Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: South Georgia Tormenta claims another USL Championship upset, 2-1 vs. Rio Grande Valley

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South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: South Georgia Tormenta FC
South Georgia Tormenta FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: South Georgia Tormenta FC

South Georgia Tormenta used a goal in each half along with a second-half penalty save to advance 2-1 in the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup over the visiting Rio Grande Valley Toros.

The Rio Grande Valley Toros (USL Championship) had entered the match undefeated with a record of 1-0-3 to face the defending USL League One champions, which owned a 1-2-0 record.  Throw out the previous results, add an ideal full-moon night for soccer, and sprinkle in some US Open Cup magic and the recipe for tonight’s game was complete.


Both squads were managing the extra load of recent games and rotated their squads for tonight’s match.  Tormenta seemed to adjust faster and had a strong opening 15 minutes of play pressuring the Toros to open the match. The Toros then found their footing and midfield possession game to control the rest of the first half except for one major breakdown that Tormenta punished for a goal in the 39th minute.  A quick switch of the ball by Mukwelle Akale caught the Toros unbalanced in front of the net and John Murphy Jr. made no mistake putting Tormenta up 1-0 heading into the half.


Rio Grande Valley regrouped at the intermission and opened the second half with more possession and sustained pressure on the Tormenta backline.  This pressure forced a penalty in the 69th minute that Tormenta keeper Pablo Jara turned aside with a strong left hand to deny the Toros’ leveling the score.  Energized by the Jara save, Tormenta opened the game up and a pair of substitutes caught the Toros over shifted on a Nick Akoto cross from the right flank in the 81st minute when Kingsford Adjei smashed in the second of the night for the Birds.

The final minutes of the match saw Tormenta fend off wave after wave of Toros’ attacks and as the seven minutes of stoppage time were being announced Ricky Ruiz found the net on a low drive to put the Toros on the board.  The Toros continued to press the attack but simply ran out of time as Tormenta held on for the 2-1 win.

Tormenta Head Coach Ian Cameron was very pleased with the win and noted how ideas worked on in training were the difference in the match tonight. 

“We knew we wanted to cross the ball early because their (Toros) center backs get very man oriented and get sucked into the pockets,” Cameron said.  “So if we could play early balls across, that would make a big difference and both goals came from crosses.  We’re a team that’s not crossed the ball enough so that was something we worked on this week and we got two goals off of it, so maybe we should do it more often.”


Goalkeeper Pablo Jara was asked what it is like to save a penalty kick, then laughed and replied, “I don’t know, I’ve never scored a goal but I would say like scoring a goal. For goalkeepers saving a penalty gives you a boost, maybe a reminder of why we choose the position, it’s an amazing feeling.”

John Murphy Jr. scored the first goal and praised his teammates for a solid 90 minutes of work.

“This game lands at the perfect time (in the schedule) because whether it was in the league or Open Cup we were desperate for a win.  So as you could see the boys were fighting’, some of them dropped to the ground after the final whistle, it was an excellent effort from all the guys.”

It was the third time that Tormenta have won a game in the US Open Cup, with all three coming against USL Championship opposition. With the win, Tormenta will travel to play Charlotte FC (MLS) in Round 3. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Wesley Leggett’s late winner in OT gives Loudoun United win in USOC debut

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Wesley Leggett of Loudoun United celebrates after scoring a goal against North Carolina FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United
Wesley Leggett of Loudoun United celebrates after scoring a goal against North Carolina FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United

Loudoun United’s Wesley Leggett may have grabbed the headlines on April 5 with his game-winning goal in the 116th minute of extra time. However, it was Loudoun goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux who grabbed several key saves to lead the USL Championship club to a 2-1 victory over USL League One side North Carolina FC in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

A 26-year-old native of Cannes, France, Fauroux was spectacular on the night, earning Man of the Match honors and allowing Loudoun to win the club’s US Open Cup debut and advance to Round 3. Some of Fauroux’s best saves came late in regulation.

In the 86th minute, he stopped a point-blank shot by NCFC’s Jaden Servania that was headed into the right corner of the goal to keep the score deadlocked at 1-1.

Then, in the 94th minute of stoppage time, Fauroux made a save on NCFC’s Rafa Mentzingen and Loudoun defender Koa Santos was able to clear the ball on the goal line.

Before Fauroux’s heroics, Loudoun opened the scoring with an early goal in the 7th minute of play when midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar delivered a cross into the box that was headed home by Zach Ryan.

In the 67th minute, Servania tied the match for North Carolina FC as his strike from outside of the box was the only shot of the night to beat Fauroux.

Before substitute Abdoul Zanne found Leggett for Loudoun’s game-winner late in extra time, North Carolina FC had several chances to take the lead during the 30-minute session. And once again Fauroux came up big.

In the 98th minute, a shot by NCFC’s Luis Arriaga was tipped over the bar by Fauroux. Then in the 113th minute, Faroux stopped a point-blank shot by Mentzingen.

“The magic of the Open Cup,” said Loudoun head coach Ryan Martin. “We made some key blocks, whether it was Koa’s on the line, Hugo’s saves, Janis (Leerman) and Bryce (Washington) made some key tackles and plays…Wow, what a performance.”

Despite playing in its fifth season in the USL Championship, this was the first US Open Cup match for Loudoun, who had been ineligible in prior years as the club was owned by DC United. In February, it was announced that Attain Sports & Entertainment had purchased a majority ownership stake in the club, making it eligible to compete in the Open Cup as an independent club.

Loudoun will host Flower City Union of the National Independent Soccer Association on either Tuesday, April 25 or Wednesday, April 26 at Segra Field in Leesburg, VA. Flower City advanced to the Third Round with a 3-1 win over USL League Two club Manhattan SC on April 4.

 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Maryland Bobcats score on final kick of OT to stun Ocean City Nor’easters

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Players from the Maryland Bobcats during their 2023 US Open Cup match vs. Ocean City Nor'easters. Photo: Maryland Bobcats
Players from the Maryland Bobcats during their 2023 US Open Cup match vs. Ocean City Nor’easters. Photo: Maryland Bobcats

The Maryland Soccerplex has played host to plenty of wild US Open Cup matches and Wednesday night was no different as the Maryland Bobcats defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters 3-2 in a chippy extra time affair in Boyds, Md. 


After overcoming an early 1-0 deficit, the Bobcats came back to take the lead late in the game. When it appeared that the NISA side was going to pick up its first US Open Cup win, the Nor’easters scored an equalizer in second half stoppage time to send the match into extra time. Thirty minutes of game time later, the visitors from USL League Two appeared to be ready to take the pros to penalty kicks. But the Bobcats scored a goal in the second minute of stoppage time in overtime off a corner kick. It would prove to be the last kick of the game. 

The Bobcats will advance to Round 3 where they will get a rematch with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship). Last year, Pittsburgh ruined Maryland’s tournament debut by eliminating them, 2-0. 

From the start of the first whistle, both sides came out looking for a tough match. They certainly got it with Bobcats defender Ryan Machado-Jones earning the first yellow card of the match in just the fifth minute. The Nor’easters certainly didn’t want to be left out of the card party, with Kaleb Jackson making an aggressive tackle in the 13th minute.

Ocean City did find their breakthrough with Jackson as he headed home the go-ahead goal on a delivery from Kyle Galloway in the 23rd minute. It was the first career US Open Cup goal for the former Rockhurst University standout. Last year, he made his Open Cup debut as he suited up for AC Syracuse Pulse in their First Round match against FC Motown. 


Things once again got testy around the 40th minute when Jackson was sent off with his second yellow card after a reckless tackle. In the scuffle that followed, Richard Forka of Maryland was shown a straight red card which reduced each team to 10 men.

In the second half, the Bobcats offense came alive early with Abdul Kooistra lacing together a series of slick passess with Darwin Espinal. But credit to the Ocean City defense for maintaining a tightly organized line led by captain Dylan Evande.

Maryland got their breakthrough in the 67th minute with a handball in the box going in their favor. Espinal walked up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home for the Bobcats. It was his first US Open Cup goal since 2017 when he tallied for the South Florida Surf of USL League Two. 


Espinal would bag his second for the Bobcats in the 82nd minute hammering home a pass taken from Kooistra to give his side the late lead.

It looked like they might escape with a come-from-behind win, but a shot by Ocean City’s Farid Mancilla was saved by Maryland goalkeeper Alexander Sutton. Unfortunately, he was unable to control the shot and Ocean City’s Vilius Labuis pounced on the rebound. It was the first career US Open Cup goal for Labuis, who was a first-team NAIA All-American at Rio Grande University in Ohio.

In extra time, the two sides traded attacking chances with neither side able to break the deadlock. Espinal very nearly had another match-winner and a hat trick with a dangerous free kick in the 98th minute but Ocean City goalkeeper Brady Hochman parried the chance over the bar.

In the final minute, the Bobcats made one last push for the game-winner. A shot from the right wing forced a diving save from Hochman that was sent out for a corner kick. Moments earlier, the referee had signaled for a minimum of one minute of stoppage time and as the stadium clock eclipsed that one minute mark, it was clear that the Bobcats’ corner kick was going to be the last kick of the game. The ball was driven into the penalty area and Bobcats teenager Phillip Brown crashed the box and volleyed it into the back of the net from point blank range.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Sean Totsch’s header gives Louisville City win over Lexington SC in Kentucky derby

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Sean Totsch of Louisville City celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Lexington SC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Humphrey
Sean Totsch of Louisville City celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Lexington SC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Humphrey

Louisville City managed to edge out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup newcomers Lexington Sporting Club on Wednesday night, sealing their spot in the Third Round of the competition.

Who else but prolific goal-scoring defender Sean Totsch was the player to finally break the stalemate between the two sides. A challenge in the 69th minute earned Lexington Sporting Club’s Terique Mohammed a yellow card and City a free kick. Totsch was able to connect off of a DelPiccolo free kick for a header that would find its way into the back of the net, sealing the fate of the game. 


