TheCup.us Staff

For the first time in a decade all eight of the teams left in the Quarterfinals will be from Major League Soccer.

The Philadelphia Union dispatched the USL Championship’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds by the score of 4-1. The Riverhounds were the last remaining lower division club in the competition.

Aside from convincing 3-1 wins by Austin FC (over the Houston Dynamo) and the Chicago Fire FC (over the New England Revolution), the rest of the Round of 16 was full of drama. Two games went to penalty kicks and the other three were one-goal games. 

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The draw for the Quarterfinals will take place on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET and broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo. The Round of Eight is scheduled to take place the week of July 8-9.

Below you will find a brief recap of all eight games with links to the full match report.

TUESDAY, MAY 20

New England Revolution (MLS)
1:3
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

By Alex Campbell

The Chicago Fire took another step toward what they hope will be an MLS-record fifth US Open Cup title on Tuesday night in Providence, Rhode Island at the home of the Providence College Friars with a 3-1 win over the New England Revolution. An own goal by New England’s Eric Klein, volley from a rebound off the crossbar by Hugo Cuypers, a spectacular solo effort by substitute Philip Zinckernagel, and a consolation own goal via the Fire’s Justin Reynolds provided the scoring in what went from a slog to a comfortable win.

Chicago made only one lineup change from their 4-0 Round of 32 victory of Detroit City of the USL Championship, while the Revolution XI included just one player who had started an MLS match this season. That quality discrepancy eventually played out on the pitch, and the winningest team in USOC history are into Thursday’s quarterfinal draw.

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San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
1:0
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Favian Renkel

Jack Skahan delivered a dramatic late winner to lift the San Jose Earthquakes past their Round of 16 opponent in the U.S. Open Cup, securing a 1-0 victory and a place in the Quarterfinals. Skahan found the back of the net in the dying minutes, capitalizing on a rare chance in an otherwise tight and physical match. His goal not only sealed the win but also marked one of the most important moments of the Earthquakes’ season so far.

The Quakes came into the match leading MLS with goal scored with 29 on the season. Even without Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez available for the match, the Quakes still found a way to get the job done. San Jose will now await the draw for their Quarterfinal opponent. The Quakes have never lifted the U.S. Open Cup but are now just one win away from matching their best runs in the tournament, having reached the Semifinals in both 2004 and 2017.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2:2
FC Dallas (MLS)
New York advances, 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Adam Uthe

It wasn’t pretty, but the New York Red Bulls won the penalty shootout to advance past FC Dallas and into the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. The home side fell behind not once, but twice in the first 90 minutes before Emil Forsberg tied it up in stoppage time and then went on to score the winner in penalties.

The Red Bulls dominated possession early on, but it was Dallas who got on the scoreboard first. Bernard Kamungo scored via an assist from Petar Musa in the 28th minute on Dallas’ first (and only) real chance up to that point. New York continued to generate touches inside of Dallas’ penalty area but they couldn’t convert said chances into a single shot on target and the visitors took their lead into halftime. 

The second half played out mostly the same way, with New York applying more pressure and eventually they were rewarded for their effort. In the 63rd minute, Mohammed Sofo pounced on a loose ball in the box and converted his shot to level the score at 1-1. Dallas fought their way back into the match and in the 77th minute, Lucho Acosta (after receiving a pass from Kamungo) split two defenders in the box with a brilliant heel flick before burying his shot to make it 2-1 Dallas. It looked like Dallas was headed for a victory, but then Emil Forbserg’s free kick in stoppage time took a kind deflection off the Dallas wall and the two sides were forced to play an additional 30 minutes.

There was some brief controversy in extra time as the referee gave a free kick just on the edge of the box that, after at least three minutes of time elapsed, eventually resulted in a red card for Dallas midfielder Ramiro. This time, Forsberg’s free kick was saved and eventually penalties were needed to decide everything. New York converted four out of five while Dallas could only get three and the hosts progressed to their 10th Open Cup quarterfinal appearance in club history.

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D.C. United (MLS)
3:3
Charlotte FC (MLS)
D.C. United advances, 2-1 on penalty kicks

By Becca Mitchum

A dramatic penalty shootout cleared the way for D.C. United’s next step in the Open Cup after 120 minutes of play resulted in three goals for each team.  David Schnegg opened up the scoring in the 17th minute, but two quick goals by Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang and Bill Tuiloma,  in the 58th and 61st minute respectively, kept the game competitive.  A tying goal by DCU’s Garrison Tubbs ensured extra time. Then each team scored another, with Tyger Smalls scoring for the Crown in the 95th, and DCU drawing level once again in the 104th minute with a goal from Jackson Hopkins.

An uncommon goalkeeper substitute in the 119th minute proved to be the right choice as Jordan Farr managed to save four out of Charlotte’s five shots, and D.C. United converting two shots against Charlotte’s goalkeeper David Bingham. This is the first 2-1 PK result in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup, and D.C. United advances past the Round of 16 for the first time since their Open Cup run in 2013.

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Minnesota United FC (MLS)
3:2
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)

By Tim Thomas

A chaotic back and forth match in the rain saw Minnesota United defeat St. Louis CITY SC by a score of 3-2.

Minnesota got out to a quick start with a 10th minute goal by Kelvin Yeboah. Marcel Hartel would even it up for CITY in the 55th minute and João Klauss would give them the lead with a 65th minute header. In a cruel twist of fate for CITY, the hero of the game for Minnesota would be former St. Louis player Anthony Markanich who scored a pair of goals in the span of three minutes.

The victory marks the second time Minnesota has advanced to the Round of Eight, with the last time coming in 2019 when they reached the Open Cup Final.

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Orlando City SC (MLS)
2:3
Nashville SC (MLS)

By Connor Bunnell

It was an absolute roller coaster ride in the theme park capital of the world, as Nashville SC beat Orlando City 3-2 in the Lions’ house.

The scoring started in the 17th minute when Alexander Freeman supplied a ball that Marco Pašalić launched from distance, putting Orlando in front. However, they would only enjoy that lead for six minutes, as Teal Bunbury went for his ninth career Open Cup goal, but made Rodrigo Schlegel own-goal it instead. That was fine by the Coyotes, who completed the comeback in the 40th thanks to an incisive Matt Corcoran pass and a roller to the far post from Ahmed Qasem.

That left the Lions down by halftime, but certainly not out. Once again, Pašalić got involved, this time providing the assist as Ramiro Enrique scored for the second time in as many rounds. That put things back level at the 58-minute mark, and from there, anything was possible. However, not long after a crucial non-call for what City believed was a handball in Nashville’s penalty box, Patrick Yazbek passed the ball back with street soccer flair to rookie defender Wyatt Meyer, who unleashed a wicked curler to score his first professional goal and retake the lead for the boys in gold. Orlando fought furiously for the rest of the match to try and send it to extra time and created several good chances along the way, but it was all for naught. Nashville withstood the final storm, avenging their loss to Orlando in 2022’s Open Cup to make a grand return to the Quarterfinals.

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Philadelphia Union (MLS)
4:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)

By Zoe Schaedle

And then there were none. The Philadelphia Union eliminated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the last of the USL Championship teams remaining in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Union coached by Bradley Carnell, advanced to the Quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over the Riverhounds. 

Union’s Bruno Damiani, the 23-year-old transfer from Nacional, opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a penalty kick from a hand ball in the box. The Uruguayan forward slotted a left-footed finish down the middle over the outstretched arms of Riverhounds keeper Eric Dick. 

The Union enjoyed possession in the midfield against Pittsburgh’s defense-heavy lineup. Brothers Quinn Sullivan and Cavan Sullivan led the Union in quick counter attacks resulting in the Union’s second goal by Indiana Vassilev in the 46th minute to conclude the first half.

Philadelphia came out sharp to start the second half with Danley Jean Jacques finding the back of the net in the 54th minute from a Damiani assist, making it a 3-0 game. However, Riverhounds substitute Jorge Garcia gave Pittsburgh some hope with a right footed shot from outside the box only one minute after entering the match for teammate Bertin Jacquesson.

The Union quelled any hope of a comeback with a solo goal by substitute Jovan Lukic in the 86th minute. The 23-year-old midfielder who joined the Union in February demonstrated composure, weaving through Riverhounds defenders to slot the ball in the bottom left corner.

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Austin FC (MLS)
3:1
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)

By Zach Stein

Austin FC clinched their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in a heated 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo that included 22 total fouls. The first half was back-and-forth and relatively drama-free, with the lone goal coming from Brandon Vazquez as he opened the scoring for Austin with a near-post shot in the 29th minute. 

