Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

William Hodges

2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Seattle Sounders end decade-long Semifinal drought with win over Sacramento Republic

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Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák of the Seattle Sounders celebrate after scoring a goal against the Sacramento Republic in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

Sacramento Republic FC played host to Seattle Sounders FC Tuesday night at Heart Health Park in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Sacramento earned their way to the round of eight by upsetting the San Jose Earthquakes 4-3 in extra time, while the Sounders punched their ticket by way of a 2-1 win over Phoenix Rising FC.

Despite a valiant second half from Republic FC in front of their home fans, first half goals from Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio and forward Jordan Morris proved to be enough to lift the visitors to a 2-1 road victory. With the win, the four-time Open Cup champions earned their first trip to the Semifinals since 2014.

“The guys all fought, they stuck together and it was a hard game,” said Seattle Sounders FC manager Brian Schmetzer. “They scored a goal early in the second half that gave them life, and credit Mark {Briggs} and his group for never quitting. I was happy with the performance because {we} overcame some adversity. {We’re} coming together as a group and that wasn’t an easy game. USL teams’ levels are growing higher and higher as their league progresses.”

Sounders FC got on the board first, when in the 16th minute, Reed Baker-Whiting crossed a ball from the left side that appeared to initially to be headed away by the Republic, but it found Josh Atencio at the top of the box, whose volley ricocheted off a Republic defender and into the back of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage. 

“I was really eager to get out here today and put in a performance,” said Atencio. “We’re treating {the Open Cup} as a big deal, and it is. We knew we were going to have to get one early to give us momentum and also weather their storm, because we knew they were to come at us. So I felt it helped us {getting the early goal} from a mental standpoint knowing we had to play the rest of the game with that lead, and I think we did a good job.”

Republic would have their best chance in the first half when Cristian Parano’s left-footed shot just went wide of the far post following a courageous run up the left flank. 

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Sounders FC would double their lead in the 31st minute when Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello was caught too far out of the box following a tremendous through ball from Baker-Whiting. Morris collected the ball, made a clever move around Vitiello’s left and was able to tap it into a wide open net, making it 2-0.

Republic FC would pull one back in the 49th minute when halftime substitute Sebastian Herrera powerfully headed Jack Gurr’s corner kick to make it 2-1. The goal gave the home side and its fans some life and they continued to put pressure on Seattle for the remainder of the game. 

VItiello did his best to keep his team in the match, making a couple of incredible saves down the stretch to keep it at a goal deficit. Republic FC thought they had tied the match in the 87th minute, but forward Trevor Amann was ruled offside and the goal did not stand. In the end, Seattle grinded out an impressive road victory.

With the win, Seattle returns to the Semifinals of the Open Cup for the first time since 2014, when they last won the title. They are seeking to become the first team from the Modern Era (1995-present) to win five Open Cup titles. In the 109-year history of the tournament, only three times have ever lifted the trophy five times (Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers)

Seattle will host the winner of Los Angeles FC and New Mexico United, which kicks off Wednesday night at 11 p.m. ET.

Republic FC return to USL league play and can hold their heads high following yet another solid Open Cup run, with some memorable moments along the way.

2024 US Open Cup Round 5: Sacramento Republic strikes quickly in OT to complete comeback vs. San Jose Earthquakes

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Sacramento Republic players celebrate after scoring a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento Republic players celebrate after scoring a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC played host to Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes Tuesday night in the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Heart Health Park in front of a raucous crowd of 11,569. It was the fifth all-time meeting between the clubs with the Earthquakes holding a 3-1 match advantage. In the words of the beloved character Stefon from Saturday Night Live (Bill Hader), this match “had everything.”  

Behind a first half brace from Republic FC forward (and Huddersfield Town loanee) Kiernan Phillips and theatrics in the second period of extra time where the Republic got goals from Luis Felipe in the 106th minute (assisted by Rafael Jauregui) and Sebstian Herrera (assisted by Cristian Parano) in the 108th minute, the Quails held on for a 4-3 win and knocked the Earthquakes out of the Open Cup tournament for the second time in three years. The Earthquakes winless road streak in the Open Cup also pushed to 10 games, which is the most in the Modern Era (1995-present).

