Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2018 US Open Cup

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Allisson Faramilio of FC Golden State Force named TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Allisson Faramilio celebrates with his FC Golden State Force teammates after upsetting the Las Vegas Lights in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Carranza - gossamr.com
Allisson Faramilio celebrates with his FC Golden State Force teammates after upsetting the Las Vegas Lights in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Carranza – gossamr.com

Allisson Faramilio’s late game heroics for FC Golden State Force in an upset over USL newcomers Las Vegas Lights FC earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for Round 3 of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Faramilio was the runaway winner of the award after twice giving his Premier Development League (PDL) team the lead, the first time in the 75th minute and for good when he converted a stoppage time penalty kick. The goals were his third and fourth of this year’s competition. (Watch the goals below)

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

“It was very important, for me and for all of the Golden State Force,” Faramilio said of his winner. “For being the one time that the club arrives in that phase of the competition and for me being an attacker I’m always happy to be making goals and helping my teammates and team.”

One of the more experienced players on his team and in the predominantly Under-23 league, the 30-year-old Brazilian, who started his career in the Corinthians youth academy, doesn’t take his leadership role lightly.

“I am passing on tranquility for the youngsters,” he said.

Two other players, both professionals on USL teams in Louisville City FC’s Sean Totsch and North Carolina FC’s Austin da Luz, received strong consideration for the honor. But Faramilio’s role of dragon slayer won over the voters.

“Because of playing against a stronger team, being all professionals, we do not let down,” Faramilio said.

He and his teammates will get another date with a professional team in the competition when they travel to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. to take on LA Galaxy on June 6.

“It will be an exciting match, and without a doubt, we will seek victory once again, respecting the Galaxy, more knowing that in the field anything can to happen,” he said.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be the TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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thecup-us-social-logoNow that the Third Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is finished, it’s time to look back at some of the standout performances of the 12 matches.

From dominant displays to rocket shots to vital moments, there are plenty of great performances to choose from for TheCup.us Player of the Round.
The staff of TheCup.us and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters vote for the award, but if you had a vote, who would you choose?

Reyno Bustamante (Fresno FC, USL)
With Fresno FC locked in a tough extra-time period on the road against Sporting AZ FC (USASA), Bustamante worked some magic to score the game-winner in the 99th minute.

Austin da Luz (North Carolina FC, USL)
The veteran NCFC midfielder da Luz put on quite a performance, scoring the game-winning goal at home in a 4-1 victory against the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL). He also assisted twice, on the game’s opening goal, as well as NCFC’s first insurance goal.

Allisson Faramillio (FC Golden State Force, PDL)
Going up against USL side Las Vegas Lights at home, Faramillio provided all of the offense Golden State needed. He scored the opener in the 75th minute, breaking a scoreless tie. After Vegas had tied the game a short time later, the Force earned a penalty kick in stoppage time, and Allisson was able to find the net to send his side home 2-1 winners.

Luiz Fernando (Richmond Kickers, USL)
With Richmond hosting fellow USL side Penn FC, Fernando started the game off on fire. He notched his first goal just 11 minutes in, and repeated the feat again in the 22nd minute. The Kickers would end up moving on to the Fourth Round, winning 3-2.

Christian Okeke (NTX Rayados, USASA)
After coughing up a 2-0 home lead within a span of five minutes against FC Wichita of the NPSL, the Rayados were on the ropes when they subbed in Okeke in the 82nd minute. Their faith in the forward was repaid just four minutes later, as he notched the game-winner in a 3-2 victory.

Jorge Rivera (Penn FC, USL)
Playing on the road against fellow USL team Richmond Kickers, Penn FC was on their heels after Luiz Fernando had a hot start (see above). However, Rivera helped dig the visitors out of the hole, getting them on the board at 36th minute, then tying the game with a half hour left. While his team would ultimately lose, Rivera’s effort was nothing short of heroic to prevent a possible blowout and rally his team.

Sean Totsch (Louisville City FC, USL)
King’s Cup rival Saint Louis FC (USL) came to town, in a match that largely came down to defense, and Totsch helped City’s backline limit chances and helped keeper Tim Dobrowolski keep a clean sheet. However, it was on the other end where Totsch was vital, running on the ball and launching an absolute screamer from five yards outside the box into the top left corner of the net, giving the home team a 1-0 win.

2018 US Open Cup: USSF announces Fourth Round draw as MLS joins the tournament

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San Antonio FC players celebrate with their fans after defeating the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in a penalty kick shootout in the Third Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Darren Abate | USL
San Antonio FC players celebrate with their fans after defeating the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in a penalty kick shootout in the Third Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Darren Abate | USL

The day after the Third Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup wrapped up, the United States Soccer Federation announced the draw for the Fourth Round.

