Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2012 US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup Round 2: Eric Wynalda’s Cal FC stuns host Wilmington Hammerheads

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Photo: Wilmington Hammerheads

A trip across the country to face the USL Pro Wilmington Hammerheads turned out to be less of a challenge than many would have expected for Cal FC of the USASA as they shocked their hosts with a 4-0 result – their first loss in four games against amateur competition in the tournament.

The victory sends Cal FC back to the northwest for a Third Round meeting with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer after picking up a First Round win in Washington against the Kitsap Pumas.

The Barrera brothers delivered the initial dagger 25 minutes in on a corner kick. Diego delivered the dead ball into the center of the area for Danny, who scored two goals in the First Round. Artur Aghasyan, who also scored against Kitsap, added his second of the tournament 10 minutes later, beating an advancing Alex Horwath to the ball and knocking the ball into the open goal.

Increased possession by the hosts in the second half would not produce a rally, and the Barreras took advantage with their second combined effort as Danny notched his second two-goal performance of the tournament in the 57th minute.

Pedro Ferreira-Mendez capped the scoring in the 79th for Cal FC, and the Hammerheads, if they were not already seeing red from frustration, began seeing red cards with Bryce Taylor and Tom Parratt both being send off in the final eight minutes.

With the Timbers awaiting the amateur club in Round 3, Eric Wynalda, team manager and former US international, tweeted after the game: “win or lose we hope to get some of the best fans in the US a show. Portland here we come.”

Cal FC 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads
Legion Stadium – Wilmington, NC

Scoring Summary:

CAL: Danny Barrera (Diego Barrera) 25
CAL: Artur Aghasyan (Unassisted) 35
CAL: Danny Barrera (Diego Barrera) 57
CAL: Pedro Ferreira-Mendez (Unassisted) 79

Discipline

WIL: Bryce Taylor – Red 82, Tom Parratt – Red 90

2012 US Open Cup Round 2: Michigan Bucks’ last minute PK earns another upset over Pittsburgh Riverhounds

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Michigan Bucks GK Adam Grinwis makes a dramatic save in the 86th minute off a Pittsburgh Riverhounds corner kick. Photo: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

In 2006, the Michigan Bucks upset the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0 to move on to the Third Round of the US Open Cup against an MLS side. This time, they repeated history, but it took until the final seconds of the game for the PDL side Bucks to win 1-0. Riverhounds defender Louie Rolko fouled Bucks forward Anthony Grant in the box to force a penalty. Defender Stew Givens shot under Hunter Gilstrap’s hands to break the deadlock.

Photo: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Michigan moves on into the Third Round where they will host the Chicago Fire of MLS on May 29 at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich.

This was truly a game of two halves, and two goalies. The first half belonged to Michigan and the second to Pittsburgh, but the stars for both teams were the goalkeepers.

In the first half, the visiting Bucks came out strong with a 4-3-3 formation. The only things keeping them off the board were the strong defensive work of the Riverhounds’ Louie Rolko and Niko Katic, and some incredible saves by keeper Hunter Gilstrap. The ball hardly left the attacking third for the Bucks in the first half, with the exception of a few opportunities on the counterattack for the Hounds. The attacking combination of the Bucks’ Bim Ogunyemi and Steven Miller was dominant all half.

Stew Givens of the Michigan Bucks (@FlintCityBucks) converts a penalty kick in the 90th minute to give the Bucks a 1-0 road win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Second Round of the 2012 US Open Cup. Photo: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

At halftime, the teams went to the locker room scoreless. The Riverhounds came out of the locker room early and apparently recharged and ready. The Hounds were more dominant throughout the second half, despite halftime substitutions that shifted them to a more conservative 4-5-1 formation. Pittsburgh’s midfield had the majority of the chances in the second half, including a shot by Stefan Lundberg that rebounded off the crossbar late in the half. Impressive work by the Bucks’ keeper, Adam Grinwis, was the only thing keeping Pittsburgh from taking the lead.

