Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Teenager scores twice to help San Antonio FC keep win streak

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Henrik Sakshaug San Antonio FC 2022 US Open Cup
17-year-old Henrik Sakshaug of San Antonio FC became the youngest player in team history to score two goals in the club’s 3-1 win over D’Feeters Kicks SC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

At 17 years old, Henrik Sakshaug — making just his second appearance with San Antonio FC’s senior team — scored twice during a four-minute stretch in the second half to help the home side defeat Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks SC by a score of 3-1.

Sakshaug, one of several teenagers from the San Antonio academy system getting the start for the USL Championship side, became the youngest player in San Antonio FC history to score two goals in a match.

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With the win, San Antonio extends the club’s winning streak in opening round games to five, and improves to 6-0-0 all-time against amateur teams.

After a scoreless first half, San Antonio injected some urgency into the second, bringing on first team captain Connor Maloney coming out of the break. The midfielder made his presence felt almost immediately, creating multiple chances, including one to his right back Shannon Gomez, but Gomez was denied at point blank range by D’Feeters goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez from about eight yards out.

The breakthrough finally came for the home side in the 53rd minute. Brazilian midfielder PC played a free kick into the box that D’Feeters failed to sufficiently clear. The ball fell kindly for Sakshaug on the edge of the penalty box and the youngster buried a clinical low driven shot that was mature beyond his current age. A minute later, Maloney added a goal of his own after getting on the end of another failed clearance by the D’Feeters defense. In the 57th minute, Gomez played a perfect square ball into the box and Sakshaug calmly finished for his second of the night.

D’Feeters quickly pulled one back in the 61st as Cardone failed to corral an early cross and Sebastian Mendez was inside the six-yard box to finish off the chance. Moments later Oscar Romero put a header just wide of the near post and the visitors continued to apply pressure right up until Juan Ramirez was sent off in the 83rd minute with his second yellow card of the night. Sakshaug almost completed the hat trick, but his late chance was denied by Rodriguez and he would have to settle for a mere brace in the breakout performance of his young career.

The home side controlled possession early in the first half but could only generate half chances, including a wasted corner kick in the opening two minutes. San Antonio kept up pressure and managed to test D’Feeters’ Rodriguez in the 15th minute. San Antonio whipped in a corner kick that the 20 year old Rodriguez failed to pluck out of the air, but San Antonio couldn’t capitalize on the loose ball in the box. The hosts continued to control possession and keep the ball in DKSC’s half, but no chances came.

D’Feeters abruptly breathed new life into the game with a low, driven early cross in the 29th minute that was smothered by San Antonio’s Matt Cardone before it could reach its target. Two minutes later, DKSC’s Miles Byass had the best chance of the half for the visitors, but his shot inside the box missed the far post by a matter of inches. Both teams continued to grow into the game and traded more chances, but neither could find a decisive goal and halftime arrived with the scoreline still stuck at 0-0.

San Antonio advances to the Third Round with an opponent to be determined on Friday, April 8 at Noon Eastern Time.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: St. Louis City 2 wins debut at Indy Eleven

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Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium at IUPUI
Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium at IUPUI. Photo: St. Louis CITY 2

A visiting MLS Next Pro St. Louis CITY 2 team imposed itself with a goal in each half to knock hosts and USL Championship side Indy Eleven out of the US Open Cup with a 2-0 win in the Second Round of the US Open Cup.

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St. Louis CITY 2 ceded 64% of possession to its second division opponents, but outpaced them on shots 7-6 and looked the more dangerous team for all but 15 minutes after the half.

The visiting side is the sole incarnation of the club that will enter a side in MLS next year, and has several players who are being warehoused in the third division in anticipation that they may play next year. Still, the Indy Eleven side had to compete with them this year and may have expected to dominate. That never happened.

Indy dominated possession from the start, but St Louis’ press paid off in the 17th minute. A botched clearance by the Eleven ended up falling to Josh Yaro in the midfield, who pinged a neat on-time cross out of the air to Ezra Armstrong on the left wing, just inside the 18. Armstrong settled the ball with his thigh and half-volleyed the ball with his left decisively past the Eleven’s backup keeper, Tim Trilk, to open the scoring.

St. Louis continued to press, and looked close to scoring during stretches before the half hour mark and again around the 37th minute when Armstrong combined twice with Vitor Dias on two occasions.

After the half, Indy came out forcefully for the first 15 minutes, and pushed its attack down the left side of the visiting defense. The Eleven managed three menacing crosses in the 51st, 55th, and 58th from that side, but each was intercepted just off the goal line by St. Louis keeper, Michael Creek.

St. Louis countered around the 70th minute, pushing the hosts back on their heels, and in the 72nd minute Armstrong pinged a ball from the left wing to substitute Célio Martins. He controlled the ball and slipped it to Wan Kuzain who snuck the ball inside the far post with a low shot for the second-half goal.

St. Louis now advances to the Third Round of the US Open Cup with a possible opportunity to face a MLS squad. The draw for Round 3 will be announced on Friday at Noon ET.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Detroit City FC blanks local rival Michigan Stars, earn first “win”

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Matt Lewis Detroit City FC Michigan Stars FC 2022 US Open Cup
Matt Lewis of Detroit City FC celebrates with some fans during the club’s Second Round match against Michigan Stars FC in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer – Detroit City FC

It took until nearly halftime, but Detroit City FC eventually broke through with two set piece headers in the span of two minutes, then added another goal in the second half to get past a familiar foe in the Michigan Stars by the score of 3-0 at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

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For Detroit City FC, it was not only a win over a local rival, but it was the club’s first official US Open Cup victory. Le Rouge had advanced twice as an amateur side in the NPSL, but both were by penalty kick shootouts, which are officially recognized as draws.

The Stars of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) pressured Detroit’s midfield in the first few minutes, but once Le Rouge got their feet under them, the possession of the match was theirs to lose. As has been the case with many of the matchups these teams have played over the years, the game became physical rather quickly. The first yellow card was shown to Michigan’s Elias McCloud in the 9th minute for a late tackle on DCFC’s Brad Dunwell.

