Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Sean Maslin

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Maryland Bobcats score on final kick of OT to stun Ocean City Nor’easters

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Players from the Maryland Bobcats during their 2023 US Open Cup match vs. Ocean City Nor'easters. Photo: Maryland Bobcats
Players from the Maryland Bobcats during their 2023 US Open Cup match vs. Ocean City Nor’easters. Photo: Maryland Bobcats

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


After overcoming an early 1-0 deficit, the Bobcats came back to take the lead late in the game. When it appeared that the NISA side was going to pick up its first US Open Cup win, the Nor’easters scored an equalizer in second half stoppage time to send the match into extra time. Thirty minutes of game time later, the visitors from USL League Two appeared to be ready to take the pros to penalty kicks. But the Bobcats scored a goal in the second minute of stoppage time in overtime off a corner kick. It would prove to be the last kick of the game. 

The Bobcats will advance to Round 3 where they will get a rematch with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship). Last year, Pittsburgh ruined Maryland’s tournament debut by eliminating them, 2-0. 

From the start of the first whistle, both sides came out looking for a tough match. They certainly got it with Bobcats defender Ryan Machado-Jones earning the first yellow card of the match in just the fifth minute. The Nor’easters certainly didn’t want to be left out of the card party, with Kaleb Jackson making an aggressive tackle in the 13th minute.

Ocean City did find their breakthrough with Jackson as he headed home the go-ahead goal on a delivery from Kyle Galloway in the 23rd minute. It was the first career US Open Cup goal for the former Rockhurst University standout. Last year, he made his Open Cup debut as he suited up for AC Syracuse Pulse in their First Round match against FC Motown. 


Things once again got testy around the 40th minute when Jackson was sent off with his second yellow card after a reckless tackle. In the scuffle that followed, Richard Forka of Maryland was shown a straight red card which reduced each team to 10 men.

In the second half, the Bobcats offense came alive early with Abdul Kooistra lacing together a series of slick passess with Darwin Espinal. But credit to the Ocean City defense for maintaining a tightly organized line led by captain Dylan Evande.

Maryland got their breakthrough in the 67th minute with a handball in the box going in their favor. Espinal walked up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home for the Bobcats. It was his first US Open Cup goal since 2017 when he tallied for the South Florida Surf of USL League Two. 


Espinal would bag his second for the Bobcats in the 82nd minute hammering home a pass taken from Kooistra to give his side the late lead.

It looked like they might escape with a come-from-behind win, but a shot by Ocean City’s Farid Mancilla was saved by Maryland goalkeeper Alexander Sutton. Unfortunately, he was unable to control the shot and Ocean City’s Vilius Labuis pounced on the rebound. It was the first career US Open Cup goal for Labuis, who was a first-team NAIA All-American at Rio Grande University in Ohio.

In extra time, the two sides traded attacking chances with neither side able to break the deadlock. Espinal very nearly had another match-winner and a hat trick with a dangerous free kick in the 98th minute but Ocean City goalkeeper Brady Hochman parried the chance over the bar.

In the final minute, the Bobcats made one last push for the game-winner. A shot from the right wing forced a diving save from Hochman that was sent out for a corner kick. Moments earlier, the referee had signaled for a minimum of one minute of stoppage time and as the stadium clock eclipsed that one minute mark, it was clear that the Bobcats’ corner kick was going to be the last kick of the game. The ball was driven into the penalty area and Bobcats teenager Phillip Brown crashed the box and volleyed it into the back of the net from point blank range.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Terzaghi’s 118th min. goal saves Richmond Kickers from amateur upset

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Emiliano Terzaghi of the Richmond Kickers celebrates his 118th minute goal against the North Carolina Fusion U-23s in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Emiliano Terzaghi of the Richmond Kickers celebrates his 118th minute goal against the North Carolina Fusion U-23s in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

Sometimes all it takes is a really good substitute to make the difference. In the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at City Stadium, the Richmond Kickers certainly had that. Thanks to second-half substitute Emiliano Terzaghi’s late strike in extra time, the USL League One side staved off an upset by outlasting North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 1-0.

The 2020 USL League One MVP scored in the 118th minute to avoid penalty kicks and send the 1995 US Open Cup champions to the Fourth Round.


While one might expect the Kickers to use their experience and home-field advantage to dominate in the first half, it was the Fusion who had the lion’s share of attacking chances. Using their speed and quick passing, the USL-2 side moved the ball effortlessly through the Kickers defense creating some of the attacking chances in the first half.

In the 27th minute, Tom Marriott zigged and zagged through the Kickers defense, clubbing a powerful chance on target that hit off of the post.

