2016 US Open Cup

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: FC Tucson pull away from 10-man San Nicolas FC

May 12, 2016 by Ted Prezelski

FC Tucson's Dom Papa (right) opens the scoring by sending a cross past San Nicolas goalkeeper Jose Miranda. Photo: Dulce Santamaria Vega — FC Tucson’s Dom Papa (right) opens the scoring by sending a cross past San Nicolas goalkeeper Jose Miranda. Photo: Dulce Santamaria Vega

This story also appeared in the Tucson Sentinel.

FC Tucson defeated Pomona’s San Nicolas FC on Wednesday night at Kino Stadium by a score of 3-0. The match was part of opening day of the US Open Cup, with Tucson getting the right to advance in that tournament.

It would be easy to cast the match as a youthful FC Tucson, which like many teams in their league is built on college players, against a veteran San Nicolas squad, except all three of FC Tucson’s goals came from long time players on that team.

FC Tucson quickly established themselves in San Nicolas’s half of the field and earned a free kick in just outside of the box. Minh Vu, a former Rochester Rhinos player and local standout, sent the ball through the box where it seemed to travel by every player that tried to get a touch on it. It finally got to Dom Papa, who goes back to FC Tucson’s first match in 2011, just past the far post. Papa rocketed it into the net to give the local team their first goal.

San Nicolas made a good effort to exploit the inexperience of the FC Tucson back line, but was able to generate few shots. Their first quality chance came in minute 22 when Cesar Rivera, a former player for Orange County Blues, got taken down by Papa just outside the box. The ensuing free kick went straight to FC Tucson keeper Borja Angoitia.

A handball in the box in minute 31 granted FC Tucson their next goal as well as two yellow cards for San Nicolas, both for dissent. Vu took the shot which easily sailed past San Nicolas keeper Jose Miranda.

FC Tucson’s Gordon Hall saw the wrong side of a Cruz Hernandez tackle in minute 37. The former University of Connecticut player was shown an immediate red card and the match was delayed for several minutes as Hall was treated and San Nicolas staff protested.

Despite the card, San Nicolas did a better job of getting behind FC Tucson in the final part of the first half. Rivera earned his team a free kick just outside of the area in minute 42 (this time, a now healthy Hall was the instigator), and took a shot that got bobbled by Angoitia. It took quick thinking by FC Tucson’s defense to keep the ball away from a charging Rivera for what would have been a sure goal. A subsequent attempt by Rivera that beat the keeper was ruled off side.

A much more composed San Nicolas side greeted FC Tucson in the second half. Even down to ten men, they made numerous moves into FC Tucson’s final third. Still, it was FC Tucson to hit the net first in the second half. Vu scored in minute 57’ off of a service by Jon Bakero.

A strong chance for San Nicolas came in minute 70 off of a free kick earned just outside of the box. Another former Blues player, Luis Gonzalez, stepped up to take the shot. The wall did its job and San Nicolas stayed off the board.

FC Tucson had a flurry of offense in the next few minutes, with Miranda making several saves that kept the game at the respectable 3-0 level.

Erlys Garcia, one of several Cuban national team defectors playing for San Nicolas, earned a strong shot in minute 78 that went wide.

FC Tucson ended the match on top and earned their first Open Cup win since 2013. After the game, said that going in they knew that the early goal was key.

“We knew we had to come out early and put one in on them,” said Dom Papa. “Especially with veterans, they are going to know how to play. Put one in early, you can control the game.”

The team will host the second round match against Arizona United SC next Wednesday.

———————————

FC Tucson v San Nicolas FC
Kino North Stadium

Scoring summary
FCT – Dom Papa (6′)
FCT – Minh Vu (pk 31′)
FCT – Vu (57′)

Misconduct summary
SNFC – Jose Miranda (caution 22′)
SNFC – Eduardo Barba (caution, 24′)
FCT – Dom Papa (caution, 27′)
SNFC – Erlys Garcia (caution, 31′)
SNFC – Cruz Hernandez (ejection 37′)
FCT – Musa Morris (caution, 76′)

FC Tucson: Borja Angoitia – Sean Keith, Zachariah Joens, Gordon Hall (Gonnie Ben-Tal 76′), Edgar Reyna – Musa Morris (Tate Schmitt 82′), Minh Vu, Jon Bakero (Francesco Bartolillo 88′), Evan Waldrep, Dom Papa – Damian German

San Nicolas FC: Jose Miranda – Erlys Garcia, Diego Jimenez (Gerardo Martinez 63′), Cruz Hernandez (ejected 37′), Oscar Castillo – Noel Castillo (Edgar Espinoza 79′), Amilicar Lopez, Rene Corona – Eduardo Barba (Jose Gomez 66′), Cesar Rivera, Luis Gonzalez

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Southie FC shuts out Seacoast United in tournament debut

May 12, 2016 by Brian O'Connell

Used with permission from New England Soccer Today

Roy Sandeman scored on each side of the break as Boston-based USASA outfit Southie FC picked up a win in their inaugural US Open Cup appearance. Southie FC defeated Premier Development League (PDL) side Seacoast United Phantoms 2-0 at Della Russo Stadium in Revere, Mass.

Sandeman opened the account the 28th minute, then struck from the spot in the 59th minute after a Seacoast defender was called for a handball inside the box.

While Sandeman provided the scoring, the Southie backline rose to the occasion keep Seacoast’s most potent weapon, striker Alencar Junior, off the board.

Wednesday’s match was the first in the tournament proper for the Boys in Neon, who were formed in 2012. They joined the Bay State Soccer League in 2014, and recently competed in the National Amateur Cup tournament.

Southie, who booked Wednesday’s first-round spot via the Open Divison, will face the USL’s Rochester Rhinos in the second round on May 18 at Rhino’s Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Reading United AC kicks off season with cup win over Atlanta Silverbacks

May 12, 2016 by Michael Berton

Reading United AC and the Atlanta Silverbacks square off in a FIrst Round match in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Reading United AC (PennImages.com)

The US Open Cup tends to catch many amateur teams at the wrong time, with the First Round usually also serving as the first competitive game for those teams.

Such was the case on Wednesday in West Lawn, Pa., Reading United of the Premier Development League (PDL) hosted the Atlanta Silverbacks of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the first game of the season for both sides.

It ended up being Reading that was the more prepared team, winning 2-0 in a comfortable fashion to advance to the Second Round. For United, it was the fifth straight year that the PDL club had won its opening round game, the second-longest streak among amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present).

After an even first 15 minutes, United began to assert control of the game. Both teams struggled to earn clear chances, but much of the game was being played in the Silverbacks end. This sustained period of dominance culminated in a 31st minute goal for Reading.

William Picoux hit an in-swinging corner kick that bypassed all but one player in the box. That player was his teammate Khori Bennett, who kicked it into the bottom left corner of the net from two yards out. Bennett, a soon-to-be sophomore at Northeastern, made no mistake on the easy chance.

Atlanta, which formerly was the development team of the now-defunct pro team, put much more pressure on Reading in the second half. Two early substitutions and a focus on offense led to some Silverbacks chances. The away side was forced to make an early third substitution when Kemar Brown went down with an injury in the 66th minute.

