2014 Fourth Round

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Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

Brown was at the center of a dominating offensive performance as the Rapids out-shot Orlando City SC 23-6. The Lions, who have been one of the strongest USL PRO teams since joining the league in 2011, entered the tournament undefeated in league play.

After giving up an early goal, Brown responded with an equalizer in the 35th minute. Just after halftime, Brown completed the hat trick with two goals in eight minutes (47th, 55th mins.) as the route was on with a 4-1 lead.

The second-year forward has also found the scoring touch during the month of June scoring three goals in as many games in MLS play, scored his first professional hat trick during the second half of the Rapids game against Orlando. In addition to bagging his first professional hat trick, Brown also became the first Colorado Rapids player to score three goals in Open Cup play and also became the first Jamaican to achieve the feat in an Open Cup game in the tournament’s Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

For those who are familiar with Brown, his performance should come as no surprise. The University of Mobile and University of Central Florida striker was selected sixth overall in the 2013 MLS Draft amid high expectations. Many believe he should have been selected higher. Brown proved why during the 2013 MLS campaign scoring a team-leading and rookie-best 10 goals while adding four assists in 31 games making headlines along the way.

The Jamaican has continued to prove he is a danger in front of goal and is fast becoming one of the biggest offensive threats in MLS. Aside from his record-setting hat trick, Brown has scored five goals in 14 games this MLS season. Brown’s penchant for goal earned him MLS Player of the Week honors for the league’s 13th week after he scored twice in the Rapids’ 3-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on June 1.

The Rapids will surely be looking to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. If Brown’s performance against Orlando is any indication, the Colorado club has a chance to make some real waves in MLS play and in the Open Cup when the Jamaican striker is in form.

2014 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 1: Vlad Baciu (RWB Adria – USASA)
Round 2: Luke Winter (Chattanooga FC – NPSL)
Round 3: Earl Edwards Jr. (PSA Elite – USASA)
Round 4: Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids – MLS)
Round 5: Scott Goodwin (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)

2014 US Open Cup Round 4 review: MLS suffers upsets early, regains control of tournament in last 2 days (video)

June 19, 2014 by Kristen Gehrke

The Fourth Round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup came to a close on Wednesday and after a rough start for the tournament’s top division, Major League Soccer rebounded on the third and fourth matchdays. The first two days saw MLS lose three of the first five games to lower division opponents, however, in the remaining 11 games, they went 10-1-0 as the tournament enters the Fifth Round next week.

Round 5 will feature 12 MLS clubs, 3 teams from the NASL and the Rochester Rhinos are the lone USL PRO representative and therefore, will receive the tournament’s $15,000 prize money as the Third Division team to advance the furthest in the competition. Also, after the dust settled on Round 4, the last three amateur teams were all eliminated and based on the Open Cup’s tiebreaker procedure, the Laredo Heat will find themselves $15,000 richer on the strength of being the only one of the trio to defeat a team two divisions above them (Ft. Lauderdale Strikers)

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Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

Here is a look at all 16 games from the last week with links to each match report:

June 18: Arizona United (USL Pro) 1:2 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

Looking to complete the local sweep, Arizona United came out energetic against their latest LA opponent, matching them blow for blow early on. The home side capitalized in 37th minute when Kadeem Dacres received a corner kick and sent the ball to Matt Kassel, who shot low and true for a 1-0 lead. Going into the locker room down seemed to awaken the Galaxy, who took control in the second half. Lightning struck twice in the form of LA striker Gyasi Zardes’ head. First, Robbie Rogers sent in a cross that Zardes nailed in to equalize, then Stefan Ishizaki set another ball for Gyasi to take the lead just two minutes later. Arizona seemed stunned for a while, but substitutions brought new life to United in the last 20 minutes. They had numerous chances in the last six minutes of time, yet they were unable to capitalize to keep their Cup dreams alive. Los Angeles will travel to play the Carolina RailHawks in the next round. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: LA GALAXY AT ARIZONA UNITED

June 18: Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)

The rain proved to be the true winner of this match, with the start delayed almost two hours, then ended the game at the 49-minute mark. Once the game started, the Fire dictated control early and often. The home side controlled possession early, and Quincy Amarikwa sent a corner perfectly to Grant Ward to gain the lead in the 22nd minute. Chicago would continue to hold set, and doubled their lead at the 40-minute mark. Mike Magee caught a cross from Jeff Larentowicz to score, but only a minute later, the Hounds would retaliate through an Andrew Marshall bomb. Right before the second half was to begin, storms struck again, this time delaying the match for more than an hour. Once the game resumed, Chicago continued to hold the advantage for the next four minutes, before the referee determined the pitch was too soaked to play on. The Fire host the Columbus Crew in the next round. MATCH REPORT [+]

June 18: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) 5:0 PSA Elite (USASA)

Returning to cozy Starfire Soccer Complex for the first time in two years obviously gave the Sounders a feeling of home, as they controlled the match from start to finish. Seattle squandered early efforts until Brad Evans was able to knock home a penalty in the 22nd minute and they kept their foot on the gas pedal. Elite fought back bravely, but the few chances they could manage were either knocked off target for goal kicks, or sent harmlessly to Sounders keeper Marcus Hahnemann. His PSA counterpart, Round 3 Player of the Round Earl Edwards, Jr., was under siege all evening, and was harmless to stop Zach Scott’s 40th minute bruiser off a corner kick. Kenny Cooper scored a pair of goals, including a bicycle kick off a deflection in the 56th minute. Then finally, Sean Okoli finished off the onslaught in the 85th minute. Seattle will once again host at Starfire for the next round, with the San Jose Earthquakes coming to the Northwest. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: PSA ELITE AT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

June 18: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) 2:0 Minnesota United (NASL)

After both squads had lackluster Cup outings last year, this was a surprisingly even battle through most of the game. The first half was marked mainly by Sporting playing ball control to make their chances, and Minnesota content to use quick counters, though neither were able to break the scoreless tie. United were dealt a huge blow in the 50th minute as defender Cristiano Dias took down Kansas City’s Dom Dwyer and earned a straight red card. The visitors maintained a valiant defensive effort, but were only able to hold out until Soony Saad unleashed a bomb that found the back of the net. Minnesota tried to mount a comeback while preventing Kansas City breakaways, but Alex Martinez put the game out of reach after cutting through the defense in the 87th minute. Sporting will host the Portland Timbers on June 24. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: MINNESOTA UNITED AT SPORTING KC

June 18: Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) 2:3 New England Revolution (MLS)

New England were determined to avoid being Richmond’s latest upset victim, and took it to the hosts early. The Revs were awarded an early corner, and Steve Neumann set up Stephen McCarthy perfectly to grab a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute. George Davis IV was able to equalize in the 24th minute but Neumann once again restored the visitor’s lead a little over 10 minutes later. Patrick Mullins than doubled the Revolution lead off a badly mishandled William Yomby clearance four minutes later, leaving the Kickers stunned. They made wholesale changes at the half, and once the subs caught their sealegs, Richmond went on the attack. Pressing the play was Matthew Delicate who finally broke the Revs defensive shell at the 74-minute mark. The Kickers continued pressing for an equalizer, and had many chances in the last six minutes, but wound up squandering them all. The Revs will return home on June 25, where they will host the Rochester Rhinos at Brown University in Providence. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION AT RICHMOND KICKERS

