2016 US Open Cup qualifying

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: NTX Rayados’ quest for five still alive with win over Austin Real Cuauhtemoc

November 1, 2015 by Josh Hakala

A week after their original 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying match was rained out, the North Texas Rayados traveled two and a half hours south to eliminate Austin Real Cuauhtemoc, 4-2. The match was the final game of the opening round of the open division tournament, played at the McMasters Athletic Complex in Georgetown, Texas.

The win puts the Rayados one step closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fifth year in a row, which would be a new Modern Era record for a USASA club.

Joshean Gonzalez scored the first two goals for Rayados, both in the early part of each half. The first was scored from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, followed by a left-footed blast from outside the box set up by Gerardo Salas in the 52nd minute.

In the 65th minute, Gonzalez, known to his teammates as ‘Yoshi,’ was the playmaker this time, crossing the ball from the right wing to Juan Torres who one-timed past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

Despite facing a three-goal deficit, Austin, which chose it’s team name based on the Mexican club “Real Juventud,” and the neighborhood (Cuauhtemoc) where team owner and coach Jose Bartolo grew up. didn’t give up. Edwin Madrid and Luis Maldonado each scored to pull the home team back to within one. The comeback attempt fell short though, as Davis Chavez connected on a left-footed volley into the upper corner from just outside the box to give Rayados a two-goal lead with about seven minutes to play.

North Texas advances to Round 2 where they will take on Oregon’s International Portland Select (IPS), who received a bye into the second round after the Kansas City Athletics withdraw since they were unable to make the long trip to Portland, Ore. The date and the location for the match has yet to be announced.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: LA Wolves win open division tournament debut, 3-1 over Del Rey City

November 1, 2015 by Nico Lehmann

LA Wolves (orange) and Del Rey City squared off in the opening round of the 2016 US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament. Photo: Del Rey City SC

The Los Angeles Wolves, making their first attempt to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, got their maiden voyage off to a good start with a 3-1 win over Del Rey City SC, 3-1.

The winning goal was scored late in the second half in the 83rd minute by Malian national Suri Keita after a cross by Joel Ampofo. Ampofo later secured the insurance clincher in the 89th minute.

“We played our way in the second half, pedal to the metal” LA Wolves head coach Yan Skwara noted in his post game speech. In the first half, it was a game that was dominated by chances by Del Rey City SC.

The opening salvo was a breakaway by Matthew Case in the 5th minute, ticking it off the inside post.

“We were really well coached. We had team meetings and practices” Case said. “It was a close game and we just ended up on the wrong end. Congratulations to the Wolves”.

Coach Brian Perez also noted that it was a tight game, just like previous meetings.

“We were close,” said Perez. “It was a great game and we let them score late on us.”

Luis Loreto evened it up for the LA Wolves in the 53rd minute off a header after a torrential onslaught of crosses which ended up as missed opportunities. Soon after the goal, defender Fermin Campos for DRSCS had to be pulled with an ankle injury.

“I’m upset that I had to get out. I wish I could have done more,” Campos said about his early exit.

DRCSC young striker Andy Salguero normally plays up on offense, but played back to help fish the ball out during LA Wolves’ attacks.

“I’m more dangerous with the ball and knew I could do more for us if I had the ball. That’s why I went back”.

As Skwara was leaving the pitch he showcased his pride in this club.

“Most teams don’t play the game the coach wants them to for the full 90 minutes. We didn’t get our first 45, but we got the last 45.”

The Wolves have a tall task ahead of them as they will host giant killers Cal FC in Round 2 at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, Calif. on Nov. 21.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: San Nicolas plays friendly despite forfeit win, loses Maykel Galindo to injury

October 31, 2015 by Dennis Pope

San Nicolas FC of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) may have earned a berth in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament next month, but the Chino (Calif.)-based club will likely have to play without its best player for the foreseeable future.

Maykel Galindo, a former Cuban international and MLS stalwart with the now-defunct Chivas USA, was injured early in the first half in an exhibition game against Corinthians USA Academy on Saturday night.

“He’s been with us since he left MLS (and) he’s a very good, talented player,” San Nicolas head coach Juan Hernandez said. “He probably is going to be out for the next game.”

The clubs, scheduled to face off in a US Open Cup opening round qualifier at Rialto High School, played what amounted to a friendly after Corinthians – a first-time tournament entrant — failed to register enough players and were forced to forfeit.

“We only had 10 players register and only six players here tonight,” Corinthians representative Paolo Campos said. “The coach is registered but he’s injured, and we had three players go to Brazil in the last few weeks.”

Galindo took a knock on his right ankle and was substituted for in the 24th minute. His knock quickly swelled to a large lump on the outside of his ankle and he soon changed into street clothes, limping away from the field in the second half.

“We need to keep an eye on him and see if anything needs to be done to get back on the field,” Hernandez said.

San Nicholas moves on to play Real Sociedad inner on Nov. 22.

“We had four starters missing but the will be back for November,” Hernandez said. “We expect an even tougher game.”

Amilcar Lopez scored on a penalty in the 49th minute, and Christian Alvarado added another goal as San Nicolas led, 2-0, over Corinthians before the lights at Rialto High’s stadium shut off abruptly in the 82nd minute. The match was abandoned by the referee.

“We had great expectation for this game but the problems regard timing, registration, made this a difficult moment,” Corinthians coach Robert Almeida said through Campos, who was interpreting.

“Big frustration, big frustration,” Almeida said in English.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Early Davis Legacy goal enough to beat IFX Ballistic, 1-0

October 30, 2015 by Evan Ream

Despite dominating the majority of the match, a solitary goal was all that separated upstarts Davis Legacy from IFX Ballistic FC in a 1-0 victory in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament on Sunday night in front of a crowd of roughly 100 at Las Positas College.

Carlos Carranza’s coolly-taken 19th minute penalty kick gave the Legacy, who are in their first year of fielding a men’s team after operating for many years as a youth club, a ticket to the next round of qualification. In Round 2, they will head to the Bay Area where they will meet San Francisco City FC on Nov. 21 in San Francisco.