Twenty U.S.-based Major League Soccer teams will enter the competition to play against the 12 Third Round winners the week of June 5-6. The dates, times and venues of the matchups will be announced later today.

As we wait for the details, here is a brief look at the matchups for Round 4:

UPDATED SCHEDULE HERE

New York City FC (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
These two rivals met for the first time in 2017 with the Red Bulls edging NYCFC, 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. We will have a rematch as the Red Bulls will host. While the tournament has not been kind to the Red Bulls over the years, outside of finishing runner-up in 2000, the club has seen a resurgence in the last few years under head coach Jesse Marsch. Last year, they won four games en route to the US Open Cup Final where they lost to Sporting Kansas City, 2-1.

New York City FC has played in three US Open Cup games in their previous three seasons, and each year they have been one-and-done. They were eliminated by the New York Cosmos (NASL) in 2015 and 2016 before last year’s loss to the Red Bulls.

New England Revolution (MLS) at Louisville City FC (USL)
The New England Revolution will be playing a tournament game outside of New England for the first time since they lost the 2016 US Open Cup Final to FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas. This will be the first meeting between the Revs and Louisville City FC, the defending USL champions. The Revs are 6-1-2 (1-1 PKs) against Division 2 pro teams in club history, while Louisville lost their only meeting with a MLS team back in 2015 when they lost a 1-0 road game to the Chicago Fire in the Fourth Round. City are trying to advance beyond the Fourth Round for the first time in club history.

North Carolina FC (USL) at D.C. United (MLS)
This will be the first-ever meeting between North Carolina FC and D.C. United in tournament play. United, a three-time champion (1996, 2008, 2013), will host NCFC at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, Md., a place they have enjoyed quite a bit of success over the years. DCU has one of the best home records of any team in American soccer. They are 23-5-2 (0-2 PKs) in front of their home fans since they made their debut in 1996. They also have a sparkling record against Div. 2 pro teams (11-2-2, 1-1 PKs). NCFC won’t be intimidated because they have upset quite a few MLS teams since making their debut in 2007. Their six MLS upsets rank third among all lower division teams in the Modern Era.

Richmond Kickers (USL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
It’s another first-time matchup between a pair of East Coast teams as the Philadelphia Union will host the Richmond Kickers. The Union have come so close in recent years to lifting the trophy after hosting back-to-back US Open Cup Finals in 2014 and 2015 (falling short against the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, respectively). The Union have been taken to penalty kicks six times over the last four years, which, because matches that go to penalty kicks are officially considered a draw, the Union are actually sporting a 10-game unbeaten streak, the second-longest streak of the Modern Era. The Kickers, who won the tournament as an amateur team back in 1995, have had their fair share of success in recent years highlighted by a run to the Semifinals in 2011. They are no stranger to playing MLS teams. The Kickers have played 18 games against MLS opposition, and they advanced five times.

Orlando City SC (MLS) at Miami United FC (NPSL)
Miami United FC, a pro team based in the NPSL, are making history as the first team from that league to reach the Fourth Round. They will host Orlando City SC, a club that is still seeking a signature Open Cup run. The Lions reached the Quarterfinals in 2013 as a USL Pro team, and again as a MLS team in 2015, both times losing road games to the Chicago Fire (MLS). In the history of the club that dates back to 2009 in the USL, Orlando City has never lost to an open division team (8-0-0).

Charleston Battery (USL) at Atlanta United (MLS)
Atlanta United made a splash in their inaugural season in MLS, but their debut in the US Open Cup was short-lived. This game will be a rematch of Atlanta’s first-ever Open Cup game when they defeated the Charleston Battery 3-2 at home. Their run would end in the next round when they lost to the NASL’s Miami FC. The Battery are one of the most historic active teams in American soccer as they were founded back in 1993. They have been a powerhouse in the United Soccer League for more than 20 years, and they have flexed their muscles in the Open Cup as well. They have faced 23 MLS teams in Open Cup play and have advanced nine times, the second-most MLS upsets of any lower division team.

Minnesota United FC (MLS) at FC Cincinnati (USL)
FC Cincinnati, a team that set the American soccer world on fire with their run to the US Open Cup Semifinals last year, will travel to Minnesota to take on a team that is still searching for a signature Cup run. Dating back to their NASL days, Minnesota United has never advanced beyond the Fourth Round of the competition. They made the move to Major League Soccer last year and were knocked off by the eventual champions, Sporting Kansas City in the opening game.

Chicago Fire (MLS) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Long-time rivals Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew will square off for the sixth time in US Open Cup play. Their rivalry was born in the 1998 US Open Cup Final when the expansion Fire beat the Crew at Soldier Field, 2-1 in extra time. This is one of the most common matchups in the Modern Era with only the Sounders and the Timbers and the New England Revolution and the Rochester Rhinos having more (7 each).

