2016 US Open Cup

2016 US Open Cup Round 4 review: Two lower division teams advance to Round of 16

June 14, 2016 by Josh Hakala

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

The first four games of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup’s most exciting round are in the books and there was a wide variety of action on Day 1.

A 10-man Los Angeles Galaxy team got past amateur side La Maquina with three goals in extra time to pick up a 4-1 victory. The second goal by the Galaxy will be the one that everyone will be talking about. The Colorado Rapids survived their in-state USL rival, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, while the Portland Timbers beat the San Jose Earthquakes in the round’s only all-MLS matchup. Real Salt Lake needed a comeback and penalty kicks to eliminate the Wilmington Hammerheads (USL).

The remaining 12 games of the Fourth Round will take place on Wednesday. Click here for the schedule.

Here is a brief recap of each Fourth Round games so far with links to the full match report (Check back as more will be added):

In a rematch from last year’s tournament, the two professional teams in the state of Colorado squared off against at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. It was a tighter game this time, but the same team prevailed as the Colorado Rapids (MLS) edged the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL) 1-0 on an 84th minute game-winner by Dillon Serna. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Real Salt Lake found themselves down 2-0 in front of their home fans to the USL’s Wilmington Hammerheads, but the home team rallied to force extra time. In the end, the match had to be decided by a penalty kick shootout and RSL advanced to the Round of 16 by the score of 3-1. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Despite playing more than 100 minutes with 10 men, the Los Angeles Galaxy survived an upset scare from La Maquina with a 4-1 extra time win. Rafael Garcia was issued a straight red card in the 17th minute and the Galaxy played shorthanded and after trading first half goals, it would take until the 96th minute to break the deadlock. The Galaxy scored a controversial goal as one of the LA players was down injured, the Galaxy played a quick restart to a wide open Dave Ramsey who scored his first career Open Cup goal. Sebastien Lletget would add a penalty kick and a clincher in the 115th minute. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

In the round’s only MLS vs. MLS matchup, the Portland Timbers delivered their home fans a 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Dairon Asprilla and Jack McInerney both scored first half goals to give the Timbers their first US Open Cup win over the Earthquakes. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

After taking a comfortable 2-0 lead before the half, Philadelphia needed some extra time heroics to advance to the round of 16. Harrisburg came back in a big way to send the game to extra time. In the 93rd minute Roland Alberg scored his second of the night on a free kick from just outside the box. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Tampa Bay had a hard time doing much of anything tonight, as Columbus cruised to a 4-0 win. The Crew’s four shots on goal all came inside the box, while Tampa Bay only had four total shots in the box. The game was slowed down by a 2-hour weather delay. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

A 62nd minute goal turned out to be enough for Orlando. Jacksonville had plenty of chances, including a 91st minute shot right next to the penalty spot, that was saved. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

In NYCFC’s first time hosting a USOC match, the Cosmos pulled the upset on a late header. The game looked destined for extra time, but a cross was headed in by Danny Szetela to put the Cosmos through to the Round of 16. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

A PK goal early in the game ended up being the only goal of the night. Gonzalo Veron was on a run before being tripped in the box, earning a penalty that Sacha Kljestan converted. Rochester was limited to just five total shots in the second half, as New York played possession. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

A long weather delay kept the game low scoring. After a scoreless regulation, New England broke through with a 103rd minute goal from Zachary Herivaux. A beautiful upper 90 shot put the Revolution through to the next round. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Neither team could break through in regulation or the extra period. In penalties, Fort Lauderdale converted on four of their five kicks to advance to the Round of 16. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

A couple of penalty kick goals accounted for the only goals in regulation. In extra time, Diego Rubio was set up in the box and drove a shot just past the keeper to send Sporting KC through to the next round. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

It was a scoreless regulation, and each team added a goal in extra time. After scoring the equalizer in the 111th minute, David Accam sent the Fire into the Round of 16 with the winning penalty kick. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Oklahoma City scored an equalizer in the added time, and both teams were held scoreless through the extra period. In penalties, FC Dallas outlasted OKC and advanced 6-5. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Houston faced very little resistance in their big win over San Antonio. Their four goals all came around the half, and really buried San Antonio FC before they could answer. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

The Cinderella story comes to a close for Kitsap, the last remaining club lower than division three. The game was scoreless, but Seattle scored two goals late to blank the Pumas. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

2016 US Open Cup Round 4, Day 1 preview: Tournament’s best round kicks off with four Tuesday games

June 14, 2016 by Josh Hakala

Aside from the Final, the Fourth Round is the crown jewel of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Round 4 will kick off on Tuesday with four games, followed by 12 more on Wednesday. What makes the round so special is that this year, all but one of the 15 scheduled contests feature Major League Soccer (MLS) teams against lower division opposition. The underdog stories are what make this cup competition unique in American sports and there are 15 of them to choose from.