In the 33rd minute, Fusion’s Jaime DiLuzio connected on a cross into the box and delivered a strong header on target. However, Kickers goalkeeper Will Palmquist palmed it away.

Attacking chances might have been few and far between in the first half but foul play was not. The two sides combined for five yellow cards in the first 45 minutes with Fusion’s Luis Neto paying the price, having to be subbed off in the 17th minute.

Business picked up in the second half with both sides looking to gain the advantage and hopefully a ticket into the Round of 32. The Kickers led things off in the 67th minute with Stuart Ritchie smashing a shot from just inside the 18-yard box. Perryman had to make a leaping effort but his fingertip save was just enough to keep things level.

The Fusion very nearly played spoilers with Tom Marriott breaking free of the Kickers backline in the 88th minute. However, Palmquist made an excellent read and made a clever diving stop to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Players from the Richmond Kickers (green) and North Carolina Fusion U-23s go up for a header in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Players from the Richmond Kickers (green) and North Carolina Fusion U-23s go up for a header in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

Things seemed to switch in the Kickers favor in extra time with the more seasoned side using their experience to stretch the field. Although they were denied on multiple occasions thanks to the stout Fusion back-line, Richmond would not be denied.

Terzaghi used his fresh legs to put his side ahead in the final two minutes of extra time. A Richmond free kick was taken near midfield and driven high in the air into the Fusion six yard box. The ball was knocked away toward right side of the field, near the end line where a North Carolina defender attempted to clear it. Richmond’s Dakota Barnathan ran up behind the defender and stole the ball and immediately played the ball in front of goal where Terzaghi snuck the ball just inside the post and beyond the goal line to score the game’s only goal.

It would prove to be, at a minimum, a goal that denied the Fusion $12,500. North Carolina and FC Motown (NPSL) were the last two remaining Open Division amateur teams in the tournament and the team that advanced the farthest would receive $25,000. FC Motown were also eliminated, but they lost in penalty kicks to Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro), which is officially listed as a draw. Had North Carolina reached a penalty kick shootout with Richmond, even if they would have lost that shootout, they would have tied with FC Motown and split the prize money. However, since they lost in extra time, FC Motown received the entire $25,000.

For Richmond, their reward is a spot in the Fourth Round where they will host MLS expansion side Charlotte FC. The Kickers have upset five MLS teams in their history and will attempt to earn a sixth on May 11 at City Stadium.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Northern Virginia FC back in US Open Cup after two decades

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Northern Virginia FC Meet the Underdogs 2022 US Open Cup
Northern Virginia FC celebrates the club’s 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol in the final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: NoVa FC

They say Virginia is for lovers. While that may be true, it is also for some pretty good football as well.

For decades, the region has played host to some of the top sides across the footballing spectrum. Perhaps no side displays that level of quality, persistence, and passion for developing top-level players than Northern Virginia FC (NoVa FC), who will face fellow Virginia side Lynchburg FC in the First Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday (7:30 pm EST, YouTube).

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Now, those reading at home might be wondering Wait, didn’t this match already happen? The answer to that question is sort of. The two sides squared off last Wednesday at Lynchburg Stadium. NoVa FC took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a brilliant goal from KJ Nadeau. Lynchburg tied it up on a goal from Mitch Reed in the 41st minute, setting off potentially a very enticing second half.

Then … the rain and lightning happened. While the first band of lightning and downpour delayed just before halftime, the second stopped the match completely at around the 61st minute. According to the US Open Cup rules, since both sides were unable to complete the match within 48 hours of stoppage, the game is required to be played in full. In case one is wondering why two sides couldn’t make up the match in that short of time: the distance between Lynchburg and Leesburg, where NoVa FC are based, is about a three hour drive with massive congestion along all major roads.

For NoVa FC head coach Kareem Sheta, the opportunity for a second chance at Lynchburg in better weather is worth it.

“Last Wednesday was the first time that we had ever played against Lynchburg so we are really taking this opportunity to learn from that game,” said Sheta. “While we were obviously pleased with taking the early lead, they are a very talented side. So for us, and in particular for our younger players, this a great chance for them to learn and take what they saw and apply it to the next match in hopefully much better weather.”

PHOTOS: Northern Virginia FC vs. Districtonia Futbol (2022 US Open Cup Qualifying)

As opposed to Lynchburg, who just started up in the Virginia area, NoVa FC have a long storied history within Virginia soccer. Since it’s founding in 1998 under the name the Northern Virginia Royals, the side has been a family operation with Kareem’s father being one of the original owners. His son, Kareem’s brother, Ahmed still plays for the team and is the club’s Director of Soccer.

