TheCup.us Staff

This weekend, 16 teams punched their ticket to the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Those 16 amateur clubs will participate in the opening round of the 111th edition of the tournament that is set to begin in the Spring.

Half of the teams that qualified with victories in the weekend’s “Win & You’re In” games hail from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

Out of the 16 clubs that qualified, six of them are making their first appearance in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era. One of those first-timers, SC Vistula Garfield, had entered the US Open Cup decades ago.

The games were largely competitive with 14 of the 16 games being decided by two goals or less.

You can find a brief summary of all 16 games with links to the full match report below.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
2:3 
Steel City FC (USL League Two)
Mentor High School Soccer Stadium – Mentor, OH

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Steel City FC continued Pittsburgh’s soccer success, following the Riverhounds winning the USL Championship earlier in the day, by qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup. They defeated Croatia Cleveland 3-2 in Mentor, Ohio to punch their ticket to the 111th national championship.

Croatia took an early lead when Ben Truax scored in the 13th minute. Near the end of the first half, Steel City jumped ahead 2-1. In the 42nd minute, Sam Boehm beat Croatia goalkeeper Marijo Musa one-on-one, then Jack Nury sent a low, diving header in to make it 2-1 in stoppage time.

Steel City extended the lead to 3-1 in the 62nd minute when Nick Graecea converted a penalty kick. AFC Cleveland & Cleveland SC Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic pulled one back for Croatia with a PK of his own in the 79th minute, but Cleveland could not find the equalizer as Steel City booked a return to the Open Cup after their initial appearance in 2024 as part of the NPSL.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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FC Lonestar GPSE (UPSL)
2:5
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

CD Faialense secured their second straight US Open Cup appearance by defeating the UPSL’s FC Lonestar GPSE 5-2 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass.

Alessandro Negri, who attended nearby Merrimack College got Faialense on the board first in the 16th minute with a shot that took a deflection off a Lonestar defender Two minutes later Martin Vician doubled the visitors lead. 

Taking advantage of a midfield turnover, Max Krause extended Faialense’s lead to 3-0 in the 36th minute. A minute later Lonestar got their first goal through Luke Stavros Campbell, but Krause restored Faialense’s three goal advantage in the 38th minute with a 30-yard blast.

In the second half Eddie Yepes pulled the hosts back to within two by converting a penalty kick, but with a few minutes remaining Jonathan Klein, who scored the extra time game winner in  Faialense’s Third Round game, ended all doubt with a shot from near the penalty spot to make the final score 5-2 in favor of CD Faialense.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
2:0
Briar United FC (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

High-scoring Southern Indiana FC gained their second consecutive berth in the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-0 home victory over Raleigh, North Carolina’s Briar United FC (UPSL).

Southern Indiana, who had scored 21 goals in their previous three qualifying games, were held scoreless by Briar United for 73 minutes. That’s when Elorm Dogbey sent in a shot that was cleared at the goal line by a Briar United defender, only to see the ball fall to the feet of Kellan Clegg, who volleyed a shot over the outstretched hand of the Briar goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.

SIFC nearly made it 2-0 in the 80th minute when Clegg sent a pass into the box to Daniel Nkurunziza, whose header was tipped away by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later Southern Indiana would get their second goal via the penalty spot when Saladi Husseini was fouled. Nate Brown stepped up to convert the kick and seven minutes later Southern Indiana were officially part of the 2026 U.S. Open Cup field.

With scorelines of 10-0, 4-1, 7-1 and 2-0, SIFC finished 2026 qualifying with 23 goals, equaling the mark for most goals scored in a qualifying run since 2016, held by Laguna United with 23 in last year’s qualifying tournament.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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MSI Pro (UPSL)
0:2
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park (Field 4) – Silver Spring, MD

By Sam Brummitt

Virginia Dream FC and MSI Pro came into Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” match on the heels of one-sided wins. Their match was anything but as the two teams went 105 minutes before the first goal was scored. MSI played most of the game shorthanded as their starting goalkeeper Yusupha Fofana had to be subbed out at halftime due to injury. Then in the 68th minute, MSI’s Alexander Ouldbrahim received his second yellow card. With no subs on the bench, MSI had an uphill climb. In the 105th minute, Virginia Dream’s Zoumana Diarra scored a goal off a cross. Then, in the 113th minute, Williams-Merlin Yami scored on a counter attack. 

With this 2-0 win over MSI Pro, Virginia Dream has qualified for the Open Cup tournament for the second year in a row. In their first appearance in the Open Cup tournament last spring, they upset USL League One club Richmond Kickers 3-1 before bowing out in the second round with a 4-2 loss to USL Championship club Loudoun United. Virginia Dream has won five of the last six season titles in the Virginia Super Soccer League. With a roster composed of a number of former collegiate D1 players and experience in the tournament proper last year, they will be a formidable opponent in the opening round of the Open Cup next spring.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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Ballard FC (USL League Two)
0:1
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA

By Jon Sicotte

A late free kick from Ernesto Espinoza lifted Valley 559 FC to a 1-0 win over Ballard FC on Saturday night at Interbay Stadium, securing the Fresno club’s first-ever berth in the US Open Cup. Espinoza converted in the 87th minute after Josh Zambrano drew a foul just outside the box, curling a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Lars Helleren and breaking open a match that had been tense and scoreless throughout.

Ballard nearly broke through when Nii Engmann finished a loose ball in the 31st minute, but the goal was nullified for offside, and Quincy Amarikwa missed a clear chance in the 77th when he pushed a 1-on-1 attempt wide. Despite more than 10 minutes of stoppage time, Ballard couldn’t find an equalizer as Valley’s defense held firm.

The win capped a breakthrough moment for Valley 559 FC, which had fallen short in qualifying in both 2023 and 2024. Valley now awaits its first-round matchup in the 2026 tournament while returning to UPSL NorCal South league play.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
3:3
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Azteca FC advances 4-3 in penalty kicks
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ

By Jim Coppock

A longtime participant in Open Cup qualifying, Azteca FC travels south to face one of the qualifying newcomers, Next Level Soccer.

On a cool and very rainy evening in Gilbert, AZ, Next Level Soccer hosted Azteca FC from Denver, CO. This is the first ever meeting between the teams. A high energy contest ended 3-3 after extra time, with Azteca winning the penalty shootout 4-3.

The game started very fast with Next Level making the first push on goal in the second minute. Edgar Olivas opened the scoring for the visitors in the 7^th minute, cleaning up a loose ball from a corner kick. The half would continue at a rapid pace throughout. Both teams were on the front foot for short spells. Ex-MLS player, Don Tchiao, would level the scores in the 41^st minute. In a goal mouth scramble. Next Level’s leading scorer, Danny Baca put the home side in front, 2-1, in the 45th minute.

Next Level would not hold the lead for long. Luis Reyes found himself in a position to deal with a rebound in front of goal, and did, putting Azteca on level terms in the 53^rd minute. No more goals would be scored in regulation despite numerous shots flying at both ends.

In extra time, two more goals were scored. Azteca’s Eduardo Hermosillo scored in the 105+1 minute to send the visitors to the front. In the second half of extra time, just when it looked like Azteca would cross the line, Next Level’s Ricardo Arguello would find an equalizer in the 119^th minute, sending the game to a shootout.

With the result, Azteca has now qualified for the tournament proper for the fifth time.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH REPORT

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Laguna United FC (UPSL)
4:2
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park – Laguna Niguel, CA

By MaryBeth Zmuda

For the second year in a row, Laguna United FC punched their ticket to the US Open Cup with a win over San Diego Internacional. Last year, the two teams met in San Diego at Mission Bay Stadium in a “Win & You’re In” match and Laguna cruised to a 6-2 win to advance to the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

On Saturday night, the two UPSL sides met again, this time at La Paz Sports Park in Laguna Niguel, Calif. The result was very similar with Laguna United winning 4-2.

All of the scoring came in the first half and it was San Diego who broke through first with Brandon Cortez putting a header past the United goalkeeper in the 4th minute.

Four minutes later, Mikey Barraza equalized. Laguna jumped out in front with a goal from Woody Angell, but in the 36th minute, Cortez scored his second of the game to bring San Diego level.

United would regain the lead for good with goals in the 39th and 42nd minutes. Woody Angell scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot. Three minutes later, Angell assisted on Marc Birkelund’s goal. That 4-2 halftime lead would hold up for the remainder of the game. LUFC advances to the US Open Cup proper where they will try to improve on their debut last year. They lost their first round game to MLS NEXT Pro side Ventura County FC 7-0 on the road.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
3:2 
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
St. Mary’s High School – St. Louis, MO

By Tim Thomas

A pair of Midwest Premier League teams squared off to see who would go to the US Open Cup. Open Cup veterans Chicago House took on debutants BOHFS St. Louis. In the end BOHFS would prevail and become the first Open Division (amateur) club from St. Louis to qualify in the Modern Era (1995-present).  

The match started out with all the intensity of a title game. In the 31st minute Adam Utley would open the scoring for BOHFS after stealing the ball off a House defender. House would even it up with a 40th minute Ricardo Alvos goal. Two minutes later Brian Bement would regain the lead for BOHFS with a volley off a set piece.

BOHFS started the second half with guns blazing. In the 54th minute Elliot Goodwin scored for BOHFS with an assist by Liam Collins. Chicago House refused to die and Avalos would secure a brace with a goal in stoppage time. It was too little too late as BOHFS would hold off a late flurry of House chances to secure the win.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
1:1
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
FC America CFL Spurs advances, 5-4 in penalty kicks
Lake Mary High Stadium – Lake Mary, FL

By Josh Hakala

A pair of UPSL rivals from Florida squared off with a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup on the line. In last year’s qualifying tournament, Harbor City FC eliminated FC American CFL Spurs in penalty kicks. On Sunday, the Spurs got their revenge, knocking out Harbor City 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.

The two teams traded first half goals starting in the 6th minute when Harbor City’s Andrew Bennett headed home a bouncing ball over the keeper in the middle of the box. The Spurs equalized a little more than 10 minutes later when Akeem Flemmings scored on a header.

No one would find the back of the net until the penalty kick shootout when the Spurs prevailed 5-4.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

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Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
1:2
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ 

By Josh Hakala

SC Vistula Garfield are heading to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in the Modern Era after a 2-1 win over fellow APSL side Oaklyn United.

SC Vistula did all of their scoring in the first half through Emiland Elezaj. The former New York Red Bulls academy player, who also competed in The Soccer Tournament for Kwik Goal FC, broke the scoreless draw with a penalty kick goal in the 35th minute.

Just four minutes later, Elezaj would strike again. A low-driving cross was sent in from the left wing where an Oaklyn defender blocked it but Elezaj retrieved the ball on the left side of the box and chipped the goalkeeper to the far post.

Oaklyn would make it interesting in the final minutes as Jade Mesias scored on a penalty kick, but United would be unable to find the equalizer.

With the win, SC Vistula Garfield, a New Jersey club that dates back to 1952 will make their return to the tournament for the first time since the 1970s.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

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Miami United FC (UPSL)
3:5 
Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL

By Josh Hakala

It was a back-and-forth affair between two UPSL powerhouses with vastly different resumes. Florida Badgers FC, making their US Open Cup qualifying debut, ended Miami United FC’s run of three consecutive trips to the tournament proper with a 5-3 extra time win.

The Badgers, who had a league record of 17-0-2 in the Spring and Fall seasons combined, jumped out to the early lead with Guido Cacciabue scoring in the 7th minute.

Miami United’s Dave Junior Altidor, who scored a game-winning goal in stoppage time in the opening round against Fort Myers City FC, would tie the game in the 24th minute.

The Badgers would re-take the lead in the 66th minute after Castinde cut back from the left wing and beat the keeper to the far post.

Robertino Insua, one of Miami’s top players, would pull them level with a penalty kick goal in the 77th minute.

Tied at 2-2, the match would go to extra time and it was Miami that would take the lead for the first time after Teo Candido volleyed home a shot into the upper corner in the 93rd minute.

Ten minutes later, Davie answered for the Badgers with a volley of his own to tie the game back up at 3-3.

The game appeared to be headed to penalty kicks but the Badgers Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin scored a stoppage time winner where he chipped the goalkeeper. Castin, who was the team’s top goalscorer in the Fall season, would put the game away deep into stoppage time with a penalty kick that resulted in United’s Insua getting sent off.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

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Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
2:4
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY

By David Einhorn

The New York Renegades defeated Zum Schneider 4-2 on Sunday night to clinch the club’s second straight US Open Cup berth. The Renegades were heavily-favored, but both sides contested well: trading goals, well-timed shots, and hard tackles throughout the 90 minutes. 

Renegades drew first blood in the opening minutes, but Zum Schneider signaled their intent to fight with a quick equalizer not long after. The cat and mouse game continued as once again, Renegades took the lead in the second half only for Zum Schneider to equalize later on. 

When all signs pointed to extra time, the Renegades found the breakthrough. They scored not one, but two stoppage time goals to ensure that they would be moving on to the 2026 US Open Cup.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

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Denton Diablos (MSSL/USSSA)
0:0
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
ASC New Stars advance 4-3 in penalty kicks
Mean Green Soccer Stadium – Denton, TX

By Adam Uthe

ASC New Stars are back in the Open Cup for the first time since 2012 after surviving going down to 10 men in extra time and ultimately prevailing on penalties over hosts Denton Diablos. New Stars goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias saved the final two penalties from Denton and that was enough to see the Houston side advance.

