2016 US Open Cup

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: FC Dallas uses recalled players to eliminate OKC Energy in PKs

June 16, 2016 by Adam Uthe

It’s one thing for a player to be loaned out by one team and then made ineligible for any competitive matches against the team loaning him. It’s quite another for said player to be recalled altogether, start, and record two assists against his “former” team.

Coy Craft had been on loan with OKC Energy, FC Dallas’ USL affiliate, but was called back to Dallas for the purpose of starting out wide on the left against the team he had been playing for so far this season. The move paid off big time for Dallas as Craft provided not one, but two assists to midfielder Carlos Lizarazo to help propel the home side to a 2-2 draw, which led to a successful penalty kick shootout.

But Craft didn’t even end up being the former OKC Energy player with the greatest impact for FC Dallas on the night. Dallas also recalled Colin Bonner from OKC for this particular match and the target forward came off the bench in the 65th minute, replacing Max Urruti, and scored sixth and final penalty kick to help the Hoops advance to the Round of 16.

With a temperature in the mid-90s at kickoff, the game got off to a sluggish start in every sense of the word. Neither team managed to get a touch in the opponents’ box for the first ten minutes. Even the crowd at SMU’s campus took its sweet time filling the stands in the 1,500 seat facility. Finally FC Dallas got things started in the 11th minute when Max Urruti managed to get a shot off inside the 18, but it was right at OKC keeper Carl Cochran. The home side got a couple corners in quick succession moments later and produced several shots from Mauro Diaz inside the box, none of which ended up on goal.

Then the Energy opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Daniel Gonzales slipped into the box and put a shot on frame that was parried by Dallas keeper Jesse Gonzalez. Unfortunately for him, his stop ended up at the feet of OKC forward Jordan Rideout, who slotted home near post. But the hosts quickly woke up after Juan Esteban Ortiz’s 33rd minute yellow card and in the 37th minute Coy Craft got the ball to Carlos Lizarazo inside the box. Lizarazo proceeded to turn and fire past Cochran to level the score. Not satisfied with just one connection for a goal, Craft found Lizarazo again, this time at the edge of the box in the 43rd minute, and Lizarazo turned and fired for his second of the evening to make it 2-1 Dallas.

The second half continued at a much more entertaining pace as the teams traded intermittent chances throughout. Lizarazo almost had a third as he got a free look in the box, but missed wide. Jose Cuevas had an excellent curling effort that just barely missed moments later in the 70th minute. Dallas would end up regretting not capitalizing on their chances through the game as OKC hung in until the 89th minute when Energy midfielder Michael Thomas got on the end of a corner kick to level things up and force extra time.

Neither team looked particularly interested in playing extra soccer. The two sides exchanged a few half chances in the first 15 minutes of extra time without ever really presenting a threat. Then things picked up at the end of the first 15 minutes when OKC defender Michael Harris earned a yellow card off a corner kick clearance for undercutting Dallas defender Zach Loyd, who fell awkwardly on his head and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher with a suspected concussion. Dallas would end up having to play a man down the rest of the way, having exhausted all three of their substitutions.

Despite the disadvantage, the home team ended up being the more dangerous side for the final 15, earning several corners and free kicks, but they failing to capitalize on any of them and so the game went to penalty kicks.

Each team converted their first three and then each proceeded to see their fourth effort saved before going back to alternating goals until OKC defender Cyprian Hedrick did his best Roberto Baggio impression and skied his attempt high. Bonner proceeded to step up to the spot and converted his chance to give Dallas the win 6-5 on PKs.

Dallas awaits Thursday’s Round of 16 draw to know who they will play next.

Scoring Summary:

OKC – Jordan Rideout 26
DAL: Carlos Lizarazo (Coy Craft) 37
DAL: Carlos Lizarazo (Coy Craft) 43
OKC – Michael Thomas (Kyle Hyland) 89

Penalty shootout:

OKC: Danny Konig (goal), Jose Cuevas (goal), Michael Thomas (goal), Wojciech Wojcok (saved), Peter Toth (goal), Coady Andrews (goal), Cyprain Hedrick (miss).

DAL: Carlos Lizarazo (goal), Kellyn Acosta (goal), Mauro Diaz (goal), Matt Hedges (saved), Atiba Harris (goal), Juan Esteban Ortiz (goal), Colin Bonner (goal).

FC Dallas – Jesse Gonzalez, Agustin Jara, Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, Aaron Guillen, Victor Ulloa (Kellyn Acosta 68), Juan Esteban Ortiz, Coy Craft (Atiba Harris 84), Carlos Lizarazo, Mauro Diaz, Maxi Urruti (Colin Bonner 65).

Substitutes Not Used: Ryan Herman, Walker Zimmerman, Fabian Castillo, Timo Pitter.

OKC Energy FC – Carl Cochran, Michael Harris, Coady Andrews, Cyprian Hedrick, Kalen Ryden (Wojciech Wojcik 74), Kyle Hyland, Michael Thomas, Daniel Gonzalez, Frimpong Evans (Peter Toth 79), Jose Cuevas, Jordan Rideout (Danni Konig 74).

Substitutes Not Used: Jacob Lissek, Michael Byskov, Luis Martinez, Tim Janssen.

Misconduct Summary:

DAL: Juan Esteban Ortiz (caution) 34
OKC: Danni Konig (caution) 87
OKC: Michael Harris (caution) 105
OKC: Coady Andrews (caution) 119

Referee: Guido Gonzalez Jr.
AR1 (bench): Tony Obas; AR2 (opposite): John Dearmond; 4th: Travis Haight
Weather: Clear, 95

Konig (OKC) – GOal (1-0 OKC)

Lizarazo (DAL) – Goal (1-1)

Cuevas (OKC) – Goal (2-1 OKC)

Acosta (DAL) – Goal (2-2)

Thomas (OKC) – Goal (3-2 OKC)

Diaz (DAL) – Goal (3-3)

Wojcok (OKC) – SAved (3-3)

Hedges (DAL) – Saved (3-3)

Toth (OKC) – Goal (4-3 OKC)

HArris (DAL) – Goal (4-4)

Andrews (OKC) – Goal (5-4 OKC)

Ortiz (DAL) – Goal (5-5)

Hedrick (OKC) – MISS (5-5)

Bonner (DAL) – Goal (FCD wins 6-5

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Diego Rubio winner helps Sporting KC kick off title defense

June 16, 2016 by Christopher Boyd

Story courtesy of FiftyFive.One

For the first time in their brief four-year history, Minnesota United welcomed an MLS side to the National Sports Center in Blaine as a part of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Minnesota was coming off a weekend league match that saw them defeat Miami FC 3-1. Sporting KC were coming off a two week Copa America Centenario break.

A healthy contingent of fans for both sides attended with many Sporting fans making the journey up I-35. The Dark Clouds and True North Elite supporters were in full voice for the home side, while the Sporting Kansas City fans were scattered about both stands.

Lineups

Both sides fielded most of their regular squad with a few changes. Minnesota United opted for its standard 4-2-3-1 employing two holding midfielders while Kansas City played in a 4-3-3 formation.

Kansas City was missing three key players; central defender Matt Besler and wide man Graham Zusi on duty with the US Men’s National Team, while starting goalkeeper Tim Melia was on the bench. Along with Melia on Sporting’s bench were Kevin Ellis, Chance Myers, Diego Rubio, Brad Davis, Justin Mapp, and Jordi Quintilla.

