Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2019 US Open Cup

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Teal Bunbury of New England Revolution voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

With his team coming off of an impressive win on the road and facing a short-rested New York Red Bulls team, Teal Bunbury and the rest of the New England Revolution still found themselves in a difficult position in their Fourth Round match in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Revolution were trailing 2-1 late in the second half and knew that they needed to make every shot count. The team’s fortunes have slightly turned around in Major League Soccer play since new head coach Bruce Arena took over last month but without an equalizer the squad would be one-and-done in the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

Bunbury made almost every one of his shots count late in the game during his 120-minute performance. With two goals on three shots including both the equalizer and an incredible game-winner in extra time when the Revs were playing with 10 men, Bunbury was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Fourth Round. The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Bunbury narrowly edged Devon Sandoval of New Mexico United who led the USL Championship team to an upset of the Colorado Rapids. Saint Louis FC goalkeeper Tomas Gomez received strong support and finished in third place.

In a game that had only seen him have one shot all game, Bunbury came up big for his fellow Revs on the road when it mattered most. First, his quick feet out-paced defender Amro Tarek and allowed him to find space, cut back to his right foot and shoot low past Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara to the opposite post. The goal came in the 85th minute and the match would head into extra time tied at 2-2.

However, before extra time could begin, New England’s Luis Caicedo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time.

This made Bunbury’s 109th minute game-winner even more impressive as the Red Bulls were in control for the first 18 minutes of extra time with the man advantage.

The Ontario via Minnesota native scored what might very well be the goal of the round and the tournament when he stole a Red Bulls pass near midfield and raced down the left wing where he was held up by both Tarek and Tim Parker just as he entered the penalty area. He stopped, looked up and sent a chip shot toward goal that squeezed between the crossbar and a jumping Meara and into the net for the eventual game-winner.

“Obviously I love scoring. I love working for my team. I love winning. Everybody loves winning,” said Bunbury after the game. “I’m just really proud of the guys. When I’m put in those positions – guys playing great balls, and I’m one-on-one with a defender or the ‘keeper – I’ve got to keep up my end of the bargain and finish those chances.”

With those two goals, Bunbury has scored a grand total of eight goals in the US Open Cup between his tenures with Sporting Kansas City and New England. Since joining his current club in 2014, his six scores are tied for second in New England history with Kelyn Rowe, and rank just one behind the club’s all-time leader Taylor Twellman with seven. Eight goals also puts Bunbury into the Top 20 of the Modern Era (1995-present), tied with players like Brian McBride and Herculez Gomez. While the goal doesn’t count in his career total, Bunbury’s first professional goal came in a US Open Cup qualifying match with the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting KC) in a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids.

With the award win, Bunbury becomes the first non-Open Division participant player to take home POTR honors this year. He and his team will remain on the road for the next round as they head south and take on Orlando City SC in the Round of 16.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4 review: Two USL teams left standing as MLS dominates

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The Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is one of the biggest events of the American soccer calendar. It puts all the remaining lower division teams on the same field as teams from Major League Soccer and gives fans a round full of “David vs. Goliath” matchups.

The 106th edition of the tournament provided fans with 11 of those matchups to go with five all-MLS games. With the Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United getting rescheduled and relocated due to weather, there were 10 games played between Tuesday and Wednesday featuring teams from the top division and the lower divisions. Of those games, only two USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) teams survived: Saint Louis FC defeated the Chicago Fire, 2-1 and New Mexico United traveled to Colorado and eliminated the Rapids in penalty kicks.

The tournament’s last remaining Open Division team, Orange County FC (NPSL) also bowed out of the competition, falling 3-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

When the dust settled, 13 MLS teams will advance to the Round of 16 with two USL Championship clubs, along with the winner of the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United.

The draw for the Fifth Round will take place on Thursday, June 13 at 10 a.m. ET. The draw will be revealed on the United States Soccer Federation’s social media and website.

Below is a brief summary of every Fourth Round game. Links to the full match reports will be made available as they are published.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report)
Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders (Goals, Assists, GKs)
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

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VISIT THECUP.US STORE

NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers
Round 3: Blake Frischknecht – Orange County FC

#USOC2019 QUALIFYING
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
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”

Columbus Crew (MLS)
1:0
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)

David Accam scored his first goal of the season (56th minute) for the Columbus Crew as they eliminated USL Championship side, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and booked a place in the Fifth Round of this year’s tournament. The win by the Crew snapped a three-game winless streak in the tournament, which tied a club record. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2:3 (AET)
New England Revolution (MLS)

A goal 55 seconds in the game by Juan Agudelo, was a great start for the New England Revolution, but the New York Red Bulls would answer back with two goals of their own to take the contest to the wire. Teal Bunbury would hit his seventh US Open Cup goal in the 85th minute to tie the game and send it into extra time. Before the whistle for the end of regulation could be blown New England’s Luis Caicedo received his second yellow card, leaving the Revs down to 10 men for extra time. The Revolution were able to hang on and keep the match level until the 109th minute when Bunbury surprised Red Bulls defense by chipping the goalkeeper to put the Revs in front and sealing the Red Bulls’ elimination from the Open Cup and putting New England into the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
3:2
Austin Bold FC (USL-C)

The Houston Dynamo got their US Open Cup title defense off to a great start against the USL Championship’s Austin Bold FC. The Dynamo scored three first half goals and appeared to be cruising to an easy opening round win. Austin answered with two goals early in the second half by Xavi Baez and Issac Promise, which forced the defending champs to hold on for dear life for the last 30 minutes of the match. The current Cup holders advance to the Round of 16 for the seventh year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
2:1
Chicago Fire (MLS)

