2019 US Open Cup qualifying

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review

April 9, 2019 by Michael Battista

Players from NTX Rayados huddle up before the club's Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mirco Daniel — Players from NTX Rayados huddle up before the club’s Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mirco Daniel

What started with 94 teams has been whittled down to seven. The fourth and final round for the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup took place over the weekend of April 6-7 with six matches playing out.

The mix of winners includes three first time participants in the tournament as Virginia United FC, Florida Soccer Soldiers, and Academica SC will all be making their tournament debuts when the competition begins the first week of May. It came down to the wire for all the first timers that actually played a game since both VAU and ASC needed late-game heroics and penalty kicks to make the tournament.

While the new kids get adjusted, the slate of returning teams features years of tournament experience and history.

After going on hiatus in 2016, Cal FC makes its’ return to the Open Cup after cruising past Santa Ana Winds FC on the road, 4-1. The team is making its’ fourth trip to the tournament and is best known as the first Open Division Local club to beat a Major League Soccer team without needing penalty kicks when it advanced past the Portland Timbers, 1-0, back in 2012.

Both FC Denver and West Chester United are going to take part in their second US Open Cup after defeating Southwest FC and Safira FC respectively. For the Colorado side, their comeback win this round may go down as one of the club’s greatest accomplishments in its’ 10+ year history.

NTX Rayados’ win over St Louis’ FC Maritsa earned the team its’ eighth straight tournament berth, the most by an Open Division Local team in the Modern Era (Reading United AC of USL League Two holds the overall Open Division record with an active record of 11). Last year, the team reached the Open Cup’s Fourth Round after defeating NPSL sides Fort Worth Vaqueros FC, FC Wichita, and USL’s Oklahoma City Energy FC before falling to the eventual champion Houston Dynamo of MLS.

The draw for the First Round will take place on April 10, with the subsequent Second Round possible pairings coming out a week later on April 17. The first round of the Open Cup itself is scheduled to take place during the weekend of May 7-8. The 19 matches will be contested between eight local qualifiers, 14 NPSL teams, 10 USL League 2 teams, and six USL League 1 teams.

#USOC2019 NEWS
2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 3 game-by-game review
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal
2019 US Open Cup qualifying: Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws
More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format
Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out
Bavarian SC qualify for 2019 US Open Cup by winning Amateur Cup title

NORTHEAST REGION

West Chester United Predators (USASA – United Soccer League of Pennsylvania – West Chester, PA)
3:0
Safira FC (USASA – UPSL – Sommerville, MA)

West Chester United are heading back to the US Open Cup for the first time since 2016 after denying Boston-area side Safira FC. A back-and-forth first half ended with WCU’s Chad Poarch scoring the winning goal for his team in stoppage time. Two more goals by Peter Nolan put the game out of reach for West Chester, who were playing their fourth straight road game of the competition. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

World Class Premier Elite FC (USASA – Maryland Major Soccer League – Boyds, MD)
2:2 (5:4 PK)
Virginia United FC (ANFUSA – Woodbridge Soccer League – Woodbridge, VA)

While another team from its’ state was the favorite to win their basketball tournament earlier this week, the underdog run for Virginia United FC is only just beginning as the team celebrates qualification into their first US Open Cup. Luis Aguilar’s two penalty kicks late in the second half and late in the second half of extra time, kept United alive and forced a penalty kick shootout. Goalkeeper Manuel Medrano became the hero for VAU when he made the critical block on WCP’s fifth attempt, leaving his team the chance to advance with the subsequent kick – which they did. United will not only make their US Open Cup debut in 2019, but they will be the first club from the recently formed Asociacon Nacional Futbol en USA (ANFEEU) to qualify for the competition. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

SOUTHEAST REGION

Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – Hialeah, FL)
W:L (forfeit)
ASC America SC (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – Jacksonville, FL)

The second entrant from the local qualifying punched their ticket to the U.S. Open Cup without taking the field. The Florida Soccer Soldiers advanced into the tournament proper because their Fourth Round opponent, America SC, left the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) due to financial reasons. This is the Soldiers’ first trip to the US Open Cup. [+] FULL STORY

CENTRAL REGION

FC Maritsa (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – St. Louis, MO)
0:5
NTX Rayados (USASA – North Texas Premier Soccer Association – Dallas, TX)

NTX Rayados is heading to its’ eighth straight US Open Cup tournament after making team history by reaching the Fourth Round of last year’s competition. The team’s win over FC Maritsa on the road ends a qualification run that included two games decided by penalty kicks including an 11-round thriller against Motagua of New Orleans in the third round. Sergio Lara’s two goals in the game helped extend the team’s Modern Era (1995-present) tournament qualifying record while Maritsa falls in its’ attempt to become the first Open Division Local team from Missouri to qualify since the KC Athletics in 2010. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

MOUNTAIN REGION

FC Denver (USSSA – Colorado Premier League – Aurora, CO)
4:3
Southwest FC (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – El Paso, TX)

After letting in three goals to Southwest FC in the first half, FC Denver came back to force overtime and win in what the team described as “the best match of (their) 13 year history.” The team will take part in its second US Open Cup after debuting last year and reaching the Second Round. Southwest’s three-goal lead was chipped at during the first half stoppage time before Denver scored twice later on to extend the game. Two minutes before the halfway point of extra time when Cesar Castillo’s low shot reached the back of the net to give his team the win in one of the most unexpected comebacks this qualifying cycle. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGION

Cal FC (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – Thousand Oaks, CA)
4:1
Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA – United Premier Soccer League – Lake Forest, CA)

In the battle between UPSL foes, Cal FC punched its’ ticket for the U.S. Open Cup with a win over Santa Ana Winds FC. Three second half goals, including a contender for best goal of the qualifying tournament by UC Riverside star Romario Lomeli, stunted the possible comeback from Santa Ana. The future NPSL Founders Cup member will be entering its fourth Open Cup tournament and first since 2015. The qualification also comes after the team recently returned from a two year hiatus last year, which caused some stir after the club’s First Qualifying Round opponent, San Nicolas FC, filed a complaint to USSF. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEST REGION

IPS/Marathon Taverna (USASA – Oregon Premier League – Portland, OR)
3:3 (1:3 PK)
Academica SC (US Club Soccer – LIGA NorCal – Turlock, CA)

120 minutes, 15 cards, and three goals in stoppage time all added up as an eight-manned Academica SC survived past the nine-player IPS/Marathon Taverna to qualify for its first ever Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Manuel Villegas’ goal, his third and probably most important during USOC qualifying, came late in stoppage time for ASC to forced overtime. Marathon’s Borce Atanasov gave the home team hope when he sunk a goal in the 98th minute to retake the lead, but another late stoppage time equalizer by Academica’s Gerardo Cazares forced penalty kicks where the visitors would clinch advancement. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Virginia United rally twice to earn club its first USOC berth

