2019 US Open Cup

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Forward Madison overcomes plucky amateurs from Bavarian SC

May 8, 2019 by Matt Schroeder

Players from Forward Madison (right) and Bavarian SC race to the ball in Tuesday's First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison — Players from Forward Madison (right) and Bavarian SC race to the ball in Tuesday’s First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison

Plucky underdog stories are the heart of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Amateur side Bavarians SC from Milwaukee, with eight stars on their kits and a 90-year history, took that spirit into a first-round matchup with pro side Forward Madison FC from USL League One on Tuesday night in Milwaukee. They were reminded that while plucky is great, often it just is no match for a more polished professional unit.

Forward Madison rode first-half goals from Brandon Eaton and Jiro Barriga Toyama to a comfortable 2-0 victory in chilly, windy conditions at Uihlein Soccer Park before a crowd of about 400. It was just the second time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that two Wisconsin teams had met in the US Open Cup (2003 Round 3: Bavarian SC vs. Milwaukee Wave United).

With the win, Forward Madison visit USL Championship squad El Paso Locomotive at 7 p.m. MDT on May 15 in the second round.

The All-Wisconsin derby proved fairly one-sided. Congrats to @ForwardMSNFC on their first Open Cup win & cheers to @BavarianMajors – we hope to see you all again real soon. ?

0-2 | #USOC2019 – Highlights⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IFezDtPyjQ

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 8, 2019

Sporting a 2-2-1 record in their debut season, Forward Madison deployed a side without Paulo Junior and three other regular starters who are on loan from Minnesota United of Major League Soccer. Despite that, they controlled possession through the first half, playing with a 20-mph wind at their backs.

The first goal, however, sprung out of very little. Eaton spied some space about 20 yards out in front of goal. His curling shot was not particularly hard, but it just seemed to catch Bavarians keeper Augie Rey leaning the wrong way and the visitors led 1-0 on 9 minutes.

Bavarians avoided big mistakes, but were punished giving the ball away in midfield later in the first half. Don Smart, formerly of Indy Eleven, and Milwaukee native JC Banks worked together to counter, and Smart’s ball across the goal found Toyama, who poked it in for a 2-0 lead in the 36th minute.

A promising spell of second-half possession by Bavarians — who were playing their first competitive match of the season — ultimately yielded nothing. Madison was too organized and too physically and technically superior; the pink-clad team never made the error under pressure in the back that would have led to a chance for the amateur side.

The Bavarians didn’t inconvenience Forward Madison keeper Brian Sylvestre until less than 10 minutes remaining, but then did so twice in two minutes. Logan Andryk battled to find a little space from his defender inside the area, but his effort from a tight angle to the left scooted across the face of goal. Substitute Leki Prpa had a crack from a similarly tight angle on the right in the 83rd minute, but Sylvestre turned it away.

Forward Madison comfortably saw the match out from there, earning their first victory in the US Open Cup. The Bavarians, who are the defending UPSL National Champions, return to league play on Saturday against DeKalb County United.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: The Villages need PKs to win all-Florida battle with Lakeland Tropics

May 8, 2019 by Nathaniel Marhefka

Players from The Villages SC (left) and Lakeland Tropics battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup First Round match. Photo: Christopher Arnold

The opening round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in Auburndale, Florida, featured two USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) teams from Central Florida with the Lakeland Tropics hosting The Villages SC.

One could not ask for a more balanced match than this one. So much so that it ultimately took extra time and ten rounds of penalty kicks to determine the victor with The Villages advancing 8-7 after the game finished tied 1-1 after 120 minutes.

While it was an equal match, both sides had very distinctly different styles of play. Lakeland Tropics, being the home team, were comfortable quickly working the ball up to the forwards and attacking midfielders but being calm and patient around the box, moving the ball to try and open scoring opportunities.

When the Villages had possession, it was a different game. The visitors focused primarily on finding the piercing balls into the attacking third to utilize their speed and quick movements to disrupt the defense.

The Villages found one of these breakthroughs in the 16th minute in what appeared to be the start of a very one-sided match. With a powerful overlapping run far into the Tropics penalty box, left back Danilo Seglio opened the scoring after his first shot rebounded to him from the keeper.

Not to be undone, the Tropics picked up their tempo from this point forward and attacked with more initiative. Bringing their fullbacks further forward, right back Chase Hovious broke down the flank and played a beautiful ball in to Raheem Taylor-Parkes inside the penalty box who leveled the scoring.

From there, the match got scrappy. A fierce midfield battle saw frustrations flair and two cautions were issued at the end of the first half.

What a GAME!?@TheVillagesSC take down @lakelandtropics and will move on to the 2nd Round to compete with the @TampaBayRowdies!?#USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/sCA0QUUDAV

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 8, 2019

In the second half, Lakeland appeared knackered come the 60th minute. This saw their midfield break up and they began to attack and defend with two lines. The strong defenders and confident and technical attackers kept the team in the game while fashioning two big chances of their own.

While the Villages remained the more organized side, they struggled to dominate the midfield. All level, the teams headed into extra time to settle the score.

Extra time showed Lakeland’s substitutions proving worthwhile. In both halves they managed 65% possession and had the only three shots after the ninety. With fatigue fighting both sides, this match was destined for penalties and that is just where it went.

Both sides sealed their first kicks but the Villages SC had their second chance saved. However, the Tropics would miss their fourth and fifth shots courtesy of nice saves by goalkeeper Jerfesson.

It would be Jerfesson who would step up to take the Villages fifth kick in attempt to seal the match. His attempt proved too easy for the Tropics keeper Joel Serrano and the penalty rounds continued.

With both teams making their next four kicks it was a deft save by the Villages goalkeeper who broke the run. The Villages SC secured their victory by way of midfielder Sukrija Dudic who would be the hero on the day.

After a thrilling match through ten penalty rounds The Villages SC will try to upset their first pro team in team history when they face the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 14 in St. Petersburg Fla. in the Second Round.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Tormenta amateurs shut down pros from Chattanooga Red Wolves

May 8, 2019 by Harrison Huntley

Players from South Georgia Tormenta 2 celebrate in a First Round game against the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Raphael Pantin

With a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win under their belts from 2018, South Georgia Tormenta 2 returned to this year’s cup with a recipe for success.

The trio of Jarvian Wigfell, Luca Mayr-Fälten and Adrian Billhardt combined to give Tormenta 2 a 3-0 win over USL League One opponent Chattanooga Red Wolves in Statesboro, Ga. Tuesday in the opening round of the US Open Cup.

From early on, it was clear the Tormenta 2 had an attacking mindset that their opponents were lacking. Tormenta broke through in the 25th minute with a goal from their hometown hero. Playing on his home pitch at Georgia Southern University, Wigfell went on a late run to direct a deflection from James Meehan into the far corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Wigfell’s early goal set the tone of things to come as he and his fellow attackers continued to get good chances, with Tormenta finishing with seven shots on goal compared to Chattanooga’s 3.

“The forward guys were clinical,” said Tormenta 2 head coach Ian Cameron. “They believed in themselves and had the energy to outrun the other defenders. We knew we’d have quality, but the attitude was brilliant.”

They added to their lead in the second half, first with a beautiful cross from Billhardt that Mayr-Fälten slipped past the Chattanooga keeper to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 58th minute. Mayr-Fälten returned the favor with a great ball across the field that found Billhardt, who added the nail in the coffin in the 74th minute.

Cameron said he expected a good effort, but came clean when asked about the result.