“It was a relief,” said Totsch, who tied the Louisville City club record with four career US Open Cup goals. “We know what we’re capable of. Even with a 1-0 game, there are a lot of things to take away. All respect to Lexington. They put up a great fight.”

The path to that 1-0 result wasn’t an easy one. Severe storms passing through Louisville and tornado sirens blaring only an hour before the match, made it seem like a meeting between these two rivals would have to wait. After merely a 30 minute delay the match was able to get under way for a soggy night of soccer.

Once the match was underway a back and forth struggle ensued to find the first shot on goal, which did not come until almost the 25th minute. This was not for lack of trying as LouCity’s Mares and Serrano, along with LSC’s Balogun and Baynham, found themselves in dangerous positions a multitude of times throughout the first half. 

One of the biggest chances of the first half came in the 36th minute from a backwards header from Louisville’s Wilson Harris that was miraculously saved by LSC keeper Austin Causey. Very little would come from after this chance prior to the half, with Louisville ending the first 45 as the primary aggressors and LSC lacking a single shot on goal.


Not long after the second half began LSC’s Terique Mohammed delivered the team’s first shot on target from well outside the box in the 48th minute.

The remainder of the game would see several attempts on goal from the likes of Mushagalusa, Brown, and Mohammed, to name a few. LSC even sent all 11 players forward for a free kick in Louisville’s half for a shot that almost found its way home, but Totsch’s 69th minute goal would prove to be the deciding factor in the match.

When asked about if Louisville always had the winning goal in them, head coach Danny Cruz said, “I believed it (a goal) would come. I wanted the team to not concede in transition and make something happen on our side of the ball. I thought they responded well after the half. I’m proud of these guys.”

Lexington Sporting Club head coach Sam Stockley remains hopeful after the defeat stating, “We haven’t got time to dwell on it…You can’t buy culture. You’ve got to build it and grow into it. The players have been growing into it from day one. Never giving up is part of who they are and who we are.”

Both coaches commented on the positivity surrounding the growth and direction of soccer in Kentucky, citing each program as being an important step forward in growing the game and impacting their respective communities.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Indy Eleven scores twice in OT to beat Michigan Stars FC

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Solomon Asante of Indy Eleven dribbles against the Michigan Stars in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Indy Eleven
Solomon Asante of Indy Eleven dribbles against the Michigan Stars in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Indy Eleven

As bad weather rolled through much of the midwest, and many were sheltering at home, soccer fans in central Indiana made the trip to Michael A. Carroll Stadium for Round 2 of the 2023 US Open Cup. With kickoff being pushed back to 8 p.m., fans knew they were in for a late night, and a late night it was, with the Indy Eleven claiming victory after 120 minutes of play, 3-1.

“These games are never easy,” said first-year Indy Eleven manager Mark Lowry. “You’ve just got to get through them and move on to the next round.”

While Indy held possession the majority of the game, it was Michigan’s Nebojsa Popovic that started the scoring with a penalty kick goal that came in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.

The Eleven didn’t get on the board until the 59th minute of play, when Harrison Robledo scored off the assist of Solomon Asante. Scoring would stay silent the rest of the 90 minutes, and when eight minutes of added time couldn’t find a winner, the match went into two 15-minute added periods.



Indy was quick to score in the first two minutes of extra time, with Sebastian Guenzatti scoring off a second assist from Asante. For Guenzatti, it was his third career US Open Cup goal. His first two came as a member of the New York Cosmos (NASL). Guenzatti scored one each in 2015 and 2016.

The final goal came in the 106th minute as Juan Tejada accepted a pass from Jonas Fjeldberg to get to the final score.

With the win, Indy scores their first US Open Cup Second Round win since 2019, while Michigan loses in the Second Round for the second year in a row. The Eleven will find out their Third Round opponent on Thursday, April 6 during the draw at 6:30 p.m. ET on Bleacher Report.

As soon as play began, it began to look like the game would be all Indy Eleven, as they held possession for the majority of the first 40 minutes of play, including three shots with a little help from two Stars yellow cards issued to Andres Chalbaud in the 35th minute and Kotaro Umeda in the 48th. The tide turned towards the end of the half, as possession increased for Michigan, seeing their first corner of the game in the 39th minute. The Stars capped the end of the first half with a 47th minute goal by Nebojsa Popovic on a penalty kick that was set up after Indy’s Mechack Jérôme foul in the penalty area.


The beginning of the second half had Indy make three substitutions, with Dambrot, Asante, and Quinn relieving Rebellón, Torres, and Blake respectively.

Much like the first half, possession was controlled by the Eleven, with Indy taking three shots within the first ten minutes. The Stars subbed out their first half goal scorer Popovic in the 52nd minute, opting for Hunter Olsen.

Shortly after the change in the 59th, Indy’s Harrison Robledo scored the equalizer off a Solomon Asante assist. Lowry would make his fourth substitution of the evening in the 64th minute, bringing in Adrián Diz Pe for Jérôme. Michigan would then make their second change of the night, making a change to their second line and exchanging Umeda for the fresh Nicolas Nikolla in the 70th minute.


Nine minutes later, Nikolla was the subject of the match once again, receiving a yellow card for a hard foul on Diz Pe. The final substitution of the game came in the 85th minute, with Indy switching Jonas Fjeldberg for Cam Lindley. Roughly eight minutes were added to the end of the 90 to try and break the stalemate, and action heated up, with three Indy shots and a Michigan shot all coming in the added time, but all shots were unsuccessful, and the game headed to extra time.

The scoring started early in added time, with Diz Pe finding the back of the net on Asante’s second assist of the night in the 92nd minute to give the Eleven the 2-1 lead. Possession continued to stay with Indy throughout the extra time, with small attacks from the Stars that fizzled out all too easily. Just as the first added extra time period was coming to a close, Indy decided to extend their lead, as Juan Tejada scored in the 106th minute off an assist from Jonas Fjeldberg. Possession the second extra time period seemed a bit more balanced, with the Michigan Stars seeming to be on the attack a bit more than the previous period. But much like the majority of the game, these attacks fizzled out and led to turnovers.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Charlotte Independence shutout Appalachian FC to snap USOC winless streak

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Khori Bennett of the Charlotte Independence scores a penalty kick against Appalachian FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence
Khori Bennett of the Charlotte Independence scores a penalty kick against Appalachian FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence

Miguel Ibarra provided the spark and Khori Bennett provided the early goal as Charlotte Independence comfortably defeated Appalachian FC in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

Charlotte captain Clay Dimick made it 2-0 halfway through the second half and that’s how the scoreline would finish. It was the first US Open Cup victory for the Independence since 2017 when they defeated the Charlotte Eagles (USL League Two). Since then, they have been winless in their last four tournament games, with the last three eliminations coming at the hands of amateur teams (Ocean City Nor’easters in 2018, Florida Soccer Soldiers in 2019, NC Fusion U-23s in 2022).

“For me ‘Miggy’ was man of the match, he dictated the whole damn game … he must have had 200 passes,” said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries when asked about the players that stood out.

Jeffries also added, “I thought Khori was also good, he was very effective. I thought his movement was good, and he found the game really well.  He is going to be a guy that starts a lot of games for us and he is the one guy who did get a fair number of chances.”


Both teams got off to a rocky start as there were many giveaways and changes of possession in the first 10 minutes.  There was even a 3rd minute yellow given to Charlotte’s Bachir Ndiaye for dangerous play on an aerial duel at midfield. When Charlotte was able to secure possession, they were able to generate a few link ups and chances, none of them on target. Many of Appalachian FC’s successful early pressures and interceptions did not translate to possession, including three straight long balls that resulted in the forward dribbling out through the end line.

Charlotte settled in the match over the next 15 spreading Appalachian FC thin and working in between the space left behind. Luis Alvarez provided some great combination play and crosses that led to two separate poorly defended headers by Khori Bennett, neither of which caused the goalie much trouble. Bennett’s quickness and large frame was beginning to show signs of troubling Appalachian’s back line.

On a relatively routine clearance Bennett harried the backline into a giveaway near Appalachian’s endline, he ended up winning the ball and looked to find a pass but was hacked down in the box earning a penalty in the 24th minute. He smartly converted on a well-placed effort to the bottom left corner, Appalachian’s Agnew did well to get a hand on it. For Bennett, it was his third career US Open Cup goal. His first two coming as a member of USL League Two side Reading United AC (in 2016 and 2018). 


Appalachian FC lacked creativity for much of the remainder of the first half. Often Appalachian FC would lump the ball forward to one of their speedy forwards who would run onto the ball and fail to hold the ball up until reinforcements arrived.  The first half ended with Charlotte in control but failing to show killer instinct in front of net.

The second half started with Appalachian FC showing more fight earning a flurry of early corners. However, their attack remained toothless with one of the corners going straight out of bounds for a goal kick. Other than the corners Appalachian FC did not generate a real chance at goal in the second half. Charlotte continued to maintain most of the possession without generating many chances.  That all changed halfway through the second half when Avionne Flanagan ran onto a through ball and took it to the end line where he crisply centered a pass to the penalty spot and Clay Dimick smashed it home on a one-time shot.

The pace of play slowed down dramatically for the remainder of the game with Charlotte maintaining a level of comfort over their 2-0 lead.  Both teams utilized their substitutions and impressively racked up seven yellow cards in the second half.

Despite the mismatch, Appalachian FC did hold their defensive line for much of the game, they gave up very few big chances outside of the goals and most of the shots faced by Agnew were non-threatening.

