2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

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

Michigan Bucks (PDL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Chartiers Valley Stadium; Bridgeville, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Bucks win … home vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)
If Riverhounds win … at Chicago Fire (MLS)

Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL)  [+] Recap
Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournamenth

One of the big names in the Modern Pro Era of the tournament, the Bucks are entering the match coming off a 4-1 season-opening victory Saturday evening at home. The Riverhounds, on the other hand, are ripe for upset carrying numerous injury and a six-game winless stretch that is only highlighted by the fact they ended a four-game losing streak with draws in the past two games last week.   It would not be the first time Michigan earned an upset at the expense of Pittsburgh. The Bucks blanked the third division Riverhounds, 2-0, in 2006 on goals from Kenny Uzoigwe and Mychal Turpin in the First Round.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 10-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 3-3-0 away, 3-2-0 vs. Division 3
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds:
OVERALL: 5-7-2 (0-2 in PKs), 3-1-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO:  3-4-2 (0-2 in PKs), 2-0-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH (A-League, Div. 2): 2001 (Quarterfinals, Lost 3-2 ASDET at Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 4-1 vs. Richmond Kickers)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2006 Round 1 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) 0:2 Michigan Bucks (PDL)

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Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenario (May 29):
If Long Island wins … at New England Revolution (MLS)
If Harrisburg wins …  vs. New England Revolution (MLS)

Long Island Rough Riders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 2:0 FC Sonic Lehigh Valley (NPSL)  [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Harrisburg narrowly avoided escape in the Second Round against Long Island two years ago with a 1-0 decision on a first half goal from Geoff Bloes. The Rough Riders head into the match this year on the heels of a season-opening loss, 1-0, at home against fellow Second Round participant Reading United AC. The City Islanders are unbeaten in their last three games, but two of the contests have come against struggling opposition. They drew 0-0 in the Pennsylvania derby at home with Pittsburgh on Wednesday and blasted winless Dayton, 4-0, Saturday with a hat-trick from Yann Ekra.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: No players from Harrisburg have had any standout performances thus far, though Ekra is likely to be recognized in the next edition on Wednesday.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Long Island Rough Riders
OVERALL: 3-5-0, 1-4-0 away, 2-2-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS PDL: 1-2-0, 0-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (1997, Lost 1-0 after sudden death extra time vs. Metrostars)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 10-4-2 (1-1 in PKs), 8-1-2 (1-1 in PKs) at home, 7-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
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 Round 2 – Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:1 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
Legion Sports Park; Wilmington, N.C.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenario (May 29):
If Cal FC wins … at Portland Timbers (MLS)
If Wilmington Hammerheads win … home vs. Portland Timbers (MLS)

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL)  [+] Recap
Wilmington Hammerheads’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Eric Wynalda-backed Cal FC take their show on the road once again, facing the Wilmington Hammerheads after dispatching defending PDL champions Kitsap Pumas 3-1 last Tuesday. The Hammerheads are one of the few lower-division teams with a winning record in the OC, going 12-9-1 (1-0 in PKs), including 6-1 against amateur teams. Their lone loss to a PDL or lower side was a 3-2 loss to the Mid-Michigan Bucks in their 1997 Open Cup debut.

Wilmington is 2-2-3 on their USL Pro season thus far, and are 2-0-2 at Legion Stadium. Cal FC is 2-3-0 in La Gran Liga de Oxnard, though were impressive in dispatching the defending PDL champion Pumas, who had not lost in the First Round since their debut season in 2009. Wilmington has played to draws in the last two outings, picking up a point in a 2-2 tie in Los Angeles two weeks ago and a 1-1 draw at home against state rival Charlotte Saturday.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Hakop Avesyan made the Weekly list for a Week 5 performance that saw him score two go-ahead goals in LA. Bryce Taylor was on the Season list briefly with a run of three games with two goals and an assist.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Wilmington Hammerheads
OVERALL: 13-9-1 (1-0 in PKs), 13-4-0 at home, 3-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2003, 2009)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 2-0 at Real Salt Lake)

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Jacksonville United (NPSL)
Patton Park; Jacksonville, Fla.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Tampa Bay wins … home vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS)
If Jacksonville wins … at Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Jacksonville United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jacksonville United (NPSL) 2:1 Orlando City U23s (PDL) [+] Recap
Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Jacksonville United was rewarded for their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Orlando City U23s by hosting the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. Jacksonville gave up a goal early in the second half, but rallied with two goals in the last eight minutes to defeat Orlando City’s PDL side in the First Round. While United is a new entry to the Open Cup, many of their players have played for Lynch’s Irish Pub, who have qualified three times through the USASA competition. United is 1-1-0 on the year, their loss coming to fellow NPSL and USOC Second Round team Georgia Revolution, and both games were at home.

