Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: Chivas USA hold off local amateur Ventura County Fusion

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Travis Bowen of the Ventura County Fusion scrambles past a Chivas USA defender during a Third Round match in the 2012 US Open Cup. Photo: Aaron Schmidt

It was the shortest trip of all the Major League Soccer sides in the tournament, but by no means was it an easy one as Chivas USA squeezed out a 1-0 victory against Ventura County Fusion, one of three remaining amateur clubs in the tournament.

The result was important, though, for Chivas USA, who had previously been upset in the first match in four of their six previous tournament appearances, including their only previous match against an amateur opponent – a penalty kick tiebreaker loss to Dallas Roma (USASA) after a scoreless draw in 2006 that stands as one of five such upsets.

The Fusion came into the match riding a 3-1 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Blues of USL Pro, making Chivas USA take them seriously with stars Juan Pablo Angel and Juan Agudelo in the lineup for the match.

Agudelo would play an immediate factor, sending a through ball in the 13th minute to Cesar Romero, who nutmegged Ventura County goalkeeper Earl Edwards for what would stand as the only goal of the contest.

The Fusion showed great poise in not being star-struck. They nearly had an equalizer in the 20th minute Travis Bowen forced a save from backup netminder Tim Melia on a breakaway after John Alexander Valencia slipped.

Francisco Lopez, the overtime hero in the first two rounds, also had a chance at an equalizer, breaking through the defense and forcing another stop from Melia in the 71st minute.

The victory for Chivas USA, oddly, puts them into the shoes of rival Los Angeles Galaxy, sending them across the country to WakeMed Soccer Park to face the Carolina RailHawks, who rallied to defeat the Galaxy, 2-1.

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: NASL’s winless Carolina RailHawks oust MLS champion LA Galaxy

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Brian Shriver of the Carolina RailHawks celebrates his game-winning goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012 with his teammates. Photo: Rob Kinnan | Carolina RailHawks

Struggling in league play and missing several players for national team duty, the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy could not have picked a much better opponent on paper than the Carolina RailHawks, who were winless in the NASL. But trips east of the Mississippi River continue to be an issue as they saw the second division side rally for a surprising 2-1 victory Tuesday evening.

Even without the world-renown stars in the lineup, the Galaxy had plenty of experience in the lineup and started the game like the favorites with a goal 38 minutes in. An Austen King pass was stolen and delivered to Chad Barrett, who proceeded to find Pat Noonan with a cross for the former US international’s fourth career Open Cup tally having scored three times with New England previously.

Ty Shipalane of the Carolina RailHawks celebrates his equalizer against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup | Photo: Carolina RailHawks
Ty Shipalane of the Carolina RailHawks celebrates his equalizer against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup | Photo: Carolina RailHawks

The game began to turn with the insertion of Ty Shipalane – who along with Noonan is a former Michigan Buck – in the 66th minute. The South African, who was a member of the 2009 Harrisburg City Islanders when they knocked off the New England Revolution 2-1, took less than 10 minutes to find an equalizer, beating the Galaxy from the right side and firing past CONACACAF Champions League veteran goalkeeper Bill Gaudette in the 75th minute. Zack Schilawski set up the goal, notching his third assist in the tournament this year.

With overtime looming, the Shipalane reversed roles two minutes from time for the game-winner. Shipalane dashed up the right side and sent a floating cross into the box, finding Brian Shriver, who scored four in last week’s 6-0 rout of USASA’s PSA Elite, for the finish. His header was initially stopped by Gaudette, who was facing his former Puerto Rico Islanders head coach Colin Clarke, but the momentum carried the rebound over the goal line.

The loss leaves the Galaxy, one of the league’s most successful teams, without a win in the club’s last six US Open Cup games east of the Mississippi River, suffering losses now to the RailHawks, Richmond Kickers (2007), Chicago Fire (2006, 2003), Minnesota Thunder (2004), Columbus Crew (2002). Their lone win in the east is a 4-0 victory over Minnesota to begin the 2002 tournament in the Third Round.

The RailHawks move on to play host to Chivas USA of MLS in the Fourth Round, giving them the opportunity to sweep the two Los Angeles-based clubs despite being located on the opposite coast.

