2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: D’Feeters Kicks edge NPSL champs in heated affair

March 23, 2022 by Daniel Crooke

Steven Chavez, D'Feeters Kicks SC, Denton Diablos FC, 2022 US Open Cup, First Round, Goal — D’Feeters Kicks SC midfielder Steven Chavez (17) celebrates with his teammates following his goal against Denton Diablos FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Carlos Hernandez

Five goals and three red cards ensured that a cold night in Denton gave way to a heated atmosphere as NPSL national champions Denton Diablos fell to local qualifier, D’Feeters Kicks SC.

After initially qualifying for the cancelled 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, a sense of the hosts finally getting their day in the cup was buoyed on as Julio Vargas met Alex Estrada’s cross to give Denton a 10th minute lead.

DKSC soon turned the score around after Sebastian Mendez stole the ball away in the Denton back line to level things before reigning UPSL Championship MVP Miles Byass slid home a Luis Hernandez cross to give the Dallas side the advantage in the 35th minute. Adrian Renteria looked to have extended the lead moments later but for an offside call against Byass, who didn’t appear to be involved in the passage of play.

Brandon Cerda brought things level once more, taking advantage of a heavy defensive touch but Steven Chavez restored the lead on the stroke of half time, turning home an Renteria cross off the front post.

DKSC may be new to the Open Cup and the UPSL Premier Division, but are familiar with Denton having played under their current guise and as Harrington FC in the local Roja League competitions. The game had threatened to get chippy, and the second half did not disappoint.

MORE: Meet the Underdogs: D’Feeters Kicks SC

Despite trailing, the Diablos had a man advantage early in the second half after Renteria kicked a ball at Antonio Perez as the Denton sub stayed on the ground after being fouled in the 53rd minute. The referee initially showed the card to DKSC’s Miguel Ojeda before one of the assistants corrected the mistaken identity.

With 20 minutes to go, the hosts lost that advantage as Alex Estrada saw red for a stamp on Angel Ramirez.

The game’s excitement ground to a halt until stoppage time. Denton’s Julian Barajas produced a beautiful piece of play, popping the ball over a defender before running on to the ball and smashing a shot that was narrowly tipped away for a corner. The resulting set piece was then headed and blocked on the line by an arm.

As D’Feeters Kicks broke down field, an incensed Diablos team chased down the opposition with captain Carlos Flores conceding a free kick. His remonstrations at the potential penalty decision saw a yellow and then a red card waved in his direction as DKSC held out for a second round fixture with San Antonio FC on April 5.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Southern States SC win rain-delayed debut

March 23, 2022 by Jordan Beech

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

Despite having to wait an extra half-hour to make their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut, Southern States Soccer Club made the most of their opportunity with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Georgia Revolution in a first-round match between NPSL sides in Hattiesburg, Miss.

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A second-half brace by Man of the Match Thomas Shepherd secured the victory for the Open Cup debutants. He put away a tap-in off a pass from Clayton Adams in the 65th minute, then volleyed home on the back post from the service of Jean Lucas Rivera eight minutes later.

Due to the wet and windy conditions that prompted a 30-minute delay before the opening kickoff, both teams took some time to find their footing. However, once Matt Walsh sent in a dangerous corner kick in the 19th minute that would have resulted in an own goal if not for the quick reactions of Georgia’s Chris Banfi, the action picked up.

Two chances presented themselves in quick succession for the Southern States Stars, forcing a Banfi save and block by a Revolution defender. Rivera followed that up with a header off a pass from Walsh in the 20th that Banfi parried away, portending the future connection between Walsh and Rivera. Though Banfi had stood tall, SSSC finally broke through in the 26th when Walsh whipped in a cross from the left wing that was volleyed in by Rivera at the penalty spot, just under the Revolution keeper, to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Revolution — making their third Open Cup appearance and first since 2013 — had chances to level the match as the clock marched toward halftime, but ultimately the Stars carried that 1-0 advantage into the break.

Hector Grejada, the Stars’ keeper, was presented with a few challenges by the visitors in the opening minutes of the second half but made sure they came away empty-handed.

The Revolution did manage a consolation goal in the 82nd, when Alexander McIlroy connected with Karim Tmimi on a short free kick, but SSSC ultimately controlled the second half of action after Shepherd broke the match open with his two goals in quick succession.

With the win, Southern States Soccer Club earned the right to face the Birmingham Legion of the USL Championship on the road in a Second Round match on April 7.

MATCH BROADCAST

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: The Villages set club record in six-goal win vs. Orlando FC

March 23, 2022 by Jim Coppock

Daniel Oliveira the villages vs orlando fc wolves 2022 us open cup — Daniel Oliveira of The Villages SC dribbles the ball against Orlando FC Wolves in their First Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: The Villages SC

The Villages SC hosted Orlando FC Wolves at The Villages Soccer Complex Tuesday evening. The home side would come out dominant winners by a 6-0 scoreline.

The six goals set a new single-game mark for the club in Open Cup play and earned themselves a Second Round date with the USL Championship’s Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 5.

Tonight’s game was the first competitive game for The Villages. Because of this, they were able to give three of their academy players game minutes, including Payton Rausch, a high school senior who capped his experience, all 15 minutes of it, with the team’s sixth and final goal of the evening.

The game began with the home side dominating play. Just three minutes in, Rafael Barba shot wide to set the tone early. The first 25 minutes was one-way traffic. In the 12th minute, Juan Felipe Rojas received a pass from Christopher Dilan about 12 yards out and beat the keeper to his right for the opening goal.

