2014 Third Round

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United avenge last year’s upset loss, oust Des Moines Menace 1-0

May 29, 2014 by Lonny Goldsmith

After an upset loss in 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to the Des Moines Menace, Minnesota United FC were determined to not have it happen for a second straight year. It took substitute forward Christian Ramirez to make sure of it.

Ramirez, United’s leading goal scorer in NASL play, picked up a miss-hit clearance pass by Menace defender Brandon Fricke, rounded goalkeeper David Meves and coolly slotted home in the 86th minute of a 1-0 win at The Valley Stadium in West Des Moines in a closely-contested Third-Round tie.

“Dave and Brandon played fantastic. They made so many good defensive plays,” said Des Moines head coach Mike Jeffries. “It was unfortunate the way it ended.”

With the win, the Loons earn a trip to take on MLS side Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park on June 18 in the Fourth Round.

United were unlucky not to have put the game away much earlier, hitting the woodwork four times – twice in each half – while dominating possession.

Mozesh Gyorio drilled a 25-yard shot that Meves just got a touch on to put it off the post. Just before halftime, Omar Daley hit the post with a tight-angle shot.

Des Moines, on virtually their first attack of the second half, had a penalty claim denied in the 63rd minute. The linesman waved his flag for a handball in the box on United defender Cristiano Faguendes Dias, but the referee waved play-on. In the confusion, Mueng Sunday ripped a shot off the post for the Menace. United countered and Daley responded with another shot of the post.

This is the third consecutive year that Minnesota United FC and Des Moines have played in the US Open Cup. Minnesota United FC won at The Valley two years ago in the Second Round (when the franchise was Minnesota Stars FC), before falling in the Second Round last year.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Eric Wynalda-led Atlanta Silverbacks silence Chattanooga FC, will host Real Salt Lake (video)

May 29, 2014 by David Walker

Two weeks ago, Chattanooga FC used a well-drilled wing attacking scheme to confound USL PRO side Wilmington, making history as the first NPSL team to defeat a team from USL Pro.

Tonight the dream came to an end as Eric Wynalda’s Atlanta Silverbacks of the second-tier NASL brought the amateurs down to earth with a convincing 5-0 victory in Chattanooga.

Junior Burgos had a brace, Junior Sandoval, Deon McCauley, Jaime Chavez had one apiece, as the Silverbacks dominated in front of an impressive crowd of 4,058 at Finley Stadium.

Atlanta will host MLS side Real Salt Lake in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup on June 14 at Silverbacks Park.

Technical Director Eric Wynalda said he had seen the tape of the Wilmington game from the 2nd round.

“You can watch tape all the time and think you know what you’re getting in to,” he said, “but really you don’t know until you’re there.”

Sandoval and Burgos both scored from long distance in the first half.

Sandoval scored in the 12th minute to open the scoring before Burgos scored on a free kick from just outside the box in the 17th minute.

Burgos’ second goal in the 42nd minute was a left-footed blast from all of 30 yards out to give Atlanta a commanding 3-0 heading into halftime.

The Silverbacks added another goal in the 68th minute when McCauley — who missed on his previous scoring chances — scored to make it 4-0.

Burgos added an assist to his tally on Chavez’s goal in the 71st minute.

The Silverbacks controlled possession for most of the match while out-shooting CFC, 9-1.

The differences between a talented amateur side and a Second Division pro side are slim. Perhaps a touch more speed, a tiny but distinct tendency to make fewer bad touches and hurried passes, and, usually, an edge in physical conditioning.

When asked what the main difference between amateurs and professionals at this level, Wynalda said, “Everyone can do some tricks and make a pass, but is it the right pass? It’s mostly about vision.”

Highlights from game via WRCB-TV.
WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Richmond Kickers rally to beat New York Greek Americans in lightning-filled match

May 29, 2014 by Michael Campbell

After a three-hour lightning delay, the Richmond Kickers score two goals to beat the New York Greek American Atlas 2-1. Photo: Richmond Kickers — After a three-hour lightning delay, the Richmond Kickers scored two goals to beat the New York Greek American Atlas 2-1. Photo: Richmond Kickers

Despite a three-hour storm delay that saw heavy rain and lightning dominate the evening, the Richmond Kickers were able to get a comeback victory over New York Greek American Atlas SC thanks to two second half goals from George Davis IV & Tishan Hanley.

Before the rain arrived, much of the opening moments of the match match was spent with both sides fighting to generate attack in their respective ends of the field as Richmond midfielder Shay Spitz and New York’s Christian Camacho moving around the pitch trying to create offense.

It would be Atlas striking first and making their presence known to the fans inside City Stadium thanks to a quick counterattack by the club during the the 21st minute.

New York midfielder Stephan Bareas and forward Chris Megaloudis raced down the wing and center of the pitch, respectively. Bareas sent the ball on a low cross to Megaloudis, finding the forward on the run and deep in the box.

Megaloudis’ shot went low to the right side, beating Richmond goalkeeper Joe Willis and elevating Atlas to a one-goal lead over the Kickers.

Richmond tried to level the score quickly on the opposite end of the pitch as defender Shane Johnson moved forward into the attacking zone and sent a quick pass into the box. That pass found midfielder Luke Vercollone, who wanted to take the shot first-time but was unable to make a quality connection with the ball, deflecting toward Atlas goalkeeper Ryszard Gorski, who was able to grab and protect the ball to maintain their single goal lead.

Both teams would be forced to exit the field and fans asked to leave the stands as thunderstorms impacted the area around the stadium at the 33:37 mark of the first half.

The game would be delayed for three hours and eight minutes with players returning to the pitch at 10:43 pm.

With a small number of fans left in the stands, Richmond and New York shook off the cobwebs and returned to the business at hand. The final eleven minutes of the first half saw the Kickers attempt to get on the board but halftime would see Atlas maintain their one-goal advantage.

The second stanza of the match saw Richmond increase the attack and force New York to play in their own zone. That offensive commitment by the Kickers would pay off thanks to the efforts of forward George Davis IV in the 48th minute.

Richmond forward Tishan Hanley was able to set up Davis IV on a give-and-go play inside the box of the New York goalkeeper Gorski and the quick shot beat the Atlas netminder and allowed the Kickers to level the match early in the second half.

The attack continued for the Kickers with several instances of Richmond spreading the ball around the zone via low passes and high crosses, forcing New York to stay active in their defensive zone.

The go-ahead goal for the Kickers came in the 82nd minute off a fast-moving switch play by Richmond’s Samuel Asante. His play found midfielder Sascha Gorres who was able to move the ball with ease to forward Tishan Hanley, who headed the ball into the back of the net, giving Richmond their first lead of the night.

With the lead, the Kickers turned to goalkeeper Joe Willis, who made several strong saves to maintain the team’s one-goal lead. Even with Willis’ saves, New York was not deterred and generated several scoring opportunities.

The 83rd minute saw Richmond commit a foul, leading to an Atlas free kick. The set piece, taken by Atlas defender Christian Arrieta, could not beat the defensive wall created by the Kickers, leading to the ball going back out of the zone. New York whipped it back into the box trying to convert but Willis was alert and made the save.

New York’s late push continued in the 89th minute with a corner kick that found Atlas midfielder Atonios Papasevastos in the box only to see his header denied by the crossbar.

The final whistle was blown at 11:49 p.m., four hours and 49 minutes after the first kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The Kickers will now face Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution on June 18 at Richmond City Stadium at 7 p.m.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: San Antonio Scorpions overcome early deficit, defeat upset-minded Rayados 4-2

May 29, 2014 by Adam Uthe

Despite a slow start, the North American Soccer League’s (NASL) San Antonio Scorpions managed to defeat the upset-minded North Texas Rayados of the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) by a final score of 4-2 in a Third Round US Open Cup match.

San Antonio fell behind early as NTX Rayados scored twice in the first 20 minutes to take the lead, which they ultimately carried to halftime. First it was Rayados captain Ryan Spence who pounced on a loose ball off a scramble in the box following a corner kick by Jaime Lovegrove in the 11th minute.

