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Tavio Palazzolo

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Cedeno’s PK, Smith’s stoppage time finish send Detroit City FC through

April 17, 2025 by Tavio Palazzolo

Detroit City FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Westchester SC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Westchester SC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Westchester SC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Detroit City FC

Detroit City FC welcomed a Third Division club to Keyworth Stadium for the fourth straight year to start its US Open Cup journey, but faced off against their first USL League One opponent – one playing a professional side in the competition for the very first time: newcomers Westchester SC. This match finished as all the rest of those aforementioned matches have: with a Le Rouge victory as DCFC won, 3-1, after two late goals by Jeciel Cedeño and Darren Smith.

With the win, Detroit City FC moves on to the Round of 32, guaranteeing a chance to play a Major League Soccer team. Head coach Danny Dichio, having felt the joys of advancing past an MLS side last year (they defeated 2023 Champions Houston Dynamo on penalties on the road), is looking to host one this time around. 

“I’d love to host an MLS club here. I really would,” he said. “To have an MLS club here at Keyworth on a magical night. That’s my dream for the Open Cup this year.”

Detroit’s Michael Bryant was wearing the captain’s armband for the night with long-time captain Stephen Carroll taking the night off, as were many regular Detroit City players due to a rotated squad. Players like Haruki Yamazaki and Dominic Gasso earned their first starts of the season. Meanwhile, Westchester essentially fielded a fully rested starting lineup since they had last weekend off.

Other than an early corner kick by Westchester earned after a turnover within 30 seconds of kickoff, Detroit dominated play for the first 20 minutes of the match, controlling the vast majority of possession and sending in chance after chance. However, none of those efforts particularly threatened Westchester goalkeeper Dane Jacomen. The 18th minute saw the first true build up by the visitors, working the ball in the DCFC half for a while until a through ball was effectively guided beyond the end line by Bryant. 

The best chance of the first half for Detroit came in the 43rd minute, when Bryant sent a long ball from the back towards striker Ben Morris. Westchester defender Tobi Adewole was able to get his head to it, but it allowed Morris to sneak past him. The ball just got away from him though as Jacomen was able to collect. Three minutes later saw Westchester’s best chance of the half as it approached the end. A Noah Powder corner kick caught goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña off his line, and Jonathan Bolanos settled the delivery inside the six. Unfortunately for the visitors, Gasso was there to clear out the danger.

The second half saw more excitement and more physicality. The first shot on target by either side came courtesy of Powder in the 48th minute. He was given a layup from teammate Juan Obregon about 25 yards out, but his resultant shot trickled into the box and was easily collected by Saldaña. Six minutes later in the 54th, Morris found himself with the ball near the end line surrounded by two defenders. He was able to get it toward the top of the six-yard box, where Sebastian Guenzatti sent a bicycle kick just wide right. The physicality came courtesy of Gasso, who in the 55th minute made a reckless challenge on Westchester defender Stephen Payne, earning himself a yellow card.

The 71st minute finally saw the first goal of the match, and it came via an initial feed from Yamazaki on the left wing to Jay Chapman in the box near the end line. He was able to send a flat cross to Morey Doner at the penalty spot, where Doner sent a one-timer past a helpless Jacomen, giving Le Rouge the 1-0 lead. His celebration? The Macarena, coordinated with Cedeño – in Doner’s own words – “a week in advance.”

That lead wouldn’t stay there for long, though. Just five minutes later in the 76th, Powder sent a ball up to Obregon near the top of the box. He settled it (partially with his face) and volleyed a rocket just under the crossbar beyond the reach of Saldaña to tie it at 1-1. It was Obregon’s fifth US Open Cup goal (his third this year).

The goals kept coming late. Detroit had the opportunity to take the lead for good in the 84th minute as Ates Diouf stormed into the box, only for Powder to stick out his foot in and tackle him. A penalty was called, and Cedeño stepped up to the spot. His shot was fired into the left corner past a diving Jacomen, who guessed correctly, but couldn’t reach far enough to deflect. The goal from the spot gave Detroit City the 2-1 lead they needed.

DCFC got a capper in stoppage time to secure the win. In the 94th minute, Payne (on the left wing) looked to relieve pressure by sending a ball back to Jacomen. However, Detroit substitute Jordan Adebayo-Smith, witnessing the slow roller, would seize the opportunity. He was able to touch the ball forward just before crashing into Jacomen, leaving the ball trickling towards an empty net. Smith was there to put it home and give Le Rouge the 3-1 victory.

Yamazaki, named Man of the Match for his tough play and chance creation having played the full 90 minutes, embraced the idea of playing in his first match at home for Detroit. 

“I felt really good since the first minute of the game. … I’ve never played in front of that crowd before, so it kept me going,” he said.

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Westchester SC

2024 US Open Cup Round 3: Late winner by Maxi Rodriguez adds smoke to Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars rivalry

April 17, 2024 by Tavio Palazzolo

Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Michigan Stars in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer
Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Michigan Stars in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer
Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Michigan Stars in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer

Smoke, darkness, and smell was anticipated to be the theme of the evening at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich., but it took until the third minute of second half stoppage time for it to be fully unleashed. It came in the form of a goal from Maxi Rodriguez on a through ball from captain Stephen Carroll to give Detroit City FC (USL Championship) a 1-0 win over longtime foe Michigan Stars FC (NISA).

