2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: City Islanders’ Cinderella story continues, ousts New York Red Bulls in OT

June 6, 2012 by Michael Berton

redbull2 — Sainey Touray (with the ball) scored two goals for the City Islanders. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

Sainey Touray was a lonely figure up front for the Harrisburg City Islanders. With the New York Red Bulls possessing the ball for a majority of the 120-minute game in the Harrisburg half, Touray had to do the best he could with limited chances as the lone forward.

He did just that, scoring in the 13th minute and again in the 94th to propel the City Islanders into the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Lucky Mkosana added a third Harrisburg goal in the 118th minute. Connor Lade had New York’s lone goal in the 59th.

This was the fifth time in the last six tournaments that the City Islanders have eliminated an MLS team, as the 3rd Division pro team will reach the Quarterfinals for the fourth time. The Charleston Battery are the only lower division team in the country who has five MLS upsets in the last six years, but four of those upsets were as a 2nd Division club.

The Red Bulls started the game by possessing the ball in the Harrisburg half—something that would remain true throughout the game. New York found plenty of room down the flanks, leading to numerous crosses. However, it would be Harrisburg getting on the board first.

Brian Ombiji got the ball near the top of the 18-yard box. After some deft footwork, he crossed the ball to Touray, who headed the ball into the back of the net in the 13th minute.

The Red Bulls doubled down offensively after giving up the early goal. Harrisburg could barely get the ball across the midfield stripe. The City Islanders held firm defensively though. New York had several chances, but very few troubled the Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble.

New York’s never-ending pressure finally led to a result in the 59th minute. A defensive miscue led to a wide-open shot for Lade. He easily slotted the ball past Noble, tying the game and seemingly giving the Red Bulls all the momentum.

After the goal, Dax McCarty began asserting his presence onto the game. His chip shot was saved by Noble in the 66th minute. He also hit the post in the 70th. Defensively, McCarty constantly applied pressure to Harrisburg players, barely giving them room to breathe. His strong effort did not lead to a New York game-winner, however.

With the score tied at 1-1, the game headed to extra time. The City Islanders are no strangers to extra time in the open cup, having beaten New England in last round on penalty kicks and coming into the match having never lost an Open Cup match that went into overtime. Using some more of that extra time magic, Jason Pelletier found himself with the ball in space in the middle of the field. He lobbed a pass over the top of the defense and right into the path of Touray, who slotted it past rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara and into the net.

After that unlikely goal, Harrisburg was determined to see the game out, and they would do that, but not without getting the benefit of a missed call. The Red Bulls were on the attack and sent a cross into the box and the ball was cleared away beyond the endline. New York players appealed for a penalty kick because they believed that Pelletier handled the ball while clearing the ball over the endline, but the referee waived play on. It appeared on video replay that Pelletier did touch the ball. The Red Bulls would continue to push for the equalizer as the home team would face a torrent of New York shots, including a dangerous free kick shot by McCarty and a header that hit of the crossbar. In the end, Harrisburg weathered the storm and even added another goal. On a corner in the 118th minute, Yann Ekra found Mkosana in the box. Mkosana scored his first career Open Cup goal to secure Harrisburg’s place in the quarterfinals.

Having won two-straight games against MLS competition at home, the City Islanders will face yet another MLS team, but this time on the road. On June 26, Harrisburg will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Union, who were 2-1 winners over DC United on Tuesday. Interestingly enough, the City Islanders will have a bit of a warm up before they take on the Union in the Quarterfinals. They have an exhibition match scheduled with their MLS affiliate in Harrisburg on June 12.

Harrisburg City Islanders 3:1 (AET) New York Red Bulls
Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, Pa.

HCI: Sainey Touray (Ombiji) 13
NYRB: Connor Lade (unassisted) 59
HCI: Sainey Touray (Pelletier) 94
HCI: Lucky Mkosana (Ekra) 118

Discipline:
HCI: Bilal Duckett (caution-29)
HCI: Andrew Wekler (caution-38)
HCI: Jason Pelletier (caution-87)
NYRB: Jhonny Arteaga (caution-90+)
HCI: Stephan Basso (caution-90+)
HCI: Nick Noble (caution-115)
NYRB: Markus Holgersson (caution-120)

Lineups:
Harrisburg City Islanders: Nick Noble; Bilal Duckett, Andrew Marshall, Tom Brandt, Stephan Basso; Brian Ombiji (Tom Mellor-89), Andrew Welker (Yann Ekra-59), Morgan Langley (Lucky Mkosana-69), JT Noone, Jason Pelletier; Sainey Touray

New York Red Bulls: Ryan Meara; Wilman Conde, Markus Holgersson, Heath Pearce, Brandon Barklage (Jonathan Borrajo-115); Connor Lade, Mehdi Ballouchy, Dax McCarty (Stephen Keel-117), Jan Gunnar Solli; Jhonny Arteaga, Kenny Cooper

Att: 1,477

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Late Steven Lenhart goal helps San Jose Earthquakes advance 1-0 over Minnesota Stars

June 6, 2012 by Robert Jonas

lenhart-celebrates-sj-earthquakes-vs-minnesota — Steven Lenhart celebrates after scoring a goal in the 85th minute against the Minnesota Stars. Photo: Joe Nuxoll | CenterLineSoccer.com

Robert Jonas writes for Centerline Soccer and you can follow him on Twitter @RobertJonas.

The San Jose Earthquakes ensured that their 2012 US Open Cup tournament run will continue for at least another round, as a Steven Lenhart headed goal proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over the resilient Minnesota Stars. Coming in the 85th minute of a tense affair between the MLS and NASL representatives, Lenhart’s score, assisted by a wonderful cross from Steven Beitashour, treated the 1,548 fans in attendance at Stanford University’s Cagan Stadium to another evening of late game heroics from the “Never Say Die” Earthquakes.

“I am confident in our team, and I knew we were going to get a couple chances,” said Lenhart of the team’s will to win. “The teams we are playing are fighting and make for good competition, but we did a good job to give ourselves a chance in the game and also to keep a clean sheet. It all worked out tonight.”

Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop was also pleased with his team’s effort on the night, especially against a tough opponent in the Minnesota Stars, the defending champions of the NASL, and their “We Believe” torch bearing head coach Manny Lagos.

“They are a good side,” said Yallop with a profound respect for the Earthquakes’ opponent, “and that was their first loss in 18 matches. You have to give credit to Minnesota for they were good tonight, and they made it difficult for us. We played pretty well in spells but not a dominate game for us. I think in the end, on the balance of chances, we deserved to go through.”

From the opening whistle, the Stars executed a game plan that relied heavily on defense with bursts of counterattacking soccer in their efforts to upset their MLS opponent. And for the better part of Tuesday night, their efforts were rewarded, as the Earthquakes were consistently frustrated in trying to earn the game’s first goal. However, even the most stalwart of defenses can unfortunately yield if even for a moment, and San Jose’s perseverance finally paid off with Lenhart’s late match winner.

“I think you saw a different level of opposition tonight,” continued Yallop. “That was a good side we played tonight. They made it difficult for us and moved well on the break, but I thought we handled it well. It shows the spirit of this team. We had chances early, but we kept going and I was very proud of the way we managed it and won in the end.”

