Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2013 Third Round

Breakdown of MLS Player Salaries for 2013 US Open Cup Third Round

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(photo: Brandon Bleek / Prost Amerika)

Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins could easily claim the ‘Million Dollar Man’ tag for the US Open Cup this year, but it would not be a positive nickname. In a breakdown of MLS player salaries for the Third Round based on figures released earlier this year by the MLS Players Union, the Sounders were easily the highest paid MLS club based on who played, and Martins salary was twice that of any other player.

TheCup.us tabulated the guaranteed salaries, per the MLSPU list, for all the MLS clubs and discovered the Sounders were at the top of the list at a total salary of $192,856 who took the field in Tampa Bay against the Rowdies in the stunning 1-0 upset loss. In comparison, most clubs came in at a range from $138,000 to $101,000, but Seattle topped a list of four that were outliers at the top with FC Dallas ($176,142), DC United ($157,465) and the Chicago Fire ($153,961) also spending allocating over 150k in salary on their tournament openers. Meanwhile, Chivas USA ($86,948), Sporting KC ($76,952) and the Los Angeles Galaxy ($69,084) came in at the bottom of the list.

That’s correct, the lowest salaried team and the highest, were each knocked out as you will recall the Carolina RailHawks blanked the Galaxy, who sent a squad almost entirely comprised of reserves, 2-0.

Seattle was the most interesting case, however, because of Martins and what transpired in the match versus Tampa Bay. His entry at the 81st minute may prove to be the most costly nine minutes in Sounders history. First of all, the average salary of the players for that game without Martins would have been the lowest among all MLS teams for the round at $65,177, but his guaranteed deal of $1,725,000 was not only the sole contract over a million dollars, but it dwarfed FC Dallas striker David Ferreira’s salary for 2013 of $730,000.

Then there is what happened on the field. One could argue that perhaps the Sounders would not have had a chance at pulling even from the penalty spot if it were not for Martins’ header that led to the handball in front of the goalline, but he was also the man who shot the spot kick poorly moments later, allowing Rowdies keeper Diego Restrepo to make the dramatic save for the win.

For those wishing to compare the values of the players utilized in comparison to the US Open Cup, similar figures have been tabulated by INWsoccernews for the MLS Reserve League. The MLS Reserve League figures, which are much lower for each team, can be found here [+]

TheCup.us will continue to track the salaries as the tournament progresses and provide further updates.

Club — Avg Guaranteed Salaries for Third Round Appearances — Result
 Seattle — 192,856 — Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay (NASL)
FC Dallas — 176,142 — Won 2-0 at Fort Lauderdale (NASL)
DC United — 157,465 — Tied 0-0 (won PK 4-2) at Richmond (USL Pro)
Chicago — 153,961 — Won 2-0 at Charlotte (USL Pro)
San Jose — 137,984 — Lost 1-0 at Charleston (USL Pro)
New England — 136,991 — Won 5-1 at Rochester (USL Pro)
Philadelphia — 135,202 — Won 2-1 vs Ocean City (USL PDL)
New York — 132,692 — Won 2-0 vs Reading (USL PDL)
Columbus — 128,714 — Won 2-1 vs Dayton (USL Pro)
Real Salt Lake — 119,372 — Won 3-2 OT vs Atlanta (NASL)
Portland — 108,102 — Won 5-1 vs Wilmington (USL Pro)
Colorado — 107,902 — Lost 3-1 at Orlando (USL Pro)
Houston — 101,015 — Won 2-0 vs Tucson (USL PDL)
Chivas USA — 86,948 — Won 2-1 at LA Blues (USL Pro)
Sporting KC — 76,952 — Won 2-0 vs Des Moines (USL PDL)
LA Galaxy — 69,084 — Lost 2-0 at Carolina (NASL)

Third Round Highest Paid Players ($300,000+)
 Obafemi Martins (SEA) – 1,725,000
David Ferreira (DAL) – 730,000
Dwayne De Rosario (DC) – 645,333
Federico Higuain (CLB) – 604,000
Chris Wondolowski (SJ) – 600,000
Sherjill McDonald (CHI) – 527,125
Kalifa Cisse (NE) – 445,000
Chris Pontius (DC) – 361,000
Bakary Soumare (CHI) – 350,000
Heath Pearce (NY) – 340,736
Blas Perez (DAL) – 324,250
Benny Feilhaber (KC) – 312,188
Kyle Beckerman (RSL) – 311,250
Kei Kamara (KC) – 302,500
Javier Morales (RSL) – 300,000

Note: Five players who were signed since the release of the MLSPU list played in the Third Round and were given a ‘filler’ value of $50,000 salaries by TheCup.us for their participation. These figures will be replaced upon further updates by the MLSPU. Those players are: Mechak Jerome (KC), Andrew McKelvey (Columbus), German Mera (Colorado), Aaron Ponce (Chivas USA) and Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy).

