2017 US Open Cup

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Midfield goal caps off convincing win by Atlanta Silverbacks over SC United Bantams (video)

May 13, 2017 by Taylor Peyton

One of the many interesting aspects of amateur soccer in the United States is the variation of when the season begins for individual clubs. Prior to the two clubs going head to head in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Atlanta Silverbacks of the National Premier Soccer League started their 2017 campaign on May 6 with a 2-1 loss against Birmingham Hammers, while South Carolina United Bantams of the Premier Development League are not set to play their first league match until May 23.

The Silverbacks were able to take full advantage of having one game under their belt by defeating SC United Bantams by a score of 4-1 to advance to the second round of the US Open Cup.

The Silverbacks got off to a lightning fast start as Abraham Lansana scored from out wide after receiving the ball from DZ Harmon in the 4th minute of play. The Bantams nearly scored a minute later after as Terrell Williamson had a shot on goal that was saved by Silverbacks keeper Thomas Hunter.

The Silverbacks were given a corner in the 20th minute. Mitch Garcia delivered a ball to the top of the box to a Silverbacks player that put into the box. The ball took a deflection and found the feet of Deon McCaulay who gave the Silverbacks at 2-0 lead that they would take into the halftime break.

McCaulay again found the net in the 58th minute after receiving the ball from the Silverbacks explosive winger Alex Harlley. Just five minutes later he would be subbed off along with midfielder Ricardo Oliveira. The two would be replaced by Avery Shephard and Mohammed Issahaku, respectively.

SC United Bantams did manage to get on the board when they were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute. Leandro Brown converted it to make it 3-1, still in favor of the home side.

On the ensuing kickoff, Alex Harlley, the nephew of former English Premier League star Emmanuel Adebayor, noticed that the Bantams keeper was off of his line. He took advantage by launching a shot from midfield right off the kickoff, sending it past Bantams keeper Jack Howard to make it 4-1 in the 79th minute.

ALEX HARLLEY’S GOAL FROM MIDFIELD

The Silverbacks were able to hold onto their 4-1 lead, giving Phoday Dolleh his first win as head coach of the Silverbacks. Dolleh said afterwards that he felt great for the players that he said put in a lot of hard work for the players.

“We lost our opener and we had a lot of trouble with our roster,” Dolleh said. “I was missing some of my key players, so I’m very excited and looking forward to the next game.”

What Dolleh was referring to by missing some of his key players was Kentaro “Taka” Takada, and Abdul Bangura were not able to play due to having clearance issues with the US Soccer Federation. These clearance issues were part of why kickoff was delayed until 5 p.m., as opposed to the originally announced 3:30.

The Silverbacks will host Charleston Battery of the USL in the Second Round on Wednesday, May 17. The Silverbacks senior professional club, which is no longer active, had a fierce rivalry when Atlanta was part of the A-League and the USL First Division from 1997 to 2008. This will be the first meeting between a Silverbacks club and the Battery since a preseason friendly in 2012.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Fresno Fuego spoil La Maquina’s encore performance

May 12, 2017 by Adrian Luevano

After scoring a brace in the USL PDL opener against the Burlingame Dragons, Jose ‘Chiva’ Cuevas delivered another two-goal night against La Maquina FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday. The Fuego pervailed with a 4-1 victory, denying La Maquina a chance to recreate the magic of last year’s run to the Fourth Round.

After back-and-forth chances for both clubs, Cuevas opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a right-footed curler to put the Fuego up 1-0.

“I think that was a big time goal, because La Maquina were good,” Cuevas said. “They pressed us, while we were still trying to find our rhythm. After we got that goal, it calmed us down and allowed us to find our rhythm.”

La Maquina had a chance in the 34th minute to equalize on a free kick, just outside the box. However, it was blocked and the visitors could not regain possession.

Fuego goalkeeper Agustin Rey denied the UPSL side with back-to-back saves in the 52nd minute to keep the game at 1-0.

However, the visitors would strike 13 minutes later as Jose Montes de Oca buried Edwin Borboa’s pass to level the game at 1-1

Cuevas put the Fuego back in the lead at 2-1 with his second of the night.

“Sometimes you go through those phases where you’re hot and it’s just soccer,” Cuevas said. “I just want to keep scoring for the city, for the club, and for my family.”

Three minutes later, substitute Joey Chica’s touch toward goal, hit the post, and trickled into goal for a 3-1 Fuego lead.

“All I knew was I needed get a goal to calm things down for my team and that was a great ball by Eti,” Chica said. “I thought I missed it to be honest.”

After servicing Chica on the assist, Eti Tavares got a goal of his own in stoppage time, to put the game away at 4-1.

Head coach Brian Zwaschka felt that getting the victory was not only great for his team, but for the community as well.