In the 52nd minute, a penalty kick was awarded as Houston’s Franco Escobar was called for handball on a slide tackle. Copa Tejas tempers began to flare up quickly, and Osman Bukari dispatched the penalty to give Austin a 2-0 lead. Eight minutes later, a Bukari pass found Ilie Sanchez on the other end of the five-yard box, who scored his first Austin FC goal. Fouls became frequent as Escobar was shown the first yellow card of the match in the 67th minute, but he made up for it and his earlier handball by assisting Ezequiel Ponce as Houston clawed one back to make it 3-1.

Despite both teams earning plenty of set-piece opportunities, no more goals were scored. Yet the drama didn’t stop there as Dynamos midfielder Brooklyn Raines was shown his second yellow in the first minute of stoppage time, shortly followed by a straight red to Austin’s Julio Cascante in the game’s final minutes.

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The Fourth Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup had plenty of history in store by the time it ended on Wednesday night. From the Coffee Pot Cup battle between DC United and Charleston Battery to a match that featured five goals all scored in extra time, there was something unusual to find in every match. However, there was one bit of history that almost nobody could have predicted. 

With 16 MLS teams entering this round against 16 lower league opponents, the potential for cupsets seemed great. However, for the first time in the Modern Era, only one non-MLS club will be featured in the Round of 16 of the 110th edition of the US Open Cup.

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The Pittsburgh Riverhounds managed to be the last lower league member standing (and earned the $50,000 Division 2 prize money). And while these results may appear that the magic of the cup has left the lower league teams, the round was still marked with high competition, great drama, and more than a handful of gutsy performances that prove the Open Cup is still no cakewalk for the top division teams. Four of the 16 matches went to extra time (one of those ending in penalties) and another six matches ended with only a one-goal margin of victory for the MLS clubs involved.

The “Empire” may have struck back this year, but the lower leagues continue to show that their force is strong.

The Riverhounds and the 15 MLS survivors now advance to face off the week of May 20-21 with spots in the Quarterfinals on the line.

You can find a brief recap of all 16 Fourth Round games with links to the full match report and video highlights (as they become available).

TUESDAY, MAY 6

DC United (MLS)
2:0
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Connor Bunnell

The Round of 32 opened in our nation’s capital with an extra trophy on the line. In a rematch of the 2008 US Open Cup Final, MLS side and three-time Open Cup champions D.C. United bested the USL Championship’s Charleston Battery 2-0 in extra time to retain the Coffee Pot Cup.

Those who know this rare interdivisional derby had every reason to expect fireworks going in, and Charleston was the first to launch them, threatening for goals immediately and taking an early edge in possession over their MLS counterparts. D.C. soon found their footing, though, and in a back-and-forth first half, each side showed their stuff, but neither broke through for a score in the opening 45.

With the Coffee Pot Cup physically in the stadium by halftime, the two teams returned to the pitch hungry to make it theirs. Once again, the Battery threatened hard, getting their second disallowed goal for offsides in as many halves. For their part, United knocked furiously at the door and got multiple setpieces in dangerous territory, but couldn’t make anything of them. Add in some impressive saves from Charleston keeper Luis Zamudio and a painful stretch in the final minutes where the Eagles shot like they thought the goal was somewhere in the upper deck, and you have a recipe for this game going to extra time.

In the 96th minute, the dam finally broke, as D.C.’s Jacob Murrell got a pass from Randall Leal on the break and launched a curving missile from 25 yards out. Not satisfied with breaking the deadlock, the Eagles stayed on the hunt, turning a Battery free kick into a lightning-quick counter, with Jared Stroud poking it past a dumbstruck Zamudio to double the lead and Leal once again orchestrating things with an assist. Charleston’s Juan Torres copped a straight red in the second half of extra time, and that just about sealed it for the home side.

With their victory, DC United move to 36-16-7 all-time in the US Open Cup, as well as claiming a third straight Open Cup win in the Coffee Pot Cup rivalry.

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North Carolina FC (USL-C)
1:4
Charlotte FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Gracin Galbreath

In a stateside battle between two sides from North Carolina, it would be Charlotte FC who emerged victorious with a 4-1 win through extra time.

It would be a scoreless first half, with NCFC putting up a fair fight—both had two shots but the hosts were edged out in possession. In the second half, it was much of the same. A scoreless regulation would bring it to extra-time. 

Once substitutes were introduced, the match exploded into life. In the 97th minute, Liel Abada would break the deadlock for Charlotte after slotting a cutback into the middle of the net. Their 1-0 lead would last only a minute, after Rafael Mentzingen scored a driven shot into the bottom corner. Patrick Agyemang restored a lead for Charlotte in the 104th minute. 2-1 became 3-1 with Petkovic’s strike, and then 4-1 with Vargas who joined the scoring.

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Nashville SC (MLS)
1:0
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Josh Bauer’s 18th-minute strike was all that was needed for Nashville SC to triumph over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and advance to the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.

Nashville, largely unbothered by their Division 3 counterparts, advanced to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in club history, including the second time in three years. While Chattanooga’s time in the Cup is over, 2025 was the Red Wolves’ best showing to date in the tournament.

Nashville remains unbeaten in nine all-time home games (8-0-1, 0-1 PKs) in Open Cup competition

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Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
1:4
New York Red Bulls (MLS)

By Tim Thomas

A hard fought match on chilly and rainy night at over 6,000 feet above sea level would see the New York Red Bulls overtake the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 4-1. A first half brace by Mohammed Sofo made all the difference in the match.

The first half did not see many chances for the Red Bulls but Sofo capitalized on both of them he was given, snagging a brace with goals in the 16th and 44th minutes. The second half saw an energized Switchbacks side come out swinging with plenty of chances. Ultimately, it would be New York who would cash in with a goal by Dennis Gjengaar in the 64th minute. Anthony Fontana would give the Switchbacks a fighting chance eight minutes later with a goal. It wouldn’t be enough for the hometown team as Sean Nealis would shut the door with a late Red Bulls goal.

This marked the first time the Colorado Springs Switchbacks had ever hosted an MLS team. The loss would drop Colorado Springs to 7-8-1 all time in the Cup and ensure that they will have to try again next year to make it past the Fourth Round. With the victory New York improves to 28-21-4 in Open Cup matches.

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Tacoma Defiance (MLSNP)
2:3
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

By Andrew Repp

In a spirited Round of 32 match between Portland Timbers of MLS and their Cascadia hosts Tacoma Defiance of MLS NEXT Pro, Portland came out on top in a 3-2 thriller.

After a fairly even first half hour where the hosts arguably had the better of the few chances to be found, Timbers earned the breakthrough after winning a corner in the 33rd minute. Ariel Lassiter swung it in and Zac McGraw headed it in from close range to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Both sides remained aggressive but couldn’t test their respective opposing keepers for the rest of the half.

Defiance quickly got their equalizer just three minutes into the second half when Osaze De Rosario smashed home a Georgi Minoungou cross from the right from close range. They followed the exact same pattern two minutes later, when another Minoungou cross from the right was hammered in by halftime sub Yu Tsukanome to give the home side a 2-1 advantage. In both cases, Timbers keeper Maxime Crepeau could do nothing to stop the shots.

Following the second Tacoma goal, neither team was able to turn any of their half chances into another score until the 80th minute, when Ian Smith of the Timbers sent in a cross from the left that halftime sub Gage Guerra headed past Defiance goalkeeper Andy Thomas to tie the match at 2-2.

There was more back and forth action, but Timbers scored the winning goal after Cristhian Paredes won a penalty kick in the 2nd minute of added time. Kevin Kelsy stepped to the spot and smashed the ball inside the left post to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. Tacoma had one final chance off a corner but were unable to knock it in.

Tacoma’s dream Open Cup run comes to an end, while Portland’s could be just beginning as they move on to the Round of 16.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
1:0
New York City FC (MLS)

By Connor Bunnell

The first, and what proved to be the only, Cupset of the round over an MLS team, and it happened in style as the USL Championship’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated New York City FC, 1-0.

In the early going, NYCFC established an overwhelming advantage in possession, a theme that would continue throughout the contest. While Pittsburgh were certainly capable of threatening when they had the ball, their chances were few and far between, while the Pigeons threatened their hosts time and time again, forcing Riverhounds goalie Eric Dick to earn his keep. However, in the 78th minute, City’s overwhelming momentum took a massive hit when defenseman Strahinja Tanasijević made a last man denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. That earned him a straight red and forced the visitors to try and survive with only ten men.

