Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Steven Bayley

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: US Club Soccer tournament kicks off to decide play-in game representative

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UPDATE (4/13/12): Zicuiran 28 has withdrawn from the competition, leaving Napoli to represent Southern California in the Final.

US Club Soccer’s qualifying tournament to determine their US Open Cup representative in a play-in game against the NPSL’s Bay Area Ambassadors is taking place in California this month. Four teams will battle to take part in the game, which will be hosted by the Ambassadors on April 28.

The winner of a three-team Northern California qualifying group containing NorCal Premier Soccer League sides Sacramento United Legend, Pacific Los Gatos Storm, and Stanislaus United Turlock Express will play April 22 against Napoli, the Southern California representative from the Central Coast Soccer Association.

The first two games of the NorCal group stage were played March 31 and April 1. Pacific Los Gatos Storm beating Sacramento United Legend in the Saturday game by the score of 4-1, courtesy of a first half brace by PLGS’ Dan Oka, and a second half pair from Enrique “Qeeks” Tovar that put the game away for Pacific Los Gatos.  Less than 24 hours later, PLGS appeared understandably sluggish in their second game of the weekend, against a rested Stanislaus United Turlock Express side seeing its first action in the qualifying tournament. Stanislaus United got the 3-1 victory, and sits atop the group heading into this Saturday’s group stage finale with Sacramento United Legend. Stanislaus needs only a draw to advance to the next round and book the April 22 US Club Soccer final which will take place at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, Calif. at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

In only its second year of competition, The Angels Confrontation has quickly established itself as one of the premier amateur leagues in the country. The league has been making an effort to build a fanbase, and last year’s championship game between San Nicholas and 2010 Open Cup qualifier Doxa Italia shows some of the progress that’s been made (SEE VIDEO BELOW).

2012 US Club Soccer Open Cup qualifying tournament

Northern California

March 31: Pacific Los Gatos Storm 4:1 Sacramento United Legend
April 1:  Stanislaus United Turlock Express 3:1 Pacific Los Gatos Storm
April 7: Stanislaus United Turlock Express 1:0 Sacramento United Legend

Southern California

April 15: Zicuiran 28 vs. Napoli
*Zicuiran 28 withdrew from the competition, Napoli advances to the Final.

US Club Soccer Final

April 22: Stanislaus United Turlock Express 5:2 Napoli
Chukchansi Park – Fresno, CA – 1:30 p.m. kickoff

NPSL / US Club Soccer Play-In Game (Win & You’re In)

April 28: Stanislaus United Turlock Express at Bay Area Ambassadors
Richmond High School – Richmond, Calif. – 5:30 p.m. PT

2012 US Open Cup Qualifying: NY Greek American Atlas dispatch first-timers Battery Park Gunners in Region I opener (Video)

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Despite a vast difference in the two clubs, it took four-time US Open Cup champion club New York Greek American Atlas 84 minutes before finding two late strikes to knock out upstart Boston-area club Battery Park Gunners Sunday in the opening round of the USASA Region I tournament.

The late New York burst included goals from former Major League Soccer player Chris Megaloudis in the 84th minute and Keith Detelj in the 86th.

The second half was characterized by waves of attack from the Greek Americans. Battery Park moved the ball through midfield capably but was unable to get an organized attack moving into the final third of the field.  New York dominated possession in the second half and earned the victory on a cold and blustery field.  Game time temperature was 44 and repeated wind gusts in excess of 30 miles per hour were present from the opening kick.  Greek American presented an organized attack, building through the back and getting more comfortable as the game wore on.

“Yeah, it was hard work, the Boston team are very hard working, very well organized,” said Greek American manager Michael Todd. “We had plenty of chances we didn’t put away, but we kept playing and eventually we got one of the chances and put it away so I’m very pleased.”

The conditions made the going tough for both teams, especially Battery Park, who appeared less comfortable moving the ball on the ground and whose long balls were continually ineffective in penetrating a solid New York defense.

“I thought we did well – the first half a little stronger – but lost our legs early in the second half,” said BPG’s Brian Griffith. “And (Greek American) clearly played well together tactically, where we weren’t as good moving the ball. We weren’t able to break through.

“It was fun to come and play, they’re a good side and I think we have a strong team to try to keep building on and hopefully be able to put it together a little more tactically and technically moving forward.”