Kareem’s father, Mo, was in charge of the Royals team that last qualified for the US Open Cup as a pro team in 1999 and 2000. In both years, they lost their opening round game, falling to the PDL’s Cocoa Expos 5-3 at RFK Stadium in their debut, followed by a 3-2 road loss to the Hampton Roads Mariners (A-League, Div. 2) in 2000.

Since 1999, the club has made a reputation of being one of the top sides in Virginia, winning multiple state and national titles.

After playing in the USL’s D-3 Pro League (later known as the Pro Soccer League and the USL Second Division) from 1998-2005, the Royals joined the Premier Development League (now known as USL League Two) where they remain to this day. For a brief time between 2015 and 2020 the team rebranded into Evergreen FC before falling back to it’s roots. That un-rebrand coincided with the club expanding into the then-newly created Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL), which is the league it qualified through for this year’s US Open Cup. This past winter, they joined the third division of the Major Arena Soccer League and will be playing in the finals of that competition on Saturday at the Winchester SportsPlex. The club has a 60-player roster with a first and second team. They have also added a women’s program with the side kicking off play in the inaugural season of the USL’s re-launched W-League this May.

NoVa’s EPSL team began their journey to the US Open Cup by entering the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. They began with a 2-0 home win over Springfield FC, followed by a 2-1 road victory over former league-mates Virginia United FC. NoVa qualified with a convincing 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol, despite finishing the game with just nine players.

Brandon Williamson Northern Virginia FC Districtonia Futbol NOVA FC 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying
Brandon Williamson of Northern Virginia FC battles for the ball across Districtonia Futbol in the Final Round of the 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Sean Maslin

“As a club, we essentially made a decision to go year-round about three years ago. From 2007 to about 2019 we were just USL-2 team,” said Kareem Sheta. “So we would just get guys to come out for the summer, play the USL-2 season, and then send them back to college and all of the local guys would just scatter and go play for their local teams. At a certain point, we made a decision to focus on the development of the local guys and so we put some resources in time into a group that can compete year-round. I think that has been the difference as to why we have done so well in USL 2. We have a core group of players that have played year-round consistently and I think that has made a big difference.”

NoVa’s core group of players is one that many in the region should be familiar with given their strong ties to both youth, college, and professional soccer. Nadeau, who scored the goal in the washed out game against Lynchburg, was the club’s top scorer in qualifying, scoring four goals in three games. Nadeau played college soccer at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Goalkeeper Calle Brown was a standout in net for the University of Virginia before going on to play professionally for the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo. Midfielder Brandon Williamson (pictured) was a D.C. United Youth Academy product who went on to play college soccer at Duke University and later at Loudoun United (USL Championship). Midfielder Tyler Clegg is a redshirt senior at James Madison University, and is the younger brother of Brandon Clegg who, after a strong season with NoVa last year, signed a professional contract with the Maryland Bobcats FC.

The club also has two younger players that have broken through into the first roster that are primed to make a difference both in the Open Cup and in league play this year: forward JP Ayolmbong (who scored twice in the final round of qualifying) and Illiass Lagjhibi, an 18 year old that Sheta described as having “an endless motor.”

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lynchburg FC 

While winning the Open Cup is obviously a dream goal for Sheta and NoVa FC, winning the club’s first-ever US Open Cup game and getting into the next round where they would host the Richmond Kickers (USL League One) would be another huge marker for the club. So too is providing greater opportunities for their players to play at the highest level. Last year, the club had four players move on to professional teams, an accomplishment the club takes a lot of pride in. The club is also looking forward as well to continuing their success in both the EPSL, which started play again this month, and the USL League Two season which starts in May.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Nine-man NoVA FC ends 21-year USOC drought

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Northern Virginia FC celebrates the club’s 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol in the final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: NoVa FC

Winning with eleven players is usually a challenge. Winning with ten players is downright difficult. But winning with nine players takes a certain bit of skill, a lot of luck, and courage.

On Sunday night at Revolution Sports Complex, Northern Virginia FC (NoVa FC) showed they had all three traits. Despite going down two men in the first half, the Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL) side persevered pushing ahead and earning a 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol.

For Northern Virginia FC, the victory in a “Win & You’re In” match against the D.C. area side ends a US Open Cup drought of more than two decades. While also fielding a team in the EPSL, NoVa has been a member of the United Soccer Leagues since 1998. They began in the D-3 Pro League as the Northern Virginia Royals and qualified for the US Open Cup in 1999 and 2000. The club has undergone multiple name changes, and joined what is now known as USL League Two in 2006, but has not qualified for the tournament since.