Even after that, New York continued to make menacing approaches, with multiple painful misses in front of Pittsburgh’s net, but the defining moment took place at the end of stoppage time, when Pittsburgh earned one last corner kick. Robbie Mertz launched it to the perfect spot, Beto Ydrach headed it in, and at the absolute death, the Riverhounds took the Cupset.

After this win, Pittsburgh are officially over .500 all-time in the Open Cup, with a record of 19-18-3. This is their third straight win over an MLS team.

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Rhode Island FC (USL-C)  
1:2
New England Revolution (MLS)

By Zoe Schaedle

Despite enjoying majority of possession, Rhode Island FC fell to the New England Revolution in front of their home fans. The MLS side prevailed with a thrilling 2-1 win over the USL Championship team.

Coming off of a 2-0 road victory over Toronto FC, the Revs looked to counter quickly, attacking Rhode Island’s aggressive defensive press. Meanwhile, Rhode Island looked to win the ball back in the attacking half and target forwards Noah Fuson and Albert Dikwa. However, the Revs defense proved solid having already earned eight clean sheets this season. Defender Sands played a key role in locking down Rhode Island’s attacking threats in Fuson and Kwizera. 

In the 38th minute, Revs Tomas Chancalay got the better of Rhode Island’s defense led by Centerback Frank Nodarse who had just returned from his suspension for a red card in the club’s last Cup game against Portland Hearts of Pine. The 26-year-old Argentinian midfielder slotted it past Rhode Island’s goalkeeper Jackson Lee off of a defensive breakdown. 

The Revs spearheaded by Luis Diaz’s efforts down the right wing came out hot earning a corner to begin the second half. However, Rhode Island was far from finished, responding by testing New England’s goalkeeper Alex Bono with several shots from outside the box. The equalizer came in the 50th minute from a right footed finish at the top of the box by midfielder Maxi Rodriguez off of a cross from Fuson. 

It appeared as if the game would go to extra time when New England’s 75th minute sub Cristiano Oliveira found the back of the net in the 88th minute. The goal was scored off of a rebound shot by teammate Gevork Diarbian who had entered the match for goalscorer Chancalay only a minute before. 

Despite a hard fought effort by Rhode Island FC, the New England Revolution avoided “cupset” and advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. 

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Louisville City FC (USL-C)  
0:1
Minnesota United (MLS)

By Ashle Paige 

In the first-ever meeting between Louisville City FC and Minnesota United, the hosts from Kentucky dominated nearly the whole match. But in the end it was a single 65th minute strike from Minnesota’s Darius Randell that sent the Loons into the Round of 16.

Coming off a 3-0 thrashing of Austin FC in MLS play just days prior, MNUFC brought in nine players from their MLS NEXT Pro squad to fill out the matchday eighteen. Louisville only changed three players from their previous match against Lexington and from the outset took advantage of the youth and cup inexperience of most of the Minnesota roster. The Boys in Purple seemed to take the lead early on in the contest with a 7th minute goal from Ray Serrano. Ultimately the goal was called back for offside and both clubs settled in for a grinding match that saw no shots on target through the halfway mark.

The second half of play started in the same fashion as the first, with Louisville controlling the pace of play and getting the better of Minnesota. Just as it was in the first half the Loons gained more and more composure. A 65th minute goal from the visitors, when Sang Bin Jeong slipped a low cross across the box to 17 year-old Darius Randell who banged home the shot, was the only one of the night and ultimately sent Minnesota on to the second round.

Louisville did not give up and proceeded to pepper Minnesota United with shots and take even more control for the remaining 35 minutes of the match. In response MNUFC moved to a much more defensive formation to do everything they could to see out the match. 15 shots from Louisville later Minnesota handed LouCity their first loss of 2025 in any competition and set up a date with St. Louis City in the Round of 16.

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Philadelphia Union (MLS)  
1:1
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
Philadelphia advances 5-4 on penalty kicks

By George Diamond

The Philadelphia Union needed a penalty kick shootout to get past Indy Eleven in a chippy but exciting game. A heavily rotated Union squad opened the scoring early. In the 6th minute, Alejandro Bedoya headed a ball home past Indy goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook off a pinpoint Olivier Mbaizo cross.

Budding young star, Cavan Sullivan, impressed during his first start for the club but was denied a first goal by Charles-Cook several times. On the whole, the Union dominated but were unable to get a second goal. 

Shortly after halftime, Elvis Amoh equalizied with a slick backheel, putting the Eleven right back into action. Philly were forced to put on their starters. They peppered Indy’s goal, taking a whopping 33 shots in total, but were unable to find a go-ahead goal. On the other end of the pitch, Andrew Rick was called into action far less than his counterpart, but made several spectacular stops to prevent a cupset. Despite the Union pressure, Indy Eleven survived extra time and the game went to penalties. Former Union SuperDraft pick Aodhan Quinn saw his shot saved by Rick and Jovan Lukic went on to score the winning kick in the shootout, sending the fans at Subaru Park into raptures. The Union will advance to the Round of 16 where they will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in an intrastate matchup.

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
0:5
Orlando City SC (MLS)

By James Knowles

In a fixture known as much for the fireworks off the pitch as on it, the Tampa Bay Rowdies played host to Orlando City. After holding their own for the first thirty minutes or so, it seemed like the dam burst. In fact, it was 16-year-old academy product Gustavo Caraballo who benefitted most, scoring the first and second goals before a third from Ramiro Enrique effectively sealed the result before halftime. 

After the break, both teams made a few subs. The visitors were able to take their foot off the gas while also putting the game out of reach with goals from Duncan McGuire and Dagur Thórhallsson. It finished that way after 90 minutes – or a little sooner for a number fans who were escorted out. Orlando City maintained its record in competitive games vs. the Rowdies and moves on to the Round of 16. 

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Chicago Fire (MLS)
4:0
Detroit City FC (USL-C)

By Tim Hotze

Few cities in the country have longer or more storied histories in professional sports than Chicago and Detroit, but two pro teams from the two cities had never met in the Modern Era of the most historic trophy in the world’s largest sport until the Chicago Fire hosted Detroit City in Wednesday night’s US Open Cup Round of 32 matchup. Ultimately, the home side completed a routine and professional match against an overwhelmed lower-division opponent to the disappointment of their large contingent of traveling supporters, with Chicago finishing the night as 4-0 victors.

The match pitted a struggling Chicago Fire side, winless in their last six, against a Detroit City team undefeated in their last six games across all competitions, but it didn’t take long for the MLS team to make their mark when Maren Haile-Selassie managed to gain possession inside Detroit’s box in the fourth minute, sending the ball to Hugo Cuypers. From short distance, Cuypers cannoned the ball past Detroit goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña, who had no chance on the play. In the 35th minute, the Fire doubled their lead off an own goal by Detroit’s Darren Smith created by Chicago’s pressure in the box. 

The Fire added a third in the 50th minute when Chicago’s Jonathan Bamba pulled Detroit’s defense to him creating time and space for Omari Glasgow, giving Guyana’s all-time scorer his first goal for Chicago’s first team after making his U.S. Open Cup debut last year with Chicago Fire II in MLS Next Pro. In the 71st minute, Brian Gutiérrez set up Maren Haile-Selassie for the Fire’s fourth and final goal of the evening. The goal gave the Swiss winger a three point night alongside his two assists on the night.

The Chicago Fire’s 4-0 victory sets up an all-MLS matchup in the Round of 16 against the New England Revolution and ends Detroit City’s hopes to build on their U.S. Open Cup performance last year where they eliminated the defending champion Houston Galaxy.

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St. Louis CITY FC (MLS)
2:0
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott 

An uneventful first half between the hosts and the Owls, with CITY reduced to pot shots from distance but Union not threatening from their low block.  

The theme continued in the second half and the game was decided by another blast from distance, a dipping shot from 25 yards by CITY debutant Joey Zalinsky in the 68th minute, for his first ever professional goal. João Klauss added icing to the scoreline in the 86th minute. And thus ended the lofty aims of the Owls of Union Omaha to add another cupset to their extensive record. 

CITY move on to play Minnesota United twice in a week – once in MLS and once in the Round of 16 of the Open Cup. Union Omaha does walk away with a $50,000 consolation prize as the Third Division team that advanced the furthest in the tournament (they edged Tacoma Defiance via a “regulation wins” tiebreaker)   

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FC Dallas (MLS)
3:1
AV ALTA FC (USL-1)

By Julian Cardillo

FC Dallas opened their 2025 US Open Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over AV ALTA FC, a USL League One entry from Southern California, in the Round of 32 at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Luciano Acosta, Kaick da silva Ferreira, and Bernard Kamungo powered Dallas to victory. That said, the slickest moment of the match — indeed, what may go down as the best goal in this year’s edition of the 110-year-old tournament — came in the 16th minute, when AV ALTA’s Osvaldo Rafael Lay Ayala found the back of the net with an effort from behind the midfield line; Ayala’s long-range stunner bounced over the head of Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi, who was off his line, before settling inside the goal.