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

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Round of 16 draw to take place June 16

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Open Cup records
Overall: 4-1-0 | Home: 2-0-0 | Away: 2-1-0 | vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 4-1 at Colorado Rapids of MLS in ROund 4)
Best finish: 2015 Fourth Round (Lost 4-1 at Colorado Rapids of MLS)

Colorado Rapids Open Cup records
Overall: 11-15-0 | Home: 5-1-0 | Away: 5-13-0 | vs. Div. 3: 2-2-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 1999 US Open Cup runner-up

The two professional teams from the state of Colorado; the Colorado Rapids, currently the top team in MLS, and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, currently second in the USL’s Western Conference, square off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park outside of Denver, Colo. This will be the second year in a row the two Centennial State clubs face off in the fourth round, last year the Rapids crushed the USL side 4-1 in last year’s Open Cup.

Colorado Springs returns to Denver this year taking a similar path as last year defeating Boulder, Colo.-based amateur side Harpo’s FC at home. Once again, the Switchbacks are near the top of USL and led by head coach and former Rapids defender Steve Trittschuh. Trittschuh’s squad should feature much of the same starting 11 that should include striker Martin Maybin and midfielders Miguel Gonzalez, Luke Vercollone and Saeed Robinson.

The backline is headlined by goalkeeper Devala Gorrick and defender Christain Ibeagha who have only conceded seven goals in 11 games this year, ranking the second best defense in the league.

This Open Cup matchup falls between two USL league road games for the Switchbacks; after a 0-0 draw at LA Galaxy II and before a trip to San Antonio. The Rapids on the other hand have been out of action since the end of May while team leaders Jermaine Jones and Shkelzen Gashi have been away on international break with the United States and Albanian national teams.
Without Jones or Gashi, Pablo Mastroeni’s Rapids will mostly likely turn to Dillon Serna, Dominique Badji and Luis Solignac who all found the stat sheet with goals or assists against the Switchbacks in last year’s encounter.

The Rapids are the hottest team in MLS these days, boasting the best overall record, least goals allowed and a dominating 6-0-1 record at home. Given the time off the Rapids are itching to get back on the field hoping that this is the year that their unfortunate Modern Era record will be snapped. They have gone 12 consecutive tournaments without multiple victories, far and away the most of any team since 1995. The last time they won more than one game in a US Open Cup? 1999, the year they reached the Final and lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the A-League.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Round of 16 opponent will be announced June 16

LIVE VIDEO: WILMINGTON AT REAL SALT LAKE

Wilmington Hammerheads Open Cup records
Overall: 16-12-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 14-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 2-7-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 2-6-0
Last entry: 2015 (Drew 2-2 (Lost 5-3 in PKs) vs. Chattanooga FC of NPSL in Round 2)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2003, 2009)

Real Salt Lake Open Cup records
Overall: 9-7-0 | Home: 9-3-0 | Away: 0-4-0 | vs. Div. 3: 3-0-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 3-1 at Sporting KC of MLS in Semifinals)
Best finish: 2013 US Open Cup runner-up

Coming off the most one-sided US Open Cup win in club history in Round 2, 6-0 over Miami Fusion FC (NPSL), the Wilmington Hammerheads found a little more competition in Round 3. A late PK save lifted them over Miami FC (NASL) for their first win over a Division 2 team in regulation since 2006. They tied Louisville City, one of the top teams in USL, on Saturday, giving them a bit of momentum going into the match.

Real Salt Lake comes in with a 7-4-2 record which is one of the better records in the MLS. They will host Wilmington coming off a five-game road trip. They went 2-3 on the trip, ending with a win over New York City FC. The offense is certainly coming together, as they’ve scored three goals in each of the last three games.

RSL are still looking for their first US Open Cup title after falling in the championship game in 2013 to DC United and losing to eventual champions Sporting Kansas City in the final four last year.

Wilmington is hot right now, with a reversal of their recent Open Cup form. They had been eliminated by the NPSL’s Chattanooga FC in each of the last two years, but after their first regulation win over a Second Division club since 2006. They’re still the underdogs, and will need a very well played match to take down RSL and upset their first MLS team in seven years.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Round of 16 opponent will be announced June 16

LIVE VIDEO: SAN JOSE AT PORTLAND

San Jose Earthquakes Open Cup records
Overall: 11-9-6 (3-3 PKs) | Home: 4-5-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 7-4-3 (2-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 0-6-3 (0-3 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 vs. LA Galaxy of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 2004 Semifinals

Portland Timbers Open Cup records
Overall: 13-10-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 5-5-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 8-5-0 | vs. MLS: 3-6-1 (0-1 PKs)
As MLS: 6-4-0 | Home: 3-1-0 | Away: 3-3-0 | vs. MLS: 3-3-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 2-0 at Real Salt Lake of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 2013 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 at Real Salt Lake of MLS)

Last year, both the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes managed to reach the Round of 16, but this year, only one will advance as they meet in a rare all-MLS Fourth Round matchup on Tuesday night at Providence Park in Portland, Ore.

The Timbers were blanked by Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the Fifth Round of last year’s Open Cup while San Jose lost a much closer 1-0 affair against the Los Angeles Galaxy. This time around there will be plenty of unknowns as both teams have been out of action recently while MLS observes a brief break as the Copa Centenario plays out across the country. Both teams are currently right in the thick of things in the Western Conference, but had very different expectations coming into this season based on how 2015 went.