The Silverbacks could not capitalize on their sustained pressure, however, and Reading grabbed an insurance goal in the 86th minute.

Ismael Noumansana of Lenoir-Rhyne University shot in a laser of a cross that found Frantzdy Pierrot of Coastal Carolina on the back post. Pierrot bypassed the Atlanta goalie and slotted the ball into the net.

Reading United, which is making a Modern Era record eighth straight US Open Cup appearance as an amateur side, will travel to Tennessee to take on Chattanooga FC of the NPSL at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 in the Second Round.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: CD Aguiluchos USA wins Bay Area battle with San Francisco City FC, 3-0

May 12, 2016 by Evan Ream

Three second half goals from three different players gave fourth-year NPSL club CD Aguiluchos USA its first-ever victory in Lamar Hunt US Open Cup competition.

Having lost in the first round to the Ventura County Fusion in their only other appearance in the competition, Aguiluchos downed fellow Bay Area side San Francisco City FC 3-0 at Beach Chalet No. 4 in San Francisco.

Simon Rawsley scored just after the half and Miguel Santiago and Matheus Freire each added goals in the dying moments of the game to move on to the second round of the tournament, where they will head northeast to take on Sacramento Republic FC at Bonney Field.

After qualifying as the 3rd place team in the NPSL’s Golden Gate Conference in 2015, Aguiluchos didn’t perform like a first-time entry. They were able to mitigate any danger from its foe, who included in their lineup former Sacramento Republic FC forward Adnan Gabeljic.

However, Aguiluchos featured experience of their own in Afghanistan international Ahmad Hatifie, who was instrumental in running the show for the visitors on the night along with Santiago.

After Santiago set up Rawsley’s 62nd minute goal, the clever attacker scored a highlight-reel goal of his own, curling home a free kick three minutes before time.

Matheus then ended any hopes of a comeback in stoppage time by chipping the goalkeeper to end the scoring in a wide-open second half.

With the loss, SF City FC dropped to 0-2 in its Open Cup history, having lost to Cal FC in the Preliminary Round in 2015.

UPDATE: Ventura County Fusion disqualified for using ineligible player; LA Wolves advance to Round 2

May 12, 2016 by Josh Hakala

UPDATE: The Wolves’ protest has been upheld by US Soccer and Ventura County Fusion have been disqualified. Read the details here.

UPDATE: The US Open Cup committee denied Ventura County Fusion’s appeal

There was plenty of drama in the opening round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night. However, one of the results may be overturned due to the use of an ineligible player.

The Ventura County Fusion of the PDL defeated the Los Angeles Wolves of the UPSL 2-1 with all the scoring taking place in the first half. However, one of the players the Fusion put out on the field may ultimately bring the team’s Modern Era record of six consecutive opening round wins to an end.

According to LA Wolves head coach Yan Skwara, the Fusion fielded a player that was already cup-tied to another club.

“We have determined that the Ventura County Fusion clearly used an ineligible player who played for Cal FC in the qualifying rounds against our team and per the US Open Cup rules, that would be deemed a forfeit.”

The Wolves defeated Cal FC 2-1 on Nov. 21, 2015 in a game that would ultimately clinch a spot in the US Open Cup.

Skwara says he plans to file the protest on Thursday morning and is very confident that the result will be overturned.

According to the new roster rules stated in US Soccer’s 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Open Division Handbook, players who are registered with a team during the open division qualifying tournament are cup-tied to that team for the remainder of the competition.

“Rules are in place for a reason and they must be followed by all teams,” said Skwara. “The new rules for 2016 may not be perfect, but all teams still have to follow the rules or risk the repercussions.”

If the Fusion are disqualified, the Wolves would host the USL’s Orange County Blues in Round 2 on May 18.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Aromas Cafe’s OT winner helps amateur side win cup debut

May 12, 2016 by Craig Tower

Jake Van Yahres delivered the game-winning goal as the Charlottesville, Virginia-based United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) side Aromas Café FC took down the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Richmond Strikers by a final score of 2-1.

The win sends the amateur side into a matchup with a professional team, the Richmond Kickers in Round 2 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Aromas Café FC overcame some pretty tough odds just to qualify for the first round of the tournament. In their first open division qualifying match back in the fall, they broke up a DC-metro area dynasty by defeating the Aegean Hawks, who had represented the nation’s capital in regional qualifying for nine of the previous 10 years. Then in the second round of qualifying they beat a Tartan Devils side that was undefeated in three seasons of Greater Pittsburgh soccer league play. Now they’re headed to the second round of the tournament itself after Douglas Clare’s brace lifted his side to a dramatic victory.

The game got off to a somewhat slow start and was scoreless at the half. Then right out of the gate in the 47th minute, Douglas Clare scored the first of his two goals on the evening. Richmond would go on to equalize through a penalty kick from assistant coach/striker Will Bates. If the name sounds familiar, Will Bates came up through the Strikers’ youth system and went on to star at the University of Virginia before being selected by the Seattle Sounders in the 2013 Supplemental Draft. He earned a roster spot with Seattle, but was let go soon after that and bounced around the lower divisions for a couple seasons before ending up back home in Virginia.

But Aromas would not be denied their fairy tale victory as Van Yahres blasted home the game-winner before the first period of extra time ended and his team held on in the second to advance in the team’s first-ever cup run.

As fate would have it, they’ll come right back to the Virginia capital on Wednesday, May 18 to face another Richmond side: the United Soccer League’s Richmond Kickers.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1 preview: A look at all 22 #USOC2016 games with video, audio

May 11, 2016 by Josh Hakala

The 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off today with 22 games taking place across the country. It was originally 23 games but late Tuesday evening, the North Texas Rayados were informed that they were disqualified.

Below, you will find links to our coverage on TheCup.us, as well as previews from all 22 games, including video and audio links where available. You can get all the latest updates from every game through Twitter, using the hashtag #USOC2016. Use that same hashtag on Instagram to share your US Open Cup-related photos.

#USOC2016 coverage:
* 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results (video/audio links)
* 2016 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)
* 2016 Meet the Underdogs series
* USSF’s new US Open Cup qualifying tournament has challenges to address after year one
* 2016 US Open Cup: Motor City rematch headlines most intriguing First Round games
* MLS-owned USL teams no longer eligible for 2016 US Open Cup, confirms USSF
* One is enough: NPSL champion New York Cosmos B withdraws from 2016 US Open Cup

* Support TheCup.us: New Del Rey City jerseys available for purchase
* Appreciate what we do at TheCup.us? Donate here
* TheCup.us is looking for writers/editors, graphics, WordPress gurus & people who can handle digital ad sales (paid position). Email us here

Twitter (#USOC2016) | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr | Reddit

Aromas Café (USASA) at Richmond Strikers (NPSL)
Striker Park, Glen Allen, VA – 5 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays at the Richmond Kickers (USL) on May 18

Aromas Cafe Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Richmond Strikers Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

The first match of the evening features an intra-state matchup as Virginia teams Aromas Café, of Crozet, and the Richmond Strikers face off in Glen Allen, VA. This marks a high-water moment for Virginia soccer, as Aromas Café are the first USASA DC/VA team to qualify for the tournament not named the Aegean Hawks since 1996 (Mo’s Sport Shop).