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2013 US Open Cup Third Round: New England Revolution thunder past Rochester Rhinos, 5-1

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The New England Revolution took advantage of a depleted Rochester Rhinos squad that was completely unable to live up to their giant-killing status this time around, falling at home 5-1 to their official MLS affiliate in the Third Round.

The Rhinos’ squad was decimated by eight injuries and two call-ups to the New England Revolution. Interim head coach Pat Ercoli called up a number of local players to fill in gaps as the Rhinos prepared to face the Revolution Tuesday night in a match that was again delayed by lightning a week after their Second Round match against GPS Portland Phoenix was halted for over an hour at the end of halftime.

During most of the opening 15 minutes the two teams were dueling through the midfield. Both teams had chances but Kendell McFayden was off-balance when he shot from a through ball into the area and Chad Barrett shot well wide from 20 yards out.

McFayden and Mike Reidy showed explosive speed that the Revs’ defense couldn’t seem to deal with. The Rhinos speedsters were the architects of their own failure though, as the two players repeatedly had awful first touches. In the 23rd minute, Kelyn Rowe received a layoff from Barrett, who was playing a midfielder role, and hit a curling shot past a diving Brandon Miller’s outstretched right hand.

The match had been fairly even and continued to be for the rest of the first half. Tyler Rosenlund had one of Rochester’s best chances of the game in the 39th minute. After a solid period of pressure from the Rhinos, the ball came to the former Canadian youth international but his shot flew high and wide of the frame.

Seconds after Sahlen’s Stadium witnessed a flash of lightning, Andy Dorman scored for the Revolution. As Revs’ players jogged over to celebrate the goal, the center official blew his whistle for a weather delay. That delay lasted 52 minutes and the teams came out from the break very differently. The Rhinos seemed to cool off while the Revs came out with vigor. That energy translated into a quick goal by Jerry Bengston as he picked off a lazy back pass from Josh Faga towards Miller. The Honduran international made no mistake inside the area and put the Revs up 3-0.

Rowe picked up his second goal of the game and the Revs’ fourth in the 64th minute. Tyler Polak, who replaced an injured Imbongo, played Rowe into the channel down the left side. Rowe beat his defender to cut inside, and as Miller came off his line the Revs’ midfielder slotted the ball to the far post with the outside of his right foot.

McFayden pulled back a consolation goal for the Rhinos in the 77th minute. After receiving a pass from Rosenlund, the Buffalo native smacked his 25-yard shot off the inside of the post in the upper corner. McFayden produced a goal out of nothing with a spectacular shot, but it did little to affect the game.

Chad Barrett did his best to impress coach Jay Heaps in the 81st minute. A half-broken play from a Revolution corner kick, Darrius Barnes played a ball into traffic in the area and Barrett heel-flicked the ball over his head into the net.

McFayden, despite providing the spark for much of the match, did not see the final whistle. In second half stoppage time he was sent off for a reckless challenge on Gabe Latigue.

The most surprising change to the Rhinos’ lineup was coach Ercoli’s decision to leave 2012 USL Pro Goalkeeper of the Year Kristian Nicht on the bench in favor of second-year back-up Miller. Injuries forced Ross LaBauex and Faga, both midfielders, to split duties at right back. Lance Rozeboom is a defensive midfielder who slotted in at centerback due to injuries to both starting defenders. Last year’s Team MVP J.C. Banks is still not healthy enough following ACL surgery to start matches and loanee Latigue lined up for the Revolution, which pushed the Rhinos to start FC Buffalo midfielder Knapp on the left flank.

The Revolution featured many reserve-type players who don’t get significant minutes in MLS as several regular starters were not even on the bench. These players were fired up to impress Jay Heaps and his coaching staff, and in the second half reinforced their cases to him.

The result sees the Rhinos continue a disappointing 2013 season in which they have a 1-6-2 record in USL Pro. New England has been getting results through strong defensive performances and the five-goal glut against Rochester should translate well into offensive confidence in league play.