The Timbers seemed to have turned a corner last year as they defeated the Columbus Crew to win the 2015 MLS Cup. Thanks to the rise of new United States international Darlington Nagbe in midfield, the Timbers Army and its supporters expected their team to pick up right where they left off last year and continue to challenge for titles. But it’s been a slow and inconsistent start to the 2016 season for Caleb Porter’s men.

The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are still waiting to see if their team can take a big step forward the way Portland did last year. Two years ago, San Jose had an abysmal season, finishing dead last in the Western Conference. Then last year, they managed to challenge for a playoff spot for most of the season, but faded down the stretch. Now they’re right back in the thick of things thanks, in part, to a breakout performance from US Under-23 midfielder Fatai Alashe, who has contributed a pair of goals so far this season. And, of course, there’s longtime veteran Chris Wondolowski who continues to lead the line with seven goals and two assists.

This is the third all-time meeting between the two clubs, but the first with both teams being members of Major League Soccer. When the Timbers made their US Open Cup debut in 2004 as a member of the USL’s A-League (Div. 2 pro), they were shut out 3-0 in front of their home fans. Ronnie Ekelund, Ramiro Corrales and Dwayne De Rosario all scored for the visitors. The two teams met the following year in a rematch in the Rose City, and once again, it was Earthquakes advancing with a shutout, this time 2-0. Wade Barrett and Brian Mullan connected for the Quakes.

Given the somewhat awkward timing of the break, it’s unclear how both teams will approach this game, but neither will be able to anticipate a potential fifth round opponent as the Round of 16 draw will take place two days after their Round 4 matchup.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO
Round of 16 opponent will be announced June 16

LIVE VIDEO: LA MAQUINA AT LA GALAXY

La Maquina Open Cup records
Overall: 3-0-0 | Home: 2-0-0 | Away: 1-0-0 | vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Last entry: First entry
Best finish: First entry

Los Angeles Galaxy Open Cup records
Overall: 25-13-1 (1-0 PKs) | Home: 17-2-0 | Away: 8-11-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Amateurs: 4-0-0
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 at Real Salt Lake of MLS in Quarterfinals
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions

One of the two biggest David vs. Goliath matchups of the US Open Cup features La Maquina, a Southern California amateur team making its tournament debut, playing on the road against the two-time US Open Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy.

La Maquina, who play in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), have shined in their first trip to the US Open Cup. They are the second team (DC United 1996-97) and the first amateur team of the Modern Era (1995-present) to win their first three tournament games by shutout. However, they have benefited from a favorable draw as they have only had to play amateur clubs. They defeated the Portland Timbers U23s (PDL), Sacramento Gold (NPSL), and fellow UPSL team LA Wolves FC (USASA). Their top scorer, former Chivas de Guadalajara forward Edwin Borboa, leads the tournament in goals with four. If he is able to score a goal against the Galaxy, he will become the first player from an amateur team to score a goal in four consecutive Open Cup games.

La Maquina, who are known most recently as a team that was suspended for an entire UPSL season for a post-game brawl, will have their first professional test against the Galaxy, a team that has won 12 US Soccer Majors (5 MLS Cups, 4 Supporters’ Shields, 2 US Open Cups, 1 CONCACAF Champions Cup).

The Galaxy have won plenty of trophies in recent years, but their form in the US Open Cup has left a lot to be desired. Last year, they won multiple games in the tournament for the first time since 2006 when they dispatched another Southern California amateur team, PSA Elite, by the score of 6-1 and edged their rival San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0.

In league play they are sitting middle of the table in the Western Conference with a 5-2-6 record. However, the most important record is their undefeated record (4-0-3) at home where Tuesday night’s game will be played. They have been dominant at home in the Open Cup over the years, boasting a 17-2-0 record. They haven’t lost at home since the 2000 Semifinals when they fell to the eventual champion Chicago Fire. Another record leaning the Galaxy’s way is a 4-0-0 record against amateur teams (14 goals for, 3 goals against).

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Indy Eleven rally to avenge last year’s loss to Louisville City

June 12, 2016 by Mike Carney

On a beautiful night under the lights at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, the Indy Eleven got their US Open Cup revenge on Louisville City with a come-from-behind win on Wednesday night. The Eleven will now advance to play the Chicago Fire of MLS in the next round.

Louisville took control early as Chandler Hoffman scored in the 21st minute from a George Davis IV through ball at the top of the 18. The Eleven did not get on the scoresheet until the 58th minute when a poor clearance by LCFC goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh allowed Omar Gordan to collect the ball and fire a low shot into the back of the net. The Eleven sealed the win in the 68th minute as substitute Éamon Zayed was able to redirect Duke Lacroix’s cross into the back of the net on a counter attack.

This was only the second loss of the season for Louisville City. They should take reassurance in the fact they were on the brink of eliminating a team from a higher league and that they dominated the game for long stretches. Louisville City controlled possession in the first half and in front of goal through their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation. By having three central midfielders Louisville was able to play numbers up and force the Eleven to chase the game early. Indy adjusted their formation to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half, eliminating the mismatches Louisville exposed in the first 45 minutes. This did not stop LCFC from creating chances to score and perhaps their best opportunity came in the 67th minute when Hoffman fired a free kick past Keith Cardona but was denied by the crossbar.

