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2013 US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup Preliminary Round: Georgia Revolution edge Colorado Rovers in PKs to reach Round 1

May 8, 2013 by Josh Hakala

The Georgia Revolution clinched a spot in the First Round of the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by eliminating the Colorado Rovers 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch, CO. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, but an early save in the shootout proved to be key as the Revolution earned themselves a home game in Round 1.

The Revolution, taking part in their second straight US Open Cup, opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a goal from Ghana native Kwadwo Poku.

The Rovers would find an equalizer in the 76th minute when former Colorado Rapids academy player Marc Herschberger connected on a header that found it’s way across the line to level the match at 1-1.

The match would remain tied through both periods of extra time, sending the match to penalty kicks and it was Georgia’s Zachary Schultze who help send the Revs back to Georgia as winners. He stopped the Rovers first attempt, which ended up being the difference as everyone else converted their spot kicks, leaving the result at 5-3.

The Revs will now return home to Georgia to take on another Colorado team, this time in front of their own fans. The Revolution will host the PDL’s Real Colorado Foxes on May 14 at the RYSA Soccerplex in Conyers, Ga. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The winner of that match will take on the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks, the team that eliminated the Revolution in Round 2 last year.

#USOC100

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 Preliminary Round, 2013 US Open Cup, Colorado Rovers, Georgia Revolution

2013 US Open Cup: Potential Second Round pairings revealed

May 7, 2013 by Gerald Barnhart

MORE: 100th US Open Cup kicks off tonight with two Preliminary Round games

Hours before the kick off of the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup the US Soccer Federation unveiled the pairings and host scenarios for the Second Round – on May 21 – of the tournament, which will feature the introduction of the majority of the second and third division professional leagues with four having already played in the First Round.

The second tier North American Soccer League contingent of six teams and eight remaining third tier USL Pro clubs will take on winners from the First Round of competition with at least three of the professional clubs set to open play on the road against amateur opposition and six others with a possibility of doing so. The USL Pro trio of Harrisburg City Islanders, Orlando City and Wilmington Hammerheads will all take to the road for the Second Round. Meanwhile, the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies, Atlanta Silverbacks and Fort Lauderdale Strikers along with USL Pro’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Charleston Battery and Charlotte Eagles are in wait-and-see scenarios.

All 16 US-based MLS clubs (Division I) will enter the competition in Round 3 (May 28).

MORE FROM THECUP.US

Things you should know about Round 1

Things you should know about Round 2

TheCup.us is planning to launch a brand new website in honor of the 100th edition of the Open Cup, and as always, will have live updates from every single game of the competition. You can follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook. The Twitter hashtag for the tournament this year is #USOC100.

Here is the schedule for the Preliminary Round, and the potential match-ups for the First and Second Round:

2013 US Open Cup Preliminary Round (May 7)
All Times Eastern

Georgia Revolution (NPSL) 1:1 Colorado Rovers (USSSA)
Georgia advances, 5-3 on penalty kicks

Shea Stadium – Highlands Ranch, CO – 10:30 p.m.

The Revolution are making their second straight appearance in the Open Cup and remain one of only two Georgia-based amateur teams to qualify for the tournament in the Modern Pro Era (2009 – Atlanta FC). They lost a tight 1-0 game to the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) in the Second Round last year. The Colorado Rovers are not only making their first appearance in the Open Cup, but the organization they represent, the US Specialty Sports Association, are making their tournament debut as well.

FC Hasental (NPSL) 5:3 Fresno Fuego Future (US Club Soccer)
Chukchansi Park – Fresno, CA – 10 p.m.

The Fresno Fuego have been a member of the USL’s Premier Development League since 2003, but when they didn’t qualify for the 2013 US Open Cup (which was based on 2012 league results), they looked for another way to get in, so they entered the US Club Soccer qualifying tournament. The Fuego are best known for their 2003 Open Cup run where they upset two professional teams before falling to the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS 3-1 in Round 4. They will host first-time entry FC Hasental who punched their ticket through the NPSL Western Conference’s preseason qualifying tournament.

2013 US Open Cup First Round (May 14/15)
All Times Eastern

Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
Memorial Field, Deering High School – Portland, ME – 8 p.m.

Mass Premier Soccer are making their first appearance in the Open Cup as they emerged out of the very challenging USASA Region I. They defeated Newtown Pride FC (Connecticut) 6-0 in the regional semifinals to become just the third Massachusetts-based USASA club to qualify for the tournament in the Modern Pro Era. GPS Portland Phoenix of the PDL are making their second straight Open Cup appearance and will also host for the second year in a row. Last year, they lost their opening game to the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 3-2. The Phoenix remain the only club (of any kind) from the state of Maine to qualify for the tournament in more than two decades.

Icon FC (USASA) at Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)
Aviator Sports Complex – Brooklyn, NY – 8 p.m.

Icon FC of New Jersey bring some experienced players for their first Open Cup run. The club, led by former DC United and US youth international Danny Szetela, are just the second USASA club from New Jersey to qualify (2012 – Jersey Shore Boca) since 1995 and they will face a club with a strong Open Cup resume. The Brooklyn Italians who compete in the NPSL, have won the Open Cup twice (1979 as “Brooklyn Dodgers” and 1991), and finished runner-up in 1990. Those accomplishments happened a long time ago, but they have had some recent accomplishments too. This is the fourth year in a row that the Italians have qualified for the tournament, and with last year’s 3-2 win against GPS Portland Phoenix, they earned their first Open Cup victory since winning it all in 1991.

New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
Carey Stadium – Ocean City, NJ – 7:30 p.m.

The last time the Ocean City Nor’easters qualified for the Open Cup was in 2009 when they were known as the Ocean City Barons. Since then, the club has undergone a makeover both on the field and off it. New manager Tim Oswald led the club to their best league finish since their undefeated season in 2004 and qualified for this year’s Open Cup. The Nor’easters are one of the best amateur clubs to compete in the Open Cup during the Modern Professional Era. They have six wins in the Open Cup since joining the PDL in 2003, with four of those coming against professional teams. Only the Michigan Bucks (12) and the Des Moines Menace (7) have more Open Cup wins as a PDL team than the Nor’easters (6) and only the Bucks have more professional team upsets (9) than Ocean City. The Red Bulls Under 23s also qualified for the tournament after a successful league performance in 2012. The Red Bulls are in the tournament for the first time won the Atlantic Division title, finishing 11-3-0, the second best record in the NPSL.

FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) at Reading United AC (PDL)
Don Thomas Stadium – Reading, PA – 7 p.m.

Reading United will host FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic in a battle of Eastern Pennsylvania clubs. Reading is competing in the tournament for a record fifth straight time, something no amateur club has done in the Modern Professional Era. Reading has their friendly rivals, Ocean City, to thank for keeping their streak alive. The Nor’easters, by virtue of finishing with the Eastern Conference’s best record, earned a berth, leaving the second place team, Reading, as the Mid-Atlantic’s representative. Reading, despite qualifying for the tournament seven times since 1996, they are 1-6-0 in the tournament and picked up their first-ever Open Cup win by defeating the New York Greek American Atlas last year. Sonic has tweaked their team name (formerly FC Sonic Lehigh Valley) for their second straight Open Cup appearance. In 2012, they were one-and-done, losing to the PDL’s Long Island Rough Riders 2-0 in the First Round.

Ocala Stampede (PDL) at Red Force (USASA)
Florida International Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL – 7:30 p.m.

A pair of first-time entries from Florida will square off in Round 1 with the USASA’s Red Force hosting the Ocala Stampede. The Red Force were the only USASA team from the state of Florida to enter the state qualifying tournament and therefore were given a bye into the regional tournament. The Red Force then won three games at the USASA Region III tournament in New Orleans to clinch a spot in the Open Cup. The Stampede qualified after a very successful inaugural season in the PDL. Ocala, which is located in Central Florida, just northwest of Orlando, won the Southeast Division title with an 11-3-2 record, which was the best record in the conference.

VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL PRO) at Orlando City U-23s (PDL)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, FL – 7 p.m.

The Orlando City U23s are back in the tournament for the fourth year in a row and the sixth time in franchise history. However, they are still seeking their first Open Cup win. Last year was their best chance, losing 2-1 at home to Jacksonville United (NPSL) on an 89th minute goal by Ramak Safi. VSI Tampa Bay FC are making their debut in USL Pro and the Open Cup this year.

Chattanooga FC (NPSL) at Carolina Dynamo (PDL)
Macpherson Stadium – Greensboro, NC – 7 p.m.

Chattanooga FC are back in the Open Cup for the first since 2011 after winning their division last season. Tennessee-based clubs are few and far between in the Open Cup. Prior to Chattanooga qualifying in 2011, the Memphis Express (PDL) were the last entry in 2002, and before that, the Nashville Metros are the only Volunteer State-based club to qualify. The Carolina Dynamo have qualified for the Open Cup for the 10th time (5th time as a PDL club) both as a professional and an amateur team. They are 10-9-0 all-time in the tournament, but have been one-and-done the last two trips to the tournament after their historic run to the Fourth Round in 2006. During that run, they eliminated two professional teams (Richmond Kickers, Seattle Sounders) before falling to the Houston Dynamo. 2013 marks the Dynamo’s third straight appearance in the competition.

Dearborn Stars (USASA) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arenas – Pontiac, MI – 7:30 p.m.

For just the second time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present), two teams from the state of Michigan will square off in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The last time it happened was in 2001 when the Michigan Bucks defeated the Detroit-based Chaldean Arsenal 3-0 at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw, Mich. With a record 12 Open Cup wins, 9 of them against professional opponents, the Bucks have the strongest resume of any amateur team in the country. Last year, they bolstered their reputation as giant killers with their second win in franchise history over a Major League Soccer team, defeating the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time. Combined with their 1-0 road win over the New England Revolution in 2000, they are the only amateur team to defeat multiple MLS teams. They will host the Dearborn Stars who have been around since 1982, but are entering the tournament for the first time. When the two teams square off at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., it will be just the fifth Open Cup game in the 100-year history of the tournament to be played indoors.