April 8, 2019 by Dillon Jones

Virginia United poses for a team photo following the club's 5-4 PK shootout win (after a 2-2 draw) over World Class Premier Elite in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Virginia United — Virginia United poses for a team photo following the club’s 5-4 PK shootout win (after a 2-2 draw) over World Class Premier Elite in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Virginia United

Cinderella stories tell the tale of how a team of low recognition achieved something no one thought to be possible. This was not that story. Although, being the first time a team from the Asociacon Nacional Futbol en USA (ANFEEU) has even attempted at qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Virginia United and their supporters acted like seasoned veterans in the “Win & You’re In” qualifier on Sunday, scoring twice from a deficit to bring the game level and sending the game to overtime where they stole the victory from World Class Premier Elite FC. United clinched the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth with a 5-4 win in a penalty kick shootout. A pair of penalties in regular and extra time from Virginia United’s PK specialist Bernardo Majano saw the amateur team match a brace of goals from Olakunle Banjo of World Class Premier Elite FC.

With the win, Virginia United will represent the Woodbridge (Va.) Soccer League and the organization it is a part of, the ANFEEU, in the 106th edition of the tournament. The ANFEEU, like other soccer organizations like the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), US Club Soccer and the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA), are able to submit teams into the US Open Cup’s Open Division Local Qualifying tournament.

“Being a small local club and small Hispanic community and to have the type of supporters that we do is incredible,” said Virginia United’s head coach Jonathan Romero.

The first five minutes of play was in WCP’s favor as they were the aggressors from kickoff, conceding four fouls and losing possession for only short periods of time. It paid off shortly after as a few combination passes in VAU’s defensive half saw Olakunle Banjo’s sweetly strike a shot with his right foot from outside of the box and buried it into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Proceeding the goal VAU was able to counteract WCP’s quick and intense build up play with counter attacking style of play, intercepting the ball in the back and then spreading the ball wide, which led to multiple crossing efforts and a near equalizer by striker Ernesto Marquez Jr. after a long cross on the left wing by eventual goalscorer Bernardo Majano was settled and taken around the WCP goal keeper but couldn’t be controlled and rolled out for a goal kick.

WCP continued to make the most of their possession having created the majority of chances in the first half by either team but were looking susceptible on the counter attack when a long VAU goal kick found the ball quickly in the WCP box at the feet of VAU striker Luis Aguilar when he was awarded a penalty for a foul in the back which saw VAU draw level with Majano’s first goal of the game right at the stroke of half time.

It took until the end of regulation and one half of extra time for the ball to find the back of the net again, this time for WCP. Banjo reacted to a bad mistake by the VAU defense giving the ball away poorly in front of goal and the lurking striker found himself with another goal after his shot grazed the left post of United’s goal and went in.

Down 2-1, the hopes of reaching the tournament after months of qualifying matches were fleeing from the minds of Virginia United fans and players alike. However, a quick secession of back-and-fourth play between the two teams beginning with a corner from VAU, led to a clearance by the WCP defense that found its way to WCP’s extra time sub Joe Elton who hit the post after a one-on-one chance with the VAU goalkeeper. Moments later, a freekick in the WCP defensive end led to another penalty call for VAU.

In the dying minutes of the half Majano stepped up once again to take the penalty only to have his initial shot saved but the deflection only prolonged the inevitable when Majano followed up his own shot for a rebound goal to tie the game.

The match went to penalties and VAU goalkeeper Manuel Medrano was the hero, making the crucial save to give the ANFEEU side a 5-4 win in the shootout.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Former pros, familiar faces put Cal FC back in tournament

April 8, 2019 by Omar Avalos

Romario lomeli from Cal FC celebrates a goal as part of a 4-1 win against Santa Ana Winds in the Fourth Round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Victor Friedman — Romario Lomeli from Cal FC celebrates a goal as part of a 4-1 win against Santa Ana Winds in the Fourth Round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Victor Friedman

Cal FC outclassed Santa Ana Winds FC by a score of 4-1 on Sunday at the Lake Forest Sports Park in Lake Forest, Calif. The “Win & You’re In” qualifier sent Cal FC back to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2015, and Winds FC back to the drawing board.

Cal FC, a team best known for their 2012 upset of Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers, was an all-around better squad, from the opening minute. They pressed defensively as a unit, had a surgical, vertical counterattack and held possession more effectively. The Thousand Oaks, Calif. side pressed high causing much confusion and, especially, imprecise vertical passes from the Winds FC back line to the midfield. Cal FC effectively shut down that circuit, and contained the Winds midfield. Santa Ana was forced to play lob after lob from their defensive line, at best hoping to connect with a forward.

A player from Cal FC takes a shot against Santa Ana Winds in the Fourth Round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Victor Friedman

“Really pleased to get a positive result against a very good team,” said Cal FC head coach Keith Costigan. “I thought we created a number of chances and scored some really good goals. We also defended well as a group and limited the Winds’ chances.”

Cal FC scored the opening goal in the 16th minute on a lob to the center striker German Alfaro who broke the Winds FC defense and blasted a shot from distance to put them ahead 1-0. Winds FC had the misfortune of burning two substitutes due to injury and accumulated only one corner kick and one shot, with two yellow cards, by the end of the first half.

Santa Ana started the second half more aggressively and brought on striker Jordan Gorman, creating the more dangerous chances and showing life to start the half, but Cal FC capitalized masterfully in the 48th minute on Winds FC’s aggressiveness. Very soon after the Santa Ana side was looking like the one near scoring, Alfaro received a pass from Richard Menjivar, a former USL veteran who was part of the 2012 Cal FC team. Menjivar found Alfaro and he launched a volley from about 30 yards out to beat the Winds goalkeeper to double the lead.

Winds FC made it a game in the 56th minute, on a brilliant chip shot by Gorman brought Santa Ana to within one. The Orange County team had its moments of good attacking play, but their defense appeared discombobulated 10 minutes later in what resulted in the best goal of the night.

That Cal FC goal began when the Winds defense failed to man mark on a Cal FC corner kick. A corner kick found its way all the way through to opposite corner where a Cal FC player tracked it down and crossed to the far post. No one was there to meet the ball so former UC Riverside star Romario Lomeli ran onto it and launched a right-footed blast from a tight angle that ended up in the upper corner inside the far post to make it 3-1 in the 66th minute.

Cal FC put the game away about a minute later as they took advantage of a disoriented Winds FC defense. They used precise passing to break down the backline and ultimately Danny Barrera, who was the 2012 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for Cal FC before moving on to play in the USL, created the goal. Barrera unselfishly played a ball across to former Chicago Fire midfielder Orr Barouch who tapped in the team’s fourth goal in the 70th minute.