Ayala’s goal served as a formidable response to Acosta’s opener, which was converted off a low cross from the right flank in the third minute. Kaick restored Dallas’ lead in the 42nd minute after being played in behind on the left edge of the box by Tsiki Ntsabeleng. Kamungo put the game out of reach by finishing a low cross from the left flank in the 71st minute.

FC Dallas, owners of the 1997 and 2016 U.S. Open Cup titles, play the New York Red Bulls in the Round of 16 on either May 20 or 21.

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Austin FC (MLS)
3:2
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

By A.D. Mosier

For 72 minutes, it looked like El Paso Locomotive FC was going to pull a Texas-sized Cupset in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Leaning on a first-half brace by Beto Avila with just over a quarter of an hour to play, it looked like the lowly USL Championship side would slay the giants to the north. Then the Verde seemed to wake up, scoring three unanswered goals in the span of seven minutes to advance to stop the Locomotive’s hopes of advancing into the Round of 16 in its tracks. 

Brandon Vasquez earned the hefty transfer fee Austin paid to bring him back north of the border bookending Austin’s scoring, along with Myrto Uzuni, whose 76th minute goal drew Austin level. 

Moments after El Paso had goal called back for an obvious offside, Avila opened scoring in the 20th minute, beating two Austin defenders off the dribble inside the penalty area. Avila bagged his second on the night thanks to some dodgy defending, getting the rebound off a badly played ball off a defender and hitting the ball to the far post, where Austin goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland failed to make a routine save to his right. 

It wasn’t until the final 20 minutes that Austin looked like the higher-budget team. Vasquez finally put the hosts on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute running onto a through-ball from Owen Wolff. Uzuni drew the hosts level three minutes later, slotting the ball to the far post from 18 yards after some deft post-up play by Vasquez. Then Vasquez put Austin in the lead with his head four minutes later, redirecting a Wolff cross to put Austin through to the Round of 16 for the second time in club history. 

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Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)  
1:4
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By A.D. Mosier

It took 120 minutes, but the Houston Dynamo will move on to the Round off 16 thanks to a brilliant 99th minute goal by Jack McGlynn to break a 1-1 deadlock with Phoenix Rising. The 2023 Open Cup champions would go on to score three goals in extra time to advance to the Round of 16

Felipe Andrade put the Dynamo in the lead in the 17th minute, nodding home a 17th minute free kick from Nico Lodeiro.

Dariusz Formella pulled the home side level in the fourth minute of first-half added time from the penalty spot after a controversial call on Dynamo goalkeeper, Blake Gillingham, on Ihsan Sacko.

The second half was all Dynamo. Everyone at Phoenix Rising Stadium knew it was only a matter of time before the bending Rising back line would finally break. 

Jack McGlynn put the visitors in the lead with a spectacular left-footed goal in the 99th minute. McGlynn entered the match in the 63rd minute as part of a Houston shift change that seized control of the match. After several near misses in regulation, McGlynn bagged the winner, curling his twenty-yard shot to the far post past a statuesque  Patrick Rakovsky. 

From there, the floodgates opened. Substitute Ezequiel Ponce iced the game in the 112th minute finishing a cross from Ondrej Linger from close range, followed by a fourth goal by Sebastian Kowalczyk three minutes later to put the Dynamo through to the Round of 16. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2:1
Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)

By Tim Howerton

The San Jose Earthquakes started quickly as they defeated Sacramento Republic 2-1 on Wednesday night. The hosts dominated all phases of the match and, despite the scoreline, were never in danger of falling to their second division rivals.

Preston Judd found Amahl Pellegrino only 67 seconds into the match to start the scoring. Sacramento’s defense then found themselves on the back foot for the majority of the next 20 minutes, and were lucky not to be down even more. Pellegrino proved himself to be a major problem in the center and left of the box, but couldn’t complete three more early chances at increasing the San Jose lead.

After amassing only 18% possession in the first 25 minutes Sacramento started to find signs of life, began some good spells of possession and got in some dangerous positions. The attack was just a step too slow, however, and the defense found ways to constantly recover holding the USL Championship side to only one shot in the first half—which was well off target.

Just as the visitors thought they might escape to the locker room with their luck intact, Judd grabbed a goal of his own. His 43rd-minute strike, off an amazing flick on assist from 19-year-old Niko Tsakiris, set the halftime scoreline at 2-0.

The second half wasn’t quite action packed as San Jose was able to hold Sacramento at arms length for most of the half. The hosts had the more dangerous of chances, including three that Pellegrino will wish he could have slotted home, but Sacramento was able to build better momentum and possession going forward.

However, what was looking to be a professional performance to close out the second half could have proven to be very nervous for San Jose. Jamar Ricketts was shown a straight red card in the 83rd minute as his challenge from behind on Aaron Edwards was immediately deemed too dangerous.

Trevor Amann was able to get a consolation goal back for Sacramento in the 6th minute of stoppage time, but it would prove too little, too late as the USL Championship side bowed out of the tournament.

San Jose Earthquakes will now prepare to host Portland Timbers on either May 20th or 21st in the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Third Round of the 110th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup had a flair for the historic. Not only did the eight Third Round matches that went to extra time break the (Modern Era) Third Round record set in 2022 and 2024, but the five matches that were decided by penalties – including one that went 10 rounds – set a new high-water mark for the Third Round as well.

Overall, four Division III sides are still in contention, while the Third Round largely belonged to the Division II’s USL Championship. USL League One has three teams remaining.

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On Tuesday night, Union Omaha dropped San Antonio FC in regulation while AV ALTA FC took a shootout win over Orange County SC. Then, on Wednesday night, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC got past Las Vegas Lights FC as they won their third consecutive PK shootout of the tournament. The last remaining MLS NEXT Pro team, Tacoma Defiance, needed a 108th-minute winner to get past Oakland Roots SC.

Unfortunately for everyone’s favorite amateur darlings, El Farolito SC, the last Open Division team standing, fell 1-0 to Sacramento Republic FC.

Individually, MD Myers will command the headlines for the round. With his hat trick against South Georgia Tormenta, he became just the third Modern Era player to record a hat trick in multiple Open Cups, and the first to ever turn the trick in back-to-back Cups.

With the Third Round wrapped, the Round of 32 and 16 MLS sides beckon. The Round of 32 draw will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo Network on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. Eastern.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)  
0:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)

By Colton Coreschi

It wasn’t easy, but the Pittsburgh Riverhounds managed to see off the Columbus Crew 2 in a rematch of their preseason contest by the same 1-0 scoreline.

While the Capybaras had an early advantage with younger, fresher legs after a 9-day rest against the Riverhounds 3-day turnaround, the veteran USL Championship side would shift momentum quickly. After numerous blocked shots, the Hounds took advantage of a far-side corner just before the 30-minute mark to seize the lone goal of the evening. Jorge Garcia’s near-post effort was re-directed towards goal by Danny Griffin, where Crew 2 goalkeeper Luke Pruter was unable to get a strong hand to it and it deflected into the back of the net.

The Crew 2 would similarly press their stamina advantage in the early second half, finally earning their first shot on-target at the hour mark. They forced a handful of crucial saves out of Hounds goalkeeper Jacob Randolph, one of the stars of the evening, but were unable to break through. After some key substitutions to bring on typical starters, the Hounds re-took control and held it through the balance of the half, fending off the hungry young MLS Next Pro side to see their victory out.

The Crew 2 end their Open Cup run after two victories, including a Cupset over Lexington SC, while the Hounds advance to a Round of 32 matchup against a to-be-determined MLS opponent.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
1:3
North Carolina FC (USL-C)

By Dave Hodges

On a cool night in Matthews, a rivalry was renewed. The Charlotte Independence welcomed their in-state adversary; North Carolina FC to town. A lot of back and forth action would take place in the first half, but no one found the back of the net. Both sides would go into the locker room tied at 0.

