2011 USOC Qualifying

2011 US Open Cup qualifying preview: Newcomers Royal Eagles SC, Florida Gators club team battle for state title

April 8, 2011 by Josh Hakala

The US Open Cup qualifying tournament in Florida always brings out strong teams and usually there’s plenty of familiar faces. However, in 2011, only two teams have entered the competition and both of them are first-time entries. Royal Eagles SC will host the Florida Gators, the university’s club team, on Sunday, April 10 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Fla. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the winner will represent the state at the USASA Region III tournament in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Memorial Day weekend.

Notably absent this year is Lynch’s Irish Pub, a club that has represented Florida, under various names (DS United, Sunrise, Lynch’s FC), every year since 2002. This past offseason, Lynch’s joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and changed their name to Jacksonville United FC.

Royal Eagles SC and the Florida Gators club team represent the new blood in the state of Florida, both entering Open Cup qualifying for the first time.

Team manager Panos Iakovidis helped launch the Royal Eagles in 2009 in the Lakeland area, east of Tampa, and during their brief existance, they’ve experienced nothing but success. They were undefeated in Division 3 of the Florida Suncoast Soccer Leagues (FSSL), winning the league and the Florida Classic tournament in their inaugural campaign. The following year, because of their high level of play, the FSSL approved an unprecedented jump from Division 3 to the Premier Division.

“Our success on and off the field gave us the opportunity to play in the Premier Division,” said Iakovidis. “It was the first time the league approved such a jump, and we have not disappointed since.”

After the promotion, the Eagles continued to win, finishing top of the table in the Premier Division with a 10-1-3 record, along with winning their second straight Florida Classic Tournament. They recently fell in the Premier Division Cup final, 2-1 in extra time.

The Eagles are the complete package, leading the FSSL Premier Division in defense, and ranking second in scoring. Their defense is anchored by central defender Jake Howard, last year’s MVP. Jamaican forward Sawneil Samuels is the club’s leading scorer with 14 goals in all competitions. Warner University’s leading scorer Mauricio Castano is also an offensive threat, scoring nine regular season goals for the Eagles.

The club will be without a couple of key players, including this year’s regular season MVP Alvaro Puyo who picked up an injury in the last game of the season. Also, former AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic striker Mark Debolla, who suffered an ACL injury. The England native was an Aston Villa youth academy player in his younger days before bouncing around various teams throughout England.

Currently the Eagles are participating in the Florida State Cup and have reached the final four in the FSSL Cup.

The Florida Gators are, according to TheCup.us records, the first university to submit their club team to participate in USASA’s Open Cup qualifying process. Founded in 1953 by Alan “A.C.” Moore, Florida holds the title as the oldest university club soccer team in the country. Moore coached the club from 1953-1990, earning over 500 wins at UF.

Every year, the Gators are among the best university clubs in the country, consistently competing in national tournaments. Club president Bryan Roberts has big plans for the team going forward, and entering the US Open Cup is just one of them. Raising the profile of the club is among the priorities and the motivation to do that came last year after the club finished runner-up at the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association championships.

“It was a little depressing to come back from just barely losing a national championship and no one on campus knows you even played in a tournament,” said Roberts, who took over as president two years ago. “I want to make us a part of the community here in Gainesville. My long-term vision is to see the club team become the beginning of a varsity team here at UF.”

The club is made up of a wide variety of players, who excel just as much in the classroom as they do on the field. There are players in grad school, law school, medical school, and even a team member who is leaving the club to transfer to Harvard for grad school. The Gators are led by manager Sheldon Cipriani, who is the Director of Coaching at Gainesville Soccer Alliance.

“I decided that I wanted us to find a new opportunity to prove ourselves to find new competition that would test us,” said Roberts. “So, I did a little poking around and figured out how the US Open Cup worked, and was really happy to see how excited the guys were to compete in this. I can’t tell you how many times in the past month I’ve dreamed about how awesome it would be able to host a game at UF against a professional team. This tournament could really provide the excitement and attention that we need to grow the club.”manag

As a University of Maryland alum, Roberts’ dream matchup is against DC United of Major League Soccer.