Carolina RailHawks 2:1 Los Angeles Galaxy
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC

Scoring Summary:
LAG: Noonan (Barrett), 38
CAR: Shipalane (Schilawski), 75
CAR: Shriver (Shipalane), 88

LINEUPS
Carolina RailHawks: GK Burse, D Elenio, D Agbossoumonde, D King, D Low (c), M Zimmerman, M Lowery, M Ortiz (Shipalane, 66), M Da Luz, F Schilawski (Garey, 82), F Shriver (Substitute, Time)
LA Galaxy: GK Gaudette, D Lopes, D Meyer, D Leonardo, D Gaul (Garcia, 71), M Sarvas, M Jimenez (Jordan, 44), M Stephens, M Nakazawa, F Barrett (Magee, 65), F Noonan (c)

CAUTIONS
CAR: Shipalane, 72
LAG: Garcia, 83

SHOTS
CAR: 8
LAG: 10

SAVES
CAR: 2
LAG: 1

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: Charlotte Eagles top FC Dallas to earn third trip to Lone Star State

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There will be no better expert on the state of Texas at the end of the 2012 US Open Cup than the Charlotte Eagles. For the second consecutive week they won in the Lone Star State, this time stunning FC Dallas, 2-0, at Pizza Hut Park, to set up a third trip to face the San Antonio Scorpions in the Fourth Round.

The Eagles, struggling to find success in USL Pro with a 2-7-2 record, snuck by the Premier Development League El Paso Patriots a week ago on an own goal, 1-0, to get the coveted matchup against FC Dallas.

The team found more fortune in Frisco with the hosts losing two of its starting defenders to injury in the first half. The Eagles took advantage, scoring two minutes before the break when Nate Thornton delivered a cross to Darryl Roberts on the right side of the box. Roberts nodded it back to the far post past Chris Seitz, one of the most experienced backup keepers in the league.

Scott Sealy nearly found an equalizer in the 68th minute for FC Dallas, sending a header off the post and Matt Hedges following it up by striking the crossbar.

But the gifts continued to come Charlotte’s way with Jackson being sent off in the 78th with a straight red card for his challenge on Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Irwin.

Charlotte held on and received an insurance strike from Thornton in the fourth minute of stoppage time to ensure the victory, giving the Eagles their first-ever two-win performance in 10 appearances in the tournament.

The Eagles also now have as many shutouts in the Open Cup as they do for the USL Pro campaign.

With the NASL San Antonio Scorpions delivering a 1-0 upset against the Houston Dynamo, Charlotte will now face a Texas side from three different levels of the sport.

2012 US Open Cup Third Round: Sporting KC withstands late Orlando City surge, advances to Round 4 (Video)

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Seth Sinovich of Sporting Kansas City tries to get position on Orlando City

Sporting Kansas City forward Soony Saad netted a brace within three minutes, then held off a late challenge by an Orlando City SC side reduced to ten men to claim a 3-2 win. They survived a day where lower division clubs came to play and knocked out multiple MLS teams, earning a home match against the Colorado Rapids next Tuesday.

While Kansas City started a lot of their regulars, they did decide to go with 19-year-old keeper John Kempin, who is signed to a Homegrown Player contract. The Lions, defending USL Pro champions, would throw the young netminder into the fire midway through the half with Charlie Campbell and Kevin Molino forcing Kempin to make solid saves. Sporting also got pressure on shorthanded City (who only brought 15 players), forcing captain Miguel Gallardo into making eight saves in the game.

The home side finally broke through in stoppage time. Peterson Joseph fed the ball to Paulo Nagamura, who rifled the ball past Gallardo from 30 yards distance just before the halftime whistle. City would level ten minutes into the second half, as Molino recieved an Erik Ustruck cross and headed into the net. However, ten minutes after that, the game turned into the Soony Show.

Saad would take the pass from goalscorer Nagamura at 65 minutes and laid it inside the far post, making up for earlier missed opportunities. Three minutes later, he again netted the ball, lauching a Gallardo punchout past the Lion keeper from outside the box. Things would get worse for City at 70 minutes in, as midfielder Anthony Pulis would be shown a straight red for an elbow in the back. This enraged the Orlando players, who felt that considering how their forward Jamie Watson had been beaten around earlier in the game, they should have had a man advantage since the first half. They finally had turned their rage into determination with six minutes left, as Dennis Chin rifled a shot into the top netting. The Lions would continue to press further and attempt to equalize, but Sporting would hold firm to advance.