Aromas got to this point by securing a 3-1 win over Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in the First Round of US Open Cup qualifying. The Tartan Devils were undefeated in the last two seasons of the Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League, but were bested by the USASA side from Crozet. In the Second Round of the tournament, the first-year entry from Virginia defeated the Aegean Hawks 3-1 to put themselves into the 103rd edition of the US Open Cup. Playing on the same field that he played his high school ball, Jake Van Yahres scored a pair of goals, and was involved in the third goal to lead the way to the club’s first Open Cup berth.

The Richmond Strikers are also making their Open Cup debut with a team name that is less than a month old. In April, Chesterfield United merged with the Richmond Strikers and took the club’s name. The Strikers qualified with a second place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Conference with a 5-2-3 record. They finished tied with Virginia Beach City FC for second place, but they won the tiebreaker to clinch a spot in the Open Cup. Their run in the NPSL playoffs was short-lived, falling 4-2 to New York Athletic Club in the opening round.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: AROMAS CAFE FC

————————————————-

Kraze United (NPSL) at The Villages SC (PDL)
The Villages Polo Field; The Villages, FL – 5 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)
Winner plays at the Charleston Battery (USL)

Kraze United Open Cup records
Overall: 1-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 0-4-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 1-2-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost to Wilmington Hammerheads in Round 1)
Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 3-0 at Portland Timber of MLS)

The Villages SC Open Cup records
Overall: 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs) |Home: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Draw 1-1, Lost 5-3 in PK shootout at Chattanooga FC of NPSL)
Best finish: 2015 Second Round (Lost 2-1 at Orlando City SC of USL Pro)

LIVE VIDEO: KRAZE UNITED AT THE VILLAGES SC

A Florida battle will be brewing in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as two teams with new identities will square off. Kraze United (formerly the Orlando City U23s of the PDL) will be taking on The Villages SC (formerly Ocala Stampede) for the right to take on USL’s Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the tournament.

Kraze United have qualified for this tournament due to the awarding of an NPSL at-large spot given this tournament cycle, finishing in 10th place in the South region. After six Open Cup appearances without a win, United (then Orlando City U23s) finally tasted victory in their last tournament entry in 2014. They defeated Jacksonville United of the NPSL 2-1, followed by a stunning 12-11 PK shootout win against the Battery, in the longest penalty kick shootout in the Modern Era (14 rounds).

Meanwhile, The Villages SC are back in the tournament for the fourth year in a row, but are riding a three-game losing streak. Last year, they lost a 5-3 PK shootout to Chattanooga FC.

————————————————-

West Chester United (USASA) At Fredericksburg FC (NPSL)
UMW Battleground Stadium – Fredericksburg, VA – 5:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner hosts Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) on May 18

West Chester United Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

Fredericksburg FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-0 | Home: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: 2014 (Lost 6-1 vs. Richmond Kickers of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2014 Second Round (Lost 6-1 vs. Richmond Kickers of USL)

Another USASA Open Division vs. NPSL battle moves the action to Virginia as Fredericksburg FC takes on West Chester United.

After four years of falling just short, West Chester United have finally qualified for their first US Open Cup and will face a Fredericksburg FC side who are making their second appearance in the tournament.

United, the defending USASA Werner Fricker Open Cup champions, punched their ticket with a pair of wins over Philadelphia-area teams (Junior Lone Star and Salone FC) in the open division qualifying tournament.

Under the name RVA FC, Fredericksburg FC lost their only Open Cup game 6-1 to the USL’s Richmond Kickers in 2014. They qualified for this year’s tournament by finishing as Mid-Atlantic Conference champions. FFC would fall in the Regional Semifinals of the NPSL playoffs, 1-0 to the Clarkstown SC Eagles, 1-0.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: WEST CHESTER UNITED

————————————————-

Atlanta Silverbacks (NPSL) at Reading United AC (PDL)
John Gorski Stadium; West Lawn, PA – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)
Winner plays at Chattanooga FC (NPSL) on May 18

Atlanta Silverbacks* Open Cup records
*The professional team with the same name folded
Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: 2009 (Lost 2-0 at Charleston Battery of USL-1 in Round 1)
Best finish: 2009 Round 1

LIVE VIDEO: ATLANTA SILVERBACKS AT READING UNITED AC

With the arrival of an MLS expansion side in Atlanta, the Silverbacks are “officially” no more. However, an amateur team (backed by local club United Futbol Academy and A+ Sports Management Group) has taken up the team name left behind the old NASL team (They were previously named the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves). They even field a women’s team in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). There’s still bitterness and resentment among former Silverbacks supporters in Atlanta, so look for this born-again group to be serious about carrying on the legacy of their predecessors.

The Silverbacks Reserves finished 8-2-0 last year, good for second in the Southeast Conference, which got them into the postseason. Their season would end in the conference final, falling to top seed Chattanooga FC 3-0.

Standing in their way is a well-seasoned Reading United team making a Modern Era record eighth straight US Open Cup appearance as an amateur side, all of them as a member of the Premier Development League (PDL). They’ve also won their last four Open Cup opening matches, so they won’t be just happy being in the tournament. They were barely able to keep their Open Cup streak going as they missed the PDL playoffs last year after finishing tied for third (8-3-3) in the Mid-Atlantic Division. They lost out on a tiebreaker with fellow Open Cup entry Jersey Express.

————————————————-

Jersey Express (PDL) At Clarkstown SC Eagles (NPSL)
Torne Valley Sports Complex; Hillburn, NY – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays winner of NY Pancyprian Freedoms/NY Red Bulls U23s

Jersey Express Open Cup records
Overall: 2-2-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-0 at NY Cosmos of NASL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2015 Third Round (Lost 3-0 at NY Cosmos of NASL)

Clarkstown SC Eagles Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Yet another chapter in the long running rivalry between New Jersey and New York will be written on Wednesday when Jersey Express take on their former in-state team, Clarkstown SC Eagles. For Clarkstown their first US Open Cup match could well be a difficult one against a Jersey Express side who has done well in the early rounds of the competition in the past.

Jersey Express are making their third straight Open Cup appearance and have fond memories of last year’s run. They shut out four-time Open Cup champion New York Greek Americans, 3-0, followed by a 1-0 upset of the USL’s New York Red Bulls 2. Their run would come to an end at the hands of the New York Cosmos (NASL), 3-0. Jersey finished the PDL season with an 8-3-3 record, tied with Reading United in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but they advanced to the postseason by way of a tiebreaker. They would advance to the Eastern Conference Final where they lost to the New York Red Bulls U23s.

The Clarktown Eagles won the Keystone Conference regular season championship with a 7-2-1 record. The Eagles advanced to the NPSL Regional Finals before falling to eventual champion New York Cosmos B, 2-0.

