2014 Second Round

2014 US Open Cup Second Round: Luke Winter’s brace helps Chattanooga FC to historic win, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 26, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Luke Winter added to his growing list of achievements as his two goals propelled Chattanooga FC to a historic US Open Cup win in Round 2. By defeating the Wilmington Hammerheads 3-1 on May 14, the Tennessee club became the first NPSL side to register a win against professional competition. Prior to CFC’s victory, NPSL clubs were 0-15-0 against professional teams. Winter’s role in the significant victory earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round Award for the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup’s Second Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

With a slate of Modern Pro Era record 23 games on the schedule for the Second Round of the tournament there were bound to be some standout performances. The teams and players involved did not disappoint with as many as 13 different players receiving votes for the award.

The wide open vote came down to Winter and four other players: Heviel Cordoves (Charleston Battery), Darius Madison (Reading United AC), Alfredo Rodriguez (North Texas Rayados) and Josh Trott (NY Greek American Atlas). In the end, Winter’s historic brace was enough to separate himself from the pack to earn Player of the Round honors.

Winter also makes a little individual history as he joins Gustavo Villalobos of FC Hasental (2013 Preliminary Round) as the only two NPSL players to ever win Player of the Round.

Photo: Chattanooga FC

Winter could do no wrong during his shift against Wilmington. In his time of the field, he proved more than a handful for the Hammerheads defense. The CFC forward took advantage of a poorly executed Wilmington offside trap to volley home his first goal of the game in the 21st minute. From there his night only got better. In the 63th minute, taking advantage of a Wilmington team down a man, Winter headed in a scintillating cross from Luis Trude. The goal proved to be the game winner as Chattanooga became the first Tennessee club to win a tournament game since the PDL’s Memphis Express in 2002.

“It was a great team performance,” said Winter. “Everything worked well together and things just clicked for us. I scored two goals but both assists were spot on, making it easier for me.

“Now we’re eyeing up and can’t wait for the challenge,” he added.

Winter is no stranger to producing award-winning performances. The Norwich, England native scored three consecutive hat tricks in NPSL play in 2012, and racked up multiple awards during his collegiate career at Tennessee Wesleyan University. In addition to his TheCup.us Player of the Round Award, Winter also received considerable attention for NPSL National Player of the Week honors for the week of May 12-18. Ultimately, FC Buffalo’s Russell Cicerone forward edged out the CFC forward for the award.

Winter is also familiar with, and up to, the level of play in the US Open Cup, notching a goal and an assist in CFC’s loss to the Carolina Dynamo (PDL) in the first round of last year’s tournament. His brace against Wilmington provided a victory that mollified the sting of CFC’s two previous first round exits to professional opponents in 2011 and 2013, and helped the club earn the first victory for a Tennessee club since 2002 (Memphis Express – PDL)

2014 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 1: Vlad Baciu (RWB Adria – USASA)
Round 2: Luke Winter (Chattanooga FC – NPSL)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2014 US Open Cup Round 2 review: Largest round in Modern Pro Era brings more drama, another forfeit

May 23, 2014 by Grant Czubinski

Arizona United put heavy pressure on the Timbers' goal in the second half, producing three goals in the final 10 minutes. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers — Arizona United put heavy pressure on the Timbers’ goal in the second half, producing three goals in the final 10 minutes. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

The Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup took place on May 13 and 14 with a record 24 games on the schedule. After a rare forfeit, the remaining 23 games did not disappoint as all 46 teams were looking to book a place in the next round, which features the entrance of NASL clubs into the competition.

Arizona United SC (USL Pro) 3:2 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
Arizona United Soccer Club was the author of a stunning comeback to end their second round match, winning 3-2 over the home side Portland Timbers U23s on May 13. After trailing 2-0 entering the 84th minute, Arizona scored three goals in the final 10 minutes, including a game-winner on what proved to be the final kick of the game. After winning their Open Cup debut, they will host fellow USL PRO expansion team Oklahoma City Energy FC on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Jacksonville United FC (NPSL) 1:2 Orlando City U23s (PDL)
Orlando City U23s snapped the tournament’s longest winless streak (6) by defeating the NPSL’s Jacksonville United for their first Open Cup victory in club history. After trading goals in the first half, the deciding goal came in the 58th minute when a Jacksonville own goal gave Orlando their first win since they first qualified back in 2000 as the Central Florida Kraze. Orlando next meets USL PRO side Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston. MATCH REPORT [+]

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:0 Schwaben AC (USASA)
The Dayton Dutch Lions entered their match against Schwaben AC of Chicago as favorites. The Ohio outfit is a regular participant in the tournament, while Schwaben were making their first Cup appearance in 50 years. The 1956 Open Cup runner-up from Illinois controlled the game early on, but could not create anything with their early possession. Unfortunately for Schwaben, the Lions proved their class soon enough as Eli Gardner scored a goal off a Jesjua Angoy-Cruyff cross just after the 30th minute. The goal proved the spark that the Lions needed to control the game. Angoy-Cruyff, the grandson of the Dutch legend, doubled the lead in the second half with a goal of his own to the third round where they are scheduled to meet NASL newcomer Indy Eleven. MATCH REPORT [+]

Icon FC (USASA) 1:4 Baltimore Bohemians (PDL)
Making their tournament debut, the Baltimore Bohemians did not want to disappoint their home fans as they took on Icon FC from Montville, NJ. The Boh’s made sure not to disappoint, and took an early lead in the 15th minute after local boy Mamadou Kansaye scored via a penalty kick. The Bohs increased their lead just seven minutes later in the 22nd minute when Austin Martz scored on a counter attack. Icon FC valiantly tried to claw their way back into the game for the remainder of the first half, but a Jarod Laventure red card in the 42nd minute hampered the visiting New Jersey squad. Brandon Allen, who was meeting his teammates for the first time that night, and Brian Graham added a fourth goal to give Baltimore a 4-1 win and a date with the Harrisburg City Islanders in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Alfonso Motagalvan of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds slides in for a tackle against the New York Red Bulls U23s in their second round US Open Cup match. Photo: Terry O'Neil | Pittsburgh Riverhounds — Alfonso Motagalvan of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds slides in for a tackle against the New York Red Bulls U23s in their second round US Open Cup match. Photo: Terry O’Neil | Pittsburgh Riverhounds