It is also encouraging for Louisville that they played well with their captain and defensive midfielder, Aodham Quinn, on the bench. Guy Abend and Paolo DelPiccolo were able to frustrate the Eleven when they tried to play the ball through the middle. On the offensive side, Abend and DelPiccolo distributed and cleared the ball, helping Louisville generate counter attacks going forward.

Dealing with multiple injuries and even one player with an Open Cup suspension, the Eleven entered this match with an extensively altered lineup. In the early stages of the bout this was most evident on the defensive side of the ball where it took players time to settle in and establish confidence in one another. After poor communication resulted in Louisville’s opening tally, Nemanja Vukovich, who was at center back instead of his usual role on the left, did well as captain to settle the back line and stop the bleeding.

Victory for Indy Eleven would be achieved through a remarkable display of coaching from Tim Hankinson. The veteran manager began the game relying heavily on second-stringers in the usual 4-4-2, began to shake things up as early as the 41st minute when he brought on regular starter, Justin Braun. In the second half he revealed more of his plan, putting in front man Eamon Zayed and moving Omar Gordon back into his accustomed position on the wing. Proving that he can play just about anywhere, Vukovich switched with Daniel Keller and moved into the midfield in the 56th where he dominated possession and helped the wingers create chances.

Having shifted formation, individuals, and played “gotcha” with Louisville through his lineup, Hankinson finally opened his hand to reveal a late, blistering attack which overwhelmed Louisville City for the win. Indy Eleven now remain the only undefeated pro club in the United States.

Indy Eleven’s next US Open Cup tie will be with the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on June 15 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: New York Cosmos begin Cup run with second straight shutout of Jersey Express

June 7, 2016 by Michael Anderer

Prior to the start of the 2016 MLS season, Jason Davis from Soccer Morning asked a variety of soccer reporters for their preseason predictions. One of the questions was, “Who’s going to win the Lamar Hunt Open Cup?” Brian Dunseth picked the NASL’s New York Cosmos. There are some members of the media who think that the Cosmos have bolstered their roster enough to make a run at the US Open Cup.

The Cosmos began their quest for the cup with a 2-0 Third Round win against Jersey Express on Wednesday at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y.

Despite being the favorite, the Cosmos did not take anything for granted playing a strong lineup including regular season starters like Carlos Mendes, David Ochieng, Ayoze, Danny Szetela, Ruben Bover and Sebastian Guenzatti. By all accounts, the decision to go with a balance of starters and reserve players proved pivotal. Jersey came out with a well organized defense that allowed the Cosmos to control the tempo and possession, but most of the chances from the home side were on crosses that were blocked or long range shots parried away by keeper David Greczek.

Jersey’s backline was anchored by solid play of both Chris Krez and Jonathon Onyeaka. An early yellow card to midfielder Pinto Goulart added extra stress for the visitors, but solid attacking play by Angser Otto would force the Cosmos to recognize how well these teams matched up to each other.

In the 35th minute, the Cosmos broke through on a fantastic free kick from Ayoze after Bover had been taken down just outside the eighteen-yard box. With a four-man wall in front of him, Greczek was completely screened. Ayoze’s placement and pace were perfect and the ball sailed into the upper corner to give the Cosmos a 1-0 lead.

That’s how teams would enter halftime after exchanging low percentage shots as both defenses set the tone for the match. The Cosmos thought they had another goal as Lucky Mkosana put a cross into the goal in the 54th, but the goal was offside. Feeling the pressure, Jersey made its first change bringing in Rajrir Khalon for Jack Ponce, but it would be Jersey’s second substitution that cost them. After a strong 66 minutes but still trailing by a goal, Jersey swapped Tyler Morris for Jonathon Onyeaka. Six minutes later, the long-awaited assurance goal for the Cosmos came as substitute Yohandry Orozco was left wide open on the back post for a simple tap-in header. With the second goal, Jersey was forced to press more and the tired legs could not keep the pace up. The Ayoze goal would stand as the game winner.

The Cosmos now set their sites on finishing up the Spring NASL in first place and then look ahead at a rematch of last year’s Open Cup derby with NYCFC.

“Our goal is to win every game, whether it be in the regular season, or in this competition, so obviously we are happy with the result and we can focus on the next opponent,” Mkosana said.

Cosmos Captain Carlos Mendes said that while it’s great to win the Open Cup game, the focus has to remain on the spring season, but he is excited to play against NYCFC later in the month.

Cosmos coach Gio Savarese was very pleased with the performance. He noted earlier in the week that the match was of the most difficult in the Open Cup format.

“It’s hard because some players and sometimes whole teams, overlook this round of the competition,” he said. “The players get soft mentally and think that they are better, and that’s dangerous. Jersey had a lot of good chances, more than we wanted them to have.”

Savarse calls the derby against NYCFC, the type of game that is really good at growing the sport with a lot of passion and drama.

The Cosmos will visit NYCFC on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Coffey Stadium at Fordham University.

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: Abdoukarim Danso leads Lansdowne Bhoys to upset, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

June 5, 2016 by Adam Uthe

Abdoukarim Danso of the Lansdowne Bhoys FC at Highmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds during the 2016 US Open Cup.