Due to injuries, the Legacy were only able to dress 16 players for the match.

“We’re down some guys, so we knew that was going to play into it a little bit, especially knowing who we were going up against. We had to come up with a good plan on how we wanted to manage the game,” head coach Adam Lewin said. “The first game of the Open Cup, there’s obviously going to be some jitters, but I thought the guys did a great job today.”

The result of the match was never in question as the hosts could muster just a solitary shot on goal, a meager attempt from 30-yards out in the second half, but Ballistic hung around all night thanks to the heroics of 46-year-old goalkeeper Emmet Meilbrecht.

The netminder repeatedly denied chances from Carranza, and Legacy right winger Carlos Lezama, who was so effective, that he forced Ballistic to substitute their left back 35 minutes into the match.

By then, the damage had already been done in the 19th minute. Lezama was taken down in the box by Adalberto Rodriguez after Rodriguez saved Lezama’s initial shot on goal with a sliding challenge on the goal line.

Carranaza confidently stepped up to the spot and sent Meilbrecht the wrong way to score the winning goal early.

The Legacy pressed for a second, but were denied on multiple occasions by the stellar play of Meilbrecht, and their own finishing woes.

“We had probably about six solid chances there in about a 20 minute span,” Lewin said of the first 20 minutes of the match. “In soccer, sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t.”

“ played a fantastic game. He really kept them in it.”

Perhaps their best chance to extend the lead came in the 31st minute when Lezama sent in a cross on the ground to the back post, but Kevin Schulte hit the golden opportunity wide.

From there, the Legacy pressed forward, but were unable to add on to their one-goal lead, finishing the match calmly with the victory.

Possessing the talents of current Afghanistan international, and ironically former UC Davis player Ahmad Hatifie, Ballistic were unable to muster anything in the attacking third of the field all night.

If they qualify for the Open Cup, it is believed that the Legacy will be the first-ever club from Davis to participate in the tournament proper.

The Legacy captured the NorCal Adult Premier League title this summer in a wild 6-4 win over San Francisco City, their next opponent, who were then coached by Davis-native Andrew Gardner and managed by his older brother, Jordan.

“For SF City, they have a lot of quality. We know that. We’ve played them twice and every single time and it’s been a close game,” Lewin said.

Evan Ream covers Sacramento Republic FC for The Davis Enterprise. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @EvanReam

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Cal FC shuts out Valley United to open tournament play (video)

October 30, 2015 by Joe Curley

Cal FC may not be a professional team. Prior to Sunday’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying match, they had never hosted a tournament game of any kind.

But its name means something in the competition, especially in the early stages. The opponent was a highlight for coach Laura Garcia in Valley United SC’s 4-0 loss against Cal FC in the first round at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, Calif.

“For us, this was great,” Garcia said. “To play against a team like this, that has a history of going all the way, was special.”

Of course, Cal FC has never won the US Open Cup. But it did perhaps achieve the USASA club equivalent in 2012, when it upset the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer to earn a fourth round trip to Seattle to play the Sounders.

Michael Friedman is only part of Cal FC who remains from that run. The general manager was proud to see his club host its first Open Cup home match in his alma mater’s stadium.

The event went smoothly in front of a nice crowd for a Sunday night. The only snafu was a lack of corner flags, which were locked away for the weekend.

TJ Fairchild scored two goals and Max Madrigal had a goal and two assists as Cal FC advanced to a second-round qualifying date with the Los Angeles Wolves on Nov. 21.

“We weren’t perfect,” Cal FC head coach Ross Greaney said. “They had a few chances and we missed a few chances.

“We have work to do, but I think the familiarity and the overall talent took us through tonight.”

Madrigal set up the opening goal in the 26th minute by slipping Fairchild, his former Oxnard College teammate, through on goal. After his initial shot was saved, Fairchild pounced on the rebound from close range.

“TJ got up and down the field,” Greaney said. “Max just had a really great night. He was all over the place.”

Madrigal scored the second goal in the 31st minute before setting up Pacifica High product Albert Anguiano for the third goal three minutes before halftime.

“(Anguiano) was a constant threat all the time,” said Greaney, who added that former professional Gabriel Gonzalez ran the game for Cal FC from a playmaking position.

Valley United had their moments. Striker Gerardo Espinoza nearly capitalized on a Cal FC turnover at the back to put the San Fernando Valley-based club ahead in the 10th minute. Irvin Morales sprinted down a ball over the top to earn a great chance on the half hour mark, but his finish rolled wide.

Cal FC goalkeeper Osvaldo Vallodolid, made two highlight-caliber diving saves in the second half, combined with the back four of Diego Ortega, Juan Vallodolid, Stevie Trujillo and Jamie Alvarado to keep the clean sheet.

Fairchild added the fourth goal on another rebound three minutes before full time.

“It’s a lot of fun to get back together, see everybody play and get a win in the US Open Cup,” Greaney said. “Collectively, we did well.”

Highlights (VCStar.com): Valley United SC at Cal FC

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Keith Caldwell leads GPS Omens to 5-0 win over shorthanded Boston Olympiakos

October 30, 2015 by Zach Smith

Massachusetts-based Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Omens kicked off their first open division qualifying match in the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was much easier than originally expected.

Thanks to two goals and two assists from Keith Caldwell, GPS Omens beat Boston Olympiakos FC 5-0 on Sunday, Oct. 18. GPS, who were known as GPS Massachusetts last year, are aiming to qualify for the US Open Cup fourth year in a row. That quest got off to a nice start as Omens scored two goals in the first 13 minutes as Olympiakos started the match with just eight players. The first goal came from the penalty spot as former Colorado Rapids draftee Caldwell converted and then later assisted on a goal by former US youth international Scott Prozeller. Boston added two more players before halftime and outlasted the Omens attack and headed into the break trailing 2-0.

Caldwell was at the center of the offense after halftime, assisting on a Jake Johnson goal in the 50th minute. Three minutes later, Charlie Romero gave GPS a four-goal lead to put the game out of reach against 10-man Boston.