New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL) 1:3 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
The first half between the New York Red Bulls Under-23s and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds proved a lively affair with each team scoring a goal. However, the second half was all Pittsburgh as Jose Angulo and Rob Vincent each scored to give the Riverhounds a 3-1 win. With the win, the Riverhounds earn a rematch against USASA side RWB Adria on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

NY Greek American Atlas (USASA) 2:0 Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
On a foggy and rainy night in New Jersey, the Ocean City Nor’easters took on four-time Open Cup Champions New York Greek American Atlas at Carey Stadium. The weather proved prophetic for Ocean City’s chances in the game as the NY amateur club got a pair of goals from Josh Trott to give them a 2-0 win at the stadium known as ‘The Beach House.’ For as much success as the Greeks have had over the years, entering their match against the Nor’easters, they were previously winless (0-4-0) in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). Now they move on to face a another former US Open Cup champion as they will travel to Richmond to take on the Kickers in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Greater Binghamton FC (NPSL) 2:5 Reading United AC (PDL)
Reading United AC pulled away from NPSL foe Greater Binghampton Thunder FC in the second half with three unanswered goals to win 5-2. Reading’s highest goal output in club history was largely courtesy of Darius Madison who scored a goal and added three assists. Reading will next face the fabled Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester, NY. MATCH REPORT [+]

Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) 6:1 RVA FC (NPSL)
After weeks of hype, the Richmond Kickers met RVA FC in the first edition of the Richmond Derby at Sportsbackers Stadium. The game’s first half did not live up to its lofty billing as the Kickers thoroughly dominated RVA FC. The Kickers scored three goals and held RVA FC to zero shots in the first frame. The second half was more of the same as the 1995 US Open Cup champions notched two more goals to put the game out of reach at 6-1. The Kickers advance to the Third Round to meet New York Greek American Atlas at home. MATCH REPORT [+]

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) 4:0 Lehigh Valley United (NPSL)

The Harrisburg City Islanders celebrate one of their four goals in their 4-0 win over Lehigh Valley United Sonic. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

Lehigh Valley United hosted the City Islanders in their Second Round Cup match, after edging out GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) in their First Round game a week ago. This game against Harrisburg mirrored Lehigh Valley’s previous game as both teams failed to score in the first half and the winning team pulled away in the second half. Unfortunately for the NPSL side, it was the City Islanders that pulled away, scoring four goals down the stretch to earn their first tournament shutout since 2012. Harrisburg, which has been among the teams with the most home games since 2007, hit the road for the fourth straight game, this time to Baltimore to play the PDL’s Bohemians on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:3 Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro)
USL Pro side Charlotte Eagles fought their way past Carolina Dynamo of the PDL thanks largely to the production of Columbian duo Jorge Herrera, who notched two goals and one assist, and Juan Guzman whose lone goal started the scoring for the home side. The match was even until Guzman’s 43rd minute tally off a Herrera assist, but the second half largely favored the Eagles. Herrera’s two unassisted goals sandwiched a strike by Mamadee Nyepon of the Dynamo.

Herrera, who now has six career US Open Cup goals, needs just one more to become the Eagles’ all-time leading goalscorer. They will head to Cary, NC for Round 3 where they will take on the Carolina RailHawks. MATCH REPORT [+]

RWB Adria (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL)
For the second round in a row, USASA competitor RWB Adria of Chicago took down a Metro Detroit team, this time with an overtime victory over PDL hosts Michigan Bucks. After 90 minutes the sides were level with no goals scored, but Adria found the winner in the 93rd minute when Carlos Muños received a cross and beat two defenders to fire the Croatian side’s only goal home. The amateur side then packed into their defensive end and denied the Bucks for the remainder of overtime. Adria has been competing in the Open Cup for decades, but last week’s penalty kick win over Detroit City FC and this round’s overtime win over the Bucks marked the first time the club has advanced in the tournament during the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). They will go for their first pro upset when they travel to Pittsburgh for a rematch with USL PRO’s Riverhounds. MATCH REPORT [+]

Ocala Stampede (PDL) 1:4 Orlando City (USL Pro)
Strike duo Dennis Chin and Corey Hertzog each bagged a brace as Orlando City claimed a 4-1 victory over the Ocala Stampede during Second Round play at the Seminole Soccer Complex. The Stampede were able to get on the scoreboard in the 61st minute when Ben Knight converted on an Orlando City back line error, beating goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.

With the victory, Orlando City will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on May 28 in Round 3. MATCH REPORT [+]

Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) 0:4 Charleston Battery (USL Pro)

Heviel Cordoves of Charleston Battery dribbles through traffic against the Panama City Beach Pirates of the PDL. Photo: Charleston Battery — Heviel Cordoves of Charleston Battery dribbles through traffic against the Panama City Beach Pirates of the PDL. Photo: Vin Duffy | Charleston Battery

Heviel Cordoves logged his first professional hat trick and fellow Cuban teammate Maikel Chang scored his first goal as a pro Saturday to lead the Charleston Battery to a 4-0 win over visiting Panama City Beach Pirates. Second-year forward Cordoves scored twice in the first half, missed a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time, and then took a pass from rookie midfielder Dante Marini, shrugged off a defender and finished strong in the box in the 50th minute. Chang actually opened the scoring with a volley off a cross from Justin Portillo in the fifth minute.