The Fourth Round US Open Cup victory over Minnesota keeps the Earthquakes alive in America’s oldest running soccer tournament, now in its 99th year, and means that the team will add another game to its already crowded early summer schedule. Including San Jose’s Quarterfinal match on June 26 when they will face off against fellow MLS foe Seattle Sounders, the Earthquakes could play as many as 10 games during the 33-day stretch that starts when they return to league action on June 20 for a road match against the Colorado Rapids. However, Lenhart wasn’t concerned by the impending fixture congestion, and instead suggested that the upcoming intense run of games comes at a good time and would help the team in the long run of the 2012 season.

lenhart-celebrates-earthquakes-vs-minnesota — Steven Lenhart celebrates with his San Jose teammates after scoring what would prove to be the game-winning goal. Photo: Joe Nuxoll | CenterLineSoccer.com

“To win tonight was a totally good result for our team,” said Lenhart. “The more games the better. Guys get opportunities to play in these games, and we like to win. The more games we play, the more we mesh and the more we learn about each other, the more we build character and camaraderie. So I enjoy these games, and this tournament is important to us.”

The match against the Minnesota Stars kicked off at the unusual time of 8:00 p.m., a time change concession made in order to minimize the impact of the setting sun on the south end goalkeeper, but neither team showed any lack of energy during the game’s opening stages. Intensity from both sides favored the defenses early on, and scoring opportunities rarely developed, but as the first half wore on, the game began to open up.

In the 17th minute, San Jose registered their first quality shot when Alan Gordon, paired up top with Lenhart as part of a twin-towers forward duo, nearly put the home side ahead with a left footed effort. Following a nifty pass from midfield maestro Tressor Moreno that gave Lenhart the opportunity to turn the ball into the path of Gordon, the lanky forward was not able to strike the ball cleanly and the ball squirted just wide of the left post.

The Earthquakes had their best scoring chance of the opening stanza when in the 27th minute Gordon directed a deft pass from Moreno into open space in the Minnesota penalty area for Lenhart. With just the goalkeeper to beat, Lenhart unleashed a blistering shot that Stars goalkeeper Matt VanOekel got a hand to and deflected the ball off the inside of the far post and bottom of the crossbar before it was cleared by the defense. The entire Earthquakes team sensed that the goal was imminent, and all seemed to shut down when the chance presented itself to attack the rebound, and the Stars defused the dangerous situation.

In the 32nd minute, the Earthquakes again had an opportunity to break the deadlock, when the Minnesota defense could only clear the ball as far as the top of the area following a San Jose drive into the Stars attacking third. Midfielder Marvin Chavez collected the loose ball, took a touch to balance himself, and shot the ball on target, but directly at the ‘keeper. VanOekel made the initial save on the blazing shot, but the ball squirted away dangerously in the six yard box. Sensing an opportunity to deposit the rebound in the net, Lenhart raced into the area in pursuit of the ball, but VanOekel reached it just before the Earthquakes striker.

The Stars had their best first half chance to take the lead in the 37th minute, when on a counterattack against the run of play, midfielder Miguel Ibarra found possession of the ball near the top right corner of the Quakes’ penalty area and took a chance from 20 yards out that barely eluded the upward grasp of Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham and skimmed teasingly off the top of the crossbar.

With neither team looking like a threat to break the scoreless tie in the closing minutes of the first half, the play from both sides turned a bit more physical. The two teams traded yellow cards as the first half wore down, with Stars captain Kyle Altman earning a caution for a tackle on Lenhart in the 42nd minute and Earthquakes defender Beitashour seeing a card for obstruction on a Minnesota counterattack in the 45th minute.

The Earthquakes opened the second half with a much more verve than they displayed in the first 45 minutes. In the 48th minute, a great headed ball from defender Ike Opara, playing in an advanced position following a prior corner kick, appeared destined to find the back of the net, and ‘keeper VanOekel did well to tip the effort over the bar.

The match turned into a track meet over the next twenty minutes as both sides looked to exploit defensive lapses by their opponents. Nothing came of the opportunities, but a succession of aggressive plays from both teams led to yellow cards awarded to Earthquakes captain Ramiro Corrales in the 55th minute and Stars defender Justin Davis in the 60th minute by referee Alejandro Mariscal.

A heads-up play by Corrales nearly provided the pass that the Earthquakes needed to break the deadlock, as the Earthquakes captain stole a poor defensive clearance attempt and carried the ball deep into Stars territory. Righting himself at the left edge of the penalty area, Corrales sent the ball solidly to the far post in search of one of the two twin tower Quakes’ forwards. Recent late game hero Gordon jumped high into the Palo Alto evening air to meet the ball, but could not direct his header on target, and the ball flew agonizingly high and wide of the target.

The Earthquakes made their first substitution of the match in the 65th minute, as midfielder Simon Dawkins came in for a hobbled Sam Garza. In the 78th minute, another change brought Rafael Baca in for Gordon. The pair of substitutes turned the momentum of the match in the favor of the Earthquakes, and the team finally began to separate themselves from their worthy NASL opponent.

The Earthquakes finally broke through in the 85th minute, as some fancy footwork from Chavez along the right touchline freed the Honduran playmaker to spring Beitashour on a deep overlapping run into the right corner. From the edge of the byline, as he was being taken out by a Stars defender, the Quakes’ leading assist provider floated the ball into the area for Lenhart to expertly head past goalkeeper VanOekel for the San Jose goal.

“Beitashour made a good run,” described Lenhart. “It looked like he was trying really hard to get there, and it might have taken a deflection when he crossed it, but it kind of happened in just the right way. The team kept us in a good position to get that goal, with guys pushing forward and we kept our heads in the game just like every other game. It was a good play.”

“Marvin played a great ball and saw me overlapping,” said Beitashour. “I just got to it before the other guy and put in a good ball for Lenhart, and he does what he does: score goals. Lenny is great. He finishes almost everything with his head. All I try to do is get the ball in the air and Lenny will do the rest.”

Following a joyous goal celebration, the Earthquakes set about salting away the match with a stifling total team defensive effort over the final minutes of regulation and stoppage time. Minnesota tried in vain to find an equalizer but could not break through, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of San Jose.

Up next for the Earthquakes in the US Open Cup is a quarterfinal against fellow MLS side and three-time defending tournament champion Seattle Sounders on June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
June 5, 2012 — Cagan Stadium, Stanford, Calif.
Attendance: 1,548

Scoring Summary: SJ — Steven Lenhart (Steven Beitashour) 85.

Misconduct Summary: MN — Kyle Altman (caution) 42; SJ — Steven Beitashour (caution) 45; SJ — Ramiro Corrales (caution) 55; MN — Justin Davis (caution) 60; MN — Brian Kallman (caution) 90+3.

San Jose Earthquakes — David Bingham, Steven Beitashour, Ike Opara, Jason Hernandez, Ramiro Corrales, Sam Garza (Simon Dawkins 65), Jean-Marc Alexandre, Tressor Moreno (Sam Cronin 88), Marvin Chavez, Alan Gordon (Rafael Baca 77), Steven Lenhart.

Statistics: Total Shots: 13; Shots on Goal: 4; Saves: 3; Fouls: 13; Offside: 0; Corner Kicks: 8.