Scoring Summary:
NE: Kelyn Rowe (Chad Barrett) 23
NE: Andy Dorman (Kelyn Rowe) 53
NE: Jerry Bengtson (unassisted) 54
NE: Kelyn Rowe (unassisted) 64
ROC: Kendell McFayden (Tyler Rosenlund) 77
NE: Chad Barrett (Darrius Barnes) 81

Misconduct Summary:
ROC: Ross LaBauex (caution) 43
NE: Jerry Bengtson (caution) 61
ROC: Kendell McFayden (ejection) 91+

Rochester Lineup: Brandon Miller; Ross LaBauex, Tyler Bellamy, Lance Rozeboom (Andrew Tiedt 77), Danny Earls; Mike Reidy, Josh Faga, Tyler Rosenlund,  Brian Knapp (J.C. Banks 46); Blake Brettschneider (George Tor 65), Kendell McFayden

Substitutes Not Used: Kristian Nicht, Georgtos Kyriazis, Thomas McManus, Bilal Duckett

New England Lineup: Matt Reis; Darrius Barnes, Donnie Smith (Chris Tierney 52), A.J. Soares, Gabe Latigue; Kaliffa Cisse, Andy Dorman, Kelyn Rowe, Chad Barrett; Saer Sene (Jerry Bengtson 46), Dimitry Imbongo (Tyler Polak 33)

Substitutes Not Used: Luis Soffner, Andrew Farrell, Juan Toja

New England Stats: Shots 17, Shots on Target 9, Corner Kicks 5, Saves 3, Fouls 11, Offsides 3

Rochester Stats: Shots 8, Shots on Target 4, Corner Kicks 7, Saves 4, Fouls 8, Offsides 3

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Orlando City SC earns first MLS upset, 3-1 over Colorado Rapids

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ORLANDO, Fla.— In the third round of US Open Cup play, the Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer) fall to Orlando City SC (USL PRO) by a margin of 3-1 Tuesday night at Fifth Third Bank Field of the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. In the 4th minute, Orlando’s Bryan Burke put the home side up, but Kamani Hill picked off a pass to bring Colorado even in the 18th minute. Orlando City forward Dom Dwyer scored a brace in the second half to give the club its first-ever win over an MLS club in US Open Cup play. Orlando advances to the 4th round and will face Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park.

“I think just before and during the second half we were far and away the better team,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought we were worthy winners and it would have been a travesty if we didn’t take home the win.”

The Colorado defense failed to clear the ball from danger in the fourth minute, and Bryan Burke sent a rifle shot from 20 yards out. The ball nicked a Colorado defender Anthony Wallace and out of the reach of Colorado Goalkeeper Steward Ceus giving the Lions the 1-0 advantage. The former Kitsap Puma (PDL) star scored his second goal for Orlando City (his first goal came Saturday night in USL PRO season over Wilmington).

Colorado, which started a group that had plenty of MLS experience, kept the pressure on Orlando City in the first half closing the space quickly and trading attacks with Orlando as the match progressed. In the 18th minute, an Orlando City defensive turnover gave Rapids’ Midfielder Kamani Hill the ball. Hill took advantage by calmly slotting the ball in the corner past Orlando City Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to even the game at 1-1.

Despite many opportunities, neither side was able to convert and the first half finished tied. Neither side made changes to start the second half.

Orlando City began the second half like the first – on the attack. In the 48th minute, Burke surged down the right hand side and sent a floating ball into Dom Dwyer on the back post. The header from the USL PRO leading scorer was on frame in the back left corner and gave the Orlando a 2-1 lead.

The game really opened up when Dwyer got behind the Colorado defense and Colorado Goalkeeper Ceus came out of his box. After a header by Dwyer got the ball past the goalkeeper, Ceus clotheslined Dwyer stopping his advance, and Rapids defender Shane O’Neill was able to clear the ball before it crossed the goal line. At the stop, the referee conferred with his assistant and then indicated a foul at the top of the box for Orlando. Seconds later, Ceus was showed the red card and ejected from the match. The Rapids were forced to bring winger Kevin Harbottle out as Goalkeeper Clint Irwin came in to finish the match, and the Rapids were a man down for the final 30 minutes.

The game was sealed by Orlando City five minutes later, when Dwyer scored his second to put Orlando up 3-1. The play started with Adama Mbengue (brought up from Orlando City U23s this season) hit a fantastic through ball to Long Tan. Tan then controlled the box beat off a defender and sent a brilliant cross into the box. Dwyer converted after getting past Colorado defender Clint Irwin. The goal was Dwyer’s 16th goal counting both league play and Open Cup.

Orlando controlled much of the possession in the final 25 minutes as Colorado played a man down, to close out with the win 3-1. This was the clubs first win over an MLS side in Open Cup play, and the first time they have advanced to the 4th round of competition to face Sporting Kansas City. The match will be on Wednesday, June 12.