Sacramento now has eliminated six MLS teams in tournament play, which is tied for third of all of the lower division clubs of the Modern Era.  

“I thought the guys showed unbelievable heart, unbelievable character, and unbelievable resilience to come back in extra time after we conceded that third goal,” said Republic FC Manager Mark Briggs. “A lot of teams would have caved in, a lot of teams would have gone under, but they showed their grit and they showed heart and they showed the Indomitable Spirit at the end of the day. And we managed to come back into it. I thought Cristian Parano came in and was excellent, Sebastian Herrera came in and was excellent. And that’s the difference and that’s why we’re in the next round.”

The Earthquakes got on the board first in the 11th minute when forward Benji Kikanović made an unbelievable run up the left side, and his left footed cross found a wide open Preston Judd who calmly slotted it home to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead. 

That lead would last five minutes when in the 17th minute, Luis Felipe received a beautifully weighted ball from midfield from Trevor Amnan. He quickly dribbled up the left hand side, and his left footed cross found Republic forward Kieran Phillips to level the score at 1-1. 

Republic FC would strike again in the 38th minute when defender Jack Gurr played the ball up the right hand side, crossed the ball to Phillips, who had made a brilliant trailing run up the middle and hammered home his second goal of the half. With the goal, Phillips secured his first brace as a member of the Republic and third goal in two Open Cup matches, which ties him for second place in the 2024 tournament with Cal Jennings from the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

San Jose leveled the match in the 80th minute on a well-placed Christan Espinoza free kick.just outside the 18 yard box. After some dangerous chances for both sides in the final 10 minutes, they went to extra time tied 2-2. 

In the 100th minute, Hernan Lopez gave the Earthquakes a 3-2 lead on an assist from Jack Skahan, which seemed to be the end of the line for the Republic. That’s when things got wacky. 

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

In the 106th minute, Felipe tied the score at 3-3, and two minutes later, it was Herrera scoring the go-ahead goal, which sent Heart Health Park into an absolute frenzy. The Republic were able to hold off a mounting attack from the Earthquakes over the next 12 minutes and punched their ticket to the next round with a dramatic 4-3 victory. The win also moved Republic FC’s all-time home record in the Open Cup to 20-2-1 (1-1 in penalty shootouts). 

“Once again, the team showed great resilience to get scored on, go again, score goals, get scored on again, “said Felipe. just a great team performance overall gives us confidence to move on in the tournament. Every time we have a game like this here at home, we feel great. The atmosphere is insane. I love playing for the city, for this club. It’s amazing.”

Republic FC will learn their opponent and hosting rights on May 22 at 10 p.m. ET on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube page. 

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Danny Vitiello leads Sacramento Republic to shutout win over Monterey Bay

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Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Behind two first half goals spanning across just four minutes, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over USL Championship rival Monterey Bay FC. Republic FC Manager Mark Briggs pushed his career winning percentage to .714 in the Open Cup, which is the third highest in the Modern Era (1995-present).

With the win, Republic FC move their all-time home record in the competition to 19-2-1 (1-1 in penalty shootouts) and will next host MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, who they knocked out of the tournament in 2022 as part of their historic run to the Open Cup Final.

The Quails broke through in the 27th minute when left back Dami Viader crossed in a ball from just outside the box on the left side, which was inadvertently deflected by Monterey Bay FC defender Kai Greene straight into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later (31st minute), Huddersfield Town loanee Kieran Phillips notched his third goal in four matches across all competitions on a lovely through ball from Rafa Jauregui, who earned his first career assist.

From that point on, Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello made a number of clearances and big saves (four total on the night), including right before halftime and in the 88th minute, denying Monterey Bay forward Tristan Trager from breaking up Vitiello’s clean sheet.