Minnesota Stars FC — Matt VanOekel, Justin Davis, Cristiano Dias, Kyle Altman, Brian Kallman, Neil Hlavaty, Kentaro Takada, Miguel Ibarra, Kevin Venegas, Simone Bracalello (Amani Walker 74), Martin Nunez (Devin Del Do 82).

Statistics: Total Shots: 10; Shots on Goal: 3; Saves: 3; Fouls: 8; Offside: 1; Corner Kicks: 5.

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Last-minute PK gives Chivas USA 2-1 win over Carolina RailHawks

June 6, 2012 by Neil Morris

Originally published at indyweek.com, where Neil Morris covers the RailHawks.

Fans gathering in advance of the Carolina RailHawks’ match against Chivas USA in the fourth round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup did so at the appointed hour when the transit of Venus was visible in the eastern United States. The RailHawks fortunes in the Open Cup, once considered the equivalent of a small dot against a celestial backdrop, changed a week ago when Carolina ousted—ironically—the Galaxy.

However, it was a mythical stargazer that held more in common with Carolina as they hosted their second Major League Soccer side in successive weeks before 7,117 fans at WakeMed Soccer Park. Like Icarus, the higher the ‘Hawks flew in the annual Cup competition, the more precipitous their eventual fall. Still, it was a fun ride while it lasted, and the RailHawks demonstrated Tuesday evening that not only did they belong on the same pitch with their first-division foes, but they generated ample opportunities to snag a victory.

But by game’s end, Carolina had to contain an opposing front line that included both Juan Agudelo and Juan Pablo Ángel, not coincidentally the two goalscorers for Chivas USA in their 2-1 win over the RailHawks.

Unlike the LA Galaxy match a week ago, the RailHawks came out a confident side from the opening whistle. But also unlike last week’s game, Chivas USA sent out a starting XI of regular first-teamers, including Agudelo, Alejandro Moreno and Laurent Courtois.

After the teams exchanged early chances, Chivas USA was first on the scoreboard in the 31st minute. A cross from Courtois found Agudelo in front of goal, and the 19-year-old U.S. international deflected a textbook angled header inside the right post past RailHawks goalkeeper Ray Burse for the early lead.

Despite competing gamely, Carolina looked a step slow in the opening stanza, particularly in trying to crack Chivas’ defense. However, an attacking RailHawks team took the pitch after halftime. In the 62nd minute, a through ball was played ahead to an onsides Breiner Ortiz, who opted to attempt a close-range cross to Brian Shriver instead of pulling the trigger himself. In the 65th, an Austin Da Luz corner found the head of Amir Lowery, but the ball deflected high and just wide right. And in the 71st, a header by Zack Schilawski rattled the crossbar.

Ty Shipalane, the second half hero of Carolina’s last two wins over the Galaxy and Puerto Rico Islanders, entered the match to much fanfare in the 68th minute. But it was two other substitutions—one for each team—that would guide the game’s ultimate outcome.

In the 79th minute, RailHawks right back Cory Elenio played the ball over to a driving Kupono Low near the top of the box. Low took a touch and then went down just inside the penalty area. As everyone from players to partisans paused to see whether the referee might point to the spot, midfielder Mike Palacio—who had just entered the game a minute earlier—pounced on the loose ball and one-touched it past Chivas keeper Tim Melia for the equalizer.

“The ball was switched, and I know being a leftie I saw him open his body towards the inside, so I knew it was going to hit a little hard,” Palacio recalled. “ was right on my left foot, so I knew I was going to one-time it.”

As the game wore on, its similarities to the Galaxy clash became uncanny. In both matches, the MLS clubs took 1-0 leads into halftime, the RailHawks didn’t get their first shot on target until early in the second half and Carolina’s equalizers came from second-half subs. With Carolina fully on the attack, it seemed inevitable that they would pull out another improbable upset.

As three minutes of stoppage time eventually approached, extra time seemed inevitable. In the 90th minute, Burse made two spectacular saves off short-range sure shots from Agudelo and Ángel, who entered the game in the 69th minute. A subsequent Chivas corner kick cleared towards midfield found Schilawski, who gathered the ball and turned to begin a run upfield. However, a Chivas defender extended his arm into the Carolina striker, who went to ground. The official’s whistle remained silent, and Chivas countered by sending the ball into the box to Ángel. As he maneuvered for the shot, center back Gale Agbossoumonde attempted a tackle to dispossess the striker. As Agbossoumonde slid by, his left arm caught the sphere and the referee issued a handball penalty.

As boos rained down from the home supporters, Ángel calmly deposited the PK into the bottom left corner of the goal to account for the winning margin.

RailHawks manager Colin Clarke took no issue with the handball penalty.

“From where I could see there’s no need to go to ground and make that challenge,” Clarke said. “You stand up and be a defender and let your keeper make a save. You just make sure doesn’t get turned. But, a young kid still learning. I thought he had a great night tonight. It’s just a shame at the end what happened.”

However, Clarke was shy about his feelings over the non-call on Schilawski and the general tenor of the officiating.

“I thought we should have had a free kick at the halfway line,” Clarke groused. “Everybody else saw it, but the referee was garbage tonight. I thought he gave us nothing. Of the 50-50 decisions, he looked after them, and I think that cost us. A minute from the end, the ball’s out to our player. We go the other way, we’re in with a great chance.”

For his part, Schilawski was a bit more circumspect.

“I tried to draw one; thought it could have been called,” he said. “Certainly, I feel I have to hold that ball up, even foul them or do something so it’s not coming back down our throats.”

Moreno, who bodied up Carolina’s midfielders all game and disrupted their rhythm, saw a tale of two halves.

“In the first half we were able to control the pace of the game,” said the Chivas USA captain. “And then for a good part of the second half they were better than us. They had the crowd behind them and were obviously leaving everything out on the field. They were sending a lot of people forward and were able to get a goal on one of those plays. But, we were able to do enough to get out of here with a result.”

Ultimately, the difference was the divergent ability of each team to get the ball at the feet of their playmakers. Agudelo and Ángel took seven of Chivas USA’s 11 shots. Courtois, who played a terrific game, accounted for three more attempts.

On the other side, Brian Shriver and Nick Zimmerman, Carolina’s leading scorers, combined for just two shots, neither on goal. And unlike Bruce Arena last week, Chivas USA manager Robin Fraser was clearly familiar with Shipalane, who was blanketed and bottled up by one or two Chivas defenders throughout his 22 minutes of play.

Chivas USA now advances to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on June 26 and will host surprise D3 side the Charlotte Eagles, who defeated the San Antonio Scorpions Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the RailHawks must swallow not only the bitter pill of losing, but also the fact that they would have hosted the Eagles had they eked out a win over Chivas USA. Carolina returns to action this Saturday at WakeMed Park against the NASL-leading Minnesota Stars FC, who were also eliminated from the Open Cup Tuesday night.