While the scorecard at the end of match was certainly filled with goals and bookings on one side, the beginning of the game appeared to be a close game. It was an interesting match in terms of conflicting philosophies with NoVa FC spreading the field and Districtonia creating their chances through the middle of the field. NoVa FC might have appeared to have the edge with midfielder Daniel Akinkoye and Brandon Williamson creating chances inside for KJ Nadula. But credit to Districtonia, whose work on the inside with Bryan Aguilar and Franklin Fodup created some promising opportunities.

After some excellent midfield work from both sides early on, NoVa FC struck first. In the 15th minute, Nadeau connected with a chip from the NoVa midfield, breaking past the Districtonia goalkeeper to earn the 1-0 lead. Nadeau wasn’t done though as he smashed home his second of the match just 11 minutes later.

Now normally two goals in the first half hour is exciting enough for any regular football supporter. But the match took an interesting turn in the final 15 minutes of the first half. In the 32nd minute, NoVa FC defender Luke Campbell took his second yellow card of the match putting the EPSL side in relative danger. The sense of uneasiness amongst their supporters was only made worse with Francisco Diorio earning a straight red for a challenge just outside of their 18-yard box.

Although they were down two players and facing some pressure in their defensive third, NoVa continued to stretch the field using their speed on the outside to open up the Districtonia defense. Thanks to some excellent off-the-ball runs by Akinkoye, Williamson, and Aaron Etienne, NoVa found themselves with fantastic chances to add to their lead. After a series of close calls, they finally found their third with Nadeau completing his hat trick in the 63rd minute to give him four goals in his last three US Open Cup qualifying matches.

NoVa would continue to place pressure on the Districtonia backline with substitute JP Ayolmbong scoring in the 72nd minute and then assisting on Ahmed Ismail’s goal in stoppage time to round out the scoring.

2019 US Open Cup Round of 16: NYCFC overcomes early Wayne Rooney goal, beats DC United to reach Quarterfinals

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Players from NYCFC celebrate a goal against D.C. United in the Round of 16 of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC
Players from NYCFC celebrate a goal against D.C. United in the Round of 16 of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC

Prior to this year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, New York City FC hadn’t really made much of an impact in the tournament. They had been one-and-done in their first four tournament appearances since joining MLS in 2015. Oh, how times have changed. Thanks to a pair of late first half goals, New York has won back-to-back games after a 2-1 defeat of D.C. United at Audi Field on Wednesday night.

With the win, the Pigeons in blue become the first New York City-based club to reach the Quarterfinals since the 1999 Staten Island Vipers (A-League, Div. 2 pro).

As opposed to United’s last Open Cup game at Audi Field last round against the Philadelphia Union which featured only a handful of shot attempts through 90 minutes, tonight’s Atlantic Cup encounter had a bit more of an attacking flair. With an extra week of training to remove the rust, D.C. came out of the gates swinging with Acosta hitting a clever backheel to a waiting Wayne Rooney in the first minute. Rooney pounced on the chance, smashing a shot on target that just hit the post.

Sensing that D.C. were going to be a bit more aggressive in the attacking end, NYCFC used their speed on the counter-attack to startle the D.C. defense. Alexandru Mitria blew past the D.C. defense in the 6th minute and hit low effort which forced United goalkeeper Chris Seitz to make a bit of an emergency stop but he was successful in ending the attacking chance.

As seems to happen with many D.C.-NYC matches, there was a bit of controversy to rile up both sets of supporters. On a corner kick in the 9th minute, Heber of NYCFC hit a header that went into the back of the net. However, the goal was waved off due to a handball.

NYCFC continued to press the United backline but were dealt a blow in the 33rd minute when Ulises Segura burst past New York’s defense and made a darting run down the right flank. He found a surging Wayne Rooney just inside of the eighteen on the left side and hit a low curling effort that easily connected with the Englishman. Rooney’s went for the far corner and found it, beating Brad Stuver for the 1-0 advantage.

Despite going down a goal, NYCFC stuck to their guns, using their speed on the outside to force D.C.’s backs to collapse inward. In the 38th minute, Keaton Parks, who scored a pair of goals in New York’s Round 4 win over North Carolina FC, found Mitria with ample space on the inside. The Romanian talisman, who has come alive as of late for The Pigeons, continued his scoring streak by hitting a blistering shot past Seitz to level the score.

Before United could catch their breath they found themselves once again on their backheels and digging the ball out of the back of the net. Ismael Tajouri Shradi forced the D.C. defense into panic mode with a pacey run down the right side. Before the United back four could organize, he hit a dart of a shot toward the far right post to make it 2-1 just before the half.

After a frenetic first half, the pace slowed down in the second 45 with NYCFC containing the high-powered D.C. attack. New York’s Parks retained possession for large portions of the half, making smart, efficient passes to his defenders and outside midfielders. That forced United to chase the Pigeons, killing valuable clock time.

