Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Brockton FC United blanks Lone Star FC to qualify for first USOC

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Brockton FC players celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Lone Star FC in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifyfing tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Brockton, Mass. is known more for its boxing than its soccer, but a team representing the city’s large Cape Verdian community has a chance to put the home of Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler on the US soccer map after qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time this past weekend.

Brockton FC United took the six-hour road trip to Philadelphia for the win-and-in qualifier Saturday afternoon, denying hosts Philadelphia Lone Star a return trip to the 2022 competition with a convincing 5-0 win at the Bartram High School field in southwest Philly.

The team, consisting mostly of players from one of the largest communities of Cape Verdians in the US, outmatched a Lone Star team with a similar mission in the West African communities of Philadelphia.

“We are motivated to make our community proud,” said Geo Alves, a former D.C. United draft pick who played professionally with the New York Cosmos. “We’re trying to put a team to reach the highest level and this team is close to what we’re looking for. That’s what drives us every day, even in the snow.”

Philly Lone Star was looking for the their third straight qualifying win at the home of Bartram High School athletics after beating Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 9-2 and a 2-1 win in extra time over Vereinigung Erzgebirge but fell behind conceding twice in the first 33 minutes with a back line that featured several different faces.

“We failed to prepare during the week,” Lone Star head coach Fotoma Turay said. “But congrats to them; they played a great game and were the far better team.”

Walter Varela and Nilton de Andrade combined for the first two goals with Varela scoring the first and DeAndrade the second on easy tap-ins thanks to both players giving up their own shots to find the easy finish. Moacyr Alves started the counter that led to the eventual game-winner when he sent a long diagonal ball de Andrade was able to beat a Lone Star defender to before passing it off to Varela for the finish. Geo Alves started the break on the second goal with a leading pass to Varela, who found de Andrade for the close range finish.

“If you see the first two goals, you see us share that ball,” Alves said. “That’s what we do.”

The Philly attack was able to find more chances after halftime pushing forward, but Brockton goalkeeper Benvido Barros did well to deny several of their best chances early in the game with it scoreless and again when Lone Star was trying to chip away at the lead. That included an impressive sequence where he made two saves to secure the clean sheet late.

“That was the key to the game, those saves in the beginning of the game,” head coach Bruno Teixeira said. “We knew if we could keep them from scoring and score early we were gonna get this.”

Geo Alves put the game away with a 74th minute goal and helped put the finishing touches on the win setting up substitute Rube Almeida for the fifth goal in stoppage time. Substitute Rilton Carvalho also got on the score sheet with an 85th minute strike. By then Lone Star had gone down to 10 men on a red card shown to substitute Anthony Allison for a hard foul and dissension.

Brockton was going through their second qualifying campaign for the Open Cup. They came up short in a 1-0 loss to NY Pancyprian Freedoms last November in a game – abandoned because of rain and flooding in the 58th minute – that would’ve qualified them for the 2021 competition, which was canceled because of Covid-19.

“This is for the kids of Brockton,” Teixeria said. “For them to see what’s possible.”


Photo Gallery Link

Goals
Brockton – 24′ Walter Varela (Nilton de Andrade)
Brockton – 33′ Nilton de Andrade (Walter Varela)
Brockton – 74′ Geo Alves (unassisted)
Brockton – 85′ Rilton Carvalho (unassisted)
Brockton – 90’+1 Ruben Almeida (Geo Alves)

Disciplinary
Brockton –  Stephan Teixeira (caution) 13′
Philadelphia – Samba Koroma (caution) 18′
Brockton – Manuel Castellon (caution) 28′
Philadelphia – Brian Akom (caution) 60′
Philadelphia – Patrick Singbah (caution) 79′
Philadelphia – Zoncher Dennis (caution) 81′
Philadelphia – Anthony Allison (caution, sent off) 81′

Lineups
Philadelphia Lone Star: Liam Smith, Dennis Zoncher, Amadou Baba Berthe, Alex Hayes (Patrick Singbah 49′), Brian Akom, Samba Koroma, Thaimu Turay, Abdullah Donzo, Nyakeh Kamara, Hassan Kone (Anthony Allison 66′), Bill Walleekendeh

Brockton FC United: Benvido Barros, Ericksson Moacyr Alves, Kessy Alves, Leandro Alves, Manuel Andrade, Elizandro Cardoso, Manuel Castellon (Ruben Almeida 72′), Rudney Delgado, Stephan Teixeira (Rilton Carvalho 56′), Nilton Teixeira DeAndrade (Kevin De Pina 85′), Walter Varela

 

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Azteca FC qualifies with back-and-forth OT win vs. Harpos FC

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Azteca FC logoAzteca FC hosted Harpos FC at Victoria Sports Park in their third all-time meeting in a “Win & You’re In” US Open Cup qualifying match. In the previous two meetings, Azteca came away winners by a single goal (2-1 in 2017, 4-3 in 2018).

Sunday would be no exception as Azteca came back to beat fellow Colorado Super League side Harpos FC, 4-3, though an extra 30 minutes were required to settle it. The crowd of about 120 were thoroughly entertained in Golden, Colo.

Folks had barely turned their attention to the game, when Max Steinmetz had the ball land at his feet. He streaked in at goal and slotted home to his left to put Harpos in front after just four minutes.

After this point, the game was played in Harpos’ half for nearly the remainder of the first half. Azteca turned up the heat. Jovany Herrera and Freddy Fragozo combined all over the field in an attempt to level the score with Fragozo putting a shot off the post in the 14th minute.

Harpos would create some breathing room in the 20th minute when Austin Bell grabbed a deflection off an Azteca defender and made it a 2-0 game. Two goals in as many entries into the Azteca penalty area – it seemed like a rout was developing.

Azteca’s Rosendo Castro would see yellow in the 24th minute as he brought down Harpos’ Sean Baumann at midfield. Shortly after that, the momentum would shift again. Azteca’s defense stepped up and began building from the back. Goalscorer Bell would be booked in the 33rd minute after bringing down Fragozo. The resulting free kick would be bobbled by Harpos’ goalkeeper Hayden Rus, but the second ball was sent wide.

After a few minutes of chippy play, and a foul against Jovany Herrera, led to an Azteca free kick at the top of the penalty area. Cesar Echegaray buried the 20-yard free kick to cut the deficit in half in the 37th minute.

Five minutes later, the ball took an awkward bounce into the hand of Harpos’ defender Patrick Slogic in the area, and a penalty kick was awarded. Eduardo Reza sent the spot kick straight up the middle and it was saved by Rus, keeping Harpos in front going into the halftime break. Azteca would have one of many corners on the day in the second minute of first half stoppage time after Herrera was fouled again. Cesar Echegaray attempted to get his second of the contest, but the kick deflected off the wall and wide of goal to end the first half.

The second half started as fast as the first, this time with Azteca at the wheel. Still in the 46th minute, Eduardo Reza would be the player streaking right at goal and bury the shot to level the score.

Azteca had a relentless attack for the next 15 minutes, registering three shots in the process. Harpos’ first break from the onslaught was Caleb Cole unable to convert a free kick at the top of the penalty area. Harpos would register a pair of shots, both saved, over the next six minutes.

Then it was back to the other end. Jovany Herrera was fouled again, Harpos’ Jake Taylor was booked, and Azteca’s Armando Gonzalez would sink another 20-yard free kick to put Azteca in the lead, 3-2 in the 68th minute. Azteca’s Herrera and Eric Hernandez would take turns shooting for the next 10 minutes, missing just wide of goal each time.

At about the 80-minute mark, Harpos found a fresh wind in their sails and began a constant attack to end the second half. The highlight of this was a long Caleb Cole cross finding the head of Austin Bell, for his second goal, about eight yards out to level the score at 3-3.

Harpos nearly stole a late winner in second minute of stoppage time after a shot by Juan Pablo Caffa was deflected off an Azteca wall, toward the far post. Regulation would end with the score tied.

Extra time began with both teams pushing hard for the victory. Both sides had traded shots after just three minutes. Azteca would retake the lead in the 100th minute when Cesar Meza received a long diagonal cross after a long run, chipping the ball around the Harpos’ keeper and it ended up just inside the back post.

Azteca would get the scare of the game in the 104th minute when a Juan Pablo Caffa pass led to a Caleb Cole shot that was nearly turned into their own goal. Only a quick reflex save by Marcos Madera kept the score 4-3.

The second period of extra time started with a Harpos shot after about 15 seconds, and they would boss the game comprehensively in these 15 minutes. Caffa, Cole and Slogic all had shots in the final few minutes; Slogic nearly beating Madera at the post with a headed effort in the 112th minute. The final big chance for Harpos was in the 116th minute as Cole sent a long diagonal ball between the goal and an on-running Juan Pablo Caffa. Azteca looked for an insurance goal in the final minute, Oscar Montoya hitting the outside of the post and Herrera making a goal line run, but Rus saved his shot. Moments later, the final whistle sounded. Azteca keep a perfect record against Harpos in Open Cup qualifying with the 4-3 win.

“These are always good games, have a great team,” said Azteca head coach Andy De La Rosa. “Good thing our guys stepped up, we did what we had to do.”

“We knew it would be a battle, it always is,” said Harpos FC coach Johnny Freeston, who led his team to US Open Cup berths in 2015 and 2016. “We did what we needed to in the first half. Felt good about that, and then we got tired. We made mistakes and we got punished for our mistakes.”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Lynchburg FC edge FC Maritsa to earn first USOC berth

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Lynchburg FC prevailed over FC Maritsa in a back and forth affair that ultimately ended 1-0 thanks to a strong finish from Tudor Barna in the 47th minute.

With the win, the Virginia-based club punched their ticket to the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in the club’s first attempt at the qualifying tournament.

