, KCA 0 Prelim Open Cup from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.

2014 US Open Cup Round 5: Atlanta Silverbacks’ upset of Colorado Rapids marred by chaos, 7 red cards

June 25, 2014 by Robert Wilson

2014-6-25_Rapids vs Silverbacks U.S. Open Cup-5 — Photo: Corbin Elliott Photography

Between the chaos and emotion, and the hail and lightning, the eight man Atlanta Silverbacks defended their lead and won the Fifth Round matchup verses the Colorado Rapids by a score of 2-1.

The scoring began in the 21st minute when Atlanta midfielder Junior Burgos lobbed a ball towards forward Jaime Chavez who’s half bicycle kick chipped Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin and gave the visitors the one goal lead. For the second week in a row Colorado had conceded the first goal to the visiting side and intensified their attack.

Just as the game was opening up for both sides the Colorado weather took a dangerous turn. In the 28th minute lightning and hail suspended the game for over forty minutes giving each team a much needed huddle in their respective locker rooms. After the game both coaches admitted that the unexpected break was helpful resetting their game plans and focusing their player on the task at hand. For the Rapids, head coach Pablo Mastroeni focused his players on the attack while the Silverbacks caught their breath and prepared to protect their lead for the remaining sixty minutes of the game.

The game continued into the second half with back and forth attacking that kept both teams on edge. The midfield battle saw numerous chances on net for virtually every attacker on the Colorado Rapids. After waves of shots by the Rapids the Silverbacks gained a free kick roughly forty yards from the Colorado net. Substitute Jesus Gonzalez’s quick free kick was a lofty pass that sailed past the Colorado goal where it was met by a leaping Jamie Chavez who headed his second goal, stunning the home crowd. Irwin had come off his line to defend the ball, but was unable to get to it, leaving himself in no-man’s land and the net wide open.

What was once a heated yet free flowing affair turned ugly in a matter of moments when Atlanta goalscorer Jamie Chavez pulled down Colorado centerback Drew Moor in a fight for a loose ball near the centerline. As the Colorado defender fell to the ground Sanchez spikes landed directly on Moor’s head and neck causing an uproar from the crowd. The nearest player on the field, Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin, rushed to the scene and a melee was eminent.

The heated argument turned to pushing and shoving and soon both benches cleared. In a matter of seconds three Atlanta players were ejected; Chavez, midfield boss Kwadwo Poku and winger Borfor Carr as well as Colorado left back Marc Burch. The melee continued and soon Atlanta Silverbacks technical director Eric Wynalda, assistant coach Ricardo Montoya as well as Colorado Rapids’ head coach Pablo Mastroeni were ejected for allegedly leaving the coaching box.

When the dust settled, Atlanta was left with eight players on the field, missing their goal scorer Chavez, main playmakers Poku and Carr and without their first and second in charge coaches. The near empty Atlanta bench was left in the hands of Nick Webster, a friend of Wynalda, and current coach of Cal FC, who was invited to take an honorary role on the Atlanta bench earlier that day.

Webster rose to the occasion calling for his players to stay compact and believe that they could see the two goal advantage out for the last twenty minutes regardless of being out numbered ten to eight.

At this point, Colorado was practically given possession for the remaining twenty-six minutes and the additional seven minutes of added time. The constant waves of attacks led by midfielder Nick LaBrocca, reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round Deshorn Brown and Dillon Powers came closer and closer with every minute but could not break down the back line led by Atlanta defender Michael Randolph, midfielder Blair Gavin and goalkeeper Derby Carrillo.

After the game when asked about the ejections Wynalda responded saying “Tommy Lasorda told me something a long time ago; its okay to get thrown out, it can inspire the group.” Later he added that “(His team) spends a lot of time without me anyways so they are kind of used to it”. Inspired and independent the Atlanta defense was, enduring the endless Colorado attack.

Just when frustration among the Colorado attack was becoming apparent, winger Dillion Serna drew a penalty kick. The goal was converted by Dillon Powers and the Rapids were quickly back to the attack looking for the equalizer.

Regardless of the seven minutes added and the five shots on net after the penalty was converted, Colorado could not find the equalizer and Atlanta had pulled off the upset.

