2020 US Open Cup Qualifying

Which NPSL, USL League Two teams are likely to play in 2020 US Open Cup?

December 20, 2019 by Michael Battista

The Des Moines Menace huddle up before kickoff of their First Round match vs. Duluth FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

Despite the official announcement not happening until Jan. 9, teams from both recognized Open Division National Leagues (National Premier Soccer League and USL League Two) have been receiving word and announcing their acceptance into the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on social media.

Not all the news is good however. Earlier this month, US Soccer announced the revamped format for the 2020 tournament which included teams from Major League Soccer entering in separate rounds and the First Round kicking off in March. The latter note comes at a cost for some Open Division teams that rely on NCAA athletes who are not allowed to play in the tournament before May 1. It has already been announced that both Reading United AC and the Flint City Bucks, the 2019 USL-2 finalists, have already publicly stated they will not field teams in the tournament due to roster concerns. TheCup.us also confirmed that the NPSL’s Midland-Odessa Sockers FC, who have qualified three times in the last five years, will also not be participating due to the schedule change.

With more teams switching leagues or declining spots, TheCup.us has been able to track down and confirm the 13 NPSL and 10 USL-2 teams that will join the 13 Open Division Local qualifiers in the First Round come March.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

Newtown Pride FC win first Amateur Cup title, qualify for 2020 US Open Cup
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule / Results
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Weekend Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

USL League Two champion Flint City Bucks sitting out 2020 US Open Cup after schedule ‘travesty’
Reading United AC declines 2020 US Open Cup entry due to ‘abhorrent’ schedule change, more teams to follow
Without college players available, 2020 US Open Cup schedule cripples NPSL, USL-2 teams

In our 18th year of covering the US Open Cup, support TheCup.us by joining our Patreon team!

National Premier Soccer League

Since 2011, National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams have been awarded berths in the US Open Cup based on previous season results. Coming into 2020, that has not changed. However, as a result of teams joining other leagues and teams not being able to field a roster due to a lack of NCAA talent, some of the highest “ranked” teams will not be collecting their league allocated slot. This means, the next best team from their region can claim it.

This is easily trackable using our NPSL Open Cup ranking article (Ex: Miami FC is not participating through NPSL, so the next best South Region team, Tulsa Athletic, moves into the #1 spot).

Teams that were in-line or close to having a berth but declining are:
(*Would not have made it without teams from their region declining)

Miami FC (Moved to NISA, will not field team in NPSL)
New York Cosmos B (Will not field team in NPSL) (Confirmed)
Detroit City FC (Moved to NISA, will not field team in NPSL) (Confirmed)
Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (Confirmed to TheCup.us)
Chattanooga FC (Moved to NISA, will not field team in NPSL)
Brooklyn Italians (Will not field team in NPSL) (First reported by TheCup.us)
Orange County FC*
AFC Ann Arbor (Moved to USL-2)*
Grand Rapids FC (Moved to USL-2)*
Greenville FC*

Here are the NPSL teams that will compete in the 2020 US Open Cup:

(*Would not have qualified without a team declining a spot)

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL Quarterfinalist, South Region – Heartland Conference) (Tweet)
FC Motown (Northeast Region – Keystone Conference) (Tweet)
ASC San Diego (NPSL Semifinalist, West Region – Southwest Conference) (Tweet)
Cleveland SC (NPSL Semifinalist, Midwest Region – East Conference) (Tweet)
Naples United FC (South Region – Sunshine Conference)* (Instagram Post)
FC Arizona (NPSL Quarterfinalist, West Region – Southwest Conference) (Instagram Post)
Minneapolis City SC (Midwest Region – North Conference) (Tweet)
Atlantic City FC (Northeast Region – Keystone Conference) (Tweet)*
Denton Diablos FC (South Region – Lone Star Conference) (Tweet)*
FC Davis (West Region – Golden Gate Conference) (Tweet)
Med City FC (Midwest Region – North Conference) (Facebook post)*
Miami United FC (South Region – Sunshine Conference)*
West Chester United SC (Northeast Region – Keystone Conference) (Tweet)*
Fort Worth Vaqueros (South Region – Lone Star Conference) (Tweet)*

Of note is that Miami United FC’s Under-23 team also qualified for the tournament through local qualifying. The organization has confirmed to TheCup.us that both squads will play in 2020. According to Open Cup rules, they will not be allowed to play one another unless both reach the Final.

USL League Two

USL League Two teams (formerly the Premier Development League) have been receiving first round spots in the US Open Cup since the start of the Modern Era in 1995. This year will be no different. However, as a result of teams switching leagues and teams not being able to accommodate the March start date of the 2020 tournament, some of the highest ranked teams will not be collecting their league allocated spot meaning the next highest team will be awarded.

It’s also unclear if there was a change to USL League Two’s allocation process as the Flint City Bucks say they have declined the spot offered to them. They were originally 14th on our ranking list, but as league champion they may have been offered a US Open Cup berth.

Besides Flint City, two other teams will not be taking their spot in the tournament. Reading United, as Mid-Atlantic Division Champion, has declined their spot due to the schedule change, ending their Modern Era record streak of 11 qualifications in a row.

Colorado Pride Switchbacks U-23s, the Mountain Division champion, will not be fielding a team in USL-2 next season at all, so their spot is given to another team.