Both teams came out with high energy, knowing the stakes of not only a Cup match, but a derby match. Despite these teams currently playing in different leagues, these two teams have faced off in all but two years since 2013 (mostly in league play). Their last battle came in the 2022 Second Round as Le Rouge cruised to a 3-0 victory.

Late heroics yet again from @MaxiRodrigue21 in the @opencup – set up by the Captain @stevecarrol!

Into the Round of 32!#DCTID pic.twitter.com/akVbrmDPeL

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 17, 2024

The Stars brought a lineup that included multiple MLS veterans in local standout Justin Meram as well as Harrison Afful. Meanwhile, Detroit City rotated their roster, giving a few players such as Daniel Espeleta and goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña their first starts of the year, while keeping standouts such as Carroll, Rodriguez, and former Stars defender Devon Amoo-Mensah in the lineup.

Both teams looked to pressure on the offensive end, but each team’s respective defense was able to neutralize opportunities early. The first threatening chance didn’t come until the 10th minute as Detroit’s Yazeed Matthews received a through ball on the right side of the 18 yard box from Rodriguez, only for his effort to hit the side netting.

They earned a second chance in the 23rd minute as Rodriguez set up another chance, this time for Espeleta, who cut past a defender only for Stars goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva to step in to knock the ball away.

pic.twitter.com/79bcqM30Wf

— No Context Detroit City FC (@NoContextDCFC) April 16, 2024

Just before halftime is when things started to heat up to the expected temperature fans have come to expect from this matchup. In the 43rd minute, Rodriguez earned a yellow card for a challenge on Meram after he turned the ball over.

Less than a minute later, Stars midfielder Colin Stripling would run through Rodriguez, knocking him over and earning his own yellow card from referee Kevin Fikar. Detroit would get one last chance before half as a long ball found the feet of Matthews near the top of the box, where he shot while fighting off Afful. Mkuruva would come up with a big save to keep the scoreline 0-0 at the break.

Another great night at Keyworth⚜️ pic.twitter.com/g4ivMM7yhi

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 18, 2024

The first big play of the second half came courtesy of a defensive effort from Detroit. Meram found himself at midfield with only one man to beat, but Carroll was up to the task, sliding in to clear the ball away and erasing a clear opportunity for the Stars.

Michigan would get their first chance at testing Saldaña in the 61st minute, as midfielder Hunter Olson would receive a long ball from midfield on the right side near the top of the box, then cut around Amoo-Mensah and sliced a shot toward the back post. Saldaña was able to make a diving grab to keep the clean sheet intact.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href=
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Things got heated in the 78th minute, as multiple cards of multiple colors were shown to the Michigan Stars. It started when Olson chased down DCFC midfielder Abdoulaye Diop and pulled him down. As Olson had already been on a yellow, this meant that he would be sent off. Perceived as a soft foul by the offending side, altercations led to a red card being issued to one of the Michigan coaches, as well as a yellow card to Meram.

Now with the man advantage, Detroit was hoping to capitalize on the numbers and get the goal they had been pushing for. It took until the 93rd minute for the goal to arrive.

It started as a similar play from before, with Carroll stealing the ball from Meram’s feet at midfield. Head up, he then sent a through ball to a streaking Rodriguez, who found the ball at the top of the box and one-timed a shot over a diving Mkuruva and in the net to give the home side the lead.

The goal was Rodriguez’s fifth career US Open Cup goal (four of them for Detroit City FC) and his first since he put away three goals in the 2022 tournament.

Said Carroll after the match: “Maxi was wide open in the middle of the goal and so I was like ‘I’ll do it’ …Maxi was in a great spot.”

A two-minute smoke delay followed (apropos considering the history of this matchup), and with the initial expectation of seven minutes of stoppage time, it was assured that the clock would run well past that. Two more cards would follow, first a second yellow and sending off for Detroit’s Brett Levis in the 97th, followed by a yellow on the Stars’ Sebastian Chalbaud for an arm to the face of Rodriguez. Physical as expected, the match finished ten on ten when the referee blew the whistle after 12 extra minutes.

Artist’s rendition of Keyworth Stadium while it was under construction in 1936. Source: Detroit Free Press
Artist’s rendition of Keyworth Stadium while it was under construction in 1936. Source: Detroit Free Press


With the victory, Detroit City FC moves on to the Round of 32, having won their first cup match in each of the last three seasons.

As they prepare for their next test, first year head coach Danny Dichio has no plans to take this US Open Cup lightly.

“The (Open) Cup is important, and I want (the players) to take it important, and to go as far as we can in this tournament.”

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars FC

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United overcomes Detroit City with trio of second half goals

April 27, 2023 by Tavio Palazzolo

Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club's 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC
Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd  in his club's 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC
Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club’s 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Three goals in six minutes helped Minnesota United FC (MLS) erase a one-goal deficit in the second half as the Loons defeated Detroit City FC (USL Championship) 3-1 at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

Yazeed Matthews scored his second goal of the US Open Cup early in the match to give Le Rouge the lead, but Franco Fragapane, Emmanuel Iwe, and Luis Amarilla all were able to get on the scoresheet to turn the tide in favor of the Major League Soccer side.