June 17: Portland Timbers (MLS) 3:0 Orlando City U23s (PDL)

If there was any question whether Portland forgot their upset against Cal FC two years ago, they answered it quickly by controlling Orlando City’s U23 squad for the whole 90 minutes. Gaston Fernandez struck twice in the first half for the Timbers, netting a goal in the 11th minute thanks to a Maximiliano Urruti pass, and then scored on a penalty at in the 35th minute. The Junior Lions were never able to muster much of an attack, only managing one shot on goal. Portland then put it away thanks to Urruti, who sent a great pass to rookie sub Taylor Peay, netting the goal in the 68th minute. Portland will travel to Sporting Kansas City for a Round 5 matchup next week. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: ORLANDO CITY U23s AT PORTLAND TIMBERS

Colorado Rapids (MLS) 5:2 Orlando City SC (USL Pro)

Much like the USA match against Ghana, Colorado was provided the perfect opportunity for revenge. The Rapids were knocked out of the Cup 3-1 in Orlando last year, and were hungry for revenge at home. The game started off as more of the same though, as Lions striker Adama Mbengue broke through in the 22nd minute, but the Rapids had a trick up their sleeve to counter this, and unleashed the Deshorn Brown show on Orlando. The forward showered a hat trick on the Lions, scoring in the 35th, 47th and 54th minutes to become the first Rapids player to ever score a hat trick in Open Cup play (not to mention the first Jamaican in the Modern Pro Era). Nick LaBrocca and Dillon Powers added a goal each to put the game out of reach. The Rapids will host the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbakcs in Round 5 next week. MATCH REPORT [+]

FC Dallas (MLS) 2:0 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)

San Antonio came to Dallas with dreams of 2012 in their heads, when they knocked off another Texan MLS side, the Houston Dynamo. The Hoops were just as determined to avoid that fate, and both sides battled evenly for the first two thirds of the game until Dallas midfielder Fabian Castillo broke through in the 74th minute. Before the Scorpions were able to mount a counterattack, Andres Escobar struck seven minutes later, ending any upset hopes. Dallas will host the aforementioned Dynamo in the Fifth Round on June 24. MATCH REPORT [+]

Columbus Crew (MLS) 2:1 (AET) Indy Eleven (NASL)

One red card is usually enough to derail a team’s chance at victory but two? Columbus didn’t even flinch. Having scored in the 4th minute courtesy of Bernardo Anor, it was only a half hour later when forward Adam Bedell drew a straight red. Indy striker Blake Smith equalized with his tournament-leading fourth goal in the 62nd minute, however the Crew soon realized how anemic the Eleven’s attack was outside their star. They were able to isolate Smith and keep him from the ball, holding level to force extra time. Even when Columbus midfielder Daniel Paladini was sent off in the 110th minute, it took them only three minutes to crack the Hoosier defense and draw a penalty. Jairo Arrieta struck true, and the Crew held on to an improbable extra time win. Columbus will visit Chicago to play the Fire for next round. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: INDY ELEVEN AT COLUMBUS CREW

Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 1:0 DC United (MLS)

Reigning Open Cup champions DC United were facing an uphill battle against the Rochester Rhinos. First, Colin Rolfe scored in the 27th minute, and then defender Steve Birnbaum collected two yellows only 15 minutes into the second half. Then the weather started hampering any efforts to defend the Cup. A delay was called shortly after Birnbaum’s ejection, then once play resumed, it was stopped just ten minutes later. Finally, after two hours with only ten minutes of action, the match resumed again, but United were unable to get into any flow to get a chance to level the score. Rochester has once again knocked off a defending champion, beating Chicago Fire by the same 1:0 scoreline in 1999. The Rhinos will now meet the New England Revolution June 25 in Providence. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: DC UNITED AT ROCHESTER RHINOS

Philadelphia Union (MLS) 3:1 (AET) Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)

The Philadelphia Union beat its affiliate USL PRO team, the Harrisburg City Islanders, in extra time on the strength of an extra time brace from Andrew Wenger. Harrisburg had scored first, a 38th minute rebound captured by Jason Pelletier, but Harrisburg held on until Maurice Edu tied it in the 89th minute to send the match into extra time. Wenger took over from there, scoring in the 110th and 117th minute to rescue the Union from an upset. The Union will play host to the NASL’s New York Cosmos June 24. MATCH REPORT [+]

MATCH REPLAY: HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS AT PHILADELPHIA UNION

June 14: New York Cosmos (NASL) 3:0 New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Eager to reclaim the prestige of their namesake, the New York Cosmos won convincingly in their first-ever meeting with the New York Red Bulls, 3-0. It has begun as an instant rivalry among the fans but when it came to the play on the field, it was one-way traffic as the Cosmos made quick work of their local counterparts, out-shooting the MLS side 21-3. Mads Stokkelien scored a pair of goals, one in each half, and Alessandro Noselli’s header in the 78th minute put the nail in the coffin for the Red Bulls who have gone 11 Open Cup appearances without winning multiple games. The Cosmos will either face the Philadelphia Union or Harrisburg City Islanders next round. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: NEW YORK COSMOS 3:0 NEW YORK RED BULLS

June 14: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)

For a team that has been competing in the US Open Cup on and off since 1995, the Atlanta Silverbacks have not felt a lot of success over the years. They have only won more than 2 games in a tournament once (2007) and have never upset a MLS team in five tries (0-4-1, 0-1 PKs) They finally broke through on Saturday, upsetting last year’s Open Cup runner-up Real Salt Lake, 2-1. Robbie Findley gave RSL an early lead after capitalizing on a misplayed capitalized on a misplayed backpass by Atlanta’s Derby Carrillo, who was forced into the starting lineup through injury. However, Atlanta’s Junior Burgos and Kwadwo Poku would help give the home team the lead. Poku sent an excellent pass to Burgos, who slotted away past RSL’s Jeff Attinella. The Silverbacks were going toe-to-toe with RSL until Poku scored a late goal to give Atlanta to win. The Silverbacks move forward with some key pieces who have enjoyed recent success in the Open Cup. Poku, one could say, got the attention of the Atlanta scouts when he scored four Open Cup goals playing for the Georgia Revolution of the NPSL last year. With the win, manager Eric Wynalda builds on his coaching resume with his second career MLS upset as a manager, having been in charge of the Cal FC amateur team who traveled up to Portland and upset the Timbers in 2012. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: ATLANTA SILVERBACKS 2:1 REAL SALT LAKE

June 14: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:1 (3:2 PKs) Chivas USA (MLS)
Carolina’s Zach Schilawski (29th min.) and Chivas USA’s Ryan Finley (40th min.) traded first half goals, but after a scoreless second half and two periods of extra time, a spot in Round 5 had to be decided from the penalty spot. Despite falling behind 2-1 in the tiebreaker, the RailHawks rallied and emerged victorious 3-2 after eight rounds of spot kicks. Rookie goalkeeper Scott Goodwin came up big with 11 saves and 3 stops in the shootout to beat out veteran keeper Dan Kennedy. After Kennedy had his attempt saved, Zack Schilawski leveled the shootout at 2-2, but two players from each team failed their spot kick attempt to put the contest into a winner-take-all scenario. Marco Delgado of Chivas USA led off the 7th round by having his shot saved and Daniel Jackson responded with a goal to give send the RailHawks to Round 5 after eliminating their fifth MLS team in club history. Next up, Carolina will either host the LA Galaxy for the third year in a row, or host Arizona United. MATCH REPORT [+]