The opening half saw chances for both sides however the team from St. Louis looked more likely to score. LFC’s goalkeeper Alonso Guitierrez was called into action in the 24th minute, making a fingertip save off a rocket from FCM’s Alejandro Mentasti, shooting from the edge of the 18-yard box. Vadim Cojocov put the ball in the back of Lynchburg’s net twice, but both were called back for offside.

Momentum switched after the break as LFC almost immediately took the lead. Matthew Zaczyk found the ball at his feet outside the box and slipped a pass forward to Tudor Barna who made no mistake and fired the ball past Ethan Cowell into the roof of his net.

Following a short LFC corner, Cowell’s number was called again in the 57th minute as Munoz lashed a shot at his near post from about 20 yards, but the Maritsa goalie extended to make the save. FCM had a chance to equalize in the 61st minute when Cojocov attempted to bend his shot towards Guiterrez’s far post from a tight angle. However, the shot went wide. Lynchburg were able to withstand the early pressure and ultimately controlled the game, earning their win.

For FC Maritsa, who made the more than 700-mile trip from St. Louis to Lynchburg, Va., it was heartbreak for the second straight time. The last time the club entered the Open Cup qualifying tournament was in 2019 where they also fell short in a “Win & You’re In” match, losing to NTX Rayados (Dallas, TX).

Lynchburg’s path to the 2022 US Open Cup included a free pass after Aegean Hawks FC forfeited in the opening round, followed by a 3-0 road win over Rockville SC (Md.) in Round 3. The club will begin their inaugural US Open Cup journey next spring but they will not find out their first round opponent until after the new year.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Late PK lifts D’Feeters Kicks to first USOC

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D’Feeters Kicks SC pose for a team photo before the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Southwest FC. Photo: D’Feeters Kicks SC

Sebastian Mendez’s 85th minute penalty kick helped D’Feeters Kicks SC edge Southwest FC, 2-1, in a “Win & You’re In” match to advance to the 2022 US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

After its previous qualifying win, Southwest had every reason to assume that it would be clear sailing in its final match. Fresh off a 6-1 opening round win over the San Antonio Runners and a massive 7-1 win over GAM United (Colo.), the El Paso club looked ready to host their third straight home game againt D’Feeters at Eastside Soccer Complex. DKSC had a much tougher run in its previous match, winning in extra time with a penalty kick 2-1 over the Houston Hotshots-Greenspoint FC. But when Dallas-based DKSC arrived in El Paso, all bets were off.

“I’m proud of the effort of the guys that traveled to El Paso and left it all on the field,” said D’Feeters program director Edgar Hernandez Jr., who helped coach the team with his brother Dominick with their father Edgar Hernandez Sr. not available to coach the team. “We were missing our stud striker, Oscar Romero, this time through injury. We also had one of our starting center backs serving a one-game suspension. We had a lot of factors playing against us leading up to the game as we only made it to El Paso with one field player as a sub. The team knew we were up against a good squad as they had won their past two rounds by large margins, but our guys came out motivated. Our possession, passes, runs, and tactical awareness were on point. We took advantage of our opportunities and made sure we controlled the tempo of the game once we went up.”

The weather was chilly for those in the audience, but just right for those flying around the field in warmups. Under the El Paso lights, the match kicked off with both clubs throwing aggressive tackles at each other.

It seemed both clubs were intent to press and counter-press relentlessly throughout the first half. In the first 30 minutes,  chances were there but no points were on the board.

That changed soon after as DKSC’s Steven Chavez put the ball past the Southwest keeper to open the scoring. The road goal was the product of consistent pressure on the El Paso backline. It wouldn’t last long, however, as Southwest FC would even up the score just five minutes later as Danny Chairez scored for the home side.

DKSC seemed to have brought just the first 11 on the trip, as the bench was empty except for coaching staff, which would have seemed to be a big detriment to their pressing approach, but you wouldn’t have guessed that in the second half. If anything, it seemed the home side seemed to slow a step or two. That was especially true on the left side as run after run would free up behind the wing for DKSC, offering chances for crosses into the box. Southwest seemed too slow in attack, not having many solutions for the visiting defense. Not enough shots were put on frame.

The match seemed destined to end in a draw until a penalty kick call was made with about five minutes remaining in regulation. Mendez stepped up to the spot and after multiple stutter steps, he buried the ball past the goalkeeper who guessed correctly but was unable to get a hand on it as he dove to his right. This would prove to be the game-winner. The win was entirely earned as DKSC was the aggressor throughout the evening and should be a tough out when the competition proper begins next spring.

“This win is very special for the program,” said Hernandez Jr., who is the brother of FC Dallas midfielder Nicky Hernandez. “This is the first Open Cup qualification for the club in our first qualifying run. These are the special moments we have been building towards. The program has received a lot of support from the local soccer community to get where we are now and we know that. We wouldn’t be where we are without that support. We are excited for this upcoming Open Cup!”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Game-by-game review of October qualifiers

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The October games for the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are nearly complete. Out of the 31 games on the schedule for the weekend of Oct. 16-17, 29 of them were played with one game getting postponed and the other being forfeited.

The 2022 US Open Cup could potentially feature a number of new faces. Of the 29 teams that advanced to the next round over the weekend, only 10 have previously participated in the tournament.

By winning their games over the weekend, eight teams from the Northeast Region and four teams from the Central Region have advanced to the Fourth Round where they will be in a “Win & You’re In” game, scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

#USOC2022 Essentials

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

Qualifying Schedule

Sept. 18-19
Round 1 (Southeast, West)
Round 2 (Central, Northeast)

Oct. 16-17
Round 2 (Southeast, West)
Round 3 (Central, Northeast)

Nov. 20-21
Round 3 (Southeast, West)
Round 4 (Central, Northeast)

Dec. 18-19
Round 4 (Southeast, West)

The remaining winners from the Southeast and the West advanced to Round 3 and will compete over the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The dates and times and venues for the November qualifiers will be announced by the United States Soccer Federation in the coming weeks.

Below is a summary of every game from the October games of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2022 US Open Cup.

SECOND ROUND

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

Miami Soccer Academy (USSSA/NSL)
2:1
Naples City FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast – Part 1 / Part 2)

Miami Soccer Academy received a pair of goals from 19-year-old Ander-Evenson Pierre in the first 15 minutes and held on for a 2-1 win over Naples City FC. Pierre, who recently spent time training with LA Galaxy II, scored in the 10th and the 15th minutes to give the home team an early lead. 

Naples City pulled one back before halftime to cut the lead in half. However, things got interesting in the 75th minute when Miami’s San Rabens Pierre (no relation to the goalscorer) was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. However, despite being down a man for the final 15 minutes of regulation, MSA kept Naples City off the scoresheet to secure the club’s first qualifying win.

 

Georgia Revolution FC Reserves (USASA/Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League)
2:2
Georgia Storm FC (USASA/UPSL)
Georgia Revolution FC Reserves advances 4-2 in penalty kicks

Two Georgia sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes and Georgia Revolution Reserves came out on top in a penalty shootout. Revolution’s Christian Duncan opened the scoring with a 66th minute goal, but Storm’s Jacob Bivens managed to redirect a free kick from teammate Bobby Hopper in second half stoppage time to force extra time. This time Duncan had to provide the equalizer as Storm took the lead in the first 15 minutes of extra time but Duncan scored with the last kick of the ball to force the shootout, where his side ultimately prevailed.

Georgia Revolution FC Reserves celebrate after a 4-2 PK win over the Georgia Storm (after a 2-2 draw after extra time) in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Georgia Revolution

 

Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL)
4:0
Oceanway FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast – Part 1 / Part 2)

For the second straight game in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, Orlando FC Wolves earned a 4-0 home win. After defeating Deportivo Lake Mary in the opening round, the Wolves had the same result in a win over Oceanway FC.

The Wolves received the opening goal from JP Lopez in the 18th minute but it was Joseph O’Sullivan that stole the headlines with a hat trick (29’, 67’, 81’). Goalkeeper Zach King got the start and earned the clean sheet.

HIGHLIGHTS: Orlando FC Wolves vs. Oceanway FC

 

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Oakland Stompers (USASA/NPSL)
0:7
El Farolito (USASA/NPSL)

In 1993, El Farolito won the 1993 US Open Cup title (under the name “CD Mexico”), but after lifting the trophy, they would not qualify again until 2017. Now, as a member of the NPSL, El Farolito took another step toward returning to the tournament for the third time in the last five attempts.

They began their quest to the 2022 US Open Cup with a 7-0 road win over fellow NPSL club Oakland Stompers. Alexis Gomez led El Farolito with four goals, while Alex Medina had a brace and Sebastian Garcia added another goal.

El Farolito will now move on to Round 3 where they will host Contra Costa FC match. The game is expected to be played the weekend of Nov. 20-21 at a date, time and venue that will be announced in the coming weeks.

JASA RWC (USASA/UPSL)
2:4
Metro FC (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)

San Francisco Soccer Football League club Metro FC scored a pair of goals in each half to take down fellow Northern California side JASA RWC. Jacob Butler (30th minute) and Cristian Garcia (45th minute) gave Metro the lead going into halftime. A second half brace from former pro Matt Fondy helped seal the victory. Fondy has played for a number of pro teams in his career. He was the 2015 United Soccer Leagues MVP and scoring champion as a member of Louisville City FC and also made several appearances in MLS with Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire in 2013 and 2014, respectively.  

SUNDAY OCTOBER 17, 2021

BattleBorn FC (USASA/UPSL)
4:2
FC Davis (USASA/NPSL)
(Partial Match Broadcast)

BattleBorn FC, the lone Nevada-based club left in the competition advanced to the Third Round with a 4-2 win over FC Davis. Goals from Guillermo Hernandez and Junior Mailly put the visitors up 2-0 at halftime. Mailly added another goal after the break and Angel Gonzalez scored to give BattleBorn a 4-2 win.