Josh Hakala also contributed to this report

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Academica SC uses 3 stoppage time goals to stun IPS, qualify for first time in PKs

April 7, 2019 by Micaela Brewer

Players from IPS Marathon Taverna (red) and Academica SC battle for the ball in a Fourth Round match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Brittney Virgo

In the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament, International Portland Select (IPS) Marathon Taverna (IPS) and Academica SC battled for a spot in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. At Academica Fields in Turlock, Calif., both teams were seeking their first-ever trip to American soccer’s national championship. It was a physical battle between the two clubs with more than 15 cards handed out, and the match ultimately finished with teams playing 9 versus 8.

Fans from Academica SC set off smoke bombs during the club's Fourth Round match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Brittney Virgo — Fans from Academica SC set off smoke bombs during the club’s Fourth Round match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Brittney Virgo

Twice, the hometown Academica SC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring two late goals to send the match into extra time, and then scoring another equalizer deep into stoppage time of the second extra time period. In the end, after finishing extra time tied at 3-3, the match would be decided by a penalty kick shootout and the hosts did not disappoint, winning 3-1 to punch their ticket to the 106th edition of the US Open Cup.

Both teams came out with a fire and a drive to win. The first goal occurred in the 37th minute. A long ball was distributed by IPS goalkeeper Bernardo Palma Sosa, which got mis-headed by an Academica defender. Nathaniel Pogue ran in behind and went 1-on-1 with the goalie, and beat him to give the Portland, Ore.-based side a 1-0 lead.

IPS would add to their lead in the second half when Gerson Mejia scored in the 69th minute. Mejia took a quick touch and shot into the upper left side of the goal. Mejia then took off his shirt in celebration and added to the booking summary by earning a yellow card.

Academica SC made an amazing comeback in the final minutes of regulation. In the 91st minute, Brennan Canfield sunk the ball into the lower corner with an assist from Edwin Rodriguez. One minute later, the ball was bouncing in IPS’ box and Manuel Villegas pounced on it and volleyed it past Sosa to tie the game at 2-2 and force extra time.

In the first half of overtime, in the 98th minute, Borce Atanasov restored the lead for IPS for the visitors by putting one away on a pass from Alcides Thomas. A few minutes later, Thomas received a second yellow card and was sent off to leave IPS down a man.

Just before the end of the first half of extra time, Academica’s Adrian Plascencia was shown a second yellow, and Mejia from IPS received a straight red card. Another Academica player exited the game due to injury and was unable to be replaced because the home team had used all of their substitutions.

When the second half of extra time began, both teams were playing with nine players.

With stoppage time approaching, Academica’s chances of equalizing received a blow when Jose Barriga brought the home team down to eight players when he received a second yellow card.

With all of the injuries, cards and delays, roughly five minutes of time was added to the end of the second half of extra time and Academica took full advantage of the added time. ASC had a direct free kick a couple of yards outside of the 18-yard box. Gerardo Cazares sent the home crowd into a frenzy when he beat Sosa in the 124th minute to force a penalty kick shootout with the score tied 3-3.

The shootout began with IPS digging themselves a hole that they ultimately wouldn’t climb out of as Maxime Gorillot missed the target. After both teams traded goals, Jose Luis Rodriguez missed for Academica as Round 3 began tied at 1-1.

Alonso Lara stepped up for the home team by saving back-to-back attempts by Brannon Romac and Joaquim Capuia of IPS. Ramiro Ceja and finally Jorge Carmoa scored to win the shootout 3-1 and send Academica SC to the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

Academica head coach Sergio Sousa was proud of how his team fought through the adversity.

“There was a time where the guys were thinking that their bodies were failing them, but everyone just kept digging for each other. We look forward to representing the valley well .”

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: FC Denver erases 3-0 deficit to beat Southwest FC in OT

April 7, 2019 by Phil Baki

FC Denver poses for a team photo after the club's 4-3 extra time win over Southwest FC in the final round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: FC Denver — FC Denver poses for a team photo after the club’s 4-3 extra time win over Southwest FC in the final round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: FC Denver

Comebacks in soccer are part of what makes this game so compelling and FC Denver accomplished one of the biggest in recent Lamar Hunt US Open Cup history against Southwest FC at Del Valle High School in El Paso, Texas to book a place in the 2019 edition of the tournament. Goals from a Peter Jacobson penalty, Lashaw Salta, Tyler Chauncey and Cesar Castillo saw FC Denver turn around a 3-0 deficit. Southwest FC had built that advantage with goals from Alexis Gomez, David Lopez, and a penalty from Joshua Morales.

“I still don’t have words for exactly what happened,” said FC Denver player/manager Drew Melin.

With the win, FC Denver punches their ticket to the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. Last year, in their tournament debut, they defeated fellow Colorado Premier League side Azteca FC before falling on the road to the USL’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Players from FC Denver (green) and Southwest FC battle for the ball in a Fourth Round match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: James Clifton

The match began with the home team on top of proceedings and, although it took just shy of half an hour to come, the breakthrough felt like it would only ever arrive at one end of the field. After a SWFC chance was put behind by FCD, the ensuing corner was well-delivered by Isaiah Segoviano and met thunderously by Alexis Gomez and hit the back of the net.

They scored again two minutes later when captain David Lopez latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and in a peculiarity of the game, played a pass off of the referee. The inadvertent give-and-go put Lopez through on FCD’s goal and he finished low to the keeper’s right to quickly double SWFC’s lead.

Things went from bad to worse for FCD as one minute from the end of the half, Cesar Sosa was brought down in the area and the penalty kick was professionally dispatched by Joshua Morales to give the El Paso side a commanding 3-0 lead.

Just when things looked over and done for FCD, a glimmer of hope appeared.

FCD went to the other end of the field and in stoppage time at the end of the half earned a penalty of their own for a very similar foul to the one SWFC was awarded. Peter Jacobson took his penalty with aplomb and the sides headed into halftime with two goals of separation.

The second half began much like the first, with both teams taking time to settle into the pace of the new arrangement.

“We changed formation to go a bit more narrow and tighter, and it stopped them from playing the way they wanted,” said Melin.

This change worked for FCD extremely well and eventually paid dividends in front of goal. Lashaw Salta had struggled to find joy coming in from the right but with 20 minutes to play he got his first real opportunity and took it, finishing through a crowd low to the keeper’s left.

Eight minutes later, the comeback was completed.

Tyler Chauncey, having put in an industrious shift up to that point, scored the easiest of tap ins after a great run down the right by Alex Bernhardt.

Both teams spent the next ten minutes nearly winning the game in regulation, but the clock struck 90 and it would take a further thirty minutes to separate the clubs.

