Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup: Format, schedule finalized for 107th edition of tournament

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The Houston Dynamo lift the trophy after winning the 2018 US Open Cup title. Photo: Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo lift the trophy after winning the 2018 US Open Cup title. Photo: Houston Dynamo

This March, the 107th edition Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will finally kick off after a two year wait. This all comes with a revised format and the earliest tournament start in the Modern Era (1995-present).

Today, the US Soccer Federation (USSF) has announced the 2022 US Open Cup schedule and format of the competition. As was originally organized for the canceled 2020 tournament, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams will not all enter in the same round of the competition for the first time since 2006. This will result in more matches between MLS and lower division competition over the course of the early rounds of the tournament.

Unlike that nearly 50-50 split however, the 2022 competition will see a majority of MLS teams (17) enter in the Third Round. These teams are:

  • Atlanta United FC
  • Austin FC
  • Charlotte FC (New team)
  • Chicago Fire FC
  • Columbus Crew
  • D.C. United
  • FC Cincinnati
  • FC Dallas
  • Houston Dynamo
  • Inter Miami CF
  • Los Angeles FC
  • LA Galaxy
  • Minnesota United FC
  • New York Red Bulls
  • Orlando City SC
  • Real Salt Lake
  • San Jose Earthquakes

The remaining eight, which will include the four USA-based entrants to the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League and the next two best American regular-season finishers in each of the league’s Eastern and Western Conferences, will enter in the Round of 32. These teams are:

  • Colorado Rapids
  • Nashville SC
  • New England Revolution (Supporter’s Shield Winner)
  • New York City FC (MLS Cup Champions)
  • Philadelphia Union
  • Portland Timbers
  • Seattle Sounders FC
  • Sporting Kansas City

The remaining professional teams from both Division II (USL Championship) and Division III (USL League One, National Independent Soccer Association, and the newly-formed MLS NEXT Pro) will all enter the Second Round of the competition. This comes after a statement in July from US Open Cup commissioner Paul Marstaller that suggested Division III teams would enter in the First Round.

“The 2022 tournament will be the first in memory when all the top players will be available for selection for every round as none of the games involving Division I Major League Soccer or Division II USL Championship clubs will be played during an international call-up period, a necessary feature for building a credible national championship,” said commissioner Marstaller in a July 20 press release.

The only round that falls on an international call up period is the First Round on March 22-23.

This all excludes teams majority-owned or otherwise controlled by a higher division professional club, meaning a majority of MLSNP teams. However, two teams from that league are already known and will compete in 2022.

Rochester NY FC, the former Rochester Rhinos, are returning to professional play and the competition for the first time since 2017. The 1999 US Open Cup champions are the last non-MLS (Division 1) team to win the competition and were recently purchased by Leicester City FC star Jamie Vardy. 

The second team is a fun loophole. With St. Louis City SC is set to join MLS in 2023, however it’s reserve side is one of the 21 teams taking part in NEXT Pro’s inaugural 2022 season. Tournament rules state that a team cannot participate if it is owned by a high division club already in the competition. This means the yet-to-be-named St. Louis City SC reserve team will be able to take part this year only (barring the first team’s MLS debut being pushed back).

The rest of the teams from USL Championship (USL-C) and NISA will be announced after the professional team deadline of Dec. 31, 2021.

Again keeping with major changes originally scheduled for 2020, the First Round will be played on March 22-23, 2022 with all Open Division teams participating. This is the earliest any USOC has ever begun in the Modern Era (1995-present) and would have even broken 2020’s record had that been played (March 24-25).

This includes the Open Division Local teams, and most notably, all of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and USL League Two (USL-2) teams. This will create a problem because NPSL and USL-2 teams overwhelmingly rely on college players. According to NCAA rules, current college players (excluding seniors who will graduate in the spring) are not allowed to play for an outside team before May 1, unless the game falls during Spring Break or some other school-sanctioned vacation period.

Teams that rely on college players on their roster will need to come up with different or additional players to participate in the tournament. It’s even possible for NPSL and USL-2 teams to play three Open Cup matches before their regular season kicks off in May.

The remaining Open Division teams are the local qualifiers that have already been determined for the First Round next March. The NPSL and USL-2 allocations and qualified teams will be announced on Jan. 6, 2022.

(Note: You can read our projections on which teams will get into USOC 2022 from both the NPSL and USL2)

The 12 Local Qualifiers (including the 2021 USASA Amateur Cup champion Lansdowne Yonkers FC) are:

  • Azteca FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./Colorado Super League, Colorado)
  • Brockton FC United (US Adult Soccer Assn./Bay State Soccer League, Massachusetts)
  • City Soccer FC (US Specialty Sports Assn./National Soccer League, Florida)
  • Contra Costa FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./National Premier Soccer League, California)
  • D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (US Club Soccer/The Roja League, Texas)
  • Escondido FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./United Premier Soccer League, California)
  • Lansdowne Yonkers FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./Eastern Premier Soccer League, New York)
  • Lynchburg FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./United Premier Soccer League, Virginia)
  • Northern Virginia FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./Eastern Premier Soccer League, Virginia)
  • Orlando FC Wolves (US Specialty Sports Assn./National Soccer League, Florida)
  • Oyster Bay United FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./United Premier Soccer League, New York)
  • San Fernando Valley FC (US Adult Soccer Assn./United Premier Soccer League, California)

None of 13 local qualifiers from the canceled 2020 tournament were able to re-qualify for 2022. All but two of the Open Division Local Qualifiers (Lansdowne Bhoys FC, Northern Virginia FC) will be making their tournament debuts in 2022. Of note, NPSL side Contra Costa FC was allowed to participate in local qualifying. This is because the Golden Gate Conference it competes in had no pathway to the competition via the National League route since it did not participate in the traditional league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Competition Schedule

Jan. 6                               Open Division berth allocation announced

Jan. 19                             First Round pairings announced

Jan. 26                             Second Round pairings and possible pairings announced

