Just 72 teams remain of the 107 that started in qualifying for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 35 winners from the first round now join the 37 teams that received a first round bye. Those 37 teams were either picked at random or received a bye due to their geography to other teams. From here, three more qualifying rounds will be played, resulting in 9 qualifiers for the First Round “Proper” next March 2023.
The 108th edition of the Open Cup started off better than last year. While 2022’s qualifying round was filled with forfeits, only two games have so far. The biggest story of the first qualifying round is how many familiar faces went down in their first match. Two former champions failed to escape the first weekend while two 2022 competitors were pushed to the brink. Will we see more in this second round of qualifying?
The 36 winners of this second round will then face off in the thrid round of qualifying November 19-20. Those winners will then play in the fourth round this year with the final games taking place December 17-18.
Here is the preview for the 36 matches being played this weekend.
SATURDAY October 15
Oyster Bay United FC (UPSL) at Queensboro FC II (UPSL)
10:30 a.m. Queens College Varsity Soccer Field; Flushing, NY
Oyster Bay United | Oyster Bay, NY
UPSL Northeast American Division
2022 Spring Season – 8-2-0, 24 Pts. 51 GF 9 GA, 2nd place Spring Season)
2022 Fall Season – 6-0-1 19 pts., 41 GF 7 GA (ONGOING)
Queensboro FC II | Queens, NY
UPSL Northeast American Division
2022 Spring Season – 8-1-1, 25 Pts. 38 GF 7 GA, 1st place (Spring Season)
2022 Fall Season – 6-1-2 17 pts., 27 GF 5 GA (ONGOING)
Queensboro FC II and Oyster Bay United are very familiar with each other, as Oyster Bay finished one point behind first place Queensboro FC II in the UPSL Northeast American Division Spring 2022 season. Queensboro were responsible for Oyster Bay’s only two losses out of ten games, winning 1-0 in April and 3-1 in June. The two clubs are scheduled to meet again four days after their Open Cup qualifying game in a UPSL fall season contest.
QFC II won their first round qualifying game 5-0 over Scots American Athletic Club (aka Kearny Scots). Queensboro made it to the UPSL National Finals, falling to Beaman United FC 4-3 in the semifinals. The team is the academy/reserve team for the USL Championship club that is set to debut in 2023.
Oyster Bay United is looking to qualify for their second straight Open Cup. In 2022 they knocked off a pair of three-time Open Cup champions in qualifying, defeating NY Greek American SC and NY Pancyprian Freedoms. A 4-1 win over Westchester United sent them to their first ever Open Cup. Oyster Bay defeated Hartford City FC of the NPSL 3-0 in the opening round but fell 3-1 to Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship.
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SATURDAY October 15
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL) at TCSA (UPSL)
2 p.m. Paul Thigpen Chevrolet; Vidalia, GA
South Carolina United Heat | Columbia, SC
UPSL Mid-Atlantic Division
2022 Spring Season – 9-0-1, 27 pts., 39 GF 7 GA, 1st place (Spring Season)
2022 Fall Season – 5-0-0, 15 pts., 32 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
TCSA | Vidalia, GA
UPSL Georgia Division Division 1
2022 Spring Season – 2-7-1, 7 pts, 12 GF 27 GA, 8th place (Spring Season)
2022 Fall Season – 1-3-0, 3 pts., 10 GF 14 GA (ONGOING)
South Carolina United Heat are looking to make up for a disappointing end of their 2022 Open Cup qualifying campaign. After defeating Atletico Atlanta (3-1) and Georgia Revolution FC Reserves (3-2 aet), SCU Heat were forced to forfeit their final qualifying game to Orlando FC Wolves due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the team, missing out on a chance to qualify for the Open Cup. The Heat won the UPSL Mid-Atlantic division Spring season with a 9-0-1 mark, but fell in the first round of the playoffs to Georgia FC, 2-0
TCSA (Toombs County Soccer Association) had a rough go in their initial season, finishing in last place of the Division 1 UPSL Georgia Division with a 2-1-7 record. Division 1 is a step below UPSL Premier.