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Nashville SC (USL)
When it comes to Open Cup resumes, if Nashville SC is going to play their first game against a MLS team, hosting the Colorado Rapids is a pretty good plan. The Rapids have struggled in the tournament since finishing as the runner-up to the Rochester Raging Rhinos in 1999. Since that year, they have failed to advance in multiple games in a single tournament. That’s 14 straight years of failing to win multiple games. Nashville, a USL team that are set to join MLS in 2020, are making their first US Open Cup run this year.

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City, the defending US Open Cup champions will travel to Real Salt Lake to kick off their title defense. These two teams met in the 2015 Semifinals with Sporting advancing to the title game where they lifted the Cup. Real Salt Lake were the runner-up when they lost in the 2013 Final at home against D.C. United in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Sporting Kansas City knows all about good crowds at US Open Cup games with the highest average attendance of any home venue in the Modern Era. However, Real Salt Lake are no slouches either. They rank second behind Sporting in average attendance (minimum of 10 games) with 12,468 per game.

NTX Rayados (USASA) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
One of this year’s Cinderella stories, NTX Rayados, a Dallas-based club that barely practices, will travel down to Houston to take on the Dynamo. The Dynamo have reached the Semifinals twice (2006, 2009), but haven’t advanced beyond the Quarterfinals since 2009. Rayados will attempt to become the first amateur team to advance beyond the Fourth Round in the Modern Era.

FC Dallas (MLS) at San Antonio FC (USL)
FC Dallas, who are one of the most consistent Open Cup performers of the Modern Era, will travel south to take on San Antonio FC. Only one club in the history of the US Open Cup (Kutis SC) have more Quarterfinal appearances than FC Dallas and the 2016 US Open Cup champions will take on a Division 2 pro team. Dallas has played against 20 Division 2 professional teams and have only been eliminated once.

FC Golden State Force (PDL) AT LA Galaxy (MLS)
FC Golden State, the last remaining PDL team, will take on the Los Angeles Galaxy. FC Golden State are trying to become the first amateur team to advance beyond the Fourth Round, but they will have to upset one of the giants of Major League Soccer to do it. The Galaxy, who aren’t as strong as they have been in recent years, got a scare the last time they played against an amateur team at home. UPSL club La Maquina FC took the Galaxy to extra time before the two-time US Open Cup champions pulled away in the second extra time period.

Fresno FC (USL) at Los Angeles FC (MLS)
A pair of first-year teams will square off with Fresno FC taking on Los Angeles FC. Fresno enter this weekend middle of the table in the USL standings while LAFC have enjoyed a nice start to their inaugural season in MLS under the leadership of two-time Open Cup champion Bob Bradley. They are currently ranked second in the MLS Western Conference.

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
The Earthquakes will head north to take on the Timbers in one of the all-MLS matchups. This is the fourth time the two clubs have met dating back to the Timbers’ inaugural US Open Cup run in 2004 when they were a member of the A-League (Div. 2 pro). This will be the eighth US Open Cup game in a row where the Timbers will play a team from Major League Soccer.

The Quakes are coming off their best Open Cup run in club history last year, where they reached the Semifinals. They fell one penalty kick shootout shy of reaching their first championship game, falling to eventual champion Sporting Kansas City on the road, 5-4 (after a 1-1 draw).

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at Sacramento Republic (USL)
The four-time US Open Cup champions will travel south to Sacramento to take on Republic FC. The Republic are no strangers to playing MLS teams in their relatively brief history. They have played four MLS teams in their first four tournament appearances, headlined by a 4-1 home win over Real Salt Lake last year in the Fourth Round. Seattle has been one of the most dominant teams of the Modern Era winning four titles and winning 36 games, which ranks third in the Modern Era.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3 review: USL dominates, but three Open Division sides break through to MLS round

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NTXTwo amateur teams, a pro team from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and eight United Soccer League (USL) teams joined North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

Five matches featured USL v USL match-ups while USL newcomers Las Vegas Lights FC were the lone USL team to fall to an opponent from outside the league. Las Vegas was bounced from its first Open Cup by PDL team FC Golden State Force.

On-loan (and cup-tied) Atlanta United forward Gordon Wild helped the Charleston Battery avoid falling victim to the defending NPSL champions while pro NPSL side Miami United FC got revenge for last year’s loss in a 2-0 win over fellow pro NPSL team the Jacksonville Armada.

Only one game ended in penalties, the all-USL battle between San Antonio FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, which San Antonio ended up surviving to advance with a 5-3 shootout win.