The hosts Independence would break the deadlock in the 49th minute. Jon Baquero would put a through ball from Luis Alvarez into the goal. The lead would only last 20 minutes for the hosts, as NCFC would score three goals in six minutes Oalex Anderson would equalize in the 71st minute. Three minutes later, Rodrigo Da Costa would score the first of his two goals in the 74th minute. Da Costa would add the third and final goal of the match for NCFC in the 76th minute. North Carolina Football Club moves on in the US Open Cup while the Independence return to league play.

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Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)  
1:2
Rhode Island FC (USL-C)

By James Knowles

In the Third Round of the US Open Cup, Portland Hearts of Pine hosted Rhode Island in a matchup between third and second tier teams. Both from the northeast, the signs of a potential rivalry were on display at times. High energy and a few injury delays characterized the first half, with some of the best chances coming from set pieces. It was the away side who scored first, with Clay Holstad redirecting a cross past Portland keeper Hunter Morse. Rhode Island doubled their lead only minutes later when the Hearts failed to clear a free kick, teeing it up perfectly for Frank Nodarse. 

The home team never thought they were out, though, feeding off the energy of the crowd. Titus Washington took that literally and ran with it, carrying the ball from just inside the halfway line into Rhode Island’s box before shooting past keeper Jackson Lee. A real turning point came when Karifa Yao was sent off in the 79th minute, just 125 seconds after his first yellow. This gave Portland a man advantage; but, it only lasted seven minutes, as Mikey Lopez was given his marching orders for a late tackle. The game ended 2-1 to Rhode Island despite some late fireworks. They will move on to the fourth round of the US Open Cup. 

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Louisville City FC (USL-C)  
2:1
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)

By Timothy Belin

In the battle of the top two teams in USL-C’s Eastern Conference, Louisville City got the better of Loudoun for already the second time this season.

After a fairly even opening 15 minutes, Louisville took the lead in the 18th minute off an error from Loudoun’s Jacob Erlandson. The centerback miscontrolled the ball while trying to turn away from Lou City’s Adrien Perez, gifting the forward with both the ball and an open net to slot it into. Ten minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead on a fast break as Amadou Dia threaded Sam Gleadle in on goal, and the forward squeezed his shot under Loudoun’s Hugo Fauroux.

After dominating possession with little penetration in the first half, Loudoun created more chances going forward in the second period. Riley Bidois had a golden chance to halve the deficit in the 58th minute, and would have done so if not for a big save by Damian Las. Loudoun had the ball in the back of the net in the 75th minute, but it was pulled back for a foul in the build up that led to a brief scrum between the two teams.

Fauroux made a great save off Gleadle in the 82nd minute to keep Loudoun’s chances alive, and Abdellatif Aboukoura scored for Loudoun in the 90th minute to give the visitors a glimmer of hope heading into stoppage time. Loudoun could not find a second before time ran out, however, and lost in Louisville for the second time this season, their only two losses from their opening nine games of 2025.

With the win in their first Open Cup game of the season, Louisville move to 12-7-3 in the competition and will face an MLS team in the Round of 32 on May 6 or 7. Loudoun made it through two rounds before falling to Louisville and are now 5-3-1 in Open Cup play.

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Charleston Battery (USL-C)  
4:0
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)

By Ian Livingston Brooking

Charleston’s MD Myers became the first player in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup to score a hat trick in back-to-back tournaments, leading the Battery to a 4-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC.

The southeast matchup between the USL League One side and Championship side has a been a lively one in recent years. Tormenta achieved the ‘cupset’ in 2022  – only to Charleston to get their revenge two years later when MD Myers netted a hat trick goal in the 120+1’ minute to snatch a 3-2 win.

On this night, Chris Allan got the party started in the Holy City when his shot from outside the box was deflected and trickled in a little over half an hour into the match.

Momentum nearly shifted towards Tormenta right before halftime when South Georgia was given a penalty – only to see it saved by Charleston and the Battery’s Myers score on an ensuing counter attack and stoppage time. 

The Battery capitalized on the momentum in the second half with Myers netting his second in the 52nd minute, scoring off a rebound. He would net his hat trick the same way 18 minutes later, becoming the first player in the modern era of the US Open Cup to score hat-tricks in back-to-back tournaments. His three-piece Tuesday night also makes him the third player to score a hat-trick in two different editions of the Open Cup. 

The shutout win for the Battery is their first regulation win in the open cup since defeating the Greenville Triumph back in 2019, when Ian Svantesson scored a double – including a stoppage time winner. It’s Charleston’s first home regulation win in the Open Cup since 2018 when they defeated – you guessed it – South Georgia Tormenta FC 1-0 at the old MUSC Health Stadium.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Union Omaha (USL-1)  
1:0
San Antonio FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Cupsets are a habit for Union Omaha, and the Owls built on the habit Tuesday night with a 1-0 dispatching of the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC. Dion Acoff scored the evening’s lone goal in the 36th minute.

Omaha enjoyed an abundance of good chances, but wouldn’t find the breakthrough until Acoff snuck one under Richard Sanchez at the near post. Defensively, Rashid Nuhu posted a three-save shutout while the defense generally kept San Antonio from getting clean looks at goal.

Union Omaha moves to 7-3-2 overall, and 2-0-1 against Division II clubs, in the US Open Cup. This is the third time in four years that the Owls have reached the Fourth Round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

AV ALTA FC (USL-1)
2:2
Orange County SC (USL-C)
AV ALTA FC advances 4-2 after penalty kicks

By Gracin Galbreath

After a back-and-forth match between regional “rivals” from the Los Angeles area, it was AV ALTA FC who got the cupset with a win in penalties.

In the 15’, a corner taken short found the feet of Ousmane Sylla; at the touchline, he dribbled past a defender and blasted it into the top corner to make it 1-0 for Orange County. For the rest of the half, there were sparse opportunities as neither side looked truly threatening.

To begin the second half, AV ALTA had momentum. They were finally rewarded in the 68’ with Luca Mastrantonio’s header to equalize—another from a corner. Just 7 minutes after that, Emmanuel Alaribe would slot the ball in the bottom right to snatch the lead for AV ALTA. But it wouldn’t last. A curling free-kick met the head of Mohamadou War, restoring an even score for Orange County in the 83rd minute. With a tied scoreline at the end of regulation, extra time beckoned.

After an extra time without much momentum for either side, a penalty shootout would decide who advanced. Denzil Smith, who subbed on for the shootout, denied Kyle Scott at the left post. Then, Benalcazar put his penalty over the bar. A penalty by a bloodstained Miguel Pajaro would secure the shootout for AV ALTA.

AV ALTA keep their debut Open Cup campaign going, while Orange County move to an all-time record of 7-11-2.

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Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)
2:1
Oakland Roots SC (USL-C)
After extra time

By Tim Abbott

Oakland were uprooted to Cascadia for their Cup debut this season, facing an upset-minded Defiance squad. Tacoma made the faster start, with Osaze De Rosario hammering a shot from the top of the area against the right hand post. Peter Kingston put the hosts on top with a rocket free kick from more than 20 yards out on the left wing, firmly into the center of goal for his first ever professional goal. Kingston also hit the post when attempting to repeat the trick.

Roots fought their way back into the game but failed to hit the target before the 75th minute, when a penalty kick was dispatched by Neveal Hackshaw for handball. Having commanded the first half, the hosts limped into Extra Time.

Defiance’s decisive blow came in the 108th minute, as De Rosario finished off a late defensive error by the Roots goalscorer Hackshaw and they withstood a late reduction to ten men to move on.  

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
3:1
Westchester SC (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott

Detroit City spent the first half on the front foot in front of their vociferous support but failed to convert a number of good chances. Westchester nearly took the lead with the last kick of the half but the bouncing effort was bundled clear. 

Morey Doner eventually broke the deadlock with a swept finish in the 71st minute. The visitors were not done, however, as Juan Carlos Obregon volleyed a bouncing ball violently into the Detroit City net only 5 minutes later. A penalty kick for Le Rouge in the 84th minute finally sealed the win, after Diouf was taken down rashly by Powder.  The hosts added another late in stoppage time, from Darren Smith, to seal it. 

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FC Naples (USL-1)
1:1
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
Tampa Bay Rowdies advance 9-8 on penalty kicks

By James Knowles

On Wednesday, FC Naples hosted the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round of the US Open Cup. After a hectic start, both teams settled into their game plan, Naples letting the visitors keep possession – as long as it wasn’t too close to goal. The Rowdies did find a breakthrough, though, when a good strike from Pacifique Niyongabire found the far post. Their lead wouldn’t last long, with Luka Prpa capitalizing only two minutes later. That’s how they would go in at the halftime whistle. 