Past USASA Region III representatives from Florida

2010: Lynch’s Irish Pub / Brazil Soccer Academy (Note: Brazil Soccer Academy qualified as the Copa Latina champion, but didn’t show up at Region III tournament)
2009: Lynch’s Irish Pub
2008: Clearwater Galactics / Lynch’s Irish Pub (Note: Honduras Five Star qualified as the Copa Latina champion, but dropped out. Lynch’s replaced them)
2007: Wolfpack FC / Lynch’s Irish Pub
2006: DS United / Lynch’s Irish Pub
2005: DS United / Miami Tango
2004: DS United / Sunrise & OES
2003: DS United
2002: DS United
2001: Uruguay SC
2000: Uruguay SC
1999: Uruguay SC
1998: No information available
1997: No information available
1996: McCormick Kickers
1995: McCormick Kickers

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

April 7, 2011 by David Gubala

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 18^th 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 30^th 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).

————————–
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

April 6, 2011 by Gerald Barnhart

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

March 30, 2011 by Gerald Barnhart

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.

Shea-Stadium-Peoria-Fire-Crew-qualifier-1000 — 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

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Portland Timbers get first MLS win, topple 10-man Chivas USA

March 30, 2011 by Gerald Barnhart

jack-jewsbury-timbers-vs-chivas-2011-qualifier — Jack Jewsbury celebrates with his teammates after the Portland Timber’s 2-0 win over Chivas USA in US Open Cup qualifying. Photo: Gary Sheldon | ProstAmerika.com

It was an agonizingly long wait as it took two games and 84 minutes for the Major League Soccer Portland Timbers to effectively register their first official victory. The Timbers snared a 2-0 win over Chivas USA with two late goals from Jack Jewsbury and Eric Brunner at Merlo Field Tuesday evening in the opening round of MLS qualifying for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
Chivas USA 0:2 Portland Timbers

SCORING SUMMARY
POR: Jack Jewsbury (Unassisted) – 84th
POR: Eric Brunner (Unassisted) – 86th
Portland advances to play at San Jose, date/time TBA

MLS qualifying schedule

VIDEO (PortlandTimbers.com)
Game highlights
Jack Jewsbury post-game interview

PHOTOS from Prost Amerika | RECAP

After suffering losses on the road to the MLS Champion Colorado Rapids and Toronto FC, the club’s path to its first win came in small steps. First was returning home, playing in the rain of the alternate venue at the University of Portland. Then it was getting a little help from the referees, who gave the club a man advantage just before halftime when the visitors saw Andrew Boyens sent off for a second yellow card in the 43rd minute.

Chivas USA managed the setback well in the second though, creating opportunities and keeping Portland largely at bay. When it seemed the California club, which reached the tournament’s semifinals a year ago despite finishing eighth in the league’s Western Conference, was going to break through in the 83rd minute, the match instead broke in favor of the Timbers in a mad four minute frenzy.

A long ball over the top created a breakaway for Justin Braun in the 83rd minute when he collected the ball behind the Timbers’ defense and drove toward goal. Back-up goalkeeper Jake Gleeson charged outside the edge of the box and stuffed Braun’s attempt at close range, denying the visitor’s best opportunity of the night.

The Timbers caught Chivas USA off guard just seconds later at the other end when second half substitute Jack Jewsbury let loose a low shot from 35 yards out that skipped on the wet grass and found its way into the lower left corner through the outstretched hands of Dan Kennedy.

Braun nearly answered back for Chivas USA a minute later, turning with the ball at the edge of the box only to see it poked away at the last second.

Eric Brunner of the Portland Timbers celebrates his goal vs Chivas USA in the 86th minute. Photo: Prost Amerika | Photo: Prost Amerika | Gary Sheldon 2011 | Check out the slideshow — Eric Brunner of the Portland Timbers celebrates his goal against Chivas USA in the 86th minute in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament . Photo: Gary Sheldon | Check out the full gallery at ProstAmerika.com

The missed chance proved critical. With the crowd still electrified from the club’s first-ever lead as an MLS team, a loose ball in the box was put away from eight yards by defender Eric Brunner in the 87th to secure the win. The play was created from a corner Brunner headed into a falling Chivas USA defender, ricocheting directly back to him for the second attempt.

The Timbers advance to the second round of the league’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament. They will travel to play the San Jose Earthquakes – details to be determined. It was the first time Chivas USA had to go through the qualification process adopted in 2007. The loss marks the first time the club failed to qualify for the tournament since their debut in 2005.

The match started off with the home club buzzing about the Chivas USA goal. Kenny Cooper put a header over the goal in the first half-minute of play. He had another chance in the sixth minute when a long ball up the middle found him shoulder-to-shoulder with a defender 30 yards out, but he was unable to gain full control for a chance at goal.

Jorge Perlaza kept the visitors busy with his work most of the first half. In the 10th minute he darted toward goal on the left side, but Kennedy came out of the box to break it up. Three minutes later he tried to turn with the ball 25 yards out, but was knocked off the ball for a free kick. In the 28th, he got the ball on the right side and drove toward goal before sending the ball wide left.