Detroit was able to make their statement early in the match in the fifth minute as Matthews and Devon Amoo-Mensah were able to trade passes after intercepting a clearance. This ultimately culminated in a Matthews strike from about 25 yards out. The ball went past a diving Clint Irwin, bounced off the left post, and trickled in toward the opposite side, eerily mimicking the penalty kick goal scored by Maxi Rodriguez last year in this round that brought DCFC the win over the Columbus Crew.

a series of fortunate events in 5 minutes#MNUFC | #DETvMIN

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 26, 2023

The goal by the home side appeared to wake up the visitors from St. Paul, as they turned up the pressure quickly. The pressure steamed over in the 15th minute as they failed to capitalize on a counter-attack, with the pass to Cameron Dunbar in the box deflecting back off his feet. Oneil Fisher, who had played for the Loons last year (appearing in two of their USOC matches), was able to collect the ball and move toward the line, where Amarilla caught up with him and checked him into the sideline. Words were exchanged involving the referee, Kervin Arriaga, and MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath, ultimately leading to Heath being shown a yellow card.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The remainder of the first half saw both sides trading chances. One set came in the 28th minute, as Fragapane slid the ball forward for Amarilla, but Steinwascher was able to slide in and collect. On the ensuing counter for Detroit, Ben Morris sent the ball wide to Fisher, who pushed a one-time pass into the box where Connor Rutz wasn’t able to get the shot on frame. Arguably the best chance for Minnesota in the first half was in the 38th minute when they had a pair of corners, both of which led to shots on frame only to be blocked.

Minnesota United was able to put their stamp on the match in the second half, pressing the Detroit City back line and testing Steinwascher a multitude of times, forcing him to make five saves in the first 15 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 60th minute as Fragapane received the ball in the box, and laid it off for Dunbar, who passed it back to Fragapane behind the defensive line. Fragapane was able to put the ball in the top shelf to tie the match at 1-1.

From that point, the goals for the Loons came quickly. Just three minutes later in the 63rd, Iwe received the ball off a deflection, took a step to the left, and fired a shot that deflected off a guarding Michael Bryant and over an unsuspecting Steinwascher. Just like that, Minnesota went from down 1-0 to up 2-1, turning the match on its head.

The goals didn’t stop there, though. Again just three minutes later, in the 66th minute, Minnesota widened the lead. A corner kick resulted in a header by Brent Kallman that was cleared by Abdoulaye Diop. However, that clearance landed at the foot of Amarilla 12 yards out, who volleyed the shot, again deflected, into the net.

DCFC’s best chance to make up ground came in the 85th minute as Skage Simonsen sent a ball past midfield to a streaking Morris on a counterattack, hoping to catch Irwin off guard. Irwin was able to make a diving save, shutting the door to the possibility of a comeback by the underdog side.

With the win, Minnesota earned its first win of this year’s competition after getting upset by Union Omaha (USL League One) last year. On the other end, Detroit City FC loses their first US Open Cup match in regulation time since 2015, when they, as an amateur side, were defeated 3-0 by the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks).

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Minnesota United FC

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Detroit City spoils Gold Star’s debut with 1-0 win at Keyworth

April 5, 2023 by Tavio Palazzolo

Detroit City FC goalkeeper Ryan Shellow made two saves and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Gold Star Detroit in his US Open Cup debut. Photo: Jon DeBoer
Detroit City FC goalkeeper Ryan Shellow made two saves and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Gold Star Detroit in his US Open Cup debut. Photo: Jon DeBoer
Detroit City FC goalkeeper Ryan Shellow made two saves and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Gold Star Detroit in his US Open Cup debut. Photo: Jon DeBoer

A late first half goal was all Detroit City FC (USL Championship) needed to get past local opponent and new club Gold Star FC Detroit (NISA), winning 1-0 at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich. A Yazeed Matthews header over an onrushing Brandon Barnes was the difference in the match, though Gold Star pushed late and often for the equalizer.

DCFC rotated their side from their last league match while their opponents from nearby Livonia started most of the same players from their first-ever match on the road against Chattanooga FC over the weekend. Gold Star looked to send a message early by playing DCFC physically as the Third Division side wanted to make their presence known. This message eventually led to a pair of yellow cards against Gold Star in the 14th and 16th minutes for Hunter Gibbons and Max Rugova, respectively.

Detroit City was able to create the majority of chances in the first half, but none had truly threatened Gold Star FC goalkeeper Brandon Barnes until the 34th minute, when he was able to save a Maxi Rodriguez free kick from well outside the box while Yazeed Matthews challenged him.

Gold Star’s best chance of the first half came in the 38th minute as Alexander Dalou carried the ball into the box from the left side, then threaded the ball through four defenders to a wide open Rugova. Then Rugova hit a one-time shot that Ryan Shellow was able to save.

The only goal of the match came in the 43rd minute as Adrian Billhardt (who would prove to be the man of the match) served up a long ball into the box from 40 yards out. On the bounce, Matthews was able to get his head over Gold Star defender Leonel Palma and knock the ball beyond the outstretched hands of Barnes to give Detroit City FC the lead.