Despite the offensive display in the second half, it was a defensive error that ended the US Open Cup hopes for Pittsburgh. With about 3 seconds before the clock struck 90 minutes, Hounds’ defender Louie Rolko took down forward Anthony Grant inside the Hounds’ box. The referee didn’t need time to contemplate before pointing to the penalty spot. Rolko got a yellow card and the Bucks were given a penalty kick.

Defender Stew Givens took the kick, putting a right-footed shot under Hunter Gilstrap in stoppage time to secure the victory for Michigan. The referee allowed a few minutes of stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough for the Riverhounds to equalize.

For the Bucks, it was the club’s eighth upset of a professional team, a Modern Era (1995-present) record for amateur clubs.

2012 US Open Cup Second Round: Minnesota Stars FC lock down Des Moines Menace 2-0

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Minnesota Stars forward Simone Bracalello hits the ball full volley for the game winner. | Photo: Jeremy Olson - www.digitalgopher.net

The Minnesota Stars of the NASL (D2) defeated the Des Moines Menace USL PDL team (D4) on Tuesday evening by a score of 2-0 at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa, to advance to the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup.

Absent on the bench for Minnesota was head coach Manny Lagos who was serving the last of a 3-game suspension from an incident in 2009 when he was the President of the Thunder. Lagos was not allowed to be in the stadium so he didn’t even travel for the game. Instead, assistant coach Carl Craig took the reins for the night in what may have been his most important game he had ever coached. A win meant that Craig and his Stars would book a date next Tuesday with Real Salt Lake.

The Menace were also looking for that same Real Salt Lake date and came out of the gates quickly as the Stars tried to figure out a fast turf field against a young and physical opponent. Several times in the early going Minnesota allowed the Menace to attack through the middle with little to no pressure from the Stars. After the third long rang shot from Menace, Stars goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel had enough and gave his teammates an earful.

After some extended pressure by the Stars in the 19th minute, midfielder Miguel Ibarra latched onto a ball on the right side of the field. The rookie outside midfielder sent a looping cross into the box that found the foot of a leaping Simone Bracalello who was unmarked on the left side. He tapped the ball full volley from 10 yards out and past Menace goalkeeper Jhojan Obando to put the Stars up 1-0.

The Menace were able to apply some pressure on Minnesota near the half hour mark after some Stars miscues, but the Menace were never able to unlock the Stars defense to get a shot on goal.

In the the 40th minute Menace forward Renan Ramos charged Stars defender Cristiano Diaz with a high studs up challange. The normally calm Diaz lashed out and kicked at Ramos. The Stars were awarded a free kick for the foul and Diaz was shown a straight red for violent conduct.

With the sending off, coach Craig substituted target forward Armani Walker for player coach Kevin Friedland. The Stars saw out the first half with some additional pressure from the Menace after dropping to 10.

Minnesota played with 9 behind the ball most of the 2nd half with occasional flurries of possession and attack.

The Menace tried to find a way through the 10 man defensive unit of the Stars but found as other NASL teams have this season that when faced with adversity by being short handed, Minnesota is difficult to break down.

Each team had a hand full of chances but it would be the Stars’ Ibarra who finished the scoring on the night in the 84th minute. After some quick one touch passes from Minnesota midfielders Neal Hlavaty and Kevin Venegas, Ibarra was fed with a one-two and dribbled around his defender from the center of the field and 18 yards out. He unleashed while on the run and slotted the ball into the left side of the net to give the Stars a 2-0 win.

“They (Menace) are a hard working team,” said Ibarra who had one assist and one goal on the evening. “When we got the red card we didn’t let down. We just kept going for another one and we just wouldn’t give up.”

“It was a tough game, they came at us hard,” said the game winning goal scorer Bracalello. “They are big and they use their size to play. But we had to play for 50 minutes a man down. It was a hard game, a very hard game. But now we get to play Real Salt Lake. So I’m happy, very happy with the result.”

“I think our guys deserve a lot of credit for playing them tight,” said Menace veteran coach Laurie Calloway. “For most of them it’s the first time they’ve ever played against a pro team. But I think we started nervous and even when they went down to 10 we didn’t get a grip on the game. We did have a few chances we should have done better. But Minnesota is a good team. They are unbeaten this season and won the league last year. They were very well organized and they are not top of the league for no reason.”