HIGHLIGHTS: CAROLINA RAILHAWKS 1:1 (3:2 PKs) CHIVAS USA

June 11: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 1:0 Laredo Heat (PDL)
The Dynamo were able to steal a win away from the PDL’s Laredo Heat on an Alexander Lopez goal in the 38th minute. Laredo did not help themselves by going a man down two minutes after the goal, as Mattieu Braem earned his second yellow card. However, early in the second half, Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric brought the game to 10v10 by receiving a red card for holding the ball outside of the penalty area. Fortunately the goalie’s mistake did not cost them the lead, as the MLS side held the Heat at bay for the rest of the match. MATCH REPORT [+]

POST-GAME INTERVIEWS

June 11: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) 2:1 Sacramento Republic (USL PRO)
Sacramento’s Justin Braun put his USL-PRO expansion side on his back to give the lower division side the lead three minutes before halftime, yet San Jose grabbed a penalty chance to equalize, and Khari Stevenson shot true. San Jose then grabbed a hold of some Seattle luck, as former Sounders striker Cordell Cato put the Earthquakes ahead at 15 minutes to time. Sacramento put themselves further under the gun late, as Chad Bartlome put his team down by picking up a second yellow. The Republic couldn’t recover, setting up their MLS counterparts to either host the USASA’s PSA Elite, or travel to take on the Sounders. MATCH REPORT [+]

2014 US Open Cup Fifth Round Potential Pairings

New York Cosmos (NASL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, PA – June 24, 7 p.m. ET
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FC Dallas (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, TX – June 24, 8:30 p.m. ET
———————————————————
LA Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park Field 2; Cary, NC – June 24, 7:30 p.m. ET
———————————————————
San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – June 24, 10 p.m. ET
———————————————————
Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – June 24, 9 p.m. ET
———————————————————
Portland Timbers (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – June 24, 8:30 p.m. ET
———————————————————
Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Stevenson Field (Brown Univ.); Providence, RI – June 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
———————————————————
Columbus Crew (MLS) at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, IL – June 25, 8:30 p.m. ET

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Seattle Sounders flex muscle, crushing last amateur club PSA Elite, 5-0 (video)

June 19, 2014 by Nick Schiffler

Kenny Cooper of the Seattle Sounders scored his 8th and 9th career US Open Cup goals in the Sounders' 5-0 win over PSA Elite. Photo: Seattle Sounders — Kenny Cooper of the Seattle Sounders scored his 8th and 9th career US Open Cup goals in the Sounders’ 5-0 win over PSA Elite. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

It had been two years since Seattle Sounders FC had played a US Open Cup match at their home fortress of Starfire Sports Complex. They made sure not to waste the opportunity.

In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Sounders swept aside amateur club PSA Elite 5-0 to reach the fifth round of the tournament. Kenny Cooper scored a pair of goals, Brad Evans and Cam Weaver added first-half tallies and Sean Okoli chipped in with a fifth late in the match.

“We weren’t happy with how we started the Open Cup last year, so we wanted to make sure we got off to a better start,” said Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid.

The Sounders certainly did that in a match that was never in doubt. They controlled play from the opening whistle, owning the vast majority of possession, and while PSA Elite defended in an organized, composed fashion for the first twenty minutes, it all came undone when they conceded a needless penalty.

Seattle’s Aaron Kovar worked his way into the box on a tricky run, then had his legs cut out from underneath him by a reckless tackle. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot, leaving Brad Evans to step up and send keeper Earl Edwards, Jr. the wrong way, coolly converting the penalty for the first goal of the match.

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The goal clearly settled the Sounders’ nerves, and it seemed inevitable they would score again. In the 40th minute, they did. This time it was defender Zach Scott getting on the end of a Kovar cross and heading it in at the far post.

Seattle kept bombing in crosses, and the amateur side had no match for the two big forwards they were facing. A cross from David Estrada led to Cooper’s first goal, a point-blank header that Cooper smashed into the net for a 3-0 lead just before the halftime whistle.

“We wanted to have a little bit of a bigger team to take advantage of set pieces, because we knew they weren’t an overly big team and it’s a small field,” Schmid said.

One of those set pieces led to Cooper’s second goal in the 56th minute. After the Sounders won a corner kick and Kovar played it into the box, Zach Scott kept the ball alive and poked it free towards Cooper. The 6’3” forward then executed a successful bicycle kick from about six yards out to make the score 4-0, and left the PSA defense throwing up their hands in frustration.

The Irvine, Calif.-based amateur team never gave up on trying to sneak a goal against the Sounders – they began in a 4-5-1 formation before substituting on an extra forward at halftime – but it took until the 50th minute for them to register their first shot of the match, a fairly tame effort by Michael Salazar. It was also their last shot of the match. Seattle out-shot PSA Elite 21-1 throughout the game.

With five minutes left in regulation and the match no longer in doubt, Okoli tapped in a cross from substitute Chad Barrett to make it 5-0. It was his first goal for the Sounders. Okoli, who played for the Sounders FC Academy and U-23 teams, grew up in Federal Way, just 13 miles south of Starfire.

The Sounders avoided being knocked out in their first match of the US Open Cup for the second straight year. They fell on the road to NASL side Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 in 2013, putting an end to their all-time US Open Cup record 22-game unbeaten streak.

PSA Elite were trying to win their second straight match against a professional club, after knocking out LA Galaxy II in penalties in the Third Round. However, they were still the only club from the USASA ranks to reach the fourth round of the tournament.
Seattle will now host the San Jose Earthquakes (2-1 winners over Sacramento Republic) in the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup, at Starfire Sports Complex on June 24 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

REPLAY: PSA ELITE AT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Chicago Fire win 49-minute, rain-soaked match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds (video)

June 19, 2014 by Jeff Engelhardt

It took four hours to play 48 minutes of soccer but that is all the Chicago Fire needed to get past the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-1 Wednesday at Toyota Park.

The match was called off the 49th minute when lightning once again appeared in Chicago skies after the weather had already caused a two-hour rain delay that pushed the start of the game to 9:30 p.m. and another 60-minute delay that forced the beginning of the second half to 11:30 p.m.

“We did everything we could to try to play the game despite multiple delays, but we felt it was best to terminate the game due to player and fan safety,” said Nate Boyden, U.S. Soccer match commissioner.

Before the game was called, Tottenham Hotspur loanee Grant Ward and reigning MLS MVP Mike Magee tallied a goal each to lead the Fire past the USL PRO’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The game was official once it hit the 45-minute mark.

“It is good to get a win, it’s been a while,” Fire coach Frank Yallop said. “Against any opposition it’s difficult to play good soccer, and I thought we did create some good chances.”

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After a feeling out period in the first 10 minutes for both teams, the Fire started to take control with the majority of the action taking place in Pittsburgh’s half. As the Riverhounds’ defense was pinned back, Ward and Quincy Amarikwa found themselves with the ball often.

In the 21st minute, Ward won a corner. While the team did not score directly off the opportunity, the Fire maintained possession. The ball eventually fell to Amarikwa who laid the ball off in the box for Ward who was making a diagonal run in, and slotted home a low finish to the far post to beat Hunter Gilstrap.