Minnesota United started almost the same team that defeated Miami FC last Saturday with three changes. Ben Speas started the game on the bench, with Ibson taking the number 10 role. Jack Blake was replaced by Juliano Vicentini, and Jeb Brovsky returned from injury to start as a holding midfielder. Also on United’s bench was Aaron Pitchkolan, Jamie Watson, Lance Laing, Kristian Nicht, JC Banks, and Ismaila Jome.

First Half

From the start, it was clear this would be a contentious match, with neither team afraid to play physically. The Loons started on the front foot, but Sporting quickly found their feet and created chances. With the central midfield clogged, both teams attempted to play down the wings with speed. The first ten minutes was a back-and-forth affair with Kansas City having the better of possession and chances at goal.

There was some small controversy on 15 minutes when it appeared Kansas City had handled the ball in the penalty area, but the referee didn’t hesitate to wave it off and call a foul on the Minnesota attacking player.

Ndjock was called into action in the 22nd minute when an Ibson giveaway at midfield led to a Medranda ball to Dwyer, who was alone on goal with Sammy Ndjock. The Cameroonian keeper was there to make the save, keeping the match scoreless.

The half ended with only the one real chance for Kansas City; Minnesota had not yet found the frame with a shot. Sporting dominated the possession in the first half, but couldn’t find a way around United’s defense. The Loons, meanwhile, were unable to connect their final passes on the counter.

Second Half

The second half picked up with the same intensity with which the first had ended. Sammy Ndjock had to collect a high bouncing cross, while at the other end Ibson dribbled through two Sporting midfielders and drew a foul from central defender Opara, who was shown yellow.

In the 54th minute, Kallman was taken down near the United penalty box. Damien Lowe kicked out at Dom Dwyer, who went down, and Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza shoved Lowe to the ground. Sammy Ndjock returned the favor, and a shoving match ensued with the referee in the middle. Ndjock, Espinoza, and Lowe were all shown yellow. After the match was restarted, Vicentini came in hard on Dwyer from behind and received the fourth yellow card in under two minutes.

With United on their heels and the visitors pushing for a goal, Minnesota coach Carl Craig attempted to boost his attack by bringing attacking mid Ben Speas on for Ibson.

The pressure finally paid off for Sporting in the 63rd minute, when a ball to Dwyer in the box saw Kallman go to ground and inadvertently handle the ball. The ref didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot, and Benny Feilharber slotted the kick to the bottom right corner, with a diving Sammy Ndjock just short of the save.

Danny Cruz was the next offender, booked for a side tackle from behind. Saad Abdul-Salaam, the left back for Sporting KC, was officially cautioned with a yellow card in the 69th minute for pulling on Pinho’s shirt. Ben Speas committed to a sliding tackle from the side and was carded as the Loons pushed forward to try to find an equalizer. Defender Lawrence Olum brought down Danny Cruz and was carded for it as well; the match’s physicality was in full swing and would only grow to the end of the affair.

In the 78th minute, Juliano Vicentini was brought off for JC Banks just before a corner. On the ensuing kick, Banks recovered a rebound and sent a dangerous curler into the box, but the danger was cleared and Sporting KC went on the counter.

In the 79th minute, Danny Cruz got on the end of a ball from Lowe and charged towards the box. Replays were unclear whether Jimmy Medranda took him down inside the box, but the referee pointed to the spot. Christian Ramirez stepped up and hit the same penalty Feilharber had to the bottom-left corner, and Kann fell as short as Ndjock. The match was tied 1-1 with 7 minutes to play in regulation.

Despite Stefan Pinho having two nice chances and Kansas City having some of their own through Dwyer, neither team could find a winner in the five minutes of stoppage time. The match went to extra time with United having one sub left and Sporting Kansas City having two; they brought Brad Davis on for Jacob Peterson as regulation time came to a close.

First Extra Time

Both teams did some frantic defending to start, with Speas in on goal and Dwyer stopped by Lowe. A long ball from Venegas nearly found Ramirez with Kann well off his line, but the pass failed to connect; it was a hectic first three minutes to the period.

The visitors continued to dominate possession, with United having to defend time and again. The visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances on goal, and good defensive work by Kevin Venegas and Damien Lowe eliminated much of the danger.

In the 99th minute, Saad Abdul-Salaam went down with what appeared to be a leg cramp and was replaced by Chance Myers. Sporting KC had a chance to score, but the shot was blocked by Stefan Pinho in the penalty area and cleared. The next big chance fell for Christian Ramirez in the 104th minute off a chested ball by JC Banks, but the shot was blocked by a sliding defender.

Second Extra Time

As the second period began, Kansas City coach Peter Vermes made his third and final substitution, bringing Diego Rubio on for Dom Dwyer. Minnesota won a corner kick to start the period, but the clearance was right to their own player.

Kansas City thought they found their winner from Rubio, but he was well offside after a save from Ndjock on an initial shot from Jimmy Medranda. Shortly after, Rubio had another chance after a pass from Feilharber. This time he was onside and made no mistake with an efficient finish over Ndjock’s right shoulder.

Minnesota continued to push forward for another equalizer, still looking to the wings. The Loons threw everything forward that they could, and fans thought they had equalized on a Pinho header, but it rolled just wide. As time drew to a close, Justin Davis was shown a last yellow card for a high boot while trying to reach a rebound. Ultimately the 2-1 scoreline saw out the second period.

Postgame Comments

After the match Minnesota head coach Carl Craig was asked about the defensive performance of his team and the young pairing of Damien Lowe and Brent Kallman, Craig responded:

Yes they are young and yes they are learning right now… Kallman was a beast for most of the game, I think he ought to get a lot of recognition for his performance and Damien was very good too… There’s little things, whether it’s communication, whether it’s understanding what’s going on… it’s awareness.

He added “They certainly do a lot more positive than the odd slip.”

On starting Ibson over Speas in the number 10 position:

Ibson’s a busybody, and I like his busy-ness, I like his drive… He didn’t get into that position often enough for me, so I was a little disappointed with that.

Craig also commented that he wasn’t getting enough defensive effort from the Brazilian, and that was another reason for his substitution.

Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes has this to say on the victory:

I thought that that Minnesota was going to be the toughest opponent of any of the teams in the tournament at the moment. Playing up here was going to be tough. I know the team well and know a lot of guys in the organization. I was concerned about that. I thought they were solid in all aspects of their game. We were too. The game was a stalemate in the first half. I thought we were more creative in the second half. A couple of the changes we made in overtime really changed the game a lot. They had to press and they were at home and we took advantage of that.

Late in the game teams are going to throw everything at you – knock balls into the box and I thought we handled it pretty well.

Vermes said he thinks the 2016 team they defeated tonight was better than the Minnesota team they defeated in Kansas City in 2014.

I think this team is more seasoned. There are a lot of guys who have played on the MLS here. I think when you look at those guys not the field they bring a little bit more to the game.

Sporting KC will move on to the round of 16 in the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

See the original story HERE

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Orlando City’s emotional win over Jacksonville provides distraction for fans

June 16, 2016 by Neil Blackmon

Orlando City SC celebrate a goal against Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Orlando City defeated the Jacksonville Armada 1-0 in Fourth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action Thursday night in front of a capacity crowd of 2,155 at Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville.