The turning point may have come in the 23rd minute. In the second of three successive corner kicks for Detroit (USL-C), Devon Amoo-Mensah, the former captain of the Stars from last season, fired a volley from near the penalty spot, only for Stars goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva to make a diving save. On the play following the third corner, Mkuruva may have been injured as he was gesturing to his eye. After a check from the training staff, play continued until the 26th minute when he dropped to the ground holding his head. He was unable to continue and was subbed out for backup goalkeeper Paul Lewis.

After this point, City was able to capitalize by bringing a flurry of chances into the attacking third, but wasn’t able to test the backup keeper until the 44th minute when Francis Atuahene forced a diving save out for a corner. On the ensuing play, Maxi Rodriguez delivered a ball from the left side into the box that found the head of Connor Rutz for the opening goal in the 45th minute.

Less than two minutes later, in what appeared to be a mirror image from the last goal, Rodriguez was able to serve another goal from the corner, this time from the right side. Matt Lewis was able to get over Jacob Campbell and head the ball into the back post to put DCFC up 2-0 just before halftime.

Detroit was able to tack on a third goal in the 63rd minute as Michael Bryant sent in a cross from the right to Rutz, who headed it in front of goal for Lewis to fire it home from the top of the box. They were almost able to add a fourth tally in the 69th minute as a corner kick found Lewis, who was able to send a deflected header toward net, but the Stars defense was able to clear it off the line.

DCFC goalkeeper Nate Steinwasher was barely called upon as Michigan did not have an attempt on goal, and he was able to earn a clean sheet.

Detroit City FC fans set off smoke bombs during the club's match against Michigan Stars FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Nick Miko
Detroit City FC fans set off smoke bombs during the club’s match against Michigan Stars FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Nick Miko

With the 3-0 win, Detroit City FC breaks scored more than two goals in an Open Cup game for the first time. It was also the first win by an amateur team from Michigan since 2017 when the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks) defeated Indy Eleven.

DCFC will learn their opponent in Round 3 when the draw is announced at Noon on Friday.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Tampa Bay Rowdies cruise in rematch with The Villages SC

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Tampa Bay Rowdies The Villages SC 2022 US Open Cup Photo by Morgan Tencza
Kyle Greig (22) and Yann Ekra of the Tampa Bay Rowdies celebrate a goal against The Villages SC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Morgan Tencza

For the second straight round, The Villages SC were part of a 6-0 result. However, instead of the drubbing they dealt Orlando FC Wolves in the First Round off the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the USL League Two side was on the opposite end of the scoreline. The Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship scored early and often en route to a Second Round victory. 

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An announced crowd of 2,579 witnessed a rematch of the Second Round of the last US Open Cup that was played back in 2019, also played at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rowdies also won that match convincingly, by the score of 4-1.

Having cruised to a 3-0 lead on the back of two first-half goals from Lucky Mkosana — both assisted by Kyle Greig — Tampa Bay turned its attention towards some history for the club, handing professional debuts to just-signed Academy players Tate Johnson and Santi Castaneda.

“The most important thing was to move on to the next round,” said Rowdies head coach Neill Collins. “I thought it was important for two reasons. The players, I think they want that opportunity to play against the best. And for our fans. I get the impression they want us to progress and have those nights in the Open Cup hopefully here at Al Lang. So I’m pleased we’re on to the next round. Any night you can have the opportunity to give two young players that trained with us for two months and played in preseason games their professional debuts, that’s a good night.”

Also making their mark on the scoresheet were Jordan Scarlett, heading in a cross from Jake Areman in the 36th minute; Kyle Greig, getting to another cross put in by Areman in the 53rd; Jake LaCava in the 63rd, hammering home shortly after being introduced as a second-half sub; and Laurence Wyke in the 73rd. The midfielder made a run down the right side before turning in and lobbing the ball at the near post, where Gried just missed out on tapping home, but a moment’s hesitation by the GK meant that Wyke’s ball found it’s way across the line. The six-goal outburst set a new club record for goals scored in an Open Cup match, surpassing the four Tampa Bay scored previously against The Villages in 2019.

“We had a vision going into the game,” Mkosana said. “Neill told us to press from the front and we were able to keep that organization. Everything came from just playing and taking our chances. It was a really good effort from the team.”

Despite the scoreline, the visitors put up a valiant effort and created several chances for themselves, most notably around the 30th minute, but were unable to give their contingent of traveling supporters something to celebrate.

Tampa Bay will now wait until Friday to learn it Third Round opponent and will undoubtedly hope to be handed an opportunity to host an MLS side at Al Lang Stadium, where the club is currently undefeated in its previous five Open Cup matches.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: NC Fusion snaps road streak, hands Charlotte another upset loss

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American Legion Memorial Stadium
American Legion Memorial Stadium

For the third time in club history, and the third tournament in a row, the Charlotte Independence have been eliminated from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by an amateur team. The North Carolina Fusion U-23s join the Ocean City Nor’easters (2018) and the Florida Soccer Soldiers (2019) in knocking the Jacks out of the competition.

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The Fusion U-23s, who were the USL League Two runner-up last season, defeated the Independence 4-2 to earn the club’s first win over a pro team since 2006. It also snapped an eight-game road losing streak for the Fusion in the Open Cup, the longest such streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). The last time the Fusion won a road game in the Open Cup was in 1999 when they were a Div. 3 pro team (USL D-3 Pro League) and traveled across the country to upset the Orange County Zodiac of the A-League (Div. 2 pro).

Not many fans made it out to American Legion Memorial Stadium due to torrential downpours in the Charlotte Metro region. But the ones that were in attendance saw a hard-fought and scrappy match.

The Independence would get on the board first, thanks to a Shalom Dutey header off a set piece in the 14th minute.

Luis Neto would equalize in the 37th minute for the Fusion.

Ayrton Paez would put the Jacks back in front just before halftime, thanks to an assist from Ivan Luquetta.