Denton controlled the match from the opening kick, earning three corners inside of the first 10 minutes. Striker Jay Lee came in having scored two goals in two separate matches in the earlier rounds of qualifying, but his good form seemed to abandon him when it mattered most. As the game went on, ASC began to gain confidence exploiting the gaps in Denton’s backline in transition. By the time extra time arrived, it looked as if it was anyone’s game – even after ASC center back Eric Robertson received his second yellow card in the 113th minute.

Both sides converted their first three penalties in the shootout before Frias’s heroics. Camilo Botera Fonseca stepped up and buried the fifth and decisive attempt for New Stars.

This will ASC’s fourth appearance in the Modern Era, with their previous appearances occurring in 2008, 2011, and 2012. 

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

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Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
1:0
Potros FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA

By Calum Ewing

A couple hundred fans packed into Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia playing salsa music, banging bleachers, and showing home support for first time Open Cup qualifying Kalonji Pro-Profile in a 1-0 win over UPSL rivals Potros FC.

Kalonji had the game’s first scoring opportunity in the 11th minute when Atlanta United 2 standout Karim Tmimi played a low ball from the left wing straight to an open Thierry Joules in the box. However, Cameron Verona came up huge in goal for Potros with a kick-save to stop the effort from point-blank range. The away side’s biggest chance would be in the 33rd minute in which Sebi Morrello flicked the ball with his back heel towards the top left corner while moving and facing away from goal. Kalonji’s goalkeeper Ashon Maynard dove rapidly to his right and made a ridiculous save (maybe the save of the tournament thus far), pushing the ball with one hand onto the crossbar.

In the 54th minute, Kalonji won a corner and rocketed a shot back towards goal from 30 yards out. It was blocked by Potros, and then the ref confidently pointed to the spot for a handball! From the stands and on replay, it was impossible to tell how correct the decision was with the pace on the shot, but the home side would not miss out on their chance to take the lead. Left back Grant Carr would step up and slot the ball home in the bottom right corner, and young Kalonji fans would invade the pitch to celebrate. After the fans went back to their seats, they saw a gritty defense shut down Potros’ ball movement and win 1-0 for Pro Profile’s first ever Open Cup appearance.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH REPORT

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Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
4:1
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park (Field 3) – Miami, FL

By Connor Bunnell

Miami side Red Force FC of the Premier Fútbol League defended their turf in style Sunday night, taking down UPSL side City Soccer FC 4-1 to punch a long-awaited ticket back to the Open Cup.

In the early going, City looked the stronger side, and Auner Escobar appeared to confirm it when he scored in the 6th minute. The visitors from West Palm Beach nearly managed to carry that lead into the break, but Stiven Salinas had his say in the 42nd minute and tied things back up. That ensured it was still anybody’s ballgame when the whistle sounded for halftime.

When play resumed for the second half, the pendulum swung hard in the hosts’ direction. John John Diaz, who’d been essential in the buildup to Red Force’s equalizer, snagged the spotlight for himself by starting a brace in the 62nd and finishing it four minutes later.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, especially after forward Santiago Fajardo earned a red card to reduce Red Force to just ten men. However, the River Plate-inspired hosts successfully fended their challengers off the rest of the way, and with a final long-range dagger from David Ochoa in stoppage time, Red Force cemented a 4-1 victory.

With the win, Red Force are back in the Open Cup for the fifth time in team history. They last reached the big dance in 2018, where they fell to Miami FC 2 in the First Round.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

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San Ramon FC (TLFC/USASA)
2:1
The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA 

By Connor Bunnell

San Ramon FC wrote a triumphant new chapter in club’s history Sunday night by winning 2-1 at home against reigning San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) champions The Olympic Club to clinch the final Open Division qualifying spot of the 2026 US Open Cup.

At kickoff, the fog of war was no metaphor, as a thick blanket of the stuff covered the pitch. 

Olympic were quick to seize the upper hand, parlaying a 5th minute free kick into a Kaya Fabriette goal, with Andrew Ellis’s head pass assisting in between.

However, the hosts would soon learn to weaponise the conditions. In the 22nd minute, San Ramon’s Roberto Gonzalez took a direct free kick from 20 yards out, and with the keeper unable to see through the fog, the equalizer sailed home untouched. The San Franciscan visitors would come dangerously close to stealing the lead back by the end of the half, but couldn’t make it stick, leaving it all tied after 45.

In the clearer conditions of the second half, San Ramon’s Carver Jensen emerged as the clear hero of the night. With a cut in from the left and a perfect slice into the bottom corner, Jensen completed the comeback in the 58th minute. Once the hosts had the lead, they sped off like a Supra at Suzuka, and after over half an hour of refusing to let the Olympians catch back up, SRFC celebrated a hard-earned 2-1 victory.
After over fifty years of not even trying to reach the Open Cup, San Ramon have now made it in on their first try, and did so in impressive style. Meanwhile, Olympic Club, who last qualified for the tournament in the COVID-cancelled 2020 edition, will have to wait one more bitter year to finally get their place on the national stage back.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

 

UPDATE: Rulings made in Doxa FCW, Sharktopus FC protests

A grand total of 59 games over four days, the most ever in a single round of the qualifying tournament, made up the Second Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Over 100 teams across 26 states and the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) all attempted to inch one step closer to taking part in the 111th edition of America’s national soccer tournament.

The 59 winners will advance to the Third Qualifying Round which is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 1-2. For five lucky teams (Ballard FC, Brockton FC United, City Soccer FC, Laguna United FC, UDA Soccer) that will mark their entrance into qualifying after receiving two straight byes.

Read below for a brief recap of every game from this past weekend, including links to highlights and streams when available. Of note, two games were forfeited prior to kicking off.

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Many of the games feature volunteer reporters covering these games on-site. We are trying to raise money to pay our volunteer reporters for all of their hard work and travel costs. If you appreciate the work that goes into covering this tournament every year from the first qualifier to the championship game, join our PATREON team here.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two)
1:4
Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
Lusitano Stadium – Ludlow, MA

By Eric Casey

Atletico Boston’s battle with Massachusetts Turnpike traffic delayed kickoff by 35 minutes, but once they took to the pitch, the well-coordinated amateur side defeated a hastily-assembled Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two) side 4-1. 

The Boston side formerly known as Southie FC struck first in the 25th minute. High pressure from Atletico led to an intercepted pass given away by the Pioneer goalkeeper, with the ball eventually falling to the feet of Egberto DaSilva Jr., who slotted it home for the 1-0 lead.

Given just weeks to assemble a ragtag side, Western Mass’ night began to unravel in the second half, after Timothy Ennin received a red card in the 59th minute. Atletico pressed forward, as a 78th minute goal by Brendan Clare added to its lead.

Against the run of play and from a significant distance, a long and looping shot from Pioneers forward Mmunga Mtabele in the 80th minute caught Atletico’s keeper off his line, briefly giving the home fans something to cheer about. 

Hopes for a Pioneers comeback were dashed in the 86th minute, after a Western Mass own goal off the foot of Nathan Sanchez. The game was further cemented with a goal from Boston’s Sam White in the dying embers, allowing the 2024 Massachusetts Soccer Champions Cup winners to move on to Round 3 of qualifying. 

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)
2:1 
Colonial SC (USL of PA/USASA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse – Warminster, PA

By Dave Einhorn

On Saturday afternoon, Vereinigung Erzgebirge defeated Colonial SC by a score of 2-1 in front of their home fans in Warminster, Pa.. Despite rainy conditions and limited bench players for both teams, the match featured excellent play and end-to-end action from both sides. Vereinigung Erzgebirge looked to build on their last round win over Vidas United.

VE took the lead in the 9th minute of play when a saved shot found its way to Justin Ruth with an empty net in front of him. It looked like the hosts were going to start clicking through the gears and cracking up the score, but VE head coach Rob Oldfield was clear. Only two things could hurt his team this match: penalties and red cards. Sure enough, in the 23rd minute, Colonial SC would equalize with a successful penalty conversion from Oliver Whitham. Both teams traded possession, attacking threats, and great saves for the rest of the first half.

It was Colonial SC who came out on the front foot in the second half. They looked to take advantage of a frustrated VE side, who couldn’t convert several chances, but excellent saves and the post also denied Colonial themselves. Vereinigung Erzgebirge would take the lead in the 63rd minute through a set-piece goal from Derek Antonini. As both teams continued to fight for another goal, tempers started to boil over between both sides. More shots, more saves, and more drama made for a great second half, but in the end, Vereinigung Erzgebirge held on for the win.

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Christos FC (APSL/USASA) 
5:2 
Baltimore City FC (MSSL/USASA)
North County High School – Glen Burnie, MD 

By Craig Tower

In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter billed alternately as the Charm City Showdown or the Battle of Baltimore, Open Cup veterans Christos FC emerged victorious over debutants Baltimore City FC with a 5–2 win after extra time, in a match filled with goals, controversy, and a flurry of yellow cards.

The match kicked off with intensity, and it didn’t take long for Christos FC to make their mark. In the 13th minute, Daniel Baxter found himself unmarked near the penalty spot and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving BCFC keeper Lucas Muller with no chance.

Just four minutes later, Tyler Sosnowki of Baltimore City FC was shown a yellow card for a rough challenge on a Christos player near the right sideline. The physicality continued as Fukuzawa threatened with a shot off the post in the 21st minute and nearly connected with a low cross a minute later.

Christos’ Brian Graham had two promising chances around the half-hour mark but couldn’t convert. In the 31st minute, Fukuzawa was booked for playing the ball after the whistle following a strong tackle. This triggered significant jeering from Baltimore City fans who felt aggrieved and accused the Christos coach of resembling Santa Claus. Christos coach Drew Belcher shouted that he had brought them a gift while making a saucy hand gesture. At halftime, both sides had a laugh about the banter and there were no hard feelings.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 36th minute when Rodrigo Valenzuela was dragged down at the edge of the box, earning Baltimore a penalty. Jayson Cyrus stepped up and calmly converted to level the score at 1–1.

Christos regained the lead in the 54th minute when Cesar Ramos pounced on a rebound after Saunderson’s header hit the bar, making it 2–1.

Baltimore City responded in the 64th minute, as substitute Araviakis Antonios scored with his first touch, finishing a quick free kick into the far corner to tie the game at 2–2.

Tensions flared again in the 74th minute, with Mazzone receiving a yellow card for a foul on Cyrus. Later, Daniel Baxter was booked in the 81st minute for a flailing arm during a challenge.

Despite late chances from both sides, including a near Olimpico from Desormeaux and a powerful effort from Araviakis, the match remained deadlocked at full time.

In the 91st minute, Baxter broke past the BCFC backline and was rounding the keeper when Muller brought him down in the box, earning Christos a penalty. Kyle Saunderson converted in the 94th minute, putting Christos ahead 3–2.

Baltimore pushed forward in the second extra period but couldn’t find the net. Christos sealed the win with two late goals: Daniel Baxter struck again in the 116th minute on a breakaway, and Brandon Burkholder added the final blow in stoppage time, redirecting a cross from Stiven Llano.

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Mint Hill FC (UPSL) 
3:2 
SCU Heat (UPSL)
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park – Mint Hill, NC

By Forrest Wimberly

For the third year in a row, Mint Hill FC and the South Carolina United Heat met in the US Open Cup qualification stages. The road team had won the previous two meetings but Mint Hill FC flipped the script earning a hard-fought 3-2 win Saturday afternoon in the Charlotte suburbs.

The familiar UPSL Mid-Atlantic Premier foes played a very physical and spirited match that saw the Heat grab an early 1-0 lead after Matheus Barrozo was first to collect a long ball over the top that fooled the Mint defender and drew the Mint keeper off his line. Barrozo calmly slotted the ball into the empty net in the 10th minute despite the Mint keeper’s scrambling efforts.

The Heat looked to be up 2-0 just minutes later as Barrozo again found the nets but the free kick goal was ruled offside and the match slowly began to tilt in Mint Hill’s favor.

A Mint Hill free kick in the 32nd minute from the top, left edge of the penalty box was curled by Mint’s John Agnew between the jumping Heat defenders in the wall and into the near post area where the ball went bounding past the fully-stretched Heat keeper to level the score at 1-1.

Just a few minutes later in the 40th minute, Mint’s Matthew Guarda collected a through ball and out-paced the Heat back into the penalty area to open a shooting window where Guarda drove a ball into the near post upper 90 and Mint Hill FC into the lead 2-1.

With the score 2-1 Mint Hill FC at the half, the teams settled into a midfield duel to open the second half which produced some very physical challenges and a red card to each team in the 78th minute. With both teams now playing with ten men, the final portion of the game opened up with the additional space and Mint Hill’s Jamie DiLuzio found this extra space useful as he slotted home a square ball as it was running through the box in the 88th minute to seal the Mint Hill victory.

The Heat made it interesting in the second-half stoppage time as Alfredo Diaz-Santillan headed in a corner kick in the 90+5 minute but the match ended just seconds later as Mint Hill FC advanced 3-2.

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Parkland SC (UPSL) 
0:3 
Florida Futbol Club (UPSL)
Terramar Park – Parkland, FL

By: Grace Ott

UPSL Florida South division opponents Parkland SC and Florida Futbol Club faced off in the Sunshine State, as FFC made their US Open Cup debut and Parkland just their second attempt at qualifying. The two teams were evenly matched, having finished with similar records in the UPSL season and drawing their meeting in the spring 1-1.

But that only held for the first 27 minutes of this Open Cup qualifying match before Parkland’s Cristian Raudales earned a red card for a poorly-timed tackle, leaving his team down to ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite the disadvantage, Parkland managed to hold FFC scoreless for the rest of the first half and part of the second.