“We weren’t doing so well in the league even though we knew what we were capable of,” said Palacio. “I think the Open Cup gave us extra confidence so we can carry on to the league.”
LINEUPS
CAR: GK Burse, D Elenio, D Agbossoumonde, D King, D Low (c), M Zimmerman (Palacio, 78), M Lowery, M Ortiz (Shipalane, 68), M Da Luz, F Schilawski (Ackley, 90), F Shriver
CHV: GK Melia, D Califf, D McKenzie, D Riley, D Gordon, M Vagenas, M Gavin (Smith, 83), M Courtois (Zemanski, 64), M Moreno, F Correa (Angel, 70), F Agudelo

GOALS
CAR: Palacio (Unassisted), 79;
CHV: Agudelo (Courtois), 31; Angel (Unassisted), 90

CAUTIONS
CAR: Low, 35; Ortiz, 48; Lowery, 55;
CHV: Gavin, 37; Riley, 74; Smith, 90

SHOTS
CAR: 12 (4 SO)
CHV: 11 (6 SO)

SAVES
CAR: 4
CHV: 3

Attendance: 7,117
Weather: Breezy and partly cloudy, 71

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Dayton Dutch Lions continue run with OT win over Michigan Bucks

June 6, 2012 by Brad Slazinski

Some nights, the ball just won’t go in, no matter how well it’s hit or how open the net is. For the Michigan Bucks, it summed up their night in general, losing 2-1at home in extra time to the Dayton Dutch Lions, still winless in USL Pro, in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup.

From the start, the Bucks were dominant in possession and strong on the counter attack. Despite that, Dayton took an early lead from a Gibson Bardsley cross that met Eli Garner who poked it in during the 12th minute.

Throughout the first half, the game alternated between one team having a dominant spell and another taking its turn, reaching the break with the visitors in front, 1-0.

The Bucks showed signs of life just after halftime, when substitute Anthony Grant came on and equalized with a shot from 15 yards out after a defender gave the ball away.

Both sides showed signs of scoring, including a chance for Dayton that Bucks goalie Adam Grinwis managed to keep out with just one hand. Near the end of the second half Dayton’s goal was bombarded with shots from the Bucks, but the ball wouldn’t hit the net.

During extra time, the Bucks threw everything at Dayton’s goal but couldn’t convert. However, a Michigan foul led to a Dayton penalty, which Joel DeLass scored and put Dayton in the lead at 2-1.

The Bucks began throwing everything they had towards the Dayton goal, including placing defender Sebby Harris up front, but failed to find any success. The one minute of stoppage time in the second half of over time wasn’t enough for the Bucks either.

bucks-celebrate-dan-duggan — The Michigan Bucks celebrate their tying goal with team president Dan Duggan. Photo: Michigan Bucks

Dayton coach Iver van Dintren was proud of his team’s performance.

“We fought like Lions and I think we deserved to win the game,” van Dintren said.

He also praised the Bucks for their style of play.

“I knew the Michigan Bucks, I played myself two years ago. They have some talented players and they try to play soccer instead of kicking the balls long. I think they did well,” van Dintren said.

Bucks coach Gary Parsons acknowledged that the Bucks’ struggles in front of goal hurt them.

“The whole thing with soccer is you got to put your chances away. I thought we had some quality opportunities to get the second goal. You don’t put those away, something can happen and it did,” Parsons said.

The Dayton Dutch Lions move on to a Quarterfinal match on the road versus Sporting Kansas City, who downed fellow MLS side Colorado 2-0. Until then, they will be looking to finally pick up their first league win, playing host to Pittsburgh and Wilmington on either side of a trip to Los Angeles.

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Charlotte Eagles ‘Kings of Texas’ with third road win, edging San Antonio 2-1 in OT

June 6, 2012 by Chris Hockman

In a Fourth Round showdown of two lower division professional clubs, the USL Pro Charlotte Eagles came away 2-1 overtime victors against the San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL, making them, in essence, champions of Texas, having won three consecutive rounds on the road in the Lone Star State. For that triumph, they now face a trip to California.

“We don’t really do anything different any game,” said Charlotte coach Mark Steffens, “We did the same when we took on Dallas, we have good attacking players and that’s what we do.”

Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson was disappointed after the match “we have a job to do and we have to get better at our finishing, you put yourself in a position to win the game again and again but we didn’t put them away.”

The Scorpions got off to a great start and had their first shot on target in the second minute as Hans Dennison set Pablo Campos free only for his shot to be well saved by Clint Irwin in the Eagles goal.

Charlotte were going for it after that initial chance, and they dominated the opening 15 minutes with several chances but could not put them away.

Estaban Bayona made a good run in the 16th minute and was able to find Pablo Campos on the penalty spot but his shot was well saved by Irwin.

In the 28th minute the Eagle’s dominance was finally rewarded as Nate Thornton weaved through the San Antonio defense and unleashed a powerful strike from just inside the penalty area to open the scoring.

Any thoughts of Charlotte sitting back after the opener were quickly put to bed as they continued to dominate the match, earning several corners.

A corner in the 36th minute should have doubled Charlotte’s lead, as the restart from Sean Bateau caused all kinds of problems in the San Antonio area but Daryl Sattler made a great save, despite getting no help from his defense.

The Scorpions countered well and some good work from Hans Dennison put Campos through but the tight did not allow his quality effort to squeeze inside the post, bouncing off the woodwork allowing Charlotte to clear.

In the 40th minute another chance fell to the Scorpions as Estaban Bayona sent in a ball for Dennisen who chose to pass instead of shoot allowing Charlotte to clear. Campos was up to his usual antics in first half stoppage time as his opportunity faded after trying to run at too many men instead of passing the ball.

The Scorpions had a free kick in stoppage time which allowed them to push several men forward and they had four good chances in quick succession but were denied by some good keeping from Irwin. keeping Charlotte 1-0 up at the break.

web-SAvsChE-4089 — Photo: San Antonio Scorpions

The Scorpions suffered a big blow at halftime as Hans Dennison was unable to shake off the hamstring injury that has been with him for several weeks.

The Scorpions started the second half the better side showing a big improvement on the first half effort, but again struggled to break through. Ramirez impressed in the 47th minute, making a good run but his space was just closed off killing the chance and allowing Charlotte to clear.

The Scorpions defense continued to fail to communicate which again allowed the Eagles chances, and if not for Daryl Sattler the match would have been over much sooner.

A free kick in the 62nd minute nearly caught the Eagles off guard when the goalkeeper came off his line and couldn’t get to it, but the Scorpions weren’t able to put it away.

Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson made a surprise substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Javier Saavedra for Walter Ramirez, who was looking dangerous throughout the night. He stunned many with the substitutions again in the 69th minute when he took off striker Estaban Bayona to bring on a defender Fabian Kling despite chasing the game.

The Scorpions had a great chance in the 75th minute when Jonathan Greenfield hit a powerful shot, which was very well saved by Irwin

From the resulting corner San Antonio found a goal. After the Eagles cleared the restart partially, it found Saavedra who sent in a cross that was headed by Campos tamely but Charlotte were unable to clear as it dribbled over the line.

Throughout the final ten minutes Charlotte were looking dangerous on the counter much like they had done in Dallas.

Missed opportunities in extra time came back to haunt the Scorpions as Charlotte countered well and earned a penalty after Ryan Cochrane tried to clear and the ball bobbled up and hit his hand. Mauricio Salles stepped up and hit the game-winning penalty.

For Charlotte it’s going to mean another road game when they take on Chivas USA.