“It’s massive. La Maquina is such a great team, who had an amazing run last year. Anything can happen in the Open Cup, and with a win, you play bigger and bigger teams. For us to be able to do that and get the win means a lot for the community.”

With the win, the Fuego will host USL side Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 17 at the Fresno State Soccer Field. The USL side features star players such as Omar Bravo, Shawn Wright-Phillips, and the biggest new signing, Didier Drogba.

Cuevas is excited to play the trio, but he is even more ecstatic to take on some familiar faces.

“I’m very excited, because that’s my old club,” Cuevas said. “I’ll definitely play with a little itch on my back, nothing against them, but it’s always good to play against your old club.”

2017 US Open Cup: Defender scores “surreal” game-winner as Jacksonville Armada U23s edge The Villages SC

May 12, 2017 by Stuart Webber

Cameron Grassmyer isn’t known for finding the back of the net, but with the game in the balance, the 6’4″ defender provided a game-winner in the closing minutes on Wednesday night. Grassmyer’s 89th minute header off a free kick proved to be the difference in a 2-1 victory for the Jacksonville Armada U23 team against The Villages SC in the First Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For Grassmyer it’s a great experience he won’t forget.

“This is my first game ever in the US Open Cup, I know it has a huge tradition to it, and for me to have scored, it was such a long time for me to get back in the score sheet, the feeling was so surreal.” said Grassmyer.

For those who arrived late to Patton Park, they missed a blistering start for the visiting Buffalo. Ericksson Alves needed less than a minute to put The Villages SC ahead 1-0 after slamming home a rebound right in front of the net. But that was all the scoring the defending PDL Southeast division champs would see on this night. Despite some late chances for The Villages SC it was Jacksonville who took control after halftime under head coach Pat Cannon.

“To start the game we had some nerves, gave up a tough goal, but the boys settled in at halftime and we talked about putting more numbers forward, a little more sense of urgency and getting behind their back four.” said Cannon.

Substitutions proved to be a key swing for the Armada U23 side with a pair of changes at the 60th and 62nd minutes helping spur on the game-tying goal. Josh Castellanos scored the equalizer for the home team in the 63rd minute and momentum continued to roll the Armada’s way as the match went on.

Now Jacksonville turns its attention to Round 2 of the U.S. Open Cup and a trip to Al Lang Stadium next Tuesday night to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League. Nurdin Hrustic knows what it’s like to face the Rowdies from his time with the Armada’s senior club in the NASL and hopes to lead the U-23 side to similar success.

“We’re trying to be the Cinderella story and take it as far as possible, try to lead these young guys, with their power and energy coming out of college and try to do the best we can.” said Hrustic.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Tartan Devils first Pittsburgh amateur team to advance in 25 years

May 12, 2017 by John Krysinsky

In a battle of contrasting teams, a veteran group of amateur players from Pittsburgh’s Tartan Devils Oak Avalon battled back to net a late equalizer, then beat a Derby City Rovers FC 1-1 (4-3 on penalties), in the First Tound of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night in Jeffersonville, Indiana, at the Woerle Sports Complex.

“It’s extremely special. These guys do this every day,” said the Tartan Devils’ Rich Heuler. “We all have jobs. Work 9 to 5. We don’t train that much at all, but to come out, and get a result like this, it’s something very special.”

With the win, the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon now advance to the Second Round, as they will host United Soccer League pro side, Louisville City FC at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 17.

“I’m glad it’s over, we kind of ran out of gas in that last 15 minute overtime period,” chuckled Andy Kalas, Tartan Devils Oak Avalon player/coach. “It was a helluva team win. I could not be prouder of this group of guys, to come back and tie it, and win it in PKs, and to be honest, I thought we had the better of the chances for much of the way.”

After surrendering a goal in the 12th minute, the Devils tilted the momentum in its favor as the match wore on, and finally capitalized with a dramatic, game-tying goal in the 89th minute on a header from Heuler, who redirected a Derek Mackenzie free kick.

“The last free kick, moments before, I was wide open on the last stick, and I knew that was my spot,” said Heuler, who Kalas brought on as a sub right after the second half started. “So, I was ready, lined up on the back stick. I was able to lose my defender, and it was a beautiful ball right on my head to the back stick. I was able to put it – upper 90, left side.”

The Rovers came out early in the game seizing possession, and really putting the Devils on their heels in the first 15 minutes of the match.

After a few dangerous balls into the box, and near misses in the opening 10 minutes, the Rovers cut through the Devils back line with a nice diagonal, cut-back pass from Cory Thomas who found Igor Ibrahimkavic with a through ball to the right side of the box. Getting behind the Devils defenders and with enough space, Ibrahimkavic sent a grass-cutting low shot just inside the left post to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.