Here are the qualified teams:

Des Moines Menace (Heartland Division champion)
Western Mass Pioneers (Northeast Division champion) (Tweet)
FC Golden State Force (Southwest Division champion)
South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 (Deep South Division champion)
The Villages SC (Southeast Division champion) (Tweet)
Chicago FC United (Great Lakes Division champion) (Tweet)
North Carolina Fusion U23 (South Atlantic Division champion) (Tweet)
GPS Portland Phoenix (At-Large)
SC United Phantoms (At-Large) (Tweet)
Corpus Christi FC (At-Large) (Tweet)

We are still waiting to hear back from one more division winner, the Mid South Division champion Brazos Valley Cavalry on whether they have entered into the cup. The next team in line after that is Ventura County Fusion. Ventura County is still exploring the option of playing.

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying: Win & You’re In weekend review

December 2, 2019 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

The day before the Third Round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was set to kick off, the 24 teams scheduled to take part were given some additional motivation. The United States Soccer Federation announced that the Fourth Round would be eliminated and the Third Round would be the final round.

It turned into a “Win & You’re In” weekend for the 107th edition of the US Open Cup.

When the dust settled this weekend, 12 teams qualified in addition to the already qualified Newtown Pride FC (2019 U.S. Amateur Cup Champions). Among the winners, some familiar names from past tournaments like Christos FC, Chula Vista FC, Cal FC, New York Pancyprian Freedoms, NTX Rayados, and FC Boulder Harpos. Four of the teams are first-time entries: Miami United FC Under-23s (although their senior team has qualified before), Nashville United, Louisiana Krewe FC, and Olympic Club.

The dates and format for the 2020 US Open Cup is expected to be announced in January.

Read below for a brief recap of every game, with links to the full match report (added as they are published).

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

Newtown Pride FC win first Amateur Cup title, qualify for 2020 US Open Cup
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule / Results
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

In our 18th year of covering the US Open Cup, support TheCup.us by joining our Patreon team!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

L.A. Monsters FC
(USCS / SoCal Premier League)
2:2 (4:5 PKs)
Chula Vista FC
(USCS / SoCal Premier League)
Terra Nova Park – Chula Vista, CA

For the first time since the current Open Division Local qualifying tournament was launched in 2015, a team has qualified on the strength of three straight penalty kick shootout wins. On Saturday night, Chula Vista FC punched their ticket to the 2020 US Open Cup with a 5-4 PK shootout win after a 2-2 draw with L.A. Monsters FC. With the shootout win, CVFC, who compete in the SoCal Premier League, qualifies for the tournament for the third time in club history (2015, 2017) and will be the lone representative from a US Club Soccer league. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Hurricane FC
(USASA / UPSL)
0:4
Miami United FC Under-23s
(USASA / UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park – Miami, FL

The Miami United FC senior team has qualified for the US Open Cup three times in club history (2015, 2017, 2018), but the Under-23s got in for the first time with a 4-0 win over fellow Florida-based UPSL club Hurricane FC. Bautista Dominguez opened up the scoring in the 7th minute on a free kick and United didn’t look back. Darryl Gordon, Nicolas Micoli and William Stamatis added a goal each before halftime as the United defense pitched a shutout to earn the win. This was their third straight win over a UPSL team, with a dominant 7-3 win over Atletico Miami CF, followed by a 2-1 win over last year’s Cinderella story, Florida Soccer Soldiers. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

*Additionally: The Miami United FC senior team is currently ranked 22nd in our NPSL rankings for the 2020 US Open Cup berths.

Nashville United
(USASA / Middle Tennessee Soccer Alliance)
4:0
Soda City FC Sorinex
(USASA / Central League)
Ben Lippen High School – Columbia, SC

Nashville United became the first Tennessee-based Open Division Local team to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present) with a convincing 4-0 road win over Soda City FC Sorinex. Georgi Hristov, who retired from professional soccer as the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ all-time leading scorer, scored a goal in each half, while Lipscomb University’s all-time leading scorer Logan Paynter did the same. The well-traveled team from Nashville earned their second shutout road win of the competition to earn their first trip to the US Open Cup while Soda City falls one game short for the second year in-a-row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Livonia City FC
(USASA / Michigan Premier Soccer League)
0:1
Louisiana Krewe FC
(USASA / Gulf Coast Premier League)
St. Thomas More Catholic HS – Lafayette, LA

A penalty kick goal in the 68th minute by Matheus Fulini was the difference between two well-matched teams as Louisiana Krewe FC edged the visiting Livonia City FC, 1-0. It was a history-making win for the Krewe as they qualified for the US Open Cup for the first time and became the second Louisiana-based Open Division Local club to qualify in the Modern Era (1995-present). The Gulf Coast Premier League side punched their ticket in their first attempt at qualifying, winning their previous games over Northshore United (Covington, LA) and Athletic Katy FC (Houston, TX). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Celtic Cowboys Premier
(USSSA / Austin Men’s Soccer Association)
0:3
NTX Rayados
(USASA / North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Premier Park (Field 1) – Balch Springs, TX

NTX Rayados are headed back to the US Open Cup for a record ninth straight year with a 3-0 home win over Celtic Cowboys Premier. They extended their Modern Era-record to nine consecutive tournaments on the strength of a hat trick by the qualifying tournament’s leading goalscorer, Mohamed Sesay, who scored all three goals to bring his total to nine. No Open Division Local team has more consecutive trips to the US Open Cup, and the only Open Division National team with more is Reading United AC (USL League Two) who are expected to make their 11th straight trip for the 107th edition of the competition next spring. This marked the Rayados’ third straight win over Cowboys in qualifying play, outscoring them 14-1 in those games. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Olympic Club
(USASA / San Francisco Soccer Football League)
3:1
Azteca FC
(USSSA / Colorado Premier League)
Ridgeview High School – Aurora, CO