Two first half goals by Austin Martz and Guy Abend (17th and 20th minutes, respectively) would be enough to see USL Championship side Saint Louis FC pull off the #Cupset over the four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire, by a score of 2-1. Abend’s goal was his third career US Open Cup goal and his second in this tournament. Nemanja Nikolic cut the deficit in half from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but the Fire would not be able to find an equalizer it would not be enough. With the win, STLFC earns the club’s first MLS upset, and reaches the Round of 16 for the first time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
0:3
Los Angeles FC (MLS)

Los Angeles FC’s Carlos Vela would set the tone early with a goal in the 8th minute which would prove to be the game-winner as Real Salt Lake would be unable to find an answer. Lee Nguyen would score his first US Open Cup goal in seven years and after Adama Diomande added a stoppage time goal, RSL’s tournament winless streak was extended to six games by the score of 3-0. LAFC advance to Fifth Round for the second year in a row after losing in penalty kicks in last year’s Semifinals. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
4:3
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)

Second half sub Vako scored a late winner as part of a brace for San Jose against nearby rivals Sacramento Republic. Vako’s first goal gave San Jose their first lead of the game. Sacramento did not make it easy for the hosts, taking the lead two minutes into the game and again in the 14th minute. With the win, the Earthquakes eliminate Sacramento in the Fourth Round for the third time and advances to the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D.C. United (MLS)
2:1 (AET)
Philadelphia Union (MLS)

The Philadelphia Union appeared to be headed on their way to the Round of 16 when Anthony Fontana gave them a 1-0 lead in the 113th minute of extra time. D.C. United had other ideas, with Chris McCann tying the game with two minutes to play and Wayne Rooney scoring a game-winning penalty kick in the 120th minute. Instead, on a rainy night in front of their home fans, United won their first US Open Cup game against a Major League Soccer team since they upset Real Salt Lake in the 2013 US Open Cup Final when they lifted the trophy for the third time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York City FC (MLS)
4:0
North Carolina FC (USL-C)

For the first time in their history, New York City FC won a game in regulation in the US Open Cup and advanced beyond the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup defeating North Carolina FC 4-0. NYCFC got a break in the 25th minute with an own goal from North Carolina FC Aaron Guillen. Before halftime around the 45th minute, NYCFC strike again with a goal from Jesus Medina, getting his first goal with an assist from Tony Rocha. Keaton Parks gets a header in the 52nd minute to extend the lead in the second half and then follow up with a breakaway goal in the 76th minute to put the game away for NYCFC to advance. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
2:1 (AET)
Louisville City FC (USL-C)

Kekuta Manneh would prove to be the difference maker in the latest edition of the River City Rivalry, slotting home a cross while unmarked to give FC Cincinnati a place in the Fifth Round. Cincy’s Fanendo Adi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, but Louisville’s Lucky Mkosana converted a Cincinnati giveaway just seven minutes later. It was the first US Open Cup win for FC Cincinnati since joining Major League Soccer. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Dallas (MLS)
4:0
Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL-C)

For the third time, FC Dallas and Oklahoma City Energy met in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup, and for the third time, FC Dallas eliminated the USL Championship side in front of a largely pro-Dallasl crowd. There were four different goalscorers for FCD, including Matt Hedges, Michael Barrios, Dominique Badji and Reto Ziegler. Highly-touted 16-year-old prospect Ricardo Pepi made his FC Dallas debut and assisted on Barrios’ goal in the 52nd minute. With the win, the two-time US Open Cup champions (1997, 2016) advance to the Round of 16 for the seventh year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
4:1
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Minnesota United won a US Open Cup match in regulation as a MLS team for the first time thanks to three unanswered goals in the second half. They defeated four-time champion Sporting Kansas City by the score of 4-1. Ethan Finlay broke a 1-1 deadlock just after halftime and Darwin Quintero added two more to break the game open and hand Sporting their first opening-round exit in 16 years. It was tied for the most goals ever scored by Minnesota in team history and they advance to the Round of 16 for the second year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
1:3
Orlando City SC (MLS)

Sacha Kljestan scored a first half penalty kick and added another goal in the second half to push Orlando City SC to a 3-1 win over Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship). For Kljestan it was his fourth and fifth career Open Cup goals. Robin Jansson scored Orlando’s third goal in the 71st minute to break the game open and send Orlando to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in the last five years. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2:2 (AET)
New Mexico United (USL-C)
New Mexico United advances, 4-2 on PKs

 New Mexico United gathered their first MLS scalp after travelling to Commerce City to take on the Colorado Rapids. The game started brightly for both sides. with NMU opening the scoring in the 3rd minute through Devon Sandoval. The lead would last about a half hour before Diego Rubio equalized with a ball from Lalas Abubakar.

The hosts would find their second almost from the second half whistle. Rubio turned provider for Nicolas Mezquida in the 46th to level the score. Axel Sjoberg was shown a second yellow for a challenge on NMU’s Kevaughn Frater on a breakaway. In spite of the man advantage, NMU would not find their equalizer until the final ticks of second hand stoppage time (90+4), when Kevaughn Frater found the back of the net on a determined run into the penalty area.