“I saw the defender was proper tight on me, and I was quite wide and deep, so then I just saw space, and I just ran into it, and Quincy saw me,” Ward said of his goal.

The Fire kept the pressure on. Amarikwa once again made a key pass into the box to Matt Watson who was shut down. The failed attempt was followed by a Harry Shipp shot that was easily saved by Gilstrap.

In the 38th minute, captain Jeff Larentowicz won a corner kick. Shipp took the corner kick which was headed down by Larentowicz to the feet of Magee who rifled a shot top shelf to give the Fire 2-0 lead.

The cushion was short lived as Pittsburgh mounted an attack one minute later, focusing on the right side as it had in the early portions of the match. After winning a free kick to the right of the box, the Riverhounds capitalized on a scramble in front of goal with Andrew Marshall heading the ball toward the net.

Larentowicz was on the goal line and attempted to clear the header, but referee Alex Chilowicz ruled the ball had completely crossed the line before it was kicked aside.

In the few moments the Riverhounds did control the play, former Fire player and Pittsburgh captain Collins John found little to enjoy in his return to Toyota Park. The target man had sparse touches and was unable to attempt a single shot.

Jose Angulo was in the middle of any and all Riverhound buildups, but he could not find the offensive support needed to be a threat.

With only two full minutes played in the second half, Magee nearly netted a brace when a free kick fell to him while he was unmarked in the box. He shot the ball hard and high, but it deflected straight down before hitting the goal line and bouncing out. Seconds later the game was called by the referees after lightening appeared in the area.

Chicago moves on to the Fifth Round at 7:30 p.m. on June 25 against the Columbus Crew at Toyota Park.

MORE: Yallop, Match Commissioner talk weather shortened 2-1 Open Cup win over Pittsburgh (Chicago-Fire.com)

MORE: Know the Rules: Magee says Fire set out to have halftime lead in shortened Open Cup match (Chicago-Fire.com)

HIGHLIGHTS: PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS at CHICAGO FIRE

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: LA Galaxy flips second half switch, eliminates Arizona United 2-1 (video)

June 19, 2014 by Dan Hagan

In its first meeting against the LA Galaxy, Arizona United SC almost came away with the surprise win to move on to the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup but fell short 2-1 as LA was able to capitalize on Arizona’s slow start in the second half.

Both goals came from Gyasi Zardes in about two minutes.

The first half the game went back and forth with a lot of play in the midfield as both teams tried to establish their respective game plans. LA had a total of six shots to Arizona’s three.

The action picked up in the 10th minute as a set piece from Arizona defenseman Scott Morrison from 30 yards out was easily saved by the Galaxy’s Jaime Peñedo. That strike from Arizona seemed to give L.A. the shot in the arm they needed as they went on to pepper Arizona goalkeeper Evan Newton, starting with a shot from inside the box from forward Stefan Ishizaki in the 17th minute.

The Galaxy’s Ishizaki sent a cross to forward Rob Friend seven minutes later that Friend put in the back of the net, but it was called back for offside. Shortly after that close call, Arizona was awarded a corner kick that Morrison crossed to forward Bradlee Baladez that went over the bar and just out of reach of Peñedo.

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Arizona came close but so was L.A., which started pushing and got an opportunity with Zardes fading into the box and getting a shot off that went wide in the 32nd minute.

Both teams seemed to be on the brink of breaking through and just four minutes later, Arizona scored on a beautiful cross from forward Kadeem Dacres that went to forward Matt Kassel for the goal and the lead going into the half.

Kassel said he was pleased with the effort the team put forth against a tough team like the Galaxy.

“It’s exciting, it’s not what we wanted, we wanted to win the game but it’s something that we can hold our heads high about,” he said.

With the momentum clearly on Arizona’s side, L.A. needed to come out in attack mode and that’s exactly what Zardes did from the first whistle of the second half, attacking the box and nearly getting one past Newton in the first minute of the second half.

It wouldn’t take long for L.A. to get the equalizer as Zardes once again set himself up in the box and received a beautiful cross from defenseman Robbie Rogers that he easily headed past Newton for the 1-1 score in the 51st minute as the 4,000 fans at Peoria Sports Complex fell silent.

Two minutes later, Zardes put another header past Newton, this time the cross came from Ishizaki in the 53rd.

Zardes said Arena told the team at halftime that the goals would come and to be patient and that’s the mentality they took heading into the second half.

“The main goal in the second half was to put the shots on target, and that’s what I did.” Zardes said. “I had opportunities in the first half that were close and I wanted to make sure these were on target.”

Zardes — who was named man of the match — was virtually left alone on the back-to-back goals, as he was able to drift away from the defense.

The slow start by Arizona United in the second half was too much to overcome, as L.A. was able to stop the few opportunities that Arizona had in the second half. The closest Arizona got to getting their own equalizer came in the 79th and 87th as forward Jon Okafor had two point-blank shots that were saved by Peñedo, dashing the hopes of the new USL franchise and knocking them out of the US Open Cup.

With the win the Galaxy move on to face the Carolina RailHawks in North Carolina in the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup Round.

MATCH REPLAY: LA GALAXY AT ARIZONA UNITED

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Sporting KC finally break Minnesota United defense, advance with 2-0 win (video)

June 19, 2014 by Anders Aarhus

Mitch Hildebrandt did his best Guillermo Ochoa impression for 75 minutes.

The Minnesota United FC goalkeeper made big save after big save — much like Mexico’s keeper in the World Cup this week against Brazil — keeping his side in the match even after going down to 10 men.

Soony Saad finally beat Hildebrandt in the 76th minute with a low, skipping drive, and added a second later as Sporting Kansas City advanced to the US Open Cup round of 16 with a 2-0 victory.

An uneventful first half was followed by an action-packed second period.

First, Sporting came out of the locker room wearing sky blue training shirts after the players had trouble telling their black and blue stripes apart from Minnesota’s grey shirts.

Then Minnesota went down to ten men just six minutes after the break. Cristiano Dias led with an elbow into Dow Dwyer’s head and the referee showed no hesitation going to the back pocket.

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Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

“I thought it ruined a good night of soccer,” said Minnesota head coach Manny Lagos of the red card. “I would say maybe a yellow. Maybe. It’s disappointing when a referee can affect the game that much.”

Sporting struggled to take control even with the extra man, but did get two golden chances to open the scoring. In the 64th minute Dom Dwyer beat Aaron Pitchkolan to a cross from Saad, but Hildebrandt stayed big and managed to save Dwyer’s rocket shot from close range. Sporting had another point-blank chance five minutes later when Seth Sinovic beat the offside trap, but Hildebrandt stayed on his feet as the SKC left back tried to get around him and then went to ground just in time to stop the shot.

The Minnesota goalkeeper could do nothing about Saad’s 76th minute strike, though. The ball was cycled back to Lawrence Olum who found Saad in a pocket of space 25 yards from goal. The forward took a touch and then ripped a low drive that beat Hildebrandt and broke the deadlock.

“Shooting is my game,” Saad said. “I knew I was going to shoot. I set my first touch up nicely and I didn’t even look where the goalie was, I just hit it.”

Sporting head coach Peter Vermes said Minnesota’s defensive game plan made it tough to create chances. Midfielder Lawrence Olum, who set up Saad’s winner, said the game plan was to find opportunities, like Saad’s, from further out with the Loons packed into their own half.