————————————————-

Myrtle Beach Mutiny (NPSL) at Charlotte Eagles (PDL)
Charlotte Eagles School; Charlotte, NC – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)
Charlotte Independence (USL) at Charlotte Eagles OR
Myrtle Beach Mutiny at Charlotte Independence (USL) on May 18

Myrtle Beach Mutiny Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

Charlotte Eagles Open Cup records
Overall*: 10-12-0 | Home: 5-2-0 | Away: 5-10-0 | vs. Amateur: 8-1-0
Last entry: 2014 (AS USL TEAM: Lost 2-0 at Carolina RailHawks of NASL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2012 Quarterfinals (Lost 2-1 at Chivas USA of MLS)
* 1st US Open Cup appearance as amateur club

LIVE VIDEO: MYRTLE BEACH MUTINY AT CHARLOTTE EAGLES

Myrtle Beach Mutiny are making their first ever US Open Cup appearance after being founded in 2010 by Norwegian Trym Hogner, who sold the team to Coast FA, a local non-profit youth soccer organization. The South Carolina side should feel pretty confident heading into their first competitive match of 2016. They won the 2015 NPSL South Atlantic title and will look to carry that momentum into their first Open Cup experience. However, this is also a team that will likely be short on depth. The club’s website lists just 10 outfield players and two goalkeepers.

Myrtle Beach find themselves matched up against a very experienced Charlotte Eagles team, though this particular side is making their first appearance as an amateur team out of the PDL. In the past, the Eagles carried the USL banner into the Open Cup with them. Their best run came in 2012 when current MLS goalkeeper Clint Irwin first made a name for himself by helping his side win three straight road games, including a 2-0 win over MLS side FC Dallas, before ultimately falling to Chivas USA 2-1 in the Quarterfinals. Don’t be surprised if this group wins a game or two; they are the reigning PDL South Atlantic Division Champions and were one of two undefeated PDL teams (the other being Kitsap Pumas).

This North Carolina vs. South Carolina matchup should offer plenty of intrigue, especially with another Charlotte-based side (Charlotte Independence) waiting in the next round.

————————————————-

Boca Raton FC (USASA) at Miami Fusion FC (NPSL)
Broward College South Campus; Pembroke Pines, FL – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)
Winner plays at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) on May 18

Boca Raton FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

Miami Fusion FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

LIVE VIDEO: BOCA RATON FC AT MIAMI FUSION FC

US Open Cup first-timers Boca Raton FC will be wishing they could’ve started this game months ago. The reigning American Premier Soccer League (APSL) champions beat league rivals Real Miami CF in a thrilling 2-1 extra time victory. Shadi Harb scored first in the 95^th minute, only to see Real Miami equalize in the 119^th minute. But Boca Raton’s Gabe Taboada wasn’t interested in going to penalty kicks and scored the game winner just moments later.

Their reward is another Miami-based side (there are so many these days). As you can guess by the name, this team was inspired by the former MLS expansion team that featured Carlos Valderrama among its ranks when it existed between 1998 and 2001. The Fusion have already played one NPSL game this season, defeating Miami United 5-0.

The Fusion won the Sunshine Conference regular season title with a 8-1-1 record, but they were one-and-done in the NPSL playoffs, losing 1-0 to Chattanooga FC.

These two teams squared off in the fall tournament, and according to Douglas Heizer from Boca Raton FC, they won each time they played.

The winner of this one takes a trip up north to North Carolina to take on the Wilmington Hammerheads.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: BOCA RATON FC

————————————————-

Cincinnati Dutch Lions (PDL) At Indy Eleven NPSL (NPSL)
Grand Park Championship Field; Westfield, IN – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)
Winner plays at FC Cincinnati (USL) on May 18

Cincinnati Dutch Lions Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Indy Eleven NPSL Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE AUDIO: CINCINNATI DUTCH LIONS AT INDY ELEVEN NPSL

The formerly Indy Fire may have found their affiliate that works as they make their first-ever US Open Cup appearance under their new name, affiliated with Indy Eleven of the NASL. That allowed Indy to have a strong season in the NPSL last year under the name Indiana Fire. The club’s 7-2-3 record was just enough to sneak into the NPSL playoffs, finishing fourth in the very competitive Midwest Division. They made the most of their playoff run, upsetting No. 1 seed Madison 56ers and No. 3 seed AFC Cleveland before falling in the NPSL Semifinals to Chattanooga FC.

The Dutch Lions finished last season with an 8-5-1 which was good for second place in the South Atlantic Division. They lost their opening round playoff game, falling to division rival Charlotte Eagles 3-2.

————————————————-

Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA) at Long Island Rough Riders (PDL)
St. Anthony’s High School; South Huntington, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)
Winner plays at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) on May 18

Lansdowne Bhoys FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

Long Island Rough Riders Open Cup records
AS PDL: 3-4-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 1-3-0 | vs. Amateur: 3-0-0
OVERALL: 5-7-0 | Home: 3-2-0 | Away: 2-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 vs. Real Monarchs of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 1997 Quarterfinals (as A-League team: Lost 1-0 ASDET vs. Metrostars of MLS)

LIVE AUDIO: LANSDOWNE BHOYS FC AT LONG ISLAND ROUGH RIDERS

Yonkers-based Lansdowne Bhoys are making their first-ever US Open Cup appearance, but don’t expect them to be afraid of the big stage. They currently find themselves one point ahead of fabled New York side Pancyprian Freedoms in the first division of the historic Cosmopolitan Soccer League. The Bhoys also won their Open Cup qualifiers handily, defeating Newtown Pride FC 3-0 in Round 1 before cruising to a 5-0 win over Worchester FC (Mass.) in the next round.

They’ll get a much bigger test this time as they take on a Long Island Rough Riders club making its eighth appearance all time. The Rough Riders have also won their last three Open Cup opening matches, including an impressive 3-1 win over Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) last year. This one should be close, though Long Island may be reeling just a bit from their 3-1 Eastern Conference first round loss against Jersey Express in the PDL playoffs.

The winner of this one will make the trek to western Pennsylvania to face the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: LANSDOWNE BHOYS FC

————————————————-

NY Red Bulls U23s (PDL) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA)
Belson Stadium; Jamaica, NY – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Jersey Express/Clarkstown SC Eagles plays at Pancyprian Freedoms
OR NY Red Bulls U23s plays at Clarkstown
OR Jersey Express plays at NY Red Bulls U23s on May 18

NY Red Bulls U23s Open Cup records
Overall: 1-2-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-2-0
Last entry: 2014 as NPSL (Lost 3-1 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2014 Second Round (Lost 3-1 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL)

NY Pancyprian Freedoms Open Cup records
Overall (Modern Era): 3-4-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 2-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 1-4-0
Last entry: 2011, 2-1 win vs. Brooklyn Italians, 0-0 draw (lost 6-5 on PKs) vs. FC New York
Best finish: Champions (1980, 1982, 1983)

We highlighted this matchup in our list of first round games to watch for a reason.

The Red Bulls won the 2015 NPSL title, but then left the league to join the PDL. In their first season in the new league, they finished as Mid-Atlantic Division Champions with a 9-2-3 record. Although they lost in the PDL Final, the fact that they made it that far in their first season should give them some confidence going into this tournament.

Their opponents are no strangers to this tournament. NY Pancyprian Freedoms won the US Open Cup three times in the early 80s and even had some successful runs in old versions of the CONCACAF Champions League. These days, the Freedoms play in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and are making their first appearance since 2011. This is their sixth appearance in the Modern Era.