Southern Oak Stadium dripped with emotion in the build-up, the aftermath of the weekend’s tragic act of violence and hatred in Orlando heavy in the air. A considerable contingent of Orlando City supporters made the trip, purple-clad, full-throated and proud, Rainbow flags and signs of remembrance throughout the stadium in Jacksonville, and a moment of silence pre-kick that included both sides in shirts with rainbow hearts that read “Orlando United.”

Orlando City talisman Kevin Molino, who has played for the purple and gold since the USL days, said the game was a welcome respite given the tragedy. “Soccer isn’t much of a distraction,” Molino said. “There is so much sadness for the people of the city, for the loved ones lost, but also it is great to come out and try to unite the community. That feels good and giving them a moment of joy is good.”

Fans of the Jacksonville Armada show their support for the city of Orlando. Photo: James Drexler

Adrian Heath agreed with his star, expressing a sense of relief. “I’m glad we got this out of the way now, and we can concentrate on Saturday (Orlando hosts San Jose as MLS returns from the international break) which will be another emotionally-charged event.” Heath said the opening of the game, where the two teams wore the matching “Orlando United” shirts, was a particularly touching moment.

“Our supporters and the people of our city are part of the DNA of our football club. They are woven into the fabric of everything we’ve built. We’ve grieved with them and if for a couple of hours tonight we have taken their minds of something, that’s good.”

The night was, fairly put, a solemn evening where the soccer seemed secondary. But one minute into the match, Orlando City nearly gave their fans and their city a storybook opening, when Carlos Rivas made a marvelous run down the left flank just after the kick, centering beautifully, only to see Brazilian forward Julio Baptista miss a sitter.

The Lions would come close twice more in the opening fifteen minutes, first through Hadji Barry, who managed the first on target shot of the game, though he was well-defended by Tyler Ruthven, and his shot is easily handled by Miguel Gallardo. Six minutes later it was again Carlos Rivas threatening, as his shot from an odd angle on the left missed just over. Jacksonville had difficulty throughout the opening half closing down the Colombian, who rewarded his manager with multiple chances created.

Orlando City SC poses for a team photo before their match against the Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Despite Orlando City’s furious start, it was actually the hosts who had the better of the play in the opening half. As the game settled, the hosts came into the game, largely thanks to the tenacious midfield play of captain Kevan George and the active Mechack Jerome, who looked in splendid form after three challenging games for Haiti at the Copa América Centenario last week.
Another Haitian international, Pascal Milien, who also was in the Haiti team at the Copa América Centenario, took a while to get involved in the near triple-digit heat, but made his presence felt halfway through the first half, beating Orlando’s Kevin Alston on consecutive occasions down the flank and creating two quality chance for Jacksonville. The Armada couldn’t capitalize, however, earning only one weak shot on goal from both Milien’s runs, and following that, neither team presented much of a threat until the halftime whistle.

Adrian Heath changed midfield shape early in the second half, and was nearly rewarded after a a Milien turnover sent Orlando off on the break—but another Rivas shot went just wide. The shot was on the edge of the 49th minute, at which point a foghorn was sounded and all in attendance rose to their feet in solidarity to cheer and clap in honor of the 49 fallen at the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting this weekend.

Moments later, a Junior Sandoval shot took a deflection and fell beautifully to Jerome, whose shot off one touch beat Orlando City keeper Earl Edwards Jr but missed inches to the right.

The game changed, however, just past the hour mark. Referee Rubiel Vazquez called Beto Navarro for a foul on Julio Baptista just outside the eighteen, setting up a free kick. After Julio Baptista’s free kick was deflected out for a corner, Orlando again found the Brazilian in the area and the his flick found David Mateos on the far post who finished, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute.

City nearly added another three minutes later, as Jacksonville botched two chances to clear in the area before Miguel Gallardo dove to save a Carlos Rivas effort at the far post. Charles Eloundou, brought on for Alhassane Keita in the 65th minute, nearly leveled proceedings for Tony Meola’s side only moments after entering the game, but his long range blast was parried well by Earl Edwards Jr. to keep the Lions ahead.

With just under fifteen minutes to play, still trailing 1-0, Tony Meola brought on Danny Barrow, an attacker on for fullback Bryan Burke, as Jacksonville desperately searched for an equalizer. Barrow helped the Armada earn a terrific chance in the 89th minute, playing a brilliant ball through to Mechack Jerome, but his ensuing cross sailed over a flurry of secondary runners at the center of the box. After Miguel Gallardo parried away a counterattacking chance from Orlando City’s Tony Rocha, Charles Elondou nearly got in behind the City defense, only to have Earl Edwards Jr. beat him to the ball. The Armada would get yet one more chance, in stoppage time, when defender Tyler Ruthven beat David Mateos to a 50-50 ball, but sailed his effort from five yards over the bar.

Orlando City will await a Fifth Round draw Thursday afternoon. Jacksonville Armada, having captured their first win in franchise history in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, will open play in the NASL fall season July 2nd at Tampa Bay.

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Houston Dynamo dominate San Antonio FC, 4-0

June 15, 2016 by Kevin Collins

In a match between two Texas clubs, the Houston Dynamo began their run in the 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 4-0 win over San Antonio FC.

The brand new USL club held its own for the first 45 minutes in its first ever match against an MLS opponent, playing very well against their new in-state rival. However, Houston opened up the scoring in the 39th minute after San Antonio defender Milton Palacios slipped at the top of the box, giving room for Houston’s Manotas space to slip the ball in past goalkeeper Josh Ford.

It looked as though the visitors would go into halftime only down one, but Alex gave the home team a 2-0 lead in first half stoppage time after a deflected cross landed neatly for him. DaMarcus Beasley was credited with the assisted, his first in the tournament since 2003. According to TheCup.us records, this marks the biggest gap — 13 years — in between Open Cup assists in the Modern Era

The second half was a different story. Houston dominated possession as San Antonio couldn’t get the ball out of their own half for the majority of the half. Two quick goals in the 60th and the 66th minutes by Raul Rodriguez and Leonel Miranda respectively, sealed the Cup victory for the MLS side.

Houston will await the Fifth Round draw tomorrow where they will find out their next opponent and what bracket they will be in as the pool of teams left continues to shrink.

Houston Dynamo vs. San Antonio FC
U.S. Open Cup – Fourth Round
June 15, 2016—BBVA Compass Stadium—Houston, Texas
Attendance: 5,807

Scoring Summary:
HOU: Mauro Manotas 1 (unassisted) 39
HOU: Alex Lima 1 (David Rocha 1, DaMarcus Beasley 1) 45+
HOU: Raul Rodriguez 1 (David Rocha 2) 60
HOU: Leonel Miranda 1 (Alex Lima 1) 66

Houston Dynamo: Joe Willis; Sheanon Williams, David Horst (Raul Rodriguez 46), Agus, DaMarcus Beasley © (TJ Casner 71); Boniek García (Cristian Maidana 62), Alex Lima, David Rocha, Zach Steinberger, Leonel Miranda; Mauro Manotas
Unused Substitutes: Calle Brown, Will Bruin, Abdoulie Mansally, Collen Warner

TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (three players tied with 2) SHOTS ON GOAL: 7 (Cristian Maidana 2) FOULS: 5 (Alex Lima and Sheanon Williams tied with 2); OFFSIDES: 3 (Boniek Garcia 2) CORNER KICKS: 3 (three players tied with 1); SAVES: 2

San Antonio FC: Josh Ford; Milton Palacios (Biko Bradnock-Brennan 74), Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Greg Cochrane; Michael Reed, Rafael Castillo, Carlos Alvarez, Danny Garcia (Victor Araujo 61); Shawn Chin (Jacques Francois 45), Jason Johnson
Unused Substitutes: Matt Cardone, Miguel Salazar, Sebastien Thuriere, Fejiro Okiomah

TOTAL SHOTS: 4 (Jason Johnson 3) SHOTS ON GOAL: 2 (Jason Johnson and Milton Palacios tied with 1) FOULS: 8 (Jacques Francois and Michael Reed tied with 2); OFFSIDES: 3 (three players tied with 1) CORNER KICKS: 2 (Carlos Alvarez and Rafael Castillo tied with 1); SAVES: 3

Misconduct Summary:
None.