Listening to Briggs following the match, it’s clear Republic FC are once again prioritizing the Open Cup as much as USL play, and in turn, honoring the history of the tournament.

“I think I’m fortunate that I have a squad that allows us to compete on both fronts,” said Briggs.. But the Open Cup – look, we’ve got a special history with the Open Cup. Not just in 2022 but even before I was the coach. The club’s done extremely well in the Open Cup, so it’s competition that we respect and we want to do well in, and this year is no different. Now obviously we’re coming up against a San Jose team that we’ve faced many times in the past and it’ll be a really difficult night and a difficult game, but a great opportunity for our community, our city to show what Sacramento is all about.”

The match featured a number of new faces to the tournament, but none more exciting than 16 year-old Republic FC defender and academy standout Chibi Ukaegbu, who played in his first professional match after signing a contract last November. He learned last Friday that he was going to be in the XI on Tuesday. He was nervous, but absolutely ready.

“It felt great,” said Ukaegbu. “It’s something I’ve been training for for a long time, and to get this the opportunity felt great in front of all the fans.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Late goal by Central Valley Fuego gives coach Jermaine Jones first USOC win

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Central Valley Fuego huddle prior to the club's match against FC Folsom in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego
Central Valley Fuego huddle prior to the club’s match against FC Folsom in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego

Central Valley Fuego FC got a late goal from Shavon John-Brown in the 82nd minute that secured a tough road victory against FC Folsom at Folsom Lake College in the opening round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Only a year in existence, FC Folsom was making their inaugural Open Cup appearance after becoming the first team ever in the UPSL NorCal North Division to qualify for the tournament via the four-game Qualifying Rounds. They certainly gave FC Fuego everything they could handle, but the visitors survived and came out on top 2-1.

Fuego FC captain Jason Ramos got the scoring started in the 9th minute. After a corner was played short, Ernesto Espinoza turned towards goal and whipped a left-footed curling ball towards the back post, which Ramos powerfully headed home. 

FC Folsom would level the match in the 51st minute on a corner kick by captain Dalton Pando, who found Moshi Wilondja in front of goal to make it 1-1. Both sides had ample opportunities across the next 30 minutes, until John-Brown sealed the match. 

Fuego FC coach and former US international standout, Jermaine Jones was pleased with the result, although he expressed some frustration over the lack of accommodations for his team who traveled over three hours for the game.

“I think the match was good, but everything around the match is sometimes difficult,” said Jones. “We arrived here and we don’t have chairs in the locker room and that should not be. Then you realize why MLS is saying they don’t want to play. If it’s not professional, that’s where I step in and say it’s not good. in the end, I am just happy with the result, it was an open game for the fans, and now we focus on the league.”

MORE: FC Folsom father-son duo out to make debut Open Cup noise

Jones also credited the go-ahead goal to the team’s ability to keep the moving and make it difficult for FC Folsom, which is something he had been saying leading up to the match.

With the win, Fuego FC punched their ticket to the Second Round and will find out later this week who play on either April 2 or 3. Meanwhile, FC Folsom now turns their attention to UPSL play.

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: Colorado Rapids pulls away from Sacramento Republic to end “Curse of the Rhinos”

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Jonathan Lewis of the Colorado Rapids dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Republic FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Colorado Rapids
Jonathan Lewis of the Colorado Rapids dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Republic FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Colorado Rapids

Under the lights of a cool spring evening, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Colorado Rapids in the Round of 32 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Heart Health Park.

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Behind early goals from Rapids forward Jonathan Lewis and Michael Edwards, Colorado held on to knock out last year’s Open Cup runner up 4-2 in an entertaining, back and forth match.

With the win, Colorado erased a seven-game road losing streak in Open Cup play as well as the infamous ‘Curse of the Rhinos.” Since the Rapids lost the 1999 US Open Cup Final to the Rochester Raging Rhinos, they had failed to win multiple games in 17 straight tournaments. Tuesday’s win is only their sixth road win in the competition across 21 tournaments, and despite getting past Republic FC, they still have a losing record against second division teams in the tournament (7-8-1, 0-1 PK) and hold the record among MLS teams who have been upset 11 times by a lower division side.