Despite some very good chances after the break, neither team could execute. Each tried with new players and setups, unable to find a winner. They went to extra time and got even closer while still missing the target. It seems in the penalty shootout, each team wanted to make sure fans got their money’s worth. All outfield players took a shot before Naples hit the cross bar to end the game. The Rowdies move on – broken but not bent. 

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Indy Eleven (USL-C)
1:0
Miami FC (USL-C)
After extra time

By Dave Einhorn

Indy Eleven are moving onto the fourth round of the US Open Cup after defeating Miami FC. Both sides were evenly matched throughout regulation. In a match that featured few shots on target, but several great saves, it would take extra time to separate them.

The moment of magic came in stoppage time of the second half of extra time. Indy Eleven earned themselves one final opportunity from a corner. Hayden White, a substitute in the second half, lost his marker and scored a free header to seal the victory for Indy Eleven. They will await their opponent in the next round, while Miami go home. 

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FC Tulsa (USL-C)  
1:1
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Phoenix Rising FC advances 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Jordan Beech

Phoenix Rising FC emerged victorious from a penalty shootout, 4-2, to send FC Tulsa packing in Third Round action. Patrick Rakovsky saved two penalties on the night, one to force the shootout before saving the first attempt in the shootout.

After a scoreless first half, Phoenix took a 1-0 lead thanks to Jeari Margaritha’s 51st minute strike. However, following Remi Cabral’s second yellow for Phoenix in the 76th, FC Tulsa managed to send the match to extra time with a goal by Stefan Lukic.

In extra time, Tulsa thought they’d surely got the winner win Taylor Calheira stepped up to the spot following a handball in the box, but Rakovsky parried the shot away to send the match to penalties.

Wednesday’s result sees Phoenix through to the Fourth Round for the third time in four seasons. The squad is now 8-7-3 all-time in Open Cup play.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
3:2
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
After extra time

By A.D. Mosier 

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks advanced to the Round of 32 Wednesday night topping USL-1 side One Knoxville 3-1. 

Anthony Fontana had a goal and an assist for the Switchbacks in the come from behind win at home, including the game winner in the 103rd minute. 

Babacar Diene put the visitors in the lead in the second minute, taking a pinpoint ball from center back Jaheim Brown off his chest, beating the defender before smashing it past a stunned Christian Herrera to give the USL-1 side an early lead, which stood at halftime. 

Colorado Springs manager James Chambers lit a fire under his side with his halftime talk. Four minutes into the start of the second half, Steven Echevarria pulled the Switchbacks level after Knoxville failed to clear the initial corner kick. 

The Switchbacks finally took the lead in the 82nd minute when Marco Micaletto combined with Fontan inside the penalty area with a give-and-go. Micaletto had little difficulty beating the goalkeeper after receiving the picture-perfect pass from Fontana

The lead lasted less than a minute. Stavros Zarokostas smashed home a flick from Kempes Tekiela off a long, looping throw-in for Knoxville, catching the Switchbacks asleep. 

Fontana put the hosts in the lead for a second time on the night in the 103rd minute taking the ball from Yosuke Hanya on the left flank, slotting home the winner from outside the six-yard box to put the Switchbacks through to the round of 32 for the fourth time in club history. 

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New Mexico United (USL-C)
2:2
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
El Paso Locomotive FC advances 4-1 on penalty kicks

By Ginevra Spinelli

An intense derby at the University of New Mexico Soccer Complex between New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive Football Club, with 120 minutes of play, ended in a penalty shootout. For the first about 20 minutes, it was a box-to-box game with several chances created but none truly dangerous. That is, until the 21st when El Paso earned a corner kick. #12 Ricardo Ruiz delivered it to the far post, where #20 Daniel Carter was ready to head it in, scoring a surprising 0-1 for the away team. In the 39th minute, El Paso’s goalkeeper mishandled a goal kick that was immediately intercepted by McKinze Gaines of New Mexico United, who passed it to Marlon Vargas. Vargas found the back of the net from the center of the box, leveling the score at 1-1.

The second half began with a couple of chances for El Paso that weren’t converted. However, it was the home team that took the lead. In the 72nd minute, Mukwelle Akale sent a bent cross to the far post, where Jaylin Lindsey was unmarked and headed the ball into the net, putting his team in the lead for the first time tonight. But the surprises aren’t over yet. After having a goal disallowed in the 83rd minute due to an offside position, Cabrera brought his team back into the match in the dying seconds, at minute 97, striking the ball with his left foot into the bottom right corner, silencing the home crowd.

With that goal, the match went into extra time, where the pace slowed and not many chances were created over the 30 minutes. The visiting team aimed to take the match to penalties and succeeded. From the penalty spot, El Paso was ruthless, converting four penalties with confidence. New Mexico United, on the other hand, succumbed to the pressure and missed two of their three attempts. The final verdict from the penalty spot was clear and decisive: 4-1 for El Paso, who claimed the win and advanced to the next round in their deepest run yet in the US Open Cup.

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Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
1:0
El Farolito SC (NPSL)

By William Hodges

Behind a first half goal from Sacramento Republic FC forward Sebastian Herrera, Republic FC secured a 1-0 win over El Farolito in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

The goal came in the 29th minute when Republic captain and 2022 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament Rodrigo Lopez sent a deep, looping ball into the box that Herrera headed in. Lopez’s assist now gives him 12, which is the most in the Open Cup’s Modern Era (1995-present).

The lone goal was one of the few chances from either side all night, in what was a grind it out type of match featuring 13 yellow cards. 

With the win, Republic advance to Round 4 (Round of 32) and move to 23-8-2 all-time in the Open Cup, including an impressive 20-3-1 record at home.

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Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
2:2
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC advances 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Dominick Delpech 

The USL League One Chattanooga Red Wolves lit up Cashman Field with a stellar upset over the USL Las Vegas Lights.

The duel at Cashman Field remained a balanced one for the first 15 minutes with both teams finding minor attacking opportunities. But in the 18th minute, Kimball Jackson played a through ball to Zahir Vazquez between the Vegas defense as Vazquez struck the ball into the top corner giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Between the 34th and 38th minute, the game got aggressive as yellow cards were issued to Chattanooga’s Tobi Jnohope and Alhassan along with Vegas’s Joseph-Claude Gyau within this time period. Four minutes later, Jnohope committed a foul on Edison Azcona in the 18 yard box resulting in a penalty for the Lights. Azcona did not disappoint as his panenka down the middle beat the diving goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez to equalize the game 1-1 in the 42nd minute. 

Straight into the second half, Chattanooga’s Pedro Hernandez was taken down in the penalty box by Gennaro Nigro resulting in the second penalty of the match. Hernandez struck a low shot into the bottom left corner beating Nicholas Ammeter to put the Red Wolves 2-1 up. In the 63rd minute, Christian Pinzon released a powerful left footed shot that curled into the top right corner, beating the diving Jerez to level the game 2-2 for the Lights. Unable to find the back of the net again, both teams went into overtime. As the clock hit 120 and both teams remained in a stalemate, the match went into penalties.

Matthew Bentley scored to give Chattanooga the 1-0 lead in the shootout. Pinzon missed his penalty far left keeping the score 1-0. Ualefi Rodrigues had his penalty denied by Ammeter keeping the game 1-0. Christopher Pearson scored for the Lights to equalize the game. Omar Hernandez put the score 2-1 to Chattanooga. Rory O’Driscoll equalized 2-2. Hernandez again extended the lead which was equalized by Valentin Noel. Owen Green converted his penalty and Gennaro Nigro missed leading to a 4-3 win for the Red Wolves.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is done and dusted with 16 victors still standing. An often chaotic two nights of action saw enough thrillers and last minute heroics to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.

Day One on Tuesday featured five of the six total games played being decided by one goal. El Farolito continued its giant killing ways against USL Championship opponents (a win that would ultimately earn them $50,000 in prize money). FORO battled valiantly until the end in South Georgia. Chaotic scenes erupted in the Antelope Valley as AV ALTA squared up against cross county MLS NEXT Pro foes LAFC2.

Day two of the Second Rround on Wednesday night was all about a derby match over half a decade in the making, Chattanooga FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves. While the boys from Tennessee didn’t disappoint in a wire to wire game that ended in a penalty kick thriller, the evening’s other offerings provided plenty of additional storylines. The remaining amateur teams would fall and the Portland Hearts of Pine got to experience their first cup magic with a late equalizer and a penalty kick win.