Watching this @YazeedZeety header on repeat! #DCTID | #USOC2023

????: https://t.co/54OtOxiv8e pic.twitter.com/KbZ4KMVnq3

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 5, 2023


With that goal, Matthews scored his first goal in his first US Open Cup appearance. Billhardt and Matthews would attempt to repeat their feat late in first half stoppage time as a header from Matthews was sent wide right.

Post match, Billhardt commented on Matthews’ runs into the box and the play that led to the goal: “I always knew that was making good runs and fantastic run by him and an even greater finish.”

The second half saw some more opportunities from each side, but Gold Star got the better of the chances, especially as the game carried on. The first came in the 49th minute as DCFC defender Stephen Carroll had the ball swiped from him by Dalou near the defensive corner. Dalou then crossed the ball into the box to a waiting Josh Gatt , but he pushed the shot just wide left. For Gatt, a Michigan native who spent time playing professionally overseas, including a couple of caps with the U.S. National Team. 

Gold Star FC made some tactical subs in the 62nd and 70th minutes that would prove to be crucial in helping them put on the pressure to get the equalizing goal. The key substitution made was Roddy Green, who had previously played for Detroit City FC from 2017-2021 and was a fan favorite in his time with Le Rouge. He has made his mark in the Open Cup previously, having scored the winning penalty kick to lead DCFC over the Michigan Bucks in the First Round in 2018.

.@MainEnginePress and @TilIDieFC are back with another incredible matchday poster!

Give them a follow to see more of their work and order this week’s match poster online:https://t.co/uwOjn4dCld#DCTID pic.twitter.com/tfMYMm3suv

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 3, 2023


The best chance of the second half happened to land at Green’s feet with just minutes to spare. In the 89th minute, Gatt served up a cross to Green on the far post as DCFC goalkeeper Shellow scrambled to get into position, but Green fumbled his first touch. He was able to recover, but then sent a shot well over the crossbar.

“There were a number of moments where the coaching staff pretty much broke the chairs provided to us getting up excited thinking we had the moment,” said Gold Star head coach Alex Lubyansky. “But it was a genuine valiant effort tonight.”

DCFC goalkeeper Ryan Shellow, normally the second-choice keeper behind Nate Steinwascher, made two saves in his first USOC appearance and was able to earn a clean sheet. With the 1-0 win, Detroit City FC have now advanced in consecutive tournaments for the first time in their history and increase their home unbeaten streak in the tournament to six games. Le Rouge moves on to face an opponent to be determined in Round 3.The draw will take place later this week.

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, golden star detroit

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: History repeats as Louisville City silences crowd with PK win over Detroit City FC

May 11, 2022 by Tavio Palazzolo

Louisville City players celebrate after winning a PK shootout 4-2 against Detroit City FC (after a 1-1 draw) in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC
Louisville City players celebrate after winning a PK shootout 4-2 against Detroit City FC (after a 1-1 draw) in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC
Louisville City players celebrate after winning a PK shootout 4-2 against Detroit City FC (after a 1-1 draw) in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC

Detroit City FC and Louisville City FC may now be competitors in the USL Championship, but it’s been a while since meeting in the US Open Cup. Much like 2016 when the teams last met in Cup play, Louisville City advanced on penalties to the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw with host Detroit, who were then an amateur side in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

With the 4-2 win in the shootout, Louisville City is one of the last lower division sides remaining. The last time they made it this far was 2018, when they reached the Quarterfinals before bowing out to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.

Both sides were tested early in the match. In the 4th minute, DCFC striker Francis Atuahene was served a long ball from Maxi Rodriguez along the right wing, where he was able to get past the defense and hit a shot toward the back post. Louisville goalkeeper Kyle Morton made the diving save to his right to stop the effort. Four minutes later, LCFC’s Brian Ownby was the recipient of his own long ball toward the net, but his advance into the box was cleared by Detroit’s Deklan Wynne before the goal could be threatened.

The game continued back and forth until the 12th minute. Atuahene intercepted a failed clearance from the Louisville defense and lobbed the ball past defender Sean Totsch. Totsch then recovered to clip Atuahene in the box, earning DCFC a penalty kick.

Just like in Detroit’s win over the Columbus Crew in the previouus round, reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round Maxi Rodriguez stepped up to take the spot kick. This time, he went the opposite way of Morton, going to his left to give Le Rouge the 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. It was Rodriguez’s third goal of this tournament (second from the penalty spot), and fourth of his USOC career.

Although Louisville City went down, they were not discouraged, and kept pressing on. They earned a free kick just outside of the box after a cleared corner led to Antoine Hoppenot checking Joshua Wynder to the turf in the 16th minute. Paolo DelPiccolo took the free kick, aiming for the top left corner. However, Steinwascher was able to tip the ball off the crossbar and back into his possession.

The first half had it all! ????

Roll the highlights… pic.twitter.com/F4J10ZyF0S

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) May 11, 2022

Louisville was rewarded for their efforts in the 24th minute, as a corner kick led to multiple LCFC players touching the ball prior to Wes Charpie taking a shot from the top of the six-yard box. His effort was blocked by Connor Rutz, but the rebound fell to striker Wilson Harris, who was able to bury the ball into the back of the net and equalize the match. It was Harris’ second goal of the tournament. The first was the lone goal in the team’s 1-0 home win over Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League One) in the Second Round.