Sometimes you just have to ride the hot goalie.

That’s the cliché in the National Hockey League, where sometimes you can win the Stanley Cup with one guy standing on his head for the entire tournament.

Sometimes the strategy works in soccer too. Lansdowne Bhoys goalkeeper Abdoukarim Danso was voted TheCup.us Player Of The Round for Round 2 thanks to an excellent performance in a 2-0 road upset over the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

If you’re going to spring the upset on the road against a pro team, it’s hard to overvalue the performance of your goalkeeper. Danso faced 14 shots on the night and saved three of them, earning himself a clean sheet in his team’s 2-0 upset over Pittsburgh. The magnitude of the upset no doubt played a part in voters’ decisions. The 27 year old Gambian international managed to beat out San Antonio FC’s Jacques Francois, who scored twice and assisted on the third in his team’s 3-1 win over Corinthians of San Antonio, by just two votes.

Aside from Francois, the voting was very netminder heavy this round. Other players receiving strong consideration include Chattanooga FC goalkeeper Tom Halsall and Los Angeles Wolves goalkeeper Kifi Kalani.

Or maybe this is just the Year Of The Goalkeeper. Fans of the Open Cup will recall that Round 1’s Player Of the Round award went to Detroit City FC’s Evan Louro, who notched 13 saves to help his team get to a shootout where he proceeded to come up two additional stops. Keep an eye on the goalkeepers throughout the rest of the tournament; shootouts are always going to be part of any Cup competition.

“It was a excellent game because I was top of my game ,” said Danso. “My teammates and the coaching staff gave me the go to command and control the the defense . I make classic saves and I was very commanding coming for crosses and set-pieces. After all is was great team win.”

Lansdowne Bhoys pose for a team photo before their 2016 US Open Cup match vs. Long Island Rough Riders. — Lansdowne Bhoys (Danso is in pink) pose for a team photo before their 2016 US Open Cup match vs. Long Island Rough Riders.

The 28-year-old, who goes by the childhood nickname “Kabo,” arrived in New York City from Gambia in 2013 where he was part of the pool for his home country’s Under-23 National Team. He played in a local tournament and Lansdowne Bhoys head coach Austin Friel noticed him and eventually signed him to the club.

“Kabo is an excellent goalkeeper and should be playing at a higher level,” said Friel. “He the best goalkeeper in amateur football throughout America. This award is well deserved.”

Danso is hoping that his performance in the US Open Cup will help him achieve his goal of playing at the professional level. The word is starting to get out about him as he recently trained with New York City FC (MLS) and the Carolina RailHawks (NASL). He also hopes that with some professional experience, he has the talent to one day represent Gambia at the senior international level.

One might think Danso would be the first Gambian to win the Player of the Round award but he’s actually the third. Sainey Touray of the Harrisburg City Islanders won the award in the 2012 Fourth Round for the City Islanders’ upset of the New York Red Bulls (MLS). The first was Sanna Nyassi of the Seattle Sounders who became the first player in the Modern Era to score multiple goals in a US Open Cup Final when the Sounders beat the Columbus Crew in 2010.

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

Past Player of the Round winners:

Round 1: Evan Louro – Detroit City FC
Round 2: Abdoukarim Danso – Lansdowne Bhoys

Josh Hakala also contributed to this story

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United avenge last year’s loss, defeat Saint Louis FC 2-0

June 5, 2016 by Phill Grooms

Minnesota United and Saint Louis FC square off in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Henry Hauck | HHFooty.com

The Third Round of US Open Cup play came to Saint Louis for the second year in a row in a repeat matchup between Saint Louis FC and Minnesota United FC. The two sides played their style of soccer for two thirds of the match without scoring, but it was Minnesota United that made the least mistakes down the stretch and scored a pair of late goals to avenge last year’s loss with a 2-0 win.

The first half came and went with a few dangerous looks from each team, but in different ways. Minnesota, who was upset in last year’s matchup in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw, kept the ball on the ground while Saint Louis typically sent the ball through the air.

The physical contest got a little more heated in the second half as both teams attempted to gain an edge. This brought a sleuth of fouls drawing many a “boo” from the home crowd.

However, said fouls cannot be directly blamed for the goal that came in the 68th minute. Fullback Parker Maher was dispossessed by Kevin Venegas in the midfield with a timely defensive press. Christian Ramirez found Venegas, who immediately bolted for the goal, where he was able to put in a calm and collected goal past the charging goalkeeper, Mark Pais.

Saint Louis coach, Dale Schilly, continued to bring on impact subs to try and make up the difference. He officially went all-in on the attack when striker Vince Cicciarrelli came in for fullback Richard Dixon in the 78th minute. Saint Louis dominated the game from this point on with many corners after well-thwarted attempts on goal. Unfortunately for them, it was the attack that was St. Louis’ undoing.

Minnesota’s new signing, Jack Blake, was able to capitalize on a counterattack, which was very effective as St. Louis was very dedicated to the attack at this point. Danny Cruz made a great run down the wing to the goal line and sent the ball across on the ground to the aforementioned Blake who was on a late run. And that’s how the previous year’s upset was redeemed.