“We knew that the spirit and fight can be instant as can the culture of the group,” said Cameron. “The quality was a little bit of a surprise. Adrian and Luca and others were breathtaking. That’s not coaching, that’s individual.”

Being a USL League Two team means that Tormenta 2 hasn’t had much time to practice. Most of their players arrived in Statesboro earlier this week. Cameron said that last year’s Tormenta team set the tone for the 2019 squad.

GOAL! ?@TormentaFC_2 get their second of the match thanks to Luca Mayr-Fälten who gets on the end of a great delivery from Adrian Billhardt to make it 2-0. #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/rH8MMlwgW8

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 8, 2019

“What’s helped gel them together is that the culture of Tormenta as a whole was already in place,” added Cameron. “The attitude that the first team had as they trained showed these guys what they had to do. The group last year gave them this opportunity and we played for them. I couldn’t be prouder. They were fantastic and their energy was terrific.”

Billhardt was supposed to start the match for Tormenta 2, according to Cameron, but he wasn’t in the starting 11. Cameron didn’t provide a reason for leaving Billhardt out of the starting lineup. Despite that, Cameron said he was thrilled with way the young player responded both on and off the pitch.

“His focus the last few days has been outstanding, and when called upon, his attitude was tremendous,” added Cameron. “For someone who has such an attacking quality, to play in the defensive shift that he was put in and the number of turnovers he caused, if he keeps on doing that, his trajectory is going to take him to great places.”

Tormenta 2 advances to face Nashville SC out of the USL Championship division (Div. 2 pro). Cameron said that while the prime objective of USL League Two is to develop players, he said he expects his team to compete with whoever they line up against.

“I want them to fight, to play hard. They’re brave, and we expect to see them give a committed performance.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Charles Boateng bags four goals to lead Richmond Kickers past Virginia United

May 8, 2019 by Dillon Jones

Charles Boateng of the Richmond Kickers celebrates one of his four goals against Virginia United in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The 1995 US Open Cup champions Richmond Kickers, a professional side from USL League One started off the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 6-2 victory against amateur side Virginia United.

Striker Charles Boateng led from the front in the opening round of the US Open Cup, grabbing four goals before having to be subbed off due to injury. The remainder of the Richmond Kickers’ score line came from striker Daniel Jackson and midfielder Eli Lockaby.

Boateng became the first player to score four or more goals in a US Open Cup game since Dom Dwyer scored four goals for Sporting Kansas City in the Fifth Round of the 2015 US Open Cup in a 6-2 win over FC Dallas. Boateng becomes the 12th player in the Modern Era (1995-present) to score four or more goals, and is just the third Richmond Kicker to score a hat trick in tournament play, joining McColm Cephas (2005 Round 3) and the Kickers current head coach David Bulow (2011 Round 1).

Charles Boateng of the Richmond Kickers shoots against Virginia United in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The scoring began in the 17th minute when Lockaby held up the ball on the right wing and played it across to Boateng who scored his first career US Open Cup goal. His second goal came from a set piece when Joe Gallardo received a short pass from a corner kick and found Boateng right in front of the goal for the brace.

A dominant, possession-based performance is what described the Kickers’ in the first half while Virginia United struggled to cross half-field, save for a few defensive clearances.

After Lockaby and Jackson scored their goals on either side of halftime, the Kickers were in complete control of the match with a 4-1 lead. United’s only goal of the first half came from Eliot Martinez.

Boateng got his hat trick in the 55th minute when he was the beneficiary of a forced turnover. Justin Grove played a ball in behind the defense and the Ghanian beat the keeper from 30 yards out. With the goal, he became just the second Ghana-born player to score a hat trick in the Modern Era of the tournament, joining Kwadwo Poku who scored three goals of the Georgia Revolution (NPSL) in the opening round of the 2013 tournament.

The fourth goal would arrive in the 75th minute when Luke Pavone played a ball into Boateng who beat the keeper to become just the 12th player in the Modern Era to score four or more goals in the tournament.

You like goals⁉️

We got goals. @RichmondKickers & @VAUNITEDFC2019 produced eight in their #USOC2019 opener (6-2 to the hosts & 1995 ? champion Kickers). ?⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IUbLNiIpZ4

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 8, 2019

“It’s going to be difficult for a team that doesn’t get to train 4-5 days a week,” said Richmond head coach David Bulow. “We are also three months into the season and they are just getting started with theirs, so I think it was always going to be a challenge for them, organization-wise, dealing with what we do to them.”

United wouldn’t go out without a fight as Bernardo Mejano hit an impressive stoppage time half-volley from outside of the box in second half stoppage time.

The Richmond Kickers will be advancing to the second round of the tournament to play North Carolina FC away at the Saglen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC, who are a USL Championship team. Right now, North Carolina is in fourth place, just four points back from first place in the Eastern Conference.

“It’s going to be a challenge, NCFC looks like a good Championship team,” said Bulow, who is tied for the second-most US Open Cup goals scored in the Modern Era with 13. “Playing away from home, it’s a step-up in level, playing in the division above us. We’ll be the underdogs. Much won’t be expected of us but we’ll relish that challenge.”

2019 Meet the Underdogs: First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”

May 7, 2019 by Lee Ifans

Florida Soccer Soldiers celebrate in the locker room after a game. Photo: Lee Ifans

Florida Soccer Soldiers were founded in 2018, and in just one year, they have already marched their way to the top of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). Now they have their crosshairs on the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

In their inaugural league campaign they were Florida South Division regular season champions and playoff winners. The UPSL Southeast Conference title came soon after. At the national playoffs they won a quarterfinal match 2-0 against Inocentes FC (Ft. Worth, Texas) before losing 2-0 to eventual national champions Bavarian SC in the semifinals.

As you might expect from a team from South Florida, there is a strong Latin American identity to the side and an especially visible Venezuelan influence. Head coach is Daniel Godoy, a man with an impressive resume. In his professional career he played with Caracas FC in Venezuela winning plural national titles and playing in three Copa Libertadores tournaments. With Deportivo Lara he appeared in the Copa Sudamericana. Godoy also has international experience with one appearance for the Venezuelan under 23 side in an Olympic Games qualifier against Chile plus two full international caps with the Vinotinto in 2006 and 2007 against Uruguay and Ecuador. Closer to home he has NPSL titles with Miami United in 2016 and Miami Fusion in 2017 before taking the reins with Florida Soccer Soldiers.

Antonioni González | Photo: Florida Soccer Soldiers

“I was very happy when I heard I would be coaching the team. I talked to the owners and they showed me a good project thinking for the future, to have a youth academy and give young players opportunities to play for the first team,” said Godoy. “And yes, I liked the name because we are as soldiers committed with one idea. The name transmits respect. You know how honorable soldiers are fighting for a country or ideology? This team needs soldiers fighting to win games together with respect, pride and commitment. This group is thinking with the same ideology. Win games and help grow the club.”

Soccer Soldiers were the only team from South Florida to make it through the Open Cup qualifiers. Defeating UPSL rivals Miami Sun 2-1 in the first qualifying round, established Miami non-league outfit Red Force 1-0 in the second round and then hammering Hurricane FC of Delray Beach 6-0 in the third.

They received a bye in the fourth and final round when opponents America SC from the Orlando area forfeited due to them leaving the UPSL league system. Florida Soccer Soldiers were drawn to play at Miami FC in the first round of the 2019 Open Cup tournament proper.

It promises to be one of the games of the round, with two teams fighting for a shot at the Charlotte Independence (USL Championship) in the second round. The Soccer Soldiers are a technical side who build patiently from the back and have a talented roster who can pull that kind of game off.