“We are exhausted, but I think playing at the Home Depot will be a big enough boost for the guys,” said Steffens.

Charlotte’s run began with a 1-0 victory against the PDL El Paso Patriots in the Second Round and was highlighted by a stunning 2-0 win against FC Dallas last round. It is an amazing run for the club, considering it had only won on the road twice before. One came a year ago in an intra-state affair against PDL Carolina Dynamo.

The other, oddly, came in 2005 versus the El Paso Patriots. That Second Round win gave the Eagles a Third Round contest against upcoming opponent Chivas USA. Charlotte took the MLS side to the brink, falling 3-2 in overtime in only previous meeting with an MLS club in the tournament prior to last week’s win in Dallas.

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Philadelphia Union tops rival DC United to reach Quarterfinals (video)

June 6, 2012 by Jimmy LaRoue

060512_DeLeon_Quinn_1 — Nick DeLeon (18) of DC United pulls the ball away from Raymon Gaddis (28) of the Philadelphia Union during Tuesday's US Open Cup match. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

Dangerous Philadelphia Union rookie Antoine Hoppenot proved to be the difference in a tense match, as his extra time goal propelled the visitors to a 2-1 Fourth Round win over host DC United to advance to the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

With the win, the Union will take on USL Pro noisemakers Harrisburg City Islanders, who pulled off another MLS upset by taking down the New York Red Bulls 3-1 in extra time.

“It’s good we play at home, but in the latest edition of the Cup, there have been a lot of surprises,” said Union coach Peter Nowak. “Harrisburg beat New England and now they beat New York. It’s still a very important game for us to move forward in this tournament, especially playing at home.”

Hoppenot came on in the second half and scored in the second minute of extra time after United defender Emiliano Dudar was unable to clear Freddy Adu’s through ball. Hoppenot came upon the loose ball and finished past United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

“That’s why I have so many gray hairs,” Nowak said. “He was trying very hard, he stretched defenders and he the speed that allowed him to get behind them and he got rewarded for it.”

United was unable to find an equalizer, and the feisty match closed in a contentious manner with Union defender Carlos Valdes and United defender Brandon McDonald both sent off with red cards in the 112th minute in a match that also featured five yellow cards–three for Philadelphia and two for United.

United coach Ben Olsen said his team forgot about some of the little things that had brought it to first place in MLS’s Eastern Conference.

Olsen, though disappointed yet again in the refereeing in the U.S. Open Cup, said they weren’t to blame for the loss.“I’ll look at myself first and our staff first, but we have to realize that that’s not good enough,” said United coach Ben Olsen of his team’s effort. “Too many guys were on their own page today. We were cute all over the field. We thought it was going to be enough to step out here and beat a team because they were a little down on their luck. Maybe it’s a good thing because this really does show us that we’re not as good as we think we are.”

“It was a typical Open Cup game,” Olsen said. “The referees were lousy. They always are, for both teams. Every Open Cup game, it just turns into an absolute circus. I don’t know if that needs to be addressed or not. Maybe that’s the fun of the Open Cup–that it’s an absolute zoo every game. It gets old.

“Believe me, I’m not blaming the referees tonight, but it doesn’t help. At the end of the day, this game is a perfect reminder of what we can’t do, the attitude we can’t come to a game with.”

The Union opened the scoring in first half stoppage time on a goal from former United midfielder Brian Carroll, whose shot from 18 yards deflected into the net past Hamid for a 1-0 lead, giving the Sons of Ben contingent making the trip to Maryland something to celebrate.

However, United tied the match in the waning moments before halftime, as Andy Najar right-sided cross to the far post found Nick DeLeon, who headed the ball back across the face of goal for Josh Wolff to finish with a header of his own to tie the match, giving United supporters something to cheer about as well.

“We didn’t start particularly well and we didn’t put together a lot of good soccer in the first half,” Wolff said. “Rightfully so, we went down 1-0, but we were able to get right back into it after that, feeling probably better than we should’ve felt.”

United, however, were not able to finish in the final third, however, and Olsen said there is one silver lining to the loss for a team that currently is in first place in MLS’s Eastern Conference .

“It’s a good wakeup call,” Olsen said. “We’re not as good as we think we are.”

Philadelphia will now host the City Islanders, a Union affiliate, at PPL Park June 26.

“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said United midfielder Perry Kitchen. “Credit to Philadelphia, they came out to play. We just didn’t match their intensity.”

DC United 1:2 AET Philadelphia Union
Maryland Sportsplex – Germantown, MD

Scoring Summary:
PHL: Brian Carroll (Unassisted) ‘46+
DC: Josh Wolff (Nick DeLeon) ‘47+
PHL: Antoine Hoppenot (Freddy Adu) ‘93

Misconduct Summary:
DC: McDonald Yellow ‘13
DC: Dudar Yellow ‘27
PHI: Valdes Yellow ‘55
PHI: Martinez Yellow ‘64
PHI: M. Farfan Yellow ‘82
DC: McDonald Red ‘112
PHI: Valdes Red ‘112

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Sporting KC gets better of MLS foe Colorado to reach Quarterfinals

June 6, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

Custom Name ME5I1485 GRP — Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids were one of two all-MLS matchups in Round 4. Photo: Gary Rohman

Two weeks ago, a two-goal Sporting Kansas City lead in Colorado was not enough as the Rapids scored two for the draw in league play. On Tuesday evening, Sporting kept Colorado off the board and took the Fourth Round US Open Cup victory with an own goal and another Teal Bunbury strike.

The hosts got on the board first in the 28th minute on a great play that turned unfortunate for Colorado. A Graham Zusi free kick to Aurelien Collin in the box was nearly knocked away by goalkeeper Matt Pickens, but the ball ricocheted off the post and then off Pickens, redirecting into the goal. The own goal was the first credited to a goalkeeper in the Open Cup’s Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

Colorado fought back with a close effort from Tony Cascio in the 36th and a Jaime Castrillon strike off the crossbar in the 52nd.

“I thought not only did we do a good job of getting the first goal but we defended extremely well and we really didn’t give them anything,” said SKC manager Peter Vermes after the game. “I don’t know how many shots they had but I’m sure that it was minimal; it really wasn’t anything dangerous except for the one that hit the crossbar. I loved the fact that up until the last minute of the game we were pressing them and not letting them control the game, so I was happy with that aspect of it.”

Soony Saad, who scored twice a week ago in the club’s 3-2 victory against Orlando City of USL Pro, started the play on the goal that gave Kansas City firm control in the 79th minute. Colorado defender Kosuke Kimura blocked his cross up, but it found the head of CJ Sapong, who headed it onto to Bunbury, who scored the two goals against Colorado last month. Bunbury fired a volley past Pickens from the middle of the box.

“He’s a goal scorer but the work that he puts in at the end to help us get the opportunities that we get up the field is invaluable and I feel that is one of the many things that he brings to this team outside of scoring goals. The work ethic is tremendous,” said Vermes of Bunbury.

The result is Colorado’s first loss to Kansas City in the tournament after two previous 3-2 victories. They won in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium in the 1996 Quarterfinals and in a 2003 Fourth Round meeting in Colorado.