Just nine minutes later, Rafael “Tete” Barba would double the score on an inch-perfect ball to just inside the penalty spot from Caleb Franke.

The beginning of the end would happen in the 41st minute when Daniel Oliveira received a ball from Austin Lakasik on the near wing, then sailed past Orlando’s Rahmel Stewart and chipped beautifully into the far-side netting to make it 3-0.

Orlando would spend the 10 minutes either side of halftime on the front foot but it was too little, too late. The remainder was more wide open, Villages would show their experience, despite being a little shorthanded. Jose Victor France added a fourth goal in the 56th minute after receiving a pass from Daniel Oliveira and beating Orlando’s James Taberham, he buried into the upper 90 from about 24 yards out.

The fifth goal came from Rafael Barba in the 63rd minute from a Daniel Oliveira corner, the dipping ball was met with a backheel flick to lift it over the Orlando goalkeeper. Finally, in the 75th minute, Rausch would replace Jose Victor France. Christopher Dilan sent a ball across the face of goal, which was touched by the Orlando keeper, but it deflected into the path of Rauch who slotted it home for his first career US Open Cup goal.

“They came in, they didn’t let the level come down,” The Villages head coach Anderson DaSilva said about his team’s substitutes. “They got the level better because they brought more energy to the group.”

The victory does two things for The Villages. First, it snaps a five-game US Open Cup winless streak Second, it sets up a date at Al Lang Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Second Round. A rematch of the 2019 tournament.

Scoring Summary

Juan Felipe Rojas 12th minute assisted by Christopher Dilan
Rafael Vacas Barba in the 21st minute assisted by Rojas
Daniel Farias De Oliveira in the 41st minute assisted by Austin Lakasik
Jose Victor Rua France in the 56th minute assisted by Oliveira
Rafael Vacas Barba in the 63rd minute assisted Oliveira (corner)
Payton Rausch in the 83rd minute assisted by Dilan

The Villages Roster
G 12 Andrew Muller
D   3 Yago Lopes
D   6 Austin Lakasik
D 13 Caleb Franke
D 14 Vandyke Gyau
M   4 Juan Felipe Rojas
M   7 Christopher Dilan
M 10 Daniel Oliveira
M 20 William Centeno
M 11 Rafael “Tete” Barba
F 21 Jose Victor France

Orlando FC Wolves roster
G   1 Juan Butrago
D 17 Fernando Galvis II
D   7 Damian Iamarino
D 14 Caesar Kwesi
D   6 Rahmel Stewart
M 13 Patrick Sandidge
M 12 Cale Saunders
M   5 James Taberham
M 31 Zak Woodward
M   9 Grant Blackhurst
F 10 Dennis Zapata

MATCH BROADCAST

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Oyster Bay United blank Hartford to earn return trip to city

March 23, 2022 by Eric Casey

Oyster Bay United 2022 US Open Cup — Oyster Bay United celebrate after the club’s 3-0 road win over Hartford City FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Oyster Bay United

Call it beginner’s luck, but UPSL side Oyster Bay United FC — a club that came into existence just eight months ago — came flying out of the gates in their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut on Tuesday night, defeating Hartford City FC 3-0. Three first-half goals put Oyster Bay in control at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, Conn., and the home side showed few signs of life in the second half.

Led by their 26-year-old manager Jose Esqueche, a former professional player for Venezuelan club Metropolitanos FC, Oyster Bay looked confident against a Hartford City squad that had only played three matches in 2022 heading into this First Round matchup.

“It was a tight game for the first ten, thirteen minutes,” said Esqueche about his team’s performance. “We tried to play our football in the midst of being the visitors. It was difficult, but very happy with the result from the players.”

Oyster Bay forward Junior Rosero opened the scoring in the 16th minute and assisted on the other two goals. Franco Paz netted the second off a pass from Rosero with a stunning shot that went in off the crossbar in the 32nd. Yet another critical pass from Rosero set up Sebastian Ruiz just before the halftime whistle to make it a three-goal lead.

The only cause of real concern for Oyster Bay came in the 39th minute, when defender Dillon Woods appeared to strike a Hartford City player in the back of the head after a tackle. Woods ended up with a yellow card.

The second half saw plenty more yellow cards, but no goals as Hartford City showed no signs of a comeback. The game saw eight bookings in total, with five coming in the second half. Hartford City struggled to create chances as Oyster Bay focused on maintaining possession.

Hartford City defender Lucas Cunha had two free kick opportunities in the second half, but neither found their target — they were the only real chances on goal for the NPSL side. Oyster Bay out-shot the home side 15-4 and maintained 54% off the possession.

“I think we came out strong in the first half, we stuck to our game, we kept the clean sheet, that’s what we really wanted and we got through to the next round,” said Oyster Bay defender Akeem Morris.

Oyster Bay will return to Dillon Stadium in two weeks’ time to face USL Championship side Hartford Athletic in the Second Round on April 7.

“From the start of this cup, it’s the objective of this club to show itself against a second or first division team,” said Esqueche. “ already preparing and game-planning for Hartford Athletic, who are the locals at Dillon Stadium. It’s a great opportunity for the men, the club, coaches and staff to compete at that level.”

David Tovar also contributed to this report

Scoring Summary
Oyster Bay: Junior Rosero (Unassisted) – 16th min.
Oyster Bay: Franco Paz (Junior Rosero) – 32nd min.
Oyster Bay: Sebastian Ruiz (Junior Rosero) – 45th+2 min.