“That’s my style, that’s the way I like to transmit my knowledge as an ex-professional players,” said Godoy. “I try to teach the same way of playing I learned in the past. I don’t like to send balls to the front and wait for mistakes. I rather build play from the back, make connections and move the ball so that we have clear options for the forwards. I am lucky to have good players, ex-pros and very good young kids who want to improve. Soccer Soldiers like to give young players a chance to get exposure so universities and colleges can come and watch players and give them scholarships and opportunities.”

Florida Soccer Soldiers head coach Daniel Godoy | Photo: Florida Soccer Soldiers

One of those young players is Valentin Sabella. An exciting winger raised in Miami who likes to take on players and score goals. In the qualifiers he got on the scoresheet decisively in the first and second rounds and grabbed a brace in the rout of Hurricane FC. Sabella is also one of the team’s top free kick takers.

The midfield is anchored by experienced Venezuelan Antonioni González, the captain. A deep-lying playmaker, he is the embodiment of the Soldiers’ philosophy. Calm in possession and capable of opening up teams with a great range of passing. Both the old hands and the young guns are sure to be excited for a crack at the Open Cup.

“It’s a very honorable competition, the oldest competition for club soccer in this country,” said Godoy. “Everyone is proud to be part of this and be at this level. It’s an amazing opportunity for my players. Some of the ex-pros have played at a high level and had this chance before, but for those who haven’t played at this kind of level it’s a great opportunity. Everyone’s excited to be a part of this competition.”

Looking ahead to the team’s opening round matchup, according to their coach, playing against a team that fields some professional players isn’t going to intimidate them.

“If look honestly at our weaknesses and our strengths, if we focus and work hard and not worry about the other team, Miami FC, we have a great chance to advance,” added Godoy. “Everyone knows it will be an intense, hard game but we have been preparing with international games against sides like Boca Juniors, Penarol and the Puerto Rico national team. So this game won’t be a surprise for us. We trust in our strengths and we are working on our weaknesses to be in the best shape to face this game.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1 Day 1 preview: 106th tournament kicks off tonight; 9 games on Wednesday

May 7, 2019 by Josh Hakala

The 106th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicks off tonight with 10 games as lower division teams — mostly amateurs — begin their quest to be this year’s Cinderella story.

With nine games on the schedule for Wednesday, the opening round promises to have plenty of drama, but what’s probably more exciting for fans of the US Open Cup is that for the first time, the entire first round (and the entire tournament) will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Since 2003, fans who wanted to follow the opening round of the second-oldest, continually-operating soccer tournament in the world, would have to rely on updates from this site, or, in later years, the occasional live audio or video stream. Now, fans who are unable to attend a match in person, can watch every game from the comfort of their home, or through their favorite mobile device.

The first round features 32 open division teams (14 NPSL, 10 USL League Two, 8 Open Division Local) and six USL League One (Div. 3 pro) teams. The winners will advance to Round 2 where 25 USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) teams will enter.

Below is a preview of all 10 of Tuesday’s opening round games.

#USOC2019 NEWS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results
Things you should know about the First Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal
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

MEET THE UNDERDOGS SERIES
Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929
West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup
NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going
Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club
FC Denver using US Open Cup to build to “higher level”
First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”

Virginia United (ANFEEU/Woodbridge Soccer League) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: May 7 – 7 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at North Carolina FC (USL-C) May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jake Sillick

Virginia United is the first club ever from the new US Soccer affiliate member Asociación Nacional Fútbol en Estados Unidos (ANFEEU). Playing out of the Woodbridge Soccer League in northern Virginia, Virginia United defeated Open Cup darling Christos FC in the third qualifying round to get to the win-and-you’re-in match against World Class Premier Elite FC of Maryland. Virginia United would go on to win that match in penalties to qualify for their first-ever US Open Cup. This will also be the first time Virginia United matches up against a professional team of any level in a cup match.

Richmond Kickers, the 1995 US Open Cup winners, are participating in the First Round of the US Open Cup for the first time since 2011 after moving to the newly-formed USL League One (3rd division pro). Richmond sits in third place currently of the 10-team league, with eight points on the season so far and seven points from their last three matches. A semifinal appearance in 2011 is the closest Richmond has come to winning their second US Open Cup after the 1995 championship. Richmond’s leading scorer is Joe Gallardo with three goals on the season, while Akira Fitzgerald has three clean sheets out of six matches.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Virginia United (ANFEEU/Woodbridge Soccer League)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Home:N/A
vs. Open Division:N/A
Best finish:N/A

Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 30-18-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 24-7-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Open Division: 12-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

*******************************

West Chester United (USASA/USL of PA) at FC Baltimore Christos (NPSL)
Homewood Field (Johns Hopkins University) – Baltimore, MD
Kickoff: May 7 – 7:45 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: If West Chester United wins, they play at Birmingham Legion (USL-C) on May 15 .. if FC Baltimore wins, they host Birmingham Legion (USL-C) on May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Berton

West Chester United is making its second US Open Cup appearance, the first coming in 2016. In that tournament, West Chester defeated Fredericksburg FC of the NPSL before falling to the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL (now Penn FC). Since then, the club joined the NPSL, in addition to continuing to compete in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania (this is the team that qualified). 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 13-1-0 record. West Chester also made it to the final of the 2018 National Amateur Cup. United won four straight road games in the qualifying tournament to secure its berth.

FC Baltimore Christos (formerly FC Baltimore 1729) joined the NPSL in 2018 as an expansion side. Baltimore won the Mid-Atlantic Conference with a 7-2-1 record before losing in the conference playoff final. In November 2018, FC Baltimore then announced a partnership with 2017 Open Cup darlings Christos FC, which had beaten a pro team on the way to a berth in the Fourth Round, where the club took a 1-0 lead on D.C. United before losing 4-1. Remaining two distinct teams, FC Baltimore nonetheless hopes to use some of that Christos magic for its 2019 Open Cup run. Baltimore Christos opens up its NPSL season on May 4.

2019 Meet the Underdogs: West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

West Chester United (USASA/USL of PA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-0-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Open Division: 0-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2016 Round 2 (lost 2-0 vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (USL, Div. 2 pro)

FC Baltimore Christos (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Home:N/A
vs. Open Division:N/A
Best finish:N/A

*******************************

FC Motown (NPSL) at New York Red Bulls U-23 (USL-2)
MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: May 7 – 7 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: If FC Motown wins, they host Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) on May 15 .. if New York Red Bulls U-23 wins, they play at Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) on May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

For the second straight year, FC Motown and New York Red Bulls U-23 will kick off their Open Cup against one another on Tuesday night. While the game was originally set to be played at the New York Red Bulls Training Facility, U.S. Soccer recently announced that the game will instead be played at Montclair State University, the home of New York Red Bulls II of USL Championship. The two teams have only met the one previous time, where two Dilly Duka first half goals erased a one goal New York lead to advance the Morristown side, 2-1.

FC Motown enter the 2019 U.S. Open Cup as the defending Keystone Conference and Northeast Region champion of NPSL, while also being the 2018 national runner-up. The Morristown side has reached the Second Round twice in as many years as both a local qualifier in 2017 and as a member of the NPSL in 2018 (following its’ merger with Clarkstown Eagles SC). The game against New York Red Bulls U23 will be the first competitive one using professional players this year, with the team recently fell in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Werner Fricker Open Cup to Lansdowne Yonkers FC. Only a few days after the Open Cup match on May 11th the squad will also have a NPSL game against Philadelphia Lone Star FC. The roster includes 2018 NPSL Golden Ball winner Matt Nigro, former New York City FC / Orlando City SC defender RJ Allen, and former New York Cosmos midfielder Jimmy Mulligan among others.