Moments later, Tartan Devils Oak Avalon responded, pushing forward for a couple of solid opportunities. E.J. McCormick slid inside his defender on a ball played back to steal the ball to create a one-on-one chance against Rovers goalkeeper Wyatt Durbin, who came out to cut off the shot angle. McCormick’s shot would barely slide right past the post.

The Devils would keep biding time, staying back with solid defensive shape and started to disrupt the Rovers attack and limit chances. The younger side, with many players between ages 18 to 24, started to get frustrated with the Devils physical presence on every play – and started picking up fouls.

“That’s our team,” Heuler said. “It’s not the prettiest at times, but we started to connect. We get after every 50/50 ball, we’re going in one hundred percent.”

The Rovers had a few spells near the end of regulation and into extra time when they were sending in balls into the box with regularity, but after surrendering an early goal, the Tartan Devils back line held their ground.

“We have some pretty big guys back there,” Kalas said. “So we don’t mind them swinging it out wide and they want to serve it in. We’ll take our chances. We’ve got guys 6-2, 6-3 and we’re clearing the ball, our goalie was phenomenal and we’re a countering attacking team, so it worked to our advantage as the game wore on.”

Holding on to a one-goal lead, the Rovers nearly put the game away for good only moments before Heuler’s equalizer. Derby City’s Kenny Doublette cut back a pass to the center of the box for Dubai Tashiro, who chipped a shot over Zach Varga and into the back of the net. The goal was waved off, as the Rovers were offside.

As the game entered overtime, with heavy legs, both teams were picking their spots in creating chances, but the Rovers kept most of the possession, as Varga came up with a few big saves, and the Devils were heading balls back out of the box with regularity.

“They were really laying it on thick, and yeah, we had countless headers. But to be honest, that’s soccer. If you can defend well late in the game, then it’s good,” Kalas said.

After 120 minutes, the veteran group of Devils that includes many former college players from Pittsburgh area schools like Pitt, Duquesne, Robert Morris – relied on maturity and experience to get through the penalty kick rounds.

In the first two rounds of kicks, the teams were each stopped once by dazzling saves by Varga and Dublin, and it was 1-1. The next two kicks were converted for each team, setting up the stage for the fifth, and what would be the deciding round.

The Rovers sent Greg Fischer to beat Varga – but his shot banged off the bar.

This gave the Pittsburgh amateur club, which was formed only three years ago while sitting around at Pipers Pub, on the city’s South Side, a chance to advance.

Travis Mackenzie stepped up to take the clincher – and the former Chartiers Valley, Duquense University and Pittsburgh Riverhounds standout put it through.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Reading United edge Clarkstown Eagles to break another Modern Era record

May 12, 2017 by Stephen Valenti

Nothing went the way Reading United head coach Stephen Hogan expected to in its US Open Cup First Round match.

Five minutes into the game, the gameplan got ripped up as Hogan was forced to use his first substitution. For the final 15 minutes, Reading had to deal with playing a man down.

Showing toughness that Reading looks for, it held on for a 1-0 win over Clarkstown SC Eagles Wednesday at Don Thomas Stadium. The win is the sixth straight in the opening round, giving Reading another Modern Era (1995-present) Open Cup record for an amateur team.

“We had to adapt,” Hogan said. “It was a well deserved 1-0 lead going into halftime. Just try to survive at the end.”

Frantzdy Pierrot scored the lone goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time in the first half. Pierrot headed in the rebound off his penalty kick that was saved by Clarkstown’s Robert Pellegrini. Pierrot drew the foul by receiving a long pass from Hugo Delhommelle, making a move around the Pellegrini who took him down.

“I hesitated a little bit, saw him going left but I still went that way,” Pierrot said. “It’s something I have to work on but I was able to react quick enough to score.”

The score would be all Reading needed as it held on down the stretch with a non-ideal lineup.
Jorge Guinovart played only five minutes of his Reading debut before leaving the field on a cart. Guinovart jumped for a ball in midfield and was fouled by Christopher Riordan making head-to-head contact.

“You never plan that,” Hogan said of the early substitution. “That changed the whole gameplan. I had one or two on the bench I wanted to get in at a certain time and I couldn’t do that.”

Coming in, Reading had only one training session as players are still arriving from colleges for the PDL season. Making matters more difficult, Aaron Molloy picked up his second yellow in the 76th minute just as Clarkstown started to increase its pressure.

Clarkstown’s best chance came in the 64th minute. Esad Mackic had the ball find his feet in a dangerous position on the right side of the box but the shot was deflected before it got to Reading’s Ben Beaury in goal to make the easy save.