When the chaos subsided, the original 32 teams had been narrowed down to four teams from the USL Championship, nine from USL League One, two from MLS NEXT Pro, and one from the NPSL. The remaining 16 USL Championship sides will enter in the Third Round. Now, our heroes will wait to see how much steeper the mountain they must climb will become —the draw to find out Third Round opponents will be on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

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Below you find a brief recap of every game from Round 2 with links to the full match report (with video highlights) as they become available:

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
3:0
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-C)

By Gracin Galbreath

Columbus Crew 2 would continue their run in this tournament by pulling off not just a cupset, but a dominant one at 3-0.

Crew 2 took an early 7th minute lead from Owen Presthus’ deflected shot that found the right corner. From that point on, Lexington kept the ball, trying to force a goal through one-two combos and wide play—to no avail. They went into the break with more possession and shots, but no equalizer to show for it. 

In the second half, they continued this strategy as Crew 2’s stout defense repelled them. Cristian Ortiz would take advantage of Edrey Cáceres losing possession, and calmly slotted it in the bottom left corner as Crew 2 doubled their lead in the 65th minute. For the rest of the match, Lexington were contained as their opponents sat back. To add salt to the wound, a third goal was added in the 95th minute by Brent Adu-Gyamfi. US U17 prospect Chase Adams assisted the opening and closing goals.

Crew 2 are now 2-0-0 in their debut campaign in the Open Cup. Lexington SC exit with an all-time record of 1-3-0, having made their longest run yet.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3:2
FORO SC (UPSL)

By James Knowles

In Statesboro, the match started very evenly. Although technically an amateur team, FORO SC had several former and prospective professionals. These players felt perfectly confident to run at the home side, with left back Kyran Pinho particularly active in putting Tormenta under pressure. The early patterns didn’t matter, though, as it was the USL League One club who scored first. Aaron Walker took advantage of a pile up at the back post to head home for South Georgia.

Each side created good chances in the second half, with Tormenta having a goal chalked off for offside. However, it would be the visitors who scored next, leveling things with a beautiful, looping finish from Gibran Rayo. But, South Georgia could not be held back. Yaniv Bazini beat the offside trap and put the home team back in the lead. Then, after a 90th minute scramble at the back, Foro won a penalty, which Brayan Padilla nonchalantly converted.

Somehow, that was not the end of this script. Another header, this time from Sebastian Vivas, gave Tormenta the advantage for a third time. Taking place during stoppage time, it was finally too late for another equalizer. With 101 minutes on the clock, full time was called, thus ensuring South Georgia moved on.

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Inter Miami CF II (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:1
Miami FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

In the Vice City Derby, it was the USL Championship’s Miami FC who emerged victorious, 1-0, over Inter Miami CF II. Francisco Bonfiglio provided the heroics for the visitors, supplying the matchwinner in the 84th minute.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was Miami FC who applied more pressure to their opponent’s defense. Matias Martin was tested seven times, and while he was equal six times, it was lucky number seven that did the MLS NEXT Pro side in. Deian Veron whipped in a corner that fell to Bonfiglio in the six-yard box. All the Argentinian had to do was slot it home at the near post to punch Miami FC’s ticket to the Third Round.

Miami FC is now 10-6-1 all-time in Open Cup play. Despite seven Open Cup appearances, this is the club’s first win over a Division 3 side.

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Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
2:1
Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Charlotte Independence needed extra time for a second-straight match, but in the end secured advancement to the Third Round, 2-1, over Carolina Core FC of MLS NEXT Pro. Souaibou Marou notched the match-winner for the hosts in the 94th minute.

Both teams scored in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Luis Alvarez took advantage of a big touch by Andrew Pannenberg on a back pass, knocking it off the keeper’s foot before slotting it into the back of the net for a 1-0 Charlotte advantage. However, the lead wouldn’t last long as Josuha Rodriguez fired home from Derek Cuevas’ service just eight minutes later to knot the score up at 1-1. Neither team would score in the remaining 80 minutes of regulation, sending the match into extra time.

Quickly after extra play began Souaibou Marou put the Independence back on top. The Cameroonian striker got behind a flat-footed Core backline on a lofted through ball from Jon Bakero. Marou faced down the on-rushing Pannenberg and chipped it over his head in the 94th minute to send Charlotte through.
The win sends the Independence to the Third Round for the third straight year. Charlotte is now 8-7-3 all-time in Open Cup play.

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Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
1:2
El Farolito (NPSL)

By Tim Thomas

The Burrito Boys ride again as El Farolito pulled off the cupset against Monterey Bay FC 2-1. On what at times was a blustery and rainy night El Farolito ended their drought against USL Championship opponents in dramatic fashion.

El Farolito came into the evening facing long odds looking to keep their Cinderella story going against a surging Monterey Bay squad. Monterey came out on the front foot early pressing El Farolito and eventually scoring a goal on a penalty kick that came as a result of a Dembor Benson handball.

Going into the half down 1-0 and with their captain subbed off due to an injury, things looked bleak for El Farolito. They came out in the second half guns blazing, leading to an Andres Zuluaga goal in the 57th minute. A chaotic scramble in front of the net would lead to the Burrito Boys game winner in the 83rd minute by Edgard Kreye.

This marks El Farolito’s first victory in the Open Cup against USL Championship opponents and their third 2-1 victory against professional opponents after trailing 1-0.

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AV ALTA FC (USL-1)
2:1
LAFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time

By A.D. Mosier

A cagey match between third division Open Cup debutant clubs saw the newly incarnated USL-1 side, AV Alta FC, top LAFC2 2-1 with a goal in the waning moments of extra time. 

Emanual Alaribe and Jimmie Vallalobos scored for AV Alta, playing only its fourth competitive match in club history. Anthony Guerra scored for the visiting LAFC2. 

Guerra put LAFC2 in the lead in the 64th minute, running onto a sublime through ball from Sebastian Nava to smash the ball past Alta goalkeeper, Carlos Avilez from inside the penalty area. 

The hosts drew level in the 80th minute when Emanual Alaribe got enough on the ball in a goal-line scrum to finally beat LAFC2 goalkeeper, Cabral Carter. 

The game was stretched in the final ten minutes. Both goalkeepers were forced to make crucial saves to keep the game level as regulation time wound down. 

With both teams looking resigned to penalty kicks, Vallalobos banged home a rebound after center back Luca Mastrantonio rose to meet an inswinging corner kick, smashing his header off the crossbar. 

Vallalabos will have to watch his club in the next round from the stands. His exuberant celebration led to his dismissal after being shown a second yellow card and subsequent red for ripping off his shirt in celebration.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
4:2
Virginia Dream FC (USASA / VSSL)

By Gracin Galbreath

It was a goalfest as USL Championship side Loudoun United neutralized two goals from amateur side Virginia Dream to advance by a score of 4-2.

The opener for Loudoun was a glancing header from Riley Bidois, just 3 minutes before the whistle. Going into the break, their 1-0 advantage remained. In the 50th minute, a low cross from Asparuh Slavov found the feet of Akingbolahan Akinkoye for the Dream’s equalizer. It was then Ben Mine’s close-range finish that restored Loudoun’s lead. Another goal from close-range, this for 3-1, was scored by Zach Ryan in the 77th minute. Nicolas Likulia’s header right down the throat of the Loudoun goal pulled one back, but it wouldn’t be enough; Zach Ryan completed his brace in stoppage time by slotting one into an open net. Loudoun had a majority of possession with 22 shots that came from it.

Loudoun United advance with a record of 5-2-1 in the Open Cup; meanwhile, the Dream is over as they go 1-1-0 in their first campaign. 

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Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)
1:1
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
Portland Hearts of Pine advances 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Jordan Beech

Portland Hearts of Pine secured their first-ever Cupset in their first-ever shootout, edging past Hartford Athletic, 1-1 (4-2), on Wednesday night in Second Round action.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock in regulation, sending the match to extra time. Unfortunately for Portland, Azaad Liadi received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow in the 96th minute. Jordan Scarlett took advantage of being up a man, nodding home in the 107th minute from Emmanuel Samadia’s service off the corner. However, Hearts of Pine leveled 10 minutes later when Evan Southern found Jake Keegan on the right side of the box.

In penalties, Hunter Morse saved Hartford’s third kick, while Nathan Messer converted to give Portland a 3-2 advantage. Michee Ngalina then missed Hartford’s fourth attempt over the crossbar, setting up Evan Southern to punch Hearts of Pine’s ticket to the next round.

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Westchester SC (USL-1)
3:2
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA / APSL)

By Ben Land

A Tri-state area clash took place this evening in Westchester County at the host’s venue in Mount Vernon, New York. The suburban hosts held down their home turf in the end.