United’s best chance came in the 71st minute when Lucas Rodriguez hit a shot from the right side. Although his effort got the United supporters to their feet they were unable to celebrate as Stuver punched the chance away.

D.C.’s final attacking chance came in the 90th minute when Rooney laced a low curling cross into the box that found Segura. Although he would eventually be called offside, Segura’s header rattled the NYCFC faithful who made the trek down to the Nation’s Capital. Stuver allayed any sort of fears that they might have, making the save to finish the match.

GAME SUMMARY

D.C. United – Chris Seitz, Steve Birnbaum, Frederic Brilliant, Joseph Mora, Leonardo Jara (Jalen Robinson 45’), Antonio Bustamante (Russell Canouse 70’), Chris Durkin, Lucas Rodriguez (Griffin Yow 88’), Wayne Rooney, Ulises Segura, and Luciano Acosta

Goals-Rooney (33’)

Yellow Cards-Robinson (55’), Acosta (69’), and Rodriguez (76’)

New York City FC- Brad Stuver, Sebastien Ibeagha, Anton Tinnherholm, Maxime Chanot, Keaton Parks, Alexander Ring, Alexandru Mitru (Juan Torres 90’), Heber (Valentin Castellanos 49’), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, and Maxi Moralez,

Goals- Mitria (38’) and Tajouri Shradi (40’)

Yellow Cards- N/A

ATTENDANCE: N/A

 

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Late equalizer, Wayne Rooney PK completes comeback for D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union

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D.C. United players surround Wayne Rooney after he scored the go-ahead goal in the 120th minute of the team's Fourth Round match with the Philadelphia Unionin the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: D.C. United, Tony Quinn
D.C. United players surround Wayne Rooney after he scored the go-ahead goal in the 120th minute of the team’s Fourth Round match with the Philadelphia Unionin the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: D.C. United, Tony Quinn

Matches have ebbs and flows and depending upon when a team hits their high point can determine whether they succeed or bottom out. It may have taken D.C. United almost two hours to find their form but they waited for the perfect moment to get it. Thanks to two late goals in extra time, including a Wayne Rooney penalty kick in the 120th minute, United moved past the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, on Wednesday night in their opening match of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With both sides coming off of their FIFA international break, the match played much as one would expect. Attacking chances were and far between in the first 45 minutes as both sides worked towards finding their footing in the midfield.

Philadelphia were the first to really make their mark on the match with forward Fafa Picault providing a spark down the left flank. Working against United right back Jalen Robinson, who was a very late addition to the starting eleven, the US international made several daring runs towards the D.C. box. In the 20th minute he hit a low shot towards the far post that just went in front of the goal.

Picault made a similar run in the 32nd minute this time opting to go towards the middle as opposed to taking the shot. After beating United center back Frederic Brilliant he laid off a pass for Haris Medunjanin right at the top of the eighteen yard box. Only a last second deflection from a D.C. defender would prevent Philadelphia from taking the 1-0 lead just before halftime.

While United were finding their rhythm on the attacking end D.C. struggled to string together even basic level attacking chances. Philadelphia’s defense has been successful all season at clogging the midfield and opponents to create chances off of cross and long balls into the box. United’s attacking combination of Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney struggled to find each other in Philadelphia territory with Acosta’s lone shot on target coming in the 17th minute, a chance that would be kick saved by Union goalkeeper Matt Freese.

United started the second half with a little bit more life, using the speed of Ulises Segura on the outside to force Philadelphia out of their foxhole. He very nearly gave D.C. the lead in the 46th when he whipped a shot off of a cross, hitting the post. In the 79th minute he had a similar chance, just missing a curling effort from Rooney.

There was a bit of controversy in the 77th minute after Acosta was taken down in the box by goalkeeper Matt Freese. Despite United’s protests referee Marcos de Oliviera denied the D.C. the direct kick chance and indirectly pushed the two sides into extra time.

With the rain coming down and players starting to put their hands on their knees it appeared as if the two MLS Eastern Conference foes were destined for penalties. But as has been proven many times in US Open Cup play expect the unexpected. It was Philadelphia that would strike first after manager Jim Curtin wisely saved one of his substitutes for late in the match, bringing on young Development Academy product Anthony Fontana. That move paid off with Fontana with slipping through the D.C. defense and finishing off a pass from Jamiro Monteiro to make it 1-0 in the 113th minute.

It is very difficult to score late in a match let alone twice. But United had persistent all through the second period of extra-time using their speed to push a beleaguered Philadelphia defense to make bad challenges and costly clears. Off of a corner kick in the 118th minute D.C. capitalized on their set piece chance with Chris McCann heading home the equalizer.