Minnesota’s best chance to pull level came in the 86th minute when defender Tiago Calvano’s header went just over the bar from a corner kick.

Alex Martinez sealed the win less than a minute later. Antonio Dovale released Sal Zizzo down the wing. The substitute had his cross blocked, but collected the deflection and teed up Martinez for an easy finish from close range.

Sporting moves on to host MLS rival, the Portland Timbers, on June 24 in the Fifth Round.

MATCH REPLAY: MINNESOTA UNITED AT SPORTING KC

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: New England Revolution make early lead stand up in 3-2 win over Richmond Kickers (video)

June 19, 2014 by Sean Maslin

The heat can make a player do crazy things. Whether it is in a World Cup match in Manaus or in a US Open Cup match in Richmond, warm weather wears on even the heartiest of players. At City Stadium on Wednesday night, the New England Revolution were able to beat the heat and the Richmond Kickers, besting their opponents from USL Pro by the score of 3-2.

The match started with both teams playing very contrasting styles. While the Kickers played with more energy and a bit more pace, the Revolution were patient, hoping the Kickers’ outburst would die off in the hot Richmond sun. Although New England would score first when a corner kick by Steve Neumann found the head of Stephen McCarthy, the Revolution opted to control possession and hope that the Kickers would chase them all around the pitch. That is exactly how the match played out early on with the midfield trio of Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen, and Neumann moving the ball effortlessly around the pitch.

Although this strategy worked for most of the first half, the Kickers gave the Revolution a few scares. In the 22nd minute, Kickers defender Henry Kalungi’s pass found midfielder Jason Yeisley on the outside. Yeisley made an excellent one-touch pass to striker George Davis IV who buried his shot past Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton to level the score. It was Davis’ third goal of the tournament, and fourth of his career.

Rather than panicking like many MLS sides do when a lower-league team scores in a US Open Cup match, the Revolution continued to play their style of football. Perhaps it is due to the Revolution manager playing most of his starters, but the Revs did not seemed fazed by the goal and looked to get another back.

That moment would come in the 34th minute when Revolution forward Patrick Mullins found Neumann at the top of the box. Neumann, who played his college soccer nearby at Georgetown University, buried his shot past Kickers goalkeeper Joe Willis to give the Revolution the 2-1 lead. Mullins, who also played locally with the University of Maryland where he won the 2013 Hermann Trophy, made Kickers defender William Yomby miss which opened up the center of the pitch.

The Revolution scored again four minutes later when Mullins intercepted a pass between Yomby and Willis and poached New England’s third goal of the match. Mullins has five goals in all competitions for the Revolution in just nine matches this season.

The Kickers were unable to muster anything the rest of the first half. This is partially due to having to chase the Revolution all around the pitch. The Revolution defending duo of Jose Goncalves and Chris Tierney really did not give them many avenues to maneuver in New England defensive half.

At the start of the second half, Kickers coach Leigh Cowlishaw opted to go all in and brought attack-minded midfielders Cristiano Francois and Matthew Delicate. The two substitutions immediately infused some energy and pace into a lethargic Kickers attack. In particular, Francois’ runs on the outside made the Revolution defense move out of the box.

The main battle in the second half was between Delicate and Goncalves with the two big horses going at multiple balls in the air. Delicate was able to get the best of Goncalves in the 72nd minute when he finished off a cross by Davis to narrow the Revolution’s lead by the score of 3-2.

The Kickers had one other opportunity to even up the score in the 89th minute when Samuel hit a shot that was on target that went over the cross-bar. They also had a free kick and consecutive corners in injury time that amounted to very little.

The New England Revolution move on to play the Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO at home. They are currently on break from MLS action because of the World Cup.

The Kickers will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday in Pittsburgh. The match will be at 7:30 p.m. and will be available on the Kickers website.

MATCH REPLAY: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION AT RICHMOND KICKERS

MATCH SUMMARY

New England Revolution-Brad Knighton, Chris Tierney, Jose Goncalves, Stephen McCarthy, Darrius Barnes, Steven Caldwell, Diego Fagundez, Steve Neumann, Lee Nguyen (Charlie Davies 61’,) Donald Smith, and Patrick Mullins.
Goals- McCarthy (8’,) Neumann (35’,) Mullins (40’)
Yellow Cards- Fagundez (32’,)
Red Cards-

Richmond Kickers- Joe Willis, Hugh Roberts, Henry Kalungi, Yomby William (Shay Spitz 45’,) Shane Johnson, George Davis IV, Sascha Goerres, Luke Vercollone, Juan Arbelaez (Christiano Francois 45’), Jason Yeisley (Matthew Delicate 45’), and Samuel Asante.

Scoring summary:

NE – Stephen McCarthy (Steve Neumann) 8
RIC – George Davis IV (Jason Yeisley) 24
NE – Steve Neumann (Patrick Mullins) 35
NE – Patrick Mullins (unassisted) 39
RIC – Matthew Delicate (George Davis IV) 73

Misconduct Summary:
NE – Diego Fagundez (caution) 34
RIC – William Yomby (caution) 40
NE – Lee Nguyen (caution) 45
NE – Darrius Barnes (caution) 87

2014 US Open Cup Round 4 preview: Big names, former champions among last five games tonight (broadcast links)

June 18, 2014 by Josh Hakala

Wednesday night’s action in the US Open Cup may as well be called the Cavalcade of Champions, as five former Open Cup winners play, boasting 11 of the last 20 titles between them. Chicago Fire (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006), New England Revolution (2007), Richmond Kickers (1995), Seattle Sounders FC (2009, 2010, 2011), and Sporting Kansas City (2004, 2012) are all in action, with New England traveling to Richmond in the kickoff.

This is the last day for Round 4, which spread four matchdays over nine days, including rare Saturday matches during the FIFA World Cup break.

As always, use and follow the #USOC2014 hashtag on Twitter for all the latest updates from all six games. You can also follow TheCup.us at @USOpenCup.

Here is a look at all five games:

New England Revolution (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Video (Embedded below)
Winner of this game hosts Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) in Round 5

New England Revolution overall record
Overall: 12-9-4 (2-2 PKs) | Away: 3-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 3-1-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-1 at DC United of MLS in Quarterfinals)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions
How they got here … First game

Richmond Kickers overall records
Overall: 26-13-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 20-4-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 9-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 4-2 in PKs after 0-0 draw vs. DC United of MLS – Round 3)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions
How they got here …
Round 2: 6-1 road win at RVA FC (NPSL)
Round 3: 2-1 home win vs. NY Greek American Atlas (USASA)

LIVE VIDEO: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION AT RICHMOND KICKERS

By Jimmy LaRoue

#USOC2014 LINKS

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Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

The Richmond Kickers, and in particular, longtime coach Leigh Cowlishaw, savor challenges such as the one they’ll face Wednesday at City Stadium, in which they’ll face MLS’s New England Revolution in a Fourth Round US Open Cup matchup.

The Kickers got this far by defeating new city rival RVA FC of the NPSL 6-1 in the Second Round, and coming from behind to top USASA powerhouse New York Greek American Atlas 2-1 following a three-hour lightning delay.

The last time the Revolution and Kickers played, New England picked up a 3-0 Third Round win in 2008 in a game also delayed more than two hours by thunderstorms. Sam Brill, Joe Germanese and Taylor Twellman all scored for the Revs that day.