Both teams will have one eye on the Jersey Express-Clarkstown SC Eagles matchup as the next round will feature the winners of both games.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: NY PANCYPRIAN FREEDOMS

————————————————-

Detroit City FC (NPSL) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland Univ. Soccer Field; Rochester, MI – 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner will play at Louisville City FC (USL) on May 18

Detroit City FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-0 at Michigan Bucks of PDL in Round 1)
Best finish: First Round (2014, 2015)

Michigan Bucks Open Cup records
Overall: 13-11-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 9-8-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 4-3-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-0 vs. Portland Timbers 2 of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro)

Few would argue this is the most compelling matchup of the First Round as two Metro Detroit rivals will square off for the second year in a row as the Michigan Bucks will host Detroit City FC. Last year, the Bucks had no trouble with City, winning 3-0 in front of a crowd dominated by DCFC fans despite playing at the Bucks’ home stadium in Pontiac, Mich.

The Bucks (11-1-2) qualified as Great Lakes Division champions, but they were eliminated in the Conference Finals by eventual champion K-W United, 3-1. They feature the Open Cup’s most impressive amateur resume, with numerous records including most wins (13), most wins over professional teams (9), and holding the distinction as the only amateur club to defeat two MLS teams (New England Revolution in 2000, Chicago Fire in 2012).

City finished 8-2-2, two points behind Midwest Region champion Madison 56ers. DCFC were one-and-done in the playoffs, losing to AFC Cleveland in the Regional Semifinals, 2-1.

————————————————-

Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) at Southie FC (USASA)
Harry Della Russo Stadium; Rever, MA – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays at Rochester Rhinos (USL) on May 18

Southie FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

Seacoast United made their first appearance as a PDL team in last year’s tournament and managed to beat amateur side GPS Massachusetts in Round 1, only to be ousted in the next round by the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks. The Phantoms finished second in the Northeast Division of the PDL and lost in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against fellow Open Cup qualifiers GPS Portland Phoenix in a 2-1 overtime thriller.

Once again, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire side find themselves paired with an amateur club from Massachusettes; this time it’s Southie FC. Southie FC come to us from the Boston suburb of Tynsboro. They won their first round qualifier against Battery Park Gunners, despite both teams going down to 10 men on a double red in the 20th minute of the game. Their next qualifier was much more comfortable as they defeated GPS Omens by a score of 4-0, with UMASS-Amherst product Chris Stoker supplying the assist on three of the four goals.

The winner of this one heads over to New York to take on the USL’s Rochester Rhinos in the next round.

————————————————-

AFC Cleveland (NPSL) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL)
Deering High School; Portland, ME – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays at Saint Louis FC (USL) on May 18

AFC Cleveland Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home” 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: First Entry
Best finish: First Entry

GPS Portland Phoenix Open Cup records
Overall: 1-3-0 | Home: 1-2-0 | Away: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2014 (Lost 1-0 in OT vs. FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic of NPSL)
Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 1-0 at Rochester Rhinos of USL)

AFC Cleveland are making their first-ever appearance in the US Open Cup, but it’s not the first time they’ve qualified. They were invited back in 2013, but were forced to decline due to a lack of player availability. The club has a solid reputation at the youth levels and they’ll be anxious to show what the adults can do after they made it to the NPSL regional final last season before falling to Indiana Fire 3-1.

Their opponents certainly have plenty of experience of the tournament. GPS Portland Phoenix made history in 2012 as the first team from Maine to ever enter the tournament. They qualified in 2013 and 2014 until falling short of qualifying in 2015. In 2013, they earned their first Open Cup win, defeating Massachusetts amateur side Mass Premier Soccer by a score of 2-0.

The winner of this game will be “rewarded” with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri to take on the USL’s Saint Louis FC in the next round.

————————————————-

CD Motagua of New Orleans (USASA) at Mississippi Brilla (PDL)
Traceway Park; Clinton, MS – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO
Winner plays at Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL) on May 18

CD Motagua of New Orleans Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Mississippi Brilla Open Cup records
Overall: 0-2-0 | Away: 0-2-0
Last entry: 2012 – Lost 1-0 in the First Round to the Georgia Revolution of the NPSL.
Best finish: First Round (2009, 2012)

LIVE VIDEO: CD MOTAGUA OF NOLA AT MISSISSIPPI BRILLA

Two-time defending Louisana Premier League champions CD Motagua of New Orleans have already made history by becoming the first amateur team from Louisiana to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

But they’ll look to stake their claim as a regional power when they face fellow Southern side Mississippi Brilla in the first round.

Only having to play one qualifying game to get into the tournament, a 5-2 win over Queen City United FC, little is known about the 22-year-old side other than that they sport a distinctively Honduran flavor on their roster.

In contrast, the PDL’s Brilla look the more notable of the two sides, having won the PDL Mid South Division championship in 2015 with a 6-3-3 record.

In their two previous Open Cup appearances (2009, 2012) they were shutout on the road. Mississippi are seeking their first-ever Open Cup win in what also will be their first-ever home game on Wednesday.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: CD MOTAGUA OF NEW ORLEANS

————————————————-

Des Moines Menace (PDL) At FC Wichita (NPSL)
Stryker Soccer Complex, Wichita, KS 8:05PM (EST)
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (BELOW)
Winner will host Tulsa Roughnecks (USL) on May 18

Des Moines Menace Open Cup records
Overall: 10-8-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 6-3-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 4-5-0 | vs. Amateur: 5-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Saint Louis FC of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2005 Fourth Round (Lost 6-1 at KC Wizards of MLS)

FC Wichita Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE VIDEO: DES MOINES MENACE AT FC WICHITA

It was their debut season in 2015 for FC Wichita in the NPSL and it was an incredible first season as they won their conference after a strong season with an 11-3-0 record. Team officials claim FC Wichita is the first club from the city to qualify for the US Open Cup and they will have their hands full for their tournament debut.

They will face off with the Des Moines Meance. Few amateur teams have a better Open Cup resume than the Menace. Their 10 wins in the tournament is second only to the Michigan Bucks and only the Bucks (9) have more pro team upsets than the Menace (6). They qualified by winning another Heartland Division title with an 11-2-1 record. Only one team had fewer goals allowed than Des Moines’ seven they let in during the 14-game regular season.

————————————————-

Harpos FC (USSSA) at Albuquerque Sol FC (PDL)
St. Pius X High School; Albuquerque NM – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: VIDEO
Winner hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL) on May 18

Harpos FC Open Cup records
Overall: 1-1-1 | Away: 0-1-1 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 at Colorado Springs Switchbacks of USL in Round 2)
Best finish: 2015 Second Round (Lost 2-1 at Colorado Switchbacks of USL)

Albuquerque Sol FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

LIVE VIDEO: HARPO’S FC AT ALBUQUERQUE SOL

After a strong three-game run to the Second Round in 2015, the sole United States Specialty Sports Association entry Harpo’s FC are back for the second consecutive year.

The Boulder, Col.-based side defeated two in-state teams in the open division qualifying tournament, scoring seven goals and allowing just two to book their ticket back to the tournament. They will have a tough First Round opponent in first-time qualifier Albuquerque Sol FC from the PDL.