Olympic Club, one of the oldest clubs in the qualifying tournament, punched their ticket to the US Open Cup in their first attempt at qualifying after a 3-1 road win over Azteca FC. After Olympic made the trek from Northern California to Aurora, Colo., only to find that the hosts were unable to turn the lights on at the field, forcing them into a venue change less than an hour before kickoff. After moving to a nearby high school, play began and it was the visitors who got on the board first with former MLS and USL player Matt Fondy opening the scoring in the first half. A few minutes into the second half, Azteca FC equalized with a penalty kick, only to have another former pro, Bryan Burke, regain the lead in the 63rd minute with his second goal of the competition. Burke, a former USL Defender of the Year with Louisville City of the USL Championship, spent time with multiple USL and NASL clubs in his career. Another former pro and current assistant men’s soccer coach at the University of San Francisco, Javier Ayala-Hil, put the game out of reach in the 86th minute. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Cal FC
(USASA / UPSL)
2:1
Oxnard Guerreros
(USASA / UPSL)
Del Sol Stadium – Oxnard, CA

Cal FC, the team best known for their upset of the Portland Timbers (2012), is back in the US Open Cup after a 2-1 win over fellow Southern California UPSL side Oxnard Guerreros. This will be Cal FC’s fifth trip to the tournament, and their second appearance in a row. It didn’t take long to take the lead as William Raygoza scored for Cal FC in the 2nd minute. It was the sixth goal of the competition for the former L.A. Galaxy academy player, the second-most of the qualifying tournament. German Alfaro added a second goal in first half stoppage time, his second of the competition. In the 72nd minute, Raul Gonzalez of the Guerreros delivered a ball to Carlos Arriola who scored to cut the lead in half. But the Cal FC defense held strong for the remaining 20 minutes to advance to the tournament proper. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

New York Pancyprian Freedoms
(USASA / Cosmopolitan Soccer League)
1:0 (56’)
Brockton FC United
(USASA / Bay State Soccer League)
Everett Memorial Stadium – Everett, MA

A goal minutes into the game by Charlie Ledula and heavy rain punched the New York Pancyprian Freedoms’ ticket into the 2020 US Open Cup over Brockton FC United.

The weather in Everett, Mass. called for rain and wind throughout the game. In the early going, while the rain was still considered light, the Freedoms controlled a majority of ball possession. Outside of the Ledula goal, the three-time Open Cup champions (1980, 1982, 1983) gave Brockton very little time to mount a counter. As the half progressed, the home side offense picked up but so did the rain. By halftime, large puddles began to form on the field and ball movement became erratic.

After the intermission, the wind and rain reached a breaking point. Visibility dropped and match officials realized the playing surface was a danger to both sides. They converged and in the 58th minute and made the decision to call the game off. Since play had begun in the second half, the Freedoms are awarded the win and reach the tournament for a fifth time in the Modern Era (1995-present) as a local qualifier. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

West Chester United SC
(USASA / United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
1:2
Vereinigung Erzebirge
(USASA / United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
Vereinigung Erzebirge Clubhouse (Field 1) – Warminster, PA

Another one of the oldest clubs in the US Open Cup qualifying field ended a qualifying drought on Sunday afternoon as Vereinigung Erzebirge (commonly known as “VE”) earned a spot in the tournament for the first time since 2002. They did that by holding off fellow United Soccer League of Pennsylvania rivals West Chester United SC by the score of 2-1. VE scored the first goal on an assist from Adam Bastisas in the 36th minute. It remained a 1-0 game until WCU added a second goal through Alec Neumann (Assist: Derek Antoniuni) in the 80th minute. West Chester, who was attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third time (2016, 2019) and the second year in a row, made a big push in the final minutes. They got on the board in the 83rd minute when Matt Greer crossed a ball in from the right wing and Andrew Gonzalez volleyed it past the diving goalkeeper.

VE, a club that dates back to 1931, and has been playing soccer since 1959, will attempt to win their first tournament game of the Modern Era (1995-present). In their only Modern Era appearance in 2002, VE lost to the South Jersey Barons of the D-3 Pro League (now the Ocean City Noreasters of USL League Two) in the opening round. VE’s best finish has been the Round of 16 (1984, 1991). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

*Additionally: The West Chester United senior team is currently ranked 18th/24th in our NPSL rankings for the 2020 US Open Cup berths.

Colorado Rovers
(USSSA / Colorado Premier League)
0:4
FC Boulder Harpos
(USSSA / Colorado Premier League)
Fairview HS – Boulder, CO

After recently merging with FC Boulder, Harpos FC is back in the US Open Cup for the third time with a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rovers. Former pro Freddie Braun and veteran Shane Wheeler each scored a pair of goals to lead Harpos back to the tournament for the first time since qualifying in back-to-back years in 2015 and 2016. It was the third time the Rovers and Harpos had met in the current US Open Cup qualifying tournament with Harpos winning both games in the 2016 and 2017 competition. The Rovers, who were the first team from the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) to qualify back in 2013 and 2014, were playing in their first “Win & You’re In” match since the current qualifying tournament was launched for the 2016 US Open Cup. By defeating the Rovers, Harpos will be the lone USSSA representative in the 2020 US Open Cup. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Virginia United
(ANFEEU / Woodbridge Soccer League)
3:1
CD Huateras
(ANFEEU / Woodbridge Soccer League)
Howison Homestead Soccer Complex (Field TBD) – Woodbridge, VA