Andrew Boyens of Chivas USA walks off the field after being shown a second yellow card against the Portland Timbers in the 42nd minute of a US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Prost Amerika | Gary Sheldon 2011 | Check out the slideshow — Andrew Boyens of Chivas USA walks off the field after being shown a second yellow card against the Portland Timbers in the 42nd minute of a US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Gary Sheldon | ProstAmerika.com

Chivas USA had a few sniffs at the Timbers goal in the first half, mostly courtesy of the play of Marcos Mondaini. His best chance came in the 34th minute on an excellent through ball that put him alone in the box only to see his shot from 16 knocked away by the rookie Timbers netminder. Four minutes later Braun made a long run down the middle of the pitch before dishing it off to Mondaini, whose shot with a defender on his inside shoulder from just inside the left corner of the box was also denied.

Just prior to the game-changing red card to Boyens, a 42nd minute free kick 35 yards out led to a fantastic shot. Peter Lowry rolled the dead ball about 12 yards to his left for a wide open Rodney Wallace, who ripped a line-drive rifle that zipped just wide of the left upper corner.

Despite playing a man down, the visitors came out and played well in the second half before a series of tough tackles around the hour mark seemed to show the unraveling that was to come. An ensuing free kick from one foul led to a 30 yard rocket from Cooper that tested Kennedy, who was forced to knock the wet ball away haphazardly in the 62nd minute.

Six minutes later Cooper nearly set up the opening marker when he tried to turn and shoot inside the box. Seeing he couldn’t get the shot off, he dished it back to Lowry, who put his uncontested shot over the goal from 19 yards. And just moments before the madness, Perlaza also nearly created the first strike when he stole the ball in the right corner and sent it to Jeremy Hall, who delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank into the area only to see hit headed away.

The Portland Timbers now travel to play the New England Revolution in league play Saturday, April 2 while Chivas USA takes to the road for the first time this season to face Toronto FC earlier in the day.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
Chivas USA 0:2 Portland Timbers
March 29, 2011 – Merlo Field in Portland, Ore.

Scoring Summary
POR: Jack Jewsbury (Unassisted) – 84th minute
POR: Eric Brunner (Unassisted) – 86th minute

Misconduct Summary
CHV: Mondaini (Yellow), 14
CHV: Boyens (Yellow), 35
CHV: Boyens (Yellow), 43
CHV: Boyens (Red), 43
CHV: Braun (Yellow), 49
POR: Purdy (Yellow), 74
POR: Hall (Yellow), 89

Lineups:

Portland — GK Gleeson, D Wallace, D Brunner, D Horst, D Purdy, M Alhassan, M Marcelin, M Lowry (Jewsbury, 71), M Pore (Hall, 65), F Cooper, F Perlaza
Substitutes Not Used: GK Guppy, D Goldthwaite, D Taylor, M Braun, M Nagbe

Chivas USA — GK Kennedy, D Pearce, D Zemanski (Bowen, 89), D Boyens, D Owusu (Jazic, 63), M Lahoud, M LaBrocca©, M Mendoza (Flores, 46), F Mondaini, F Braun, F Estupiñan
Substitutes Not Used: GK Thornton, GK Arias, M Trujillo, M Mayen

Referee: Juan Guzman
Assistant Referees: Jeff Hosking, Desmond Miller
4th Official: Ronald Lagraff
Attendance: 5,061
Weather: Rain, 50 degrees

MLS US Open Cup qualifying schedule

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

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

(7) Philadelphia at (9) DC United
April 6, 7:30 p.m. | Maryland Soccerplex (Germantown, Md.)

Second Round

(10) Portland Timbers at (2) San Jose Earthquakes
Date/Location TBA

(6) New England at DC United/Philadelphia
Date/Location TBA

(1) Colorado Rapids at (4) Chicago Fire
March 30, 7:30 p.m. EST – Shea Stadium (Bradley Univ.) in Peoria, Ill.
Click here for a preview / live blog

(3) Sporting Kansas City at (5) Houston Dynamo
April 6, 8 p.m. EST – Aggie Soccer Stadium in College Station, Tx.

