Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2011 MLS Qualifying

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (Win & You’re In): Sporting KC qualify with drubbing of 2nd string New England

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Sporting Kansas City did a lot of celebrating during their 5-0 win over the New England Revolution. Photo: Taylor Allan | Sporting KC

It has been a difficult start to the year for Sporting Kansas City playing away from home as LIVESTRONG Sporting Park was being finished. In the final 2011 MLS qualifier for the US Open Cup though, the club was finally at home, albeit at the alternate site Blue Valley District Activities Complex, and took that frustration out amidst the rain on a second string New England Revolution side in a stunning 5-0 victory that gave them the eighth and final MLS berth in the third round of the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Two Chance Myers strikes in the first 19 minutes put Sporting on the path toward a record performance as they posted the largest margin of victory all-time in the league’s 30 qualification matches over the past five years. The only four-goal margin was Real Salt Lake’s 4-0 home win against San Jose in 2008. It was also only the second time a club has scored five in a game as DC defeated visiting New York 5-3 two years ago. CJ Sapong added two of the other goals and Aurelien Collin had the fifth.

Playing away from home in MLS, Sporting is 1-6-1 with two more games away from home before the debut at the new park. They have yet to post a shutout on the season in MLS play, but have now blanked two league rivals in qualifiers having edged the Houston Dynamo on the road, 1-0, in the previous round on a Sapong goal in overtime. Eric Kronberg, who has played only one league match, was in goal for both qualifier clean sheets.

Just minutes into the contest Omar Bravo worked the ball quickly down the left flank and sent a low cross through the area that found a slashing Myers at the far post for an easy finish past Bobby Shuttleworth.

Bravo again was a factor in the 19th minute when his initial shot on goal was knocked away by Shuttleworth, allowing Myers to put away the rebound to double the advantage.

Five minutes later, Sporting grabbed suffocating command of the match when Sapong redirected a cross from former Revolution defender Seth Sinovic for his second goal of the qualifying campaign. The goal marked the first time Kansas City had scored three in a qualification match, having scored twice in only one of its four previous play-in matches.

As halftime approached Pat Phelan had the first good opportunity for New England, sending a long, hopeful effort from 35 yards that nearly found the upper right corner only to sail just wide.

Just after the hour mark Ryan Smith moved up the middle quickly for Kansas City, firing on goal and forcing Shuttleworth to make a nice save to send the ball out of play. Two minutes later Graham Zusi took a shot that was flying toward the crossbar, prompting the keeper to tip it over just to make sure.

In one of the Revolution’s other rare chances, Alan Koger gathered the ball on the right side, turned and fired from 28 years, making Kronberg stretch out for a nice save in the 68th minute.

In the 81st minute Collin made it 4-0 when he headed in a Smith cross from close range.

Seven minutes later Sapong sealed the record performance on a play symbolic of the night, stealing the ball from defender Franco Coria at the top of the box and putting it into the upper corner from 16 yards for his third of the campaign, making him the leading scorer in 2011 MLS US Open Cup qualifying.

Scoring Summary
KC: Chance Myers (Omar Bravo) – 9th min.
KC: Chance Myers – 19th min.
KC: CJ Sapong (Seth Sinovic) – 24th min.
KC: Aurelien Collin (Ryan Smith) – 81st min.
KC: CJ Sapong – 88th min.

Misconduct Summary:
NE – Didier Domi (caution; Tactical Foul) 20
NE – Pat Phelan (caution; Reckless Foul) 45
NE – Alan Koger (caution; Reckless Foul) 74

Lineups:
New England Revolution – Bobby Shuttleworth (Tim Murray 72), Ryan Kinne, Franco Coria, Otto Loewy, Didier Domi, Michael Augustine (Diego Fagundez 70), Pat Phelan, Andrew Sousa, Sainey Nyassi (Zak Boggs 60), Zack Shilawski, Alan Koger
Substitutes Not Used: Darrius Barnes

Kansas City Wizards – Eric Kronberg, Michael Harrington, Matt Besler, Aurelien Collin, Seth Sinovic, Omar Bravo (Ryan Smith 57), Craig Rocastle (Birahim Diop 72), Chance Myers (Kei Kamara 79), Luke Sassano, Graham Zusi, C.J. Sapong
Substitutes Not Used: Jimmy Nielsen, Roger Espinoza

Referee: Sorin Stoica
Referee’s Assistants: Lance Mesman, Matthew Foerster
4th Official: Landis Wiley
Weather: Cloudy and 53 degrees
Attendance: 1,228

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Chicago Fire rally, beat Earthquakes in PKs to keep Open Cup streak alive

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The Chicago Fire celebrate after defeated the San Jose Earthquakes in a penalty kick shootout in the 2011 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: John Todd | isiphotos.com

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.

Twenty-year old Ellis McLoughlin gave the home side the advantage 14 minutes into the contest and Justin Morrow doubled the lead two minutes before the break for San Jose. Chicago’s comeback was kicked off by 19-year old Israeli Orr Barouch in the 61st minute with the Fire finding the equalizer from Colombian Yamith Cuesta in the 77th.

With the momentum in the Fire’s favor, overtime saw the advantage flip back to San Jose eight minutes in with the direct red card send-off of Chicago’s Gonzalo Segares, apparently for making contact of some sort with Steven Lenhart’s face. The Earthquakes, however, were unable to capitalize on the extra man and watched as the clock ticked toward penalties.

Photo: John Todd | isiphotos.com

After the opening salvos were buried by Chicago’s Marco Pappa and San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski, Logan Pause sent his shot high and Sam Cronin smacked his attempt off the crossbar. Six consecutive conversions sent the tiebreaker to sudden death, where it would be decided in the sixth round. Chicago’s Daniel Paladini found the top left corner and watched as Trinidadian Scott Sealy sent his shot off the crossbar.