RWB Adria (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m.

Since they launched in 1999, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have qualified for the US Open Cup in 10 of their 14 seasons (the franchise was on hiatus in 2007). However, they have experienced very little success in the tournament. The club has only won multiple games in a tournament once and that was when they reached the Quarterfinals as an A-League team in 2001. Having said all that, it’s a new era in Pittsburgh as the Riverhounds opened their new soccer-specific Highmark Stadium near downtown Pittsburgh. Their opening round opponent, RWB Adria from Chicago, has been around since 1959 and have reached the semifinals twice (1978, 1991) but haven’t won a tournament game since 1991. They have qualified three times in the Modern Pro Era (1996, 2007, 2008) but lost to a professional team in their opening game each year.

River City Rovers (PDL) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)
Beavercreek High School – Beavercreek, OH – 7 p.m.

The Dayton Dutch Lions were one of the tournament’s best Cinderella stories last year and they are back in 2013 looking to build on their success from a year ago. Despite struggling in their first two years as a professional franchise (they moved up from the PDL to USL Pro in 2011), and losing their opening game in both 2010 and 2011, the Dutch Lions surprised many by upsetting the Columbus Crew 2-1 in the Third Round. They continued their run by defeating the Michigan Bucks 2-1 in extra time to reach the Quarterfinals where they lost to eventual Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City. Dayton’s run to the round of eight was made even more impressive by the fact that they did it without playing a single home game. This year, they kick off the 2013 tournament with their first-ever home game as they host the PDL’s River City Rovers. The Louisville, Kentucky-based Rovers have qualified for the tournament for the first time, benefiting from the fact that Forest City London, the team who finished in second place in the Great Lakes Division, are Canadian and are not eligible for the Open Cup. The Rovers qualified and are the first Kentucky-based club to take part in the tournament since the Louisville Alliance reached the Regional Semifinals in 1993.

Madison 56ers (NPSL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA – May 15 at 8:30 p.m.

One of amateur soccer’s giants, the Des Moines Menace are back in the competition for the second year in a row, making their seventh all-time appearance. Only the Michigan Bucks (10) have qualified for the Open Cup more times among PDL teams. They enter the tournament as a 3rd place team because the Heartland Division champion, Thunder Bay Chill, are based in Canada. The Menace are tied with the Ocean City Nor’easters for second place among PDL teams with four professional team upsets (Michigan Bucks have 9). The Madison 56ers, who date back to 1956, are back in the tournament after a one year layoff. In 2011, they defeated Chicago’s AAC Eagles 4-0 before falling to the Chicago Fire’s PDL team 2-0 in Round 2. According to TheCup.us records, 2011 was the first tournament appearance for the 56ers since reaching the Regional Finals in 1991 (they lost to 2013 qualifier RWB Adria in penalty kicks that year)

NTX Rayados (USASA) at Austin Aztex (PDL)
House Park – Austin, TX – 8:30 p.m.

The Austin Aztex name is back in the US Open Cup after the previous version of the club left Austin to form Orlando City SC. New owners have brought the name back and launched a PDL franchise in 2012. A second place finish in the Mid-South Division last year was enough to get them back in the tournament. The North Texas Rayados from the USASA are back in the tournament for the second year in a row after cruising through the Region III tournament. They outscored their opponents 17-2 and won the Region III tournament. They not only earned a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but by defeating Florida’s Red Force 3-0 in the Region III title game, they will advance to the USASA Nationals in San Antonio.

Phoenix FC (USL Pro) at FC Tucson (PDL)
Kino Sports Complex Grandstand, Field 5 – Tucson, AZ – 10:30 p.m.

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era (and quite possibly ever), the US Open Cup will feature a game between two Arizona-based clubs. Both teams are first-time entries with USL Pro side Phoenix SC kicking off their inaugural campaign this year. FC Tucson qualified after a successful first season in the PDL last year, edging out the Fresno Fuego for second place in the Southwest Division with a 9-3-4 record.

Sacramento Gold (NPSL) at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
JELD-WEN Field – Portland, OR – 10:30 p.m.

The Timbers U23s are back in the tournament for the second year in a row, looking for their first win. Last year, they lost 3-1 in front of their home fans to USASA club PSA Elite. The Timbers are hoping their league success from the past three seasons, including the 2010 PDL championship, will translate into Open Cup success. On the other side, the Sacramento Gold from the NPSL are making their first appearance in the tournament, becoming just the second Sacramento-based club to qualify in the Modern Pro Era. The Sacramento Knights of the MPSL qualified through the USASA in 2004 and reached the Second Round before falling to the Utah Blitzz (Division III). The Gold qualified for the Open Cup through the NPSL’s preseason tournament where they cruised through the Northern Division, outscoring their three opponents 10-1, including a 5-1 championship game win over the Sonoma County Sol.

Doxa Italia (USASA) at Sounders FC U23s (PDL)
Sunset Chevrolet Stadium – Sumner, WA – 10 p.m.

Doxa Italia of the USASA are back in the tournament and will face first-time entry Seattle Sounders FC U23s in the opening round. Doxa last qualified for the Open Cup in 2011 (losing 3-1 to Ventura County Fusion in Round 1), and would have returned in 2012 but a little-known club called Cal FC handed them their only qualifying loss and they missed the cut. This year, Doxa returned the favor, handing Cal FC their only qualifying loss and leaving last year’s USASA Cinderella story on the outside looking in. No matter what they are called, the Seattle Sounders U-23s are making their first Open Cup appearance in franchise history. The club was originally known as Tacoma FC, but never qualified from 2006-2011. Last year, the team re-branded and enjoyed immediate success, winning the Northwest Division championship and reaching the final four in the PDL playoffs.

PSA Elite (USASA) at Laredo Heat SC (PDL)
Texas A&M International Soccer Complex – Laredo, TX – 9:15 p.m.

PSA Elite are back in the Open Cup for the second year in a row after dominating the USASA Region IV tournament this year. They outscored their opponents 26-4, including a pair of wins against fellow Open Cup qualifier Doxa Italia to punch their ticket to the Open Cup and the USASA National Finals. They won their first Open Cup game last year, defeating the Portland Timbers U23s (PDL) 3-1, but a cross-country trip to North Carolina was too much to ask as they were trounced 6-0 by the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks in Round 2. They will have another long trip on their hands this year as they will travel to Laredo, Texas to take on the Heat who are back in the Open Cup for a second straight year, and just the third time in franchise history. Three trips to the tournament in a decade is a surprising number for one of the best teams in the PDL. The 2007 league champion, and a three-time runner-up, the Heat qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2006 when they nearly eliminated Dallas Roma FC in Round 1 before Roma began their historic run to the Fourth Round. Last year, the Heat returned, winning their first-ever Open Cup game, 4-2 over fellow Texas amateur club ASC New Stars (USASA) in extra time. They hit the road in Round 2 and lost 2-0 to the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions. This is a PDL team that has qualified for the league playoffs nine years in a row, and have only failed to qualify once, during their inaugural season in 2004, so single-elimination tournaments are nothing new to them.

Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex – Conyers, GA – 7 p.m.

The Georgia Revolution (NPSL), making their second straight appearance in the tournament, will face the Real Colorado Foxes in Round 1. The Real Colorado Foxes (no relationship with the Colorado Foxes who took part in the 1995 US Open Cup), have qualified for the third year in a row as the second place team in the Heartland Division (Division champion Thunder Bay Chill are from Canada). The Foxes won their first-ever tournament game in 2011 when they defeated USASA’s DV8 Defenders from San Jose, Calif. 5-0. Then after being eliminated by fellow PDL side Kitsap Pumas the next round, they suffered another defeat at the hands of an amateur team, losing 3-1 to the KC Athletics (USASA) at home. If the Rovers are able to knock off the Revolution, it would make the first time in the Modern Professional Era (and possibly ever) that two Colorado-based clubs will meet in tournament play.

FC Hasental (NPSL) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College; Ventura, Calif. – 10 p.m .

First-time entry FC Hasental will travel to Ventura to take on the Ventura County Fusion of the PDL. The Fusion qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2010 and were one-and-done to the USASA’s Arizona Sahuaros. Each year after that, they have improved on the previous year’s performance. In 2011, they won a single game before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro). Last year, they won two games, including a revenge win over the Blues in Round 2. They nearly knocked off an MLS team, but were unable to overcome an early goal by Chivas USA, and lost 1-0.

2013 US Open Cup Second Round (May 21)
All Times Eastern

GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)/Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium – Rochester, NY – 7:35 p.m

Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)/Icon FC (USASA) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium – Richmond, VA – 7 p.m.

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Reading United AC (PDL)
Don Thomas Stadium – Reading, PA – 7:30 p.m.
OR
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL)

Whitehall High School Soccer Complex – Whitehall, PA – 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)/RWB Adria (USASA) at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
Carey Stadium – Ocean City, NJ – 7:30 p.m.
OR
New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)

Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m.
OR
New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) vs. RWB Adria (USASA)

TBD

Michigan Bucks (PDL)/Dearborn Stars (USASA) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)
Beavercreek High School – Beavercreek, OH – 7 p.m.
OR
Michigan Bucks (PDL)/Dearborn Stars (USASA) vs. River City Rovers (PDL)

TBD

Carolina Dynamo (PDL)/Chattanooga FC (NPSL) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC – 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at VSI Tampa Bay (USL PRO)
Plant City Stadium – Plant City, FL – 7:30 p.m.
OR
Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Orlando City U23s (PDL)

Seminole Soccer Complex – Sanford, FL – 7 p.m.

Orlando City (USL PRO) at Ocala Stampede (PDL)
Trinity Catholic High School – Ocala, FL  – 7 p.m.
OR
Orlando City (USL PRO) at Red Force (USASA)

Florida International Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL – 7:30 p.m.