Minnesota United FC gets a chance at an upset of their own when they face Sporting Kansas City at home on June 15. United will attempt to do something they have only done once before: defeat a pro team. The only professional team they have beaten, as well as the only time the club has won multiple games in a single US Open Cup, was in 2012 when they won their second game of the tournament on the road against Real Salt Lake.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: San Antonio FC rallies to avoid upset, beats Des Moines Menace, 2-1

June 5, 2016 by Brandon Gee

The Des Moines Menace and San Antonio FC battle for the ball in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Antonio Rodriguez

San Antonio FC’s inaugural run in the US Open Cup continues on to the Major League Soccer round after having to travel to face one of the modern tourney’s most prolific amateur sides on their home field.

With seven of their 14 all-time tourney wins over pro clubs, including a 2-0 win over the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks back on May 18, the Des Moines Menace had reason to come into Wednesday’s Third Round match with San Antonio FC confident for win number eight. Though the Menace would strike first, the offensive effort from San Antonio would finally prove to be too much and the Menace fell 2-1.

San Antonio would dominate possession early as the Menace brought numbers back to withstand the early assault. That traffic in front of the Des Moines net made it difficult for SAFC to get close to the goal. As well, strong defensive play from Des Moines’ Eddie Cass on the right flank deflated a number of SAFC’s chances.

San Antonio would finally get the first major scoring chance as Carlos Alvarez found space just inside the box and sent a ball ringing off the post. The rest of the half saw the sides battle at midfield for loose balls but neither being able to sustain much pressure. They’d go to the half scoreless.

In the second half, Des Moines would come out much more aggressive and organized. SAFC’s Alvarez would end up showing some frustration in the 57th minute after a hard foul on Raul Gonzalez, earning a yellow. Two minutes later, Christian Flath would open scoring for the Menace with a curling free-kick out of reach of the San Antonio keeper and in the right side of the net.

Both teams made subs with around 25 minutes left and play picked up as Des Moines nearly added to their lead in the 69th minute as Eddie Cass knocked a header off the crossbar. Then in the 71st minute, Austin Ledbetter earned a yellow card and free kick for San Antonio. Sam Mcbride would get a head on the kick from Alvarez and evened the match with less than 20 minutes o play.

San Antonio would take the lead in the 81st minute as Shawn Chin dribbled along the end line & fed the ball to the top of the box to Jacques Francois, who knocked it in the goal’s bottom-right corner for what would prove to be the game-winner. Francois was also integral in both of SAFC’s goals in their last tourney game against the Corinthians of the NPSL.

With time running out, Des Moines upped the pressure in search of an equalizer. Des Moines keeper Nico Campbell came forward and assisted play from around the midline. Though the Menace sent some late chances toward the goal they couldn’t get the late goal. The charge would be subdued in the 89th minute, as Elvir Ibesevic, would earn a red in the midst of traffic in front of the San Antonio goal.

Now with wins over Corinthians FC and Des Moines, San Antonio moves on to the Cup’s Fourth Round. They’ll make the three-hour trek up Texas’ I-10 to Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium to face the MLS Dynamo on June 15.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Former Chivas forward, record-setting defense earn La Maquina date with LA Galaxy

June 5, 2016 by Dennis Pope

La Maquina (left) vs. LA Wolves in the Third Round of 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

With its play on the field, La Maquina has proved its maturity.

Former Chivas de Guadalajara forward Edwin Borboa scored twice as La Maquina continued its run in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 2-0 victory over fellow United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) team Los Angeles Wolves FC. The match was played on June 1 in a Third Round game at Boswell Field on the campus of Westminster High School.

With the win, La Maquina becomes just the 12th amateur team since 1996 to reach the Fourth Round.

“As I’m getting older and towards the end of his career, primarily the focus is the team and helping the team through my experience and realizing that means putting some goals in the back of the net,” said Borboa through an interpreter.

The 33-year-old Mexican headed in the game’s first goal in the 17th minute, then scored on a free kick in the 68h minute to propel La Maquina into a Fourth Round matchup against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the StubHub Center on Wednesday, June 15.

“Very happy because we’re going against the next level, the LA Galaxy,” Borboa said. “They’re a very professional team but we know what we have, and we’re going to work hard to get to there, and try to move on the next round.”

Santa Ana, Calif.-based La Maquina, banned from the UPSL’s winter season due to its participation in a post-game brawl late last year, are one of only two amateur clubs (Kitsap Pumas) remaining in the tournament.

“We can’t believe where we are right now, but we’ve still been working every week, hard, hard,” La Maquina head coach Alex Uribe said. “We know it’s a very exciting game in two weeks.”

The club has not played a league fixture since December when UPSL President Yan Skwara announced the league’s ruling. Skwara, coincidently, is president and head coach of the LA Wolves.

“Give credit to La Maquina,” Skwara said. “They play a certain game, and I can’t tell exactly if it’s the way they played defensively against us, or if we didn’t play our game, or a combination of the two.”

Borboa’s first goal punctuated non-stop early pressure from La Maquina, which produced five shots on goal in the first 15 minutes.

His second goal came on a direct free kick at the top of the penalty area, 20 yards from goal. With three players standing over the ball, Borboa saw Wolves goalkeeper Kifi Kalani leaning and took his shot.