It was just two minutes before the halfway point of extra time when FCD’s took the lead with a fourth unanswered goal. Cesar Castillo got hold of the ball on the edge of the area and his turn and low finish were as clinical as they come. They had come all the way back and then taken the lead in what is one of the most stunning comebacks of the 2019 qualifying tournament.

Castillo has played a big role in Denver’s success in the tournament the last two years. He scored a hat trick in last year’s Open Cup win over Azteca FC, and was a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Round. Last December, Castillo also had a goal and assist in a win over Gam United FC that helped FCD reach Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” match.

But the match did not end there.

Things got predictably chippy as tensions flared, and after a foul in the center of the field, a spat broke out that saw both Brian Roddy for FCD and David Lopez for SWFC sent off, leaving both teams to finish with 10 men. Southwest had their numbers reduced again around the 112th minute with another red card, but they still managed one more opportunity to tie the game. Their last roll of the dice came from substitute Joel Barboza who blazed over from 18 yards out with the final chance to equalize and FC Denver had done it. The Colorado club is headed back to the US Open Cup for the second straight season and made it seven straight qualifying round wins.

Melin added before heading off to celebrate the win, “The way we can come together, the core we have, the chemistry is unreal. We know what we have to do. We know the type of effort we can put in. There is no ceiling for this team”

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: NTX Rayados cruises past FC Maritsa to extend qualification record

April 7, 2019 by John Lenard

NTX Rayados players celebrate during their Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the 2019 US Open Cup Open Division Local qualifying tournament. Photo: NTX Rayados

The NTX (North Texas) Rayados came into Saturday night’s game looking to qualify for a record-extending eighth Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, while their opponents, FC Maritsa were aiming to make some history of their own. Rayados already have a reputation as one of the toughest Open Division Local teams in the country, and last year had their best run in team history by reaching the Fourth Round. They did that by defeating the Fort Worth Vaqueros (USL League Two), OKC Energy FC (USL), and FC Wichita (NPSL) before falling to the eventual champion Houston Dynamo (MLS) on the road.

Maritsa, who traveled to Dallas from St. Louis, were unable to prevent Rayados from extending their Modern Era (1995-present) qualifying record as the home team came away with a 5-0 win.

Rayados’ Sergio Lara put in a masterful performance, scoring two goals and contributing to the play which resulted in the opening own-goal. The game reached its peak intensity early in the first half and never let up, with a total of six yellow cards handed out between the two sides with several tense and heated moments on the field.

“We’re reliving where we left off last year,” player/coach Tito Salas said following the win. It’s clear the Open Cup means a lot to Salas and his teammates. “That’s why we’re in, that’s why we’re still playing, you know, believe it or not.”

The game was moved to the turf field at Mercy Street Sports Complex in Dallas due to thunderstorms that soaked the original venue’s grass field. With more rain in the forecast, the Rayados played it safe and moved the game. In the end, the weather conditions ended up being ideal.

The opening goal was an own-goal as defensive disorganization on the part of Maritsa saw the ball deflected into the wrong net. Seven minutes later, Maritsa’s Richard Schmermund was issued a yellow card for a clumsy tackle, which seemed to set both teams off.

From there through the rest of the first half, Maritsa channeled their early frustrations into pressure against Rayados, and Rayados responded by getting physical. Salas received a yellow in the 37th minute, followed almost immediately by another yellow to goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias Ramirez.

The first half ended with Rayados leading 1-0 but with two players already on a yellow card. After the break, whatever speech Maritsa coach Stefan St. Louis gave worked, as Maritsa began the half with a meaningful sense of urgency, pushing hard against the Rayados defense.

After a Maritsa player picked up a yellow card in the 54th minute, tempers cooled down for a moment, which saw Maritsa let up the pressure just enough for Sergio Lara to bury the ball into the back of the net from just inside the box in the 67th.

Tempers immediately flared again, with another yellow card issued to Rayados’ Lucio Martinez in the 69th, who responded with a goal of his own to put Rayados up 3-0 in the 70th.

Maritsa’s side became increasingly visibly and audibly frustrated. When midfielder Vadim Cojocov looked for assistance but found none, he chirped “Anybody over there? Fine, I’ll do it myself,” before attempting to shake three Rayados defenders.

With tempers still high, Rayados’ Reyes Vargas received the sixth yellow of the night for a clearly unnecessary challenge against a Maritsa counter, and the resulting free kick came dangerously close to putting the visitors on the board. The build up from the ensuing goal kick led to a pass to Lara, who scored his second goal of the night which might have once again taken a deflection off an opposing defender.

Four minutes later, Rayados sealed the deal and clinched their eighth appearance in the Open Cup with their fifth of the night, a very cheeky goal scored by Mariano Fazio which was set up by several tight passes from a very, very short corner. Rayados had taken two previous corners that were deflected wide to repeat the set piece, and with long corners not working, they went as short as possible.

The spirit of the Open Cup is a major factor behind Rayados continuing to play year after year.

“To be honest, the Open Cup is the reason why we’re still competing,” Salas said. “I know there’s gonna be a time where it’s gonna come to an end, but as long as we’re still in it, we’re gonna enjoy it and try and maximize the experience.”

With an eighth straight US Open Cup appearance continue to add to their tournament resume. No other Open Division Local (Open Division teams not in USL League Two or the NPSL) team in the Modern Era has more than four consecutive appearances. Now the Rayados have doubled that.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: West Chester United returns to the Cup with 3-0 win at Safira FC

April 7, 2019 by Michael Preston

Players from West Chester United (right) and Safira FC battle for the ball during their Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup Open Division Local qualifying tournament. Photo: Chris Aduama

West Chester United won a fourth straight 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match away from home to qualify for the First Round of the competition with a 3-0 win over Boston-based Safira FC at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Mass.

Having stolen the lead during first half stoppage time through Chad Poarch, United put the contest away in the second half thanks to two Peter Nolan strikes, with all three goals coming from set pieces.

“It means the world to us,” said West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo of his team qualifying for the second time in club history. “Four road wins and it’s been a lot of work for the guys. We’ve been focused to win and get into the tournament since we lost the automatic bid in the National Amateur Cup Final against Bavarian SC.”

A patchy first half failed to present many clear scoring chances, with Safira misfiring after West Chester had dictated the opening quarter of an hour. From one of five corners won before the break, Matthew Vidal delivered a left-footed in-swinger, but Thiago Teixeira failed to fully connect with his header at the near post and the ball was cleared, summing up the hosts’ frustrating half.

With 41 minutes played, Charles Wilson broke free on a promising West Chester counter attack, but with a teammate to either side, played a harmless ball through the middle and the outnumbered hosts were relieved to clear the danger.