Then in the 20th minute, substitute Alberto Rodriguez, who had replaced the injured Salas just minutes before, was on the receiving end of a punt from goalkeeper Eduardo Cortez and managed to chip Scorpions goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo.

Desperate for a goal, head coach Alen Marcina brought on his top striker Walter Restrepo to start the second half and Restrepo repaid him in kind with a diving header in the 49th minute courtesy of a Josue Soto cross.

Forward Sainey Touray scored the next two for San Antonio five minutes apart in the 64th and 69th minutes. His second goal came courtesy of another Josue Soto assist. Soto would cap off the evening’s affairs by converting a 76th minute penalty kick that had been drawn by Touray.

The win over NTX Rayados helped San Antonio erase some recent Open Cup demons. They were upset in their first match of the 2013 Open Cup by USL-PDL side FC Tucson. However, in 2012, the Scorpions managed to win their first two Open Cup matches in their inaugural season, including an upset win over MLS side Houston Dynamo.

The Scorpions will now travel to Frisco, Texas to take on FC Dallas in a fourth round Open Cup match on Tuesday, June 17 at 8pm CDT. San Antonio striker Eric Hassli is quite familiar with FC Dallas; he made 15 appearances for the MLS club in 2013.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Carolina RailHawks eliminate Charlotte Eagles; will host Chivas USA for third straight year

May 29, 2014 by Neil Morris

The last time the Carolina RailHawks faced the Charlotte Eagles in a competitive soccer match was the First Round of the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The RailHawks won that game 1-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Four years later, another U.S. Open Cup clash between the in-state avian rivals produced a similar outcome. The RailHawks clipped the Eagles 2-0 Wednesday evening in Cary, paced by two first-half goals from Nazmi Albadawi and Jun Marques Davidson. Carolina now advances to the Fourth Round of the 2014 Open Cup and will host Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on June 14.

The win also extends the RailHawks’ home unbeaten streak to 20 games.

Four days following the RailHawks’ draw at NASL-leading Minnesota United FC, manager Colin Clarke ran out a nearly full-strength side against the USL Pro opponent. The lone notable exception was the insertion of backup goalkeeper Scott Goodwin, making his first start since joining Carolina. With a possible MLS home match hanging in the balance, it was a curious decision to leave Akira Fitzgerald, just named NASL Player of the Week for his clean sheet against Minnesota United last Saturday, on the bench.

However, Goodwin proved up to the task. The former UNC Tar Heel standout made five saves to earn a clean sheet, including a couple of leaping fingertip deflections in the second half to preserve the RailHawks’ advantage.

“Scott’s a very good keeper,” Clarke said. “He deserved his chance. He’s worked very hard and pushes Akira every single day. He deserves a chance to play.”

Carolina got that advantage beginning in the 14th minute. With the Eagles playing a high back line coupled with a compact, eight block midfield, the RailHawks met some difficulty cracking the Charlotte defensive alignment. However, RailHawks’ midfielder Ty Shipalane tends to disrupt opponents’ best laid schemes, and so he did again against Charlotte. Driving off the right wing, Shipalane poked a ball into the box that found its way to midfielder Nazmi Albadawi. The former NC State standout gathered possession before turning to fire a left-footed shot that skimmed across the face of Eagles goalkeeper Brock Duckworth and into the far net for a 1-0 lead.

“Ty made a great run,” Albadawi said. “He always attracts two or three defenders whenever he gets the ball. He played me a good ball in, and I was able to turn over my shoulder. I just went for it, took a shot with my left foot and it went in far post.”

It was solid outing for Albadawi, who scored his first goal as a RailHawk in his second consecutive start. He proved an effective two-way threat, coupling effective defensive play with dangerous distribution, including several effective long balls over the top of the encroaching Eagles back line.

Davidson said Albadawi did lots of little things to help the RailHawks.

“ was in a spot where he could get the ball and distribute it for us at the right time,” Davidson said. “He played into space when he needed, and he scored a good goal that gave us confidence and made the game easier.”

In the 40th minute, RailHawks center back Toni Stahl left the match after sustaining a couple of first-half knocks, the last a rib injury whose severity remains undetermined.

In the waning seconds of the first half, the RailHawks notched their second goal. Forward Mike Grella blazed a trail toward goal, carrying a defender along the way. Grella’s angled blast was deflected away by Duckworth, but the ricochet bounded toward the center of the box and into the path of a streaking Davidson. The RailHawks’ captain buried the loose ball into an open net.

Davidson, who missed last Saturday’s game at Minnesota in order to attend his sister’s wedding, admitted he can’t remember the last time he scored a goal.

“When the ball went to Grella, I looked around and everyone was tired,” Davidson said. “So I thought this our last chance of the first half, I’m going to spin as hard as I can and see what happens. If Grella scores from that, great. If he doesn’t, I could get the rebound. The rebound happened, so I just had to tap it in.”

A back and forth second half was mostly highlighted by missed opportunities for both teams. Carolina easily could, and probably should have scored two or three additional goals against a tired Eagles team forced to push forward. At the same time, Charlotte generated multiple opportunities, including a whopping 12 corner kicks for the game. In the end, Carolina and Charlotte attempted 11 shots each.

Eagles manager Mark Steffens said it was emblematic of a team that has experienced difficulty scoring goals all season.

“We’re not a high scoring team,” Steffens said. “Some of the guys we signed who we felt like would be goalscorers for us have not produced.”

Steffens also said his team’s recent run of road matches left them flagged coming into a hot, humid midweek match. Earlier this month, Charlotte played two matches in California and another in Arizona. Last Wednesday, the Eagles traveled to Orlando and last Saturday, they played in Richmond, VA. This Saturday’s match back in Charlotte will be the Eagles first home game since April 25.

“We’ve been on the road all month,” Steffens said. “Been out to California and Arizona, so we didn’t have any life tonight. We were dead, not only in our press but in our passing and movement. Everything was off a little bit.”

Clarke was happy with his team’s performance against a higher caliber opponent than the RailHawks have faced to open their U.S. Open Cup account the previous two years.

“I think everyone was maybe expecting it was going to be easy for us to get to the next round,” said Clarke. “But they’re a very good team, and it was a tough night with the humidity. I’m absolutely delighted with the result.”

The RailHawks return to NASL league play this Saturday when they host the Tampa Bay Rowdies. When Carolina hosts Chivas USA in June, it will be the third consecutive year the RailHawks have hosted the MLS side in Open Cup competition.

“We’ve had some great nights in this competition over the last couple of years,” said Clarke, alluding to the RailHawks’ two victories over the LA Galaxy and last year’s win over Chivas USA. “We’re looking for another one on the 14th.”

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: New York Cosmos win Open Cup debut, will host Red Bulls in Round 4

May 29, 2014 by Michael Anderer

The New York Cosmos defeated the Brooklyn Italians 2-0 in their US Open Cup debut. Photo: New York Cosmos014

Reigning NASL Champions, the New York Cosmos entered the Third Round of the US Open Cup with a win against NPSL’s Brooklyn Italians. Brooklyn struggled early on with their composure. Head coach Lucio Russo told reporters after the game that he hoped his team could keep the score level for the first 30 minutes. He knew that the longer it took the NASL squad to score, the more nervous they would become.

Unfortunately,by the time the clock hit thirty, Russo’s squad was already down 2-0. The Cosmos scored their first goal off a short corner play in the 16th minute. Spanish defender Ayoze would end up with the ball just outside the Italian box, sending in a cross that was put away by centerback Jimmy Ockford. While continuing to dominate possession, the Cosmos would add another goal at the 30 minute mark. Hagop Chirishian took a rebound off Brooklyn goalkeeper Parkinson, pushing the ball to the back of the net.

The Cosmos tallied 16 shots in the first half compared to Brooklyn’s three, but the Cosmos also bettered the Brooklyn squad in another statistic that they would not want the lead in: fouls. The Cosmos were called for nine fouls while Brooklyn only five. Both teams would go into halftime which one player each being shown a yellow card: Yvener Diese (Brooklyn) and Hagop Chirishian (NY Cosmos).