However, Florida FC’s Juan Hurtado broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a laser of a shot from outside the box and they never looked back.

FFC kept up the pressure and added another goal in the 83rd minute after a flurry of chaotic shots and rebounds finally ended with Óscar Rivas getting the ball in the back of the net. They completed the set with a second Rivas goal off of a breakaway run in the second minute of stoppage time to clinch the 3-0 win over their division opponents and advance to the next round of US Open Cup qualifying.

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CD Faialense  (BSSL/USASA)
5:0 
Project Football (APSL/USASA)
Miller Field – Winthrop, MA

By Sam Fromowitz

In a rematch of the 2025 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round, Bay State Soccer League’s (BSSL) C.D. Faialense took down the American Premier Soccer League’s (APSL) Project Football by a dominant scoreline of 5-0. Both teams have been here before in the Open Cup’s 2nd Qualifying Round – CD Faialense a total of three times; one more than Project Football. These rounds are difficult – both head coaches expressed difficulty in just getting enough players to the game, citing weddings, traffic, marathons and car breakdowns as just a few of a myriad reasons why each played shorthanded tonight. 

“It’s how it is. Welcome to the lower leagues” said CD Faialense head coach Paul Correia before the game with a shrug and a wry smile.

With an opening goal from Graham Brenner in the 20th minute and what would be the exclamation point on the night in the 57th minute by Jonathan Klein, CD Faialense were powered through tonight’s victory by their towering talisman striker, Martin Vician – scoring three goals through a first-half brace and another to complete his hat trick a few minutes into the second half.

Suggested by the scoreline, CD Faialense had opened the first half with heavy possession, outdueling Project Football and attempting to play through midfield consistently. Fullback Damian Attire was a primary outlet, consistently outpacing his mark to whip cross after cross into the box. After a brief flurry of goals, Project Football began finding their way into the game, regaining possession generally through quality wide defense and began to mount their own attacks. Their effort wasn’t particularly fruitful, though, with CD Faialense’s larger players outmatching them.

Out of halftime, Project Football leaned into their youth and energy, battling hard with quicker pressure than before in an attempt to regain a foothold into the game, though this was quickly put to bed through Martin Vician’s completion of his hat trick. The game quickly became less of a tactical battle, composed of end-to-end exciting counters by both teams that began to favor Project Football more than in the first half. Despite good chemistry and interplay between captain Isaiah Steersman, Carlos Hernandez and Wilson Lara down their right side, they were unable to capitalize on mostly low-percentage chances from near the top of the box. CDF countered consistently with balls over the top to find consistent outlets Attidore and Vician, but were denied repeatedly by standout Project Football goalkeeper Aidan Perry, who stood on his head in the second half with several quality saves to prevent a more bitter scoreline.

CD Faialense advance to the 3rd round for the third time in 3 tries and look to become the 3rd team from BSSL to qualify for the US Open Cup in recent years – most recently done by themselves in their lone appearance in last year’s tournament edition. They’ll next look to continue climbing the BSSL Division 1 standings – currently sitting in 3rd on an 8-4-2 record, just 1 point behind 2nd place.

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ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
3:0 
SVD Beaumont (UPSL)
Campbell Park – Houston, TX

By Ralph Hannah

ASC New Stars advanced to the next round of qualifying with a comfortable 3-0 victory over UPSL side SVD Beaumont on a balmy evening in northwest Houston. Under the management of veteran coach Taher “Tom” Khalili the home side, ASC, showed all their experience to overcome a spirited SVD Beaumont making their debut in the competition.

The first major talking point of the game arrived on 26 minutes when ASC were awarded a penalty despite heavy protests from the away bench. Felix Allisson stepped up and hit his spot kick low and hard towards the goalkeeper’s right only to see it expertly saved by Babacar Thiam.

The visitors from east Texas have a partnership with German 2. Bundesliga club SV Darmstadt 98 but it was an ex-pro from the rivals that opened the scoring. Iván Luquetta was on target in the 32nd minute, a clever run lost his marker as he turned in a low cross from the left. Luquetta had made his debut in Costa Rican football in 2017 with Alajuelense before spells in Colombia and Peru before returning to the USL League One in 2022 with the Charlotte Independence. 

Moments later, the lead was doubled, an ASC corner wasn’t dealt with effectively by the Beaumont defence as a weak header was volleyed home by captain Delano Foster. SVD had put together some good moves at times, always looking to play the ball on the floor, but their early profligacy when they missed two chances inside ten minutes had proved fatal. 

A couple of halftime changes from Beaumont saw them add some early intensity with one substitute, Gabriel Tellez, registering two shots within the first five minutes. The sense of urgency was palpable as the visiting side pushed forward looking to halve the deficit. However, the resulting high line played into the hands of speedster Allisson who made up for his first half penalty miss by latching onto a long pass just inside the opposition half and taking it to the house. The 57th minute breakaway goal had put the game well beyond reach of the new boys in blue. 

The resulting 30 minutes saw chances at either end with 18-year-old Cameron Steury coming close for SVD, as he had done in the first half. Allisson could have had another goal but saw his shot well smothered by Thiam. 

At the final whistle the hosts celebrated, ASC New Stars have been to the Open Cup on three occasions (2008, 2011 & 2012) and the dreams for this 51-year-old club are still alive. 

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Briar United FC (UPSL) 
2:1
Greenville United FC (NPSL)
Pleasant Park – Apex, NC

By Justin Nunez

Briar United FC is advancing to the next round of qualifying after coming back from one goal down to defeat the traveling Greenville United FC. 

The excitement started early on as Abu Fofana got the away side on to the score sheet early in the 15th minute. His lofting header from the top of the box sailed over the Briar United keeper and into the far corner to make it 1-0. 

Once teams returned to the pitch after halftime, they were greeted with torrential rain as the heavens opened up for the entirety of the second half. Amid the downpour, Briar United FC found their attacking form and equalized thanks to two goals in quick succession (70’, 73’) by Wuilmer Garcia. From there, the home side held off a sequence of attacks to seal the 2-1 victory and move on in the Open Cup. 

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Capital City Islanders (UPSL)
5:2 
MoCo 1776 FC (UPSL)
Skyline Sports Complex (City Island) – Harrisburg, PA

By Justin Nunez

The Capital City Islanders welcomed MoCo 1776 to their riverfront stadium in Harrisburg, Pa. for the latest clash of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. 

Capital City Islanders, no connection to the former pro side Harrisburg City Islanders, started off on the front foot right from the start putting pressure on the away side by attacking down the wings. For much of the first 30 minutes, MoCo 1776’s defense seemed up to the task but the Islanders got their breakthrough at the 35th minute mark thanks to a quick combination through the midfield. Derek Ramirez intercepted the ball and quickly advanced it down the wing, before finding Freddy Opoku who shielded a defender and laid the ball off to a waiting Clovis Kabre. 

Four minutes later, the home side found their second after Dom Francis, who also serves as the team President and Founder, launched a free kick into the box that first found the head of Clovis Kabre and was then directed in by Derek Ramirez. 

In the second half, the Capital City Islanders kept up the pressure and were rewarded as Clovis Kabre netted home a brace with a breakaway goal (50’) to make it 3-0. Drew Morris made it four for the home team with a left-footed shot into the side net in the 57th minute. 

The away team wasn’t ready to go home yet though as two quick goals by Joseph Tolton made things interesting. His first came from a well-worked set piece in the 83rd minute and the second was a long-range chip shot over the goalkeeper in the 86th minute. 

Fortunately for the home side, that was all that MoCo 1776 could muster. Just before the whistle, Drew Morris netted a brace of his own to make it 5-2 and seal the victory for the Capital City Islanders.

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FC Monmouth (TLfC/USASA) 
1:3 
Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
Count Basie Park – Red Bank, NJ

By Dave Einhorn

US Open Cup newcomers FC Monmouth and Bulldogs SC faced off in Red Bank, N.J. on Saturday. Bulldogs SC emerged victorious 3-1, while FC Monmouth finished with 9 players on the pitch after a hard fought 120 minutes.

The gravitas of the match was felt in every tackle, shot, and goal for both sides as they looked to make history for their club. As such, both teams took turns feeling each other out slowly as the game started. FC Monmouth would strike first in the 25th minute with a goal from Thomas Valinotti.

The lead wouldn’t last for long as Bulldogs SC equalized in the 33rd minute with a goal from Ryan Kuster. Both teams then found themselves in a deadlock for the rest of the match.

Tensions began to build between both sets of benches, players and managers, as everyone waited for their moment of glory. It always seemed like this match was destined for extra time, but right on the cusp, FC Monmouth’s Robert Saunders committed a reckless foul on a yellow card and was subsequently sent off, leaving the hosts with 10 men and two halves of extra time to find a winner in front of their home fans.

It was clear from the start that all players on the pitch were tired, but giving everything they had left in the tank. FC Monmouth may have hit the gas too hard, when a foul by Jermaine Smith resulted in a straight red. FC Monmouth’s tumultuous task became terrifyingly more difficult as they were now down to 9 players.

It only took a few moments for Bulldogs SC to pounce as George Olynyk made the hosts pay. His goal all but sealed it for Bulldogs SC in the first half of extra time, but Oluwaferanmi Omidiran put the final touches on, with the final touch, and goal, of the match. 

Bulldogs SC are through to the next round and await their next opponent. Their manager was pleased with the performance of all of his players and expressed how much this opportunity means to the whole organization from its family ownership to its local players. Meanwhile, FC Monmouth may want to forget the scoreline, but they will likely remember their first goal in the competition and having a solid crowd of around 100 spectators, led by the 732 Supporters Group, and their signing and drumming through all 120 minutes of the match. 

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SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA) 
2:1 
Ironbound SCP (UPSL)
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ

By Michael Battista

In a battle of Garden State teams with ethnic roots, SC Vistula Garfield beat Ironbound SCP, 2-1, in front of around 40 fans at Garfield High School. Despite a tough start this season in the American Premier Soccer League, Vistula battled a high offense Ironbound side and helped control a second half that easily could have seen the team give up a lead for a second time on Saturday night.

Vistula goalkeeper Aldo Munoz said after the game that a result like this can have major lasting effects on a team’s season, remembering his team’s First Qualifying Round loss to New Jersey Alliance FC in last year’s US Open Cup tournament.

“Last season, we unfortunately exited Round 1 of the Open Cup (Qualifying). It’s a sad thing to do, every time you enter you want to go as far as possible and potentially play against professional teams,” Munoz said, with 2025 marking his team’s fifth straight appearance in the qualifying tournament. “I hope that this win will give us that glimmer of hope that we can play against a bigger team later on and that will motivate us in the APSL.”

Vistula got on the board first in the 22nd minute despite Ironbound’s early possession control. A pass found Garfield’s Paul Kondratowicz onside and breaking past the Ironbound backline. Once in the box, and with SCP keeper Kevin Sabadin approaching, the striker’s first shot was blocked. Gathering the rebound, Kondratowicz got a second shot off that nestled into the bottom left corner to give the hosts the lead. The back and forth half continued, with Ironbound hitting the side netting and pressing to find the equalizer. That came with the last kick of the first half as Ricardo Oliveira passed the ball into the box from the right side of the field, finding Ivan Garcia who twisted around to score.

After the break, the home side began to take control in front of the small crowd of 37 fans watching along. A play that started with Vistula playing the ball into the box and forcing SCP’s Sabadin to make a save ended with the ball in the air. With a chance, Vistula’s Kevin Valdivia bicycle kicked a shot from the middle of the box into the back of the net to give Garfield the lead once again in the 60th minute. Ironbound tried to get momentum back on their side, but aggression was boiling over. Three yellows after the goal, including one to the head coach, joined two that were earned late in the first half. The game ended with Ironbound’s Nicholas Neme being shown a red card for stepping on Vistula goalkeeper Munoz’s head when trying to get the ball from him.

The biggest star of the night for Vistula was Munoz, who made four critical saves to keep his team in control. One minute before Garfield’s opening goal, SCP’s Nicolas Cruz sent a shot toward the top right corner of the net that Munoz made a jumping save to keep out. The second half started and ended with him making great saves. In second half stoppage time with Ironbound desperate to equalize, Munoz dove to block a shot through traffic off the goalline before chaos in the box led to the ball going over the net. 

Munoz, who previously played professionally with New Amsterdam FC in the National Independent Soccer Association, 

“I think we stuck to our gameplan,” Munoz said. “I think Ironbound lost their style of play, kind of just lumping balls, and we were kinda just taking advantage of that and counterattacking very well. Since they were trying to overload on the wings we were just counterpressing whenever we won the ball.”

When asked what team he might want to play in the First Round if given the chance, Munoz smiled and laughed saying he made his professional debut against the New York Cosmos in NISA and would love the chance to play against them again. Vistula, founded in 1952, is looking for its first Open Cup appearance of the Modern Era.

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Grove United (NPSL) 
4:2 
Alexandria Reds (UPSL)
Godwin High School – Richmond, VA

By Evan Konigsberg

Grove United took down Alexandria Reds on Saturday night in a chaotic, back-and-forth match that Grove won 4-2. 

The match between the two Virginia-based clubs was hosted by Grove United in Richmond, and the home team looked comfortable early as Leighton Langenhoven opened the scoring for Grove within three minutes. Gerard Broussard extended Grove’s lead around the 14 minute mark, and Grove carried a two goal lead into halftime.

Alexandria responded in the second half, scoring once just after halftime and again ten minutes later, flipping the script and leveling the match at two goals apiece. Despite blowing a two goal lead, Grove United responded, retaking the lead in the 68th minute by way of a goal from Demetrius Howe. An insurance goal came in the 82nd minute when Langenhoven claimed his brace, regaining a two goal lead for Grove. The match ended 4-2, and the debutants Grove United defeated their in-state rivals to advance to the third qualifying round for the first time in their history. 