Third Round*
Colorado/Chicago winner at Portland/San Jose winner
DC United/Philadelphia/New England winner at KC/Houston winner

*Winner of each third round game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Marco Mangione helps Maryland Bays complete Region I field with Maryland title

March 25, 2011 by Josh Hakala

The Maryland Bays are headed to their first Region I tournament with a 5-1 win over Charm City FC in the Maryland Open Cup championship game. Marco Mangione was the story of the night, scoring four of Maryland’s five goals, to put his team two wins away from qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Bays move on to the USASA Region I finals where they will travel to face Eastern Pennsylvania champion Phoenix SC on May 1. The winner of that match will play either Go Soccer FC (New Jersey) or Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) for one of the region’s two Open Cup berths on May 22.

Charm City came out firing in the opening 15 minutes, putting pressure on the Maryland backline, but after weathering the storm, it was the Bays who were on the board first. In the 22nd minute, Mangione got in behind the defense and received a ball over the top from defender Matt Beckman. Mangione brought it down cleanly, and fired it past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Just six minutes later, Charm City would equalize thanks to a rebound goal by Lucas Pardew. Luciano Brunetti took a shot from outside the penalty area and Pardew was there to clean up the loose ball.

In the 37th minute the Bays would break the tie with a goal by Lucas Emil from inside the penalty area, but the game would really open up after Maryland was awarded a penalty kick. Bays team captain John Ports beat a defender to reach the corner of the area, broke into the box and was fouled. Ports landed hard on his shoulder and had to leave the game. However, on the bright side, Mangione converted the penalty kick to make it 3-1 going into the intermission.

Mangione broke the game open early in the second half when he beat his defender to his left foot, freed up some space to shoot and put it past the keeper to complete his hat trick.

Two minutes later, in the 61st minute, he added his fourth courtesy of a run by teammate Dan Bulls. The former University of Maryland Baltimore County player won the ball at midfield and raced up the left wing. He sent the ball into the penalty area where Mangione one-timed it into the back of the net to make it 5-1.

nick-mangione-baltimore-blast-1980 — Marco's father Nick Mangione playing for the Baltimore Blast | Photo: NASLJerseys.com

“I think we just kept it pact defensively and put in a couple good counter attacks,” said Mangione, who just graduated from Towson University. “Once the game opened up we took advantage of our chances and I received some great service tonight.”

Mangione has scored seven of the Bays’ 10 goals in Open Cup qualifying this year and comes from a strong soccer family. Two of his five siblings played college soccer and his father, Nick, played professionally for the Baltimore Blast during his playing days.

“ is a very humble player,” said Maryland Bays assistant coach Nick Gill. “Sure he was getting great service, and I thought we controlled the midfield today, but every time he touched the ball something special happened. The defense really had a hard time getting a hold of him. He’s got all the tools to play at the next level, but he got injured during his senior year. Now that he’s at full strength, it’s pretty clear what he’s capable of.”

The Bays opened the competition with a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93. Baltimore fielded an Under-18 team, but put up a fight against the more experienced Bays. In the semifinals, Maryland trailed 1-0 to Christos FC in the first half, but came back to win 2-1. After Christos scored their opening goal, they missed a penalty kick shortly after that which shifted the momentum toward the Bays. Marco Mangione would tie the game up a few minutes after the missed spot kick and then converted what would prove to be the game-winning penalty kick in the 75th minute.

This state Open Cup title just adds to the list of accomplishments from the last two years. They won the last two Maryland Major Soccer League Fall championships, as well as last year’s Stewart Cup, Rowland Cup and Amateur Cup. They were also a national finalist in the USASA’s Under-23 tournament.

The Maryland Bays are named after the American Soccer League / American Professional Soccer League team from the late 80s, early 90s and are in their second year in their current form. The team was put together by head coach Bryan Bugarin, who played professionally for the indoor club the Baltimore Blast. The Bays are made up largely of players from Coach Bugarin’s Baltimore Bays ‘87 team (Under-14). Many of those teenagers are now in their mid-20s and have been coached by Bugarin for almost a decade.

The current roster includes of mix of college and local players, as well as former professionals such as Billy Chiles (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Kevin Gnatiko (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Dan Bulls (Joe Public FC – Trinidad).

Scoring Summary
MAR: Marco Mangione (Matt Beckman) – 22nd minute
CHA: Lucas Pardew (Unassisted) – 28th minute
MAR: Lucas Emil (Unassisted) – 37th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (PK) – 42nd minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Unassisted) – 59th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Dan Bulls) – 61st minute

Maryland US Open Cup tournament recaps:
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland kicks off state tournament
Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City ends Inter AFC’s run
Charm City FC cruise into Maryland final, 6-1 over Baltimore Kickers

Round 1
Inter AFC 7:3 Magicmen

Quarterfinals
Charm City FC 6:0 Inter AFC
AC Baltimore 0:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 3:1 Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93
Christos FC 2:0 Aegean Hawks FC

Semifinals
Charm City 6:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 2:1 Christos FC

Final
Maryland Bays 5:1 Charm City FC
Thursday, March 24, 9 p.m. (Catonsville High School – Catonsville, Md.)