The New York Red Bulls U-23 side is looking to earn it’s second trip to the tournament’s Second Round and first since 2014, the same year the club won the NPSL championship before departing for the then-named Premier Developmental League. Despite little success in the Open Cup, the team has been a consistent force in league play making the playoffs seven of the nine years its been active including two national championship game appearances. Last season the team reached the Mid-Atlantic Conference Final where it lost to eventual national runner-up Reading United AC. The game won’t factor much into USL League Two competition this year since the team’s next league contest isn’t until Saturday, May 18.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Motown (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
(4th including Clarkstown SC Eagles history)
Overall: 2-2-0 (2-4-0)
Away: 1-1-0 (1-2-0)
vs. Open Division: 2-0-0 (2-2-0)
Best finish: Second Round (2017, 2018)

New York Red Bulls U-23 (USL-2)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-4-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Open Division: 1-3-0
Best finish: 2014 Round 2 (lost 3-1 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro, Div. 3))

Forward Madison FC (USL-1) at Bavarian SC (USASA / UPSL)
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI
Kickoff: May 7 – 8:30 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner plays at El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C) on May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

Between Forward Madison FC and Milwaukee Bavarian SC there is a combined history of eight Modern Era US Open Cup appearances, one finals appearance, and a National Amateur Cup title. However, all of that history is on the Milwaukee side. Forward Madison is entering its first year of existence in the newly-created USL League One (Div. 3 pro) while the Bavarians have a history dating back 90 years across multiple leagues. This will be the first meeting between the two Wisconsin sides as both look to earn a statement win.

In its first year of existence, Forward Madison FC is in its’ debut U.S. Open Cup as probably the crowd favorite. The team is entering the First Round with a USL-1 record of 2-1-2, including the team’s first home win against Toronto FC 2, 3-1, on May 4. Don Smart, who’s appeared in five Open Cup tournaments in his career with FC New York, Indy Eleven, and Miami FC, assisted twice and scored the clinching goal in that contest. Following the game, the Mingos will be heading to Chattanooga, Tenn. to play the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on May 11 in league play, a mere four days before the team would have to play El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C) in Texas should they advance to the Second Round.

The Bavarians have a deep US Open Cup history with very little to show for it this decade. After a two year period between 1993 and 1994 where the club reached the national semifinal and the final respectively, falling in the latter to Greek-American A.C. of San Francisco, 3-0, it took the team ten years to qualify again in 2003. The team is in it’s eighth tournament in the Modern Era and first since 2013, following which the organization went on hiatus for two years before returning . Milwaukee was able to qualify for the first time since its return to competitive play through its 2018 National Amateur Cup win over West Chester United, 2-0.

This will mark just the second time in the Modern Era that two Wisconsin teams have squared off in the US Open Cup. The first time was at the same stadium as Tuesday’s match when Bavarian SC took on Milwaukee Wave United (A-League, Div. 2 pro) back in 2003. (Wave United won 4-1 to earn a date with the Chicago Fire of MLS in the next round)

2019 Meet the Underdogs: Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Bavarian SC (USASA/UPSL)
8th US Open Cup appearance (Modern Era)
Overall: 3-7-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: 1994 Runner-Up

Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Home:N/A
vs. Open Division:N/A
Best finish:N/A

The Villages SC (USL-2) at Lakeland Tropics (USL-2)
Lake Myrtle Sports Complex – Auburndale, FL
Kickoff: May 7 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jake Sillick

Fellow Southeast division foes of USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) meet in the opening round of the US Open Cup. The Villages SC, participating in the Open Cup for the seventh consecutive year, have only advanced in the tournament twice, with their last win coming on a 1-0 decision against Kraze United in 2016. Their run of seven straight Open Cup appearances is the third-longest streak among any Open Division team of the Modern Era (1995-present). The Villages SC have reached the Second Round twice, the first time came in their inaugural cup run in 2013, and aforementioned 2016 tournament. After that 2016 win over Kraze United, they appeared to have won their first game against a professional opponent when they defeated the Charleston Battery of the USL, but it was later ruled that The Villages used an ineligible player and was disqualified.

The last two years, The Villages have fallen to the Jacksonville Armada’s NPSL team, both by the same scoreline of 2-1.

To qualify this year, The Villages posted 30 points last season in league play including nine wins which landed them one of USL-2’s ten spots this year.

The Lakeland Tropics are entering the Open Cup for the second consecutive season after posting a 30-point USL League Two campaign last season. Last season, in their Open Cup debut, they were sent all the way to Midland, Texas in the first round where they lost to Midland-Odessa Sockers FC of the NPSL, 3-0. For this season, they get to stay home and will host the first round match.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

The Villages SC (USL-2)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-3-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Open Division: 2-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Second Round (2013, 2016)

Lakeland Tropics (USL-2)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: N/A
vs. Open Division: 0-1-0
Best finish: 2018 First Round

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Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1) at South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 (USL-2)
Erk Russell Park – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: May 7 – 8 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will play at Nashville SC (USL-C) on May 14
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jake Sillick

Chattanooga Red Wolves are a brand new expansion team from the newly formed USL League One (Div. 3 pro). So far in the League One seaon, Chattanooga finds itself in a logjam for 4th through 9th places all at seven points in the ten-team league. Coached by Tim Hankinson, who has coached four different teams in the US Open Cup in his career (Tampa Bay Mutiny, Colorado Rapids, San Antonio Scorpions, Indy Eleven), Chattanooga has wins over Forward Madison and South Georgia Tormenta this season. Their most recent match was a scoreless draw against Orlando City B.

South Georgia Tormenta’s move to USL League One left an opening for its existing USL League Two team. The Tormenta organization decided to form a 2nd team to fill that void. South Georgia Tormenta finished 2018 undefeated in USL League Two with 11 wins out of 14. The 36 points were the third highest total in the league last year. Last season was also South Georgia’s only US Open Cup appearance, where they defeated Myrtle Beach Mutiny in the first round before falling to Charleston Battery in the second round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 (USL-2)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: N/A
vs. Open Division: 1-0-0
Best finish: 2018 Second Round

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Away: N/A
vs. Open Division: N/A
Best finish: N/A

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Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (USL-2) at Laredo Heat SC (NPSL)
Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex – Laredo, TX
Kickoff: May 7 – 9:15 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will play at San Antonio FC (USL-C) on May 14
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

Like many of these First Round matchups, this Lone Star State standoff pits a relatively new team against one with years of league and tournament experience. Brazos Valley Cavalry FC and Laredo Heat SC almost seem like polar opposites of one another with many of the former’s players coming from the Houston Dynamo’s academy, which makes sense since the side is partially controlled by the MLS team, while the latter has been a community driven, independent amateur side for over a decade. This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

In its third season of play, Brazos Valley Cavalry FC was able to qualify for the 2019 tournament due to a strong performance in the PDL (now USL League Two) last year. After finishing 2017 with a record of 7-1-6, just missing the playoffs in the Mid South Division, the team returned and won the highly competitive division in 2018 just above OKC Energy U-23s. Brazos fell in the PDL Conference Semifinals to SIMA Águilas, 2-1, but the division win clinched a spot in this year’s Open Cup. Due to USL League Two’s season schedule, the team won’t need to worry about league games until the end of the month leaving the group to focus on the tournament.