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SATURDAY October 15
Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL) at FC Birmingham (UPSL)
3 p.m. Pleasant Grove Soccer Complex; Pleasant Grove, AL
Kalonji Pro-Profile | Dacula, GA
UPSL Georgia Division
2022 Spring Season – 7-3-1, 22 pts., 41 GF 16 GA, 3rd place
FC Birmingham | Fultondale, AL
UPSL Georgia Division
2022 Spring Season – 5-5-1, 16 pts., 28 GF 18 GA, 7th place
2022 Fall Season – 4-2-0, 12 pts., 13 GF 12 GA (ONGOING)
This is the debut appearance in Open Cup qualifying for both clubs. FC Birmingham was founded in 2020 and began play in the UPSL this past spring. Kalonji Pro-Profile is the top team of the Kalonji Soccer Academy, and also fields U-23 and U-17 teams in the UPSL. Both teams received a bye to the second round of qualifying
Kalonji and Birmingham met once in the UPSL Georgia Division Spring season on June 4, with Kalonji coming out as 4-1 victors. Nicholas Amoako scored twice for Kalonji, with Kofi Twumasi and Karim Tmimi netting the other goals. Russell L. Hines accounted for Birmingham’s lone score.
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SATURDAY October 15
Metro Louisville FC (UPSL) at Valhalla FC (Ohio Valley Premier League / USCS)
4 p.m. Charity J. Lucas Multi-Purpose Athletic Complex; Milford, OH
Metro Louisville FC | Louisville, KY
UPSL KY-TN Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-3-1, 19 pts., 24 GF 11 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 4-2-0, 12 pts., 12 GF 13 GA (ONGOING)
Valhalla FC | Cincinnati, OH
Ohio Valley Premier League
Ohio Valley Premier League River Division
2022 Summer Season – 5-2-1, 16 pts., 30 GF 11 GA, 4th place
Valhalla piled up the goals in the Region II (Midwest) tournament in the 2022 National Amateur Cup., The club won their first two games 7-3 and 6-2 before losing 2-1 to Chicago’s Schwaben AC in the Quarterfinals. Valhalla, founded in 2019, are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and received a bye in the first round.
Metro Louisville FC are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and received a bye in the first round. Metro just missed the UPSL Ohio division playoffs, finishing one point behind Fut Ohio SC in the six team Ohio Division Spring season. The team is currently on a four-game winning streak in the UPSL Fall season.
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SATURDAY October 15
FC Denver (Colorado Super League / USASA) at Azteca FC (Colorado Super League / USASA)
5 p.m. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO
FC Denver | Denver, CO
Colorado Super League
2022 Spring Season – 6-0-1, 19 Pts., 20 GF 5 GF, 1st place
Azteca FC | Denver, CO
Colorado Super League
2022 Spring Season – 6-0-1, 19 pts., 27 gf 10 ga, 2nd place
FC Denver and Azteca FC finished tied with 19 points at the top of the Colorado Super League Spring 2022 standings with 6-0-1 records, but Denver claimed the top spot by winning the first tiebreaker which was goals allowed. In the CSL playoffs fellow qualifying participant Harpo’s FC took out both clubs. Harpo’s defeated Azteca 4-3 in the semifinals, then defeated FC Denver 1-0 in the final.
FC Denver got a bit of revenge in the first round of qualifying, defeating Harpo’s 2-0 on goals from Ismail Garcia and Leo Castillo. Azteca knocked off Colorado Rovers, another Colorado Super League, 3-1 in the opening round of qualifying. Saul Garcia, Jovany Herrera and Freddy Fragozo scored for Azteca.
Both teams have had success in Open Cup qualifying. FC Denver qualified for the Open Cup in 2018 & 2019, and each time advanced to the Second Round. Azteca FC have made it to the Open Cup three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2022, but have yet to record a win in the tournament proper. In 2022 qualifying FC Denver lost in the second round on penalties to Peak Eleven FC after a 0-0 draw, while Azteca qualified for the Open Cup knocking off Colorado Rush (4-1), Colorado Rovers (5-2) and Harpo’s FC (4-3 aet).