2011 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying schedule

USASA Region I tournament bracket

First Round (May 1)
Danbury United (CT) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY)
East Providence Sports (RI) at Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) at Go Soccer FC (NJ)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Phoenix SC (East PA)

Semifinals (May 22)*
Danbury/NYPF winner vs. MPS/East Prov winner
Go Soccer /Atl. Virginia winner vs. Phoenix/Bays winner

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Past Maryland Open Cup champions

2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC
2005: Baltimore Colts FC
2004: Allied SC
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: New Jersey’s Go Soccer FC wins state title, beats FC Fort United 1-0 (Video)

March 23, 2011 by Josh Hakala

On a frosty night in Bridgewater, NJ, Go Soccer FC defeated FC Fort United 1-0 to win the New Jersey Open Cup championship and punch their ticket to the USASA Region I tournament.

With the win, Go Soccer FC will host DC/VA champion Club Atletico Virginia in the first round at regionals, putting them just two wins away from qualifying for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match is scheduled for May 1 and will mark the club’s third straight trip to the Region I finals.

Go Soccer came out aggressively in the first half, scoring the game’s only goal in the 17th minute. Former Lafayette College player Chad Barbieri took a shot on goal which was saved by the FC Fort goalkeeper, but Jesus Gregorio was there to clean it up to make it 1-0.

nj-open-cup-final-2011-snow — It was a frosty night at the 2011 New Jersey Open Cup final. Photo: @vitospadea (Twitter)

The momentum shifted after the halftime break with FC Fort pushing for an equalizer. The pressure was put on and they created some chances, but Go Soccer’s Dan Roth was able to keep the clean sheet with three critical saves in the second half.

Go Soccer, founded in 2007, will move on to the Region I tournament hoping to win their first regional qualifying game in club history. The past two seasons, they have crashed out in the opening round. In 2009, they fell to Maryland’s Charm City FC, 5-0 and last year, they lost a close match with the Brooklyn Italians, 1-0.

Only three teams entered the New Jersey Open Cup tournament this year, with FC Fort United defeating Santorini FC in the opening round to reach the final. The date of the final was delayed because Santorini filed a protest, but it was eventually denied.

Go Soccer FC starting lineup: Dan Roth (GK) Bryan Oelkers, Chad Barbieri, Chase Barbieri, John Pompeo, Edgardo Alfaro, Isaac Rodriguez, Jesus Gregorio, Matt Heitmann, Paul Racz, Steve Mellen | Subs: Brian Davis, Dominic Paolella, John Parez

2011 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying schedule

Semifinals (May 22)*
Danbury/NYPF winner vs. MPS/East Prov winner
Go Soccer /Atl. Virginia winner vs. Phoenix/Bays winner

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Past New Jersey Open Cup champions

2010: Go Soccer FC
2009: Go Soccer FC
2008: SC Vistula Garfield (forfeited their opening Region I match)
2007: No team entered
2006: Sport Club Portugues
2005: Kappa Real Wyckoff
2004: Sport Club Portugues
2003: SC Vistula Garfield
2002: ZPA Perth Amboy
2001: ZPA Perth Amboy
2000: SC Vistula Garfield
1999: SC Vistula Garfield
1998: SC Vistula Garfield
1997: No info available
1996: No info available
1995: No info available

Second half highlights – 2011 New Jersey Open Cup Final (Courtesy of Go Soccer FC)

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City FC cruise into Maryland final, 6-1 over Baltimore Kickers

March 21, 2011 by Josh Hakala

Charm City FC continued it’s lopsided run through the Maryland US Open Cup qualifying tournament with a 6-1 win over the Baltimore Kickers in the semifinals. Eric Breach assisted on three of Charm City’s goals to send them to the state championship game on Thursday where they will meet the Maryland Bays at 9 p.m. at Catonsville High School in Catonsville, Md.

The winner of that game will host Phoenix SC, the champion of Eastern Pennsylvania, in the opening round of the USASA Region I tournament on May 1. The winner of that match would play either the New Jersey champion (Go Soccer FC or FC Fort United) or Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA champion) on May 22 with a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on the line.