“Obviously, happy to advance,” said Colorado manager Robin Fraser. “As I’ve been saying all week, we certainly intend to take this tournament seriously, and we’ve talked a lot about mentality, we talked about what it’s like to play in an arena like this. And were every bit as good as I thought they would be. After giving up a couple of early goals, they really applied a lot of pressure late in the game. I was certainly pleased with how we handled it, and then obviously, to relinquish the lead, and then come back in and find two more goals to win it. I was really proud of the group for that. But as I said, the bottom line is we’re happy to have gotten through and advance to the next round.”

Jonathan Lewis opened the scoring for the Rapids in the 4th minute following a nice through ball from Daniel Leyva to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Eleven minutes later (15th minute), Rapids defender Michael Edwards slid under the Republic defense and headed in a corner from Alexander Gerbach to make it 2-0.

After the shock of going down two early goals, Republic FC were able to gain composure and work themselves back into the match. The effort would pay off in the 30th minute, when Sebastian Herrera pulled one back for the Quails on a beautiful cross from forward Keko Gontan on the right side capping off a solid build up of play.

Looking to level the match out of halftime, Republic FC got what they needed in the 52nd minute when Herrera got his brace after heading in a cross from defender Jack Gurr to send Heart Health Park into a frenzy. Unfortunately for the Republic, the excitement of fighting back to level at 2-2 would be short-lived.

Colorado regained the advantage in the 56th minute when substitute Sam Nicholson gathered the rebound following a blistering right-footed shot from Michael Barrios that hit the left post, ricocheted near the right post where Nicholson was crashing in. He calmly tapped it in to give the Rapids a 3-2 advantage.

The game would change when Republic defender Shane Wiedt picked up two yellow cards in a span of 90 seconds (61st and 62nd minute) and was sent off with 30 minutes left in the match. Down a man, Republic FC fought hard and continued to mount pressure and create chances, however, the game was put away in the 81st minute by Barrios off a cross from substitute Braian Galvan to make it 4-2, which is where the game would finish.

With the loss, Republic’s home unbeaten streak ends at 14 (second longest in the Modern Era). However, they still hold an impressive 18-2-1 (1-0 PK) home record in the Open Cup. For Colorado, Tuesday’s win means a trip to the Round of 16 and an opportunity to do something special in this tournament and change the direction of their history in the Open Cup. Lewis and his teammates are embracing the moment.

“If you tell somebody you can win a trophy in five or six games, then I think most people will take that,” said Rapids forward Jonathan Lewis. “You’ve got to win six games, so for us, it’s like that focus and that mentality right there to win or go home. And, you know, we have that in the back of our heads, and we know that this could be an opportunity, a tournament that we can actually win, so I think everybody’s just putting their head down. We know whoever we get next, again, it’s going to be just another game, but there’s going to be a lot more urgency in these games right now than even maybe an MLS game.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic wins “gritty” battle with NorCal rival Oakland Roots

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Nick Ross of the Sacramento Republic celebrates a goal with his teammates against Oakland Roots in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Nick Ross of the Sacramento Republic celebrates a goal with his teammates against Oakland Roots in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

On Wednesday night, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Northern California USL Championship rival Oakland Roots in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Republic FC opened the scoring in the 49th minute after forward Russell Cicerone laid it off just outside the 18-yard box to midfielder Nick Ross who stepped into space without any resistance and smashed it home to give the home side a 1-0 advantage. The lone goal is all Republic FC would need to advance and punch their ticket to the Round of 32. 

