Tavio Palazzolo

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinal Scoreboard

July 6, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

2010 US Open Cup Quarterfinal Scoreboard

July 6 Columbus Crew Stadium – Columbus, OH
RECAP: Battery \| Crew \| Post and Courier (Charleston) \| Columbus Dispatch
Charleston Battery	0	FT	3	Columbus Crew
				38′ Emilio Renteria (PK)
				70′ Steven Lenhart (Oughton)
				87′ Eddie Gaven (Ekpo)
July 6 Robertson Stadium – Houston, TX
RECAP: Chivas USA \| Dynamo \| Chronicle (Houston)
Chivas USA	3	FT	1	Houston Dynamo
Justin Braun (Trujillo) 5′				86′ Joseph Ngwenya
Michael Lahoud (Jazic) 65′
Justin Braun 90′
July 7 Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, WA
RECAP: Galaxy \| Sounders \| Seattle Times
Los Angeles Galaxy	0	FT	2	Seattle Sounders
				50′ Nate Jaqua
				62′ Nate Jaqua (Montano)
July 21 Maryland Soccerplex – Boyds, MD
VIDEO: D.C. United \| AUDIO: Harrisburg
Harrisburg City Islanders	0	FT	2	D.C. United
SENT OFF – Tyler Ruthven 75′				1′ Branko Boskovic (Quaranta)
				47′ Boyzzz Khumalo

Host possibilities for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals announced

July 2, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

From US Soccer Communications

CHICAGO — The third round of the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup concluded Wednesday, June 30, when D.C. United (MLS) defeated the Richmond Kickers (USL-2) 2-0 and the Portland Timbers (D-2) battled the Seattle Sounders (MLS) to a 1-1 tie before bowing out in penalty kicks. The eight winners compete in the tournament quarterfinals starting July 6.

D.C. United veteran Jaime Moreno led his team against the Kickers, scoring in the 47th minute before a 56th minute strike from Santino Quaranta sealed the outcome. In Oregon, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders continued their storied rivalry as regulation ended 1-1 with a Sounders goal from Nate Jacqua and a Timbers goal from Bright Dike. The Sounders then relied on the experience of former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who made two saves in the penalty shootout to put the defending Open Cup champions through to the quarterfinals.

Wednesday night’s results mean that the quarterfinals of the Open Cup will include six teams from Major League Soccer and two from the USL Second Division, represented by the Harrisburg City Islanders and the Charleston Battery.

The semifinals are set for Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Six of the eight teams still in contention could possibly host at this stage. The final will be played Oct. 5.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 95 consecutive years dating back to 1914. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
33	July 21	Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at D.C. United (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Maryland Soccerplex; Boyds, Md.
34	July 6	Charleston Battery (USL-2) at Columbus Crew (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
35	July 6	Chivas USA (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Robertson Stadium; Houston, Texas
36	July 7	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)	10 p.m. ET	Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SEMIFINAL POSSIBLE MATCHES

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
37	Sept. 1	Charleston Battery (USL-2)/Columbus Crew (MLS) winner at D.C. United (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Maryland Soccerplex; Boyds, Md.
	Aug. 31	Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at Columbus Crew (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
	Sept. 1	Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at Charleston Battery (USL-2)	7:30 p.m. ET	Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.
38	Aug. 31	Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
	Aug. 31	Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)	10 p.m. ET	Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.
	Sept. 1	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Chivas USA (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
	Sept. 1	Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)	10 p.m. ET	Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.

2010 US Open Cup Third Round Scoreboard

June 29, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

2010 US Open Cup Third Round Scoreboard

2 games on Wednesday (Richmond at DC United & Seattle Sounders at Portland Timbers)

Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, PA RECAP: PennLive.com \| Photos/Videos
New York Red Bulls	0	AET	1	Harrisburg City Islanders
				117′ – Dominic Oppong

Columbus Crew Stadium – Columbus, OH
RECAP: Columbus Crew
Rochester Rhinos	1	FT	2	Columbus Crew
Darren Spicer 69′				30′ Andy Iro (Gaven)
SENT OFF – Alfonso Motagalvan 84′				90’+ Steven Lenhart

Toyota Park – Bridgeview, IL
RECAP: Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery	0	AET	0	Chicago Fire
Charleston advances on penalties 3-0
PENALTY SUMMARY
Lamar Neagle – GOAL				MISS – Brian McBride
Mike Zaher – GOAL				SAVED – Krzysztof Krol
Ian Fuller – GOAL				MISS – Wilman Conde

Robertson Stadium – Houston, TX
RECAP: Houston Dynamo
Miami FC	0	FT	1	Houston Dynamo
SENT OFF – JP Rodrigues 83′				80′ Lovel Palmer (Oduro)