While the Stars will look forward to facing Real Salt Lake next Tuesday, Calloway says he has much more realistic goals. “Overall I’m disappointed but now we can concentrate on winning our league and get back to our winning ways. At the end of the day, that’s a much more realistic target for us anyway. Let’s face it; it’s pretty impossible for a PDL team to win the Open Cup.”

“We got caught up in them being younger, more physical and being the underdog and we forgot what we were supposed to do,” said a happy but frustrated coach Craig. “But we won and now we get to play Real Salt Lake. That’s nice! That’s the main thing.”

2012 US Open Cup Second Round: Carolina RailHawks make quick work of PSA Elite, 6-0

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CARY, NC – The Carolina RailHawks took control of the match early against visiting side PSA Elite, and never looked back. Even though the RailHawks have yet to win a match so far in the NASL season, they came out on fire in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, beating Elite 6-0 and booking a home date against defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy in the process.

Photo: Carolina RailHawks

The early pressure by the Carolina squad yielded a goal in only the seventh minute of the match, as Austin Da Luz sprung Zach Schilawski into the PSA Elite box. A simple centering pass to Brian Shriver for a tap in gave the RailHawks the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Before Elite could even get back in the match, a RailHawks corner kick fell at the feet of midfielder Amir Lowery near the six-yard box, and he calmly buried the shot to take a 2-0 lead in the ninth minute. Only down 2-nil, PSA Elite weathered the early assault and actually put Carolina on their heels with a bit of possession and drew some fouls against Carolina to help in the comeback bid.

Three shots by Elite players were saved or blocked over the next ten minutes of the match, but another beautiful pass by Da Luz sent Shriver in on the PSA Elite goal all alone, and he slotted his second of the match past the goalkeeper without any problems to give Carolina a 3-0 led in only the 25th minute of the match.

The RailHawks continued to dominate possession and not give PSA Elite any chances to claw their way back into the game, spraying shots all over the Elite goal in a continuous attack. It was only a matter of time before one of the many shots found its way to the back of the net. Schilawski notched his second assist of the match, again finding Shriver for his third goal in the 40th minute. In doing so, Shriver became only the 25th player to score a hat trick in the U.S. Open Cup in the Modern Pro Era.

The RailHawks smelt the blood in the water and looked to finish off the PSA Elite squad before halftime.  Schilawski got in on the act with Carolina’s fifth goal in the first half in the 41st minute, and the RailHawks went into the halftime break with an extremely comfortable lead.

Photo: Carolina RailHawks

With the large lead, RailHawks made the first substitution of the night at halftime, in what was clearly a tactical move to make sure the lead was secure. Exiting the match was midfielder Da Luz; he was replaced by former Glasgow Rangers man Greg Shields, a defender. The accompanying formation change helped to keep PSA Elite from many chances in the opening minutes of the second half.

Credit to PSA Elite, they didn’t give up on the match even though down so many goals. The Elite coaching staff made two changes over a five minute span in an effort to try to figure out the RailHawks defense. But, the RailHawks still had command of the game.

Schilawski was replaced for fresh legs in a straight swap at forward as former MLS player Jason Garey entered the match for Carolina in the 65th minute. Only a valiant effort – including numerous saves – by Elite goalkeeper Trevor Whiddon kept the RailHawks off the board for the majority of the second half.

But unfortunately, the RailHawks had one more goal in them before time expired. Late sub Garey put a shot on frame in the 90th minute, which was saved by Whiddon. However, Shriver was right there to clean up the rebound and tucked his fourth goal of the match into the open net just before time expired.

The result will undoubtedly give the RailHawks a lot of confidence as they await their third round match against the struggling Galaxy next Tuesday night.