Charlotte Independence look to play in Round 3 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and will know their opponent following the conclusion of the third round draw on April 6th

2023 US Open Cup Round 2 Review: With 29 games, second-largest round of Modern Era produces drama

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2023 US Open Cup Round 2 review
Photo: Indy Eleven

The Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the second-largest round of the Modern Era with 30 games on the schedule. One game was forfeited, leaving 29 games this week. Once the dust had settled on Thursday night’s action, there were 28 games in the book. Forward Madison’s match against Chicago House AC was moved to April 11, with Chicago House pulling off the upset. While Tuesday didn’t see a single upset with nine of the 10 home teams advancing, Wednesday’s 17 games were a little more unpredictable. The Sacramento Republic, last year’s runner-up, survived a nine-goal thriller with an amateur side, Tulsa Athletic picked up their first win over a professional team against FC Tulsa, and six games went into extra time, including one of them decided on the final kick of the game. Thursday’s lightning-delayed match between the Richmond Kickers and Cleveland SC seemed like a one-sided game but Cleveland scored a pair of late goals to make it interesting. 

We’re already on prize money watch as Chicago House AC and Tulsa Athletic are the last two remaining teams in play for the $25,000 prize money as the last remaining amateur side. 

The draw for the Third Round took place on Thursday with 24 games scheduled for the week of April 24-25. Click here for the full schedule. 

Scroll down for a brief summary of all 29 Second Round games with links to a full game recap. 


TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
3:0
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Elvis Amoh was a dominant force on the night, powering Hartford Athletic to a 3-0 triumph over Lansdowne Yonkers FC. Amoh drew first blood in the 27th minute of play before completing the trifecta with goals deep into the second half of action. 

The Hartford defense did its part, limiting Lansdowne to just six shots as Joe Rice picked up a clean sheet. Kyle Edwards and Jeciel Cedeño both recorded an assist on the night.

For the second time in as many years, Hartford Athletic advances to the Third Round. Hartford moves to 3-0-0 against amateur sides in cup play, as well as 3-1-0 at home. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Miami FC (USL-C)
3:1
Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL)

By Andrew Mosier

Miami FC’s Claudio Repetto scored a pair of goals late in the game to give a 3-1 win over the Jacksonville Armada Under-23s (NPSL). 

The Armada’s Charles Eloundou put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute.

But the lead didn’t last long though. Five minutes later, Miami FC pulled level when Ryan Telfer hammered home a Curtis Thorn corner kick. Things went from bad to worse for Armada when midfielder Luto Tom picked up a couple of bookings at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Five minutes into the second half Miami ‘s Thorn received his second yellow card of the night a few minutes for a professional foul. In the 82nd minute, Miami substitute Repetto finished from close range to give the home side the lead with less than ten minutes left. Two minutes later, Repetto put matters beyond doubt from the penalty spot. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
1:2
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Memphis 901 FC left it late, but were victorious against One Knoxville SC, 2-1, on Tuesday night on the road at Regal Soccer Stadium. A corner kick from Aaron Malloy in the 124th minute fell to the feet of Jeremy Kelly who smashed it home to the far post to break the stalemate.

Regulation wasn’t enough to establish supremacy for either One Knoxville SC or Memphis 901 FC in a Volunteer State showdown. Dylan Borczak got visiting Memphis out in front in the 38th minute, but Knoxville drew level thanks to a Ilija Ilić penalty in the 58th minute.

The win is Memphis 901’s first on the road in Open Cup action, as well as their first win against a third division side in the tournament.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
1:0
Gold Star Detroit (NISA)

By Jordan Beech

Yazeed Matthews’ goal proved the difference as Detroit City FC held off their crosstown neighbors Gold Star Detroit, 1-0, to earn advancement in the Third Round. Adrian Billhardt whipped in a cross that found the head of Matthews who nodded it home from the middle of the box in the 43rd minute of action. 

The contest was cagey from the outset, with Gold Star shown yellow cards twice in the first 16 minutes of play. In total, seven yellow cards were handed out between the two sides. While the teams combined for 24 shots, only four were put on frame.

The win is DCFC’s third in the club’s Open Cup history, and they are now 2-0-1 against third division opponents. This is the second year in a row that Detroit City has managed to reach the Third Round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Flower City Union (NISA)
3:1
Manhattan SC (USL-2)

By Andrew Mosier

Stephen Elias tallied a brace as Flower City Union (NISA) advanced to the Third Round past Manhattan SC, 3-1. Elias opened scoring in the 36th minute, then doubled the Rochester-based club’s lead six minutes later. 

Bibi Hakim Karamoko pulled the visitors back to within one in the 71st minute, before Flower City’s Alioune Diakhate extended the host’s lead to two goals again in the 82nd minute. 

This is Flower City’s second Open Cup appearance. In 2022 the club was eliminated at home in the Third Round D.C. United (MLS), 3-0.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
2:0
Nona FC (USL-2)

Tampa Bay Rowdies cruised past USL-2 squad Nona FC 2-0 to advance to the round three. 

Jerome Williams scored from 12 yards out to put the Rowdies up 1-0 off a feed from Lucky Mkosana in the 26th minute. Mkosana’s 35-yard blast seven minutes later, the eighth of his career, put the Rowdies up 2-0. 

With the game in hand, the Rowdies played out the second half looking forward to Round 3. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
4:1
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA)

By Andrew Mosier

The Charleston Battery advanced to the third round topping NISA side, Savanna Clovers FC, 4-1. 

Robbie Crawford put the home side up 1-0 in the 37th minute. Augustine Williams doubled the score in the 51st, followed by Tristan Trager in the 63rd. 

Savanna pulled one back in the 76th minute. 

A minute later, Nick Markanish scored for the Battery with his right foot to seal the victory for the hosts. It was the first Open Cup victory for the Battery since 2019.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Antonio FC (USL-C)
2:1
Club de Lyon (NISA)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

In a battle between a youthful San Antonio FC and an understaffed Club de Lyon, it was SAFC that emerged the winners on Tuesday night, 2-1 after extra time. San Antonio fielded a team composed largely of players from their academy system, while Club de Lyon had only 12 travel for the Second Round matchup in Texas.

Roman Holt converted from the spot in the 95th minute to put the hosts up 2-1 after a finishing regulation in a 1-1 stalemate. San Antonio then saw off sustained pressure from Club de Lyon to secure the win.

A deflected header from a free kick forced SAFC’s Carlos Mercado into a save, but Kevin Hernández was there to clean up the trash in the 61st minute. However, Club de Lyon’s lead would not last as Adrian Valencia found Dane Agustin unmarked in the middle of the box in the 79th minute to level the affair.

The win sees SAFC advance to the Third Round for the second time in a row, and fourth time overall.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New Mexico United (USL-C)
6:0
UDA Soccer (UPSL)

By Jordan Beech

Led by a Josh Dolling hat trick, New Mexico United ran rampant en route to a 6-0 win over UDA Soccer at Rio Rancho High School. 

Four different players scored for United, and none proved more potent than Doling. He scored his first goal of the night in the 48th minute off an assist from Andres Robles, before converting from the spot in the 61st minute. Dolling then got on the end of another Robles pass in the 73rd minute for his third.

Jose Ariel Sosa, Justin Portillo and Daniel Bruce also found the back of the net, while Bruce notched an assist on Sosa’s opening goal in the second minute of play as well. United’s defense was largely untested in the contest, giving up just one shot on goal that Ford Parker controlled in order to preserve the clean sheet.

As a result of Tuesday night’s win, United has advanced to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. It is the first time NMU has advanced since the club’s inaugural season in 2019 when they reached the Quarterfinals.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Oakland Roots (USL-C)
3:1
El Farolito (NPSL)

It was all business for the Oakland Roots as they advanced to the third round over NSPL side El Farolito 3-1. 

Johnny Rodiguez put the hosts up 1-0 in the 11th minute, followed by Wolfgang Prentice in the 16th. Prentice put the game away with his second on the night in the 24th minute. 

El Farolito did manage to pull one back right before halftime off a Ricardo Delgado Araujo penalty kick to make it 3-1. 

This is Oakland’s first Open Cup win in two appearances. In 2022 the club made a trip to the other side of the country and was eliminated by USL-1 side Greenville Triumph SC, 2-0 in Greenville.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
2:0
Appalachian FC (NPSL)

By David Einhorn

Khori Bennett and Clay Dimick led Charlotte Independence to a 2-0 win over Appalachian FC on Wednesday. Charlotte Independence dominated from the start as they had 17 total shots in the match. They took the lead in the first half when Khori Bennett was awarded a penalty in the 25th minute for a push in the back inside the 18. He converted the penalty with a cool finish into the left corner to give Charlotte a 1-0 halftime lead. 

In the second half, Charlotte continued to push for a second goal. It came in the 66th minute from captain Clay Dimick as he poked the ball past the Appalachian goalkeeper to cap off a quick counter attack. Charlotte wouldn’t look back as the match finished 2-0 in their favor. Bennett was named man of the match as Charlotte advances in the tournament for the first time since 2017.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
3:1
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
After Extra Time

By Josh Taylor

After inclement weather delayed kickoff for about an hour, Indy Eleven faced the Michigan Stars FC at Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium in Indianapolis. Late into first half stoppage time, Indy Eleven gave up a penalty kick to the Stars. Nebojsa Popovic buried his penalty kick from the spot to put the Stars ahead 1-0 going into halftime. 

In the second half, Indy Eleven got the equalizer in the 59th minute with a goal from Harrison Robledo with Solomon Asante adding the assist to tie the match 1-1. Both sides kept pushing throughout the second half for a game winner, but after 90 minutes it was level and needed extra time. 

In the first half of extra time, Adrian Diz pe scored in the 92nd minute to put Indy Eleven ahead 2-1. Indy Eleven struck just before the first half of added time wrapped up. Jonas Fjeldberg delivered a nice pass to Juan Tejada to extend Indy Eleven’s lead by two in the 106th minute.  