Booking Summary
Oyster Bay: Dillon Woods (Yellow) – 39th min.
Hartford City: Lucas Cunha (Yellow) – 42nd min.
Hartford City: Andrew Geres (Yellow) – 44th min.
Hartford City: Sebastian Stezewski (Yellow) – 53rd min.
Oyster Bay: Said Giorgini (Yellow) – 53rd min.
Oyster Bay: Akeem Morris (Yellow) – 56th min.
Hartford City: Leo Germiniani (Yellow) – 75th min.
Oyster Bay: Luis Altuve (Yellow) – 77th min.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lynchburg FC wants to put Virginia town on the map with USOC run

March 22, 2022 by George Diamond

Lynchburg FC will make their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut on Wednesday. The team is a relative newcomer to the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), one of the elite amateur leagues in the United States. Current members of the Premier Division of the UPSL, Lynchburg officially joined the league in the fall of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new club found immediate success in its inaugural season of spring 2021, finishing first in what was then called the Beltway Division with a 10-1-1 record and a plus-34 goal differential, by far the best in the division. They compounded their success by winning the playoffs for their conference and advancing to the UPSL national tournament. While Lynchburg FC exited in the first round to New York Contour FC, they will take comfort in the fact that the same team that ousted them went on to win the championship.

The 2021 fall season saw Lynchburg repeat their past achievements. They finished first in their division, which was re-named and re-aligned as DMV South, with a record of 6-3-1 overall. This included a perfect road record going 5-0 away from home. Once again, Lynchburg FC had the largest positive margin of goal difference with plus-19 and they won the conference tournament, but once again suffered a first round exit in the national tournament.

However, this defeat was to be expected as it came just 24 hours after a US Open Cup qualifying match. Lynchburg FC’s 1-0 victory against FC Maritsa in the fourth and final qualifying round of the Open Division Local qualifyfing tournament for the 2022 US Open Cup. Matthew Zaczyk slipped a pass forward to Tudor Barna in the box who beat the goalkeeper for the game’s only goal, punching the club’s ticket to the US Open Cup.

As for the previous three rounds of qualifying, Lynchburg received a bye in the first round, their second round opponent (Aegean Hawks FC) forfeited and Lynchburg easily dispatched Rockville SC of the Maryland Major Soccer League, 3-0. Zaczyk, Tudor Barna, and Tyler Bullock all scored for LFC.

Coached by Englishman Simon French, Lynchburg usually implements a variation of the classic 4-3-3. The midfield consists of a defensive midfielder operating from the ‘6’ and two central midfielders running the ‘8’. The defensive mid role is often filled by Chris Phillips. Phillips is a vocal leader and sets the pace of Lynchburg’s play. His defensive abilities are admirable, and he effectively shields the backline while putting out fires all over the field.

While one of the ‘8’s is an all-around midfielder, the other will be tasked with more offensive responsibilities. Greg White, who is also the club’s general manager, is usually the go-to-guy for this role. He possesses great technical skill and is capable of both creating and scoring goals. Lynchburg likes to build attacks through each third by retaining possession and trying to find complex passing patterns to unlock opposing defenses. They can rely on their wingers to stretch the field wide with pace and to create numerical overloads.

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Tudor Barna is the prime example of this principle in action. A strong, pacey winger, Barna is able to get in behind and score lots of goals. This can be especially advantageous when Lynchburg counterpresses in the opponent’s defensive third. In close games, Lynchburg will press into the other team’s half and look to force a turnover before playing a long ball in behind up to the front three. However, in games against tougher opposition, Lynchburg will be content to stay compact and retain the ball. In such games, their defensive unit has performed admirably. Credit must be given to center back Josh Hinkle, Lynchburg’s rock at the back. Hinkle is a composed, hard-nosed defensive half who leads the back line.

Lynchburg would not have achieved the same success without stalwart goalkeeper Alonso Gutierrez. Gutierrez began the spring 2021 season as the backup but through hard work and determination he earned the starting spot and has performed exceptionally since then. He is incredibly quick, has good reflexes and is a reliable shot stopper. Gutierrez represents the identity of what Lynchburg FC is all about: relying on hard work, determination, and self-belief in order to achieve success.

When Lynchburg FC joined the UPSL in 2020, they joined with the commitment of tapping into the existing soccer culture present in the Lynchburg area. Although this is the first adult soccer team to represent the city, at any level, there is an underlying soccer culture present in the area.

Lynchburg’s ownership are locals to the area and strived to make the team community driven. Admission to regular season games at Lynchburg City Stadium are free of charge. The team’s players volunteer with after school programs as part of outreach with the city government. They partnered with the local youth soccer club, Central Virginia United, to enhance CVU’s summer camp experience.

“First and foremost we are extremely grateful for the partnerships with Lynchburg businesses and support from the community that inspire our passion to grow the game,” said Lynchburg president and co-founder Carlos Munoz. “Due to our success in our first season we’ve been able to create a competitive culture, and I think that’s why we saw a large turnout at tryouts with some high-level players. We’re thankful people want to be a part of it.”

Lynchburg FC’s bottom line is to provide quality soccer entertainment for local residents while enhancing the existing soccer culture. Although they have goals to evolve as a club long term, the team is focusing on perfecting their grassroots model in the present. They will have a chance to make some noise and garner attention in the first round of the 2022 US Open Cup.

Lynchburg FC will make its US Open Cup debut on Wednesday, March 23 against Northern Virginia FC, a club known for its USL League Two team, but qualified out of the Eastern Premier Soccer League, through the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. The game will be played at Lynchburg City Stadium in Lynchburg, Va. with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to compete in our first ever Open Cup,” said Munoz. “We’re looking forward to the competition ahead of us.”