The United faithful had barely enough to catch their breaths and chuck their beers before D.C. had another goal-scoring opportunity given to them. After failing to draw a penalty kick in the second half Acosta proved successful on his second try, forcing Alejandro Bedoya to make a tackle inside his box. On the ensuing kick with the match on the line Rooney buried his shot past Freese, giving D.C. the win and punching their ticket to the next round.

With the win United not only knock out a US Open Cup finalist in Philadelphia but also earn their first Open Cup win against an MLS side since defeating Real Salt Lake in the 2013 final. United will host New York City FC in the Round of 16 on June 19. The winner of that game will travel to the winner of the New England Revolution and Orlando City SC.

2019 US Open Cup qualifying: Houapeu’s brace pushes World Class past Izee Auto

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Players from World Class Premier (orange) and Izee Auto FC battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Sean Maslin
Players from World Class Premier (orange) and Izee Auto FC battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Sean Maslin

After helping Christos FC make a name for themselves in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Levi Houapeu has moved on to another Maryland club and has them on a path to qualify for the 2019 tournament.

The 29-year-old striker scored twice for World Class Premier Elite FC in their 4-2 win over Izee Auto FC in the opening round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Despite weeks of unending rain and balmy conditions. Saturday’s match at Blandair Regional Park was actually played under ideal fall-like conditions. With a favorable pitch that allowed both sides to put a heavy emphasis on quick passes and using the counter-attack.

Izee struck first with Rashid Deen putting his side ahead on a counter attack in the 11th minute.

Despite going down a goal early, World Class weren’t deterred. Led by captain Idrissa Sesay, the World Class offense began probing the Izee defense, looking for space to exploit. They found it in the 27th minute when a combination pass from Sesay to Houapeu found the target man with a clear goal-scoring chance. He wouldn’t miss knocking his chance into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Just five minutes later, Sesay snagged a goal of his own. With the Izee defense focusing on Houapeu, he found space down the left flank and hit a low effort towards the far post, making it 2-0 just before halftime.

Early in the second half, Izee showed a sense of urgency, pushing the World Class defense on their heels. In the 47th minute, Izee midfielder Christian Caulker broke past their defense and hit a shot that appeared destined for the back of the net. However, it lifted slightly late and went off the bar. Defender Oumar Ballo, formerly of the USL’s Swope Park Rangers, was there to make the stop and clear the chance away.

Izee were equally unlucky in the 70th minute, with Michael Rouhana receving a pass down the right side with just the keeper to beat. Much like with Caulker earlier in the half his chance looked equally promising, but in the end the fall night lifted his chance just a little high.

After surviving two near equalizers, World Class worked to put the match away late. Daniel Ankrah (72′) and Houapeu (78′) added insurance goals in the final 20 minutes to seal the result for the Maryland Major Soccer League side. While Izee did cut their deficit to two with Abuka Kareem’s goal in the 86th minute, it wasn’t enough to see their side through.

Houapeu’s two goals on Saturday are just the latest chapter in his US Open Cup resume. He made his debut in 2010 with Reading United AC. That year, they took the USL’s Real Maryland Monarchs to extra time before falling short. By 2014, the former University of Maryland Baltimore County standout had signed with the Rochester Rhinos of the USL, in addition to spending time playing indoor soccer where he won a league championship with the Baltimore Blast. With the Rhinos, he scored a goal in the 2014 US Open Cup as Rochester advanced to the Round of 16 where they lost 2-1 to the New England Revolution of MLS. Last year, he played every minute of every game and scored the game-winning goal against Chicago FC United (PDL) which sent Christos FC into the Fourth Round to face D.C. United (MLS), which put the team on the map.

Houapeu and the rest of World Class Premier will take part in the second round of the qualifying tournament where they will travel to Charlottsville, Va. to take on the Cville Alliance FC Reserves on Oct. 20.

2018 US Open Cup Round 5: After lightning delay, Orlando City wins PK shootout with D.C. United

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Earl Edwards Jr. of Orlando City SC makes a save during the club's 2018 US Open Cup match against DC United. Photo: USA Today Sports Images
Earl Edwards Jr. of Orlando City SC makes a save during the club’s 2018 US Open Cup match against DC United. Photo: USA Today Sports Images

It has been a tough week for Orlando City SC. Losing their manager last week and facing a fresh stream of rumors and theories about their future the Purple Lions supporters were looking for something, anything to feel positive about. On Wednesday night at a rain-soaked Maryland SoccerPlex they seemed to have found it. Thanks to some goalkeeping wizardry by Earl Edwards Jr., and some luck in penalties, Orlando defeated D.C. United to move on to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

For Orlando, it will be the club’s third trip to the Quarterfinals and the first since 2015.