March 22-23                    First Round (Open Division teams enter)

April 5-7                          Second Round (Division II and III teams enter)

April 8                             Third Round Draw

April 19-21                      Third Round (17 Division I teams enter)

April 22                           Round of 32 Draw

May 10-11                       Round of 32 (remaining 8 Division I teams enter)

May 12                            Round of 16/Quarterfinal Draw

May 24-25                       Round of 16

June 21-22                       Quarterfinals

June 23                            Semifinal/Final Hosting Draw

July 26-27                        Semifinals

Sept. 6-7 or 13-14            Final

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: City Soccer qualify with shutout of Florida Soccer Soldiers

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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

City Soccer FC stepped up and cruised to a 4-0 win on Saturday night against Florida Soccer Soldiers in a Fourth Round “Win & You’re In” qualifier. The club, founded in 2011, can celebrate it’s ten year anniversary knowing it will compete in the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament beginning next March.

“Our weekend result wasn’t a surprise,  it was the ultimate reward for the hard work put in by players, coaches and owners, throughout the whole year,” City co-owner Andres Colman told TheCup.us. “A great year, for sure, for the organization. We’ve made club history this past weekend, getting our name out there. We will keep working hard, stay humble and prepare for what’s next, this is only the beginning.”

 

City Soccer FC goalkeeper Fernando Cortes Jr. makes a save during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Florida Soccer Soldiers. Photo: Alex Venegas | IG: @real.wpb

Coming into the match City knew their opponent well. Both teams compete in the United Premier Soccer League’s (UPSL) Southeast Conference Florida South Division (Premier Division). The two sides tied in their first-ever league meeting last fall, 2-2, during the Fall 2020 season. However, this past Spring may have been an indicator of things to come. City swept the winless Soldiers with two clean sheets, 2-0 and 3-0, en route to a loss in the first round of the division playoffs.

(Note: City Soccer FC entered US Open Cup Qualifying as a member of the National Soccer League, which it also currently fields a team in)

In Saturday’s match, the two teams followed a similar script. The first half looked competitive with the Soldiers’ offense producing chances but City looked in control. The breaking point came in the 32nd minute when a City throw-in was slightly chipped into Florida’s box. Two defenders, not realizing either how far away the goalkeeper was, or how close the attackers were, put their hands up and encircled the ball. The advancing keeper was out of place allowing a City player to break in from behind. His kick went right toward the keeper, who faintly tried to clear it but landed the ball at Kevin Velasquez’s feet on the right side of the box. The City player slammed the ball into the back of the net to put his team up, 1-0.

The Soldiers’ best chances of the half came in it’s middle and final minutes. A run down the right side in the 26th minute set up a cross one-on-one with the City goalkeeper Fernando Cortes Jr. A fantastic save was the only thing keeping the home side from taking the lead. Then in the first minute of stoppage time, a long pass from the left side produced an extravagant back heel score that was called off by the linesman for offside.

The final 45 minutes were dominated by City Soccer. Ricardo Tapia scored twice in the first ten minutes of the half to give City a sizable cushion. The first came just over 60 seconds in when Auner Escobar set up the striker to double his team’s lead. Later on, in the 55th minute, after just failing to convert on a rebound off the keeper, Tapia essentially sealed the game. A long pass from Jesus Escobar from midfield gave Tapia space for a run on the right side of the box. He slotted a shot just to the keeper’s right, where the momentum pushed the ball into the goal.

 

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

For their part, the Soldiers attempted to congest the midfield and pushed up players to try and get back into the game, possibly hoping to capitalize on the momentum from the nullified equalizer. However this left too much space open whenever a City player got through. That, in turn, allowed the visitors to score three goals in a 15 minute span while Florida struggled to make deep possessions into the opposite end.

City added a fourth goal a few minutes later in the 60th minute, when Escobar’s free kick from the right side, near the touchline, was headed down by defender Christopher Llorente before trickling into the back of the net. Llorente, a Cuban international in his third season with City, previously spent time with professional side Cienfuegos FC in his home country.

City will now await the First Round draw on Jan. 19, 2022 to see which Open Division team they face in the competition proper.

Florida Soccer Soldiers has been a regular in Open Cup qualifying the past few years. After finally making the tournament in 2019, the team made a run to the Third Round upsetting Miami FC (then defending National Premier Soccer League champions) and USL Championship side Charlotte Independence. Two members of that roster, Valentin Sabella and Bryant Martin Gammiero, went on to sign with Charlotte and Miami respectively.

The Florida Soccer Soldiers were the third UPSL team that City Soccer FC defeated to qualify for the 2022 US Open Cup. City began their qualifying run the Second Round where they edged Miami Sun FC, 3-2, and followed that up with a 7-2 win over International Soccer Association. By punching their ticket, CSFC join Orlando FC Wolves as the only two teams from the United States Specialty Sports Association’s National Soccer League to qualify for next year’s tournament.

BROADCAST: Part 1 /Part 2

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Contra Costa FC wins 10-round PK shootout to qualify

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Contra Costa FC poses for a team photo after the club’s 8-7 penalty kick win over Metro FC, following a 1-1 draw in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Contra Costa FC

Contra Costa FC outlasted San Francisco Metro FC 8-7 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time in club history, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. It was played on a cold, overcast Sunday afternoon at Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, Calif.

As in previous Open Cup qualifying rounds, CCFC’s roster was largely made up of players from the club’s National Soccer Leaguue (NSL) affiliate, Atlético East Bay. Their starting lineup on Sunday averaged 20 years of age, while Metro fielded a more experienced squad, with an average age of 26.5.

18-year-old Braulio Maravilla of Contra Costa FC battles for the ball against San Francisco Metro FC in a 2022 US Open Cup Qualifying match. Photo: CANOSPICTURES

Contra Costa appeared to be the stronger team early in the first half, but Metro’s Matt Fondy opened the scoring in the 24th minute, muscling his way through a crowd of players in the box. The 32-year-old striker had a 10-year pro career and helped Olympic Club of San Francisco qualify for the 2020 Open Cup, but their first round match vs. FC Davis was canceled due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metro had several other chances in the remainder of the first half and the first few minutes of the second, including a shot in the 46th minute that hit the post and another effort from Fondy nine minutes later that went wide.