“The keeper was giving me the right side, trying to cheat, so I just took the easy way and placed it where he was cheating,” Borboa said.

“That’s Borboa. That’s the way he plays,” Uribe said. “You can see the goalie was expecting a lefty, and he just saw the goalie move the left and so he strikes it to the right.”

La Maquina, relying on competitive friendlies in between its US Open Cup calendar, have won all three rounds by 2-0 score lines. They are just the second team — and the first amateur team — in the Modern Era to earn three or more shutouts in each of their first three Open Cup games. (DC United had 5 straight from 1996-97)

“Since Day 1 in this Open Cup and I told them, ‘If we’re going to be in this Open Cup our goal can’t just be playing, that’s it,” Uribe said. “We want to go all the way, all the way to the end.”

La Maquina’s 2-0 win in the Second Round over Portland Timbers U-23s at Providence Park was an important moment, Uribe said.

“The experience they got in Portland, it was a huge stadium, it was an important team, it’s not a first-team but we demonstrated we can control the ball in any stadium,” Uribe said.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Wilmington Hammerheads strike early, hold off Miami FC, 2-1

June 4, 2016 by Craig Tower

Justin Moose of the Wilmington Hammerheads scored what would prove to be the game-winner against Miami FC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC- Orovio Photography

Playing at home in their ninth competitive match, Miami FC fell by a 2-1 score to the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. Miami (1-3-4 in the NASL) hoped to build on Saturday’s first-ever franchise win over FC Edmonton, but the Hammerheads, coming off of their own 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II, ended up notching their second in a row instead.

The Hammerheads (3-4-3 in USL play) came ready for action and took the lead in the 2nd minute when Michael Lahoud of Miami FC coughed up the ball to Mathew Barnes-Homer in central midfield 35 yards from his own goal. Homer found the feet of Jeff Michaud, and with no pressure on the ball from Miami, the midfielder trapped the ball and took a touch to his right, into the center of the Miami defense. He lashed a dipping right-footed shot from 25 yards out to the near post, beating Miami keeper David Sierra for the lead, silencing the faint cheers from the stands of the Florida International University stadium.

The sparse home crowd soon fell into an even deeper funk. A normally harmless Wilmington throw-in taken inside the visitor’s own half, was tipped back by Miami’s Hugo Leroux, straight into the path of a charging Justin Moose on the left side of the Miami defense. The midfielder drove in diagonally from the touchline, battling off a Miami FC challenge. Moose found himself loose in the Miami box. Sierra rushed unafraid into the path of the charging Moose, only to see the Hammerhead’s shot from 12 yards out sail low to his right and inside his far post.

Punch-drunk, Miami only recorded one shot on goal during the first half, and only began to string together passes in the midfield with five minutes remaining until the break.

At halftime, Miami made two changes. Jaime Chavez came in for Dane Richards, and Dario Cvitanich entered for Pablo Campos.

The newcomers made a significant impact on the game. Cvitanich initiated the most dangerous offensive movements for Miami in the second half, and Chavez was on the end of many of them.

Miami’s Martinez saw his low 25 yard drive in the 49th minute deflected to the left of the Wilmington goal by Eric Ati. Less than a minute later, Chavez found himself pursuing a chipped ball into the box, and barely missed to the same side with a looping ball over the keeper’s outstretched arms.

In the 52nd minute the Floridians broke through on a long ball from defender Adailton from 10 yards inside his own half. The ball arced over the center of the Wilmington backline and into the path of Chavez, who took the ball 30 yards away from the Wilmington goal. He took a shot from about 16 yards out, the ball flew over the keeper’s hips as he dove towards his near post.

Miami continued to press, and were dominating the game. In the 64th minute, Wilmington’s Tom Parrat charged into the outstretched leg of Cvitanich to draw the game’s first yellow card. Miami’s Lahoud followed with his own when he dropped a streaking Austin Martz before the Hammerhead could escape his own half on a breakaway.

Miami had a golden chance to tie the score in the 79th minute when Cvitanich’s chipped pass in to the box found Chavez, who was caught by Eric Ati after he tipped ball over the keeper’s right shoulder and towards the far post. Ati felled Chavez, and the referee decided that Ati should receive a yellow card and Miami a penalty kick.

Cvitanich took the kick, cooly driving it with his right foot to the keeper’s right post. Ati read the kicker’s intentions and dove with conviction, parrying the kick harmlessly past his post.

Miami seemed deflated after the setback, and lost their patience during the rest of regular time. In the 88th minute Adailton drew his own yellow for tripping a Wilmington player on his way into the Miami half.

With the win, Wilmington secures their first win over a Division 2 team in regulation since 2006.

Miami registered one more shot on goal during four minutes of added time, but it was a weak toe poke by Chavez that Ati collected easily.

Wilmington will go on to the next round where they face MLS side Real Salt Lake.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Rochester Rhinos play role of giant with 2-0 win over Lansdowne Bhoys

June 3, 2016 by Brendan Doherty

The Bhoys from New York City represented themselves well in a 2-0 loss to the Rochester Rhinos on Wednesday night.