“Cup games are always hard because it’s like a mini final and you have to play to a winner,” Lions interim head coach Bobby Murphy said. “With our guys, the change of the shape, the weather delay – there was just a lot thrown at us tonight. I thought the guys coped with it really well, even the patches in the game where we were up against it and they were on top of us. We didn’t capitulate. We dug in and held firm. They stuck together and they fought. Penalties are always a toss up so you don’t feel great about winning in penalties but you’re sure happy to move on.”

Initially it did not appear as if it would be their night in Boyds, Md. After just five minutes of play the match was delayed due to lightning. Despite a 7 p.m. kickoff time, play did not resume until around 8:30 pm forcing the teams to play deep into the night in the Maryland suburbs.

When play did resume, things started in a very grim fashion for Orlando. From the restart, D.C. United used a high press in the midfield, led by Luciano Acosta, to disorient the Orlando defense. Off of a nifty 1-2 passing combination with forward Darren Mattocks, Acosta broke free of the Orlando defense and hit his shot past Edwards to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.

United very nearly made it 2-0 when Acosta once again got past the Orlando defense. This time Edwards was up to the challenge, making the kick save to keep his side within one.

That save would come in handy as it emboldened the Orlando attack into motion. Using their advantage in size Orlando pushed their line up with midfielder Justin Meram serving as the focal point of the attack. The Iraqi international took a pass from Sacha Kljestan in the 17th minute and made a quick move towards the corner of the D.C. eighteen yard box. From there he hit a low driving effort far post that United goalkeeper Steve Clark got a handle on but was unable to keep from going into the back of the net.

In the second half, the two sides failed to capitalize on their attacking chances with both Clark and Edwards making several difficult stops to preserve the scoreline. Of the two Edwards faced the stiffest competition, making five saves to Clark’s two.

The match took a dark turn in extra-time with tempers flaring for both sides. In the 99th minute, United midfielder Chris Durkin was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, putting D.C. down to ten men. Twenty minutes later, Orlando defender Mohamed El-Munir earned the ire of the 3,358 in attendance after a challenge on Acosta and proceeding to kick the ball back at him, walking away with just a yellow card. There were several instances of players tussling and some harsh words between each other during extra time but tempers did seem to cool down towards the end of extra time.

In the penalty shootout, Orlando grabbed the lead early with goals from Will Johnson and Sacha Kljestan. A diving effort from Edwards and a failed flick from Acosta gave Orlando the 2-0 advantage. Despite D.C. pulling to within one after Jose Villarreal’s shot was saved by Clark, United were unable to close the gap.

With the shootout win, Edwards joins some select company. The former UCLA Bruin joins Tim Melia as the only goalkeepers with three or more PK shootout wins (one with PSA Elite in 2014, two with Orlando City in 2015, and Wednesday night).

With the win, Orlando gave their interim manager Bobby Murphy his first achievement since taking over for Jason Kreis last Friday. Orlando will advance to face the Philadelphia Union on the road in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup on July 18.

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: D.C. United survive North Carolina FC in PK shootout

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David Ousted of D.C. United celebrates during the penalty kick shootout against the Richmond Kickers in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United
David Ousted of D.C. United celebrates during the penalty kick shootout against the Richmond Kickers in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United

D.C. United supporters got their third chance to watch their local side at home this season. And then some. After a very long road trip United returned ‘home’ to the Maryland SoccerPlex on Tuesday night, were held to a 1-1 draw before defeating North Carolina FC of the USL 4-3 in penalties in their first match in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With a match on the road against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday and another road test against Toronto FC on Wednesday, United coach Ben Olsen opted to go with a mix of starters and reserves to start the contest. Holdover midfielders Chris Durkin and Paul Arriola gave the side some shape along the spine, allowing them to move the ball some through the midfield. They made gradual progressions against a North Carolina defense that was bullish on ceding any territory.

Eventually D.C. did get an attacking chance off with Arriola ripping a shot from just inside the eighteen yard box in the 11th minute. But goalkeeper Alex Tambakis was there to make the stop, diving right to keep things level.

North Carolina were not so lucky in the 25th minute, when United midfielder Ian Harkes picked up his own rebound and slotted it into the back of the net to give D.C. the 1-0 advantage. It was his second career US Open Cup goal, two more than his dad, Hall of Famer John Harkes.