The match was delayed by 15 minutes as US Soccer officials and Panama City Beach wrangled over the eligibility of three Pirates players. The dispute ended with the three being sent to the locker room, leaving reserve ‘keeper Andrea Giombetti as the sole replacement. He was called to duty when defender Anderson Savage was injured in the 19th minute, before Charleston had established their dominance. The Battery move on to the Third Round and will host the Orlando City U23s at Blackbaud Stadium. MATCH REPORT [+]

Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) 1:3 Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
Chattanooga entered the game as just another NSPL side trying to advance in the tournament as they took on the Wilmington Hammerheads for a spot in the Cup’s Third Round. Don’t tell the Chattahooligans that their club is the same as any other, and today they would be correct as Chattanooga became the first NSPL club to defeat a professional team in the tournament. The NPSL, which launched in 2003, entered the 2014 tournament 0-15-0, but Luke Winter’s two goals helped CFC pull off the upset, 3-1. The victory sees CFC advance to the Third Round to take on the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. MATCH REPORT [+]

Western Mass Pioneers (PDL) 1:2 (AET) Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro)
The Western Mass Pioneers pushed the Rochester Rhinos to extra time, but a pair of late goals doomed the PDL side in a 2-1 loss at Sahlen’s Stadium in the Second Round of the US Open Cup. The match remained scoreless through regulation, only to become a three-goal bonanza in the second period of extra time when Levi Houapeu (110’) and Thomas Obasi (114’) both scored for the Rhinos, while Will Daniels (117’) brought one back for the Pioneers. With the win, the Rhinos advance to the Third Round, where they’ll host Reading United AC at Sahlen’s Stadium on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Brooklyn Italians SC (NPSL) 4:2 Jersey Express (PDL)
The NPSL’s Brooklyn Italians survived a slow start and advanced with a four-goal second half performance against the PDL’s Jersey Express at the J. Malcolm Simon Stadium on the campus of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ. The first half belonged to Open Cup debutante’s Jersey Express who went to the locker room with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of William Torreson Paulino’s free kick in the 12th minute that found Markus Hackett at the far post to open the scoring. Brooklyn’s turnaround started early in the second half with a goal by Jiro Barriga, followed by a goal from a penalty kick by Salvatore Barrone, and two goals after the 80th minute by Yvener Guerrier. The Italians next take on another Open Cup first-timer in the New York Cosmos at St. John’s University in a much-anticipated Third Round matchup. MATCH REPORT [+]

Oklahoma City Energy (USL Pro) 2:0 Tulsa Athletics (NPSL)
The Tulsa Athletics of the NPSL hosted the Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) for the first time as both teams made their Open Cup debuts. In the end, the professional expansion team Energy FC were too much for the amateur side as Dave Leichty and Cyprian Hedrick scored a goal in each half to win the game 2-0. The Energy now earn a spot in the Third Round where they will travel to Peoria, AZ to take on fellow USL Pro expansion team Arizona United SC on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) 0:3 Des Moines Menace (USASA)
The Des Moines Menace stepped up in a big way in the Second Round, defeating the Real Colorado Foxes 3-0 to earn their first win as a USASA representative (they failed to qualify out of the PDL, but were successful in the USASA tournament). Menace goals were scored by Nico Wright at five minutes, Alec Bartlett just before halftime, and Sean Dong in the 53rd minute. The Menace will face NASL entry Minnesota United FC at home on May 28 in the Third Round. MATCH REPORT [+]

North Texas Rayados (USASA) 4:4 (4:2 PK) Austin Aztex (PDL)
In a rematch from last year’s competition, the North Texas Rayados of the USASA traveled south to take on the PDL’s Austin Aztex, hoping to avenge last year’s 2-0 opening round loss. The Rayados fell behind three times, each time finding their way back. After a second half stoppage time equalizer took the game into extra sessions, North Texas finally took the lead in the 118th minute. Before the celebration could begin, Austin tied the game in the final minute to force penalty kicks. North Texas won the PK shootout to advance to Round 3 for the first time in club history. The Rayados will travel to San Antonio to take on the NASL’s Scorpions in the Third Round on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Orange County Blues (USL Pro) 0:2 Fresno Fuego (PDL)
The Fresno Fuego pulled off one of the upsets of the Second Round, knocking off USL Pro side Orange County Blues 2-0 behind some solid defending and two opportunistic goals. Fresno ran into trouble before the match even kicked off as three of their players were ruled ineligible, and the match kicked off nearly 45 minutes late as a result of the roster confusion. Abraham Campos and Jose Cuevas scored within three minutes of each other late in the first half to give the Fuego their pass to the next round. They travel north on May 28 to take on the USL PRO’s Sacramento Republic. MATCH REPORT [+]

Red Force (USASA) 1:2 Laredo Heat (PDL)
Miami’s USASA entrant Red Force fell to hosts Laredo Heat of the PDL in a wild 2-1 clash marked by a penalty, a fight, and five red cards. Miguel Fernandez tallied from the penalty spot for the Heat but teammate Danny Garza got the game-winner in the second half following a Red Force equalizer from Stiven Salinas. The real heat was generated in the 39th minute, however, when Red Force’s Kevin Nylen and Laredo’s Fernandez collided in the air and fell to the ground. Players from both teams leaped into a heated scrum which only ended after four red cards and one yellow card had been issued. Kevin Nylen and Heber Hernandez from Red Force FC as well as Laredo Heat’s Joao Monteiro and Yair Hernandez were all ejected while Salvador Luna was issued the yellow card. The Heat advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup with a match at Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ Lockhart Stadium on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

PSA Elite (USASA) W:L (FORFEIT) San Diego Flash (NPSL)
San Diego Flash advanced to the Second Round last week due to a forfeit, and in an ironic twist to this tournament, dropped out of the tournament due to another. San Diego could not find a suitable home field, and were forced to allow PSA Elite to move on without a game. FULL STORY [+]

Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 1:2 Sacramento Republic (USL Pro)
In a game that the Republic controlled the whole way, it took 78 minutes to finally shake the upset-minded Fusion. A counterattack goal by Jordan Rideout in the 36th minute gave Ventura County the lead that held through the half. Ironically enough, Sacramento went level through a pair of former Fusion players. Harrison Delbridge headed in a Rodrigo Lopez free kick in the 59th minute to even the score. Anxious to get their first Open Cup win under their belts, the northern California team finally broke through with 12 minutes left when Dakota Collins caught a rebound after a save by Ventura’s Trey Mitchell and sent it past the keeper for the winner. Sacramento will host another PDL Southwest Division side, the Fresno Fuego, at 10:30 pm on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

Cal FC (USASA) 1:6 LA Galaxy II (USL Pro)
There would be no Cinderella magic this year for Cal FC. LA Galaxy II got off to a running start with a goal from Alejandro Covarrubias just six minutes into the game and the team never looked back. This was just a prelude of a lopsided game, as the score stood 5-0 to Galaxy II just 33 minutes in, thanks to a brace by Travis Bowen and goals by Bradley Diallo and Bradley Jamieson. LA will host PSA Elite on May 28. MATCH REPORT [+]

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Harrisburg City Islanders’ score four in second half, shut out Lehigh Valley United

May 20, 2014 by Michael Berton

It took more than 45 minutes of shooting for the Harrisburg City Islanders to find the back of the net, but when they did, they couldn’t stop. They eventually got four in a 4-0 shut out victory over Lehigh Valley United Sonic in Round 2 of the 2014 US Open Cup.

It was Jose Barril who eventually opened the floodgates for the City Islanders in the 48th minute, and he did it in spectacular fashion. Fellow Islander Luan Silva’s cross deflected to Barril, who hit a scorching shot from 20 yards out past the outstretched arms of Sonic goalie Charlie Sales, and into the net.

But until that goal, the City Islanders, who play in USL Pro, looked far from dominant. Lehigh Valley, which plays in the NPSL, took the game to its professional opponents in the first half. Both teams had chances, including Sonic, who tested Harrisburg keeper Brian Sylvestre several times.

“It’s great to play a pro team,” Sonic coach Dave Weitzman said. “We really came out and achieved our game plan in the first half—we made it tough on them and frustrated them.”

The USL Pro side came out with a new intensity in the second half however, as evidenced by the Barril goal. More than just the score, the away side’s passing was crisper and faster. Clesio Bauque was extremely dangerous in the half, with only the exploits of Sales keeping him from potentially scoring a hat trick.

The Harrisburg City Islanders and Lehigh Valley United Sonic battle for the ball in their Second Round US Open Cup match. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

Harrisburg finally broke the game open in the 82nd minute. Second-half substitute Garret Pettis collected a bad back-pass on the left side of the field. He ran past two defenders and the goalie before hitting a hard-angle shot into the right-side netting.

Then, Bauque finally got the goal he had come so close to netting several times. Another second-half substitute, Jimmy McLaughlin found Bauque right at the top of the penalty area. Bauque collected and powered the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0 in extra time. Just a minute later, Bauque was involved again, this time with an assist to Danny DiPrima, who made it 4-0.

Weitzman said, “The score was not real indicative of how we played. We came out in the second half on our heels.”

Harrisburg advances to the Third Round of the US Open Cup, where it will travel to face the Baltimore Bohemians of the PDL. The City Islanders recovered well from last year when they lost their opening match for the first time in club history (Reading United AC). They are hoping to rekindle the magic run they had in 2012, when they knocked off two MLS sides (New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution) en route to a Quarterfinal appearance.

FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
Whitehall High School – Whitehall, PA

Scoring Summary:

HCI: Jose Barril (unassisted) 48’
HCI: Garret Pettis (unassisted) 82’
HCI: Clesio Bauque (Jimmy McLaughlin) 90+
HCI: Danny DiPrima (Bauque) 90+

Lineups:

LVU: Charlie Sales; Brendon Boucaud, Conor Osborne, Julian Plummer, Ali Famili; Toric Robinson (Joe-Joe Jappah, 58’), Michael Gonzalez, Thomas Mustac, Danny Gonzalez (George Tsirukis, 75’); Shastri Spencer (Patrick Letourneau, 79’), Tucker Sandercock

HCI: Brian Sylvestre; Raphael Cox, Matthew Bahner, Richie Marquez, Colin Zizzi; Jason Pelletier, Neil Shaffer, Luan Silva (Danny DiPrima, 86’), Robbie Derschang (Jimmy McLaughlin, 76’); Clesio Bauque, Jose Barril (Garret Pettis, 68’)

Bookings:

LVU: Shastri Spencer (Caution-68’)
HCI: Raphael Cox (Caution-68’)
HCI: Jason Pelletier (Caution-87’)

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Brooklyn Italians rally to beat Jersey Express, earn date with New York Cosmos (video)

May 20, 2014 by Jason Sieira

The Brooklyn Italians opened the 2014 US Open Cup with a 4-2 road win over the PDL's Jersey Express. Photo: Bob Larson — The Brooklyn Italians opened the 2014 US Open Cup with a 4-2 road win over the PDL’s Jersey Express. Photo: Bob Larson

The NPSL’s Brooklyn Italians survived a slow start and advanced with a four-goal second half performance against the PDL’s Jersey Express at the J. Malcolm Simon Stadium on the campus of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ.

The 4-2 road victory earned the Italians the right to face the NASL Soccer Bowl champions New York Cosmos in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Brooklyn’s turnaround started early in the second half with a goal by Jiro Barriga, followed by a goal from a penalty kick by Salvatore Barrone, and two goals after the 80th minute by Yvener Guerrier.