The second half would see tempers flare between the in-state squads. Some pushing and shoving would eventually lead to Tresor Mbuyu, of the Independence, being shown a red card in the 76th minute.

Just before the end of regulation, Tom Marriott of the Fusion would score his first goal of the match in the 88th minute. William Lorentz would seal the victory for the amateur side with a goal five minutes into second half stoppage time, right before the full-time whistle.

“It was a massive win for the club,” said Fusion goalkeeper Josh Perryman.

Since joining USL League Two in 2004 under the name Carolina Dynamo, the Fusion have eliminated four professional teams. Only three amateur clubs in the Modern Era have more pro team upsets than North Carolina. (Flint City Bucks 10; Des Moines Menace 7; Ocean City Nor’easters 6)

Perryman said his Fusion teammates came into the match with a mindset of “no fear” and are eager to see who their next opponent will be in the Third Round. The draw for Round 3 will take place at Noon on Friday.

 

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Toby Sims’ brace leads Pittsburgh Riverhounds over Maryland Bobcats

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Toby Sims Pittsburgh Riverhounds Maryland Bobcats 2022 US Open Cup
Toby Sims of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Maryland Bobcats in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger | Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC continued their unbeaten run to the season by defeating Maryland Bobcats FC 2-0 in the Second Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The win marked their fifth game in all competitions without a loss to start their campaign. This time, the Hounds were propelled by some fresh faces as head coach Bob Lilley played a heavily rotated side that included many of the club’s young players. Leading the youthful crop was winger Toby Sims, whose two goals marked the first professional goals of his career.

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Sims broke open a cagey first half in the 37th minute when Luis Argudo got onto the end of Jesse Williams’ touchline through ball and lofted a cross for Sims to slot home just inside the post. The Englishman then doubled Pittsburgh’s lead in the 56th minute. 17-year-old Wyatt Borso drilled a cross the width of the pitch that found its way past a fallen Bobcat defender and onto the foot of Sims. Sims controlled and then curled his shot past the outstretched arm of Maryland’s keeper.

The first-year pro made the most of his cup opportunity by bagging his first goals under contract and in a Hounds shirt. Sims, a typical wingback, took advantage of Lilley’s surprise decision to play him further up the pitch.

“I found out yesterday when he released the starting 11,” said Sims, who was an All-American at Chowan University, an NCAA Division 2 program in North Carolina. “I never played that position before, so I was a bit apprehensive going into the game. I definitely got more comfortable as the game went on. I got more touches and it paid off in the end.”

Sims was one of a handful of new additions to Lilley’s squad that got a chance to prove themselves, as the experienced coach turned over his starting lineup to keep key members of the first team fresh for the upcoming west coast road trip in USL Championship league play. The crew of newly crowned professionals did not let the chance slip away and gave their boss more to think about as the season progresses.

“We want to build depth, we want to keep growing,” said Lilley, who is now tied with Bob Bradley and Adrian Heath for fourth place in the Modern Era with 19 career coaching wins in the US Open Cup. “We asked them to step up, take care of this game, and they did. That’s important for their psyche.”

Sims expressed his eagerness to squeeze out more playing time for himself, perhaps in an unexpected new position.

“Getting the opportunity was something I definitely felt like I needed to take. Hopefully further down the line it gets me more minutes, if not I’ll keep working ‘til I do.”

Both teams struggled in the first half hour of the match to create a pattern of play, leading to a stalemate on possession and no significant chances. Eventually the Hounds chipped away at Maryland’s left side of the defense, Argudo sneaking behind on multiple occasions before providing the assist to Sims that ended the deadlock.

In the second half, Lilley switched his attack plan to the right and Sims exposed the back line’s vulnerability once again. The Bobcats look lost for options at a comeback, settling for unsuccessful long balls that Pittsburgh’s stingy center backs swallowed up to kill off the game.

Jahmali Waite started in goal for the Riverhounds, making just two second half saves to earn the clean sheet in his professional debut.

The Riverhounds await to see their Third Round opponent in the 107th US Open Cup, as the draw will be announced on Friday, April 8. 

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Photo: Lesly Rodriguez – LBShots

There was plenty of drama among the Open Division amateur teams in the opening round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Sixteen teams advanced to Round 2 where they will face professional teams the week of April 5-7.

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There were plenty of standout individual performances in the First Round of the 107th edition of the tournament.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters but if YOU had a vote, which player do you think would win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Jean-Philippe Ayolmbong
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL)

Ayolmbong assisted on NoVa FC’s opening goal in the 13th minute, and then scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 48th minute in his club’s 3-1 road win over Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL).

Tomas Bosuel
San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)

Bosuel contributed the only hat trick of the First Round in a wild 6-2 victory over Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL) plus drew a penalty that added another SFVFC goal.

Lucas Espindola
Miami United FC (NPSL)

Espindola scored a late go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute plus a PK goal in stoppage time to give Miami United FC (NPSL) a 3-1 home win over City Soccer FC (USSSA/NSL). With the win, MUFC earns a date with USL Championship side Miami FC in the next round.

Dave Greczek 
FC Motown (NPSL)

Greczek made four saves and earned a clean sheet in FC Motown’s 1-0 home win over West Chester United (USL-2). After the original match was complete, the USSF ordered the game to be replayed after FC Motown protested the result (West Chester won 3-2 in extra time) after WCU made an illegal substitution.

Jacob Mannix
Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)

Mannix played a part in both of the Pioneers’ goals in their 2-0 home win over Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer League). A cross early in the second half was headed in by Gabriel Ganzer then, after having to play most of the rest of the half with 10 men, he sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.

Junior Rosero
Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)

Rosero helped make Oyster Bay United’s Open Cup debut a memorable one, playing a part in all three goals in their 3-0 road win over Hartford City (NPSL). The forward opened scoring in the 16th minute and assisted on the others to help send the new club to the Second Round where they will play Hartford Athletic (USL Championship).

Alessando Salvedego
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)

Salvedego put the Menace ahead for good with two second half goals in a 4-2 home win against Minneapolis City (NPSL).