BattleBorn are trying to become just the second amateur team from the state of Nevada to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present). The first team to compete in the tournament was Anahuac FC who advanced to Round 2 with a penalty kick win over the Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) before falling to the Sacramento Republic (USL).

South Carolina United Heat (USASA/UPSL)
3:1
Atletico Atlanta (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)

South Carolina United Heat defeated Atletico Atlanta 3-1 Sunday evening at Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center in Columbia, S.C. It was a battle of two UPSL teams that were both making their US Open Cup qualifying debuts.

United came out with an attacking edge from the start. The first goal came in the 9th minute from Hunter Delvalle. He scored a tap-in off an assist from George Nicolas Melo Perez.

Delvalle caused problems for the Atletico defense all night. Alongside a goal and an assist, he created a surplus of goal-scoring opportunities.

Atlanta responded with a goal right before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Atletico’s George Perez struck a loose ball first-time from the top of the box to tie things up.

Despite Atletico’s equalizer, United came out and dominated the second half, scoring two more goals. In the 60th minute, Perez was able to get on the end of a free-kick from Michael Smith. Minutes later, Delvalle delivered a beautiful pass in behind to Bryan Davis to give United a comfortable lead.

United controlled the tempo for most of the match and maintained solid possession. The difference-maker was the way they executed their moments.

Their performance tonight was enough to advance them to the third round of qualifying. (Recap by Cameron Dixon – @camryndixon6)

Florida Brothers (USSSA/NSL)
3:3
Red Force FC (USSSA/NSL)
Red Force FC advances 4-2 in penalty kicks
(Match Broadcast – ends in the 99th minute)

Red Force FC came away with the victory on penalties after a tense, back-and-forth affair. Florida Brothers got things started with the first two goals and held the lead until the final 15 minutes of regulation. Red Force scored twice to send the game to extra time. Florida Brothers took the lead again in the first half of extra time, but Red Force equalized again in the second half of stoppage time and ultimately prevailed in the shootout.

 

Desert Communities SC Pathfinders (USASA/UPSL)
1:0
Villarreal Las Vegas (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)

In a battle of two teams making their US Open Cup qualifying debut, Desert Communities SC Pathfinders edged Villarreal Las Vegas, 1-0. Chris Garcia scored the game-winning goal early in the second half but it was the backline for the Pathfinders that were the heroes. Goalkeeper Pedrito Zequeida earned the clean sheet as the defense held strong despite playing down a man for the final 25 minutes of the match.

Desert Communities will hit the road in Round 3 as they take on San Fernando Valley FC (UPSL).

Los Angeles Monsters FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
0:4
Outbreak FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)

Outbreak FC took a step toward a return to the US Open Cup with a 4-0 road win over the Los Angeles Monsters FC. Former pro Alex Antonescu opened the scoring about 15 minutes into the match, but the scoreline would remain the same heading into halftime. In the second half, Outbreak FC took over with goals from Juan Meza, a second tally from Antonescu, and the final goal from Yuuki Irei. The win improves Outbreak to 3-0-0 all-time in qualifying meetings with the Monsters, with previous wins coming in the final round in 2016 and the opening round in 2019. OSC, who qualified for the 2016 and 2017 US Open Cup tournaments, advanced to Round 3.

Chula Vista FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
2:0
White Tigers FC (USASA/UPSL)

October’s second qualifying round for the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup saw Chula Vista FC defeat White Tigers FC 2-0, with goals coming from midfielder Jorge Navarro and forward Oscar Hernandez.

After a slow-paced beginning to the opening half, Navarro got his name on the scoresheet in the 30th minute off of a well-placed, driven strike from a few yards out. The midfielder, who has been playing for Chula Vista for nearly six years, commented that the strength of the squad comes from the strong relationships and winning culture present throughout the team.

“The kind of culture that we have here, that committee, the friendship, everyone on the team is really cool”, said Navarro. “We all get along, and we’ve just known each other and played for a while so it’s a good group.”

Nearing the end of the match, in the 86th minute, Chula Vista was awarded a penalty kick after Hernandez was brought down in the box. He securely converted from the spot, doubling his team’s lead, and earning the victory after the referee blew the final whistle to end the game. 

Chula Vista’s win comes after a dramatic qualifying campaign in 2019, where CVFC made history becoming the first team since the current Open Division Local qualifying tournament was launched in 2015 to qualify for the US Open Cup with three consecutive penalty kick shootout wins. Now, they set their eyes on the third qualifying round of the USOC, scheduled to kick-off in November. (Recap by Mathias Medel)



Palm Beach Breakers (USSSA/NSL)
0:4
International Soccer Association (USASA/UPSL)

At Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach, Fla., the Palm Beach Breakers hosted the Boca Raton-based International Soccer Association (ISA) in Round 2 of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament. ISA earned their first qualifying win, 4-0 over the Breakers led by 15-year-old striker David Mendes, who scored the opening goal and assisted on the second. 

ISA throughout played a high-pressure and highly defensive tactic that left the Breakers struggling to leave their own half. ISA would score their first goal in the 6th minute, which saw Jefferson Martins send a pass across goal to Mendes, who easily tapped it into the back of the net.

While TheCup.us does not track the ages of the players that participate in the US Open Cup, Mendes is very likely the youngest player to score a goal in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Four minutes later, Mendes would strike again but this time providing an assist to Stanley Theodore.

The Breakers would get their first major chance in the 16th minute off a corner kick. The Breakers sent the ball over the top, evading all the ISA defenders and it fell in front of Ryan Bourne who headed the ball into the side netting.

ISA would score their third goal right before the end of the first half. This goal came from Romi Ambroise, who took on two defenders with ease and then slotted the ball across the net, giving the keeper no chance to react. Rodrigo Rabelo was credited with the assist.

In the second half, ISA would score their fourth and final goal. This was scored by Lucas Andrade off a corner kick. This goal would be redemption for Andrade after he missed a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. (Recap by Alex Vanegas)

Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA/UPSL)
5:1
Hurricane FC (USSSA/NSL)

In 2019, the Florida Soccer Soldiers introduced themselves to the American soccer world by making a Cinderella run to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. They upset Miami FC (a pro team competing in the NPSL) and the Charlotte Independence (USL Championship) before suffering a narrow road loss to North Carolina FC (USL Championship), 1-0.

They were eliminated in the qualifying tournament for the eventually canceled 2020 US Open Cup, but they are now two wins away from getting back to the tournament after a 5-1 win over Hurricane FC.

Sebastian Aldunate and Pascual Calderaro each scored a pair of goals and Luis Cabrera added another to send them into Round 3. In the next round, they will host Red Force FC for the third time in the last three competitions. Soccer Soldiers earned shutout wins in the first two meetings. The two South Florida teams will square off over the weekend of Nov. 20-21 at a venue that will be announced at a future date.

Inter San Francisco (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)
4:2
Real San Jose (USSSA/NSL)

Inter San Francisco scored the first goal of the game and ultimately scored three unanswered to pull away from Bay Area side Real San Jose in a soggy affair with slick and rainy conditions throughout the evening. Gregory Hui opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but it was a flood of goals in the second half that proved to be the difference. Inter scored three goals in a span of less than 10 minutes with Tyler Wall kicking off the run in the 74th minute, followed by a pair of goals by Bokil Pineda in the 79th and 83rd minutes.

With the win, Inter will have a lengthy road trip ahead of them as they will take on Sporting ID11 in Southern California in Round 3. The game is expected to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue has yet to be announced. The winner of that match will advance to the fourth and final round.


Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL)
3:2
Rebels SC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)

Escondido FC overcame a second half deficit to beat Rebels SC 3-2 in a battle of UPSL clubs. With the win, Escondido advances to Round 3 of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament where they will host Chula Vista FC.

The two teams traded first half goals with Arturo Hoyos scoring in the XXth minute for the Rebels and Josue Hernandez tallying for Escondido FC in the 40th minute. After halftime, the Rebels took the lead in the 50th minute courtesy of Julian Kennedy only to see Luis Velazquez equalize for Escondido two minutes later. The two teams appeared headed to extra time until Robson Rolim de Moura scored what would prove to be the game-winner for Escondido in the 83rd minute.  and 

Sporting ID11 (USASA/UPSL)
6:0
Rose City FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)

Sporting ID11 shut out fellow UPSL side Rose City FC 6-0 to advance to Round 3. Sporting ID11 was led by a Yerry Mendez who scored a hat trick. Sergio Vega, Anthony Vasquez and Eto Atiabet added a goal each to round out the scoring. Goalkeeper Ian Hernandez earned the shutout to give Sporting a win in their US Open Cup qualifying debut.

Sporting will host Inter San Francisco over the weekend of Nov. 20-21 in Round 3 at a date, time and venue that will be announced at a future date.

San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)
2:1
Trojans FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast | Match Photos by @Tmesis)

Players from Trojans FC (right) and San Fernando Valley FC battle for the ball in a Second Round 2022 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Joseph C. Walsh – Twitter @TmesisFC

San Fernando Valley FC earned their first US Open Cup qualifying win, 2-1 over Trojans FC. It was the combination play of Irving Rivas and Cristo Deras that decided the game. Early in the second half, Rivas sent a cross in from the right wing which found Deras for the opening goal around the 55th minute. About 15 minutes later, the two connected on nearly the same goal only with the roles reversed. This time, Deras sent a cross in from the right wing and Rivas connected with it to make it 2-0.

Trojans FC were formed by students from the University of Southern California (USC), a school that does not have a men’s varsity program. In their third straight tournament appearance, the Trojans fought back, earning a penalty kick with about five minutes left in regulation. SFV goalkeeper Steve Acosta saved the PK, but the Trojans weren’t done. Trojans midfielder Kyle Adomian pulled one back in the 87th minute, and they hit the woodwork in the final minute but the San Fernando Valley defense held strong to close out the game.