In just their second season as a PDL franchise, the Sol finished second in the Mountain Division with an 8-3-3 record to qualify for the Open Cup. There hasn’t been a New Mexico team in the tournament since 1997 when the A-League’s Albuquerque Geckos were one-and-done in their only tournament appearance.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: HARPO’S FC

————————————————-

Burlingame Dragons (PDL) at Sacramento Gold (NPSL)
Capital Christian High School, Sacramento, CA – 10:00pm ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays the winner of the Portland Timbers U-23 and La Maquina FC on May 18

Sacramento Gold Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-2 at Portland Timbers U23s of PDL in Round 1)
Best finish: 2013 First Round

Burlingame Dragons Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT at Sonoma County Sol of NPSL in Round 1)
Best finish: 2015 First Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Sonoma County Sol of NPSL)

Traditionally strong NPSL side Sacramento Gold will have its hands full when it hosts defending PDL Southwest Division champion Burlingame Dragons at Capital Christian High School.

The Dragons are already 2-0 in their PDL season after strong wins last Friday and Sunday, respectively and expect to make an early run in the Open Cup after a heartbreaking loss to fellow Bay Area side Sonoma County Sol last year in the club’s tournament debut.

Meanwhile, the 2010 NPSL national champion Gold are making their first appearance in the tournament in three years and are already off to a 5-2 start that has seen them score 13 goals in their first four home games.

Both sides are looking for their first win in the competition.

————————————————-

Los Angeles Wolves (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College Sportsplex; Ventura, CA – 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays at Orange County Blues (USL) on May 18

Los Angeles Wolves Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Ventura County Fusion Open Cup records
Overall: 6-5-2 | Home: 3-3-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 3-2-0 | vs. Amateur: 4-1-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 vs. PSA Elite of USASA in Round 3)
Best finish: Third Round (2012, 2015)

An Open Cup juggernaut meets an upstart in this Southern Californian clash.

The Los Angeles Wolves had a great season last year. They finished the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) with a 20-0-1 record, was runner-up in the league playoffs and knocked off tournament darling Cal FC in Open Cup qualifying. For their first-ever tournament game, they face one of the PDL’s most successful Open Cup teams in Ventura County Fusion.

The Fusion fell one point short of winning the Southwest Division title. The team that won the division, Burlingame Dragons, were their opening round opponent in the playoffs and the Dragons prevailed, 1-0. The Fusion are making their seventh consecutive appearance in the tournament, the second longest streak among amateur clubs in the Modern Era. Ventura has won its last five opening games in the tournament, also a Modern Era record, en route to a 6-5-2 record that has seen them qualify for the Third Round twice (2012, 2015).

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: LOS ANGELES WOLVES FC

————————————————-

San Nicolas FC (USASA) at FC Tucson (PDL)
Capital Christian High School; Sacramento, CA – 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Winner plays the winner of the Portland Timbers U-23 and La Maquina FC on May 18

San Nicolas FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

FC Tucson Open Cup records
Overall: 1-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 1-1-0 | Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 in OT vs. Chula Vista FC of USASA in Round 1)
Best finish: 2013 Third Round (Lost 2-0 at Houston Dynamo of MLS)

FC Tucson could say that they hope the third time in the US Open Cup is the charm, but they have already had eye-catching performances in past tournaments.

The team qualified for the 2013 US Open Cup after a strong debut season in the PDL. FC Tucson opened the tournament with a win against Phoenix FC, a USL side. In that match, they got an inspiring performance from Connor Bevans, who had just flown back to Tucson hours before to join his team after a family emergency and scored two goals in the waning moments of the match.

The team beat one more professional side, the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions. That won FC Tucson the chance all PDL and amateur sides pray for in the Open Cup: the chance to play against an MLS team, facing off with the Houston Dynamo. But even though the match ended in a 2-0 loss, FC Tucson were one of only three PDL teams to make it that far that year.

They hoped to repeat that performance in 2015, but a surprisingly strong performance from amateur side Chula Vista FC knocked FC Tucson out of the tournament in the first round after an extra time loss.

San Nicolas is taking part in their first US Open Cup but they bring a strong resume from the United Premier Soccer League. They won the league title by defeating fellow Open Cup qualifier LA Wolves FC in the championship game. They have also been a finalist in the prestigious Las Vegas Silver Mug tournament, winning the competition three years in a row (2011-13) and losing in penalty kicks in 2014. They feature a number of experienced players, headlined by former Chivas USA, Cuban international Maykel Galindo.

You can read more about each club at the links below.

PREVIEW: FC TUCSON

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: SAN NICOLAS FC

————————————————-

CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) at San Francisco City FC (USCS)
Beach Chalet No. 4; San Francisco, CA – 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ONLINE AUDIO (BELOW)
Winner plays at Sacramento Republic FC (USL) on May 18

CD Aguiluchos USA Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2014 (Lost 2-1 at Ventura County Fusion of PDL in Round 1)
Best finish: 2014 First Round (Lost 2-1 at Ventura County Fusion of PDL)

San Francisco City Open Cup records
Overall: 0-1-0 | Home: 0-1-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-1 vs. Cal FC of USASA in Prelim. Round)
Best finish: 2015 Preliminary Round (Lost 2-1 vs. Cal FC of USASA)

LIVE AUDIO: CD AGUILUCHOS USA AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY FC

A pair of Bay Area squads are looking for their first Open Cup wins Wednesday when San Francisco City hosts CD Aguiluchos USA.

The Oakland-based visitors, who represent the Bay Area Salvadorian community, feature a strong side packed with Salvadorian ex-pats.

San Francisco enters the tournament as the only US Club Soccer squad, but have made the jump to the PDL since qualifying.

City added a huge piece in the offseason when they picked up former Sacramento Republic FC striker Adnan Gabeljic, who quit fully professional soccer to pursue a degree in engineering in San Francisco, but decided not to give the game up for good.

Should City win, Gabeljic could be back at his old stomping grounds in Bonney Field, as the winner of this game will travel to the capital of California to take on the Republic.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: SAN FRANCISCO CITY FC

————————————————-

La Maquina FC (USASA) at Portland Timbers U23s (PDL)
Providence Park; Portland, OR – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: TBA
Winner hosts winner of Burlingame Dragons / Sacramento Gold on May 18

La Maquina FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Portland Timbers U23s Open Cup records
Overall: 1-3-0 | Home: 1-3-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-1-0
Last entry: 2014 (Lost 3-2 vs. Arizona United SC of USL Pro in Round 1)
Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 1-0 vs. Charleston Battery of USL Pro)

Newcomers La Maquina of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) will likely come into their first-ever US Open Cup match well-rested. In December, during the UPSL playoffs, they were involved in a post-game brawl against fellow Open Cup qualifier San Nicolas which resulted in La Maquina getting banned for the entire spring season. The talented squad finished 16-5-0 in the winter season, which was good for second place behind the LA Wolves.

They entered the open division qualifying tournament and defeated the summer season’s Southeast Division champion Strikers FC 3-2, which earned them what turned out to be a “Win & You’re In” match against Chula Vista FC, who made some noise last year with an upset of Arizona United (USL). La Maquina cruised past them 4-0 as Edgar Orozco dished out three assists, including two of them to former Chivas de Guadalajara player Edwin Borboa.