Italians coach Lucio Russo, a former Jersey Express assistance coach, credited an increase in his squad’s intensity level for the reversal. “We had to match through intensity,” said Russo. “ came out really strong, knocking the ball around and we were basically just watching them.”

The first half belonged to the Jersey Express who looked the better side as they worked the ball up the right flanks and sent the occasional long ball to their target striker Joseph Ovenseri, who sat in the center channel looking to play off the center back’s shoulder.

The Brooklyn Italians are making their 5th straight US Open Cup appearance. Photo: Bob Larson

The Express had a few early chances and capitalized off of a set piece in the 12th minute. William Torreson Paulino’s free kick from the right about a yard outside the box found an unmarked Markus Hackett at the far post to open the scoring.

Brooklyn’s frustration seems to come out toward the end of the first half. Martin Williams was given a yellow card for a tactical foul in the 42nd minute, followed two minutes later by Ricardo Milano getting himself a yellow for a foul a few yards outside the top of the box. Jersey kept the pressure on through most of the first half, but several key saves by the Italians’ goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson minimized the damage. The majority of Parkinson’s nine saves were in the first half and his performance allowed the Italians to get into the locker room only down 1-0 at the half.

In the second half, Brooklyn immediately looked like a different team. “We were better as far as collectively, defensively we really stepped it up a notch,” said Russo. “We were stealing some balls and we were kind of dangerous up top.”

In the 48th minute, Barriga found himself open in the box with a loose ball at his foot. Barriga, about two yards left of the spot, pushed a low shot to the opposite goal post passed a frozen keeper. Jersey answered with a goal by Chris Karcz off a shot near the top of the box. Karcz got to a free ball in space and hit it past the keeper. The Express appeared to be back in control with a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute. However, 10 minutes later, a handball in the box gave the Italians a penalty kick. Express keeper David Greczek got a hand on Barrone’s hard and low shot to the right post, but the power of the strike was too much and the game was tied.

After that goal the Brooklyn supporters came alive, chanting and stomping on the metal bleachers. Brooklyn’s forward Guerrier scored the match-winning goal on a breakaway set-up by midfielder Karrem Joachim in the 81st minute. Guerrier outran the Jersey center backs and slipped the ball past an oncoming Greczek. Guerrier added a second goal from the spot in second half stoppage time after the Express defender Christopher Lebo denied a clear goal scoring opportunity in the 89th minute. Lebo was giving a red card by referee Neil Barbulescu for the take down just outside of Jersey’s box. The penalty kick goal by Guerrier was a low hard shot of the right post passed Express keeper Greczek. Again Greczek picked correctly, but could not make the save.

For Guerrier it gives him a brace in each of the club’s first three matches of the season. Italians coach Russo had high praise for his forward. “I believe he belongs at the next level, definitely with a USL team or NASL team,” said Russo. “He’s a force on top. He’s difficult to mark”

Russo realizes the challenge his amateur club faces in the next round. “We’re playing pro now, not to take nothing away from the Jersey Express because they are fantastic,” explained Russo. “But are pro, they do it all day long, and we are amateurs and we practice twice a week. A complete hours a day, to match up against a team like that is a great experience for these players.”

The Brooklyn Italians, making their fifth straight appearance in the tournament, improve to 2-4-0 in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). This match was the first for the Jersey Express in the US Open Cup.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Jorge Herrera carries Charlotte Eagles to 3-1 win over Carolina Dynamo (video)

May 18, 2014 by Adam Morgan

For the third time, the Charlotte Eagles and Carolina Dynamo met in US Open Cup play. This time the Eagles won 3-1. Photo: Charlotte Eagles

On Wednesday night in Charlotte, NC, USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles defeated Greensboro’s PDL side Carolina Dynamo 3-1 in the Second Round of the 2014 US Open Cup, thanks to two goals and one assist from Colombian forward Jorge Herrera.

“We wanted to impose ourselves from the first minute. We wanted to make them uncomfortable,” said assistant coach Steve Shak, who was handed the reigns for the night by Eagles head coach Mark Steffens.

Neither team dominated possession in the first half, but Charlotte took shot after shot until Juan Guzman finally slotted one home in the 43rd minute, on an assist from fellow Colombian Herrera, putting the Eagles up 1-0.

The second half was a bit more one-sided, with Herrera’s two unassisted goals and a plethora of other chances for Charlotte that sailed wide, high, and into Dynamo keeper Alex McCauley’s hands. Before Herrera’s second goal, however, the Greensboro side did put up quite a fight.

“Carolina Dynamo has a great reputation,” coach Shak said after the match. “A lot of those guys will be professionals.”

The towering Mamadee Nyepon, a Greensboro native and High Point University graduate, who scored the Dynamo’s lone goal in the 60th minute, was dangerous all night, especially in the latter part of the second half. Were it not for a few offside calls and mistimed kicks, the Dynamo could have easily tied things up 2-2.

But when it comes to the US Open Cup, the Charlotte Eagles have enjoyed some recent success in the tournament after 13 years of struggles. From the first year they qualified in 1998 until 2011, the Eagles never won multiple games in a single tournament and never defeated a professional team. That changed in 2012 when they won three straight road games in Texas, defeating the El Paso Patriots (PDL), FC Dallas (MLS) and the San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time.

Their win over the Dynamo on Wednesday extended a club record with their fourth tournament in a row with at least one win.

In the end, Charlotte’s Jorge Herrera proved to be too much for the Premier Development League side to handle on Wednesday night as he scored his 5th and 6th career Open Cup goals.

“He leads by example,” said Shak. “Which is what you need your top players to do.” A few years back, Herrera got a good look from a few MLS teams, including New England Revolution, but his international status may have hurt his chances. Currently, MLS teams only have eight international spots to work with.