 

HONORABLE MENTION – GOAL OF THE ROUND

Lionel Vang
Minneapolis City SC (NPSL)

Vang opened the scoring in the 20th minute in his team’s match against Des Moines. The free kick strike from 31 yards out was so good it made SportsCenter’s Top 10 the next day, taking home silver as the #2 best play from the previous day.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1 review: After two years off, America’s tournament roars back

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West Chester United vs FC Motown 2022 US Open Cup
Players from West Chester United (blue) and FC Motown battle for the ball in their First Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com
#USOC2022 Essentials

2022 US Open Cup Results/Schedule
2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Results

Things you should know about the USOC First Round
USOC rule changes since 2019 tournament

2022 Meet the Underdogs Series
Azteca FC
Brockton FC United
City Soccer FC
Contra Costa FC
D’Feeters Kicks SC
Escondido FC
Lansdowne Yonkers FC
Lynchburg FC
Northern Virginia FC
Orlando FC Wolves
Oyster Bay United
San Fernando Valley FC

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The long-awaited return of the magic that is the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup arrived in full force over two nights this week. 32 Open Division amateur teams squared off and 15 of them advanced to the Second Round where they will face professional teams.

Fans will have to wait a little while longer to find out who the 16th winner will be. One game (Northern Virginia FC at Lynchburg FC) was unable to finish due to severe weather. That game will be replayed in full next week.

Six teams from USL League Two, five from the NPSL, and four Open Division Local teams punched their ticket to the next round which will take place the week of April 5-7.

Here is a brief review of the 15 games (with full match report links):

West Chester United (USL-2)
3:2 (AET)
FC Motown (NPSL)
MSU Soccer Park (Montclair State Univ.) – Montclair, NJ
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Grace Ott

A clash of experienced US Open Cup teams West Chester United and FC Motown was a whirlwind, as West Chester emerged victorious, 3-2, in extra time. Motown had a 2-0 halftime lead but West Chester fought back and sent the game into extra time, where a Jacob Gosselin goal in the 93rd minute proved to be the game-winner. West Chester United will host a upcoming Second Round match against Syracuse AC (NISA).

FC Motown protested the result of this match due to an illegal substitution made by West Chester United SC. The protest was upheld and the original result has been nullified. The game was replayed on April 1 and FC Motown came away with a 1-0 home win. Ryan Peterson scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chicago FC United (USL-2)
1:2 (AET)
Cleveland SC (NPSL)
George Finnie Stadium (Baldwin Wallace Univ.) – Berea, OH
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Grace Ott

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

Cleveland’s SC’s US Open Cup debut got off to a memorable start as it advanced against Chicago FC United (USL League Two) in extra time, 2-1. Chicago took the lead in the 17th minute on a deflected goal and were ahead most of the match. Cleveland scored in the final minutes of regulation to extend the game to extra time, where it hit the winner in the 107th minute. Cleveland will travel to Wisconsin in two weeks to take on Forward Madison FC. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)
3:0
Hartford City FC (NPSL)
Dillon Stadium – Hartford, CT
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jordan Beech

Led by Junior Rosero’s goal and two assists, US Open Cup debutant Oyster Bay United FC claimed a resounding 3-0 road win over Harford City FC. The eight-month-old club did all of its damage in the first half before comfortably seeing out the second half. Oyster Bay will return to the same stadium to take on Hartford Athletic in the Second Round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Oyster Bay United

Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL)
0:6
The Villages SC (USL-2)
The Villages SC Complex – Summerfield, FL
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Grace Ott

In an eighth straight US Open Cup appearance The Villages SC thoroughly dominated debutants Orlando FC Wolves 6-0, breaking the club’s five-game Open Cup winless streak. Two players each scored a brace as The Villages SC broke its US Open Cup single-game club record for goals scored. The Villages will travel to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Second Round on April 5. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Orlando FC Wolves

Southern States SC 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Southern States SC pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup match in Round 2. Photo: Southern States SC

Georgia Revolution FC (NPSL)
1:3
Southern States SC Stars (NPSL)
The Oakes – Hattiesburg, MS
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Jordan Beech

Southern State Soccer Club’s US Open Cup debut emerged with a 3-1 win over visiting Georgia Revolution FC. Thomas Shepherd bagged a second-half brace for the Stars to secure the victory after Jean Lucas Rivera put the Stars up 1-0 in the first half. Revolution’s Karim Tmimi put his team on the board in the 82nd minute but the Stars held on to earn a date with Birmingham Legion FC in the Second Round on April 7. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League)
3:2
Denton Diablos FC (NPSL)
UNT Soccer and Track & Field Stadium – Denton, TX
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Grace Ott

There was plenty of drama for the US Open Cup debuts of D’Feeters Kicks SC and Denton Diablos FC. D’Feeters from US Club Soccer’s Roja League, emerged victorious over the reigning NPSL champions, 3-2. A very back-and-forth affair saw goals from five different players in the first half and bookings handed out in the second. By the end of the game, three players had seen red, leaving D’Feeters with ten men and Denton with nine to finish the match. Carlos Flores received the final red just seconds after being shown a yellow for dissent about an apparent missed goal-line handball in the final minutes. D’Feeters will travel to face USL Championship side San Antonio FC in the Second Round on April 5. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: D’Feeters Kicks SC

DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "Champions" shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL)
2:6
San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)
Sepulveda Basin Sports Complex – Encino, CA
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Adam Uthe

Wednesday’s matches got started with a bang as hosts San Fernando Valley FC took down Escondido FC in a 6-2 victory. Both California amateur sides were making their US Open Cup debuts and they made sure to provide plenty of fireworks. San Fernando Valley’s Tomas Bosuel got things started in the 27th minute with the first of three goals for him on the night. Then assisted on his club’s second goal of the match in the 43rd minute, setting up teammate Irvin Rivas. Escondido earned a penalty in the 45th minute just before halftime and David Acherrandio converted from the spot to pull one back for the visitors. The match looked to be fairly even going into the break. Then, San Fernando’s Giancarlo Ponciano scored a minute after halftime and Bousuel went on to add two more to complete his hat trick as the home team ran away with it in the second half. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Escondido FC