CCFC got on the board in the 61st minute, when Roberto Gonzalez scored on a penalty kick. Contra Costa also had a shot carom off the post in the 74th minute. Fondy had one last chance to win the match for Metro in regulation time in the 88th minute, but his shot was off target.

Contra Costa’s younger squad had the clear advantage in the extra session, but Metro’s goalkeeper Brian Ginell made a diving save on a shot by Octavio Munoz in the 103rd minute and stopped a shot from Cristian Garcia from point blank range in the 107th minute. Gonzales had one final opportunity in the 118th minute, on a curving free kick from close range that cleared Metro’s wall, but hit the side netting.

The penalty shootout was also evenly matched, with Ginell and Contra Costa goalkeeper Carlos Herrera making key saves and Herrera being yellow carded after his second infraction for coming off of the line too early.

Finally, in the 10th round, it was Ginell’s turn to take a kick and his shot went wide. Fernando Lara converted his kick for the win.

The victory capped off an eventful year for Contra Costa FC, which was founded in 2015 and recently completed its first season in the NPSL’s Golden Gate Conference. They were allowed to participate in local qualifying because the conference’s teams had no pathway to the Open Cup since they only played seven regular season matches last season due to the pandemic.

In addition to their ascension to the NPSL, CCFC’s ownership enhanced their player development program this year by acquiring majority ownership of a Liga 3 team from Portugal, Sporting Clube São João de Ver (SCSJV), as well as an interest in Thisted FC of Denmark’s Second Division. CCFC players will have an opportunity to be scouted by and potentially play for both of these European clubs.

Metro FC began playing in the San Francisco Football Soccer League in 2017 and recently completed its first season in the SFSFL’s Premier Division. Head coach Rose Shoen was hoping to achieve a major milestone, becoming the first woman to manage a team in the recorded history of the 107-year-old US Open Cup. While the historical records are not complete, TheCup.us has no record of a woman managing a team in the US Open Cup proper.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: San Fernando Valley FC edge Capistrano to qualify

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Hamid Babaali of San Fernando Valley FC celebrates his goal in a 2-1 win over Capistrano FC in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: San Fernando Valley FC

In the “Win & You’re In” round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, San Fernando Valley FC maintained possession throughout the match to secure a 2-1 victory over Capistrano FC.

With the win, San Fernando Valley qualifies for the US Open Cup for the first time in club history, and becomes the first club from San Fernando Valley to enter the tournament since 1995. That year, the San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles qualified from the USISL Pro League (Div. 3 pro). SFV is the fourth UPSL club to qualify for the 107th edition of the tournament, which begins March 22-23.

(Editor’s Note: If any of our readers know anyone associated with the 1995 San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles, please contact us HERE)

At the start of the match, it was a battle between both teams in a battle for possession. However, Capistrano FC couldn’t hold its shape through the midfield which SFV saw opportunities to take control.

The offensive pressure that SFV had been putting on Capistrano FC finally led to a goal in the 17th minute. Charlie Cazares was first on the board after completing a pass from Miguel Ortiz that was outside of the 8-yard line.

With the score 1-0 so early into the match, Capistrano FC began to increase their intensity to even the game. However, this resulted in several minor fouls being called for both teams. The referee named most of these fouls as a fair play which frustrated both teams and resulted in an increase in the aggression of play.

Hamid Babaali of San Fernando Valley FC celebrates his goal in a 2-1 win over Capistrano FC in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: San Fernando Valley FC

Though Capo FC played with more intensity, the duration of the first half continued with a 60-40 possession, with SFV holding most of the control.

While more attempts on goals occurred for SFV and a few for Capistrano, the half ended at 1-0.

With the second half underway, it was evident that Capistrano reviewed its tactics in the first half and made adjustments. The team was no longer leaving its midfield open and moving together offensively which left SFV to fight harder for possession.

The possession between both teams leveled to 50-50 as Capistrano FC created more attempts on goal.

As the match continued, the number of injured players on the pitch for SFV increased but where all fouls were called fair play. The frustration and hostility between both teams finally led to yellow cards.

In the 50th minute, a collision between SFV goalie Bilal Danduli and a Capistrano player ended with Danduli being judged to be at fault and given the first yellow of the match. Just a few minutes later, Capistrano’s Sergio Montes was also given a yellow card.

However, by the 65th minute, a deflection from the Capistrano goalie ended with SFV’s Hadmid Babaali putting a foot on the ball to give his team a 2-0 lead.

The goal didn’t discourage Capistrano FC, instead, they used the score as more motivation to get on the board. Its offensive push was starting to push SFV out of shape and looking for a way to bounce back.

In the 82nd minute, that offensive push would pay off for Capo FC. A deflection off Danduli left a pile of players from both teams in front of the goal to retrieve possession but ended with a header from Capistrano’s Marcos Cervantes.

With less than 10 minutes left of the match, Capistrano FC continued to make attempts to even the score. A final yellow card was given before the end of the match to SFV’s Jeffrey Xochipiltecatl.

A few plays were made after the yellow but ultimately the game ended with SFV coming out victorious, 2-1.

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: COVID-19 forfeit gives Orlando FC Wolves spot in USOC

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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

The recent resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic due, in large part, to the omicron variant, has handed Orlando FC Wolves the club’s first trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

 

The Wolves were set to host the South Carolina United Heat of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) on Saturday. The winner would qualify for the 107th edition of the US Open Cup. However, on Friday, South Carolina United informed Orlando FC that they would not be able to play.

SC United, a team under the SC United Bantams umbrella, which also fields a team in USL League Two, had suffered a coronavirus outbreak among the team’s players and would not be able to field a full squad.