“I thought it was a gritty performance from the guys,” said Republic FC’s Mark Briggs, who now has the Modern Era’s second-highest advance percentage as a manager (0.833). “When you face a local rival like Oakland and what they bring to the game, it’s always gritty and it’s always a battle. I think you saw that throughout the game. It wasn’t really free flowing. There’s a lot of stoppages, a lot of fouls. So we had to handle that and adapt. But we’re in the draw tomorrow, and that’s all that matters when playing a cup competition.”

Collectively, the two sides only combined for three shots on goal. Oakland Roots had their only chance in the 28th minute after a poor Republic giveaway at midfield. However, goalkeeper Carlos Saldana made an incredible foot save denying Roots captain Joseph Nane the goal. 

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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 Republic’s only other chance came in the 39th minute, when defender Jack Gurr’s free kick found Luis Felipe, but his shot hit the crossbar. 

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you advance in the Open Cup tournament, you just need to advance. Like Briggs said, all that matters is that they’re moving on. And for a player like Nick Ross — who’s battled through injuries the past few years to get his first goal — was special.

“Aldair had a great run which set me up perfectly for the space,” he said. “I took a chance and it hit. I didn’t think it counted because no one celebrated with me at first. I think everyone was in shock that I scored. 

“It was nice for me, I had my wife and my son here, they’ve been waiting for a goal for two years. It’s nice for them to be here. I’m delighted, and just happy that we won the game.”

With the win, the Republic add to their impressive Open Cup resume. The victory was the club’s 20th in 28 games, and they’ve done most of their damage in front of their home fans. Sacramento is 18-1-1 (1-0 PKs) at home and Wednesday’s win improves their home unbeaten streak to 14 games, which is the second-longest streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). They haven’t lost a home game in the US Open Cup since they were upset by the Kitsap Pumas in the Third Round in the 2016 tournament. 

2022 US Open Cup: Rodrigo Lopez of Sacramento Republic voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

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Graphic by Bradley Delmar (Twitter: @bradmarepublic)

Fresh off a tournament-best four goals and four assists, and a share of the tournament Golden Boot Award, Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez earned a rare combination of awards for his performance in the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Lopez was the was not only voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament, but he was also voted the overall Player of the Tournament. Since a “lower division” award was added in 2012, he is the first player to sweep both awards. Lopez also becomes just the second player from a lower division team to win the overall Player of the Tournament award. He joins goalkeeper Chris Eylander, who earned the honor in 2008 with the then United Soccer League (USL) Seattle Sounders.

The Player of the Tournament awards are 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.

Rodrigo Lopez (left) and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello celebrate after Lopez scored the game-winning penalty kick to give Sacramento Republic a 5-4 win over Sporting KC in the 2022 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Rodrigo Lopez (left) and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello celebrate after Lopez scored the game-winning penalty kick to give Sacramento Republic a 5-4 win over Sporting KC in the 2022 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC


Lopez was an absolute force during the tournament, propelling Republic FC to their first Open Cup Final where they would eventually lose 3-0 to Orlando City. Despite the loss, Republic FC were only the fourth non-MLS club to compete in a Final. During their run, the Quails knocked off MLS sides San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City, in what was a thrilling penalty shootout that only rivals the Miracle at Bonney during the club’s inaugural season. From the Miracle at Bonney, to the 2022 Open Cup run, it was Lopez leading the way for the Republic.

“I am a little bit shocked to be honest … something that I wasn’t expecting especially after not winning the US Open Cup,” said Lopez when asked for his reaction to winning both awards. “(But) to be awarded this MVP brings a little joy to me and to the work I’ve put in throughout the season and obviously the work of my teammates, coaching staff and everyone involved with the Republic.”

This marks the second time, and the second tournament in a row that a player on a team that didn’t win the tournament won the Player of the Tournament award. In 2019, the tournament’s top scorer Darwin Quintero of Minnesota United FC won despite his team falling to Atlanta United FC in the Final.