Indy Eleven hung on to that two-goal advantage to knock out the Stars and move on to Round Three.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Loudoun United (USL-C)
2:1
North Carolina FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By David Einhorn

Loudoun United squeezed out a 2-1 win at home in extra time against North Carolina FC for Loudoun’s first ever win in US Open Cup play. They started on the front foot when forward Zachary Ryan opened the scoring with a beautiful header right in front of the six-yard box in the 8th minute and Loudoun took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

North Carolina FC made several changes during the second half. Substitute Jaden Servania was only on the pitch for a few minutes before scoring an equalizer from outside the box. The game was level at 1-1 and extra time was needed to separate the two sides. Both teams were very competitive in extra time, but Loudoun substitute Wesley Leggett had the final say in the 116th minute. His goal gave Loudoun United the win as they moved onto Round Three of the U.S. Open Cup. For North Carolina FC, it marks the first time in team history that they have lost in the opening round of the US Open Cup two years in a row.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
1:0
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Louisville City FC put away the upstart Lexington Sporting Club, 1-0, on Wednesday night. For the seventh tournament in a row, Louisville has secured passage out of Round 2.

Though the hosts had plenty of chances in the Bluegrass State affair, Louisville only managed to convert one opportunity. However, Sean Totsch’s 69th minute header proved all that was necessary as LCFC held Lexington to just five shots on the night.

Louisville advances to Round 3 with the win, and will find out their opponent on Thursday, April 6.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
3:2
Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
After Extra Time

The Maryland SoccerPlex has played host to plenty of wild US Open Cup matches and Wednesday night was no different as the Maryland Bobcats defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters 3-2 in a chippy affair in Boyds, Md. 

Ocean City, making its 11th US Open Cup appearance, found their breakthrough in the 23rd minute with Kaleb Jackson heading home the go-ahead goal in the 23rd minute. The former Rockhurst University standout connected on a cross from Kyle Galloway from the right side. 

Things once again got testy late in the first half with Jackson getting sent off with his second yellow and Richard Forka earning a straight red card.

Maryland took over in the second half with an equalizer in the 67th minute from the penalty spot after a handball in the box was called. Darwin Espinal walked up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home for the Bobcats. Espinal would bag his second for the Bobcats in the 82nd minute hammering home a pass taken by Michael Akinkoye to give his side the late lead. It looked like they might get the win before extra time but a late squeaker from Vilius Labuis in second half stoppage time squelched any chances of that. 

The game would remain tied at 2-2 until the very last kick of the game in stoppage time of the second extra time period when Phillip Brown crashed the net on a corner kick and volleyed home the game-winner to give Maryland its first US Open Cup win.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
1:4
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)

The Birmingham Legion took until halftime to find the offensive breakthrough but once they did, they took care of business with a 4-1 road win over Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL-1). Juan Agudelo opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, then Collin Smith added a second just after halftime. Even when Grayson Dupont was sent off in the 55th minute, the Legion continued to roll. Agudelo added a second in the 63rd minute.

The Red Wolves ruined the shutout through Aaron Lombardi in the 79th minute, but Diba Nwegbo closed the show in the 87th minute to give them a third straight tournament opening win.  

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
2:1
Rio Grande Valley FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

South Georgia Tormenta FC pulled off a cupset of Rio Grande Valley FC, 2-1, on Wednesday night in Statesboro, Ga. John Murphy and Kingsford Adjei both found the back of the net to power the USL-1 side past their USL Championship counterparts.

Tormenta took the lead in the 39th minute off a goal from Murphy. After a nifty bit of build up play down the right flank, Mukwelle Akale slotted a ball into the box that Murphy stretched to get a foot on and past Carlos Merancio for the 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.

A bad bit of defending by Tobias Otieno gifted Rio Grande Valley an opportunity from the spot in the 68th minute, but Taylor Davila’s initial attempt to the bottom right corner was stymied by Pablo Jara. Davila then pushed his rebound effort wide of the goal.

With RGV throwing numbers forward in the final 10 minutes, the Toros lost the ball in the midfield and South Georgia sprang a counter. Waiting on the backpost, Adjei hammered home a volley from Nick Akoto to give the hosts a little bit of breathing room. Rio Grande Valley managed to pull one back in second half stoppage time thanks to Ricky Ruiz, but it was all for not as Adjei’s goal stood up as the matchwinner that ensured Tormenta’s passage into the Third Round for the second time in as many years.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
1:4
Chattanooga FC (NISA)
By: George Diamond

In a game that was largely dominated by Chattanooga FC, the NISA club put four past a hard-working but outmatched Des Moines Menace team. In the 23rd minute, Markus Nagelstad fired home from close range after Taylor Gray cushioned a header across the face of net. Shortly after the first, Chattanooga struck gold again. This time it was Damian Rodriguez, a first-half sub, scoring the second goal. He played a give-and-receive pass with Luis García Sosa and fired his shot past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Des Moines were able to get one back in the second half. Menace striker Garcia’s powerful strike in the 69th minute brought the score within one. Unfortunately, McGrath quickly stifled any hope for the Menace. Goalie Makela had to charge off his line to try and chase down a dangerous ball and the Chattanooga midfielder hardly hesitated, lofting a half volley home from downtown.   

Chattanooga found the dagger in the 85th minute as substitute Juan Luis found the space behind a Des Moines team that was desperate for another goal. His low finish secured the win for Chatanooga. Chattanooga’s 4-1 win sees them advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup for the fourth time in their history. Des Moines’ loss means the Menace are out of the Cup in the Second Round in consecutive tournaments. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
1:0
FC Tulsa (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

The bumpy pitch at Hicks Park played host to history as Tulsa Athletic slayed their derby rivals FC Tulsa, 1-0, in a classic upset. KB Harris’ scored the lone goal of the match as the NPSL side got a measure of revenge for last season’s Round Two meeting, which FC Tulsa won 2-1.

Athletic took the lead in the 63rd minute off a beautiful set piece put in the box by Roman Torres. Harris beat his man and nodded it home to the back post to put the NPSL side up over their crosstown rivals.

Wednesday night’s win was Tulsa Athletic’s first against a pro team and punched their ticket to Round 3 for the first time in club history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Union Omaha (USL-1)
2:0
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

Union Omaha played giant killers on Wednesday night, upsetting USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC, 2-0, in Round 2.

Both goals came in the final 30 minutes of play. Junior Palacios got on the end of a Steevan dos Santos corner kick in the 58th minute to open the scoring. Dos Santos then nodded home off Joe Brito’s service in the 75th minute to double the advantage and ensure that the Union would advance.

The win was Union Omaha’s first win over a second division team. Last year, in their Open Cup debut, they eliminated two MLS teams, one USL League Two team (Des Moines Menace) and one USL League One (Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC). 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
1:3
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

All Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC does is torment the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the US Open Cup. Much like last year’s affair, Northern Colorado used extra time to upset the Switchbacks for a second straight year, this time to the tune of 3-1.

Donald Benamna broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 95th minute to send Northern Colorado through. After Benamna’s heroics, the Hailstorm’s Marky Hernández gave the upstart USL-1 team an insurance goal in the 107th minute.

Colorado Springs’ Drew Skundrich put the hosts up 1-0 in the 82nd minute, but the lead evaporated quickly when Trevor Amann nodded home just six minutes later.

Northern Colorado advances to Round 3 for the second year in a row following Wednesday’s result. The club is now 3-1-0 all-time in the cup competition.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
1:3
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)

Monterey Bay FC defeated Central Valley Fuego 3-1 to pick up their first-ever U.S. Open Cup win on Wednesday night. After 90 scoreless minutes, the offenses didn’t wake up until extra time. Christian Volesky scored in the 97th minute, followed by a goal in the 110th minute by Hugh Dixon gave the visitors a 2-0 lead. Central Valley would cut the lead in half five minutes later, but Sam Gleadle would put the game away in stoppage time. For MBFC sporting director and head coach Frank Yallop, it was his first Open Cup win as a coach since 2016 when he was in charge of Arizona United SC. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4:0
LA Force FC (NISA)

By Josh Taylor

The Las Vegas Lights got off to a flying start in the first half as they had a 3-0 lead against the LA Force in the first half. Azriel Gonzalez scored two goals in the 16th and 23rd minute in the first half to put the Lights ahead 2-0. Justin Ingram would add another goal in the 37th minute for the Lights to give them a commanding lead 3-0 just before halftime. Pablo Soares provided a nice pass to Erik Torres for the goal in the 65th minute to give the Lights a 4-0 lead. That would be the final score as the Lights bounce back from being one-and-done last year. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Orange County SC (USL-C)
5:0
Capistrano FC (NISAN)

Orange County SC has a history of struggles with amateur teams in the US Open Cup, but on Wednesday night, they left those struggles in the past. The USL Championship side cruised past Capistrano FC, 5-0. They outshot the NISA Nation side 25-7 and went into the halftime break up 2-0 with goals from Emil Nielsen (33rd min.) and Bryce Jamison (45th+ min.). Any hope Capo FC had of making a comeback was delivered a blow when Sergio Montes was shown a red card in the 62nd minute. OCSC took advantage, adding a pair of goals (one of them a PK) from Milan Iloski and another from Thomas Amang. It marked Orange County’s first win over an amateur team since 2017.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
5:4
Crossfire Premier (NPSL)
After Extra Time

There was an early candidate for U.S. Open Cup game of the year in Sacramento on Wednesday night. Very few people had the Sacramento Republic on upset alert going into their Second Round match against NPSL side Crossfire Premier. The Republic are one of the top USL Championship clubs, coming off reaching the US Open Cup Final last year. They also entered the night with a 16-1-1 (1-0 PK) home record with a 12-game home unbeaten streak (second-longest of the Modern Era).

Crossfire jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening 13 minutes with goals from Richard Aman and River Stewart. Republic fans at Heart Health Stadium had to sweat it out because it took until the 81st minute for Zeiko Lewis to get the home team on the scoreboard. Four minutes later Sacramento’s big offseason signing Russell Cicerone (who had come off the bench at halftime) scored the equalizer as the match went into extra time. Extra time was wild. Munier Hussen regained the lead for Crossfire in the 93rd minute, only to see Cicerone tie it back up four minutes later. When Lewis gave the Republic their first lead in the 105th minute it seemed like the professional side was going to take over but someone forgot to tell the visitors. Aman tied the game back up in the 111th minute but the excitement was short lived because Johnny Fenwick would give the Republic the lead back two minutes later and they would not let it go. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
2:0
ALBION San Diego (NISA)

By Josh Taylor

We had another local derby at the SDSU Sports Deck in San Diego in a rematch from last year as the San Diego Loyal edged ALBION San Diego 2-0. ALBION San Diego gave up a penalty kick to the Loyal in the first half and Charlie Adams buried his shot from the spot in the 27th minute and held on to that lead going into halftime. 