PSA Elite 0:6 Carolina RailHawks
WakeMed Park – Cary, NC

Scoring Summary

CAR: Shriver (Schilawski) 7
CAR: Lowery 9
CAR: Shriver (Da Luz) 23
CAR: Shriver (Schilawski) 40
CAR: Schilawski (Ortiz) 41
CAR: Shriver 90

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Fitzgerald, D Elenio, D Agbossoumonde, D King, D Low (c), M Zimmerman, M Lowery, M Ortiz (Palacio, 82), M Da Luz (Shields, 46), F Schilawski (Garey, 65), F Shriver
PSA: GK Whiddon, D Dunn, D Miranda, D Smith (Turner, 53), D Gafa, M Lopez, M Spicer, M Paul, M Whitfield (Ontiveros, 61), F Riemer, F Ramirez (Lopez, 69)

CAUTIONS
PSA: Miranda, 73;

SHOTS
CAR: 23
PSA: 11

SAVES
CAR: 3
PSA: 7

2012 US Open Cup Second Round: Harrisburg City Islanders down Long Island Rough Riders again, 2-0 (video)

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Brian Ombiji scored the second | Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The amateur Premier Development League side Long Island Rough Riders put up a good fight, but in the end their professional counterparts in Harrisburg were just too much.

The City Islanders scored two second half goals to win 2-0 and advance to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where they will play host to the New England Revolution of MLS. Yann Ekra scored in the 48th minute, and Brian Ombiji scored in the 77th in front of 418 fans at the Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, Pa.

Coming into the game, Long Island was looking for some revenge against the team that knocked it out of the tournament in 2010. Harrisburg on the other hand, was looking for redemption after an early Second Round exit in the cup to the Rochester Rhinos last year. Despite the 2-0 scoreline, Harrisburg was far from dominant. In fact, Long Island had the better of play for a good portion of the first half. After some early City Islanders pressure, the Rough Riders earned two corners. Both set pieces forced Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble to come off his line to punch the ball away.

In the 27th minute, the Rough Riders faced some poor luck with starting midfielder Ben Arikian picking up an injury. Just six minutes later, Adriano Gabriele was also forced to come out of the game for Long Island with an injury. After the two substitutions Harrisburg started to assert its dominance. The City Islanders struck soon after the whistle to start the second half. In the 48th minute, Morgan Langley found Ekra in the box. Ekra, coming off a hat-trick performance over the weekend in league play, calmly tucked the ball past the Rough Rider goalie and into the net to put Harrisburg up 1-0.

Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The goal seemed to jumpstart the Long Island offense. During a period of extended pressure, Matthew Wendelken forced a nice save off a corner in the 59th minute. Later, in the 73rd minute, a Long Island player went down in the box. To the dismay of the Rough Rider bench, however, no penalty was called. On the ensuing play, Keith Detelj was able to round the keeper, but he could not get a shot on net. Detelj would end up regretting his missed chance, as four minutes later Harrisburg’s Andrew Welker found Ombiji with a pass behind the defense. Ombiji slotted it past the onrushing goalie to double Harrisburg’s lead.

As the game wound down, Detelj had yet another chance, but his header hit the post and was cleared. The City Islanders were able to see the game out and improve to 8-0-0 against amateur clubs in the US Open Cup.

Ekra’s goal

Ombiji’s goal

Shot on goal

Harrisburg supporters: Sons of the Susquehanna

Harrisburg City Islanders 2:0 Long Island Rough Riders
Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, Pa.

HCI: Yann Ekra (Morgan Langley) 48
HCI: Brian Ombiji (Andrew Welker) 77

Discipline:
HCI: Brian Ombiji – caution 40
LI: James Mulligan – caution 41
LI: William Hole – caution 61

Lineups:
Harrisburg City Islanders: Nick Noble; Stephan Basso, Tommy Brandt, Andrew Marshall, Bilal Duckett; JT Noone, Andrew Welker (Adrian LeRoy-85), Morgan Langley (Tom Mellor-71), Drew Yates (Garret Pettis-63); Brian Ombiji, Yann Ekra

Long Island Rough Riders: Thomas Booth; Matthew Wendelken, Timothy Parker, Tom Wharf, William Hole; Gary Flood, Adriano Gabriele (Matthew Uy-33), James Mulligan (Sean Sepe-66), Stephan Barea, Ben Arikian (Dakota Barnathan-27); Keith Detelj

2012 US Open Cup Second Round Scoreboard

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2012 US Open Cup Second Round Scoreboard