Laredo Heat are returning to the US Open Cup for the first time since 2015 where the team reached the Second Round. After the 2015 PDL season, the team went on hiatus citing issues with the lack of growth in competition within the league’s Mid-South Division. The team returned in 2018 as a National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) expansion side and immediately found success going undefeated in the Lone Star Conference, winning the conference playoffs, before falling in the NPSL Regional Semifinals. The Heat are probably best known for its 2014 Open Cup run where they upset the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) on the road which earned them a Fourth Round date with the Houston Dynamo of MLS. They gave the Dynamo all they could handle, before falling 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Laredo Heat SC (NPSL)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-3-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 3-0-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Open Division: 3-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2014 Fourth Round (Lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo of MLS)

Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (USL-2)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Away: N/A
vs. Open Division: N/A
Best finish: N/A

El Farolito (NPSL) at Academica SC (USCS/Liga NorCal)
Academica Field – Turlock, CA
Kickoff: May 7 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will host Fresno FC (USL-C) on May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Berton

San Francisco’s El Farolito began play in 1985 and won the 1993 US Open Cup title under the name CD Mexico. The club had won the San Francisco Soccer Football League in 2017 and got through the Open Cup qualifying process to make the tournament that year for the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present). El Farolito fell in the first round on penalty kicks to the Burlingame Dragons of the PDL (now USL League Two). The club qualified again in 2018 but where disqualified for moving to the NPSL after qualifying. This won’t be an issue for the club in 2019, having won the NPSL Golden Gate Conference in 2018 with a 9-0-5 record (eventually losing in the second round of the playoffs). El Farolito is five games into its 2019 NPSL season, currently sporting a 2-3-0 record, but with a 3-1 win over Academica SC, Tuesday night’s Open Cup opponents.

Despite being founded in 1972, Academica SC will be making the club’s first trip to the US Open Cup this year as the lone qualifier from US Club Soccer. The Turlock, Calif.-based club defeated three straight Northern California teams in the qualifying tournament to get in, but needed a dramatic penalty kick shootout win over International Portland Select in the final round to punch its ticket. Academica competes in both the NPSL and Liga NorCal. In fact, the club is in the same conference as El Farolito, but finished fifth last season. In Liga NorCal play this year, Academica is in third with an 8-6-1 record.

2019 Meet the Underdogs: Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

El Farolito (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance (Modern Era)
Overall: 0-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: N/A
vs. Open Division: 0-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2017 First Round

Academica SC (USCS/Liga NorCal)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Away: N/A
vs. Open Division: N/A
Best finish: N/A

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FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL) at Cal FC (USASA/UPSL)
Calabasas High School – Calabasa, CA
Kickoff: May 7 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will play at Las Vegas Lights (USL-C) on May 14
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

FC Mulhouse Portland and Cal FC will be meeting for the first time on what is looking to be a crisp, humid California evening. FC Mulhouse Portland is entering 2019 after it’s most successful season which saw the team reach the national stage in the NPSL playoffs. On the other hand, Cal FC is just returning from a two-year hiatus and with plans to join the NPSL Founders Cup later this year.

FC Mulhouse Portland, previously known as Portland Spartans FC, is entering the competition as the defending Western Region Champions of the NPSL and a national semifinalist. A plethora of talent aided the team during that run and will be returning for this season including former Portland Timbers star Freddy Braun who scored three goals during the team’s playoff run last season, and New Zealand national team call up (Under-17 & Under-20) Anthony Hobbs can be fully ready for the match. Portland’s next non-tournament game is against Crossfire Redmond on Saturday, May 18, meaning this will be the first competitive game for the team.

Cal FC is a Southern California team best known for its US Open Cup run to the Fourth Round in 2012, where the team earned multiple “cupsets”. That year, led by head coach Eric Wynalda, they had a win against the 2011 PDL champions Kitsap Pumas, traveling across the country to upset USL Pro side Wilmington Hammerheads, and stunning Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers on the road. The latter win was the first win by amateur team over an MLS side without needing penalty kicks. This will be Cal FC’s first tournament since 2015 and the team has already been making news during qualification. After the first qualifying round, the team’s opponent San Nicolas FC filled a complaint with the USSF regarding Cal’s eligibility and during the third round against California United FC II the two teams needed to restart their match after the original match was halted in the 89th minute when the lights at the field went out due to a local curfew ordinance. Much like its teams of the past, the club features a core of young talent from the area, and a number of former pros. The team is led by their head coach, Fox TV broadcaster Keith Costigan.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Cal FC (USASA/UPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: N/A
vs. Open Division: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2012 Fourth Round (Lost, 5-0 at Seattle Sounders FC of MLS)

FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: N/A
Away: N/A
vs. Open Division: N/A
Best finish: N/A

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FC Golden State Force (USL-2) at Orange County FC (NPSL)
Orange County Great Park – Championship Soccer Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: May 7th, 10:30 p.m. ET
Round 2 scenarios: Winner will play at Orange County SC (USL-C) on May 15
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Berton

FC Golden State Force of USL League Two (formerly PDL) are no strangers to both league and Open Cup success. Founded in 2016, FC Golden State Force won the USL-2 Southwest Division in 2017 and 2018, advancing to the playoff semifinals in 2017 and losing on penalty kicks in the first round in 2018. Golden State Force have also made US Open Cup runs in that time frame. Making its debut in 2017, the club beat Outbreak FC before falling to USL side Orange County SC in Round 2. In 2018, Golden State went even further, beating LA Wolves FC, getting revenge over Orange County, then upsetting a second USL team in Las Vegas Lights, before losing 3-1 to the LA Galaxy in the Fourth Round. The club already got its USL League Two season off on the right foot with a 3-2 win over Orange County II on May 4. As if the club hasn’t had enough of Orange County teams, a win on Tuesday over Orange County FC (NPSL) would set up a matchup with Orange County SC (USL Championship) for the third year in a row.

One of the biggest reasons for their run to the Fourth Round last year was the play of former Corinthians standout Allisson Faramilio who scored four goals in the first three rounds of the tournament to help the Force reach Round 4. For his efforts, Faramilio was narrowly voted the 2018 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament.

Not to be confused with the USL Championship club Orange County SC, Orange County FC competes in the NPSL. Founded in 2009, the club was part of the SoCal Premier League until 2016, when it joined the NPSL. Orange County finished third in the Southwest Conference in 2018, but won two games in the playoffs before losing in the regional finals. Making its Open Cup debut in 2018 led by head coach Paul Caligiuri, Orange County beat Santa Ana Winds FC 3-0 before losing in Round 2 to Fresno FC of the USL. Orange County FC is already 10 games into its NPSL season, currently in third place with a 6-2-2 record.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Golden State Force (USL-2)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Open Division: 2-0-0
Best finish: 2018 Fourth Round (Lost, 3-1 at LA Galaxy of MLS)

Orange County FC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Open Division: 1-0-0
Best finish: 2018 Second Round

2019 Meet the Underdogs: Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929

May 7, 2019 by Eric Anderson

Players from Bavarian SC celebrate the club's 2018 USASA Amateur Cup championship with a 2-0 win over West Chester United. Photo: Matt Schroeder — Players from Bavarian SC celebrate the club’s 2018 USASA Amateur Cup championship with a 2-0 win over West Chester United. Photo: Matt Schroeder

Call them professionally amateur.

Milwaukee’s Bavarian SC has long been among the country’s top amateur clubs – their crest is packed with eight stars, each representing a national championship won by the club founded by German immigrants in 1929 as Fussball Club Bayern and re-named in 1956.