LINEUPS:
ORL- Miguel Gallardo; Kieron Bernard, Erik Ustruck, Luke Boden, Robert Valentino; Charlie Campbell, James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, Kevin Molino; Dennis Chin, Jamie Watson (Ian Fuller 78)

SKC- Jon Kempin; Chance Myers, Konrad Warzycha (Matt Besler 85), Aurelien Collin, Seth Sinovic; Paulo Nagamura, Lawrence Olum, Peterson Joseph (Graham Zusi 59); Jacob Peterson, Dom Dwyer (C.J. Sapong 46), Soony Saad

SCORING:
SKC- Paulo Nagamura (Peterson Joseph) 45+2′
ORL– Kevin Molino (Erik Ustruck) 55′
SKC- Soony Saad (Paulo Nagamura) 65′
SKC- Soony Saad 68′
ORL- Dennis Chin 84′

BOOKINGS:
SKC– Aurelien Collin (caution; tactical foul) 23′
ORL– Robert Valentino (caution; reckless tackle) 51′
ORL– Anthony Pulis (ejection; violent conduct) 70′
SKC– Jacob Peterson (caution; tactical foul) 78′

STATS:
Shots: ORL- 13; SKC- 18
Saves: ORL- 8; SKC- 6
Fouls: ORL- 11; SKC- 12
Corners: ORL- 6; SKC- 2
Offsides: ORL- 7; SKC- 1

Attendance: 12,217
Weather: 81 degrees, sunny

2012 U.S. Open Cup Third Round: New York Red Bulls silence Charleston Battery, 3-0

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John Wilson fights for position against Jan Gunnar Solli and Kenny Cooper. Photo: Charleston Battery

The New York Red Bulls, who are notorious for throwing their second team into the Open Cup and losing early, decided to take a different approach into their game against the Charleston Battery. This approach would serve them well, as for once they avoided being upset by a lower division side, winning 3-0 and advancing to the fourth round.

It was a welcome offensive outburst for the Red Bulls who scored three goals in an Open Cup game for the first time in a decade

The Battery challenged early, however New York keeper Ryan Meara met the early challenges, and Red Bull quickly started pressing themselves. Mehdi Ballouchy helped the team strike paydirt first, as he found forward Kenny Cooper in the box. Cooper then unleashed a ground shot into the corner with his left foot. The teams spent most of the half’s remainder going up and down the field, yet unable to capitalize. This changed at 41 minutes in, and it was once again the visitors able to break through. Ballouchy once again started the play, as his corner found Dax McCarty in the corner of the penalty area. McCarty then led on for Heath Pearce, who sent it past Charleston keeper Brock Duckworth to double the lead by halftime.

Sallieu Bundu tried to rally Charleston multiple times to get them back in it, yet Meara proved to be up to the task every time. Connor Lade finally put the game away for the Red Bulls with 20 minutes left, as Solli got him the ball, and Lade launched a top-corner shot from 27 yards out.

New York had initially planned on hosting New England, as the Revolution had built up a 3-0 lead with ten minutes left in extra time. However, the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL Pro would not be denied, tied the game, and emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. This means Harrisburg will host NY in Hersheypark Stadium (Hershey, PA) at 7:30 PM Eastern Time next Tuesday.

New York Red Bulls 3:0 Charleston Battery
Blackbaud Stadium – Charleston, SC

SCORING
NY- Kenny Cooper (Mehdi Ballouchy) 14’
NY- Heath Pearce (Dax McCarty) 41’
NY- Connor Lade (Jan Gunnar Solli) 70’

LINEUPS:
NY- Ryan Meara (GK); Brandon Barklage (Jonathan Borrajo 77’), Markus Holgersson, Wilman Conde, Heath Pearce, Jan Gunnar Solli (Victor Palsson 74’), Dax McCarty (Ryan Maduro 88’), Mehdi Ballouchy, Connor Lade, Jhonny Arteaga, Kenny Cooper
Charleston- Brock Duckworth (GK); John Wilson, Colin Falvey, Taylor Mueller (Dane Kelly 67’), Kyle Hoffer, Amadou Sanyang, Tony Donatelli (Ryan Richter 71’), Jose Cuevas, Nicki Paterson (Zach Prince 81’), Navion Boyd, Sallieu Bundu

BOOKINGS
CHS- Amadou Sanyang 65′ (caution)

STATS:
Shots: NY- 13; CHS- 11
Saves: NY- 5; CHS- 5
Fouls: NY- 10; CHS- 12
Corners: NY- 3; CHS- 4
Offsides: NY- 0; CHS- 2

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: USL Pro’s winless Dayton Dutch Lions rally past Crew in Columbus, 2-1

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The Dayton Dutch Lions celebrate after their 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew (MLS) in the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup. Photo: Dayton Dutch Lions

Go ahead, try to wipe the smile off of Dayton Dutch Lions coach Ivar van Dinteren’s face. It wouldn’t go away Tuesday night. The third division Dutch Lions of USL Pro are on to the Fourth Round of play in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over the MLS side Columbus Crew in the final 11 minutes at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio in front of a sparse crowd of 1,646 at the massive arena.