Referee: Leszek Stalmach
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Weed, Diego Blas
Fourth Official: Kyle Phillips

FULL MATCH REPLAY: SAN ANTONIO FC AT HOUSTON DYNAMO

Controversial goal fuels shorthanded LA Galaxy to 4-1 extra time win over La Maquina

June 15, 2016 by Dennis Pope

Dave Romney of the LA Galaxy celebrates his goal against La Maquina in the 2016 US Open Cup. Teammate Jose Villarreal is shown injured in the background. Photo: LA Galaxy

An early red card, a controversial goal in overtime, and a whole lot of questions after Tuesday night’s game at StubHub Center.

Chaos reigned but Dave Romney scored what proved to be the game-winner in the first overtime as Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) defeated Santa Ana (Calif.)-based La Maquina (UPSL), 4-1, in a 4th Round game.

“I had no idea what was going on,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said afterward.

Arena definitely was not happy that his team had to play more than 100 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Rafael Garcia was sent off for a horror tackle in the 17th minute.

“We shot ourselves in the foot there,” Arena said. “Not a smart way to play. I thought (the red card) was warranted.”

But the victory advances L.A. into the Round of 16 for the … Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, which Galaxy won previously in 2001 and 2005.

“I think in games like this you are in for a surprise,” said Sebastian Lletget, who scored twice in overtime to seal the win.

Galaxy applied early pressure and earned three corner kicks in the first five minutes, as La Maquina’s defense survived on wits and luck for 15 minutes.

Alan Gordon missed out on a sure goal in the 10th minute, when a cross from Jose Villareal went unfinished at the far post, trickling across the goal line as Gordon’s sliding attempt was inches short.

Five minutes later Villareal was the recipient of a long cross from Raul Mendiola, chesting down the ball across the line past La Maquina keeper Luis Sosa.
“Clearly, we were going to get a goal,” Arena said.

Former Chivas Guadalajara striker Edwin Borboa had a solid shot on goal in the 26th minute, forcing a jump save from Galaxy keeper Clement Diop, and La Maquina found a groove with a pair of opportunities leading to its goal in the 28th minute.

Forcing the ball back, center half A.J. DeLaGarza misplayed a ball to Diop, and Borboa pounced, supplying an easy finish for an equalizer.

“They got that goal on my mistake,” DeLaGarza said.
Borboa is the first amateur player to score in the first four rounds in the modern era of the tournament.

“(La Maquina) did a solid job. You could see some of their guys have experience,” Arena said.
La Maquina, or “The Machine”, came out firing early in the second half, but Galaxy absorbed the amateur club’s heat without giving up playing two forwards and went to overtime drawn at a goal apiece.

“They made a couple of plays, their goalkeeper made a few saves and they worked hard,” Arena said.

Early in overtime, Villareal was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and stayed on his back. Second-half substitute Jack McBean stood over Villareal, stretching his leg, as players caught their breath.

Baggio Husidic, another Galaxy second-half sub, stood over the ball and looked at referee Ramon Hernandez.

“He goes (shrugs) so I kicked out, passed to the left,” Husidic said. “I didn’t ask for a whistle, told the ref I wasn’t going to ask for a whistle, and he said ‘OK.’”
Husidic’s pass connected with Romney, who placed a shot past La Maquina’s Sosa as the stout keeper scrambled to defend his line.

“Am I allowed to shoot this? Is this really real?” Romney rhetorically asked. “I just got it on my right foot and tucked it away.”

Lletget scored on a penalty in the 105th minute and added a second on a breakaway in the 115th.

HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY
(NOTE: The controversial goal begins at 2:32:40)

2016 US Open Cup Round 4, Day 2 preview: MLS vs. everybody (video, audio links)

June 15, 2016 by Josh Hakala

After the first day of the Fourth Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup we saw four teams punch their ticket to the Round of 16. Tonight, 12 more teams will join them.

Below, you will find links to our coverage on TheCup.us, as well as previews from all three games on Tuesady, 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 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2016 Meet the Underdogs series
* USSF’s new US Open Cup qualifying tournament has challenges to address after year one
* Things you should know about the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup
* Series of forfeits, teams with ineligible players overshadow 2016 US Open Cup
* 2016 US Open Cup Round 2 review
* 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

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Harrisburg City Islanders Open Cup records
Overall: 17-8-3 (2-1 PKs) | Home: 10-2-3 (2-1 PKs) | Away: 7-6-0 | vs. MLS: 4-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-1 in OT vs. Rochester Rhinos of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)

Philadelphia Union Open Cup records
Overall: 9-3-4 (3-1 PKs) | Home: 8-2-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 1-1-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 3-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 1-1, Lost 7-6 in PKs vs. Sporting KC of MLS in Final)
Best finish: Runner-up (2014, 2015)

Once joined at Philadelphia’s hip as a USL affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders will be seeking to establish their independence once and for all with their first US Open Cup win over their in-state rivals after losing twice to the Union in the past four years of the competition.

Harrisburg pits a very respectable 4-4-1 (1-0 PKs) record vs MLS clubs all-time against Philly’s 8-2-0 record since the appointment of Jim Curtin as head coach. Curtin is very familiar with success in the Open Cup, and what it can mean to fans, from his time as a player with the Chicago Fire. Philly also sits at 6-3-5 in league play, while the City Islanders are 4-8-1 in the USL.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake will return to Philly after his Copa America Centenario appearances with Jamaica, but it’s not clear that he’ll be in the lineup. Curtin has suggested that he may make other changes to give time to some of the Union’s youngsters.

Harrisburg will be looking to recover from a three-game losing streak in USL play. Paul Wilson will be seeking to add to his season total 11 points against the Union. His speed will be an asset against Philadelphia, but he won’t be alone as Craig Foster and Cardel Benbow are also known to push defenses with their pace.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Tampa Bay Rowdies Open Cup records
Overall: 5-5-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 3-4-0 | vs. MLS: 1-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 at Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2013 Fourth Round (Lost 2-0 at Portland Timbers of MLS)

Columbus Crew Open Cup records
Overall: 21-13-2 (0-2 PKs) | Home: 12-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 7-7-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 5-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-0 at Orlando City SC of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 2002 US Open Cup champion

Last round, the Rowdies triumphed over another Ohio based footballing juggernaut, USL’s upstart FC Cinncinati, at their very own Al Lang stadium. This time around, the Rowdies travel up to the Buckeye state to take on reigning MLS Eastern Conference champion, Columbus Crew. The Crew have suffered a very surprisingly pedestrian season so far this year in the league, especially given last year’s performance. This year they sit on 14 points after 13 games, above only the lowly Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference standings.