Brooklyn would make one change to start the second half with forward Juan Aguiar replacing midfielder Diego Zuniga in an obvious attempt to change the game quickly. The game would change very quickly, but the way the Italians hoped. Italians midfielder Salvatore Barone picked up a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on the Cosmos’ Dane Murphy in the 22nd minute. Head referee Andres Pfefferkorn had just put his cards away and blew the whistle to restart play when Barone took down another Cosmos player drawing his second yellow in less than a minute’s time. Brooklyn would play down a man for the next half an hour.

The Cosmos bombarded the Italians with quick lateral passes and crosses but they could not break through the tough defense solidified by Kirk Scarlett and Tim Parker. Parker, a former St John’s defender, looked right at home on the Belson turf, but it would be Scarlett with the defensive play of the match clearing a ball off the goal line that had made its way past Parkinson.

Not even the addition of substitute Hans Denissen could help the Cosmos put a little more breathing room between them and the nine-man Brooklyn squad. The final whistle would propel the Cosmos onto the Fourth Round which will include another NY Derby match-up. The Cosmos will host MLS’s New York Red Bulls at Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, NY, on June 14. When asked about the upcoming game against the Red Bulls, Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said that he thinks it will great for the sport of soccer. He added that the Cosmos are excited about and that it will be a good thing for New York.

Tonight’s game marked the first ever appearance for the famed New York Cosmos franchise in US Open Cup history . The Brooklyn Italians are no strangers to the tournament winning the Lamar Hunt trophy in 1979 and 1991.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Harrisburg City Islanders hold off Baltimore Bohemians 4-2; will face Philadelphia Union in Round 4

May 29, 2014 by Craig Tower

The PDL’s Baltimore Bohemians hosted the Harrisburg City Islanders at Calvert Hall High School’s Russo Field in Towson, MD, in the third round of the US Open Cup, hoping to upset the USL Pro side. The Islanders found the net three times in the first half, however, and cruised to a 4-2 victory, setting themselves up for a June 17th fourth-round matchup against their MLS parent club, the Philadelphia Union.

The game opened under warm sunny skies, but a chill wind and gray clouds enveloped the home field during the second half. The Bohemians’ hopes were eclipsed sooner than that, as Morgan Langley scored in the eighth minute for Harrisburg. Man of the match Jimmy McLaughlin received the ball just inside the Bohs half, blew by his defender and ran the ball in towards the goal on the endline, before slicing a pass in to Langley who punched the ball in from a few yards out.

According to McLaughlin, the goal followed their game plan to a T. “That was kind of what we were looking to do – connect a couple passes in the middle, and then spray it out wide to our wingers with some pace and try to make something happen,” McLaughlin said. The Bohs did their best to counter the strategy, and in the 19th minute Ryan Tuck tried a bit too hard, when he caught the top of speedy Jose Barril’s foot with his studs and earned a yellow card for the infraction.

To their credit, the Bohs, who played a 4-1-3-2 formation, did not bunker against the pro side. Baltimore was unlucky not to score between the 20th and 30th minutes as they peppered Harrisburg’s goal with a series of attempts, including shots by Brandon Allen, Marquez Fernandez, and Allen’s Georgetown teammate Austin Martz. McLaughlin noted the strong play of the Bohemians, saying, “It took a little to kind get into the game, but I think once we settled in we showed our quality and put together a couple really nice goals.”

In fact, he was the author of the next strike, putting an emphatic end to the danger and making the score 2-0, with a curling shot to the far post from about 22 yards out off of a pass by Barrill. The Islanders ended their first half run with a penalty. Bohs keeper Andrew Harris grabbed Danny DiPrima after the Islander nodded an awkwardly bouncing ball just over him and was rushing to rejoin it before it crossed the endline. McLaughlin stepped up and planted the ball firmly in the back of the net to give the Islanders a 3-0 lead going into halftime.

The sides battled more or less evenly in the second half as the Bohs did a better job at countering the wing play by Harrisburg. The Islanders seemed content to nurse their lead while the Bohs tried to penetrate the Islanders with their own wing play, forcing City’s Brian Sylvestre to make two consecutive saves from sharp angles resulting in corners in the 49th and 51st minutes. Play became a bit chippier with yellows being awarded to Harrisburg’s Barril and Baltimore’s Fernandez in the 60th and 72nd minutes respectively.

The Bohs finally found the net as second half sub Kingsley Onwuka plucked the ball off a defender and punched it home to reduce the deficit to two. That seemed to ignite the Islanders, however, as Langley made an explosive run in the 80th minute down the right wing, eventually beating Harris with a curving shot just inside the near post. Onwuka netted again in the 87th off a cross from Malcolm Harris to give the Bohs a glimmer of hope. As the skies grayed, though, a quick but ugly altercation in midfield saw Baltimore’s Matt Shinsky sent off, while Harrisburg’s Langley saw a yellow for his part in the fracas.

The Islanders move on to meet their MLS parent club, the Philadelphia Union, in the fourth round. The matchup at PPL Park will be a US Open Cup rematch of the 2012 quarterfinal thriller where the Islanders pushed Philly to the brink before the Union claimed their first semifinal spot in the tournament. McLaughlin is looking forward to the matchup, which he previewed this way: “I think it’s funny how the affiliate teams get matched up against their parent teams. You saw that Kansas City and Orlando City. Anything can happen with these games and I think there’s gonna be a lot of passion on both sides. I think it should be a fun one to watch and a fun one to play in.”

2014 US Open Cup Round 3 preview: NASL joins tournament as teams battle for dates with MLS (with broadcast links)

May 28, 2014 by Josh Hakala

UPDATE: Colin Rolfe of the Rochester Rhinos scored the game-winning goal in the 119th minute to give the Rochester Rhinos a 2-1 win over Reading United AC in the opening game of the Third Round. The Rhinos will host defending Open Cup champion DC United in Round 4. Read the full recap here.

The Third Round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off tonight with the Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO hosting PDL regular Reading United AC at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester. On Wednesday, 15 more games are on the schedule in arguably the most exiciting rounds of the 101st edition of the tournament as all 16 winners will earn a date with a team from Major League Soccer.

You can follow all of tonight’s games on Twitter @USOpenCup and by using this year’s hashtag #USOC2014.

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Baltimore Bohemians (PDL)
Calvert Hall College High School; Towson, MD – 5:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If Harrisburg wins … they play at Philadelphia Union (MLS) on June 17
If Baltimore wins … they play at Philadelphia Union (MLS) on June 10

#USOC2014 LINKS

2014 Round 3 previews
Notable upsets in Round 3 history
Things you should know about Round 3
2014 Round 4 draw scenarios
2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results
2014 US Open Cup bracket
2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders
The First Cup series (1913/14)
Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

Harrisburg City Islanders Open Cup records
Overall: 13-6-3 (2-1 PKs) | Away: 3-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 9-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Reading United AC of PDL – Round 2)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)
How they got here …
Round 2: 4-0 road win at FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL)

Baltimore Bohemians Open Cup records
Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here …
Round 2: 4-1 home win vs. Icon FC (USASA)

#USOC2014 BROADCASTS
(All broadcasts embedded down this page)

Atlanta Silverbacks at Chattanooga FC (7:30 ET)
Orlando City U23s at Charleston Battery (7:30 ET)
Dayton Dutch Lions at Indy Eleven (7:30 ET)
Laredo Heat at Ft. Lauderdale Strikers (7:45 ET)
Radio: OKC Energy at Arizona United (10:30 ET)

The City Islanders will travel to Baltimore to take on the PDL’s Bohemians after dismantling Lehigh Valley United of the NPSL with four second half goals in their opening game. They will be looking to avoid a repeat of last year, when they were knocked out by another PDL side, Reading United AC. Their sole USL PRO match since then saw them take a 5-3 win against Dayton, moving them up a spot to 12th in the 14 team league, though they have the most games in hand of any team.

Harrisburg have made a name for themselves since their first appearance in the tournament since 2007. Since then, they have eliminated five Major League Soccer teams and have reached the Quarterfinals four times. Their loss to Reading in the opening round was their first one-and-done tournament experience and their first loss to an amateur team.