In the 2011 US Open Cup–the last time these in-state rivals met–the results were identical: a 3-1 Charlotte victory. Nevertheless, the Eagles didn’t treat their matchup with the Dynamo lightly. “PDL teams are very good,” Shak said. “We knew we had to be sharp.”

Team morale may have been a factor for the Dynamo, who lost their head coach to nearby Elon University just days before the start of the 2014 season.

With their Second Round victory in the bag, Charlotte now faces another North Carolina team in the Third Round in two weeks time: the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks FC in Cary, NC. The RailHawks, who outdraw the Eagles by an order of magnitude at home, knocked Charlotte out of the 2010 US Open Cup. “We’ll do our research and look into them this week,” said Shak. “We usually play one another in the preseason, but this year’s match was cancelled.”

Regardless of how deep Charlotte Eagles make it in the tournament this year, one thing’s for certain, according to Coach Shak.

“We love the US Open Cup.”

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: NY Greek American Atlas beats Ocean City Nor’easters to snap tournament losing streak

May 18, 2014 by Greg Orlandini

Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor'easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net — Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor’easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net

New York Greek Americans muscled their way into the third round of the US Open Cup traveling to Ocean City’s Carey Stadium and defeating the Ocean City Nor’easters 2-0. Josh Trott scored each goal, both coming in the early stages of each half, as the four-time Open Cup champions won their first game of the Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

The 2014 edition of the Nor’easters is different than last year’s team that reached the PDL final four and took MLS’ Philadelphia Union to the brink in Open Cup play. They are returning just seven players from a year ago, including Jason Plumhoff, who rejoins the club after a stint with Reading United. Before the match though, coach Tim Oswald signed a three-year contract with the team. The loss was the team’s first against a non-MLS team since 2007 and their first loss in franchise history to an amateur club (4-1-0).

Meanwhile the Greek Americans came into the match in midseason form and fitness. The experienced team boasted one player with MLS and European soccer experience in former Philadelphia Union defender Cristian Arrieta. The Greeks victory not only helped them snap their 4-game touranment losing streak, but it avenged a 3-0 loss by Ocean City in 2005.

Almost from the start, the Greeks took Ocean City out of their game. The slightly older, slightly stronger side from New York muscled their way through the Nor’easter midfield, moving with ease. The forward combo of Josh Trott and Keith Detelj pinned back the home side’s back four, with Detelj acting as a battering ram through out the match. The usually pleasing to watch Nor’easters were forced into a long-ball strategy through most of the game. They gave up size on the forward line, so nearly every ball in the box was dealt with easily.

The New York Greek American Atlas defeated Ocean City Nor'easters 2-0 in a rematch of a game played back in 2005. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net — The New York Greek American Atlas defeated Ocean City Nor’easters 2-0 in a rematch of a game played back in 2005. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net

The Greeks pressure and possession paid off early when Trott and Detelj broke through the Nor’easter back line. In the 10th minute Detelj put a cross into the box and with Ocean City’s goalkeeper Broja Angoita off his line, Josh Trott easily tapped in the tally putting the visitors up 1-0. From then on, the home team was chasing. The usually crafty Frank Tweneboa played the first half at center forward and struggled with service and with the large Greek American center forwards.

The Greeks showed their fitness throughout the first half, chasing down every loose ball and pressuring Ocean City every time they attempted move out of their end.

The second half opened with two subs for the Nor’easters as with two big forwards Aaron Dennis and Ben Maurey coming to strengthen the side. But whatever game plan coach Oswald has in mind for the second half went up in smoke as Josh Trott scored his second of the night. After that it was pretty much job done for New York Greeks. Their line played a little deep as Ocean City stepped up pressure towards the end of the much. The most excitement of the match came after the second goal when both teams came together after a hard tackle with Ian Hines-Ike seeing red after all was said and done. The match finished up 2-0 to New York Greek Americans.

”We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be,” said Oswald after the match. “We didn’t match the intensity or the work rate of the Greek Americans.” Oswald added that chasing the early goals in both halves worked against what the team wanted to do.

“Our team is a little bit older so we have maybe a little more experience hoping that we have a little bit higher football IQ so we can read the game a little bit faster,” said Greeks coach Stavros Zomopoulos. He praised former Union man Cristian Arrieta who he said has brought a wealth of experience to his side.

The Greeks move onto play the Richmond Kickers in the Third Round. No rest for the Nor’easters as they are competing on two fronts. They head to Long Island this Sunday to take on the Rough Riders in league play. Shortly after, on May 22, they travel to Gambrills, Md. to take part in the US Soccer national Amateur Championships, which feature the champions from the four major amateur competitions in the United States (USASA Amateur Cup, USASA Open Cup, PDL, and NPSL). The Nor’easters are taking part in place of the Austin Aztex, who were unable to represent the PDL.

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Coach Santino Quaranta leads Baltimore Bohemians to debut win over Icon FC (video)

May 18, 2014 by Craig Tower

The Baltimore Bohemians of the Premier Development League made their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut on Wednesday night against a team who made a splash in their tournament debut a year ago in Icon FC. The USASA club from Montville, New Jersey won their first game last year 4-1 over the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) on the strength of a hat trick from Argjent Duka and former MLS veteran Danny Szetela.

However, this year’s Icon FC roster was missing Duka and Szetela, and the Bohemians, who finished tied for second in the very competitive Mid-Atlantic Division last year, was the better team in front of their home fans. Baltimore, led by newly-appointed head coach Santino Quaranta, overwhelmed their Garden State opponents, winning 4-1 to earn a home game in Round 3 against the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro).