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL)
1:1
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
(Lansdowne advances 4-3 on PKs)
Carey Stadium – Ocean City, NJ
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

On a rainy and windy night in Ocean City, N.J., the reigning National Amateur Cup champion Lansdowne Yonkers FC rolled in and came away with a 4-3 penalty kick victory after a 1-1 draw with the Ocean City Nor’easters (USL League Two). Ocean City’s Pablo Marques got things started for the home side with an 8th minute goal, but Lansdowne were quick to respond. Shamir Mullings equalized for the visitors four minutes later to make it 1-1 and that scoreline held for the remainder of regulation as the two sides traded half chances but no breakthrough goal came. Lansdowne managed to hit the post in the 87th minute, but Ocean City’s defense held firm and extra time came calling. The first 15 minutes of extra time proved uneventful, but in the 116th minute Marques earned his second yellow and was sent off, leaving the home side with 10 men the rest of the way. Lansdowne were unable to take advantage though and the two sides went to penalties with heavy rain falling throughout extra time. Each team converted three of their first five penalties, but it was Mullings who came away with the winner for the visitors in the sixth round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Yonkers FC

Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL) at Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL)
Lynchburg City Stadium – Lynchburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Josh Hakala

With Northern Virginia FC leading 1-0 with a beautiful goal off a volley in the 15th minute, the game was brought to a halt in the 37th minute due to lightning. About a minute after the game restarted, Lynchburg equalized off a rebound. In the 78th minute, lightning struck again and the players were pulled off the field. Unfortunately for the fans and the teams who came out to brave the rain in Lynchburg, Va., the match would not resume. According to team officials, the game was suspended and the match will be replayed at a later date.

On March 27, U.S. Soccer announced the game would be replayed on Wednesday, March 30, at the Lynchburg City Stadium. Northern Virginia would win the replay 3-1 to win the club’s first-ever US Open Cup game. After trading first half goals, Jean-Phillippe Ayolmbong scored just after halftime while Jhonny De Souza converted an 85th minute penalty kick to put the game away. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lynchburg FC

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Northern Virginia FC

North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL-2)
W:L (Forfeit)
South Carolina United FC (USL-2)
SEFL Soccer Complex – Columbia, SC
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Joshua Taylor

The North Carolina Fusion U-23s had to go to extra time but managed to come back from a goal down to defeat SC United Bantams 3-1 in Round 1 of the US Open Cup at the SEFL Soccer Complex. The first half saw both teams battle it out as the Fusion outshot the Bantams 6-2 in the first half. The best chance for the Fusion came in the 34th minute when Tom Marriott was in the box but his shot went wide past the net. In the 38th minute, the Fusion were called for a foul when SC United forward Edmundo Robinson was taken down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty kick to the Bantams. Robinson buried his shot past Fusion goalkeeper Joshua Perryman to give SC a lead which they carried into halftime. In the second half, the Fusion had multiple chances to get the equalizer early on but was unable to covert. However, in the 82nd minute, Steven Hernandez’s shot hit the crossbar and bounced over the goal line and beat Bantams goalkeeper Gustavo to get the equalizer at 1-1. In extra time the Fusion took the lead on Marriott’s goal in the 105th minute. Hernandez added another goal in the 118th to put the match away. The Fusion will travel to play USL Championship side Charlotte Independence in the Second Round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

After the match, it was learned that SC United fielded multiple ineligible players, so the match is officially listed as a forfeit. [+] FULL STORY

Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg)
0:2
Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)
Lusitano Stadium – Ludlow, MA
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Jed Henderson

USL-2 side Western Mass Pioneers advanced with a 2-0 victory in front of a home crowd at Lusitano Stadium at the expense of US Open Cup debutants Brockton FC United of the Bay State Soccer League. Neither side was able to score in the first half, but a surging run against the run of play from Pioneers’ Gabe Ganzer forced United FC defender Rudney Delgado to see red for denying a goal scoring opportunity late in the first half. The Pioneers pushed its advantage quickly in the second half with Ganzer nodding home a looping header in the 48th minute. The Pioneers were reduced to ten men in the 69th minute as Joshua Calderon went studs up into a challenge on Leandro Alves to receive his second yellow. Despite returning to parity with ten men on the field, the Pioneers continued to push and found a late stoppage time goal via Jacob Mannix, who kept his close-range effort low to squeeze past the keeper. With their first tournament win since 2014, the Pioneers enter the Second Round as hosts on April 6 to Flower City Union, a newly-formed NISA side that will play its first professional match this weekend. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Brockton FC United

City Soccer FC (USSSA/NSL)
1:3
Miami United FC (NPSL)
Ted Hendricks Stadium – Hialeah, FL
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Hosts Miami United FC defeated City Soccer FC 3-1 in Round 1 of the US Open Cup behind a pair of goals from Lucas Espindola. It took awhile, but this one still managed to produce plenty of drama with all four goals coming in the 79th minute or later. Robertino Insua got things started for Miami United with a goal in the 79th minute, but first time amateur qualifiers City Soccer needed just two minutes to respond as Oscar Escobar Reyes equalized in the 81st. Espindola then took the game over and scored the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute before putting it away for good with a converted penalty kick in the 5th minute of stoppage time to send the NPSL side through to the next round. They’ll face Miami FC in Round 2. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: City Soccer FC

Minneapolis City SC (NPSL)
2:4
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Minneapolis City SC, a team making its US Open Cup debut despite qualifying on three previous occasions, visited Iowa for a showdown with the USL League Two powerhouse Des Moines Menace. Lionel Vang opened the scoring for Minneapolis City in the 20th minute with a thunderous free kick from 12 yards outside the penalty area. Des Moines equalized in the 38th minute when a mistake by a Minneapolis defender allowed Maximiliano Galizzi to put Gabrial Rodriguez’s pass away from right in front of the goal. William Rodrigues put the Menace ahead in the 57th minute, but it took Minneapolis just three minutes to level the score at 2-2 through Luic Mesanvi. Des Moines regained the lead in the 69th minute on a goal from substitute Alessandro Salvadego, and he added to the lead with a second goal nine minutes later. That was all the Menace needed to secure a 4-2 victory and a date in the Second Round with Union Omaha of USL League One. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Azteca FC (USASA/Colorado Super Lg)
0:3
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
Case Soccer Complex (Oral Roberts Univ.) – Tulsa, OK
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