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SATURDAY October 15
Boston Street FC (UPSL) at Brockton FC United (Bay State Soccer League / USASA)
6 p.m. Rocky Marciano Stadium; Brockton, MA
Boston Street FC | Boston, MA
UPSL New England Division
2022 Spring Season – 5-4-1, 16 pts. 16 GF 14 GA, 2nd place (Spring season)
2022 Fall Season – 3-3-1, 10 pts., 16 GF 15 GA (ONGOING)
Brockton FC United | Brockton, MA
Bay State Soccer League, Division 1
2022 Season – 5-8-2, 17 pts., 33 GF 41 GA (ONGOING)
Boston Street FC finished second in the 2022 UPSL New England Division with a 5-4-1 mark, Boston Street opened their debut Open Cup qualifying run with a 0-0 extra time draw with Ruggles Pro FC of the EPSL, then needed 16 rounds of penalties to prevail 13-12 in the shootout. It was the longest penalty kick tiebreaker in Open Cup qualifying since 2015. Boston Street FC was founded in 2012 primarily to play pick-up games, and eventually grew to play in local leagues and field a UPSL team.
Brockton FC United are looking to advance to their second straight Open Cup after qualifying in 2022. Their qualifying run last season finished with a dominating 17 goals scored against just three allowed. While Brockton’s BSSL team is U-21, the club will have their senior team on the field. The Brockton FC United UPSL team went 10-0-0 this past spring, but were upset in the New England Division playoffs by Santa Cruz FC
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SATURDAY October 15
Houston FC (National Soccer League / USSSA) at D10 Lions FC (National Soccer League / USSSA)
6 p.m. Matias Almeyda Training Center; Houston, TX
Houston FC | Houston, TX
National Soccer League Texas Conference
2022 Spring season – 6 pts, 4th place
D10 Lions FC | Houston, TX
National Soccer League Texas Conference
2022 Spring season – 4 pts., 5th place
Houston FC begin their first ever Open Cup qualifying campaign by steamrolling the Galveston Pelicans FC 10-1. It was the most lopsided Open Cup qualifying victory since Newcastle United (UPSL) routed Del Rey City (UPSL) 13-0 in the opening round of 2017 qualifying. Quinton Bridges led the scoring barrage with three goals and Mahmoud Adwani added two more, Sergio Calvillo, Otney Crawford, Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, Alejandro Vigil, Michael Luster and scored the rest.
Houston FC will face NSL Texas rivals D10 Lions FC , who they met this past season in NSL Texas play. Houston came out 4-1 winners. D10 are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and received a bye in the first round.
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SATURDAY October 15
Santa Cruz FC (UPSL) at Unations FC (UPSL)
6:30 p.m. Fore Kicks II; Marlborough, MA
(Santa Cruz FC forfeits due to player availability)
Santa Cruz FC | Lowell, MA
UPSL New England Division
2022 Spring Season – 5-4-1, 15 Pts., 20 GF 11 GA, 4th place
2022 Fall Season – 6-1-0, 18 pts., 19 GF 6 GA (ONGOING)
Unations FC | Worcester, MA
UPSL New England Division
2022 Spring Season – 5-3-2, 16 pts., 14 GF 14 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 4-4-0, 12 pts., 16 GF 18 GA (ONGOING)
UPDATE: Santa Cruz FC forfeits the match due to player availability.
Santa Cruz is making their Open Cup qualifying debut, while Unations FC makes their return after failed attempts in 2018, when they were part of the Bay State Soccer League, and 2022. Both teams had a first-round bye in the current qualifying run.
Unations defeated Santa Cruz in a 4-3 shootout in their lone meeting during the USL Spring season. Santa Cruz got their revenge a few weeks later in the UPSL playoffs. After upsetting undefeated Brockton FC United 5-4, Santa Cruz came out 3-o winners over Unations in the New England Division final. The teams are set to face each other in the UPSL Fall season a week after their Open Cup Qualifying game.
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SATURDAY October 15
Gainesville City FC (UPSL) at Florida Premier FC (UPSL)
7 p.m. GSports Clubhouse Field; Trinity FL
Gainesville City FC | Ocala, FL
UPSL Florida Central Division
2022 Spring Season – 2-7-1, 7 pts., 14 GF 36 GA, 6th place
2022 Fall Season – 1-4-1, 4 pts, 6 GF 13 GA (ONGOING)
Florida Premier FC | Tampa, FL
UPSL Florida West Division
2022 Spring Season – 5-3-2, 17 pts., 21 GF 18 GA, 2nd place
2022 Fall Season – 2-1-1, 7 pts., 11 GF 6 GA (ONGOING)
While Gainesville City FC drew a bye for the first round of qualifying, Florida Premier FC defeated fellow UPSL club Clearwater Chargers 4-0. Stewart Vigh scored twice, both assisted by Oliver Drost and Daht Faal and Nico Colacci provided the other goals. Both Gainesville City and Florida Premier are making their Open Cup qualifying debuts.