Scroll down to get a brief recap of all 12 games (with links to match reports as they become available)

#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders

News
* USSF allows NY Cosmos B, Miami FC 2, Jacksonville Armada into 2018 US Open Cup
* El Farolito, 1993 US Open Cup champions, disqualified from 2018 tournament
* Why is it against the rules to change leagues during the US Open Cup?
* FC Cincinnati at Gettler Stadium: “Like Metallica playing a small venue”

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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
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After Ocean City’s Uros Ilic cancelled out NCFC’s opener by Marios Lomis earlier in the game, the hosts then cranked up the Austin da Luz show. Besides assisting on the opener, the midfielder notched the game-winning goal, as well as another assist, as North Carolina pulled away for a comfortable victory over their PDL guests. NCFC will attempt to improve on their record of 5-7-1 (1-0 in PKs) against MLS clubs in the Fourth Round.
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Charleston Battery hosted NPSL side Elm City Express, and for most of the night the visitors hung in tough against their second division competition. However, in the waning minutes, forward Gordon Wild, on loan from Atlanta United, continued his goalscoring prowess for the Battery with a pretty run and finish in the box in the 84th minute, knocking out the defending NPSL champions Elm City Express. MLS teams need to be wary of Charleston, who has eliminated nine teams from the country’s top division (second-most of any lower division team) and of the team’s 23 games against MLS opposition, 15 of them have gone to extra time or beyond (7-12-4, 2-2 PKs).
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Louisville City has dominated the King’s Cup derby, losing only once to Saint Louis FC. They weren’t about to change history in this match, dominating possession and refusing to give SLFC much of a chance at goal. Defender Sean Totsch launched a rocket past Saint Louis goalie Tomas Gomez to ensure City the win. Gomez had a solid day otherwise, making eight saves, many of them single-handedly keeping his side in the game. LCFC hopes to finally notch a win against an MLS team in the Fourth Round, losing their only previous encounter to the Chicago Fire 1-0 in extra time in 2015.
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Jimmy McLaughlin scored before halftime and Lance Laing and Daniel Haber added two goals in the second half to lead FC Cincinnati back to the Fourth Round. McLaughlin opened the scoring in the 39th minute off an assist from Emery Welshman. The Riverhounds did pull a goal back late with a strike from Danny Chin assisted by Andrew Lubahn but were unable to make up any more ground in stoppage time.
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Luiz Fernando scored a brace inside 22 minutes, but the Richmond Kickers needed an 83rd minute game-winner from Heviel Cordovés to advance to the Fourth Round. After surrendering goals in the 13th and 22nd minute, Penn FC cut the lead in half on a corner kick when Jorge Rivera redirected a shot from Saalih Muhammad on goal in the 36th minute. Muhammad leveled the score in the 60th minute when he collected a long pass from Fabio De Sousa. Cordovés spoiled the comeback when he was left all alone in front of goal to score his fifth career Open Cup goal off a cross from Austin Yearwood.
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A Tomas Granito golazo in the 21st minute gave Miami United FC a lead they would never relinquish in a battle of two professional NPSL clubs. This game was also a rematch of a game won by the Armada (then in NASL) in last year’s competition. Nicolas Gorobsov doubled the lead in the 26th minute, and the Miami defense was able to keep the Armada off the scoreboard through the full 90 minutes, even with eight minutes of second half stoppage time added at the end of the match.
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Former New York Red Bulls and Bethlehem Steel FC forward Brandon Allen marked his arrival in Nashville with a goal 19 minutes in, thanks to an assist from Tucker Hume. London Woodberry added a goal 11 minutes later to put Nashville up 2-0 at the break. Napo Matsoso pulled a goal back for the PDL’s Mississippi Brilla, coming off an assist from Christian Kirchoff. However, this was as close as the game would get. Robin Shroot put the game to rest in the 90th minute with a goal assisted by Ropapa Mensah.
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Super sub Christian Okeke, the reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round, scored his third game-winner of this year’s tournament to lead NTX Rayados to the Fourth Round of the competition with a 3-2 win over FC Wichita. With the win, Rayados becomes the 15th open division team (13th amateur team) and just the 7th non-PDL / non-NPSL team to reach the Fourth Round.
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San Antonio FC advanced to the Fourth Round on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw with USL rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. San Antonio got on the board in the 8th minute on a Rafael Castillo penalty kick awarded for a handball in the box but the Switchbacks leveled the score when Tobenna Uzo powered home a Josh Suggs corner in the 26th minute. Scoreless the rest of the way, San Antonio converted all five of their penalties to win the shootout 5-3 and advance to the next round.
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USL newcomers Las Vegas Lights FC had their first US Open Cup campaign cut short by PDL club FC GoldenState Force, which won 2-1 on a 90th minute penalty kick from Allisson Faramilio. Faramilio put the Force up a goal from open play on a 75th minute strike assisted by Matthew Powell, but Joel Huiqui found an equalizer six minutes later off a corner kick from Christian Torres. The Force become just the 13th amateur team (15th open division team) in the Modern Era to reach the Fourth Round.
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Ryan Flood put Sporting AZ FC, an amateur team from the United Premier Soccer League, in the lead in the 66th minute with a strike from distance but Fresno FC found an equalizer on a long distance blast of their own from Danny Barrera in the 75th minute. Needing overtime, Renato Bustamente scored the game-winner in the 99th minute off an assist from Juan Pablo Caffa. Sporting AZ made it interesting deep into overtime, but were unable to convert a couple of dangerous free kick chances.
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USL rivals Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1860 FC played a tight game that was settled in the 69th minute with a stunning goal by Keven Alemen who helped the Republic advance to Round 4 for the fourth time in the last five years.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Faramillio’s late PK gives FC Golden State Force upset of Las Vegas Lights