For 72 minutes, Azteca FC held Tulsa Athletic close, but eventually the NPSL club pulled away for a 3-0 victory in its US Open Cup First Round matchup. Aaron Ugbah opened the scoring for Tulsa in the 25th minute from a Matthew Rogers cross across the penalty area. From there Azteca held the score to 1-0 through most of the second half. In the 72nd minute, Joseph Garcia converted a penalty kick after Jordan Watson was brought down in the penalty area. Joseph Ruiz assisted Ruben Torres three minutes later to break the game open for Tulsa. Azteca was reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute after Cesar Meza accumulated two yellow cards in the span of five minutes. Tulsa Athletic moves on to an inter-city derby in the Second Round against Tulsa FC of the USL Championship. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

Contra Costa FC (NPSL)
1:2
Portland Timbers U-23s (USL-2)
John Chambers Field – Salem, OR
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Josh Hakala

After a scoreless first half, the Portland Timbers U-23s broke the deadlock with a Thomas Peterson goal on a cross by Noah Dreves. Eddie Sanchez doubled the lead in the 67th minute. It appeared as though the Timbers were going to go home with a shutout victory but Contra Costa scored off a free kick in the 90th minute, giving the home team a little scare before the referee blew the final whistle. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Contra Costa FC

Park City Red Wolves SC (USL-2)
2:3
Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL)
Peter Johnson Soccer Field (UNLV) – Las Vegas, NV
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Tim Abbott

Las Vegas slowly tightened the screw on their outmatched visitors as the evening progressed, and goals from Samuel Aina (10th min.), Brandon Vargas (34th min.) and a remarkable Roberto Soto solo effort in the 68th minute seemed to have sealed their passage to the next round. However, out of nowhere, in the 85th minute, Park City rallied and scored twice through Leonardo Fuchs and Kevin Jara-Collante before their furious efforts were brought to an end by the referee’s whistle. They were left to concentrate efforts on overthrowing Des Moines in League Two.  The Legends, on the other hand, move on to face the professionals of USL Championship side New Mexico United.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

 

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: As teammate fights for life, FC Motown wins inspired replay in 90th min.

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FC Motown 2022 US Open Cup
FC Motown pose for a team photo prior to the club’s match vs. West Chester United in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup in Montclair, NJ. The team wore shirts in support of teammate Sanclair Tueno, who was hospitalized after an accident this past weekend. Photo: FC Motown

FC Motown forward Ryan Peterson is the only person who truly knows whether his game winning goal was a cross or a shot. Ultimately, the goal in the 90th minute won FC Motown its First Round replay against West Chester United SC, 1-0, on Friday night in Montclair, N.J. This is the first time West Chester United, who won the original game 3-2 in extra time, have ever lost in the tournament’s first round.

Motown moves on to play National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) side AC Syracuse Pulse in the next round. That game is this week, April 6, back at Montclair State University.

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The team’s win wasn’t easy physically or emotionally. The Motown players took the field knowing one of their teammates is currently battling for his life. Defender Sainclair Tueno, who came on in the original Round 1 match last week as an extra time substitute, was hit by a speeding car last weekend near Pittsburgh. He is currently in a coma and on life support.

In the days since, teammates and members of the soccer community have come together to rally around his team.

Tueno’s family is currently raising money on GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses, something Motown has helped raise funds for in the last few days.

Even after his game winning goal, surrounded by his teammates near the corner flag, Peterson knew someone was missing.

“I was just thinking about Sainclair the entire time,” Peterson said. “You know, how he’d be out there with us celebrating. So I just wanted to get it for him.

“We wanted to come get this game for him because what he brings to the table, every practice, every game, is just raw emotion and heart and we wanted to bring that out and show that even without him we could still bring out the best of our team.”

The crowd of 176 braved frigid and windy weather for the historic match at MSU (Montclair State University) Soccer Park. Motown’s successful protest regarding an illegal West Chester substitute in last week’s original game meant the two teams played in the first protest replay in the tournament’s Modern Era since 1995. In a testament to how evenly-matched both clubs were, Friday’s game was nothing like last week’s original match. Motown head coach Šaćir Hot didn’t seem surprised.

“Whoever got that one breakthrough was always going to win,” the former New York Red Bulls homegrown player explained. “That’s how all of our games versus them are. It’s never a blowout, it’s never a game that you can be complacent in and just relax. It’s always tough versus West Chester.”

That breakthrough would have to come without some key players on both sides. West Chester was missing Blaise Milanek, the goal scorer from last game who was at the center of the protest, as he continues to deal with a concussion. For Motown, former Ghanaian national team player Gideon Baah did not suit up either. The former RBNY defender cited lung issues ahead of kickoff and was kept out of the lineup. He was the team’s best defender in the original game. Combined his absence with Tueno’s and the home team was lacking in natural center back talent for the night.

Like last week, Motown came out fast to start off. The first 15 minutes saw a string of Celtic attacks against the opposing backline and goalkeeper Cameron Sanders. Last week’s goal scorer Joseph Fala nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute after tipping at a West Chester pass near midfield. Breaking through a sliding defender, the former USL Championship player beat Sanders to the ball and recovered it on the left side of the box with the keeper out of place. His shot from a tight angle rolled past the open goal, not coming close to the line with no one there to tap in either.

That quick start is where the similarities ended. The original match was defined by each team controlling one of the two halves. Motown, with arguably more high-end talent, controlled that game’s first 45 minutes and took a 2-0 lead into the break. West Chester, a squad of depth and fitness, had the endurance to control the second half and extra time to win, 3-2. The replay, however, was far more evenly contested.