The two most recent stars were earned last August when the Bavarians won their fifth National Amateur Cup title and then claimed their first United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) championship a week later.

That Amateur Cup championship gave the Bavarians an automatic berth in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and they will play host to USL League One’s Forward Madison FC on Tuesday night at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee in what is being billed as the “Dairyland Derby.”

The Bavarians, whose Heartland Fund Value Stadium about 15 minutes away in Glendale didn’t meet all the US Soccer Federation standards for hosting an Open Cup match, embrace their non-professional status.

“Some people shy away from it, but we’re proud to admit that we’re amateur,” coach Patrick Hodgins said. “We’re proud to call ourselves amateur soccer players, and a lot of our guys take that to heart.

“People look at it as a slight to call yourself amateur but it has nothing to do with our quality. I think if you look at the teams we play and the people who have played us, I think they will have the same opinions of us.”

To further that point, the team created a unique hype video ahead of the season. It showcases some players’ day-to-day lives in addition to their passion for soccer – including training outdoors in the snowy Wisconsin weather.

“There’s something to be said about guys who aren’t getting paid who want to show up twice a week and go on road trips and play all these games with each other,” Hodgins said. “There’s a lot to be said about that.”

?2019 HYPE VIDEO ALERT?

Being part of the Bavarian Soccer Club Men’s team means we are profesional…ly amateur. Just a bunch of guys with day jobs that like playing soccer. Come see us play in 2019, we’d like that ? pic.twitter.com/dLxUBRx1Dy

— Bavarians SC Men’s | UPSL (@BavarianMajors) April 4, 2019

Take, for example, two of the Bavarians’ most influential players, brothers Logan and Braden Andryk.

Hailing from nearby Hartland, both played high school soccer at powerhouse Milwaukee Marquette, club soccer with FC Wisconsin Nationals and starred at NCAA Division III Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Their college coach was former US national team defender Jimmy Banks, who was 54 when he died of cancer April 26. Banks’ son JC is a Forward Madison midfielder who is well known to many of the Bavarians’ players.

Logan Andryk set program records with 61 goals, 60 assists, 182 points and 15 game-winning goals. Braden Andryk finished his career two years later with 70 goals, 38 assists, 178 points and 17 game-winners. The brothers rank first and second in Raiders history in each of those attacking categories.

But before they head out to the Bavarians’ training sessions twice a week, the Andryk brothers have plenty of other work to do. Logan, 24, is in medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, while 22-year-old Braden has nearly completed his master’s degree in engineering at MSOE.

“I might be their coach, but I would put Logan and Braden Andryk up against a lot of players,” Hodgins said. “They’ve focused more on the academic side of things, and that’s good for them, but I think if professional teams were to give them the opportunity that they would succeed at a higher level.

“I think for them, an opportunity to challenge themselves and see, in a one-game situation, how they stack up.”

Braden Andryk was named the 2018 UPSL Spring Season Most Valuable Player after helping lead the Bavarians to a 15-0-0 overall record.

“He’s got great pace,” midfielder Scott Lorenz said of Braden Andryk. “He’s been absolutely crucial for us over the past three years – he leads the team in both goals and assists over the past three years, and it’s not even close … He’s definitely a focal point for our attack.”

Bavarian SC poses for a team photo after defeating West Chester United 2-0 to win the 2018 USASA Amateur Cup championship. Photo: Matt Schroeder

Hodgins added: “He just has this knack for scoring big goals. He’s always come up big whenever we’ve needed him. He plays with a passion. He just gets after it, he tackles well, he does everything we need him to do, he doesn’t play with an ego – he’s never been a “me” guy, he likes to play for the team.”

According to Hodgins and Lorenz, the Bavarians won’t change their style of play against Forward Madison.

“That’s not being disrespectful to Forward Madison – they’re a good side and they’re coming in as the favorite, and that’s the way it should be,” Hodgins said. “We just feel comfortable playing the way that we play with the guys that play for us … That’s what we feel gives us the best chance to get a result. We don’t train enough, we don’t play enough to put in a new system.”

That means expect to see a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation from the hosts.

“We love to go forward. Our team is built with strength on the wing, with speed,” Lorenz said. “We don’t mind defending, but once we create that turnover, we like going as quickly as possible to potentially catch them out. Now, having said that, we’ll see how the game looks. If we had our way, it would be to get it to the wings, create those 1-on-1s and see what happens.”

The 31-year-old Lorenz is one of the former pro players who brings a calming presence to the Bavarians. He spent time with Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, the second-tier NSC Minnesota Stars and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League – his coach during the 2012 season in Florida was Daryl Shore, now at the helm of Forward Madison.

Bavarian SC celebrates the club's 2003 Amateur Cup title. Photo: Bavarian SC — Bavarian SC celebrates the club’s 2003 Amateur Cup title. Photo: Bavarian SC

“I’m hoping to be in the lineup ,” said Lorenz, who earned a business management degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison while playing Division I college soccer and now is the development director for a co-working space in downtown Milwaukee. “I’m going to go ahead and give it everything I’ve got. I’m excited to play. I think it’s a great opportunity. And I think it’s going to be a ton of fun for the state of Wisconsin.”

Another ex-pro who figures to be in the lineup is Tighe Dombrowski, whose family has a long history in the Open Cup.

He played with the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS and the Minnesota Thunder in USL First Division and with Swedish club IK Sirius FK before returning to the Milwaukee area. Now 37, Dombrowski usually sits deep in the Bavarians’ midfield.

“Tighe creating that tempo really allows the midfielders ahead of him to be a little more fluid and creative and maybe take some chances,” Lorenz said of his midfield mate, “because he brings such a good presence to the game with his positioning and his communication.”

Tuesday’s Open Cup match will be the first competitive game of the season for the Bavarians, who rescheduled their UPSL Midwest Conference Central Division season opener last Saturday to accommodate a regional Amateur Cup match, only to then end up receiving a forfeit in the game.

A photo from a Bavarian SC game from the 1978 US Open Cup.

As Hodgins mentioned, the Bavarians know they’re not the favorites.

“Despite our recent success – and we had a lot of fun last year getting a couple of trophies – we are, at the end of the day, an amateur team full of guys who have professional careers outside of soccer,” Lorenz said. “We are underdogs. We’re not going to carry that too hard on ourselves, because we do believe that we have talent, but the Madison team, they train every day, they’re getting paid to play the game, their commitment level is so much different than ours. … These guys are professional, they’re out here to play the game as a career, and we’re very aware of that. We’re going to give them our respect, absolutely, and try to make it as fun of a game as we can.

“Let’s go out, let’s have some fun, let’s see what we can do and not hole up in a shell, not sit in the front of the box and let’s see where we stand.”

And, in a one-off cup match, anything can happen, right?

“People like a good underdog story, and this tournament really creates that atmosphere for most of the games – especially the early-round games – there’s going to be a clear favorite and there’s going to be a clear underdog. So you have the opportunity to root for the underdog,” Lorenz said. “And there’s usually one story and one underdog that pushes all the way through. It would be incredible if it’s us – if we can get a result (Tuesday) and continue to go on and play, it would be fantastic.

“If not, we’ll take a look at it, try to learn some things from it and try to better ourselves for the rest of our season in UPSL and Amateur Cup. But you’d better believe that we’ll be rooting for all the underdogs as well – whether we’re still in the tournament or not.”