“We had nothing to lose, Columbus had everything to lose. I just told them to go out and attack and just play,” van Dinteren said with a glint in his eye. “If it goes wrong, what do we have to lose? They are MLS, they have to win. We don’t have to win. That’s the mindset.”

Gibson Bardsley scored the match-winning tally in the 81st minute off a feed from Daniel Holowaty to send the Dutch Lions to the “Sweet 16” of Open Cup play. Two minutes prior, Gerrit-Jan Bartels found the net after a feed from Holowaty to tie it after Columbus’ Olman Vargas converted a penalty kick in the 64th minute.

“After the goal, I expected them to press us, but they gave us some space. If you let us play out of the back, then we are dangerous,” van Dinteren said. “We can play the game.

“They could have finished us going up 1-0, but I think we took the chances.”

It had been a rough go in the USL Pro season so far for the Dutch Lions, gaining just four ties in eight league games. Their only win had been a US Open Cup Second Round victory over the Chicago Fire Premier Development League squad, the primary rival of their next opponent, the Michigan Bucks, who recorded an upset of their own Tuesday night.

Fielding a starting side stocked with reserves, Columbus coach Robert Warzycha was surly after the game and was short with answers explaining the loss.

“Disappointed,” he said curtly when asked of the team’s performance during post-match remarks.

The Crew had been in a renaissance lately after a tough start, going 3-0-2 in their last five league matches. The team’s tough-luck on finishing returned at the wrong point in the season, eliminating the team from Cup play for a second season in a row in the first match they played.

Columbus outplayed Dayton for a majority of the contest, but could not find a way to finish in the first half, outshooting the Dutch Lions 9-0 with four shots fired onto Dutch Lions’ goalkeeper Matthew Williams.

The game continued to be slanted Columbus’ way in the second half and a fortunate handball call inside the box on Dayton’s Shane Smith as he fell and touched the ball on a shot taken by Columbus’ Justin Meram.

Vargas took the penalty kick and beat Williams low and to his right for the opening score.

Dayton continued to struggle offensively and played defense for most of the contest, but they broke through 15 minutes after Vargas put Columbus ahead.

Vargas’ pass behind him to a defender was knocked away, leading to Holowaty sending a cross from the right side to Bartels to tie it.

Columbus misplayed the ball less than two minutes later and Holowaty sent another cross from the right side onto the foot of Bardsley. He spun and leveled a strong kick into the back corner.

“I think we made two incredible goals,” van Dinteren said. “They were both just one-touch, one-touch, one-touch and goal. I think my team deserves this win.

“We’ve had some bad luck so far this season and this is finally what we get.”

The Crew finished with a 18-3 shots advantage with a 7-3 shots of goal tally, but it was Williams finishing with six saves and the Crew’s back-up Matt Lampson with one.

The Dutch Lions will face a fellow lower-tier side on June 5 as they travel to the Michigan Bucks – a fourth division squad from the PDL — in Pontiac, Mich. with the winner moving on to quarterfinal action. The Bucks defeated the MLS Chicago Fire 3-2 in a night of upsets for lower division squads.

Dayton Dutch Lions 2:1 Columbus Crew
Crew Stadium – Columbus, Ohio

Scoring Summary
CLB: Olman Vargas (penalty kick) – 64′
DAY: Gerrit-Jan Bartels (Daniel Holowaty) 79′
DAY: Gibson Bardsley (Daniel Holowaty) 81′

Discipline:
DAY: 33′ – Gibson Bardsley, yellow
CLB: 48+’-  Ethan Finlay, yellow
DAY: 87′ – Kyle Knotek

Shots: Columbus 18, Dayton 3
Saves: Columbus – 1 (Matt Lampson); Dayton – 6 (Matthew Williams)
Corners: Columbus 4; Dayton 2
Fouls: Dayton 19; Columbus 6
Offsides: Dayton 2; Columbus 2

Lineups:
Columbus: Lamspon, Perry, Gehrig, James, Francis, George, Grossman,
Meram, Birchall, Finlay, Vargas. Bench: Gruenebaum, Williams, Veeder,
Anor, Duka, Renteria, Horton
Dayton: Williams, Preciado, Copier, Dias, Smith, Jones, DeLass,
McNamara, Garner, Bardsley, Priestly. Bench: Whisenhunt, DeGroot,
Robinson, Knoteli, Holowaty, Bartels, Kissinger

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: Michigan Bucks put out Chicago Fire in historic OT upset (video)

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A shot of the 93rd minute game-winning goal by Nermin Crnkic of the Michigan Bucks in the PDL team's 3-2 extra time upset of the Chicago Fire. Photo: Kelly Haapala
A shot of the 93rd minute game-winning goal by Nermin Crnkic of the Michigan Bucks in the PDL team’s 3-2 extra time upset of the Chicago Fire. Photo: Kelly Haapala

For over a decade, the Michigan Bucks have used the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to earn a national reputation as giant killers. The USL Premier Development League team has more professional upsets than any amateur team in the country, including their prize upset of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer back in 2000. On Tuesday, in front of a capacity crowd at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., the Bucks, who are the first amateur team to upset an MLS side, became the first to do it twice with a 3-2 extra time victory over the Chicago Fire.