The Rowdies are back in the tournament following their forced hiatus due to the NASL not receiving sanctioning in time, and looks to stay perfect against amateur sides. Tampa Bay is 3-3-2 in the NASL season, including 1-2-1 on the road. The Rowdies come into the match having ended a two-game losing streak with a narrow 3-2 road victory over the winless Atlanta Silverbacks courtesy of two goals from Dan Antoniuk for an initial two-goal advantage.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Antoniuk is likely to get another Five Star nod Wednesday after previously being recognized in Week 3 when he was pivotal in a pair of 1-1 draws against his two former clubs, Carolina and Atlanta, with a goal in each.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Tampa Bay Rowdies
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 1-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)
Jacksonville United
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. 2nd Division clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire PDL (PDL)
Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Chicago-Fire.com (audio)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at Columbus Crew (MLS)

Chicago Fire PDL’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Croatian Eagles (USASA) 0:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Dayton Dutch Lions face a strong challenge, as they play one of the more successful PDL sides in the Chicago Fire PDL. The Fire took care of Croatian Eagles in the first five minutes, then clamped down defensively to a 1-0 win. The Fire PDL have had more success in the Open Cup, as well as in their respective league. Last year was their first time in their five Open Cup tournaments that they were eliminated without winning a game. They have also been successful in the PDL, having missed the playoffs only once in their 11 year existence.

Dayton, meanwhile, has not had much success since turning pro, despite having a partnership with FC Twente of the Eredivisie. They finished in dead last place in USL Pro in 2011, and are currently occupying that spot again, sporting an 0-4-3 record. Chances are, if Chicago can net a goal, a win will come shortly after. Dayton has scored just twice in seven league games, though they hold the distinction of ending Rochester’s perfect start to the season with a shutout streak-busting tally at 568 minutes Friday in a 1-1 draw. The positive result was spoiled the next night with a 4-0 loss in Harrisburg.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 0-2-0, 0-2-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 0-1-0, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Chicago Fire PDL
OVERALL: 6-4-0, 2-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2004, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 3-0 at Sporting Kansas City)

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PSA Elite (USASA) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If PSA Elite win … at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
If Carolina RailHawks win … home vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

PSA Elite’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: PSA Elite (USASA) 3:1 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

PSA Elite, the amateur club from Southern California, are making the cross country trip to Cary, NC with upset in mind, but history is not on their side as USASA clubs have won just one game (Dallas Roma FC 1:0 Miami FC in 2006) in 18 all-time meetings. The Elite have a number of former professionals on their roster who helped the club defeat one of the best PDL teams in the Portland Timbers U23s in the opening round. Davis Paul scored two goals in Round 1 to earn him a number of votes for TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The Carolina RailHawks are off to a surprising winless start, plagued by three draws to open the campaign. The team ended a two-game losing streak over the weekend with a 1-1 draw against the league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders with an equalizer from Brian Shriver. The RailHawks have a strong Open Cup resume in their brief existance. In their inaugural season in 2007, they upset the Chicago Fire en route to a Semifinal appearance, where they fell to the New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time. They have an 8-3-1 (0-1 in PKs) record and will hope to continue their streak of winning at least one Open Cup in every tournament they’ve entered.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Ray Burse was recognized in Week 1 for seven saves in a scoreless draw on the road versus the defending champion Minnesota.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
PSA Elite
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 8-3-1, 8-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) at home, 3-0-0 vs. amateur teams
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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Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Fresno Fuego’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2:0 Stanislaus United Turlock Express (USCS) [+] Recap
Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Fresno Fuego have returned to the Open Cup for the first time in ten years, and resumed their winning ways with a 2-0 win over Stanislaus United Turlock Express. However, they face a much tougher challenge in this round, traveling to play the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Fresno’s only previous cup run was a memorable one, as they took out the Second Division El Paso Patriots before falling to the LA Galaxy in the fourth round. The Fuego sit on top of the PDL’s Southwestern Division with a 3-1-1 record, though their 28-game unbeaten streak came to an end Friday in a 3-1 home loss to Orange County.