The winner of Wednesday’s game will play against USL League One’s Richmond Kickers in the Second Round. If Northern Virginia wins, they will host the Kickers, but if Lynchburg wins, they will travel to Richmond, Va.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1, Day 1 preview

March 22, 2022 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

US Open Cup trophy — Photo: Houston Dynamo

After a hiatus of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup makes its return tonight with six games on tap. 32 of the 103 teams will begin their journey tonight and Wednesday (10 games), with underdog dreams of a date with a Major League Soccer club.

This year’s tournament includes a lot of fresh faces with seven of the 12 teams competing in tonight’s first game night will be making their Open Cup debut.

#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 (link coming soon)
Lynchburg FC (link coming soon)
Orlando FC Wolves
Oyster Bay United
San Fernando Valley FC

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All of the games on opening round of the 107th edition of the country’s old cup competition feature amateur teams that if they win, will be rewarded with a game against a professional team in the next round (April 5-7), and potentially an MLS opponent in Round 3.

All of the First Round games will be streamed live on either ESPN+ or the United States Soccer Federation’s YouTube channel.

As always, TheCup.us will have reporters at every game and will be providing in-game updates on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and as we have done for more than a decade, the hashtag we recommend is #USOC2022.

Below you will find a brief preview of all six of Tuesday’s games. Broadcast links will be added when they are made available.

West Chester United (USL-2) at FC Motown (NPSL)
MSU Soccer Park (Montclair State Univ.) – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

West Chester United and FC Motown have teams in both the NPSL and USL League Two. FC Motown qualified through the NPSL, while West Chester got their bid from USL League Two.

FC Motown have signed defender Gideon Baah, a one time Ghanain international who spent time with the New York Red Bulls in 2016 & 2017. Baah returns to the U.S. after spending two seasons playing for Kazakhstan club Shakhter Karagandy, as well as stints in Finland and Belarus. FC Motown has appeared in the last four Open Cup tournaments that have been played. Their debut in 2017 was as an Open Division Local team from the Garden State Soccer League before qualifying the last two tournaments as a member of the NPSL.

West Chester is one of the larger amateur clubs with teams competing in multiple leagues. The Predators’ NPSL and USL League Two teams both finished first in their divisions in 2021 but fell short in each league’s playoffs. West Chester has warmed up for the Open Cup with friendly matches against New York Red Bulls II (3-2 win) and Philadelphia Union II (4-0 loss).

This is West Chester United’s third US Open Cup appearance, with their first two appearances (2016, 2019) coming as members of the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. West Chester qualified via the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament. In each appearance, they advanced in their opening game in a penalty kick shootout, each time eliminating an NPSL team. So the club is still seeking its first official “win”.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

West Chester United (USL-2)
3rd US Open Cup appearance (1st as USL-2 team)
Overall: 0-2-2 (2-0 PKs)
Away: 0-1-2 (2-0 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-2 (2-0 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2016, 2019)

FC Motown (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
NOTE: Merged with Clarkstown SC Eagles after 2017 season, which had 2 appearances in 2016 and 2017)
Overall: 2-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 1-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 2-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2017, 2018)

Chicago FC United (USL-2) at Cleveland SC (NPSL)
George Finnie Stadium (Baldwin Wallace Univ.) – Berea, OH
Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Chicago FC United has been a team of many names through its seven USOC appearances. In their 2004 Cup debut they were known as the Chicago Fire Reserves, the next season they switched to Chicago Fire Premier. When they returned in 2009 the club went by the name Chicago Fire PDL. Their fourth moniker Chicago Fire U23 (2015-16) did not see Open Cup play. The club discontinued its relationship with the MLS club and settled on its current name in 2017.

Chicago has one of the strongest resumes among the amateur teams of the Modern Era (1995-present). The club’s nine wins are tied for fourth-most among all of the amateur teams, two of them against professional teams. Chicago has also made three trips to the Third Round (2004, 2011, 2017). Their last tournament appearance in 2017 saw them upset the Pittsburgh Riverhounds before falling to fellow amateur side Christos FC in the Third Round (Christos FC would move on and make a memorable stand against D.C. United in the following round).

Cleveland SC’s 2022 US Open Cup appearance is the first by a Cleveland team since AFC Cleveland in 2017. Cleveland’s canceled 2020 NPSL season is sandwiched between a pair of first place finishes in their division, each ending in a loss in the NPSL playoffs at the National semifinal. The club was set to make their Open Cup debut in 2020 and then in 2021 before both tournament\s were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cleveland SC’s home, George Finnie Stadium, saw plenty of Open Cup action in the 1970s. The first Open Cup game at Finnie was a 3-0 win by Cleveland’s Inter Italia over four time champions Ukrainian Nationals on April 28, 1973. Inter then defeated another four time winner NY Greek American in the Eastern Final before losing to Maccabee AC 5-3 (aet) in the final.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chicago FC United (USL-2)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-6-0
Away: 4-4-0
vs. Amateurs: 7-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2004, 2011, 2017)

Cleveland SC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL) at Hartford City FC (NPSL)
Dillon Stadium – Hartford, CT
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Both Oyster Bay and Hartford City are making their U.S. Open Cup debuts this season.

On their way to qualifying for the 2022 tournament, Oyster Bay took victories over a pair of clubs with deep Open Cup history last fall. First was a victory in a penalty kick shootout over four time Open Cup winners NY Greek American SC after a scoreless draw. In the following round, Oyster Bay prevailed 2-0 over three time cup winners New York Pancyprian Freedoms. They punched their first trip to the tournament with a 4-1 road win over Westchester United of the UPSL.