What makes the US Open Cup unique in American sports is the fact that a team from any level can face off with a team from the highest level in the country in a winner-take-all game. Only four amateur clubs (Michigan Bucks, Dallas Roma FC, Chicago Sockers and the now-defunct Seattle Sounders Select) have eliminated an MLS team from the 99-year old single-elimination tournament.

Photo: Michigan Bucks

Frank Klopas, head coach of the Chicago Fire, didn’t field a relatively strong lineup for the match, and he may have been second guessing that decision in hindsight. He only put in two regular starters – Jalil Anibaba and Austin Berry. On the other hand, Michigan – who is undefeated between Open Cup and league play – came out strong, and it showed early. It took only nine minutes for the Bucks to find net, as Tommy Catalano crossed up Berry and beat Fire goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi low to put the Bucks ahead 1-0.

Even though the Bucks pressed on throughout the first half, the Fire waited for their chance to strike. They would get that in the 28th minute as Corben Bone rifled a shot from the top of the box past Bucks keeper Adam Grinwis into the net to even the score at 1-1. Just a minute later, Bucks striker Nermin Crnkic found himself in the penalty box, and although the play was debatable as to whether he was pushed down or dove, the result was judged the same – Crnkic earned a yellow card for diving in the 29th minute.

As the second half began, Chicago wasted no time in taking control of the match. Their efforts would prove fruitful in just a few short minutes, as Federico Puppo blasted an effort inside the post in the 51st minute to give the Fire a 2-1 lead.

Despite Chicago taking the lead and control of the match, the Bucks just wouldn’t give up. The work the amateur club put in would pay off in the 79th minute, when a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match. Shortly after the tying goal was scored, Klopas saw an opportunity to try and push for the win, bringing in Dominic Oduro and Dan Gargan from the bench. It wasn’t to be, though, as the match was all square at 2-2 going into extra time.

The Bucks wasted no time putting the pressure on the Fire in the extra session. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in, Crnkic ripped a shot towards the net. Tornaghi got a hand on it, but it wasn’t enough, as Michigan took the 3-2 lead. For the next 27 minutes, the Fire pressed hard for the equalizing goal, while the Bucks looked to counter on turnovers and put the game away. Neither side would add to the scoreline, though, as the Michigan Bucks moved on to the Fourth Round, defeating the Fire 3-2. They now play the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro – a familiar opponent who was in their division in the PDL in the 2010 season – next Tuesday for a spot in the Quarterfinals.

HIGHLIGHTS: CHICAGO FIRE at MICHIGAN BUCKS

FAN VIDEO: MICHIGAN BUCKS’ FIRST GOAL

FAN VIDEO: FINAL WHISTLE

Chicago Fire 2:3 Michigan Bucks
Ultimate Soccer Arenas – Pontiac, MI

Scoring Summary
MICH – Tommy Catalano (Kenny Uzoigwe) 9
CHI – Corben Bone (Federico Puppo) 28
CHI – Federico Puppo (Corben Bone) 51
MICH – Nate Boyden (Nermin Crnkic) 79
MICH – Nermin Crnkic (Tommy Catalano) 93

Lineups
CHICAGO FIRE: Paolo Tornaghi; Tony Walls (Dan Gargan 84), Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 49), Hunter Jumper; Michael Videira, Daniel Paladini, Corben Bone; Rafael Robayo; Federico Puppo, Orr Barrouch (Dominic Oduro 84). Substitutes not used: Sean Johnson (GK), Gonzalo Segares, Victor Pineda, Patrick Nyarko.

MICHIGAN BUCKS: Adam Grinwis; Kevin Cope, Sebby Harris, Chad Barson, Stew Givens; Nate Boyden, Scott Caldwell (Steve Miller 75), Tommy Catalano, Simon Omekanda (Joey Dillon 64); Nermin Crnkic, Kenny Uzoigwe (Zach Steinberger 35). Substitutes not used: Sean Teepen (GK), Kofi Opare, Bim Ogunyemi, Anthony Grant.