CD Huateras and Virginia United squared off in a “Win & You’re In” match for the 2020 US Open Cup. With this match-up of two members of the Woodbridge Soccer League (Va.), it assured that the three-year-old Asociacon Nacional Futbol en USA (ANFEEU) would have a representative in the 107th edition of the tournament. After giving up an early goal to CD Huateras, Virginia United stormed back on the strength of a hat trick from Christian Osorio (20’, 63’, 90’+) to win the game 3-1 and clinch a second straight US Open Cup berth. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Steel FC
(USASA / Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League)
AT
Christos FC
(USASA / Maryland Major Soccer League)
North County HS – Glen Burnie, MD

Christos FC will return to the US Open Cup in 2020 thanks to a pair of goals from a talismanic goalscorer and a deflected cross which added up to a 3-2 victory over Steel FC, the qualifying debutantes from Pittsburgh. Pete Caringi, a local standout who went to school at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, scored a pair of goals to lead Christos FC to the US Open Cup for the third time in club history. Christos FC, named after a nearby liquor store, made a name for themselves in 2017 when they won three road games, including an upset over the USL’s Richmond Kickers. Their run ended with another road game, this time against D.C. United (MLS) where Christos scored first, only to see the MLS giants score four unanswered goals to put an end to their Cinderella run. After being eliminated in penalty kicks in the opening round in 2018 by Reading United AC (USL League Two), and not qualifying in 2019, Christos will look to bounce back in 2020. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Christian Osorio hat trick puts Virginia United back in tournament

December 2, 2019 by Josh Hakala

CD Huateras and Virginia United squared off in a “Win & You’re In” match for the 2020 US Open Cup on Sunday, Nov. 24, in Woodbridge, VA. After giving up an early goal to CD Huateras, Virginia United stormed back on the strength of a hat trick from 20-year-old Christian Osorio to win the game, 3-1, and clinch a second straight US Open Cup berth.

With this matchup of two Woodbridge Soccer League (Va.) members, it assured that the three-year-old Asociacon Nacional Futbol en USA (ANFEEU) would have a representative in the 107th edition of the tournament.

Last year, Virginia United defeated Maryland-based power Christos FC in the third round of tournament qualifying. The team capitalized on this upset in the then-announced fourth round by beating World Class Premier Elite FC (Now the ‘Maryland Bobcats FC’) in a penalty kick shootout and qualified for its first US Open Cup.

Their path to their second straight trip to the US Open Cup didn’t look good early. CD Huateras’ Cristhyan Najar, the brother of former D.C. United player and 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

However, United answered just 10 minutes later when Martin Lopez sent a long ball from midfield that traveled over the backline and into the path of Christian Osorio. The CDH goalkeeper came off his line but the former D.C. United academy player beat him to the ball and chipped it over him to bring the game level.

In the 63rd minute, Eber Martinez set up to take a free kick and curled the ball to the far post where Osorio hit it with his upper thigh and put it into the back of the net to give Virginia the lead.

CD Huateras pushed for the equalizer but United would put the game away in second half stoppage time. Osorio received a one-two pass from Ramzey Hassan, and once he reached the penalty area Najar took him down and the referee pointed to the spot. The Huateras player was shown his second yellow card and was sent off which led to massive protest by the CD Huateras players that led to two additional red cards to Josue Mejia Ortiz and Oliver Funes Gusman.

Osorio would convert the penalty kick to complete his hat trick as Virginia United would see the rest of the game out against the 8-man CD Huateras.

On the day, Virginia’s defense stood tall, led by goalkeeper Javier Hernandez who made some impressive saves against a team that had won two of the last three Woodbridge Soccer League titles (Summer of 2018, Summer of 2019) and featured some talented offensive players including the Najar brothers (Cristhyan and Denis) and 39-year-old veteran Paolo Suarez, the older brother of Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez.

Virginia United, who last won a league title during the fall of 2018, are looking to improve on their inaugural cup run in 2019 where they lost 6-2 in the opening round to the Richmond Kickers of USL League One (Div. 3 pro). The 2020 US Open Cup will be the seventh tournament of the Modern Era (1995-present) that will include an Open Division Local team from the Washington D.C. / Virginia area.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

Newtown Pride FC win first Amateur Cup, qualify for 2020 US Open Cup
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule / Results
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Weekend Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

In our 18th year of covering the US Open Cup, support TheCup.us by joining our Patreon team!

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Cal FC are kings of L.A. with win over Oxnard Guerreros

November 30, 2019 by Josh Hakala

Cal FC, the team best known for their upset of the Portland Timbers back in 2012, is back in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after a 2-1 win over fellow Southern California UPSL side Oxnard Guerreros. Goals from William Raygoza and German Alfaro clinched Cal FC a spot in the 2020 US Open Cup, the club’s second straight trip to the tournament, and their fifth all-time (2012, 2014, 2015, 2019).

Cal FC made the trip about 20 miles west from Thousand Oaks, Calif. to Del Sol Stadium in Oxnard, Calif. The visitors wasted very little time getting on the scoreboard as they struck first within 90 seconds of the opening kickoff. Oxnard played the ball back to their goalkeeper who attempted to boot the ball up the field. Unfortunately for the Guerrerors, his clearance was hit hard and low where an Oxnard player was unable to bring the ball down and Cal FC’s Romario Lomelli was at the right place at the right time. The ball fell to him about 35 yards from goal and he immediately played a through ball into the box on the left side where William Raygoza ran onto it, hit it one-time with his left foot and beat the keeper. For Raygoza, a former Los Angeles Galaxy academy player, it was his sixth goal of the competition, which ranks second among all players in the qualifying tournament.