Des Moines Menace (PDL)/Madison 56ers (NPSL) at Minnesota United FC (NASL)
National Sports Center – Blaine, Minn. – 8 p.m.

FC Tucson (PDL)/Phoenix FC (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Toyota Field – San Antonio, TX – 8:30 p.m.

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) at Austin Aztex (PDL)
House Park – Austin, TX – 8:30 p.m.
OR
Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO) at North Texas Rayados (USASA)

Richland Community College – Dallas, TX – 9 p.m.

Ventura County (PDL)/FC Hasental (NPSL) at L.A. Blues (USL PRO)
Titan Stadium – Fullerton, CA – 9:30 p.m.

Charleston Battery (USL PRO) at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
JELD-WEN Field – Portland, OR – 10:30 p.m.
OR
Sacramento Gold (NPSL) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium – Charleston, SC – 7:30 p.m.

Sounders FC U-23s (PDL)/Doxa Italia (USASA) at Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO)
Queens University of Charlotte Sports Complex – Charlotte, NC – 7 p.m.

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex – Conyers, GA – 7 p.m.
OR
Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)

TBD

Laredo Heat (PDL)/PSA Elite (USASA) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL – 7:30 p.m.

—————————————————-


2013 US Open Cup Participating Teams

Major League Soccer (Division I – 16 teams): Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City.

North American Soccer League (Division II – 6 teams): Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Minnesota United FC, San Antonio Scorpions, Tampa Bay Rowdies

USL Pro (Division III – 12 teams): Charleston Battery, Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, Los Angeles Blues, Orlando City, Phoenix FC Wolves, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, VSI Tampa Bay FC, Wilmington Hammerheads.

USL Premier Development League – 16 places: The top two American-based teams from each division’s 2012 league standings. The teams will be: Austin Aztex, Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, GPS Portland Phoenix, Laredo Heat, Michigan Bucks, Ocala Stampede, Ocean City Nor’easters, Orlando City U23s, Portland Timbers U23s, Reading United, Real Colorado Foxes, River City Rovers, Seattle Sounders U23s, Ventura County Fusion | PDL entry details [+]

National Premier Soccer League – 8 places: Brooklyn Italians, Chattanooga FC, FC Hasental, FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, Georgia Revolution, Madison 56ers, New York Red Bulls U23s, Sacramento Gold

U.S. Adult Soccer Association – 8 places: Icon FC (New Jersey, Region I), Mass Premier Soccer (Massachusetts, Region I), Dearborn Stars SC (Michigan, Region II), RWB Adria (Illinois, Region II), North Texas Rayados (North Texas, Region III), Red Force (Florida, Region III), Doxa Italia (California South, Region IV), PSA Elite (California South, Region IV)

US Club Soccer – 1 place: Fresno Fuego Future

U.S. Specialty Sports Association – 1 place: Colorado Rovers

2013 US Open Cup Match Schedule

Preliminary Round – Date: May 7 – Number of Games: 2 – Teams: Georgia Revolution (NPSL) at Colorado Rovers (USSSA); FC Hasental (NPSL) at Fresno Fuego Future (US Club Soccer)

First Round – Date: May 14 – Number of Games: 18 – Teams: Preliminary Round winners plus USASA, NPSL, PDL entries and 4 USL Pro teams (Dayton Dutch Lions, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Phoenix FC Wolves and VSI Tampa Bay FC).

Second Round – Date: May 21 – Number of Games: 16 – Teams: First Round winners join remaining 8 USL Pro and 6 NASL teams.

Third Round – Date: May 28 – Number of Games: 16 – Teams: 16 Second Round winners are paired against 16 MLS sides.

Fourth Round – Date: June 12

Quarterfinals – Date: June 26

Semifinals – Date: Aug. 7 or 21

Final – Date: Oct. 1 or 2

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2013 Second Round, 2013 US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup draw announced for Play-In, First Round; 100th tournament kicks off May 7

May 1, 2013 by Josh Hakala

UPDATE (4:55 p.m. 5/1/13): Des Moines Menace match vs. Madison 56ers has been moved from May 14 to May 15.

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has announced the draw for the Preliminary Round and the First Round of the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For the first time since 2006, the 68-team tournament will have a Preliminary Round, which is scheduled to begin on May 7, the earliest the competition has started in 20 years.

The USSF confirmed earlier reports that there will be two Preliminary Round games, which will feed into Round 1 that is scheduled to begin a week later on May 14. The Fresno Fuego Future, who qualified out of US Club Soccer (USCS), will host the NPSL’s FC Hasental in one of the games, while the Georgia Revolution (NPSL) will travel to the Denver area to take on US Speciality Sports Association’s first-ever entry, the Colorado Rovers.

The First Round features a Modern Professional Era (1995-present) single-round record 18 games with the Preliminary Round winners joining teams from the USASA (8), NPSL (6), PDL (16) and USL Pro (4).

The centennial edition of the tournament, which was first played from the fall of 1913 to the spring of 1914, features a number of Modern Professional Era milestones. The 68-team field is a record and for the second straight year, every US-based professional team will take part with the remaining eight USL Pro (Division III) teams and all six NASL clubs (Division II) beginning play in the Second Round scheduled for May 21.

All 16 US-based MLS clubs (Division I) will enter the competition in Round 3 (May 28).

Another change to the 2013 US Open Cup is the prize money involved. The winner of the tournament, in addition to an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, will receive $250,000, which is an increase from $100,000. The runner-up prize was boosted from $50,000 to $60,000. In the past, the tournament has awarded a cash prize to the lower division teams that advance the furthest at each level. The Division II, III and amateur team that advances the furthest will now receive $15,000, up from $10,000 in past years.

The process of determining home teams in the Open Cup received a makeover last year, and those reforms have been expanded for 2013. This year, the host of every game of the tournament from the Preliminary Round to the championship game will be determined by a coin flip. The secret bidding process has been completely eliminated. Teams can apply to host and if they meet the minimum venue standards set by the USSF, then they are given a chance to win the hosting rights by way of coin flip.

TheCup.us has learned that in Round 3, teams interested in hosting a tournament game will need to meet minimum venue standards and pay a $12,000 hosting fee. The fee increases to $18,000 for Round 4, and then to $25,000 for the Quarterfinals. The cost for the Semifinals is $50,000 and 50 percent of ticket revenue earned over $100,000. The championship game increases to $250,000 along with 50 percent of ticket revenue above $300,000.

Also, the process of selling home game rights has also been eliminated.

TheCup.us is planning to launch a brand new website in honor of the 100th edition of the Open Cup, and as always, will have live updates from every single game of the competition. You can follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook. The Twitter hashtag for the tournament this year is #USOC100.

Here is the schedule for the Preliminary Round and the First Round for 2013:

2013 US Open Cup Preliminary Round (May 7)
All Times Eastern

Georgia Revolution (NPSL) at Colorado Rovers (USSSA)
Shea Stadium – Highlands Ranch, CO – 10 p.m.

The Revolution are making their second straight appearance in the Open Cup and remain one of only two Georgia-based amateur teams to qualify for the tournament in the Modern Pro Era (2009 – Atlanta FC). They lost a tight 1-0 game to the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) in the Second Round last year. The Colorado Rovers are not only making their first appearance in the Open Cup, but the organization they represent, the US Specialty Sports Association, are making their tournament debut as well.

FC Hasental (NPSL) at Fresno Fuego Future (US Club Soccer)
Chukchansi Park – Fresno, CA – 10 p.m.

The Fresno Fuego have been a member of the USL’s Premier Development League since 2003, but when they didn’t qualify for the 2013 US Open Cup (which was based on 2012 league results), they looked for another way to get in, so they entered the US Club Soccer qualifying tournament. The Fuego are best known for their 2003 Open Cup run where they upset two professional teams before falling to the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS 3-1 in Round 4. They will host first-time entry FC Hasental who punched their ticket through the NPSL Western Conference’s preseason qualifying tournament.

2013 US Open Cup First Round (May 14/15)
All Times Eastern

Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
Memorial Field, Deering High School – Portland, ME – 8 p.m.

Mass Premier Soccer are making their first appearance in the Open Cup as they emerged out of the very challenging USASA Region I. They defeated Newtown Pride FC (Connecticut) 6-0 in the regional semifinals to become just the third Massachusetts-based USASA club to qualify for the tournament in the Modern Pro Era. GPS Portland Phoenix of the PDL are making their second straight Open Cup appearance and will also host for the second year in a row. Last year, they lost their opening game to the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 3-2. The Phoenix remain the only club (of any kind) from the state of Maine to qualify for the tournament in more than two decades.

Icon FC (USASA) at Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)
Aviator Sports Complex – Brooklyn, NY – 8 p.m.

Icon FC of New Jersey bring some experienced players for their first Open Cup run. The club, led by former DC United and US youth international Danny Szetela, are just the second USASA club from New Jersey to qualify (2012 – Jersey Shore Boca) since 1995 and they will face a club with a strong Open Cup resume. The Brooklyn Italians who compete in the NPSL, have won the Open Cup twice (1979 as “Brooklyn Dodgers” and 1991), and finished runner-up in 1990. Those accomplishments happened a long time ago, but they have had some recent accomplishments too. This is the fourth year in a row that the Italians have qualified for the tournament, and with last year’s 3-2 win against GPS Portland Phoenix, they earned their first Open Cup victory since winning it all in 1991.

New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
Carey Stadium – Ocean City, NJ – 7:30 p.m.

The last time the Ocean City Nor’easters qualified for the Open Cup was in 2009 when they were known as the Ocean City Barons. Since then, the club has undergone a makeover both on the field and off it. New manager Tim Oswald led the club to their best league finish since their undefeated season in 2004 and qualified for this year’s Open Cup. The Nor’easters are one of the best amateur clubs to compete in the Open Cup during the Modern Professional Era. They have six wins in the Open Cup since joining the PDL in 2003, with four of those coming against professional teams. Only the Michigan Bucks (12) and the Des Moines Menace (7) have more Open Cup wins as a PDL team than the Nor’easters (6) and only the Bucks have more professional team upsets (9) than Ocean City. The Red Bulls Under 23s also qualified for the tournament after a successful league performance in 2012. The Red Bulls are in the tournament for the first time won the Atlantic Division title, finishing 11-3-0, the second best record in the NPSL.

FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) at Reading United AC (PDL)
Oley Valley High School – Oley, PA – 7 p.m.

Reading United will host FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic in a battle of Eastern Pennsylvania clubs. Reading is competing in the tournament for a record fifth straight time, something no amateur club has done in the Modern Professional Era. Reading has their friendly rivals, Ocean City, to thank for keeping their streak alive. The Nor’easters, by virtue of finishing with the Eastern Conference’s best record, earned a berth, leaving the second place team, Reading, as the Mid-Atlantic’s representative. Reading, despite qualifying for the tournament seven times since 1996, they are 1-6-0 in the tournament and picked up their first-ever Open Cup win by defeating the New York Greek American Atlas last year. Sonic has tweaked their team name (formerly FC Sonic Lehigh Valley) for their second straight Open Cup appearance. In 2012, they were one-and-done, losing to the PDL’s Long Island Rough Riders 2-0 in the First Round.

Ocala Stampede (PDL) at Red Force (USASA)
Florida International Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL – 7:30 p.m.

A pair of first-time entries from Florida will square off in Round 1 with the USASA’s Red Force hosting the Ocala Stampede. The Red Force were the only USASA team from the state of Florida to enter the state qualifying tournament and therefore were given a bye into the regional tournament. The Red Force then won three games at the USASA Region III tournament in New Orleans to clinch a spot in the Open Cup. The Stampede qualified after a very successful inaugural season in the PDL. Ocala, which is located in Central Florida, just northwest of Orlando, won the Southeast Division title with an 11-3-2 record, which was the best record in the conference.

VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL PRO) at Orlando City U-23s (PDL)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, FL – 7 p.m.

The Orlando City U23s are back in the tournament for the fourth year in a row and the sixth time in franchise history. However, they are still seeking their first Open Cup win. Last year was their best chance, losing 2-1 at home to Jacksonville United (NPSL) on an 89th minute goal by Ramak Safi. VSI Tampa Bay FC are making their debut in USL Pro and the Open Cup this year.

Chattanooga FC (NPSL) at Carolina Dynamo (PDL)
Macpherson Stadium – Greensboro, NC – 7 p.m.

Chattanooga FC are back in the Open Cup for the first since 2011 after winning their division last season. Tennessee-based clubs are few and far between in the Open Cup. Prior to Chattanooga qualifying in 2011, the Memphis Express (PDL) were the last entry in 2002, and before that, the Nashville Metros are the only Volunteer State-based club to qualify. The Carolina Dynamo have qualified for the Open Cup for the 10th time (5th time as a PDL club) both as a professional and an amateur team. They are 10-9-0 all-time in the tournament, but have been one-and-done the last two trips to the tournament after their historic run to the Fourth Round in 2006. During that run, they eliminated two professional teams (Richmond Kickers, Seattle Sounders) before falling to the Houston Dynamo. 2013 marks the Dynamo’s third straight appearance in the competition.

Dearborn Stars (USASA) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arenas – Pontiac, MI – 7:30 p.m.

For just the second time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present), two teams from the state of Michigan will square off in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The last time it happened was in 2001 when the Michigan Bucks defeated the Detroit-based Chaldean Arsenal 3-0 at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw, Mich. With a record 12 Open Cup wins, 9 of them against professional opponents, the Bucks have the strongest resume of any amateur team in the country. Last year, they bolstered their reputation as giant killers with their second win in franchise history over a Major League Soccer team, defeating the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time. Combined with their 1-0 road win over the New England Revolution in 2000, they are the only amateur team to defeat multiple MLS teams. They will host the Dearborn Stars who have been around since 1982, but are entering the tournament for the first time. When the two teams square off at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., it will be just the fifth Open Cup game in the 100-year history of the tournament to be played indoors.

RWB Adria (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m.

Since they launched in 1999, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have qualified for the US Open Cup in 10 of their 14 seasons (the franchise was on hiatus in 2007). However, they have experienced very little success in the tournament. The club has only won multiple games in a tournament once and that was when they reached the Quarterfinals as an A-League team in 2001. Having said all that, it’s a new era in Pittsburgh as the Riverhounds opened their new soccer-specific Highmark Stadium near downtown Pittsburgh. Their opening round opponent, RWB Adria from Chicago, has been around since 1959 and have reached the semifinals twice (1978, 1991) but haven’t won a tournament game since 1991. They have qualified three times in the Modern Pro Era (1996, 2007, 2008) but lost to a professional team in their opening game each year.

River City Rovers (PDL) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)
Beavercreek High School – Beavercreek, OH – 7 p.m.

The Dayton Dutch Lions were one of the tournament’s best Cinderella stories last year and they are back in 2013 looking to build on their success from a year ago. Despite struggling in their first two years as a professional franchise (they moved up from the PDL to USL Pro in 2011), and losing their opening game in both 2010 and 2011, the Dutch Lions surprised many by upsetting the Columbus Crew 2-1 in the Third Round. They continued their run by defeating the Michigan Bucks 2-1 in extra time to reach the Quarterfinals where they lost to eventual Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City. Dayton’s run to the round of eight was made even more impressive by the fact that they did it without playing a single home game. This year, they kick off the 2013 tournament with their first-ever home game as they host the PDL’s River City Rovers. The Louisville, Kentucky-based Rovers have qualified for the tournament for the first time, benefiting from the fact that Forest City London, the team who finished in second place in the Great Lakes Division, are Canadian and are not eligible for the Open Cup. The Rovers qualified and are the first Kentucky-based club to take part in the tournament since the Louisville Alliance reached the Regional Semifinals in 1993.

Madison 56ers (NPSL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA – May 15 at 8:30 p.m.

One of amateur soccer’s giants, the Des Moines Menace are back in the competition for the second year in a row, making their seventh all-time appearance. Only the Michigan Bucks (10) have qualified for the Open Cup more times among PDL teams. They enter the tournament as a 3rd place team because the Heartland Division champion, Thunder Bay Chill, are based in Canada. The Menace are tied with the Ocean City Nor’easters for second place among PDL teams with four professional team upsets (Michigan Bucks have 9). The Madison 56ers, who date back to 1956, are back in the tournament after a one year layoff. In 2011, they defeated Chicago’s AAC Eagles 4-0 before falling to the Chicago Fire’s PDL team 2-0 in Round 2. According to TheCup.us records, 2011 was the first tournament appearance for the 56ers since reaching the Regional Finals in 1991 (they lost to 2013 qualifier RWB Adria in penalty kicks that year)

NTX Rayados (USASA) at Austin Aztex (PDL)
House Park – Austin, TX – 8:30 p.m.

The Austin Aztex name is back in the US Open Cup after the previous version of the club left Austin to form Orlando City SC. New owners have brought the name back and launched a PDL franchise in 2012. A second place finish in the Mid-South Division last year was enough to get them back in the tournament. The North Texas Rayados from the USASA are back in the tournament for the second year in a row after cruising through the Region III tournament. They outscored their opponents 17-2 and won the Region III tournament. They not only earned a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but by defeating Florida’s Red Force 3-0 in the Region III title game, they will advance to the USASA Nationals in San Antonio.

Phoenix FC (USL Pro) at FC Tucson (PDL)
Kino Sports Complex Grandstand, Field 5 – Tucson, AZ – 10:30 p.m.

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era (and quite possibly ever), the US Open Cup will feature a game between two Arizona-based clubs. Both teams are first-time entries with USL Pro side Phoenix SC kicking off their inaugural campaign this year. FC Tucson qualified after a successful first season in the PDL last year, edging out the Fresno Fuego for second place in the Southwest Division with a 9-3-4 record.

Sacramento Gold (NPSL) at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
JELD-WEN Field – Portland, OR – 10:30 p.m.

The Timbers U23s are back in the tournament for the second year in a row, looking for their first win. Last year, they lost 3-1 in front of their home fans to USASA club PSA Elite. The Timbers are hoping their league success from the past three seasons, including the 2010 PDL championship, will translate into Open Cup success. On the other side, the Sacramento Gold from the NPSL are making their first appearance in the tournament, becoming just the second Sacramento-based club to qualify in the Modern Pro Era. The Sacramento Knights of the MPSL qualified through the USASA in 2004 and reached the Second Round before falling to the Utah Blitzz (Division III). The Gold qualified for the Open Cup through the NPSL’s preseason tournament where they cruised through the Northern Division, outscoring their three opponents 10-1, including a 5-1 championship game win over the Sonoma County Sol.

Doxa Italia (USASA) at Sounders FC U23s (PDL)
Sunset Chevrolet Stadium – Sumner, WA – 10 p.m.

Doxa Italia of the USASA are back in the tournament and will face first-time entry Seattle Sounders FC U23s in the opening round. Doxa last qualified for the Open Cup in 2011 (losing 3-1 to Ventura County Fusion in Round 1), and would have returned in 2012 but a little-known club called Cal FC handed them their only qualifying loss and they missed the cut. This year, Doxa returned the favor, handing Cal FC their only qualifying loss and leaving last year’s USASA Cinderella story on the outside looking in. No matter what they are called, the Seattle Sounders U-23s are making their first Open Cup appearance in franchise history. The club was originally known as Tacoma FC, but never qualified from 2006-2011. Last year, the team re-branded and enjoyed immediate success, winning the Northwest Division championship and reaching the final four in the PDL playoffs.

PSA Elite (USASA) at Laredo Heat SC (PDL)
Texas A&M International Soccer Complex – Laredo, TX – 9:15 p.m.