2022 MEET THE UNDERDOGS: OYSTER BAY UNITED FC

Hartford City, playing in their fourth season in the NPSL, qualified after winning the North Atlantic Conference (6-2-2) and winning a pair of playoff games before falling in the Regional Semifinals.

Dillon Stadium had been a venue for the Open Cup dating back 64 years. The first Open Cup game at Dillon was on Nov. 16, 1958, as Hartford’s Italian American Stars won 2-0 over KS Ogniwo. This was followed on Dec. 7, 1958 with a 5-4 extra time win by the Stars over Boston Italia. The Stars fell 3-2 in the following round to eventual runners-up Fall River SC.

MORE: Balistierri and Grant to Lead Hartford City FC in U.S. Open Cup Run (NPSL.com)

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Hartford City FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL) at The Villages SC (USL-2)
The Villages SC Complex – Summerfield, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

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

Of all of the Open Division qualifiers, Orlando FC Wolves had the longest path to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, being one of six teams to start in the first qualifying round, while everyone else began in the second round. The Wolves started with a pair of 4-0 wins over UPSL clubs Deportivo Lake Mary FC & Oceanway FC. A 3-1 victory over fellow NSL club Miami Sports Academy in the third round led to a fourth round “Win and You’re In” forfeit victory when South Carolina United Heat was forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak among their players. The Wolves also reached the Region III final of the 2021 National Amateur Cup.

MEET THE UNDERDOGS: ORLANDO FC WOLVES

The Villages SC have become regulars in the U.S. Open Cup since their formation in 2012 as the Ocala Stampede. After missing out on the 2012 tournament because they were a new franchise, they have qualified for every tournament since, including the canceled 2020 & 2021 editions. The Villages have lost just twice out of 24 regular season games for the 2019 & 2021 USL League Two seasons, but their regular season success has failed to produce deep runs in the playoffs. In the Open Cup, they have advanced just three times in 10 matches (2-6-2, 1-1 PKs) and have yet to upset a pro team in four attempts (0-4-0). However, they currently have the longest active qualifying streak of any amateur club with eight straight trips to the Open Cup.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

The Villages SC (USL-2)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-6-2 (1-1 PKs)
Away: 1-4-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 2-2-2 (1-1 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2013, 2014, 2016, 2019)

Georgia Revolution FC (NPSL) at Southern States SC Stars (NPSL)
The Oakes – Hattiesburg, MS
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: USSF’s YOUTUBE

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Southern States SC Stars began play in the NPSL in the 2021 season, finishing with a 9-4-1 record, reaching the regional finals of the NPSL playoffs. Southern States are just the third team from Mississippi to play in the Open Cup since 1995. The others are the Jackson Chargers (‘98) and Mississippi Brilla (‘09, ‘12, ‘16 & ‘18). We could have had two Mississippi teams in the same tournament for the first time in tournament history, but despite qualifying for this year’s Open Cup through their USL League Two results, Brilla declined to enter.

The Georgia Revolution appeared in back to back Open Cup tournaments in 2012 & 2013, but then hit a rough patch in the NPSL where they struggled from 2014-2019. After the 2020 NPSL season was canceled due to COVID-19, the Revolution roared back in 2021 with a 10-1-2 record, the best regular season result in team history. The Revolution’s reserve team nearly qualified themselves. They reached the third round of Open Division qualifying before falling to the South Carolina United Heat 3-2 in extra time.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Georgia Revolution FC (NPSL)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2012, 2013)

Southern States SC Stars (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League) at Denton Diablos FC (NPSL)
UNT Soccer and Track & Field Stadium – Denton, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In one of four opening round matchups between Open Cup rookies, the D’Feeters and Diablos are actually no strangers to one another, as the Diablos field a team in The Roja League as well as one in the NPSL. Similarly, D’Feeters has a team in the UPSL as well as The Roja League. Denton qualified through their 2021 NPSL season results, while D’Feeters made their way through Open Division Local qualifying last fall.

In the Roja League, D’Feeters finished in first place in the winter season, reaching the championship final. In qualifying for the 2022 Cup, D’Feeters followed a forfeit win in their opening qualifying game with a 2-1 extra time victory over Houston Hotshots GPFC. They punched their ticket to this year’s tournament with a 2-1 win over Southwest Football Club.

The Denton Diablos had qualified for the canceled 2020 & 2021 Open Cup tournaments through the NPSL. Denton left now doubt in qualifying for 2022, finishing 8-1-1 in the NPSL Lone Star Conference, and then battling their way to win the NPSL Championship over Tulsa Athletic 5-2.

2022 MEET THE UNDERDOGS: D’FEETERS KICKS SC

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Denton Diablos FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: N/A
Best finish: N/A

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Eight-month old Oyster Bay United making US Open Cup debut

March 22, 2022 by Grace Ott

Oyster Bay United 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Meet the Underdogs — Oyster Bay United poses for a team photo after the club’s 4-1 win over Westchester United in the final round of qualifying for the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Karla Esqueche | E&M Photography

At this time last year, when in any normal year the US Open Cup would’ve been kicking off its opening round, Oyster Bay United FC did not exist.

Now, eight months after their entrance into the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), they are set to make their debut in one of the oldest and most storied soccer competitions in the world. Playing their games at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in the town of Oyster Bay on Long Island, New York, the club has become a part of the fabric of the community.