“The news came as a shock to us all,” said Orlando FC founder and player Bradley Welch. “We received official confirmation just one day before the match was to take place. We had been preparing for this game for almost a month. I think a lot of the guys had mixed emotions about the news because there was a lot of excitement around playing the match.”

Welch, a former pro who represented Trinidad & Tobago at the youth international level, said despite the disappointment, the team is excited to qualify in the club’s third attempt.

“Third times really a charm as we’ve entered every year since we were founded in 2018,” said Welch. “I think it’s also that much sweeter that as far as we know, we are the first Central Florida amateur team to qualify for the Cup, finally providing some recognition to a footballing region other than South Florida.”

Orlando FC were one-and-done in their first entry into the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament in 2019, and fell short in the second round in the 2020 tournament. This year, the Wolves were one of six teams that began the Open Division Local Qualifying Tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the abbreviated first round. After a pair of 4-0 wins over UPSL sides Deportivo Lake Mary and Oceanway FC, they defeated Miami Soccer Academy (National Soccer League) 3-1 to advance to the final round.

According to the South Carolina United Heat, they tried to find a way to make the game work.

“Every sports platform in the world, at all levels, has had to make changes and dealt with inconveniences in order to ensure a fair competition and most importantly fulfill their commitment to the fans,” said SC United Heat owner Nick Lewis. “It’s a shame we were unable to do the same for such a meaningful tournament that means so much, especially to amateur clubs. SC United Heat will continue to grow as a team and establish its dominance in the Southeast. We thank the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for allowing us to have this rare opportunity and respect their decision.”

“We will be back.”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Escondido FC beats fellow UPSL club to earn first USOC berth

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Escondido FC poses for a team photo after the club’s 3-1 win over Sporting ID11 in the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Luzrayito Balderas | IG: Rayoreynoso

In a battle of a pair of Southern California-based United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) clubs, Escondido FC defeated Sporting ID11, 3-1, to qualify for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

After the original match for Dec. 19 was rescheduled, it was Monday night football in Temecula, Calif. The city of Temecula, located at the southeast corner of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, has become a football haven for youth soccer, thanks to Galway Downs and the city’s Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, where the turf has always been allocated generously between the numerous youth clubs in the area.

Angel DeLeon (No. 14) walks out for pre-game introductions with his Escondido FC teammates before the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Sporting ID11. Photo: Luzrayito Balderas | IG: Rayoreynoso

The evening was cold, cloudy, and misty. Escondido kicked off attacking to the goal facing southwest with the mist pouring in from the southwest. The first few minutes proved to be scrappy in nature as both teams came out firing on all cylinders. It wasn’t until about the 13-minute mark that Sporting recorded the first shot on target from a free kick after a foul by an Escondido
defender.

The battle continued between the two teams to retain the ball and build something up as the pitch conditions continued to dampen as time went by.

Escondido struck first in the 18th minute after a ball was placed across the face of goal following some 1-v-1 prowess by an Escondido attacker down the right side. The ball was delivered to Josue Hernandez who scored from inside the box. Escondido would hold that 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

The second half proved similar in nature with Sporting earning a corner kick inside the first minute of play and Escondido generating a shot on target shortly thereafter.

Josue Hernandez of Escondido FC attempts a bicycle kick during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifying match against Sporting ID11. Photo: Luzrayito Balderas | IG: Rayoreynoso

It was in the 65th minute that Escondido doubled their lead when Roberto Guerrero scored from the right side of the box following some good build-up play.

A few minutes later, the drama intensified as Sporting pulled one back through some good link-up play where a cross was sent into the box from the right wing to the back post where it was headed back across to the opposite side of the goal for Jose Montes de Oca who headed home what would prove to be Sporting’s only goal of the night.

The game was put out of reach for Sporting when Escondido scored a third goal by Omar Rodriguez that came through good build-up play with about 15 minutes left to play.

The match would end with Escondido earning their first trip to the US Open Cup in their first attempt at qualifying. The road to the tournament, which is scheduled to begin in March of 2022, included three home wins by Escondido, a 3-2 win over fellow UPSL side Rebels SC, and a 3-2 extra time win over Chula Vista FC.

“The Lamar Hunt Cup is great because it gives you the opportunity to play with professional soccer teams if you keep winning,” said Escondido FC head coach Roger Colim. “A couple
more games and we could face teams from the USL or NISA and that makes a difference because you never know with scouting who is watching the games. Maybe they can see that a team has
potential and it could change the lives of one of our boys, you never really know. One good game, one victory where one of our boys is inspired and maybe his life could be changed.”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Oyster Bay United ousts third NY team to earn first USOC berth

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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

Oyster Bay United FC clinched its spot in the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating Westchester United FC, 4-1, on Sunday, Nov. 21. By the time the Long Island club turns one calendar year old it will have made its US Open Cup debut.

Team owner and president Mark Colacioppo knows first-hand all the work his team has put forth. While the team’s winning record in United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) play has been incredible to see, he admits the tournament held a special place in his ambitions.

“The opportunity to play for a berth in the main draw of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was a huge reason for me personally getting involved with the club,” Colacioppo said. “Winning matches against three strong teams made earning our spot even more rewarding. The players understand the history and prestige of this tournament and look forward to going as far as we can and putting Oyster Bay United FC on the map of US soccer.”

Like the win over the Pancyprian Freedoms, Oyster Bay battled chilly, Northeast autumn weather on the road in order to secure the win. The game at Brewster High School near the Connecticut border dipped close to 35 degrees as the sun set. Luckily for Oyster Bay, the team got off to a quick start.

A couple of long passes in the 29th minute moved the Westchester lines enough to give Luis Altuve space on the right side. Another long cross from the opposite side gave him the chance to simply lift one leg and redirect the ball into the net. Despite being a 73-mile trip, the traveling support shook the bleachers. Immediately Colacioppo felt his side had more confidence following this moment.