2019 Meet the Underdogs: West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup

May 5, 2019 by Matt Ralph

West Chester United pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against New York Pancyprian Freedoms. Photo: West Chester United

West Chester United’s road back to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2016 has been a meandering and arduous one with trips to Wisconsin, New York City and Boston all while juggling a roster of players with a wide variety of off-the-field commitments that interfere with weekend travel.

The amateur club — based in a university town 45 minutes due west of Center City Philadelphia — narrowly missed qualifying through the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and the National Amateur Cup — losing in the final in Wisconsin in August — but after four straight road games in local qualifying finally punched their ticket with a win over Safira FC outside Boston last month.

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

“Travel gives a different facet to the relationships that are built,” said West Chester United head coach Blaise Santangelo. “Although costly for an amateur program it really unites the guys and helps them to focus for a longer period of time. It’s also the us-against-the-world mentality when you’re on the road. I don’t want to say it’s preferred but our guys really know how to handle it.”

Santangelo wasn’t exactly happy when he learned they would again have to charter a bus for a fifth straight road game to visit FC Baltimore Christos on May 7 or that the reward for a win there would be an even longer and more expensive midweek trip to Birmingham, Alabama to play USL Championship side Birmingham Legion in that club’s first-ever Open Cup match.

Like it or not, the road has been good to Santangelo’s team, which is still relatively young on the amateur scene having started a decade ago as an Over-30 team before branching out into an open team and summer Under-23 program. The club won its first national championship — the Werner Fricker Cup — back in 2015 in Virginia Beach and qualified for the Open Cup for the first time in 2016. They traveled to Virginia to play Fredericksburg FC for the first round match and advanced on penalties their last and only first round appearance. Their reward then was a home game against the Harrisburg City Islanders, which they lost in front of an overflow crowd at their home field five minutes from West Chester University.

Only one player remains from that team, 27-year-old Temple University grad Chas Wilson. Wilson, who is a social studies teacher at one of the nearby high schools and also coaches for a local youth club, has played a number of positions for Santangelo, filling in where he’s needed most at just about every position other than goalkeeper but is back to playing as a No. 9 with as much of a knack for setting up teammates as he has for putting the ball in the back of the net.

“He doesn’t score a lot of goals but he facilitates a lot of players and a lot of our goals come from his work,” Santangelo said. “He’s a joy to watch.”

Though he has the most history with a team that goes by the nickname Predators, Wilson isn’t the oldest player on the team. That would be 30-year-old center back Peter Nolan, who is an accomplished squash player and high-level corporate executive with an MBA from Harvard. Nolan had a pair of goals in their qualification-clinching 3-0 win over Safira FC.

Many of the players on the team end up with the club because they find work in the area like Nolan, have ties to local college programs or grew up playing for the West Chester United’s youth club, which encompasses the nationally-recognized Penn Fusion Academy program.

Sami Phelps, a defender on the team, joined Penn Fusion Academy after moving to the area to attend Westtown School. He and Kyle Hoops were also teammates on a West Chester University team that made it all the way to the NCAA Division II final in Pittsburgh last December.

“It’s been nice because I’ve been able to go from one high level to another high level,” said Phelps, who joined back up with the squad he spent time with in the summer after his college career ended. “The success for both West Chester United and West Chester University shows what the area has to offer since both teams are drawing mostly from the area here.”

Midfielder Andreas Bartosinski is one of only a couple internationals on the squad. The former FC Köln youth player joined the team last spring after starring at nearby Villanova University, where Wisconsin native Enda O’Neill spent his senior season last fall as a grad transfer.

“For me personally, the run we’re on has been exciting, especially after we lost in the National Amateur Cup in Milwaukee,” said Bartosinski, who won a national Under-19 cup as a youth player in 2013. “The Open Cup compares to the German National Cup. It’s pretty much the same thing. It’s all about lower tier teams getting a chance to upset higher level teams. It’s just really fun to play in that environment where anything can happen in one game.”

Penn State is also represented in the team with grads Michael Gonzalez, who regularly wears the captain’s armband and defender Sam Bollinger while Notre Dame teammates Senan Farrelly and Aiden McFadden both starred on the team’s second season in the NPSL. Whether it’s league play in the fall and spring, cup competitions, NPSL and Northeast Elite Soccer League competition in the summer or preseason friendlies against Bethlehem Steel FC or the Philadelphia Union’s Under-19 team, a large roster is part of what enables Santangelo to piece together a squad that can go head to head with some of the best amateur teams in the nation.

Players from West Chester United celebrate after a 1-0 win over VE in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

“In the last two-three years I think we’ve raised our level of play and our quality of play through our sheer numbers,” Santangelo said. “Our success from that comes year round with all the games we get in different competitions.”

Santangelo, a father of five who runs a successful landscaping business, is a tireless advocate not only for the players he recruits into the program but also for a sport that has been a lifelong love and passion. Committed as he is to his player and the club, he does admit that he probably wouldn’t be as willing to make some of the sacrifices he’s had to make things run if so much success hadn’t followed, which at present includes a streak of three straight league championships in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania.

A stalwart as a player who played through the various levels of age divisions in amateur soccer with the four-time former Open Cup champions Ukrainian Nationals after a successful college career at Elizabethtown College, Santangelo is also part of the more distant history of one of the oldest soccer competitions in the world.

“I played in this tournament with the Ukies, I remember playing a game at RFK Stadium so I knew what it meant to represent the club and our local soccer community,” Santangelo said. “I’m proud to be part of the Philly soccer landscape. There’s been a lot of great people who have helped build the talented regional area we have here.”

While over the past 18-plus months the focus has been on racking up wins and getting into the “Open Cup proper,” the approach now will be to stay alive as long as possible and make it back home to what would seem to be their turn to host a game should they make it all the way to the third round.

“It really is all about enjoying the journey at this point,” Santangelo said.

2019 Meet the Underdogs: NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going

May 5, 2019 by Adam Uthe

Members of NTX Rayados who are new to participating in the US Open Cup must endure a mild hazing fro the veteran players on the team. Photo: Mirco Daniel

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Dallas, Texas-based NTX Rayados find themselves competing in their seventh US Open Cup in eight years. To put the streak in perspective, no other Open Division Local (Open Division teams not in USL League Two or the NPSL) team in the Modern Era (1995-present) has more than four consecutive appearances. But there will be some new faces leading the way as the current generation. The club’s current qualification streak began eight years ago when player-coach Tito Salas and some of his college teammates were looking for a way to keep playing competitively outside of their college season. Salas, now 31, has recently been reflecting on his role in Rayados’ current run.

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

“I really would hate to be on the sideline without being able to play.” He says before clarifying “We’re just happy to still be a part of it.”

The “we” he spoke of included himself and teammates Alberto Rodriguez and Kevin “Cody” Ellis. Salas says if you were to look at every team photo since the club’s qualification streak began, those are the three faces you’d see in every single one. While he obviously still has that competitive fire burning in him, he also recognizes that he can’t go on forever. He says, with a hint of jest in his voice, that as long as Ellis – a constant on Rayados’ backline over the years – is playing and competing, he’ll be there as well.

But Rayados haven’t made it this far without being able to change things up from time to time. Salas, Rodriguez, and Ellis are all over the age of 30 which means if the club wants to continue their historic streak they’ll need to get young in a hurry. So Salas has gone and found himself a “new generation”. He’ll be bringing seven players who have never played in the Open Cup with him when the team travels to Arkansas Wednesday to take on Little Rock Rangers (NPSL). Four of those players are expected to start or feature prominently during the match.