LCFC was able to earn one last chance before halftime. Ownby was able to head a one-time cross toward the net. He had Steinwascher beat, but not defender Devon Amoo-Mensah, as he headed the ball off the line.

The second half saw more chances from both sides, but neither were able to break the deadlock. The last 10 minutes of regulation saw Louisville City earn more opportunities as the limited roster for DCFC due to injuries appeared to catch up with them, but the Detroit City back line held firm, and the result led to extra-time.

???? KYLE MORTON???? pic.twitter.com/Dci2NCVmhp

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) May 11, 2022

Each club had one good chance to take the lead in extra time, but neither were successful. Detroit’s came first in the 102nd minute as substitute Billy Forbes sent in a cross for Pato Botello Faz inside the box. Botello Faz was able to volley a shot on target, but a diving stop by Morton prevented the home side from taking advantage. In the 109th minute, it was Louisville’s turn. A feed into the box turned in to a one-time shot, but a sliding Amoo-Mensah blocked the opportunity.

For the second round in a row, Louisville City’s match would be decided by a penalty kick shootout. In Round 3, they defeated St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS Next Pro) 9-8 after a scoreless draw. While Lou City entered the game having never lost a shootout (2-0), Detroit City, as a club, entered the night as one of the most experienced clubs, having reached PKs on four occasions (2-2 record).

Made for the moment Morton. ???? pic.twitter.com/iXobxRZ2G4

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) May 11, 2022

Sean Totsch started the penalty kick session for Louisville and put the first shot away. Goals were then traded by Rodriguez and Niall McCabe. The second DCFC kick, taken by Rhys Williams, was saved by a diving Morton, leaving Louisville with a 2-1 lead after two rounds. Harris and Hoppenot then both put away their kicks as LCFC led 3-2 after three. Ian Soler was able to bury his penalty, putting DCFC on the brink. Their captain Stephen Carroll stepped to the spot ready to keep his club alive, but instead skied the shot over the crossbar, leaving Louisville City victorious.

Prior to their Fourth Round match against Louisville City FC in the 2022 US Open Cup, banners hung by Detroit City FC supporters are shown. Photo: Ottavio Palazzolo
Prior to their Fourth Round match against Louisville City FC in the 2022 US Open Cup, banners hung by Detroit City FC supporters are shown. Photo: Ottavio Palazzolo

Detroit City FC leaves the tournament, but not before claiming victory over an MLS side (Columbus Crew) and advancing the furthest they’ve ever been in the USOC, surpassing two Second Round finishes from 2016 and 2018 as an amateur side. The game itself was the focus of the night with much of the pre-game controversy fading to the background. Normally the crowd at Keyworth Stadium is known for being energetic from the first whistle to the last, but notably, the supporters of Le Rouge stayed silent for the first five minutes of the match in protest of the club enforcing a rule about displaying profanity on signs and clothing. Traveling Louisville City supporters remained quiet in solidarity. Once the clock hit the 5:00 mark, the rowdiness of the stadium was restored and the “censorship” drama was moved to the background.

For Louisville City, they advance to the Round of 16, and extend their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 13 games. They will learn their opponent on Thursday when the USSF conducts the draw for the Fifth Round.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Louisville City FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 2, 2022 by Tavio Palazzolo

After scoring two second-half goals to lead USL Championship side Detroit City FC to a comeback 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, their first victory over a Major League Soccer side, Maxi Rodriguez has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

It turned out to be a narrow vote as he edged out his former club San Antonio FC’s goalkeeper Jordan Farr, who backstopped his side to a 2-1 win over MLS side and Open Cup debutant Austin FC. Also receiving consideration was Dion Acoff from Union Omaha (USL League One) who finished third, followed by Robert Cornwall from Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One).

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Rodriguez has usually been known as the pacemaker of the Detroit City FC squad since he joined in 2021 (when they were in the National Independent Soccer Association), but found himself at the end of the play instead of the start to get DCFC on the board. With Detroit City FC down 1-0, he was the recipient of a cross from Antoine Hoppenot and headed home the equalizer in the 64th minute. Rodriguez discussed the training that paid off: “Trevor always says, especially midfielders, there’s always time to talk about us getting in the box, getting on the end of crosses, so going into the game, I thought that was going to be important … to be fearless in the box, get into situations that will allow the team to score.”

Another look at our first goal of the night from @MaxiRodrigue21, assisted by @AntoineHoppenot!#DCTID pic.twitter.com/b5HOIFrv1b

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

From that point, Rodriguez remembered “it was kind of a feeling that there’s no way we go on and lose this game.” Then, with time ticking away, Michael Bryant was hauled down in the box by Crew captain Josh Williams. It was none other than Rodriguez who stepped to the spot. His shot went to the keeper’s left, bounced off the post, and slowly rolled in to give DCFC the lead.

“I think I’m pretty comfortable taking PKs, no matter the situation, so I kind of jog, got the ball and went through my routine. Goalie almost saved it, but luckily it snuck in the post, barely went over the line … Amazing run to our supporters section, team, behind me in such a pivotal game for the club. It was a dream come true.”

With those goals, Rodriguez scored his second and third in his US Open Cup career. His first came with his hometown club, San Antonio FC, in the Second Round in 2018, as they defeated Midland-Odessa Sockers FC 4-0.