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Bold City SC (UPSL)
1:0 
Stetson FA (UPSL)
Fort Family Park – Jacksonville, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a battle of two Florida UPSL clubs making their Open Cup qualifying debuts, Jacksonville’s Bold City SC sent Stetson FA back to DelAnd, Fla. with a 1-0 loss.

A largely unremarkable opening half nearly ended in fireworks, but was quickly defused by the referee. With about five minutes remaining in the half, Bold City’s Rio Mello was knocked to the ground at the center circle by a Stetson player. Tempers flared as players from both teams descended on the spot of the foul, and the referee quickly stepped in to calm the situation. Both teams were sent to their sideline to cool off as halftime was called. A couple yellow cards were issued but nobody was sent off.

At the 67th minute Bold City got the only goal they would need when Anderlove Merjuste headed in a corner kick. Bold City were able to see out the remaining 20+ minutes to claim a 1-0 victory and advance to the Third Round on the weekend of Nov. 1-2.

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October 11, 2025

Fort Myers City FC (SPL/USSSA)
0:1 
Badgers FC (IUPSL)
Babcock Ranch – Punta Gorda, FL

By Michael Anderer

It was always going to be a challenge for visiting Badgers FC on a cool Southwest Florida night.  They had to travel the three hours from the east coast to Punta Gorda to play against Fort Myers City FC, a team a division above them and in front of the Fort Myers City FC fans at their home field in Babcock Ranch.  

The two teams played a very balanced match with both sides having their share of chances to take control of the game. It would be Fort Myers City FC that would make the first move to take control of the game with two halftime substitutions displaying their depth. Badgers FC head coach, Jerome Joseph, would start to use his bench in the 63rd minute, but it would be the 74th minute substitution that saw Stephen Jean enter the match that ultimately would be the difference. Badgers FC moved the ball well to create their chances while Fort Myers City FC relied mostly on counter attacks for their shots.

Both Marc-Eduoard Barthelmy from Badgers FC and his counterpart Juan Randy Ramirez would have to make important saves to keep the game level. As the coaches both prepared for the prospect of extra time Badgers FC would find the breakthrough in the 91st minute.  Midfielder Stephen Jean found space behind the Fort Myers City FC back line and feed a pass to Dave Junior Altidor who bested Juan Randy Ramirez with a shot in the upper part of the far post. The visitors bench and fans erupted knowing the late goal would most likely move them into the next round. Full time was only two minutes away and the celebration began for the Boyton Beach visitors.

Badgers FC head coach Jerome Joseph gave credit to Fort Myers City FC for their quality adding that they are a well-coached team.

“Either team could have won this match, but thank God we won one-zero. I’m still shocked”.

Looking ahead to the next round Joseph said, “We have a lot to work on. We need to stay more compact all of the time.” midfielder Stephen Jean mentioned post game. “We are very very excited to be playing in the next round. It’s a tournament that we like to play. We are very happy to be part of the tournament and we are aiming to win it all.”

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StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club (MPPL/USSSA) 
1:3 
Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
Ron Poe Stadium – McKinney, TX 

By Adam Uthe

Dallas Atletico continued their inaugural run through the North Texas region of US Open Cup qualifying with a 3-1 victory over StrikerZ DFW SC, who were only able to field 10 eligible players; none of whom was a goalkeeper by trade. Atletico’s Oscar Ocampo duplicated his performance in Round 1’s 3-1 win over FORO SC by tallying another three goal contributions in Round 2 against the 10-man StrikerZ.

StrikerZ looked almost comfortable in the first half, shutting off access to the penalty area and forcing Atletico to take their best chances of the half from long range. The hosts even managed to string a couple semi-effective counterattacks together, despite their disadvantage. 

In the second half, however, Oscar Ocampo earned his teammates’ “Messi” nickname by scoring or assisting on all three of Dallas’ goals, all of which came in a 10 minute span between the 53rd and 63rd minutes. On the first goal, Ocampo managed to drive in behind the defense and cut a pass back to the six yard box for teammate Jason Miranda to convert the chance into a goal. Five minutes later, Ocampo intercepted a pass and crushed a 25 yard shot that may or may not have been saved had StrikerZ DFW’s regular goalkeeper been available. In the 63rd minute, Ocampo received a brilliant through ball from teammate Erik Macias and buried an outside the foot shot into the far post to put the game out of reach for good. 

StrikerZ DFW did manage to claw back a consolation goal just moments before the final whistle. Center back Antonio Ramos’ free kick found the head of teammate Travis Leach, who converted the chance easily against Atletico’s backup goalkeeper, who’d been subbed on with about 12 minutes left in the match.

Dallas Atletico coach Gerardo Acuna-Espinoza didn’t make any initial adjustments with the advantage in the first half, but he did give his side new marching orders during the break.

“At halftime, I kind of had to push my guys to go down the line and stop centering the ball and run it down the line for a 45 degree angle.”

Acuna-Espinoza said the team’s expectations for success have not changed after two comfortable wins, but they’re wary of the increase in quality coming their way in the next round.

“As we get higher and higher on the ladder, it’s going to get harder.”

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Tulsa Athletic (TLfC/USASA) 
4:5
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)
Athletic Community Field – Tulsa, OK
After Extra Time

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a rematch of the 2021 NPSL championship, the NPSL’s Denton Diablos traveled north to face Tulsa Athletic of The League for Clubs, and Denton won a 5-4 extra time slugfest, ending Tulsa Athletic’s four year run of qualifying for the Open Cup.

Tulsa came into the game at a disadvantage, only able to dress the eleven players who started, while Denton had a full roster of 18 players.

Waleed Cherif scored his second goal in this year’s qualifying to give Denton a 1-0 lead. Sharif had a chance to make it 2-0 Denton just seconds into the second half, but he chipped his penalty kick and his shot rebounded harmlessly off the crossbar.

Matt Albury doubled Dentons lead in the 62nd minute by putting away a failed clearance of a free kick. 2-0 Denton Diablos. Denton nearly took a 3-0 lead, but Diaz Aldovar’s free kick in the 70th minute struck the crossbar and bounced away.

With their backs against the wall and the clock running out Danny Perez and Erick Diaz gave Tulsa a glimmer of hope with goals in the 76th and 78th minutes. However, Denton’s Matt Heffernan poured water on Tulsa’s fire with a goal in the 80th minute to put the visitors back on top, 3-2.

Tulsa received one last lifeline when 12 minutes of stoppage time were announced for the end of the second half. About ten minutes into that added time Denton was called for a handball in the penalty area, and Noah Gonsalves stepped up and pulled Tulsa level, forcing extra time.

Just three minutes into extra time Erick Diaz scored his second goal, putting a “worm burner” just past the upright. In the 102nd minute Denton made it 4-4 when Matt Albury headed in a free kick for his second goal. Just three minutes later Albury completed his hat-trick by converting the Diablos’ thor PK attempt of the night.

Unlike the previous 105 minutes, the final fifteen minutes of extra time came and went without any scoring, and Denton came away with a 5-4 win and will continue their quest to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time since 2022.

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Woodland Football Club (TSL/USCS) 
1:3 
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
Shawnee Mission District Stadium – Mission, KS

By Liam Keating

Thousands of cars made their way from St. Louis, to Columbia across Interstate 70. Everyone was hoping for a Missouri victory over Alabama in a college football clash. 

Fighting the traffic — and the construction — a few cars avoided the college town. They had one dream, one goal, to reach the Kansas border and come away with a victory on the soccer pitch. 

“Like with anything, we want to give it our best shot,” BOHFS St. Louis owner and coach Alan Bradaric said. 

It’s exactly what BOHFS St. Louis accomplished in the second round of qualifying in the US Open Cup. They defeated hosts Woodland FC 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 11. 

The first half played equally. No one had any clear-cut chances and zero shots on goal were attempted. The fireworks came in the second half, but it was Woodland that was on the attack in the opening few minutes. 

BOHFS was able to block shots and relieve pressure. They kept their squad in front of the ball and focused on counterattacks. BOHFS found their breakthrough in the 55th minute thanks to Elliot Goodwin. The Macclesfield, England native received a gorgeous pass from Liam Collins. 

The pass allowed Goodwin to dink the ball over Woodland’s keeper, who was coming off of his line. The ball hung in the air for what felt like an eternity before bulging the back of the net. 

“Liam Collins is a special player in the middle of the park,” Goodwin said. “He played a great ball over the top. I knew he was going to come and the goal settled us into the game. We were buzzing after that.”

The goal gave BOHFS an immense amount of confidence. Everyone’s strides opened further and crunching tackles were placed throughout the field. Goodwin’s goal was the boost the team needed on the score sheet and mentally. 

BOHFS did not have a single substitute on the bench, forcing every player to go the full 90 minutes. 

“We have a lot of experience, a lot of veteran players on this team,” Goodwin said. “Even with just 11, we knew we’re going to come and play.”  

BOHFS doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Michael Utley provided a great piece of hold-up play. After one touch, Utley’s unselfish pass fed Alex Weber to run free in the box before hammering a shot past the keeper. 

The soccer gods were able to praise Utley’s work with a goal of his own for good measure. Utley scored BOHFS’ final goal in the 89th minute.

Woodland earned a consolation goal in the 90’ when Gage Pemberton drilled a volley from the top of the box smashing the net. It wasn’t Woodland’s night, who focused their attacks on the wings throughout the match. The service from the wide areas was unable to find any attacking players and clear-cut chances were at a premium for the home side.

This was Woodland’s second appearance in the tournament. They bowed out of the US Open Cup last year to Tulsa Athletic by a score line of 8-0. 

This is the first full season for BOHFS as a club, making this their inaugural run in the US Open Cup. They finished in second place in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference a few months ago, ending with a 6-3-1 record. 

The only thing that matters is that they have advanced to the third round, a dream for this group of players. 

“None of our guys are getting any younger. So why not?” Bradaric said. “Let’s give it a shot and see what happens and we will take this one game at a time.

The next game is a final.”

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Deportivo Lake Mary FC(UPSL) 
0:1
Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
Lake Mary High School – Lake Mary, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Deportivo Lake Mary’s latest Open Cup qualifying attempt ended just like their previous six did, a loss after just one game. The perpetrators this time were the debuting Emerald FC Orlando, who had moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season after a 11-0-0 performance in the Division 1 Spring league.

Emerald FC waited 91 minutes to break Lake Mary’s hearts, as George New dribbled down the sideline and sent a pass into the box, where Tajee Argentine was able to flick it with his head and into the goal. Two minutes later, Lake Mary had one last chance to keep their Open Cup hopes alive with a free kick from about 30 yards out, but the attempt was punched away by the Emerald FCgoalkeeper.

For Lake Mary it was their seventh loss in as many Open Cup qualifying attempts, as the UPSL club has not scored a goal in the last five qualifying games dating back to 2022.

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MSI Pro (UPSL) 
1:0 
Arlington SA Pro (UPSL)
Blair High School – Silver Spring, MD

By Tim Abbott

Montgomery County, Maryland’s MSI Pro are making a second successive trip to the third round of qualifying after knocking off Arlington SA 1-0, who were undefeated until this point in the season. They finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North. 

Arlington pressed high but MSI had a multitude of chances on the break and the winning goal came courtesy of a Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out. The goal was eventually turned home via a Youssouf Barry pass to Daniel Gebura in the 35th minute.

ASA turned up the pressure in the second half but were unable to find an equalizer. MSI advances to the Third Round on the weekend of Nov. 1 and 2.

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FC Kanks (UPSL)
0:3 
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
XL Soccer World – Orlando, FL

By Taylor George

Harbor City FC defeated FC Kanks, comfortably advancing with a 3-0 road win Saturday night to the second round of qualifying for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. HCFC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties. 

HCFC had an eventful first half, scoring all three of their goals in the opening 45 minutes. Forward Aden O’Hara had a stellar match, scoring two of the goals and assisting on the other. 

Both HCFC and the Kanks started off very strong, both teams missing crucial opportunities to break open the scoring in the first few minutes. The first goal did not come until the 23rd minute when forward Aden O’Hara penetrated the midfield to send in a pass for center back John Oshakpemhe to bury it to give HCFC the lead.

The second goal came seven minutes later in the 30th minute when Aden O’Hara took a shot from the top of the box after dribbling through the Kank’s defense, drilling the ball into the lower right corner to score an unassisted goal and bringing HCFC up two goals. The final goal came four minutes later when a HCFC player got fouled at the edge of the box. Forward Aden O’Hara steps up to take the free kick, burying it in the top corner for what would be his second goal of the night and the final goal of the match. 

The second half was dry of any goals with both teams showing up defensively. Both teams picked up a yellow in the second half as well. HCFC would remain strong defensively and gave up only a few shots on goal to secure their 3-0 win over the Kanks and advancing to the third round of qualifying. 

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United SC  (UPSL) 
1:2 
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
Lions For Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL

The Rooks of Edgewater Castle FC defeated hosts United FC 2-1 on Saturday night to reach the third round of Open Division qualifying tournament for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match, the first ever competitive meeting between the clubs, drew 70 fans at the gate.

In the 8th minute, Rooks left back Roberto Cardano would play a chipped through-ball to midfielder Joshua Torres who would collect the ball inside the United box. Torres would then play the ball back to on-rushing forward Mounir Alami who would then play a square ball across to Qudus Lawal. The former USL Championship and USL League One forward would hit the ball first-time across goal to give the Rooks the early lead.