Down a man, all Reading could do was hold on over the final 15 minutes. Clarkstown kept pushing but struggled to put any quality shots on net.

“Being a man down is difficult in any situation let alone the first game of the season,” Marco Micaletto said. “You get to a mental stage with this club where things like that don’t effect you.”

By advancing, Reading will host the New York Cosmos in the second round at a site yet to be determined.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: OKC Energy U23s eliminate Tulsa Athletic, earn date with Tulsa Roughnecks in Round 2

May 12, 2017 by William Schulz

First-time US Open Cup entry Oklahoma City Energy U23s moved on to the Second Round of tournament play with a 4-2 penalty kick victory over Tulsa Athletic after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at the University of Tulsa’s Hurricane Track & Soccer Complex.

Oklahoma City’s Matt Puig scored in regulation and in penalty kicks, but it was Tulsa goal scorer Declan Fitzpatrick that saw his chance in kicks sail high to end the game.

The first half was an open-ended and exciting affair, as both teams hit the ground running. Oklahoma City maintained a slim edge over Tulsa for most of the half. Both clubs played a physical first half, with Oklahoma City’s Noah Keats earning a yellow card for a piece of physical play. Tulsa came back with a surge of offense, but were unable to capitalize thanks to some fantastic goal keeping by OKC’s Eric Dick. Tulsa’s goalkeeper Michael Kluver was also in top form, making several important stops. Oklahoma City eventually found the back of the net near the end of the first half through Matt Puig, who scored an unassisted goal in the 44th minute of play.

The second half began with a much slower pace as Oklahoma City sat back in possession and Tulsa seemed unwilling to push. As time marched on, Tulsa slowly found their feet and by the middle of the second half they were knocking on the door for an equalizer.

Dick was an absolute beast in the second half, making numerous saves to deny Tulsa the goal they so desperately craved.

Eventually Tulsa found a crack in OKC’s defenses and managed to score a tremendous equalizer from Fitzpatrick. After the equalizer, the game accelerated to a frantic pace, but neither side was able to push ahead.

Both clubs spent all their substitutions during regulation, so a slowing of pace was perhaps inevitable as the rain came down on extra time. Tulsa’s Gustavo Vargas earned the first yellow card of extra time as tempers began to wear thin. Tulsa looked the more aggressive side, but neither were able to break through during the first half of extra time. The second half of the period proved to be a muddy and slog-filled with cramps and missed opportunities. This match would be decided by penalty kicks.

The rain stopped falling as though in recognition of the gravity surrounding the moment. The Energy were first up, and Jacob Van Compemolle scored the first goal. Tulsa’s Santiago Riveros attempted to answer, but Dick proved the better man once again by saving the shot. Caio Ruiz doubled OKC’s penalty lead, but this time Tulsa answered back through Rollie Rocha to make it 2-1. Noah Keats netted penalty number three for the Energy, and Joe Garcia did the same for Tulsa to make it 3-2.

Puig, the Oklahoma City goal scorer, stepped up to score penalty number four. In an almost poetic fashion, Tulsa’s Fitzpatrick stepped up to take Athletic’s fourth penalty. Fitzpatrick buckled under the pressure, sending his penalty well above the target.

The Oklahoma City Energy U23s will face the Tulsa Roughnecks on May 17.

2017 US Open Cup: Coin flips will finalize Third Round matchups

May 12, 2017 by Ian Foster

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced the 13 Third Round matchups that will determine who gets to take on MLS in the Fourth Round.

Two amateur clubs are guaranteed to reach the Third Round, and both drew intriguing potential matchups. The winner of Boston City FC vs. GPS Omens could possibly go to Rochester to take on the Rhinos, who are still the only non-MLS team since 1996 to win the Open Cup. And LA Wolves, who take on fellow amateur club Chula Vista FC in the second round, could be in for a home rematch against Orange County SC. The Wolves last year became the third consecutive amateur team to take Orange County out of the competition.

Rematch potential abounds in the third round. Harrisburg City and Reading United have played each other every other year since 2009. Standing in Reading’s way are the New York Cosmos, who have managed a win against an MLS team in each of their three Open Cup appearances.

Further down the Eastern Seaboard, a de facto Carolina Cup will conclude as the winner of the Carolina Dynamo/North Carolina FC game takes on the winner of the Charlotte derby between the Independence and the Eagles. Except for the Independence, all four North Carolina teams have made it to at least the Quarterfinals. Even further south, the Charleston Battery may get a chance to avenge their 3^rd-round extra time loss to Jacksonville Armada last year.

Other interesting potential matchups include a USL rivalry bout between FC Cincinnati and Louisville City, a battle of MLS expansion hopefuls in Indy Eleven vs. Saint Louis FC, and an all-Nevada affair between Anahuac FC and Reno 1868 FC.

Host determinations were made by coin flip on Friday. All pairings are listed below:

Home	Away
Miami FC/South Florida Surf (would not host Tampa Bay Rowdies)	Tampa Bay Rowdies (would host against South Florida Surf)/Jacksonville Armada U-23
Miami United FC/Jacksonville Armada	Atlanta Silverbacks/Charleston Battery
Richmond Kickers/Christos FC (would not host Pittsburgh Riverhounds)	Chicago FC United/Pittsburgh Riverhounds (would host Christos FC)
Carolina Dynamo/North Carolina FC	Charlotte Eagles/Charlotte Independence
Rochester Rhinos/FC Motown (would not host Boston City FC)	GPS Omens/Boston City FC (would host FC Motown)
Reading United AC/New York Cosmos (would not host Ocean City)	Ocean City Nor’Easters (would host New York Cosmos)/Harrisburg City Islanders
Michigan Bucks/Indy Eleven	FC Wichita/Saint Louis FC
FC Cincinnati/AFC Cleveland	Tartan Devils Oak Avalon/Louisville City FC
San Francisco Deltas/Burlingame Dragons (would not host Fresno)	Fresno Fuego (would host Burlingame)/Phoenix Rising FC
Tulsa Roughnecks FC/Oklahoma City Energy U-23 (would not host San Antonio)	Dutch Lions FC/San Antonio FC (would host OKC U-23)
OSA FC/Reno 1868 FC (would not host Sacramento)	Sacramento Republic FC (would host Reno)/Anahuac FC
LA Wolves FC/Chula Vista FC	FC Golden State Force/Orange County SC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC/FC Tucson	OKC Energy FC/Moreno Valley FC

2017 US Open Cup Round 1 Review: No shortage of drama as 104th tournament kicks off

May 10, 2017 by Josh Hakala

New Jersey Copa (red) and FC Motown squared off in a battle of two New Jersey teams making their US Open Cup debut. Photo: Bob Larson

There were 27 games, 80 goals, six penalty shootouts, and that made for an exciting First Round in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

And the action isn’t quite done yet, as Grand Rapids FC and Chicago FC United had their game postponed until Friday due to heavy rain.

Last year’s national champions both advanced to a matchup with professional teams in Round 2. The Michigan Bucks, reigning kings of the PDL, dispatched upstart AFC Ann Arbor, while NPSL champion AFC Cleveland took a fruitful trip to Iowa, taking a 3-1 win from the Des Moines Menace. And last year’s USASA Amateur Cup champion Christos FC from Maryland were victorious in their Open Cup debut.

With those 27 games, a few potential Cinderella runs came to an abrupt end. La Maquina, last year’s Fourth Round extra time challenger to the LA Galaxy, fell to the Fresno Fuego. Chattanooga FC, NPSL’s only club to vanquish a pro team in the Open Cup, met an early end in Charlotte.

Check below for a full list of the Round 1 scores and links to the full match reports will be added as they are published.

#USOC2017 coverage:
* 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results (video/audio links)
* 2017 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)
* 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* A map of all 99 entries for the 2017 US Open Cup
* 2017 Meet the Underdogs series
* 2017 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review: 14 more teams advance as Round 3 moved to next year
* 2017 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1: Scores and recaps from every game
* Eric Wynalda hired to lead LA Wolves for 2017 US Open Cup run
* Reading United qualifies for record 9th straight US Open Cup, seeking more than an opening round win

* Things you should know about the First Round of the US Open Cup

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A pair of Miami-based clubs opened up the first round of the 2017 US Open Cup on Tuesday evening. South Florida Surf and Red Force FC squared off in what turned out to be a lopsided affair in favor of the away team. After the teams battled to a 1-1 score at halftime, three straight goals by the Surf sealed the game for the visiting side, one of which was a no doubter by Jeff Michaud into the top left corner for his second goal of the night.

One of the top goals of the first round of the US Open Cup was arguably the least important for the Atlanta Silverbacks in their 4-1 victory. An opening goal by Abraham Lansana and a brace from Deon McCaulay saw Atlanta up 3-0. After a penalty kick goal by the Bantams of SC United brought the score to 3-1, the ensuing kickoff saw a Silverbacks player touch the ball and Alex Harlley launched a shot from midfield that beat the Bantams keeper for the final goal in the 4-1 win.

Peter Caringi opened up the scoring in the 4th minute for Christos FC, added an insurance goal five minutes into the second half, then iced the match in the 87th minute for a first round hat trick as Christos FC won 3-0 in the Maryland team’s Open Cup debut. Caringi became the just the second open division player in the Modern Era to score a hat trick.FULL MATCH REPORT

A scoreless draw through 120 minutes saw El Farolito play over an hour with only 10 men, but it was Burlingame Dragons that were able to advance to the Second Round of the US Open Cup with a 6-5 advantage in penalty kicks after eight rounds. Ben Simon saw the Dragons through in their Open Cup debut with a cool finish into the right side of the net in the final round.to allow the Dragons to advance to Round 2 for the first time in club history.

After playing to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, an extra-time rocket from FC Motown’s Sammy Gehmen proved to be the difference as he hit the back of the net on a free kick from 32 yards out in the 109th minute. In the battle of two New Jersey teams making their US Open Cup debuts, it was FC Motown who would pick up their first win.

It was the rookie versus the veteran in the match-up between Legacy 76 and the Carolina Dynamo. The Dynamo, making their 12th appearance in the US Open Cup, defeated Legacy 76, 2-1. The win earned the Dynamo a home game against the NASL’s North Carolina FC.

After falling behind 1-0 in the very first minute of the match, Armada FC U-23s scored a pair of second half goals in the 58th and 88th minutes to claim a 2-1 victory. It was the first Open Cup win in club history for the NPSL side as they advance to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Round 2.FULL MATCH REPORT

Miami United scored early and late to bookend a 2-1 victory over visiting Boca Raton FC. Matias Menza opened the scoring in the 7th minute for Miami. Early in the second half, Boca Raton FC equalized, but it was Miami earning the win on a goal in the 87th minute by Nacho Calcagno. United will host the Jacksonville Armada (NASL) in Round 2.

Boston City FC trailed twice in the opening round matchup against the Western Mass Pioneers, and for a brief time, was down to eight men in a match that saw four total red cards. Despite playing from behind, Boston City FC equalized twice to knot the score at 2-2 after two hours of play then advanced on penalty kicks, 5-4.

A pair of second half goals propelled the Charlotte Eagles past Chattanooga FC and into the second round of the US Open Cup. Kelvin Omondi scored off a rebound in the 72nd minute while Joao Costa added an insurance tally in the 89th minute for the home side.

For a Modern Era record sixth straight season, amateur side Reading United AC (PDL) advanced past the opening round with a 1-0 victory over Clarkstown SC Eagles. Reading United, making its amateur record 9th straight US Open Cup appearance, received a penalty kick goal from Frandzy Pierrott in first half stoppage time.

In another contest that featured an first-timer against an experienced side in Open Cup terms, it was experience winning out again as Ocean City earned a 3-1 win over Junior Lone Star (USASA). The Nor’easters scored two goals in the opening quarter-hour as Fredlin Mompremier and Tyler Collishaw each found the back of the net, while former Swope Park Rangers (USL) forward Akeil Barrett added the final tally in the 82nd minute to round out the scoring. For Ocean City it was the club’s 9th Open Cup win in the team’s PDL history (10th all-time), which ranks third among all amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present)

Tartan Devils Oak Avalon needed a last gasp goal to force extra time, then claimed the win in penalty kicks to advance to the second round of their inaugural US Open Cup run. Derby City scored in the 11th minute and held on to the lead until the 89th, when Robert Heuler redirected a free kick into the net to knot the match at 1-1. After a scoreless 30 minutes of extra time, the Devils advanced via a 4-3 advantage on penalties. The Devils are the first amateur team from Western Pennsylvania to qualify for the tournament since 1992.

Reigning PDL champion Michigan Bucks hosted AFC Ann Arbor, a squad making its first appearance in the Open Cup. The Bucks claimed the lead in the 13th minute on a goal from Andre Landell and played solid defense the remainder of the way, holding on to the single goal advantage to earn a 1-0 win in the all-Michigan battle.

In a rematch of a first round meeting from the 2013 US Open Cup, GPS Omens (then known as Mass Premier Soccer) avenged that loss from four years ago with a 2-0 win over GPS Portland Phoenix. The game was held on the same field as the 2013 contest, but this time it was the Massachusetts side that prevailed in a battle of teams affiliated with the Global Premier Soccer organization. It marked the first US Open Cup win for GPS Omens in its fourth entry into the tournament.

After a scoreless first half, there was an offensive explosion to start the second, with three goals scored in the first two minutes. The Dutch Lions scored two of them, and then gifted an own goal to North Texas. The Rayados held on but couldn’t find the equalizer as the Dutch Lions added a late goal by Jerry Scholman to put the game away.FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Wichita had to withstand a massive weather delay and a scrappy, shorthanded Azteca FC team, but ultimately prevailed in extra time, 1-0. Azteca’s Christian Moran was sent off 12 minutes into the match, but the amateur side from Colorado held on with 10 men into extra time. The game-winner would eventually come from Travis Pittman in the 104th minute as FC Wichita picked up its first-ever Open Cup win.