The deadlock was broken by the only chance of the first half a minute into stoppage time. Troy Amspacher’s long throw into a crowded penalty area was flicked on by Enda O’Neill and Poarch fired home having broken free at the far post to give Unite the edge.

“I told the guys when we came out here that when we played this team in June , we missed an opportunity just before halftime, so when the ball went out of bounds, because the field is tight, we now have a throw in that’s like a corner kick,” explained Santangelo. “So, I told the defenders to go up and play it like a corner kick and we knew it was less than a minute to the half. Enda got a great head on the ball and Chad had a fantastic finish from about ten yards out.”

West Chester carried that momentum into the second half and nine minutes after the break, Matthew Greer produced a spectacular 25-yard effort on the turn that left Safira keeper Patrick Vilela rooted to the spot but flashed just wide of the right-hand post.

West Chester continued to press and it was no surprise when the visitors doubled their lead after 57 minutes. Greer’s vicious in-swinging corner was met with a power-header from close range by Nolan who was unmarked with the goal at his mercy. Two minutes later, the same combination almost paid off again, but this time Nolan was crowded out.

On the hour mark, with United pressing for a third goal, Greer delivered a free kick from 35 yards out and Nolan claimed the decisive touch with a defender’s body also making contact to beat Vilela from within a crowded goalmouth for a 3-0 advantage.

“We are really disappointed because we didn’t play a good game and while they didn’t control the game, we made mistakes and they caught us when we didn’t pay attention,” said Safira coach Andre Ferreira. “We made mistakes on all three goals and the goal in the first half really frustrated our players going into halftime.”

For Nolan, the two-goal performance was a bit of redemption. When these two clubs met in the Amateur Cup last summer, he was shown a red card in the 9th minute, leaving his team shorthanded.

West Chester now returns to the US Open Cup for the first time since they made their tournament debut in 2016. That year, they eliminated the NPSL’s FC Fredericksburg in penalty kicks before hosting the USL’s Harrisburg City Islanders where they fell 2-0.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Previewing all six “Win & You’re In” weekend games

April 4, 2019 by Josh Hakala

UPDATE: 2019 US Open Cup qualifying scores / schedule

This weekend, the last six entries into the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will be determined.

The fourth and final round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 106th edition of the US Open Cup will feature four games on Saturday, April 6 and two more on Sunday, April 7. The winner of each game will punch their ticket to the competition that has been crowning a national championship since the tournament launched in 1913.

For teams this weekend, it’s very simple: “Win & You’re In.”

Two Open Division Local teams (clubs that are not part of USL League Two or the National Premier Soccer League) have already clinched a spot in the competition.

Florida Soccer Soldiers (Miami, Fla.) got a free pass after their final round opponents America Soccer Club (Jacksonville, Fla.) withdrew after deciding to go on hiatus due to financial troubles. The Soccer Soldiers will be competing in the US Open Cup for the first time.

Milwaukee-based Bavarian SC, who have been entering the US Open Cup since the 1950s, are back in the tournament for the first time since 2009. They earned their spot by winning the 2018 USASA Amateur Cup.

Of the 12 teams playing this weekend, seven are seeking their first-ever trip to the Open Cup. The five teams that have qualified before include West Chester United (2016), FC Denver (2018), Santa Ana Winds (2018), Cal FC (2012, 2014-15), and NTX Rayados (2012-18). Cal FC made a name for themselves in a big way during their Open Cup debut in 2012 when they won three straight road games, including a stunning 1-0 extra time win over the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. NTX Rayados are aiming to qualify for the eighth year in a row, which would add to their Modern Era (1995-present) record for an Open Division Local team.

According to multiple teams, none of this weekend’s games will be streamed after the participants received a notice from the federation. It stated that “teams are NOT allowed to stream or broadcast your upcoming U.S. Open Cup 4th Round Qualifying match (this includes, Periscope, Twitter, Facebook live etc.)” The same email stated that the federation will be making an announcement soon regarding an “exciting new broadcast partner” for the 2019 tournament.

Stay tuned.

(All Times Eastern)

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

2019 US Open Cup qualifying - West Chester United vs. Safira FC

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Michael Berton

Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

Two northeastern heavyweights will battle it out with an Open Cup spot on the line on April 6 when Safira FC hosts West Chester United.

Safira FC is seeking its first US Open Cup berth. Perhaps more well-known in futsal circles as four-time US Futsal national champions, Safira nonetheless has proven it can dominate in the outdoor game as well. Safira won the UPSL Northeast Conference Patriot Division in the 2018 spring season with a 9-1-2 record, and has been making strides on the amateur circuit for several years.

In the qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup, the Massachusetts club hosted three games in a row, defeating Mass United (UPSL) 3-1, before eliminating a pair of Bay State Soccer League teams in Boston City II 4-1, and GPS Omens 7-6 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

West Chester United has dominated Eastern Pennsylvania soccer for nearly a decade. The club has become one of the top amateur teams in the country, winning the Werner Fricker Open Cup in 2015 and making it to the final of the 2018 National Amateur Cup.

Since the club’s first and only US Open Cup appearance in 2016, which included a win over Fredericksburg FC of the NPSL and a loss to the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL (now Penn FC), the West Chester brand has grown. The Pennsylvania side joined the NPSL, in addition to still having a team compete in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. That USL-PA squad won the 2017-2018 league season with a perfect 20-0-0 record, and lead the league in the current season with a 9-1-0 record.

Safira FC celebrate after they advance with a 7-6 PK shootout win (2-2 draw) over GPS Omens in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Chris Aduama | Aduama.com

Unlike Safira, which hosted all three of its qualifying games, West Chester has been on the road for all three of its qualifiers. All of their opponents feature rich histories of their own, and two are former US Open Cup champions. In the first round, United took down fellow Pennsylvania side Vereinigung Erzgebirge, 1-0, a club that dates back to 1931 . They stayed in the Philadelphia area for Round 2 when they defeated the four-time US Open Cup champion Ukrainian Nationals, 3-0. They then took a trip to the Big Apple in the third round where they defeated three-time champions New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 3-0.

Safira and West Chester United have met once before. On a neutral site in Pennsylvania, the clubs played in the 2018 Region I Final of the National Amateur Cup. Despite receiving a red card in the 9th minute, United won the contest 2-0 in extra time.

How they got here:

West Chester United (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
Round 1: W, 1-0 at Vereinigung Erzebirge (USLPA)
Round 2: W, 3-0 at Ukrainian Nationals (USLPA)
Round 3: W, 3-0 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (Cosmopolitan Soccer League)

Safira FC (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 3-1 vs. Mass United FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 4-1 vs. Boston City FC II (Bay State Soccer League)
Round 3: D, 2-2 (7-6 PKs) vs. GPS Omens (Bay State Soccer League)

2019 us open cup qualifying - fc maritsa vs ntx rayados

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Adam Uthe

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

There could be a changing of the guard on display when Dallas-based NTX Rayados host St Louis’ FC Maritsa in Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” qualifier. Rayados will be looking to qualify for their eighth consecutive US Open Cup while Maritsa are attempting to clinch their first-ever appearance.