Second in the USL PRO standings with just one loss in 14 games (7-1-6), Richmond features Matthew Delicate, who has nine goals and George Davis IV who has seven. Delicate is one of the Open Cup’s top goalscorers in the Modern Professional Era with nine. He also holds the record for most game-winning goals in the tournament with five.

Nate Robinson returned to the team after coming back from an ACL injury. The Kickers have had success with a blend of USL PRO vets, newcomers and DC United loanees. Their back four is experienced, and whether it’s been Ryan Taylor or, to a larger extent, United-loanee Joe Willis, they’ve had strong play in goal.

For the Revolution, they are second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind DC United with a 7-5-2 record, having scored 21 goals and given up 18, though they went into the league break having lost two straight. The team’s coach, Jay Heaps, told ESPNBoston.com to expect a mix of regulars and rookies/reserves to take the field.

Lee Nguyen leads the team in goals with five, while recent high school graduate Diego Fagundez and rookie Patrick Mullins have four apiece. Fagundez also has three assists, tied for the team lead with Daigo Kobayashi and Teal Bunbury. In goal, while Bobby Shuttlesworth has started all but one game, expect Richmond-native Brad Knighton to play. In his seventh MLS season, Knighton has played in 36 games. Former national teamer and DC United forward Charlie Davies hopes to make a return following a calf injury in the team’s Open Cup debut.

Look for New England to want to get up early and take the Kickers out of their game, while the home side will look press a group that will have likely not have seen as much time on the field. The schedule should be kind to both as far as rest is concerned, with New England otherwise off while the Kickers last played on June 14 and don’t play again until this Sunday, though it’s on the road.

The winner Wednesday will host USL PRO’s Rochester Rhinos in Round 5.

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Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, IL – 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (Embedded below)
If Pittsburgh wins … will play at Columbus Crew on June 25
If Chicago wins … will host Columbus Crew on Date TBA

Pittsburgh Riverhounds overall record
Overall: 7-9-3 (1-2 PKs) | Away: 2-8-2 (0-2 PKs) | vs. MLS: 1-2-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Ocean City Nor’easters of PDL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2001 Quarterfinals (Lost 3-2 in OT at Chicago Fire of MLS)
How they got here …
Round 2: 3-1 home win vs. New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL)
Round 3: 3-2 OT home win vs. RWB Adria (USASA)

Chicago Fire overall records
Overall: 31-11-3 (2-1 PKs) | Home: 18-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 8-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 vs. DC United of MLS in Semifinals)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions
How they got here … First game

LIVE VIDEO: PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS AT CHICAGO FIRE

By Evan Ream

It will be David vs. Goliath in Bridgeview, Ill., tonight when the four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire enter the tournament for the first time this year in their Fourth Round matchup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

The Riverhounds are in the midst of an atrocious USL PRO campaign where they are currently in last place with just one win in 13 games, but that has not affected their Cup form.

Entering the tournament in the Second Round, Pittsburgh advanced past the New York Red Bulls’ NPSL team and RWB Adria, an amateur team from Chicago, scoring six goals from six different players in those two games.

Capped twice by the Netherlands, and spending time in the English Premier League, Riverhounds forward Collins John, who is still just 28, will look to gain revenge against the Fire, his former club. John leads an attack for Pittsburgh that has been decidedly average in league play as they have scored the second-fewest goals thus far in the season.

Led by a strong forward-line of Mike Magee and Quincy Amarikwa, the Chicago Fire are also struggling in league play, but they have actually only lost four of their 14 games, they just can’t seem to turn their draws into wins. With an all-time record fifth Open Cup title in their sights, Chicago will look to get their campaign off to a good start with a well-rested roster, taking a break for the FIFA World Cup.

This won’t be the first time these two teams have met. 2014 marks just the second time in franchise history that they have won multiple games in a single tournament. The last time they did that was in 2001 when, as an A-League team (Division 2), they advanced all the way to the Quarterfinals where they met the defending champion Fire at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Unfortunately for Riverhounds fans, the game is a memorable one for Fire fans as the game went into overtime (fun fact: Hungarian legend Hristo Stoitchkov scored for the Fire that day), where USL legend Amos Magee, on loan to Chicago, scored the golden goal game-winner off his chest to send the Fire to the Final Four. (WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW FOR THE FULL STORY)

Kings of the Cup: The Legend of Chesty Magee

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Minnesota United FC (NASL) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Radio (Sporting KC) | Video (embedded below)
If Kansas City wins … will host Portland Timbers (Date TBD)
If Minnesota wins … will host Portland Timbers (June 24)

Minnesota United overall records
Overall: 4-3-0 | Away: 3-1-0 | vs. MLS: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Des Moines Menace of PDL – Round 2)
Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost 1-0 at San Jose Earthquakes of MLS)
How they got here:
Round 3: 1-0 away win vs. Des Moines Menace (USASA)

Sporting Kansas City overall record
Overall: 16-11-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 11-6-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 5-2-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC of USL PRO in Round 4)
Best finish: 2004, 2012 US Open Cup champions
How they got here …First game

LIVE VIDEO: MINNESOTA UNITED AT SPORTING KC

By J.T. Alwin

Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City both went from highs in 2012 to lows in 2013. Minnesota upset Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the 2012 Third Round before bowing out to the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0, while Sporting took home the Cup, beating Seattle Sounders FC in penalties. Then 2013 brought both teams crashing down, as United were upset by the PDL’s Des Moines Menace in the Second Round, and Kansas City was upended by USL PRO’s Orlando City SC, both by 1-0 scores. Both sides are looking to turn their fortunes around tonight.

Minnesota managed to get their revenge against Des Moines (qualifying through the USASA this year), winning 1-0 on Christian Ramirez’s late punishment for a bad clearance. United hopes to combine their league form (winning the NASL’s Spring Championship) and their league’s Open Cup form to advance beyond the Fourth Round.

Sporting Kansas City will obviously have something to say about that, hoping to rise back to cupholding form. Their play has not been great in recent weeks, going 1-2-2 in their last five games after going 5-3-2 to start the year. Graham Zusi is also not available, having supplied a late corner for the winner against Ghana in the United States’ 2-1 World Cup victory over Ghana. KC also has some history for and against them. The last time they met with a 2nd Division team from Minnesota, they pulled out a 4-2 penalty kick shootout over the now-defunct Minnesota Thunder after a 3-3 draw. However, they’ve also been upset by Division 2 teams twice in the past decade, including a 3-1 loss to the Thunder in 2005. Sporting is looking to repeat recent history, the question is will it be breezing through to the next round, or sent home by a lower division team.