With the win, Kansas City wins back-to-back Open Cup games for the first time since they won the title in 2004. They advance to the Quarterfinals for the eighth time overall, the sixth in the past nine years dating back to the championship run of 2004. They will host the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro, who were victorious, 2-1 in overtime, against the PDL’s Michigan Bucks. Last year Sporting KC were knocked out in the Quarterfinal stage at home by the Richmond Kickers of USL Pro, 2-0.

“For those lower tiered teams, all these games wind up being David and Goliath. If you don’t take those games seriously it’s easy for a team to jump on you and a lot of teams have done that so far with the lower division teams and that’s why they win,” said Vermes. “Credit to our guys. Having the ability to play at home helps as well but I also feel like our guys are pretty seasoned now. We know that this next team is going to come to play. They didn’t come this far because they’re not good. We’ll have to be up for that match.”

Sporting Kansas City 2:0 Colorado Rapids
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park – Kansas City, Kansas

Scoring Summary:
KC – Matt Pickens (own goal) 27
KC – Teal Bunbury (C.J. Sapong) 79

Misconduct Summary:
KC – Aurelien Collin (caution; reckless foul) 14
KC – Julio Cesar (caution; reckless foul) 33
COL – Jeff Larentowicz (caution; intentional handball) 58
COL – Hunter Freeman (caution; reckless tackle) 85
COL – Ross LaBauex (caution; reckless tackle) 88

Lineups
Sporting Kansas City: Jimmy Nielsen©; Seth Sinovic, Chance Myers, Aurelien Collin, Matt Besler; Julio Cesar, Peterson Joseph (Lawrence Olum 73), Graham Zusi; C.J. Sapong, Teal Bunbury, Jacob Peterson (Soony Saad 73)

Subs not used: Jon Kempin, Michael Harrington, Kyle Miller, Michael Thomas, Konrad Warzycha

Colorado Rapids: Matt Pickens; Scott Palguta, Tyrone Marshall, Kosuke Kimura, Hunter Freeman; Martin Rivero, Jeff Larentowicz©, Jaime Castrillon (Ross LaBauex 85); Tony Cascio (Kamani Hill 46), Edu, Wells Thompson (Andre Akpan 75)

Subs not used: Steward Ceus, Eddie Ababio, Joseph Nane, Luis Zapata

STATS
KC: Shots 10, SOG 4, Saves 2, Fouls 19, Offside 3, Corners 4
COL: Shots 8, SOG 2, Saves 2, Fouls 13, Offside 5, Corners 2

Attendance: 14,868
Weather: Sunny and 81 degrees

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Scoreboard

June 6, 2012 by Tavio Palazzolo

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Scoreboard

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+] 2012 US Open Cup results [+] 2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+] 2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Quarterfinal schedule listed below

WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC
TheCup.us RECAP

Chivas USA

Carolina RailHawks

Juan Agudelo (Laurent Courtois)

Mike Palacio (Kupono Low)

Juan Pablo Angel (PK)

93+

Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, PA
TheCup.us RECAP

New York Red Bulls

F/AET

Harrisburg City Islanders

Connor Lade (Unassisted)

Sainey Touray (Brian Ombiji)

Sainey Touray (Jason Pelletier)

117

Lucky Mkosana (Yann Ekra)

Maryland SoccerPlex – Boyds, MD
TheCup.us RECAP

Philadelphia Union

F/AET

D.C. United

Brian Carroll (Unassisted)

46+

47+

Josh Wolff (Nick DeLeon)

Antoine Hoppenot (Freddy Adu)

112

RED CARD: Brandon McDonald

Oakland University – Rochester, MI
TheCup.us RECAP

Dayton Dutch Lions

F/AET

Michigan Bucks

Eli Garner (Gibson Bardsley)

Anthony Grant (Unassisted)

Joel DeLass (PK)

LIVESTRONG Sporting Park – Kansas City, KS
TheCup.us RECAP

Colorado Rapids

Sporting Kansas City

Own Goal (Matt Pickens)

Teal Bunbury (CJ Sapong)

Heroes Stadium – San Antonio, TX
TheCup.us RECAP

Charlotte Eagles

F/AET

San Antonio Scorpions

Nate Thornton (Unassisted)

Pablo Campos (Javier Saavedra)

Mauricio Salles (PK)

116

Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, WA
TheCup.us RECAP

Cal FC

Seattle Sounders

Osvaldo Alonso (PK)

Fredy Montero (Cordell Cato)

Andy Rose (Alex Caskey)

Fredy Montero (Unassisted)

Osvaldo Alonso (Andy Rose)

Cagan Stadium, Stanford University – Stanford, CA
TheCup.us RECAP

Minnesota Stars FC

San Jose Earthquakes

Steven Lenhart (Steven Beitashour)

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE – Tuesday, June 26

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
—
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
—
Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Titan Stadium (Cal State Fullerton); Fullerton, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
—
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Live Blog: Join the conversation with updates from every game!

June 5, 2012 by J.T. Alwin

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+] Things you should know about Round 4 [+]
Quarterfinal pairings [+]

After possibly the most historic round in Open Cup history, only eight of the 16 MLS teams entered in the Third Round survived. Fourth level sides Michigan Bucks and Cal FC created a little deja vu from 2006, as they knocked off the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers, respectively. In Michigan’s case, they repeated history, as they were one of two amateur sides to knock off MLS teams in the same round (Dallas Roma being the other). We have reached the Sweet Sixteen of the Cup, with at least one Cinderella getting the opportunity to continue into the Quarterfinals, and Seattle Sounders FC still intent on making history of their own with a fourth straight Open Cup title.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all eight games. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Fourth Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (CarolinaRailHawks.com)
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner will either play at San Antonio Scorpions or host Charlotte Eagles

Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Chivas USA (MLS) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: PSA Elite (USASA) 0:6 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:2 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap

The RailHawks are playing host to a second consecutive club from the Home Depot Center, having knocked off the more high profile half of the LA Clasico by beating the LA Galaxy. Chivas USA is on the road yet again having had games against only two of its previous eight out-of-state opponents at home. The club’s first-ever Open Cup match was in North Carolina, a3-2 overtime loss to the Charlotte Eagles on a goal by Isaac Romo in the 120th minute. .

Chivas USA was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Carolina, meanwhile, finally registered its first victory in league play after starting 0-4-5. Despite losing US youth international Gale Agbossoumonde to a red card in the first half, Carolina got an own goal for the lead and then, after league-leader Puerto Rico equalized, the game-winner in the 88th through Ty Shipalane, who tallied a goal and assist in the victory over the Galaxy.

Wake-Med Soccer Park is home sweet home for the RailHawks as the club has played 12 of its 14 all-time matches in Cary, NC and are 10-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) in front of their fans.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 4-5-1 (0-1 PKs), 3-5-0 away, 1-3-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 10-3-1, 10-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 2-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)

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Red Bull New York (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (NewYorkRedBulls.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner Plays at Philadelphia Union or DC United

Red Bull New York’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Red Bull New York (MLS) 3:0 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: New England Revolution (MLS) 3:3 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) (Harrisburg win 3:4 PKs) [+] Recap

League form may be thrown out the window as the two clubs meet for the second time in three years. In the 2010 Third Round the City Islanders knocked off the Red Bulls with a 1-0 overtime decision on a goal from Dominic Oppong. The City Islanders are giant killers having eliminated four MLS teams over the last six tournaments, while the Red Bulls are looking to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 2003.