Lopez’s contributions were felt widely across the tournament. In the Fifth Round (Round of 16), he scored a goal and tallied an assist en route to a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. In the Quarterfinals against the LA Galaxy, Lopez scored an early goal that set the tone in a 2-1 victory. And in the Semifinals against Sporting Kansas City, he played 120 minutes and converted a penalty kick to send Republic FC to the Open Cup Final. He’s played this tournament many times before, but this year was different. It was apparent that Lopez, his teammates and the club were locked in.

“You may remember in the past we got knocked out by an amateur team, and I didn’t play that game and the coach made a lot of changes, I don’t think some of the players took it very serious,” said Lopez. “I really think Mark did a good job in the rotations and taking every game serious. We never underestimated any team. For Mark to play me in these games when I had been playing all the league games, it definitely showed me he wanted to win. I just really wanted to make a big run, and with the tone we had in our locker room and with the coaching staff and front office, I truly felt like we had a really good chance.”

Make no mistake about it, the Republic’s run in this year’s Open Cup galvanized the City of Sacramento, captivated soccer fans and media across the country and elevated the game. When Lopez was told about recent chatter on social media saying that when the Republic build their new downtown stadium, there should be a statue of him out front. That’s how much he means to the city and fans.

“It means a lot, but I don’t like to take full credit of the success this club has had or I’ve had,” said Lopez. “It’s all built around a team and I’ve been very lucky to play under great coaches and alongside amazing players, but once my son Roman was born, I definitely changed my mindset and the way I worked and the way that I acted as a professional and worked on the field every day. All the success and attention I am getting is based on the hard work, the struggles and me learning from early on in my career. I appreciate everyone who supports me and for the fans to praise me like that … it’s special.”

Father-Son Open Cup Connection

One of Lopez’s biggest fans watching this Open Cup from the stands or on television was his dad, Alvaro Lopez. He also competed in the tournament with San Nicolás FC out of Pomona in 1998. That team had to win a tournament in their zone and travel to Albuquerque for a regional tournament against teams across six states to qualify for the Open Cup.

Once they qualified, they had to travel to Austin, which proved to be complicated. The team flew out at 1 a.m., had to make a connecting flight, and eventually arrived at their hotel at 11 a.m. for a 5 p.m. kickoff. San Nicolás would eventually lose 2-1 to the Austin Lone Stars (USISL D-3 Pro League), with Alvaro starting and playing a full 90 minutes. Despite the challenges to qualify, he looks back on his experience fondly.

“It was very difficult to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup,” said Alvaro. “I remember that the team’s overall skill level was very good, which included college and players who had played professionally. We only had time for breakfast and rest before heading to the field at 3:30 p.m. That team in Austin would be considered to be at a USL Championship level today, but I believe we would have had a better result if we would have traveled the day before. But it was a very good experience.”

Whether it’s 1998 or 2022, qualifying or making a run in the Open Cup takes a lot out of players and teams. There is a tremendous amount of sacrifice, playing through injuries, heavy minutes with league play, mental toughness to push through and the expectation to play well and advance. Knowing Lopez faced and battled through all of this is something his dad understands and appreciates.

“He deserves a very good rating for his overall performance,” said Alvaro when taking about Lopez’s Open Cup play. “He satisfied all the expectations I had on him and the way he played this year. I believe that his experience, the way he takes care of his body and his willingness to give it his all for his team and the City of Sacramento all came together to keep him motivated.”

One of the Best Seasons Ever?

Without question, this was one of Lopez’s best years as a professional. While Republic FC fell just short in the Open Cup, nobody in Sacramento will soon forget their magical run.

“This has to rank in the top three of my career,” said Lopez. “I would say that first year winning the championship was one of them, making my dream come true to play in Mexico in the first division was the other, and this one is up there. I don’t know what order to be honest, but it definitely has to be in the top three.”

Hats off to Rodrigo Lopez – ambassador for the game, consummate professional, Sacramento Republic FC legend, and now, 2022 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. I am sure fans look forward to watching him reach even new heights next season.