It’s been an abysmal season so far, well summarized by the own field spat between last season’s top scorer Kei Kamara and star midfielder, Federico Higuain, that resulted in the former’s departure in a trade to New England. The US Open Cup offers a form of consolation for the Ohio side. As DC United showcased by an open cup trophy during their historically bad 3 league win season, the cup can be a welcome respite from the league season. If the Crew play their cards right they still can qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League next season by winning the cup. There’s everything to play for.

Tampa Bay on the other hand have been having a good spring season so far this year buoyed by the addition of Joe Cole. Cole, while experiencing his first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, is no stranger to cup magic. Cole appeared numerous times both in the FA and League Cup over in England for Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Coventry. He’s no doubt hoping to reprise the giant killing mantle that his former club, Aston Villa, carried to the FA Cup final last season. The midfielder’s quality will certainly pose a threat to the out of form Crew, and with luck the Rowdies maybe able to stage an upset. Who knows, in the cup, anything’s possible.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Orlando City SC Open Cup records
Overall: 13-7-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 10-1-0 | Away: 3-6-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-1 at Chicago Fire of MLS in Quarterfinals)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2013, 2015)

Jacksonville Armada Open Cup records
Overall: 1-1-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-0 at Richmond Kickers of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2015 Third Round (Lost 3-0 at Richmond Kickers of USL)

Jacksonville needed extra time to knock of USL Charleston Battery, and now will get a intrastate matchup with Orlando City. In that extra time win, both teams scored in the first 25 minutes and then were held scoreless until the game winner in extra time.

Orlando has suffered a rough start of the season, with a 3-3-7 record. Coming off a 2-2 draw with New York City FC, they’ll need more than a draw in this game. Both teams are near the bottom of their respective tables, so this could be an interesting game.

Obviously, emotion will be high for the players of Orlando with the recent events. On the other hand, Jacksonville has a lot to play for as the underdog in this matchup.

BROADCAST: VIDEO (YES Network/One World Sports)
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

New York Cosmos Open Cup records
Overall: 4-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 4-0-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 0-2-0 | vs. MLS: 1-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 4-1 at NY Red Bulls of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: Round 5 (2014, 2015)

New York City FC Open Cup records
Overall: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 2-2, Lost 4-3 in PKs at New York Cosmos of NASL in Round 4)
Best finish: 2015 Round 4 (Drew 2-2, Lost 4-3 in PKs at New York Cosmos of NASL)

Another battle for bragging rights in New York takes place on Wednesday night as NYCFC host the NY Cosmos at Fordham University. This is a rematch of last year’s dramatic Fourth Round come-from-behind shocker that saw the Cosmos pull out a victory in penalties, and it will also figure into arguments about the relative strength of MLS and NASL.

The NASL just began its summer break after Indy Eleven edged the Cosmos for the Spring Championship. The Cosmos last competitive match was on June 4th, and the side will be looking to reestablish momentum after dropping that contest in a 2-1 decision to the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. Leading scorer Juan Arango (4 G 3A) will lead the attack, while last year’s PK hero, GK Jimmy Maurer, will try to recreate the performance that saw the Cosmos humble their metropolitan rivals.

NYCFC are in their sophomore season in MLS, and if they had performed better in their first year you might call this season a sophomore slump. Instead, rookie MLS coach Patrick Vieira has been working to pull his side out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. He’s had little success at the club’s MLS home, Yankee Stadium, where the Blues have struggled to a 1-3-5 record on the year. Getting away from the House that Ruth built may be what is needed for the team to win.

It’s not clear who Vieira will send out for the Cup battle, but he has plenty of options. David Villa could add to his 10 goals on the season, but the Cosmos will also be watching for crafty Thomas McNamara and speedy Khiry Shelton on offense. If he does not opt for youth, look for Vieira to start newcomer Frédéric Brillant in the backline in front of Josh Saunders.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

New York Red Bulls Open Cup records
Overall: 17-16-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 8-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 8-10-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 4-3-0
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 1-1, Lost 4-3 in PKs vs. Philadelphia Union of MLS in Quarterfinals)
Best finish: 2003 US Open Cup runner-up

Rochester Rhinos Open Cup records
Overall: 36-16-6 (3-3 PKs) | Home: 30-7-4 (2-2 PKs) | Away: 4-9-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 8-14-5 (2-3 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 0-0, Lost 3-1 in PKs at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round 4)
Best finish: 1999 US Open Cup champions

Rochester is one of four remaining USL teams and they are the only ones to host a game in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. They have yet to concede a goal this tournament, beating Lansdowne Bhoys in Round 3, 2-0, and demolishing Southie FC in Round 2, 7-0. Obviously, their opponent for this game carries a bit more pedigree.

The New York Red Bulls are in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference, and have scored more goals than any team in the East. They are second in all of MLS in goals scored. While the Red Bulls do have another game this week, it is not until Sunday, and it is a home game against Seattle, giving them an added day of rest and the benefit of being at home. While not every starter will play, it is not unreasonable to think that we could see most of the Red Bulls best players.

Though New York has reached the Semifinals four times and the Final once (2003), they have never won the US Open Cup. However, their opponent has. The Rhinos won the Cup in 1999, becoming the first (and only) non-MLS team to win since the league’s inception in 1996.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

New England Revolution Open Cup records
Overall: 14-11-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 10-4-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 4-7-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 4-1-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 vs. Charlotte Independence of USL in Round 4)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions

Carolina RailHawks Open Cup records
Overall: 16-7-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 16-4-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 0-3-0 | vs. MLS: 5-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 vs. Charlotte Indpendence of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2007 Semifinals

In a far off road trip for New England they visit NASL side Carolina in one of the longest journeys of round 4. Carolina thrashed Charlotte 5-0 in their last Open cup fixture, but that scoreline doesn’t accurately reflect the game. In fact, 5-0 is incredibly harsh given that the game went to extra time and that they played down to ten men. No matter the method, Carolina made it to round 4 and New England’s 3-7-4 record surely doesn’t strike any fear into the hearts of the players and coaching staff. At the same time New England is no slouch in footballing terms. In fact, almost any MLS club has a sizable advantage over an NASL team in terms of quality. With the likes of Kei Kamara, Fagundez, Agudelo, and Nguyen, New England carry a personnel advantage into this match. Nevertheless, Carolina will travel to Cary carrying the confidence of that last result into this fixture and that’ll make it a great contest.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Fort Lauderdale Strikers Open Cup records
Overall: 6-8-3 (2-1 PKs) | Home: 6-3-2 (2-0 PKs) | Away: 0-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 0-4-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-2 at Charleston Battery of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: Third Round (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

DC United Open Cup records
Overall: 31-12-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 22-4-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 9-8-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 11-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (2-1 loss at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 1996, 2008, 2013 US Open Cup champions