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PSA Elite (USASA) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Video (SoundersFC.com)
If Seattle wins … will host San Jose Earthquakes (Date TBD)
If PSA Elite wins … will play at San Jose Earthquakes (Date TBD)

PSA Elite overall records
Overall: 2-2-2 (2-0 PKs) | Away: 2-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: N/A
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 at Laredo Heat of PDL – Round 1)
Best finish: 2012 Second Round (Lost 6-0 at Carolina RailHawks of NASL)
How They Got There:
Round 1: 3-2 Penalty Shootout win after 1-1 home draw against Los Angeles Misioneros
Round 2: Forfeit by San Diego Flash (NPSL)
Round 3: 3-1 Penalty Shootout win after 0-0 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy II (USL Pro)

Seattle Sounders Open Cup records
Overall: 30-12-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 23-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 8-1-0
As MLS: 15-1-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 12-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 2-0-0
at Starfire (overall): 15-0-0 | (as MLS): 10-0-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL – Round 3)
Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
How They Got There … First game

LIVE VIDEO: PSA ELITE AT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

By J.T. Alwin

PSA Elite were rewarded with a daunting task for their first win against a pro side: a trip to Tukwila, Wash. to face three-time Open Cup Champion and MLS-leading Seattle Sounders FC. PSA have indeed had a strange trip to reach this point, sandwiching a forfeit with two penalty shootout victories. Jose Federico would be the hero in their First Round shootout win over the Los Angeles Misioneros (PDL), scoring the equalizer in extra time, as well as the shootout winner. Their next oponnent, the San Diego Flash of the NPSL, forfeited after not being able to find a replacement home field. Facing the Los Angeles Galaxy II of USL PRO, it was keeper Earl Edwards, Jr. who took center stage. Edwards racked up 14 saves, including a late PK that would have sent Los Dos home winners, then went into the shootout with ice water in his veins. Allowing only one of the four shots in (saving twice, the other shot being skied above the bar), he earned not only his team’s advancement, but TheCup.us Player of the Round award as well.

The USASA side from Irvine, Calif. will have their hands full as they not only face one of MLS’ best teams, but they face a team that is 23-2-1 (1-0 PKs) all-time at home in this tournament, including 15-0-0 at Starfire Sports Complex, the site of tonight’s match.

Sounders FC are looking for redemption for last year’s poor showing, losing 1-0 in the Third Round to the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies, snapping their all-time tournament record 22-game unbeaten streak and denying them the chance of reaching a rare fifth straight championship game appearance. Indeed, if their MLS fortunes are any indication of their tournament form, the result should be more favorable to the Rave Green side. Their 2013 game came at a time when they were mired in poor league form, finally getting things together to make the MLS Cup playoffs late in the season. This year, the Sounders are white hot, leading the league with 32 points in 15 matches. Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin are in Brazil with the US team, however, co-leading scorer Obafemi Martins is in tow. The squad also boasts a solid defense, which has helped take Seattle to a league-high +9 goal differential. Looking to get back to the level they maintained their first four years in MLS (and held before in the USL), this squad looks in prime position to make it back there.

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LA Galaxy (MLS) at Arizona United SC (USL PRO)
Peoria Sports Complex; Peoria, AZ – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Video (Both embedded below) | Video (Spanish)
Winner will play at Carolina RailHawks (NASL) on June 24

Los Angeles Galaxy overall record
Overall: 22-11-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 6-9-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 at Carolina RailHawks of NASL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions
How They Got There … First game

Arizona United overall record
Overall: 2-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. MLS: N/A
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here:
Round 2: 3-2 road win vs. Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
Round 3: 2-1 ET home win vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL Pro)

LIVE VIDEO (ARIZONA): LA GALAXY AT ARIZONA UNITED

LIVE VIDEO (LA GALAXY): LA GALAXY AT ARIZONA UNITED
 By Gerald Barnhart Arizona United club certainly knows drama when it comes to the US Open Cup. In their Second Round opener, they rallied from a two-goal deficit against the Portland Timbers U23s of the PDL, scoring three times in the final six-plus minutes for a 3-2 win. Kadeem Darces pulled them within one and London Woodberry leveled terms with two minutes remaining. Five minutes of stoppage time allowed Arizona to finish the amazing comeback in regulation courtesy of Daniel Antunez via a flicked on corner. In the Third Round, they dispatched of league-foe Oklahoma City Energy 2-1 in overtime. Jon Okafor, who provided the pivotal flick on the winning corner in the previous game, put Arizona, playing with a man advantage since the 47th minute, in front late in the game in the 84th minute. But Oklahoma did not go quietly as they pulled even two minutes into stoppage time. It looked as though penalties were going to be an option before Bradlee Baladez put Arizona in front in the 112th minute, but even then they needed a penalty save in the 119th by Evan Newton to preserve the victory. Since that game, Arizona United has been quite busy with four matches in league play where they have struggled thus far at 4-6-2. They fell 2-0 at Orange County, but earned a 1-1 draw at Sacramento, one of the league leaders. They returned home only to lose to Dayton 2-1 before snapping what was a five-game winless run (0-4-1) with a 1-0 victory over Rochester this past weekend. The Galaxy are off to a slow start to the season with a 4-3-5 record coming into the Open Cup contest, but are beginning to find their usual form with a four-game unbeaten run (2-0-2). They nabbed wins against Dallas (2-1) and Philadelphia (4-1) at home before playing to two 1-1 draws against Chicago and Chivas USA before the league’s World Cup break. The Galaxy are led on the scoring front by Robbie Keane, who has seven goals and three assists with Jaime Penedo handling the net minding duties. The Galaxy have two US Open Cup titles in their trophy case, but the tournament has not been kind to the team, both in terms of results and travel. After losing the 2006 Final to the Chicago Fire, and then the beginning of the ‘Superclub’ era with the signing of David Beckham shortly after, their Open Cup results have gone downhill (2-5-0). They traveled to Richmond and were upset 1-0 by the Kickers the following season and after failing to qualify for the tournament in 2008 and 2009, they were eliminated by the Seattle Sounders in back-to-back seasons (both games in Tukwila, Wash.). Then, the past two seasons, they have drawn road games against the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks and have lost both of them. If they are able to beat Arizona tonight, they will earn a third straight trip to Cary, NC to play the RailHawks. 2014 US Open Cup Fourth Round Schedule (UPDATED) <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-houston-dynamo-trade-red-cards-hold-off-pdls-laredo-heat-1-0/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:1 Houston Dynamo (MLS)</a> BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, TX – June 11 at 10 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-san-jose-earthquakes-begin-tourney-run-with-2-1-win-over-sacramento-republic/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Sacramento Republic (USL PRO) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)</a> Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, CA – June 11 at 10:30 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-atlanta-silverbacks-earn-first-mls-upset-stun-real-salt-lake-with-late-goal/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Real Salt Lake (MLS) 1:2 Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)</a> Atlanta Silverbacks Park; Chamblee, GA – June 14 at 8 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-carolina-railhawks-oust-chivas-usa-again-as-rookie-gk-plays-hero-in-pk-shootout/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Chivas USA (MLS) 1:1 (2:3 PKs) Carolina RailHawks (NASL)</a> WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – June 14 at 8 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-new-york-cosmos-dominate-red-bulls-in-long-awaited-gotham-derby-video/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">New York Red Bulls (MLS) 0:3 New York Cosmos (NASL)</a> Shuart Stadium (Hofstra Univ.); Hempstead, NY – June 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-rochesters-rolfes-tally-enough-to-dethrone-defending-cup-champion-dc-united/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">DC United (MLS) 0:1 Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)</a> Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, NY – June 17 at 7 p.m ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-maurice-edu-equalizer-andrew-wenger-brace-help-philadelphia-union-beat-harrisburg-city-islanders-3-1-in-ot/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) 1:3 (AET) Philadelphia Union (MLS)</a> PPL Park; Chester, PA – June 17 at 7 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-9-man-columbus-crew-get-ot-penalty-kick-to-get-past-indy-eleven-2-1-video/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Indy Eleven (NASL) 1:2 (AET) Columbus Crew (MLS)</a> FirstEnergy Stadium (Univ. of Akron); Akron, OH – June 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-fc-dallas-wins-first-meeting-with-san-antonio-scorpions-earns-date-with-houston-dynamo/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) 0:2 FC Dallas (MLS)</a> Toyota Stadium; Frisco, TX – June 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-deshorn-browns-hat-trick-leads-colorado-rapids-to-record-setting-win-over-orlando-city-sc/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Orlando City SC (USL PRO) 2:5 Colorado Rapids (MLS)</a> Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – June 17 at 9 p.m. ET ———————– <a href="http://thecup.us/2014-us-open-cup-round-4-portland-timbers-exorcise-past-demons-cruise-past-orlando-city-u23s-3-0-video/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="internal">Orlando City U23s (PDL) 0:3 Portland Timbers (MLS)</a> Providence Park; Portland, OR – June 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET ———————– New England Revolution (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – June 18 at 7 p.m. ET ———————– Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire (MLS) Toyota Park; Bridgeview, IL – June 18 at 8:30 p.m. ET ———————– Minnesota United FC (NASL) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – June 18 at 8:30 p.m. ET ———————– PSA Elite (USASA) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – June 18 at 10 p.m. ET ———————– LA Galaxy (MLS) at Arizona United SC (USL PRO) Peoria Sports Complex; Peoria, AZ – June 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET 2014 US Open Cup Fifth Round Potential Pairings New York Cosmos (NASL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS) PPL Park; Chester, PA – Date TBD, 7 p.m. ET OR Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at New York Cosmos (NASL) Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Queens, NY – June 24, 7 p.m. ET ——————————————————— Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at New England Revolution (MLS) Stevenson Field (Brown Univ.); Providence, RI – June 25, 7:30 p.m. ET OR Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – Date TBD, 7 p.m. ET ——————————————————— Columbus Crew (MLS) at Chicago Fire (MLS) Toyota Park; Bridgeview, IL – Date TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET OR Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS) Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, OH – June 25, 7:30 p.m. ET ——————————————————— FC Dallas (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS) BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, TX – Date TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET ——————————————————— LA Galaxy (MLS) / Arizona United SC (USL PRO) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL) WakeMed Soccer Park Field 2; Cary, NC – June 24, 7:30 p.m. ET ——————————————————— San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS) Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – Date TBD, 10 p.m. ET OR PSA Elite (USASA) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) Buck Shaw Stadium; Santa Clara, CA – Date TBD, 10:30 p.m. ET ——————————————————— Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS) Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – Date TBD, 9 p.m. ET ——————————————————— Portland Timbers (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – Date TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET OR Portland Timbers (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (NASL) National Sports Center Stadium; Blaine, MN – June 24, 9 p.m. ET