2022 US Open Cup Semifinals: Sacramento Republic defense carries underdog story to Final with PK shootout win

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Rodrigo Lopez (left) and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello celebrate after Lopez scored the game-winning penalty kick to give Sacramento Republic a 5-4 win over Sporting KC in the 2022 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Rodrigo Lopez (left) and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello celebrate after Lopez scored the game-winning penalty kick to give Sacramento Republic a 5-4 win over Sporting KC in the 2022 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

In front of an electric, raucous and sold out Heart Health Park, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Sporting Kansas City FC Wednesday night in a semifinal match as part of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The two teams took the field minutes after the other semifinal match of the tournament was decided with Orlando City FC taking care of New York Red Bulls 5-1.

After a scoreless draw, the match would be ultimately decided by penalty kicks, with Republic FC winning 5-4 to advance to the 107th US Open Cup Final against Orlando City SC. With the penalty shootout tied at 4-4, it was Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello saving the final penalty shot from Graham Zusi and then Republic FC captain Rodrigo Lopez sealing the victory with a firm strike.  

With the win, Republic FC become just the third lower division club to knock out more than two MLS teams in one Open Cup and the first USL club to make the Final since Charleston Battery did it in 2008. Sacramento also extend their home unbeaten streak in the tournament to 12 games which is the longest active streak.

The Republic also became the first Northern California club to reach the US Open Cup Final in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present). Only eight Nor Cal teams in the 107-year history of the tournament have reached the Final, with the last coming in 1994 when Greek American AC (San Francisco) lifted the trophy just outside of Philadelphia. They will try to be the sixth Northern California team to win the competition.

Northern California teams in the US Open Cup Final
1962 – San Francisco Scots  (Lost)
1976 – San Francisco AC (Won)
1985 – Greek American AC (Won)
1988 – Greek American AC (Lost)
1992 – San Jose Oaks (Won)
1993 – CD Mexico (Won)
1994 – Greek American AC (Won)
2022 – Sacramento Republic FC (??)

“I thought the boys gave everything and played their hearts out,” said Republic FC manager Mark Briggs. “The boys hung in there, created opportunities at times, and all that matters is that we’re in the final. Everything else is a little bit blurry at this moment to be honest.”

Republic FC punched their ticket to the semifinal following a thrilling 2-1 road victory over LA Galaxy on June 21, while Sporting Kansas City earned their way into the semifinal with a 6-0 win over Union Omaha a day later and ending their magical run in the tournament.

The match started with a bang as both sides generated solid opportunities in the first five minutes. Following the flurry of early activity, Sporting Kansas City held the majority of the possession for the next 20 minutes, and created multiple chances to go ahead early. Republic FC eventually settled into the match creating opportunities of their own over the final 25 minutes, including a chance in the 40th minute when a series of shots and headers bounced in and around the front of goal, but the threat was ultimately fended off. 

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In the second half, Republic FC mustered their best chance in the 62th minute, when a cross from Rodrigo Lopez wasn’t cleared well by Sporting Kansas City. The ball popped right out in front of goal, but Republic FC’s midfielder Keko Gontan’s right footed blast was cleared brilliantly by Sporting goalkeeper John Pulskamp to keep the match scoreless. 

In the first 15 minutes of extra time, Kansas City’s Danny Salloi received a lovely through ball and his shot violently hit the crossbar. The subsequent rebound would go just over the crossbar. Sporting would link up other dangerous chances in extra time, but Vitiello made save after save, like he had been doing all match, to keep his team in it and earning Man of the Match honors. 

After neither team could find a goal in extra time, the drama continued into the penalty kick shootout.

After both teams converted their first two attempts, William Agada of Sporting KC stepped up to begin Round 3. Vitiello dove to his right to save Agada’s attempt, but the referee ordered Agada to re-take it as they ruled that Vitiello had come off his line too early. Agada would take advantage of the second chance by scoring and then celebrated with an acrobatic backflip which drew loud boos from the partisan crowd.