The University of Maryland Baltimore County Stadium was the venue with an overcast day with a very fine mist in the air at kickoff. The crowd was sparse at first, but thickened as the game heated up. Both teams were playing with relatively new lineups, but Icon appeared to have an advantage entering the match as they had been in action for months in the Garden State Soccer League, while this was the first competitive match for the Bohs in 2014.

For the first 10 minutes or so, the Bohs laid back, absorbing pressure from Icon FC. Chris Panian of Baltimore announced the breakout of his team with a booming shot from the top of the box at 11 minutes, but it rocketed wide right without troubling Icon’s keeper Chris Duggan. After a brief pause in the 15th minute when Ricky Greensfelder of the Bohs was subbed out for Malcolm Harris after suffering concussion-like symptoms, play was restarted with more trouble for Duggan. A penalty was awarded to the Bohs after Icon’s defense sent a Baltimore player down in the box, and Mamadou Kansaye coolly sent the ball to the lower right corner of the goal while Duggan plunged in the opposite direction.

The Bohemians pushed their advantage, pressuring the Icon defense with a break on the right wing. After Icon had recovered the ball, Chris Panian continued to harass the defense, coaxing a turnover out of Gabriel Alvas. Panian turned and slipped a pass into the path of Austin Martz, who nonchalantly controlled the ball and slotted the ball inside the far post past the arcing body of Duggan.

At this point, the game began to get physical, but the referee showed some tolerance until the 42nd minute, when Jarrod Laventure’s lunging studs-up tackle resulted in an ejection. The teams went into the locker rooms for halftime knowing that Icon was down a man for the rest of the game and trailing 2-0.

After the whistle blew to open the second half, Icon pressed the Baltimore defense, forcing a foul and a goal in quick succession. The goal came when Icon’s Adam Bajek sent an outswinging cross through the Bohs defense, finding an unmarked Teddy Niziolet, who pounded the ball in with his head from 5 yards out.

The Bohs began finding more room in the midfield at that point, as gaps began to form in Icon’s original 4-3-2-1 formation. The Bohs forwards started to push the defensive line of the Jersey team while the fullbacks and outside mids, feeling less pressure, sent more balls over the top to big forwards Brandon Allen and halftime addition David Neuberth.

In the 62nd, the Bohs converted a midfield turnover by Icon into a goal, finding Allen just outside the top of the box. Having lost his man, Allen pounded a volley across the goal into the lower right corner for the score.

The game got chippy again after the 75th minute, but Baltimore managed to ice the match after they sprung Graham, who subbed on for right back Stephen Ho in the 84th minute. Graham accelerated and drove a low shot to the keeper’s right, completing the scorign for the home team.

The Bohs had further chances, including an opportunity for Neuberth in the 74th minute and two excellent efforts by Allen in the 75th, including a ball that pinged off the left post and straight back to Duggan, who caught it with Allen standing one yard away, ready to pounce. Icon pushed toward the end but didn’t have the manpower to change the score of the game, which ended 4-1 in favor of the Bohemians.

Bohemians’ new coach Quaranta was upbeat about his team’s performance.

“I was thrilled with the effort,” said Quaranta, who won a US Open Cup title with DC United in 2008. “Some of the guys met each other for the first time tonight, so the challenge for us is to put the best group on shapewise and tactically. Brandon Allen, for example, is one of the guys… But we’re thrilled. Obviously we have a lot of work to do. But overall the effort, the commitment from the players was fantastic.”

Quaranta cited fitness as the biggest challenge his team faces as they move on in the tournament.

“Physically, it’s new for the guys, when you play 90 minutes games with three changes coming from college. So physically you want to make sure you’re managing their minutes, as we play again Saturday, Tuesday, then Saturday again.”

He also emphasized his desire to play an attacking style of soccer, not just for the fans, but for the players as well.

“Overall, you want these guys to play free, you want them to have a chance to get their names out there,” he said, noting that Baltimore is expecting some new arrivals who could make an impact in the pro ranks.

Quaranta did shy away from picking a man of the match. “I think Austin Martz was fantastic. His workrate was second to none. Andrew Harris had a great game. Brandon Allen was great. He could have scored 3 or 4 goals. But I don’t think you can pinpoint one guy.”

In the next round, Baltimore will look to get another team effort as they will aim for an upset against a team that has made their name for upsetting teams in the Open Cup in the Harrisburg City Islanders.

HIGHLIGHT: GOAL BY BALTIMORE’S BRANDON ALLEN

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Oklahoma City Energy beat Tulsa Athletics as tournament returns to Oklahoma (video)

May 17, 2014 by William Schulz

In the first all-Oklahoma Open Cup match in decades (possibly ever), expansion teams Tulsa Athletics (green) battled the Oklahoma City Energy. Photo: Tulsa Athletics

A cool May afternoon served as the backdrop for the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in Tulsa, Okla. In front of 3,834 fans (the highest attendance of the round), the Tulsa Athletics of the NPSL were hosting the Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) for the very first time as both teams made their Open Cup debuts.

It was the first Open Cup game held in Oklahoma since 1997 when Los Lobos (USASA) welcomed the Central Jersey Riptide to Tulsa for a first round game (Riptide won 1-0). 17 years later, the tournament has returned to the Sooner State.

In the end, it was the professional expansion team, Energy FC, who were too much for the amateur side as Dave Leichty and Cyprian Hedrick scored a goal in each half to win the game 2-0. The Energy now earn a spot in the Third Round where they will travel to Peoria, Ariz. to take on fellow USL PRO team Arizona United SC on May 28.

Tulsa started the match by attempting to outrun Oklahoma City, and earned themselves some solid early possession. All that possession fizzled out when the Athletics reached the attacking third of the field however, as Tulsa only managed to get one shot on goal through the entire first half.