Discipline: CHI – Daniel Paladini (caution-foul, 25); MICH – Nermin Crnkic (caution-simulation, 29).

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: City Islanders stun New England Revolution in PKs after wild 3-goal OT rally

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The Harrisburg City Islanders and the New England Revolution line up for the player introductions before their Third Round match in the 2012 US Open Cup. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

Could you script a more dramatic storyline than what unfolded at the Skyline Sports Complex Tuesday evening in Harrisburg, Penn.? Trailing by three with nine minutes remaining in overtime, the home club Harrisburg City Islanders rallied with three unanswered goals to force a penalty kick tiebreaker against Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution before prevailing from the spot, 4-3, with a saved attempt in the final round from US international Benny Feilhaber.

The win earns Harrisburg another home game in the tournament as they will host the New York Red Bulls next Tuesday at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pa. It will be a re-match of the 2010 Third Round game where the City Islanders needed extra time to pull off a 1-0 upset over the MLS side.

Heading to Harrisburg, the New England Revolution knew full well what the City Islanders were capable of. The third division side had already earned three wins in previous tournaments against MLS opposition, including a 2-1 overtime decision against them in 2009.

It was a wet and wild night for Coach Becher of Harrisburg

Even with the Revolution losing Diego Fagundez to a red card in the 36th minute, it looked like the game was going to be another toss-up as the final whistle sounded and things were still in a stalemate.  It was not for a lack of chances as New England’s Kelyn Rowe banged one off the crossbar off goalkeeper Nick Noble’s fingertip just two minutes into the match. Harrisburg was also denied by the woodwork when Sainey Touray put his effort off the crossbar three minutes into the second half.

Cut to overtime, where the story really gets wild. Despite playing down a man, the Revolution got their first goal five minutes into the extra session from Lee Nguyen worked through the midfield before sending Rowe behind the defense for a toe-poke tally past the charging Noble.

That seemed to the breaking point as the City Islanders gave up two more in the next eight minutes. Nguyen converted a penalty after Feilhaber was taken down in the box; and Feilhaber himself added the third by beating a defender and ripping a shot into the top of the goal.

Game over. Well, not quite.

Brian Ombiji put away a Tom Mellor cross from the left flank for what seemed to be a consolation strike. Then with three minutes left, Touray made matters anxious yet again with Harrisburg’s second goal.

On essentially the final play of the match, local favorite JT Noone, claimed hero status with a 20-yard effort inside the left post to send the game to penalty kicks. For Noone, he joined a select group of players who have scored goals in four consecutive Open Cup tournaments. His first came in 2009 with the Ocean City Barons (now Ocean City Nor’easters), and the last three seasons, he has scored at least one goal for his hometown City Islanders.

Unfortunately, that hero status did not last long as New England back-up goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth saved Noone’s opening attempt of the shootout. He was partially relieved of guilt the following round when Revolution goalscorer Rowe sent his effort off the crossbar.

And with the final kick of the shootout, Feilhaber’s effort was stopped by Noble, who came into the match with four consecutive shutouts, including last week’s Second Round 2-0 win against Long Island Rough Riders (PDL).

Harrisburg City Islanders 3:3 (4:3 APK) New England Revolution
Skyline Sports Complex (Harrisburg, Pa.)

Scoring Summary:
NE – Kelyn Rowe (Lee Nguyen) 95
NE – Lee Nguyen (penalty kick) 100
NE – Benny Feilhaber (Blake Brettschneider) 103
HAR – Brian Ombiji (Tom Mellor) 111
HAR – Sainey Touray (unassisted) 117
HAR – JT Noone (unassisted) 120

Penalty kicks:
HAR – Joseph Noone (save)
NE – Lee Nguyen (goal)
HAR – Stephen Basso (goal)
NE – Kelyn Rowe (miss – crossbar)
HAR – Bilal Duckett (goal)
NE – Mike Roach (goal)
HAR – Drew Yates (goal)
NE – Blake Brettschneider (goal)
HAR – Andrew Marshall (goal)
NE – Benny Feilhaber (save)

Lineups:

New England Revolution: Bobby Shuttleworth (GK), Tyler Polak, John Lozano, Darrius Barnes ©, Alec Purdie, Mike Roach, Fernando Cardenas (Benny Feilhaber 79), Kelyn Rowe, Jeremiah White (Lee Nguyen 63), Diego Fagundez, Jose Moreno (Blake Brettschneider 70) Substitutes Not Used: Tim Murray, Stephen McCarthy