After both teams traded goals, Sporting was up 4-3 when Sacramento’s Maalique Foster stepped up to the spot. The Jamaican, in a clutch situation, stunned the crowd by chipping the ball ever so lightly right down the middle, panenka-style. The goalkeeper dove to his right and was helpless to stop it. Foster answered Agada’s gymnastics routine by doing a backflip of his own.

Moments later, U.S. international Graham Zusi stepped up to begin Round 5 and Vitiello guessed correctly by diving to his left giving Sacramento’s Rodrigo Lopez, the tournament’s co-leading scorer, a chance to send them to the championship game. The captain would not miss and the sold-out stadium erupted.

Following the match, Vitiello reflected on what this win meant to him and his teammates.

“To be playing for such a prestigious club like Sacramento right now, it means the world to me,” said Vitiello. “This group is unbelievable, what we’ve achieved in such a short time together, and to be able to put out performances like we did tonight … it’s unreal for such amazing fans who did their job tonight and came out with all they did.”

The talk prior to the match was that this was the biggest game in Republic FC history. Those who witnessed the Miracle at Bonney in 2014, which propelled the Republic into the USL Final, believe that was the biggest game in club history. Few would argue Wednesday night’s Semifinal will replace the ‘Miracle’ as the club’s greatest moment.

Only one non-MLS team has won the US Open Cup in the tournament’s Modern Era. Now, Sacramento is one win away from joining the 1999 Rochester Raging Rhinos in the record books. Republic FC advance to the Final where they will play on the road against Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC on Sept. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.  

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Sacramento Republic extend home win streak, 2-0 over rival Phoenix Rising

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Luis Felipe Fernandes celebrates after scoring a goal in the 30th minute against Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Luis Felipe celebrates after scoring a goal in the 30th minute against Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

On Wednesday night, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at a breezy and chilly Heart Health Park.

On the strength of an early goal by Luis Felipe, a clutch penalty kick save before halftime by Danny Vitiello before halftime and a late goal by Douglas Martinez, Sacramento advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-0 win.  

With the win, Sacramento wins the club’s 10th straight home win in Open Cup play, the longest active streak, and the fourth-longest such streak of the Modern Era. The Republic improve to an impressive 15-1-0 record at home in the Open Cup, and the club’s record against Division 2 teams remains perfect at 5-0-0.

Both teams entered the Fourth Round by defeating lower division sides on late goals. Sacramento had punched their ticket on April 20 after a 2-1 win over Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One), while Phoenix earned their spot following a 2-1 win over New Mexico United (USL Championship).

The match opened with both sides creating decent chances, but neither club could quite put it together in the final third. Rising FC held most of the possession early.

However, it was Republic FC who finally broke through in the 30th minute when Luis Felipe’s left footed strike beat Rising FC keeper Ben Lundt for a 1-0 lead. Midfielder Matt LaGrassa was credited with the assist.

Five minutes later (35th minute), it appeared Phoenix had leveled the match on a header from Marcus Epps, but it didn’t cross the line after rattling around the ground and crossbar a handful of times.  

Republic FC keeper Danny Vitiello made two incredible saves as the first half was drawing to a close. After center referee Joseph Salinas called a penalty in the box, Rising FC forward Greg Hurst stepped up to take the penalty, but was unable to convert. Hurst’s rebound shot was also stopped by Vitiello and the Republic went into the break clinging to a 1-0 advantage. 

After a chippy second half full of yellow cards and not many threatening chances for either side, Republic FC put the match away in the 88th minute on a header from Douglas Martinez thanks to a beautiful corner from substitute Emil Cuello.

The goal sealed a 2-0 win for Republic FC and a trip to the fifth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Following the match, Republic FC midfielder Luis Felipe reflected on the match, his goal and how much the win meant for his team.

“It was a great fight from the whole team,” said Felipe. “We worked hard throughout the week, we watched video on them and I think we executed well. happy to score my first goal of the season, but most of all, happy for the team to win and advance in the Open Cup.”

A draw will be held on Thursday night to determine who Republic FC will face in the Fifth Round. 

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