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USOC VGS-GSF FINALLeaving it late, FC Golden State Force played the role of giant killer again as they took down USL expansion side Las Vegas Lights 2-1. Golden State found an extra gear late, and cherished the role of the underdog. They controlled most of the game, putting the pressure on Vegas throughout, even when a Lights equalizer would have sent most amateur teams scrambling to park the bus and hope for a slip-up in a penalty kicks.

With the win, FC Golden State Force becomes the first PDL team since the 2012 Michigan Bucks to upset back-to-back professional teams in the tournament. Furthermore, the Force also make history as the 13th amateur side (15th open division team) to reach the Fourth Round of the competition. They will earn a date with a team from Major League Soccer in the next round and will attempt to do something no open division team has ever done in the Modern Era: advance beyond the Fourth Round.

Unlike last match vs. Orange County SC, Golden State took the initiative and pinned Las Vegas into defensive third of the pitch. The Force could have taken the lead early on, as Lights keeper Ricardo Ferrino saved a curling effort shot by Amilcar Lopez-Ruiz. The home side then had another chance to score as Sami Vilalva hit a shot just wide of the post, and Christian Torres rattled a shot off the crossbar in the 32nd minute. While failing to find the net, they clamped down on Las Vegas in the defensive end, limiting their chances on goal.

The second half saw Las Vegas start to control the match. While they didn’t carve out any chances, they forced Golden State to clear the ball out of danger, but right back to the Lights. The visitors finally had a golden chance to go in front, as Marco Cesar hit a point-blank shot over the bar from six yards out. Later, Golden State finally had a chance on a counterattack, as Vialva caught the ball and put a left-footed shot just wide of the post. The Force finally broke the pressure and started sustaining an attack, and finally hit paydirt in the 76th minute. Allisson Faramillio continued his Open Cup magic, curling a shot past Ferrino to put the home side up 1-0.

The Lights continued their attack, however, earning a corner kick, and Joel Huiqui evened the match ten minutes from time. However, instead of bunkering in, Golden State continued their attack. A minute into stoppage time, the Force earned a penalty kick, and Faramillio was able to score the game-winner. This puts the Man of the Match at four goals in the Open Cup, tied for second place. He scored another brace against Orange County SC in the previous round.

Manager Robert Friedland was overjoyed as the result.  He spoke about the performance of his team, “We just have to stay focused and stay on our task and keep our eye on the prize…I’m proud of my team and they impress me more every day. Tonight was a massive result.” He was also excited about the likeliness of playing against an MLS team, stating, “It’s thrilling, to be in the fourth round, to do our job, and get the chance to be able to do that, we are the Cinderella story.” They will be facing another strong side in the next round, but the Force are excited by the task ahead.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Kevin Aleman’s stunning free kick lifts Sacramento Republic past Reno 1868 FC

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USOC SAC-RNO FINALUSL sides Sacramento Republic and Reno 1868 FC tangled in a Third Round match in Nevada, with the Republic coming out victorious. The away side held control for most of the match, but couldn’t break through until about twenty minutes from time. Keven Alemán’s free kick just outside the box hit the back of the net, sending Sacramento through to the Fourth Round, earning the right to play an MLS side.

The first half was wide open, with the Republic creating the few major chances that occurred in the half. They started in the 8th minute, when Hayden Partain was played in by Jaime Villarreal, but missed the cross. Again in the 28th minute, the visitors had another chance, but Alemán saw his effort tackled away at the last possible second. Their best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute, when an awful Reno back pass played in Cameron Iwasa, but 1868 keeper Kyle Ihn expertly saved Iwasa’s effort.