After the game, Atlanta Silverbacks technical director Eric Wynalda was elated at the performance that his eight man team delivered adding “these guys; if the the rest of the world wants to give them credit is not for me to decide, but tonight they won the game … Sometimes in this sport its not about tactics, the x’s and o’s, its about being a man and playing the game you are in”

Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni was quick to downplay the melee stating that “the referee played no part in this result, all credit to a hard working Atlanta team.” Clearly frustrated and amazed that his team could not find the equalizer Mastroeni summed up the game stating that his team’s “inability to defend two simple plays and not being able to put away the chances you get” were the Rapids downfall “its not about the refs, not about the ejections, not about the chaos.”

For the Rapids the disappointment is heavy but they can now turn their focus to league play which resumes this weekend with a home game against the Vancouver Whitecaps. This loss ends their all-time undefeated streak in Colorado (4-1-0), and marks the 15th year in a row they were unable to win consecutive games in the Open Cup. Atlanta, on the other hand, have won three tournament games in one year for the first time and will advance to the Quarterfinals for the first time since MLS joined the tournament in 1996.

Atlanta will host the Chicago Fire of MLS who defeated the Columbus Crew 4-2 in extra time. The Silverbacks will face the four-time Open Cup champions without a large portion of their starting lineup and coaching staff. Assistant coach Ricardo Montoya did confirm that Atlanta will protest the red cards and hope to have at least midfielder Kwadwo Poku back in action for the Quarterfinals.

UPDATE: A story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published on June 26, the Silverbacks learned that they are unable to appeal the red cards they received.

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Deshorn Brown’s hat trick leads Colorado Rapids to record-setting win over Orlando City SC

June 18, 2014 by Robert Wilson

Deshorn Brown not only scored the first hat trick in Rapids Open Cup history, he also became the first Jamaican to score three goals since 1995. Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood, Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids dominated their first match of the 2014 US Open Cup and secured a 5-2 victory over USL PRO side Orlando City SC.

While Orlando had their moments; possession and consistent attacking from the MLS’ Rapids was the recipe for the victory as forward Deshorn Brown notched the first hat trick in Colorado’s Open Cup history to lead his team to a Fourth Round victory.

The Rapids outshot their opponent 23-6 while owning an overwhelming majority of possession.

“We wanted to show the fans we could do it,” said Brown, who was named man of the match after becoming the first Jamaican player to score a hat trick in the tournament’s Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

Orlando City head coach Adrain Health was clearly not pleased with the rout saying that the match was the “first time in a long time I can say I was disappointed in the group … played a lot of great football, we were second best all over the field.”

#USOC2014 LINKS

Support TheCup.us: Buy #USOC2014 gear

Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

2014 Round 5 draw scenarios

2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results

2014 US Open Cup bracket

2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders

2015 US Open Cup qualifying news

The First Cup series (1913/14)

Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

The game began with steady waves of Colorado attack led by midfielders Dillon Powers and Nick LaBrocca. Brown fired shot after shot and it appeared inevitable that Colorado would get a goal if not for Orlando keeper Miguel Gallardo’s 7 first-half saves.

It was Orlando that struck first though when Adama Mbengue picked up a loose ball in the 23rd minute near the top of the 18 and sliced it past Rapids keeper Clint Irwin, his third of this year’s tournament.

Orlando’s goal inspired the Rapids to an impressive run of passing and possession, and they finally broke the ice in the 34th minute with a goal from Brown.

Moments later, leftback Marc Burch found Nick LaBrocca for the second goal and a rout seemed eminent.

In the second half, Brown added two more goals to complete a hat trick — the first of his professional career and the first in club history during Cup play.

Orlando midfielder Darwin Ceren grabbed a second goal for his side but was quickly negated by a slashing finish by Dillon Powers for Colorado’s fifth tally.

With the victory, Colorado remains undefeated at home all time in the US Open Cup and will now host the Atlanta Silverback (NASL) on June 22nd in Colorado.

“We want to win every game we play, this is another game,” said Colorado head coach Pablo Mastroeni when asked about the important of the Cup match win. “Obviously there is silverware, we want to win silverware.

“… I don’t look at results, I believe that if we truly do the little things right and keep improving on the little things, the results and the silverware will be a byproduct of that. I don’t skip the process to get to the destination.”

While the game was a let down for Orlando City it served as a quality test for the club entering Major League Soccer next year and the bright spots were noted by Heath.

“We will be on this level next year, it gave me a lot of food for thought,” he said. “(Adama) Mbengue was probably the pick of the players this evening … When you come and play an MLS team and put your group against a team like this one, it gives you an idea for what you need for next year.”