Evan Conway would add another goal for the Loyal in the second half to go up 2-0 against ALBION with Adrien Perez adding the assist. The Loyal held on to their two goal advantage as they shut out ALBION 2-0 and moved on to the Third Round. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
1:0
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)

By Chuck Carlson

USL-1’s Greenville Triumph of South Carolina traveled cross-country to Arizona for a 2nd round US Open Cup matchup with USL Championship side Phoenix Rising on Wednesday night. The Triumph were hoping to emulate their USL-1 compatriots Union Omaha and South Georgia Tormenta FC by knocking off a Championship side, but it was not to be, as the Rising held on for a 1-0 win.

Phoenix got on the board in the 21st minute when Panamanian International Carlos Harvey got the only goal of the night. Nine Rising players touched the ball and 11 passes ultimately ended with a Baboucarr Njie’s mishit volley from the left of goal being headed in by Harvey from inside the six-yard box. John Harkes Triumph did not sit back, but were unable to create any clear chances as the half ended 1-0 for Phoenix.

The Triumph opened the second half promisingly with an early 25-yard drive by Venton Evans, which tested, but could not beat, Rising keeper Patrick Rakovsky. Meanwhile, with the Gambian Njie pressing on the left flank, the Rising looked likely to double their lead. Despite this Phoenix advantage, in the 66th minute, the Triumph should have equalized when a cross from Aaron Walker reached Lyam MacKinnon’s head before Rakovsky could get a fist to the ball. Perhaps it was the keeper’s presence that threw MacKinnon off, as he headed tamely wide.

Both sides had decent 2nd half opportunities in this even matchup, but it was Rakovsky who saved the game for Phoenix in stoppage time. Two Triumph second half subs teamed up for a real scoring opportunity when Allen Gavilanes played a simple square pass 7-yards outside the Rising 18-yard box to midfielder Lucas Coutinho. Coutinho settled with his right, then hit a right-footed drive headed for the upper 90 of Rakovsky’s goal. The German dove to his right, and pushed the ball onto the bar and ultimately out for a corner.

That was the last real chance of the night, and Phoenix walked away with a deserved win and a 3rd round U.S. Open Cup matchup with an opponent to be determined Thursday night.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
3:2
Cleveland SC (NPSL)

After nearly four hours of lightning delays and heavy rain at City Stadium in Richmond, the Kickers and Cleveland SC finally were able to finish their Second Round game. The Kickers took full control of the game through Emiliano Terzaghi, who scored a pair of goals and assisted on the third by Dakota Barnathan. When Barnathan put the Kickers up 3-0 in the 79th minute, the game appeared to be over. However, Thomas Beck pulled one back with a shot from close range a minute later. Then Skye Harter launched a free kick into the back of the net to cut the lead to one with just about five minutes left. The NPSL side would continue to push for the equalizer but it wouldn’t come. Richmond will now advance to play DC United for the seventh time in the Fourth Round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Forward Madison (USL-1)
2:3 (AET)
Chicago House AC (USASA/MWPL)
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Michael Battista

The official Open Cup Twitter account put it best; “Peter Wilt beat Peter Wilt and now plays Peter Wilt”.

The Second Round closed with a Cupset as Chicago House AC beat USL League One side Forward Madison FC, 3-2, in extra time. The game at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin was between two clubs started by soccer executive Peter Wilt, with the winner playing his most famous creation – the Chicago Fire Football Club of Major League Soccer.

Madison dominated most of the match, finishing the game with 32 total shots trying to get past keeper Tony Halterman. Two did, with the first by Jayden Onen in the 19th minute putting the home side ahead. Early in the second half, Celestino Vasquez doubled it up with his team also dominating possession by nearly 80%. However the third division side couldn’t hold on and things began to fall apart. A run off a Madison defensive error allowed Adam Mann to punch in a goal in the 75th minute. In stoppage time, team captain Anthony “AR” Smith capitalized on another error and tied the game in the 90+2′ to force extra time.

Late in the first extra half, Smith cemented his place in Open Cup lore by scoring the game winning goal and giving House it’s first lead of the night. Pulling the defense out of place in the box, his shot from the far side hit the opposite netting to make it 3-2. Madison looked to tie, including a contested no call on a handball late, but the amateurs survived.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh was awarded a 1-0 win over Rochester due to RNYFC’s forfeit.

By Jake Sillick

Rochester New York FC ceased operations on March 10, leaving them no choice but to forfeit their match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information on this story, please read our full article here.




2023 US Open Cup Round 2 Preview: 17 games on Wednesday, 1 on Thursday with live video stream links

by

US Open Cup trophy
Photo: Houston Dynamo

After a first round that saw the final game go all the way to 10 rounds of penalty kicks, we’re finally ready to get started with all of the lower division professional teams joining the competition. Even though one match was deemed a forfeit after Rochester NY FC folded before the season started, there are still have 29 matches over the next week to get through to decide who will join 18 lower seeded MLS sides in the Third Round, 10 of which were played on Tuesday night. Wednesday and Thursday will see 18 matches played.

For the first day, the home teams dominated, winning nine of the 10 matches. The lone match where the visitors prevailed was Memphis 901 scoring a game-winning goal in the final seconds of extra time to beat One Knoxville SC.

Below you will find the 17 games being played today (Wednesday) and the one game on Thursday along with links to each broadcast, if available.

Appalachian FC (NPSL) at Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Facebook

By Andrew Mosier

Charlotte enters Round 2 of the Open Cup at the top of the USL League One standings with two wins and a draw. Five different Independence players account for the five goals the Independence have scored in the young USL League One season. The club has only advanced beyond the Second Round three times in six appearances. The club’s best finish was in 2015, the club’s inaugural year, beating the New England Revolution 1-0 in New England in the Fourth Round, before losing at the Chicago Fire 3-1 in the Round of 16. In 2022, Charlotte was knocked out in Round 2 by USL League Two side North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 4-2.

Rising from the ashes of the discontinued men’s program at Appalachian State University, Appalachian FC began play in the fourth-tier NPSL in 2021. In its second NPSL season, the club finished first in the Southeast Conference, advancing to the regional final, and qualifying for the 2023 US Open Cup for the first time. In the opening round, Appalachian FC hosted North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL-2): playing to a 2-2 draw before advancing to the second round 3-0 on penalty kicks. Camden Holbrook scored both goals for Appalachian FC in the first round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Appalachian FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round / Round of 16 (2015)

Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at Indy Eleven (USL-C)
Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Matthew DeWitt

It’s a border battle, as one team looks to to reclaim its success from yesteryears while the other looks to build from a league championship with Indy Eleven playing host to Michigan Stars FC Wednesday night.

Michigan will be looking for its first win in the Open Cup after finding success last season in NISA. Making their tournament debut in the second round as part of the 2022 edition, the Stars were quickly bounced by rival Detroit City FC, 3-0. The season ended up on a high note for Michigan, as the Stars took home the NISA championship in November.

Indy Eleven come in having tasted success in the tournament before joining the USL Championship. During its days in the now-defunct NASL, Indy twice reached the Fourth Round, falling to a pair of MLS teams: Columbus (2014) in extra time in 2014 and Chicago Fire in penalty kicks in 2016. Since joining the USL pyramid, the Eleven has posted just one win in four tries (a 1-0 result against the now-defunct Lansing Ignite FC in 2019).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 3-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

North Carolina FC (USL-1) at Loudoun United (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Matthew DeWitt

While they might not be strangers, North Carolina FC and Loudoun United FC have vastly different Open Cup experiences.

Visitors North Carolina FC have found regular success in the Open Cup, having reached the Fourth Round or better in nine of its 13 previous appearances. Since rejoining the USL pyramid after a seven-year stint in the NASL as the Carolina Railhawks, Their greatest cup run was their first one in 2007 when they reached the Semifinals. North Carolina has played 15 games against MLS opposition in the Open Cup, advancing six times (5 wins + 1 PK shootout win). Last year, they lost to Rio Grande Valley FC 1-0 in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.

Loudoun United will be a name recognized by those previously following the MLS reserve teams. Founded in 2018 and directly affiliated/owned by D.C. United, Loudoun was not eligible to participate in previous versions of the tournament. After being sold in February 2023, United is now able to make its Open Cup debut.

These teams have met in the regular season though. After its stint in the NASL, NCFC rejoined the USL Championship. The teams split their regular-season meetings in 2019 with the home team winning each – a 3-0 win by North Carolina in July followed by a 4-0 result for Loudoun in August’s return fixture. The teams did not meet in 2020 and the following year, NCFC jumped down to Division III USL League One.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

North Carolina FC (USL-1)
14th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-11-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 1-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2007)

Loudoun United (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1) at Louisville City FC (USL-C)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Jordan Beech

Wednesday night features a first-ever meeting between Bluegrass State teams as Lexington Sporting Club travels to Lynn Family Stadium to take on Louisville City FC.

Lexington SC, entering the fray for the Dewar Cup for the first time, is in its first season of action. Still gelling as a team, head man Sam Stockley will be tasked with leading his charges against a well-seasoned Louisville City side that are no strangers to the Open Cup.