Extra time saw the visitors dominate the play, Colorado often having seven or eight players behind the ball. The extra periods would not see a goal, so it was off to penalty kicks to decide who would advance. It took just 4 of the 5 rounds to decide it. Chris Wehan’s spot kick was the final kick of the game. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
3:0
Orange County FC (NPSL)

The two-time US Open Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy eliminated the tournament’s last remaining Open Division team when they defeated the NPSL’s Orange County FC, 3-0. The game was scoreless into the second half before Efrain Álvarez scored a pair of goals to put the MLS side in front. Last year’s first round pick Emil Cuello came off the bench late to put the game away with a goal in the 90th minute as the Galaxy improve their impressive home record in US Open Cup play to 23-3-0 and advance to the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
1:2
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

For a Modern Era-record eighth time, the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders brought their decades-old rivalry to the US Open Cup. This year, it was the Timbers that eliminated the four-time US Open Cup champions, 2-1. The hero for the visitors was Brian Fernandez who scored an early goal in each half to send Portland to the Round of 16 as they seek their first US Open Cup title in franchise history. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Atlanta United (MLS)
3:1 (AET)
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Original match on Tuesday, June 11 was postponed due to poor field conditions

When Atlanta United and the Charleston Battery arrived at MUSC Health Stadium to play each other for the third year in a row on Tuesday night, the field was in bad shape. This was the result of heavy rain and with more of it in the forcast, a new venue was needed. According to statement issued by the Charleston Battery, the club attempted to find an alternate venue, but they were unsuccessful so the United States Soccer Federation decided to move the game to the Atlanta area. The game was played on Thursday in Kennesaw, Georgia at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on the campus of Kenneshaw State University, the site of the first two meetings between the clubs in 2017 and 2018. The game was closed to the public so no fans were there to see the Battery take an early lead on a goal by Ian Svantesson in the 20th minute. Atlanta would not find an equalizer until the 79th minute when Romario Williams, a former Battery player, would score his third career Open Cup goal. In extra time, it was Brandon Vasquez who was the hero, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 110th minute, and icing the game with another one in stoppage time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Brandon Vazquez helps Atlanta United pull away in OT for 3rd straight win over Charleston Battery

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Brandon Vasquez of Atlanta United celebrates against the Charleston Battery in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Atlanta United
Brandon Vazquez of Atlanta United celebrates against the Charleston Battery in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Atlanta United

Coming off an over two-month spell off the soccer field due to an MCL injury, Atlanta United forward Brandon Vazquez hoped to dispel a frustrating season and make the most of a rare opportunity during the club’s 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Fourth Round matchup against the Charleston Battery of the USL Championship.

He made the most of that chance on Thursday evening.

Vazquez broke a 1-1 deadlock in the 110th minute, and added a second goal in stoppage time of the second extra time session, to send Atlanta United to a 3-1 win over the Charleston Battery at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga.

“It definitely helped my confidence,” said Vazquez, who came on in the 74th minute for his second appearance between Atlanta’s first and second team in a week after none since late March. “I’ve been out for a couple months now so this was definitely good for me, and my mentality coming on is right where I want it to be.”

It was a bit of delayed gratification for Atlanta, who were originally set to play the Battery on the road at MUSC Health Stadium on Tuesday. After heavy rains over the area created unplayable conditions on the field, the two teams were forced to reschedule the match for Thursday evening just north of Atlanta – behind closed doors.

With Atlanta United opening the match in sloppy fashion, the upset-minded Battery, looking for its first win against the defending MLS champions in three Open Cup tries, eventually took advantage.

In the 20th minute, AJ Paterson jumped on a heavy from Franco Escobar and fed it to Ian Svantesson, who one-touched it past a diving Alec Kann to give the Battery a 1-0 lead. Charleston frazzled its opponent by putting ten men behind the ball any time it defended, clearly having done due diligence knowing that Atlanta has struggled throughout its brief history when facing a bunkering side.

“We started 20 minutes too late,” Atlanta coach Frank de Boer said of his team’s performance against Charleston. “We thought we could just play around and do silly things and they took their opportunity and scored once. Then you have to deal with 11 men behind the ball. It’s a good, organized team and they showed it today.”

In the second half, Atlanta gradually looked to grow into the match and take advantage of a gradually tiring Charleston defense. It finally broke through in the 79th minute, as a corner kick from Pity Martinez made its way into the box, deflected off the head of Miles Robinson and was poked in by Romario Williams to level the match. For Williams, a player who spent two different loan spells with the Battery, it was his third career US Open Cup goal. All three of those goals came in games that eliminated the Charleston Battery. In 2014, he scored for the Orlando City Under-23s, who upset the Battery in what would be the longest penalty kick shootout of the Modern Era (they won 12-11), and last year, also at Kennesaw State University, he scored for Atlanta United in their 3-0 win over Charleston.

Atlanta may have had a couple of cracks to win it late in regular time, but this one went to an extra 30 minutes – with fatigue starting to set in even more. But in the 110th minute, second half sub Justin Meram connected with Brandon Vazquez in the box, with the youngster drawing the keeper out of the net and touching it home to give Atlanta the late lead.

The Battery, though, looked as if it had tied it twice late in the second half of extra time. A Kann deflection in the box was knocked home, but called offside by the assistant referee. Moments later, Atlanta’s defense broke down and allowed Arthur Bosua a one-on-one opportunity, but his attempt to chip Kann brushed off the crossbar and ended up in the hands of the goalkeeper.

Atlanta would end any notions of a Charleston equalizer for good in stoppage time of the second extra time period. Martinez’s pass found Meram making a goalward run on the left side of the field, and the veteran played a perfect ball to a streaking Vazquez inside the box to set up the game’s third goal and give Atlanta a win over the Battery for the third year in a row.

“I said to the players after the game that it’s a pity we started 20 minutes too late. After that we came into the game with our chances,” de Boer said. “Maybe we were a little reluctant to score a goal, but then we showed character. It was a hard game, and compliments to the Charleston Battery – they pushed us to the limit.”