Florida Premier finished second in the UPSL Florida West Division Spring season with a 5-2-3 record, while Gainesville City had a difficult Spring season in the UPSL Florida Central Division, finishing 2-1-7. Florida Premier began in 1979 as the West Pasco Youth Soccer Association, while Gainesville City FC got their start in 2021.
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SATURDAY October 15
Club de Lyon (NISA Nation / USASA) at Orlando FC Wolves (Central Florida Soccer League / USASA)
7 p.m. Econ Soccer Complex; Orlando, FL
Club de Lyon | Orlando, FL
NISA Nation Florida Region
2022 Spring Season – 10-1-1, 31 pts., 48 GA 8 GA, 1st place
Orlando FC Wolves | Orlando, FL
Central Florida Soccer League Open Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-0-2, 20 pts., 21 GFD 3 GA
2022 Fall Season – 4-0-0, 12 pts., 19 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
Club de Lyon opened their 2023 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over fellow Orlando and NISA Nation club Deportivo Lake Mary. Victor Rojas (PK), Damian Duda scored for Lyon, with the final goal coming from an own goal off a shot by Rojas.
Club de Lyon won the NISA Nation Florida Region with a 10-1-1 record, and their 48 goals scored was tops among all the NISA Nation teams. Victor Rojas led all of NISA Nation with 8 goals and 12 assists during the 2022 Spring season.
Orlando FC Wolves had a bye in the first round of 2023 qualifying and are aiming to return to the Open Cup after qualifying for the 2022 edition. The Wolves fell in the First Round to The Villages SC, 6-0, but won the 2022 CFSL Spring season with a 6-0-2 record.
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SATURDAY October 15
Germantown City FC (UPSL) at Nova FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
7:45 p.m. Virginia Revolution Sportsplex; Leesburg, VA
Germantown City FC | Germantown, MD
UPSL DMV Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-3-3, 21 Pts., 24 GF 16 GA, 6th place
2022 Fall Season 3-1-3, 12 pts, 20 GF 14 GA (ONGOING)
Nova FC | Leesburg, VA
Eastern Premier Soccer League Mid-Atlantic Division
2021/22 Season – 12-1-0, 36 pts., 66 GF 15 GA 1st place
Won 2021/22 Mid-Atlantic Division Playoffs
2022/23 Season – 3-0-0. 9 pts., 10 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
Northern Virginia FC had quite a season in 2022. The team qualified for the 2022 Open Cup, winning their first round game 3-1 over EPSL rivals Lynchburg FC, and narrowly lost 1-0 to the Richmond Kickers of USL League One. Nova also finished in first place in the EPSL Mid-Atlantic Division with a 12-0-1 record, and also won the Division playoffs. Finally, Nova nearly gained automatic qualification to the 2023 Open Cup, losing the 2022 National Amateur Cup Final to Bavarian United FC 1-0.
Northern Virginia began their 2023 qualifying run with a penalty shootout win over Steel Pulse FC of the Maryland Super Soccer League. Steel Pulse held Nova to a scoreless draw for 120 minutes, 110 of which Steel Pulse played with 10 men. Nova prevailed in the shootout 3-1 to advance.
Germantown City FC are making their first appearance in Open Cup qualifying, and in the opening round pulled off a 2-1 win over three-time Open Cup qualifiers Aegean Hawks FC. After Aegean went ahead in the opening 10 minutes, Christian Okomo and Stephane Mankemi tallied for Germantown. Germantown finished 6th in a competitive 2022 Spring season of the UPSL DMV Division, a 6-3-3- record leaving them just six points behind first placed Sure Sports FC
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SATURDAY October 15
D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (UPSL) at Alamo City Soccer Club (UPSL)
8 p.m. Alamo Sportsplex; San Antonio, TX
D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club | Dallas, TX
UPSL Texas North Division
2022 Spring Season – 7-1-2, 23 pts., 62 GF 6 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season – 3-1-1, 10 pts, 21 GF 12 GA (ONGOING)
Alamo City Soccer Club | San Antonio, TX
UPSL Texas South Division
2022 Spring Season = 6-3-1, 19 pts., 17 GF 8 GA, 2nd place
2022 Fall Season – 5-0-0, 15 pts., 25 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
D’Feeters Kicks opened their 2023 qualifying run with a 5-1 win over FC Fort Worth, with five different players scoring for DFKFC. The win was a bit of payback for FC Fort Worth defeating D’Feeters Kicks in the UPSL Texas North playoffs in June. D’Feeters qualified for the 2022 Open Cup, knocking off the NPSL’s Denton Diablos 3-2 before losing to the USL Championship’s eventual 2022 regular season champion San Antonio FC, 3-1, in the Second Round. DFKSC finished first in the UPSL Texas North with a 7-1-2 record and a dominating +56 goal difference.