In first half stoppage time, Oxnard was putting pressure on the Cal FC goal, only to see a set piece off a corner kick miss the target. After the Cal FC goal kick, the ball found its way down the right wing to German Alfaro who was tripped up deep in Oxnard territory, near the sideline. Alfaro took a low-driving, in-swinging free kick with his left foot, avoided the three-man wall, and found its way into traffic in front of the goal. Art Aghasi led the charge toward the low-driving cross, but after reviewing the video, it’s unclear if Aghasi got a piece of it before it took a bounce and ended up into the side netting. The official scorer credited Alfaro with his second goal of the competition.

Cal FC players huddle up prior to their 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against Oxnard Guerreros. Photo: Victor Friedman | Cal FC

The home team was given some new life midway through the second half. In the 72nd minute, Oxnard launched a counter attack after a clearance of a Cal FC corner kick. With Cal defenders on their back heels, Raul Gonzalez of the Guerreros delivered a ball from the right wing to the opposite side of the box where Carlos Arriola snuck a header just inside the near post to cut the lead in half. But the Cal FC defense held strong for the remaining 20 minutes to advance to the tournament proper for the second year in a row.

“It’s always hard to get a win on the road,” said Cal FC owner and head coach Michael Friedman. “I’m always impressed how our players response to pressure. They kept their poise and remain focused on closing out the game. We only had 13 available players and we were able to manage the game with just 1 substitution.”

Cal FC punches their ticket after Saturday’s win, and earlier round wins over Quickening (9-2 in Round 1) and Alta California Sol (3-1 in Round 2).

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

In our 18th year of covering the US Open Cup, support TheCup.us by joining our Patreon team!

FULL GAME VIDEO (YouTube)
Cal FC Goal 1 >> 8:00
Cal FC Goal 2 >> 53:00
Oxnard Goal >> 1:34:10

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Christos FC qualifies for third time in last four years

November 29, 2019 by Craig Tower

Christos FC will return to the US Open Cup in 2020 thanks to a pair of goals from their talismanic goalscorer and a deflected cross which added up to a 3-2 victory over qualifying debutantes Steel FC.

With the win, Christos returns to the tournament after falling short of qualifying for the 2019 US Open Cup following back-to-back tournament berths in 2017 and 2018. They are most remembered for their magical debut run to the Fourth Round in the 2017 US Open Cup. After three straight shutout wins on the road, Christos scored the opening goal against D.C. United before falling to the MLS side, 4-1.

On a cold clear day at North County High School in Glen Burnie, a quarter mile from the liquor store whose name the team shares, Christos quickly showed their intentions when Pete Caringi III forced a point-blank save from the Steel keeper in the 2nd minute. Two minutes later, Caringi buried another point-blank chance to give the liquormen a 1-0 lead. Caringi, a graduate of Maryland-Baltimore County, played a big role in Christos’ run in the 2017 competition, as he was a finalist for that year’s TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament award.

The first half was clearly controlled by Christos, and Steel were at pains to get any clear shots on goal inside the 18.

In the 24th minute, a Christos corner saw Steel FC keeper Brendan Birmingham’s attempted clearance drop to the feet of Alexander Lee at the 18. Lee controlled the ball and directed to Caringi, who redirected it into the back of the net for a 2-1 Christos lead which they held until halftime.

The second half was more balanced than the first as the metalmen found their way back in the game in the 54th minute. Another goal box scramble led to a Ramsay Hartley goal with an assist by Max Flick as Christos struggled to clear.

Christos didn’t dominate possession as much in the second half, but they continued to have the better chances. A surging David Harris crossed the ball from the left endline in the 63rd minute, resulting in a Steel FC deflection on the near side that pinged into their own goal just inside the post, leaving Birmingham completely flat-footed.

Local fans were almost treated to a 74th minute home goal as a remarkable Caringi bicycle kick from six yards out looped onto the top of the crossbar and out of play.

The Pittsburgh-based side found their way onto the scoresheet again in the 83rd minute as Matthew McDyer scored from a corner kick from 18 yards out with an assist from Hartley. The visitors were energized, and a pair of corner kicks in the waning minutes of the game produced some scary moments for Christos, but the home team managed to escape with a 3-2 win and a ticket to the full tournament next spring.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

In our 18th year of covering the US Open Cup, support TheCup.us by joining our Patreon team!

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: FC Boulder Harpos blank Colorado Rovers to clinch USOC berth

November 29, 2019 by Jim Coppock

A crowd of about 50 saw FC Boulder Harpos defeat fellow Colorado Premier League rival Colorado Rovers, 4-0 in the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Shane Wheeler had a double, bookended by a double by former pro Freddie Braun. The win, Harpo’s 32nd of the calendar year, sends them to the First Round of the US Open Cup for the first time since 2016.

The first half started brightly for Harpos FC, a two-time qualifier (2015, 2016) that recently merged with FC Boulder. Freddie Braun received a pass from Ryan Blarr for the opening goal in the 3rd minute. The early strike seemed to rattle Rovers, and Harpos’ superiority would continue for the first 20 minutes of the match.