Olympiakos had a pair of chances to get back in the game midway through the second half, and so did GPS as they were awarded another penalty kick, but Romero’s attempt was saved by the Boston netminder.

Omens put the nail in the coffin when Caldwell scored his second goal when he ran past the Olympiakos back line and chipped the ball in for the fifth and final goal. Omens had a chance to score a sixth with two minutes left, but the shot sailed over the bar.

Omens is now undefeated in the last five league and cup games dating back to Sept. 19. They take on Boston-based rivals Southie FC in the next round of the Open Cup on Nov. 15 at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass. with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Last minute PK sends Jersey Shore Boca past South Jersey Elite Barons, 2-1

October 30, 2015 by Brandon Gee

Two of New Jersey’s most successful soccer organizations found themselves going head-to-head in the opening round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament. Though South Jersey Elite Barons faced Boca’s reserve team in league play, they would square off against the main squad Saturday evening at the Berkeley Soccer Complex in Bayville, NJ. South Jersey would strike first, but Boca would capitalize on undisciplined play in the final minute and take the 2-1 win.

Founded in 1978, Jersey Shore Boca runs a full slate of youth, collegiate and club teams out of Lakewood, NJ. Boca won the 2012 New Jersey Open Cup in 2012 and were semi-finalists in 2013. That 2012 win, earned a spot in the regional tournament which led to the club’s first US Open Cup tournament appearance, which ended quickly with an opening round loss to the PDL’s Michigan Bucks. Boca came into Saturday’s match with a 4-0-0 record in the Garden State Soccer League’s Super Division.

Based in Winslow Township, NJ, the Barons are members of the GSSL’s Semi-Pro South Division (a step below Boca) where they’ve earned a 3-0-1 record thus far. Among the club’s roster are 10 players who grew up in South Jersey Elite’s youth academy and a few former pros.

The club’s history can actually be traced back to the Ocean City Nor’easters of the PDL until there was an organizational split in 2009. Prior to the split, the club was known as the Barons and they made three Open Cup appearances (2004, 2005, 2007). The first trip to the tournament came in 2002 when the Barons qualified as a pro team in the USL’s D-3 Pro League. In the club’s current form, this is their first attempt to qualify for the Open Cup.

The Barons struck first as high schooler Geoff Schaefer scored in the 15th minute. From there on out, the Barons relied heavily on their defense as Boca took over and held possession for most of the rest of the 1st half. Unable to get behind the South Jersey line, the 1-0 score held through the first 45.

In the second, Boca would finally break through after a foul on Cody Califiore. A cross from Tommy Gray was headed down into the box by Chris Katona and through the commotion A.J. back heeled it past the Barons keeper. The match seemed destined for extra time as the clock wore down on the 1-1 tie. However, in the 90th minute it was Califiore again who was taken down, this time by a reckless foul in the box. After a scuffle, both players were sent off with red cards. Once the dust settled, Tommy Gray scored the PK and gave Boca the win.

Jersey Shore Boca advances to Round 2 where they will take on three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms on Nov. 14 at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Cal FC, Harpo’s FC, Chula Vista FC advance as Round 1 wraps up

October 27, 2015 by Josh Hakala

LA Wolves and Del Rey City battle for the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup qualifying match.

UPDATE: On Nov. 1, North Texas Rayados defeated Austin Real Cuauhtemoc 4-2 to advance to Round 2 after the original match was rescheduled. (Match report here)

UPDATE (11/12): US Soccer confirmed that International Portland Select has withdrawn from the tournament because they were unable to make their second round trip to Texas to play North Texas Rayados. Round 2 scheduled updated below.

Thanks to a heavy rain storm in Georgetown, Texas, thpe opening round of the 2016 US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament is just one game short of being complete. This past weekend (Oct. 24-25), 15 teams advanced to Round 2, with the North Texas Rayados (USASA) and Austin Real Cuauhtemoc match getting rained out. Among the winners were some familiar teams from last year’s US Open Cup as Cal FC, Harpo’s FC and Chula Vista FC moved one step closer to returning to the tournament.

The previous weekend was reserved for teams from the Northeast with 10 teams advancing, but this weekend was for the rest of the country with teams from California, North Carolina, Colorado, and Florida squaring off. After two teams withdrew from the tournament before the competition even started due to excessive travel (KC Athletics and Tobacco Road FC), a third team, Corinthians USA from the Los Angeles area failed to register enough players and had to forfeit.

Otherwise, there were plenty of exciting matchups and dramatic finishes as the winners move on to play their second round games in mid-November (updated schedule at the bottom)

Here is a brief summary of each game:

OCT. 24, 2015

Harpo’s FC (CO) 4:1 (AET) Colorado Rovers (CO)

Last year, Harpo’s FC, a pub team based in Boulder, Colo. made a name for themselves by qualifying out of the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and beating the Kansas City Athletics (USASA) and ousting the PDL’s BYU Cougars in penalty kicks to earn a date with the USL’s Colorado Springs Swichbacks. They played the Switchbacks tough, but fell 2-1. To qualify last year, they had to dethrone the two-time defending USSSA champion Colorado Rovers, and this year, those two teams met again. This year, Harpo’s did it again, by knocking off the Rovers 4-1. Forward Daniel Whittle scored the opener for Harpos before former MLS player Ritchie Kotschau equalized in the second half. The two Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) rivals went into to overtime tied at one a piece. After 100 minutes of physical, back and forth soccer the rowdy Harpo’s support pushed the Boulder-based pub team past the exhausted Rovers with three knockout goals from captain Dan Campbell and well-traveled forward Chris Salvaggione. Harpo’s will move on to host the Colorado Rush at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Nov. 22.

HIGHLIGHTS: Harpo’s FC vs. Colorado Rovers (CurrentOfColorado.com)

2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: Game 1 in Colorado from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.