They will have to travel far for their Open Cup debut, as the Portland Timbers U23s welcome them to Providence Park. The Timbers qualified for the tournament with a second place finish (6-2-4) in the Northwest Division. They would fall to the Sounders U23s in the Western Conference opener 4-1.

This will mark the fourth time in the last five years that the Timbers PDL side has qualified for the tournament. Although out of their three previous appearance, they have only managed one win (vs. Sacramento Gold of NPSL in 2013 First Round).

————————————————-

Outbreak SC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders U23s (PDL)
Panther Stadium (Bonney Lake HS); Bonney Lake, WA – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE
Winner plays at Kitsap Pumas (PDL) on May 18

Outbreak SC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-0 | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. Amateur: 0-0-0
Last entry: N/A (First entry)
Best finish: N/A (First entry)

Seattle Sounders U23s Open Cup records
Overall: 1-1-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. Amateur: 1-0-0
Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-0 at Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro in Round 2)
Best finish: 2013 Second Round (Lost 3-0 at Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro)

The Seattle Sounders U23s are back in the US Open Cup for the first time since making their debut in 2013. That year, after crushing Southern California club Doxa Italia, they had to make a cross-country trip to take on the Charlotte Eagles. They would fall 3-0. But they are back after winning the very competitive Northwest Division with a 7-4-1 record and advancing to the National Semifinals where they lost to eventual champion K-W United 1-0.

Outbreak SC will make the long trip to Washington from Southern California for their first Open Cup game. The So Cal Premier League club finished in second place in the majors division last season and used that momentum to pick up two wins in the open division qualifying tournament. They blew past Buena Park FC in Round 1, followed up by an exciting 4-3 extra time win over the San Pedro Monsters that clinched them a spot in the tournament. This is a true amateur team, but one that’s filled with talent. You can read more about them below.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: OUTBREAK SC

2016 Meet the Underdogs: UPSL’s LA Wolves rose from ashes, set to make US Open Cup debut

May 11, 2016 by Zach Smith

LA Wolves FC was 24 hours away from turning the lights off on their franchise.

With finances of running a fourth-tier franchise becoming increasingly difficult, the Wolves got a pair of major corporate sponsors to keep them afloat. Just over a year later, they’re preparing to face off with PDL stalwarts Ventura County Fusion in the first round of the US Open Cup Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT at the Ventura College Sportsplex.

“We’ve not only been able to expand the first team to another level, but we have two reserve teams and we have a youth program,” LA Wolves President and CEO Yan Skwara said. “In two years, we’ve gone from zero to 100 to almost out of business. Now we’re rising again.”

LA, which won the UPSL Western Conference for the second straight season, qualified for the US Open Cup thanks to a pair of 2-1 wins, first beating Del Rey City FC and then against well-known giant killers Cal FC on Nov. 21.

The original LA Wolves were one of the founding members of the United Soccer Association in 1966 before the league merged with the National Professional Soccer League to form the NASL in 1967. Chick Hern, the legendary voice of the Los Angeles Lakers was also the voice of the Wolves. They played in the Los Angeles Coliseum and won the USA championship before folding in 1968.

Skwara started the club two years ago, seeing there was a gap in competitive play after the youth level. LA dominated its first-ever game with a 6-0 win against Orange County Crew in October 2014.

“Our goal from the get-go was to launch the Wolves into the market as a pro-development football club,” Skwara said. “We like working with players that are at a high level and want to get to the next level. There’s a huge amount of talent, especially in Los Angeles.”

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

In UPSL winter action, the Wolves finished 11-1-4 and won the Western Conference and were led by Paolo Cardozo with 16 goals and Miguel Sanchez with 11. The defense, led by goalkeeper Kifi Kalani, had seven shutouts. In the last two years, LA has won 30 of its 36 UPSL games.

There aren’t many players from the current iteration of the club that have gone on to play at the next level. Cameron Marlow played with the team last year before going to Scotland to play for Queen’s Park Football Club in the Scottish second division.

While the Wolves are making their first-ever Open Cup appearance this year, Ventura County has qualified for the tournament in each of the last seven seasons and set a new Modern Era amatuer record with at least one win in the last five tournaments.

“They’ve been here before so this is old hat for them,” Skwara said. “They have a core base of players who have been playing in the Open Cup for five years, so this is no walk in the park. Our guys are ready to take it on and we can come through the other side.”

The winner of the Wolves-Ventura County game will host the OC Blues of the USL in the second round on May 18.

Despite the familiar opponent and underdog role the team has adopted, Skwara knows there’s no room for mistakes. All in all, he said the Open Cup has been a wonderful experience for the young club thus far.

“The Open Cup, without a question, is great because you can feel the electricity in the air,” he said. “The players are at a different level mentally. Regardless of who you’re playing, it’s going to be very intense and it’s all business.”

2016 Meet the Underdogs: US Open Cup debutant Outbreak SC proves that practice is overrated

May 11, 2016 by Brandon Gee

As of late last week, according to Outbreak SC’s player/manager, Trent Bryson, the team had only had three practices in the past 10 years. In spite of that, this group of friends from around Orange County, Calif. have won their division five times in the last six years, and are now gearing up for a first round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match Wednesday against the Seattle Sounders U23s.

Yet this is not a team lacking pedigree. Nearly all of them played collegiate soccer, mostly for schools around southern California like Cal State Fullerton, UC-Irvine and UCLA. They even have Jason Boyce, a former professional player on the roster, who played for the USL Premier Development League (PDL) with Orange County Zodiac, in MLS with the Colorado Rapids and Miami Fusion after a college career at the University of Washington. He also played professionally in Seattle for the Sounders in their USL A-League days. This isn’t Boyce’s first chance at an Open Cup upset. He was on the amateur Hollywood United squad that knocked out the Portland Timbers, who were USL First Division team at the time) back in the first round of the 2008 tournament. Bryson said the team has never recruited solely for skill, instead opting for recommendations from current players on new guys who fit the personality of the club first.

The fact is that they don’t practice because of everyone managing careers, families and other responsibilities. Four players work with Bryson at a financial firm. Most guys keep their fitness up by playing in weekly recreational leagues, indoor soccer or futsal at one of the facilities near Long Beach where Outbreak got its name. They barely have time for drills before their Sunday matches in the SoCal Premier League’s Major Division.

Outbreak SC San Pedro Monsters — Players from Outbreak FC (blue) and the San Pedro Monsters battle for the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Joe Walsh

Although they won that division last year, Outbreak SC earned their way to this moment by entering the US Soccer Federation’s Open Division qualifying tournament. In their first-ever Open Cup match, they easily dispatched Buena Park FC 5-1 on Oct. 25, then weeks later in their second round match, they fought off the San Pedro Monsters, who tied the game with two goals in last 15 minutes of regulation, to pull out a dramatic 4-3 win in extra time.

They’ll face a Sounders U-23 team that finished third in the PDL’s Northwest division, but ended up qualifying for the playoffs and reaching the PDL Semifinals. They’re returning a good number of players from last year’s squad including leading scorer Michael Bazja. When asked if Outbreak heading into the game at the end of their 16-game season (where they wrapped up the title on May 1) gave them an edge over Seattle, with a roster of college-age athletes playing together in their first match of the year tonight, Bryson deflected, saying, “I’m more worried about us nursing injuries than us being in game shape. I guess that’s when age gets to you.”