The Home Depot Center – Carson, CA RECAP: LA Galaxy
AC St. Louis	0	FT	2	Los Angeles Galaxy
				69′ Chris Klein
				80′ Juninho
Titan Stadium – Fullerton, CA RECAP: Chivas USA
Austin Aztex	0	FT	1	Chivas USA
				12′ Jesus Padilla (Romero)
George Mason Stadium – Fairfax, VA RECAP: DC United
Richmond Kickers	0	FT	2	D.C. United
				47′ Jaime Moreno
				56′ Santino Quaranta
PGE Park – Portland, OR RECAP: Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders	1	AET	1	Portland Timbers
Nate Jaqua (Nyassi) 13′				38′ Bright Dike (Pore)
SENT OFF – Taylor Graham 101′
Seattle advances on penalties 4-3
PENALTY SUMMARY
Nathan Sturgis – GOAL				SAVED – Ryan Pore
Steve Zakuani – GOAL				GOAL – Doug DeMartin
Fredy Montero – GOAL				GOAL – Mamadou Danso
Patrick Ianni – MISS				SAVED – Ross Smith
Zach Scott – GOAL				GOAL – Rodrigo Lopez

Host possibilities for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals announced

June 26, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

From US Soccer Communications

CHICAGO — The Charleston Battery (USL-2) defeated the Carolina Railhawks (D2) to become the only lower division team to defeat its upper division opponent on Tuesday, June 22, winning 2-1 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Charleston and seven other second round winners will face off against eight Major League Soccer qualifiers in the third round of the tournament on June 29-30.

Two hat tricks were scored on the night with Peri Marosevic, on loan to the Austin Aztex (D2) from FC Dallas, scoring three in the 3-1 win against the Arizona Sahuaros (USASA), and Chinedu Dike of the Portland Timers (D2) slammed home three in the 4-1 win against Kitsap Pumas (PDL). The only other player to score more than once was Rochester Rhinos’ (D2) Tyler Roselund, who scored twice in the Rhinos’ 3-0 win against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2).

In the third round, the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) will host the New York Red Bulls on June 29. That same day, the Charleston Battery will travel to face the Chicago Fire, the Rochester Rhinos will entertain the Columbus Crew, the Los Angeles Galaxy will welcome A.C. St. Louis (D2), the Houston Dynamo will host Miami FC (D2) and the Austin Aztex will visit Chivas USA.

On June 30, the Richmond Kickers (USL-2) will travel to take on D.C. United and the Portland Timbers will host the Seattle Sounders.

With the third round of games now known, the possible quarterfinal matches have been determined and are listed below. The quarterfinals will be played July 6-7, the semifinals will be played Aug. 31-Sept. 1, and the final will be played Oct. 5.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND SCHEDULE

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
25	June 29	New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)	7 p.m. ET	Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.
26	June 30	Richmond Kickers (USL-2) at D.C. United (MLS)	7 p.m. ET	George Mason Stadium; Fairfax, Va.
27	June 29	Charleston Battery (USL-2) at Chicago Fire (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
28	June 29	Rochester Rhinos (D2) at Columbus Crew (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
29	June 29	AC St. Louis (D2) at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
30	June 29	Miami FC (D2) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Robertson Stadium; Houston, Texas
31	June 29	Austin Aztex (D2) at Chivas USA (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	California State-Fullerton; Fullerton, Calif.
32	June 30	Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Portland Timbers (D2)	10:30 p.m. ET	PGE Park; Portland, Ore.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP QUARTERFINAL POSSIBLE MATCHES

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
33	July 7	New York Red Bulls (MLS) at D.C. United (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	George Mason Stadium; Fairfax, Va.
	July 6	Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at D.C. United (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	George Mason Stadium; Fairfax, Va.
	July 6	New York Red Bulls (MLS)/Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) winner at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)	7 p.m. ET	Univ. of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va.
34	July 6	Charleston Battery (USL-2)/Chicago Fire (MLS) winner at Rochester Rhinos (D2)	7:05 p.m. ET	Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
	July 6	Columbus Crew (MLS) at Chicago Fire (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Shea Stadium; Peoria, Ill.
	July 6	Charleston Battery (USL-2) at Columbus Crew (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
35	July 6	Austin Aztex (D2)/Chivas USA (MLS) winner at Houston Dynamo (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Robertson Stadium; Houston, Texas
	July 6/7*	Miami FC (D2) at Chivas USA (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
	July 6	Austin Aztex (D2) at Miami FC (D2)	7:30 p.m. ET	Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
36	July 6	AC St. Louis (D2) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.
	July 7	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.
	July 7	Portland Timbers (D2) at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
	July 6	Portland Timbers (D2) vs AC St. Louis (D2)	TBD	TBD

* – Game will be held July 7 unless both Los Angeles and Portland advance to the quarterfinal round, in which case Chivas USA will host its game July 6.