Real Sociedad Royals (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
0:6
Capistrano FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier League)
(Match Broadcast)

Capistrano FC cruised to a 6-0 win over fellow Southwest Premier League side Real Sociedad Royals to earn the club’s US Open Cup qualifying debut. Michael Petrovski led the way with a pair of goals, while Brandon McArdle, Daniel Segal, Gustavo Chavez, and Julian Anaya added a goal each. Goalkeeper Nathan King started for Capistrano and earned the clean sheet.

Capistrano will play a second straight road game in Round 3, this time against another league rival, Outbreak FC the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue has yet to be announced.

Modesto City FC (USASA/UPSL)
1:3
Contra Costa FC (USASA/NPSL)

After the original match on Oct. 16 was postponed because of poor field conditions, it was moved to a new venue on Oct. 24. However, the day before the match, Contra Costa FC (the home team) was informed by the operators of the venue that the field had been double booked. When the match was finally played on Halloween (Oct. 31), Contra Costa FC advanced with a 3-1 win. Contra Costa received first half goals from Addison Escobar (12th min.) and Fernando Lara (42nd min.) only to see Modesto City’s Diego Silva pull one back just before halftime. Late in the second half, Roberto Gonzalez would put the game away for Contra Costa in the 78th minute.

Contra Costa advances to play fellow NPSL side El Farolito in Round 3, which is scheduled to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The venue, time and date will be announced in the coming weeks.


The game has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 24 at Mount Diablo High School in Concord, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT).


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THIRD ROUND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

DC Cheddar (USASA/D.C. Premier League)
2:3 (AET)
Districtonia Futbol (ANFEEU/Woodbridge Soccer League)
(Match Broadcast)

In the pouring rain at The Fields at RFK Campus, Districtonia Futbol defeated D.C. Cheddar 3-2 in extra time to advance to the final round of 2022 US Open Cup qualifying. Their opening match in the tournament against Alianza Futbol Club was forfeited, so this was the first game for Districtonia. With the win, they advance to the fourth and final round where they will play on the road against fellow Virginia club Northern Virginia FC at a date and venue that is yet to be announced.

Districtonia opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a long-range shot that found the back of the net from Uriah Bentick.

After halftime, D.C. Cheddar answered with Tristen Schnader scoring on a free kicks from the top of the box. Schanader’s shot was struck well into the top right corner of the net.

A few minutes later, Cheddar was awarded a penalty kick after one of their players was taken down in the box. DF goalkeeper Carlos Alberto Treminio Reyes made the save to keep the game locked up at 1-1.

Seven minutes into extra time, Districtonia regained the lead when Juan Alberto Izequierre Barahona dribbled past two defenders and fired a shot to the left side of goal.

A few minutes before the end of the first extra time period, D.C. pulled level again. Districtonia defenders thought a ball headed to the right corner was going to roll out but instead it was crossed into the box and Piroz Bahar tapped it in to tie the game.

Districtonia would get the lead back for the third and final time in the 108th minute when a long ball was sent forward, forcing the D.C. goalkeeper to come off his line. Uriah Bentick used his speed to beat the keeper to the ball and slid to knock the ball past him and the ball slowly rolled past him and into the back of the net.

Players from Kendall Wanderers FC (left) and Brockton FC United go up for a header in their 2022 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Burt Granofsky

Kendall Wanderers FC (USASA/Bay State Soccer League)
0:7
Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer League)
(Match Photos)

Brockton FC cruised into the final round of US Open Cup qualifying with a 7-0 win over fellow Bay State Soccer League side Kendall Wanderers FC. Brockton earned the one-sided result thanks, in part, to Kendall only fielding 10 players, including a field player starting in goal.

Geo Alves led Brockton with four goals while Walter Varela, Jay Veiga, and Ruben Almeida added a goal each. With the win, Brockton advances to the fourth and final round where they will travel to the City of Brotherly Love where they will take on the Philadelphia Lone Star FC in a “Win & You’re In” match. The game is expected to take place the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The date, time and venue will be announced at a future date.

 

Virginia United (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)
1:2
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)

On a windy day in Woodbridge, Va., Northern Virginia FC edged the host Virginia United 2-1 to advance to the fourth and final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Virginia United, who qualified for the 2019 US Open Cup, struck first with a goal in the 31st minute. Northern Virginia answered with a 42nd minute goal. NOVA’s KJ Nadeau snuck behind the United backline and stole the ball which put him in one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Nadeau beat the keeper to tie the game. The score remained the same heading into halftime. The game would be decided in the 67th minute when Luke Campbell pounced on a rebound in front of goal.

Northern Virginia, who registered this team through the Eastern Premier Soccer League, also has a senior team in USL League Two during the summer months. The club has had a team in the United Soccer League for more than two decades. Prior to joining USL League Two in 2006, the Royals played eight seasons as a third division pro team in the USL.

The Royals are now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time since they were a USL D-3 Pro League team in 2000. They will host Districtonia Futbol in a “Win & You’re In” match over the Nov. 20-21 weekend at a venue that has yet to be announced.

 

Azteca FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
5:2
Colorado Rovers (USSSA/Colorado Premier League)

Azteca FC hosted Colorado Rovers at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park facility on Saturday in the first-ever contest between the two sides in US Open Cup qualifying. It was a battle between two clubs with Open Cup experience. Each team has qualified twice, and each has yet to win a game in the tournament proper. Colorado Rovers competed in the 2013 and 2014 tournaments, while Azteca punched their ticket in 2017 and 2018.

In the end, it was Azteca who came away with the win, 5-2.

The first half started briskly with both teams pushing the pace. Azteca’s Cesar Meza hit the crossbar in the 3rd minute and the Rovers sent a free kick just over the bar a minute later. Salvador Brigido would draw first blood in the 7th minute, putting Azteca into the lead. Jared Thompson would keep Rovers in the contest, controlling the right side. Azteca would extend their lead in the 41st minute with a goal from Jovany Herrera. The lead would increase to three in stoppage time when Eric Hernandez tallied to make it 3-0.

The second half started with Rovers clearly on the front foot trying to get back into the game. Azteca’s Jovany Herrera would make a strong run into the penalty area and be run over from the back for a penalty in the 53rd and Eric Hernandez slotted home in the 54th for his second of the night. Ten minutes later, Herrera dribbled along the goal line and found an open Freddy Fragozo five yards out to increase the Azteca advantage to 5-0.

Undeterred, but with a giant hill to climb, Rovers kept up the pressure and would end the shutout in the 87th minute through Karsten Hanlin. With nearly the last kick of the ball, James Ross, IV, would cut the final deficit to 5-2.

Eric Hernandez was a persistent thorn in the side of the Rovers. His double might have been a double hat-trick with a tiny bit more luck, having four solid, but unfulfilled opportunities late in the game. (Recap by Jim Coppock)

Harpos FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
1:0
Peak Eleven FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)

Harpos FC, one of the few clubs that have participated in every US Open Cup Qualifying tournament since the new format launched in 2015, needed a late goal to edge fellow Colorado Super League rival Peak Eleven FC, 1-0. Former MLS player Freddie Braun scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute to send Harpos into the fourth and final round of the tournament. There they will face another rival, Azteca FC in what will be the third time that they will face them in a “Win & You’re In” match. Azteca won the first two meetings in the 2017 and 2018 qualifying tournaments.

The game had a little extra spice to it as Peak Eleven was created by some members of FC Boulder, the club that Harpos FC merged with in 2019. The club changed its name to “FC Boulder Harpos” but that partnership only lasted a year before it ended prior to the 2021 season. After the partnership dissolved, many of those involved with FC Boulder got together and created Peak Eleven FC.

Southwest FC (USASA/UPSL)
7:1
Gam United (USASA/Colorado Super League)

After falling one game short of qualifying for the 2019 US Open Cup, Southwest FC have put themselves back into a Win & You’re In game with a 7-1 win over Gam United. The UPSL side was led by a four-goal performance by Alexis Gomez, with his first two goals coming in the first 13 minutes of the game to give the El Paso-based club an early 2-0 lead. Gomez would score two more in the second half, while Alex Medina also added a brace, and Sebastian Garcia also scored a first half goal.

With the win, Southwest FC advances to the fourth and final round of the competition where they will host Dallas-based club D’Feeters Kicks SC the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The winner of that game will qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Rockville SC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer League)
0:3
Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL)

Despite a bit of a drive from central Virginia, Lynchburg FC made the most of their trek east on the I-495, defeating Rockville SC 3-0 to book their spot in the next round of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Any notion of travel lag was quickly erased as Lynchburg took the lead in just the 15th minute of the match with a strike from Tudor Berne. The UPSL side had been using their speed on the outside to disrupt the Rockville defense, forcing the young side to get out of position. Berne was able to slip between his defenders and put away the game’s first goal of the match.

After taking the lead early, Lynchburg held possession for large portions of the match. Isaac Aggrey and Olu Balogun orchestrated several long possessions for the visitors, forcing Rockville to chase for large portions of the match. Rockville’s best chance for a goal came in the second half off of set pieces. In the 64th minute, Brian Nolasco nearly found the equalizer when his high curving free kick went toward the far right post. While it had the Lynchburg goalkeeper beat, it couldn’t escape the woodwork, hitting the post. The Lynchburg defense regained their composure and made a key clearance to maintain their advantage.

Late in the second half, Lynchburg would put the match away. Just minutes after nearly conceding, Lynchburg forward Matthew Zaczyk made a deep run on the counter and hit a low shot past the Rockville keeper to make the score 2-0. In the 86th minute, Tyler Bullock would seal the win with his from just inside the eighteen. (Recap by Sean Maslin – @seanmaslin)


Philadelphia Lone Star FC (USASA/UPSL)
2:1 (AET)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)

Philadelphia Lone Star FC remains the last team from Philadelphia in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament after a 2-1 victory over Vereinigung Erzgebirge on Sunday.