Chartiers Valley Stadium – Bridgeville, PA
Michigan Bucks 1 FT 0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Stew Givens (PK) – 90’+1
Skyline Sports Complex – Harrisburg, PA
Long Island Rough Riders 0 FT 2 Harrisburg City Islanders
47′ – Yann Ekra
76′ – Brian Ombiji
Legion Sports Park – Wilmington, NC
Cal FC 4 FT 0 Wilmington Hammerheads
Danny Barrera – 25′
Artur Aghasyan – 35′
Danny Barrera – 57′
Pedro Mendes – 78′
Patton Park – Jacksonville, FL
Tampa Bay Rowdies 3 FT 0 Jacksonville United
Includes 1 hour lightning delay
Mike Ambersley – 2′
Dan Antoniuk – 19′
Keith Savage – 65′
Toyota Park Practice Field – Bridgeview, IL
AUDIO: Chicago-Fire.com
Dayton Dutch Lions 2 FT 1 Chicago Fire PDL
Eli Garner – 38′ 90′ – Brendan King
Daniel Holloway – 90’+
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC
PSA Elite 0 FT 6 Carolina RailHawks
7′ – Brian Shriver
9′ – Amir Lowery
23′ – Brian Shriver
40′ – Brian Shriver
41′ – Zack Schilawski
90′ – Brian Shriver
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fresno Fuego 2 FT 7 Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Justin Finch – 54′ 42′ – Aly Hassan
Tyler Reinhart – 86′ 57′ – Aly Hassan
61′ – Mark Anderson
69′ – Aly Hassan
78′ – Walter Restrepo
89′ – Leopoldo Morales
Seminole Soccer Complex – Sanford, FL
KC Athletics 0 FT 7 Orlando City SC
4′ (OG) – Coady Andrews
25′ – Max Griffin
28′ – John Rooney
42′ – Max Griffin
60′ – Jamie Watson
71′ – John Rooney
86′ – Matt Luzunaris
Blackbaud Stadium – Charleston, SC
VIDEO: USLNation.com
Reading United AC 1 FT 2 Charleston Battery
Tolani Ibikunle – 64′ 69′ – Dane Kelly
79′ – Nicki Paterson
Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium – Boyds, MD
Richmond Kickers 4 FT 0 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
Christopher Agorsor – 20′
Gerson dos Santos – 30′
Gerson dos Stanos – 82′
Nozomi Hiroyama – 84′
RYSA Soccerplex – Conyers, GA
VIDEO: GHSA Network
Atlanta Silverbacks 1 FT 0 Georgia Revolution
Raphael Cox – 61′
Sahlen’s Stadium – Rochester, NY
VIDEO: USLNation.com
Brooklyn Italians 0 FT 3 Rochester Rhinos
SENT OFF – Kirk Scarlet – 59′ 25′ – Thomas McManus
43′ – Conor Chinn
JC Banks
Hal Shurbeck Field, Fullerton College – Fullerton, CA
AUDIO: Kaotic Radio
Ventura County Fusion 3 AET 1 Los Angeles Blues
Tim Pontius – (OG) 22′ 86′ – Cory Miller – SENT OFF
Frankie Lopez – 35′
Frankie Lopez – 107′
Travis Bowen (PK) – 116′
Blossom Athletic Center – San Antonio, TX
Laredo Heat 0 FT 2 San Antonio Scorpions
SENT OFF – Adan Villavicencio – 46′ 25′ – Walter Ramirez – SENT OFF
SENT OFF – Juan Nava – 77′ 67′ – Pablo Campos
74′ – Kevin Harmse
Valley Stadium – Des Moines, IA
VIDEO: UStream.tv
Minnesota Stars FC 2 FT 0 Des Moines Menace
Simone Bracalello – 19′
SENT OFF – Cristiano Dias – 40′
Miguel Ibarra – 84′
Patriots Stadium – El Paso, TX
Charlotte Eagles 1 FT 0 El Paso Patriots
Nate Thornton – 72′

2012 US Open Cup Second Round live blog recap: Three upsets highlight another exciting round in 2012

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Check below the live blog for additional links, previews and more information about the Second Round.