It was a bit of déjà vu for the Chicago and San Jose. In the Fire’s first-ever Open Cup match versus an MLS opponent in the tournament quarterfinals during their inaugural 1998 campaign, the Fire prevailed in penalties 4-3 after a 1-1 draw at the Cotton Bowl. They would go on to defeat Dallas and Columbus en route to the first of their four tournament titles.

Chicago has plenty of extra time experience when it comes to Open Cup related fixtures, going to overtime 14 times with a record of 7-3-4. The club is 3-1 in penalty kick tiebreakers, advancing in 10 of the 14 contests. San Jose meanwhile, is 2-1-6 in similar matches and has a lengthy, unfortunate history at the spot with only two victories in six tiebreakers.

The game could have taken a completely different path as Chicago’s Gaston Puerari, a standout in the previous qualifier, flashed a shot wide of goal just six minutes into the game.

Eight minutes later though, McLoughlin opened the scoring from the top of the penalty area after Cronin had dispossessed Paladini. The former US U17 international was making his first start for the club after entering the Portland qualifier in the 111th minute for his MLS debut. The youngster, whose shot deflected off Cuesta’s foot for the goal, has been hot of late, also scoring twice a week ago in a reserve match against Santa Clara University.

Another steal by the feisty Earthquakes created another immediate opportunity for the hosts in the 16th minute as Wondolowski put a shot on goal that forced a save from Sean Johnson.

A miscommunication by the Fire in their own half allowed San Jose another opportunity just before the break that proved fruitful. Steven Beitashour was able to acquire possession and send a through ball on to Anthony Ampaipitakwong, who delivered it to McLoughlin for a chance at a second on the night. Johnson made the stop, but allowed the ball to come out directly to Morrow for the easy three-yard finish in the 43rd minute.

Chicago got off to a similar start to the second half as they did the first as Pappa sent a shot from the top of the box wide of the goal in the 54th minute.

Hope at making a comeback was secured just after the hour mark when Segares squared a ball from the left side to Barouch, who sent a left-footed effort from the top of the area kissing off the inside of the right post and into the back of the net to slice the deficit in half. A new addition to the club, the Israeli-born striker joined the club after helping lead the Tigres U20 team to a runners-up finish in the Mexican Clausura.

A give-and-go between Wondolowski and Sealy nearly restored the two-goal advantage for the hosts only to see Wondolowski’s shot stopped by Johnson in the 71st.

Five minutes later though, the Earthquakes found themselves under fire. Dominic Oduro squared a ball to Christian Nazarit, who had an open look at goal denied by San Jose defender Bobby Burling. Less than a minute later though, the ball was sent into the fray from the corner, allowing Cuesta to get his boot on it and slip it past Weber, who erred on the play.

Four minutes into stoppage time Sealy made one final effort for San Jose only to see Johnson make the save seconds before the whistle to end regulation.

Eight minutes into extra time San Jose’s Khari Stephenson received a yellow card for a harsh tackle, but amidst the confusion afterword Segares would receive the surprising red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

The rest of overtime was rather uneventful as San Jose’s Stephen Lenhart turned and let off a shot in stoppage time of the first session that missed. Shortly after play resumed Nazarit fired a 40-yard free kick toward goal that forced Weber to tip it over the goal for a Fire corner. Pappa had the final chance for Chicago in the 111th minute, sending into the hands of Weber.

SCORING
SJ – Ellis McLoughlin 14
SJ – Justin Morrow 43
CHI – Orr Barouch (Gonzalo Segares) 61
CHI – Yamith Cuesta 76

PENALTY KICK TIEBREAKER
Chicago (5):  Pappa goal, Pause miss (high), Nazarit goal, Barouch goal, Oduro goal, Paladini goal
San Jose (4):  Wondolowski goal, Cronin miss (off crossbar), Corrales goal, Stephenson goal, McDonald goal, Sealy miss (off crossbar)

MISCONDUCT:
SJ – Chris Wondolowski (caution) 37
CHI – Yamith Cuesta (caution) 39
CHI – Daniel Paladini (caution) 63
SJ – Brad Ring (caution) 69
CHI – Orr Barouch (caution) 69
CHI – Bratislav Ristic (caution) 74
CHI – Cristian Nazarit (caution) 89
SJ – Khari Stephenson (caution) 97
CHI – Gonzalo Segares (ejection) 98

LINEUPS:
Chicago – Sean Johnson; Jalil Anibaba (Dominic Oduro 46), Yamith Cuesta, Dasan Robinson (Cory Gibbs 88), Gonzalo Segares; Bratislav Ristic, Daniel Paladini, Logan Pause, Marco Pappa; Cristian Nazarit, Gaston Puerari (Orr Barouch 46)
Substitutes not used: Jon Conway, Corben Bone, Baggio Husidic, Pari Pantazopoulos

San Jose – Andrew Weber; Steven Beitashour, Bobby Burling, Brandon McDonald, Ramiro Corrales; Anthony Ampaipitakwong (Steven Lenhart 83), Sam Cronin, Brad Ring (Khari Stephenson 71), Justin Morrow; Ellis McLoughlin (Scott Sealy 46), Chris Wondolowski
Substitutes not used: Jon Busch, Bobby Convey, Matt Luzunaris, Ike Opara

Referee: Daniel Radford
Referee’s Assistants: Mike Kampmeinert, Colin Arblaster
4th Official: Yader Reyes
Weather: Clear and 62 degrees
Attendance: 4,124

2011 US Open Cup participants

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Qualifying for the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is currently under way. All 40 clubs that will participate in the tournament proper must be determined by June 1. With 17 professional clubs, six from Major League Soccer and 11 from USL Pro (third division), automatically entered, the remaining 23 sides are determined through varied qualifying processes from MLS, USL Premier Development (fourth tier), National Premier Soccer League (fourth tier) and the US Adult Soccer Association’s four regions (fifth tier).