Baltimore took down Icon FC of the USASA 4-1 in their first-ever Open Cup match last round. Their league form hasn’t benefited, however, as they’ve lost 2-1 to FA Euro and 3-0 to Reading United AC to start the season. They currently sit with one point, tied for last place in the Mid-Atlantic Division with Northern Virginia Royals and Ocean City Nor’easters. Player/coach Santino Quaranta, who made his coaching debut against Icon FC, will be hoping to right the ship against their pro competition.

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NY Greek American Atlas (USASA) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If Richmond wins … they host New England Revolution (MLS) on June 18
If New York wins … they play at New England Revolution (MLS) on June 11

New York Greek American Atlas Open Cup records (Modern Pro Era)
Overall: 1-4-0 | Away: 1-2-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2012 (Lost 2-1 at Reading United AC of PDL – Round 1)
Best finish (all-time): US Open Cup champions 1967, 1968, 1969, 1974
How they got here …
Round 2: 2-0 road win at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)

Richmond Kickers Open Cup records
Overall: 25-13-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 19-4-1 (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)

After their 6-1 thrashing of defending NPSL champion RVA FC in the first Richmond derby game in tournament history, the 1995 US Open Cup champion Richmond Kickers will now host New York Greek American Atlas, who have four Open Cup titles to their name.

The Kickers’ league form has also been impressive of late, gaining seven points in three matches since their Open Cup tilt on May 14. They traveled to Oklahoma City and Chicago for a 4-1 defeat of Energy FC and a scoreless draw against the Fire’s reserve team, then beat the Charlotte Eagles 2-0 at home. Richmond is currently tied for third in USL PRO, at 19 points along with the Sacramento Republic.

In 1995, the Kickers upset three professional teams en route to winning the 1995 Open Cup title, and have remained one of the best lower divisions in the tournament ever since. They have won 25 games all-time and still have their 2011 tournament run fresh in their memories, giving hope for lower division soccer fans nationwide. They became the first lower division team to upset two straight MLS teams on the road before falling one win short of the final with a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in the Semifinals.

New York, who won Open Cup titles in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1974, beat the PDL’s Ocean City Nor’easters 2-0, with a brace by Josh Trott to give the Greeks their first tournament win of the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). Greek American Atlas are in a strange position compared to most sides in the tournament, as their regular season is actually over. GAA’s league, the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, uses a fall-spring season instead of a summer season, with playoffs happening in May. Greek American Atlas had won their division, yet suffered a 3-2 upset loss to New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the playoffs. It will take a win for the team to continue their season, and not hang up their uniforms until September.

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RWB Adria (USASA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
Winner plays at Chicago Fire (MLS) on June 18

RWB Adria Open Cup records (Modern Pro Era)
Overall: 1-3-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 1-3-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 5-3 in PKs after 1-1 draw at Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Round 1)
Best finish (all-time): Semifinals (1978, 1991)
How they got here …
Round 1: 3-1 PK road win (1-1 draw) at Detroit City FC (NPSL)
Round 2: 1-0 OT road win at Michigan Bucks (PDL)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Open Cup records
Overall: 6-9-3 (1-2 PKs) | Home: 4-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 4-3-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Ocean City Nor’easters of PDL – 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)

United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) side RWB Adria will visit Highmark Stadium on Wednesday, May 28 to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in a Midwestern showdown.

A year ago, in the same stadium, RWB nearly advanced to the Second Round for the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present), but the Riverhounds defeated them 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout after finishing 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Chicago-based RWB Adria look like tournament darlings right now after a pair of dramatic victories in the first two rounds of the US Open Cup. In the first round they went to Livonia, Mich. and defeated National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side Detroit City FC in penalty kicks 3-1 after regulation and extra time ended with the score tied at 2-2. By the time it got to penalty kicks, both sides had already been reduced to nine men each. Adria almost didn’t get that far though as they needed a second half stoppage time goal from Vlad Bacia, who would go on to be named TheCup.us’s Player of the Round for the first round. It didn’t get any easier in the second round as their match against Premier Development League power Michigan Bucks. The score was 0-0 at the end of the first 90 minutes before Carlos Muños scored in the 93rd minute and the Croatian-infused amateur side held on to defeat their second straight Michigan-based opponent. This is the furthest the team has advanced in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds entered the Open Cup in the Second Round and managed to defeat the New York Red Bulls U-23 side by a final score of 3-1. The first half was quite lively with each team getting one goal by the time the halftime whistle blew. But the USL-PRO Riverhounds would get second half goals from Jose Angulo and Rob Vincent to move on to Round 3. Pittsburgh will be hoping their good fortunes in the Open Cup distract from their poor form in USL PRO play this season. The Riverhounds have only managed to take three points from their first nine games, which led the last place team to fire their manager Justin Evans. Former Fulham striker Collins John has been the lone bright spot with three goals in seven appearances this season.

While RWB Adria, who reached the tournament’s final four in 1978 and 1991, are enjoying their best tournament performance in over two decades, the Riverhounds are still looking for a tournament run to hang their hat on. 2001 was the only time Pittsburgh won multiple games in a single tournament and they were an A-League team back then (Div. 2 professional). Since that run to the Quarterfinals that year, they are under .500 overall (6-9-3, 1-2 PKs), and have been eliminated by an amateur club four times, which is more than any professional team since 1995.

The winner of this game, which kicks off at 7pm ET, will travel to Bridgeview, Illinois to take on Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire on Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30pm CT.

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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If Charlotte wins … they host Chivas USA (MLS) on June 17
If Carolina wins … they host Chivas USA (MLS) on June 14

Charlotte Eagles Open Cup records
Overall: 10-11-0 | Away: 5-9-0 | vs. Div. 2: 1-4-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 vs. Chicago Fire of MLS – Round 3)
Best finish: 2012 Quarterfinals (Lost 1-0 at Chivas USA of MLS)
How they got here
Round 2: 3-1 home win vs. Carolina Dynamo (PDL)

Carolina RailHawks Open Cup records
Overall: 13-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 13-2-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 4-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-0 at Real Salt Lake of MLS in Quarterfinals)
Best finish: 2007 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 in OT at New England Revolution of MLS)
How they got here … First game

It’s a North Carolina Derby match as the Charlotte Eagles of USL PRO make the two and a half hour drive to Cary, North Carolina to take on the North American Soccer League’s (NASL) Carolina Railhawks at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30PM EDT.

This will be the second meeting between the two teams in Open Cup play. The RailHawks opened up the 2010 tournament (then a member of USSF Division 2) with a 1-0 home win over the Eagles on a first half goal by Sallieu Bundu

The Charlotte Eagles defeated another North Carolina opponent, Carolina Dynamo (USL-PDL), in the Second Round by a score of 3-1 to advance to this point. The Colombian duo of Jorge Herrara and Jose Guzman led the line for the Eagles with Herrera notching two goals and an assist while Guzman added the third goal as they coasted past the Dynamo. Herrera now has six Open Cup goals to his name and his next one will make him Charlotte’s all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament. The Eagles currently sit in 9th place in the USL PRO standings with nine points from their first nine matches of the season.

This will be the first 2014 Open Cup match for the Carolina RailHawks as NASL sides enter the field in the Third Round. The RailHawks are right in the middle of the NASL standings as they sit in fifth place out of ten teams with 11 points from their first seven matches played. Carolina are led by forward Zack Schilawski, who has three goals and two assists so far this season. Former University of North Carolina standout Enzo Martinez is right behind him with two goals.

The RailHawks are traditionally tough to beat at home in the tournament, amassing a 13-2-1 (0-1 in PKs) Open Cup record at WakeMed Soccer Park. Ever since reaching the Semifinals in their first entry in 2007, they have been a force in the Open Cup. They have never lost their opening game (6-0-0), and are 13-5-1 (0-1 in PKs) overall.

The Eagles don’t have history on their side, as the USL PRO side has only had one year (2012) where they won multiple games in the competition. That 2012 run was a magical run for them as they upset MLS side FC Dallas and the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions before losing a tight road game against Chivas USA (MLS) in the Quarterfinals.

The winner of this game will move on to host MLS side Chivas USA in the Fourth Round.