Alamo City are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and received a bye in the First Round. City finished second in the UPSL Texas South Division with a 6-1-3 record but made their way through the Division playoffs to reach the final 32, where they lost to UDA Soccer Crimson on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
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SATURDAY October 15
Beaman United FC (UPSL) at Bowling Green FC (UPSL)
8 p.m. The Pit (Bowling Green Junior High); Bowling Green, KY
Beaman United FC | Nashville, TN
UPSL KY-TN Division
2022 Spring Season – 8-1-1, 25 pts., 53 GF 8 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season – 4-1-1, 13 pts., 19 GF 11 GA (ONGOING)
Bowling Green FC | Bowling Green, KY
UPSL KY-TN Division
2022 Spring Season – 7-2-1, 22 pts., 45 GF 22 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 1-4-1, 4 pts., 11 GF 19 GA (ONGOING)
Beaman United and Bowling Green FC finished 1st and 3rd in the UPSL KY-TN Division Spring season. Beaman posted a n 8-1-1 mark with a +45 goal difference, while Bowling Green was 7-2-1. In their one time the teams met in UPSL play, Beaman United cruised to a 7-2 victory.
2023 marks the first time each club has entered Open Cup qualifying, and both teams received a bye in the first round.
Beaman went on to reach the UPSL National Semifinals, defeating the Dodge City Toros 2-1, them losing to Orange County FC 3-1 in the UPSL Championship game. Beaman also appeared to reach the 2022 National Amateur Cup Semifinals after defeating ASC New Stars 3-0 to win the Region III tournament but were later disqualified due to ineligible players.
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SATURDAY October 15
Capo FC (NISA Nation / USASA) at Laguna United FC (UPSL)
10 p.m. La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Niguel, CA
Capo FC | San Juan Capistrano, CA
NISA Nation Southwest Region
2022 Spring Season – 8-1-1, 25 pts., 32 GF 12 GA, 1st place
Laguna United FC | Laguna Niguel, CA
UPSL SOCAL North Division
2022 Spring Season – 8-3-1, 25 pts., 42 FA 20 GA, 4th place
2022 Fall Season – 2-1-1, 7 pts., 9 GF 6 GA (ONGOING)
Capo FC, as part of the Southwest Premier League, got to the final round of 2022 Open Cup qualifying, where they lost to San Fernando Valley FC 2-1. Capo finished first in the NISA Nation Southwest Region with an 8-1-1 record. The team won their opening 2023 qualifying game via forfeit when their opponents, OC Kings FC of the UPSL, did not have enough eligible players to play.
Laguna United won their first round qualifying game 3-0 over Olympiacos CA of the Southwest Premier League. Yousef Farah scored twice, and backup goalkeeper Jeremy Caringella, subbed on as a striker, scored the third goal. The side finished 4th in the UPSL Socal North Division with a 8-3-1, finishing just four points out of first place.
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SATURDAY October 15
Inter San Francisco (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA) at Real San Jose (National Soccer League / USSSA)
10 p.m. PAL Stadium; San Jose, CA
Inter San Francisco | San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Soccer Football League Majors Division
2022 Season – 15-2-3, 47 pts., 68 GF 32 GA, 1st place
*Won promotion to SFSFL Premier Division
Real San Jose | San Jose, CA
National Soccer League Pacific
2022 Fall Season – 1-1-1, 4 pts., 4 GF 7 GA (ONGOING)
Inter San Francisco began in San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) First Division (3rd tier) then won promotion to the Majors Division in 2021. In the 2022 season Inter SF won the Major Division with a 15-3-2 record to move up to the Premier Division. Inter SF made their initial Open Cup qualifying run for the 2022 tournament, defeating Real San Jose 4-2 before losing to Sporting ID11 1-3. Inter began their 2023 qualifying run with a 5-0 win over Marin United. Former Oakland Roots SC and Chivas USA pro Matt Fondy scored twice, while Dyan Autran, Nikolai Littlejohn (both former Roots players), and Gerardo Burgos added the other goals.