In the 33rd minute, United forward Oluwatooni Adisa would dribble into the left side of the box, near the six-yard line. Adisa would then play back to teammate Djefferson Toussaint who would mistime his shot as the Rooks defender closed in, but the ball would be scuffed back towards Adisa who would collect and launch a ball high into the net from close range to tie the game. Shouts for offside by the Rooks center backs were quickly dismissed.

In the 38th minute, Rooks midfielder Gabi Cavalheiro would be assessed a second yellow and an ejection for unsporting behavior after being fouled by a United player. Cavalheiro had served a suspension in the previous round for a double yellow received in the 2023 Open Division qualifying tournament third round matchup against Chicago House.

In the second half, the Rooks would implement a low block to help suppress United’s attack. United, pressing, would be exposed when Alami would play Torres through down the right side of the field. With one touch, Torres would cross the ball wide to Lawal who would once again deliver a first-time shot, finding the net to give his side a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute.

The Rooks would remain in the low block for the remainder of the match, giving up just one shot on goal to preserve the lead and advance to Round 3.

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Napa Valley 1839 FC (TLfC/USASA) 
1:3
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Justin Siena High School – Napa, CA

By Jim Coppock

Long-time rivals Napa Valley 1839 and FC Folsom met in Napa on Saturday evening for a place in the third qualifying round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Folsom would outlast Napa en route to a 3-1 victory. The win comes 364 days after Folsom eliminated Napa from the UPSL playoffs.

Napa Valley 1839 are back for their second consecutive attempt at qualifying, while FC Folsom are seeking to redeem themselves after being eliminated last year after just one game.

The pace was fast and furious for the full 90 minutes. Both goalkeepers were outstanding in the effort to keep it close, and it was close until the second minute of second half stoppage time.

Napa Valley opened the scoring in the 8th minute through Luis Ramirez off an inch-perfect cross from Ryan Dieter. Folsom turned up the pressure, equalizing in the 10th minute. An intercepted ball in the midfield led to a shot from 25 yards out, which hit the post and caromed to another Folsom player who settled, took one touch and buried his shot into the side netting. The first half would end 1-1.

In the second half, Folsom’s Francisco Magana would get his side in front, 2-1, in the 52nd minute with a 27-yard laser beam to the upper 90 to rock the Napa defense. Napa held tough, however, and searched for an equalizer for the remainder of the contest. In a rare moment of Napa disorganization at the back, Folsom’s leading scorer, Dominic Vagaalban, would side-foot home from outside the goal area after the Napa netminder, Javier Valdez, missed a challenge on him about 6 yards out. The stoppage time goal put Folsom up 3-1, and any possible comeback out of reach.

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Next Level Soccer (UPSL) 
3:1
Olympians FC (UPSL)
Highley High School – Gilbert, AZ

By Jim Coppock

Two Phoenix-area powerhouses, and familiar foes, Next Level Soccer and Olympians FC are both back for their second consecutive attempts at qualifying.

Despite defeating Next Level in league play during the spring season, Olympians would fall to Next Level in the spring playoffs this year. The two have drawn 1-1 in UPSL play this Fall season and are scheduled to meet again on October 19.

A hotly contested and physical match would end with Next Level Soccer winning 3-1 over 10-man Olympians FC.

Olympians would draw first blood in the 27th minute through Josue Hernandez. The 1-0 advantage would last through the remainder of the first half. Shortly after halftime, Danny Baca would put the hosts on level terms.

Next Level continued to build as the game went on. Channing Chasten put Next Level in front 2-1 in the 59th minute. Don Tchilao added an insurance goal, with an assist from Danny Baca, in the 67th minute. The end of the game got very physical with several bookings issued in a short span of time. This culminated in Olympians’ Jocsan Varela being ejected late in the game.

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Valley 559 FC (UPSL) 
2:1
Real San Jose (NPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA

By David Victor 

Valley 559 FC’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup are still alive after beating Real San Jose 2-1 on Saturday night in Fresno.

The UPSL side has high hopes of making the tournament after following previous qualifier performances.

“We have guys that now have experienced what can happen in the Open Cup, and I think with that experience from the previous years, I think that we could go a long way,” said Valley 559 head coach Milton Blanco.

After coming up short last year against Inter San Francisco in the final round of qualifying, Valley seeks to make a deeper run and earn its spot in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Valley had to come from behind to pick up the win. Real San Jose took the lead 30 minutes into the first half after Erwin Cerrillo dribbled into the box from right field and put the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the NPSL side.

Jose Luis Cuevas equalized for the hosts at the 43rd minute with a volley at second post off a corner executed by Anthony Torres to make it 1-1 near the end of the first half.

Valley created several scoring opportunities throughout the match that were saved and hit the crossbar twice. Despite finding itself in a position to net plenty of goals, the home team struggled to capitalize on its offensive plays.

“We missed a lot of chances, so we got to do better in finishing,” Blanco said.

After insisting for the lead in the second half, the hosts found it in the 75th minute when Mason Gonzales sent in a cross to find former MLS player Quincy Amarikwa, who positioned himself inside the box and netted the 2-1 game-winner for the 559.

Amarikwa is seen as a coach on the field and an example to follow by the rest of the team. He is always talking to his teammates and is eager to teach everything learned throughout his career both on and off the field.

“What I try my best to do is showcase the discipline, the consistency, and most importantly, the mentality of the professional level,” Amarikwa said. “It’s not just if you can show up and perform today, it’s if you can show up to perform today, the next day, a week, a month, a year, and turn that into a catalog that people can look at and then clearly know what it is that you bring and why what you bring is valuable to the organization that you’re playing at. My goal is to hopefully showcase that on a day-to-day basis, and I’m hopeful that it results in some positivity and translates into opportunities.”

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Steel City FC (USL League Two) 
3:2 
FCY New York (UPSL)
Founders Field – Cheswick, PA

By Colton Coreschi

Steel City FC (USL League Two) made the most of their home-field advantage in their US Open Cup qualifying debut, seeing off FCY New York (USPL) at Founders Field just north of Pittsburgh, Pa. in a hard-fought, 3-2 win on a blustery Sunday afternoon.

Steel City FC wasted no time after kickoff. An early high-press forced a defensive turnover from the FCY New York centerback pairing, which fell nicely to Nicholas Niebauer. His slightly scuffed effort nonetheless fell to Stefano Paulino who slotted it into the open net to give the hosts an early 1-0 advantage in the 3rd minute.

Both sides would press heavily in the first half, battling for the important second goal. Ultimately the hosts would take advantage first, as Nicholas Niebauer would earn a penalty with a clever run by his man on the right wing of the FCY New York box. Cameron Territo would step up for the hosts and finish the chance, slotting it low-left under the diving goalkeeper to double Steel City’s advantage to two – a lead they’d carry into the halftime break.

But FCY New York wasn’t out of it yet. Just before the hour mark, a clever run into the box saw Steel City’s defense caught flat-footed, leading to a penalty. Ali Alomari stepped up for the visitors and slotted it into the upper-right corner beyond Garret Watson’s grasp in goal, cutting the deficit in half and making it 2-1 in the 59th minute.

The visitors wouldn’t have to wait long for the equalizer. After a misplayed back-pass handed FCY New York a corner, the ensuing in-swinger was headed home by Witman Hernandez in the 69th minute despite a hand on it from Watson in goal, leaving things equalized with 20 minutes to play.

But Steel City would get the last laugh. A great run from Donrick Richards by his defender left him no option but to sweep his legs from behind, leading to a penalty. Territo would step up for another effort, with his initial effort saved, but parried straight back to him for an easy tap-in rebound – giving Steel City a 3-2 lead in the 82nd minute.

Despite a desperate flurry late from FCY New York with corner after corner and chance after chance, Steel City’s defense held strong until the final whistle, securing a 3-2 win and advancement to the third round of US Open Cup qualifying.

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Cleveland SC (NPSL) 
0:2
Akron City FC (USL League Two)
North Olmsted Stadium Complex – North Olmsted, OH

By Otis Lyons

Akron City FC (USL League Two) defeated Cleveland SC (NPSL) 2-0 in a battle of Ohio clubs at North Olmsted High School. Second half goals from Jannis Schmidt and Cole Werthmuller capped a successful trip north for Akron City FC, a 2025 USL League Two debutant.

Despite both teams committed to aggressive styles of play, neither side broke the deadlock in the first 45 minutes. The best chance of the opening half came courtesy of an Akron City FC penalty, but Jannis Schmidt sprayed his attempt wide of Ty Bowden’s goal.

Schmidt would make up for his penalty miss in the second half, however. The Gensingen, Germany native scored from outside of the box following a winding run in the 67th minute, bending the ball beyond Bowden to the far post. Fifteen minutes later, former Wright State striker Cole Werthmuller secured Akron’s win with a shot from a similar position.

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Majestic SC (APSL/USASA) 
0:2
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)
Ebster Park Soccer Field – Decatur, GA

By Ashle Lynn Paige

Coming off their first season this spring where they finished 8-1-1 in UPSL Division I Georgia North, Atletico Buford had a stellar opening match defeating Majestic SC 2-0, in their first attempt at qualifying for the US Open Cup.

After finishing 15-1-0 in the ADASL and defeating rival Terminus FC in the opening round, the hosts in Majestic SC appeared to be the favourites on paper. Though Carlos Chavarria made sure that the hosts would exit the tournament early. He opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute. He added to his tally in stoppage time of the second half to secure himself a brace to send Buford to the second round.

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Boulder United FC (CPL/USSSA) 
0:3 
Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
Broomfield Commons – Broomfield, CO

By Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC took a huge step towards a return trip to the Open Cup proper with a commanding 3-0 win over Boulder United Sunday at a blustery Broomfield Commons. Daniel Isalas Barajas and Christian Nunez Longoria scored first half goals, and George Merchant added a goal in the second half to send Harpos into the next round. 

Kicking off its tenth Open Cup Qualifying campaign after a first-round bye, Harpos wasted little time asserting itself when Barajas banged home a Baptiste Debuire cross to put the three-time qualifiers up 1-0 in the third minute. Nunez Longoria made it 2-0 in the 11^th minute, collecting a mis-hit clearance and curling the ball to the far post from 18 yards out. 

After having a goal disallowed in the 21^st minute for handling a defender’s clearance, Merchant put the game away for Harpos in the 72^nd minute when Quinn Matulis rewarded Harpos captain’s run from deep in the central midfield with a precisely slotted ball. Merchant did the rest, curling the right-footed shot past a diving Brando Bustios, whose spectacular play in goal for Boulder limited the damage to three goals on the day.

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Croatia Cleveland (NCSL/USASA) 
5:2
Detroit Metro FC (UPSL)
Mentor High School – Mentor, OH

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

1975 Open Cup Semifinalist Croatia Cleveland made a triumphant return to Open Cup qualifying by defeating Detroit Metro FC of the UPSL by a score of 5-2 at Mentor, Ohio.

The action started early when an apparent Detroit goal was nullified for offsides. Soon after Adam Wade put Croatia up 1-0 with an assist from Joe Katic. Wade struck again to make it 2-0 with help from Lovorko Duvnjak. Detroit then cut the lead in half but Croatia’s Amir Serikbaev converted a penalty kick to restore the two-goal advantage heading into halftime.

With roughly 15 minutes remaining, Detroit gave themselves hope with a goal that cut Croatia’s lead to 3-2. Near the end things began to unravel for Detroit, as Trevor Hermiz was shown his walking papers after being issued his second yellow card in the 88th minute.

Cleveland took full advantage and put the game away afterwards. Michael Derezic, who has previously made appearances in the Open Cup with AFC Cleveland (2017, 2018) and Cleveland SC (2022, 2023) scored in the 90th minute to make it 4-2. Then in stoppage time Derezic put away a penalty kick to make it 5-2. Soon after the referee called for full time and Croatia was on their way to the Third Round

HIghlights (tagged incorrectly, but its this game)-http://www.hudl.com/v/2Sy1gG

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Southern Indiana FC (UPSL) 
4:1
Bootleggers AC (OVPL/USCS)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN

By Zach Allen-Kelly

Southern Indiana FC continue on to Round 3 in their quest to qualify for their second US Open Cup in a row after a 4-1 victory over Northern Kentucky side Bootleggers AC.  The visiting squad jumped out to an early lead but Southern Indiana equalized just before the half, before punching their ticket to the next round with three unanswered goals in the second half.

Scoring opportunities came early and often for the home side, but Southern Indiana struggled to find the back of the net early in the game. Bootleggers took advantage of a high Southern Indiana back line early in the game, with forward Andrei Novakovich scoring off a quick counter attack to give the Away side an early lead in the 10th minute.

Bootleggers were able to weather the storm of the Southern Indiana attack for most of the first half, the gameplan appearing to be to absorb the pressure and look to score on the counter.  The pressure eventually became too much though, when Southern Indiana found an equalizer late in the half off the head of defender Saladi Hussani in the 43rd minute.

The boys in Teal took control of the game in the second half, taking advantage of a short bench for the visiting squad. Forward Kellan Clegg gave the home side their first lead of the night in the 52nd minute with a gutsy goal, throwing his body directly into the path of a defender to make the finish.

A pair of substitutions in the 67th minute paid off quickly for Southern Indiana, with midfielder Allain Bizoza slotting a ball past the Bootleggers keeper just two minutes into his shift.

The goal of the night came in the 84th minute when forward Jed McCloud put a ball onto his right foot in traffic and unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the goal from just outside the box to secure the 4-1 victory and send Southern Indiana off to the third round of qualifying. 