PSA Elite are back in the Open Cup for the second year in a row after dominating the USASA Region IV tournament this year. They outscored their opponents 26-4, including a pair of wins against fellow Open Cup qualifier Doxa Italia to punch their ticket to the Open Cup and the USASA National Finals. They won their first Open Cup game last year, defeating the Portland Timbers U23s (PDL) 3-1, but a cross-country trip to North Carolina was too much to ask as they were trounced 6-0 by the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks in Round 2. They will have another long trip on their hands this year as they will travel to Laredo, Texas to take on the Heat who are back in the Open Cup for a second straight year, and just the third time in franchise history. Three trips to the tournament in a decade is a surprising number for one of the best teams in the PDL. The 2007 league champion, and a three-time runner-up, the Heat qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2006 when they nearly eliminated Dallas Roma FC in Round 1 before Roma began their historic run to the Fourth Round. Last year, the Heat returned, winning their first-ever Open Cup game, 4-2 over fellow Texas amateur club ASC New Stars (USASA) in extra time. They hit the road in Round 2 and lost 2-0 to the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions. This is a PDL team that has qualified for the league playoffs nine years in a row, and have only failed to qualify once, during their inaugural season in 2004, so single-elimination tournaments are nothing new to them.

Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) at Colorado Rovers (USSSA)
Shea Stadium – Highlands Ranch, CO – 10 p.m.
OR
Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)

RYSA Soccerplex – Conyers, GA – 7 p.m.

The winner of the Preliminary game between the Colorado Rovers (USSSA) and the Georgia Revolution (NPSL) will face the Real Colorado Foxes in Round 1. The Real Colorado Foxes (no relationship with the Colorado Foxes who took part in the 1995 US Open Cup), have qualified for the third year in a row as the second place team in the Heartland Division (Division champion Thunder Bay Chill are from Canada). The Foxes won their first-ever tournament game in 2011 when they defeated USASA’s DV8 Defenders from San Jose, Calif. 5-0. Then after being eliminated by fellow PDL side Kitsap Pumas the next round, they suffered another defeat at the hands of an amateur team, losing 3-1 to the KC Athletics (USASA) at home. If the Rovers are able to knock off the Revolution, it would make the first time in the Modern Professional Era (and possibly ever) that two Colorado-based clubs will meet in tournament play.

Fresno Fuego Future/FC Hasental at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College; Ventura, Calif. – 10 p.m .

The winner of the Fresno/FC Hasental match will travel to Ventura to take on the Ventura County Fusion of the PDL. The Fusion qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2010 and were one-and-done to the USASA’s Arizona Sahuaros. Each year after that, they have improved on the previous year’s performance. In 2011, they won a single game before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro). Last year, they won two games, including a revenge win over the Blues in Round 2. They nearly knocked off an MLS team, but were unable to overcome an early goal by Chivas USA, and lost 1-0.

2013 US Open Cup Second Round

Potential pairings to be announced

2013 US Open Cup Participating Teams

Major League Soccer (Division I – 16 teams): Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City.

North American Soccer League (Division II – 6 teams): Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Minnesota United FC, San Antonio Scorpions, Tampa Bay Rowdies.

USL Pro (Division III – 12 teams): Charleston Battery, Charlotte Eagles, Dayton Dutch Lions, Harrisburg City Islanders, Los Angeles Blues, Orlando City, Phoenix FC Wolves, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, VSI Tampa Bay FC, Wilmington Hammerheads.

USL Premier Development League – 16 places: The top two American-based teams from each division’s 2012 league standings. The teams will be: Austin Aztex, Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, GPS Portland Phoenix, Laredo Heat, Michigan Bucks, Ocala Stampede, Ocean City Nor’easters, Orlando City U23s, Portland Timbers U23s, Reading United, Real Colorado Foxes, River City Rovers, Seattle Sounders U23s, Ventura County Fusion | PDL entry details [+]

National Premier Soccer League – 8 places: Brooklyn Italians, Chattanooga FC, FC Hasental, FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, Georgia Revolution, Madison 56ers, New York Red Bulls U23s, Sacramento Gold

U.S. Adult Soccer Association – 8 places: Icon FC (New Jersey, Region I), Mass Premier Soccer (Massachusetts, Region I), Dearborn Stars SC (Michigan, Region II), RWB Adria (Illinois, Region II), North Texas Rayados (North Texas, Region III), Red Force (Florida, Region III), Doxa Italia (California South, Region IV), PSA Elite (California South, Region IV)

US Club Soccer – 1 place: Fresno Fuego Future

U.S. Specialty Sports Association – 1 place: Colorado Rovers

2013 US Open Cup Match Schedule

Preliminary Round – Date: May 7 – Number of Games: 2 – Teams: Georgia Revolution (NPSL) at Colorado Rovers (USSSA); FC Hasental (NPSL) at Fresno Fuego Future (US Club Soccer)

First Round – Date: May 14 – Number of Games: 18 – Teams: Preliminary Round winners plus USASA, NPSL, PDL entries and 4 USL Pro teams (Dayton Dutch Lions, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Phoenix FC Wolves and VSI Tampa Bay FC).

Second Round – Date: May 21 – Number of Games: 16 – Teams: First Round winners join remaining 8 USL Pro and 6 NASL teams.

Third Round – Date: May 28 – Number of Games: 16 – Teams: 16 Second Round winners are paired against 16 MLS sides.

Fourth Round – Date: June 12

Quarterfinals – Date: June 26

Semifinals – Date: Aug. 7 or 21

Final – Date: Oct. 1 or 2

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 First Round, 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2013 Play-In Round, 2013 US Open Cup

Meet the 16 Premier Development League teams entering the 2013 US Open Cup

March 5, 2013 by Josh Hakala

Michigan Bucks vs. Chicago Fire - 2012 Third Round
The Michigan Bucks upset their second Major League Soccer team last year, knocking off the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time. Will we see another PDL team claim an MLS victim this year? Photo: Dave McCauley | Michigan Bucks

Shortly after the United States Soccer Federation announced the format for the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the United Soccer Leagues confirmed which Premier Development League teams would enter the competition. As reported by TheCup.us in January, the PDL will have 16 entries into the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the second consecutive year.

Last year the US Soccer Federation expanded the Open Cup field to include all US-based Major League Soccer teams and increased the number of amateur teams to a Modern Pro Era-record 32. The upcoming tournament, the 100th consecutive running of the Open Cup, follows a similar format, and will include two addition amateur clubs, bringing the total to 34.

With the date of the 2013 tournament moved earlier in the month of May for the second year in a row, the PDL has decided to base their entries on the previous season’s results once again. The Central, Southern and Western conferences will each submit the top two American-based clubs from each division, while the Eastern Conference, which is made up of three divisions, will be represented by four teams. The Ocean City Nor’easters, who finished with the conference’s best record (13-3-0), the team with the second best record in Ocean City’s division, Reading United, the South-Atlantic Division champion Carolina Dynamo, and the GPS Portland Phoenix who finished one point behind the Canadian-based Ottawa fury in the Northeast Division.

PDL logo

A dozen clubs are making a return appearance in the event, including 10 that were in the tournament this past year. Four sides will be making their US Open Cup debuts in 2013. The foursome is comprised of the River City Rovers, Ocala Stampede, FC Tucson and Seattle Sounders U-23s.

All of the PDL teams will begin play in Round 1 on May 14, and the amateur team (PDL, NPSL, USASA, USCS, USSSA) that advances the furthest this year will receive $15,000 (up from $10,000 last year).

Here are the teams that will be taking part in the 2013 US Open Cup (read about the changes to the 2013 tournament here):

Central Conference

Michigan Bucks
1st place in Great Lakes Division (13-1-2)
Record 10th appearance, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 12-8-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Bucks will make their record 10th appearance in the US Open Cup and are the league’s most successful team in the tournament. With a record 12 Open Cup wins, 9 of them against professional opponents, they bring the strongest resume of any amateur team in the country. Last year, they bolstered their reputation as giant killers with their second win in franchise history over a Major League Soccer team, defeating the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time. Combined with their 1-0 road win over the New England Revolution in 2000, they are the only amateur team to defeat multiple MLS teams.

As you can see, not very many people were on hand to see the Michigan Bucks upset the New England Revolution in Foxboro back in 2000. Photo: Tony Biscaia | RevsNet

Last year, they crushed Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 6-0, before upsetting the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) 1-0 on the road in Round 2. In the Third Round they defeated the Chicago Fire at home in just the fourth Open Cup game in history to be played indoors.  In Round 4, their Cinderella story came to an end in front of their home fans (this time outdoors at Oakland University) by another unlikely team, the USL Pro’s Dayton Dutch Lions who converted a penalty kick in extra time to win the game 2-1.

River City Rovers
3rd place in the Great Lakes Division (7-7-2)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup

The Louisville, Kentucky-based River City Rovers have qualified for the tournament for the first time, benefiting from the fact that Forest City London, the team who finished in second place in the division, are Canadian and are not eligible for the Open Cup. Forest City finished with a 7-5-4 record, two points ahead of River City, and made an improbably run through the PDL playoffs to win the championship. River City had a chance to overtake Forest City for the last playoff spot, but they lost their season finale to the Michigan Bucks 4-0.

River City becomes the first Kentucky-based club since 1993 to qualify for the Open Cup. That year, the Louisville Alliance reached the Regional Semifinals before falling to Milwaukee’s Bavarian SC, 2-0.

Real Colorado Foxes
2nd place in the Heartland Division (8-4-4)
3rd appearance in the US Open Cup, 3rd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-2-0
Last appearance: 2012

The Real Colorado Foxes (no relationship with the Colorado Foxes who took part in the 1995 US Open Cup), have qualified for the third year in a row as the second place team in the Heartland Division (Division champion Thunder Bay Chill are from Canada). The Foxes won their first-ever tournament game in 2011 when they defeated USASA’s DV8 Defenders from San Jose, Calif. 5-0. Then after being eliminated by fellow PDL side Kitsap Pumas the next round, they suffered another defeat at the hands of an amateur team, losing 3-1 to the KC Athletics (USASA) at home.