The Strikers, previously known as Miami FC, have also had Open Cup success, as well as some late-game heroics. Paulo Araujo, Jr. scored four overtime goals in the 2010 First Round, setting a record for goals in overtime for a team (matched this year by the Ventura County Fusion), and have only lost in their first game once. Araujo is now with Real Salt Lake, however Fort Lauderdale still has plenty of firepower. They sit fifth in the NASL so far with a 2-3-3 record, but have a 2-1-1 home record. The Strikers, though, are winless in their last four league contests (0-3-1), dropping a home fixture, 3-1, to defending champion Minnesota Saturday.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forwards Aly Hassan and Andy Herron, who is out with an injury, have each been recognized for outstanding performances along with Walter Restrepo, who has been on the Season list for the past three weeks with two goals and four assists over the previous four games.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Fresno Fuego
OVERALL: 4-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2003, lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
LAST ENTRY: 2003 (Round 4, lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers
OVERALL: 5-4-1 (0-1 in PKs), 5-1-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2008, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: Round 3 (2010, lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)

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KC Athletics (USASA) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

KC Athletics’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: KC Athletics (USASA) 3:1 Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) [+] Recap
Orlando City SC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Despite taking only a dozen players on the trip to Colorado, the Athletics left with a surprising victory over the Foxes, who were big winners in the First Round a year ago at home. One of three unbeaten teams remaining in the lower division pro leagues, Orlando City comes into the contest on three consecutive wins, though they were idle the past weekend.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forwards Ian Fuller and John Rooney, brother of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, have been recognized once each this season. Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, meanwhile, spent two weeks on the Season list recently.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
KC Athletics
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 1-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, lost 4-2 at NCS Minnesota Stars)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 1, lost 4-2 at NCS Minnesota Stars)
Orlando City SC
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 1-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2011, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)

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Reading United AC (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USLNation.com (video)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29): Winner hosts Minnesota Stars FC (NASL)

An affiliate of the MLS Philadelphia Union, Reading’s resources and player pool continues to be impressive. They qualified for the tournament a fourth consecutive year, but last week’s victory was their first win after suffering First Round exits the past three years, the last two in one-goal decisions. Reading edged fellow Second Round participant Long Island in their league match, 1-0 on the road, on Saturday with a goal from defender Gregory Cochrane.

The Battery are coming into the match having suffered just their second loss of the year, a 1-0 decision at the hands of unbeaten Rochester that ended a three-game win streak. The Battery defense has been impressive, allowing only two goals once so far through six games. Part of the success has been courtesy of goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra on loan from DC United.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Jose Cuevas was recognized for the opening week of the season, but has been a consistent contributer, remaining on the Season list for four more weeks after. Nicki Patterson has been on the Season list for the past two.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Reading United
OVERALL: 1-5-0, 0-4-0 away, 0-3-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
AS PDL: 1-3-0, 0-2-0 away, 0-3-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2001, 2003)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost 2-1 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
Charleston Battery
OVERALL: 22-11-4 (3-1 in PKs), 18-5-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 3-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), 3-1-0 at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2008, lost 2-1 at DC United)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

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Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium; Boyds, Md.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Richmond wins … home vs. DC United (MLS)
If Aegean Hawks win … at DC United (MLS)

Aegean Hawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:3 Aegean Hawks (USASA) [+] Recap
Richmond Kickers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Hawks are coming off their first victory in the tournament in three appearances. Danny Larrabee scored twice to give the club the commanding lead, which stood for the win with the two sides exchanging goals in the final minutes.

Last year, the Kickers were hands down the story of the tournament, becoming the first club to win back-to-back road games against Major League Soccer teams, downing the Columbus Crew, 2-1, and blanking Sporting Kansas City, 2-0, in their new stadium to become the third team from the third division to reach the semifinals, where they fell, 2-1, to Chicago Fire. The current campaign could be simply described as mediocrity as they come into the match with four consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result in Pittsburgh Friday on a goal from Matthew Delicate.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Defender Sascha Goerres and midfielder Stanley Nyazamba were recognized for great performances the first two weeks. Nyazamba remained on the Season list through Week 3 with another goal, but the Kickers have struggled since.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Richmond Kickers
OVERALL: 22-12-1 (1-0 in PKs), 4-9-1 (1-0 in PKs) away, 6-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 11-6-0, 3-6-0 away, 2-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1995 US Open Cup Champions (Drew 1-1 at El Paso Patriots, won in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at Chicago Fire)
Aegean Hawks
OVERALL: 1-2-0, 1-0-0 at home, 0-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2007, 2009)
LAST ENTRY: 2009 (Round 1, lost 1-0 at Real Maryland Monarchs)

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online Video
Round 3 scenarios:
If Atlanta wins … home vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS) on May 30
If Georgia wins … at Seattle Sounders (MLS) on May 29

Georgia Revolution’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Mississippi Brilla (PDL) 0:1 (AET) Georgia Revolution (NPSL) [+] Recap
Atlanta Silverbacks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present) we have a battle between two teams from the state of Georgia. A ‘Georgia derby’ featuring the NPSL’s Georgia Revolution who will host the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. Ironically, this will be the first of two matches against the Revolution and the Silverbacks, as Atlanta’s NPSL reserve side will host their suburban counterparts on Saturday. A Hailab Habtom goal just before the end of the first extra time period sealed the deal for Georgia, as they beat the Mississippi Brilla in the First Round. Georgia comes into the match with a 2-1 road victory against fellow Second Round participant Jacksonville United Saturday.