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Doradus FC (UPSL)
1:2
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
West Springfield High School – Springfield, VA

By Ashle Lynn Paige

After making their debut and upsetting Richmond Kickers in last season’s tournament, Virginia Dream faced off with fellow Virginia side Doradus FC. With Doradus coming off a 3-0 win in the First Round, they would not make it easy for the Dream scoring early on. But a brace from Williams Yami put the visitors over the top and one step closer to qualifying for the second year in a row.

Doradus FC showed themselves as a threat right from the get-go, starting the match off with a high pressure attack. Following a corner that just couldn’t get cleared out by the Dream, Alador Fitsum sent a first touch shot from the top of the 18 screaming into the upper half of the goal to put the hosts up in the second minute.

Virginia Dream responded in the 27th minute with a break down the pitch, near the far sideline. A low long cross was sent into and across the box, that was immediately sent back to a waiting Williams Yami at the centre of the six, where he tapped it home practically unchallenged for the Dream’s opening goal.

The former CCBC Catonsville standout snapped up his second goal of the evening in the 54th minute after Doradus failed to clear the ball from their own box. Yami then one-touched a low shot through the defence and past the goalkeeper’s wide side to secure himself a brace. From there on both teams battled each other and the weather well. But neither side was able to break through and best the rainfall and increasing wind to put an overall fourth goal on the board.

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FC Lonestar GPSE (UPSL) 
2:1
FC Omens (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA
After Extra Time

By Josh Hakala

A battle between two Massachusetts clubs in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament needed extra time to decide a winner. FC Lonestar GPSE would ultimately prevail with a 2-1 win to advance in their inaugural Open Cup qualifying run.

FC Omens didn’t waste any time getting on the scoresheet. In the 6th minute, Tyler Johnson made a run down the right wing and played a low-driving ball into the box where he found Henry Osborn. The former Williams College player simply redirected the ball into the back of the net from close range.

In the 20th minute, FC Lonestar would tie the game back up. A player received the ball at the top of the box and saw Joshua Fichers streaking into the box from the left side. Fichers received the pass and blasted the ball past the goalkeeper inside the near post. 

Both teams would cancel each other out for the remainder of regulation, leading to extra time. The game would be decided in the 104th minute when an FC Lonestar player would send in a cross from the left wing. An FC Omens defender and the goalkeeper would both come out to play the ball and due to some miscommunication, the ball would deflect away from both players and Luke Stavros Campbell pounced on the loose ball and put it into the goal just a half second before the goalkeeper could recover.  

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Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
1:1 
DMV Elite FC (NPSL)
The Fields at RFK – Washington, D.C.
Guerrilla FC advances 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Josh Hakala

Last year, Guerrilla FC made their debut in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament and were sent home after one game. They improved on last year’s early exit with a 4-2 penalty kick win over DMV Elite FC after the two teams finished tied 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Ian Daly of Guerrilla FC opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Pierre De La Croix-Vaubois delivered a through ball to him. The former Tufts University standout put it past the goalkeeper to give GFC a 1-0 lead.

A minute later, Desmond Adeyemi of DMV received a ball over the top and he chipped the keeper to tie the game.

Neither team would find a goal after 120 minutes which sent the game to a penalty kick shootout. Guerrilla FC would prevail 4-2 in the shootout to advance to Round 3 and spoil DMV Elite FC’s inaugural qualifying match.  

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Miami United FC (UPSL) 
3:0
Boca Jrs Miami FC (SPL/USSSA)
Ted Hendricks Stadium – Hialeah, FL

By Josh Hakala

Miami United’s quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for a fourth year in a row got off to a positive start with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs Miami FC in the second round of the 2026 qualifying tournament.

After a scoreless first half, the game changed in the 57th minute when #32 from Boca was sent off. He received a second yellow card on a tackle from behind on United’s star player Robertino Insua. 

Six minutes later, Miami United capitalized on the man advantage when Insua connected on a free kick goal to open the scoring. 

Insua would connect on another impressive free kick in the 85th minute to put his team up 2-0.

Then Luis Peralta would close out the game with a stoppage time goal.

Colombian goalkeeper Nicolas Rivera earned the clean sheet in goal for United. 

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Miami Soccer Academy (USSL/USSSA) 
3:0
River Miami FC (SPL/USSSA)
Gibson Park – Miami, FL

By Jordan Beech 

Miami Soccer Academy blanked River Miami FC, 3-0, to advance to the third qualifying round. Carlos Fernandez led the way with a goal and two assists for MSA.

Jose Molina put MSA on the board in the 23rd minute, cleaning up Fernandez’s initial effort for a 1-0 lead. Then, in the 42nd minute, Fernandez found the back of the net after Diego Lanzi played a square ball to Fernandez on a two-on-one with RMFC’s keeper. Fernandez returned the favor with an assist on Lanzi’s second-half tally to provide the final scoreline.

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Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA) 
2:0
Scots-American Athletic Club (GSSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ

By George Diamond

Oaklyn United FC defeated Scots-American Athletic Club by a score of 2-0 on a windy night where sheets of rain drizzled down under the lights at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. 

Oaklyn quickly established a firm control of the game in the opening stages of the match, which they went on to dominate in both chances and possession. United jumped out to an early lead 11 minutes into the contest when Jason Mancuso smashed home an Ahmed Saidi lay-off in the box. 

Kearny-Scots goalkeeper Aldahir Cazun made a big stop in the 35th minute. Samuel Quaye was fed through on goal by Mancuso, and the winger’s shot seemed destined for the far post. But, Cazun got low to make the save, and pushed the ball away for a corner kick.

In the 53rd minute, Mancuso was involved again. This time he burst past his defender, and entered the box, before playing a pass across the face of goal. Although Jacob Mulinge was unable to connect, the ball trickled out to Jade Mesias, whose low-driven shot looked certain to score, but a Scots defender was there to block it off the line.

Oaklyn would finally get their second goal in the 60th minute. A foul by a Kearny-Scots defender in the box resulted in a penalty for United and a sending off for AC’s Gabriel Freitas.

Austin Johnson took the penalty – which was saved by Cazun – but scored the rebound.

“It was great to get an opportunity to take the penalty, Ahmed (Saidi) did a great job in the box drawing the foul,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately the goalie made a great save, but I followed it up and was able to put it away. Getting the goal while being a man up was huge for us.”

Save for a few long shots by Scots-American AC forward Dwight Ceballo, goalkeeper and former pro Matt Perrella was rarely troubled by the Kearny-Scots attack, and made no mistakes when called upon. 

“This is a great win for the club,” said Johnson. “A chance for a run in the Open Cup is something we’re really excited about. After a tough loss in the qualifiers last year we’re looking to make a statement.” 

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Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
W:L (Forfeit)
Iowa Demon Hawks (NPSL)
Blackburn High School – Omaha, NE

By Tim Howerton

Omaha Street FC are in the draw for the third round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying after the Iowa Demon Hawks declared a forfeit late Friday evening. Omaha Street, an affiliate of Boston Street, advanced when their Des Moines-based opponents did not have enough players available to field a team/travel. The match was officially recorded as a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

The match had already been moved once. After originally being scheduled for Sunday, the kickoff slid earlier to Saturday afternoon. No reason was given for the change, but there was also no indication from US Soccer, the Open Cup, nor either team, that the new timing had any impact on the visitor’s ability to field a team.

The Demon Hawks, who compete in the NPSL’s North Division and were also making their Open Cup qualifying debut, could potentially see a financial fallout from their forfeit. According to the US Open Cup Handbook, teams who forfeit “must pay a fine that is at least equal to 3 times the entry fee of that team”. Such decisions are left to an Adjudication and Discipline process whose panel meets on an as-needed basis. At time of writing, that panel had yet to meet to discuss any final penalty.

While Iowa awaits that decision, Omaha Street now waits for the third round draw to determine the next step on the path toward the US Open Cup.

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Pinellas County United Pelicans SC (FSSL/USASA)
1:3
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
Walter Fuller Park – St. Petersburg, FL
After Extra Time

By Andrew Baggaley (Because Football Media)

It was a perfect October evening for soccer in West Florida as roughly 150 fans gathered to watch home side Pinellas County United Pelicans take on FC America CFL Spurs of Winter Park, FL.

FCA controlled much of the possession in the first half and it was only PCU goalkeeper Jacob Schick who kept them at bay. FCA hit the post early in the 4th minute. In the 12th minute, FCA attacking midfielder Lucca Carvalho connected well on a 25 yd free kick but Schick parried it over the bar.

The most pivotal moment of the half came in the 26th minute when PCU played a hopeful ball into the box, forcing FCA centerback Lucca Rodrigues Franceschini to turn, stumble and pull PCU striker Finley Sallows to the floor with a horse collar tackle. However, the referee’s whistle remained silent amid halfhearted pleas from the home fans.

PCU’s first chance came in the 30th minute as center midfielder Brennan Breuer played a perfectly weighted through ball with the outside of his boot to winger Omar Saucedo, whose cross was frantically cleared by a sliding block.

As the half continued, FCA maintained their onslaught with a number of half chances. During their clearest chance, Schick used his toe to deflect a finesse back post shot from FCA striker Henri Tophoven to keep the score locked at 0-0.

In the second half, FCA picked up where they left off, enjoying most of the ball and keeping the PCU back line on their heels. 

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, as FCA right winger Kwesi Caesar received a ball at the top of the box and thundered in a shot on the underside of the bar to put the visitors up 1-0. 

PCU struggled to respond directly but maintained a threat on the counter attack. FCA came close again on multiple occasions but could not get a security goal, which they would come to regret.

In the 88th minute, PCU striker Finley Sallows calmly slotted the ball away to tie the match 1-1. The goal was the final action on a comprehensive team goal from PCU, with center midfielder Jacob McDonald delivering a crunching tackle to set winger Omar Saucedo on the break, and his unselfish cross set up Sallows for a favorable finish.

With the score tied at full time, the game entered extra time. FCA asserted their quality with two quick fire goals by Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven in the 97th and 100th minutes, respectively. Fodstad combined with Tophoven on his goal and streaked down the line and beat the keeper to the near post. Then Tophoven pressured the PCU center back and won the ball and curled a shot to beat the netminder to the far post.

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Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL) 
4:2
LSA Norcross Pro (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
NOTE: LSA Norcross Pro was formerly known as Limeno Georgia. The club changed their name shortly before entering the competition

By Michael Battista

Kalonji Pro-Profile continued its streak of winning its opening match by downing LSA Norcross Pro, the club formerly known as Limeno Georgia, by the score of 4-2 on Sunday evening. The UPSL side is in its third qualifying tournament after competing in both 2023 and 2024 qualifying.

Things got going in the 19th minute when LSA played a ball from just past midfield, through the backline and found an onside Carlos Orta. Orta’s shot was impeded by Kalonji keeper Henry Pleitez but got past him and rolled into the back of the net. The visitors, playing their first US Open Cup qualifying match, took the lead into the break.

Kalonji got their break when 10 minutes into the second half former Atlanta United 2 player Blake White was shoved from behind in the box, with the center official signaling a penalty kick. Zain Hylton, a former professional in Jamaica, stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 1-1 in the 57th minute.

The home side went ahead in the 68th when Kalan Kalonji received a no-look pass from Karim Tmimi in the box and punched in the go-ahead goal.

LSA tied the game again in the 76th minute, but Tmimi put his team back in front in the dying moments. White was outside of the box when his teammate, under pressure, sent the ball his way. The Frenchman one-touched the ball into the lower left corner and made it 3-2 in the 85th. Zain Hylton iced the result with a brace in the third minute of stoppage time assisted by Kalan Kalonji.

Kalonji (both the team and the player) moves on to next month’s Third Round seeking its first-ever appearance in the US Open Cup tournament proper.

MATCH BROADCAST

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Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA) 
W:L (forfeit)
Central Park Rangers FC (APSL/USASA)
Metropolitan Oval – Maspeth, NY

Metropolitan Oval Academy will have to wait a little longer to make their US Open Cup qualifying debut after their opponents, Central Park Rangers FC, informed them that they were forfeiting. The Met Oval.

Central Park could potentially see a financial fallout from their forfeit. According to the US Open Cup Handbook, teams who forfeit “must pay a fine that is at least equal to three times the entry fee of that team”. Such decisions are left to an Adjudication and Discipline process whose panel meets on an as-needed basis. At time of writing, that panel had yet to meet to discuss any final penalty.

TheCup.us reached out to the Rangers for comment but have yet to get a response.

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North Georgia United (UPSL) 
0:2
Potros FC (UPSL)
Riverbend Park – Dalton, GA

By Jed Henderson

Potros FC advanced to the next qualifying round after a commanding 2-0 victory over UPSL neighbors North Georgia FC. Two close range goals from Pedro Valenzuela and Steven Raymont made the difference for the visitors.

The showdown in Dalton was between familiar foes as the two sides met twice in UPSL play already this year. Potros FC walked away victors on both occasions, and started the game with a dominance to reflect that. The first half was ripe with chances. Benjamin Uranga thought he had opened the scoring for Potros in the 22nd minute but his header was called back for offsides. Twice more Potros found the frame of the goal, but somehow North Georgia United held on for a level halftime score.

Potros FC started the second half with the same impetus to score, and were finally rewarded in the 54th minute. Marc Bineau received a long ball on the right side of the field and, with much work to do, dribbled toward goal and threaded a low cross across the box. Pedro Valenzuela was on hand to guide the ball into the back of the net.

Two substitutes combined in similar fashion in the 83rd minute as Sean McKeever’s cross from the right side gave Steven Raymont a shot into the open net for a second goal.