Atlanta United travels to Columbus on Tuesday, June 18, to take on the Crew at 7:30 p.m. in the Round of 16 of the US Open Cup. Atlanta is looking for its first-ever Round of 16 win, while Columbus defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1-0 for its first Fourth Round win since 2016.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Brian Fernandez brace lifts Portland Timbers over rival Seattle Sounders

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Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark clears the ball against the Seattle Sounders in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner, Sounders FC Communications
Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark clears the ball against the Seattle Sounders in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner, Sounders FC Communications

With the kickoff temperature sitting at 90 degrees and the Seattle Sounders debuting a new home for their Open Cup games, the leadup to Wednesday’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup game against the Portland Timbers didn’t feel like your typical rainy Cascadia Derby. The sellout crowd of 6,280 at Cheney Stadium and a Timbers goal by Brian Fernández in the sixth minute brought proceedings to the level of intensity we’re used to seeing.

With the sun coming through the left-field bleachers of the converted baseball stadium, the players had a tough time even seeing the ball, but the hard fouls typical of a game between the Sounders and rival Portland Timbers arrived in a hurry. With neither team pressing high in the heat, Portland was content to play long balls through their diamond midfield or over the top, trying to get the prolific Fernández on the ball. Seattle took advantage of the space in the middle third and overloaded the wings, slipping forward Will Bruin in behind and generating a number of crosses. Seattle tied the game just before halftime from a free kick, but a textbook counter through the middle early in the second half ended in Fernández’s second goal and ultimately gave the Timbers the 2-1 win.

It began with a poked ball split Seattle’s midfield line and found Fernández at the top of the box in the sixth minute. Having already forced Seattle goalkeeper Bryan Meredith to tip a previous shot over the bar, Fernández cut inside on his left, turned Seattle centerback Jonathan Campbell to create a yard of space, and coolly deposited the ball in the bottom corner. Since Fernández joined the team in May, reports from Timbers camp indicate that he can’t stop scoring goals in practice, and the former Liga MX scorer (18 goals in 32 appearances with Necaxa) didn’t disappoint in his US Open Cup debut.

After going down early, Seattle controlled the tempo for most of the first half. Making his first start for the Sounders – in his second appearance – 16-year old Danny Leyva paired with Alex Roldan to lock down the Timbers’ Diego Valeri in the middle, often winning one-on-ones in the center circle. LLeyva said the experience he’s gained in four months – to the day, the last time he’d faced the talented Timbers midfield in a preseason match – has allowed him to manage the game while behind much better. Out wide, Kelvin Leerdam constantly found space for the Sounders to slip Will Bruin in behind or hit crosses into the box. Seattle outshot the Timbers 11-4 in the first half, and the pressure finally paid off in the 44th minute, when a deflected Victor Rodriguez free kick sent goalkeeper Steve Clark the wrong way and nestled into the back of the net.

The tie would not last long coming out of the break as the Sounders got caught pushing numbers forward, looking for the go-ahead goal, and Portland made them pay. A quick ball from midfielder Sebastian Blanco played Valeri into space, and the Argentine sent forward Jeremy Ebobisse down the left wing. Fernandez had Campbell beat for pace 40 yards out, and tapped home Ebobisse’s cross for his second goal of the game and the eventual game winner. It was a learning moment for the young Sounders midfield, and a look into the many ways Fernandez seems to have a nose for goal-scoring opportunities.

Players from the Portlan Timbers (left) and the Seattle Sounders battle for the ball in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner Sounders FC Communications
Players from the Portlan Timbers (left) and the Seattle Sounders battle for the ball in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner Sounders FC Communications

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer’s reaction to falling behind was to bring on Henry Wingo, who was tasked with one job.

“Create chances, go 1-v-1,” Wingo said. “It was a hot day, they were definitely tired so [Schmetzer[ told me to take advantage of their left back and I thought I was able to do that.”

Wingo’s addition in the 58th minute allowed the Sounders to stretch the field and he got in behind Zarek Valentine on a number of occasions, but ultimately no one could turn home his crosses.

The Sounders would continue to press for the equalizer, and eventually earned a penalty on a Mabiala handball in the 78th minute. Victor Rodriguez had Clark well-beaten, but smashed the shot off the crossbar. Rodriguez apologized to his teammates after the game, but it was just one of many chances the Sounders had to get themselves back into the game, and they were unable to convert any of them.

Clark made a great reaction save of a Wingo volley in the 88th minute, and the Timbers held on to give the Sounders only their second home loss in the US Open Cup in the club’s MLS history (fourth home loss in club history). This also gives the four-time champions from Seattle the club’s first three-game tournament losing streak since 2001.

In the 8th Open Cup meeting between these two rivals (the most common matchup of any pair of teams in the Modern Era), it was the Timbers who came out on top, as they continue to close the gape on the all-time series. The Sounders now lead the all-time series 4-3-1 (1-0 PKs).

For the Timbers, they advance to the Round of 16 for the second year in a row, where they will host the Los Angeles Galaxy on June 19. The winner of that game will reach the Quarterfinals where they will travel to face the winner of Los Angeles FC and the San Jose Earthquakes.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Sacha Kljestan brace leads Orlando City to 3-1 win over Memphis 901 FC

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Orlando City SC supporters cheer on their team in their Fourth Round game against Memphis 901 FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC supporters cheer on their team in their Fourth Round game against Memphis 901 FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC

An over-capacity crowd at Mike Rose Soccer Complex in the Memphis suburb of Collierville was treated to an entertaining game between Memphis 901 FC and Orlando City in the Fourth Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  The 3,088 fans crammed in to a 2,500 seat stadium saw Orlando strike first on a penalty from Sacha Kljestan only for the hometown Boys in Blue to strike back just after halftime on a header from Elliott Collier.  After the equalizer, though, it was all Orlando as Kljestan struck again and then Robin Jansson made it 3-1 to put the game to bed 20 minutes from time. 