2010 US Open Cup Second Round: Miami FC wins Floridian battle over Rowdies 2-1 in extra time

June 23, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

Miami FC was forced into extra time for the second time in the US Open Cup this year, and for the second time, they won the match to move on to the next round. This time it came at the expense of their in-state rivals, FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, winning 2-1 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Miami got off to a very quick start in the match, scoring in the second minute. A free kick was awarded just outside the Rowdies penalty box, and Christian Gomez stepped up to take it. His kick bounced off goalkeeper Josh Lambo’s chest and into traffic in front of the net. The ball landed at the feet of Miami FC striker Paulo Jr, who shot the ball into the net to give his team the 1-0 lead. The hero from the first round scored his fifth goal of the 2010 US Open Cup, matching the totals of Sebastien Le Toux in 2007 and 2008 with the USL’s Seattle Sounders and scoring the most by a player in the tournament since 2005.

Miami almost doubled their lead in the 10th minute as threatening free kick by Euzebio Neto went past traffic and out of bounds. Despite the miss, the Blues managed to keep possession for most of the first half. The Rowdies would get their own chance at goal in the 35th minute, as a Yendry Diaz header was tipped over the crossbar by Miami goalkeeper Caleb Patterson to keep the shutout intact through the end of the half.

Both teams came out at full force to start the second half, with each getting a good scoring chance within minutes of kickoff. Tampa Bay would then pressure later in the match to force the equalizer as more chances came their way. They would finally break through in the 82nd minute as Mozzi Gyorio sent in a free kick into the box, which Diaz converted to tie the match. Diaz would get his shot at a game winner in the 87th minute with a hard shot, but Patterson made a diving save to keep his team alive through regulation.

In the 97th minute, Miami FC would get their advantage by virtue of a handball. Robert Valentino was called for a handling the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Abe Thompson stepped up to the spot and converted in the 98th minute, giving the Blues the lead they would hold onto for the rest of extra time.

Miami FC has moved on to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2008, when they lost 2-1 at FC Dallas. This time they travel to face Dallas’ Texas rival, the Houston Dynamo. The game is scheduled to take place at Robertson Stadium on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 p.m.

FC Tampa Bay Rowdies Lineup: Josh Lambo, Kwame “JJ” Adjeman-Pamboe, Yendry Diaz, Aaron King (80′ – Chad Burt), Gordon Kljestan (102′ – Joe Donoho), Pascal Millien, Stanley Nyazamba, Long Tan, Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Takuya Yamada (65′ – Mozzi Gyorio).

Miami FC Lineup: Caleb Patterson, Paulo Araujo Jr. (97′ – Bryan Dominguez), Bryan Arquez, Cristiano Dias (104′ – Sean Cameron), Christian Gomez, Zach Kirby, Neto, JP Rodrigues, Edward Santeliz (116′ – Jair Cabas), Abe Thompson, Kyle Veris.

Scoring Summary
MIA – Paulo Araujo Jr. – 2′
TB – Yendry Diaz – 82′ (Mozzi Gyorio)
MIA – Abe Thompson – 98′ (PK)

Misconduct Summary
MIA – Zach Kirby – yellow (22′)
TB – Yendry Diaz – yellow (32′)
TB – Stanley Nyazamba – yellow (58′)
MIA – Abe Thompson – yellow (61′)
TB – Rob Valentino – yellow (79′)
MIA – Bryan Arquez – yellow (85′)
TB – Chad Burt – yellow (110′)

Host possibilities for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round announced

June 16, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

From US Soccer Communications

CHICAGO — Five matches went into extra time and one concluded in penalty kicks as 16 teams advanced to the second round of the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The first-round winners will face off in the second round on June 22, where eight teams will advance to face the eight qualified Major League Soccer teams June 29 or 30.

Only one lower division team defeated its higher-ranked opponent, needing extra time to do so. The Richmond Kickers of the USL Second Division defeated USSF D-2 Crystal Palace Baltimore 1-0 at University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond, Va. In the only game to be decided on penalty kicks, the Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) finished tied 1-1 with Ventura County Fusion (PDL) after regulation and overtime before advancing 4-2 in penalty kicks. The Sahuaros are participating in their second consecutive Open Cup, advancing in 2010 after falling to the PDL’s El Paso Patriots in the 2009 edition of the tournament.