Having grown up in San Antonio, he started training back in high school with the first iteration of the Texas side, known as the San Antonio Scorpions, and then further built a relationship with the Scorpions and later SAFC during his summers away from college with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. They informed him that they would invite him and possibly sign him if he did not get drafted after college, and did so in 2017.

HE DOES IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE.@MaxiRodrigue21#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mz2iww42Da

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

The game against Columbus was not Rodriguez’s first against an MLS team. San Antonio FC faced off against FC Dallas in the Fourth Round in 2018, in which Dallas won the game in San Antonio 1-0. Rodriguez discussed how his youth played a factor in his appearance there: “I was a lot more nervous for the FC Dallas game. I was younger then, not as much experience under my belt.”

After a season with the Richmond Kickers in 2019, Rodriguez sat out 2020 having not found a club before the COVID-19 pandemic brought games to a halt. He was ready to call it quits, but COVID gave him an opportunity to train, and Detroit came calling as they prepared for 2021.

“They were interested in me as a player, and I ran at the idea of playing again after thinking that I was possibly going to be done … The rest is history. It was just the perfect fit for me and probably the best decision I ever made.”

Detroit City FC Columbus Crew 2022 US Open Cup Maxi Rodriguez
Maxi Rodriguez (airborne) and his Detroit City FC teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | Detroit City FC

He has become a club talisman with DCFC in the past two years, and talked about how he has found a home in Detroit.

“Sometimes you just need the right situation, the right scene, the right manager in order to … flourish and do well, and I feel like Detroit has been that pivotal team,” said Rodriguez. “Trevor has been that manager for me that trusts me and gives me the opportunity … (I’ve) just been trying to repay the club and him ever since.”

Rodriguez also spoke about the upcoming Round of 32 match at home against fellow USL Championship side Louisville City FC, a club that DCFC lost to in penalty kicks in the Second Round in 2016).

“I think it’s another opportunity for the club to make history. The league games are very important, but I think we’ve got to put extreme focus on that Open Cup game, and I think having a game at Keyworth is important. I think it’s going to big time for us as a team to have those supporters there and have the smoke, have the noise, and continue this run and not stop now.”

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Player of the Round

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Maxi Rodriguez creates smokeshow in Detroit City’s upset of Columbus Crew

April 20, 2022 by Tavio Palazzolo

Detroit City FC Columbus Crew 2022 US Open Cup Maxi Rodriguez

Detroit City FC Columbus Crew 2022 US Open Cup Maxi Rodriguez
Maxi Rodriguez (airborne) and his Detroit City FC teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | Detroit City FC

It was 2012 the last time an MLS side visited Michigan, the same year Detroit City FC began play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). That year the Michigan (now Flint City) Bucks defeated the Chicago Fire in extra time. 10 years later, now playing as a pro side in the USL Championship, DCFC didn’t need extra time to upset the Columbus Crew, winning 2-1 on two second-half goals by Maxi Rodriguez to advance in their first U.S. Open Cup match against Major League Soccer opposition.

Both sides came out making calculated advances in the first few minutes, but an early foul in the Detroit City FC penalty box changed the course of the game. Aidan Morris was taken down from behind by Abdoulaye Diop, leading to a Crew penalty kick. Gyasi Zardes was able to place the penalty just past the outstretched arms of Le Rouge goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher in the 7th minute to give Columbus the 1-0 lead.

HE DOES IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE.@MaxiRodrigue21#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mz2iww42Da

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

Energized by the goal, the Crew were able to dictate play for a good 15-20 minutes. That didn’t stop DCFC from making a couple of plays of their own, pressing on the counter attack but unable to break through with a clear chance. The last 15 minutes of the first half gave City a few more opportunities to level the match, but the Columbus defense was able to steer away any threats, keeping the score 1-0 Crew at halftime.

The second half started with an exciting play just more than a minute in when Zardes received a long through ball behind the DCFC back line. Steinwascher stepped up to the play and slid in to keep Zardes from being able to earn his second goal. Although it is unclear if there was contact made, the referee made no call as the ball rolled out for a goal kick. Zardes got another crack in the 60th minute as Marlon Hairston sent a cross to him at the top of the six-yard box, but defender Matt Lewis was able to just get a foot in front as Zardes’ shot was deflected skyward.

2022 US Open Cup Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC fans celebrate a goal against the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | Detroit City FC

Four minutes later, Detroit City FC found an equalizer. Upon receiving a throw-in, Antoine Hoppenot was able to fight off a challenge from Hairston and cross the ball to a posted Rodriguez, who headed the ball home to get the Keyworth crowd celebrating.

Finding themselves now level with the USL side, Columbus were not ready to sit back. Shortly after kickoff, Alexandru Matan received a pass from a sliding Aidan Morris on the left side of the box and had a quick attempt at goal, only for Steinwascher to dive and get his left hand on the ball to deflect it wide.

Another look at our first goal of the night from @MaxiRodrigue21, assisted by @AntoineHoppenot!#DCTID pic.twitter.com/b5HOIFrv1b

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

After multiple chances by both sides in a back-and-forth physical second half, it was another penalty that was able to give Detroit City FC the edge. Having received a cross into the box from Deklan Wynne in the 84th minute, Michael Bryant turned toward net only to have Crew defender and captain Josh Williams pull him down. Rodriguez would step to the spot and put away his second goal of the match in the 86th minute, his penalty kick hitting the left post and trickling beyond the goal line.