From there, Bryce Townsend and Kyle Enge would combine often and be dangerous in attack up the right side for Rovers. In spite of the improved attacks, Harpos’ Shane Wheeler bagged his first goal of the afternoon in the 36th minute.

The second half was more evenly matched, with the Rovers seeing much more of the possession. Brenden Hughes and Ethan Coit each had a shot within seconds of each other in a 51st minute goal-mouth scrum for the visitors.

The game seemed to be put to bed in the 70th minute, but a goal by Miguel Jaime was called back for offside. However, about five minutes later, Shane Wheeler completed his double on a double sombrero with an upper 90 finish.

The Rovers continued to fight, but Freddie Braun scored his second goal in the 82nd minute as he ran on to a punt from goalkeeper Brendan Roslund to seal the victory for the home team.

Despite the score line, Bryce Townsend was solid in midfield and Jared Herselman had several dangerous free kicks for the visitors, but none of them produced any goals as the Rovers fell one game short of qualifying for the first time since 2014.

With the win, FC Boulder Harpos will be the lone representative from a league within the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA). The USSSA has had at least one entry into the Open Cup every year since the organization made its tournament debut in 2013.

Harpos owner/manager Johnny Freeston, credits their success this year with rebuilding. Replacing a few players that had gotten older and establishing some new partnerships. The team’s plan is to enjoy the holidays, then get right back at it, playing indoor games and some local tournaments. A potential road trip to Arizona in February or March is in the works, to test themselves against higher division opponents, like Phoenix Rising and FC Tucson. While their goal the last three years has been to return to the tournament, their ultimate goal is to be facing the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the summer.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

Newtown Pride FC win first Amateur Cup, qualify for 2020 US Open Cup
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule / Results
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Vereinigung Erzgebirge edges West Chester to clinch spot

November 29, 2019 by Matt Ralph

For the first time since 2002, Vereinigung Erzgebirge is heading to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after knocking off their local rivals West Chester United with a 2-1 win in the third and final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Derek Antonini had a goal in the first half and set up Alec Neumann’s game-winner in the second half to secure the victory and achieve a goal head coach Rob Oldfield has been aiming for ever since he led the club to their last Open Cup appearance 17 years ago.

“That was a much younger me, I was a 26-year-old coach in that one,” Oldfield said after the win at William Tennant High School. “That’s been the goal, getting the guys back there so they can experience what we did before.”

Though they were the home team, VE had a longer trip than normal to their clubhouse afterwards to celebrate. Heavy rains Sunday morning forced a late move of the game to the turf field at William Tennant but it didn’t disrupt VE’s game plan at all.

They were poised and organized in the back and dangerous going forward and on set pieces. They opened the scoring in the 36th minute after Adam Bestidas was given enough space on the left flank to send a long ball into the box that found the head of Antonini. The 6-foot-6 target forward, who was a handful all day, nearly doubled the lead before halftime when he pounced on a rebound in front of goal but West Chester keeper Evan Bleiler was able to parry the attempt away.

The second goal came on a tight angle shot from Antonini in the box in the 80th minute that resulted in an easy tap-in for Neumann at the far post.

“They were just taking the game to us, they got a good first goal and a good second goal,” West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo said. “They played better than us today. They deserved it. I’m happy for my friend Rob, it was their game.”

Players from Vereinigung Erzgebirge and West Chester United battle for the ball in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Matt Ralph | Brotherly Game

After scoring nine goals in their first two qualifiers – a 5-0 win over Danubia SC and a 4-2 win over Landsdowne Bhoys – the West Chester attack struggled to generate clear chances in front of goal. A couple tweaks to the lineup, moving Jordan Poarch from the back line to the wing and pushing center back Andrew Gonzalez up to forward and switching to three in the back eventually led to the breakthrough when Gonzalez volleyed a Matt Greer pass past a diving Tim Washam. But by then it was too late and the VE defense just too stingy to find an equalizer. West Chester also played short-handed in the closing minutes after Andreas Bartosinski was sent off for a late challenge on Fraser Colmer in front of the fourth official.

“I thought it was just really good communication, really good work from our midfield, the guys did a really good job tracking back and staying with their runners and we had a couple lucky bounces,” said defender Mike Reese, who has been with the team since 2012. “It feels good to get a win in a meaningful game.”

Qualifying for the Open Cup, something the Warminster, Pa.-based sports club dating back to the 1930s has done only once in the Modern Era (1995-present). Prior to that, they attempted to qualify several times. According to TheCup.us records, their best finish prior to the Modern Era was a Round of 16 run in 1984. Qualifying was a goal Oldfield had set for the club and reminded the group of during a halftime talk. They’ll have to wait for the spring to compete in the “Open Cup proper” but they retreated from the cold to their bar back at the club with a big mission accomplished on Sunday.

“We play in a lot of different cups but you know this one’s the most special,” Antonini said.

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Flooding aids NY Pancyprian Freedoms’ return to USOC

November 27, 2019 by Michael Battista

The players from both Brockton FC United and the New York Pancyprian Freedoms not only had to deal with the opposing team, but the increasingly deteriorating weather moving across New England. An early goal by Charlie Ledula was all the visitors needed as heavy rain and flooding forced the game to be called off in the 58th minute with the Freedoms declared the winner.

The Pancyprian Freedoms will be returning to the US Open Cup for the first time since 2016. Since its founding in 1974, the club has qualified or attempted to qualify for every Open Cup since then and won the competition three times (1980, 1982, 1983). The team competes in the historic Cosmopolitan Soccer League and is the third most successful club in league history with eight championships, with the most recent coming earlier this year.