The following is a list of the teams that have qualified and pertinent links to pages about the qualifying processes for the applicable organizations.   Map of 2011 Entrants [+]

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER (8)

Automatic Entrants – 6 (based on 2010 league standings)

Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC

Qualifying Process: Two berths – Two separate single-elimination brackets regionally-based

Qualifying Entrants: Chicago Fire & Sporting Kansas City

Notable Links:  News Updates |  Brackets

USL ProUNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PRO (11)

Automatic Entrants – 11 (all)

Charleston Battery, Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions, FC New York, Harrisburg City Islanders, Los Angeles Blues, Orlando City, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, Wilmington Hammerheads

USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (9)

PDL logoQualifying Process: Four qualification matches per club. Top team per division receives a berth.

Qualifying Entrants – Reading United AC, Chivas El Paso Patriots, Real Colorado Foxes, Western Mass Pioneers, Carolina Dynamo, Chicago Fire, Ventura County Fusion, Central Florida Kraze, Kitsap Pumas

Notable Links

Eastern Conference:  Latest Updates/Standings –   Preview

Southern Conference:  Latest Updates/Standings –   Preview

Central Conference:  Latest Updates/Standings –   Preview

Western Conference:  Latest Updates/Standings –   Preview –   ‘ NW Fifth Game Tiebreaker’

NATIONAL PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (4)

Qualifying Process: Varied – One berth per division. The Northeast has a three-team tournament. The Southeast has a six-team tournament in one location. The West is determined by the club with the most points after first seven matches. Only one club applied in the Central.

Qualifying Entrants

Midwest:  Madison 56ers

Northeast:  Brooklyn Italians

Southeast:  Chattanooga FC

West:  Hollywood United

Notable Links

Midwest:  No Qualifying (Madison 56ers were the only entry)

Northeast:  Game 1 |  Game 2  |  Format

Southeast:  Format |  Tournament Results

West:   Updates

UNITED STATES ADULT SOCCER ASSOCIATION (8)

Qualifying Process: Varied – Two berths per region. Most regions hold tournaments either in one location or over a series of individual matches with participants determined via state association qualifying.

Qualifying Entrants

Region I (Northeast):  Phoenix SC  |  New York Pancyprian Freedoms

Region II (Central):  Iowa Menace | AAC Eagles

Region III (South):  ASC New Stars  |  Regals FC

Region IV (West):  Doxa Italia |  DV8 Defenders

Notable Links

Region I (Northeast):  Quarterfinals |  Semifinals |  Bracket

Region II (Central):  Opening Round (Iowa Menace qualify) | AAC Eagles qualify

Region III (South):  Format/Schedule |  Tournament Results

Region IV (West):  Format/Schedule |  Day One |  Day Two/Final

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2011 US Open Cup dates

Note: The dates for each round are as follows and are subject to change:

May 30: Qualification Deadline
Tuesday, June 14: First Round – Matches
Tuesday, June 21: Second Round
Tuesday, June 28: Third Round
Tuesday, July 12: Fourth Round
Tuesday, August 30: Semifinals
Tuesday, October 4: Final

2011 US Open Cup qualifying updates: MLS play-in tournament underway

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Tony Tchani (23) of the New York Red Bulls battles for the ball against Joseph Niouky (23) of the New England Revolution during last year's MLS qualifying tournament. | Photo: RBNY/Getty Images

For the fifth year in a row, Major League Soccer (MLS) 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.

Below are the matchups as well as which team will host each match, as determined by a coin flip at MLS headquarters. The dates, times and locations will be announced at a later date.

Automatic qualifiers: Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC

2011 MLS qualifying bracket

First Round

(8) Chivas USA 0:2 (10) Portland Timbers – RECAP
Tuesday, March 29 – 10 p.m. EST | Merlo Field (Portland, Ore.)

(7) Philadelphia 2:2 (9) DC United – RECAP
DC advances 4-2 in PKs
April 6, 7:30 p.m. | Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.)

Second Round

(2) San Jose Earthquakes 1:0 (10) Portland Timbers – RECAP
After Extra Time
May 3, 10:30 p.m. EST | Jeld-Wen Field (Portland, Ore.)

(6) New England 3:2 (9) DC United – RECAP
April 26, 7:30 p.m. EST | Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.)

(1) Colorado Rapids 1:2 (4) Chicago Fire – RECAP
March 30, Shea Stadium (Peoria, Ill.)

(3) Sporting Kansas City 1:0 (5) Houston Dynamo – RECAP
After Extra Time
April 6, 8 p.m. EST – Aggie Soccer Stadium (College Station, Tx.)

Third Round*

(4) Chicago Fire 2:2 (2) San Jose Earthquakes – RECAP
Chicago qualifies for the 2011 US Open Cup, 5-4 in PKs
May 24, 10:30 p.m. EST – Buck Shaw Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.)

(6) New England Revolution 0:5 (3) Sporting Kansas City – RECAP
Kansas City qualifies for the 2011 US Open Cup
May 25, 8:30 p.m. EST – Blue Valley District Activities Complex (Overland Park, Kan.)

MLS qualifying team profiles

Chicago Fire: The MLS team with the most Open Cup titles (4) only had to qualify one time and only had to play one game to qualify for that tournament in 2008. They defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 and they would advance to the quarterfinals that year, losing to DC United.

Chivas USA: Has never had to qualify for the US Open Cup

Colorado Rapids: The Rapids share the unfortunate distinction with Real Salt Lake as the club who has played the most qualifying matches over the last four seasons. Which only means a lot of heartbreak for their fans, as Colorado has a 3-2-2 record (1-1 in PKs) and after advancing in 2007, the Rapids have fallen one game short in each of the last three years. In 2010, they lost to the New York Red Bulls, 3-0.

DC United: In two years (2009, 2010), DC has never lost a qualifying match, with a perfect 4-0 record. Last year, United advanced to the semifinals where they lost to the Columbus Crew, and in 2009, they joined fellow qualifying survivor Seattle Sounders FC, by reaching the championship game. Seattle won the final 2-1 at RFK Stadium.

Houston Dynamo: Houston has never had to qualify for the US Open Cup.