After regulation was complete, both teams remained scoreless, with several opportunities were denied by the goalpost. As extra time commenced, Lone Star FC’s Eugene Dennis was shown a red card after a second-yellow in the 103rd minute, leaving them with 10 men. 

The action intensified in the 111th minute as Lone Star’s Hassan Kone opened the scoring, shortly before Erzgebirge equalized one minute after. Lone Star then closed the game in the 116th minute, as Kanibah Kutu-Akoi made it 2-1 for his team. 

With a third round victory behind them, Philadelphia Lone Star FC now has their eyes on their fourth round qualifying matchup against Brockton FC United in November, with dates and kick-off times to be announced. (Recap by Mathias Medel)

D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League)
2:1 (AET)
Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC (USSSA/NSL)
(Match Broadcast)

D’Feeters Kicks SC pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC. Photo: D’Feeters Kicks SC

Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks FC used a bit of luck and a late extra time penalty to overturn a halftime deficit and advance past Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC. Houston got on the board first via a penalty converted by winger Isaac Ortega, but in the second half the host D’Feeters swung the tide and equalized via a rare in-the-penalty-box indirect free kick plus a second half of stoppage time penalty that was converted by captain Miguel Ojeda.

“We executed the chances we had,” said D’Feeters coach Edgar Hernandez after the game.

In extra time, D’Feeters goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez saved a Houston penalty kick. The Kicks earned a penalty kick of their own in the 102nd minute. Miguel Ojeda converted from the spot and the hosts were in front and in control. With tensions rising late in extra time, D’Feeters defender Paul Gorish was sent off in the 114th minute for a blatant post-foul push that also resulted in a yellow card for Houston’s bench. Ultimately, it turned out to be inconsequential as D’Feeters were able to see the game out and advance to the next round of qualifying. (Read a full recap with video highlights by Adam Uthe HERE)

IASC Boom (USASA/Rochester District Soccer League)
1:1
FC Maritsa (USASA/Metro East Football Association)
FC Maritsa advances 5-4 in penalty kicks
(Match Broadcast)

FC Maritsa player attempts to tackle the ball away from an IASC Boom player in a 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match in Rochester, NY. Photo: Mathieu Starke | @Starke_photo (all social media)

A 1,500-mile trip, some biting wind, and a valiant display from the home side was not enough to stop FC Maritsa from earning a win on penalties against IASC Boom on Sunday night in Rochester, N.Y.

The side from St. Louis woke up in the early hours of the morning to start their travels to the Empire State. Despite a lengthy flight that included a stop in Atlanta, the well-traveled amateur side played well. FC Maritsa managed to hold IASC Boom, an amalgamation of the Roc City Boom (UPSL) and a long-standing community team called Italian American Sports Club, to a 1-1 draw. FC Maritsa’s Vadim Cojocov gave the visitors a lead in the 64th minute, but it was second half sub Ali Shawish who came to the rescue for IASC Boom, scoring the equalizer in second half stoppage time.

After a scoreless extra time, FC Maritsa player/coach Lucas Almeida buried the winning penalty to seal Maritsa’s advance to the next round of 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying. (Read a full recap of the match by Brendan Doherty here)

 

New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer League)
0:2 (AET)
Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)
(Match Broadcast)

Round three of the 2022 edition of the USOC qualifying tournament in the Northeast region saw Oyster Bay United FC defeat three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2-0 in an overtime thriller. Davidson Marseille and Jeison Solano provided the goals in extra time to give Oyster Bay their second straight qualifying win over a team with multiple US Open Cup titles on its resume. Last round, they knocked off four-time champion New York Greek American SC.

The opening 90 minutes of play saw both teams keep the clean sheet, with little opportunities to open the scoring. This, however, changed in the closing moments of the first period of extra time, as Marseille broke the deadlock off of a well-placed shot into the bottom right corner of the goal. 

In the closing 15 minutes of play, New York struggled to create opportunities and equalize the game. Their chances of extending the game to penalties came to an end when Solano doubled his team’s lead on an open net in the 123rd minute.

With their 2-0 victory, United FC looks to punch their ticket into the 107th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as they now focus on the next qualifying round in November, where they will face Westchester FC in New York. (Recap by Mathias Medel) (Read a full recap of the match by Michael Battista here)

 

Oyster Bay United FC players pose in front of their fans following the team’s win over the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the 2022 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round. Photo: Karla Esqueche E&M Photography

 

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Oyster Bay United downs 3-time champ Pancyprian Freedoms in OT

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Oyster Bay United FC players pose in front of their fans following the team’s win over the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the 2022 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round. Photo: Karla Esqueche E&M Photography

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results

On a chilly night in Queens, three month old club Oyster Bay United FC defeated the New York Pancyprian Freedoms, a team with almost five decades of history behind it. Oyster Bay United won 2-0 after extra time and are now one win away from the tournament proper. Goals from Davidson Marseille and Jeison Solano at the end of each of the extra time halves put an end to a chippy 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match at Belson Stadium.

United’s defeat of the three-time US Open Cup champions followed their victory against four-time champion New York Greek Americans in the previous round. The Freedoms advanced after their Second Qualifying Round opponent, New Amsterdam FC II, forfeited the match.

Oyster Bay head coach Josue Esqueche knows these past two wins are huge on their own. But heading into a “Win And You’re In” game next month, his team is already going to play a less experienced side in Westchester United FC.

“They are both great teams with great history,” Esqueche said after the game. “That’s a plus for the team. That’s a plus for the guys. When you have those two matches on your backpack, you’re going to face other teams with lesser history. You are proud because you know that you already handled a big deal. You’re going to be able to face anything.”

With the Freedoms loss, only two 2020 US Open Cup qualifiers are still in-line to requalify for the tournament (Chula Vista FC & Harpos FC).

Ten minutes into the game and it was clear both teams were evenly matched. In the 8th minute, the Freedoms’ James Mulligan was carded for a foul just on the edge of the box, which Oyster’s Joey Sanchez slammed into the defensive wall. On the immediate counter attack, Dillon Woods was carded for a handball when challenging Charlie Ledula on the right side. The subsequent free kick by former pro and current Seton Hall assistant coach Jeff Matteo was also quietly handled by the defense before being skied out.

Yellow cards were a common sight during the game with Oyster Bay accumulating nine and the Freedoms picking up three. It was enough that the Pancyprian staff in the media box questioned how none of the visitors picked up a second card when not many substitutions were being made.

Esqueche put that down to his team’s training. He knows his players want to play professionally or at least advance to a higher level so adapting after getting carded is part of that.

“Part of being professional responsibilities on the field,” he explained. “If you get a card because of a foul, even if it’s not your fault, you have that card, you have to be professional enough to handle it.

“I’m not going to change every player on the field because of a yellow card. They have to be responsible enough knowing that when they have a card, they have to be more cautious when they go into a player.”

That didn’t really matter to the 46 people in attendance though who were mostly in favor of the visitors from Long Island. New York had more chances offensively but Oyster Bay looked more organized for the most part. That did lead to some moments where the visitors over-pressed leaving open space for Pancyprian to try and attack 2-on-1, with the saving grace being Ledula struggling to make plays up top. The half ended with the former New York Cosmos player getting a near breakaway but shooting high over the net.

In the second half, the home side came out in a completely different shape. United had playback as the historic side shot on goal multiple times with keeper Jean Perez making multiple clutch saves. The best way the visitors had to try and counter this was physicality and the cards continued to add up in this half especially. The game slowly reverted into a back and forth again.

Oyster Bay United FC’s Sebastian Ruiz played all 120 minutes for his team, switching between both wings and causing issues for the New York Pancyprian Freedoms. Photo: Karla Esqueche E&M Photography

Oyster Bay’s Sebastian Ruiz stood out as one of his team’s MVPs in the half. The midfielder fluently switched from the left to right side and his speed helped move the ball down field away from the feet of Freedom players. On the other side James Nealis, older brother of New York Red Bulls player Sean Nealis, was one of the best players on the field. The former New York Cosmos player was key in moving the ball and developing plays for his team. He nearly scored a game winner in the latter half of the second period but a great save kept it out.

Late on in the 80th minute, Ledula attempted to challenge Sanchez for the ball in the United end. Whether he tripped over the ball, the OBUFC player’s leg or himself he went down and grabbed his right ankle. It took a few moments before his teammates and team staff could help him off the field.

Esqueche realized that despite Ledula’s slow game on the scoreboard most of the Pancyprian attack was flowing through him. With him off and knowing the game was most likely heading to extra time he could adjust his players around.

“That was a big change for the game,” said Esqueche. “It gave us the space to put some fresh players on that side because (Ledula) was practically their best player. So that way, when he got injured, we were able to put our subs (in), which were fresh.

“(Pancyprian) were all playing in the back and we knew that it was going to be hard to break those lines.”

Just before the final whistle New York’s James Thristino had a chance to end it when he was fed a cross from the right side just outside the goalkeeper box. The pass came fast, he missed, and was cleanly challenged to the ground. The game entered extra time not long after.

In the first 15-minute half, Oyster Bay came out quick and did not allow the home side to get any shots on goal. Ruiz switched sides back to the left and while his acceleration may have slowed after 90-plus minutes, his legs still played a major part. He helped set up two back-to-back attempts on the Freedoms net in the 100th minute, one stopped by a jumping Bernardi in net and the next shot high and wide.

The breaking point came just before the third intermission. A long kick found Marseille charging down the center and for a moment play slowed down as players expected the referee to call offside. The Oyster Bay player kept going and recovered the still bouncing ball with a finish that slid past Bernardi’s right side.