In the second half, North Carolina’s attack came alive. Using their speed on the outside, NCFC started to force United’s compact defense to break ranks. That allowed for additional space inside for NCFC to exploit. In the 70th minute, substitute Marcel Kandziora took a header off of a cross into United’s box. Although his chance initially looked to be on target it would go wide. While they were unsuccessful, North Carolina would equalize. In the 83rd minute, after a corner kick into the box was headed away by a D.C. defender, NCFC forward Marios Lomis snared the rebound. After a clever controlled touch he delivered an impressive volley past United goalkeeper David Ousted to tie things up at one. The goal was Lomis’ third of the tournament.

After extra time did not produce a winner, the two sides went into penalty kicks. The two sides traded goals in the first round with both Daniel Rios and Yamil Asad scoring for NCFC and D.C. respectively. The second round was a different story as Kyle Bekker of North Carolina saw his chance parried away by Ousted. United forward Darren Mattocks seized the opportunity for his side’s next chance, scoring the go-ahead goal. While Harkes missed his chance in round number four, the blow was lessened as NCFC’s Peabo Doue saw his own shot go wide of the mark. In the fifth and final round, United sealed the win with Bruno Miranda doing the honors.

“I only walked through but I try to read the player when he comes up,” said Ousted. “I try to read what he wants to do, what kind of player he is, what kind of foot he has on him. You see that in the strikes in the game. It’s just about trusting that gut feeling and getting a little bit of luck.”

For United, it was their first time eliminating a professional team since their improbable US Open Cup championship in 2013.

“First of all, means a lot for the club. Secondly, it means a lot for me to be able to win a  and win a trophy,” said Ousted. “I think it’s five games, then you’re with a trophy. That’s a short way to get a trophy so we definitely want to win it. I want to win it so we’re going to go full out.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Cup veterans Reading United edge 2017 darling Christos FC in PKs

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Reading United ACSometimes a little bit of patience and a little bit resolve goes a long way. After going down a goal early against Christos FC in their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round match, Reading United AC buckled down and went to work. Thanks to a second half goal and five successful penalty kick strikes, Reading ousted last season’s Cinderella 5-4 in PKs.

Reading United, one of the powers of the Premier Development League (PDL), are making their 10th consecutive appearance in the US Open Cup, which is the Modern Era’s longest qualifying streak of any open division team in the country.

After such an enthralling run last during last year’s Open Cup one might expect Christos FC to have a bit of a hangover. Instead the club took the game right to Reading’s defense using their size in the final third to open up play. It paid off in just the 4th minute when midfielder Tyler Rudy found space deep inside Reading territory. He made the most of his chance, hitting a low effort past goalkeeper Bennet Strutz to give his side the 1-0 advantage.

Despite going down early, Reading resisted the urge to pack it in and instead forced Christos into a defensive posture. The Reading attack focused on opening up space down the right flank with midfielders James Merriam and Khori Bennett creating space against the Christos defense. Merriam would go directly at Christos centerbacks Malcolm Harris and Larry Cornish, then hit Bennett on the outside. The move nearly paid off in the 29th minute when Bennett found some space to the right of goal and hit a low, pacey shot on target. While the effort was close goalkeeper Phil Saunders was more than up for the task making the diving save to preserve the advantage.

Saunders would be tested again in the 37th minute when midfielder Alexander Lipinski hit a dangerous chances at the top of the eighteen yard box. Reading would have another chance just before halftime to even things up on a set piece chance from Aaron Molloy. His low curling effort made it into the box but was cleared away by Malcolm.

In the second half, the Reading coach made an early tactical shift bringing in Sebastian Hauret in the 56th minute. The move paid off for the Pennsylvania-based side as he made a darting run down the right flank just minutes into his appearance. His pass inside found forward Kieran Roberts inside Christos’ eighteen. He made the most of his chance hitting a low shot past Saunders to tie things at 1-1.

The remainder of regulation would find the two sides working from the outside inwards, hoping for a little space and a bit of luck. Reading nearly struck first with Hauret in the 83rd minute turning around Joseph Glos and hitting a shot with some pace. But Saunders was up for the challenge easily catching the ball, making the save and ending the chance.

Jimae Merriam had perhaps the best crack at goal for Christos in the 90th minute with a thunderous crack from right at the eighteen. His shot appeared to be beyond the grasp of Strutz but also just went over the bar, sending the match to overtime.

While extra time provided some interesting moments the deadlock remained and penalties were needed to decide things. In penalties the two sides would trade goals throughout the final round with Chris Panian of Christos FC would have his attempt saved and Kieran Roberts of Reading sealing things up with their fifth and final kick.

With the shootout win, Reading advances beyond the opening round for the seventh year in a row. United moves on to the next round of US Open Cup play where they will take on the USL’s Richmond Kickers next Wednesday at Alvernian University at 7 p.m. EST.

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