The other three matches that required extra time to determine who advanced were a Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 4-2 win against the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club (USASA), a Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) 2-1 victory at Reading United A.C. (PDL) and a thrilling 5-1 Miami FC (USSF D-2) victory against the Central Florida Craze (PDL). This last match finished regulation time deadlocked at 1-1 before Paulo Araujo Jr. unleashed a fury in extra time, scoring four goals to round out the final score.

The third round features the participation of eight MLS teams, which will face off against the eight second round winners on June 29 or 30. With the second round of games now known, the possible third round matches have been determined and are listed below. The quarterfinals will be played July 6-7, the semifinals will be played Aug. 31-Sept. 1, and the final will be played Oct. 5.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND SCHEDULE

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
17	June 22	Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)	7 p.m. ET	Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.
18	June 22	Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)	7 p.m. ET	University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, Va.
19	June 22	Carolina RailHawks (D2) at Charleston Battery (USL-2)	7:30 p.m. ET	Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.
20	June 22	Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) at Rochester Rhinos (D2)	7:05 p.m. ET	Marina Auto Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
21	June 22	AC St. Louis (D2) at NSC Minnesota Stars (D2)	8 p.m. ET	National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.
22	June 22	FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (D2) at Miami FC (D2)	7:30 p.m. ET	Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
23	June 22	Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) at Austin Aztex (D2)	8:30 p.m. ET	House Park; Austin, Texas
24	June 22	Portland Timbers (D2) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)	10 p.m. ET	Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.

2010 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND POSSIBLE MATCHES

No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
25	June 29	Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)	8 p.m. ET	Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.
	-or-	New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)	7 p.m. ET	Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.
26	June 30	Richmond Kickers (USL-2)/Real Maryland FC Monarchs (USL-2) Winner at D.C. United (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	George Mason Stadium; Fairfax, Va.
27	June 29	Carolina RailHawks (D2)/Charleston Battery (USL-2) Winner at Chicago Fire (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
28	June 29	Rochester Rhinos (D2)/Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) Winner at Columbus Crew (MLS)	7:30 p.m. ET	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
29	June 29	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at NSC Minnesota Stars (D2)	8 p.m. ET	National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.
	-or-	AC St. Louis (D2) at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
30	June 29	FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (D2)/Miami FC (D2) Winner at Houston Dynamo (MLS)	8:30 p.m. ET	Carl Lewis Track Stadium; Houston, Texas
31	June 29	Austin Aztex (D2)/Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) Winner at Chivas USA (MLS)	10:30 p.m. ET	California State-Fullerton; Fullerton, Calif.
32	June 29	Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Kitsap Pumas (PDL)	10 p.m. ET	Bremerton Memorial Stadium; Bremerton, Wash.
	-or- June 30	Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Portland Timbers (D2)	10 p.m. ET	PGE Park; Portland, Ore.

2010 Meet the USASA: Detroit United

June 15, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

Michigan usually has a consistent amateur competitor in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, a team you all might know as the Michigan Bucks. They’ve made the tournament a total of eight times in their 15 seasons, their most recent appearance coming in 2008. But instead of them, a different team is representing Michigan this time around. For the first time since 2001, a USASA team from the state has qualified: Detroit United.

Owner/manager George Juncaj started his soccer journey immigrating to the United States in 1983. He played semi-pro in Southern California for his first few years, before coming to Michigan when a new opportunity arose in 1993. He played with various amateur teams around Metro Detroit until fights between players and spectators (fueled by ethnic hatred) forced him to hang up his boots.

Juncaj returned to the local soccer scene in 2002, playing simple pick-up with some friends, when younger players started to come around and join in the action. At some point, others started to cause trouble, and that’s when he decided it’s time to start a team in a structured league.

The new team that Juncaj started would come to be known as Detroit United, and the name comes from his past experiences at the amateur level, as well as inflicting a change in how an amateur team in Detroit comes to be:

“The reason I came to Detroit United, I looked, and … you basically have ethnic groups. You have the White Eagles (a Polish club), you have Drita (Albanian), you have the Kickers (German), etc. … So I said, you know what, I’m going to put Detroit United, where it’s going to be an option, whoever lives in Detroit, they can come play for this team. And that’s exactly what’s happened. I have two, three guys from Africa, I have a guy from Israel, I have many from Europe, I have an Argentinean, I have a Brazilian, and I used to have a Chinese guy. I used to have a Japanese guy, but he left soccer, and he went to play pro baseball in Japan.”