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: 9-man Columbus Crew get OT penalty kick to get past Indy Eleven 2-1 (video)

June 18, 2014 by Brandon Gee

After finding themselves down to nine players, the Columbus Crew found a way to hold off the upset bid from their NASL foe, the Indy Eleven, with a converted penalty late in extra time.

After an early goal by the Crew’s Bernardo Anor in the 4th minute, the hosts were in good shape until the 34th minute when Adam Bedell was sent off for a bad tackle. Indy wouldn’t level the match until the 62nd minute, as the match ended up going to overtime. In the extra frame, Columbus’ Daniel Paladini was shown the team’s second red card. However, the MLS side caught a break as their NASL opponents were called for a foul in the box and Jairo Arrieta put the Crew in front to stay to give them their first win over a second-tiered club since 2010.

Before a crowd of 1,913 at the University of Akron’s First Energy Stadium, the match started out with the Crew exploiting gaps in the Eleven defense and the Crew struck early. In the 4th minute, Ben Speas put a corner kick over the box and Anor was there to head the ball past Indy keeper Kristian Nicht.

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Following the gaffe, the Eleven’s backline tightened up, particularly Fejiro Okiomah, who made a number of defensive clearances over the next ten minutes. The Crew’s continued pressure broke through again as Adam Bedell headed down a cross from Hector Jimenez in the 15th minute after a scramble in front of the Indy goal but had it called back due to offsides. Though the Crew dominated possession through the first half, Indy had a number of solid scoring chances, including a header by Chris Estridge in the 20th minute that saw Crew keeper Steve Clark dive and knock the ball away as it was headed to the lower left corner.

The dynamic of the first half changed in the 32nd minute, when Bedell went in on a dangerous challenge to Indy’s Estridge. Initially, the referee issued Bedell a caution but after conversing with the fourth official, decided to rescind the yellow card and give a red instead. The referee clarified that the yellow was rescinded due to Bedell’s challenge being particularly high, putting the targeted player at serious risk. The Crew were now down to 10 men with nearly two-thirds of the game still to play.

Momentum swung Indy’s way in the second. Don Smart came on for Mendes to start the half and provided an instant spark to the Eleven attack. Minutes into the half, Smart sent a shot through the Crew goal box that nearly sent Clark tumbling in order to get into position and later set up Blake Smith for the equalizer in the 62nd minute, a pass to the top of box that Smith took, evading a defender before slotting it past the keeper. Minutes later, Nicht made a huge save for the Eleven as Ethan Finlay streaked around his defender and put a shot to the lower right side that Nicht kicked away.

Being up a man, Indy dominated possession through most of the second half and forced the Crew backline to defend a number of chances. Indy’s Ben Spencer nearly had the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute before being called back due to offsides as the match stayed tied after regulation time.

In the first extra time, possession balanced out with the teams trading chances but neither scored. Into the second period, Paladini’s flagrant elbow in the 110th minute earned the Crew midfielder a straight red, putting Columbus down two players late in the match. Perhaps fatigue caught up with the Eleven, but the Crew didn’t appear to be rattled by the latest infraction, defending aggressively and tying up possession.

In the 113th minute, Columbus worked the ball to the Indy end, where it ended up at the feet of Finlay, who attempted a run from the left side of the box. His defender Brad Ring made the unfortunate mistake of taking Finlay down in the area, with a penalty awarded to the Crew as extra time dwindled away. Arrieta scored on the PK and put Columbus up for good.

Columbus now awaits the winner of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds/Chicago Fire match to see where they’ll be playing in next week’s Fifth Round matchups.

REPLAY: INDY ELEVEN AT COLUMBUS CREW

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Portland Timbers exorcise past demons, shut out Orlando City U23s 3-0 (video)

June 18, 2014 by Kristen Gehrke

Gaston Fernandez scored a pair of goals for the Portland Timbers in a 3-0 win over the Orlando City U23s. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

The Orlando City U23s of the Premier Development League (PDL) met the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Ore., Tuesday in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Normally a quality amateur team coming to visit a professional team wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows, but the Timbers have suffered two home losses to amateur clubs in recent history so no one was taking anything for granted.

The 2014 edition of the Timbers weren’t bothered at all by the ghosts of Hollywood United (2008) and Cal FC (2012) as the home team cruised to a 3-0 win over Orlando.

Midfielder Gaston Fernandez led the team with a pair of goals while rookie defender Taylor Peay showed a sign of what may be on the horizon with a goal of his own.

Orlando came out fighting, earning a couple of early chances but it wasn’t able to convert. Forward Romario Williams managed two of Orlando’s five shots, but neither was on frame.

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