Louisville has never failed to advance in at least one round in the Open Cup since making their tournament debut in 2017. Last season, LCFC reached the Round of 16 after securing wins against Chattanooga Red Wolves, Saint Louis City SC 2 and Detroit City FC. LouCity has been a powerhouse during its time in the USL. The club has reached at least the league semifinals in all six of its seasons, winning the league title twice, and finishing as runner-up two more times. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-6-3 (3-0 PK)
Home: 7-1-2 (2-0 PK) 
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2) at Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
Maryland Soccerplex (Maureen Hendrix Field) – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

History will be made on Wednesday as the Maryland Bobcats host their first-ever US Open Cup match against the Ocean Nor’easters at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Bobcats enter Wednesday’s fixture in fine form, having defeated Flower City Union 1-0 in their NISA season opener. Midfielder Josselin Possain finished off a clever pass from Darwin Espinal to give his side the lead and the eventual win in the 38th minute. Newly added goalkeeper Alex Sutton worked well with defenders Jack Villatoro and Jimmy Filerman to limit Flower City’s speed on the outside and earn the clean sheet.

New coach Alex Kao is very familiar with the Bobcats program, having previously played for the club and is currently their President of their Youth Academy. It is a very technical side that likes to move the ball north and south in the midfield. Defender Richard Forka and midfielder Manuel Gonzalez  work extremely well along the spine with Espinal and Possain, who is also the club’s captain, to perfectly time their attacking chances.

This will be the Bobcats’ second US Open Cup game in team history. Last year, they lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) in their opening game on the road.

Ocean City are also coming into this Round 2 match with a bit of spark, having defeated West Chester United  3-1 to book their match against the ‘Cats. After falling behind early, the Nor’easters came storming back thanks to goals from Andres Latorre, Kevin Curran, and Andre “DeDe” Sabino. Since the tournament started in March, the Nor’easters are unable to use current NCAA players, so just like last year, they have collected a number of former Ocean City players, local year-round players, and some standout NAIA players. Among the veterans is Kevin Curran who played for the Nor’easters back when they were known as the Barons. He played six seasons with the club from 2009-2014, which explains why he ranks sixth on the club’s all-time minutes played list. Nor’easters qualified after winning the Mid-Atlantic Division with an undefeated record (11-0-3).

Ocean City is making the club’s 11th appearance in the tournament, and is one of the most successful amateur sides of the Modern Era (1995-present). Only two amateur teams in the country (Flint City Bucks and the Des Moines Menace, both of USL-2) have more Open Cup wins (12) and professional team upsets (6) than Ocean City has as a USL-2 team. Of those six wins over professional opposition, five of them were shutouts in front of their home fans at Carey Stadium (“The Beach House”).

The Nor’easters have also reached the Third Round four times, including two games against Major League Soccer teams. They will play the Bobcats at the Maryland Soccerplex on Wednesday night. The last time they played on that field, they put a scare into D.C. United in the Third Round of the 2009 US Open Cup. United won 2-0, but their only goals came on a second half penalty kick and a late counter attack goal when Ocean City was pushing everyone forward. In 2013, they played the Philadelphia Union to the very end, but the MLS side scored a controversial 90th minute game-winner to avoid the upset.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 5-4-0
vs. Div. 3: 5-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2005, 2009, 2013, 2018)

Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh was awarded a 1-0 win over Rochester due to RNYFC’s forfeit.

By Jake Sillick

Rochester New York FC ceased operations on March 10, leaving them no choice but to forfeit their match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For more information on this story, please read our full article here.

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C) at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
CHI Memorial Stadium – East Ridge, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Jordan Beech

Two teams with US Open Cup experience step into the arena Wednesday night in East Ridge, Tenn., as Chattanooga Red Wolves SC plays hosts to Birmingham Legion FC. For both sides, 2023 marks their third appearance in the tournament.

Birmingham will hope to notch a road win for the first time in Cup play after falling to USL-1 side South Georgia Tormenta FC last year. A win on Wednesday and advancement to the Third Round would match the Legion’s best performance in the tournament, a feat they’ve managed twice before.

The Legion are off to a hot start in league play as they are in first place in the Eastern Conference with an undefeated record (3-0-1). After a 1-1 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their home opener, they’ve won three straight, including the last two games being shutout wins on the road over Hartford Athletic and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Host side Chattanooga enter Wednesday night searching for their first taste of success in Open Cup action. The Red Wolves are 0-2 in the tournament, including an 0-1 record against USL-Championship teams after falling 1-0 to Louisville City FC last year.

The Red Wolves have yet to taste victory or score a goal in their first two league games of the season. They finished with a scoreless draw in their home opener against Northern Colorado Hailstorm followed by a 1-0 home loss to the Central Valley Fuego last weekend.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C) at South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Forrest Wimberly  @soccer_forrest

The USL Championship Rio Grande Valley Toros will make the trip to beautiful Statesboro, Georgia to face the defending USL League One champs South Georgia Tormenta in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides both founded in 2016.

RGV had been the draw specialist to open the 2023 campaign posting three straight 1-1 draws against Vegas, Monterrey Bay, and Oakland before securing their first win of the season in a 1-0 result over Detroit City in matchday four.   The scoring in 2023 has run through three players with Taylor Davila netting two goals and Ricky Ruiz along with Jonathan Ricketts each adding a goal for the Toros.  Oddly, none of the Toros’ goal scorers play the forward position.  Stingy defending highlighted by goalkeeper Tyler Deric’s 14 saves have kept the Toros close in all their matches in 2023.  Forward Christiano François has one assist on the season and looks to be on the verge a major breakout game here in the early season.

Tormenta have experienced a bit of a championship hangover to open the 2023 season.   After edging past North Carolina FC 1-0 on the road in matchday one, the team returned home only to stumble versus Charlotte in a 3-1 loss followed by another loss this time to Northern Colorado 3-0.  Injuries and roster changes have certainly played their parts in the sluggish start for the defending champs.

Forward Mukwelle Akale has filled in at the scoring role for Tormenta as 2022 leading scorer Kazaiah Sterling has not played this season recovering from injury.  Strong goalkeeping from Pablo Jara and solid midfield play from John Murphy Jr. and Tobias Otieno will prove a tough task for the visiting Toros.

Tormenta made a solid run on the road during the 2022 US Open Cup defeating the Charleston Battery 1-0 and Birmingham Legion 2-0 to advance to face Inter Miami in the 4th round falling 3-1 to the MLS hosts.

RGV defeated North Carolina FC 2-1 in the second round of the 2022 US Open Cup and then pushed the Houston Dynamo to 3rd round stoppage time before falling 2-1 in the final minutes of the match to their MLS hosts.

Tormenta Stadium opened late last season and the birds from the ‘Boro made this a fortress winning all their final 2022 home matches including the USL League One Championship match in front of the home crowd.  The Charlotte Independence cracked the code on Tormenta Stadium this season and the Toros will look to find this same formula in their Second Round USOC match.  Tormenta, however, will be looking to regain their home form and send their guests home empty handed with the blues.

 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Chattanooga FC (NISA) at Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
Valley Stadium – West Des Moines, IA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Matthew DeWitt

With one team looking to reclaim its title as a lower-division buzzsaw and the other looking to notch its first win over amateur opposition in regulation, Wednesday’s second-round matchup between Chattanooga FC and Des Moines Menace offers an opportunity for one team to overcome a US Open Cup slump.

Visitors Chattanooga is coming off a 3-0 win over Gold Star FC Detroit to open the NISA season Saturday. Goals from Mutaya Mwape (2) and 2022 NISA Golden Boot Winner Markus Naglestad punctuated the win for the hosts.

The Menace opened its 2023 US Open Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Open Cup debutants Beaman United FC (NPSL). Returners Gabriel Rodriguez and Fernando Garcia opened their scoring accounts for the tournament, with Rodriguez notching the first two before Garcia tallied a late goal to secure a spot in the next round.

Both teams will be looking to get over their respective Open Cup blues. Having knocked off pro teams seven times in its 14 previous appearances, the Menace is looking to regain its stature against professional opposition. The last win against a pro side came in 2016, when the hosts beat Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the second round. That set up the last time Des Moines advanced to the third round of the tournament when visitors San Antonio FC rallied for a 2-1 win in Des Moines.

Meanwhile, CFC has struggled against amateur opposition, failing to register a win in regulation (two wins via penalties: 2015 vs. Ocala Stampede, USL2; 2016 vs. Reading United AC, USL2) in its previous seven appearances. The 2022 edition of the tournament saw defending champion Atlanta United end Chattanooga’s first run in the open cup as a pro-side. Its previous appearances came as a qualifier from the NPSL.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chattanooga FC (NISA)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-6-4 (3-1 PK)
Away: 0-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 0-1-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022)

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
15th US Open Cup appearance (13th as USL-2)
Overall: 15-14-3 (2-1 PK)
Home: 9-7-3 (3-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2005)

FC Tulsa (USL-C) at Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
Hicks Park – Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Jordan Beech

Hicks Park plays host to a rematch of last year’s US Open Cup Second Round matchup between FC Tulsa and Tulsa Athletic. In last year’s contest, FC Tulsa scraped out a 2-1 victory over their NPSL rival.

FC Tulsa is making their seventh US Open Cup appearance. While the club has never won a match on the road in tournament play, all three of their wins have come at the expense of amateur sides. A win would see the Black and Gold advance to the Third Round for the third time in club history.

In league play, FC Tulsa is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 1-1-3 record. They are unbeaten in their last three matches (1-0-2)

Tulsa Athletic advanced to the Second Round following a 1-0 triumph over Brazos Valley Cavalry in the First Round. This is the third time in club history that Tulsa Athletic has reached the Second Round, and a triumph over their USL-Championship rival would see them advance to the Third Round for the first time in club history.

The A’s were a dominant force in the NPSL last season, posting a 9-2-1 record, a Heartland Conference title, and a spot in the NPSL national semifinals. Tulsa will look to build off their first ever win in Open Cup action – a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s Azteca FC.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Tulsa (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-5-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2014, 2022)

El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C) at Union Omaha (USL-1)
Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: YouTube

By Matthew DeWitt

One side comes in after a big splash in their first appearance of the Open Cup while the other comes in looking for their first tournament win, as Union Omaha hosts El Paso Locomotive FC Wednesday evening.