The Crew, knowing for certain that they need a goal to keep their team alive, pushed ahead hard in the final few minutes, but the DCFC back line held firm to help close out the match, sending the fans at Keyworth into delirium.

With the win, Detroit City FC advances to the Fourth Round for the first time in the club’s history. Their goal scorer and man of the match, Rodriguez scored his second and third goals in the US Open Cup, having scored his first for San Antonio FC in 2018 in a Second Round win over the NPSL’s Midland-Odessa Sockers FC. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are bounced out of the tournament in their first match for the third time in the last four seasons.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Columbus Crew SC, Detroit City FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Detroit City FC blanks local rival Michigan Stars, earn first “win”

April 6, 2022 by Tavio Palazzolo

Matt Lewis Detroit City FC Michigan Stars FC 2022 US Open Cup

Matt Lewis Detroit City FC Michigan Stars FC 2022 US Open Cup
Matt Lewis of Detroit City FC celebrates with some fans during the club’s Second Round match against Michigan Stars FC in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer – Detroit City FC

It took until nearly halftime, but Detroit City FC eventually broke through with two set piece headers in the span of two minutes, then added another goal in the second half to get past a familiar foe in the Michigan Stars by the score of 3-0 at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

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For Detroit City FC, it was not only a win over a local rival, but it was the club’s first official US Open Cup victory. Le Rouge had advanced twice as an amateur side in the NPSL, but both were by penalty kick shootouts, which are officially recognized as draws.

The Stars of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) pressured Detroit’s midfield in the first few minutes, but once Le Rouge got their feet under them, the possession of the match was theirs to lose. As has been the case with many of the matchups these teams have played over the years, the game became physical rather quickly. The first yellow card was shown to Michigan’s Elias McCloud in the 9th minute for a late tackle on DCFC’s Brad Dunwell.

The turning point may have come in the 23rd minute. In the second of three successive corner kicks for Detroit (USL-C), Devon Amoo-Mensah, the former captain of the Stars from last season, fired a volley from near the penalty spot, only for Stars goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva to make a diving save. On the play following the third corner, Mkuruva may have been injured as he was gesturing to his eye. After a check from the training staff, play continued until the 26th minute when he dropped to the ground holding his head. He was unable to continue and was subbed out for backup goalkeeper Paul Lewis.

After this point, City was able to capitalize by bringing a flurry of chances into the attacking third, but wasn’t able to test the backup keeper until the 44th minute when Francis Atuahene forced a diving save out for a corner. On the ensuing play, Maxi Rodriguez delivered a ball from the left side into the box that found the head of Connor Rutz for the opening goal in the 45th minute.

Less than two minutes later, in what appeared to be a mirror image from the last goal, Rodriguez was able to serve another goal from the corner, this time from the right side. Matt Lewis was able to get over Jacob Campbell and head the ball into the back post to put DCFC up 2-0 just before halftime.

Detroit was able to tack on a third goal in the 63rd minute as Michael Bryant sent in a cross from the right to Rutz, who headed it in front of goal for Lewis to fire it home from the top of the box. They were almost able to add a fourth tally in the 69th minute as a corner kick found Lewis, who was able to send a deflected header toward net, but the Stars defense was able to clear it off the line.

DCFC goalkeeper Nate Steinwasher was barely called upon as Michigan did not have an attempt on goal, and he was able to earn a clean sheet.

Detroit City FC fans set off smoke bombs during the club's match against Michigan Stars FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Nick Miko
Detroit City FC fans set off smoke bombs during the club’s match against Michigan Stars FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Nick Miko

With the 3-0 win, Detroit City FC breaks scored more than two goals in an Open Cup game for the first time. It was also the first win by an amateur team from Michigan since 2017 when the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks) defeated Indy Eleven.

DCFC will learn their opponent in Round 3 when the draw is announced at Noon on Friday.

Here’s another look at that @mattylew03 goal that rocked the @opencup!#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/9G46qXzszQ

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 6, 2022

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars FC

2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinal Scoreboard

June 27, 2012 by Tavio Palazzolo

2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinal Scoreboard

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup results [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Semifinal schedule listed below

PPL Park – Chester, PA
RECAP: TheCup.us
Harrisburg City Islanders 2 FT 5 Philadelphia Union
Brian Ombiji (Ekra) 51 5 Freddy Adu (PK)
Morgan Langley (Ekra) 54 9 Jack McInerney (Unassisted)
29 Lionard Pajoy (Farfan)
69 Lionard Pajoy (PK)
81 Gabriel Gomez (Unassisted)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park – Kansas City, KS
RECAP: TheCup.us
Dayton Dutch Lions 0 FT 3 Sporting Kansas City
5 CJ Sapong (Sinovic)
56 Graham Zusi (Peterson)
59 CJ Sapong (Saad)
Titan Stadium, Cal State Fullerton – Fullerton, CA
RECAP: TheCup.us
Charlotte Eagles 1 FT 2 Chivas USA
Mauricio Salles (Unassisted) 89 64 Jose Correa (Agudelo)
90+4 Jose Correa (Courtois)
Kezar Stadium – San Francisco, CA
RECAP: TheCup.us
Seattle Sounders 1 FT 0 San Jose Earthquakes
Cordell Cato (Unassisted) 19 90+2 Alan Gordon – SENT OFF


SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE

SEMIFINAL 1 – July 10

Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 7 p.m. PT

SEMIFINAL 2 – July 11

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2012 Quarterfinals, 2012 US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Sporting Kansas City ends Dayton Dutch Lions run with 3-0 victory

June 27, 2012 by Tavio Palazzolo

Sporting Kansas City struck early and held on, tacking on a couple more as the Cinderella run for the until-recently-winless Dayton Dutch Lions ended in a 3-0 win for the hosts at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas City wasted no time in taking control of the game, dominating possession early. It paid off in only the fifth minute as Seth Sinovic took a long shot from outside the box. It took a deflection off of CJ Sapong near the six and ended in the net past Dutch Lions goalkeeper Matt Williams.

Dayton wouldn’t really get a clear chance on net until the 16th minute when the Dutch Lions earned a corner kick. Gibson Bardsley’s corner would be cleared away by Graham Zusi. It wouldn’t get very far, though, and landed at the feet of Nelson Dias, who took a shot that sailed well wide of the net.

The Dutch Lions’ best chance of the match came in the 26th minute. Eli Garner sent a cross into the box, where Dias hit it one time. He forced Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen into making a fantastic save, tipping the ball over the bar. It, however, would result in a goal kick after a Dayton player was called offside.

Kansas City wouldn’t let up the pressure in the match, even taking some chances. In the 40th minute, Zusi stole the ball in the Kansas City backfield, saw the keeper off his line, and fired from 60-70 yards away. It was sent wide right of the net.

Sporting would have one last good chance before halftime. Jacob Peterson turned with the ball in midfield and played a give-and-go with Sapong, carrying the ball inside the box and rifling a shot off the near post.

Dayton came out motivated in the second half, flying out of the gate at the kickoff. Bardsley sent a long lob pass to Garner, who sent a shot over the crossbar.

Sporting Kansas City would slowly take back control of the match, starting in the 50th minute with a failed counter attack. A minute later, Soony Saad turned and fired from around 25 yards out, but hit the shot wide of the net.

They kept pushing in the 54th when Sapong came in streaking on the left side past the Dayton defense and hit a shot, forcing Matt Williams to make a solid save.

Kansas City would finally break through for a second in the 56th, and it was all Zusi. After a pass from Peterson, he found himself at the top of the box with room to shoot, and shoot he did. His shot curled in to the corner to double Sporting’s lead to 2-0.

Just three minutes later, that two goal lead would change to three. A corner kick from Saad found Sapong in the center of the box, fighting off a Dayton defender. He rose over him just enough to head it home to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead from which they would never look back.

Dayton spent the rest of the match pushing for any opportunity they could find, which became more scarce as the game went on. This stretched out their defense, which Sporting almost took advantage of on multiple occasions. Shots from both Sinovic and substitute Teal Bunbury fell wide of the net during the late stretch.

Bunbury got one last chance to add a goal of his own in the 83rd minute. He took a shot from the six yard box, which Williams slid in to make a save, denying him a place on the scoresheet.

With the win by Sporting Kansas City, they now move on to play the Philadelphia Union in the Semifinals. That game will be on Wednesday, July 11 at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, at 7:30 PM.

Sporting Kansas City 3:0 Dayton Dutch Lions
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park – Kansas City, Kansas

Scoring Summary:
KC – C.J. Sapong (Seth Sinovic) 5
KC – Graham Zusi (Jacob Peterson) 56
KC – C.J. Sapong (Soony Saad) 59

Misconduct Summary:
NONE

Lineups
Sporting Kansas City: Jimmy Nielsen©; Michael Harrington, Lawrence Olum, Matt Besler (Konrad Warzycha 68), Seth Sinovic; Peterson Joseph, Michael Thomas, Graham Zusi (Roger Espinoza 59); Jacob Peterson, C.J. Sapong (Teal Bunbury 74), Soony Saad

Subs not used: Eric Kronberg, Chance Myers, Kei Kamara, Dom Dwyer

Dayton Dutch Lions: Matt Williams; Shane Smith, Mettin Copier (Daniel Holowaty 64), Nixon Dias, Gregory Preciado; Joel DeLass, Bret Jones, Mikael McNamara (Akeem Priestley 60); Eli Garner, Gerrit Bartels, Gibson Bardsley (Kyle Knotek 56)

Subs not used: Jeff DeGroot, Eric Kissinger, Toric Robinson, Corey Whisenhunt

STATS
KC: Shots 20, SOG 6, Saves 0, Fouls 7, Offside 1, Corners 3
DAY: Shots 4, SOG 0, Saves 3, Fouls 6, Offside 3, Corners 1

Attendance: 15,167
Weather: Sunny and 91 degrees

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2012 Quarterfinals, 2012 US Open Cup, CJ Sapong, Dayton Dutch Lions, Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards

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U.S. Open Cup History

Jim Gregory, president of Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment (right), presents the Coffee Pot Cup to Sachin Shah after D.C. United's 2-0 win in the 2004 Carolina Challenge Cup. Photo: Mike Buytas

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