Interestingly, Orlando is the official USL PRO affiliate of their fourth round opponent Sporting Kansas City, and four Orlando Players are on loan from Kansas City. Dom Dwyer is one of the two loaned players that were key to Orlando’s win in the match. The other is defender Yann Songo’o who had a solid game in the center defense and along with Rob Valentino and kept Colorado’s offense to 1 goal. Also on loan to Orlando from Kansas City are goal keeper Jon Kempin and midfielder Christian Duke.

There is some doubt about whether the players on loan will be able to play against their parent club. When questioned about the situation after their win over the Des Moine Menace (2-0), Kansas City coach Peter Vermes said, “Well I think it’s going to be more from the league, but I’ll know in the next couple of days. I don’t know at the moment, that’s something the league has to be involved in for sure.”

Orlando City lost to Sporting in the 3rd round of US Open Cup play last year in a tight 2-3 match, and will be looking to avenge the loss. Each match against an MLS team has greater meaning to Orlando City supporters as they appeal to the MLS to be the league’s 21st team. As the match ended, they supporters chanted, “We belong in MLS!” And from last nights match, they look to be competitive.

Team                    1  2  Final
Orlando City SC   1  2    3
Colorado Rapids   1  0    1

Scoring Summary:
ORL- Bryan Burke (unassisted) 4th
COL- Kamani Hill (unassisted) 18th
ORL- Dom Dwyer (Bryan Burke) 48th
ORL- Dom Dwyer (Long Tan) 63rd

Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City Miguel Gallardo, Yann Songo’o, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Anthony Pulis, James O’Connor, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue (Jamie Watson 67), Dom Dwyer, Long Tan (Dennis Chin 76)

Colorado Rapids Steward Ceus, Marvell Wynne, Shane O’Neill, German Mera, Anthony Wallace, Dillon Powers, Nick LaBrocca (Atiba Harris 72), Kamani Hill (Deshorn Brown 66), Tony Cascio, Kevin Harbottle (Clint Irwin 58), Danny Mwanga

Penalty Summary:
ORL- Anthony Pulis (Yellow) 32nd
COL- Shane O’Neill (Yellow) 36th
COL- Steward Ceus (Red) 56th
ORL- Adama Mbengue (Yellow) 65th
COL- Atiba Harris (Yellow) 80th

Match Facts:
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Weather: Clear/Cloudy
Attendance: 4,128

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Defending champ Sporting KC blank Des Moines Menace 2-0 to move on

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On a night where multiple MLS teams fell to lower division opponents, the defending US Open Cup Champion took care of business.  Sporting Kansas City made a 12th minute goal by Kei Kamara stand up before adding an insurance strike from Claudio Bieler to defeat the Des Moines Menace 2-0 in front of 13,000 fans at Sporting Park.

The home side started well with Kamara nearly opening the scoring after just three minutes. Chance Myers, starting on the wing instead of his normal right back position, whipped in a dangerous cross, finding Kamara at the back post, but the forward’s shot only found the side netting.

Five minutes later it was Myers missing a golden opportunity. A deflection found the winger at the back post with Des Moines goalkeeper Scott Angevine out of position. Yet Myers could only throw up his hands in disbelief as Albet Edward managed to block his attempt on goal.

Sporting continued to push and was rewarded in the 12th minute. In a carbon copy of the third minute chance, Myers sent a cross to the back post that Kamara was able to acrobatically poke home.

From there, Des Moines settled in, but never managed to seriously threaten Kansas City’s lead.

“We were obviously hoping to survive the first 15 minutes better than we ended up,” said Des Moines coach Mike Jeffries. “What I will say is I thought the guys reacted incredibly well after giving up the first goal. We always felt that as the half wore on we’d be able to settle into the game a little bit better.”

The best chance for the Menace came when Abel Sebele was played into the box in the 28th minute, but his first touch let him down and he sent a shot wide from a tough angle.

Sporting continued to dominate the game, but wasted numerous chances to extend its lead, finishing with 21 shots, eight of which were on target.

“You’re always concerned when you’re in a situation where you have as many chances as we did,” said Sporting head coach Peter Vermes. “I just felt more that we needed to finish another one as opposed to maybe the problem of taking one in. You still have to put those goals away to put a team away.”

Kansas City got the goal to put Des Moines away from Designated Player Bieler shortly after subbing him on for Kamara.

“You could see the class in his play when he went out there, how simple he made the game,” said Vermes.

With the win, Sporting advances to the US Open Cup fourth round where it will host USL affiliate Orlando City SC on June 12.