Marseille, a Haitian immigrant who had two surgeries last summer before joining United, knows his team believes in him. While the team is young he knows there’s talent here and showing he deserves to be here means a lot to him. But even with their support he credited the goal to something that’s been with him since he played the game on a dirt field just outside his house.

“This was God’s doing, it has nothing to do with me,” he said after the match. “It’s a lot of work that came into this, but I give this to God because that’s what I believe in. And that’s all I can say.”

In the second extra time half, United shot wide of the net twice in the first two minutes but the game settled into a back and forth again. The middle of the field saw the most action and Oyster Bay attempted to slow the game down. Emotions boiled over in the 120th minute when Luis Altuve took down Andreas Iosifidis and players from both teams began shoving and exchanging words. Eventually New York players crowded around the match official after they felt he wasn’t punishing United enough for their rough play. Both Iosifidis and Altuve were carded.

By the time Solano slipped in the game sealer in the third minute of stoppage time, as Bernardi played up leaving the net empty, the home side was completely demoralized and the final result felt more like a formality.

Heading into the next match against a fellow United Premier Soccer League side Marseille and Esqueche both know their team has a big advantage thanks to all the support the young group has. With people coming from across Oyster Bay and beyond to support it’s something both know they can’t replace and both are truly grateful for it.

“From somebody that didn’t really have support going up this is very ideal for us,” Marseille said. “Without fans, without support in life, you can’t really go forward. God can only do so much, but he’s gonna do his part and people that are around you as friends and family, those are what pull you through sometimes.”

Full Match Broadcast

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Indirect free kick, saved PK spark D’Feeters Kicks’ OT win

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D’Feeters Kicks SC pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC. Photo: D’Feeters Kicks SC

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results

Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks FC used a bit of luck and a late extra time penalty to overturn a halftime deficit and advance past Houston Hotshots – Greenspoint FC in the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Houston got on the board first via a penalty converted by winger Isaac Ortega, but in the second half the host D’Feeters swung the tide and equalized via a rare in-the-penalty-box indirect free kick plus a second half of stoppage time penalty that was converted by captain Miguel Ojeda.

“We executed the chances we had,” said D’Feeters coach Edgar Hernandez after the game.

D’Feeters found themselves missing star striker Oscar Romero, who was serving a suspension he received three years ago when he last participated in an official Open Cup match. Romero had a spell with FC Dallas’ USL feeder club North Texas SC, but left after mutually agreeing to part ways with the team in September of 2020. Still, D’Feeters didn’t exactly miss a player of Romero’s caliber.

Both sides came out with plenty of energy in the early minutes and traded spells of possession, but Houston looked the more comfortable on the ball and managed to get two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes courtesy of the forward pairing of Jordan Velasco and Juan Ricciardi. One was hit directly at D’Feeters’ keeper and the other was blocked by a defender. The home side managed to settle in for the next few minutes to maintain possession, but neither side was able to break through.

D’Feeters Kicks’ indirect free kick equalizer in the 63rd minute

Then in the 13th minute, Houston whipped a free kick into the box and in the ensuing scuffle a penalty was given to the visitors. Isaac Ortega converted from the spot and Hotshots earned a deserved early lead in the 14th minute. D’Feeters quickly fought back though and managed to create several corner kick opportunities but nothing found the back of the net. Just before halftime, Luiz Morales turned and fired, only to be denied by the near post. Despite the spirited comeback, the hosts still found themselves down a goal at the break.

The early parts of the second half looked similar to the first with both sides creating half chances from brief spells of possession. Then things got interesting in the 60th minute. After a D’Feeters defensive giveaway almost gave Houston a second goal, the hosts received a free kick at the other end seconds later when Hotshots keeper Cristo Gayoso inexplicably fielded a direct back pass with his hands. Morales crushed his shot through the Houston wall off the ensuing indirect free kick from inside the penalty box and the home side finally had their equalizer. 10 minutes later, Gayoso found himself at the center of attention again as he came more than 10 yards outside his penalty box to clear a D’Feeters’ through ball. He might have regretted his decision, but Morales couldn’t get his shot on frame from an awkward angle and the score stayed 1-1. No other goals came and the two sides were still even after 90 minutes.

D’Feeters looked to be on the front foot early in extra time, but Velasco found himself in space on the right on the counter and managed to get into the box, where he drew a penalty. This time Ortega was denied by D’Feeters keeper Anthony Rodriguez and Houston’s Hanif Mohammad couldn’t keep his shot off the rebound down; the score stayed 1-1.

D’Feeters Kicks’ game-winning penalty kick in the 103rd minute

Hernandez praised his keeper afterwards, noting that he came within an inch of keeping Ortega’s first half penalty out.

“I would say this game, our keeper got us to the next round.”

But D’Feeters still needed one more moment of magic to secure the win. Minutes after Rodriguez denied Ortega from the spot, D’Feeters had Houston under siege and an extra hard challenge off a corner kick earned the home side a 102nd minute penalty. Captain Miguel Ojeda converted from the spot and the hosts were in front and in control. With tensions rising late in extra time, D’Feeters defender Paul Gorish was sent off in the 114th minute for a blatant post-foul push that also resulted in a yellow card for Houston’s bench. Ultimately, it turned out to be inconsequential as D’Feeters were able to see the game out and advance to the next round of qualifying where they will travel to El Paso to take on Southwest FC in a “Win & You’re In” match in November.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: FC Maritsa earn PK win after lengthy trip

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FC Maritsa players celebrate in the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against IASC Boom in Rochester, NY. Photo: Mathieu Starke | @Starke_photo (all social media)

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results
Game photos by Mathieu Starke (@Starke_photo)

A 1,500-mile trip, some biting wind, and a valiant display from the home side was not enough to stop FC Maritsa from earning a win on penalties against IASC Boom on Sunday night in Rochester.

The side from St. Louis woke up in the early hours of the morning to start their travels to the Empire State and dug deep to find the energy to hold on through 120 minutes of action. Player/coach Lucas Almeida buried the winning penalty to seal Maritsa’s advance to the next round of 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying.

Sunday’s hosts, IASC Boom, are an amalgamation of the Roc City Boom squad that competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and a long-standing community team called Italian American Sports Club. The team earned its place in qualification through the local Rochester District Soccer League, and defeated Pittsburgh City United FC 4-0 in last month’s Second Qualifying Round.

Maritsa also fields a team in the UPSL but entered through its local league, Metro East Football Association. FC Maritsa’s opponents in the previous round, Lexington Landsharks from Kentucky, forfeited last month’s match.

Boom had a penalty shout 15 minutes into the match when Whitman Hernandez went to ground after a tangle with Maritsa’s William Stimac but the match official waved away Rochester’s protests.

FC Maritsa logoMaritsa forward Edin Campara did well to apply pressure to IASC Boom’s backline and goalkeeper in the first half, which struggled to deal with balls in the air as the wind affected play.

The visitors had their own claim for a penalty in the 31st minute when Campara received the ball from a long throw and tried to chip it back to himself for a shooting chance. Boom’s energetic central defender Robert Williamson stepped in to win the ball with his chest but Maritsa players shouted that it hit Williamson’s arm in the process. The referee was unimpressed again.

Maritsa had a clear-cut chance in first half stoppage time when IASC Boom goalkeeper Connor Halsted came off his line but missed an attempted punch. A headed effort by the visitors was cleared off the line by Williamson and the half ended scoreless.

Boom had a chance from a set piece after Maritsa’s Mike Scharf was called for a foul on Nick Tata. Dom Francis lined up the free kick for the home team from about 35 yards and shot just wide of the near post in the 59th minute.

Just five minutes later, Maritsa capitalized on some sloppy touches from IASC Boom to take the lead. Center back Jacob Schindler partially cleared an attempted through ball by the visitors but his teammate Mwalizi Mutambo, who was otherwise solid in midfield for Boom, lost a duel to Connor Woulahan. Maritsa’s Woulahan fed the ball forward to Campara, who isolated Schindler on the dribble before pinging a cross to the far post to find his teammate Vadim Cojocov. Cojocov nodded the ball past a diving Halsted to put the team from St. Louis ahead in the 64th minute.

“In the midfield Connor put in a good tackle, anticipated the play and found Edin with a good ball,” Almeida said about the goal sequence. “Edin did well and then crossed to the back post where Vadim was making a run and got a great header in, made good contact, and put it in the net. It was a beautiful goal from a good pressure.”

After conceding, Boom head coach Marc Mandell quickly made two attacking substitution to change the complexion of the game. The match settled into a siege mentality in the final 15 minutes with Maritsa conceding space and committing fouls but Boom were unable to find an equalizer. Francis delivered service on several deep free kicks that found the first Rochester player in the penalty area but that Maritsa’s defenders were able to clear.

In second half stoppage time, Francis sent in another free kick from the inside left channel and Boom substitute Ali Shawish rose highest in the crowd to knot the match at 1-1 with seconds left.

Mandell recognized his team was off the pace at the start but credited the spirit of his players to force extra time.

FC Maritsa player attempts to tackle the ball away from an IASC Boom player in a 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match in Rochester, NY. Photo: Mathieu Starke | @Starke_photo (all social media)

“The first half we hung in there and stuck in there, they got the goal. But to fight back and we had the guys fight back and actually put a goal in 90 minutes plus, in stoppage time, it shows the determination and grit that we have with this team.”

Extra time continued with the home team on the front foot but Maritsa showed flashes on the counterattack. At the end of two 15-minute periods the score remained 1-1 and the teams lined up for kicks from the spot.

FC Maritsa won the right to shoot first and made that count. The first four kick-takers for each team converted before Lucas Almeida stepped up for his team’s fifth. The veteran for Maritsa blasted it over the keeper’s arms to score. Schindler lined up a one-step run up and goalkeeper Ethan Cowell saved the attempt for the win.