Lansdowne Bhoys FC, one of six remaining teams from below the professional leagues, traveled to Rochester to face a team that, while best known as an occasional giant-killer, and the 1999 US Open Cup champion, is also a perennial minnow-crusher. The Rhinos entered Wednesday night’s game with a 15-0-0 all-time record against amateur sides in the Open Cup but the Bhoys proved they were no pushovers by defeating USL team Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Second Round.

The visitors flew up to Western New York on Tuesday night and had an extended training session on the turf at Rhinos Stadium on Wednesday morning. This rather professional preparation showed its value as Lansdowne players were competitive in every challenge from the first whistle.

Strong defenses from both teams limiting close-range chances in the first half but while Rochester attempted to make the pass in the final third, Lansdowne decided to shoot from distance. Attacking midfielder Daryl Kavanagh cut inside from the left channel to fire a right-footed shot wide of the far post from 18 yards out in the 16th minute.

In the 28th minute, Ciaran McGuigan rifled a heavy free kick just outside the post that appeared to have Rochester goalkeeper Tomas Gomez beat.

The Rhinos on the other hand tried to play short passes inside the area or low cross across the face of goal. Rochester forward Asani Samuels, who scored a hat-trick in the Second Round, dribbled towards goal along the end-line in the 12th minute but his patience allowed Lansdowne defenders to recover. Right winger Michel Guilavogui got around the corner in the 18th minute but there were no advanced teammates to meet his centering pass.

After the halftime break, the game continued in much the same way. In the 47th minute, Christian Volesky headed a cross from Bradley Kamdem tamely at Lansdowne goalkeeper Danso Abdoukarim. On the other end of the field, Ovan Oakley capitalized on a mistake by Rochester’s defense to create a breakaway but his attempted chip bounced harmlessly wide of the post in the 54th minute.

Rookie midfielder Andre Fortune II broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Rochester’s right back Dom Samuel had done well to cut inside and draw a foul from Lansdowne midfielder Craig Purcell. Several Rhinos stood around the ball but Fortune ultimately stepped up to take the free kick from 22 yards out. The Trinidad and Tobago youth international expertly curled the ball around the defensive wall and inside the post leaving Abdoukarim rooted to the spot.

The Bhoys responded well to conceding the game’s first goal, fashioning multiple chances in the next ten minutes. Purcell and Kavanagh in particular were active, forcing Gomez to make saves. The task facing the amateurs from Yonkers got considerably more difficult when Volesky doubled Rochester’s lead.

Marcos Ugarte picked up the ball after a half-clearance from Lansdowne’s defense. The second-year Rochester winger saw Volesky in a meter of space and found his teammate with a crisp, low pass. Volesky took a touch to settle the ball before burying a right-footed shot from 18 yards in the 71st minute.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Lansdowne Bhoys FC continued to battle for loose balls and challenge the Rochester goal until the final whistle.

“They were a tough team, they were physical. They came to play for sure. They beat Pittsburgh a couple weeks back,” Andre Fortune II said after the game. “We knew that after this game, whoever came out of it was playing Red Bulls and that meant a lot to both of us. They came out fighting and they were ready to play.”

Christian Volesky described his goal to media after the game. “Marcos and I have a really good chemistry,” he said. “He picked me out and I knew I was going to get the ball. I took a touch away from the pressure and just hit it and found the back of the net fortunately for me.”
The forward added, “The goalkeeper was good but I was able to beat him on this shot.”

“Obviously they’re a physical team,” Rochester head coach Bob Lilley said about Lansdowne Bhoys FC. “Their long-range shooting was impressive, they stung a lot of balls from distance … for sure, they were dangerous.

“Overall it was a good win. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” the veteran coach continued. “We took the game seriously and we told the guys that it may take a while to crack them. It was always going to be a tricky game and I think we handled it pretty well.”

After the game Lansdowne head coach Austin Friel was disappointed but proud of his team’s achievements and humble in defeat. Friel said his players knew the mental fortitude that was necessary to play against the defending USL champions.

“I knew they were very good at keeping the ball. I knew they were very dangerous on set pieces. And I knew they can hurt you if you make any mistakes. So we were coming up here basically to keep a good shape, keep a good formation, and to try and frustrate the Rochester Rhinos and to try to take our chances whenever we got them.”

We did well for nearly 60 minutes. We gave away a free kick on the edge of the box and fair play to the midfielder, he put it away well. So coming up here, we were expecting a tough game and we got one. The best team won I thought.”

The coach reflected on the context of this year’s cup run within the club’s history. “Obviously it has to be up there with the very best achievements because it’s not every day that an amateur team beats a professional team, or even beats a PDL team. But as I said, it’s the start of where the club wants to go.”

“Whenever you get a taste of what you can achieve, what the players have achieved, you want more. Definitely we’ll be back in it next year and try and have a journey again. I think it’s been like a 9 or 10 month journey already that we’ve had. It’s been a great experience. The players have really adapted themselves well and deserve all the credit they get.”

While Lansdowne Bhoys FC saw their first ever entrance to the US Open Cup end in the Third Round, the Rhinos are looking forward to a Fourth Round match against the New York Red Bulls. Rochester will host the MLS side on June 15 from Rhinos Stadium at 7 p.m.