It is not uncommon to see a lot of fluctuation in soccer clubs in the lower division leagues in the United States. Clubs can form, move and fade away, but sometimes there is a resurrection of sorts, as a newly-rebranded club rises from the ashes of a former team’s instability to try again.

Oyster Bay United was formed from the core of Queens Meadows FC, a team that was, itself, a rebrand of a previous UPSL team called Santa Fe NY. Queens Meadows FC was successful on the field in the spring of 2021, finishing second in the American-Premier Division and making a run in the division playoffs, but struggled off the field.

In the midst of their successful spring season last year, the team found itself without an owner and on the verge of being removed from the league. It was bad enough that they didn’t know from week to week whether they would have a field to play on for their next game. But by using some personal connections and with a stroke of luck, they were able to relocate to a new home field in Oyster Bay and start to build a fanbase to finish out the campaign.

But the club still needed an owner, so when team captain Dan Giorgi put the word out in the local soccer scene, Mark Colacioppo, whose son played at the youth club Giorgi worked for, got involved.

“I liked that the team showed the grit to finish the season without an owner and made it to the conference final,” said Colacioppo.

After conversations with team staff, the new ownership was made official in the summer of 2021 and Oyster Bay United was born, ready to take on the UPSL Northeast and their first crack at the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the US Open Cup.

Despite the newness of their branding, the team had no trouble readjusting to play in the league. After an opening loss to the eventual division winners New Jersey Alliance FC, Oyster Bay United went on to win their remaining nine games, finishing second in the UPSL American-Premier Division with a goal difference of +38. They then made a run to the division playoff final, where they fell once again to the New Jersey Alliance.

In between dominating their regular season schedule, United, who were less than a year old, found themselves matched up with a New York team with a storied history that dates back to the 1940s in the opening round of the Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Wilber Gomez of Oyster Bay United (left) battles for the ball against a player from Westchester United in the final round of qualifying for the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Karla Esqueche | E&M Photography

Northeast region teams began the competition in the second round, with Oyster Bay United taking on four-time Open Cup champions, New York Greek American SC. This first challenge was made tougher by registration issues leaving the team with only eleven players available, including two goalkeepers: keeper Kevin Shannon played the entirety of the match as a forward. To add to their struggles, one player arrived late and one was sent off in the second half, leaving them to play much of the game with ten men. Though they had no chance for reinforcements or fresh legs, the team preserved a scoreless draw for the full 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time, forcing a penalty kick shootout. Against all odds, Oyster Bay United emerged victorious, as their non-forward-playing keeper, Jean Carlo Perez, made three saves and they won 3-2.

In the next round, they faced another Big Apple club with a rich Open Cup history: three-time champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms. They earned a 2-0 win over the three-time Open Cup champions with two breakaway goals, one in each half of extra time.

That win put them into the final round against UPSL division foe Westchester United FC, who they handily defeated, 4-1.

Just four months after their founding, Oyster Bay United FC had qualified for the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, one of three teams from the UPSL Northeast to do so.

Colacioppo, for whom potential Open Cup participation was a big motivating factor to get involved, made it clear how much this tournament means to the team.

“The team really understands and appreciates the significance of being in a tournament like this; we talk about it a lot” said Colacioppo. “ super excited to realize our biggest club goal to qualify for the US Open Cup.”

He continued on and mentioned how good it felt for the team to win their last qualification match just days after losing in their UPSL conference final and to know they would be able to compete in this tournament in the spring.

Giorgi said qualifying for the Open Cup helped them forget the pain of that championship game loss.

“We were all buzzing. It was crazy. I’ll never forget it,” he said.

Both Colacioppo and Giorgi mentioned that the team’s story could be a Netflix documentary series. But a natural disaster that showcased the grit of the team turned into the perfect storm with a passionate owner to provide stability and a chance to compete in one of the oldest and most storied soccer tournaments in the world.

“So many reasons and things that went wrong, each week not being sure if we would have a field to play on, so many reasons to give up but we never did; we found a field and a team owner,” said Giorgi. “I’m really proud of my team for that.”

Oyster Bay United FC will make their first-ever Open Cup appearance against the NPSL’s Hartford City FC on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, Conn. The match will be streamed on ESPN+. The winner will return to Dillon Stadium for Round 2 where they will take on Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship on April 7.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Orlando FC Wolves bring strong resume to first Open Cup run

March 22, 2022 by Jeff Livezey

Orlando FC Wolves 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Meet the Underdogs — Orlando FC Wolves pose for a team photo after the club’s 3-1 win over Miami Soccer Academy in the third round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Orlando FC Wolves

One of the dark ~~horses~~ wolves of the Open Division Local entries for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are the Orlando FC Wolves.

Orlando are very much like a wolfpack. A tight-knit team founded by Bradley Welch in 2018 after he returned stateside in 2017 after playing overseas. The team is made up of ex-collegiate and pro players that like to play at a highly competitive level. For a team that has only been together for five years, they have put together an impressive list of titles and accolades, including the 2021 Florida State Cup championship, four Central Florida Soccer League Elite Division titles, a National Soccer League Central Florida League championship and they also reached the USASA Region III Final off the 2021 National Amateur Cup.

The Wolves are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in Central Florida. Head coach Kent Welch and assistant coach Terry Horton have been responsible for shaping and molding Orlando into what they are today. With the players they have, most of which have been with the club since it was founded, they all hope for continued success in this year’s US Open Cup.

The Wolves were the only team that qualified for the 107th edition of the US Open Cup out of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament that began that competition in the abbreviated opening round. As one of six teams to start in the first qualifying round, while everyone else began in the second round. The Wolves started with a pair of 4-0 wins over UPSL clubs Deportivo Lake Mary FC & Oceanway FC.