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

In the interim, OBFC’s goalkeeper JC Perez made multiple saves to keep the game in his team’s favor. Early shots that would have given Westchester the lead or tied the match back at one goal a piece were blocked out by the Keiser University alumni. This meant when Sebastian Ruiz got a chance to finish off a through pass up the middle in the 39th minute, it put the visitors up 2-0 heading into halftime.

However, the home team was not about the let that happen unopposed. United had already come back from a 2-0 deficit in its first qualifying match against NJ Alliance. In that game, the team scored a late first half goal to completely switch the game’s momentum. They followed the same script and a free kick into Oyster Bay’s box was headed away in the first minute of stoppage time t make it 2-1.

The player that scored that fateful goal was Christopher Ribet, a former professional with the Los Angeles Force of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). He’s also someone Colacioppo and the team know well from UPSL play.

“We knew Westchester was a tough club from when we played them during our UPSL season,” Colacioppo said. “Ribet was one of the league’s top scorers and a handful to defend but we were able to deny him service for the most part.”

For OBUFC’s head coach Josue Esqueche he knew his team was going to have to change up their play despite the success they’d had in the middle of the first half.

“We knew that the field was small and was a very defensive team,” Esqueche explained. “We had to make some adjustments since the 2-1 score was not a comfortable result for us. In the second half we knew how to maintain possession of the ball, continue with our advanced lines being responsible, and we were able to demonstrate total superiority.”

Early in the second half, pressure by captain Dan Giorgi and Sebastian Ruiz on the left side created the opportunity for a third goal. A feed from Ruiz was calmly finished by Davidson Marseille into the top left corner and passed the jumping keeper only a minute in. The fan closest to the camera letting off a Howard Dean-esc “Yeah” counteracted the feeling the home side began to show.

As the final 45 minutes continued on, Oyster Bay’s time of possession greatly increased. The visitors bossed the midfield leaving Westchester to play keep-up. A few offensive breaks were interspaced between forwards playing back hoping to avoid a fourth goal. That finally came through in the 85th minute when Ruiz was fouled in the penalty area. Mathews Carriel slotted in the penalty kick to seal the result firmly in favor of the visitors.

“Happy for the result and for the team’s performance,” coach Esqueche said. “We were visitors with a goal and it was achieved, this is the best thanks we can give to the fans and the team management for all the support provided. Thank you and now the team prepares to face the new challenges in the best way.”

The win was the boost the team needed as well. The Thursday prior to the match, Oyster Bay fell to the New Jersey Alliance in the UPSL American Premier Division Playoffs Final, 1-0. With the team’s inaugural season at an end, the group now has more time to fully prepare for both the Spring season and the 2022 US Open Cup tournament.

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

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Escondido FC celebrates a goal against Chula Vista FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Luzrayito Balderas
#USOC2022 Essentials

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

Qualifying Schedule

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

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

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

Dec. 18-19
Round 4 (Southeast, West)
South Carolina United Heat at Orlando FC Wolves
City Soccer FC at Florida Soccer Soldiers
Capistrano FC at San Fernando Valley FC
Metro FC at Contra Costa FC
Sporting ID11 at Escondido FC

The November games for the Open Division Qualifying tournament for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are complete. When the dust settled on Sunday night, six teams had punched their tickets to the 2022 US Open Cup, including four first-time entries. There were 10 games on the schedule to complete the Third Round of qualifying with teams from the Southeast and West regions. Of the 10 teams that advanced from the Round 3 games, nine of them are teams that are looking to qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time in team history.

There are now five games left to play in the tournament’s fourth and final round that is scheduled to take place the weekend of Dec. 18-19. Those five winners will complete the Open Division Local field for the 107th edition of the US Open Cup, which kicks off in the Spring of 2022.

The matchups for the final round will be announced at a future date, however some of them are more geographically obvious.

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

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Capistrano FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier Lg)
3:2
Outbreak FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier Lg)

Capistrano FC advanced to the final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament on Saturday after a game-winning goal in the 85th minute by Gustavo Chavez, defeating fellow Southern California side Outbreak FC, 3-2.

Capistrano will now advance to the fourth and final round of the tournament and are one win away from the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth.

At the beginning of the match, it seemed that Outbreak FC, a two-time Open Cup qualifier (2016, 2017) would come out on top after a header by Alexander Antonescu in the sixth minute put them on the board first.

However, that lead was short-lived when Capistrano FC received possession and Michael Petrovski evened the score just a minute later with a shot from inside the six-yard box.

In the duration of the first half, both teams were unsuccessful in gaining the lead. Possession was split between the teams and neither of them were successful with finishing any of the shots they had on goal. The intensity on the field began to build up as multiple fouls were called on both teams but it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Outbreak FC received its first yellow card, awarded to Antonescu. However, this gave no advantage to Capistrano FC and the half ended in a draw.

The second half was much like the first, however, this time both teams increased their physical level of play. Though Outbreak FC increased their defensive skills, it wasn’t enough because in the 49th minute Chavez was able to record his first goal of the match and put Capistrano FC back in the lead, 2-1.

Neither of the teams backed down as the game continued on. After both teams received more yellow cards, the match remained scoreless until the 73rd minute where Scott Larrabee from Outbreak FC was able to take a shot after a small scuffle in the goalie box allowed him to bring the score to 2-2.

With the score at a draw and less than 20 minutes remaining, both teams upped the ante in their shots and took any possible that was near the goal.

It was Capistrano FC that would be victorious in the 85th minute as Chavez was able to head into the back of the net, leaving the score 3-2 by the end of regulation.

Capistrano FC will now travel to Encino, Calif. to take on San Fernando Valley FC in the final round of qualifying (Dec. 18-19). (Recap by Kathryne Padilla – Twitter @PadillaK_)

Desert Communities SC Pathfinders (USASA/UPSL)
L:W (Forfeit)
San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)

Desert Communities SC Pathfinders forfeited their match against San Fernando Valley FC due to a lack of player availability. According to DCSC, the club featured a number of teenage players who attend high school and there were scheduling conflicts that did not allow them to take part in the match. San Fernando Valley advance to the final round where they will seek the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth. San Fernando Valley will now host Southwest Premier League side Capistrano FC in a “Win & You’re In” match the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

Miami Soccer Academy (USSSA/NSL)
1:3
Orlando FC Wolves (USSSA/NSL)

Playing their third straight home game of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, the Orlando FC Wolves defeated the Miami Soccer Academy, 3-1.

In the 16th minute, the Wolves opened the scoring with a build up that found its way into the attacking third on the left wing. There, Tristan Rehrig sent in a low ball across the box and the ball found its way all the way through to the far post, where Joe O’Sullivan tapped it in. In the second half, player/coach Bradley Welch would double the lead off a free kick on the right side of the field in the 56th minute. Rehrig delivered the ball to Zak Woodward who put a shot on goal and the goalkeeper made the save but the rebound fell to Welch who gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead.

About seven minutes later, Orlando would pad the lead with a cross from the right wing that found James Winchester. He would bring the ball down to his left foot to create space from the Miami defender and curl a ball into the upper left corner of the goal.

Miami’s Jhohan Leyton would ruin the shutout in the 68th minute, a goal which would be the first allowed by Orlando in the qualifying tournament. Despite their 248-minute shutout streak ending, the Wolves defense would hold on for the 3-1 win and earn a spot in the fourth and final round of qualifying. The Wolves are now one win away from the club’s first US Open Cup berth and to achieve that, they will host the South Carolina United Heat in a “Win & You’re In” match the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

South Carolina United Heat (USASA/UPSL)
3:2 (AET)
Georgia Revolution FC Reserves (USASA/Atlanta District Amateur)

The South Carolina United Heat came from behind twice to defeat the Georgia Revolution Reserves 3-2 after extra time, on two extra time goals by Hunter Delvalle.

With the win, the Heat advance to the final round of qualifying where they will play on the road against Orlando FC Wolves with a spot in the 2022 US Open Cup on the line. The game is expected to be played the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

The game started with a short feeling out period followed by a lot of pressure from the Heat. Despite the back-and-forth, and several extended spells of SC Heat pressure, the game remained scoreless at the break.

The second half began with the Revolution on the front foot. The scoring began with the Revolution’s Bokie Yeaney being brought down in the penalty area. Jacob Sayer stepped up and slotted home the penalty in the 51st minute to take a 1-0 lead. Late in the game, a cross by Carlos De la Rosa missed Christian Duncan by inches in the 84th minute. The Heat would equalize a minute later on a goal by George Melo Perez on a long route-one ball off a free kick near midfield, setting up extra time.

The first five minutes of the first half of extra time was all South Carolina. Again, more back and forth for both teams as they searched for a winner. In the 104th minute, Christian Duncan scored for the Revs making the score 2 -1. In the very next minute, George Melo Perez nearly equalized, but for a great save by Cameron Verona to keep it 2-1.

The second half of extra time was the Hunter Delvalle show. After a deep run, beating a couple of Georgia players, Hunter was unable to get a shot off but he would shortly follow that up with a header to equalize in the 109th minute. This goal seemed to rock the Revolution onto their heels. Just seven minutes later, Delvalle would score another goal off of a header to give South Carolina a 3-2 lead. The Revs seemed completely stunned and were unable to mount a response.



Red Force FC (USSSA/NSL)
0:1
Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA/UPSL)

Florida Soccer Soldiers logoIn a battle between two South Florida clubs with experience in the US Open Cup, the Florida Soccer Soldiers edged Red Force FC 1-0 to advance to the final round of qualifying. The lone goal of the match came from the Soccer Soldiers’ Pascual Calderaro about 15 minutes into the game. Red Force FC, a four-time US Open Cup entry (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018), was unable to crack Florida’s defense that held up for the remaining 75 minutes of the match. Now, the Soccer Soldiers, who compete in the UPSL, are one win away from its first Open Cup berth since 2019. They will likely play either the South Carolina United Heat, City Soccer FC or Orlando FC Wolves in the final round (Dec. 18-19).

In 2019, the Soccer Soldiers made headlines when they won a pair of road games in the Open Cup, upsetting NPSL power Miami FC (a pro team playing in the largely amateur NPSL), and eliminating USL Championship side Charlotte Independence in penalty kicks before narrowly falling 1-0 on the road to North Carolina FC (USL Championship).

Contra Costa FC (USASA/NPSL)
2:1
El Farolito (USASA/NPSL)

A young Contra Costa FC side were victorious over the more experienced El Farolito in a third-round US Open Cup qualifier game at James P. Lang Field in San Francisco.

El Farolito faced a serious deficit in emergency goalkeeper Brayan Villalobos (normally a defender) between the posts, because first-string goalkeeper Jonathan Barona was unavailable and their regular backup was unable to play due to a hand injury.

Addison Escobar opened the scoring just before half time for Contra Costa. El Farolito equalized when Irving Garcia headed home a corner kick in the 50th minute. Roberto Gonzalez gave Contra Costa the lead in the 64th minute after Villalobos mishandled his shot at the near post and El Farolito’s Dembor Benson equalized again with a header in the 71st minute. Contra Costa’s Escobar then finished the scoring in the second minute of stoppage time. (Recap from SoccerBayArea.com)

Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer Lg)
5:0
Philadelphia Lone Star FC (USASA/UPSL)

Brockton FC United qualified for the US Open Cup for the first time behind a 5-0 win over Philadelphia Lone Star on the road. Brockton went up on a pair of goals nine minutes apart in the first half through the combination of Nilton de Andrade and Walter Varela, who assisted on each other’s goals to put the visitors up 2-0 at halftime.

Brockton FC celebrates after the club’s 5-0 win over Philadelphia Lone Star FC in the Open Division Qualifying tournament for the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

Brockton goalkeeper Benvido Barros made key saves early to deny the hosts an opener and had a sequence with two saves late to prevent Lone Star’s efforts to get back into the game and secure the clean sheet. 