After the final whistle, IASC Boom’s Mandell was full of praise for his players despite the result. “Not training for a whole month and guys getting together to just play the game, the guys really played well. I can’t ask for more than that. Short time, trying to get everybody in. I’m proud of them.”

Almeida detailed that Maritsa’s travel schedule began before dawn in Saint Louis.

“Man, it was so long. We started at 4:45 a.m., we were at the airport. Flew to Atlanta, got a connection there flew to Buffalo, waited there, got a car there and drove straight to the arena. We haven’t been to the hotel, we haven’t done anything. It’s been a very, very long day, but a very fulfilling one.”

“It adds to the excitement. We know every game at this level is going to be a competitive game,” the player/coach said. “We expect it to be a hard one, and the possibility of going 120 minutes and penalties.”

Maritsa advance to the next round of US Open Cup qualifying where they will try to better their 2019 showing and move on to the tournament proper for the first time.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Next batch of matchups announced for Rounds 2, 3

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Players from Vereinigung Erzgebirge celebrate after scoring a goal against West Chester United in the 2020 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | Brotherly Game
Players from Vereinigung Erzgebirge celebrate after scoring a goal against West Chester United in the 2020 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | Brotherly Game

The October batch of games in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is fast approaching. In total, 31 games will kick off across the country this weekend between Oct. 16-17, reducing the current field of 63 down to 32.

The teams that are taking part in the competition are mostly amateur — although there are no rules limiting professional teams from participating. As of now the field contains representation from 14 different states and the District of Columbia (18 different leagues). For the sixth year in a row, the most represented league is the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), which entered 30 teams to start and currently has 23 teams still active.

For 2022 qualifying US Soccer has slightly altered the way regional rounds are held. In previous years all teams compete in the same round across the country during the same window, with an example being that two teams from the northeast playing against one another are in the same round as two teams from the west coast playing against one another. While this was simple, issues arose when regions with less teams got to later rounds forcing long travel.

For a recent example, during the 2020 qualifying tournament, Michigan side Livonia City FC were forced to travel to Louisiana for their Third Qualifying Round draw against Louisiana Krewe FC.

To try and counter this, USSF has implemented individual regional rounds, meaning regions with higher team participation (Southeast & West) will go through four rounds of qualifying. Meanwhile, the other two regions (Northeast & Central) will only play three rounds of qualifying. The latter two regionals began last month in the “Second Qualifying Round” while the former two had four teams each begin in the “First Qualifying Round”. This weekend will be the subsequent qualifying round for each.

Last month’s round formatting was not the only confusion surrounding the tournament. Ahead of the first games US Soccer mandated that all teams register all rostered players, including both US Citizens and internationals. Normally this would not be an issue however the federation reportedly asked for almost all players that were previously accepted to be re-added and were particularly meticulous about the submission formats.

Multiple teams spoke to TheCup.us to voice frustration over the situation. Colorado Rush manager Joe Webb detailed that his team having multiple minors made registering more difficult. The tournament rules state that all adult roster members need to be SafeSport certified in order to be eligible to play but according to the team member the situation for minors was less than clear.

“If by some miracle of God we for thru this weekend then its possible I could get it done,” Webb said. “We have quite a few coaches and we are all SafeSport certified, (I’m) just not sure what it takes to get the others done.”

Rush lost to Colorado Super League rival Azteca FC, 4-1, with only ten players available for the match.

In another instance the Jackson Lions experienced a situation where two of its own players needed to be reclassified as amateur prior to his rescheduled match earlier this month. The two players previously played professionally for USL Championship sides in 2016 and 2018 respectively but had been approved to play in 2020 qualifying for the team. Lions owner Mike Durazzo was told he needed to get those teams to sign release forms in an email sent a few hours before his team’s game kicked off.

In total, five teams forfeited their qualifying matches, not including EFA Metro’s rescinded forfeit against Jackson Lions, breaking the previous record for most forfeits in a single round that was previously set in 2017 qualifying (4). The most forfeits in a single tournament is eight which was set during 2018 qualifying. Three of the teams that forfeited claimed their reason for doing so was because of registration issues, with EFA also claiming that before they successfully appealed and got their game rescheduled.

One additional team won’t be taking part in the qualifying tournament, but this one is due to league disputes. Miami Beach CF entered the tournament as a member of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) but was removed on Sept. 16.

After speaking with sources from both sides the situation is as follows; Miami Beach CF competed in the UPSL in the 2021 Spring season and entered the qualifying tournament as a member of the league. During the year, the team jumped to the National Soccer League (NSL) but attempted to add a separate reserve (Under-23) team to the UPSL, which the league refused to allow. Therefore, the club was denied a spot in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament because they both switched leagues (first team) and were not in good standing in the UPSL (U-23s).

US Soccer therefore announced the City Soccer FC (Fla.) vs. Miami Sun FC (Fla.) First Round match would now be counted for the Second Round. Despite the federation claiming Miami “withdrew” from the tournament team CEO and founder Tony Lafrate vehemently refutes that wording.

“They kicked us out because I wanted to call the team Miami Beach Under 23,” Lafrate told TheCup.us. “It’s really sad. We’ve wanted to compete in for three years and our players were very excited.” His team will continue to compete in the NSL and is looking forward to a possible 2023 qualifying campaign.

The number of slots (teams advancing to the tournament proper) for each region is as follows:

  • Northeast (32 clubs/4 slots available)
  • Southeast (18/2)
  • Central (16/2)
  • West (26/3)

The 11 advancing local qualifiers will join 2022 National Amateur Cup champion Lansdowne Yonkers FC in the first round proper. With this new information, TheCup.us is now projecting in the range of 30 to 32 Open Division slots. NPSL and USL League Two (USL2) are projected to receive either 9 or 10 slots depending on what the final total is.

30 Open Division slots:

  • 11 + 1 Local Qualifying
  • 9 NPSL
  • 9 USL2

31 Open Division slots:

  • 11 + 1 Local Qualifying
  • 10 NPSL
  • 9 USL2

32 Open Division slots:

  • 11 + 1 Local Qualifying
  • 10 NPSL
  • 10 USL2

The cancelled 2020 tournament had 38 Open Division slots. The continued expansion of MLS, both USL professional leagues, and NISA will end up bumping out some Open Division teams. This could potentially be fewer than the 32 Open Division slots for the 2019 US Open Cup. Any adjustments to the Open Division total slots will be adjusted in the NPSL and USL League Two pools. Local Qualifying pool is locked in to these 11 slots plus Lansdowne Yonkers’ berth. This will be finalized in early Jan. 2022 after the professional team entry deadline of Dec. 31.

The Open Division Local Qualifying tournament was launched in 2016 as an alternative to holding state and regional qualifying tournaments. Now, all teams from any US Soccer-affiliated leagues just need to register. The competition begins in the fall and all entrants are divided up regionally to minimize travel, with the teams that advance the furthest qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup which will begin in the spring.

Stay tuned to our social media feeds/website for updates.

The match-ups for the October round of the qualifying tournament are listed below:

2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – October Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule
All Times Eastern

Second Qualifying Round
Southeast Region

Date Game (home team listed first) Time Venue
Oct. 16 Miami Soccer Academy (Fla.) vs. Naples City FC (Fla.) 7 p.m. Flamingo Park – Abel Holtz Stadium; Miami Beach, FL
Oct. 16 Georgia Revolution FC Reserves (Ga.) vs. Georgia Storm FC (Ga.) 7:30 p.m. Luella High School Stadium; Locust Grove, GA
Oct. 16 Orlando FC Wolves (Fla.) vs. Oceanway FC (Fla.) 7:30 p.m. East Orange District Park; Christmas, FL
Oct. 17 South Carolina United Heat (S.C.) vs. Atletico Atlanta (Ga.) 5 p.m. Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center; Columbia, SC
Oct. 17 Florida Brothers (Fla.) vs. Red Force FC (Fla.) 6 p.m. Dr. Lester B. Brown Park; Miami Gardens, FL
Oct. 17 Palm Beach Breakers (Fla.) vs. International Soccer Association (Fla.) 7 p.m. Lake Lytal Park; West Palm Beach, FL
Oct. 17 Florida Soccer Soldiers (Fla.) vs. Hurricane FC (Fla.) 8 p.m. Tropical Park Stadium; Miami, FL

(The originally scheduled First Qualifying Round match between City Soccer FC (Fla.) and Miami Sun FC (Fla.) from September 18, which City won, 3-2, was later reclassified as a “Second Qualifying Round” match due to Miami Beach CF’s removal from the tournament. Practically, this could be seen as a bye for City Soccer FC since their next qualifying match will be next month.)