3,834 fans showed up to watch the Tulsa Athletics and the Oklahoma City Energy play their first US Open Cup game. Photo: Tulsa Athletics

Leichty broke the deadlock in the 10th minute on OKC’s first shot of the match. From there, Tulsa’s composure began to waiver and the fouls became more common. The increased physicality of the first half culminated in the first two yellow cards of the match, issued to Kevin Howard and Ray Saari in the 26th and 38th minutes, respectively.

Tulsa began the second half with the substitution of Dave Leung for Levi Coleman and a more focused plan of attack. Physicality remained a part of Tulsa’s play, quickly earning them several fouls. Unfortunately, as in the first half, Tulsa just didn’t have any idea ideas in the final third.

Oklahoma City doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Hedrick fired home a Kyle Miller free kick. Tulsa’s composure crumbled following the goal, their play becoming even more physical and desperate.

The physicality of play intensified on both sides until the 76th minute when Dave Leung was issued a straight red after a vicious tackle. Things spiraled out of control for Tulsa from that point on, until Stephen Brocks was issued a straight red card for a challenge on OKC’s keeper while the keeper was on the ground in possession of the ball.

The match ended 2-0 in Oklahoma City’s favor, ending a 4-game losing streak in all competitions. The loss was Tulsa’s first of the year, and surely contains some hard lessons for the team of youngsters. Oklahoma City Energy FC will travel to fellow USL Pro team Arizona United SC in Round 3 on May 28.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Orlando City U23s earn first tournament win, 2-1 over Jacksonville United

May 17, 2014 by Mike Gramajo

For the first time in franchise history, Orlando City U23s celebrated a victory in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They got their tournament run off to a strong start with a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s Jacksonville United at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla.

Orlando first qualified for the Open Cup in 2000 under the name Central Florida Kraze, and entering Wednesday night, had entered the competition a total of six times without producing a win (0-5-1, 0-1 in PKs). The winless streak, which included a 2-1 loss to Jacksonville in 2012, was the longest active Open Cup losing streak in American soccer.

In the first game of an Open Cup doubleheader with the Orlando City USL Pro team, Tyler Blackwood would score the lone Orlando City goal in the 30th minute after a shot from Romario Williams found the forward to rebound the shot toward the net. However, Jacksonville equalized the match at the halftime mark when Krizanovic converted on penalty kick.

With the match leveled, the U23s were given an opportunity to control the match when Jacksonville went down a man when Jay Bolt received a red card after a harsh tackle. Orlando City earned the second goal after their corner kick failed to clear the Jacksonville box, leading to an own-goal from the visiting side.

The match would end 2-1 in favor of the Young Lions, and set up another Open Cup rematch. On May 28, just like they did back in 2007, Orlando will travel to Blackbaud Stadium to take on the Charleston Battery of USL Pro.

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Reading United cruise past Greater Binghamton, 5-2 (video)

May 17, 2014 by Phil Naegely

A strong second-half powered Reading United past the Greater Binghamton FC Thunder 5-2 at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium advancing the team to the US Open Cup Third Round.

Reading secured coach David Castellanos his first Cup victory and overall win as Reading manager.

“It’s a special moment for the coaching staff and the players to get that first win,” Castellanos said. “US Open Cup games are like NCAA Tournament games. It is one and done. I was very, very pleased with the result.”

Reading United move on to face USL-Pro side Rochester Rhinos on May 28th in Rochester, NY.

At the half, Reading held the one-goal advantage and stood 45 minutes away from advancing to the Third Round for the second consecutive year.

Binghamton and head referee Darth Newman did not make it easy at first.

Binghamton penetrated into the penalty box and earned a penalty kick after Reading’s Robby Sagel took down an opponent. It appeared to be a clean defensive play, but Newman decided otherwise from a distance – about 20 yards – and pointed to the spot without confirming the call with his near sideline assistant referee, who was much closer to the play.

Binghamton’s Bozidar Jelovic stepped up and shot left past a diving Alex Bono to knot the match at 2-2.

Reading’s Ignacio Maganto came in for Graham Smith in the 61th minute and made an immediate impact. Darius Madison found more space on the left flank again and charged towards the box with favorable numbers. On a 2-on-1, Madison passed over to an open Maganto whose strike put Reading up for good.

From there, the game was in Reading’s favor. Six minutes later Quincy Thomas doubled the lead. Off a corner kick, Binghamton failed to clear the ball out of danger after a few headers that pinballed around the box. Thomas secured the box at the top of the 18-yard box and sent it screaming into the top netting.

As the game wound down and Reading continued to control the game’s pace and possession, Madison put on a show for the 236 fans in attendance. Madison dribbled around his defender, losing his shoe in the process. Before the ball went out of bounds, he saved it on the sideline and drew Stenta off his line leaving the net wide open. Nick Surkamp capped-off Reading’s five goal night by blasting the ball into the open net.

“I basically squared the guy up, faked right and he stepped on my cleat and it game off,” Madison said. “I passed it towards the penalty mark and Surkamp was there to finish it.”

Reading threatened from the opening whistle. In the ninth minute, Madison’s diving header just missed finding the back of the net as it hit the right post.

Moments later the game’s first goal would come as Madison beat his defender on the left flank and found space to send a cross into the box. Oumar Ballo found the ball and sent it through traffic and goalkeeper Jason Stenta’s legs.

With Reading leading 1-0 less than 20 minutes in it continued to pressure, looking to increase its lead. Instead, Binghamton found an equalizer. A mid-field turnover allowed Binghamton an offensive advantage as Jonny Sinclair’s cross set up Alex Varkatzas perfectly for the game-tying goal in the 35th minute.

The hosts continued to press. Madison almost found the net in the 41st minute. Stenta struggled to hold onto the speedy forwards’ shot at first but was able to escape without danger. Moments later Madison found another chance to strike and emphatically put Reading up right before the halftime whistle. Lucas Baldin turned his defender on the attack and sent a precise pass to a streaking Madison who found the right-side netting.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS