2017 US Open Cup

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Defense reigns as Tulsa Roughnecks eliminate first-place San Antonio in PKs

June 1, 2017 by Roger Graham

It took 120 minutes and eight rounds of penalty kicks on Wednesday night, but Tulsa Roughnecks FC managed to sneak past visiting San Antonio FC in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Tulsa prevailed 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless match at the University of Tulsa that featured only three shots on goal in regulation.

The home side secured its first US Open Cup victory over another professional team when goalkeeper Fabian Cerda denied his opposite number, San Antonio’s Diego Restrepo, in the eighth round of the shootout.

Tulsa coach David Vaudreuil said his team, which featured some players hampered by a flu bug, hasn’t practiced penalty kicks regularly.

“We only did a little bit yesterday. I wanted to see how the guys did them and where they put the shots,” said Vaudreuil, who won the US Open Cup as a member of D.C. United in 1996. “It’s not realistic to practice them for a game situation.”

That practice paid off for the Roughnecks, who were successful in seven of their eight penalty kicks.

Cerda kept Tulsa in the shootout by denying San Antonio’s Mark O’Ojong one round after Roughnecks teammate Pasha Kondrakhin skied his shot over the crossbar. He saved Restrepo’s shot in the eighth round to propel Tulsa into the next round and a June 14 match at MLS side FC Dallas.

Vaudreuil said the Roughnecks weren’t able to press as much as they would have liked after a difficult stretch of games, but they tried to maintain possession against San Antonio.
Both teams had chances in the first half, but were unable to convert.

Tulsa was denied a penalty kick on two occasions in the second half, once on a potential handball on Sebastien Ibeagha in the 64th minute and again three minutes later when Joey Calistri was knocked down in the box.

San Antonio has its best chance in overtime, when Victor Araujo saw his shot from the top of the box saved by Cerda.

Defense dominated the added 30 minutes, setting the stage for Tulsa’s dramatic victory in penalty kicks.

With the win, Tulsa will move on to the Fourth Round for the first time where they will face the defending champions from FC Dallas on the road. The game is scheduled for June 14.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Christos FC, last amateur team, win to earn $15K, date with D.C. United

June 1, 2017 by Tom Arnison

Christos FC continued its Cinderella run in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a narrow 1-0 road win over the PDL’s Chicago FC United.

By the end of the night, Christos FC was the last amatuer team still standing in the tournament, which earns them a $15,000 cash prize. The win also makes them the 13th amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present) to reach the Fourth Round, where they will play D.C. United of Major League Soccer on June 14.

“It was a great team effort from all the players and coaches,” said Christos FC founder and general manager Jody Haislip. “Couldn’t have envisioned a better start to the game but sometimes that bites you in the ass. You kind of want to sit back and rest on the lead but the guys didn’t do that and we still generated a few solid opportunities.”

Christos FC opened the scoring in the first minute off a throw-in from the right corner. The long throw found the head of Peter Caringi, who won TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for his hat trick in Round 1 against Fredericksburg FC (NPSL). Caringi flicked the ball to the back post where Levi Houpeau was able to force the ball into the back of the net.

Houpeau, who was a Third Round MLS SuperDraft pick by the Philadelphia Union out of Maryland-Baltimore County, scored his first career US Open Cup goal, and it proved to be the difference.

MORE >> 2017 Meet the Underdogs: After 20 years, amateur power Christos FC makes US Open Cup debut

The first half was a very physical affair with fouls from both sides disrupting the flow of play. In the 32nd minute, Caringi would muscle off a defender before curling a shot around the keeper and into the net, only to be ruled offside by the assistant referee.

Mark Segbers would be the lone attacking threat for Chicago FC United in the first half, working his way into the box from the left side to generate two shots on goal, but he was unable to beat Phil Saunders, last round’s top performer.

Momentum would switch in the second half when United midfielder Chris Mueller would hit a dipping shot from the top of the box that Saunders would nudge just over the bar. From that point on, United would keep the ball in the offensive half for most of the match, forcing Christos to rely on the long ball. Segbers and Mueller would generate several chances through link-up play, but only to be turned away by Saunders time and time again.

After 90 minutes of play, a visibly exhausted Christos side would weather the storm from United and advance 1-0.

After three straight road wins in the club’s first-ever trip to the tournament, they will play a fourth road game in Round 4. Although, fortunately, that road game will be in their home state when they face D.C. United at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland.

For Christos, the fact that they started the day one win away from a game against a Major League Soccer team was a little hard to ignore.

“When the Fourth Round draw was announced it definitely was a ‘wow’ moment,” said Haislip, who started the club back in 1997. “It just had to be D.C. . If it were the Union or another club it would still be the biggest game of our lives but to go up against them will be what Baltimore soccer needs and wants. The entire city of Baltimore and surrounding areas will be behind us and we will put an forth an effort that they will be proud of win or lose.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Miami FC excel during “hot moments”, eliminate Tampa Bay Rowdies

June 1, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Miami FC broke a scoreless tie with two second half goals to defeat the visiting Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night. The 2-0 win was the first in the competition for the hosts over the cross-state rival Rowdies and secures the young franchise their first date with a MLS side in the competition.

Miami FC will visit Orlando City SC in Fourth Round action on June 14.

For Miami FC midfielder Michael Lahoud, the victory was a statement about the quality of NASL and the talent on Miami FC.

“As someone who has played in two US Open Cup finals, I love this competition,” Lahoud said. “This tournament is about survive and advance. We beat a very good team, and made a statement for our league , that we’re better than one of the best teams in USL. We earned the right to show we can compete against MLS teams, and hopefully we continue this great run.”

Lahoud, who will represent Sierra Leone in their upcoming African Nations Cup qualifiers, credited his manager, Alessandro Nesta.

“Italians are never satisfied,” he said of the Azzurri great. “Fortunately, and unfortunately, we have a full staff of Italians, and our coach happens to be one of the greatest Italians to ever play the game, which is saying something. He keeps us humble with his demands, and he has a lot of demands, but he’s proud of us tonight” Lahoud said.

With the visitors playing very narrowly through the middle, chances were hard to come by early in the match. In fact, the Rowdies had the best chance of the opening 20 minutes, when following a turnover near midfield, former Chelsea FC star Joe Cole danced through the Miami FC defense and flicked a shot that Daniel Vega saved high.

Miami FC had a chance minutes later, with Lahoud dancing around defenders Luke Boden and Neil Collins and firing a rocket at the far post that was marvelously parried away by Akira Fitzgerald. It was the best chance either side would have in the opening frame.

Miami seized the initiative as the second half began, and nearly went ahead when Roberto Baggio Kcira made a menacing run down the left flank and crossed to an unmarked Poku, who had time to take a touch but shot one time, shanking the ball harmlessly wide.

Nesta credited his team’s patience and mentality for the break through on a night where space and chances were at a premium.

“The largest issue in Florida to play soccer is the heat,” said Nesta. “Finding energy is not easy. Patience is critical. You cannot force balls and you need to keep the ball. The heat and the rest make it harder to invest defensively.”

Lahoud agreed that his team had the right mentality to win a tough and physical game that included 22 Rowdies fouls.

“Nesta talks about moments that define character, what he calls “hot moments”, moments where you really find out what you are all about,” Lahoud said. “Tonight, it was a hot moment, and we were up for it. That’s what it takes to be a good team. A championship team.”

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute, when for the second consecutive round, a Nesta substitution changed the game. Following a Rowdies turnover near midfield, substitute Dylan Mares was fouled in the area by Georgi Hristov. The referee pointed quickly to the spot, and Vincenzo Rennella buried the spot kick to give Miami FC a 1-0 lead.

Miami kept the pressure on after the opener, and added a second goal in the 83rd minute. Mares was involved again, making a powerful run down the left channel and crossing to Jaime Chavez, who was rewarded when Rowdies keeper Akira Fitzgerald mishandled his soft shot.

Miami FC is now unbeaten in eight games in all competition, building confidence that they, like the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of a year ago, can go to Orlando and collect a victory.

“I’m very happy. My first managerial position and we (advance) to play a team in Orlando with Kaka, Nocerino, beautiful players, beautiful new stadium” Nesta said.

Lahoud thinks Miami can win. “For a club like ours, now there’s a feeling of `We can beat Orlando’. We don’t just want to check off that box of playing an MLS team. They have very good players, but I don’t think they’re a team we should fear. We should respect them, but at the end of the day, it’s a soccer game. If this tournament shows anything, it is that over 90 or 120 minutes, anything can happen. We stand an amazing chance.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: North Carolina FC claim state supremacy with 4-1 win over Charlotte Independence

June 1, 2017 by Harrison Huntley

North Carolina FC raced past interstate rival Charlotte Independence, 4-1, on Wednesday night and into the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The NASL side took the lead in the 17th minute when James Marcelin headed in a cross from Lance Laing.

North Carolina FC coach Colin Clarke said getting on the scoreboard first was vital for his team.

“We talked before the game, saying the first goal was going to be important,” said Clarke. “We started our regular season scoring the first goal in the first five games. We haven’t done that in the last couple so it settles us down.”

Charlotte’s defense limited North Carolina to only two shots in the first half, but the team formerly known as the Carolina Railhawks managed to double its lead just seven minutes after halftime.

North Carolina captain Nazmi Albadawi slipped his shot into the Charlotte net after taking a pass from Saeed Robinson.

Albadawi scored again in the 82nd minute, when he chipped the ball over the Charlotte goalkeeper after a long pass from Austin Da Luz found him alone in the box.

Clarke said that goal clinched the win for North Carolina FC.

“That third one goes in and it’s game over,” the North Carolina coach said. “You know, 2-0 and you’re always worried about the momentum shift a goal can bring for them and then anything can happen from there.”

North Carolina extended its lead to 4-0 when defender Connor Tobin drilled a shot into the upper corner of the Charlotte net.

Charlotte tacked on its goal with a stoppage time penalty kick.

North Carolina will host MLS’ Houston Dynamo on June 14 in the next round of the USOC.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: City Islanders prove themselves in 3-0 win over Reading United

June 1, 2017 by Stephen Valenti

Starting strong was the number one priority for the Harrisburg City Islanders coming into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round.

Facing an amateur team for the second consecutive round, it was imperative to demonstrate they were the better side as professionals.

That is exactly what the City Islanders did with two goals in the first 15 minutes to eliminate Reading United AC with a 3-0 win Wednesday at Don Thomas Stadium.

“We came out to prove we were the professional side,” Harrisburg midfielder Jake Bond said. “We said we were going to be the dominant ones. Come out the first 15 and set the dominance.

“For the first 25 minutes we were all over them and they didn’t have anything.”

The win sends Harrisburg to face the Philadelphia Union for the fourth time in six years June 14. Reading was eliminated and matched Michigan Bucks and Chicago FC United as the PDL teams to advance the furthest in the tournament.

The scoring came easy early for the City Islanders. Pedro Ribeiro sent Daniel DiPrima a pass into the middle of the box that DiPrima finished in space in the 8th minute.

Seven minutes later, Bond controlled a long pass and sent a volley past Reading goalkeeper Ben Beaury following a perfect long pass from Abass Mohammed.

“When you play PDL teams you know the longer the game goes the more confidence those teams get,” Harrisburg head coach Bill Becher said. “The key is to jump on them early which is what we were able to do.”

Coming back from behind to pull a Second Round upset against the New York Cosmos, Reading United made a similar push late in the first half. This time, Reading struggled to get the final touch with Sean Lewis coming up with big saves when necessary.

Frantzdy Pierrot and Hugo Delhommelle had multiple chances on one rush in the 21st minute but their three chances were stopped. Lewis made his biggest save of the night on Delhommelle.

Turning with the ball from the penalty marker, Lewis reacted to Delhommelle’s unobstructed shot to send it over the bar.

“I’m feeling confident now,” Lewis said. “I’ve had a few games in a row now and really getting my feet under me.”

Lewis finished the night with nine saves, seven coming in the first half.

“By the end of the first half we were lucky to escape 2-0,” Becher said. “They probably deserved a goal, maybe two.”

Harrisburg ended any hopes of a Reading comeback in the 50th minute. Bond, making the change from right back to midfield, scored his second receiving a deflection in the box to find the back of the net.

Pierrot with Delhommelle finished with eight and five shots respectively but were unable to find the back of the net.

“Finishing and sloppy mistakes,” Reading head coach Stephen Hoagn said were his sides’ downfall. “If we defend like we teach to defend we’re still in the game at halftime even if we don’t convert our chances.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Last-second dagger for Rochester Rhinos kills GPS Omens’ Open Cup run

June 1, 2017 by Brendan Doherty

GPS Omens came into Wednesday night’s Third Round US Open Cup match in Rochester as the clear underdogs but proved over the course of 120 minutes that they deserve respect on merit, despite losing 2-1 to the Rochester Rhinos.

Rhinos started the match lively, with a lot of pressure early but the hosts failed to capitalize. Unfortunately for Rochester, that pattern would characterize much of the game. The home side had more of the ball, executed deliberate build-up play, and got far more shots off than their amateur opponents, but could only manage a deflected goal through the first 119 minutes of the match.

In the first half, Rochester held an impressive 77 percent of possession but could not manage a single shot on goal. Neither goalkeeper made a save through the first 45 minutes but the second half sparked the contest into life.

Rochester’s Jalen Brown saw a heavy shot from the edge of the penalty area flash across the goalmouth in the 51st minute but showed he brought his shooting boots out at halftime. Just a minute later Brown picked up an innocuous partially cleared ball in midfield, cut inside on his favored right foot, and shot from 19 yards. The shot took a deflection off a GPS Omens defender before finding the back of the net but gave Rochester the lead in the 52nd minute.

Before the match could settle into a rhythm again, GPS earned a free kick for a foul off the ball as Rochester cleared its lines. Keith Caldwell, older brother of New England Revolution midfielder Scott, lined up the free kick in the 55th minute and fired past Dan Lynd to equalize the game.

GPS Omens went to the bench first, in the 60th and 65th minutes, before Rochester also made two like-for-like changes in the 73rd minute. Omens used their last substitution in the 80th minute and prepared to hold out for a 1-1 draw.

The Rhinos pushed every field player into GPS Omens’ half of the field during extra time, looking to break the deadlock before the 120 minutes wound up. Rochester had mustered 10 total shots through 90 minutes but had 11 shots in extra time alone. Brown and substitutes forward Samuel Edoung-Biyo peppered the GPS Omens’ net in both periods of extra time before the inevitable game-winner.

As fans in Capelli Sport Stadium began to resign themselves to a penalty shootout, Brown and Edoung-Biyo combined for the last-minute go-ahead goal. Brown controlled a long ball over the top from his defense before drilling service into the area. Edoung-Biyo battled to beat the GPS Omens center back to the ball and redirected the cross into the net from six yards out.

In heart-breaking fashion, GPS Omens conceded in stoppage time of the second half of extra time, perhaps seconds away from a shootout.

Elated to have grabbed his first goal for the team, Samuel Edoung-Biyo spoke after the game about his work crashing the net on angled service from wide positions.

“Throughout the game, they kept putting good crosses in and I kept going behind the man. Coach just kept telling me eventually to slash in front of the defender so you can get in front of the ball, because they kept intercepting,” the first-year Rhinos forward said.

“And that one, I just kind of changed my run from the back post to the first post and got to the ball before he did.” Edoung-Biyo, who joined the squad from an open tryout, also talked about the mixture of frustration and relief the team felt and how he dealt with the setbacks late on.

“As a striker, you want to finish the opportunities you get. And I guess, it kind of just speaks to resilience. I had three good opportunities that I should have finished. I just kept working and kept looking for it and eventually I got it in the back of the net.”

Meanwhile, Rochester’s rookie winger Jalen Brown was electric for the home side. Brown made a similarly good impression in Rochester’s second-round match and assisted the team’s second goal against FC Motown. Speaking to media after the game, the former Xavier product laid out his team’s plan late on.

“The gameplan was just to put balls in dangerous areas,” Brown said. “We were trying to go for the game. We didn’t want to go to PKs. The best thing to do is to get the ball in the box, and that’s what we did.”

“I think we took the game and put it in our own hands,” Brown said.

Aside from the daunting challenge of defeating the Rhinos at Capelli Sport Stadium, something that no team has accomplished since the Richmond Kickers beat Rochester on August 3, 2016, GPS Omens faced added fitness concerns and travel issues.

GPS Omens midfielder Gregory Zuboff contrasted his team with other amateur sides who use the cup as a showcase to earn professional contracts but assured his teammates’ dedication.

“Relative to that, we approach the game in a little bit more of a laid back fashion but we’re still very committed. We love our training sessions during the week and guys are excited to show up on Saturday mornings to play in our league matches.”

“Certainly, our guys that were out here are trying to make a living for ourselves and this is something that we do more for passion. But we love the game and games like this are the most fun.”

“We knew they were going to be quite talented,” Zuboff said about the Rhinos. “They’ve done well in the cup in the past. They had a good run last year and had a strong defeat over a fellow Boston team, Southie. We knew we were going to have to play strong defense, to try and hold them to one or no goals and try to slot one in, early, ideally.”

“We found ourselves in a tight spot, getting down 1-0. But we had a great response from Keith . He had a brilliant finish,” Zuboff smiled.

The player noted the rugged conditions for the visiting side.

“We took a seven-hour bus ride up here today,” the midfielder said. “We got in at 4:30, dropped our things off, turned around and came here to the field. We were just trying to get our legs under us.” Zuboff described how the travel and novelty of the experience may have affected fitness levels as time wore on.

“We were definitely feeling it, trying to manage those subs, especially when we saw overtime coming. There were some strategic substitutions that we had to pull.”

“Right now it feels like a defeat but looking back it’s been an exciting run for us. We’ve gotten some fun attention out of it. But most importantly the boys have been excited, we’ve been doing some extra training sessions, trying to stay fit, keep getting touches on the ball.”

“Looking back, it’s something we’ll talk about for a while but next year we’ll be looking to do the same thing and take it to the next round.”

While GPS Omens returns to Bay State Soccer League play where they are undefeated reigning champions and contemplate a potential 2018 cup run, the Rochester Rhinos move on to the fourth round of the Open Cup.

The Rhinos will travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to face the New England Revolution on June 14 at 7 p.m. EST. It will be the seventh all-time meeting between the two clubs in the tournament.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Own goal is the only goal in Charleston Battery’s road win over Jacksonville Armada

June 1, 2017 by Zach Smith

An own goal by Jacksonville Armada defender Drew Beckie midway through the first half provided the only goal of the game. Consequently, the Charleston Battery advanced to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup with a 1-0 win against the Armada Wednesday night due to the singular mishap.
Jacksonville dominated the game in terms of possession, having control for more than two-thirds of the match at Jacksonville University’s Southern Oak Stadium.

Beckie’s own goal came after a Battery attack. When both teams failed to control a cross, the veteran defender jumped on it looking to clear, but mistakenly blasted it into his own net.

“It just wasn’t our night,” Jacksonville coach Mark Lowry told the team’s official website.

Charleston applied the pressure early on. In the 10th minute, the Battery appeared to take the lead, but the goal was ruled offside.

Jacksonville enjoyed a chance of its own in the 20th minute, but Bryam Rebellón’s shot sailed just wide.

The Armada continued to press after the goal, most notably when Derek Gebhard launched a ball into the box where Rebellón attempted a bicycle kick.

After halftime, the Battery went on the attack and created a couple chances in the first ten minutes.

Jacksonville seized control for the last 25 minutes of the match. However, the Battery defense held firm for their fifth clean sheet of the season in all competitions, despite multiple crosses and an ever-present attack.

From a statistical standpoint, each team created just two shots on goal. The Armada earned 13 fouls and one yellow card, while the Battery produced 10 fouls and three cards.

Charleston will face their MLS affiliate Atlanta United in the next round. The match will be played at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta on June 14. The Battery started the tournament out in Atlanta as they defeated the NPSL’s Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 in the Second Round on May 17.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3 review: One amateur team, 12 others earn dates with Major League Soccer teams

June 1, 2017 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

When the dust settled after the Third Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, there was just one amateur team left standing. Christos FC kept their Cinderella run alive in Chicago, as the Baltimore club won a dream game with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United in Round 4. GPS Omens and L.A. Wolves fought to the bitter end against USL opposition, but fell short in their bid to join their amateur brethren in the Fourth Round.

Nine USL clubs and three NASL clubs moved on to Round 4, setting up plenty of intriguing inter-state matchups with Major League Soccer clubs.

Below, you will find links to our coverage on TheCup.us, as well as match reports from all 13 Round 3 games (links will be added as they are published). You can get all the latest updates from every game through Twitter, using the hashtag #USOC2017. Use that same hashtag on Instagram to share your US Open Cup-related photos.

#USOC2017 coverage:
* 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results (video/audio links)
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 1 review
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 2 review
* 2017 TheCup.us Player of the Round winnners
* 2017 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)
* 2017 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 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

MORE:
* Who is the US Open Cup equivalent to Lincoln City FC and their magical FA Cup run?
* 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 Third Round of the US Open Cup
* Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)
* 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

Playing on the road, Saint Louis FC (USL) took advantage of a pair of defensive miscues to take a 2-0 lead in the opening 16 minutes against the PDL’s Michigan Bucks. That would prove to be the difference in the match as Francis Atuahene scored on a spectactular volley to cut the lead in half just after halftime, but Saint Louis would hold on. With the win, they advance to host the four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire (MLS) in Round 4. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

It was Djiby Fall to the rescue once again as the Senegalese striker scored the lone goal in FC Cincinnati’s 1-0 Third Round victory over USL rivals Louisville City FC. Fall scored the game-winner in the 117th minute in a Round 2 win over defending NPSL champion AFC Cleveland. Cincinnati will host the Columbus Crew in an battle for Ohio supremacy in the Fourth Round on June 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

An own goal from Drew Beckie in the 25th minute was all the Charleston Battery needed to outlast the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada in their Third Round US Open Cup game at Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville. With the win, the Battery move into a tie for fourth place for most Open Cup wins in the Modern Era (31). Charleston will move on the face Atlanta United in the Fourth Round on June 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Just as the amateur club from Boston was on the brink of pushing the USL Rhinos to penalty kicks, Sammy Edoung-Biye scored the game winning goal with just seconds remaining in extra time to give Rochester a dramatic 2-1 victory over GPS Omens. Rochester now 18-0-0 all-time against amateur clubs and have never been taken to penalty kicks by any of those clubs. This was clearly the closest they’ve ever come. The Rhinos will advance to the Fourth Round where they will travel to Providence, Rhode Island to take on the New England Revolution on June 14. This will be the seventh meeting between the two clubs, which is one of the most frequent matchups of the Modern Era. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

An Enzo Rennella penalty kick and a late Jaime Chavez insurance goal led Miami FC to a 2-0 Third Round win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League. Next up for the NASL club is a trip north to face MLS’s Orlando City FC in a Florida derby in Round 4. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

North Carolina FC helped keep the NASL banner waiving with a 4-1 victory over the USL’s Charlotte Independence. Two goals from Nazmi Albadawi and two assists from Austin De Luz ensured NCFC would host the Houston Dynamo on June 14 in Fourth Round action. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

On the strength of two goals from Jacob Bond, the City Islanders cruised by the PDL’s Reading United 3-0 in their Third Round matchup. Harrisburg moves on to the Fourth Round to face the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer on June 14. [+]
FULL MATCH REPORT

In the lone all-amateur matchup of the Third Round, Levi Houapeli’s second minute goal held up to give the Baltimore amateurs a 1-0 road win over Chicago FC United of the PDL. Christos recently completed a successful fundraising campaign to help cover the travel costs of this game. With the win, they are rewarded with a Fourth Round game a little closer to home: A date with D.C. United of Major League Soccer at the Maryland Soccerplex on June 13. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

After 120 minutes of scoreless play, USL rivals Tulsa Roughnecks and San Antonio FC went to sudden death in a penalty shootout in which Tulsa prevailed 7-6. With both teams tied at 6 after the first seven penalties, Tulsa sub Francisco Ugarte converted his clubs seventh spot kick, then watched as teammate Fabian Cerda stopped San Antonio’s goalkeeper Diego Restopo to move the Roughnecks to a Fourth Round contest with FC Dallas. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Second half goals from Jose Barril and substitute Wojciech Wojcik propelled the Oklahoma City Energy to a 2-1 win over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. A 90th minute penalty from Jordan Burt was not quite enough to jumpstart a Switchbacks comeback. With the win, OKC earns a road game against Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids on June 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

A 41st minute free kick goal from Roy Meeus was enough for Orange County SC to deny Eric Wynalda’s LA Wolves a spot in the Fourth Round. Orange County survived a late Wolves push to hold on for the victory, avenging last year’s penalty kick loss to the club. Orange County will advance to play the Los Angeles Galaxy in a Fourth Round match on June 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

After 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, Kyle Bekker put the San Francisco Deltas on top in the 81st minute, but Phoenix Rising was awarded a penalty kick minutes later. Omar Bravo converted the spot kick for Phoenix to give hope to their hometown fans. The match appeared to be headed to extra time but San Francisco’s Tommy Heinemann scored the game-winner deep into stoppage time to give the Deltas their first win over a pro team. The Deltas move on to take on the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in Round 4. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Goals from Harry Williams in the first half and Trevin Caesar in the second half gave the Sacramento Republic a 2-0 victory over fellow USL side Reno 1968 FC. With the victory, Sacramento reaches the Fourth Round for the third time in the last four years. Next, they will host Real Salt Lake on June 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Saint Louis FC capitalize on Michigan Bucks mistakes, hold on for 2-1 win

May 30, 2017 by Josh Hakala

Saint Louis FC scored a pair of early goals and held off a charge from the giant-killing Michigan Bucks to earn a 2-1 road victory in the Third Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With the win, Saint Louis earns a home game against four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire (MLS) in Round 4.

Both goals came off the foot of Sebastian Dalgaard on defensive miscues in the 13th and 16th minute. Coming out of the halftime break, it took 27 seconds for the Bucks to pull one back with a spectacular volley by University of Michigan star Francis Atuahene. The Saint Louis defense held strong to earn the club’s second straight road win to put themselves on the same field as an MLS team for the second time in three years.

In the opening 10 minutes, the Bucks, who upset their Modern Era record 10th pro teams last round against Indy Eleven (NPSL), did not look like an amateur team against their professional opposition. They held their own and created a few shots toward goal but neither threatened goalkeeper Devala Gorrick.

The Bucks have been known for their defense after back-to-back 1-0 shutouts in the opening two rounds, but it was two mistakes at the backline that led to a pair of Saint Louis goals.

In the 13th minute, Saint Louis collected the ball at midfield and with two quick passes the ball was in the back of the net. Mats Bjurman received the ball, turned and played a crisp pass into the path of Sebastian Dalgaard who entered the right side of the penalty area with plenty of space to shoot. He cut back inside to free himself up and fired a shot past Bucks goalkeeper Drew Shepherd.

Here is @SebastianDalga1‘s 1st goal of the night for @SaintLouisFC against @MichiganBucks. Dalgaard already has 2 goals tonight! #USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/C4huNIC5Og

— USL (@USL) May 31, 2017

Three minutes later, a Bucks defender attempted to head the ball from the top of the ‘D’ back to Shepherd who had come off his line. Unfortunately for the home team, the header didn’t have enough force on it and Dalgaard broke in and beat the defender and Shepherd to the ball and put the ball into the empty net. Saint Louis took control of the game as they peppered Shepherd’s goal with shots. Defender Ryan Howe’s attempt from distance in the 20th minute forced a diving save from Shepherd. Six minutes later, Denis Ahmetovic stole the ball from a Bucks defender and forced another tough save. But the defending PDL champions weren’t finished. In the 28th minute, Midfielder Tom Owens ripped a 25-yard shot that nearly beat the keeper but Gorrick made an acrobatic save to his right to preserve the clean sheet. Both teams created chances in the final 15 minutes of the half but the best chance came from Saint Louis in the 44th minute. A long ball was played up to Jose Angulo which drew attention from the Bucks backline. Shepherd came off his line to try to punch it away, but he failed as the bodies came together in the air. Angulo managed to recover the ball and find enough space to target the empty net, but in his best save of the night, Shepherd pulled off a kick save at the top of the box to keep the score at 2-0 heading into the break. At halftime, the Bucks honored their long-time trainer Tom Ford who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Donate to his GoFundMe page here). After the ceremony, the second half began with an early candidate for Goal of the Tournament. Shepherd punted the ball forward and after the ball took an artificial turf-aided bounce, it fell to Atuahene who turned and volleyed the ball out of the air past Gorrick to cut the lead in half 27 seconds into the second half. It was the second goal of the tournament for Atuahene, who scored the lone goal in the Bucks’ 1-0 win over Indy Eleven in Round 2.

Check out this crazy #USOC2017 goal from @AtuaheneFrancis as @USLPDL side Michigan goes for #Cupset https://t.co/3A76cLUwjL — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 31, 2017

The assist by Shepherd was just the 10th goalkeeper assist of the Modern Era (1995-present), and the second by a Bucks netminder. The last to do it was the first to do it. In the Second Round of the 2001 US Open Cup, current Oakland University men’s soccer head coach Eric Pogue, who coincidentally was in attendance to honor Tom Ford, assisted on Paul Snape’s goal in a 7-1 loss to the New England Revolution.

Two minutes later, Saint Louis responded by playing a dangerous ball into the box, but the Bucks defense cleared the ball off the line.

In the 67th minute, the Bucks poured on the pressure looking for an equalizer. A free kick was sent into the penalty area on the right side to defender Daniel Mukuna who pushed up into the attack. Mukuna found space to fire a shot that was punched away by Gorrick.

A minute later, a searching through ball was sent down the right wing and Atuahene surprised the Saint Louis goalkeeper by using his blazing speed to beat him to the ball. With Gorrick off his line, he held his ground and cut off the angle as much as he could and made the save. On the ensuing corner kick, Atuahene got his head to the cross but it harmlessly fell into the goalkeeper’s chest.

Michigan continued to press to the very end. The best chance in the final minutes was in the 88th minute when a free kick was taken near midfield. Second half sub Austin Ricci left his feet to attempt a diving header at the far post and it was just out of reach.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3 preview: 13 winners will earn dates with MLS teams (video links)

May 29, 2017 by Josh Hakala

The 99 entries of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Graphic by: Gilberto Hernandez (Twitter: @GilbertoHdz200)

One could argue the three biggest rounds in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are the Final (obviously), the Fourth Round (when Major League Soccer teams enter) and the Third Round when teams will battle for the chance to earn a game against the nation’s top teams.

Round 3 will kick off indoors on Tuesday, May 30 in Pontiac, Mich. when the giant-killing Michigan Bucks will host Saint Louis FC of the United Soccer Leagues. The day after, on Wednesday, there are 12 games on the schedule, including one matchup between two amateur teams, which means fans are guaranteed at least one MLS vs. amateur team game in Round 4.

There are six amateur teams left: The Michigan Bucks and two other Premier Development League teams Chicago FC United and Reading United AC, Christos FC (Maryland Major Soccer League), GPS Omens (Bay Area Soccer League in Mass.) and the Eric Wynalda-led Los Angeles Wolves FC (United Premier Soccer League). Five NASL teams and 15 United Soccer League (USL) teams will all battle for a date with MLS opposition, which is usually the highlight of any lower division team.

Below, you will find links to our coverage on TheCup.us, as well as previews of all 13 Round 3 games, including video and audio links as they become available. You can get all the latest updates from every game through Twitter, using the hashtag #USOC2017. Use that same hashtag on Instagram to share your US Open Cup-related photos.

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

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Winner will host Chicago Fire (MLS) in Round 4

UPDATE: Saint Louis FC capitalize on Michigan Bucks mistakes, hold on for 2-1 win

Former US international Preki will lead Saint Louis FC into a rare indoor US Open Cup match against the PDL’s Michigan Bucks on Tuesday, the first game on the Third Round schedule. Normally, a pro team playing a game against an amateur side, even on the road, wouldn’t be something to worry too much about but the Bucks are without question the best amateur team of the Modern Era (1995-present). Their laundry list of accomplishments is long but the two biggest numbers are most amateur wins (15) and most pro team upsets (10).

After holding off AFC Ann Arbor (NPSL) 1-0 in Round 1, the Bucks added to their Open Cup resume in the last round with a 1-0 home win over the NASL’s Indy Eleven. University of Michigan product Francis Atuahene scored the lone goal and the defense kept a clean sheet in front of their home fans at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas, the site of Tuesday’s match with Saint Louis FC. The regulation-sized field is part of a larger indoor facility in Pontiac, Mich., just north of Detroit. In the 104-year history of the US Open Cup, there has only been 10 games played indoors, and nine of them have been hosted by the Bucks at “the USA”.

The most impressive accomplishment by the Bucks is they are the only amateur club in the Modern Era to have defeated multiple Major League Soccer teams (2000 at New England Revolution, 2012 home vs. Chicago Fire). The winner of Tuesday’s game will host the Chicago Fire in Round 4, which would set up a rematch for the Bucks if they are able to prevail.

For Saint Louis FC, this is just the club’s third appearance in the US Open Cup. They are 3-0-0 against amateur teams, including their last match against FC Wichita where they came from behind to win 4-3 in extra time. If they win, a date with the Fire would be their second meeting with MLS opposition in team history. In their inaugural season in 2015, they dropped a close 1-0 match on that road against Sporting Kansas City.

After winning their league opener against K-W United, the defending PDL champions had what some might call a hangover game against the Dayton Dutch Lions, losing 2-1 on the road a few days after upsetting the Indy Eleven. However, they bounced back in their most recent league game, thrashing the West Virginia Chaos 6-2. Andre Landell had two goal and an assist and Atuahene added two goals in the rout.

On the other side, Saint Louis drew 1-1 in their most recent USL match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They are currently tied for 7th place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-3-3 record. Jose Angulo, who received strong consideration for TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Second Round, leads the team in scoring with four goals.

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Winner will play at New England Revolution in Round 4

The Rochester Rhinos often play the role of David against the Goliath of MLS teams due to their 1999 title run, but the Rhinos are usually the Goliath against amateur sides in the earlier rounds of the US Open Cup.

Rochester will put its 16-0-0 all-time record against amateur sides to the test this Wednesday when they host GPS Omens (Mass.) of the Bay State Soccer League. The Rhinos entered the competition this year in the Second Round and defeated their opponent, FC Motown of New Jersey, 3-0 at home.

GPS Omens have already played twice in the 2017 edition of the Open Cup, both on the road. Omens defeated PDL side GPS Portland Phoenix 2-0 in the First Round and outlasted Boston City FC of the NPSL 2-1 in the Second Round.

Now GPS Omens travel outside of New England for the first time in this competition and face a professional team in a competitive fixture for the first time in their history. A trip to face the New England Revolution in the Fourth Round looms large on the horizon but neither team can afford to look past Wednesday night’s contest.

The Rhinos have used the Open Cup campaign and some rest, both planned and unplanned, to generate positive momentum after a rocky start to the season. Rochester’s away game in Saint Louis was postponed due to flooding last month and the team then had two of the next three weekend’s without league matches.

Rochester earned just five points from its first four games of the USL season before an 18-day layoff. The Rhinos are undefeated since a devastating blowout on the road in Charleston on April 14, including a 1-0 win over Tampa Bay Rowdies in Rochester in midweek USL action. Wednesday night’s cup match will be the fourth competitive game the Rhinos play in the month of May but the fourth within 14 days.

GPS Omens on the other hand, may be used to the ebb and flow of sporadic and congested scheduling. The amateur side from Boston, that US Soccer described as White Collar Underdogs, has difficulty fitting team training into the busy routines of their players.

The side whose players spend their days in law offices and board rooms, is sitting comfortably near the top of the BSSL table. GPS Omens is in second place but with games in hand and an impressive 24 goals scored over four league games.

The Boston-area club started its cup run with a qualification win over fellow BSSL side Southie FC last fall. Rochester Rhinos defeated Southie heavily in the 2016 US Open Cup and GPS Omens beat them 4-2 on the road in September in qualification. Omens then traveled to Connecticut to brush aside Newtown Pride FC and qualify for the 2017 tournament proper.

History suggests one way Wednesday’s contest will go but as the saying goes, soccer matches aren’t played on paper. GPS Omens will look to make history as the first amateur team to defeat the Rhinos while Rochester will aim for a performance that could carry some drive over into league play.

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Winner will play at Atlanta United (MLS) in Round 4

One of the youngest clubs in American soccer will host one the oldest in this Third Round matchup, a rematch from last year. Both clubs advanced to the Third Round by winning games away from home to NPSL competition. The Armada eliminated Miami United FC 2-1 and Charleston knocked out the Atlanta Silverbacks by the same score line. Jacksonville rallied from an early deficit behind goals from Aaron Pitchkolan and a penalty kick by Jack Blake. Charleston struck twice in the first half with goals from Forrest Lasso and Jeffrey Otoo, before the Silverbacks made it interesting with a 73rd minute penalty scored by Alex Nyarko Harley.

Charleston is celebrating their 25th anniversary season in style, currently in first place in USL’s Eastern Conference with 23 points from 11 games. The Battery are 7-1-3 and had won three of their last five before dropping a 2-1 decision at New York Red Bulls 2 in their most recent match. The Armada are currently contesting their third season and are third in the NASL table with 13 points from eight matches. They are 3-1-4 in league play, with a 2-1-2 record from their last five. Their last league contest was a 2-1 win over North Carolina FC.

The Battery made their Open Cup debut in 1999 and have participated every year since, except for 2003. They were runners-up in 2008, semifinalists in 1999 and 2004, and have reached the Quarterfinals six times, more than any other lower division team in the Modern Era.

In last year’s edition, they advanced to the Third Round following a victory by forfeit over the PDL’s Villages SC before falling 2-1 after extra time to Jacksonville.

This will be the Armada’s third Open Cup campaign, having lost in the Third Round to the Richmond Kickers in 2015 and 1-0 in the Fourth Round to Orlando City SC in 2016.

The two clubs have faced each other just twice in the past, with Jacksonville winning last year’s Cup match and Charleston winning a 2015 friendly, 1-0. The winner of this match will travel to Atlanta United, which has an affiliate relationship with Charleston, in the next round.

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Winner will host Columbus Crew SC (MLS) in Round 4

Just 90 minutes apart by car, these two well-supported USL rivals will play in front of a raucous Nippert Stadium crowd in the Third Round of the US Open Cup.

Both these teams saw their Open Cup runs end at the hands of NASL teams last year, as Cincinnati lost 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies (they have since moved to the USL) while Louisville were taken down 2-1 by Indy Eleven.

Both teams will also be coming into the match in relatively good league form, as they stand equal on points (though Louisville has played three fewer games) in third place in the USL Eastern Conference. Louisville will be coming into the game relatively fresh, having beaten the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1-0 on the road back on May 20 after a 9-0 trouncing of amateur side Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in Round 2. FC Cincinnati will be coming in with high spirits as well, having nipped Toronto FC 2 1-0 at home on Saturday.

It’ll be the second matchup between Cincinnati and Louisville, as the two drew 1-1 at Nippert on April 22. But this time, the prize will be a home match against the Columbus Crew SC of MLS.

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Winner will play at Philadelphia Union in Round 4

In a matchup of teams the Philadelphia Union have been affiliated with, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) and Reading United AC (PDL) will play for the right to play the Union.

Reading, a current Union affiliate, is coming off one of the bigger “cupsets” of the Second Round. The amateur side defeated New York Cosmos (NASL) 3-2 with all three goals coming in a six minute stretch near the end of the first half.

Paul Marie, Marco Micaletto and Frantzdy Pierrot scored in the victory to send Reading into the Third Round to match the PDL side’s best Open Cup performance for the third time.

Since defeating New York, Reading has gone 1-1-0 in its league season to find itself in third place of the PDL Mid-Atlantic Division table with six points. Saturday, Reading beat FA Euro 2-0 Saturday with goals coming by Mohammed Conde and Hugo Delhommelle.

Harrisburg, a Union affiliate until the 2016 season, advanced to the Third Round by eliminating Reading’s primary PDL Mid-Atlantic rival, the Ocean City Nor’easters, in penalty kicks (6-5) after a scoreless draw in the Second Round.

The City Islanders are coming off a 3-1 defeat to the Bethlehem Steel Sunday. Danny DiPrima scored the lone goal in the loss, which drops Harrisburg to 13th in the USL Eastern Conference with a 2-4-4 record.

Harrisburg’s Aaron Wheeler, Pedro Riberio and Manolo Sanchez will all being facing their former team. Wheeler won the PDL MVP in 2009 for Reading after scoring 17 goals that season.

Sunday’s game for Harrisburg gave Reading head coach Stephen Hogan an advanced look at his opponent as he is an assistant coach with the Bethlehem Steel.

Side note: Wednesday’s Open Cup game will also be apart of Reading United’s annual Philadelphia Union festival. Typically a friendly, it will instead be for the right to play Philadelphia. Unannounced members of the Union in attendance for the festivities will also get an advanced look at their Open Cup fourth round opponents.

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Winner will host the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in Round 4

The champion of professional soccer in North Carolina will be crowned on Wednesday night as North Carolina FC of the NASL welcomes Charlotte Independence of the USL to WakeMed Soccer Park in the Third Round of the US Open Cup.

Both teams traveled to Florida for their league match, but only Charlotte came back with a win, as they beat Orlando City B 3-1 on Saturday, which pushed them to within a point of a USL playoff spot with several games in hand. Meanwhile, North Carolina FC dropped a 2-1 decision away to Jacksonville Armada, dropping them to third in the NASL.

Brian Shriver, the top scorer of the 2012 US Open Cup, will likely feature again as he, Matt Fondy, and fellow Open Cup standout Ty Shipalane led the front line in a Round 2 win over the Carolina Dynamo.

Enzo Martinez, once a RailHawk, has been leading the way for the Independence in both the Open Cup and in league play. His four goals in just five games sets the pace for the Independence’s league exploits, while his two late goals were enough to complete a comeback against intra-city foe Charlotte Eagles in Round 2 of the Open Cup.

Wednesday will mark the third-consecutive Open Cup bout between the two in-state rivals, with a home game against the formidable but soft-on-the-road Houston Dynamo. The two have split the previous meetings, which were both held in Cary. Ryan Finley scored the lone goal in the 82nd minute to best the RailHawks in 2015, while NCFC poured in five extra-time goals to rout the Independence last year.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO / ESPN3
Winner will play at Orlando City SC (MLS) in Round 4

Of all the USL/NASL matchups in Round 3, this may be the most intriguing as it features two in-state rivals who faced each other in the NASL last year.

Tampa Bay claimed its spot in Round 3 with a 3-0 defeat of the NPSL’s Jacksonville Armada U-23s at Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies’ goals came from Kyle Porter, Alex Morrell, and Martin Paterson, all of whom scored for the first time in their careers in the Open Cup. Miami advanced with a 3-2 victory over the PDL’s South Florida Surf, with Kwadwo Poku and Jaime Chavez providing the first and third goals, with the second being an own goal.

In their first year of play in the USL, the Rowdies currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with 21 points from 12 games. They are 6-3-3 on the year with a 2-1-2 record over the last five league games. Tampa Bay drew their most recent match 1-1, at home vs. St. Louis FC.

Miami FC is currently top of the NASL table with 18 points from nine games, going 5-3-1 overall and have won four of their last five, drawing their most recent match 1-1, a home tilt vs. Puerto Rico FC.

The Rowdies have participated in the Open Cup since 2010 (playing that year as FC Tampa Bay), missing the 2011 competition due to a lack of sanctioning of the NASL by USSF. They have a 6-6 overall record & their most memorable campaign came in 2013 when they entered in the Second Round and advanced to the Fourth Round after upsetting MLS side Seattle Sounders at home in the Third Round. Last year was Miami FC’s first year of competition in the Cup, losing their Third Round match to the Wilmington Hammerheads (then of the USL), 2-1.

In 2010, then-FC Tampa Bay defeated then-Miami FC 2-1 in Open Cup competition. That Miami FC later rebranded as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The South Florida Surf, Miami FC’s competition in the last round, are coached by former Rowdies assistant Eric Arbuzow and feature former Rowdies players Jeff Michaud & Darwin Espinal, both of whom scored in last week’s game. The Rowdies and Miami FC drew all three games in NASL play last year, while Miami prevailed 3-0 in their most recent matchup, a preseason friendly. The winner of this match will travel to Orlando City SC in the Fourth Round.

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Winner will play at D.C. United (MLS) in Round 4

Two of the biggest underdogs in this year’s US Open Cup will face off in Chicago in the Third Round of the tournament.

Christos FC and Chicago FC United already have taken down USL teams in the last round of the venerable competition. Now they will face off Wednesday for the right to play MLS side D.C. United at the Maryland Soccerplex on June 13.

After cruising past Fredericksburg FC (NPSL) in Round 1, Christos FC knocked off the Richmond Kickers (USL), 1-0, in the second round of the USOC, led by goalkeeper Phil Saunders. Saunders notched seven saves in the Baltimore side’s shutout victory and earned TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

PDL side Chicago FC United, who were formerly affiliated with the Chicago Fire, started off with a narrow 1-0 win over Grand Rapids FC (NPSL). The game was decided by a 90th minute own goal by a Grand Rapids player. In Round 2, Chicago advanced with a 3-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, earning the right to host another USOC game. It was Chicago’s first win over a pro team since they beat the New Hampshire Phantoms of USL-2 back in 2004.

In league play, FC United has played just two games and has a massive layoff before playing their next game in the PDL. They defeated the St. Louis Lions 6-0 on May 23, followed by a 1-1 draw with WSA Winnipeg three days later. They don’t play another league game until June 10.

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If Tulsa wins … they will play at FC Dallas (MLS) in Round 4
If San Antonio wins … they will host FC Dallas (MLS) in Round 4

Two teams looking for their first U.S. Open Cup win against another professional side will square off Wednesday in Tulsa.

Hosts Tulsa Roughnecks FC has lost its two previous USOC matchups against pro competition: falling to OKC Energy FC in 2015 and the Des Moines Menace in last year’s competition. Tulsa advanced to the third round of this year’s tournament with a 5-3 win over OKC Energy U-23.

Visiting San Antonio FC is competing in the Open Cup for the second time. It beat two amateur teams last year before falling to MLS side Houston Dynamo on the road. The Texas team earned a trip to Tulsa by beating Dutch Lions FC, 2-1.

The winner of the Tulsa-San Antonio matchup will advance to face FC Dallas. Tulsa would travel to play the MLS side, while San Antonio would host the 4th round USOC game.

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Winner will play at Colorado Rapids (MLS) in Round 4

Colorado Springs Switchbacks will be trying to match its first two US Open Cup performances on Wednesday when it hosts fellow USL side OKC Energy FC.

Colorado Springs has won two Open Cup games in each of its first two years in the tournament. A win on Wednesday against Energy FC would give them two wins in each of its first three years, which is something only three active lower division pro teams have accomplished (New York Cosmos, North Carolina FC, Sacramento Republic).

The Switchbacks are tied for 4th place in the USL Western Conference with a 3-4-5 record. They are winless in their last four matches (0-2-2) with their last win coming on May 5 against the Tulsa Roughnecks.

In US Open Cup play, they are 3-0-0 all-time at home, including a 2-0 triumph over FC Tucson (PDL) last round.

Visitors OKC Energy FC had won just a single game in its first six league games, so they had been struggling until their US Open Cup Second Round game. But after beating Moreno Valley FC (USASA) 5-1, they have won back-to-back home games over Orange County SC and Portland Timbers 2.

The winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to play at the Colorado Rapids of MLS at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Round 4.

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Winner will play at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in Round 4

In a match that was originally scheduled to take place in San Francisco, the Deltas will now instead travel to Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex for this Third Round matchup. The winner will face MLS side, San Jose Earthquakes, at Avaya Stadium in Round 4.

This is the fourth appearance of Phoenix Rising in the tournament. They played 3 previous times in the competition as Arizona United SC. Phoenix Rising features three of the biggest stars in North American soccer: Didier Drogba, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Omar Bravo. In their three previous runs in the Cup, the best finish they have had was an appearance in the Fourth Round in 2014. In that year, they knocked off their only pro side to date in the competition when they beat fellow USL side, Oklahoma City Energy, 2-1 in Round 3 before falling to MLS side, LA Galaxy. In 2015, they were hit with the upset from amateur side Chula Vista FC, as they fell 3-0 in the Second Round that season.

Phoenix currently finds themselves in 9th place in the 15-team USL Western Conference standings after picking up a 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy 2 this past weekend, but they have games in hand on many of the teams ahead of them in the league.

NASL expansion side, San Francisco Deltas, will be playing their first-ever match against a USL side or any other professional side in the Open Cup. They knocked off a strong PDL side in the Burlingame Dragons in Round 2 with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory. They were led in that match by Canadian international and playmaker, Kyle Bekker, whose two dangerous free kicks resulted in the two goals for the Deltas that night.

The Deltas have made a decent showing in their inaugural NASL season so far as they currently sit in the middle of the pack, in the eight-team league. To date, they have picked up 13 points from their opening nine games after a 0-0 draw against the New York Cosmos this past Saturday in New York. They are led by one of the most experienced coaches in North America, Marc Dos Santos, who is no stranger to dissecting USL and NASL opponents over the years and coaching in big games.

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Winner will play at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) in Round 4

California sides Orange County SC and the Los Angeles Wolves will face off in the US Open Cup for the second consecutive year.

Last year, in their Open Cup debut, the Wolves earned their first pro upset as they eliminated Orange County 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. For Orange County, it was the fourth time that they had been eliminated by an amateur team. Only the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5) have been ousted by more amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present).

This year, the Wolves needed a pair of wins over amateur clubs to reach Round 3. After a 4-2 win over the PDL’s San Diego Zest to open the competition, they needed extra time to beat Chula Vista FC by the score of 1-0.

Orange County is hoping to earn a measure of revenge against L.A. after snapping a four-match USOC winless streak in the last round, when it beat FC Golden State Force, 5-2.

The winner of this year’s matchup will advance to face MLS power L.A. Galaxy on the road.

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Winner will host Real Salt Lake (MLS) in Round 4

The first official meeting between the Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC will take place in the Third Round of the US Open Cup. Located just 130 miles apart, the two clubs met in a pre-season match at Reno’s home stadium, Greater Nevada Field, in a match that finished 3-3. This is the first time that the two clubs will meet at Papa Murphy’s Park in Sacramento. The right to host MLS side, Real Salt Lake, goes to the winner.

This is the Republic’s fourth season, and thus their fourth venture into the US Open Cup. The club has been one of the standard-bearers for all of lower league soccer since they came onto the scene in the 2014 season, winning the USL title in their inaugural season. While they are one of three lower division clubs to win two or more games in each of its first three seasons in the tournament, they have yet to get over the Fourth Round hump. In 2014 and 2015, the Republic reached the Fourth Round twice, falling both times to MLS side, San Jose Earthquakes. Last season, they reached the 3rd round before falling 3-1 to PDL side (now in NPSL), Kitsap Pumas.

They currently hold a 5-1 record against amateur sides in the competition, and an 0-2 record against pro sides. This means that a win against Reno would be the club’s first win against a pro team in the tournament.

The Republic got off to a hot start in league play this year, winning its first three matches. However, they have since picked up just two points in seven matches, with their only win in that time coming against UPSL side, Anahuac FC, in the Second Round of the Open Cup. To this point, Sammy Ochoa has led the team by notching four goals and three assists.

The Republic takes on expansion side and newest rival, Reno 1868 FC. Reno made their debut in the Open Cup in the Second Round when they traveled to Washington to take on NPSL side, OSA FC. This marked the first time a pro team from Nevada had ever taken part in the tournament.

After 120 minutes of play with a score of 1-1, Reno needed penalty kicks to beat the amateur side. Number 10, El Salvadorian international, Junior Burgos, scored the winning PK to help the Nevada side advance to Round 3.

After a slow start in the league, Reno has gotten hot fast. With just two points in their opening five matches in USL play, Reno went on to win their next three matches by a combined total of 14-0. The main man on the team so far this season has been Jamaican international, Dane Kelly. He has scored 10 goals in his first nine matches, and won USL player of the week honors for his first half hat-trick against the Seattle Sounders 2 on May 20.

Kelly has scored seven career US Open Cup goals, which ties him with Paul Conway as the top scorers in Charleston Battery Open Cup history. He ranks third of all Div. 3 players in Open Cup play with seven goals, and he holds the record with two others) for consecutive tournaments with at least one goal (5 from 2011-15). They currently sit 10th out of 15 teams in the USL Western Conference.