San Nicholas (SOUTH CA) W:L Corinthians USA (SOUTH CA)
(Corinthians forfeited – not enough registered players)

San Nicolas FC, which features former Cuban international and MLS player Maykel Galindo, advanced to the second round of qualifying after Corinthians USA failed to register enough players and had to forfeit. However, on Saturday night they chose to play the game anyway. San Nicolas won the game 2-0 in a game that was cut short because of the lights going out at the stadium. Unfortunately for San Nicholas, the Chino (Calif.)-based club may be without Galindo after he left the game with an injury. They will play their Round 2 game on the road in Bellflower, Calif. against Real Sociedad on Nov. 22. FULL MATCH REPORT

La Maquina(SOUTH CA) 3:2 Strikers FC South Coast (SOUTH CA)

Santa Ana, Calif.-based La Maquina were in control after scoring just after halftime to take a 2-0 lead over United Premier Soccer League division rival Strikers FC South Coast. The Strikers battled back with two goals in a five-minute span and the match was tied up in the 63rd minute. La Maquina would regain the lead and their 80th minute goal would send them into Round 2 where the UPSL side will travel to play Chula Vista FC.

San Pedro Monsters (SOUTH CA) 9:0 Footballers Academy (SOUTH CA)

The most one-sided match of the first round took place in San Pedro, Calif. as the San Pedro Monsters crushed the Footballers Academy from Chino Hills, Calif. One of the top scoring teams in the UPSL (+36 goal difference) had no trouble with the Academy who entered the game in last place in the SoCal Premier League. Andy Nunez led the way with four goals, followed by Christopher Widdy and Cameron Krumpe adding two goals each. Krumpe also dished out two assists, as did Charlie Gonzales and Jose Diaz Palacios. The only other tally was from an own goal. The Monsters advance to host Outbreak FC in Round 2 on Nov. 21.

LA Wolves (SOUTH CA) 2:1 (AET) Del Rey City SC (SOUTH CA)

The LA Wolves needed a late goal to eliminate Del Rey City in the first-ever qualifier for both clubs. Suri Keira was the hero for the Wolves who scored the game-winner in the 85th minute after LA rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit. With the win, LA earns another tough task as they will host Cal FC on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT

OCT. 25, 2015

Boca Raton FC (FL) 2:1 (AET) Real Miami Club of Football (FL)

After finishing regulation in a scoreless draw, Boca Raton FC and Real Miami CF, both members of the APSL, went into extra time to decide their first-ever qualifying match. Boca struck first with Shadi Harb in the 95th minute, but Miami leveled the match on a free kick in the 119th minute of extra time. It looked like it would have to be decided by penalty kicks until Gabe Taboada saved the day with a dramatic goal in stoppage time. FULL MATCH REPORT

Boca Raton FC: Gabe Taboada’s game-winner

Colorado Rush (CO) 5:2 FC Boulder (CO)

With a roster full of former pros and Rush academy alumni, the Colorado Rush cruised past CASL rival FC Boulder, 5-2. The Rush will take on another Colorado club, Harpo’s FC in Round 2 on Nov. 22.

HIGHLIGHTS: Colorado Rush vs. FC Boulder (CurrentOfColorado.com)

CoC-USOC Highlights 10-26-15 from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.

San Francisco City FC (NORTH CA) 2:0 El Farolito (NORTH CA)

Last year’s qualifier San Francisco City continued their quest for a second straight US Open Cup berth with a 2-0 win over El Farolito. With over 1,000 fans in attendance, City received goals from Johannes Demarzi and Danny Kirkland to eliminate the 1993 US Open Cup champions (CD Mexico). City will host the Davis Legacy at Crocker Amazon Field on Nov. 21.

MORE: After debut last year, fan-owned San Francisco City begins new US Open Cup quest

Outbreak FC (SOUTH CA) 5:1 Buena Park FC (SOUTH CA)

It was a mismatch on paper as Outbreak FC, the top team in the SoCal Premier League took on Buena Park who had only won a single game in their last 10 UPSL matches. That mismatch on paper translated into real life as Outbreak won 5-1 to punch their ticket to the second round. Next up, Outbreak will travel to San Pedro to face the Monsters on Nov. 21.

Queen City United FC (NC) 4:1 Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC (NC)

Queen City United FC will be the one carrying the North Carolina, and the USSSA flag into the next round of US Open Cup qualifying after a 4-1 win over the Charlote Sporting Soccer Academy FC. The game featured a pair of teams from Charlotte, N.C. who also compete in the USSSA’s National Soccer League Atlantic Division. Queen City will travel to New Orleans to take on CD Motagua on Nov. 21

Real Sociedad (SOUTH CA) 2:2 (4:1 PKs) Ozzy’s Laguna FC (SOUTH CA)

On two occasions, Ozzy’s Laguna FC took the lead, but twice Real Sociedad tied the game up, and ultimately won the match in penalty kicks to advance to Round 2. Real earns themselves a home game in the next round where they will take on San Nicholas FC on Nov. 22.

Uruguay Kendall (FL) 3:0 Red Force (FL)

Juanca Jimenez, Mauro Grignola, and Jona Andrade all scored for Uruguay Kendall in a 3-0 win over Red Force, who qualified for the 2013 and 2014 US Open Cup. The Florida club advances to Round 2 where they will narrow the Sunshine State entries down to one as they host Boca Raton FC on Nov. 21.

Davis Legacy (NORTH CA) 1:0 IFX Ballistic (NORTH CA)

The Davis Legacy, who were formed earlier this year, won their first US Open Cup qualifier 1-0 over IFX Ballistic. The deciding goal was a penalty kick by Carlos Carranza in the 19th minute. With the win, Davis will travel to the Bay Area to take on San Francisco City FC on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT

Cal FC (SOUTH CA) 4:0 Valley United (SOUTH CA)

Cal FC, the US Open Cup darlings from 2012 that upset the Portland Timbers of MLS, took the first step toward qualifying for the tournament for the second year in a row with a 4-0 win over Valley United. Cal FC’s Todd Fairchild scored a pair of goals, while Max Madrigal and Tito Anguiano added a goal each. The next match for Cal FC will be a road game against the LA Wolves on Nov. 21. FULL MATCH REPORT

Chula Vista FC (SOUTH CA) 5:2 Temecula FC (SOUTH CA)

In a massive turnaround, Chula Vista overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit to score five unanswered goals to beat Temecula FC 5-2. Chula Vista, one of last year’s Open Cup darlings who upset the USL’s Arizona United, moves on to Round 2 where they will host La Maquina on Nov. 21.

NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) 4:2 Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX)

The North Texas Rayados took the next step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fifth year in a row with a 4-2 opening round win. The original match was scheduled a week earlier, but was postponed due to heavy rain that flooded the field. It was another wet match, but the field was in much better shape and the match was completed. FULL MATCH REPORT.

OCT. 17, 2015
Southie FC (MA) 1:0 Battery Park Gunners (MA)
Salone FC (EAST PA) 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge (EAST PA)
Aromas Café FC (DC/VA) 3:1 Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (WEST PA)
Junior Lone Star FC (EAST PA) 1:2 (AET) West Chester United (EAST PA)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) 2:1 South Jersey Elite Barons (NJ)
Lansdowne Bhoys FC (EAST NY) 3:0 Newtown Pride FC (CT)

OCT. 18, 2015
Global Premier Soccer Omens (MA) 5:0 Boston Olympiakos FC (MA)
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (MD) 2:1 (AET) Maryland Bays (MD)
NY Greek American SC (EAST NY) 2:4 (AET) NY Pancyprian Freedoms (EAST NY)
Worcester FC (MA) 2:1 Newport FC (RI)

OCT. 24, 2015
NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) vs. Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX) – PPD (rain)
Match rescheduled for Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at McMasters Athletic Complex (Georgetown, TX)
Harpo’s FC (CO) 4:1 (AET) Colorado Rovers (CO)
San Nicholas (SOUTH CA) W:L Corinthians USA (SOUTH CA)
(Corinthians forfeited – not enough registered players)
La Maquina(SOUTH CA) 3:2 Strikers FC South Coast (SOUTH CA)
San Pedro Monsters (SOUTH CA) 9:0 Footballers Academy (SOUTH CA)
LA Wolves (SOUTH CA) 2:1 (AET) Del Rey City SC (SOUTH CA)

OCT. 25, 2015
Boca Raton FC (FL) 2:1 (AET) Real Miami Club of Football (FL)
Colorado Rush (CO) 5:2 FC Boulder (CO)
San Francisco City FC (NORTH CA) 2:0 El Farolito (NORTH CA)
Outbreak FC (SOUTH CA) 5:1 Buena Park FC (SOUTH CA)
Queen City United FC (NC) 4:1 Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC (NC)
Real Sociedad (SOUTH CA) 2:2 (4:1 PKs) Ozzy’s Laguna FC (SOUTH CA)
Uruguay Kendall (FL) 3:0 Red Force (FL)
Davis Legacy (NORTH CA) 1:0 IFX Ballistic (NORTH CA)
Cal FC (SOUTH CA) 4:0 Valley United (SOUTH CA)
Chula Vista FC (SOUTH CA) 5:2 Temecula FC (SOUTH CA)

NOV. 1, 2015
NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) 4:2 Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX)

International Portland Select (OR) W:L KC Athletics (KS)
KC Athletics withdrew (travel); IPS advances to Round 2
CD Motagua (LA) W:L Tobacco Road FC (NC)
Tobacco Road FC withdrew (travel); CD Motagua advances to Round 2

QUALIFYING: SECOND ROUND (All Times Eastern)

International Portland Select (OR) at NTX Rayados (NTX)
IPS withdrew (travel); NTX Rayados advances to Round 3

NOV. 14, 2015

Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (ENY)
Randall’s Island Field No. 75; Randall’s Island, NY – 7 p.m.

Lansdowne Bhoys (ENY) at Worcester FC (MA)
Foley Stadium; Worcester, MA – 7:15 p.m.

NOV. 15, 2015

Aegean Hawks FC (MD) at Aromas Café FC (DC/VA)
Charlottesville High School; Charlottesville, VA – 3 p.m.

GPS Omens (MA) at Southie FC (MA)
Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium; Lawrence, MA – 4 p.m.

Salone FC (EPA) at West Chester United (EPA)
WCUSC Turf Field; West Chester, PA – 5 p.m.

NOV. 21, 2015

Queen City United (NC) at CD Motagua of New Orleans (LA)
Pan American Stadium; New Orleans, LA – 8 p.m.

La Maquina (SCA) at Chula Vista FC (SCA)
Eastlake High; Chula Vista, CA – 9 p.m.

Cal FC (SCA) at LA Wolves FC (SCA)
Toyota Sports Complex (Field 1); Torrance, CA – 10:30 p.m.

NOV. 22, 2015

Boca Raton FC (FL) at Uruguay Kendall (FL)
Broward College South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL – 3:30 p.m.

Colorado Rush (CO) at Harpo’s FC (CO)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field 8); Commerce City, CO – 4 p.m.

Davis Legacy (NCA) at San Francisco City FC (NCA)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif. – 5 p.m.

San Nicolas (SCA) at Real Sociedad (SCA)
St. John Bosco Football Stadium; Bellflower, Calif. – 7:30 p.m.

Outbreak FC at San Pedro Monsters FC
Toyota Sports Complex (Field 1); Torrance, CA – 10:30 p.m.

QUALIFYING: THIRD ROUND

April 1-2, 2016

US OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND

May 11, 2016

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: 2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Updated scores from this weekend’s Round 1 games

October 23, 2015 by Josh Hakala

Harpo's FC are trying to qualify for the second year in a row. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler wheeler@pocketsofpeace.com — Harpo’s FC are trying to qualify for the second year in a row. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler [email protected]

UPDATE (FINAL SCORES):

NTX Rayados vs. Austin postponed due to heavy rain
Harpo’s FC 4:1 Colorado Rovers
San Nicholas W:L Corinthians USA (Corinthians forfeited – not enough registered players)
La Maquina 3:2 Strikers FC South Coast
San Pedro Monsters 9:0 Footballers Academy
LA Wolves 2:1 (AET) Del Rey City

Boca Raton FC 2:1 (AET) Real Miami Club of Football
Colorado Rush 5:2 FC Boulder
San Francisco City FC 2:0 El Farolito
Outbreak FC 5:1 Buena Park FC
Queen City United FC 4:1 Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC
Real Sociedad 2:2 (4:1 PKs) Ozzy’s Laguna FC
Uruguay Kendall 3:0 Red Force
Davis Legacy 1:0 IFX Ballistic
Cal FC 4:0 Valley United
Chula Vista FC 5:2 Temecula FC

Last weekend, the open division qualifying tournament for the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicked off in the Northeast region. This weekend (Oct. 24-25), the rest of the country gets involved as the competition wraps up the opening round with 16 games spread out all over the country.