New York was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Harrisburg, with a wise schedule, played to a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers in their sixth consecutive home game over league and tournament play. Garrett Pettis provided the second half equalizer for a club that has not found a consistent goal scorer.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New York Red Bulls
OVERALL: 14-13-1 (1-0 PKs), , 8-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2003, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 11-4-3 (2-1 in PKs), 9-1-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 3-3-1 (1-0 PKS) vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2010 Third Round – New York Red Bulls (MLS) 0:1 AET Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)

—————————————-

Philadelphia Union (MLS) at DC United (MLS) (USL PRO)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, MD; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner hosts Red Bull New York/Harrisburg City Islanders Winner

Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 0:3 Philadelphia Union (MLS) [+] Recap
DC United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd. 3: DC United (MLS) 2:1 Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) (AET) [+] Recap

Rivals DC United and Philadelphia Union square off with yet another chapter, this time with a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Both teams dispatched of solid lower level teams in the last round to achieve this point. Union beat 1999 Open Cup Champion Rochester Rhinos 3-0, with Freddy Adu leading the way with a brace. DC United needed more than 90 minutes, but they managed to take out 1995 Open Cup champion and 2011 semifinalist Richmond Kickers 2-1 off a Marcelo Saragosa goal minutes into the second half of extra time.

Philadelphia holds a slight lead in the series (2-1-1, +1 GD), with both teams yet to face each other this year. Philadelphia has had a bad run as of late, going 0-4-1 in league play. They have played some of the better teams of the league in that span, like Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes, but have also lost to wooden spoon leaders Toronto FC. United, on the other had, has rode a 4-1-0 run into first place, as well as having a strong history with the Open Cup. DC won the Cup in their inaugural year in 1996 and again in 2008, as well as being the first victim of current three-time Champion Seattle Sounders FC in 2009. However, the Union will not be looking to go away easily in their first Open Cup run, as they had proved in knocking off an opponent of similar caliber and historical significance last round.

Note: Last round, DC United played their first road game in the tournament since 2007, a span of 11 straight home games. They were 9-2-0 during that 11-game run in the competition, including the 2008 championship played at RFK Stadium.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
DC United
OVERALL: 26-9-3 (1-2 PKs), 20-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-6-2 (0-2 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1996, 2008 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at home vs. Columbus Crew)

—————————————-

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (Sporting KC)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winners hosts Dayton Dutch Lions/Michigan Bucks winner

Colorado Rapids’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:1 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:3 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap

Both sides were idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. But their only meeting thus far this season is fresh in their minds having played just two weeks ago.

The 2-2 affair in Colorado was dramatic. The visitors took the initial lead through Teal Bunbury with a pair of goals in the first 14 minutes. The advantage stood until the second half when Tyrone Marshall connected in the 52^nd and Kosuke Kimura leveled on the hour-mark.

It is an interesting matchup because, along with the New York Red Bulls, these are two of the worst teams when it comes to the Open Cup. While Kansas City has their 2004 Open Cup title displayed in their trophy case, there’s not much else to be proud of. Aside from the 2004 run, KC has only won multiple games in a single year once (2002) and their win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last round pushed them to a record of 12 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws (1-2 in PKs). However, the franchise has been reborn recently with a new stadium, a new name and a roster full of talent, so this could be a springboard for the team.

The only team in MLS that needs a good Open Cup run more than Kansas City is Colorado, who hold a 9-11-0 all-time record coming into Tuesday’s match. The club has just one deep run to their credit and that came in 1999. Aside from 1999, the Rapids have never won multiple games in a competition. To make matters worse, their loss in the 1999 Final will always stand out to soccer fans because it remains the only year in the Modern Professional Era that a lower division team won the Open Cup title (Rochester Raging Rhinos). But just like their opponents, since they last entered the tournament in 2007, the Rapids have enjoyed some success as a franchise in recent years, winning MLS Cup in 2010, and are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference table.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Colorado Rapids
OVERALL: 9-11-0, 5-10-0 away, 4-4-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1999, lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos
LAST ENTRY: 2007 (Quarterfinals, lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 12-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 8-5-0 at home, 3-6-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
1996 Quarterfinals – Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:2 Kansas City Wiz (MLS)
2003 Fourth Round – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) 2:3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)

—————————————-

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland University; Rochester, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (USLNation.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner will play at Colorado Rapids/Sporting Kansas City

Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Columbus Crew (MLS) [+] Recap
Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:3 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap

In a match-up of Cinderellas, one’s search for the glass slipper will continue, while the other will shatter. While Michigan has grown accustomed to slaying giants, both teams are in entirely unfamiliar territory. Dayton had not won an Open Cup game in their brief existence until this year, let alone taken down an MLS team. The Dutch Lions’ Open Cup wins still stand as the lone victories in 2012 as the team is 0-5-4 in USL Pro play and is now the only professional league club without a win. However, they managed to go into Columbus and take down the Crew after trailing in the second half. Their Open Cup showing couldn’t propel the team though, as they fell 1-0 to second place Charleston Battery over the weekend.

One would think that facing a bottom-level team would provide Dayton with a boost, but the Bucks are no ordinary amateur team. Their resume is a laundry list of achievements as they are the only amateur team to upset two MLS teams (at New England in 2000, vs. Chicago in 2012), they have more upsets of professional teams (9) than any amateur club, and their 12 wins in the tournament are not only the most at their level, but more than a lot of professional teams. They have also been dominant in the PDL’s Great Lakes Division, sporting a perfect 3-0 record while outscoring opponents 14-5. However, they are also in uncharted territory as this is the first time they’ve been this far in the tournament. If they win, they will become the first PDL team to reach the Quarterfinals. The winner will face another giant in the quarters, traveling to face either Sporting Kansas City or the Colorado Rapids.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 2-2-0, 2-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
AS USL PRO: 2-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 12-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 7-4-1 home (0-1 in PKs), 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)

—————————————-

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
If Charlotte wins … plays at Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner
If San Antonio wins … home vs. Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner

Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 FC Dallas (MLS) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:2 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0:1 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap

In one of two matches not featuring an MLS club, the expansion Scorpions of the NASL and a longtime USL side square off in their fifth combined tournament game in Texas. San Antonio has been able to stay in state with shutout wins against the PDL’s Laredo Heat (2-0) and MLS’ Houston Dynamo (1-0) while Charlotte is making its third trek to the state having beaten the PDL’s EL Paso Patriots (1-0) and MLS’ FC Dallas (2-0). A win keeps San Antonio in state to host another match while a Charlotte victory will eliminate the last Texas side and send them to either California or nearby Cary, NC.

