In the pouring rain, Sporting Kansas City became the eighth and final MLS entry into the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after thrashing the New England Revolution, 5-0. Chance Myers and CJ Sapong each scored two in the most lop-sided MLS qualifier ever.
2011 MLS Qualifying
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Chicago Fire rally, beat Earthquakes in PKs to keep Open Cup streak alive
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, it looked as though the Chicago Fire were going to miss the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in team history, but a pair of second half goals and a San Jose shot off the crossbar in sudden death penalties kept the perfect appearance record intact. The rally by the visitors dashed the Earthquakes’ hopes of returning for the first time since 2005.
2011 US Open Cup participants
With a process that began shortly after the 2010 Open Cup final, there are more qualifying tournaments this year than ever before, so it’s a lot to keep track of. So check here for a quick look at all the play-in competitions for Major League Soccer, the USL Premier Development League, National Premier Soccer League and all four regions of the United States Adult Soccer Association as teams fight to get into the 98th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
2011 US Open Cup qualifying updates: MLS play-in tournament underway
For the fifth year in a row, Major League Soccer will conduct a play-in tournament to narrow the number of teams that enter the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Beginning on June 28, eight MLS clubs will join the 98th edition of the tournament in the third round, with the top six MLS teams based on the 2010 league standings automatically qualifying. The 10 remaining US-based clubs are left to fight for the last two spots.
The US Open Cup May qualifying marathon
Tonight, May 11, kicks off a marathon of qualifying for the US Open Cup as all but one day between now and May 30 features qualification matches for Major League Soccer, the USL Premier Development League, the National Premier Soccer League and the US Adult Soccer Association’s four regions.
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Ike Opara’s late winner breaks Portland hearts, sends Earthquakes to final round
Ike Opara’s goal in the 120th minute was the only goal of the match as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0 to earn a date with the Chicago Fire in a “Win & You’re In” match later this month.
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Kheli Dube’s double gives New England 3-2 win over DC United
Kheli Dube had one of his best games since the 2009 season to guide the New England Revolution to a 3-2 victory against DC United in a Major League Soccer US Open Cup qualifier.
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: DC United hold off Union’s shorthanded rally, advance on PKs
Down 2-1 and playing with 10 men, Brian Carroll equalized late in the second overtime for Philadelphia, but DC United would emerge victorious in the penalty kick tiebreaker. United will return to the Maryland Soccerplex to host the New England Revolution in the next round on April 26.
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: CJ Sapong’s goal gives Sporting KC first qualifying win, 1-0 over Dynamo
A goal three minutes into overtime from second half substitute CJ Sapong proved to be the difference as Sporting Kansas City registered their first Major League Soccer qualification victory for the US Open Cup in team history.
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Chicago Fire one win away from Open Cup after beating Rapids
Where there is smoke there is fire, or at least the Chicago Fire’s Jalil Anibaba. The rookie defender launched a 45 yard shot from the midst of a flare-induced haze just after the hour mark to give the hosts a 2-1 US Open Cup qualification victory over the reigning Major League Soccer champion Colorado Rapids Wednesday evening in Peoria, IL at Bradley University’s Shea Stadium.