The original match against Deportivo Lake Mary FC was postponed due to heavy rain and lightning, but when the game was finally played the Wolves took control early. Cristian Serrano buried a goal from just outside the box, assisted by Joe O’Sullivan, the Wolves all-time leading scorer, in the 23rd minute.

Then Orlando scored two second half goals off corner kicks, one of them off a Lake Mary defender’s head in the 62nd minute and the other was a header from JP Lopez in the 77th minute. O’Sullivan closed out the scoring with a tap in from a Hank Morton cross in the 84th minute. It was the second year in a row that the Wolves had eliminated Deportivo in the qualifying tournament.

JP Lopez added another goal in the Wolves’ 4-0 win over Oceanway FC in the next round, but it was O’Sullivan that stole the show with a hat trick (29′, 67′, 81′). Goalkeeper Zach King got the start and earned the clean sheet for Orlando.

HIGHLIGHTS: Orlando FC Wolves vs. Oceanway FC

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The Wolves earned a 3-1 win over fellow National Soccer League club Miami Sports Academy. O’Sullivan kept up his scoring streak, tapping in a pass from Tristan Rehrig in the 16th minute. Welch doubled the lead by pouncing on a rebound 56th minute. James Winchester curled a ball in from the right wing seven minutes later to give Orlando a three-goal lead. The Wolves’ 248-minute shutout streak would come to an end later in the game but they held on to advance to the final round of qualifying.

They would punch their ticket without having to take the field as they received a “Win and You’re In” forfeit victory when South Carolina United Heat was forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak among their players.

Orlando FC Wolves Resume

4x Central Florida Soccer League Elite Division Champions
3x Central Florida Soccer League Elite Division Cup Champions
2020 Florida Classic Tournament Champions
2021 Florida State Cup Champions
2021 USASA Regional Finalist
2021 National Soccer League Central Florida League Champions
2021 National Soccer League Central Florida Conference Champions
2021 USASA Region III Amateur Cup Finalist

Founder and team captain Bradley Welch is no stranger to the US Open Cup. In 2011, as a member of FC New York (USL Pro, Div. 3 pro), he played against the New York Red Bulls of MLS in what was a close game at Red Bull Arena. Even though the legendary Thierry Henry did not suit up that day for the Red Bulls, they still rolled out a very good reserve line up with some starters like Tim Ream, John Rooney, and Juan Agudelo. They fought the entire match and kept the game to a 1-1 draw, until a late strike by John Rooney gave the Red Bulls the 2-1 win. It was a bittersweet game for Bradley considering he supported the Red Bulls since the team’s Metrostars days.

Bradley Welch FC New York Red Bull Arena — Bradley Welch poses for a photo at Red Bull Arena before his FC New York team took on the Red Bulls in the 2011 US Open Cup. Photo: Bradley Welch

“It was truly awe-inspiring to even be in his presence as a lifelong football fan,” Welch said about playing a team with players like Henry. “At the time, it was the largest set of fans I had played in front of and the atmosphere as a new professional made the moment more memorable”.

Orlando Wolves FC enter the US Open Cup for the first time after falling short in 2018 and 2019. It’s a dream come true not just for the players, but for everyone associated with the club that they get to participate in this storied tournament.

Orlando will take on The Villages SC, a USL League Two team that has been a model of consistency. They have qualified for the last eight US Open Cup tournaments, which is the longest active streak of any amateur team. The game will be played at The Villages SC Complex in Summerfield, Fla. on Tuesday, March 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“Our match versus The Villages will definitely be an uphill battle,” said Welch, who represented Trinidad & Tobago at the Under-23 level. “From what we know, they’ve been quite the successful outfit in USL-2 over the years. They have the resources to prepare as any professional team does in this competition so it will take a mix of grit, determination and a little bit of luck to keep our run going. We have a great combination of young and experienced players that I think will bode well for us. We have no intentions of shying away from the magnitude of the match and are going in with the mindset that only a victory will do.”

Spoken like a true captain.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: City Soccer FC evolves from indoor facility, finds success outdoors

March 22, 2022 by Austin David

City Soccer 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Meet the Underdogs — City Soccer FC players celebrate during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Florida Soccer Soldiers. Photo: Alex Venegas | IG: @real.wpb

Wednesday will mark a big day in the 12-year history of City Soccer FC. What started as an indoor facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. has evolved into an outdoor team that has cultivated a soccer community for local players to showcase their talents. Now, those talents will be on the national stage as CSFC prepare to face Miami United in the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

For founder and owner Boris Jofre, this has been a long time in the making. In 2010, the Chilean native felt a soccer void in South Florida that needed to be filled, so he invested in an indoor facility.

“The community needed something different with indoor fields,” said Jofre. “For 20 years or more since I got to this country I played indoor, I played friends and we’d get kicked out of parks and indoor places, so I said to myself ‘I got to put the funds together’, and I ended up opening this facility.”

The 75,000 square foot facility has a restaurant, full-service bar and hosts a variety of parties and events throughout the year. That was just the beginning for Jofre and City Soccer.

With the indoor program booming, the community started to take notice. Players from the local area and nearby Division II school Palm Beach Atlantic University started to join leagues and play their offseason indoors. In 2013, Andres Colman was added to the City Soccer marketing team, which led to the creation of a City Soccer Select team. Those local players became staples for the early days of competitions in the South Florida area.