Orlando now advances to the Round of 16 where they host the New England Revolution on June 19 at the newly-renamed Exploria Stadium (formerly Orlando City Stadium).  The winner of that game advances to take on either DC United or New York City in the Quarterfinals. 

As was the case in their last game of the US Open Cup, Memphis 901 FC was unable to play at their usual home stadium of AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis due to scheduling conflicts with the Memphis Redbirds.  And as was the case in their last game of the US Open Cup they played at the stadium at Mike Rose Soccer Complex in the suburb of Collierville.  Unlike the last time however, the place was full to the brim and then some.  The crowd for the first game was a respectable 1,819but on this night there wasn’t room for four more people.  All grand stand seating was sold out the day before and the grassy hill behind one of the goals had to be opened up.

 

What was different this time around for Memphis from their previous was they were missing a number of key players who had been called up for international duty: Duane Muckette and Leston Paul had been called up by Trinidad & Tobago for the Gold Cup while Cam Lindley had been called into the US U-23 camp by Jason Kreis.  They did get Adam Najem back from international duty with Afghanistan and he was given the starting nod in the midfield. Orlando came into this game not missing anybody through injury (although Dom Dwyer was initially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury).  They rolled out a starting XI that was a strong one, but still not their full squad.  Missing was the superstar Nani, as he is not yet eligible to play in the Open Cup, but guys like Sacha Kljestan, Christian Higuita, and Tesho Akindele were given the start.

Things looked bright early on for Memphis as they had the first several chances but couldn’t quite take advantage of them, either through heroics in goal by Orlando or the offside flag of the assistant referee or just bad luck.  The talent and experience for Orlando showed as they weathered the early storm and eventually began to assert themselves.  They eventually earned a penalty a few minutes before halftime that Kljestan stepped up to take.  Memphis keeper Scott Levene guessed the right way but Kljestan placed it perfectly to put Orlando up 1-0.  The second half however, Memphis came out with a purpose and quickly found an equalizer off the head of Collier.  Orlando responded immediately through Kljestian to go back up 2-1.  Memphis gamely tried to get back into it and kept pushing and made an attacking sub as Orlando was set to take a corner, but the ensuing kick pinballed around in the six yard box a few times before it wound up in the back of the net off the foot of Robin Jansson.  That goal seemed to take the wind completely out of the sails of the Memphis fight back and Orlando got out of town with a 3-1 win.

Orlando head coach James O’Connor was impressed with how Memphis performed against his MLS side.

“I thought Memphis played well and made it very difficult for us to break them down,” said O’Connor, who managed Memphis’ USL rival Louisville City before taking the Orlando City job last season. “They defended in numbers and it was a tough game for us. So we’re really pleased that we managed to get the win and get through to the next round.”

Memphis head coach Tim Mulqueen and some of the Memphis players certainly felt hard done by the referee.  Elliott Collier was the least diplomatic of the bunch as he yelled to nobody in particular after the game that the no-call leading the Orlando’s second goal was “un-f***ing believable.”  Marc Burch agreed with the sentiment saying, “He shouldn’t be refereeing any more.”

One thing that does need to be said is that the atmosphere of the game was nothing short of outstanding for the entire game.  Much has been made by fans and certain media members (Taylor Twellman of ESPN chief among them) that for the US Open Cup to grow, MLS teams need to travel to lower division sides up to the quarter-finals.  The crowd and atmosphere in Memphis and a number of largely empty MLS stadiums only serve to bolster that argument.  Memphis packed the house and there was a decent contingent of Orlando fans, and they even had flags that were big enough that they looked like they belonged on a Revolutionary War battlefield.  Nights like that are all the proof that should be needed to have more MLS teams play on the road in the Open Cup. 

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: New Mexico United uses late equalizer, PKs to upset Colorado Rapids

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Kevaughn Frater of New Mexico United celebrates his game-tying goal in second half stoppage time against the Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69
Kevaughn Frater of New Mexico United celebrates his game-tying goal in second half stoppage time against the Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69

Kevaughn Frater’s late equalizer would prove to be the biggest moment of the night as New Mexico United forced extra time tied at 2-2 and defeated the Colorado Rapids 4-2 in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

New Mexico United joins Saint Louis FC as the only two remaining USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) clubs remaining in the 106th edition of the US Open Cup. United will travel to FC Dallas (MLS) in the Fifth Round on June 19. The winner of that game will play on the road against Minnesota United FC (MLS) or the defending Open Cup champions Houston Dynamo.

In a fast and brilliant start by both teams, it would take just three minutes for Devon Sandoval to open the scoring in the game. Off a corner kick, Santi Moar’s header fell to Sandoval’s left foot, who slotted near post in the goalmouth scramble.

Despite the early setback, Colorado spent mere seconds in trying to craft a response.

Taking the kickoff straight down the field they would set up a corner of their own. From there, Colorado would apply the pressure for the next 15-20 minutes. In the 24th minute, Axel Sjoberg was booked for the first time for a tackle on Chris Wehan on a breakaway.

Sam Hamilton of NMU would be booked in the 34th minute for a tackle that would set up a free kick for Colorado near the center circle. From that free kick, Lalas Abubakar would flick a centering ball straight to Diego Rubio, who made no mistake with his free header to level the score from about seven yards away.

The Rapids would go into halftime on the front foot, but play was almost even for the first 45 minutes.