The Strikers (NASL) come to DC after an overtime shootout victory over the Richmond Kickers of the USL. After a 1-1 draw in full time, the Kickers weren’t able to convert even once, as Fort Lauderdale blanked them 2-0 in kicks from the mark. The main reason for the PK domination was Diego Restrepo, who saved three of the four shots that the Kickers took to go with his three saves from the rest of the match. A hot keeper is always something that can swing a tournament game, and he will look to keep it up on Wednesday. For his efforts, Restrepo was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

As an MLS team, DC United will be making their first appearance in this year’s Open Cup. As three time champions of the tournament, DC is never a team to sleep on, but it is possible they won’t be fielding all their starters. Even after a long MLS league break for the Copa America, DC has to contend with a road game in Houston on Saturday. Holding on to the 6 seed in the eastern conference, which is the last playoff spot, United will undoubtedly need every MLS point they can get. Given the travel and the quick turnaround from a Wednesday game, it is likely that substitutes will be starting.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Sporting Kansas City Open Cup records
Overall: 21-12-5 (3-2 PKs) | Home: 16-7-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 5-5-4 (2-2 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 6-2-2 (1-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 US Open Cup champions (Drew 1-1, Won 7-6 in PKs at Philadelphia Union of MLS)
Best finish: 2004, 2012, 2015 US Open Cup champions

Minnesota United FC Open Cup records
Overall: 5-4-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 1-2-0 | Away: 4-2-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 1-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 1-1, Lost 3-1 in PKs at Saint Louis FC of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2012, 2014)

This stage of the tournament is an interesting one for NASL teams, who come in with a lengthy break following this, so have no concerns about playing a game on the weekend like everyone else. For Minnesota this gives them a chance to take out their frustrations at throwing away the 2016 NASL Spring title towards the end of the NASL’s spring season.

Despite that disappointing finish to their Spring Title race, Minnesota do come in to this match on some form, as they managed to beat Miami FC 3-1, and get to remain at home after that home match.

With the Copa America in full swing, Sporting Kansas City have not played a match since their scoreless draw with LA Galaxy on the second of June. But they will have a match on the weekend, unlike Minnesota United, against a strong FC Dallas team. It will be interesting to see how Sporting Kansas City, along with other MLS teams, line up in this match with a well rested side against a Minnesota United side ready to prove its MLS chops.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Indy Eleven Open Cup records
Overall: 2-2-0 | Home: 2-1-0 | Away: 0-1-0 | vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-0 in OT vs. Louisville City FC of USL in Round 3)
Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 2-1 in OT at Columbus Crew of MLS)

Chicago Fire Open Cup records
Overall: 37-13-3 (2-1 PKs) | Home: 23-1-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 13-12-1 (1-0) | vs. Div. 2: 6-3-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Semifinals
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions

Wednesday’s match between the Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven will be much more than the standard NASL vs MLS match that often occurs in the U.S. Open Cup.

It is a clash of past glory against present glory. It is not a rivalry waged by the players on the field, but rather by the legacy of a single man against himself. Peter Wilt, the architect of both the Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven, will see how his two clubs stack up against each other for the first time.

Wilt was at the helm right away in Chicago as general manager in 1998 when the team unexpectedly won the domestic double, taking the MLS Cup and US Open Cup. The Fire would have their majority of success under Wilt’s tenure through 2005, winning three of their four U.S. Open Cups, a Supporters’ Shield in 2003 and lone MLS title in 1998.

After pursuing a number of other soccer ventures, Wilt resurfaced in a big way with Indy Eleven, helping to create the newest NASL club with MLS potential. While he did not have the immediate success he enjoyed in Chicago, Wilt did see his team reach the top of the mountain again as Indy Eleven won the 2016 Spring Championship in the NASL thanks to an undefeated season.

As Wilt prepares to leave Indy Eleven to launch an NASL team in Chicago, he leaves behind a team on the rise and perhaps poised to make its deepest run in the US Open Cup. To do that, they will have to get their first ever win against an MLS side by toppling Wilt’s old boys at Toyota Park.

The Fire is a far cry from the Wilt-era teams that took the pitch. The Men in Red have followed up the worst MLS season in club history by getting off to the worst 10-game start in club history in 2016. Despite the MLS struggles for the Fire this decade, Chicago remains a difficult out in the US Open Cup.

With two consecutive semifinal appearances and a sterling 26-1-1 Open Cup record at home, Chicago will be a significant challenge for Indy Eleven Wednesday.

The NASL side made it to the Fourth Round this year by avenging the 2015 Third Round loss to Louisville City FC with a 2-1 victory. Indy will likely look to forward Eamon Zayed to produce the magic for an upset against Chicago. The Libyan scored the game-winning goal against Louisville City FC in the Third Round and is fresh off a spectacular hat trick that clinched the NASL Spring Championship.

Indy Eleven also boasts a couple players who could look to make a statement against their old team in defenders Lovel Palmer and Marco Franco as well as goalkeeper Jon Busch. Goalkeeper Keith Cardona got the starting nod in the Third Round, but Busch could get the call against his former team.

Chicago could counter with a first-choice lineup as the team only has two MLS matches in the month of June. First-year coach Veljko Paunovic indicated the Open Cup would be a top priority so club standouts such as David Accam, Jonathan Campbell and Kennedy Igboananike may not get the rest some MLS clubs give to their top players.

Despite the poor start to the season, the Fire is riding a home win against the Houston Dynamo and home draw against the Portland Timbers into Wednesday’s match for some added confidence.

There has to be a loser Wednesday, but it certainly will not be Peter Wilt.

BROADCAST: NONE
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Oklahoma City Energy Open Cup records
Overall: 4-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 0-0-0 | Away: 4-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 4-1 at FC Dallas of MLS in Round 4)
Best finish: 2015 Fourth Round (Lost 4-1 at FC Dallas of MLS)

FC Dallas Open Cup records
Overall: 27-16-5 (4-1 PKs) | Home: 16-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 11-10-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 4-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 6-2 at Sporting KC of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 1997 US Open Cup champions

For the second straight year, FC Dallas and their United Soccer League (USL) affiliate, OKC Energy, find themselves paired together in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup.

Last year, FC Dallas defeated their lower division affiliate 4-1 with Michael Barrios scoring twice in three minutes in the first half and assisting on a third goal for the Hoops. That match was played on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU) and this year’s match will also be played on a local college campus; this time at Westcott Field, home of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. This marks the first time FC Dallas will play a competitive game on SMU’s campus.

OKC Energy got to this point with a dramatic 2-1 extra time victory over inter-city rivals Rayo OKC of the North American Soccer League (NASL). It was the first time the two teams had ever faced off and it was Rayo’s first ever Open Cup match as they are playing in their inaugural NASL season. Energy second half substitute Kyle Hyland managed to get on the end of a cross from fullback Kyle Harris to give the USL side the victory after the teams exchanged late first half goals earlier in the match. Meanwhile, in league play, the Energy fell to Rio Grande Valley 3-0 on Saturday, snapping an eight game unbeaten streak. Unfortunately, that streak was full of draws and OKC find themselves mired in the middle of the USL Western Conference standings at the moment. Only forward Danni Konig has managed to score more than once this season.