The disparities don’t end there.

The two sides took very different paths to get to this point. Maritsa earned a bye in the first round of qualifying before taking down FC Minnesota 4-3 in the second round game against the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League side. In the third round, they made the trek to Michigan and played 120 minutes of scoreless soccer against Livonia City FC of the Michigan Premier Soccer League before ultimately prevailing 7-6 in the penalty shootout. Center back Rob Acosta scored the winning penalty for Maritsa.

Rayados needed to work just a little harder to get to this point. In Round 1 of qualifying they overcame multiple extra time deficits AND a controversial overturned penalty kick goal to defeat Dallas Elite FC of the UPSL 4-3 in the penalty shootout after tying 4-4 in regulation. Round 2’s 2-0 victory over Leon FC (North Texas Premier Soccer Association) was a little more straightforward, but Rayados would need penalties once again in Round 3. After their November date had to be postponed, they met longtime qualifying rivals CD Motagua (Gulf Coast Premier League) of New Orleans in January. Tying 1-1 in regulation, they advanced 10-9 after 11 rounds in the shootout. The two sides have been scheduled to play each other in qualifying every year since 2013.

Players from FC Maritsa (green) and FC Minnesota challenge for the ball during their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Mark Zimmerman

Last year, in their seventh consecutive trip to the tournament, NTX Rayados enjoyed, without question, their most successful Cup run in club history. They hosted a US Open Cup game for the first time and won three in a row in front of their home fans. They defeated the NPSL’s Fort Worth Vaqueros, 2-1 in extra time, and then exploded for three goals in extra time to earn their first pro upset over the USL’s Oklahoma City Energy FC, 5-2. After edging FC Wichita (NPSL) in Round 3, they earned a date with the Houston Dynamo of MLS. They held the game scoreless in the first half before falling 5-0 to the eventual US Open Cup champions, but it helped put the club on the map.

The season has just begun, but Rayados are off to a good start in the very competitive North Texas Premier Soccer Association. The club is undefeated with a 3-0-1 record.

FC Maritsa are members of the UPSL and don’t begin league play until later this spring.

If FC Maritsa are able to advance, they would be just the second Open Division Local team to qualify from the state of Missouri. The only other team to do it was the KC Athletics in 2010. NTX Rayados, on the other hand, already own the Modern Era (1995-present) record for consecutive US Open Cup qualifications by an Open Division Local side; a win on Saturday would simply extend the current streak. Will the streak continue or will a new dynasty be born in 2019?

How they got here:

FC Maritsa (UPSL)
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 4-3 vs. FC Minnesota (Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
Round 3: D, 0-0 (6-5 PKs) at Livonia City FC (Michigan Premier Soccer League)

NTX Rayados (North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Round 1: D, 4-4 (4-3 PKs) at Dallas Elite FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 2-0 vs. Leon FC (North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Round 3: D, 1-1 (10-9 PKs) at Motagua of New Orleans (Gulf Coast Premier League)

2019 us open cup qualifying - fc denver vs. Southwest fc

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Phil Baki

Southwest FC celebrates in the locker room after the club's 3-0 win over San Juan FC in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Southwest FC — Southwest FC celebrates in the locker room after the club’s 3-0 win over San Juan FC in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Southwest FC

This fourth qualifying round is uncharted territory for a pair of amateur teams looking for a berth into the 2019 US Open Cup. Looking at the roads that Southwest FC of El Paso, Texas and FC Denver have taken to reach this point show that they are both quality sides.

Southwest FC of the United Premier Soccer League’s (UPSL) Southwest Conference have relied on fast starts to reach this point of the competition. The Wolves pressed extremely well in their Second and Third Round games, leading to early goals against 2018 UPSL national finalists Sporting AZ (Second Round) and against 2018 UPSL fall semifinalists San Juan FC of Utah (Third Round).

Manager Endy Gonzalez pointed out that he approaches each match differently, but he may rely on what has served them well to this point. Cesar Sosa Jr., the son of Cesar Sosa Sr., who helped the El Paso Patriots to a runner-up finish in the 1995 US Open Cup, is a constant threat on the front line and will have FC Denver’s attention. Gonzalez will certainly look to his captain and man of the match from the 3-0 victory over San Juan, David Lopez, to provide the spark and ensure the team reaches the level required to make SWFC the second Open Division Local club from El Paso to qualify for the Open Cup. (El Paso Indios USA qualified in 2007 as a member of the NPSL prior to the USSF recognizing the league as a national league status, thus were labeled as an “Open Division Local” club).

FC Denver celebrates after the club's 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter — FC Denver celebrates after the club’s 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter

FC Denver have fought a battle for Colorado to get to this point, having eliminated three other Centennial State teams en route to the Fourth Round. They’ve left Indios Denver FC, Harpos FC, and GAM United FC in their wake, with the 4-1 thrashing of GAM being their standout performance. Like Southwest FC, they also relied on early pressure but were much more focused on creating dangerous chances from possessing the ball as much as possible. Their crossing can be extremely dangerous and SWFC’s fullbacks will need to be able to stop the service from out wide. Cesar Castillo, Alex Bernhardt, and Fernando Magallenes make up FC Denver’s potent attacking line and constantly rotate positions to keep defenses on their toes.

A Cesar Castillo hat trick helped FC Denver beat fellow Denver side Azteca FC to reach the US Open Cup Second Round last year before they lost narrowly to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the United Soccer League.

Both teams have proven their quality and their right to be finalists in Open Division Qualifying. The tournament proper has not begun yet, but this certainly feels like a proper cup tie. Both clubs will be giving their all to grab a spot this Saturday.

How they got here:

FC Denver (Colorado Premier League)
Round 1: W, 1-0 at Indios Denver FC (UPSL)
Round 2: D, 1-1 (3-2 PKs) vs. Harpo’s FC (Colorado Premier League)
Round 3: W, 4-1 vs. Gam United FC (UPSL)

Southwest FC (UPSL)
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 4-1 at Sporting AZ FC (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-0 vs. San Juan FC (UPSL)

2019 us open cup qualifying ips-vs-academica

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Josh Duder

Players from International Portland Select celebrate one of their goals in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against JASA RWC. Photo: Ben McFarland

This Saturday, Academica SC of the NPSL will host Interational Portland Select (IPS) Marathon Taverna, an amateur side from Portland, Ore. in the final qualifier for the 2019 US Open Cup.