After reaching the quarterfinals in their debut edition of the Open Cup, Union Omaha will look to Wednesday’s games against El Paso as a springboard to another deep run in the Open Cup. Two wins against MLS opposition and a win against fellow USL-1 side Northern Colorado Hailstorm in the 2022 tournament generated a lot of buzz about the Union side making its first appearance in the cup after the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled.

Falling at the hands of Forward Madison (USL-1) in 2019 and Central Valley Fuego FC (USL1) in last year’s tournament, El Paso is looking for its first result in the tournament. Returning leading goal scorer Luis Solignac notched two goals in the Locomotive’s last time out – a 2-2 draw against FC Tulsa – as El Paso looks to build momentum with a potential date with an MLS side on the line.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-2-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022)

Union Omaha (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

Last year’s first Open Cup meeting between the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL Championship) will go down in history as one of the biggest upsets in Colorado soccer history.

In the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive match, the third-tier side shocked just about everyone escaping the Switchbacks Weidner Field with a 1-0 win in extra time. Even more stunning was they did it playing down a man for the majority of the match after Irvin Parra was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute. After grinding out a scoreless draw in regulation, Jerry Desdunes, scored the Hailstorm’s first ever competitive goal in the 96th minute to put the USL League one side into round three of the Open Cup without ever having played a league match.

Two weeks later, the Hailstorm continued to make team and Open Cup history, stunning Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Defender Rob Cornwall put the visitors up in the 70th minute in a chippy affair that saw seven cautions give—six to the Hailstorm. The Hailstorm’s dream run came to a screeching halt in the round of 32 by fellow USL League One side, Union Omaha, 2-0, in what was only the second match in Hailstorm history the club failed to score. The first was also against Omaha, a 0-0 draw.

Last year’s exit was the earliest in the Switchbacks’ eight-year history. In 2015, the club’s inaugural year, the Switchbacks won second and third round matches before falling to the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round. The next year the club again advanced to the fourth round, again losing to the Rapids. Fellow USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy FC knocked the eliminated the Switchbacks in the third round in 2017. In 2018 the Switchbacks were again knocked out of the tournament in the third round, this time by USL Championship San Antonio FC in penalty kicks. The next year it was New Mexico United, again in the third round to eliminate the Switchbacks.

The Switchbacks have started the league season with a 2-1-1 record with their only loss coming on the road to last year’s league champs San Antonio FC by a score of 1-0.

 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-5-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 6-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C) at Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
Fresno State University Soccer Stadium – Fresno, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Eleven Sports

By Matthew DeWitt

A couple of second-year squads meet in Fresno as Monterey Bay and Central Valley Fuego look to cement a spot in the third round.

At the helm for Monterey is head coach Frank Yallop, who will be managing his 26th Open Cup game. Dating back to his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the English native has reached the Final of the Open Cup in 2006 and added to his tournament depth with semifinal appearances with Chicago Fire in 2014 and 2015.

As for the hosts, manager Martin Vasquez Gomez is no stranger to Open Cup success. In his first and only year leading Chivas USA, Vasquez reached the semifinals as part of the 2010 tournament. His only other Open Cup managerial appearance came as part of Central Valley Fuego’s third-round appearance last year when he took over shortly after their second-round win.

Both teams will be looking to build from lackluster inaugural seasons. Monterey finished the USL Championship season 21st from 27 teams, while Central Valley took 8th from 11. Monterey have begun the USL Championship season with a 1-2-1 record. Central Valley won their opening league game 1-0 on the road agains the Chattanooga Red Wolves. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Monterey Bay F.C. (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Central Valley Fuego (USL-1)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

LA Force (NISA) at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
Peter Johann Soccer Field (UNLV) – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Andrew Mosier

The LA Force travel to Las Vegas to face USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights in the NISA club’s second consecutive Open Cup appearance. The Force fell 5-2 to Orange County SC of the USL Championship in their debut Open Cup match last year. The Force are 1-0-0 in the new NISA season, topping Club De Lyon 1-0. Gustavo Villalobos scored the match’s lone goal in the 81st minute for the Force win at home.

Las Vegas looks to rebound from last year’s 3-2 round two loss at USL League One FC Tucson. In the club’s previous two Open Cup appearances, Las Vegas was eliminated in the third round.

Las Vegas has three draws in three games in the early USL Championship season. All three draws were earned on the road.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

LA Force (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-3-0
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019)

Capistrano FC (USASA/NISA Nation) at Orange County SC (USL-C)
Championship Soccer Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Andrew Mosier

One of four local qualifiers to advance to the second round, Capistrano FC (NISA Nation) face a stern test at USL Championship side, Orange County SC.

Also known as Capo FC, they are part of the NISA Nation. They waltzed past USL-2 club Ventura County Fusion 4-1 in the club’s Open Cup debut. Jerry Desdunes, Joshue Gallardo, Hevany Mota, and Parker Scalzo all scored against the Fusion.

Orange County have advanced into the third round once, in 2022, falling to LAFC (MLS) 5-1. They are 0-1-3 (10th place) so far in USL Championship play, drawing 1-1 at Hartford Athletic last weekend. Elvis Amoh scored in first half injury time to pull Orange County level.

Orange County hasn’t won multiple games in a single tournament since 2017. They also hold the unfortunate distinction of being tied with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds as the team that has been upset the most by amateur teams. They have been eliminated six times by amateur competition.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Capo FC (USASA/NISA Nation)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Orange County SC (USL-C)
11th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-8-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-3-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 5-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

Crossfire Premier (NPSL) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By James Knowles (@RBLRJamesK)

Crossfire Premier continue their first ever Open Cup campaign after successfully overcoming USL League 2 side Project 510. Crossfire will have to significantly up their game as they travel to California’s capital to take on 2022 US Open Cup runners up Sacramento Republic FC. The Republic are looking to have another bite at the apple and see if they can go one better from last year to win the whole thing.

Crossfire Premier from Redmond, Wash., have a long and proud history in the youth soccer space. Famous alumni include current professionals Kelyn Rowe, Ethan Bartlow, and Hassani Dotson, all with MLS experience. However, the club is now making a foray into the adult leagues with a men’s team to compete in the National Premier Soccer League and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Their first game was a stirring success. Having traveled to Fremont, Calif., Crossfire came away 3-0 winners on the night with goals from two of their own current youth coaches, Luke Hauswirth and Hamza Haddadi, around another from Eric Howard. Haddadi shares the distinction of also being a former Crossfire player, rejoining his prior club now after college.

Sacramento Republic come into this game following a string of good performances in the USL Championship. Sitting atop the Western Conference, and tied for first overall in the league, Republic will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing an amateur team out of the gate in this competition. The club will be approaching the 2023 Open Cup as unfinished business. Last year, after knocking off several top tier Major League Soccer teams on their way, Republic stumbled at the final hurdle when they traveled to Florida to take on Orlando City. They held off in that game until the 75th minute before the floodgates opened and Sacramento lost their nerve.

Sacramento’s statistics in 2023 suggest Crossfire will more than have their work cut out for them. Perennial USL Championship scorer Russell Cicerone joined Republic and has three goals so far in a very young season. Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, who was a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Tournament last year, also has three clean sheets on the year, showing Sacramento are good at both ends of the pitch. Will Crossfire be able to overcome the odds? Or will Republic look to start a second Cinderella run of their own tonight on home turf?

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Crossfire Premier (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 18-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 16-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 8-1-0
Best finish: Runner-Up (2022)

ALBION San Diego (NISA) at San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
SDSU Sports Deck – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: NONE

By Michael Battista

The second edition of the Stay Clasico in the Open Cup.

ALBION San Diego is hopeful its second Open Cup lasts longer than its first. The team formerly known as San Diego 1904 FC pushed the Loyal to the brink last year in the Second Round. After Mayele Malango tied the game midway through the second half, extra time looked imminent before the Loyal’s Taylor Crull scored in the 89th to seal the 2-1 win.

For San Diego Loyal, 2023 is all about improving on last year. Following it’s win over ALBION, former USMNT great and Loyal head coach Landon Donovan reunited with his old friends the LA Galaxy in the Third Round. A first half goal by LA’s Kévin Cabral was enough for the 1-0 win in front of nearly 10,000 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Albion has yet to play a league match this season after being off during NISA’s kickoff last weekend. The team had a Cinderella- like run to the league championship last fall, winning two games including knocking off top seed California United Strikers FC. The team did eventually fall to Michigan Stars FC, 1-0, in the final. The Loyal have been hot to start 2023 with a 2-1-1 record. Wins over Detroit City FC and a 3-0 crushing of Phoenix Rising have Landon Donovan’s squad on the early season radar.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

ALBION San Diego (NISA)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

San Diego Loyal SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1) at Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Phoenix Rising Stadium – Phoenix, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By Michael Battista

In 2022, Greenville Triumph SC hosted Oakland Roots SC in the Second Round due to geographical pairing and bad luck (on the Roots’ part). This year they find themselves on the receiving end of a tough draw and they travel to play a higher division team, two time zones away from home.

Greenville will need to battle the nearly 2,000 mile trip if it hopes to match its best ever Open Cup result from last year. The team, entering its fifth season, has played in two previous tournaments. They’ve won a game each time, but their inaugural run in 2019 saw them start in the First Round – meaning its following loss to Charleston Battery came in the Second Round. Last year’s win against the travel weary Oakland Roots provided a Cupset that was nearly repeated in the following Round against Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC. However Harrison Afful’s stoppage time go-ahead goal in extra time saved the debuting Division 1 team from embarrassment. Greenville, coached by former USMNT captain (and Kearny, NJ legend) John Harkes, has won a USL League One title and been to three of the league’s four championship finals.

Phoenix Rising matched it’s all-time best US Open Cup performance last season and is hoping a $1 beer night on Wednesday sets them up to do the same this year. The two time USL Championship finalists (including the canceled 2020 edition) have played in seven previous tournaments. Last year, the team started its run with an extra time win over NISA side (and eventual ICE suspect) Valley United FC , 1-0. A late goal by Greg Hurst pushed Rising over league rival New Mexico United in the following round before the team eventually fell to Sacramento Republic FC, 2-0.