Geo Alves made it 3-0 Brockton with a strike in the 74th minute and after Anthony Allison was sent off in the 81st minute, Brockton was able to tack on two more goals from Rilton Carvalho and Ruben Almeida. (FULL RECAP by Matt Ralph of BrotherlyGame.com)

FC Maritsa (USASA/Metro East Football Assoc)
0:1
Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL)

Lynchburg FC prevailed over FC Maritsa in a back and forth affair that ultimately ended 1-0 thanks to a strong finish from Tudor Barna in the 47th minute. With the win, the Virginia-based club punched their ticket to the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in the club’s first entry into the qualifying tournament. (FULL RECAP by George Diamond)

D’Feeters Kicks SC (USCS/The Roja League)
2:1
Southwest FC (USASA/UPSL)

The Dallas-based D’Feeters Kicks SC earned their first trip to the US Open Cup with a 2-1 road win over Southwest FC in El Paso. The game-winning goal came in the 85th minute when Sebastian Mendez stuttered-stepped his way to a penalty kick goal (VIDEO BELOW). (FULL RECAP from Dan Vaughn)

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Metro FC (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football Lg)
1:0
BattleBorn FC (USASA/UPSL)

Metro FC made one of the longest journeys of the opening round, traveling from San Francisco to Minden, Nev., near Carson City. The trip ended up being worth it as the members of the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League came away with a 1-0 win over UPSL side BattleBorn FC.

After the two teams played an even first half, BattleBorn took control early in the second half. However, against the run of play, it was Metro FC that scored what would prove to be the lone goal of the match. In the 64th minute, Christian Garcia fired a shot that took a deflection in front of goal and ended up in the corner of the net.

With the win, Metro FC advance to the fourth and final round where they will take on NPSL side Contra Costa FC in a Win & You’re In match the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

Harpos FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)
3:4 (AET)
Azteca FC (USASA/Colorado Super League)

For the third time since 2017, Colorado powers Azteca FC and Harpos FC squared off in a tightly-contested “Win & You’re In” match with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line. And for the third time, Azteca FC prevailed by a single goal, beating their Colorado Super League rival 4-3 in extra time.

Harpos would jump out to an early 2-0 lead, but Azteca would score three straight goals to take the lead in the second half. Austin Bell scored an 80th minute equalizer for Harpos as the game would have to be decided in extra time.

Cesar Meza would be the hero for Azteca, scoring the game-winner in the 100th minute to clinch a third US Open Cup berth for the club. (FULL RECAP by Jim Coppock)



Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)
4:1
Westchester United FC (USASA/UPSL)

Oyster Bay United earned a 4-1 road win over Westchester United FC to earn the club its first trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. OBU jumped out to an early first half lead with goals from Luis Altuve in the 29th minute, followed by another from Davidson Marseille 10 minutes later. However, the hosts did not give up, after scoring a goal to cut the lead in half just before halftime. However, Marseille would add his second goal of the game less than a minute into the second half to give them a commanding 3-1 lead. Oyster Bay would put the game away late when Sebastian Ruiz was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a PK goal from Mathews Carriel in the 85th minute. (FULL RECAP by Michael Battista)

Inter San Francisco (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)
1:3
Sporting ID11 (USASA/UPSL)

Sporting ID11 was victorious over Inter San Francisco, 3-1, and advanced to the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2022 US Open Cup.

Six minutes after the Sunday kickoff, Sporting ID11 Etoikai Atiabet had a straight shot from inside the goalie box to raise the score to 1-0. This gave the team momentum and in the 15th minute, Jose Montes De Ocas finished an assist from Atiabet to bring their lead 2-0.

Sporting ID11 kept possession for most of the first half and attempted more shots on goal than Inter San Francisco. While Inter San Francisco came close in the few shots they attempted, none were able to be completed to bring the score up.

Inter San Francisco began to play with more intensity in order to increase their possession of the ball, unfortunately for Luke Pritchard Cairns this resulted in a yellow card. Shortly after the half ended, the score remained at 2-0 in favor of Sporting ID11.

As the second half began, Inter San Francisco’s Tanner Papenfuss found himself in front of the goal and took a shot that was blocked. However, goalkeeper Ian Hernandez of Sporting ID11 had a slip mid-block and the ball fell from his hands and rolled under him giving Inter San Francisco a goal in the 46th minute.

With the score now 2-1 early into the half, Inter San Francisco was more eager to even the score and remain in the competition.

Multiple fouls were now being called on the pitch and in the 63rd minute, Sporting ID11’s Mohammed Malick Sackowas was given his first yellow for a foul a few feet outside of the goalkeeper’s six-yard box. Inter San Francisco had no advantage to even the score in this play as their free-kick was blocked.

A final yellow card was given to Inter San Francisco’s Jack Callan in the 72nd minute, but minor fouls continued for the rest of the half.

Both teams had multiple players who were given warnings by the center referee for their conduct during the match which ultimately led to these yellow cards being drawn.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, Sporting ID11’s Andre Morris raised the score to 3-1 when his shot from inside the goalie box hit the back of the net.

Inter San Francisco attempted to even the score with just a few minutes left on the clock but in the end, were not successful.

Sporting ID11 will travel to San Marcos, Calif. to take on fellow UPSL side Escondido FC in a Win & You’re In match the weekend of Dec. 18-19. Whoever the winner is, it will be the club’s first-ever US Open Cup berth. (Recap by Kathryne Padilla – Twitter @PadillaK_)

City Soccer FC (USSSA/NSL)
7:2
International Soccer Association (USASA/UPSL)

City Soccer FC dominated at South Regional Park as they defeated International Soccer Association 7-2 to advance to the final round of qualifying. Auner Escobar scored the first goal early in the first half, followed by back-to-back goals from Ricardo Tapia to give City Soccer FC a 3-0 lead. ISA did get one back, but in the 41st minute, Kevin Velasquez scored, and City Soccer FC had a 4-1 lead over ISA at halftime.