Des Moines Menace
3rd place in the Heartland Division (8-5-3)
7th appearance in the US Open Cup , 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 7-6-1 (1-0 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Des Moines Menace are back in the competition for the second year in a row, making their seventh all-time appearance. Only the Michigan Bucks (10) have qualified for the Open Cup more times among PDL teams. They enter the tournament as a 3rd place team because the Heartland Division champion, Thunder Bay Chill, are based in Canada.

Aside from their consistent success in the league, the Menace are best known for their back-to-back cup runs in 2005 and 2006 when they four professional teams in two years, only to fall to the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting Kansas City) both years on the road. Last year, they picked up their first Open Cup victory since 2006 with a 3-1 extra time road win over the NPSL’s Milwaukee Bavarians, only to fall to the NASL’s (2nd Division) Minnesota Stars 2-0 in Round 2. The Menace are tied with the Ocean City Nor’easters for second place among PDL teams with 4 professional team upsets (Michigan Bucks have 9). According to TheCup.us records, the Menace are the only Iowa-based team (aside from the Iowa Menace who qualified out of the USASA in 2011) to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Professional Era, and even before that, there are no records of any Iowa team qualifying (records incomplete).

Eastern Conference

Ocean City Nor’easters
1st place in the Mid-Atlantic Division (13-3-0)
6th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL)
All-time Open Cup record: 7-5-0 (6-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2009

The Ocean City Nor'easters (shown here as the Ocean City Barons in 2009 against DC United) have upset four professional teams in their club history. Only the Michigan Bucks have more with nine. | Photo: Bill Pellegrino, Ocean City FC

The Nor’easters are back in the tournament as another PDL team with a giant killer reputation. This is their first appearance since 2009, when they defeated two Division 3 professional teams to reach the Third Round where they lost a close 2-0 decision to Major League Soccer’s DC United on the road. Only the Michigan Bucks (12) and the Des Moines Menace (7) have more Open Cup wins as a PDL team than the Nor’easters (6), who were known as the Barons the last time they entered the competition. The Bucks are also the only team with more professional team upsets in the tournament (9) than the Nor’easters (4).

Ocean City ranks right near the top along with the Menace and the Bucks as one of the best teams in the PDL, and are back in the Open Cup thanks to last season’s division title, their first since 2004. Despite only winning two division titles since they joined the league back in 2003, they are 87-40-37, which is the sixth best record during that span. The Nor’easters qualified as the team in the Eastern Conference with the best record (13-3-0).

Reading United AC
2nd place in the Mid-Atlantic Division (11-2-3)
7th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL), record 5th straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-6-0 (1-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2012

Reading United are back in the US Open Cup for a fifth straight year, a Modern Pro Era record for an amateur team. Photo: Glenn Riegel / Reading United AC

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era, an amateur team will be making their fifth straight appearance in the US Open Cup. Reading United will attempt to put the past behind them, as the tournament has not been kind to United. Last year’s 2-1 home win over four-time Open Cup champion New York Greek American Atlas, was their first tournament win in franchise history. They would lose in the next round, 2-1 to the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. Reading has their friendly rivals, Ocean City, to thank for keeping their streak alive. The Nor’easters, by virtue of finishing with the Eastern Conference’s best record, earned a berth, leaving the second place team, Reading, as the Mid-Atlantic’s representative.

GPS Portland Phoenix
2nd place in Northeast Division (10-4-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-1-0
Last appearance: 2012

In just their fourth season in the PDL, GPS Portland Phoenix will make their second straight appearance in the US Open Cup, finishing behind the Canadian-based Ottawa Fury in the Northeast Division. The Phoenix had a chance to win the division, but they finished scoreless against Seacoast United when they needed a win to overtake the Fury. Last year, Portland lost their first-ever Open Cup game 3-2 to the Brooklyn Italians of the USASA. They found themselves behind 3-0 until Blaike Woodruff scored a pair of late goals but it wasn’t enough as the they fell to the two-time tournament champions.

Carolina Dynamo
1st place in the South Atlantic Division (11-1-4)
10th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL), 3rd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 10-9-0 (5-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2012

The Carolina Dynamo with their rich history dating back to 1993, will make their 10th appearance in the tournament this year, and their 5th as a PDL side. This is the third year in a row for the Dynamo as they will attempt to avoid their third straight one-and-done. Last year, they were eliminated by the Aegean Hawks from the DC-area 3-1. It was an impressive year for the Dynamo in the league as they only lost one game (11-1-4), and made a playoff run that took them all the way to the championship game, where they lost 2-1 to Forest City London. They will try to re-live their glory days this year, with their greatest moment coming in 2006 when they upset the Richmond Kickers (Div. 3) and the Seattle Sounders (Div. 2) to become the third PDL team (now there have been four) to advance beyond the Third Round. They would eventually fall in the ‘Battle of the Dynamo’, losing 4-2 to Houston of MLS in Round 4.

Laredo Heat
1st place in the Mid South Division (10-3-3)
3rd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-1-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Laredo Heat advanced to the Second Round of the 2012 US Open Cup, but lost to the San Antonio Scorpions, 2-0. Photo: Robin Jerstad | San Antonio Scorpions

The Laredo Heat are back in the Open Cup for a second straight year, and just the third time in franchise history. Three trips to the tournament in a decade is a surprising number for one of the best teams in the PDL. The 2007 league champion, and a three-time runner-up, the Heat qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2006 when they nearly eliminated Dallas Roma FC in the first round before Roma began their historic run to the Fourth Round. Last year, the Heat returned, winning their first-ever Open Cup game, 4-2 over fellow Texas amateur club ASC New Stars (USASA) in extra time.  They hit the road in Round 2 and lost 2-0 to the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions. This is a PDL team that has qualified for the league playoffs nine years in a row, and have only failed to qualify once, during their inaugural season in 2004. Single-elimination tournaments are nothing new to them, so this tournament could suit them well.

Austin Aztex
2nd place in the Mid South Division (9-5-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2008

After starting as a PDL franchise in 2008 (and qualifying for the US Open Cup), the Austin Aztex launched a professional team the following year and made two more Open Cup appearances. The franchise was moved to Orlando to form Orlando City SC, but in 2012, the Aztex franchise was revived in Austin as a PDL franchise. Their first season back was a successful one, finishing in second place behind the Laredo Heat. The only Open Cup game the Aztex PDL team played was in 2008 when they took the Atlanta Silverbacks (Div. 2) to penalty kicks, but lost the shootout 5-4.

Ocala Stampede
1st place in the Southeast Division (11-3-2)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

The Stampede are one of four clubs who are taking part in their first Open Cup as they were an overwhelming success in their inaugural season in the PDL. Ocala, which is located in Central Florida, just northwest of Orlando, won the Southeast Division title with an 11-3-2 record, which was the best record in the conference. They will join the nearby Orlando City U-23s in the tournament.

Orlando City U-23s
2nd place in the Southeast Division (8-3-5)
6th appearance in the US Open Cup, 4th straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-5-0
Last appearance: 2012

Orlando City U-23s are back for their fourth straight Open Cup appearance and their sixth overall berth. In 2013, they will attempt to do something the previous five teams editions of the club have failed to do: win a game. Last year was the first year under the current team name. Prior to that, they were known as the Central Florida Kraze and made four trips to the competition before the team was bought by Orlando City after the 2011 season. Last year, they fell to Jacksonville United 2-1 after letting a 1-0 lead in the second half slip away. Jacksonville was awarded an 82nd minute penalty kick and then scored the game-winner in the 89th minute to seal Orlando’s doom.

Seattle Sounders U-23s
1st place in the Northwest Division (11-2-3)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

No matter what they are called, the Seattle Sounders U-23s are making their first Open Cup appearance in franchise history. The club was originally known as Tacoma FC, but never qualified from 2006-2011. Last year, the team re-branded as the Seattle Sounders U-23s and enjoyed immediate success. They won the Northwest Division championship and reached the final four in the PDL playoffs.

Portland Timbers U-23s
2nd place in the Northwest Division (10-4-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-1-0
Last appearance: 2012

After enjoying success in their first three years as a PDL franchise, including the 2010 league championship, the Portland Timbers U-23s qualified for the US Open Cup for the first time last year. They lost their first game to a USASA side, PSA Elite, 3-1 in front of their home fans, but they will have a chance to redeem themselves with their second straight berth in 2013.

Ventura County Fusion
1st place in the Southwest Division (12-2-2)
4th appearance in the US Open Cup (4th straight)
All-time Open Cup record: 3-2-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Ventura County Fusion qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2010 and were one-and-done to the USASA’s Arizona Sahuaros. Each year after that, they have improved on the previous year’s performance. In 2011, they won a single game before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro). Last year, they won two games, including a revenge win over the Blues in Round 2. They nearly knocked off an MLS team, but were unable to overcome an early goal by Chivas USA, and lost 1-0. If the pattern continues, will the Fusion reach Round 4 this year?

FC Tucson
2nd place in the Southwest Division (9-3-4)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

FC Tucson became another first-year team to punch their ticket to the Open Cup after a successful inaugural season. They edged out the Fresno Fuego for second place and will be the first Arizona-based club to reach the tournament since the Arizona Sahuaros took part in 2010.

Filed Under: US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup qualifying, Austin Aztex, Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, GPS Portland Phoenix, Laredo Heat, Michigan Bucks, Ocala Stampede, Ocean City Barons/South Jersey Barons, Orlando City U-23s/Central Florida Kraze, PDL, Portland Timbers U23s, Premier Development League, Reading United AC, Real Colorado Foxes, River City Rovers, Seattle Sounders U23s, Tacoma Tide, Ventura County Fusion

Leaked 2013 US Open Cup schedule: 100th tournament to kick off May 14

February 17, 2013 by Eric Anderson

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup logoFans of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup can mark their calendars for this year’s 100th tournament – at least tentatively.

First-round matches are set for May 14 and the 2013 final will be Oct. 1 or 2, according to a
schedule posted on the US Adult Soccer Association Region II website. TheCup.us is currently seeking confirmation.