Atlanta is winless in the NASL at 0-4-4, but has a lot of Cup history on their side. They made the Fourth Round in 2004, and have only lost once to an amateur team (a 5-1 loss to the Des Moines Menace in 2005). This will be their first appearance since 2008, after being on hiatus in 2009 & 2010, then sitting through the NASL hiatus of last season. The Silverbacks suffered their fourth consecutive defeat over the weekend, falling at home to Tampa Bay. The positive news, though, was the team ended a three-game scoreless run with a pair of goals from defender Shane Moroney.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forward Reinaldo Navia was recognized twice for big performances in Weeks 2 and 4. He remained on the Season list, but has slipped since his run of five goals in three games.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Atlanta Silverbacks
OVERALL: 4-6-2 (1-1 in PKs), 1-3-2 (1-1 in PKs) away, 3-1-1 (1-0 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2004, lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 2, lost 1-0 at Miami FC)
Georgia Revolution
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.; 7:35 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USLNation.com (video)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner will play at Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Brooklyn Italians’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 3:2 GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) [+] Recap
Rochester Rhinos’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Italians, a two-time US Open Cup champion (1979, 1991), enter the Second Round with their first tournament victory in three appearances as an NPSL team. They defeated fellow amateur side GPS Portland Phoenix They also picked up a 2-1 road victory against New York Athletic Club Saturday in league play.

They stay in the state to face the 1999 tournament champion Rochester Rhinos, who have been nearly perfect this season. After starting the season with six shutouts, the Rhinos gave up their first goal after 568 minutes in a 1-1 draw at home against winless Dayton. The one drawback to the great start has been the limited offense as they have scored two goals only once.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht has steadily climbed to number 1 on the Season list over the past four weeks, and finally earned a Weekly nod in Week 6 along with defender Jack Traynor. JC Banks is a new addition to the Season list, having been a consistent contributor in the club’s limited offense with a goal or assist in five of their seven matches.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Brooklyn Italians
OVERALL: 1-2-0, 1-2-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost 2-1 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms)
Rochester Rhinos
OVERALL: 27-13-5 (3-2 in PKs), 22-6-4 (2-2 in PKs) at home, 9-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1999 US Open Cup champions (Defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)

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Ventura County Fusion (PDL) at Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO)
Hal Shurbeck Field, Fullerton College; Fullerton, Calif.; 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online radio
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Ventura County wins … at Chivas USA (MLS)
If Los Angeles wins … home vs. Chivas USA (MLS)

Ventura County Fusion’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 6:2 (AET) Fullerton Rangers (NPSL) [+] Recap
Los Angeles Blues’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Ventura County travels to Fullerton to play the Los Angeles Blues with revenge on their minds. The two sides met last year in the Open Cup Second Round as well, with the Blues getting a 1-0 victory on the road. Fresh off a four-goal explosion in extra time against the Fullerton Rangers, the Fusion will try to repay the favor and steal a road win. The Fusion are in third in the PDL’s Southwest Division with a 2-1-1 record and are three points behind the leading Fresno Fuego, but have a game in hand. The Fusion come into the match having posted two shutout wins at home over the weekend against Ogden and Pali Blues, LA’s PDL side.

The Blues sit in fourth place in USL Pro with a 3-2-1 record, but have notched victories in both road games this year. Should they get past the Fusion, they also have revenge of sorts to look forward to. After falling 2-1 against the LA Galaxy last year, the winner will face the other area MLS team, Chivas USA. However, as last week proved, looking ahead for even a minute can prove costly. The Blues were idle over the weekend, but come into the match unbeaten in their last four (3-0-1).