There will be plenty of storylines for that contest as four KC players are currently on loan with the third division club, although Vermes said he wasn’t sure whether the quartet would be eligible to play against their parent club.

“I think it’s going to be more from the league,” he said of the decision. “That’s something the league has to be involved with to be sure.”

As a consolation prize, the Des Moines Menace will be awarded the $15,000 Division 4 prize money. All four PDL teams lost in the Third Round, but they won the prize based on being the only one to defeat a Division 2 team (Minnesota United FC) in regulation.

Scoring Summary:

KC: Kei Kamara (Chance Myers) 12’

KC: Claudio Bieler (Jacob Peterson) 73’

Discipline:

KC: Michael Thomas (caution) 33’

DM: Michael Thaden (caution) 40’

DM: Chris Harmon (caution) 54’

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: FC Dallas ends road drought with 2-0 win in Fort Lauderdale

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FC Dallas registered their first road victory since 2007 in the US Open Cup Tuesday night in the Third Round, downing the NASL Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2-0 on second half goals from Blas Perez and defender Matt Hedges.

However, don’t let the score fool you, it was a very hard-fought and chippy game by both sides.

Strikers’ midfielder Walter Restrepo threatened the Dallas goal twice in the early moments of the match. His first shot from point-blank range was saved by Chris Seitz in the second minute and his second attempt in the 11th minute, a chip shot over Seitz, hit the crossbar before rolling uncontested back into the Dallas keepers hands.

“The Strikers took it to us in the first half,” said FC Dallas’ head coach Schellas Hyndman. “A lot of that was enthusiasm, and they tried to set the tone early in the match.”

“He was an aggravation for us up front,” said Hyndman of Restrepo’s presence throughout the game.

“We knew Walter and Darnell had some speed that would give them trouble,” said Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ head coach Daryl Shore. “You have to give credit to the guys behind them that were able to put them in good situations. I thought for the first 54 minutes we were the better team. We’re very disappointed because we thought we deserved better given how we played.”

“We dominated the game for most part,” Restrepo said. “We had the better chances, but they were able to finalize on their two chances.”

FC Dallas finally broke through in the second half to take the lead.

Midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson found some space on the right side, curling in a ball that flashed across the box to Castillo at the far post. The Colombian tapped a ball to Blas Perez who was unmarked in front of goal and slid it under Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser to put Dallas on top in the 54th minute.

“That was one of the few crosses that we’ve made,” said coach Hyndman. “Getting that first goal always puts the pressure off and then I thought we even started playing better.”

Defender Matt Hedges added the insurance goal in the 66th minute on a header. Midfielder Michel recorded the assist.

“Fort Lauderdale is a strong side,” said FC Dallas captain George John. “Any time in this tournament that you come into an opposing team’s field, it’s tough to get a victory. They came out with a lot of energy and had a couple of great opportunities, but luckily we were able to come into halftime with a clean sheet and regroup. We got two goals and were able to come away with the victory to move on to the next round.”

Dallas moves on to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2011 and will host the winner of the match between the Houston Dynamo and FC Tuscon at FC Dallas Stadium on Wednesday, June 12.

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Tampa Bay Rowdies end Seattle Sounders’ 22-game unbeaten streak

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Tampa Bay’s Georgi Hristov fights to control the ball with Seattle’s Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. Hristov scored in the 75th minute for the Rowdies, the game’s only goal. Photo: Mike Carlson | Tampa Bay Rowdies

Seattle Sounders FC has had a long history of success in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, winning three titles in three consecutive years, reaching the semifinals of the competition for the past six years in a row and holding a record 22-game tournament unbeaten streak.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies didn’t care.

Georgi Hristov tapped in a rebound in the 75th minute and Diego Restrepo saved a late Sounders penalty, carrying the North American Soccer League’s Rowdies to a 1-0 third-round upset over the Major League Soccer side.

Players fight for the ball between the Seattle Sounders and the Tampa Bay Rowdies during the Third Round match in the 2013 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Carlson | Tampa Bay Rowdies

“We’re incredibly disappointed … I don’t even know what to say,” Sounders defender and captain Zach Scott said. Scott had to watch his younger brother Daniel celebrate as a member of the Rowdies.

The Rowdies fielded a mostly first-choice side, and the Sounders a lineup of mostly reserves, with two designated players on the bench. It was a tactic that would come back to bite the MLS side, as they were unable to score during a fragmented first half or find the equalizer late in the second.

Tampa Bay’s Luke Mulholland got free on a breakaway in the 75th minute and forced Sounders keeper Marcus Hahnemann into a save – but the keeper didn’t hold the ball and Hristov was there at the back post to finish the play off in front of a delirious home crowd.