The posted schedule is listed as “still to be reviewed and ratified by the Open Cup Committee.” US Soccer hasn’t yet released the official schedule.

Matches during the first three rounds are scheduled for the last three Tuesdays in May, with competition shifting to Wednesdays for the fourth round, quarterfinals and semifinals.

The semifinals have two possible dates, Aug. 7 or 21 – the later date to be used only if one of the semifinalists is playing in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League the week of Aug. 7.

While the tournament will start early for the second straight year, the final is scheduled for eight weeks after the Aug. 7 semifinal date – for comparison, the 2012 final was played on Aug. 8.

One note in the information the Region II website indicates that if one of the finalists is not from MLS, US Soccer will “consider rescheduling to an earlier date if we can find a break in the participating teams’ schedules.”

Here’s the schedule as posted:

Sunday, April 28: Qualifying deadline
Tuesday, May 14: First round
Tuesday, May 21: Second round
Tuesday, May 28: Third round (MLS teams enter)
Wednesday, June 12: Fourth round
Wednesday, June 26: Quarterfinals
Wednesday, Aug. 7: Semifinals
Wednesday, Aug. 21: Semifinals (only if a team is in the CONCACAF Champions League the week of Aug. 7)
Tuesday, Oct. 1 or Wednesday, Oct. 2: 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final

The deadline to enter the Region II Open Cup is March 17, with the draw on March 18 and first-round matches scheduled for 2 p.m. March 30. Wisconsin champion Croatian Eagles, the reigning USASA National Open champion, and RWB Adria, the only team that entered the Illinois competition, have already qualified for the Region II tournament.

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: RWB Adria from Illinois becomes first regional entry

October 24, 2012 by Josh Hakala

RWB Adria pose for a team photo after winning the 2011 Illinois Open Cup championship. Photo: Ninos Alexander

Qualifying for the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has technically begun, as the registration deadline for the Illinois state tournament has passed. RWB Adria, the Illinois champion four of the last six years, is the lone entry from the state this year and will receive an automatic berth into the 2013 USASA Region II Finals.

RWB Adria, the Chicago-based club that was founded in 1959, has been a regular entry into Open Cup qualifying since the 1990s. They have qualified for the tournament three times (1996, 2007, 2008) during the Modern Professional Era (1995-present), but have failed to win a game each time.

In their last trip to the tournament in 2008, they traveled to Rochester and took the Rhinos of the USL First Division (Division 2) to extra time before falling 2-1. Since then, they have fallen one win short of qualifying, losing in the Region II Semifinals in 2009 and 2011.

The best finish for the club came in 1991 when they reached the Semifinals, only to be disqualified for the use of an ineligible player.

Despite several strong clubs in the Chicago-area, and a strong history of participation in the Land of Lincoln in years past, very few teams have entered the tournament recently.

Eight teams took part in 2005, followed by two in 2006, four in 2007 and 2008, and just one (RWB Adria) in 2009. The last three years, RWB and AAC Eagles have been the only two teams to compete with Adria winning the last two.

“I think fewer teams are entering because they depend so much on college players and those players aren’t available when qualifying is going on ,” said Ante Loncar of RWB Adria. “We just love the tournament because it’s the only way we can play teams that we wouldn’t normally play, like Bavarian SC or Detroit United. Plus, we just love to travel.”

RWB Adria recent qualifying results
2007 – Won Illinois championship (qualified for US Open Cup)
2008 – Won Illinois championship (qualified for US Open Cup)
2009 – Only Illinois entry (Lost in Region II Semis)
2010 – Lost in Illinois Final ( 2-0 vs. AAC Eagles)
2011 – Won Illinois championship (Lost to AAC Eagles in Region II Semis)
2012 – Won Illinois championship (Lost in Region II First Round)

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup qualifying, Illinois, RWB Adria, USASA

GolTV to air next three US Open Cup Finals, including two historic matches

August 1, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

Exactly one week before the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup championship match between host Sporting Kansas City and the history-seeking three-time champion Seattle Sounders, GolTV cable network has announced that it has reached a three-year deal with the United States Soccer Federation to broadcast the tournament final.

The deal makes GolTV the home to what could be two historic championships as the Sounders attempt to become the first club to win the event four consecutive times next Wednesday, August 8 at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park (9:00 pm ET). Next year’s event will be the 100th edition of the nation’s oldest national soccer tournament.

The multi-year deal brings the tournament championship back to GolTV for the first time since 2005, marking an end to a six-year run with Fox Soccer. GolTV previously carried the final in 2004 and 2005, coincidentally the only other time Kansas City has been in the final (2004).

The family of Fox networks have been the primary home of the championship match over the years, airing 12 of 17 modern pro era finals. Fox Soccer Channel also carried the final from 2000-03 when the network was previously known as Fox Sports World. Fox Sports Net carried the 1997 and 1998 championships. In 1999, ESPN2 carried the historic final that saw the Rochester Rhinos claim the only title by a lower division club during MLS existence. The 1995 final was shown on Prime Network. The carrier of the 1996 final is unknown at this time.

“Acquiring the broadcast rights to the final of the U.S. Open Cup through 2014 is an important milestone for GolTV as we continue to offer our passionate viewers more soccer content than any other network,” said Rodrigo Lombello, COO of GolTV, in the network’s press statement.  “With concerted efforts to expand our portfolio of matches from the Americas, we are tapping into one of the fastest growing markets, as the popularity of the sport in the U.S. continues to reach new heights.”

Championship Match Broadcast Networks – Modern Pro Era

2011 – Fox Soccer Channel
2010 – Fox Soccer Channel
2009 – Fox Soccer Channel
2008 – Fox Soccer Channel
2007 – Fox Soccer Channel
2006 – Fox Soccer Channel
2005 – GolTV
2004 – GolTV
2003 – Fox Sports World
2002 – Fox Sports World
2001 – Fox Sports World
2000 – Fox Sports World
1999 – ESPN2
1998 – Fox Sports Net
1997 – Fox Sports Net
1996 – No broadcast
1995 – Prime network

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2012 US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup, 2014 US Open Cup, Broadcasts, Fox Soccer, GolTV, Seattle Sounders MLS, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards, US Soccer

Source: 2013 US Open Cup to feature 16 Premier Development League teams

January 14, 2012 by Josh Hakala

PDL logoThis was confirmed this yAccording to sources at the United Soccer Leagues’ annual general meeting in Tampa, Fla., the Premier Development League will have 16 entries into the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the second consecutive year.

Last year the US Soccer Federation expanded the Open Cup field to include all US-based Major League Soccer teams and increased the number of amateur teams to a Modern Pro Era-record 32. The upcoming tournament, the 100th consecutive running of the Open Cup, appears to be following a similar format, but the official announcement is yet to be made.

With the date of the 2013 tournament expected to be earlier for the second year in a row, the PDL has decided to base their entries on the previous season’s results once again. The official announcement came nearly a year ago exactly with two berths, with one exception, going to each division.

A dozen clubs are making a return appearance in the event, including 10 that were in the tournament this past year. Four sides will be making their US Open Cup debuts in 2013. The foursome is comprised of the River City Rovers, Ocala Stampede, FC Tucson and Seattle Sounders U-23s.

According to sources, here are the teams that will be taking part in the 2013 US Open Cup (we will be updating with brief summaries of each team’s tournament history):

Central Conference

Michigan Bucks
1st place in Great Lakes Division (13-1-2)
Record 10th appearance, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 12-8-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Bucks will make their record 10th appearance in the US Open Cup and are the league’s most successful team in the tournament. With a record 12 Open Cup wins, 9 of them against professional opponents, they bring the strongest resume of any amateur team in the country. Last year, they bolstered their reputation as giant killers with their second win in franchise history over a Major League Soccer team, defeating the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time. Combined with their 1-0 road win over the New England Revolution in 2000, they are the only amateur team to defeat multiple MLS teams.

Last year, the Michigan Bucks upset Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich.

Last year, they crushed Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 6-0, before upsetting the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) 1-0 on the road in Round 2. In the Third Round they defeated the Chicago Fire at home in just the fourth Open Cup game in history to be played indoors.  In Round 4, their Cinderella story came to an end in front of their home fans (this time outdoors at Oakland University) by another unlikely team, the USL Pro’s Dayton Dutch Lions who converted a penalty kick in extra time to win the game 2-1.

River City Rovers
3rd place in the Great Lakes Division (7-7-2)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup

The Louisville, Kentucky-based River City Rovers have qualified for the tournament for the first time, benefiting from the fact that Forest City London, the team who finished in second place in the division, are Canadian and are not eligible for the Open Cup. Forest City finished with a 7-5-4 record, two points ahead of River City, and made an improbably run through the PDL playoffs to win the championship. River City had a chance to overtake Forest City for the last playoff spot, but they lost their season finale to the Michigan Bucks 4-0.

River City becomes the first Kentucky-based club since 1993 to qualify for the Open Cup. That year, the Louisville Alliance reached the Regional Semifinals before falling to Milwaukee’s Bavarian SC, 2-0.

Real Colorado Foxes
2nd place in the Heartland Division (8-4-4)
3rd appearance in the US Open Cup, 3rd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-2-0
Last appearance: 2012

The Real Colorado Foxes (no relationship with the Colorado Foxes who took part in the 1995 US Open Cup), have qualified for the third year in a row as the second place team in the Heartland Division (Division champion Thunder Bay Chill are from Canada). The Foxes won their first-ever tournament game in 2011 when they defeated USASA’s DV8 Defenders from San Jose, Calif. 5-0. Then after being eliminated by fellow PDL side Kitsap Pumas the next round, they suffered another defeat at the hands of an amateur team, losing 3-1 to the KC Athletics (USASA) at home.

Des Moines Menace
3rd place in the Heartland Division (8-5-3)
7th appearance in the US Open Cup , 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 7-6-1 (1-0 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012The Des Moines Menace are back in the competition for the second year in a row, making their seventh all-time appearance. Only the Michigan Bucks (10) have qualified for the Open Cup more times among PDL teams. They enter the tournament as a 3rd place team because the Heartland Division champion, Thunder Bay Chill, are based in Canada.