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forward Bright Dike has made a splash since joining on loan from the Portland Timbers, receiving recognition in Week 6. The striker, however, is returning to Portland this week for the club’s friendly versus Valencia, but has been confirmed to be available for the next round according to coach Charlie Naimo, who is coaching five games this week for the multiple Blues sides.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Ventura County Fusion
OVERALL: 2-1-1 (0-1 in PKs), 1-0-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2011, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)
Los Angeles Blues
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 1-0-0 at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2011, lost 2-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 2-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2011 Round 2 – Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

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Laredo Heat (PDL) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Blossom Athletic Center; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner hosts Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Laredo Heat’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: ASC New Stars (USASA) 2:4 (AET) Laredo Heat (PDL) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Deep in the south of Texas, two teams without much of an Open Cup record will do battle. The Laredo Heat, whose only previous tournament match was a penalty shootout loss to Dallas Roma FC, which jump-started Roma’s amazing run to the fourth round. Laredo is in fourth place in the PDL’s Mid-South division with a 1-1-0 record, and come into the match with a 2-1 victory over fellow Second Round participant El Paso Patriots in league play Friday with Ernesto Serrato talling a goal and an assist for a two-goal advantage..

The San Antonio Scorpions are an expansion team in the NASL.The Scorpions are 4-1-2 in the NASL, including 2-1-1 at home, their sole loss being a 4-0 setback to league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders. The club is currently one of the hottest in the league with a five-game unbeaten streak. They picked up a fourth consecutive win Saturday by blanking Edmonton, 2-0, with Jonathan Greenfield providing a goal and assist.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Pablo Campos has been recognized on two occasions and goalkeeper Pat Hannigan once. Hannigan, though, has since been replaced by Darryl Sattler in goal, who has allowed just one goal in four games, getting a spot on the Season list.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Laredo Heat
OVERALL: 1-0-1 (0-1 in PKs), 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2006, drew 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, lost in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2006 (Round 1, drew 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, lost in PKs 4-2)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: First entry into the US Open Cup
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 Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium; Des Moines, Iowa; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Des Moines wins … at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
If Minnesota wins … home vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Des Moines Menace’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Des Moines Menace (PDL) 3:1 (AET) Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL) [+] Recap
Minnesota Stars FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Des Moines Menace survived a marathon game in Milwaukee, winning 3-1 in extra time after a weather delay. Their reward was to come home to Valley Stadium to host the third-year Minnesota Stars of the NASL. The Menace have a bit more history behind them, which includes a Fourth Round appearance in 2005 and a winning mark against Second Division teams. Des Moines is in second place in the PDL’s Heartland division at 2-2-1, with all but one game (a 1-0 loss to the Springfield Lions) at home. The Menace come into the match with a 3-2 victory Saturday against Kansas City with two goals from midfielder Luis Piffer and another from defender Brent Kallman.

The Stars have only played in the Open Cup once, making the Second Round in 2010; though the predecessor Thunder, which played at the same venue and feature some of the same management, have a lengthy US Open Cup history. The Stars are undefeated and in second place with a 4-0-3 NASL record, going 2-0-1 on the road. The reigning league playoff champions are the only unbeaten side in the league, and are coming into the match with a 3-1 road win in Fort Lauderdale with a goal and assist from Amani Walker.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel was recognized in Week 2 and Walker in Week 4, joining the Season list in Week 6 after two goals and two assists in four games, which he added to over the weekend.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 0-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur 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)
Des Moines Menace
OVERALL: 7-5-1 (1-0 in PKs), 4-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), 3-2-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2005, lost 6-1 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 1, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)

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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at FC Dallas (MLS)

El Paso Patriots’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: NTX Rayados (USASA) 1:3 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Runners-up to the Richmond Kickers in the 1995 tournament, the Patriots are one of the originals of the Modern Pro Era. They come into the contest with a 1-2-1 league record, suffering both losses over the weekend. They fell on the road Friday, 2-1, to fellow Second Round participant Laredo Heat and then were drubbed 6-1 in division-leading Austin Saturday.

The Eagles have been a mystery this season going without a goal in the first three games. They finally found offense, but continued to struggle defensively. The good news, though, is it appears the team has found its defensive form and has not allowed more than one goal in their past five games. Unfortunately, limited offense has led to a 2-2-1 record over that span including Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Wilmington on a goal from Darryl Roberts.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Joseph Kabwe was recognized in Week 5 for a pair of assists and Jorge Herrera is a breakout game away from making the Season list as he has been the most consistent threat.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 5-9-0, 2-8-0 away, 5-1-0 vs. amateur 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)
El Paso Patriots
OVERALL: 9-7-3 (1-2 in PKs), 8-5-3 (1-2 in PKs) at home, 2-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
AS PDL: 3-3-2 (1-1 in PKs), 3-1-2 (1-1 in PKs) at home, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1995, drew 1-1 vs. Richmond Kickers, lost in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, drew 0-0 vs. Kitsap Pumas, lost in PKs 6-5)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2005 Round 2 – Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) 4:1 El Paso Patriots (PDL)