“We had the better chances in the first half. We didn’t take them. Ian’s teams are tough and well organized,” said Sacramento Head Coach Simon Elliott, as the game went into the half scoreless. “It is always a battle whenever we play them.” Elliott elaborated, “I think when you are on the front foot, we need to take advantage and be more clinical. You let good teams stick around like Reno and they will punish you. They punished us last time, but this time we got away with it.”

The second half played out much like the first half, as Sacramento controlled possession and pushed for the break through goal. The goal eventually came from Man of the Match Keven Alemán. He expertly curled in a free kick from the top of the box, giving the Republic the 1-0 advantage. “He was motivated,” said Elliott about his star player on the night. “He’s been out for a little while with an injury, so he was motivated to play. He got a little frustrated at times in the first half, but what was really pleasing is that he kept going and kept going and got his reward with a really nice goal. So we are delighted for him.”

Following the goal, Reno finally started to build their way into the match, with most of their best chances coming late in the game as they searched for an equalizer. They had a chance in the 83rd minute from Danny Musovski, but the visitors expertly blocked the effort. This began a spell of heavy pressure for the final 10 minutes of the match. 1868 got close to an equalizer three times in stoppage time. First, Christian Thierjung fired over the bar, then Danny Musovski’s diving header hit the post, and finally Connor Johnson fired wide from range as the match ended 1-0 in favor of the Republic.

The win puts Sacramento Republic back in the Fourth Round for the fourth time in their five year existence. They will attempt to improve on their 1-2-1 (0-1 in PKs) record and repeat a win over MLS from last year, when they beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 in the same round.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: San Antonio FC wins tense PK shootout with Colorado Springs Switchbacks

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Tempers boiled over between San Antonio FC and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Photo: San Antonio FC
Tempers boiled over between San Antonio FC and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Photo: San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC (USL) defeated league rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL) in penalty kicks Wednesday night to advance to the Open Cup’s Fourth Round. This is the second time, and first since 2016, that SAFC will advance to the Fourth Round, and also marks San Antonio’s first penalty shootout victory ever. Colorado Springs failed to reach the Fourth Round for the second consecutive year, last reaching it in 2016.

The first half got off to a quick start when 16-year-old San Antonio FC Academy product Ethan Bryant earned a penalty in the 8th minute. Veteran midfielder Rafa Castillo then calmly dispatched the ball past Colorado Springs goalie Moise Pouaty, sending him the opposite direction. On Bryant, head coach Darren Powell said, “The boy’s 16 years old. He comes out tonight and plays 120 minutes in his first professional game and he didn’t look out of place at all.”

The visitors would equalize in the 26th minute off a Josh Suggs corner kick. Switchbacks forward Tobenna Uzo headed home the corner past Matt Cardone. San Antonio had a chance to take the lead going into halftime; some fancy footwork in the box created a searing shot from Maxi Rodriguez which forced Pouaty into a stretch to prevent the goal.

San Antonio's Mikey Lopez reacts after kicking the match-winning penalty kick as San Antonio FC defeated Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Photo: Darren Abate | USL
San Antonio’s Mikey Lopez reacts after kicking the match-winning penalty kick as San Antonio FC defeated Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Photo: Darren Abate | USL

The second half saw much of the same attacking sense by both sides but Colorado looked to get the game-winner as they pushed forward more frequently than San Antonio. The match got more physical halfway through after some hard fouls, and no calls, by both clubs. Colorado Springs nearly took the lead late off what would have been an own goal by Chris Christian – to the relief of the home fans, the ball just went over the bar in front of goal for a corner. Full time would ultimately come with both sides still in a deadlock.

Extra time was more of the same: Colorado Springs was the more aggressive team, testing the San Antonio defense, trying to wear them down. The visitors had many chances to take the lead, none better than a golden opportunity that went just wide left as Switchbacks forward Martin Maybin was 1v1 with Cardone. The extra period ended with a scrum near midfield as Saeed Robinson saw his second yellow after a hard tackle. The extra time whistle blew before San Antonio could take advantage of being a man up on the Switchbacks.

In the penalty shootout, San Antonio FC scored all five of their goals while Colorado Springs midfielder Uriel Macias sailed his shot, Colorado’s fourth, above the crossbar. Mikey Lopez scored his next shot which sent SAFC to the next round. SAFC defender and captain Stephen McCarthy was relieved to get a win in PK’s, “It’s so great. That’s it. It’s great.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: NTX Rayados edge FC Wichita with another game-winner from super sub Christian Okeke

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NTXIt couldn’t have happened any other way. NTX Rayados second half substitute Christian Okeke scored in the 86th minute and the Dallas-based amateur side advanced past FC Wichita 3-2 to earn their first-ever Fourth Round appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

For the third time in as many rounds, Okeke came off the bench and made the difference. He scored the extra-time game winner in Round 1 against Fort Worth Vaqueros and then scored the (eventual) winner (in extra time) in Round 2 against United Soccer League (USL) side OKC Energy.