New York Greek American Atlas has won four Open Cup championships (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974)

For Battery Park, the 2012 entry into the USASA’s Open Cup qualification process was a trial balloon that showed some promise for a club that does not have a dedicated coach or experience playing against this type of competition.

“Yeah, we never even entered the Open Cup; this is our first time playing in it, and definitely it’s a learning experience,” added Griffith. “We want to play competitively, but in order to bring this to the next level we’d have to commit to practicing more, a little more organization. We don’t have a coach.  We don’t have a lot of the things of some of these other clubs that have the history.

“I think it’s a learning experience and something to build on, and certainly we know now the competition we are going to be playing against; and that’s why we’re doing it – you know. To see what’s out there, see how we stack up.  We’ve collected a good group of guys, have a lot of fun playing, and that’s our main focus – enjoy it and build from there, and hopefully get better results.”

Greek American certainly have the history, with four US Open Cups to their name – three from 1967-69 and a fourth in 1974.  The club, more recently, has won five of the last 11 Eastern NY championships, but hasn’t qualified for the Open Cup since 2005. That year, they were eliminated in the opening round by current manager Michael Todd and the Ocean City Barons (now Ocean City Nor’easters) of the PDL.

Looking to the future though, Greek American have their work cut out for them as a home date April 22nd with New Jersey champ Jersey Shore Boca is all that stands between Greek American and a berth in the first round of the US Open Cup.

“Every game at this level is going to be very hard, and were going to have to step it up in the next round I’m sure,” concluded Todd.

The loser of the April 22nd match will not be eliminated from Open Cup contention however, as the semifinal losers will get to play for the third and final US Open Cup qualifying spot out of the competitive USASA Region I field.  The other semifinal pits the DC/VA champion Aegean Hawks against Maryland champion Maryland Bays.

Video: Highlights through 80th minute

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup – First Round
Field 75 – Randall’s Island – 2 p.m.

NY Greek American Atlas 2:0 Battery Park Gunners

NY: Chris Megaloudis 84
NY: Keith Detelj 86

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup tournament

Round 1 (April 1)
Game 1: Battery Park Gunners (Mass.) 0:2 NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Game 2: West Chester United Predators (East PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)

Semifinals (April 22)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) at NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
Semifinal winners qualify for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Third Place Game (April 29)
Semifinal loser vs. Semifinal loser
Winner qualifies for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Battery Park Gunners win Massachusetts USASA title, reach Region I event

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In a toughly contested match the Battery Park Gunners outlasted local rivals Mass Premier Soccer to take a 2-1 victory and earn a trip to Randalls Island in New York City to take on East New York champion New York Greek American Atlas this Sunday as the Massachusetts state champions in the USASA Region I tournament.

On a day when most of the New England soccer community’s attention was focused on Foxboro for the New England Revolution’s 2012 home opener, another important game slipped quietly under the radar.  Amid little fanfare the 2012 Massachusetts US Open Cup state final was played at Dilboy Field in Somerville.  There was a lot on the line, as the winner would secure passage through to the USASA Region I tournament and put themselves just two wins away from qualification for the 2012 US Open Cup.

The game had an energetic and crisp feel from the outset with Battery Park Gunners dictating the pace early on.  Battery Park opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Bobby Linaberry charged through the MPS defense and found the end of a perfectly timed Dan Schultz through ball. He then tucked it into the side netting to give Battery Park the early lead.

MPS fought back, showing plenty of spirit and unluckily had a goal bound ball cleared off the line by Battery Park back Jason Pan in the 34th.

Just minutes later Battery Park Gunners launched a counter attack, again orchestrated by a Dan Schultz pass.  Schultz targeted Linaberry on the wing, and Linaberry delivered a sharp cross to Jesse Milling, who scored to put the Gunners up 2-0 at the half.

MPS, sensing the desperation of the moment, came out on fire after the half.  MPS moved to an aggressive 3-4-3 formation and dictated the pace in the early minutes of the second session.  As a result of this strategy, MPS was vulnerable in defense and narrowly escaped Battery Park securing a victory with a third goal multiple times.  As the game wore on, MPS’s aggressive stance began to pay off with longer stretches of possession and finally in the 67th minute, MPS got on the board when Jeff Newman ably handled a botched Battery Park clearance and got MPS right back in the game.

MPS continued to bring the game to Battery Park in the waning moments and nearly got the equalizer on two separate occasions, once from a well delivered header on a corner and once on a set piece from 25 yards out.