Harrisburg City Islanders: Nicholas Noble (GK), Stephen Basso, Tom Brandt (Tom Mellor 100), Andrew Marshall, Bilal Duckett, Jason Pelletier, Andrew Welker (Drew Yates 64), Joseph Noone, Morgan Langley (Garret Pettis 76), Brian Ombiji, Sainey Touray Substitutes Not Used: Dustin Bixler, Bryan Holt, Adrian LeRoy, Colin Zizzi

NE STATS: Shots 10, Corner Kicks 5, Saves 6, Fouls 12 Offsides 5
HAR STATS: Shots 17, Corner Kicks 6, Saves 2, Fouls 20, Offsides 4

Misconduct Summary:
HAR – Sainey Touray (caution) 11
NE – Jeremiah White (caution) 17
NE – Diego Fagundez (ejection) 36
HAR – Jason Pelletier (caution) 45
HAR – Brian Ombiji (caution 89)

Referee: Ayodeji Obisesan
Assistant Referees: Albert Calise, Eric Weisbrod
Fourth Official: Jaroslaw Werel

Weather: Rainy and 80 degrees
Attendance: 441

2012 US Open Cup Third Round: Colorado Rapids rush Tampa Bay Rowdies in return to the tournament

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Jaime Castrillon congratulates Edu on his PK goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Photo: Mark May Photography/Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Colorado Rapids traveled to Tampa on Tuesday determined not to become one of what became many upsets of MLS teams, and fielded a full-strength side against the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. The tactic worked to full effect, and the Rapids came away with a 3-1 win in the Third Round of the Open Cup. Brazilian striker Edu and Andre Akpan put the game away early for Colorado, and Kamani Hill added some late insurance before Rowdies sub Matt Clare salvaged a goal late in stoppage time.

With the win, the Rapids pick up their first Open Cup victory since 2007, after failing to qualify for the tournament four years in a row before qualification was done away with this year. Colorado moves on to face Sporting Kansas City next Tuesday in the Fourth Round as they attempt to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 1999.

Tampa, playing a more aggressive 4-3-3 to the MLS side’s 4-4-2; missed an early opportunity to put the Rapids on their heels, as striker Luke Mullholland hit the crossbar two minutes in, and Colorado keeper Steward Ceus gobbled the ball up for the save. The Rowdies were forced on their heels shortly after, with keeper Jeff Attinella forced to defends shots by strikers Andre Akpan and Edu, and midfielders Hill and Wells Thompson. However, a Tampa Bay defender was called for a handball in the box at 17 minutes, and Attinella guessed wrong on Edu’s penalty kick.

Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Rowdies picked up their game after the opening goal, with Mulholland and Daniel Antoniuk both forcing saves from Ceus. The Rapids counterattacked after Antoniuk’s miss, and Thompson slotted to Akpan, who put it inside the far post two double their lead. Tampa couldn’t capitalize on chances by Antoniuk and Mike Ambersley late in the half, and the score remained 2-0 to the away squad at the half.

The second half was much quieter, with neither team able to capitalize on their minutes. One particularly chippy stretch included three yellow cards in three minutes: two to Colorado (Thompson and Tyrone Marshall), with Tampa Bay’s Draymond Washington earning the other. Colorado solidified their defense late, stopping shots by Washington and sub Fafa Picault late. Akpan turned giver late, as Hill put away his pass a minute into stoppage time, and Clare took a pass from Mulholland past Ceus to round out the scoring a minute later.

Colorado will travel to Sporting Kansas City next week, as KC survived a 3-2 battle with USL Pro side Orlando City SC. They will meet at 7:30 PM Central time at Livestrong Sporting Park, with a place in the Quarterfinals at stake.

LINEUPS:
COL- Steward Ceus (GK); Hunter Freeman (Kosuke Kimura 72′), Tyrone Marshall, Scott Palguta, Luis Zapata; Wells Thompson, Harrison Henao (Joseph Nane 58′), Kamani Hill, Jaime Castrillon (Tony Cascio 67′); Andre Akpan, Edu
TB- Jeff Attinella (GK); Frankie Sanfilippo, Andres Arango, Takuya Yamada, Draymond Washington; Stuart Campbell, Shane Hill, Keith Savage (Fafa Picault 61′); Luke Mulholland, Mike Ambersley, Daniel Antoniuk (Matt Clare 72′)

SCORING:
COL- Edu (PK) 17′
COL- Andre Akpan (Wells Thompson) 33′
COL- Kamani Hill (Andre Akpan) 90+1′
TB- Matt Clare (Luke Mulholland) 90+2′