Anchoring the back line is 6’3 center back Mariano Fazio, who is Argentine by birth but grew up in Spain. On his right at the fullback spot will be Carlos Valdez. Just ahead in the holding midfield spot is England-born Henry Sach, who also grew up playing in Spain. And then there’s midfield playmaker –the No. 10 if you will – Lucio Martinez. All four join Rayados from Richland College, which just won the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 3 title in November. They trailed Nassau 1-0 at halftime before scoring six unanswered goals in the second half to capture their second national title in three years. (The women’s team completed the sweep by winning a national title if their own)

Martinez scored twice in the championship game and Fazio added one himself as both were named to the All-Tournament team.

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

The new generation hasn’t missed a beat since November. Rayados have won six of their seven league games to date and Martinez and Fazio each scored in Rayados’ win over FC Maritsa last month when the team secured its qualification.

“There’s pretty much an expectation,” Salas says of the new crop of players. “They’re pumped. They’re excited.”

Qualifying for the eighth year in a row was not easy for NTX Rayados. They almost didn’t get out of the opening round when they found themselves down 2-0 in the second half against the UPSL’s Dallas Elite FC. After forcing extra time, NTX fell behind twice, only to find the equalizer each time and forced a penalty kick shootout. They would win the shootout 3-2 to advance.

After shutting out a fellow North Texas Premier Soccer Association side in Leon FC, 2-0, the Rayados found themselves on the brink of getting eliminated again, this time in Round 3. After a 1-1 draw on the road against Motagua of New Orleans, North Texas won an 11-round penalty kick shootout after Kevin Ellis, who missed the opening PK attempt, redeemed himself and scored what would prove to winning spot kick in Round 11.

The final round was far less dramatic as they cruised to a five-goal home win over St. Louis club FC Maritsa to punch their ticket.

Indeed, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a win or two from Rayados in the 2019 US Open Cup. Prior to 2018, the only thing the club had to show for their six trips to the US Open Cup was a thrilling penalty kick shootout win over the Austin Aztex (USL League Two) in 2014. Last year, they put their winless tournament history behind them as they earned wins over Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL), OKC Energy (USL), and FC Wichita (NPSL) before falling on the road to eventual champions Houston Dynamo (MLS) in Round 4.

Salas doesn’t know too much about his side’s opponents on Wednesday, but they’ll take the same measured approach as they have in years past.

“We’ll take this game first and then move on to the next game.”

If Rayados can defeat Little Rock on Wednesday, they’ll travel to Norman, Oklahoma for a rematch with OKC Energy FC. And if things break right, Salas and company may just pass the torch on to a new generation that can keep the club’s historic streak intact.

2019 Meet the Underdogs: Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club

May 4, 2019 by Thomas Hodul

Academic SC poses for a team photo after their 1-0 win over the Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo

Academica Soccer Club has been a staple of the California Central Valley soccer community for more than 40 years. The club is located in Turlock, Calif. between the cities of Modesto and Merced, and while Academica has a rich history, 2019 will mark the first time they have qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Academica SC was founded in 1972 by a group of Portuguese immigrants who first came together to found Our Lady of Assumption Church in Turlock. The soccer club was created for the youth of the church to keep the culture and the tradition of their heritage ongoing. Over time, the club evolved into a full youth club with their own field located next to the church. Today, the club features both a boys’ and girls’ side, as well as a men’s team that competes nationally in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), as well as locally in Liga NorCal.

“There’s a few things that make us stand out in the lower division level of soccer, such as our own facilities and a full pyramid structure of teams, but the biggest thing that makes the club so special and unique is its people,” said club president Simon Bettencourt. “Not only the people that have been a part of the club for decades and built this team into what it is now, but also the new people who come out to support us and made the last US Open Cup match such a great atmosphere.”

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

Academica is known around Northern California for their large number of traveling fans, with as many as 50 or more fans traveling to away games in other NorCal cities. Additionally, the club recently established their own supporters group known as the Black and Gold Brigade. Those supporters made their presence felt in Academica’s final qualifying match, a dramatic penalty kick win over IPS/Marathon Taverna (Portland, Ore.), that clinched the club’s first-ever Open Cup berth.

The men’s team is led by longtime head coach Sergio Sousa who recalls watching his father play for the club as a boy. Sergio is also the assistant coach of the UC Merced men’s soccer program.

“It’s a big step for the club,” said Bettencourt. “Qualifying for the tournament shows the level of soccer we have in the area and adds to the high standard we want people to expect from the Central Valley. We’re hoping a deep run will shine some much-deserved attention on the talent we have here. We’re immensely proud to be representing the Valley on such a prestigious stage against top notch opponents.”

Academica began qualifying with a first round 4-1 win over fellow Liga NorCal side Davis Legacy back on Sept. 22. They were led on the night by a brace from Ramiro Ceja.

The club followed this up with a hard fought win on October 20 against another Liga NorCal side, Contra Costa FC. Led by a brace from Mane Villegas, the team jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in the second half. Contra Costa would fight back with two goals, but Academica would hold off the comeback and win the game, 3-2.

After having to reschedule the initial third round qualifier due to poor air quality caused by the Northern California wild fires, Academica would go on to advance 1-0 over a 10-man Oakland Stompers side with a goal from Ceja.

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

In the final round of qualifying, Academica would advance past Oregon club IPS/Marathon Taverna in a penalty kick shootout after the match finished 3-3 after extra time. It was one of the most dramatic games of the entire qualifying tournament. It looked as if the visitors were going to spoil Academica’s chances of punching their ticket as IPS led 2-0 heading into the 90th minute. However, Brennan Canfield pulled one back in the 90th, and Manuel Villegas pounced on a loose ball in the box five minutes into stoppage time to tie the game. After falling behind again in extra time, Gerardo Cazares would score directly from a free kick four minutes into stoppage time of the second extra time period to force penalty kicks. Academica goalkeeper Alonso Lara would make a couple of huge saves to help put his side into the US Open Cup proper with a 3-1 shootout victory.

“It was quite the rollercoaster ride,” said Bettencourt. “I was actually watching the last few minutes of regulation from behind our bench so when those two goals went in we went off and again when Gera scored that free kick, it was all a blur. Penalty kicks were gut wrenching but the feeling of euphoria after the match, celebrating with our players and fans on the field, is a feeling I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon.”

By qualifying, Academica SC is the only team that will take part in the US Open Cup from US Club Soccer, putting an end to a minor drought where the organization didn’t have a representative in the last two tournaments.

Academica features a few keys players who have helped them qualify and have been instrumental in the team’s league success. The team’s top scorer from last season is back, and last year won NPSL Player of the Week honors twice in 2018. The second of those awards came from a four-goal performance against Sonoma County Sol.

Alonso Lara has stepped in as the starting goalkeeper in his first season with the club. Lara brings experience playing in Mexico with Celaya FC, a club that played in the Mexican Second and Third Divisions, and a variety of NPSL clubs in Southern California, as well as a few stops with some arena soccer teams. Lara was also a finalist, and the last goalkeeper remaining, in season two of the soccer talent show Sueno MLS where players competed to earn a roster spot with Chivas USA or FC Dallas.

Midfielder Gerardo Cazares is the captain and scored two goals in the qualifying tournament. Ceja, who played his college ball at nearby Stanislaus State University, is one of the biggest reasons why the team qualified as he scored three goals in the competition, including the game-winner against the Oakland Stompers.

Academica are set to face former US Open Cup Champions El Farolito in Round 1 in a match up featuring the second and third-oldest clubs participating in the tournament.