New England Revolution: Last year was the first time New England has had to qualify for the Open Cup, and they lost in the semifinals, 3-0, to the New York Red Bulls.

Philadelphia Union: In their inaugural season last year, the Union lost their first qualifying match, 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls.

Portland Timbers: 2011 MLS expansion club

San Jose Earthquakes: The Earthquakes have never won a qualifying match (0-2-1), failing to advance each of the last three years. The closest they came was last year, when they drew 3-3 with Real Salt Lake, but fell short in the shootout.

Sporting Kansas City: The club formerly known as the Wizards have also never won a qualifying game (0-2-1, 1-0 in PKs). The only time they advanced was when they defeated the Colorado Rapids in a penalty kick shootout to qualify for the 2008 US Open Cup.

Hosting MLS qualifying games (2007-2010)

Chicago: 1 game, 1 home, 0 away (1-0)
Colorado: 7 games, 2 home, 5 away (3-2-2, 1-1 in PKs)
Columbus: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (1-2-0)
DC United: 4 games, 4 home, 0 away (4-0-0)
FC Dallas: 2 games, 0 home, 2 away (0-2-0)
Los Angeles: 4 games, 2 home, 2 away (2-1-1, 0-1 in PKs)
New England: 1 game, 0 home, 1 away (0-1-0)
New York: 6 games, 3 home, 3 away (4-2-0)
Philadelphia: 1 game, 0 home, 1 away (0-1-0)
Real Salt Lake: 7 games, 2 home, 5 away (2-4-1, 1-0 in PKs)
San Jose: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (0-2-1, 0-1 in PKs)
Seattle: 2 games, 2 home, 0 away (2-0-0)
Sporting Kansas City: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (0-2-1, 1-0 in PKs)

More: USSF announces 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup team allocations, dates

The US Open Cup May qualifying marathon

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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.

Monday, May 16 is currently the only day in which no qualification matches are scheduled. Most mid-week dates are filled over the next three weeks with at least one qualification match for the PDL.

What the schedule looks like…

May 11: 1 PDL
May 12: 2 PDL
May 13: 5 PDL
May 14: 13 PDL, 4 NPSL West, USASA Region II Final
May 15: 7 PDL, 1 NPSL West
May 16: —
May 17: 1 PDL
May 18: 2 PDL
May 19: 1 PDL
May 20: 4 PDL, USASA Region IV Tournament
May 21: 13 PDL, USASA Region IV Tournament
May 22: 6 PDL, Region I Semifinals, USASA Region IV Tournament
May 23: 3 PDL
May 24: MLS Chicago @ SJ, 1 PDL
May 25: MLS NE @ KC, 6 PDL
May 26: 1 PDL
May 27: 5 PDL, NPSL NE Final, NPSL SE Tournament, USASA Region III Tournament
May 28: 11 PDL, NPSL SE Tournament, USASA Region III Tournament
May 29: 5 PDL, NPSL SE Tournament, USASA Region III Tournament
May 30: 5 PDL

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Ike Opara’s late winner breaks Portland hearts, sends Earthquakes to final round

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Ike Opara of the San Jose Earthquakes challenges for the ball with Adam Moffat of the Portland Timbers during Tuesday’s US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

The faithful Portland Timbers fans at JELD-WEN Field witnessed their US Open Cup hopes crash with a thud as a header from San Jose striker Ike Opara in the 120th minute gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 victory after extra time. This came after 120 minutes of action that could be reminiscent of a play. It started slowly, threw in a few twists and turns, included plenty of drama, and built to a crescendo with Opara putting on the climactic act at the finish.

Both teams came out slow to start the match. This was to be reasonably expected, as Portland hosted league stalwart Real Salt Lake just three days before, while San Jose was coming off a cross-country trip from Philadelphia. The Timbers fielded a mostly reserve squad, with the addition of starting goalkeeper Troy Perkins, having recently come back from injury. This gave the Earthquakes the early advantage, as they pressured Portland quickly.

The game would turn chippy soon enough, as the first yellow card was issued to the Earthquakes’ Brad Ring for shoving Portland’s Spencer Thompson in the 7th minute. It was a sign of things to come. San Jose would continue pressuring throughout the first half, including a chance for Ring in the 35th minute. He received the ball just outside the 18 yard box, but sent a side volley over the crossbar. Not to say the Timbers didn’t have chances of their own. In the 38th minute, Steve Purdy headed a corner kick towards goal, only to see it finger-tipped away by Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Weber.

The second half started with the Quakes coming back to life for a few minutes, but nothing would come of their efforts. Portland slowly turned the tables, and by the 60th minute had full control. At that point, Thompson received a chip inside the box, but couldn’t quite redirect the ball towards the net, sending it high and wide. Soon after began the fouling of Timbers player Sal Zizzo. Whether the fouls he suffered throughout the game were card-worthy or not, that depends on who you ask. The first yellow card earned for fouling Zizzo was shown to Ramiro Corrales in the 63rd minute.

The teams started to warm up more, as by the 75th minute, Ryan Johnson received a pass from Chris Wondolowski inside the box and shot, but Troy Perkins was there to make a great tip over the crossbar to keep the match scoreless. The final five minutes of regulation saw both teams become energized and created an exciting few minutes. A long blast from the Timbers’ Adam Moffat was knocked down by Weber in the 86th minute. Just a couple minutes later at the other end, Bobby Convey was on a breakaway for the Earthquakes. Timbers defender Freddie Braun saved the day by bolting back and stripping the ball away in an impressive slide tackle near the top of the box. As the game entered stoppage time, Zizzo drew a second yellow card, this time to Moffat for knocking him over. The teams could not break through in regulation, invoking extra time.

Nine minutes into extra time, Zizzo was fouled yet again, this time by Steven Lenhart. After getting knocked around all match, Zizzo didn’t take kindly to it, and retaliated. However, this time no card was issued. Lenhart would make waves again in the 104th minute as he knocked the ball into the net off a Quakes free kick to the left of the box utilizing his hand. He earned himself a yellow card for his efforts. The final yellow card of the match earned during the run of play was given to Timbers midfielder James Marcelin for taking down Lenhart from behind in the 117th minute.

As the game approached the end of extra time, the Quakes bore down and took care of business. With the ball bouncing in and out of the box, Sam Cronin crossed it back in to find Ike Opara, who headed it home in the 120th minute. He too, however, would earn a yellow card after removing his jersey in celebration. Portland would pressure with every second they had left, culminating with an effort by Thompson at the top of the box in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, which harmlessly sailed over the goal.

With the win, the San Jose Earthquakes improved their record in all US Open Cup-related matches against the Portland Timbers to 3-0 (also having defeated them in the tournament proper in 2004 and 2005 when the Timbers were members of the second division). They advance to the third qualifying round, where they are scheduled to host a “Win and You’re In” match against the Chicago Fire. The date, time, and location is still to be determined. The loss by the Timbers was their first at JELD-WEN Field this season, and they will not compete in the tournament proper for the first time since 2003.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers
May 3, 2011 – JELD-WEN Field (Portland, Ore.)
Attendance: 11,412

Scoring Summary
SJE: Ike Opara (Sam Cronin) – 120th minute

Misconduct Summary
SJE: Brad Ring (caution) – 7th minute
POR: Ryan Pore (caution) – 50th minute
SJE: Ramiro Corrales (caution) – 62nd minute
SJE: Sam Cronin (caution) – 80th minute
SJE: Ryan Johnson (caution) – 91st minute+
SJE: Steven Lenhart (caution) – 104th minute
POR: James Marcelin (caution) – 114th minute
SJE: Ike Opara (caution) – 120th minute

Lineups
Portland Timbers: Troy Perkins (GK), Freddie Braun, Kevin Goldthwaite (Mamadou Danso – 98th), David Horst, Steve Purdy, Sal Zizzo (Darlington Nagbe – 111th), James Marcelin, Adam Moffat, Rodrigo Lopez (Jeremy Hall – 110th), Ryan Pore, Spencer Thompson.

San Jose Earthquakes: Andrew Weber, Steven Beitashour, Bobby Burling, Ike Opara, Ramiro Corrales, Khari Stephenson (Steven Lenhart – 83rd), Sam Cronin, Brad Ring, Bobby Convey (Justin Morrow – 94th), Ryan Johnson (Ellis McLoughlin – 111th), Chris Wondolowski.

Statistics
SJE: Shots: 9; Shots on Goal: 4; Saves: 3; Fouls: 23; Offsides: 0; Corners: 7.
POR: Shots: 8; Shots on Goal: 3; Saves: 3; Fouls: 22; Offsides: 2; Corners: 6.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Kheli Dube’s double gives New England 3-2 win over DC United

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2011 MLS qualifying bracket

Kenny Mansally - New England Revolution 2011 MLS Play-in qualifying
Kenny Mansally assisted on Kheli Dube’s first goal as the New England Revolution defeated DC United 3-2. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

Kheli Dube had one of his best games since the 2009 season, scoring twice to guide the New England Revolution to a 3-2 victory against DC United Tuesday evening at the Maryland Sportsplex in a Major League Soccer US Open Cup qualifier. The victory propelled the Revolution to the final round of the eastern qualification bracket and a meeting with Sporting Kansas City on the road for a tournament berth.

A sloppy affair through the first half hour due to mixed lineups consisting of many reserve players, Dube changed the complexion of the match with the opening tally 34 minutes in on a pair of nice passes from Kenny Mansally and Ousmane Dabo.

Dube doubled the advantage just moments into the second half, stunning the home side who barely had time to settle in. Rookie Alan Koger, who came in for Mansally at the break, set up the goal.

The goals were Dube’s first in any US Open Cup related game, but more surprisingly, matched his entire output for the 2010 campaign in which he played 20 games for the Revolution. His only other multiple-goal game came in 2009 when Dube scored all three goals in the 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake (Aug. 23).

Koger added to his already impressive professional debut, with a goal in the 69th minute to put the game seemingly out of reach at 3-0. Koger it In his first-ever official match a professional, Koger made it a three-goal lead in the 69th minuteWith a two goal lead, it looked like the Revolution had the match in hand, and when Koger added a goal of his own in the 69th minute to go with his assist in his first-ever official match as a professional, it seemed like the contest was over.

But DC United, who had not missed the tournament since 2002 despite needing to qualify the past two years, showed they were no quitters and fought back down 3-0. Branko Boskovic led the charge with two goals, scoring in the 73rd minute on an assist from second-half sub Charlie Davies and cutting the lead to one 10 minutes later courtesy of Andy Najar.

The Montenegrin international seems to enjoy US Open Cup related matches. In two years with DC, he has yet to score in league play, but now has three in cup-related games having previously scored the opening goal of the side’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over USL-2 (pro third division) Harrisburg City Islanders.

The rally took everyone’s attention away from the daunting skies above threatening thunderstorms that could halt the play at any time in the second half. But as the game came to a physical conclusion, DC United was unable to find the equalizer as time ran out.

For the Revolution, who missed the tournament last year for the first time since 2002, they are one match away from returning to the only event in which the club has won a championship (aside from the SuperLiga exhibition tournament). They will travel to Kansas City on May 25 to face a club they defeated just this past Saturday, 3-2, in Foxborough, overcoming a 2-1 deficit.