Real San Jose are making their fifth appearance in Open Cup qualifying since 2018 and are also looking for their first victory. RSJ’s last qualifying game was against Inter San Francisco in 2022 qualifying, resulting in a 4-2 loss for Real San Jose. Real San Jose began in 2007, playing in the NPSL for ten years before moving to the UPSL in 2017. In 2021 the club began play in the National Soccer League Pacific Division.
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SATURDAY October 15
Davis Legacy SC (UPSL) at Elk Grove Blues (UPSL)
11 p.m. Bartholomew Sports Park; Elk Grove, CA
Davis Legacy SC | Davis, CA
UPSL Norcal North Division
2022 Spring Season – 11-1-0, 33 pts., 74 GF 10 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season – 3-2-1, 10 pts., 17 GF 11 GA (ONGOING)
Elk Grove Blues | Elk Grove, CA
UPSL Norcal North Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-5-1, 19 pts., 27 GF 21 GA, 6th place
2022 Fall Season – 1-4-1, 4 pts., 6 GF 16 GA (ONGOING)
David Legacy have entered Open Cup qualifying 5 times since 2016 but have failed to reach the finish line. The closest they came was in 2016 when they lost to San Francisco City FC 4-3 in the final round of qualifying. 2022 Spring season play was a different matter, as Davis finished first in the UPSL Norcal North Division with a 11-1-0 record, with a +64 goal difference. David then won the Division playoffs and advanced to the IPSL National Quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual champions Orange County FC
Elk Grove didn’t have nearly as much success as Davis Legacy in the UPSL Norcal North Division, finishing with a 6-5-1 record. The clubs met on Oct. 1 in the UPSL Fall season, with Davis Legacy coming out 6-0 victors on the strength of four goals from Benjamin Elkins.
David Legacy opened their 2023 qualifying run with a 4-3 win over US Davis Club Soccer. Junior Kazeem and JJ Rigo scored two goals apiece. Elk Grove Blues drew a bye in the first round.
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SUNDAY October 16
Coronado Athletic Club (UPSL) at UDA Soccer (UPSL)
12 p.m. Field of Dreams Soccer Complex; Las Cruces, NM
Coronado Athletic Club | Sierra Vista, AZ
UPSL Arizona Division
2022 Spring Season – 3-6-1, 10 pts., 16 GA 36 GA, 5th place
2022 Fall Season – 2-3-0, 6 pts., 9 GF 14 GA (ONGOING)
UDA Soccer | Las Cruces, NM
UPSL West Texas-New Mexico Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-2-2, 20 pts., 25 GF 11 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season -3-1-0, 9 pts., 15 GF 7 GA (ONGOING)
UDA and Coronado are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying, and both teams received a bye in the opening round.
UDA is a soccer academy at New Mexico State University that allows players to receive year-round training while enrolled at New Mexico State. UDA had a successful 2022 Spring season, finishing first in the West Texas-New Mexico Division with a 6-2-2 record, and advancing to the UPSL National Quarterfinals. Coronado AC didn’t find nearly as much success in the 2022 Spring season, finishing 3-6-1 in the Arizona Division.
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SUNDAY October 16
IASC Boom (Rochester District Soccer League / USASA) at Sahara Gunners FC (UPSL)
2 p.m. Dobson Field (D’Youville University); Buffalo, NY
IASC Boom | Rochester, NY
Rochester District Soccer League
2022 Season – 12-1-1, 37 pts., 62 GF 24 GA, 1st place
Sahara Gunners FC | Buffalo, NY
UPSL Western New York Division Division 1
2022 Spring Season – 8-2-0. 23 pts., 29 GF 17 GA, 2nd place
The cities of Buffalo and Rochester have a long history in the U.S. Open Cup, having battled in the Northwest New York district ever since the Open Cup began in 1914, and the cities collide once again in 2023 Open Cup qualifying.