You can follow all the latest updates with the hashtag #USOC2016 on Twitter and Instagram, and of course, use that hashtag to share all your photos and commentary.

We take a brief look at each game starting with Saturday’s games:

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2015 (All Times Eastern)

NTX Rayados (NORTH TX) at Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (SOUTH TX)
San Gabriel Park; Georgetown, Texas – 4 p.m.

Deep in the heart of Texas, Austin Real Cuauhtemoc (ARC) will try to unseat NTX Rayados’ reign as Kings of Texas. Rayados have qualified for the past two US Open Cups, coughing up a 2-0 halftime lead against the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions in 2014 and falling to Laredo Heat on penalty kicks in 2015. ARC, fresh off a 2014-15 Texas State Cup title run and currently two points out of first place in the Texas State Premier League, will look to use their home field advantage to take down their northern opponents.

Colorado Rovers (CO) at Harpo’s FC (CO)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo. – 6:30 p.m.

Colorado Rovers and Harpo’s FC will have the honor of playing at the home of MLS’ Colorado Rapids (Field No. 8). The Rovers will be looking to qualify for their third straight US Open Cup after previously participating in the 2013 and 2014 versions of the tournament. Harpos’ FC, backed by popular Denver brewery Avery, will be hungry for an opportunity for another Cinderella run after they made it to the third round in the 2015 Open Cup during their first-ever trip to the tournament.

La Maquina (SOUTH CA) at Strikers FC South Coast (SOUTH CA)
Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center; Lake Forest, Calif. – 9 p.m.

It’s a battle of “1 vs. 2” as 2015 Spring-Summer UPSL Southeast Division leaders Strikers FC South Coast take on second place La Maquina FC. Both teams are clearly the class of their divison. Strikers and La Maquina have scored 66 goals in 18 games and 65 goals in 19 games, respectively, during UPSL Spring-Summer action.

San Nicolas FC (SOUTH CA) at Corinthians USA (SOUTH CA)
Rialto High School; Rialto, Calif. – 10 p.m.

San Nicholas haven’t had a great Spring-Summer season in UPSL (you’ll be hearing from them quite a bit in this preview) as they currently sit in seventh in the Southeast division with a minus-7 goal differential through 19 games. They’ll try to shake it off against Corinthians USA, who find themselves tied for first in the SoCal Premier League, which features a few clubs US Open Cup fans are familiar with: PSA Elite and Chula Vista FC.

Footballers Academy (SOUTH CA) at San Pedro Monsters FC (SOUTH CA)
Daniel’s Field; San Pedro, Calif. – 10 p.m.

This one features two teams trending in very opposite directions. Footballers Academy find themselves in last place with zero points through three games in SoCal Premier League play while San Pedro Monsters sit in second in the western division of the UPSL with a plus-36 goal differential.

Del Rey City SC (SOUTH CA) at LA Wolves FC (SOUTH CA)
Toyota Sports Complex; Torrence, Calif. – 11 p.m.

This one will also look like a mismatch on paper. LA Wolves FC find themselves atop the Western division in the UPSL with a whopping 76 goals for and 14 conceded in 20 games of league play. Del Rey City SC, meanwhile, are 11^th of 12 in that same division with a minus 30 goal differential. Del Rey City are led by their top goalscorer Andy Salguero, who has come out of nowhere to score in every game he has played in so far.

Wolves general manager and head coach Yan Skwara isn’t about to take Saturday’s match lightly though.

“We don’t want to rest on our laurels,”, said Skwara, speaking to SoccerNation.com this week.

“A lot of people, a lot of teams and folks in the soccer community are starting to really recognize the US Open Cup as a high quality, nationally-recognized tournament. So the tournament’s growing and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 2015 (All Times Eastern)

Boca Raton FC (FL) at Real Miami Club of Football (FL)
St. John Bosco Football Stadium; Miami, Fla. – 4:30 p.m.

Through five APSL fall tournament games, Boca Raton find themselves in first place thanks, in part, to the September signing of former Fort Lauderdale Strikers striker Scott Gordon. Gordon has already tallied a goal since joining Boca Raton. Real Miami CF on the other hand, have just four points from their first five APSL Fall tournament games, which puts them in dead last. Boca Raton already beat Real Miami CF earlier this month, 2-0, thanks to a pair of goals from forward Xavier Silva.

Colorado Rush (CO) at FC Boulder (CO)
Pleasant View Soccer Complex; Boulder, Colo. – 5 p.m.

Both teams have wrapped up CASL fall action already. Colorado Rush find themselves in second with four wins, one loss, and one draw. FC Boulder had a more challenging season as they finished fourth with three wins and three losses. Both teams are also still alive in the CASL fall playoffs. Rush defeated the Colorado Rovers’ U-23 side in Round 1 and now face Ahly FC. FC Boulder took down FC Dynamo in Round 1 and will face FC Denver Premier next.

El Farolito (NORTH CA) at San Francisco City FC (NORTH CA)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif. – 6 p.m.

San Francisco City FC are on a tear having just defeated the San Francisco Stompers 6-1 on Tuesday to improve to 3-0 in NorCal Premier play. El Farolito will be feeling pretty confident themselves. They sit atop the San Francisco Soccer Football League standings for 2015 with 20 wins from 23 matches played. El Farolito, named after their founder’s chain of Mexican restaurants in 1985, won the 1993 Open Cup playing under the name “CD Mexico.” They switched back to the original name in 1995.