Academica SC, currently 2-2 in NPSL play, will host the match at their own Academica Soccer Field in Turlock, Calif. IPS will make their first away trip of the tournament, a distant 670 miles south, after hosting their first two qualifying matches last fall. In those two matches, the amateur side knocked off high quality clubs Nevada Coyotes and JASA RWC (Redwood City, Calif.).

Founded in 1972, Academica SC have a long history of competing for titles in Northern California’s soccer scene. 2018 was their first season in the NPSL, and they finished fifth while missing the playoffs. Still, several players and head coach Sergio Sousa earned a variety of league awards. Along the way, in the US Open Cup qualifing rounds, they eliminated Davis Legacy 4-1 at Academica Field, beat Contra Costa FC 3-2 in another home match, and traveled to Raimondi Park in Oakland, Calif. to knock the Oakland Stompers out of the tournament.

Ramiro Ceja of Academic SC scored the lone goal in the club's 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo — Ramiro Ceja of Academic SC scored the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo

IPS decided to join another league, in addition to the Oregon Premier League, which recently moved to a summer-and-fall season format. They joined the Greater Portland Soccer District in attempt to stay fresh ahead of their US Open Cup run. They are currently sitting on 9 points in Open Division I.

They get the week off to travel to California, a trip that required a fundraising campaign to cover the costs. Expect an active offensive-minded game, with IPS’s Prince Saydee and Nate Pogue not afraid to attack defenses, and Academica’s Cody Golbad and company looking to see that translate their 12 league goals into Cup success. The Rose City side are attempting to become the first Open Division Local team from the state of Oregon, and only the third Open Division club of any kind (Cascade Surge, Portland Timbers U-23s) to ever qualify in the tournament’s Modern Era.

There will be a live stream available for the match which will kick off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

How they got here:

IPS Marathon Taverna
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 5-4 vs. Nevada Coyotes (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-2 vs. JASA RWC (UPSL)

Academica SC
Round 1: W, 4-1 vs. Davis Legacy (LIGA NorCal)
Round 2: W, 3-2 vs. Contra Costa FC (LIGA NorCal)
Round 3: W, 1-0 at Oakland Stompers (UPSL)

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

2019 us open cup qualifying world-class-premier-vs-virginia-united

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Michael Battista

World Class Premier and the Rochester Lancers 2 square off in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Nasha Queen

After advancing past the Third Round of US Open Cup Qualifying in November of 2018, both World Class Premier Elite FC and Virginia United FC could be forgiven for thinking that around this time their squads would be preparing for the First Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. However the announcement last December of a Fourth Qualifying Round now means both teams are vying for a single slot in the 106th edition of the tournament. The match on Sunday will determine which of the two clubs will make their US Open Cup debut this month while the other’s journey ends just short.

This marks the first time in tournament history that teams from the Asociacion Nacional Fútbol en USA have attempted to qualify for the Open Cup. The last remaining team from that league is Virginia United, and they have gone through multiple well-established clubs on their way to Sunday’s final round. The team started its run by dispatching fellow league-mate Centro America FC, 2-1, with goals in each half in a game that included seven separate yellow cards – including four for VU. Going up against Super Delegates FC of the Maryland Major Soccer League (MMSL), the Virginia club dominated throughout. A goal within the first five minutes gave Virginia the early lead as the young squad pulled SDFC into committing multiple fouls, including three yellow card offenses in the second half. A final goal advanced the home team, 2-0.

The most recent challenge for United was its biggest one to date as it took on Open Cup fan favorite Christos FC which were looking to advance to their third straight Open Cup tournament. The cleanest game for Virginia United saw Mauricio Martinez score both goals for his team, which brought his qualifying goalscoring total to three. His second goal in the 85th minute was the game-winner, sending United into the final round on a 2-1 scoreline.

Virginia United take a team photo prior to their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier against the Super Delegates FC. Photo: Virginia United

The competition isn’t the only thing going well for United. The team has created a board and promoted one of its players Jonahan Romero, to the role of head coach, all as the team took part in both qualifying and a winter season. This occurred at the same time that the team was preparing for league play in both the Woodbridge Soccer League and in the ANFUSA. The team features a number of former D.C. United academy players, including brothers Denis and Christian Najar, siblings to former MLS player Andy Najar. Other notable players include former youth internationals such as Eber Martinez (United States) and Bernardo Majano (El Salvador).

While United has had close competition throughout the qualifying rounds, World Class Premier’s impressive offense has outscored opponents 13-3 over the three rounds. Daniel Ankrah and USL Championship veteran Levi Houapeu (formerly of Christos) have both scored four goals each, tying them with four others for second most goals scored during qualifying. Both have scored two goals in two separate games, with Houapeu bookending the team’s first 4-2 win against fellow MMSL club Izee Auto FC.

The MMSL team’s entire offense lit up in the next game against Charlottesville Alliance FC Reserves with five separate players scoring. Houapeu again scored twice as the team notched a 6-0 win. The team’s Round 3 triumph saw Ankrah score the winner against the Rochester Lancers 2 in western New York State, 3-1.

How they got here:

World Class Premier Elite FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)
Round 1: W, 4-2 at Izee Auto FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)
Round 2: W, 6-0 at Charlottesville Alliance FC Reserves (Soccer Organization of of Charlottesville Area)
Round 3: W, 3-1 at Rochester Lancers 2 (Rochester District Soccer League)

Virginia United (Woodbridge Soccer League)
Round 1: W, 2-1 at Centro America FC (Woodbridge Soccer League)
Round 2: W, 2-0 vs. Super Delegates FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)
Round 3: W, 2-1 vs. Christos FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)

2019 us open cup qualifying cal-fc-vs-santa-ana-winds

LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Omar Avalos

Santa Ana Winds FC will host Cal FC in the final qualifying round to the 2019 US Open Cup on April 6 at the Lake Forest Sports Park at 7 p.m. PST. Santa Ana will attempt to qualify to the Open Cup for the second consecutive year, while Cal FC, a club best known for their upset of Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers in 2012, will attempt to qualify for the first time since 2015.

Winds FC aims to return and improve upon last year’s one-and-done showing, a 3-0 loss to Paul Caligiuri’s Orange County FC. The team arrives at the final qualifier at full strength, with the return of key players who contributed to their qualifying last year. Midfielder Junior Herrera has come back from an injury and defender Matt Rosendo returns from other endeavors to reinforce an already consistent squad featuring defenders Maximiliano Rico and Israel Espnioza, midfielders Xavier Corona and Wilton Quintero, captain Ezequiel Estrada and goalkeeper Alexis V. Rojo.