It was Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma. PDL vs. NPSL. The drama was already baked in, but the game itself proved to be even better as the Oklahoma City Energy U23s needed penalty kicks to eliminate the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletic. After a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, OKC prevailed in the shootout 4-2 to advance to Round 2 in the club’s Open Cup debut.FULL MATCH REPORT

It was a battle of two amateur powerhouses between the the defending NPSL champion AFC Cleveland and the Des Moines Menace, arguably the second best amateur club in Modern Era history. Cleveland scored a pair of goals in the final three minutes to prevail 3-1, handing the Menace just their third opening round loss in club history. For Cleveland, they reach Round 2 for the second year in a row and their reward is a tough, in-state road game against the USL’s FC Cincinnati.

FC Tucson defeated the Colorado Rush 3-1 to advance to the Second Round of the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. The match was 1-1 heading into the final minutes but it was Tucson who scored a pair of goals to steal the game and send the Rush back to Colorado empty-handed after their Open Cup debut.

In a battle of San Diego, Chula Vista FC held off a shorthanded Albion SC Pros team to win 3-2. Albion SC’s Luke Staats received a red card in the 16th minute but despite being down a man, the game remained scoreless until the 74th minute. That’s when the game got interesting. Alberto Diaz scored for Chula Vista in the 74th, but moments later, Albion SC missed a penalty kick but scored another one five minutes later, which saw Chula Vista go down to 10 men for a second yellow card. Chula Vista added two late goals to give them the distance they needed. Albion SC pulled one back in stoppage time but it was too little, too late.

After a history-making cup run in 2016, many fans were curious to see what Southern California amateur club La Maquina would do for an encore. However, the Fresno Fuego weren’t interested in an encore as they cruised to a 4-1 win to earn their fourth straight opening round win in club history. Jose Cuevas scored a pair of goals to help the Fuego earn a home game against the USL’s Phoenix Rising FC. FULL MATCH REPORT

Moreno Valley FC made the most of their US Open Cup debut, defeating Ventura County Fusion 2-1. Javier Castro made some history when he scored the opening goal for Moreno Valley. He became the first player in the Modern Era to score a goal for four different teams in four consecutive years. One of those teams was the Ventura County Fusion. Norberto Ochoa put Mo’Val up 2-0, but the Fusion missed a late penalty kick that proved costly as their late goal wasn’t enough, falling 2-1.

FC Golden State Force jumped out to a 2-0 first half lead, but despite going down to 10 men in the 29th minute, they held on for a 2-0 win over Outbreak FC. Mark Verso and Bruno Lavandoski scored for the Force who win their Open Cup debut and move on to host Orange County SC of the USL.

Anahuac FC and Sonoma County Sol were scoreless until Marco Barragan put the Sol up 1-0. That lead was short-lived as Anahuac tied the game up one minute later. The match ultimately went to penalty kicks where Anahuac FC won 5-4 to become the first Nevada club to advance in the US Open Cup during the Modern Era.

It was a defensive battle in the Pacific Northwest as OSA FC and the Seattle Sounders U23s finished scoreless after 120 minutes. The game had to be decided in penalty kicks and OSA, formerly known as FC Tacoma 253, advanced to Round 2 by the score of 5-3.

The LA Wolves FC found themselves up 3-0 after the 62nd minute and after trading goals with the San Diego Zest, they advanced to Round 2, 4-2. The Wolves, who are led by first-year head coach Eric Wynalda, will move on to play Chula Vista FC in Round 2.

It was an ultimately disappointing Open Cup for debutantes Grand Rapids FC. The initial game, set to be played on Wednesday night in front of a sizable GRFC-friendly crowd, was stormed out. The two teams took the field again on Friday afternoon at Wheaton College. Chicago FC United persisted through the saga and the late Grand Rapids pressure, winning 1-0 on a 90th-minute own goal. Chicago FC United advances to host the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds next Wednesday in the Second Round.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Peter Caringi’s hat trick delivers Christos FC its first US Open Cup victory

May 10, 2017 by Greg Wolfe

Christo FC had an early goal by Peter Caringi and the striker added two more in a 3-0 victory over Fredericksburg FC on their own turf to open the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“I feel like we were prepared,” Caringi said. “We don’t practice as much as some of these other pro teams but we have guys who have played together so we’ve got that chemistry. When we’re together I feel like we can beat any team no matter who it is.”

Both teams were fast moving at the start of the game, with Christo not missing a step in their first contest of the tournament. An early mistake by Fredericksburg’s defense in the third minute proved costly, as Caringi took advantage and found the net while Daniel Baxter recorded an assist.