As for trends, New England’s unbeaten streak in league and cup-related play is now six games with five straight victories. DC’s last win against the Revolution, 2-1, came at home October 16, 2008. Ironically, United’s run of consecutive cup-related home matches (19) may continue further, depending on 2012’s fixture details, with the loss meaning they will not be traveling to Kansas City.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
New England Revolution 3:2 DC United
Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.) – April 26, 2011

LINEUPS

DC UNITED: Pat Onstad (GK); Brandon Barklage, Rodrigo Brasesco (Dax McCarty – 79th), Ethan White, Daniel Woolard; Andy Najar, Branko Boskovic, Kurt Morsink, Santino Quaranta (C); Joseph Ngwenya (Charlie Davies – 68th), Blake Brettschneider (Chris Pontius – 64th) || Unused substitutes: Bill Hamid, Stephen King, Conor Shanosky, Perry Kitchen

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: Bobby Shuttleworth (GK); Darrius Barnes, Ryan Cochrane, Otto Loewy (Michael Augustine – 91th), Chris Tierney; Sainey Nyassi, Ousmane Dabo (Diego Fagundez 76′), Stephen McCarthy, Ryan Kinne; Kheli Dube, Kenny Mansally (Alan Koger 46′) || Unused substitutes: Tim Murray, Zack Schilawski

SCORING SUMMARY
NER: Kheli Dube (Kenny Mansally) – 34th minute
NER: Kheli Dube (Alan Koger) – 47th minute
NER: Alan Koger (Unassisted) – 69th minute
DCU: Branko Boskovic (Charlie Davies) – 73rd minute
DCU: Branko Boskovic (Andy Najar) – 83rd minute

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
Branko Boskovic – caution 16′
Otto Loewy – caution 50′
Kheli Dube – caution 80′
Ryan Cochrane – caution 85′
Alan Koger – caution 86′
Kurt Morsink – caution 88′

Referee: Juan Carlos Rivero
Assistants: Mark Gorak, Ian O’Neil
4th official: Michael Donovan

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: DC United hold off Union’s shorthanded rally, advance on PKs

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Josh Wolff, DC United
Josh Wolff of DC Untied heads in the tying goal just before halftime in their US Open Cup qualifying match vs. Philadelphia Union. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

2011 US Open Cup qualifying bracket

In the opening round of Major League Soccer’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament, DC United survived a 10-man Philadelphia Union squad who scored a late equalizer in extra time and took the game into penalty kicks. United would prevail in the shootout, 4-2, to move on to the next round to host the New England Revolution on April 26 at the Maryland Soccerplex at 7:30 p.m.

After the Union’s Carlos Ruiz and DC’s Josh Wolff traded first half goals, the second half went by scoreless despite Philadelphia’s Carlos Valdes being sent off for his second yellow card in the 85th minute. DC’s poured on the pressure and took the lead with a goal by Daniel Woolard in the 111th minute, but the Union wouldn’t give up. In the 118th minute, the shorthanded visitors got an equalizer from veteran, and former DC player, Brian Carroll to send the match into PKs.

DC remains unbeaten in five all-time qualifying matches (4-0-1), while the Union have been eliminated in their opening game in each of their first two seasons.

Both teams fielded their best squads for the night and much was expected. The game initially began with Joseph Ngwenya finding loads of space in the attacking third of the field, feeding Najar with dangerous balls.

Philly’s chances started showing in minute 12 of play when Harvey’s cross found the head of Carlos Ruiz at top of the box, only to be cleared by Ethan White of DC United.

Minute 14 was the best chance for DC so far as Andy Najar ran onto a through ball from Ngwenya, crossing into Fred who misfired it past the veteran Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon.

Sons of Ben had their moment to finally celebrate in the 18th minute when Sheanon Williams launched a low throw-in into a crowded penalty area. Eventually the ball fell to Ruiz, who turned and finished from 10 yards out.

United then bombarded Philadelphia with counter attacks, sending Andy Najar onto multiple dangerous runs.

Philly had chances came again most notably in the 30th minute when Sebastien Le Toux hit Ruiz’s pass just wide.

Right before the halftime whistle came, DC took advantage of a well-taken corner where White initially took a shot at goal, but it was Josh Wolff who eventually put it in the back of the net after a series of deflections in the Philly box. Chance well-taken and it was all square headed into the locker rooms.

Minute 46 saw the substitution of DC goal scorer Josh Wolff, who is tied along with Ruiz for 5th on the Professional Era (1995-present) goalscoring list with 9 career goals,  coming off for Brettschneider who made a name for himself later on the second half.

In the 47th minute, Andy Najar sent in a very dangerous cross from the right, but Faryd Mondragon was able to deflect it away just before Ngwenya could tap in.

Both DC and Philly were exchanging possession as the game continued but it was DC United that was taking control of the game. A series of shots from Carlos Ruiz had followed all that with the DC defense being forced to stiffen.

In minute 68, best chance of the half for DC when Brettschneider crossed the ball to Boskovic. The Montenegrin had unfortunately stretched the situation, taking too long before Mondragon could easily scoop it up.

The game had turned more and more physical as it neared the end, especially when Peter Nowak stood up in the 80th minute, having serious talks with the officials.

As if that wasn’t enough, Valdes was shown his second yellow card in the 85th minute after arguing with the referee and kicking the ball into the stands. Philadelphia was forced to play with ten men the rest of the way.

Last pieces of actions included Andy Najar playing a through ball to Brettschneider, who tried to cross to Ngwenya with Mondragon having none of it.

After 5 minutes of added time, we headed into extra time and this one was definitely turning into a nail-biter.

First period of extra time without a doubt belonged to DC United as Chris Pontius paired up with Brettschneider hitting shot after shot and DC holding the majority of possession.

A similar goal came in for DC in the 112th minute when former Chicago Fire defender Daniel Woolard knocked in a deflected ball to make it 2-1, but the show was not over yet.

Two minutes from the final whistle, Carroll knocked in a deflected ball as well, only this time in the Union’s favor. It was 2-2 just a couple of minutes before referee Andrew Chapin could call it a night.

Surprisingly enough, the game went into penalties where Bill Hamid proved massive. After Jack McInerney sent his attempt over the bar, it was Roger Torres who had his shot saved, while United converted all four of their attempts.

DC United now will host the New England Revolution on April 26 in Round 2 of the 2011 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. It will be their 19th consecutive Open Cup home game (including qualifying).

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2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
Philadelphia Union 2:2 DC United  (DC advances 4-2 in PKs)
Wednesday, April 6 – Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.)

DC United lineup: Bill Hamid (GK); Brandon Barklage, Ethan White, Rodrigo Brasesco (Dejan Jakovic – 41th), Daniel Woolard; Andy Najar, Stephen King, Fred (Chris Pontius – 89th), Branko Boskovic; Josh Wolff (Brettschneider – 46th), Joseph Ngwenya | Unused substitutes: Simms, Morsink, Shanoksy, Willis

Philadelphia Union lineup: Faryd Mondragon (GK), Jordan Harvey, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf, Sheanon Williams (Danny Mwanga – 73rd), Kyle Nakazawa, Brian Carroll, Michael Farfan, Keon Daniel (Roger Torres – 66th), Sebastien Le Toux, Carlos Ruiz (Jack McInerney – 80th) | Unused substitutes: Holder, Richter, Pfeffer, Agorsor

SCORING SUMMARY
PHI: Carlos Ruiz (Sheanon Williams) – 18th minute
DCU: Josh Wolff (Joseph Ngwenya) – 45th minute
DCU: Daniel Woolard (Unassisted) – 111th minute
PHI: Brian Carroll (Unassisted) – 118th minute

PENALTY KICK SUMMARY
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux – MADE
DCU: Chris Pontius – MADE
PHI: Jack McInerney – MISS (high)
DCU: Brandon Barklage – MADE
PHI: Roger Torres – SAVED
DCU: Andy Najar – MADE
PHI: Kyle Nakazawa – MADE
DCU: Branko Boskovic – MADE

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
DCU: Fred (Caution) – 25th min.
PHI: Carlos Valdes (Caution) – 39th min.
DCU: Dejan Jakovic – 70th min.
PHI: Carlos Ruiz (Caution) – 73rd
PHI: Carlos Valdes (Second Caution / Ejection) – 85th min.
PHI: Piotr Nowak (Ejection) – 118th min.

Referee: Andrew Chapin
Assistants: Eric Weisbord, Kevin Klinger
4th official: Michael Donovan

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: CJ Sapong’s goal gives Sporting KC first qualifying win, 1-0 over Dynamo

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2011 US Open Cup qualifying bracket (MLS)

Tyler Deric, Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric made four saves in Wednesday’s US Open Cup qualifier against Sporting Kansas City. Photo: Wilf Thorne | Houston 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, downing Houston Dynamo, 1-0. The club entered the match with a 0-2-1 record, advancing just once on penalties.

The rookie striker, selected as the 10th overall pick, is no stranger to dramatic early goals through just four games. His first career goal in MLS came in the very first minute of the club’s 3-2 victory on the road against Chivas USA in the season opener.

After receiving a pass from Teal Bunbury, who has a co-league leading three goals, Sapong drove through the Dynamo defense and let loose a curling shot into the upper right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Tyler Deric.

Sapong is looking to return to the tournament after being eliminated, 2-1 in overtime, in the First Round a year ago while playing for the USL Premier Development League’s Reading United AC by the then USL Second Division Real Maryland Monarchs. The former DC United Academy player tallied two goals and two assists as Reading swept all of its qualifiers in the PDL a year ago, starting all four contests. He also went on to help lead the team to the PDL Final Four with four goals and three assists in 11 games.

Kansas City advances to the final round of the eastern MLS qualification bracket and will travel to play the winner of the second round match between the New England Revolution and host DC United. Details of the match will be announced at a later date.

The two clubs came in with contrasting results in league play as Houston featured low-scoring affairs and Kansas City thrilling goalfests, but the scoreline followed the Dynamo trend. Houston opened with a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia and came into the match on back-to-back 1-1 draws in Seattle and New York. Sporting, meanwhile, saw at least four fewer goals. Following the win in California, Kansas City dropped a 3-2 contest in Chicago and saw a three-goal lead disappear in Vancouver for a 3-3 draw last weekend.

Back-up goalkeeper Eric Kronberg was critical for the visitors in the shutout, making six saves and patrolling his area well on the night. Houston’s youngster was also stellar in goal in relief of usual starter Tally Hall, making an acrobatic save seven minutes in to deny Kei Kamara’s header from six yards and stuffing Omar Bravo point-blank in the 25th minute.

Houston returns to league play, hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday evening. Kansas City, meanwhile, are idle this weekend and will next play in Columbus April 16 as Sporting continues its 10-game stretch away from home to start the league campaign while its new home stadium, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, is completed for the June 9 opener versus Chicago.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City 1:0 Houston Dynamo (After Extra Time)
April 06, 2011 — Aggie Soccer Stadium, College Station, Tx.

Scoring Summary
SKC: CJ Sapong (Teal Bunbury) – 92nd minute

Sporting Kansas City lineup: Eric Kronberg (GK), Michael Harrington, Matt Besler, Shavar Thomas, Roger Espinoza, Luke Sassano (Davy Arnaud – 91st), Craig Rocastle (Birahim Diop – 76th), Milos Stojcev, Kei Kamara, Omar Bravo (CJ Sapong – 46th), Teal Bunbury. | Substitutes Not Used: Kevin Ellis, Mike Jones, Scott Lorenz, Jon Kempin.

Houston Dynamo lineup: Tyler Deric (GK), Kofi Sarkodie, Bobby Boswell, Eddie Robinson (Jordan Graye – 86th), Mike Chabala, Danny Cruz, Alex Dixon, Lovel Palmer, Colin Clark (Corey Ashe – 76th), Cam Weaver (Will Bruin – 83rd), Jason Garey. | Substitutes Not Used: Hunter Freeman, Francisco Navas Cobo, Josue Soto, Tally Hall.