IASC Boom are the reserve club of the UPSL’s Roc City Boom and are also known as Italian American SC Bakshi FC in the Rochester District Soccer League. IASC are making their second run at USOC qualifying, having fallen short last year with a penalty kick loss to FC Maritsa in the Third Round of qualifying.
Buffalo’s Sahara Gunners FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished the UPSL Western NY Division season with an 8-2-0 record, falling short of the Division title by just one on goal difference. The Gunners play in Division 1, which is one step below UPSL Premier
Both teams received a bye in the first round of qualifying.
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SUNDAY October 16
Lancaster Elite (UPSL) at Vereinigung Erzgebirge (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania / USASA)
2 p.m. Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse; Warminster, PA
Lancaster Elite | Lancaster, PA
UPSL Northeast American Division
2022 Spring Season – 4-4-2, 14 pts., 16 GF 24 GA, 7th place
2022 Fall Season – 3-4-2, 11 pts., 10 GF 26 GA (ONGOING)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge | Warminster, PA
United Soccer League of Pennsylvania Men’s Major
2021/22 Season – 14-0-1, 35 pts., 43 GF 8 GA, 1st place
2022/23 Season – 2-2-0, 8 pts., 10 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge is one of the more historic clubs in the qualifying field, the club having been founded in 1931 with the soccer team emerging soon after. The first known Open Cup appearance VE made was qualifying for the 1958 tournament. Since then, the club has been a regular in Open Cup competition. More recently, VE has qualified for the Open Cup just twice, in 2002 and again for the canceled 2020 edition. VE had an outstanding 2021-22 campaign in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania, finishing atop the league with a 14-0-1 record. VE’s only league blemish was a 1-1 draw versus United German Hungarians.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge tackled another mainstay of Open Cup qualifying, Philadelphia Lone Star of the UPSL, coming away with a 2-1 win. Kevin Smolyn and Johnny Ciarlante scored second half goals to avenge VE’s loss to Lone Star in last year’s qualifying.
Lancaster Elite won their opening round qualifying game 3-2 after extra time over Lancaster City FC of the USL of PA. Lancaster City sent the game to extra time with a stoppage time goal, but Jack Weaver gave Elite the lead for good in the 110th minute.
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SUNDAY October 16
West Chester United SC (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania / USASA) at United German Hungarians (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania / USASA)
2:30 p.m. Temple University Ambler Campus; Ambler, PA
West Chester United SC | West Chester, PA
United Soccer League of Pennsylvania Men’s Major
2021/22 Season – 13-2-0, 39 pts., 70 GF 13 GA, 2nd place
2022/23 Season – 2-1-0, 6 pts., 17 GF 5 GA (ONGOING)
United German Hungarians | Philadelphia, PA
United Soccer League of Pennsylvania Men’s Major
2021/22 Season – 9-4-3, 30 pts., 33 GF 19 GA, 4th place
2022/23 Season – 1-0-2, 5 pts., 8 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
In addition to the USL of PA, West Chester United fields teams in USL League Two and the NPSL. WCU’s USL-2 team qualified for the Open Cup last season, while their USL of PA team made the cut in 2016 & 2019. WCU’s USL-2 & NPSL teams are unlikely to make the tournament field from either league for 2023. WCU also reached the National Amateur Cup Final in 2018 and have won the USL 0f PA championship four straight seasons from 2015/16-2018/19. West Chester United finished the ‘21-‘22 USL of PA season in second place behind champions Vereinigung Erzgebirge, holding a +57 goal difference. 2022 was the first time since 2016 that their USL of PA team did not enter qualifying, as their USL-2 team had secured an Open Cup spot through league play.
United German Hungarians have a long history in the Open Cup, with their first known appearance coming in Eastern Pennsylvania qualifying for the 1958 Open Cup. Since the mid-60s UGH have been regular participants in both the Open and National Amateur Cups, winning the Amateur Cup in 1965 and appearing in the Final six times in both competitions (Open 1977 & 1993, Amateur 1964, 1970, 1977 & 1999). The UGH club was founded in 1910, and the first soccer team was organized in 1922. UGH is currently in a long drought in qualifying for the Open Cup, having last made the cut in 1999.