The second half start was nearly the photo negative of the first half, Nicolas Mezquida found the back of the net on the stroke of the 47th minute. In a another goalmouth scramble, the ball popped on to Mezquida’s foot and found its way past three defenders and goalkeeper Cody Mizell, to put the home side in front.

In what was ultimately a very chippy contest – five yellow cards per team – the disciplinary moment of the night was Axel Sjoberg’s second yellow card in the 72nd minute for another challenge on a breakaway, this time the fouled player was Kevaughn Frater.

Cody Mizell of New Mexico United makes a save in the penalty kick shootout against the Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69
Cody Mizell of New Mexico United makes a save in the penalty kick shootout against the Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69

The Rapids would not be quite the same side they had been for the first 72 minutes. Colorado did have a few chances to seal it but without their big man, Sjoberg, none came to fruition.

The man advantage allowed Wehan, Frater, Moar, Sandoval and Bruce to take turns creating chances, the last two having disappeared for noticeable chunks of the game. United had started dominating the middle third in the lead up to the red card; they would own it outright after that.

Sandoval missed a chance right as the game ticked into stoppage time, with the help of a Clint Irwin save. A few minutes later, Frater would pick up the ball 45 yards out and start a steaming, determined run to the top of the box and lash a low shot into the back of the net five minutes into stoppage time.

New Mexico controlled all 30 minutes of extra time, with the Rapids having seven or eight players behind the ball at times. With no more scoring, it was off to penalty kicks.

After Acosta and Frater traded goals in the opening round, the Rapids’ Danny Wilson had his shot saved by Mizell to give the visitors a 2-1 lead after two rounds. Keegan Rosenberry (Colorado) and Devon Sandoval (New Mexico) each converted their third round attempts, so when Sam Nicholson skied his shot over the bar, it proved to be costly. Chris Wehan followed that up with United’s fourth penalty kick goal which punched their ticket to the Round of 16 by the score of 4-2.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Minnesota United hand Sporting KC first opening round loss in 16 years

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Angelo Rodriguez of Minnesota United celebrates against Sporting Kansas City in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United
Angelo Rodriguez of Minnesota United celebrates against Sporting Kansas City in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United

The Colombian connection offered a potent punch Wednesday at Allianz Field.

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Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Combining for three of Minnesota’s goals in the 4-1 win, Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez propelled the Loons to their first victory in four tries against Sporting KC.

“Both of us just try to work harder on understanding each other better,” Rodriguez said. “Fortunately today, it went our way for us and we just want to try to keep playing well, see if we advance in this tournament.”

It was the first regulation Open Cup win for Minnesota United since making their Major League Soccer debut in 2017. 

The loss was significant for the four-time champion Sporting Kansas City as it snapped the club’s 13-game opening round unbeaten streak. The last time Kansas City crashed out of the tournament after their first game was in 2003 when they lost to the Colorado Rapids on a John Spencer game-winning goal.

The hot start for the Loons came in the second minute when the forward broke his scoreless drought of 730 minutes. With Quintero knocking him through into empty space, Rodriguez slotted home his fifth goal of the season through the legs of Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas.

Coming out of the locker room level at one after Gerso Fernandes’ volley in the 27th minute, the Loons regained the lead almost immediately from kick off. Hassani Dotson, the 31st overall pick in the MLS expansion draft this year, made the individual effort to keep possession through the midfield. His pass through the Kansas City’s backline found Ethan Finlay ready to put away his fourth career U.S. Open Cup goal.

“When you’re defending deep in your own half, the first pass is always the most important,” said Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath. “We did that well tonight. It was probably the third pass before the goal, but it was up, back and through and we started to get runners.”

The next 20 minutes saw the Colombian duo link up again, both times with Rodriguez setting up Quintero to put a stamp on United’s win.

Following his sliding effort in the 56th minute to double the Loons’ lead, Quintero had a bit of fun with his last of the evening. After taking the through ball from Rodriguez towards his left, the midfielder dribbled around Zendejas and stopped near the end line, allowing KC defender Graham Smith to slide into his own net. With Smith on the ground, Quintero popped the ball over the defender’s head for the game’s final tally.

The win is just the second for the Loons against Sporting in all competitions. A win in the inaugural MLS meeting between these two teams in 2017 had been the lone victory for Minnesota coming into Wednesday’s match. Before United’s jump to MLS, KC had ousted the Loons in all three Cup ties dating back to 2014 – including a 4-0 drubbing on the way to the 2017 Championship.

“I always take a load of satisfaction if I can take a result again Peter Vermes’ team,” Heath said. “I have enormous respect for him and that club. They’re probably one of the best role models for clubs in the league.”

The Loons will take on the defending US Open Cup champions on the road in the next round on June 18. The winner will host either FC Dallas or New Mexico United (USL Championship). 

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Michael Barrios, Ricardo Pepi lead FC Dallas to 4-0 win over OKC Energy

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FC Dallas celebrates one of their goals against Oklahoma City Energy FC in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas
FC Dallas celebrates one of their goals against Oklahoma City Energy FC in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas

FC Dallas (MLS) scored twice in each half and got big performances from both a club veteran and teenager making his debut to help the Hoops advance past OKC Energy (USL Championship). Winger Michael Barrios assisted on Dallas’ first goal and scored the second himself, while 16 year old Ricardo Pepi made his first team debut, recording an assist and going the full 90 as the center forward.

With seven goals in his first six matches to lead all USL League One goalscorers, Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez wasn’t shocked to see the youngster have an impact in his first appearance since being called up on loan.

“Pepi was Pepi. That’s why I gave him the opportunity.”, Gonzalez said after the game.

Pepi himself never imagined making his debut so soon, but he took it all in stride.