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
Finley Stadium; Chattanooga, TN – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO (YouTube)
If Atlanta wins … they host Real Salt Lake (MLS) on June 14
If Chattanooga wins … they host Real Salt Lake (MLS) on June 18

Atlanta Silverbacks Open Cup records
Overall: 7-9-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 3-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 4-3-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-2 in OT at Real Salt Lake of MLS – Round 3)
Best finish: 2004 Fourth Round (Lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards of MLS)
How they got here … First game

Chattanooga FC Open Cup records
Overall: 1-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: N/A
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 4-1 in PKs after 4-4 draw at Carolina Dynamo of PDL – Round 1)
Best finish: N/A
How they got here …
Round 2: 3-1 home win vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)

LIVE BROADCAST: ATLANTA AT CHATTANOOGA

After playing road games in their respective league matches over the weekend, the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) will travel to Finley Stadium on Wednesday to face off against Chattanooga FC (NPSL).

The Silverbacks took an important 2-1 victory at FC Edmonton over the weekend, thanks to goals by Jaime Chavez and Kwadwo Poku. Meanwhile, the neighbor from the north had back-to-back league matches this weekend, which resulted into three out of possible six points.

Chattanooga fell 3-2 against the New Orleans Jesters, however, rebounded the following day with a 1-0 win at Pensacola City.

While the Open Cup has been known to showcase small teams going up against bigger teams, Chattanooga will enter Wednesday’s match as the underdog despite knocking out USL PRO side Wilmington Hammerheads on May 14, which ended 3-1 in favor of the NPSL side. With the win, Chattanooga became the first NPSL club to defeat a professional side and the first Tennessee club to win a tournament game since 2002 (Memphis Express – PDL). They are led by reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round Luke Winter, who scored two goals in the upset of the Hammerheads.

While Chattanooga has the homefield advantage, the Silverbacks haven’t lost to an amateur side since 2005 (Des Moines Menace – PDL) and after only winning multiple games in a tournament once in franchise history, the Silverbacks are motivated to put together their first defining Open Cup run.

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Orlando City U23s (PDL) winner at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, SC – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO (YouTube)
If Orlando City U23s win … play at Portland Timbers (MLS) on June 17
If Charleston wins … host Portland Timbers on June 18

Orlando City U23s Open Cup records
Overall: 1-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 5-3 in PKs after 1-1 draw vs. VSI Tampa Bay of USL PRO – Round 1)
Best finish: N/A
How they got here …
Round 2: 2-1 home win vs. Jacksonville United (NPSL)

Charleston Battery Open Cup records
Overall: 26-6-4 (3-1 PKs) | Home: 21-6-3 (2-1 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 10-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 5-2 in OT at Real Salt Lake of MLS – Round 4)
Best finish: 2008 US Open Cup Runner-Up
How they got here …
Round 2: 4-1 home win vs. Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL)

LIVE BROADCAST: ORLANDO CITY U23S AT CHARLESTON BATTERY

After entering the last round with a tournament-high six-game US Open Cup winless streak, the Young Lions of Orlando City won their first-ever US Open Cup match against Jacksonville United FC. Now they face an even tougher task in the next round: a visit to Blackbaud Stadium on Wednesday for a meeting with the Charleston Battery.

The Battery throttled their way into the third round, defeating the Panama City Beach Pirates 4-0 on May 14 thanks to a hat trick by Cuban forward Haviel Cordoves. The match on Wednesday won’t come any better for the Battery, who look to pick up more momentum after a league win at Pittsburgh (their first victory after a two-game losing streak).

Meanwhile, the Orlando City U23s have the tough task of traveling to a hostile Blackbaud Stadium. Despite being unbeaten in an early PDL season, it will be hard to go up against a Battery side. Charleston is already on form, are 9-1-0 against amateur clubs all-time in Open Cup play and have never been upset by a lower division team at home.

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Orlando City (USL PRO)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, FL – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If Tampa Bay wins … play at Colorado Rapids (MLS) on June 10
If Orlando City wins … play at Colorado Rapids (MLS) on June 17

Tampa Bay Rowdies Open Cup records
Overall: 4-3-0 | Away: 3-2-0 | vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 at Portland Timbers of MLS – Round 4)
Best finish: 2013 Fourth Round (Lost 2-0 at Portland Timbers of MLS)
How they got here … First game

Orlando City SC Open Cup records
Overall: 11-5-0 | Home: 8-1-0 | vs. Div. 2: N/A
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 5-1 at Chicago Fire of MLS – Quarterfinals)
Best finish: 2013 Quarterfinals (Lost 5-1 at Chicago Fire of MLS)
How they got here …
Round 2: 4-1 home win vs. Ocala Stampede (PDL)

In one of the juiciest Third Round match ups, Orlando City SC hosts I-4 rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday at the Seminole Soccer Complex. It will be their second meeting this year, after the Lions took a demanding 3-0 victory last month.

The Rowdies rallied back over the weekend, beating Florida rivals Fort Lauderdale Strikers 3-2 at Al Lang Stadium, which saw Blake Wagner score in the dying minutes to give the Rowdies the win after trailing 2-0 in the first half.

OCSC paved their way into the third round after defeating the Ocala Stampede 4-1, thanks to braces from Corey Hertzog and Dennis Chin. The Lions, however, did not have a league match over the weekend but instead played an exhibition game with AS Roma on Friday, which resulted into a 1-0 result in favor of the Italian giants.

Orlando is looking to build on last year’s run to the Quarterfinals from last year while Tampa Bay is looking to continue their streak of winning their opening game every time they enter the tournament (2010, 2012, 2013).

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Brooklyn Italians SC (NPSL) at New York Cosmos (NASL)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Queens, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If Brooklyn wins … play at New York Red Bulls on June 11
If New York wins … host New York Red Bulls on June 14

Brooklyn Italians Open Cup records (Modern Pro Era)
Overall: 2-4-0 | Away: 2-3-0 | vs. Div. 2: N/A
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 4-1 vs. Icon FC of USASA – Round 1)
Best finish: 2012 Second Round (Lost 3-0 at Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO)
How they got here …
Round 2: 4-2 road win at Jersey Express (PDL)

New York Cosmos Open Cup records
Overall: N/A | Home: N/A | vs. Amateur: N/A
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here … First game

History will be made as the New York Cosmos will make their US Open Cup debut against a club that has won the tournament twice. The reboot of the vaunted NASL side will make their debut against another local squad, the Brooklyn Italians of the NPSL. The original NASL did not permit its clubs to compete in the Open Cup, not wanting to risk the league’s reputation against amateur sides, which means that the Cosmos, playing in the new NASL, will get their first teaste of the tournament on Wednesday. After winning the fall league title, their league form this spring has been solid, as they sit in a second-place tie with the San Antonio Scorpions, both with 13 points from 7 games.

Brooklyn, who won the US Open Cup title in 1979 and 1991, are representing the NPSL in the tournament for the fifth straight year. They reached the Third Round after overcoming a slow start to beat the PDL’s Jersey Express 4-2. After being down 1-0 at the half, the Italians erupted for four goals to turn back their fellow amateur side. They have only played one game since their Open Cup bout, a 2-1 road win against the Rhode Island Reds. They sit atop the NPSL’s North Atlantic Division, with wins in all three games they have played. They sit three points above New York Red Bulls’ U23 squad, though the Red Bulls have a game in hand.

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Laredo Heat (PDL) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL – 7:45 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO (YouTube)
The winner plays at Houston Dynamo (MLS) on June 11

Laredo Heat Open Cup records
Overall: 3-1-2 (0-2 PKs) | Away: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 7-6 in PKs after 1-1 draw at Fort Lauderdale Strikers of NASL – Round 2)
Best finish: Second Round (2012, 2013)
How they got here …
Round 2: 2-1 home win vs. Red Force (USASA)

Fort Lauderdale Strikers Open Cup records
Overall: 6-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 6-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 4-1-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 vs. FC Dallas of MLS – Round 3)
Best finish: Third Round (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013)
How they got here … First game

LIVE BROADCAST: LAREDO AT FORT LAUDERDALE

The Laredo Heat travel to south Florida when they visit the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium for the second year in a row on Wednesday.