Misconduct Summary
HOU: Kofi Sarkodie (caution; Tactical Foul) – 5th
HOU: Lovel Palmer (caution; Tactical Foul) – 43rd
SKC: Omar Bravo (caution; Reckless Foul) – 46th+
HOU: Mike Chabala (caution; Tactical Foul) – 65th
HOU: Bobby Boswell (caution; Tactical Foul) – 73rd

Referee: Ismail Elfath
Referee’s Assistants: Greg Boles; Marcel Theriot
4th Official: Luis Guardia
Attendance: 2,383
Weather: Sunny-and-75-degrees

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Chicago Fire one win away from Open Cup after beating Rapids

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Michael Videira of the Chicago Fire battles for the ball against the Colorado Rapids in Wednesday's US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Bob Hunt
Michael Videira of the Chicago Fire battles for the ball against the Colorado Rapids in Wednesday’s US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Bob Hunt

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.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
Colorado Rapids 1:2 Chicago Fire

SCORING SUMMARY
CHI: Gaston Puerari (Diego Chaves) – 45th
COL: Andre Akpan (Quincy Amarikwa) – 47th
CHI: Jalil Anibaba (Unassisted) – 61st
Chicago advances to play at winner of San Jose/Portland

Post-game quotes | MLS qualifying schedule

The goal was a floating shot that slipped just inside the upper right corner of the goal as Colorado keeper Ian Joyce stretched back in a last-second attempt to parry it away, perhaps after being unable to initially see the incoming effort through the remaining smoke that was created by a flare set off by Fire supporters behind his endline minutes earlier.

Anibaba’s unlikely tally proved to be the difference as Chicago held on for the victory in what was largely an evenly contested match that saw each club score its previous goal within two minutes of each side of the halftime break.

Chicago took the lead in the 45th minute when Diego Chaves found Gaston Peurari, who drove into the left side of the penalty area before letting loose a shot from 16 yards that beat Joyce.

Just over a minute and a half into the second stanza, the Rapids stunned Chicago with the equalizer. Andre Akpan, a former Fire Premier Development League player, connected at a narrow angle from the right, sending it into the far side netting.

Chicago, seeded fourth overall, advances to the final match of the western version of the MLS qualification bracket with the victory over the top seed and will now travel to face either last night’s opening round winner Portland Timbers or the San Jose Earthquakes, who were seeded into the second round with a bye. Details of the match are yet to be determined.

While the Fire are idle this week in MLS play, the Rapids return home to host DC United Sunday, April 3. With the league match ahead, Colorado utilized nearly an entire reserve squad lineup that could arguably indicate the club indirectly wanted to avoid fixture congestion later in the season. The Rapids only started one player, Quincy Amarikwa, from the starting lineup of this past Saturday’s 1-0 victory in California against Chivas USA. Ross LaBauex and Wells Thompson (for Amarikwa) came off the bench in the league match for a combined 91 minutes played between the trio.  Amarikwa scored the winner in the 31st minute of the game.

Match Highlights (Chicago-Fire.com)

The Rapids have taken part in every MLS qualifying tournament since it began in 2007, and after emerging from the competition that first year, they have fallen short in each of the last four years. They have played more qualifying games since 2007 than any MLS club, and wrap up this year’s tournament with a 3-3-2 (1-1 in PKs) overall record.

Although the Rapids will not be participating in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the club will still have non-league fixtures this summer when it competes in the fourth edition of the CONCACAF Champions League as the current MLS champions.

The last time the Chicago Fire played at Shea Stadium was in 2008 US Open Cup qualifying when they defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 in front of a sold-out crowd. Photo: Bradley University

The first half saw few opportunities that challenged the keepers as the clubs tested one another. In the third minute Colorado’s Sanna Nyassi struck a shot from 30 yards that Sean Johnson caught, and seven minutes later at the other end Rapids defender Tyrone Marshall did well to clear away consecutive chances in the box. Chicago’s Puerari began to make noise in the 32nd minute when he made a run into the box only to see the ball get away from him.

Shortly after a 39th minute yellow card to recent Fire acquisition Yamith Cuesta, the signs of a breakdown by the Rapids began to show in the 40th minute with the first of two yellow cards in a short span as the match started to heat up physically. Nyassi was given a caution for tripping Patrick Nyarko, who was taken down again three minutes later by Scott Palguta, who was also disciplined.

Nyarko answered, with what proved to be a warning shot, as his header a minute later off a cross from Cory Gibbs sailed just over the crossbar.

In the 69th minute Wells Thompson nearly provided a second Colorado equalizer when he got inside the area and fired from the left only to see Johnson make a great save to preserve the advantage. Five minutes later Amarikwa worked his way into the box from the right side, but a series of dangerous opportunities in the box never resulted in a direct shot.

Chicago nearly locked up the victory with a third tally in the 77th minute when Chaves showed some fine skill with his chest and feet around the penalty spot before slipping the ball off to an open Davis Paul, whose shot went wide right.

Colorado’s final chance was a Nyassi shot in the 86th minute that missed narrowly, and the Fire nearly closed with a bang three minutes into stoppage time when Puerari drove into the area and sent a shot from 14 yards that Joyce tipped wide of the far left post.

MLS qualifying for the US Open Cup continues next Wednesday evening, April 6 with two matches in the eastern version MLS qualifying brackets. The Philadelphia Union visit DC United at 7:30 pm ET and the Houston Dynamo play host to Sporting Kansas City at 8:00 pm ET.

SCORING SUMMARY:

CHI: Gaston Puerari (Diego Chaves) – 45th
COL: Andre Akpan (Quincy Amarikwa) – 46th
CHI: Jalil Anibaba (unassisted) – 61st

LINEUPS:

COLORADO: Ian Joyce, Ross LaBauex, Tyrone Marshall, Mike Holody, Scott Palguta, Wells Thompson, Steven Emory (Josh Janniere 80), Joseph Nane, Sanna Nyassi, Andre Akpan, Quincy Amarikwa.

CHICAGO: Sean Johnson, Cory Gibbs, Jalil Anibaba, Gonzalo Segares, Yamith Cuesta (Dasan Robinson 60′), Logan Pause, Davis Paul, Mike Videira, Patrick Nyarko, Diego Chaves (Orr Barrouch 91+), Gaston Puerari

Attendance: 2,029
Weather: Clear, 48 degrees

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