“I’m very thankful to FC Dallas for giving me this opportunity, it’s a good one. I was working hard for it, but I never expected it to come this fast. It was overall pretty positive; we can work a little better. It was pretty good.”

Dallas came out strong from the opening whistle, earning a corner kick just three minutes into the game. They got their second in the 11th minute and Hedges opened the scoring with a clinical header off the service from Barrios. It was Hedges’ fourth career Open Cup goal and his first since 2016 when he scored not one but two in that edition of the tournament. He is now tied with Barrios for the most Open Cup goals in FC Dallas history. Barrios’ assist was his sixth of the 2019 season, which currently leads all players.

Dallas retained a comfortable advantage in possession and nearly added to their lead in the 26th with a free kick from just outside the box but the header from Dominique Badji sailed just high and wide. OKC did earn a pair of free kicks in dangerous spots after that, but couldn’t capitalize and were made to pay.

Barrios doubled Dallas’ lead in the 43rd minute after getting a pass from Pepi at the time of the box and firing home at the far post. Halftime came with Dallas in complete control, having outshot the Energy by an eight to one margin. Gonzalez was asked how he kept his team focused in the second half, despite being so dominant.

“The motto is: score the next goal. Win the next ball…I thought tonight was a very professional performance,” he added.

At 16 years 5 months and 3 days, Pepi became the second youngest player in the Modern Era (1995-Present) to appear in a US Open Cup match. Only former DC United child star Freddy Adu (16 years 2 months and 1 day) was younger when he made his debut. Pepi is also just the second youngest player to record an assist in an Open Cup game, bested by Adu again for the record.

16-year-old Ricardo Pepi made his debut with FC Dallas in the club's Fourth Round match against OKC Energy FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas
16-year-old Ricardo Pepi made his debut with FC Dallas in the club’s Fourth Round match against OKC Energy FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Dallas

The second half started with a bang as OKC Energy earned a free kick in the 46th minute and prior to the kick being taken, Deshorne Brown was handed a yellow card in the 47th for jostling a little too hard in the box. A minute later, Hedges found himself shaken up but he would return shortly after. Then in the 52nd minute, Dallas earned yet another corner kick and this time it was Badji, completely unmarked, who connected on the service from Jesus Ferreira to make it 3-0 Hoops. Badji stressed just how hard the team prepares for set pieces and was grateful for his teammate’s delivery.

“It’s a set play, so I knew he was going to hit it to me. It was a great ball.” he noted after the game.

OKC would go on to empty their bench with three substitutions in nine minutes, but none of Christian Eissele, Kal Okot, or Joshua Garcia could help the Energy break through with a goal. Dallas would finish as 4-0 winners, eliminating Oklahoma City for the third straight time in Open Cup play. The Hoops beat the Energy 4-1 in 2015, and ousted them in penalty kicks in 2016 to begin Dallas’ run to their second US Open Cup title.

Dallas’ Bryan Reynolds, making his first career start with the team, earned a penalty in the 89th minute and second half sub Reto Zeigler converted from the spot to send the home crowd happy with a thoroughly convincing 4-0 win to advance to the fifth round. Badji and Zeigler’s goals were their first in the Open Cup with FC Dallas.

Gonzalez, who played at Southern Methodist University as a college player, was happy to be back on campus.

“This is my alma mater and I have a lot of big memories here. I remember competing on this field as a player and now to do it as a coach is an honor so it was a great feeling.”

Dallas advance to the Round of 16 where they will return to SMU to host USL Championship expansion team New Mexico United on June 19. The winner of that game will will travel to play either Minnesota United or the defending Open Cup champion Houston Dynamo in the Quarterfinals. 

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: FC Cincinnati edge former league rival Louisville City

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FC Cincinnati players celebrate a goal in a Fourth Round match vs. Louisville City in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati players celebrate a goal in a Fourth Round match vs. Louisville City in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Cincinnati

One-time league rivals met in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since FC Cincinnati made their jump to Major League Soccer. The USL Championship’s defending champs in Louisville City made the roughly 100 mile trek with around 200 supporters to Nippert Stadium to face a Cincinnati club struggling to make its mark at the top level. While the match did end up in added extra time, despite Louisville City’s best effort, FCC pulled out the 2-1 victory with a header by Kekuta Manneh in the 104th minute.

Coming into the match, the all-time series had four wins apiece and two draws. Their last meeting in the Open Cup was a 1-0 FCC victory in the 2017 tourney’s third round.

Cincinnati’s Fanendo Adi would open scoring in the 23rd minute. Frankie Amaya cleared the ball far into Louisville’s end, where defender Paco Craig bobbled it near the far left corner of the box. Adi streaked in behind Craig, who fell in the struggle for the ball, and put the shot right between the keeper’s leg and into the net. This was Adi’s first goal in 2019.

Louisville would strike back in the 30th minute after capitalizing off a bad attempt to clear the ball from traffic in front of the Cincinnati goal. The defender kicked the ball toward the left edge of the box where Magnus Rasmussen broke away to gain possession and made the pass to Lucky Mkosana in front who tapped it past the keeper Przemyslaw Tyton.

The second half saw the teams trade momentum. Louisville came out aggressive early, collapsing in on FCC’s end. Mkosana nearly had a second goal on a couple plays including a cross from Taylor Peay in the 55th that just went wide right. Cincinnati’s best chance in the half came in the 86’ minute. Under pressure, Alexis Souahy sent hurriedly sent the ball back to the keeper for a clearance, but the ball was too far out for Hubbard, sending him sliding to save it from going out and ending up in a Cincinnati corner. Frankie Amaya seized upon the rebound, but Hubbard was able to dive back the other way and deflected the ball enough that Paco Craig ran in and cleared it off the line. The teams would go into the Added Extra Time tied at 1.