The Heat suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dutch Lions over the weekend, while the Strikers also suffered a defeat as well, falling 3-2 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the dying minutes after squandering a two-goal lead.

Laredo enter Round 3 after opening their tournament run with a 2-1 victory over Miami-based Red Force (USASA) on May 15 and are hoping to get the best of the Strikers who eliminated them in penalty kicks last year, 7-6 after a 1-1 draw. The Strikers enter 2013 still seeking their first defining tournament run. The team has never won more than two games in a single competition and have been eliminated twice by amateur clubs.

There is a lot on the line as the winner of Wednesday’s game will advance to Round 4 to face the Houston Dynamo of MLS. Laredo has never met an MLS club in Open Cup play, while the Strikers have never defeated one (0-4-0)

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Indy Eleven (NASL)
Carroll Stadium; Indianapolis, IN – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO (YouTube)
Winner plays at Columbus Crew (MLS) on June 17

Dayton Dutch Lions Open Cup records
Overall: 6-4-0 | Away: 4-4-0 | vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-1 at Columbus Crew of MLS – Round 3)
Best finish: 2012 Quarterfinals (Lost 3-0 at Sporting KC of MLS)
How they got here …
Round 2: 2-0 road win at Schwaben AC (USASA)

Indy Eleven Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here: First game

LIVE BROADCAST: DAYTON AT INDY ELEVEN

One of the NASL’s off-the-field success stories this year with home crowds exceeding 10,000 fans, the Indy Eleven should have a strong crowd at Michael Carroll Stadium (the site of the 1997 US Open Cup Final) out in support for the first Open Cup game in club history. The Eleven should also be fired up for the match not only due to the success general manager Peter Wilt has had in the tournament (4 Open Cup titles in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006 with the Chicago Fire) but also because it’s an opportunity for the team to earn it’s first-ever victory in a regular season competition (0-3-4 in the NASL’s Spring Season). The Eleven are lead by forward Mike Ambersley, whose 3 goals has him tied for 2nd in the NASL.

It’ll be a short drive for the Dayton Dutch Lions (the cities are only about 100 miles apart), who come into the match after defeating amateur side Schwaben AC in the Second Round back on May 14. Since then, the Lions have gone on to lose their next two USL PRO matches and a friendly against their affiliate club, the Columbus Crew of MLS. While Dayton hasn’t been lighting it up on the field, they’ll be gunning for the club’s latest upset in the Open Cup. They beat the Crew in 2012 on the way to the Quarterfinals and a run to the Fourth Round last year before falling in another match with the Crew.

The winner goes on to face the Columbus Crew on June 17 at the University of Akron’s Cub Cadet Field.

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North Texas Rayados (USASA) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Toyota Field; San Antonio, TX – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
Winner plays at FC Dallas (MLS) on June 14

North Texas Rayados Open Cup records
Overall: 0-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 0-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: N/A
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 at Austin Aztex of PDL – Round 1)
Best finish: N/A
How they got here
Round 2: 4-2 PK road win after 4-4 draw at Austin Aztex (PDL)

San Antonio Scorpions Open Cup records
Overall: 2-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 2-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 1-0-1 (0-1)
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 4-3 in PKs after 2-2 draw vs. FC Tucson of PDL – Round 1)
Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Charlotte Eagles of USL PRO)
How they got here: First game

The San Antonio Scorpions come in to this match with wounds from 2013’s failure in the US Open Cup still raw. After winning two games in their inaugural cup run in 2012, which included an upset of the Houston Dynamo (MLS), the Scorpions were upset in their opening round by the PDL’s FC Tucson.

Luckily for the Scorpions the squad is vastly changed with a strike force in that match of Hans Denissen and Blake Wagner, replaced by Eric Hassli and Tomasz Zahorski. Given Hassli’s well-published fitness concerns, it is unlikely that he will play any part in a match that the Scorpions will expect to win easily. Concerns of a repeat of 2013 will stop the Scorpions from taking it easy and in Walter Restrepo the Scorpions have an adequate back-up. Expect to see Jeremy Vuolo in goal for David Bingham. It’s been a mixed bag for the Scorpions in 2014 with an undefeated road record, but they’ve struggled at home, with just one win. The Scorpions will be hoping a big win in the cup can turn that record around.

The North Texas Rayados have had no such issues, being a USASA side, they have not had the rigors of a tight league season to exert themselves in, and so the Scorpions tough travel (coming from Canada) could play in to the Rayados’ hands. Despite that the second round match up certainly took it out of them as a thrilling finish and then a penalty shootout saw North Texas advance in their opening game for the first time in three attempts. Alberto Rodriguez was the key to getting past the Aztex as he scored a pair of goals and converted the winning penalty kick in the shootout. He was a constant thorn in the side of the Aztex and will be expecting big things against the Scorpions.

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Minnesota United FC (NASL) at Des Moines Menace (USASA)
Valley Stadium; West Des Moines, IA – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
Winner plays at Sporting KC (MLS) on June 18

Minnesota United FC Open Cup records
Overall: 3-3-0 | Away: 2-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 2-1-0
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: First game

Des Moines Menace Open Cup records (USASA team)
Overall: 1-1-0 | Home: 1-1-0 | vs. Div. 2: N/A
Last entry: 2011 (Lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire PDL – Round 1)
Best finish: First Round (2011)
How they got here
Round 2: 3-0 home win vs. Real Colorado Foxes (PDL)

For the third year in a row, the Des Moines Menace will face Minnesota United. After Minnesota won the first meeting, but the Menace will be looking for a repeat of last year’s 1-0 upset. The PDL club, who actually qualified through the USASA this year, handily defeated PDL side Real Colorado Foxes 3-0 in the Open Cup’s Second Round and come into this match with a 2-0-0 record in the PDL’s Heartland Division.

Des Moines, as a USASA entry, has minimal experience, qualifying back in 2011 under the name the “Iowa Menace.” They lost their opening match to the Chicago Fire PDL 1-0. The PDL version of the Menace are one of the top amateur clubs in the tournament with nine wins, including four wins over professional teams.

Minnesota come into the match atop the NASL table with a 5-1-1 record in the spring season behind a league-leading four goals from Christian Ramirez. As well, their five goals allowed is amongst the lowest in league. The Loons enter this edition of the Open Cup ready for revenge against the Menace and, if they can handle that, look poised to be competitive in the tournament.

Aside from the upset last year at the hands of the Menace, Minnesota had a fair amount of success in their first two trips to the tournament. In 2010, they won their opening match against the KC Athletics (USASA) before falling to AC St. Louis (Division 2 professional), but in 2012, they defeated Des Moines in the opening round before upsetting Real Salt Lake (MLS) on the road and losing a tight game against the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS).

There’s even more on the line as the winner of thi re-match will take on Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park on June 18.

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Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) at Arizona United SC (USL PRO)
Peoria Sports Complex; Peoria, AZ – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: RADIO
If Oklahoma City wins … play at LA Galaxy (MLS) on June 11
If Arizona wins … will host LA Galaxy (MLS) on June 18

Oklahoma City Energy FC Open Cup records
Overall: 1-0-0 | Away: N/A | vs. Div. 3: N/A
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here
Round 2: 2-0 home win vs. Tulsa Athletics (NPSL)

Arizona United SC Open Cup records
Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: N/A | vs. Div. 3: 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)

A pair of USL PRO expansion teams square off with a chance to make a big splash in their inaugural seasons. The winner of the Oklahoma City Energy and Arizona United will earn a date with the Los Angeles Galaxy in Round 4.

Arizona got their first taste of the US Open Cup last round against a determined amateur side in the PDL’s Portland Timbers U23s. Arizona avoided an embarrassing upset in their first-ever game by scoring three goals after the 84th minute to erase a 2-0 defiicit. Daniel Antunez scored the game-winning goal on what would prove to be the final kick of the game in second half stoppage time to send United to the Third Round.

Oklahoma City had a slightly less difficult road game as they defeated the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletics 2-0 in front of nearly 4,000 fans in Tulsa. Dave Leichty and Cyprian Hedrick both scored for OKC as they won what is believed to be the first-ever all-Oklahoma Open Cup match in tournament history.