In 2016, the team was entered into a competition called the Football Five World Cup, a five-a-side indoor tournament played across the world, with teams going through qualifying to represent their nations on world’s stage. Though they were eliminated their first year, 2017 saw the side beat all their national competition to win the right to represent the US in Beijing, China.

Not only did City Soccer play up to the competition, but they won the whole thing, becoming the five-a-side champions of the world.

The goalkeeper of that 2017 City Soccer team, Fernando Cortes, now plays for the outdoor team that will take the field on Wednesday night in the Open Cup. Having started with the Sailfish of Palm Beach Atlantic, the 5’8” goalkeeper has stayed with City Soccer through it all.

“The staff, the organization, the one thing that they let us know is we’re just not a team, we’re a family,” Cortes said, “With City Soccer FC, no matter who’s been through, who’s coming, who’s going, City soccer is always gonna be remembered as a family group.”

That core mentality has kept players coming back, even after turning pro or playing elsewhere. The camaraderie and togetherness that exudes from the top-down has led to success both on and off the pitch.

City Soccer FC defender Christopher Llorente celebrates after scoring a goal during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Florida Soccer Soldiers. Photo: Alex Venegas | IG: @real.wpb

While the indoor team continued to find success in international tournaments, the outdoor team started to be born. In 2016, the 11v11 team was founded, playing in local leagues around the Palm Beach area. Up until 2019, they dominated those local leagues, but there were still bigger aspirations. So, in January of 2020, City Soccer FC joined the UPSL, the step forward to their goals.

Over the next year and a half, the City Soccer FC team dominated both UPSL and the NSL’s Florida divisions, leading them to where they are now, starting their journey as an amateur team in the US Open Cup.

With this current iteration of the team, there are three players to watch out for this Wednesday: Auner Escobar, who plays on the right wing, is a technical player that loves going 1-v-1 against defenders, while the team’s striker Ricardo Tapia is a big, strong player up top that gets in good positions. The captain, Juan Vasco, is the team’s general in the midfield, winning the ball, playing quickly, and has a presence in the midfield that helps the team overall.

“We’re at this level now and it’s a huge stage for us,” Jofre said, “We’re really excited about it. And now, I hope we have a good result after Wednesday. I think it’s it’s a very important game and anything could happen, but we’re definitely prepared for it.”

City Soccer FC will travel just an hour south to Ted Hendricks Park in Hialeah, this Wednesday for their match against the NPSL’s Miami United FC. The winner will play on the road against Miami FC (USL Championship) in Round 2. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC faces longest road trip in US Open Cup return

March 20, 2022 by Jim Coppock

Denver-based Azteca FC practice Meet the Underdogs 2022 US Open Cup — Denver-based Azteca FC practices with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Photo: Azteca FC

Denver-based Azteca FC are set to make their third Lamar Hunt US Open Cup appearance in a Wednesday evening visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma to face the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletic. This is the club’s first appearance since 2018.

Azteca FC are owned and managed by Andy de la Rosa, who also owns a local construction company. In recent years, the team has become one of the annual contenders in the Colorado Adult soccer scene. Andy attributes this to three things: the ability to recruit top players from the Denver area, the commitment of his players to succeed, and participating in the toughest leagues and tournaments available in Colorado.

Andy also adds, “A combination of coaching, planning and managing the team to put it in the best position to win and that doesn’t mean entering the weakest leagues in Colorado.”

Last fall’s Colorado Super League season saw Azteca finish third, eliminating Gam United 5-2 in the semifinal before falling in the final 5-3 to FC Denver, after extra time. Shortly after that, Azteca qualified for the US Open Cup with a dramatic Denver Superclasico win against league rival Harpos FC, winning 4-3 after extra time. Prior to that “Win & You’re In” match, they beat fellow Colorado Super League side Colorado Rush, 4-1, followed by a 5-2 home win over the Colorado Rovers (Colorado Premier League).

While Azteca currently has no former MLS or Liga MX players, they do have ex-pros from division two and three leagues in Mexico, Honduras and Chile, as well as former Division 1 and Division 2 college players and a roster of top-notch amateurs. Andy says none of the ex-pros are likely known outside of the local scene, but all the players are crucial to the team’s success. Specifically, Azteca’s three co-captains, Marcos Madera, Eduardo Reza and Jovany Herrera.

First choice goalkeeper Marcos Madera is the team’s most veteran player, bringing years of skill and experience to anchor the defense. Eduardo Reza is a leader in the midfield bringing his excellent technical skills to help build and drive the attack. Finally, forward Jovany Herrera, whose play makes him the attacking leader of the team.

“I’m not sure why,” said De La Rosa, “but for one reason or another he never made it pro but should have.”

The winner of Wednesday’s game against Tulsa Athletic will play on the road against FC Tulsa of the USL Championship in the Second Round on April 5.

The trip to Tulsa is about a 9.5 hour drive, the longest road trip of any First Round game.

Andy says his team is ready for the challenge against a tough Tulsa Athletic side and are focused on the task at hand.

“We would have preferred to draw Hailstorm or Switchbacks in the Second Round to avoid travelling, but it is what it is.” said De La Rosa. “We’ll worry about the next match after we win our first.”

In Azteca’s first two trips to the Open Cup, they played road games against amateur teams. In 2017, they lost a narrow 1-0 extra time game to FC Wichita (NPSL), and in 2018, they lost to rival FC Denver, 4-2.

Tulsa Athletic hosts Azteca FC on Wednesday, March 23 at 8 p.m. (ET) at Oral Roberts University’s Case Soccer Complex in Tulsa.

MORE: Azteca FC’s Meet the Underdogs stories from 2017