Despite the win, Freedoms technical director Panayiotis Onisiforou expressed disappointed that the weather prevented a more competitive showing from both teams.

“The game was played in terrible conditions, we were against 20 mph winds and heavy rain,” Onisiforou said in an email. “We got a lucky break in the minute, ball dropped to Charlie Ledula and he slotted the ball one touch, bottom right corner. After that there was not much soccer played due to conditions and it’s a shame because both sides had quality.”

A Brockton FC United player strikes the ball in the heavy rain in the club's 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against the New York Pancyprian Freedoms. Photo: Liz McQuilkin - Mass Soccer — A Brockton FC United player strikes the ball in the heavy rain in the club’s 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against the New York Pancyprian Freedoms. Photo: Liz McQuilkin – Mass Soccer

Ledula is no stranger to Open Cup goals. The LIU Post alumni and 2017 NCAA Division II All-American previously played for the Long Island Rough Riders in USL League Two (then known as the Premier Development League). With his former team, he scored two extra-time goals against Kingston Stockade (NPSL) in the First Round of the 2018 tournament to secure advancement and was later voted the team’s player of the year.

Following that goal, the game pace became erratic. Both teams exchanged chances inconsistently as the weather worsened the field became wetter. A Brockton free kick from the right side of the field found a player’s head but sailed wide for their best chance of the half, while Ledula nearly scored a second goal in the 20th minute.

The former USL player raced up the middle of the field to try and connect on a cross, but made contact with the keeper as he slid to make the safe and was subsequently shown a yellow card.

Players from the New York Pancyprian Freedoms stand in the pouring rain during their 2020 US Open Cup qualifying match against Brockton FC United. Photo: Liz McQuilkin - Mass Soccer — Players from the New York Pancyprian Freedoms stand in the pouring rain during their 2020 US Open Cup qualifying match against Brockton FC United. Photo: Liz McQuilkin – Mass Soccer

Brockton’s leading scorer, and 2019 MLS SuperDraft pick, Leandro Alves, had scored in both previous games for his team but was left blanked on the day. The former University of Vermont soccer player was a key player during his team’s qualification run, and in UPSL play but both the weather and stubborn Freedoms defense kept him in check for the short amount of time he had.

As the teams entered halftime, United’s Leonardo Teixeira picked up a caution in the 43rd minute, and then the rain began to pick up. The puddles on the field began to be larger and larger and both the players and ball slid across the pitch. By the 58th minute, officials realized both teams would risk injury if play continued and the game was called off.

Heavy rain and flooding forced the 2020 US Open Cup qualifier between the New York Pancyprian Freedoms and Brockton FC United to end in the 58th minute. The Freedoms were leading 1-0 and advanced. Photo: Liz McQuilkin - Mass Soccer — Heavy rain and flooding forced the 2020 US Open Cup qualifier between the New York Pancyprian Freedoms and Brockton FC United to end in the 58th minute. The Freedoms were leading 1-0 and advanced. Photo: Liz McQuilkin – Mass Soccer

This marks the fourth time a game has ended early since the qualifying tournament began for the 2016 US Open Cup. In 2017, a first round match between Red Force FC and Miami National SC ended in 60th minute after lighting stuck near the field – giving Red Force the win and eventual tournament berth. The same year, Nevada side Anahuac SC got past MF 10 after the latter could not field a team of over seven players due to injuries and red cards. Then in 2018, Red Force once again advanced through a stopped game after its second round opponent, once again the Miami Nationals, walked off the field while trailed 4-0.

Just last year, a third round match between Cal FC and California United FC II, tied at 2-2, was abruptly stopped after field lights went out with minutes left in regulation. That game, however, was replayed in its entirety nearly two months later with Cal FC picking up the win in a PK shootout.

Brockton exit their first US Open Cup qualification tournament with three low scoring, competitive contests under their belts. The game also marks the second time this year that the team was knocked out of national competition by a Cosmopolitan Soccer League side. In May, Lansdowne Yonkers FC defeated the team, 3-0, in the USASA Region I semifinals for the Werner Fricker Amateur Open Cup.

The win for the Freedoms is also the farthest they’ve ever had to travel for an Open Cup qualification game since the new qualification process started in 2016. Despite the 226-mile trip from Jamaica, Queens, the team said the club’s board all came together for it and he’s glad the team was able to replay them with a win.

“As far as the travel, we and the players didn’t get affected by it and it was all down to the president and the board,” Onisiforou explained. “They got us hotels, food – they went above and beyond. Without their support none of this was possible. We are happy to get the win and repay their faith they have put in us.”

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Former pros lead historic Olympic Club to first USOC berth

November 27, 2019 by Jim Coppock

In a game between two clubs without a loss in the qualifying stages, something had to give. On a damp and chilly night, at the second venue of the evening, the hosts Azteca FC could not ride their seven-game undefeated run any further as they were defeated by Northern California’s Olympic Club, 3-1.

Goals from a trio of former pros helped the Olympic Club, a social club in the Bay Area that dates back more than a century, secure a win to qualify for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

This contest, originally scheduled for the Aurora Public Schools Stadium in Aurora, Colo., would have a venue change less than an hour before kickoff due to non-functioning lights at the original stadium. The game was moved to nearby Ridgeview High School and remarkably, kickoff was only delayed by about 20 minutes.