Fredericksburg seemingly settled down at this point of the match, controlling a quick-striking Christo offense. Baxter was a huge part of that offense and was all over the field, contributing with great speed to set up scoring opportunities while slipping through defenders throughout the game.

Fredericksburg got their first shot on goal in the ninth minute, as the offense started to pull together. Christo’s defense held strong, and forced Fredericksburg to go scoreless for the entirety of the first half.

Fredericksburg had many chances to knock in goals, as Juanra Farjado had multiple impressive passes down the field to put his team in a good position to score. One of those passes seemingly went 60 yards to perfectly settle in the opponent’s corner and give Fredericksburg a chance. Much like what would transpire for the rest of the game however, Fredericksburg just couldn’t cash in.

Christos started the second half the same way they had started the first. Fredericksburg seemed to have a lot of momentum and some new fire in the offense, but Christo silenced that when Caringi connected with his second goal. Mamadou Kansaye had an assist on the goal with a picture perfect pass. The pass went right in front of Fredericksburg’s goal, set up so that Caringi had a perfect angle for a header into the net.

Down two goals, Fredericksburg faced some adversity as the offense slowed down, and shots on goal for both teams became a rarity as ball possession was traded back and forth.

In the 65th minute, Fredericksburg made all three of its substitutions. Some fresh faces helped spark a struggling offense and it showed in the 68th minute. Fredericksburg managed three shots on goal all within three minutes, desperately trying to find their way back into the game. Fredericksburg would come up empty all three times, despite multiple great looks that were foiled by good defense and some outstanding plays by Christo’s goalkeeper.

In the 87th minute, Christo pulled away as Caringi was alone with the net, and completed his hat trick to put the game away.

That chemistry will be a major key to the game next Wednesday, when Christo will face the Richmond Kickers who are an affiliate of D.C. United. Christo will be in enemy territory again, as the game is being played at City Stadium in Richmond.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: LA Wolves hoping investment pays off with addition of head coach Eric Wynalda

May 10, 2017 by Zach Smith

The LA Wolves wanted to get on the map when they participated in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time last season. Fast forward to now, the young club is hoping to turn some heads in this year’s tournament and has a new leader with some experience of doing just that.

The Wolves, under the new direction of head coach Eric Wynalda, are in the Open Cup for the second straight year and take on the San Diego Zest in the first round Wednesday night at Azusa Pacific University.

“I can comfortably tell you that we are better than we were last year because we’ve invested more into the program,” said Wolves president and GM Yan Skwara. “Eric was handed a pretty good team already, but as a coach who’s gunning for more, he saw holes that needed to be patched up. Now the guys just have to do it. I know they’re up to the challenge.”

To say Wynalda is experienced is a gross understatement. The US Soccer Hall of Famer played in the Bundesliga and scored 106 goals at the international level. His name has been floated around for an MLS coaching job for years, but his most recent coaching stop was in 2014 with the Atlanta Silverbacks when they were a part of the NASL.

His most famous run as a head coach came in the Open Cup with Cal FC, who beat the Portland Timbers in the third round, becoming the first amateur team to score against and advance via a victory in 2012.

“That’s what he’s here to do again and the players understand that,” Skwara said. “He’s brought a lot to the table with his experience. He’s very professional and he has come in here and he’s put some good focus into what we’re about to face.”

The Wolves have been dominant in the regular season the last two years, finishing atop the table in each of the seasons, but falling short in the playoffs. This season, they sit in fourth place in the Western Conference with 21 points, six points behind first place with two games in hand and have allowed a conference-best eight goals this season.

Much of the roster from last year has returned, including former LA Galaxy and Chivas USA winger Paolo Cardozo, who wasn’t eligible to play last year’s Open Cup because he was cup-tied.

Miguel Sanchez and Chuck Pitts have another year of playing together up to and Skwara said the team shored up the midfield compared to last season. They also added a veteran MLS defender as Chris Klute joined this season.

“We’re playing a lot more rounded than last year,” Skwara said. “We’ve got a good core group of existing players along with the new players that have really bonded over the last few months. The screws have been tightened. We have some high expectations, but we don’t them to be too high.”

LA qualified for this year’s Open Cup thanks to a 4-1 win against the Real Sociedad Royals in September and then dominated Inland Empire FC 9-2 in October to earn a spot in the tournament for the second year in a row.

They had a successful run the Open Cup last year. After moving through the first round against the Ventura County Fusion via forfeit, they beat USL Pro side OC Blues on PKs in Round 2 before falling to fellow UPSL squad La Maquina in Round 3.

“We’re playing a lot more rounded than last year,” Skwara said. “We’re here for the long haul and we’re here for the future. The screws have been tightened. We have some high expectations, but we don’t them to be too high.”