Battery Park held it together though, and in the end came out victorious, setting up a game this weekend with East NY Champ, New York Greek American Atlas.  The First Round game will be played at Randalls Island Sports Complex, Field #75 at 2:00 PM Sunday April, 1st.  The winner of this game will host New Jersey champ Jersey Shore Boca on April 22nd with a coveted slot in the 2012 US Open Cup on the line.

Massachusetts USASA Open Cup Final
Battery Park Gunners 2:1 Mass Premier Soccer
Dilboy Field – Somerville, MA  2:00 PM  3/24/12

Scoring Summary:
BPG: Bobby Linaberry  (Dan Schultz) 21’
BPG: Jesse Milling (Bobby Linaberry) 38’
MPS: Jeff Newman 67’

Misconduct:
Battery Park, Kevin Griffith, Dissent
Battery Park, Ben Shuleva, Unsporting behavior (reckless tackle)

Officials:
Referee: Randall Kelley
AR1: Ken Koopmans
AR2: Kara Honthumb
4th: Andrew Wilson

Past Massachusetts Open Cup champions
2011: Mass Premier Soccer
2010: Emigrantes Das Ilhas
2009: Emigrantes Das Ilhas*
2008: Boston Olympiakos*
2007: Lowell Revolution
2006: Green Briar Rebels
2005: Green Briar Rebels
2004: Boston Olympiakos
2003: Green Briar Rebels
2002: Hellas United

*Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Massachusetts, New Jersey crown USASA state champions Saturday

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In Region I qualifying action this weekend, the Massachusetts USASA US Open Cup final is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Dilboy Field in Somerville, where 2011 Region I tournament qualifier and defending Massachusetts champion Mass Premier Soccer will take on the Battery Park Gunners. New Jersey is also hosting its state final Saturday. Go Soccer FC and Jersey Shore Boca will meet at the John F. Patrick Sports Complex in Lakewood, NJ.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30.

The two clubs in Massachusetts are very familiar with each other, both competing in the Bay State Soccer League Division 1.  Battery Park Gunners are defending 2011 League champs, posting a 15-1-2 record last year, while MPS finished third in the table at 14-3-1.

This is the first of four potential meetings for the local rivals in 2012.  In addition to USOC play, the teams will meet home and home on June 30 and Aug. 25 respectively, and appear to be on a collision course for a possible May 19 match up in the second round of the BSSL’s McKenzie Cup competition.

Expect a high level of play in this match, though it’s a shame it is scheduled for the same day as the New England Revolution’s home opener, a doubleheader that also features an international women’s friendly between Canada and Brazil.

The winner of the match will face nearly immediate competition in the USASA Region I tournament with a road trip April 1 to play NY Greek American Atlas, champions out of Eastern New York.

In the Garden State, Go Soccer FC is looking to qualify for the US Open Cup in 2012 after coming up one game short at the regional tournament in 2011. The defending New Jersey state champs beat FC Fort United 1-0 on a frozen field in Bridgewater last March to claim their spot on the Region I tournament.

They went on to beat Club Atletico VA, the 2011 DC/VA champs, by a score of 2-1 in the first round but failed to secure a place in the Open Cup after falling to Eastern Pennsylvania champ Phoenix SC, 3-0, in a game in which they gave up a penalty kick and an own goal.

Four teams took part in the New Jersey qualifying tournament this year with Go Soccer defeating Soccer Dreams 5-1 and Saturday’s opponent, Jersey Shore Boca, had no trouble in their opening match, crushing Santorini 10-0.

The New Jersey champ this year books themselves a bye in the Region I tournament and will await the winner of the April 1 match between NY Greek American Atlas and the Massachusetts winner.  That game is tentatively scheduled for April 22.

RELATED: Details of the 2012 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying tournament

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays top Charm City 3-1, repeat as USASA state champions

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WOODBINE – The Maryland Bays are heading back to the USASA Region I qualifying tournament for the second time in as many years after defeating local rivals Charm City by the score of 3-1.  In winning, the Bays secured their berth in the Region I tournament at the expense of Charm City, as in 2011, when they defeated Charm City by the score of 5-1.

The outcome of the game was never really in doubt this year either as the Bays opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Mike Gill beat Charm City keeper Mike Sevehla. He received the ball from Man of the Match Powell Cucciella near the penalty spot and fired it in from point blank range.