Ten minutes later, the visitors had a chance to answer.

Seattle designated player – striker and substitute – Obafemi Martins headed a corner kick on goal, only to have it blocked nearly on the goal line by Rowdies defender Jordan Gafa’s arm. Gafa received a red card and the Sounders were given a golden chance to level the match with a penalty.

When Martins stepped up to take it himself, his low shot to the left side of goal was beaten away by a diving Restrepo, denying Martins the equalizer and sending Tampa Bay on their way to victory.

Along with the Carolina Railhawks, who knocked off the LA Galaxy, Tampa Bay is one of two teams from the North American Soccer League still alive in the 100th edition of the U.S. Open Cup.

The Rowdies will face MLS-side Portland Timbers in the 4th round on June 12.

HIGHLIGHTS: SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

POST-GAME INTERVIEWS: SOUNDERS vs. ROWDIES

FAN EXPERIENCE: SOUNDERS vs. ROWDIES

Scoring

Rowdies – Georgi Hristov 75.

Discipline

Sounders FC – Alex Caskey (caution) 52; Mario Martinez (caution) 90.

Rowdies – Jordan Gafa (ejection) 85.

Lineups

Sounders FC – Marcus Hahnemann, Dylan Remick (Obafemi Martins 80), Zach Scott, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Marc Burch, Mario Martinez, Servando Carrasco, Andy Rose, Alex Caskey (Sammy Ochoa 68), Lamar Neagle, David Estrada.

Rowdies – Diego Restrepo, Jordan Gafa, Daniel Scott, Takuya Yamada, Andrew Arango, Luke Mulholland, Shane Hill, Keith Savage, Raphael Cox, Devin Del Do (Mike Ambersley 64), Georgi Hristov.

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Charleston edges San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 as Battery bag ninth win against MLS

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The Charleston Battery claimed their ninth victory all-time over an MLS Open Cup opponent in the US Open Cup Tuesday night, edging the visiting San Jose Earthquakes at Blackbaud Stadium in the Third Round on a 73rd minute goal from Colin Falvey.

The Earthquakes came into the contest with a 0-4-2 road record in league play while the host Battery were unbeaten at home in USL Pro action.

The first half initially saw each team’s defense lock down their respective ends, knocking away many potential scoring chances through the first 20 minutes of play. The half’s major chances came from the perimeter as San Jose’s Mike Fucito broke through midfield but was forced wide by Battery defenders before getting a dangerous shot off that Charleston’s Colin Falvey had to clear off the line. The Earthquakes would push a few moments later as Brad Ring sent a header towards the goal’s left side forcing Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper diving to push the ball away.

Charleston mounted their own attack but a combination of less than stellar passing plus the overall aggressive play of San Jose kept the Battery attack at bay. Charleston managed a couple runs that broke past the San Jose midfield but were forced to cycle many of chances around the perimeter, testing Quakes keeper David Bingham on only a couple occasions. That same aggressive play would earn the Quakes three yellow cards in the scoreless first half.

The second half would see Charleston answer the physical play, hoping to lure San Jose into making a game-changing mistake, especially when play involved the three Quakes already with yellow cards. The sides traded chances but both would struggle to get shots on net. Finally, the deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute after the Battery’s Zach Prince was taken down outside the far-left corner of the area. A free kick by Jose Cuevas was knocked past the San Jose keeper by a Falvey header.

Shortly after Ring picked up his second yellow and was ejected from the game, forcing the Quakes to push for the equalizer with only 10 men. Despite the heavy pressure San Jose applied, Charleston would collapse their defense and turn away everything San Jose could throw at them.

The victory was the first for Charleston against an MLS opponent since 2010 having previously defeated DC United (1999), MetroStars (2001, 2004), Houston Dynamo (2007, 2008), FC Dallas (2008), Chivas USA (2009) and Chicago Fire (2010) prior to this year.

The Battery now advance to the Open Cup’s Fourth Round and will face Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday, June 12.

Scoring Summary

CHB: Colin Falvey (Jose Cuevas) 73’

Discipline

SJ: Justin Morrow (caution) 28

SJ: Steven Lenhart (caution) 30

SJ: Brad Ring (caution) 40

CHB: Jose Cuevas (caution) 45

CHB: Nicki Paterson (caution) 62

SJ: Brad Ring (caution / ejection) 74

Attendance: 1954

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Philadelphia Union top Ocean City Nor’easters 2-1 in dramatic finish

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Photo: Ocean City Nor'easters

In a dramatic finish, the Philadelphia Union were nearly forced into overtime when the amateur PDL Ocean City Nor’easters scored in the 90th minute, but a stoppage time winner from Brian Carroll gave the MLS club the 2-1 win in the Third Round and a showdown with DC United in the Fourth Round.