Westchester SC opened the scoring inside 3 minutes through their captain and Honduran national team player, Juan Obregón. Obregón led the lines alongside Ermin Matic who was quiet in comparison. A mere 18 minutes later, the visitors added insult to injury by conceding an own goal in the 22nd minute. New York Pancyprian Freedoms’ center back, Jack Sluys was unlucky to get the last touch allowing Westchester to double their lead. The scoring wasn’t over just yet though. Daniel Bouman, a former Australia youth international, netted in the top left corner from inside the box at the 33rd minute mark. The half concluded three-nil in favor of the USL League One side, with a yellow card for the Pancyprian captain, Luis Argudo

The Pancyprian Freedoms showed resolve,mustering a total of 12 shots, 4 of which were on target in the match. Pablo Herrera had one of those shots, which he converted from close range in the 54th minute off a corner. A minute later Obregón of Westchester FC was carded for a handball. The visitors continued to push for a second until stoppage time when they finally broke through for a second time, courtesy of James Thristino. Jordan Bailon whipped in a delicious cross which Thristino finished emphatically with the left foot from about 8 yards out.

The match finished 3-2 Westchester FC, who held off a last second rally from the amateur New York City based side. The hosts move on to the Third Round and the fairytale run for the Pancyprian Freedoms, the three-time Open Cup champs, comes to an end in their home state.

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Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:1
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC advances 5-4 on penalties

By Gracin Galbreath

The long-awaited “Chattanooga Derby” took place in this Round Two of the US Open Cup; in the end, the Scenic City was Red.

Just 7 minutes in, a free-kick from Omar Hernandez would give the Red Wolves a lead. 12 minutes later, CFC had their own free-kick goal as Daniel Mangarov nestled one into the top corner for their equalizer. It was a back-and-forth affair from then on, as CFC held most of the ball while the Red Wolves played on the counter. A scrum—which is expected between crosstown rivals—brought the match to the end of regulation. By then, they had combined for 19 shots with only a sliver being on target.

A scrummy first half of extra time would take place; CFC continued to build towards the final third while the Red Wolves picked up the scraps, but it amounted to nothing. The second half of extra time saw the Red Wolves with more momentum, but so remained the scoreline. It would ultimately go to penalties. CFC immediately went down 1-0 as Ricardo Jerez denied Mangarov. With just the last penalty to make, Owen Green rippled the right netting to send the Red Wolves through.

Chattanooga FC now have a record of 3-8-5 in Open Cup play, while the Chattanooga Red Wolves are 4-4-0 and tie the record for their deepest run yet.

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Greenville Triumph (USL-1)
1:3
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)

By Ian Livingston Brooking 

One Knoxville scored two goals in the first 25 minutes en route to a 3-1 victory over Greenville Triumph on Wednesday night, advancing to the Third Round in the US Open Cup for the first time in club history. 

Stavros Zarokostas scored the opening goal just before the 14-minute mark, then found teammate Mark Doyle not even 10 minutes later to double Knoxville’s advantage in the Upstate.

Greenville looked to cut the lead in half just before halftime after a penalty was given, only to see it saved by Knoxville’s Johan Garibay. Despite going down a man within the first five minutes of the second half, the Triumph upped the pressure and finally got the goal they’d been pushing for in the 55th minute.

The Triumph continued to put the pressure on their fellow USL League One side, with many chances coming in the final 10 minutes. However, Knoxville’s Babacar Diene caught a long pass upfield and slotted the ball into the back of the net late in stoppage time, sealing the historic victory.

With this win, One Knoxville avenges a 3-2 defeat to the Triumph in last year’s edition of the tournament and improved their all-time Open Cup record to 3-2-0. They will know their next opponent following the Third Round draw on Thursday, April 3.

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FC Naples (USL-1)
3:0
Little Rock Rangers (USL-2)

By Jordan Beech

FC Naples was untroubled by Little Rock Rangers, claiming a 3-0 triumph on Wednesday night in Second Round action. Three different players scored for the host side against the amateur visitors.

Jayden Onen wasted no time in getting the party started, scoring in the opening minute of play for FC Naples with a shot from distance. Brecc Evans then doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, heading home Luka Prpa’s corner service. With the match well in hand, Andres Ferrin put a bow on the proceedings with the host’s third goal in the 77th minute of play.

FC Naples has now picked up two wins in their inaugural Open Cup campaign, with both wins coming against amateur sides.

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Forward Madison (USL-1)
1:3
FC Tulsa (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

In a rough match that saw seven cards handed out, FC Tulsa escaped Wisconsin with a 3-1 win over USL League One’s Forward Madison. 

The visitors from the Sooner State went up 2-0 in the first half thanks to Owen Damm and Kalil ElMedkhar. Damm drew first blood in the 21st minute, with ElMedkhar following suit in the 31st minute.

Shortly after the restart, Tulsa went up 3-0 as Taylor Calheira, who already had an assist on the evening, converted from the spot. Forward Madison would pull one back in the 68th minute thanks to Nazeem Bartman to put the final touches on the scoreline. However, with the match all but wrapped up, Tulsa’s Boubacar Diallo received a second yellow card and made an early trip to the locker room.

As a result of the win, FC Tulsa punches its ticket to the Third Round for the fifth time, including their third time in four years. Now 7-8-1 overall in Cup action, Wednesday night was just the third road win for Tulsa, and their second of the 2025 Open Cup campaign.

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Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
1:2
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Irlanda Cecilia Tangarife

Nothing but excitement, passion, a great battle Wednesday night in Des Moines, Iowa where the US Open Cup was hosted by the Des Moines Manace against Union Omaha. Starting off the game in the first 15 minutes, the Des Moines Menace, armed with their roster of former MLS stars, held strong on their defense, but Union Omaha came with great possession, and at the 17th minute, Dion Acoff got his team in the lead. He couldn’t have done it without the great assist from Aaron Gomez, however, this drove Gomez to fight for more. Not long after, in the 33rd minute, Aaron Gomez made a spectacular goal with the assist from Sergio Ors Navarro. This left the Owls up 2-0 in the first half, leaving the pitch strong and together.

Although Des Moines Menace were down 2-0 in the first half, this just made them become more driven and motivated to catch up. Fighting in the box to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net, a second yellow card was issued to the Union Omaha’s Brand Knapp when he fouled Des Moines’ Benny Feilhaber. The two-time Open Cup champion (Sporting KC with 2015 & 2017) cut the lead in half from the penalty spot in the 54th minute. Knapp’s second yellow card left the Owls vulnerable and having to stay strong to keep their defensive shape and not risk another goal. The Menace fought hard, had greater possession in the second half, and created multiple chances but were unable to find the equalizer as Union Omaha reached the Third Round for the fourth year in a row.

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Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)
2:1
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott

There were moments when Defiance looked to be coasting to a win after Joonma Kang’s third-minute goal, but after a Luis Gil equalizer in the 78th minute, the Velocity goal led a charmed life with Edson Carli and Tsukanome hitting the crossbar and a Gil header trickling in, sent the Defiance defense scrambling in stoppage time at the end of regulation. 

After hitting the crossbar yet again, Carli got the hosts back ahead, seizing on a cross from the left, pulling the ball back on the right before a deflection took the ball back inside the left-hand post. The match ended dramatically as Anuar Pelaez bicycled right into the keeper’s gloves. 

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Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:3
El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)

By A.D. Mosier

El Paso Locomotive rode two first half goals and an early Ventura County FC red card to advance to the third round with a 3-0 win at Dignity Health Park’s Track Stadium. 

Daniel Carter Bodden, Antonio Alfaro, tallied first half goals to keep the third division side at bay, and Andreas Cabrera put the game out of reach within the final ten minutes. All three of El Paso’s goals were scored from inside the six-yard box. 

Shortly after going down two goals, things went from bad to worse when Jason Bucknor was shown a second yellow card in five minutes to put the visitors up a man. El Paso would keep that advantage for just under a half an hour when Alfaro picked up his second yellow card on the night, leveling things at 10 players each. 

El Paso took the lead in the 17th minute when Alfaro flicked on an inswinging corner kick from the right side. The flicked ball shot across the face of the goal before Bodden got enough on the ball to get it over the line. 

El Paso doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, from the opposite corner this time, when Ventura County goalkeeper, JT Marcinkowski could not get through the crowded six-yard box to play the ball, allowing it to float to the far post where it found Alfaro. 

Cabera, the coach’s son, put the game away with nine minutes to play, slotting home a Beto Avila cross at the far post to put the game out of reach. 

With the win, El Paso advances to the third round for just the second time in club history.   

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