Aside from their consistent success in the league, the Menace are best known for their back-to-back cup runs in 2005 and 2006 when they four professional teams in two years, only to fall to the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting Kansas City) both years on the road. Last year, they picked up their first Open Cup victory since 2006 with a 3-1 extra time road win over the NPSL’s Milwaukee Bavarians, only to fall to the NASL’s (2nd Division) Minnesota Stars 2-0 in Round 2. The Menace are tied with the Ocean City Nor’easters for second place among PDL teams with 4 professional team upsets (Michigan Bucks have 9). According to TheCup.us records, the Menace are the only Iowa-based team (aside from the Iowa Menace who qualified out of the USASA in 2011) to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Professional Era, and even before that, there are no records of any Iowa team qualifying (records incomplete).

Eastern Conference

Ocean City Nor’easters
1st place in the Mid-Atlantic Division (13-3-0)
6th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL)
All-time Open Cup record: 7-5-0 (6-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2009

The Nor’easters are back in the tournament as another PDL team with a giant killer reputation. This is their first appearance since 2009, when they defeated two Division 3 professional teams to reach the Third Round where they lost a close 2-0 decision to Major League Soccer’s DC United on the road. Only the Michigan Bucks (12) and the Des Moines Menace (7) have more Open Cup wins as a PDL team than the Nor’easters (6), who were known as the Barons the last time they entered the competition. The Bucks are also the only team with more professional team upsets in the tournament (9) than the Nor’easters (4). Ocean City ranks right near the top along with the Menace and the Bucks as one of the best teams in the PDL, and are back in the Open Cup thanks to last season’s division title, their first since 2004. Despite only winning two division titles since they joined the league back in 2003, they are 87-40-37, which is the sixth best record during that span. The Nor’easters qualified as the team in the Eastern Conference with the best record (13-3-0).

Reading United AC
2nd place in the Mid-Atlantic Division (11-2-3)
7th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL), record 5th straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-6-0 (1-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2012

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era, an amateur team will be making their fifth straight appearance in the US Open Cup. Reading United will attempt to put the past behind them, as the tournament has not been kind to United. Last year’s 2-1 home win over four-time Open Cup champion New York Greek American Atlas, was their first tournament win in franchise history. They would lose in the next round, 2-1 to the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. Reading has their friendly rivals, Ocean City, to thank for keeping their streak alive. The Nor’easters, by virtue of finishing with the Eastern Conference’s best record, earned a berth, leaving the second place team, Reading, as the Mid-Atlantic’s representative.

GPS Portland Phoenix
2nd place in Northeast Division (10-4-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-1-0
Last appearance: 2012

In just their fourth season in the PDL, GPS Portland Phoenix will make their second straight appearance in the US Open Cup, finishing behind the Canadian-based Ottawa Fury in the Northeast Division. The Phoenix had a chance to win the division, but they finished scoreless against Seacoast United when they needed a win to overtake the Fury. Last year, Portland lost their first-ever Open Cup game 3-2 to the Brooklyn Italians of the USASA. They found themselves behind 3-0 until Blaike Woodruff scored a pair of late goals but it wasn’t enough as the they fell to the two-time tournament champions.

Carolina Dynamo
1st place in the South Atlantic Division (11-1-4)
10th appearance in the US Open Cup (5th as PDL), 3rd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 10-9-0 (5-4-0 as PDL)
Last appearance: 2012

The Carolina Dynamo with their rich history dating back to 1993, will make their 10th appearance in the tournament this year, and their 5th as a PDL side. This is the third year in a row for the Dynamo as they will attempt to avoid their third straight one-and-done. Last year, they were eliminated by the Aegean Hawks from the DC-area 3-1. It was an impressive year for the Dynamo in the league as they only lost one game (11-1-4), and made a playoff run that took them all the way to the championship game, where they lost 2-1 to Forest City London. They will try to re-live their glory days this year, with their greatest moment coming in 2006 when they upset the Richmond Kickers (Div. 3) and the Seattle Sounders (Div. 2) to become the third PDL team (now there have been four) to advance beyond the Third Round. They would eventually fall in the ‘Battle of the Dynamo’, losing 4-2 to Houston of MLS in Round 4.

Laredo Heat
1st place in the Mid South Division (10-3-3)
3rd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 1-1-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Laredo Heat are back in the Open Cup for a second straight year, and just the third time in franchise history. Three trips to the tournament in a decade is a surprising number for one of the best teams in the PDL. The 2007 league champion, and a three-time runner-up, the Heat qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2006 when they nearly eliminated Dallas Roma FC in the first round before Roma began their historic run to the Fourth Round. Last year, the Heat returned, winning their first-ever Open Cup game, 4-2 over fellow Texas amateur club ASC New Stars (USASA) in extra time.  They hit the road in Round 2 and lost 2-0 to the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions. This is a PDL team that has qualified for the league playoffs nine years in a row, and have only failed to qualify once, during their inaugural season in 2004. Single-elimination tournaments are nothing new to them, so this tournament could suit them well.

Austin Aztex
2nd place in the Mid South Division (9-5-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: 0-0-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2008

After starting as a PDL franchise in 2008 (and qualifying for the US Open Cup), the Austin Aztex launched a professional team the following year and made two more Open Cup appearances. The franchise was moved to Orlando to form Orlando City SC, but in 2012, the Aztex franchise was revived in Austin as a PDL franchise. Their first season back was a successful one, finishing in second place behind the Laredo Heat. The only Open Cup game the Aztex PDL team played was in 2008 when they took the Atlanta Silverbacks (Div. 2) to penalty kicks, but lost the shootout 5-4.

Ocala Stampede
1st place in the Southeast Division (11-3-2)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

The Stampede are one of four clubs who are taking part in their first Open Cup as they were an overwhelming success in their inaugural season in the PDL. Ocala, which is located in Central Florida, just northwest of Orlando, won the Southeast Division title with an 11-3-2 record, which was the best record in the conference. They will join the nearby Orlando City U-23s in the tournament.

Orlando City U-23s
2nd place in the Southeast Division (8-3-5)
6th appearance in the US Open Cup, 4th straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-5-0
Last appearance: 2012

Orlando City U-23s are back for their fourth straight Open Cup appearance and their sixth overall berth. In 2013, they will attempt to do something the previous five teams editions of the club have failed to do: win a game. Last year was the first year under the current team name. Prior to that, they were known as the Central Florida Kraze and made four trips to the competition before the team was bought by Orlando City after the 2011 season. Last year, they fell to Jacksonville United 2-1 after letting a 1-0 lead in the second half slip away. Jacksonville was awarded an 82nd minute penalty kick and then scored the game-winner in the 89th minute to seal Orlando’s doom.

Seattle Sounders U-23s
1st place in the Northwest Division (11-2-3)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

No matter what they are called, the Seattle Sounders U-23s are making their first Open Cup appearance in franchise history. The club was originally known as Tacoma FC, but never qualified from 2006-2011. Last year, the team re-branded as the Seattle Sounders U-23s and enjoyed immediate success. They won the Northwest Division championship and reached the final four in the PDL playoffs.

Portland Timbers U-23s
2nd place in the Northwest Division (10-4-2)
2nd appearance in the US Open Cup, 2nd straight appearance
All-time Open Cup record: 0-1-0
Last appearance: 2012

After enjoying success in their first three years as a PDL franchise, including the 2010 league championship, the Portland Timbers U-23s qualified for the US Open Cup for the first time last year. They lost their first game to a USASA side, PSA Elite, 3-1 in front of their home fans, but they will have a chance to redeem themselves with their second straight berth in 2013.

Ventura County Fusion
1st place in the Southwest Division (12-2-2)
4th appearance in the US Open Cup (4th straight)
All-time Open Cup record: 3-2-1 (0-1 in PKs)
Last appearance: 2012

The Ventura County Fusion qualified for the Open Cup for the first time back in 2010 and were one-and-done to the USASA’s Arizona Sahuaros. Each year after that, they have improved on the previous year’s performance. In 2011, they won a single game before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro). Last year, they won two games, including a revenge win over the Blues in Round 2. They nearly knocked off an MLS team, but were unable to overcome an early goal by Chivas USA, and lost 1-0. If the pattern continues, will the Fusion reach Round 4 this year?

FC Tucson
2nd place in the Southwest Division (9-3-4)
1st appearance in the US Open Cup
All-time Open Cup record: N/A
Last appearance: N/A

FC Tucson became another first-year team to punch their ticket to the Open Cup after a successful inaugural season. They edged out the Fresno Fuego for second place and will be the first Arizona-based club to reach the tournament since the Arizona Sahuaros took part in 2010.

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup, 2013 US Open Cup qualifying, Austin Aztex, Carolina Dynamo, Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, GPS Portland Phoenix, Laredo Heat, Michigan Bucks, Ocala Stampede, Ocean City Barons/South Jersey Barons, Orlando City U-23s/Central Florida Kraze, PDL, Portland Timbers U23s, Premier Development League, Reading United AC, Real Colorado Foxes, River City Rovers, Seattle Sounders U23s, Tacoma Tide, Ventura County Fusion

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U.S. Open Cup History

1935 National Challenge Cup Semifinals: After 29 days, Central Breweries win 3-game Western Final

The Western Final of the 1934/1935 National Challenge Cup featured one of Chicago’s best teams from the first 30 years of the tournament against a St. Louis team that would form their own dynasty.

  • 1995 US Open Cup: Rob Ukrop of Richmond Kickers voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final: Jeff Causey of Richmond Kickers voted TheCup.us Player of Round
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final: Richmond Kickers survive heat, beat El Paso Patriots in PKs to win title
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final Preview: El Paso Patriots hosting amateur Richmond Kickers in “El Sauna”
  • 1995 US Open Cup Semifinals: Jake Arrambide of El Paso Patriots voted TheCup.us Player of Round

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