“It’s great,” a breathless Okeke said of his “super sub” role after the game “(As long as) we keep winning, I’m always happy.”

Asked if the team has ever considered starting Okeke, captain and club co-founder Tito Salas was pretty direct.

“No. Christian is Christian. He knows the plan. It’s been working – why change it?”

The goal was Okeke’s fourth of the 2018 tournament, which puts him in second place behind Miami United’s David Ochoa.

Rayados are joined in Round 3 by two other open division teams, Miami United, a pro team from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and FC Golden State Force an amateur team from the Premier Development League. In the Modern Era (1995-present) of the tournament, only seven open division teams from outside of the PDL and the NPSL have reached the Fourth Round. The draw for the Fourth Round will take place on Thursday, May 24 at 11 a.m. EST when the Rayados will find out which MLS team they will play in Round 4.

The first half unfolded slowly as both teams traded brief spells of possession, searching each other for weaknesses on the back line. NTX controlled the ball more, but failed to create anything dangerous. Then in the sixth minute, a square pass from the right side found no one – from either team – in the center of the field right outside the box. Ramos swooped in from his holding midfield position and fired off a shot that took a deflection off a Wichita defender. The ball went just beyond the fingertips of Wichita goalkeeper Mark Weir. NTX slowly took more control of the game, holding possession and probing Wichita for weaknesses.

Then in the 24th minute, Sergio Lara chased down a long ball over the top that found its way into the box. He clashed with a Wichita defender in what appeared to be a fair challenge, but a penalty was awarded. Lucio Martinez, who scored a perfect free kick in NTX’s Round 1 win over Fort Worth Vaqueros, hit his penalty poorly and Weir was able to get down in time to parry it aside. It would’ve been a wasted opportunity for Rayados, but four minutes later it was Escalera’s turn to get on the end of a long ball over the top. Escalera and Weir came out to meet the ball at the same time on the edge of the box and Escalera needed only one touch to win the duel and poke the ball into the back of the net.

USOC FCW-NTX FINALWichita coach Blake Shumaker felt a change was needed and in the 37th minute, he swapped out left back Luis Vidal Pla in favor of Matthew Clare. The momentum slowly swung back towards Wichita, who created several chances toward the end of the first half, mostly through target forward Franck Tayou, but nothing got past Rayados goalkeeper Eduardo Cortes Sanchez. NTX carried the 2-0 lead into the break.

In contrast with what was a relatively clean first half, the second half got off to a rough start. Rayados forward Sergio Lara went down under a hard challenge and had to be helped up, but would eventually carry on. Then in the 57th minute, Salas picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge in the middle of the field. Three minutes later, Wichita winger Thomas Wells played Jose Landaverde, who scored the stoppage time winner for Wichita in Round 2, through in on goal. Sanchez came out to meet him, but Landaverde held on long enough to get the touch he needed to get the goal. NTX immediately brought on Okeke and Antonio Hernandez, but in the 65th minute Wichita earned a corner kick and midfielder Andres Ochoa rose high enough to get his head on it and push it past Sanchez. Suddenly the game was tied and momentum seemed to shift back to Wichita.

Wichita began to possess the ball more and Rayados looked visibly frustrated; as did their several hundred supporters. Lara and Jose Goncalves Toledo were both booked and it looked like the dream run might end for NTX. Then Okeke dribbled through multiple defenders, into the six-yard box, only to have his effort snuffed out for a corner. Momentum swung back to the home side and in the 86th minute, Victor Pinal picked up a poor clearance from the Wichita defense, carried it to the edge of the penalty area, and found Okeke inside the box, who clinically placed his shot into the upper 90 on the far post.

Tensions boiled over in the aftermath of the goal and a member of the Wichita technical staff was ejected from the bench, as was reserve Kieran Laking. NTX’s Sergio Lara was also sent off, setting up a tense final few minutes of the game. Wichita got one last chance in stoppage time, but Tayou couldn’t convert the chance and Rayados became the 15th open division side ever to reach the fourth round of the tournament.

“It’s a beautiful thing. It’s a beautiful feeling. It’s time to enjoy it now.”, Salas said after the game, surrounded by his family and close friends. Like several members of the team, Salas is married with kids and had to rearrange several family events and school events (he works as an assistant principal in the Dallas Independent School District) to get ready for the game, but for him it was worth the extra effort.