In the 104th minute, Emmanuel Ledesma fought for a ball off a goal kick and outran his defender to gain possession near the right Louisville corner. Hesitating for a few seconds to draw defenders in, he then sent a cross wide where a streaking Manneh connected with a header for the eventual game winner.

FC Cincinnati advance to the Round of 16 where they will face another former league rival in Saint Louis FC of USL Championship on the road on June 19. The winner will play a road game in the Quarterfinals against the winner of Atlanta United and Columbus Crew in the Quarterfinals.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: New York City FC blank North Carolina FC to win first US Open Cup game

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Keaton Parks of NYCFC scored a pair of goals in the club's 4-0 win over North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sebastian Ramirez
Keaton Parks of NYCFC scored a pair of goals in the club’s 4-0 win over North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sebastian Ramirez | IG: @sebasbk | sebasbk.com.

For the first time in the club’s relatively short history, New York City FC was able to taste victory in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. NYCFC pulled away from North Carolina FC in the second half on the strength of a pair of goals by Keaton Parks to beat the USL Championship side, 4-0 to advance to the Round of 16.

If you knew New York City Football Club’s history, then the first 25 minutes of this match would have made you nervous that the club was headed toward US Open Cup disappointment for the fifth year in a row. In their first two seasons, NYCFC lost to the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos in the Open Cup. The next two seasons would see NYCFC fall to cross-river rivals New York Red Bulls. This year’s edition didn’t start with much indication that City would be able to get over that Open Cup hump.

Early chances for NYCFC were either saved by North Carolina FC keeper Alex Tambakis, or didn’t even challenge his net, missing the target completely. Although the Boys in Blue dominated the game from the first kick, the lack of goals gave their supporters a long stretch of nervous moments. A fabulous Tambakis fingertip save on a close range chip shot from Jesus Medina was followed up by striker Valentin Castellanos’s attempt ricocheting off the crossbar.

The nerves were exacerbated because – for the second time in their short history – NYCFC was fielding a predominantly-reserve squad. Of the 11 players on the field, only Anton Tinnerholm (out of position at centerback instead of his usual right back) and playmaking midfielder Maxi Moralez are regular starters in league play. The rest of the team was composed of spot starters for injured players, or first-time starters including professional debutante Daniel Bedoya – on the same pitch he called home during his two seasons with St. John’s University.

The anxious energy would be released in the 25th minute. NYCFC moved the ball through the midfield, opening up Castellanos, who moved the ball out wide to the often-overlapping left back Tony Rocha. He drove a low cross into the box where both midfielder Keaton Parks Moralez were collapsing. It would be North Carolina’s Aaron Guillen that would ultimately deflect the ball into the far side netting for an own goal.

The next 20 minutes would be more of the same, with North Carolina’s best chances coming from corner kicks while NYCFC continued to dominate possession. North Carolina coach Dave Sarachan could not find a way to allow his team to capitalize on the fact that multiple NYCFC players were in new positions to cover for teammates who are either hurt or on international duty. That was in part because of the strong play of a young trio of NYCFC midfielders in their first starts of the season: Parks, Daniel Bedoya, and homegrown 17-year old Justin Haak. The first half ended with North Carolina losing control of the ball deep in NYCFC territory thanks to the tenacious work of Bedoya and Rocha. Rocha left the ball for Moralez and sprang down the line  A simple ball back to Rocha allowed him to look up and spot the run of right winger Jesus Medina. A beautiful curling cross from Rocha would land on Medina’s foot at the top of the box for an easy shot past Tambakis. NYCFC took a 2-0 lead into half time and it seemed that the team from the Bronx was on their way to an easy victory despite the heavy squad rotation.

Photo: Sebastian Ramirez | IG: @sebasbk | sebasbk.com
Photo: Sebastian Ramirez | IG: @sebasbk | sebasbk.com

It was all smiles for NYCFC, as again they held majority possession of the ball and scored two more goals to seal the victory. In the 52nd minute, Medina and Castellanos linked up to possess at the top of Carolina’s box, allowing right back Torres to advance and find space wide. He received the ball and placed a high cross to the back post, where Keaton Parks headed it down and into the net past a lunging Tambakis. Parks added his second goal in the 76th minute, rewarded for a 50-yard sprint when Moralez placed a short pass through the Carolina defense leaving Parks one-on-one with Tambakis. Parks would coolly place the chance in the far corner.

NYCFC head coach Domènec Torrent praised his players for their performance.

“I was happy the players played really well,” the Frenchman said. “I was sure because when I say they deserve to play because they train very very hard every single day. I have confidence with these players. The shame for me, like a coach, is that I have to choose 11, not 18 but every player deserves to play because they have quality.”

“I think a lot of credit goes to training,” Haak said of his ability to integrate into the starting lineup just a week after his professional debut. “We do a lot of passing, a lot of movement with each other, creating chemistry there, but also playing games with the academy a couple of times when I need to get a game in helps me be more prepared for this.”

“We work hard every day in training,” added Parks. “We have a lot of chemistry in the team. We have a lot of good friendships in the locker room and everything.  The chemistry is there, it’s just about giving us the opportunity.”

NYCFC advances to the US Open Cup’s Round of 16 for the first time in club history where they will play on the road against D.C. United on June 19. The winner of that game will have a Quarterfinal road game against the winner of Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution.

“It feels great to be part of history like winning the first game for New York City,” Rocha said. “I mean it’s awesome. People are always going to talk about the first one and being a part of it, and it is something that I am going to be able to tell my kids and grandkids about so it is definitely a good feeling.”

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