The first half was mostly one-way traffic for the visiting Olympic Club. Former MLS and USL player Matt Fondy opened the Olympic account in the 5th minute, outpacing his defender on a ball over the top, and slotting it past Azteca goalkeeper Austin Harms. Matt would have several more good chances in the first half. The play would continue be physical the rest of the half. None more so than between Azteca’s Daniel Jimenez-Anaya and Olympic’s Austin Toth. After several sliding challenges by both players, the referee had finally seen enough, and booked the Azteca player in the 43rd minute. The Olympic Club would go into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.

Matt Fondy of Olympic Club steps up to take a penalty kick against JASA RWC in the 2020 US Open Cup Qualifying. Photo: 3pointsport (IG) — Matt Fondy of Olympic Club steps up to take a penalty kick against JASA RWC in the Second Round of the 2020 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: 3pointsport (IG)

The second half saw the home side start on the front foot, winning a penalty in the 48th minute, when an Azteca player was clipped and brought down from behind. Erik Chavez-Richart would go to his left to convert it. moments later.

With the scores now level, the game would find another gear. Both sides had ample chances up to the hour mark. A scramble in front of goal in the 63rd minute saw Fondy with another attempt at goal, gather his own rebound and slide it across to Bryan Burke who laced it into the net to return the lead back to the visitors.

Both sides would continue to trade chances until the 86th minute. Fondy, with another shot on frame, would see it deflected and fall to Javier Amaya-Hil for the third and final goal.

In an anti-climax to what was an otherwise tight game, a fracas began at the final whistle resulted in two red cards and two yellow cards. One of the red cards was shown to Azteca’s Daniel Jimenez-Amaya for abusive language. As that sending off was happening, the remainder of the players on the field came together in the goal mouth. From there, Erick Chavez-Richart was shown red for violent conduct; Azteca’s Jesus Munoz-Barraza and Olympic Club’s Austin Toth were both shown yellows for unsporting behavior.

With the victory, The Olympic Club advance to the US Open Cup in their first attempt, hoping to add some success in the men’s US Open Cup to go along with their two USASA Women’s Open Cup titles from 2015 and 2016.

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Miami United U-23s blow past Hurricane FC

November 27, 2019 by Lee Ifans

Miami United cruised into the 2020 US Open Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Delray Beach’s Hurricane FC in the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

While, Miami United’s senior team that competes in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has qualified three times (2015, 2017, 2018), this is the first time the Under-23s team from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) has punched their ticket.

The tone for the evening was set early on when United broke the deadlock with the game’s first meaningful effort on goal. A great free kick looped in from deep in the Hurricane half by Juan Fuenmayor found Bautista Dominguez in the penalty area. Dominguez beat Hurricane keeper Bruno to the ball and powered a header into the net.

Hurricane could have equalized with a long range effort by Jeremy Garcia Villatoro that caught Soto in the Miami United goal off-guard. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, the crossbar came to his rescue.

After that, it was one way traffic and United piled on three more goals, all from quality crosses from the wing.

In the 24th minute, a giveaway by Hurricane FC deep in their own end saw Matias Solari send a cross from the right side to Darryl Gordon who was wide open at the far post for the easy tap in.

Almost 15 minutes later, they would add a third when William Stamatis sent in a cross from the left wing and Nico Miccoli was making a run to the far post. Miccoli just barely beat the keeper to the ball and headed it into the back of the net.

In first half stoppage time, it was the same formula for United with Carlos Rodriguez sending in a cross from the right wing and Stamatis running on it and sending a powerful header, in stride, into the back of the net, beating the helpless goalkeeper.

The difference between the two teams came down to the experience on the Miami United side. Captain Ezequiel Tejera gave a masterclass in midfield, effortlessly controlling the tempo of the game. Winning the ball when needed and moving the ball round wonderfully in possession. Although with a 4-0 win it might be easier to look at the attacking performances, but it was defender Juan Fuenmayor who turned in a man of the match performance. In addition to his assist for the first goal and helping his side to a clean sheet, the 40-year-old former captain of the Venezuelan National Team also cleared a Hurricane effort off the line toward the end of the first half.

The second 45 didn’t live up to the exciting first stanza. Hurricane were unable to create meaningful chances. They almost got one back through a goalmouth scramble but Elizor was unable to force the ball into the net. United went more defensive and were happy to manage the game to it’s conclusion. As the half wore on and Hurricane pressed forward, they were unable to solve Bruno for a fifth goal on the break. The Hurricane keeper denied United on a few key occasions. The game ended 4-0 with Miami United able to soak up the noisy support from the sidelines, led by local supporter’s group Vice City 1896, and bask in the glory of a return to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“Qualifying for the US Open Cup with our UPSL team is an amazing accomplishment for our club,” said Miami United FC club manager Crispino Meola. “We are trying to grow our youngest players and want to bring these players to the next level. We mixed them up with more experienced players so they can grow at a faster pace. Next NPSL season will see these young players have a more important role in our first team. They will have to slowly take over and become as successful as the older players. Miami United wants to promote our local players development even more, so our doors are open to young talented players for the upcoming season.”

It is unclear if the Miami United FC (NPSL) senior team will join their Under-23 team in the 107th edition of the US Open Cup next Spring. Based on TheCup.us projections, they are likely on the outside looking in, sitting at No. 22 on the list. This could change once the 2020 US Open Cup format is announced and the number of NPSL teams that are leaving the league is finalized (or if any teams decline to enter).

The format for the 2020 tournament is expected to be announced in January.

Portions of this report came from MagicCity.Soccer (with permission)

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