MORE: After debut last year, fan-owned San Francisco City begins new US Open Cup quest

Outbreak FC (SOUTH CA) at Buena Park FC (SOUTH CA)
John F. Kennedy High School; La Palma, Calif. – 6 p.m.

Buena Park FC, founded in 2010 by Kennedy High School soccer alumni, find themselves on hard times heading into their match against Outbreak FC. They could only manage one win in their last ten UPSL games and find themselves in seventh place in the Western Division. Outbreak FC will be feeling much more confident as they find themselves atop the SoCal Premier Major Division standings with three wins in five games and a plus-7 goal differential.

Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy FC (NC) at Queen City United FC (NC)
West Mecklenburg Stadium; Charlotte, N.C. – 7 p.m.

The two North Carolina representatives in the competition are both entering US Open Cup qualifying for the first time. Charlotte Sporting Soccer Academy and Queen City United FC are two of the five USSSA clubs, with the other three hailing from Colorado. The Charlotte clubs both compete in the USSSA’s National Soccer League Atlantic Division.

Real Sociedad (SOUTH CA) at Ozzy’s Laguna FC (SOUTH CA)
East Los Angeles College; Monterey Park, Calif. – 7 p.m.

Ozzy’s Laguna FC will be feeling confident as they sit in third place in the Southeast division of the UPSL with a plus 11 goal differential. They’ll be starting their fall season two weeks after Sunday’s match with Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are third from the bottom in the SoCal Premier Premier Division with just three points from their first three games.

Red Force FC (FL) at Uruguay Kendall FC (FL)
Broward College-South Campus; Pembroke Pines, Fla. – 8 p.m.

Red Force FC will try to qualify for their third straight Open Cup. They’ve been eliminated by PDL teams both teams; Ocala Stampede in 2013 and Laredo Heat in 2014. They’re led by three ex-professional players in David Holguin, Alvaro Franco, and Nicolas Mosquera. So far they’ve only managed four points from their first three APSL games. Uruguay Kendall FC have seven points from their first four and sit in third place. Uruguay Kendall FC’s Juan C. Jimenez is tied for second in the league with three goals while two Red Force players, Alvaro Franco and Victor Flores, are tied for third with two apiece.

Davis Legacy (NORTH CA) at IFX Ballistic (NORTH CA)
Las Positas College; Livermore, Calif. – 8 p.m.

The adult Davis Legacy team was just formed in the spring of 2015, but has already had plenty of success. They won the Spring and Summer NorCal Premier titles and currently sit atop the standings for the fall season with four wins in their first four games. They’re led by a pair of former Second Team All-Big West performers from UC-Davis: Brian Ford and Kevin Schulte. 16 of the current 22 players on the roster are from the UC-Davis club team. Meanwhile, IFX Ballistic are in third place, six points behind Davis. The teams already met back on Oct. 4 with Davis Legacy winning a 3-2 thriller.

Valley United SC (SOUTH CA) at Cal FC (SOUTH CA)
Agoura High School; Agoura Hills, Calif. – 10 p.m.

You might remember Cal FC from the run they went on in 2012 in which they defeated MLS’ Portland Timbers in the fourth round. Back then they were led by head coach Eric Wynalda and star midfielder Danny Barrera. Today, Ross Greaney is at the helm for the Thousand Oaks side as they will try to qualify for the second year in a row. Last year, they edged San Francisco City 2-1 before falling in penalty kicks to the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion. Based out of Granada Hills, Valley United SC were invited to join the UPSL in 2015 and finished third. They also reached the semifinals of the Admiral Cup. The team has a track record of churning out professionals like Kyle Garcia (Pars FC, Orebro -Sweden) and Gabe Dorame (Pachuca FC – Mexico).

Chula Vista FC (SOUTH CA) at Temecula Football Club (SOUTH CA)
Linfield Christian School; Temecula, Calif. – 10 p.m.

Chula Vista were the darlings of the 2015 Open Cup. They took down USL Pro side Arizona United 3-0 in Round 2 before falling to another USL Pro side, Sacramento Republic, in Round 3. Alberto Diaz, who was runner-up for TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament, returns to lead Chula Vista along with his younger brother, head coach J. Hector Diaz. They’ll take on Temecula FC, who, in addition to their UPSL team, also field an NPSL team. The UPSL team currently finds themselves in eight place in the Southeast Division with nine wins, nine losses, and just one draw in their 19 Spring-Summer games.

Tobacco Road FC (NC) at CD Motagua of New Orleans (LA)

NOTE: Tobacco Road FC have withdrawn (Travel). CD Motagua advances to Round 2

KC Athletics (KS) at International Portland Select (OR)

NOTE: KC Athletics have withdrawn (Travel) IPS advances to Round 2

QUALIFYING: SECOND ROUND (All Times Eastern)

GPS Omens at Southie FC
Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium; Lawrence, Mass. – Nov. 15, 4 p.m.

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Lansdowne Bhoys at Worcester FC
Pappas Recreation Center; Auburn, Mass. – Nov. 14, 5 p.m.

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Jersey Shore Boca at NY Pancyprian Freedoms
Belson Stadium, St John’s University; Jamaica, N.Y. – Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

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West Chester United at Salone FC
Marcus Foster; Philadelphia, Pa. – Nov. 15, 4 p.m.

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Aegean Hawks FC at Aromas Café FC
Western Allenade High School; Crozet, Va. – Nov. 15, 3 p.m.

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La Maquina at Chula Vista FC
Eastlake High; Chula Vista, Calif. – Nov. 21, 11 p.m.

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Boca Raton FC at Uruguay Kendall FC
Broward College-South Campus; Pembroke Pines, Fla. – Nov. 21, 6 p.m.

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Colorado Rush at Harpo’s FC
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo. – Nov. 22, 12 p.m.

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Davis Legacy at San Francisco City FC
Crocker Amazon Field; San Francisco, Calif. – Nov. 21, 4 p.m.

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Cal FC at LA Wolves FC
Mira Costa High School; Manhattan Beach, Calif. – Nov. 21, 10:30 p.m.