After a somewhat slow start, FC Dallas are right back where they expected to be when the season began: at the top of the Western Conference standings. They’re currently tied with the Colorado Rapids, but the Rapids have two games in hand due to the lack of a balanced schedule in MLS. The Hoops will be anxious to for an opportunity just to take the field as MLS is currently on a brief break while the Copa America Centenario plays out across the United States; league play will resume this weekend. Winger Michael Barrios has picked up where he left off in last year’s Open Cup meeting with OKC; he currently leads the team with five goals this season, tied with Tesho Akindele. It’s unclear whether head coach Oscar Pareja will play his preferred starters in order to get them back into game shape or go with the reserves instead. Either way, he does have a few new options available to him including striker Max Urriti, who was acquired this past offseason and currently leads the team with five assists.

The Round of 16 draw will take place on Thursday, June 16 and will determine the fate of whichever team manages to come out on top on Wednesday.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

San Antonio FC Open Cup records
Overall: 2-0-0 | Home: 1-0-0 | Away: 1-0-0 | vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: First entry

Houston Dynamo Open Cup records
Overall: 9-8-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 7-2-0 | Away: 2-6-1 (0-1 PKs) | vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-1 at Sporting KC of MLS in Quarterfinals )
Best finish: Semifinals (2006, 2009)

Continuing their inaugural tournament run, San Antonio FC will travel in-state for its third US Open Cup match to face the Houston Dynamo of MLS. SAFC defeated the Des Moines Menace (PDL) in Iowa in the Third Round, 2-1. San Antonio had to come back from a 0-1 deficit to advance, their first win this season to come back after being down a goal. Forward Jacques Francois now has three Open Cup goals & an assist in two matches, including two game-winners. In league play, SAFC are sitting in 13th place in the Western Conference with 11 points in 12 matches, coming off a 1-1 draw against Portland Timbers 2.

Houston will be playing their first match of the 2016 tournament against San Antonio. All 17 US-based MLS squads enter in the Fourth Round of the competition. Houston is coming off a 1-1 Texas Derby draw against FC Dallas that was delayed due to heavy rains. The Dynamo currently sit in last place in the Western Conference with 13 points in 14 games. Due to the Copa América break, Houston hasn’t played a match since their June 2 Texas Derby draw.

“It’s an important competition for us,” said Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan. “As an organization and as a team we’re taking the Open Cup very seriously.”

Houston made it to the quarter-finals in the 2015 edition of the tournament where they lost 3-1 to the eventual champions, Sporting Kansas City (MLS). The Dynamo have never won the cup, advancing to the Semifinals twice in 2006 and 2009.

BROADCAST: VIDEO
Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Kitsap Pumas Open Cup records
Overall: 5-5-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 3-3-0 | Away: 2-2-1 (1-0) | vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 4-2 in OT vs. Seattle Sounders U23s of PDL in Round 2
Best finish: 2011 Third Round

Seattle Sounders Open Cup records
Overall: 34-13-5 (3-2 PKs) | Home: 26-3-2 (2-0 PKs) | Away: 8-10-3 (1-2 PKs) | vs. Amateurs: 9-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-1 in OT MLS in Round 4
Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer:

It’s the giant killers against the giants. It’s David and Goliath. It’s Round 4 of the US Open Cup and it’s the upstart Kitsap Pumas taking on the American soccer colossus that is the Seattle Sounders, a four-time US Open Cup champion. In this in-state affair, the fourth tier Pumas travel to face the Sounders. There’s a world of difference between the two; one team is comprised of amateurs and other employs the former US men’s national team talisman Clint Dempsey. Yet here they are. To get this far, the PDL outfit, Kitsap, upset the favorite and much fancied MLS hopeful, Sacramento Republic FC. That victory constituted an incredible coup for Kitsap, but their path to potential cup glory becomes that much more difficult against Seattle. However, it would be unwise to underestimate Kitsap because ironically, the Pumas already defeated the Sounders, albeit that team being Seattle’s u-23 team. Either way, anything can happen, it’s the magic of the cup. Will it be the minnows from Bremerton or will it be the big boys from the crown jewel of Washington state. Regardless, it’s gonna be a great game.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Diego Restrepo’s PK heroics for Fort Lauderdale Strikers earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

June 15, 2016 by Zach Smith

Diego Restrepo of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers is in position against the Richmond Kickers in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Kelsey Hinds

Ft. Lauderdale goalkeeper Diego Restrepo made three saves over 120 minutes then saved three of four penalties to lead the Strikers past the Richmond Kickers (USL) 2-0 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

His performance has earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round award. It’s the first time that goalkeepers have won the award in three straight rounds.

Restrepo is the second Striker to win the award after Paulo Araujo Jr. earned the honor in the First Round in 2010 when the team was known as Miami FC. While an American who has represented the United States at the youth international level, he is the first Venezuela-born player and just the second NASL player to win the award, following Scott Goodwin of the Carolina RailHawks in 2014.

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

With 90-plus degree temperatures, high humidity and a 30-minute lightning delay midway through the second half, he said the more than 120 minutes on artificial turf was one of the toughest atmospheres he’s played in throughout his career.

The game was the first game of the Modern Era to finish with a 2-0 scoreline in a PK shootout, and is just the second game where a team failed to score in the shootout. (2010 Third Round: Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire)

Restrepo made his Open Cup debut in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, when he ended the Seattle Sounders’ all-time record 22-game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win in the Third Round. He helped the Rowdies beat VSI Tampa Bay in 2014 and won a pair of Open Cup games with the Charlotte Independence last season.

The Strikers finished the NASL spring season with a 2-1 loss on the road against the Edmonton FC on June 12 and were sixth in the standings, three points behind first place Indy Eleven. Ft. Lauderdale travels to face DC United in the fourth round on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Soccerplex.

HIGHLIGHTS: STRIKERS vs. KICKERS

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Portland Timbers’ youth movement blanks San Jose Earthquakes, 2-0

June 15, 2016 by Kristen Gehrke

The Portland Timbers celebrate a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Jeff Wong | Prost Amerika

Let’s get this out of the way: Timbers Open Cup matches have a history of being weird. Entertaining, but weird. One need only look as far back as last season’s match against the Seattle Sounders, a game fans of both sides refer to as the Red Card Wedding, the result of which may be a six-year suspension of USMNT player Clint Dempsey.

But, while Tuesday night’s match against MLS opponent San Jose was entertaining, it wasn’t really weird. In the end, after a lack of drama, the Timbers emerged with a 2-0 victory.

The two sides met prior to the international break in a rough-and-tumble league match that ended 2-1 in Portland, earning the home team three points in the league standings despite playing down a man for the entire second half.

The Timbers were fast out of the gate with Jack Barmby slipping past the Earthquakes’ defense early in the first half, shuffling the ball to Dairon Asprilla, who couldn’t quite get a handle on it. It was just the first of many close calls in a game that grew progressively more chippy as the minutes flew by.

“I thought everything went exactly the way we’d hoped,” Portland coach Caleb Porter said. “We played nine guys 25 years old or younger, started seven. That’s a real positive that we can play a lot of young guys, mix them in with some experienced guys … and get the job done. That gives us a lot of hope for the future.”

Portland’s two goals were scored by two of those younger players: the 34th minute goal came from Dairon Asprilla, 24, and the 40th minute goal came off a stunning freekick from Jack McInerney, 23.

“I think we knew what to expect,” Portland’s Jack Jewsbury said after the game. “I think everybody tonight, when their number was called, put in a great shift.”

“Every year’s different, every team’s different,” Porter said. “We made a decision four or five games ago that we need to be a team … that’s on the front foot more. Our pressure has been much better the last five or six games, our possession has been much better. I think we’ve become a little more multi-faceted this year than we were last year.”