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 2 [+]
Round 3 Pairings [+]

You survived the opening round of amateur leagues and organizations; welcome to the Second Round and the introduction of the professional clubs from the North American Soccer League and USL Pro – and along with them a chance at making headlines. Three clubs from the two leagues are coming into the event without a victory (Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks and Dayton Dutch Lions). Will they finally get their first win, or will they suffer even deeper lows? Fate awaits them Tuesday night, as do the 16 Major League Soccer clubs that will join the fray seven days later in the Third Round.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all 16 games from our correspondents  from across the country. 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 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)

UPDATED: US Open Cup Third Round Pairings Unveiled: 11 MLS clubs could travel for Round 3; 2 PDL clubs with shot to host

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UPDATES:
* The Atlanta Silverbacks/Seattle Sounders match, originally scheduled for Atlanta on May 30, has been moved to Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. (also on May 30).
*The potential Wilmington Hammerheads/Portland Timbers match has been moved from Wilmington to Portland and the date has changed to May 30, meaning the Timbers are guaranteed a home game in Round 3.
*The potential match between the New England Revolution and the Harrisburg City Islanders has been moved from Hersheypark Stadium to Skyline Soccer Complex in Harrsiburg.
*The Second Round match between the Ventura County Fusion and the Los Angeles Blues has been moved to Fullerton College.
* The Minnesota Stars’ home game against Real Salt Lake will now be hosted by RSL due to an arrangement made between the two teams.

The United States Soccer Federation announced the pairings and host scenarios Wednesday afternoon for the Third Round of the US Open Cup, featuring the entrance of the Major League Soccer clubs into the event. A dozen lower division clubs will have the opportunity to host an MLS club with a victory in the Second Round May 22, including the amateur USL Premier Development League sides Laredo Heat and Michigan Bucks.

Only five MLS participants are guaranteed a home fixture for the Third Round with Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes and Philadelphia Union welcoming Second Round winners.

The Houston Dynamo, who just opened the brand new BBVA Compass Stadium are the only club that will have to travel, though the trip will stay within Texas as they were paired with the Heat and expansion North American Soccer League San Antonio Scorpions.

Five NASL clubs and five members of USL Pro will have an opportunity to host an MLS team if they prevail.

Travel-wise, there are several pairings that could see extensive miles logged. Among them are Orlando City to Kansas City; Charlotte to Dallas; Fort Lauderdale to San Jose; Los Angeles Galaxy to Carolina; Colorado to Tampa Bay; and Seattle to Atlanta.

TheCup.us US Open Cup Bracket |  Details on Hosting Selection Process

LAMAR HUNT US OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND – Tuesday, May 22

Michigan Bucks (PDL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Chartiers Valley Stadium; Bridgeville, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET

Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET

Cal FC (USASA) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
Legion Sports Park; Wilmington, N.C.; 7 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Jacksonville United (NPSL)
Patton Park; Jacksonville, Fla.; 7 p.m. ET

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire PDL (PDL)
Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill.; 7 p.m. ET

PSA Elite (USASA) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET

Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET

KC Athletics (USASA) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Reading United AC (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium; Boyds, Md.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.; 7:35 p.m. ET

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) at Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO)
Hal Shurbeck Field, Fullerton College; Fullerton, Calif.; 8 p.m. ET

Laredo Heat (PDL) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Blossom Athletic Center; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium; Des Moines, Iowa; 8:30 p.m. ET

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas; 10 p.m. ET

LAMAR HUNT US OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND – May 29 (except where noted)

Houston Dynamo (MLS) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL): Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 7:30 p.m. CT
Chicago Fire (MLS) at Michigan Bucks (PDL): Ultimate Soccer; Pontiac, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Orlando City (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS): LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 7:30 p.m. CT
D.C. United (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO): Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.; 7 p.m. ET
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS): Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio; 7:30 p.m. ET
Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at FC Dallas (MLS): FC Dallas Stadium; Frisco, Texas; 7:30 p.m. CT
Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS): Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 7:30 p.m. PT
Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS): PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
New England Revolution (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO): Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO): Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Chivas USA (MLS) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL); TBD; Time TBD
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL): WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL): Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Cal FC (USASA) at Portland Timbers (MLS): JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.; 7:30 p.m. PT – May 30
Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL): Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 7 p.m. PT – May 30
Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Minnesota Stars FC (NASL): National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn.; 7:30 p.m. CT