BOOKINGS:
TB- Daniel Antoniuk 19′ (yellow)
COL- Wells Thompson 55′ (yellow)
TB- Draymond Washington 56′ (yellow)
COL- Tyrone Marshall 57′ (yellow)
COL- Steward Ceus 90+2′ (yellow)

STATS:
Shots: COL- 13; TB- 13
Saves: COL- 6; TB- 6
Fouls: COL- 18; TB- 14
Corners: COL- 3; TB- 6
Offsides: COL- 2; TB- 5

2012 US Open Cup Third Round Scoreboard

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2012 US Open Cup Third Round Scoreboard

TUESDAY, MAY 29
Richmond City Stadium – Richmond, VA
RECAP: TheCup.us
D.C. United 2 AET 1 Richmond Kickers
Hamdi Salihi – 24′ 45′ (PK) – Stanley Nyazamba
Marcelo Saragosa – 107′
Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, PA
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New England Revolution 3 AET 3 Harrisburg City Islanders
SENT OFF – Diego Fagundez – 36′ 111′ – Brian Ombiji
Kelyn Rowe – 95′ 117′ – Sainey Touray
Lee Nguyen (PK) – 100′ 120′ – JT Noone
Benny Feilhaber – 103′
Harrisburg advances on penalties 4-3
PENALTY SUMMARY
Lee Nguyen – GOAL SAVED – JT Noone
Kelyn Rowe – MISS GOAL – Stephen Basso
Mike Roach – GOAL GOAL – Bilal Duckett
Blake Brettschneider – GOAL GOAL – Drew Yates
Benny Feilhaber – SAVED GOAL – Andrew Marshall
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC
HIGHLIGHTS | RECAP: TheCup.us
Los Angeles Galaxy 1 FT 2 Carolina RailHawks
Pat Noonan – 38′ 75 – Ty Shipalane
88′ – Brian Shriver
Ultimate Soccer Arenas – Pontiac, MI
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Chicago Fire 2 AET 3 Michigan Bucks
Corben Bone – 28′ 9′ – Tommy Catalano
Federico Puppo – 51′ 79′ – Nate Boyden
93′ – Nermin Crnkic
Columbus Crew Stadium – Columbus, OH
RECAP: TheCup.us
Dayton Dutch Lions 2 FT 1 Columbus Crew
Gerrit-Jan Bartels – 79′ 64′ (PK) – Olman Vargas
Gibson Bardsley – 81′
PPL Park – Chester, PA
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Rochester Rhinos 0 FT 3 Philadelphia Union
Includes 1 hour lightning delay
8′ – Josue Martinez
29′ – Freddy Adu
73′ (PK) – Freddy Adu
Blackbaud Stadium – Charleston, SC
RECAP: TheCup.us
New York Red Bulls 3 FT 0 Charleston Battery
Kenny Cooper – 14′
Heath Pearce – 41′
Connor Lade – 70′
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
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Colorado Rapids 3 FT 1 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Edu (PK) – 17′ 90’+2 – Matt Clare
Andre Akpan – 33′
Kamani Hill – 90’+1
Heroes Stadium – San Antonio, TX
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Houston Dynamo 0 FT 1 San Antonio Scorpions
50′ (PK) – Hans Dennison
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park – Kansas City, KS
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Orlando City SC 2 FT 3 Sporting Kansas City
Kevin Molino – 55′ 45’+2 – Paulo Nagamura
SENT OFF – Anthony Pulis – 70′ 65′ – Soony Saad
Dennis Chin – 84′ 68′ – Soony Saad
FC Dallas Stadium – Frisco, TX
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Charlotte Eagles 2 FT 0 FC Dallas
Darryl Roberts – 43′ 78′ – Jackson – SENT OFF
Nate Thornton – 90’+4
Rio Tinto Stadium – Sandy, UT
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Minnesota Stars FC 3 FT 1 Real Salt Lake
Kevin Venegas – 3′ 29′ – Luis Gil
Neil Hlavaty (PK) – 45′
Simone Bracalello – 58′
Ventura College – Ventura, CA
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Chivas USA 1 FT 0 Ventura County Fusion
Cesar Romero – 13′
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University – Stanford, CA
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Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1 FT 2 San Jose Earthquakes
Mark Anderson – 38′ 63′ – Sam Garza
70′ – Sam Garza
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, WA
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Atlanta Silverbacks 1 FT 5 Seattle Sounders
Reinaldo Navia – 53′ 44′ – Andy Rose
47′ – Osvaldo Alonso
54′ – Alex Caskey
62′ – Sammy Ochoa
66′ – Sammy Ochoa
Jeld-Wen Field – Portland, OR
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Cal FC 1 AET 0 Portland Timbers
Artur Aghasyan – 95′

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