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Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Sacramento Republic (USL PRO)
Charles C. Hughes Stadium; Sacramento, CA – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
Winner plays at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at June 11

Fresno Fuego Open Cup records
Overall: 5-2-0 | Away: 2-2-0 | vs. Div. 3: 2-0-0
Last entry: 2012 (Lost 7-2 at Fort Lauderdale Strikers of NASL – Round 2)
Best finish: 2003 Fourth Round (Lost 3-1 at LA Galaxy of MLS)
How they got here
Round 2: 2-0 home win vs. Orange County Blues (USL PRO)

Sacramento Republic Open Cup records
Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here
Round 2: 2-1 home win vs. Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

PDL side Fresno Fuego will travel about three hours north to take on USL PRO newcomer Sacramento Republic on Wednesday, May 28 in the Third Round.

The Fuego overcame a bit of controversy in their Second Round match as they defeated Orange County Blues of the USL PRO, despite having three players declared ineligible right before kickoff. The match was delayed about 45 minutes while the confusion was sorted out, but Fresno ultimately pulled off the upset thanks to a pair of first half goals by Abraham Campos and Jose Cuevas that came just three minutes apart. The Fuego have faced very little adversity in their PDL campaign though as they currently sit atop the Southwest Division of the Western Conference with 35 points from 14 matches played so far this season. Paul Islas has been the star of the PDL season with nine goals in nine appearances.

Sacramento Republic have gained a lot of national attention for their attendance numbers in their inaugural season. They saw over 20,000 fans pass through the gates in their home opener and have averaged roughly 18,000 since the opener. On the field, Sacramento shook off Fresno’s PDL rivals Ventura County Fusion with a come from behind 2-1 victory in the Second Round thanks to goals from Harrison Delbridge and Dakota Collins. Sacramento conceded midway through the first half, but scored twice in the second to advance. Delbridge, who scored the Republic’s first goal in the 59th minute, had previously played for Ventura County. Sacramento are currently tied with the Richmond Kickers for third place in the USL PRO standings with 19 points in their first ten matches played.

The Fuego continue to long for the good old days, as they qualified for the tournament in their inaugural season in 2003 and became the first PDL team to reach the Fourth Round (only three have done it since). They upset two pro teams before falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy. They wouldn’t qualify again until 2012, and after qualifying as a US Club Soccer team (Fresno Fuego Future) in 2013, the Fuego PDL side are back.

The winner will advance to travel to Kezar Stadium to face MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

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PSA Elite (USASA) at LA Galaxy II (USL PRO)
StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium; Carson, CA – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: None
If PSA Elite wins … play at Seattle Sounders (MLS) on June 18
If LA Galaxy win … they host Seattle Sounders (MLS) on June 18

PSA Elite Open Cup records
Overall: 2-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 2-2-0 | vs. Div. 3: 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 here
Round 1: 3-2 PK win after 1-1 draw vs. Los Angeles Misioneros (PDL)
Round 2: Advanced after San Diego Flash (NPSL) forfeited

LA Galaxy II Open Cup records
Overall: 1-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: N/A
How they got here
Round 2: 6-1 home win vs. Cal FC (USASA)

Amateur side PSA Elite will travel to the Stub Hub Center Track & Field Stadium to take on Los Angeles Galaxy II, the reserve side for MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

At the same StubHub Center field, PSA Elite needed penalty kicks to defeat another Los Angeles-based side, L.A. Misioneros of the PDL, in their First Round Open Cup match. PSA saw defender Noah Gaines sent off with a second yellow card in the 61st minute, but held on to force extra time. In the first 15 minutes of extra time, Misioneros’ Javier Castro made it 1-0, but PSA managed to regroup and converted a late penalty kick via Jose Ferciado to send it to a shootout. Ferciado would go on to score the decisive PK that sent PSA through to the Second Round, where PSA advanced after their opponents, San Diego Flash, were forced to forfeit after they were unable to secure a field to host the match.

Los Angeles Galaxy II, also known as ‘Los Dos’, advanced to the Third Round after defeating Cal FC in Round 2 by a final score of 6-1. Cal FC, under the leadership of former US international Eric Wynalda, made headlines in the 2012 Open Cup after they upset MLS’s Portland Timbers in the Third Round. However, any dreams of a repeat dream run for the Thousand Oaks-based amateur side were quickly dashed as Galaxy II’s Alejandro Covarrubias scored just six minutes in and Los Dos never looked back. It took just 33 minutes for the scoreline to read 5-0 in favor of Los Angeles thanks to a pair of goals from Travis Bowen. The Galaxy II have impressed in their inaugural USL PRO season as well. They currently sit in second place, behind future MLS side Orlando City SC, with 21 points from their first 11 matches. Former UCLA standout Chandler Hoffman has led the line with seven goals in nine appearances.

The winner of this match will take on MLS side Seattle Sounders in the fourth round of the Open Cup.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Rochester Rhinos survive Reading United upset bid with Colin Rolfe OT winner

May 28, 2014 by Brendan Doherty

Colin Rolfe scored his first career US Open Cup goal in the 119th minute as the Rochester Rhinos defeated Reading United 2-1. Photo: James Kenneth Studio | Rochester Rhinos

The Rhinos left it late in extra time again as Rochester narrowly defeated Reading United AC 2-1

Putting to the test a 12-0-0 record against amateur sides, and a 15-0-1 record against sides from lower leagues, Rochester squeaked out a result against Reading United AC with the game-winning goal coming in the 119th minute by Colin Rolfe.

With the win, the Rhinos advance to the Fourth Round where they will host defending US Open Cup champion DC United from Major League Soccer. The game is scheduled to take place at Sahlen’s Stadium on June 17 at 7 p.m. The Rhinos, who won the 1999 US Open Cup title, will be seeking their first MLS upset since 2009.

Coming into Tuesday night’s match, all eyes were on Reading United AC forward Darius Madison. Madison scored four goals in his last two PDL matches, and had a goal and three assists in the club’s tournament opener before facing the Rhinos. His speed was a threat throughout regulation and made his first impact in the 8th minute when the speedy forward was able to muscle Tony Walls, Rochester’s most imposing player, off the ball but he was closed down before he could get his shot away.

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Reading’s best chance of the first half came from the foot of Nick Surkamp. The forward beat Rochester’s offside trap on a pass from midfield and took a couple touches before firing a heavy shot on frame. Goalkeeper John McCarthy dove to his left to make an improvised save on Surkamp’s shot in the 12th minute.

Inside the first half hour the game settled into a rhythm that appeared to suit both teams. Rochester had the majority of possession but Reading remained dangerous as the visitors were not afraid to run directly at the heart of the Rhinos’ defense with the ball at their feet. By the halftime whistle, the visitors were leading in shots with 4 to Rochester’s 2. Both teams picked up their efforts in the second half.

Attacking midfielder Minh Vu entered the game in the 55th minute and didn’t take long to get involved in the action for the Rhinos. Running away from goal inside the area, Vu flicked a pass wide left for Johnny Mendoza who cut a low cross back towards the penalty spot. Club captain Tyler Rosenlund eyed up a shot but Quincy Thomas did enough to push him off-balance in his run-up.

The amateur side found the game’s first goal in the 66 minute. Ignacio Maganto played an incisive ball for Surkamp that split Rochester’s central defenders. As Surkamp drove into the area, McCarthy came off his line to close down the angle but the forward smartly looped his shot over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Reading’s celebrations were short-lived, however, as Rochester responded immediately from the kickoff. Alex Dixon received the ball in the right-hand channel and cut inside before delivering a tempting low ball across the face of goal. Mendoza did well to slide through the center of the area after a lung-busting run to poke the ball home past a helpless goalkeeper Alex Bono. Rochester’s equalizer came within a matter of seconds after the restart in the 66th minute.

Rochester had a chance to win the match in regulation in the 83rd minute. Pushing up from central defense to the left wing, Tony Walls sent a cross into a packed 18-yard box and the ball fell to JC Banks. Banks initially shimmied to his right to shake a defender but then stumbled and laid the ball off to Vu, whose shot was saved well by Bono.