TheCup.us Player of the Round: Cal FC’s Danny Barrera downs PDL champs to earn Round 1 honor

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Danny Barrera scored two in the First Round | Photo: PSA Elite

The 22-year-old Danny Barrera may be looking for a second chance. There is probably no better place to look for an example than the very team his two goals helped beat in the First Round, earning him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for Cal FC’s 3-1 road win against the reigning PDL champion Kitsap Pumas.

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

Barrera scored the club’s first two goals in the contest, firing a low shot that the goalkeeper was unable to handle and ended up putting it into his own net trying to collect it. This gave the visitors the advantage a minute before the break.. The second goal came in the 66th minute when he twisted past a defender to double the advantage with what proved to be the game-winner.

Over the last five years Barrera has flirted with breaking through to the next level, playing for the United States at the 2007 Pan-American Games as well as briefly being a member of the U17 and U18 National Teams in the residency program. After finishing school at UC Santa Barbara, where he helped the Gauchos win the 2006 NCAA title, he went to Europe, signing with Serbian first division club FK Spartak Zlatibor Voda.

After playing in just one game, however, Barrera is looking for a second chance via a club built in the past year by former US National Team star Eric Wynalda, a team made for unknown players needing to be seen or players who deserve a second chance.

One great story of getting a second chance this past year, which actually made headlines these past few weeks, came through Kitsap, a team Barrera knows well. As a member of the PDL Ventura County Fusion, he helped lead the California club to the league championship in 2009 with a 2-1 win over the Pumas in the conference final, tallying an assist on the opening goal in the match held in Laredo, Texas.

That story is of goalkeeper Bryan Meredith, who stayed in the Seattle area after being drafted by the Sounders but going unsigned. He guided Kitsap to the PDL championship with an 11-1-3 record, nine shutouts and .535 goals-against average in goal. When the Sounders lost a back-up to injury last year, they added Meredith to the squad. He proved himself in training and at the beginning of the month when starter Michael Gspurning came out at halftime with a hip injury, Meredith made his MLS debut to finish the match for a shutout win against the Los Angeles Galaxy. He then went on to shutout Philadelphia and Dallas in the next two games.

With three professional clubs in the greater Los Angeles area and the contacts of Eric Wynalda, it not unreasonable to think a similar opportunity is within reach for Barrera.

HIGHLIGHTS: Cal FC vs. Kitsap Pumas

NASL enters into US Open Cup competition for the first time

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Minnesota Dark Cloud supporters with their "US Open Cup Banned" banner. | Photo: Jeremy Olson, DigitalGopher.net

For the first time ever and after a year’s absence of the USSF 2nd Division from US Open Cup competition, the North American Soccer League (NASL) will enter into Cup play on Tuesday evening.

“We were disappointed we didn’t get in it last year but we also understood with the sanctioning and the stance US Soccer took, we had to learn to crawl before we walked,” said Fort Lauderdale Strikers head coach Daryl Shore.

Indeed, the NASL who had an on-again, off-again and then on-again sanctioning process with the USSF in late 2010 and early 2011, were deemed to have received that sanctioning too late to be included in the Cup competition in 2011. The exclusion meant that the 98-year old tournament would not include a 2nd Division team.

The NASL had a positive first year in 2011 and were sanctioned by the USSF for 2012. With the early sanctioning also came the approval to be included in the competition for the first time as a league.

NASL coach of the year Manny Lagos, who led his Minnesota Stars to the 2011 Championship, said it wasn’t just disappointing to the league, its players and coaches. “It was disappointing from a league perspective but also from a fan’s perspective,” said Lagos.