After the home team’s surge, Motown had trouble maintaining a consistent offensive attack. Haitian youth international Nerlin Saint-Vil, the star goal scorer from last week, had two to three players on him whenever he got the ball. It was rare for him to break and use his speed like he had done in the original game.

“We didn’t want to hurt us, so we just put pressure on him and we figured if we close him we keep them from getting a counter. He actually didn’t get up the field too much on us. We actually made him turn back a lot,” said West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo. “We just want to close stuff quicker. So that we’re defending just in that grid.”

His best chance of the game was in the 15th minute. A long Motown cross from the right side headed for the opposite post. As one of his teammates extended a leg to keep it in the air, Saint-Vil went for a bicycle kick just outside of the goal area. Not able to fully connect, the ball went wide of the net.

For its part, West Chester was able to garner a lot of possession time. The USL League Two representatives found a ton of success moving along Motown’s sidelines. Carter Burris was a constant annoyance in the first 45 minutes on the right, making space and crossing into the seemingly wide open penalty area. On the left, Troy Amspacher duel threatened with the ability to cut into the middle at nearly a whim.

“We thought that if we got wide we could get up and exploit them – especially on Troy’s side,” Santangelo explained. “I don’t think we changed the point of attack quick enough. The three goals that came last week were all quick changes, attack and backside goals. We weren’t successful doing that, but we created opportunities that should be finished in the game.”

Those chances were only stopped by man of the match David Greczek. The Morristown keeper made two critical saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless. In the 25th minute, Amspacher attempted to pass up the ball just outside of the penalty area. The pass to Charles Wilson was tipped, allowing Amspacher to recover the ball away from a diving Jean Voltaire. One-on-one from the penalty spot, the Rutgers University alum extended his leg out to save what should have been the opening goal.

West Chester United FC Motown 2022 US Open Cup
West Chester United (blue) and FC Motown prepare for kickoff in their replay match at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Battista

Seven minutes later, Burris’ right side crossing ability came into play again. His long pass into the box initially missed a jumping Wilson but reached a charging Spencer Burkhardt. The Seton Hall star was uncovered and his header in the goal area was somehow kept out. Greczek leaped up and caught the ball with his extended right arm, moving quickly to get under it and catch it inbounds to negate a possible corner.

Both coaches threw praise at the former Swope Park Rangers goalkeeper. Coach Hot was visibly holding back emotions when speaking about his performance after the game.

“He was due for a big one and he knows how special this game was for Sainclair,” Hot said. “He came into the locker room, actually, after the game to give us a big hug to say; ‘Thank you for trusting me’.”

The biggest takeaway from the first half was that West Chester didn’t need to wait for Motown to slow down. The original game broke down for the home side after Saint-Vil and Dilaver “Dilly” Duka came off. In the replay, the visitors were challenging consistently almost immediately.

Following the break, the game fell into a deadlock. If there was a heatmap available for this game, the second half would have its biggest reading at midfield – possibly just inside of the West Chester side. When asked about it after the match Peterson said he and his teammates just needed to play simple. As he put it, they needed to “stick to the X’s and O’s.”

“What we’ve been lacking is in the second half, we’ve been coming out too flat, too unprepared,” explained Peterson. “We wanted to make sure that coming into the second half we were on top of things. We knew the game plan. How to go forward. How to defend them.”

Celtic was able to do that even after its best players had to leave the field. Despite being his team’s best attacking option, Fala was subbed off in the 65th minute. Three minutes later, Saint-Vil went down after an attempted cross to Duka and left the game not long after. Then, almost cruelly, the former Columbus Crew player aggravated a previous injury. In the 77th minute, Duka seemingly slipped on the ball and attempted to turn while going down. He immediately grabbed his left leg and needed help getting off the pitch.

After the game, it was mentioned by team staff that Duka probably won’t be available for a few weeks.

In terms of chances, Peterson led the way in the final 45. It looked as though the striker scored the game winner in the 73rd minute. Kian Alberto’s corner kick found his head and got past Sanders before a West Chester player dove into the goal to keep it out. The linesman ruled no goal and play continued.

In terms of offense, outside of that one chance neither team had real looks on goal. West Chester especially lacked a convincing drive into the Motown end. Despite how different this game was to its predecessor it seemed destined that both teams were heading to overtime.

In the final minute, Motown made one final charge up the left side. Voltaire played the ball up to Johannes Pieles, who had come on in place of Duka. Under pressure, the second half sub jumped and headed the ball forward to Peterson who chested the ball down and ran along the penalty area’s left line. With defender Clay Moyer right next to him, the striker lifted the ball towards the goal where it dinged off the right post, deflected off Sanders, and into the back of the net.

The goal was eerily similar to another big-time score by Peterson. The former Detroit City FC player’s talent for long shots from the left side earned his former team its first-ever league title in late 2020. That game-winning goal against the Oakland Roots SC won DCFC the NISA Fall Championship at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

Having previous experience on a NISA team, including a Fall 2021 stint with San Diego 1904 FC (now Albion San Diego), Peterson knows the challenge that lies ahead for Motown.

“We know that going into the next round it’s a NISA team, they’re going to bring it obviously representing the pro ranks,” he said. “We’re not afraid of anybody. We know what we’re capable of doing. They’re coming to us, we have the home field advantage. They’re a new NISA team, we’ve been together for years. We’re not scared, we’re up for the challenge.”

While it may not have been the action that determined the outcome, what happened after the final whistle could be the most impactful moment of the night. It isn’t rare to see a head coach talking to his players in the locker room after a match. Win or lose, usually the man in charge will take a few moments to speak to the tired group. They’ll congratulate them, console them, prepare them for what’s to come and so on. That isn’t anything new.

FC Motown logoWhat is special is when the opposing coach does it to the other team. After the game, both head coaches took time to speak to the opposing players in their respective locker rooms. For two teams that compete against one-another constantly, in multiple leagues and regional tournaments, the situation surrounding the game was harder than actually playing it. Coach Hot wasn’t didn’t hold back his feelings even after seeing his team win the game.