Charm City would get off to a quick start, coming out in a 4-3-3 formation. They scored 14 minutes into the match when a throw-in by Eric Breach found the head of former Crystal Palace Baltimore player Dan Lader, who headed it into the upper left corner of the goal. Lader also scored in Charm City’s 6-0 win over Inter AFC in the last round. Charm City would add two more before halftime with Noah Merl scoring unassisted in the 20th minute, and Lucas Pardew making it 3-0 on an assist by Wijy Jones seven minutes later.

Defender Eric Breach would assist on a pair of goals after the break. In the 50th minute, he found Lou Brunetti to make it 4-0 and he helped Merl score his second in the 75th minute. Tarik Walker came off the bench to finish out the scoring in the 80th minute, his third goal in two games. But the Kickers would ruin the shutout with Nick Kiss’ shot from distance that took a deflection to beat the goalkeeper, Mike Svehla, to leave the score at 6-1 when the final whistle blew.

“The boys played hard but we were just over-matched tonight,” said Baltimore Kickers head coach Mike Lott. “Charm City was operating on another level and clearly deserved the victory. I wish them well in the finals and think they would represent the league and the state well at regionals.”

Charm City will play in Thursday’s final aiming to qualify for the Region I tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, after getting an opening round bye when Athletic Club (West PA) forfeited, Charm City lost to United German Hungarians (East PA) in the quarterfinals, 3-1.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland semifinals
Charm City FC 6:1 Baltimore Kickers
Catonsville High School – Catonsville, Md.
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Scoring Summary
CHA: Dan Lader (Eric Breach) – 14th minute
CHA: Noah Merl (Unassisted) – 20th minute
CHA: Lucas Pardew (Wijy Jones) – 27th minute
CHA: Lou Brunetti (Eric Breach) – 50th minute
CHA: Noah Merl (Eric Breach) – 75th minute
CHA: Tarik Walker (Unassisted) – 80th minute
BAL: Nick Kiss (Chris Lorenzet)

Baltimore Kickers lineup: Ryan Flannely, Dan Thrailkill, Brandon Fischer, Jason Janetti (Phil Kratochvil 65th), Joe Pusateri, Chad Dye (Rob Bailey 70th), Anthony DeCesaris (Brian Tully 65th), Marcos Perdomo (Jake Ayers 65th), Tyler Inge (Josh Miller 65th), Kelli Maddox (Nick Kiss 65th), Chris Lorenzet

Charm City FC lineup: Mike Svehla (GK), JC Cole, Sean Porter, Lou Karko, Eric Breach, Noah Merl, Dan Lader (Jerry Fialkwicz 83rd), Darren Laroque (Sergio Flores 56th), Wijy Jones (Kenny Suetter 77th), Lou Burnetti (JD Kershaw 72nd), Luke Pardew (Tarik Walker 46th)

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City FC ends Inter AFC’s run

March 7, 2011 by Josh Hakala

Two more teams have advanced in Maryland’s 2011 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. One has already reached the championship game, while Inter AFC, due to weather delays, just finished its first match of the competition. The Maryland Bays are waiting in the championship game after defeating Christos FC, 2-1, on Sunday, February 27. That same night, Inter AFC won a strange barnburner wbith the Magicmen, 7-3, to move on to the quarterfinals. However, Inter’s run was short-lived as Charm City FC knocked them out, 6-0, to advance to the semifinals.

The Bays will await the winner of Charm City FC and the Baltimore Kickers (Mar. 13) in the title game on Mar. 20.

INTER AFC 7:3 MAGICMEN (FIRST ROUND) – Feb. 27
The 6 p.m. game started out with all the ingredients for a disaster as Inter AFC and Magicmen both started the game shorthanded. Inter began with eight players and Magicmen was without their starting goalkeeper, leaving them with only 10 because additional players were also late getting to the field. Magicmen, with the two-man advantage, scored a pair of goals by Chad Meusel (5th minute) and Powell Cuchiella (15th minute) in the opening 15 minutes. The calvary arrived for both sides as Inter forwards Brian and Mike Walter, midfielder George Phillips and Magicmen goalkeeper Ben Snyder eventually arrived. All were rushed onto the field to bring the match up to full strength.

The arrival of the three missing players for Inter turned the game on its head, and Brian Walter was the catalyst. Walter made an immediate impact by taking a shot in the 18th minute that fooled the newly-inserted Snyder to cut the lead in half. Ten minutes later Walter would help level the match, assisting on a goal by Saheed Lawal. He then dished out Lawal’s go-ahead goal three minutes after that. Walter would put Inter up 4-2 at the 35 minute mark with an unassisted goal, giving him two goals and two assists in less than 20 minutes of work as his club took that lead into the halftime break.