Neither team has had a strong start to 2023. Greenville comes into Wednesday night after dropping its season opener to the Richmond Kickers, 1-0, at home. However with that game being on March 25, the long traveling visitors will at least be rested. Phoenix Rising won’t be so lucky. After a 0-1-1 start on the road Phoenix returned home on April 1 with a draw against San Diego Loyal.

It remains to be seen which team will be at a bigger disadvantage; the one with a longer trip or the one with shorter rest time.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-5-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-4-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2022)

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Cleveland SC (NPSL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report

By: George Diamond

Thursday’s second round USOC matchup between the Richmond Kickers and Cleveland SC will mark the first time these clubs have faced off. 

Historically successful in the Open Cup, USL League One’s Richmond Kickers will be looking to build on recent league triumphs with what they hope will be a deep cup run. The Kickers famously won the 1995 tournament. This will be their first cup match this year and their 23rd entry in the tournament. The regular season champions of the 2022 USL1 season, Richmond have had a balanced start to their 2023 campaign. Their record sits at an even 1-1-1 on 2 goals scored and two allowed.

Conversely, Cleveland SC, of the Great Lakes division in NPSL, have only played one competitive game this season. Their regular season has not yet begun. However, they did prevail in the opening round of the Open Cup courtesy of a first half stoppage time goal by defender Chris Cvecko. This will be the club’s fourth ever game in USOC play. Richmond will be just the second professional team Cleveland has faced in the Cup, after being eliminated 3-0 against Forward Madison in 2022’s second round. 

Cleveland’s head coach Vlad Muresan will have a selection decision on his hands as midfielder Jannis Schmidt was sent off following a serious foul in their first round matchup. Forward Vinny Bell could spark a Cleveland upset as the prolific goal scorer has finished as the teams top scorer across the previous 4 NPSL seasons with 38 goals in 44 games. 

Richmond Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky will hope that new transfer Kharlton Belmar, acquired from Colorado Switchbacks, could be a difference maker as the former SKC man’s attacking prowess has already resulted in a goal and an assist through three league games.

Richmond will back themselves in the home confines of City Stadium against their semi-pro opponents, but need to be wary of the ever-present potential of the ‘cupset’.

Cleveland SC will be looking to prove themselves against a tough opponent. A win would see them advance to the third round of the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Cleveland SC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-20-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 26-8-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 15-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Oakland Roots hot start delivers first USOC win, 3-1 vs. El Farolito

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After scoring a goal, Wolfgang Prentice (19) of the Oakland Root is hugged by teammate (66) of the Oakland Roots as Jhonatan Perez (23) of El Farolito walks away during a US Open Cup 2nd round game at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif. on Apr. 5, 2023. (Douglas Zimmerman / SoccerBayArea)
After scoring a goal, Wolfgang Prentice (19) of the Oakland Root is hugged by teammate (66) of the Oakland Roots as Jhonatan Perez (23) of El Farolito walks away during a US Open Cup 2nd round game at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif. on Apr. 5, 2023. (Douglas Zimmerman / SoccerBayArea)

The Oakland Roots vaulted to an early three-goal lead and hung on to earn a 3-1 victory over El Farolito in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday night.

“I think we made the game a lot more difficult than it should have been,” Roots head coach Noah Delgado said after the match. “But I thought the end goal was accomplished, the guys won the first ever US Open Cup in Roots history.”

Oakland’s lineup included three experienced internationals who were making their first start for the Roots: Kevin Wright (Sierra Leone), Neveal Hackshaw (Trinidad & Tobago), and Bryan Tamacas (El Salvador). It also included three young players who had seen limited playing time with the club: Drew Murray, Ryan Her, and Wolfgang Prentice.

El Farolito, who won the 1993 US Open Cup under the name CD Mexico, was missing their captain, Herlbert Soto. He was red carded in their First Round Open Cup match against International San Francisco.

Twelve Minute Lapse Ends El Farolito’s Open Cup Dreams

The visitors made a promising start to the match. Their first chance came in the 7th minute, when Ricardo Delgado’s free kick from 25 yards out was on target, but Oakland goalkeeper Taylor Bailey made an acrobatic save to keep the ball out.

Two minutes later, Delgado went down in the box, but the referee decided that Oakland’s Trayvon Reid had taken away the ball cleanly.

But then things fell apart for El Farolito.

In the 11th minute, Oakland’s Johnny Rodriguez was taken down to the left of the penalty area. Ryan Her took the free kick and an El Farolito defender headed it into his own goal. But the referee hadn’t blown his whistle, so the kick was taken again. Her’s second attempt curved toward the near post, and Rodriguez headed it in.

Oakland added another in the 15th minute, when Ethan Kohler grabbed an outlet pass from El Farolito goalkeeper Johan Lizarralde and dished the ball to Prentice, who cut back toward the middle and blasted a shot that Lizarralde couldn’t reach.

The third goal came in the 24th minute, when Trayvon Reid took on a pair of defenders and dished it to Rodriguez as he made his run into the penalty area. Rodriguez’s cross was perfectly timed as Prentice made his run to the back post for his second goal of the game.

After the initial shock, El Farolito scrambled to get back into the game. Their first chance came in the 30th minute, when a backpass to Bailey took a funny hop on a patch of turf in front of goal. Cesar Benitez intercepted the ball, but Bailey made the save on his shot attempt from close range.

The visitors received a lifeline in the 45th minute, when Bailey’s clearance was intercepted by Benitez, who dished the ball off to Delgado, who was taken down by Bailey. Delgado converted the subsequent penalty kick.

El Farolito Dominates the Second Half, But No Goals

As the match went on, tempers flared. In the 65th minute, there was a scuffle between Hackshaw and Jude Higuera and then a yellow card to El Farolito’s Jonatan Mosquera one minute later.

El Farolito kept the ball in Oakland’s end of the field for much of the second half, but clear chances were rare. In the 70th minute, Higuera’s one-timer required Bailey to make a diving save to deflect the ball over the endline for a corner.

Disaster struck for El Farolito in the 83rd minute after Jehimy Arias received his second yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration.

But El Farolito had one more chance to pull back a goal, when a long ball from Daniel Buitrago found Jhon “Saya” Quinones, who headed the ball off the crossbar. Hackshaw was able to clear the rebound off the goal line.

And Oakland’s Prentice had one final chance for the hat trick in the third minute of stoppage time, but his shot was deflected wide by Lizarralde.

After the game, Coach Delgado was asked whether his team had suffered a second half letdown.

“I think a big part of that is fitness,” he said. “We did as much as we can to give fitness in the preseason games. But during the season, it’s hard to replicate game minutes. So I think some guys got a bit tired but we were able to push them through.

“And El Farolito, they have a lot of veteran players that are savvy. These guys played in Europe, these guys played on national teams, these guys are former pros. So you’ve gotta respect El Farolito for what they bring.”

Delgado was asked his squad had been motivated by any bitterness last about last year’s Open Cup draw, when the Roots had to travel 2,600 miles to Greenville, South Carolina to play a road match in the second round.

“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “I think everyone has that at the back of their mind. We didn’t bring that up, but you know I can think about traveling across the country where we could have played a local game or had a home game. There are a lot of teams there but is what it is, this team will deal with adversity.”

He said the team was excited to be moving on in the tournament.

“I think it’s something that’s super special that you’re able to play games against opponents you don’t necessarily play in higher and lower divisions,” he said. So, you know, one step at a time, of course, but having one off kind of playoff games can really bring out an intensity that’s not there In the regular season.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: New Mexico United takes UDA Soccer to school in first Land of Enchantment derby

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New Mexico United fans. File photo by New Mexico United
New Mexico United fans. File photo by New Mexico United

For the first time in US Open Cup history, two clubs from New Mexico had a chance to play each other on Tuesday night. Despite the freezing temperatures, and a venue change, New Mexico United was red hot as they romped to a 6-0 win over UDA Soccer from New Mexico State University. 

Just as the supporters were settling into their seats at Rio Rancho High School, the USL Championship wasted no time in opening the scoring. Englishman Daniel Bruce got the chance to start after two solid performances in league play to open the year. With the opportunity in front of him, Bruce took full advantage of the minutes he was given. Inside of two minutes, with the wind whipping at his back he sent in a low cross where newcomer Jose Sosa was waiting to slide the ball past UDA keeper Mario Castillo.

For the next 30 minutes, UDA played well enough to keep United on their toes, but it wasn’t enough. In the 39th minute, United was awarded a corner and the resulting set piece saw Kyle Colonna take a hard foul from Mattias Cavallo and earn a penalty. Justin Portillo was given the opportunity to take the spot kick and slotted home to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

Minutes into the second half, Academy graduate Andres Robles picked the pocket of Castillo inside of his own goal area and set up Josh Dolling to tap the ball in for the first of his three goals on the evening. Dolling would later add one from the penalty spot in the 61st and complete the hat trick in the 74th, nutmegging Castillo.

“It was great for me personally to get off the mark,” said Dolling. “We’ve not had as many goals in the first two games. To get six tonight, that will give us a lot of confidence going into the next games.”

Dolling’s hat trick was the first by any player in the 2023 tournament and the first New Mexico United player to bag three goals in the competition. He is also just the third Englishman to score a hat trick in the Modern Era (1995-present), joining Dom Dwyer (2015 Sporting KC), and Chuka Aruh (2018 Inter Nashville FC). 

United would also see a goal come by way of a Daniel Bruce screamer from the top of the box in the 54th. Once again, Robles was invaluable in the lead up to the goal. The pass from the young man set up Bruce, who, as is his tradition, hit a thunderous strike and buried the ball into the back of the net.

 

When asked about the performance of the younger players after the game, Head Coach and Technical Director Zach Prince was ecstatic. “It’s critical. It’s good for them to get a debut. Sosa, Colonna, Milo, Andres, and Miles all getting in there was excellent for them.”

 

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