Cucciella had a hand in all three goals, setting up Antonio Bua in the 22nd when he delivered a long ball over the top that caught forward Bua in stride. Bua proceeded to outmuscle the last defender and loop a deft ball off the outstretched fingertips of Sevehla and take the 2-0 lead.

The Bays kept their foot on the gas and at 40 minutes were rewarded for the effort when center mid Lucas Emil slotted a pass from the edge of the box to a breaking Cucciella, who slid in with the ball from the six and put the game effectively out of reach by the half.

The wind was a factor in the second half with Charm City the beneficiary. But although Charm City dominated second half possession, the Bays kept their shape in the back and allowed few real scoring chances.

Finally, in the 80th minute, Charm City got on the board via a 25 yard blast from center mid Dan Lader, who beat Bays keeper Phil Latham with a low rocket inside the near post. It was too little, too late for Charm City as the Bays triumphed 3-1 to advance to the USASA US Open Cup Region I Qualifying Tournament.

Maryland received a first round bye in the regionals and await the winner of the April 1 game between Eastern Pennsylvania’s champion West Chester United Predators and Metro DC/Virginia title holder Aegean Hawks.  The Bays will be on the road for the semifinal match, tentatively scheduled for April 29, with the winner advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Related: Semifinal Recap [+]

Maryland USASA US Open Cup Qualifying State Tournament Final
Western Regional Park – Woodbine, MD
Sunday March 4, 2012

Maryland Bays 3:1 Charm City

MB: Mike Gill (Powell Cucciella) 12
MB: Antonio Bua (Powell Cucciella) 22
MB: Powell Cucciella (Lucas Emil) 40
CC: Dan Lader 80

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City, Maryland Bays advance to USASA Maryland final rematch

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An experienced Charm City squad was a 3-1 winner over a strong but young Baltimore Juniors team on Sunday paving the way for their entrance into the US Open Cup Maryland state final March 4. On the other side of the bracket the defending champion Maryland Bays blanked Christos FC, 2-0, in the second match of the semifinal doubleheader at Western Regional Park in Woodbine despite using a field player in goal for the overtime affair.

The championship pairing in two weeks’ time will be a rematch of the 2011 final between Charm City and the Maryland Bays, a pair of clubs that have been to the past two Region I tournaments, respectively, as representatives for the state.

Charm City capped a hard fought first 45 against Baltimore Juniors when Scott Zakroski delivered a picturesque volley into the upper corner off a Lou Brunetti cross in first half stoppage time to give Charm City the momentum going into the half.

The game, however, got chippy after the break, including Ben Pardew being taken down in the penalty area.  Baltimore Juniors’ Dan Martinnsen was ejected for the foul as it was a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity, but Charm Cmarity missed the kick from the spot when Baltimore Juniors keeper Tom Durkin tipped the shot wide.

Not to be deterred, Charm City kept their foot on the gas and came right back down the field. Wiji Jones delivered a perfect cross, his third assist in two games, and Tommy Appel-Schumacher headed it in for the 2-0 advantage on 62 minutes.

Baltimore got one back in the 80th minute when Andrew Stoenfeld hammered in a free kick from distance.

A chance at equalizing was dashed though for Baltimore when Wiji Jones, showing a penchant for game sealers, tapped home his second late goal in as many weeks. It was the result of a strong individual effort from Luke Pardew beating his defender down the end line and going hard in the box before finding Jones for the tap in for a 3-1 win, giving Charm City an aggregate score of 12-2 over the opposition through two rounds of play having won 9-1 the week before.

While the first match was clinched for certainty in the late stages, the second contest went the distance as the Bays and Christos played to a scoreless stalemate for 90 minutes. The Bays would advance through to the final with a pair of strikes in the final three minutes of overtime.

The deadlock ended in the 117th minute via an Andrew Gillis goal, deep in the second overtime assisted by Will Beckman.

The scoring was capped off by a Jon Ports empty netter as the Christos goal was open after the whole team had pushed up in search of an equalizer in the waning seconds.

Christos had their chances in the second half, but failed to capitalize while the Bays displayed the form that delivered them the 2011 State Open Cup title.  Making the victory all the more impressive for the Bays was that they did it without an established goalkeeper.  Matt Beale played in goal for the Bays, a change from his usual role as a defensive outside midfielder.  According to coach Bryan Bugarin, regular keeper Phil Latham is expected to be back in goal for the final.