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Outbreak FC at San Pedro Monsters FC
Daniel’s Field; San Pedro, Calif. – Nov. 21, 10 p.m.

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San Nicolas FC at Real Sociedad
St. John Bosco Football Stadium; Bellflower, Calif. – Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 21 or 22

Queen City United (NC) vs. CD Motagua (LA)
Site / Date TBD

NTX Rayados / Austin Real Cuauhtemoc winner vs. International Portland Select
Site / Date TBD

QUALIFYING: THIRD ROUND
April 1-2, 2016

US OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND: May 11, 2016

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Aegean Hawks’ two clutch goals stun Maryland Bays

October 21, 2015 by Jon Knight

Almost five years since their first Cup encounter in a US Amateur Cup qualifier that saw Georgetown winger Seth C’deBaca lace a curling long-range laser at the end of regulation to seal victory for the Hawks, the Maryland Bays of the Maryland Major Soccer League and Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks of the Washington Premier League renewed their rivalry on Sunday when both teams clashed for the ninth time in a single elimination Cup tie.

Sunday’s match was for the new-look US Soccer-managed first round of Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament. The Bays, based out of Baltimore, were 5-3-0 in all-time matchups against the DC-based Hawks leading into the game with the Hawks winning the last meeting 1-0 in last year’s Maryland Open Cup championship match. Awaiting the winner of the match was an away date in Round 2 with Aromas Cafe FC of Charlottesville, Va., who overcame the Tartan Devils FC of Pittsburgh, PA 3-1 in their matchup a day earlier.

On an uncharacteristically crisp autumn day awaited both sides at the Hawks home pitch at the Maryland Soccerplex, with temperatures in the upper 40s and a brisk wind blowing West-East. The Hawks started the match the more composed of the two sides with veteran midfielder Watson Vaughan-Prather and central midfield cohort Steven Hauschild pulling strings and organizing the Hawks attack.

Ten minutes in, the Hawks got their first solid chance in the match when winger Chris Hennings took on a few Bays defenders toward the endline and cut back nicely to fire a hard left-footed shot that was parried away by Bays goalkeeper Dan McCleary.

Just five minutes later, a free kick for the Hawks was lofted to the far post by William Fierro, where Vaughan-Prather headed it back across the goal mouth and onto the path of streaking forward Dan Fogarty for what looked like a tap in, but the ball sailed over his knee and out to safety.

The close call seemed to wake up the Bays, who began to assert themselves and push the match into the Hawks’ defensive half with solid possession-oriented soccer and switching the field of play. The Bays’ center midfield pairing of former Maryland Terp Kauro Forbess and former Loyola Greyhound Danny Ankrah orchestrated the Bays attack well and kept the Hawks on their heels, patiently searching for holes in the Hawks defense and spreading the ball to the wings and into forward Kingsley Onwuku’s feet.

The Hawks struggled to get a rhythm and relied on the occasional break to wingers Chris Hennings and Scott Larrabee to keep the Bays defense honest. While the possession was tilted in favor of the Bays, the Hawks defense stood tall as center back pairing Patrick Selwood and Joshua Damm and outside backs Devlin Barnes and James Kpainay all played their part with gritty goal saving one-on-one efforts during many Bays forays into the Hawks penalty area. Both teams stood at a deadlock at halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Hawks again looked livelier as Larrabee and Hennings threatened with Vaughan-Prather again serving as the link player, but the Bays defenders were always up to the task. Just as it looked like the Hawks would mirror their bright start to the first half, the Bays’ Glenn Leitch was taken down in the box by Hawks defender Devlin Barnes after a nifty piece of skill to maintain possession on a double team, and the referee awarded a PK at the 55 minute mark. Kingsley Onwuka stepped up to bury the penalty in the lower left corner past Hawks netminder Robbie Batchelder to lift the Bays to a 1-0 advantage.

Much of the ensuing play until the 80th minute echoed the second part of the first half, with the Bays dominating possession and the Hawks occasionally threatening with their wing play. As the match wore on, the game got a little chippy and the referee was not shy to dole out punishment. The Hawks were shown four yellow cards throughout the match, three after the Bays goal, while Maryland received two yellows in the second stanza.

Neither team had much teeth in the offensive third as both were missing important regulars in their front line. The Bays constantly probed with Danny Ankrah as the catalyst in the middle and some solid wing play on the right by Danny Baxter, but the Hawks defense created a wall and did well to keep the Bays from adding to the scoreline. On the other side of the pitch, Larrabee and Hennings were always dangerous on the break but could not unlock the combination to find Mccleary’s net.

From the 80th minute on, the Hawks desperation began to yield some opportunities to bring the match level. Several balls were whipped into the Bays penalty area and to the far post that looked to break the deadlock but the score remained in the Bays favor as stoppage time began. Seconds before the referee blew his whistle, the Hawks took a corner kick that was cleared by the Bays but found the feet of Hawks outside back Devlin Barnes for the second service. Center back and team captain Pat Selwood stepped up in traffic to head the ball in the net, granting the Hawks the dramatic equalizer and lifeline moments before the end of regulation.

In the first overtime period, the Bays pressed hard with the better chances and almost added to their tally off a blistering half-volley by Mike Gill that sailed just inches over the crossbar.

With five minutes left in the second overtime period, the Hawks’ Vaughan-Prather was fed a ball in the Bays penalty area. As several Bays defenders swarmed him for the takeaway, he snuck a pass to the endline for longtime teammate Michael Goldman, who took a touch and floated a left footed cross back to the six-yard box. The ball was perfectly weighted to avoid the first line of Hawks and Bays and fell to the foot of onrushing winger, Scott Larabee. Just as his college teammate did in the first meeting between these two storied USASA clubs, the Georgetown alum stunned the Bays with a well-placed volley to the left corner that left McCleary flat footed. Now with the lead, the Hawks bunkered in for the remaining five minutes of the match and the Bays could not break through, inching the Hawks closer to level in the all-time series and one step closer to the club’s first US Open Cup berth since 2012.

MORE: Ten teams advance to Round 2 in opening weekend of 2016 US Open Cup qualifying