“I hate it. I don’t like it at all. It sucks. It’s always going to be a lose-lose,” he said. “For Blaise and I it’s always going to be bittersweet. If Blaise and them went through, I’d put on a West Chester jersey right after the game and I’d cheer for them. Under these circumstances no one ever wants to win.

“Truthfully I don’t feel great about the win but hey it’s soccer, it’s sports, that’s what happens … If you get put in that position you can never be happy. It sucks to see your friend, who came over here down 2-0 and ended up winning 3-2 in a spectacular game, gets thrown out the window for something that was small. It is what it is and we have to accept it, they have to accept it and move on.”

It’s a sentiment Santangelo shared as well. The West Chester coach noted the whole event, from win to protest to loss, is a learning experience for his young players.

“The respect is there for the players and their coaching staff. Those guys work just like we work,” Santangelo said. “It’s difficult. I think people saw West Chester and what we did last week and they know the real outcome of that game. I’m just glad that the adjudication committee at least heard our side of it.”

While the result might be hard, what comes next is easy – moving on to the next challenge. The team has a date with another northeast powerhouse, US Open Cup darling Christos FC, next Sunday in the USASA Region I Amateur Cup. That’s included with continued state league games and the upcoming summer seasons in both the NPSL and USL-2. For them, the story doesn’t end in a controversy-filled game at Montclair State.

“When you play it at this kind of level and these are high stake games – you’re gonna win some, you’re gonna lose some,” he said. “But we always go back to just getting on the training pitch. That’s most important for us.”

Scoring Summary
90’ – FC Motown – Ryan Peterson

Lineups

FC Motown: David Greczek (GK), Mardochée Samuel Pompée, Mike Da Fonte, Zach Perez, Jean Voltaire, Daniel Cordeiro, Kian Alberto, Dilly Duka (Johannes Pieles 76′), Joseph Fala (Hayden Criollo 64′), Ryan Peterson,  Nerlin Saint-Vil (Federico Deoliveira 69′)

Manager: Šaćir Hot

West Chester United SC: Cameron Sanders (GK), Shane Bradle, Clay Moyer, Levi Maruca, Ryan Fincher (Justin Jaime 90+1′), Spencer Burkhardt (Derek Ramirez 79′), Conor Bradley, Michael Gonzalez, Charles Wilson (Jacob Gosselin 40′), Troy Amspacher, Carter Burris (Samuel Brown 79′)

Manager: Blaise Santangelo

Yellow Cards
Kian Alberto, Motown 54’

Attendance: 176

Link to match broadcast (Subscription to ESPN+ required): https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/e924f18e-60fe-4d88-bb0b-b3ceacfc91e9#bucketId=2

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Northern Virginia FC pulls away in replay with Lynchburg FC

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Northern Virginia FC Nova FC 2022 US Open Cup First Round
Northern Virginia FC celebrates after the club’s 3-1 win over Lynchburg FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: NoVa FC

In a replay of their game from last week that was stopped due to severe weather in the 79th minute, Northern Virginia FC (NoVa FC) used a pair of second half goals to push past Lynchburg FC, 3-1 in the First Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Like last week, this match was played at Lynchburg City Stadium in Lynchburg, Va.

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With the win, Northern Virginia, a club that was launched in 1998, tasted victory in the tournament for the first time. It was just the third US Open Cup in NoVa FC’s history, and the club’s first appearance since 2000.
With the nearest bolt of lightning somewhere near the Mississippi River, the teams started off the first half of the replay trading goals, similar to their original game. After 13 minutes, NoVA FC opened the scoring when Taofik Lucas-Walker sent a pass into the penalty area from the right wing. The ball bounded off the foot of Jean-Philipe Ayolmbong, and Luke Campbell sent it past Lynchburg goalkeeper Alonso Gutierrez for the 1-0 lead.

“It was great to get the win and it wasn’t easy by any means,” said Northern Virginia FC head coach Kareem Sheta. “Lynchburg knows their strengths and plays to them well. I think when we brought changes on, the level never really dropped and I think fitness started to kick in a bit.”
Just as they did in the first game, Lynchburg wasted no time equalizing. Just 12 minutes later, Tudor Barna sent a cross into the penalty area, where Mitchell Reed headed the ball home just in front of goal. Reed was Lynchburg’s goal scorer in the previous match a week ago.

“I thought we did well trying to control the variables that we could and let everything else path it’s on way,” said Sheta. “I think our biggest adjustments were just in the wide areas, just getting the ball in and out of our feet a bit faster was key since the field was much narrower then our home field.”
NoVa wasted no time taking the lead for good after the break. Jean-Philip Ayolmbong, who was credited with an assist on the opening goal, stole an errant Lynchburg pass near midfield. He then dribble around two Lynchburg defenders before beating Gutierrez with a shot in the penalty area.
The visitors put the game away in the 83rd minute when substitute Jhonny De Souza was brought down just inside the penalty area. De Souza, who has played multiple seasons for the club’s USL League Two team, converted the spot kick himself and NoVa was home free at 3-1.
Tempers seemed to boil over a bit in stoppage time when Lynchburg’s Bhayle Kearns was issued a straight red card for upending and slamming De Souza to the turf. De Souza was also ordered to leave the game for his part in the scuffle.
NoVa FC moves on to meet another Virginia rival in the second round, as they host the Richmond Kickers of USL League One on April 6. The game will be played at the Virginia Revolution Sportsplex in Leesburg, Va.

“We’re more than happy to host Richmond and we have a good relationship with Rob Ukrop and I’ve been chatting off and on with Darren about players over the past few years,” said Sheta. “I think this is what the Open Cup is about. Small amateur teams with guys that work 9-to-5 and train twice week being able to share the field and spot for game with a pro team like Richmond that has a great history, especially in the Open Cup. We wish them safe travels, and we’re looking forward to giving the local community a good experience at our home at the Revolution Sportsplex.

Match Broadcast via US Soccer’s YouTube channel

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