San Antonio was at home over the weekend, playing to a scoreless draw with the Minnesota Stars, the lone remaining unbeaten team in the professional ranks. The result extended San Antonio’s unbeaten streak to seven games (4-0-3). It was the fourth shutout for Daryl Sattler. Charlotte, meanwhile, was idle over the weekend, giving the team a much-needed rest following four consecutive road games over league and tournament play.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 7-9-0, 4-8-0 away, 0-4-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup

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Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (SJEarthquakes.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner hosts Cal FC/Seattle Sounders FC winner

Minnesota Stars’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2:0 Des Moines Menace (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Minnesota Stars (NASL) 3:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap

The Minnesota Stars take to the road again, looking for another upset after downing one of MLS’ best in Salt Lake City. It won’t be the first-ever meeting between the Earthquakes and a Minnesota club. The previous Thunder side fell at home in penalties in the 2004 Quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw in a game in which Brian Ching and Landon Donovan scored for San Jose. The pair were also accompanied by penalty takers Richard Mulrooney, Dwayne De Rosario and Todd Dunivant, who narrowly edged Minnesota 5-4 from the spot.

San Jose was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Minnesota, meanwhile, played to a scoreless stalemate on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions, one of the league’s hottest teams. Several starters rested again for the Stars, though goalkeeper Matthew VanOekel was between the posts for his fourth shutout of the season. The result kept the club’s unbeaten status intact.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 3-1-0, 2-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 9-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-1-2 (2-0) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Fox Soccer (TV)
Quarterfinals scenarios (June 26):
Winner plays at Minnesota Stars/San Jose Earthquakes Winner

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Cal FC (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap

The Fourth Round clash is a meeting of arguably the two clubs with the most high-profile US Open Cup stories this decade. The three-peat Seattle Sounders are facing the upstart entry from the USASA, who have made history of their own to reach the Sweet 16. Cal FC knocked off Seattle’s rival Portland Timbers with a stunning 1-0 overtime decision, the first USASA team to defeat an MLS team without the use of penalty kicks in the Modern Pro Era.

There are several ties between the two clubs. Cal FC goalkeeper Berby Carrillo tried to latch on with the Sounders in 2010, ultimately playing for the nearby Kitsap Pumas, whom Cal FC defeated, 2-1, in the First Round. Defender Jesus Gonzalez also had a trial with the club.

The biggest tie is between the two managers. Cal FC coach and co-owner Eric Wynalda was identified in high school by Sounders coach Sigi Schmid. The rest, as they say, is history. The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Soccer, marking the first time an Open Cup was broadcast prior to the Quarterfinals since 2001 when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Nashville Metros 5-0 in the Second Round.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 3-0-0, 3-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 27-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 21-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 12-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 10-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 against amateur teams
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE – Tuesday, June 26

2012 TheCup.us Player of the Round: Artur Aghasyan selection gives Cal FC third honor in a row (video)

June 4, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

PlayeroftheRound-2012-Aghasyan — Somewhere in that celebration is the goalscorer, and TheCup.us Player of the Round, Artur Aghasyan. Photo: Ethan Erickson | Portland Timbers

Move over Kardashians, there is a new star Armenian in Los Angeles. Cal FC striker Artur Aghasyan was selected as the Third Round’s TheCup.us US Open Cup Player of the Round for providing the game-winning overtime strike in the historic upset against the Portland Timbers. It was his third consecutive game with a goal.

The selection marks only the second time since TheCup.us began recognizing the tournament’s outstanding performances in 2006 that a team has had a player chosen three times in a tournament or in consecutive rounds. The previous time came in 2010 when the Seattle Sounders saw Nate Jaqua earn the honor in the semifinals and quarterfinals followed by Sanna Nyassi for the final.

Aghasyan’s selection followed two for teammate Danny Barrera, who was recognized for his pair of goals in a 3-1 road win over the PDL champion Kitsap Pumas and for tallying two goals and an assist in a record 4-0 victory on the road versus the USL Pro Wilmington Hammerheads.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by the staff of the definitive US Open Cup site TheCup.us and a selected panel of members of the North American Soccer Reporters (@SoccerReporters), which also selects the MLS Player of the Week.

After enduring shot after shot and attack after attack from Portland, Cal FC finally got its chance five minutes in overtime with a breakaway created by Barrera, who managed to deliver a ball while falling to the pitch. Aghasyan streaked down the middle of the field, easily beating a lopsided offside trap, collected a well-placed through ball and calmly chipped Perkins. As his teammates mobbed him in the northeast corner of the stadium, the crowd fell silent.

Scoring the lone goal put Aghasyan back in the headlines. He had tallied the insurance goal late versus Kitsap and provided the second goal in Wilmington. Aghasyan is no stranger to success having previously led the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion to a league championship in 2009 after an outstanding start to his professional career in Armenia, where he led Pyunik of the nation’s first division with a league-leading 16 goals in 25 games as a rookie.

However, his jump to the professional ranks in the United States was much more difficult. After his PDL success, he went on to sign in 2011 with Real Salt Lake after a stint with Chivas USA in the MLS Reserve League. He would make only four appearances for RSL before being released and signed by the LA Blues of USL Pro.

With the goal, Cal FC became not only the first US Adult Soccer Association team to score against an MLS opponent, but became the first to advance via a victory. In four previous tries, the USASA clubs went scoreless, though there were several surprising results. In 2006, Dallas Roma advanced via penalties, 4-2, after a scoreless draw against Chivas USA, and in 2000, Uruguay SC lost, 1-0, in golden goal overtime to the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

In the Modern Pro Era, it is only the fifth time a team from an amateur league has eliminated an MLS club and is only the 12^th time a USASA club has eliminated a team from a professional league.

MORE: Check out Cal FC’s Meet the USASA feature

USASA Advancements vs Pro League Clubs
Bavarian SC 2000: 1-0 vs Reading Rage (third division – USL)
Bavarian SC 2007: 1-0 vs Cincinnati Kings (third division – USL)
Bridgeport Italians 1997: 3-2 vs Rhode Island Stingrays (third division – USL)
Cal FC 2012: 4-0 vs Wilmington Hammerheads (third division – USL)
Cal FC 2012: 1-0 AET vs Portland Timbers (first division – MLS)
CASL Elite 2002: 5-2 vs Carolina Dynamo (third division – USL)
Dallas Roma 2006: 1-0 vs Miami FC (second division – USL)
Dallas Roma 2006: 0-0 (4-2 pk) vs Chivas USA (first division – MLS)
Hollywood United 2008: 3-2 vs Portland Timbers (second division – USL)
Reggae Boyz 2005: 4-2 vs Cincinnati Kings (third division – USL)
San Jose Oaks 1996: 3-2 vs California Jaguars (third division – USL)
United German Hungarians 1999: 2-1 vs New Jersey Stallions (third division – USL)

MLS Eliminations by Amateur League Teams
Cal FC 2012: 1-0 AET vs Portland Timbers
Michigan Bucks 2012: 3-2 AET vs Chicago Fire
Michigan Bucks 2000: 1-0 vs New England Revolution
Chicago Sockers 2000: 0-0 (7-6 PK) vs Kansas City Wizards
Dallas Roma 2006: 0-0 (4-2 PK) vs Chivas USA

MLS versus USASA Clubs
2012: Portland Timbers 0-1 AET Cal FC
2006: Chivas USASA 0-0 (2-4 PK) Dallas Roma
2006: LA Galaxy 2-0 Dallas Roma
2001: Miami Fusion 4-0 Uruguay SC
2000: Tampa Bay Mutiny 1-0 ASDET Uruguay SC