Minnesota soccer fans have a history of participating in the US Open Cup. In 2005, the last year his father Buzz Lagos coached the Minnesota Thunder, that team made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament, defeating MLS teams Real Salt Lake 6-4, the Colorado Rapids 4-1 and the Kansas City Wizards 3-1 before being bounced from the tournament by the Galaxy in the Semifinals. Last year the Stars supporters, the Dark Clouds, proudly posted a banner at each and every game that stated, “US Open Cup Banned”.

Northern Ireland born Colin Clarke, head coach of the Carolina RailHawks, has plenty of experience in cup competitions, as a player in England and as a coach of FC Dallas. He participated in the Caribbean Federation Union (CFU) with his former team the Puerto Rico Islanders who had good success in that tournament. Clarke brought his FC Dallas team to the US Open Cup final in 2005 where they lost to the Galaxy 1-0. FC Dallas were defeated in the Quarterfinals of the tournament in 2006, losing to the Houston Dynamo.

Andy Herron, now a member of the NASL's Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, helped the Chicago Fire win the 2006 US Open Cup title, and was named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. Photo: Chicago Fire

Clarke’s RailHawks will host the PSA Elite (USASA) amateur team at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday evening.

“I’m looking forward to it very much,” said Clarke in regard to entry back into the US Open Cup as coach of an American Division 2 team. “We (Puerto Rico Islanders) had great success in the CFU. But now that’s gone and we’ve got the Open Cup. The last time my team played in that we got close to the final with Dallas in the last couple of years there.

“It’s a big competition for us. We didn’t get to play in it last year, so were excited to get out there and hopefully get through the early rounds and play against some MLS teams. It’s our equivalent to the FA Cup back in my home of England. It’s our chance to play against the big boys and see what we can do.”

Shore also has had plenty of US Open Cup experience, serving as assistant coach for 10 years with the Chicago Fire. There he saw both sides of what can happen in a format that gives all levels of teams an equal chance to compete.

“The Fire took the Open Cup very seriously,” said Shore. “I’ve seen both sides of it. We won a couple of Open Cups with the Fire. I also remember losing to Milwaukee in the first round and another year, one of my last with the Fire, we lost to Wilmington (Hammerheads, Division 3 professional). So I know what the Open Cup is about. These young lower level teams can surprise sometimes.”

“The first thing that actually comes to my mind as a player is we were defending US Open Cup Champions when I was with the Fire,” reminisced Lagos. “We went to Rochester, New York to play a lower level team and we ended up losing 2-1. That’s the reality of the tournament. It was a tough day and we didn’t play as well as we would have liked. It can be one game and you’re done. That’s the tough part but it’s also the exciting part of the tournament.”

Coach Shore said that like the Fire, his philosophy in Ft. Lauderdale is to be the last NASL team standing in the Open Cup. “We know there’s money involved. We’re going to take it very seriously.  We’ve even brought in players who have had success in the US Open Cup. Players like Andy Herron who scored the winning goal in the 2006 Open Cup final. We’ve got guys on this team that want to take the Open Cup serious and go far in the tournament.”

“I approach it that it’s an honor to coach a team in such a storied tournament,” said MLS player turned coach, Lagos. “It’s a great format. We get to be challenged by playing higher level teams and sometimes you play lower level teams, but all of games are always exciting. It can be very tense and emotional, especially at the round we are entering into.”

Lagos’ Stars will take the 4 hour bus ride down I-35 from Minnesota to Iowa on Tuesday to play one of the better USL PDL teams, the Des Monies Menace. He points to the fact that the essence of the tournament is “representation of all the teams, amateur and professional, battling for the trophy.”

“The Menace are a really well-run PDL organization. They get a lot of top midwest college players and All-Americans. They’ve also had some good men’s league players that are on their way up to professional careers. It’s a very good team and we’re excited to go down there in front of a potentially hostile environment and get a result.”

The Menace averaged 3,372 fans last season, which was a better average attendance than all but two of the NASL teams in 2011.

“Anything can happen,” concluded Lagos. “Lower level teams play well and higher level teams play well. That’s the lure of the US Open Cup. I think as more people become aware of that one game-one day excitement, I think it will become even more of a story line in the US Soccer landscape.”

Brian Quarstad  is the creator and senior editor of IMSoccer News. You can follow him on Twitter @IMSoccerNews

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