Carroll’s goal came just minutes after Ocean City scored a 90th-minute equalizer on a scrum in front of the goal. Emmanuel Kollie tapped a loose ball into the net to keep the Nor’easters’ dreams of a magical Open Cup run alive just before Carroll’s winner.

“Congratulations to Ocean City. They played a really good game tonight,” Union coach John Hackworth said. “We showed a lot of character, especially after giving up a very late goal, to get one back right away.”

There was some controversy surrounding which team got to host this match-up, as Ocean City won the coin toss to host the game. However, according to General Manager Neil Halloway, the Nor’easters did not receive a copy of the 2013 tournament rules prior to the venue declaration deadline, so they were unaware their home, Carey Stadium, was three yards shy of the Open Cup standard width of 68 yards. The club submitted their venue declaration form with the width listed as 65 yards, and they won the hosting coin flip for the first two rounds. When the team received the 2013 handbook on May 7, the day the Preliminary Round began, Holloway realized that his field was not up to standard and moved quickly to widen the field to 71 yards.

They were awarded home games for Rounds 1 and 2 because, as Holloway learned from a USSF official, the federation waived their minimum standards for those two games. However, after Ocean City won the hosting coin flip for Round 3, USSF chose – still believing the width was 65 yards – not to waive the minimum standards, thus giving the home game to Philadelphia.

“It would have been great for the shore area to host a game, but at the same time it was a great opportunity for the guys to play in an MLS stadium—an opportunity that may not come again for some of them,” Ocean City coach Tim Oswald said.

The PDL side began the game defensively and the Union could not to cope. Philadelphia got the ball into the final third numerous times, but could not put any solid efforts on net. Keon Daniel had the best chance of the first half, hitting a half-volley that tested Nor’easters keeper Brian Billings. For 45 minutes, the Nor’easters kept their MLS opponents frustrated.

Jack McInerney changed things in the second half, doing what he does best—scoring goals. Sebastian Le Toux ran to the end line and sent a bouncing ball across the face of net. Billings could not smother it, leaving McInerney to gather and scored on an open net in the 49th minute.

Down 1-0, Ocean City played more offensively but the Union controlled most of the second half. It came as a surprise to the sparse crowd when Philadelphia could not clear the ball in the 90th minute. Kollie got the ball within the 6-yard box, where he knocked in the dramatic equalizer.

In the game’s final moments, Le Toux sent a cross into the Ocean City penalty area. Carroll flicked it on with the ball barely crossing the line to give the Union a last-second victory.

The Union, who made it to the Semifinals last year, advance to Round 4, where they will take on DC United on June 12. Philadelphia and DC played last year in the fourth round, with the Union emerging in overtime.

“These games are tough,” Hackworth said. “The Open Cup is always this way. You’re going to have battles. It’s the March Madness of the US soccer world. Our focus is on trying…to win the US Open Cup.”

Philadelphia Union : Ocean City Nor’easters

PPL Park—Chester, Pa.

Scoring Summary:

PHI: Jack McInerney (Sebastian Le Toux) 49

OC: Emmanuel Kollie (unassisted) 90

PHI: Brian Carroll (Le Toux) 90+

Line-ups:

Philadelphia Union: Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Sheanon Williams; Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Leo Fernandes (Michael Farfan, 90); Jack McInerney (Antoine Hoppenot, 81), Conor Casey (Danny Cruz, 65), Sebastian Le Toux

Ocean City Nor’easters: Brian Billings; Kevin Curran, Tapiwa Machingauta, Tyler Hilliard, Shawn McLaws; Nick Perea, Ken Tribbet, Timothy Mulgrew (Emmanuel Kollie, 66); Frank Tweneboa (JP Correa, 87), Markhus Lacroix, Anthony Asante (Zoncher Dennis, 69)

Discipline:

none

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Mike Magee scores in Fire debut as Chicago clips Charlotte Eagles, 2-0

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Early goals in each half propelled the Chicago Fire into the fourth round of the 100th US Open Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-0 victory over the host Charlotte Eagles in Rock Hill, SC on the campus of Winthrop University.

Newly acquired midfielder Mike Magee’s 11th minute goal got the MLS-side warmed up and Chris Rolfe helped ice the match with an assist from Magee against the third-division USL Pro squad in the 57th minute.Fire Logo

The Fire traded for Magee over the weekend, sending midfielder Robbie Rogers’ rights in exchange.