Brian Walter’s brother, Mike, got into the act just after halftime, making it 5-2 on an assist by Lawal in the 49th minute. In the 65th, Lawal would complete his hat trick on an assist by Brian Walter to put the game out of reach at 6-2.

However, Magicmen would pull one back in the 80th minute courtesy of Andre Henciak. Brian Walter would answer back with his third goal of the game five minutes later on an assist by Lawal.

Brian Walter and Saheed Lawal carried the game with Walter finishing with three goals and three assists, while Lawal had three goals and two assists.

Magicmen coach Bryan Cartwright said after the game, “We had taken them very lightly thinking it would be 2 or 3 to nil in our favor the way the game started out for us.”

Magicmen Lineup (4-3-2): Chris Quigley (GK), Raymond Sturm (CB), Bernie Cruey (CB), Justin McGrath (LB), Mike Devine (RB), Chad Meusel (CM), Michael Alessi (RM), Andrew Henciak (LM), Powell Cucciella (LF), Eric Belcher (RF)

Inter AFC Lineup (Incomplete): Brian Walter, Saheed Lawal, Mike Walter, George Phillips

Scoring Summary:
Magicmen – 5th minute – Chad Meusel (Unassisted)
Magicmen – 15th minute – Powell Cucciella (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 18th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 28th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 31st minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 35th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 49th minute – Mike Walter (Saheed Lawal)
Inter AFC – 65th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Magicmen – 80th minute – Andre Henciak (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 85th minute – Brian Walter (Saheed Lawal)

MARYLAND BAYS 2:1 CHRISTOS FC (SEMIFINAL) – Feb. 27

The 8 p.m. game saw the Maryland Bays line up against Christos FC, who had knocked out USASA Open Cup regular and two-time US Open Cup participant Aegean Hawks FC two weeks ago.

It didn’t take long for Christos to open the scoring though as Danny Skelton scored in the 18th minute off a Joe DiPino pass after a nice build up. Minutes later, the score nearly doubled as the Bays conceded a penalty, but Michael Pennacchia put his penalty over the bar.

Maryland manager Bryan Bugarin would later say, “ was our wake up call.”

Indeed it was, as the Bays equalized just 13 minutes later when Jon Ports fed Marco Mangione in the 31st minute. The tie held until late in the second half as Mangione was fouled going to goal and converted his penalty kick in the 75th minute to make it 2-1 Bays.

Several cautions and an ejection (Christos FC defender Eric Mahon) followed as tempers flared on both sides, but the score would remain at 2-1 until the final whistle. With the win, the Maryland Bays advanced to the championship game which will be held on Sunday, March 20 at Cedar Lane Regional Park in Harford, Md.

“As a player, coach, or spectator you couldn’t have asked for a more evenly, quality played match,” said Michael Pennacchia of Christos FC after the match. “There was excellent skill, team defending, and overall heart on display with exceptional goals in the run of play from both sides. In the end, the difference ended up being that Marco was able to convert his penalty attempt where I was not. My hat goes off to Coach Bugarin and the Bays.”

Pennacchia added, “ are a quality group of players and assuming they advance, they will certainly represent the state of Maryland well in regional play.”

Christos FC Lineup: Steve King (GK), Eric Mahon, Joe Dipino (C Wilson-35′), Bissohong, V. Dipino, Muntz (Fendryk-80′), Michael Pennacchia (Tejada-75′), Leitch, Tyrie (Dwonzkowski-70′), Ankrah, Danny Skelton (Piscopo-65′)

Maryland Bays Lineup: Kristopher Ward (GK), Matty Beckman (BJ Quigley), Josh Taylor, Matt Shell, Phil Greatwich (Nino Mangione), Bryan Moffa, Chris Ports, Brian Barry (Mike Gill), Timmy Lane (Lucas Emil), Marco Mangione, Jon Ports

Scoring Summary:
Christos FC – 18th minute – Danny Skelton (Joe Dipino)
Maryland – 31st minute – Marco Mangione (Jon Ports)
Maryland – 75th minute – Marco Mangione (PK)

CHARM CITY FC 6:0 INTER AFC (QUARTERFINALS) – Mar. 6

On Sunday, the quarterfinals would finally wrap up with Charm City FC moving on with ease, 6-0, over a shorthanded Inter AFC. No calvary arrived this time for Inter AFC as the club played the match with nine men and were overwhelmed in the pouring rain.

The trio of Saheed Lawal and the Walter brothers, who all combined for seven goals and five assists in their 7-3 win over Magicmen in the opening round, were not at the game as Inter’s offense stuggled playing two men short.