“That’s fine. They’re out here with us. It’s a family environment.”

Rayados will have to wait until Thursday’s draw to learn their fate for Round 4, but Okeke is already ready to go.

“I’m excited. With this group of guys, anything can happen. I think we’re all going into it thinking we can win.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: MLS-bound Nashville SC ousts Brilla to earn date with MLS team

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USOC MISS-NVL FINALComing off a huge upset of Indy Eleven in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, PDL’s Mississippi Brilla rolled into Nashville hoping to pick off another USL team. However, Nashville SC have yet to lose at home this year, and were looking to maintain the Cup momentum they earned last week when they defeated crosstown rivals Inter Nashville.

In the end, some order was restored to the universe as the professionals beat the amateurs, but just barely. Nashville held on to defeat a very dangerous Brilla side 3-1 in front of a crowd of 1,047 at the Vanderbilt University Soccer Complex.

Mississippi came here with a terrific win under their belt, and they looked very confident,” said Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith. “These games are extremely difficult. You’re favorites, I said it last week, a bit of a banana skin. Our attitude was good, we started off well, couldn’t have asked for much more in the first half other than to really have finished the game off.”

Complete midfield dominance by Nashville combined with defensive miscues by Brilla to offer up plenty of chances in the first half. Nashville’s first goal came in the 20th minute when Brandon Allen scored off an assist by Tucker Hume. Robin Shroot stole the ball just outside the penalty area and played the ball to Hume, who faked a shot and laid the ball off to Allen, who beat Jordan Bell with a left-footed shot just inside the post.

The Shroot/Hume combination has continued to bring success to NSC, with the former getting two assists and the latter getting both goals against Inter Nashville in the Second Round.

Brandon Allen was playing in his first game for Nashville SC, having signed just the day before from Bethlehem Steel, also of the USL.

Allen nearly got a second goal in the 24th minute after a hard foul in the 18-yard box led to a Nashville penalty kick. Allen made a decent effort on the PK, but Brilla’s Bell made a quality diving save to his right, denying Allen.

Just five minutes later another foul led to Nashville defender London Woodberry scoring his first goal of the season, a curling a free kick around the wall from 24 yards out, putting the ball just inside the right post to give the home team a 2-0 lead going into the half.

Brilla failed to register even one shot in the first half, and it seemed like the game was all but over – but after the halftime, the game turned upside down.

The PDL team from Mississippi came out and took over. They controlled possession, pressed hard, and within fifteen minutes had pulled back a goal and looked like they might be on the verge of another upset. Nashville’s CJ Cochran made several desperate saves and it looked like his team might weather the storm until Christian Kirchoff’s cross from the right wing found the head of Napo Matsoso and with 30 minutes remaining the game was 2-1.

Nashville were content to continue absorbing Brilla’s pressure, and it almost didn’t work out for them. Mississippi came agonizingly close on several occasions, and until Robin Shroot scored his first goal of the season in the 91st minute off the counterattack, overtime seemed like it might be in the cards. Nashville SC goes on to the Fourth Round, but Mississippi Brilla can hold their heads high, having had a great run.

The draw for the Fourth Round will be held May 24 for June 6 matchups that will feature the introduction of MLS teams to Cup competition.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Miami United sink Armada to become first NPSL team to reach Round 4

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USOC MUFC-JAX FINALThe Jacksonville Armada FC may have had home-field advantage, but that’s where their fortune ended Wednesday night in their quest to advance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Taking on Miami United FC, the two National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) clubs fought for every possession, but it was Miami who came away with the only goals in the Third Round match.

Miami drew first blood in the 20th minute off a great ball that was fed to Tomas Granitto. The Miami midfielder took a shot from outside the box and banked it in off of the far post. It was one of the more impressive goals of the tournament and it gave United the momentum they needed.

Just six minutes later, Miami United earned a free kick just outside the box on the left wing. Nicolas Gorobsov stepped up to take the shot, curling it past the wall to the far post to double the advantage.

Though the scoreboard showed a 2-0 result for Miami, Jacksonville actually owned a distinct shot advantage, 20-4. However, just six of those shots were put on frame, and all were tidied up by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Peterson.

“We had a thousand chances to score a goal and we didn’t score,” said the clearly disgruntled Armada head coach, Mark Lowry. “We had five, six, seven, eight, nine chances to score and we didn’t. That’s what happened.”

With tonight’s win, Miami United becomes the first team in NPSL history to reach the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. United are just the second open division pro team to reach Round 4, joining the 2016 Kitsap Pumas, back when they were a member of the Premier Development League.

They now await the results of tomorrow’s Fourth Round draw ahead of MLS’ entry into the competition. The draw is set to take place at 11 AM (ET).

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