A win for Santa Ana Winds FC will serve as an affirmation of the club’s intention to produce talent and send players onto bigger and better opportunities. This club, like Cal FC, has sent players to pro sides, namely Juan Arellano who signed with Cartaginés in Costa Rica, Adan Coronado and Kyle O’Brien who went to Cal United, and most recently Jordan Gorman, who joined Milwaukee Torrent of the NPSL. Arellano has returned stateside and has been playing league games with the Winds, but missed the Open Cup roster deadline and could not be added for the tournament qualifying rounds.

Winds FC arrived at the fourth round by a pair of one-sided shutouts against UPSL clubs LA Wolves FC and Lionside FC. To reach the final round, the Winds needed a pair of impressive extra time goals by Rico and Corona to earn a 3-2 win over Buena Park FC of the SoCal Premier League.

Cal FC has been demolishing its competition in the UPSL’s SoCal North Division, outgunning everyone 25-7 with a perfect record of 5-0-0. Cal FC had a more difficult path to “Win & You’re In” weekend compared to the Winds. The club ground out an epic overtime victory over Cal United FC to set up the final qualifier with Winds FC. Cal FC had, arguably, the more difficult qualifying route in comparison to Winds FC. They opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over fellow UPSL side San Nicolas FC, and then saw the controversial protest that followed go their way. After a 6-1 road win over Outbreak FC in Round 2, Cal FC edged California United II (UPSL) in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw. The original match nearly two months prior was cut just short of completeion on Nov. 18 when the stadium lights went out in the 89th minute due to a local curfew ordinance. At the time, the match was tied at 2-2 and a full match replay was ordered.

A win for Cal FC this weekend would also serve as an affirmation of their overall approach as the club seeks to transition to the professional level. The club will need the best competition it can get in order to prepare for the inaugural NPSL Founders Cup, and in doing so, vie for relevance, especially in the soccer-crazed Southern California market.

How they got here:

Cal FC (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 3-1 vs. San Nicolas FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 6-1 at Outbreak FC (SoCal Premier League)
Round 3: D, 1-1 (7-6 PKs) vs. California United II (UPSL)

Santa Ana Winds (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 4-0 at Los Angeles Wolves FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 5-0 at Lionside FC (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-1 (AET) vs. Buena Park FC (SoCal Premier League)

2019 US Open Cup qualifying: Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws

March 19, 2019 by Josh Hakala

The Florida Soccer Soldiers have punched their ticket to the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup without playing their final Open Division Local Qualifying tournament game. On March 18, 2019, the US Soccer Federation announced on Twitter that their final round opponent, Jacksonville, Fla.-based America Soccer Club, has withdrawn from the competition.

TheCup.us has confirmed with the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) that America SC is no longer a part of the league due to financial reasons, which disqualifies them from participating in the US Open Cup.

America SC did not respond to a request for comment.

This will mark the first time that Florida Soccer Soldiers, who are based in the Miami area, will take part in the US Open Cup. The Soldiers won the UPSL Florida Conference regular season championship in their inaugural season in 2018.

They began their qualifying journey on Sept. 22 when they edged fellow UPSL side Miami Sun FC, 2-1. In Round 2, the Soldiers took advantage of a second half red card and earned a 1-0 win over fellow Miami club Red Force FC who were seeking their fifth trip to the Open Cup.

They advanced to the final round with a one-sided 6-0 win over Hurricane FC. Valentin Sabella, who scored the game-winner against Red Force FC, scored two goals and dished out two assists in the win. William Stamatis also bagged two goals for the Soccer Soldiers.

With one less game, the final round of the qualifying tournament is down to six games, which will be played the weekend of April 6-7. The winner of each game will join the field of 84 teams in the 106th edition of the tournament. Click here for the full qualifying schedule.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Cal FC reaches final round with PK win over Cal United

January 17, 2019 by Omar Avalos

The rematch of the third round Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup between Cal FC and California United FC II was an epic grind. Cal FC defeated Cal United in penalty kicks by a score of 7-6 after a 1-1 draw on a cold and rainy night at the Orange County Great Park Soccer Complex in Irvine, Calif. The Cal FC defense was resolute throughout and was able to contain a high-scoring Cal United team.

With the win, Cal FC, who are best known for their run in the 2012 US Open Cup where they upset a pair of pro teams, including the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer, advances to the fourth and final round of the qualifying tournament. They will take on fellow Southern California-based UPSL club Santa Ana Winds in a “Win & You’re In” match in early April.

“I’m proud of the effort of the entire group,” said Cal FC head coach Keith Costigan. “To be down to a squad of just 13 because of players signing pro contracts and still compete with a side of the caliber of Cal United FC is a testament to the effort of these young men. We had one session to work on a game plan and the boys implemented it to perfection.”

The original match was played on Nov. 18, 2018 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. but with the match tied at 2-2, the stadium lights turned off in the 89th minute. This was due to a local curfew ordinance, so the match could note be finished. The two teams had trouble agreeing on a date until agreeing to Jan. 16, when the match was replayed in its entirety.

Cal FC got on the scoreboard first on a Romario Lomeli corner kick that was headed in by Salomon Wbias in the 5th minute. This was a welcome goal for Cal FC, given their limited roster. From that point on, the Cal FC defense clamped down, blocking shot after shot as a compact unit. Whenever Cal United managed to break the Cal FC defense, Kevin Marquez came up with some heroic saves to keep Cal FC in the fight. Marquez had at least five saves in the match.

Cal FC maintained that 1-0 lead into the second half when Cal United managed to gain long spells of possession and control of the match, creating numerous chances and, missing the net by inches at times.

Cal United’s best chance came around the 70th minute when a player was tripped in the area, leading the referee to point to the spot. Cal FC head coach Keith Costigan disagreed with the official and was sent off for arguing the call. Moments later, Miguel Sanchez-Rincon stepped up to take the PK, but it was saved by Marquez to preserve his clean sheet.

About 12 minutes later, another trip in the penalty area led to another PK, but this time Cristian Gordillo put it past Marquez to level the match in the 82nd minute.

The Cal United onslaught continued in overtime, and this provided space and counterattacking opportunities for Cal FC, but they couldn’t capitalize on them. On one counterattack, Cal FC strung together some short passes in the area that provoked a penalty kick call late in the second half of overtime. The match could’ve been decided there, but the kick taker, Jadilson Da Silva Vieira hit the crossbar.

The penalty kick shootout required eight rounds to decide a winner with Cal FC taking the first attempt. In Round 2, Cal FC had their attempt saved by Cal United’s Kifi Cabrera, which led to a dramatic attempt in the fifth round. With the score tied 4-4, Cal United had a chance to win the shootout but their fifth attempt struck the crossbar. Both teams converted their attempts until the eighth round when Marquez blocked Duncan Capriotti’s attempt to send Cal FC into the final round of qualifying.