Referee Chris Trottier showed a yellow card to Darius Madison in the 76th minute for persistent fouling. The forward’s tussles with Babacar Diallo at the end of regulation could have earned either player a second booking from a different referee. Madison was not as lucky with a physical challenge on Walls in the 97th minute, for which he received his second booking and, subsequently, his marching orders.

While it would be easy to say that the red card to Reading’s most dangerous player changed the complexion of the game, Rochester was already in the ascendancy before Madison’s dismissal. Reading didn’t manage a single shot in 30 minutes of extra time as Rochester surged forward with wave after wave of attacks.

Substitutes Minh Vu and JC Banks were particularly active for Rochester but Levi Houapeu, who entered the game in the 103rd minute, set up the crucial play for the home side. Houapeu drove down the right wing and his quick feet drew a free kick in a promising position. Though Mendoza had been suffering from a cramp in his right hamstring minutes before and forward Colin Rolfe had been gassed for all of extra time, the two players connected on that free kick to seal victory for the Rhinos.

Mendoza said after the game that he caught a signal from Rolfe as he was placing the ball for his free kick and decided to send the ball in quickly to the near post. “We looked at each other and there was no one in the space there, so I played it to him then.” Rolfe ending up getting contact with the his left thigh as he flicked the ball into the bottom corner on the far side of the net in the 119th minute.

There wasn’t much time left in the match after Rochester’s celebrations ended and the relief among Rhinos’ players and coaching staff was palpable. On the other hand, several of Reading United AC’s players received treatment for cramps on the field after the final whistle, having played at a high level for 120 minutes.

Facing amateur clubs in the cup this year hasn’t provided any relief from the rigors of USL PRO for Rochester as the team has gone late in extra time on both occasions. “Every time you play a PDL team or any team in the Open Cup, it’s gonna be a dogfight,” Mendoza said. “We were fortunate to win this game.”

Rochester head coach Bob Lilley admitted that while he was pleased with the immediate response from his team after going behind in the 66th minute, the Rhinos shouldn’t have gone to extra time. “For me, we should have created more throughout the rest of the game,” Lilley said. Tuesday night’s victory extends the Rhinos’ undefeated record against amateur sides in the US Open Cup to 13-0-0.

US Open Cup notes: With the win, the Rhinos improve to 13-0-0 against amateur teams in Open Cup play. Of those 13 games, 10 of them have been decided by a single goal. Of their 17 games that have gone to extra time, the Rhinos improve to 10-2 all-time in games decided in extra time, and remain 3-2 in matches decided in penalty kicks.

2014 US Open Cup Round 3 draw: NASL joins competition as teams set to battle for matches with MLS

May 8, 2014 by Josh Hakala

The US Soccer Federation conducted the draw for Round 3 of the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as the 101st edition of the tournament adds all eight of the US-based NASL (Division II pro) teams.

The Third Round, which will take place on May 28, will see the NASL teams join the 24 Round 2 winners to decide which clubs will earn a date with Major League Soccer. All US-based MLS clubs enter the tournament in Round 4 as a result of this year’s record number of partcipating teams (80).

The procedure to host an Open Cup game will remain in place as they have for the last few years. If a team wants to host, they submit an application to the federation and if that venue meets the minimum standards, then that team will be a part of a coin flip to determine who hosts. If one team does not meet the standards, or just doesn’t apply, then the other team receives the rights to host.

The draw was held at the US Soccer headquarters in Chicago with Indy Eleven president Peter Wilt in attendance to witness the proceedings. Also attending the draw was Chicago Fire writer Jeff Crandall, who last year, introduced Open Cup fans across the country to the federation’s procedure when it comes to the tournament’s draw. He has returned with another installment, as he explains which teams did not apply to host third round games, which teams didn’t meet the fed’s venue standards and how it all went down. (Read the full story here)

UPDATE: US Soccer announced on Twitter that the Sacramento Republic-Ventura County Fusion Second Round match has been moved to Cosumnes River College Stadium in Sacramento.

Check out the Results/Schedule here

Here are the results of the Third Round draw:

2014 US Open Cup Third Round

Greater Binghamton FC Thunder (NPSL) / Reading United AC (PDL) winner at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, NY – 7:35 p.m. ET
OR
Greater Binghamton FC Thunder (NPSL) / Reading United AC (PDL) winner at Western Mass Pioneers (PDL)
Lusitano Stadium; Ludlow, MA – 7:30 p.m. ET

———————–

Brooklyn Italians SC (NPSL) / Jersey Express (PDL) winner at New York Cosmos (NASL)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Queens, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET

———————–

Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) / RVA FC (NPSL) winner at Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
Carey Stadium; Ocean City, NJ – 7 p.m. ET
OR
New York Greek American Atlas (USASA) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7 p.m. ET
OR
New York Greek American Atlas (USASA) at RVA (NPSL)
Sports Backers Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7 p.m. ET

———————–

Icon FC (USASA) / Baltimore Bohemians (PDL) winner at FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL)
Whitehall High School Soccer Stadium; Whitehall, PA – 7:05 p.m. ET
OR
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Baltimore Bohemians (PDL)
Calvert Hall College High School; Towson, MD – 5:30 p.m. ET
OR
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) vs. Icon FC (USASA)
Site/Time TBD

———————–

RWB Adria (USASA) / Michigan Bucks (PDL) winner at New York Red Bulls U23s (NPSL)
Site/Time TBD
OR
RWB Adria (USASA) / Michigan Bucks (PDL) winner at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, PA – 7 p.m. ET

———————–

Carolina Dynamo (PDL) / Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – 7:30 p.m. ET

———————–

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
Legion Stadium; Wilmington, NC – 7:30 p.m. ET
OR
Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
Finley Stadium; Chattanooga, TN – 7:30 p.m. ET

———————–

Jacksonville United FC (NPSL) / Orlando City U23s (PDL) winner at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, SC – 7:30 p.m. ET
OR
Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) at Jacksonville United FC (NPSL)
Site TBD – 7:30 p.m. ET
OR
Panama City Beach Pirates (PDL) vs. Orlando City U23s (PDL)
Site/Time TBD

———————–

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Orlando City (USL PRO)
ESPN Wide World of Sports; Kissimmee, FL – 7:30 p.m. ET
OR
Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Ocala Stampede (PDL)
Trinity Catholic High School; Ocala, FL – 7 p.m. ET

———————–

Red Force (USASA) / Laredo Heat (PDL) winner at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL – 7:45 p.m. ET

———————–

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) / Schwaben AC (USASA) winner at Indy Eleven (NASL)
Carroll Stadium; Indianapolis, IN – 7:30 p.m. ET

———————–

NTX Rayados (USASA) / Austin Aztex (PDL) winner at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Toyota Field; San Antonio, TX – 8:30 p.m. ET

———————–

Minnesota United FC (NASL) at Des Moines Menace (USASA)
Valley Stadium; West Des Moines, IA – 8:30 p.m. ET
OR
Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) at Minnesota United FC (NASL)
National Sports Center; Blaine, MN – 8 p.m. ET

———————–

Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO) / Tulsa Athletics (NPSL) winner at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
Providence Park; Portland, OR – 10 p.m. ET
OR
Arizona United SC (USL PRO) at Tulsa Athletics (NPSL)
Tulsa Athletics Stadium; Tulsa, OK – 8:30 p.m. ET
OR
Arizona United SC (USL PRO) vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL PRO)
Site/Time TBD

———————–

Orange County Blues (USL PRO) / Fresno Fuego (PDL) winner at Sacramento Republic (USL PRO)
Charles C. Hughes Stadium; Sacramento, CA – 10:30 p.m. ET
OR
Orange County Blues (USL PRO) / Fresno Fuego (PDL) winner at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College Sportsplex; Ventura, CA – 10 p.m. ET

———————–

PSA Elite (USASA) / San Diego Flash (NPSL) winner at LA Galaxy II (USL PRO)
StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium; Carson, CA – 10:30 p.m. ET
OR
Cal FC (USASA) at PSA Elite (USASA)
Irvine Stadium; Irvine, CA – 10:30 p.m. ET
OR
Cal FC (USASA) at San Diego Flash (NPSL)
Mira Mesa High School; San Diego, CA – 10 p.m. ET