Bugarin used to play for Christos himself before the Bays were formed in 2009 as a result of a reunion of a group of talented post-collegiate players who rose together through the youth ranks.

“The players’ comfort with each other shows on the field.” said Bugarin. It is certainly reflected in the clubs all-time record of 69-7-6.

The final is a rematch of last year’s championship clash, a game that went 5-1 in favor of the Bays courtesy of four Marco Mangione goals.  The Bays will be without Mangione this time around as he signed with GD Tourizense of the Segunda Divisao (Portuguese third division) in January.

It is the third consecutive year in which Charm City has reached the final, though in 2010 the state skipped the contest and sent both finalists directly onto the Region I tournament without crowning a singular champion.

Charm City player/coach Pat Crawford is looking forward to the challenge. “The Bays won the league last fall with a 14-0-2 record, they are well coached, are always technically sound, and I’m sure they will be looking to get back at us after we beat them 3-0 in the fall,” he said of the opposition.

The championship game will be held on March 4 at the same field where the rest of the games have been held: Western Regional Park (Field #5) in Woodbine.

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD
Sunday, Feb.  19, 2012

Charm City 3:1 Baltimore Juniors
CC: Scott Zakroski (Lou Brunetti) 45
CC: Tommy Appel-Schumacher (Wiji Jones) 62
BJ: Andrew Stoenfeld 80
CC: Wiji Jones (Luke Pardew) 89

Maryland Bays 2:0 (AET) Christos FC
MB: Andrew Gillis (Will Beckman) 117
MB: Jon Ports 120

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: USASA Maryland Qualifying down to four with Christos FC, Charm City wins

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Christos FC and Charm City emerged victorious in the first round of the Maryland state tournament in 2012 US Open Cup qualifying action.  Christos moves on to play Maryland Bays in the semifinals while Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC.  The semis will take place at Western Regional Park, Field #5 on Sunday February 19.

Christos and the Bays will be kicking things off at 11 a.m. with the Charm City contest against Baltimore Juniors following immediately after at approximately 1 p.m. The state championship match will be held two weeks later, March 4, at the same location at 1 p.m.

Christos FC defeated Baltimore Kickers 3-1 in the opening round this past Sunday amid tough conditions and a frozen pitch with temperatures below freezing.  With winds gusting at 25 miles per hour, it was a rough going in the first half. Christos, however, carried the run of play throughout and were rewarded for their efforts via a goal from Benny Kujawa.

Ryan Sears knotted the game at 1-1 when he connected for Baltimore.

In the second half Christos made their superior quality felt and cashed in on chances from Glenn Leitch and Daniel Ankrah to take the 3-1 win.  Christos moves on to face 2011 Maryland US Open Cup champion Maryland Bays.

On the other side of the bracket, Charm City manhandled a thoroughly outclassed and inexperienced Juniors United FC side, making their USASA Open Cup debut. The match finished 9-1, even with Charm City making six substitutions at the half.

Open Cup competition proved to be too big a step up in quality from the Cosmopolitan League for Junior United, and credit to Charm City for handling themselves with class throughout.

Charm City opened the scoring on the eight-minute mark with Noah Merl slotting home a goal from Scott Zakroski.  The tone was set. After Pat Crawford connected in the 14th and Lou Burnetti in the 32nd, Tarik Walker slammed a penalty kick home from the spot to head to the break up 4-0.

Josh Robinson and Ben Delisle each tallied twice for Charm City in the second half and Wiji Jones got in on the action in the 81st minute as well.

Juniors United’s lone tally was a penalty.  Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC in the second game of the semifinals this Sunday.

Maryland USASA Open Cup First Round

Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC 3:1 Baltimore Kickers

Christos: Benny Kujawa
Baltimore: Ryan Sears
Christos: Glenn Leitch
Christos: Daniel Ankrah

Charm City 9:1 Juniors United FC

Charm City: Noah Merl (Scott Zakroski) 8
Charm City: Pat Crawford (Mike Svhela) 14
Charm City: Lou Burnetti (Noah Merl) 32
Charm City: Tarik Walker penalty 45
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Wiji Jones) 66
Charm City: Josh Robinson (Wiji Jones) 67
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Josh Robinson) 73
Charm City: Wiji Jones (Todd Clingan) 81
Juniors United: Josh Robinson penalty 89

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Sunday, February 19
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC vs. Maryland Bays – 11 a.m.
Baltimore Juniors FC vs. Charm City FC – 1 p.m.

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