The visitors saw out the game successfully, and ran out victors in their Open Cup qualifying debut.

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Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
7:3 
Osner’s FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY

By Tim Abbott

Osner’s will wonder how they let this game slip away in the horizontal rain and wind. Michenaider Chery opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, slotting home calmly from the right of the penalty area and although Osner’s equalized after only three minutes, Cesare Marconi’s goal seemed likely to be the only goal from the Roosevelt Islanders. Osner’s built a 3-1 lead with goals from Watz L. Leazard (off a Chery assist) and Keithlend Cesar (from Leazard). The Cesar goal in the 78th minute looked to have sealed an Osner’s win.

Not so fast.

Dennis Coke Jr. was pulled down in the Zum Schneider area only a minute later and Diego Silva made it 3-2 from the penalty spot. Only three more minutes elapsed before Osner’s lead had vanished, courtesy of Boris Grubic. Thus it was that a 3-3 draw forced extra time. 

Extra Time saw an avalanche from Zum Schneider, starting with their first lead of the game. Tom Hultsch scored the fourth of the game in the 95th minute and Tomas de Andrade Gomes in the 97th made it 5-3. A half volley by Ryo Koiso just on the brink of extra time half time made it 6-3 and the coup de grace was delivered by Richard Bastian in the 118th minute. 

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Peak Eleven FC (MTPL/USASA)
1:2
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Pinnacle Athletic Complex – Thornton, COAfter Extra Time

By Ashle Lynn Paige

Two Colorado sides, both well experienced in the Open Division qualifying, had one of the best matches of the round. The Centennial State derby saw Azteca FC 5280 come out on top 2-1 after a heated contest that ended in extra time, sending Peak XI home after just two rounds.

In the back and forth affair between the two sides it took nearly the entire first half before a goal was scored. That first goal came in the 45th minute from Azteca’s Jovany Herrera on a shot from near the top of the box that just barely beat out a diving save attempt from the goalkeeper.

The second half mirrored the first half with both sides’ defence being the key to the match. But as time wore on the players wore down and Peak XI capitalised on a defensive lapse from Azteca. After picking up the low pass about 40 yards out from goal, Mathias Varlet broke out alone towards the goal. Coming up directly on the left side of the six yard box, Varlet slipped a shot towards the wide side of the goal scoring from a shot that appeared initially as it was going to miss, thus tying the match up in the 86th minute.

In extra time the late goals continued to happen with Herrera scoring his second goal in stoppage time of the first half of extra time by blasting a loose ball in from inches in front of goal, clinching the win for Azteca FC 5280.

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FC Balboa (UPSL)
1:7 
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
Logan Memorial Education Campus – San Diego, CA

By Josh Hakala

San Diego Internacional left little doubt in their first qualifying match for the 2026 US Open Cup. San Diego raced out to a 4-0 lead by halftime and ultimately cruised to a 7-1 win over FC Balboa at Logan Memorial Education Campus. 

Six different players got on the scoresheet. Taj Winnard scored a first half brace, while Garrett Heine, Chris Bourdon, Brandon Cortez, Jacob Fuson, and Spencer Palmer all added a goal each. 

Ali Olow of FC Balboa scored a goal early in the second half to ruin the clean sheet.

San Diego, which fell one game short of qualifying for the 2025 US Open Cup, will take a step toward punching their ticket to the 2026 competition as they enter Round 3. 

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Hurricane FC (USSL/USSSA)
1:6
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
Seacrest Soccer Complex – Delray Beach, FL

By Jordan Beech

Palm Beach Flames FC romped past Hurricane FC and into the next round of qualifying via a 6-1 decision. Five different players found the back of the net.

Disaster struck early for Hurricane FC when they gifted Palm Beach a 1-0 advantage in just the 12th minute following an own goal from a corner kick. The UPSL side from Palm Beach then doubled the advantage in the 34th minute when Nhery Pierre linked up with Olivier Kenol for a headed goal. Palm Beach added one more goal before the interval through Romero Campbell.

In the second half, captain Nicholas Castellanos put in a fourth, followed by Kobe Harris with a fifth. Malte Schmale scored the final goal for the victors deep into the second half with a free kick from eight yards outside the box.

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Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
2:0
Wisloka Chicago (UPSL)
Benedictine University – Lisle, IL

By Adnan Basic

Sometimes the sport of soccer will take you somewhere beautiful, and sometimes it will take you to a place that’s almost secretly beautiful like Lisle, Illinois. That’s where Chicago House AC booked their place in the Third Round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying, defeating Wisloka Chicago 2-0 at Benedictine University.

The action started early, as the House opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. A free-kick crossed into the area wasn’t cleared properly, and Nico Williams pounced on the opportunity, slotting the loose ball into the back of the net. Williams and the home side had two goals after only four minutes later. Eric Espinoza hit an excellent ball into the box, and it trickled to the No. 9 for a smart first-time finish.

Remarkably enough that was the only goalscoring action that took place on the night. Wisloka had a few chances, and Patryk Knap really should’ve pulled one back, but they weren’t quite good enough on the day. They didn’t help themselves, and a second yellow to Olek Melnyk put them in an insurmountable hole.

“You kind of want those early chances,” said forward Nico Williams. “When you get in a good position, you have to put it in. That helps us play how we want to play.”

“We always talk about how teams are going to get their chances. They’re going to get momentum, but we got to weather the storm and find a way to get that momentum back in our favor,” said House head coach Shannon Seymour. “We took care of different aspects of the game, transition moments, when we’re in our low block defending, and then obviously putting the ball in the back of the net. It helps when you do that early in a game, right?”

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Tennessee United Soccer Club (UPSL)
2:0
Eagles Sports Southaven F.C. (UPSL)
Station Camp HS Soccer Field – Gallatin, TN

By Timothy Belin

In the first Open Cup qualifying game held at Tennessee United SC’s Station Camp High School Soccer Field in Gallatin, Tenn., the home side prevailed thanks to an eventful start to the second half.

Hosting Eagles Sports Southaven, out of Southaven, Mississippi, the two teams played a fairly even opening 45 minutes. Both sides showed quality in possession but more often than not lacked the final ball to create any meaningful opportunities.

The second half cracked the game wide open in the 52nd minute, when Southaven’s Alexander Reyes picked up a red card for a second bookable offense. TUSC pounced on the opportunity and scored within seconds, Sam Pomeroy using the back of his head to deflect a long throw-in into the net.

Ten minutes later, Nick Krall got on the end of a through ball and rifled a shot across goal and into the bottom right corner, just out of reach of the Eagles’ goalkeeper.

Up two goals and with the man advantage, Tennessee controlled the game for the final 30 minutes. Southaven never looked likely to get back into it, and TUSC ensured they would advance to the third round of the Open Cup qualifiers in their inaugural run at the competition.

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DOXA FCW (APSL/USASA)
1:2
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
Flowers Park – New Rochelle, NY

By Timothy Belin & John Kornfield

UPDATE: DOXA FCW protested the result, but their protest was denied

Lansdowne Yonkers advanced to Round 3 in controversial fashion following a 2-1 win over DOXA FCW.

The visitors needed just four minutes from the opening whistle to score the go-ahead goal when Ali Dawha ran through and side-footed a ball into the back of the net. However, DOXA players and staff were furious at the officiating crew and quickly pointed out that there was a hole in the side-netting. Upon video review, it did appear that Dawha’s shot was never on target and went in through the side, but the referee was having none of it.

Lengthy protests ensued, all while staff members also looked to fix the gaping net. DOXA’s head coach Paul Grafas eventually earned himself an expulsion some five minutes after the incident, and play did not resume for another three minutes after that. According to Grafas, it was the first time he had ever been sent off in his coaching career, but he was proud of the way his guys reacted to the adversity. 

“I give a lot of credit to my players because something like that can definitely take away your concentration and focus on the game,” said Grafas. “It’s a big injustice to soccer. To U.S. Soccer. We work so hard, I mean I’ve been coming to fields for 50 years. The referee’s job before the game is to check the goals, check the nets. See if its playable. Ok? Do your job.”

After play resumed, Lansdowne’s second goal had no such controversy as Jared Juleaou did brilliantly to dribble through a number of bodies before rifling the ball near post and past a stranded goalkeeper. With 25 minutes on the clock, Yonkers led 2-0.

DOXA managed to pull one back just before the break. Milorad Sobot connected with a corner kick at the back post and headed it back across goal and into the net in the 44th minute. Despite 10 minutes of added time to account for the chaos of the first goal, neither side added to their tally.

The second half saw Lansdowne defend their lead in increasingly desperate fashion as DOXA threw more and more men forward. Despite their repeated attempts, the home side were unable to breach a resolute Yonkers defense a second time. They bowed out of the tournament on a 2-1 scoreline and will understandably feel aggrieved about the manner of the first goal.

Lansdowne advanced to the third round of qualifying as they look to make their fifth appearance in the Open Cup proper following a two-year absence from the tournament.

As for DOXA, the drama surrounding this game may not be over. Grafas was asked after the game if he plans to file a complaint with the Open Cup committee.

“Absolutely! It’s on video. Its 110% we’re going to appeal,” said Grafas. “We have every right to. We don’t want to win a game like this but you know, that’s why there’s laws and the scale of the law is gonna tip our way for sure. It shouldn’t even come down to that. It should have been done from the get-go here.”

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New York Greek American SC (EPSL/USASA)
2:3
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Captains Field (Hofstra Univ.) – Hempstead, NY

By Justin Egan

On a night when most would have stayed indoors, the New York Renegades outlasted the four-time US Open Cup champion New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in a chippy contest at Hofstra University’s Captains Field. Both teams braved the opening bands of a nor’easter expected to dump three inches of rain and whip Nassau County with 40-mph gusts. The weather was a dominant factor in this one, as both sides had their best attacking opportunities with the wind and found it much more challenging to progress the ball against it. 

Taking advantage of attacking with the wind in the first half, the Renegades capitalized immediately on a second-minute corner that saw centerback Ojai Bedward clean up a marauding ball at the back post off the bounce. Less than two minutes later, Renegades stunned the Greek-Americans again, this time on the counterattack with forward Junior Rosero popping into the midfield to receive a line-break pass with his back to goal, and promptly played left-winger Sebastian Ruiz in behind after pulling the Greek-American defensive line out of position.

The speed and pace of Rosero and Ruiz proved too much for the Greek-Americans to handle in the first half, as the Renegades, aided by the wind, launched effective counterattacks almost immediately whenever they gained possession. While the Greek Americans did close the gap after keeper Eric Edwards misplayed a free kick by former New York City FC midfielder Daniel Bedoya at the half-hour mark, moments later, Rosero restored the two-goal cushion, darting through the left half-space and finishing inside the box after receiving a pass from Ruiz.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Greek-Americans finally found their footing. Forward Paul McVeigh cut the deficit to one after finding an opening near the six-yard box to bang home a cross at the 56-minute mark. The home side dominated possession from there, pinning the Renegades deep, but despite the pressure, the Greek Americans struggled to turn control into clear chances. The Renegades’ counterattack lost its edge against the wind, yet their defensive shape held, and they weathered both the storm and the late surge to book their place in the next round.

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210 FC (UPSL) 
6:2
Master Joga (DSA/USSSA)
STAR Soccer Complex – San Antonio, TX

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

San Antonio’s 210 FC sent debutants Master Joga back to Dallas empty handed after a convincing 6-2 win in the Second Round of Open Cup qualifying.

After 38 minutes of scoreless play 210 took a 1-0 lead when Jared Lucio one-timed a volley from Kyle Davis. Just five minutes after intermission Master Joga drew level after a 210’s goalkeeper made an errant pass, allowing Kyle Bennett to easily score.

In the 59th minute, 210 regained the lead when Kyle Davis headed home a long throw-in from Eric Embry. Five minutes later the lead grew to 3-1 when Joel Lucio scored from a run that began at midfield after taking a pass from Keegan Woolley.

At the 68th minute mark, 210 nearly had their fourth goal, but their shot was cleared at the goalline by a Master Joga defender. Seconds later, 210 were awarded a penalty kick and they did score a fourth after Jared Lucio converted from the spot.

Master Joga showed they still had life when in the 75th minute Kenneth Osorio headed a long pass to the far post to make it 4-2. 

A minute later the hosts put an end to any kind of comeback when Collins Gitau took a through ball from Keegan Woolley and shot from outside the penalty area for a 5-2 lead. 

Gitau struck again a minute later, taking a pass from Lucio and swiftly dribbled past the ‘keeper for the final goal of a 6-2 win, taking 210 FC to the Third Round on the weekend of November 1-2.

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The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
1:0
Albion SC Silicon Valley (TLfC/USASA)
Negoesco Stadium (Univ of San Francisco) – San Francisco, CA 

By Nap Badillo

In the second round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying, Olympic Club of the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) faced off against Albion SC Silicon Valley (Redwood City, Ca.) of The League of Football Clubs at Negoesco Stadium on the campus of the University of San Francisco.

The game was a competitive affair marked with physical play with both teams playing to a scoreless draw at halftime.

However, it was Arda Bulut of Olympic Club who struck the ball into the net among the Albion defense past the keeper in the 60th minute.

Albion tried to score an equalizer for the remainder of the match but failed to capitalize as Olympic advanced to the next round of qualifying with Albion finishing one-and-done in their first entry in the competition. The Olympic Club was founded in 1860 and joined the SFSFL in 1916. They are one of the oldest clubs in American soccer and are trying to return to the Open Cup for the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present).