The youngest player on Outbreak is 26, but most are between 35 and 40.

“We just play well together,” said Bryson. “There are no superstars on the team.”

They rely on the fact that this crew of players have played together for so long that they just know where their teammates are going to be. Despite the age difference, Bryson said the part of their success is the confidence they have “when we show up, we expect to win games.”

Outbreak SC

A member of the SoCal Premier League’s Major Division, a step below the Premier Division (which was just won by past Open Cup darlings PSA Elite), Outbreak doesn’t plan on stepping up a level.

“This is truly about playing for the love of the game,” said Bryson. “None of us have any vision of going pro. We do more off the field than on the field.”

He added that the team “is more about the camaraderie amongst the guys.” As for the team’s goals for the Open Cup, they’re taking it game-by-game and, despite their confidence, admit some surprise that they’ve gotten this far.

Traveling mid-week can be tricky for amateur teams and Outbreak is no different. They’ll be missing a few starters, one, Tomer Konowiecki, to a family vacation, the others due to being unable to get out of work. Even though Outbreak does field a reserve team in the SCPL that they could’ve added people from and had the option to pull in a couple ringers for the Open Cup games, Bryson said the players made a decision to stick with the collection of guys that got them into the tournament.

“We all have friends that are great players who we could’ve brought in, but we said “we got here together, we’re going to finish this off together.”

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Bhoys conquer New York City, have sights set on US Open Cup

May 10, 2016 by Craig Tower

Lansdowne Bhoys pose for a team photo before their US Open Cup qualifying match against Worcester FC. Photo: Lansdowne Bhoys FC

Lansdowne Bhoys are making their first appearance in the US Open Cup, but they are not a new club. The Bhoys played their first game in the 1997 in the third division of New York’s Cosmopolitan Soccer League, slowly rising in the ranks before capturing the title for the past two years running.

The Lansdowne Bhoys qualified for the US Open Cup through two qualifying rounds. On October 17 of last year, they downed Newtown Pride of Connecticut by a score of 3-0, followed by a 5-0 victory over Worcester FC of Massachusetts on November 15.

But they have bigger ambitions than winning CSL or qualifying for the US Open Cup – the Bhoys are gunning for a spot in the USL.

“It hasn’t been easy,” says the Bhoys manager and head coach Austin Friel. “Starting a club takes a lot of hard work and dedication – especially an amateur club. Six years ago, we were a mid-table club, fighting relegation in the CSL.”

Irish Roots

Lansdowne was founded by Irish immigrants in New York who frequented a bar by the same name. “Lansdowne” refers to the Lansdowne Road field that was the national stadium for Irish rugby and football until 2007. The immigrants also decided to pay homage to Celtic FC of Glasgow, Scotland, by borrowing the nickname “Bhoys.”

“The Irish community is massive,” says Friel. “Six or seven of my starters all came from Ireland. They had no friends here. They mix with all the other Irish guys. And Lansdowne gave them a base to make new friends and play their soccer at the weekend.”

“Now that Lansdowne’s getting bigger and bigger, there’s actually guys that are playing pro in Ireland that are actually approaching me now to play here.”

A Club Reborn

The current gaffer arrived on the scene as a Bhoys player 10 years ago when visiting his brother in the New York area. He played a few games when he was in town, but didn’t take a full role until he moved here from the Emerald Isle five years later.

“I started playing for Lansdowne and they were gradually getting just a little bit better then. We got a new president, William McGrory, about six years ago, and we put together a new board that helped organize the club, run it better, bring in better players and better coaches. I took over as manager three years ago. It’s just gone from strength to strength since then.”

While the club started as an adult club, the management is now turning its attention to youth soccer through an affiliation with Yonkers United and their 24 teams. “I’m the director of coaching for both Lansdowne Bhoys and Yonkers United. It’s like 60-70 percent Irish-American kids.”

Friel is bullish on building the club from the roots – both locally and internationally. “The Celtic affiliation just started this year. We actually have a summer camp here from the 5th to the 9th of July in Yonkers. Celtic will send their top youth coaches out here for the week, which is massive I think. And it also means a few of our teams go over to Glasgow each year and use their facilities and play in tournaments and play in friendlies. So it’s only making our club bigger and stronger.”

And this helps to explain his hopes for the club in the future. “As I see it, Lansdowne are a sleeping giant,” says Friel.

An Athletic Style

Lansdowne Bhoys win the 2013 Eastern NY Open Cup title. Photo: Lansdowne Bhoys Facebook page

Friel promises that fans can expect to see energetic soccer from his side as they face off against the Rough Riders.

“We play a high tempo, high press game, we like to dominate possession. When we don’t have possession, we try to get the ball back. We like to dominate games. We play a nice passing style. We have a lot of good skillful players on our team.”

The goals could come from anywhere on the field, according to Friel: “To be honest, our scoring is pretty divided out. My midfielders would score as many goals as my forwards would, and we actually get a lot of goals from fullback, believe it or not. But we don’t have a goal-getter, the goals are spread around.”

Friel cites several players to watch, including ex-Arsenal U-18 captain and Irish U-19 national team player Sean Kelly and Daryl Kavanagh, who won the league of Ireland title with St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2013. “Sean Kelly is an excellent defender. He’s an intelligent footballer, and as I said he scored two 25-yard free kicks the last two games. He’s a great leader also.”

Of forward Kavanagh, Friel says “He actually just scored a hat trick for us in our last league game. He’s a very good link-up player between our midfielders and our forwards, but he has an eye for goal also.”

“Then I have Craig Purcell who is another guy from Ireland, he’s a center midfielder. He’s very vital in our style of play because he forces teams into mistakes with his high work rate.”

If you think the entire team is made up of Irishmen, you’re wrong. In addition to a smattering of Gambians and a Pole, Friel cites two Jamaicans who are key to the team’s success.

“One plays up top and one plays winger. The one up top is Sikele Sylvester. I think he’s one of most talented guy I’ve ever seen playing local football. Then obviously we have the lightning pace of Jamaican Ovan Oakley. He’s a winger, and he’s been on the scoresheet recently.”

Prospects Against the Rough Riders

Manager Friel measures his words carefully in talking about the Rough Riders. “I totally respect the rough Riders. They’ve been about for years, they’ve produced some good players, some players who went on to play a good level professionally. But, as I said, I don’t fear anyone.”

But the Bhoys have two main advantages over the Long Island outfit.

“We’ve been playing since September. They’re still getting organized, and I know it’s a lot of work for them, and they’re getting their paperwork sorted, getting their college kids back, some of them are in their finals. So maybe they don’t have their full squad available.”

The game would be a difficult task, then, for any PDL team as they prepare to face an in-form local side with international talent.

But Friel may have something else up his sleeve.

“Believe it or not, we have five Rough Rider guys playing for us not them. Five starters from last year on their team are going to be starting for us.”

Whatever the outcome on May 11, it’s likely that US soccer fans will be hearing more from Austin Frield and the Lansdowne Bhoys.