Juncaj feels that it’s important to not have any barriers keeping certain players from his team, unlike the many ethnic clubs that dot the soccer landscape in the Detroit area. “I never ask a person ‘where are you from?’ It doesn’t mean anything to me.”

As mentioned earlier, there are many international players on the squad. However, the core group of the team is mostly American. The first player Juncaj was quick to point out is Tommy Eller. He’s described as a fast player, controlling the ball very well, and one of the most unselfish players in the game (winning an award in that respect). According to his coach, “he might be one of the better players in the state of Michigan.” Other players mentioned include his captain, defender Tom Stark, as well as goalkeeper Ryan Mathe, Zach Wilkes, and Worteh Sampson (the last two formerly suiting up for the pro indoor team Detroit Ignition). Sampson also played for a time with the Charlotte Eagles of the USL Second Division. Those five players are the core group of the team.

Another player that might be recognizable, if you have been following this year’s road to qualification, is Fernando Gatica. He scored twice in Milwaukee in the win over the Kickers, then scored again in the semifinal battle with Nebraska’s 402 Academy. Juncaj has praise for him, but mentions that his ego is a little inflated. “He’s not a star yet. He’s a very good player; he controls the ball, which basic Argentineans do. But, he’s also got to be a team player. … Nobody can win a game alone.”

detroit-united-flip-celebrations-vs-402-big — Taiwo Olorunnimbe does an acrobatic goal celebration after putting Detroit United up 5-4 in overtime. Photo: Josh Hakala

Speaking of that Kickers win, Detroit United managed to finish the match with only 11 healthy players. 14 were set to make the trip, but two were held back as they traveled separately, then were involved in a minor car accident before even leaving the area. Then, early in the Milwaukee match, a Detroit United player had to be removed from the pitch due to an injury, forcing the team to make the only substitution they had.

Although Detroit United is a new entry into the tournament, they have a little history in qualifying. They made a run in 2007, qualifying for the Region II tournament along with Ann Arbor FC Elite (the team they defeated earlier this year 1-0 for the Michigan title that qualified them for the Region II tournament). In the quarterfinals, they defeated the NPSL’s Princeton-56ers 2-1 on a late goal by Humberto Toscan, then matched up with famed Chicago club RWB Adria with a spot in the Open Cup on the line. Unfortunately for the club, they lost 3-0, and with AAFC Elite also losing in the semifinals (to Bavarians SC), the state of Michigan lost both their chances for a tournament bid at the very end.

George Juncaj has high hopes for both his club, as well as soccer in Detroit in general. He feels his team could compete in the National Premier Soccer League, but believes there’s a structural problem with the league itself. “I want to go to the NPSL, but there’s really nothing there, not enough teams. You’d be playing the same team four or five times. It’s not fun. They only have five teams . (currently there are six in 2010) I told them, you get eight to ten teams, you call me.” He mentioned the Premier Development League as an option, but currently the rights to Detroit (as well as the rights to any USL level team) are held by Michigan Bucks owner Dan Duggan, who remains committed to his team, even after Juncaj says he sent Duggan offers to buy the club.

As for professional soccer in the area, Juncaj believes there’s a good chance for Detroit to provide great support. “I really do think we have enough people who love the game in which we can have not just a USL team, but we can have an MLS team…. I think that would be the goal for the younger generation. I love seeing Chicago, I love seeing Columbus playing because you feel closer to your home.” He hopes investors come around and give Detroit a spot on the big stage, and feels that between all the soccer-loving Americans in town and the different ethnic groups, support for a professional club could be outstanding.

Detroit United is set to open their 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, June 15, as they play the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Second Division. They look to show the ‘Hounds that United’s players are up to the task and well prepared to advance in the tournament.

2010 PDL qualifying recap: 8 teams qualify after tiebreakers, failed perfection, final day drama

June 1, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

PDL qualification for this season is complete, with eight teams punching their ticket to the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The qualifiers – and their competitors – had to deal with multiple tiebreakers and plenty of final day nail biting action. Even then, for two teams, a perfect 4-0-0 record wasn’t enough to send them through.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

GREAT LAKES DIVISION	GP	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA	GF	GD
Dayton Dutch Lions	4	3	0	1	10	8	1	7	+7
Michigan Bucks	4	3	1	0	9	8	3	8	+5
Chicago Fire	4	2	1	1	7	5	3	5	+2
Indiana Invaders	4	2	1	1	7	4	3	4	+1
Cleveland Internationals	4	1	2	1	4	4	9	4	-5
Cincinnati Kings	4	1	3	0	3	6	8	6	-2
Kalamazoo Outrage	4	0	4	0	0	3	11	3	-8