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Atletico Miami Internacional FC (SPL/USSSA) 
3:4 
Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
Kendall Soccer Park – Miami, FL
After Extra Time

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Two-time Open Cup qualifiers Red Force FC visited Atletico Miami Internacional FC at Kendall Soccer Park in Miami on Sunday night. It turned out to be a lateral back and forth affair, as nearly every goal scored was immediately answered by the opposition. That was until Red Force tallied late enough in extra time to hold on for a 4-3 win.

The scoring got off to a quick start when Atletico Miami was called for a foul just outside of the penalty area in the 7th minute. After a couple minutes of discussion, Red Force’s Andres Navas tucked his shot just inside the post to beat Atletico Miami’s goalkeeper. 

Less than a minute later Atletico responded when Rafael Soto received the ball at the top of the penalty area and sent his shot across the goalmouth to tie the game. Atletico extended the lead to 2-1 in the 34th minute when Jeiffer Prieto scored when he headed home a corner kick.

Just like the opening pair of goals Red Force wasted no time responding, as David Ochoa stormed into the penalty area to command a fumbled ball by an Atletico defender and calmly slot it past the goalkeeper to knot the score at 2-2.

In the 73rd minute Red Force had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Santiago Fajardo was brought down at the top of the box. Fajardo stepped up himself to take the resulting spot kick, but sent his shot well outside the goal.

Fajardo redeemed himself with five minutes to go when he collected a long pass in the penalty area and fired a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Just like the other leads this one also didn’t last long as Jeiffer Prieto received a pass at the top of the goal area and scored to tie the game at 3-3 in the second minute of second half stoppage time.

As extra time ticked away without a goal a penalty shootout seemed likely, Red Force took a free kick from the center circle, eventually landing at the foot of Steven Saballos whose shot gave the goalkeeper no chance, giving Red Force a 4-3 lead. Unlike the previous goals there was little time for Atletico to respond, and Red Force advanced to the Third Round with a 4-3 win.

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City SC San Diego (UPSL)
9:0
Rebels SC (UPSL)
Aviara Community Park – Carlsbad, CA

By Isaac Mata

The Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament continued in San Diego with a battle between two UPSL sides. In the end, it was City SC San Diego who dominated Rebels SC 9-0 to advance to the next round.

The game began at a fast pace, with Joseph Elias Khalaf making a great save in the 10th minute for Rebels SC. Rebels SC couldn’t hold it any longer as Owen Michals set up the first goal for City SC in the 17th minute with a precise pass to German Sierra, who scored with a header.

Later, in the 25th minute, German Sierra was the playmaker, this time finding Diego Martinez, who slotted the ball into the opposite post putting another point on the board for City SC.

Before halftime, Jake Rowly provided a cross in the 40th minute that led to another goal by German Sierra, who also scored later by dribbling through two players extending the lead 4-0 for City SC before halftime. 

Coming back from halftime, City SC continued their dominance with Diego Martinez dribbling along the line to score another goal in the 50th minute. City SC then gets a chance for a freekick opportunity, Chase Koptieff takes the shot, capitalizing in the 61st minute scoring bottom right corner, followed by Giovanni Aguirre, who walked in the seventh goal for City SC in the 65th minute. Late in the game, Diego Martinez assisted German Sierra with a through ball for another goal in the 85th minute, and Nathan Espanto wrapped up the scoring with a first touch goal from outside the box in the 86th minute. 

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Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)
5:0
Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
Marymoor Park (Field 1); Redmond, WA

Bellevue Athletic FC won the original match 4-3 after extra time back on Oct. 12. However, Sharktopus FC filed a protest after they learned that the referee for the match had recently played for Bellevue Athletic. The United States Soccer Federation sided with Sharktopus FC and ordered a replay. On Tuesday night (Oct. 28), the two teams met again, this time in the pouring rain at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Wash.

The original match was a thriller. Some would argue one of the best matches of the round. Tuesday night was a different story. Sharktopus FC cruised to a 5-0 win to advance to the Third Round. There will be a quick turnaround because their Round 3 matchup will be on Saturday, Nov. 1 on the road against USL League Two power Ballard FC.

Peder Bakken opened the scoring in the 29th minute on a header from Nuha Ceesay. A few minutes before halftime, they doubled the lead when Kwame Appiah took advantage of a giveaway by the Bellevue defense. Appiah, a former contestant on the reality TV show Love Is Blind, beat the keeper to send the hosts into the halftime break soaking wet and leading 2-0.

Bellevue had their chances, hitting the crossbar in the first half most notably. But their best chance came in the 52nd minute when Jacen Stein had his penalty kick attempt saved by Sharktopus goalkeeper James Forde. About 10 minutes later, Appiah took advantage of another defensive mistake and scored his second goal. Appiah played provider in the 71st minute when he served up a pass to Gabe Kellum who scored to make it 4-0. Kellum, a Seattle Pacific University standout, added a second goal in the 79th minute to round out the scoring.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

UPDATE: Sharktopus FC protested the result and a replay was ordered
ORIGINAL GAME RECAP By Lance Corbin

After seven goals and 120 minutes, Bellevue Athletic FC defeated Sharktopus FC 4-3 to advance to the third round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

On a wet night with a turf field at Jefferson Playfield, the match started with a bang.

Sharktopus scored the first goal three minutes in when Dane Becker’s free throw found Hamidou Kante who passed to Gabe Kellum who scored in a crowded box.

Just a minute later, Bellevue Athletic was awarded a penalty kick and Jacen Stein scored to level the score.

Bellevue took the lead in the 22nd minute after Stein received a low cross and beat the Sharktopus goalkeeper Jimmy Forde. 

In the 47th minute, a low cross from a wide angle found Santino Miguel of Sharktopus to level the game.

As the second half continued, the rain started to come down harder as the match settled into a more tactical match.

Stein completed his hat trick for Bellevue in the 65th minute after he scored after a hard cross was delivered from the left wing. Stein redirected it into the back of the net to give his team a 3-2 lead.  

In the 82nd minute, Sharktopus would find an equalizer off a free kick. Kante would take the free kick from just outside the box on the left side and when it was sent in, Karl Brown would find the loose ball and tie the game at 3-3.

The match went to extra time and just two minutes in, Tyler Hopp scored from the left side on a hard shot just inside the post to give Bellevue the lead.

Sharktopus fought for the equalizer with multiple chances in the final minutes but Belleville would hold on for the win.

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International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA) 
3:2
CF San Rafael (TLfC/USASA)
James P. Lang Soccer Field – San Francisco, CA

By Otis Lyons

International San Francisco (SFSFL) survived a late comeback to defeat CF San Rafael (TLfC) 3-2 on Sunday night. 

After dominating the first passages of play, International San Francisco opened the scoring in bizarre fashion 21 minutes into the match. The CF San Rafael defense attempted to clear the ball in a corner kick scrum, but it ricocheted off of Javier Rivera Hernandez into the back of the net. 

Inter pushed on, adding two more goals before the interval. Mat Fondy assisted Dylan Autran following another San Rafael defensive mistake in the 26th minute, before Hernandez capitalized on a blocked shot for the 3-0 lead just before halftime.

International appeared to be in cruise control for much of the second half, but the contest turned on a dime in the 70th minute. Juan Vicente smashed the top right corner from 30 yards out that left the goalkeeper frozen, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Then, with just over 10 minutes to play, Juan Garcia flicked on a low-driven set piece from Vicente that fooled everyone, and with all the momentum it seemed the visitors had the chance to complete the comeback.

However, a moment of silliness would end San Rafael’s hopes. CF San Rafael’s captain Allan Estrada received a second yellow card for dissent, and with a man advantage International San Francisco were able to salt the game away and advance to the Third Round, where they are now just two wins away from qualifying for their third-ever Open Cup proper.

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Irvine FC (UPSL)
3:3
Apple Valley Storm (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
Irvine FC advances, 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Jim Coppock

Irvine FC hosted Apple Valley Storm at the Lake Forest Sports Park for a chance to move closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup proper. This is Irvine’s fourth consecutive attempt at qualifying, while Apple Valley are making their debut in the tournament. A feisty (34 free kicks) and attack-minded (36 shots) contest ended in penalties, with Irvine coming out on top 4-3, after a 3-3 draw through 120 minutes.

Irvine started things early with Damian Joshua Campos scoring from a tap in the 2nd minute. Twenty minutes later, Rene Miguel Sanchez Jr. tapped in a low cross to the back post to give Irvine a 2-0 advantage.

Apple Valley, who traveled with just 12 players, would pull a goal back around the 22nd minute through Jett Casarez and then just before the halftime whistle, David Sabillion leveled the game with a goal

The frenetic pace continued throughout the game. Apple Valley would go ahead in the 82nd with a second goal from David Sabillion and it looked like that might be enough to seal the debutante’s first USOC win. However, in the tenth minute of stoppage time, Koosha Yar unleashed a 28-yard low blast that hit a defender on the way through. The keeper, though wrong-footed initially, was able to reverse direction but could not get down fast enough to stop the shot from dribbling in for a late equalizer. No goals were scored in extra time.

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Ariana FC (UPSL)
2:1
Bay Area United FC (UPSL)
Cayetano Park – Livermore, CA
After Extra Time

By Connor Bunnell

The spirit of West Coast US Open Cup After Dark showed up early in the Tri-Valley, as Ariana FC bested fellow UPSL side Bay Area United 2-1 in extra time.

It was a match of high tempo and hustle from both sides throughout, and in the early going, United appeared to have the upper hand. The visitors saw more of the ball, applied more pressure, and weathered the physical side of things more effectively.

However, Ariana keeper Zack Rabold was up to the task, stopping shot after shot to keep BAU off the board. That paid off handsomely late in the first half, when United keeper Reymon Monzon botched an attempted rundown on Shahzad Hazem and allowed Hazem’s ball to trickle into the net. That gave Ariana a 1-0 lead, which they maintained into the halftime break.

However, United wouldn’t be denied forever, and on a play in the box in the 53rd minute, Daniel Gomez Jr. shot through traffic to equalize things. Things got even worse for Ariana late in the half when Hector Alvarez made a bad foul and picked up his second yellow card, forcing the hosts to play shorthanded the rest of the way.

Despite the odds, the ten-man Greens grinded it out to force extra time. In the 98th minute, Mohammad Haseen made a furious blitz on the counter with Rabold’s help and scored in the 98th to put Ariana back on top. United tried to leverage their man advantage for all it was worth, but never found the angle they needed to force penalties. As a result, Ariana’s Open Cup qualifying debut went down as a win.

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San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)
6:0
Dublin Celtic FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA

By Abram Heredia

This East Bay clash had no shortage of goals as San Ramon FC emerged victorious, scoring half a dozen unanswered in front of a crowd of roughly 200 fans.  

San Ramon FC were the definitive victors in this match despite the fact that they had multiple starters absent from the roster today. Before kick-off, SRFC head coach Bejan Esmaili admitted his team was missing key players but chose to focus on the opportunities those absences provide.

“We’re missing seven players, and they’re very good players. But in terms of the way we play, I think this again is an opportunity for some guys that don’t necessarily start to play,” said Esmaili. “And it also is an opportunity for players to showcase themselves that maybe they wouldn’t get as many minutes otherwise. So it’s fantastic and I’m excited for them to have this opportunity.”

From kickoff to the final whistle, San Ramon FC exuded quality and imposed dominance with intricate midfield play. Alonzo Del Mundo opened the scoring about eight minutes into the match.

Braulio Maravilla combined with Jonathan Montoya and doubled the lead in the 22nd minute.

Twenty-six year old Victor Romero Jr. was able to orchestrate the tempo of the match from the heart of midfield. Though his influence was mostly in the build-up, Romero was able to get on the scoresheet in the 31st minute with a precision strike into the bottom left corner from around 20-25 yards. It was assisted by Danny Flores.

Five minutes later, Romero Jr. then delivered a through pass to Carver Jensen who beat the keeper to make it 4-0.

Danny Flores assisted on Montoya’s goal just before the halftime whistle. Flores finished off the scoring from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. 

Despite Dublin not scoring any goals, they had a couple of solid opportunities by attacker Kareim Al Shargawi. Al Shargawi showed blistering pace and vicious tenacity, but SRFC Captain Daniel Turgeon and Nickolas Romero were ultimately able to snuff out any attacks to ensure a clean sheet. 

The 6–0 scoreline reflected not only San Ramon’s quality but also their enthusiasm to participate in the Open Cup. Head Coach Bejan Esmaili spoke about what the U.S. Open Cup means for a club like his.

“First of all, I’m very excited about the Open Cup because, one, it creates an opportunity for clubs like ourselves that are in the lower tier to play against potentially teams that are obviously in the professional ranks. So it’s very exciting, so that it kind of provides some kind of parity in some capacity. It’s obviously one of the longest and oldest cups that exists in this country. So respectfully, we’re very excited about hopefully doing well and going far in this.”

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O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)
2:1
FC Florida (NPSL)
Gaines Park – West Palm Beach, FL

By Tim Abbott

West Palm Beach’s O’Shea’s FC are participating in their fourth straight Open Cup qualifying tournament, having finished 6-3-1 in the USSL South Florida spring season, and they recovered from a halftime deficit to make their way into the third qualifying round against multinational club owner John Textor’s FC Florida. FCF, who finished 3-5-2 in the Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference of the NPSL, took the lead through Joshua Cruz just before half time somewhat against the run of play.
 
The second half saw O’Shea’s regain their composure and after Nick Sowers scored around the hour mark, it was a penalty kick by Evan Finnegan which settled it in favor of the hosts with only nine minutes left in regulation. Despite a late flurry of activity, FC Florida were unable to take it to extra time.