In the second half, ISA scored in the 54th minute with a goal from Romi Ambroise to cut the deficit to two. However, it was all City Soccer FC with a goal from Jesus Escobar in the 58th minute to go up 5-2. Jeffery Michaud scored his goal by converting his penalty kick from the spot to give City Soccer FC a 6-2 lead in the 62nd minute. Kilder Lopez would add the final blow in the 88th minute to seal the win for City Soccer FC, who are now one win away from clinching a spot in the US Open Cup for the first time. They will likely take on either the Florida Soccer Soldiers, Orlando FC Wolves or South Carolina United Heat in a “Win & You’re In” match the weekend of Dec. 18-19.

Districtonia Futbol (ANFEEU/Woodbridge Soccer Lg)
0:5
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/Eastern Premier Soccer Lg)

Northern Virginia FC jumped out to an early 2-0 lead at home, but that two-goal lead looked like it was in jeopardy when two players were sent off before halftime. Despite playing with nine men, NOVA FC scored three more goals to clinch their first US Open Cup berth since 2000, when they were the Northern Virginia Royals of the United Soccer League’s D-3 Pro League. (FULL RECAP by Sean Maslin)

Chula Vista FC (USSSA/Southwest Premier Lg)
2:3 (AET)
Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL)

The final match of November’s third qualifying round for the 2022 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup saw home side Escondido FC defeat Chula Vista FC 3-2 following extra time.

Escondido FC celebrates a goal against Chula Vista FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Luzrayito Balderas

Chula Vista took control of the game in the first half, with Jorge Navarro Jr. opening the score through a cheeky chip in the 31st minute. For the closing minutes of the half, Chula Vista found multiple opportunities to double their lead, which eventually came from the penalty spot as Navarro Jr. converted into the bottom-left corner just before halftime.

Seemingly gaining control of the match in the second half, Escondido FC’s Juan Velazquez got his team back in it with roughly 20 minutes left in regulation. With the match intensifying, Jose Velazquez Jr. provided an equalizer for the home team in the 84th minute, sending both teams into extra time.

Following an array of yellows given throughout the entirety of the match, Chula Vista’s Angel Gonzalez was shown a straight red from the referee to close out the first period of extra time, leaving the away side with ten men.

With just two minutes left in extra time, Josue Hernandez completed the comeback for his team off a curling shot into the sidenet, leaving Chula Vista’s keeper with no chance.

Despite what many believed to be a game that was surely over, Chula Vista missed a clear chance in the final minute of play following several shouts for a penalty after one of their players was tripped up in the box. In an attempt to waste time, Escondido’s Erik Papke was also shown his second yellow of the match, sending him off.

After an eternal amount of stoppage time, the referee blew his whistle, leaving the scoresheet 3-2 in favor of Escondido FC.

For Chula Vista FC, this meant the end of their campaign for the USOC. For Escondido FC, however, the victory secured them a spot in the final round of USOC qualifying, where they will face Sporting ID11. (Recap by Mathias Medel)

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Nine-man NoVA FC ends 21-year USOC drought

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Northern Virginia FC celebrates the club’s 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol in the final round of the 2022 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: NoVa FC

Winning with eleven players is usually a challenge. Winning with ten players is downright difficult. But winning with nine players takes a certain bit of skill, a lot of luck, and courage.

On Sunday night at Revolution Sports Complex, Northern Virginia FC (NoVa FC) showed they had all three traits. Despite going down two men in the first half, the Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL) side persevered pushing ahead and earning a 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol.

For Northern Virginia FC, the victory in a “Win & You’re In” match against the D.C. area side ends a US Open Cup drought of more than two decades. While also fielding a team in the EPSL, NoVa has been a member of the United Soccer Leagues since 1998. They began in the D-3 Pro League as the Northern Virginia Royals and qualified for the US Open Cup in 1999 and 2000. The club has undergone multiple name changes, and joined what is now known as USL League Two in 2006, but has not qualified for the tournament since.

While the scorecard at the end of match was certainly filled with goals and bookings on one side, the beginning of the game appeared to be a close game. It was an interesting match in terms of conflicting philosophies with NoVa FC spreading the field and Districtonia creating their chances through the middle of the field. NoVa FC might have appeared to have the edge with midfielder Daniel Akinkoye and Brandon Williamson creating chances inside for KJ Nadula. But credit to Districtonia, whose work on the inside with Bryan Aguilar and Franklin Fodup created some promising opportunities.

After some excellent midfield work from both sides early on, NoVa FC struck first. In the 15th minute, Nadeau connected with a chip from the NoVa midfield, breaking past the Districtonia goalkeeper to earn the 1-0 lead. Nadeau wasn’t done though as he smashed home his second of the match just 11 minutes later.

Now normally two goals in the first half hour is exciting enough for any regular football supporter. But the match took an interesting turn in the final 15 minutes of the first half. In the 32nd minute, NoVa FC defender Luke Campbell took his second yellow card of the match putting the EPSL side in relative danger. The sense of uneasiness amongst their supporters was only made worse with Francisco Diorio earning a straight red for a challenge just outside of their 18-yard box.

Although they were down two players and facing some pressure in their defensive third, NoVa continued to stretch the field using their speed on the outside to open up the Districtonia defense. Thanks to some excellent off-the-ball runs by Akinkoye, Williamson, and Aaron Etienne, NoVa found themselves with fantastic chances to add to their lead. After a series of close calls, they finally found their third with Nadeau completing his hat trick in the 63rd minute to give him four goals in his last three US Open Cup qualifying matches.

NoVa would continue to place pressure on the Districtonia backline with substitute JP Ayolmbong scoring in the 72nd minute and then assisting on Ahmed Ismail’s goal in stoppage time to round out the scoring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Photo Gallery Link

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

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

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

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

 

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