Chicago trotted out a mostly first-team side for the crowd of 1,562. They were without the services of goalkeeper Sean Johnson who was with the US Men’s National Team for a friendly against Belgium. Starting in his place was backup Paolo Tornaghi.

“I think games like this are never easy,” Fire coach Frank Klopas said in a statement. “You see around the world just the upsets that take place and there are great opportunities for teams like Charlotte to compete again MLS teams and also for players to showcase their abilities.

“More than anything we had to take the game very serious, which we did but it was a great night”

The loss grounded the Eagles – one the lower-division darlings of last year’s cup by advancing into the quarterfinals – who were outshot 18-12.

Chicago advances to host MLS-side Columbus Crew on June 12. The four time U.S. Open Cup champs are now 30-11-4 in Open Cup play.

Chicago Fire: Paolo Tornaghi; Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Baky Soumare, Gonzalo Segares; Logan Pause (Jeff Larentowicz, 46’); Dilly Duka, Alex, Patrick Nyarko (Joel Lindpere, 52’); Chris Rolfe (Sherjill MacDonald, 72’), Mike Magee
Substitutes not used: Alec Kaan, Michael Videira, Hunter Jumper

Charlotte Eagles: Eric Reed; Ben Newnam, Matt Gold, Fejiro Okiomah, Shaun Francis; Stephen Okai, Juan Guzman (Drew Yates, 75’); Jorge Herrera, Sam Asante, Nate Thornton (Sergio Villasenor, 45’); Stefan Smith (Christian Meza, 59’)
Substitutes not used: Brock Duckworth, Christian Ramirez, Evan Harding, Nick Courtney

Scoring
CHI – Mike Magee (Gonzalo Segares) 11’
CHI – Chris Rolfe (Mike Magee) 57’

Misconducts
CHI – Baky Soumare (caution) 39’
CHA – Sergio Villasenor (caution) 85’

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Real Salt Lake forced to OT by Atlanta Silverbacks, but prevail 3-2

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Real Salt LakeOn a rainy, gloomy day at Rio Tinto Stadium, it appeared Real Salt Lake would avoid a repeat of last year’s upset loss to Minnesota with a 1-0 lead only to see the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks tally a late equalizer to send the contest to overtime where the MLS side would eventually prevail 3-2 to move onto the Fourth Round.

The game started off quickly with a clear RSL chance in the second minute.  The Silverbacks back line had trouble clearing the ball and it came to wide-open Robbie Findley in front of goal, forcing Silverbacks keeper Joe Nasco to make a brilliant save that forced a corner.

On the resulting corner, Real Salt Lake took the early lead when an unmarked Kyle Beckerman finished at the near post.  Javier Morales was credited with the assist.

After that early goal, the game slowed down a bit in the wet and rainy conditions.  When there were chances, Real Salt Lake’s were the most threatening.   Nasco made many quality saves to keep the underdogs in the match.

After a few great chances in the second half for Real Salt Lake were saved by Nasco, Atlanta turned on the pressure.  For about 25 minutes, the Silverbacks were the team with the majority of the ball and chances.  Still, with minutes left, the Silverbacks were looking for the equalizer.

That equalizer came in the 86th minute on a fast counter.  Danny Barrera had the ball in midfield and slotted a gorgeous through ball to Ruben Luna on the wing.  Luna found Kellen Gulley who chipped the ball over the stranded keeper for a nice goal that would force extra time.

As extra time began, both teams were showing signs of fatigue and frustration.  Real Salt Lake scored in the 98th minute when Devon Sandoval scored on a dangerous cross through the box.  Minutes later, Real Salt Lake would add another goal for insurance with an absolute rocket from Khari Stevenson from over 25 yards out.  With the score now 3-1 in favor of Real Salt Lake, the Silverbacks were scrambling to get back into the game.

Atlanta looked to have a miracle of a chance when they scored in the 121st minute when Pablo Cruz made a nice finish in the box, but that wound up being the last kick of the game.  With the 3-2 victory, Real Salt Lake will host the Charleston Battery of USL Pro in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup on June 12.

RSL: Kyle Beckerman 3

ATL: Kellen Gulley 86

RSL: Devon Sandoval 98

RSL: Khari Stephenson 101

ATL: Pablo Cruz 121

Discipline

RSL: Yordany Alvarez (caution) 4

ATL: Daniel Barrera (caution) 44

ATL: Milton Blanco (caution) 65

RSL: Javier Morales (caution) 68

ATL: Borfor Carr (caution) 80

RSL: Ned Grabavoy (caution) 117

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