Charm City didn’t waste any time with Lucas Pardew scoring the first goal three minutes into the match. In the 18th minute, Josh Robinson would set up Dan Ladar for the second goal. Just before halftime, the floodgates would open as Tarik Walker scored a pair of goals in the final five minutes of the half and Ken Suter would make it 5-0 just after the halftime break. Dan Delaney would score the sixth and final goal in the 53rd minute.

Charm City advanced to the semifinals where they will face the Baltimore Kickers, who beat AC Baltimore 1-0 in their first game. Charm City is aiming to qualify for the Region I tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, after getting an opening round bye when Athletic Club (West PA) forfeited, Charm City lost to United German Hungarians (East PA) in the quarterfinals, 3-1.

Scoring Summary:
Charm City – 3rd minute – Lucas Pardew (Unassisted)
Charm City – 18th minute – Dan Ladar (Josh Robinson)
Charm City – 40th minute – Tarik Walker (Unassisted)
Charm City – 43rd minute – Tarik Walker (Lucas Pardew)
Charm City – 46th minute – Ken Suter (Eric Breach)
Charm City – 53rd minute – Dan Delaney (Unassisted)

Chris Holden also contributed to this report

2011 USOC team allocations, dates set

February 17, 2011 by Josh Hakala

The United States Soccer Federation’s US Open Cup committee has finalized the dates and the team allocations for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 98th edition of the tournament will begin on June 14 with 40 teams entering and will wrap up with the championship game on October 4.

The only professional entries in this year’s tournament will be eight Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs and all 11 USL Pro teams (Third Division). With 16 U.S.-based MLS teams eligible, it’s clear that MLS qualifying will return, in some form, for the fifth year in a row.

Aside from the US Soccer Federation’s exclusion of the five U.S.-based NASL (Second Division) teams, which was announced on Monday, the most notable changes to the 2011 edition of the Open Cup is on the amateur side of the competition. For the first time since the league began play in 2003, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) will have four slots set aside for the competition. In the past, the Fourth-Division amateur league has had to qualify for the Open Cup through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), which retains the eight spots that it has held since 2004. The Premier Development League (PDL) will get an extra team into the tournament this year, giving the league nine entries, the most they have ever had.

CONCACAF’s official twitter account recently confirmed what most people assumed, which is that the 2011 US Open Cup champion will still qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.

The two-time defending champion Seattle Sounders FC will earn an automatic bid to the Open Cup, and have the chance to be the first team in over 40 years to win three consecutive Open Cups. The last team to achieve that feat was the New York Greek-Americans (1967-69). Only three teams in the history if the tournament have won three straight championships.

The Sounders will be joined by five other automatic qualifiers, based on the MLS league standings from 2010. The Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake and the Supporters’ Shield winning Los Angeles Galaxy will all enter the tournament in the third round. The 10 remaining U.S.-based MLS clubs (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, DC United, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City) will battle for the remaining two slots.

seattle-sounders-2010-us-open-cup-final — Can the Sounders become only the second team in the tournament's 98-year history to win three straight US Open Cup titles? Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

Each league chooses how their teams will qualify, and will announce their criteria at a later date. Since 2007, MLS has held a play-in tournament, with the last two years having the games separate from the regular season schedule. 2007 and 2008 saw regular season games double as Open Cup qualifiers.

While it is unknown which format MLS will take for play-in games this year, the play-in games from the last two years have struggled to spark fan interest. In 2009, the qualifying games, which were separate from the regular season schedule, drew less than 5,000 fans per game, and last year, the average fell to less than 2,500.

The PDL will keep a similar format with each U.S.-based team having four regular season games selected (usually two home, two away) to double as Open Cup qualifiers. The top team from each of the nine divisions will earn a berth into the First Round.

The USASA will keep the same qualifying format they have had for the last seven years where each of the four regions submits both finalists in their US Open Cup tournament.

MLS (8 teams – First Division): Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC + 2 qualifying teams
USL Pro (11 teams – Third Division): 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
PDL (9 teams – Amateur): Teams to be determined
USASA (8 teams – Amateur): Two finalists from each of the four regional tournaments
NPSL (4 teams – Amateur): Teams to be determined

The prize money also remains the same as last year with the winner of the tournament earning $100,000, the runner-up getting $50,000 and the Third Division (USL Pro) and Amateur team that advances the furthest gets $10,000.

Much like recent Open Cup tournaments, games are scheduled to take place on Tuesdays and the first three rounds will be played in consecutive weeks with the remaining games spaced out over the rest of the season until the October 4 final.

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

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