West Region

Date Game (home team listed first) Time Venue
Oct. 16 Modesto City FC (Calif.) vs. Contra Costa FC (Calif.) 4 p.m. The House Modesto; Modesto, CA
Oct. 16 Oakland Stompers (Calif.) vs. El Farolito (Calif.) 9 p.m. Burrell Field; San Leandro, CA
Oct. 16 JASA RWC (Calif.) vs. Metro FC (Calif.) 10:15 p.m. Red Morton Community Park – Bechet FIeld; Redwood City, CA
Oct. 17 BattleBorn FC (Nev.) vs. FC Davis (Calif.) 4 p.m. Douglas High School (Grass Field); Minden, NV
Oct. 17 Desert Communities SC Pathfinders (Calif.) vs. Villarreal Las Vegas (Nev.) 6 p.m. Helendale Community Park; Helendale, CA
Oct. 17 L.A. Monsters FC (Calif.) vs. Outbreak FC (Calif.) 6 p.m. Wilmington Athletic Complex; Wilmington, CA
Oct. 17 Chula Vista FC (Calif.) vs. White Tigers FC (Calif.) 6:30 p.m. Terra Nova Park; Chula Vista, CA
Oct. 17 Inter San Francisco (Calif.) vs. Real San Jose (Calif.) 8:15 p.m. Beach Chalet Fields (Field 4); San Francisco, CA
Oct. 17 Escondido FC (Calif.) vs. Rebels SC (Calif.) 9 p.m. Mount Miguel High School; Spring Valley, CA
Oct. 17 Sporting ID11 (Calif.) vs. Rose City FC (Calif.) 9 p.m. Lake Forest Sports Park (Turf Field A); Lake Forest, CA
Oct. 17 San Fernando Valley FC (Calif.) vs. Trojans FC (Calif.) 9:30 p.m. Sepulveda Basin Sports Complex; Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 17 Real Sociedad Royals (Calif.) vs. Capistrano FC (Calif.) 11 p.m. Orange County Great Park (Field 13); Irvine, CA

Second Round Byes: None

Third Qualifying Round
Northeast Region

Date Game (home team listed first) Time Venue
Oct. 16 DC Cheddar (D.C.) vs. Districtonia Futbol (D.C.) 1:30 p.m. The Fields at RFK Campus (Field 3); Washington, D.C.
Oct. 16 Kendall Wanderers (Mass.) vs. Brockton FC United (Mass.) 2 p.m. James P. Falzone Memorial Park; Waltham, MA
Oct. 16 Westchester United FC (N.Y.) vs. Jackson Lions FC (N.J.) 5 p.m. Brewster HS; Brewster, NY
Oct. 16 Virginia United FC (Va.) vs. Nova FC (Va.) 7 p.m. George Hampton Middle School; Woodbridge, VA
Oct. 17 Rockville SC (Md.) vs. Lynchburg FC (Va.) 3 p.m. Laytonia Recreational Park (Turf Field); Gaithersburg, MD
Oct. 17 Philadelphia Lone Star FC (Pa.) vs. Vereinigung Erzgebirge (Pa.) 3:30 p.m. John Bartram HS Football Field; Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 17 IASC Boom (N.Y.) vs. FC Maritsa (Ill.) 5 p.m. East Rochester Public HS; East Rochester, NY
Oct. 17 NY Pancyprian Freedoms (N.Y.) vs. Oyster Bay United FC (N.Y.) 8 p.m. Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Queens, NY

Third Round Byes: None

Central Region

Date Game (home team listed first) Time Venue
Oct. 16 Southwest FC (Texas) vs. Gam United FC (Colo.) 9 p.m. Eastside Sports Complex; El Paso, TX
Oct. 16 Harpos FC (Colo.) vs. Peak Eleven FC (Colo.) 9 p.m. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field 8); Commerce City, CO
Oct. 16 Azteca FC (Colo.) vs. Colorado Rovers (Colo.) 9 p.m. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field 10); Commerce City, CO
Oct. 17 D’Feeters Kicks SC (Texas) vs. Houston Hotshots (Texas) 4:45 p.m. Lake Ridge High School; Mansfield, Texas

Third Round Byes: None

Third Qualifying Round (Southeast, West), Fourth Qualifying Round (Central, Northeast): Nov. 20-21
Fourth Qualifying Round (Southeast, West): Dec. 18-19

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Jackson Lions defeat EFA Metro in controversy-filled rescheduled game

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Jackson Lions pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against EFA Metro. Photo: Jackson Lions FC

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results
(Match broadcast)

Like most things in lower league US soccer, the match between EFA Metro and Jackson Lions FC was anything but normal. The game went from being reportedly forfeited, to back on, to nearly forfeited again, before finally being played at a new venue … with a live DJ on the sidelines.

In the end, the Lions advanced, 3-0, over the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) side on Friday night.

Goals from Daniel Pizzimenti, David Nigro, and an EFA own-goal were the difference. Jackson moves on to play Westchester United FC in the next round. The road match against the UPSL side will be the Lions first qualifying match outside of New Jersey since their first one during 2017 Qualifying (against Pennsylvania side Vereinigung Erzgebirge).

The Lions came into the game with only 13 players available and it was nearly less. Team co-owner Mike Durazzo explained many of his guys had a wedding to attend and neither of his goalkeepers were available.

Natural forward Jacob Rubinstein had to play his first game between the sticks since his days at Ocean Township High School. Despite not having played goalkeeper in a little more than a decade, he earned a clean sheet, making at least seven saves and earning praise from his team.

“He really stepped up for us,” Nigro said after the match. “He’s usually one of our number nines or up top. To get a clean sheet in that first time in there it’s a testament to him. He played awesome.”

The tone of the match was set early when EFA keeper Michael Mejia came out of the box to play a ball and challenge a Jackson midfielder. The collision earned him a yellow card and the physicality escalated from there. The referee’s whistle was a constant as both teams battled for the ball and played the length of the field. 

The EFA offense took the edge in the first half but both defenses were tested and bent.

Around 25 minutes in, the Lions struggled to clear an EFA attack. Rubinstein and the back line had to handle multiple corner kicks and five minutes later a near break away needed to be saved. Every time the offense challenged Jackson it felt like a goal was coming. The 67 fans in attendance, mostly there for the home side, were on the edge of their seats.

Durazzo noted that this sort of action actually benefitted his group more. When the scoreline says 0-0 and a team like EFA is so close to scoring it can mess with that group. Despite not being fully rostered he knew the XI on the field just needed to be patient.

“Our guys are all veterans, they’ve been in these games before,” Durazzo said. “The longest score stays the more comfortable they get. The other team, I think, you know, I think they were a little bit younger and they were a little bit more antsy. We took advantage of our chances.”

The Lions best early chance came in the 11th minute when Walter Calderon struck a curling shot toward the top right corner. A quick jump and extension by Meijia preserved the scoreline.

However, the mood shifted in the 39th minute. Calderon ran down the left side and crossed into the box. None of his teammates would have gotten this ball but did find EFA defender Thomas Miazga who redirected the ball into his own net.

“You could see though as soon as they put in that own goal, they’re morale kind of dipped,” Lions defender Andrew Gee said after the game. “So we took advantage of that and then pushed our advantage.”

Durazzo echoed that point, noting that Metro has done well in the UPSL since joining last year. However a team with a median age in the lower twenties, and a 16 year-old defender, is still lacking in experience unlike the Lions.

“I like everything that they’re starting to do and they’re going to be something to be reckoned with in a couple of years,” Durazzo said. “But I think when they play a team like us, they come out with more energy. So when we get that own goal and the momentum swings our way, I think with the veteran guys that we have, we just take advantage of that momentum.”

The young EFA team and their coach became far more vocal after this and emotions ran high. By the end of it, Jakub Golabek, EFA’s director of coaching on the sideline, was shown a yellow himself and warned to keep quiet. As the second half kicked off the back and forth slowly slid in favor of the visitors. The major turning point came in the 57th minute when Miazga pulled down a Jackson player by his collar during a counter attack. Originally he was only shown a yellow but after discussing it with the linesman the ref altered it to a straight red.

Miazga, the brother of United States men’s national soccer team player Matt Miazga, didn’t hold back against referees as he increased the number of fans in the stands to 68. As one person between the benches eloquently put it; “We have a DJ, but no VAR.”

Pizzimenti converted from the spot to make it 2-0 in the 61st minute.

Despite being down a man, EFA challenged the Lions like they were at full strength. Ball possession slid more in favor of Jackson but Metro punched up. Winger Almir Kariqi was finding space where there shouldn’t have been any and made quick, clean passes into the Lions’ end. But that came to an end when Nigro sealed the match in the 73rd minute.

“It’s always nice to get a (goal) in the run of play,” Nigro said, with his goal being the only “standard” one during the match. “We were knocking around, we were looking dangerous needed that third one, just to kind of ice the game out. They were looking threatening. (I) just got the ball at the top of the box and knew that the keeper wasn’t expecting the shot and just tucked it in the corner.”

Metro seemingly got one back in the 89th minute but was called back for offside.

The game itself almost took a backdrop to the drama surrounding it. The two teams were originally scheduled to play on Saturday Sept. 18 at Athenia Steel Park in Clifton, N.J. However the day of the match, EFA posted on Instagram that the game was cancelled due to “registration issues” and the Lions would advance. It wasn’t out of place, unfortunately, as five other games were forfeited for similar reasons during the weekend. However, over the next few days things EFA deleted that Instagram post.

When U.S. Soccer emailed the advancing teams the match-ups for the next round; it listed EFA vs Jackson for a new date and venue. According to team sources, EFA appealed and the Lions agreed to play the match instead of taking the forfeit win.

On the day of the reschedule, the Lions, who had been told to re-submit all their players for registration, only had ten players accepted. At 3 p.m., Durazzo was emailed by USSF and told two of his players, Derek Luke and Jacques Francois, were ineligible because they were considered “professional”. Luke last played for Rio Grande Valley FC in 2018 and Francois hadn’t played professionally since 2016 with San Antonio FC. Both men were previously cleared to play for the team during 2020 qualifying as well. In the email, the federation asked Durazzo to have both Texas-based USL Championship sides sign a form to secure both players’ eligibility, with less than six hours to go before kickoff.

“This is the last year we are doing this,” Durazzo said during the ordeal. Eventually after contacting the federation and USASA President John Motto both players were allowed to play around 5 p.m. After the win, and with emotions less-heated, his thoughts were less on the issues this year and more hoping to get his group two more wins.

“A lot of the veteran guys on this team know that this might be, some of them might be their last chance to play,” Durazzo said. “So we hope that these three years we’re learning, you know, learning lessons and we could get in finally this year.”

Around 10 a.m. on the originally scheduled match day, Saturday, September 18, EFA Metro posted the above to Instagram stating they had forfeited the match due to “registration issues”. This post was later deleted.

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