Portland will now wait for the results of this round’s other matches and the draw to follow on June 16.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: SAN JOSE AT PORTLAND

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Joao Plata rescues Real Salt Lake as MLS team needs PKs to avoid upset

June 15, 2016 by Shawn Blymiller

Real Salt Lake rallied from a two-goal deficit to ultimately defeat the Wilmington Hammerheads in a penalty kick shootout to reach the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

After trailing 2-0 in the second half, Joao Plata brought RSL back and sent the game into extra time with a goal in the 65th minute, followed by assisting on an 86th minute equalizer by Burrito Martinez.

The Wilmington Hammerheads came to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah to kick off against Real Salt Lake, a team that they lost to at the same stadium in 2011.

The Hammerheads arrived to the stage of the competition after beating NPSL side Miami Fusion FC 6-0 in Round 2 and a 2-1 win over the NASL’s Miami FC.

They fought hard against RSL, who have had a lot of success at home in the tournament with an 8-2-0 record.

Wilmington jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the 34th minute after link up play between Austin Martz to Mael Corboz. Martz made a diagonal run down the right side receiving a pass from
Mecham. Martz then cut the ball from the endline back to the top of the 18-yard box where
Corboz was waiting for the ball to come off of the inside of his foot for a curled, tucked away
finish.

The Hammerheads took that advantage into the break, after Real Salt Lake was able to keep a lot of the ball and possession but was unable to complete any significant touches or passes in the penalty box in the first half. The chemistry between the players in the attack didn’t
seem to mesh well in the first half.

At the start of the second half, Real Salt Lake seemed to focus more on stretching the width of the field. They were able to keep the majority of the possession but didn’t seem to be able to
go anywhere.

Head coach Jeff Cassar was not waiting around any longer as he sent in Yura Movsisyan and Joao Plata in the 55th minute.

Just three minutes later, in the 58th minute, against the run of play, Wilmington was able to hit RSL on the break. A shot from distance from Justin Moose hit forward Jeff Michaud in the face and caught RSL goalkeeper Jeff Attinella wrong footed. That doubled the Wilmington lead to 2-0.

In the 65th minute, Plata hit a laser from about 25 yards out on the left side of the
18 yard box that found the top corner, to cut the lead in half.

RSL created a number of chances from that point on. The home team had near chances and close calls that called Wilmington goalkeeper John Smits into action on a number of occasions. His efforts could not keep out the savvy forward Juan Manuel “Burrito” Martinez from a similar distance to Plata’s effort. Burrito’s strike was a curling shot that one hopped right before Smits, and nestled into the lower side netting in the 87th minute.

Despite losing a lead just a few minutes from upsetting a MLS team on the road, the Hammerheads maintained their composure and continued to fight through extra time.

Attinella had to make a huge save in the last minute of the game to send the match into a penalty kick shootout.

The penalties brought the fans to full volume which may have put pressure on the visitors as Bruno Perone skied his attempt, followed by another miss over the bar by Matthew Barnes-Homer.

Attinella made a huge save on Liam Miller to give Chris Wingert the chance to send Real Salt Lake to the next round with his penalty kick attempt. With the home team’s fourth attempt, Wingert stepped up with cool composure that you would expect and tucked it to the goalkeeper’s lower left hand side.

“I just knew where I wanted to go and tried to be patient with it, make sure to
give the goalie enough time, to get out of the way,” said Wingert with a chuckle. “That was it. I always like to shoot when we have a chance to go to PKs. So I asked Jeff right away, and they put me in the five.”

Wingert was proud of how his team kept fighting despite being down in the second half.

“Obviously we put ourselves in a bit of a hole and we were unhappy with the first half,” said Wingert. “Then it was unlucky with the deflection. Stuff happens and credit to the guys for
hanging in there. Two great goals, I mean one a rip by Plata and then a great goal by Burrito.
We hung in there and it is not ideal to play 120 minutes, especially when we have a game on the
weekend, but that is ok. We are fit and it will test our depth a little bit. I think we have a deep team. It is about taking care of our bodies and getting ready for Saturday.”

For Austin Martz, it was a missed opportunity for the Hammerheads.

“I think it was the best of what we could of asked for,” said Martz. “I thought we started well. I thought we maintained our shape really well. I thought we were together and compact, obviously. They had some time on the ball but we expected that. I thought we pressed well. I thought we did a good job to get an early goal. I thought we could have had one or two.

“It was a good game, fun atmosphere. I know that we enjoyed it.”

FULL MATCH REPLAY: WILMINGTON AT REAL SALT LAKE

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Late goal gives Colorado Rapids second straight win over Switchbacks

June 14, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Dillon Serna once again pushed the Rapids past their in-state rivals, advancing to the Round of 16 for the third year in a row. The deciding goal came in the 84th minute off a Marco Pappa corner kick, initially headed by Dominique Badji towards a patiently-waiting Serna located just beyond the 18-yard box. The lone goal was enough to clinch the tactical battle.

With the 1-0 win, the Rapids eliminated the Switchbacks for the second year in a row, after defeating the USL side 4-1 at the same stadium last year.

Despite being in-between two away league matches this week, Switchbacks head coach Steve Trittschuh decided to go with a mostly full strength lineup. The prematch instructions were simple. Drop a fifth defender, typically wingers Aaron King or Saeed Robinson or central midfielder Ronny Arguta, and force the Rapids to either opt for the long shot from midfield or attempt wayward crosses from the corners. Even with tired legs after a gritty 0-0 draw at Los Angeles two days ago the Switchbacks managed to keep the Rapids attack at bay for the majority of the game while managing a fair amount of counter attacks that resulted in attempts on Rapids’ goalkeeper Zac MacMath’s net.

Returning to the field for the first time in over two weeks, the Rapids were rusty. The front four of Dominique Badji, Marco Pappa, Dillon Serna and Conor Doyle skied numerous shots far and wide over the net often playing into the visitors defense. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni added after the game that is was the “first time this season we faced a team that dropped 10 guys the whole game … but at the end of the day you want to see a group of guys figuring it out together.”

And that they did, as the game progressed Pappa, Serna and midfielder Dillon Powers shook off the rust and forced a total of thirteen corners, eventually converting one near the very end.

The result aside; one of the many positives that Trittschuh pointed out was the closer contest compared to last year’s 4-1 drubbing but just as important the growing atmosphere around this budding rivalry. Within shouting distance of each other directly behind the two benches the two teams boasted their own growing contingent of supporters waging a vocal tug of war throughout the match.

“However many people came down, it was loud it was great, we need to keep growing it,” said Trittschuh, “It would be nice to host this match sometime.”

The Rapids advanced and tally their second win in as many chances but everyone involved is certainly looking forward to the next year’s tournament hoping to see the same matchup again.

Man of the Match:
Dillon Serna, scored the game winning goal and was the catalyst for the Rapids across the 90 minutes. For the Switchbacks, center midfielder Ronny Argueta and defender Jordan Burt had memorable defensive efforts breaking up passes left and right. The two kept the backline organized and efficient not allowing the Rapids a quality look at the net for most of the game. Goalkeeper William Thompson deserves some recognition for his two saves, both full extension punching saves that kept the scoreless until the very end.

SERNA’S GAME-WINNING GOAL