West Chester United and UGH met twice in the 2021-23 USL of PA season, with WCU coming out on top both times, 2-0 and 4-2. In the opening round of qualifying, West Chester United bested USL of PA rivals Ukrainian Nationals 2-1. Goals from Finn Reese kept WCU level and a Derek Ramirez converted penalty in second half stoppage time for the win. UGH opened their 2023 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over Kensington SC of the EPSL. Gabe Dwyer, Mike Liska and Jason Rocha scored UGH’s goals.
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SUNDAY October 16
1927 SC (Ohio Valley Premier League / USCS) at Chicago House AC (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
3 p.m. Hales Franciscan High School; Chicago, IL
1927 SC | Ft. Wayne, IN
Ohio Valley Premier League River Division
2022 Summer Season – 9-1-0, 27 pts, 52 GF 3 GA, 1st place
Chicago House AC | Chicago, IL
Midwest Premier League West
2022 Spring Season – 5-1-5, 20 pts., 27 GF 8 GA, 4 GA, 54th place
1927 SC is Ft. Wayne Sport Club’s entry in the U-23 Ohio Valley Premier League. Sport Club was founded in 1927 and is known to have participated in the Open Cup in 1986 & 1987, and again in 1991 & 1993, though with little success. 1927 SC won the 2022 OVPL playoffs to lift the Sportiff Cup, defeating the West Virginia Highlanders 3-0. They competed in the National Amateur Cup this past year, winning their first match against Teranga Lions (MI), 9-2, before falling to United Serbians SC (WI), 4-3 AET.
Chicago House AC began playing in NISA in the 2021 Fall season but left the league after that first season due to a dispute between team owners and league officials. As a result, House were voted out of the league and left unable to participate in the 2022 Open Cup. The team spent 2022 playing in the semi-pro Midwest Premier League. CEO Peter Wilt has expressed interest in returning to NISA for the 2023 season. Both 1927 SC & Chicago House AC had byes in the first round of qualifying.
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SUNDAY October 16
Boulder United FC (Colorado Super League / USASA) at Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake (Colorado Super League / USASA)
4 p.m. Wheat Ridge High School; Wheat Ridge, CO
Boulder United FC | Boulder, CO
Colorado Premier League Premier Division
2022 Spring Season – 4-3-1, 13 pts., 21 GF 20 GA, 5th place
2022 Fall Season – 4-1-0, 12 pts., 15 GF 7 GA (ONGOING)
Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake | Golden, CO
Colorado Super League
2022 Spring Season – 2-4-1, 7 pts., 13 GF 16 GA, 5th place
This is Boulder United’s second attempt at Open Cup qualifying, with the first ending after a 3-0 loss to Gam United FC in 2022 qualifying. Sloan Lake are also making their second qualifying run and suffered a similar fate as Boulder United, losing to the Colorado Rovers 2-1 in last year’s qualifying. While Boulder United received a first-round bye, Sloan Lake picked up their first ever qualifying win in the opening round, 3-0 over Peak Eleven FC of the Mountain Premier League. Jacob Love, Jack O’Brian and Miguel Camerolinga scored second half goals in the win. Love is a former player of Italian Serie B club AC Capri.
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SUNDAY October 16
Mint Hill FC (UPSL) at Tobacco Road FC (Triangle Adult Soccer League / USASA)
5 p.m. Durham County Memorial Stadium; Durham, NC
Mint Hill FC | Mint Hill, NC
UPSL Mid-Atlantic Division
2022 Spring Season – 4-6-0, 12 pts., 18 GF 25 GA, 8th place
2022 Fall Season – 2-3-1, 7 pts. 10 GF 15 GA (ONGING)
Tobacco Road FC | Durham, NC
Triangle Adult Soccer League Men’s 1
2022 Spring Season – 5-3-2, 17 pts., 26 GF 21 GA
Tobacco Road’s TASL team serves as the reserve team of their USL 2 club, although the club has yet to participate in the Open Cup proper at any level. Tobacco Road returns to Open Cup qualifying after a five-year hiatus. The club last entered qualifying in 2016 and forfeited their opening game to CD Motagua of New Orleans due to travel costs. This year the team received a bye in the first round. Tobacco also competed in USASA Region III’s Amateur Cup regional this past summer, reaching the semifinal but falling to eventual (disqualified) champion Beaman United FC.
Mint Hill FC are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year and received a bye in the first round. The team struggles in their UPSL Spring campaign, finishing 8th in the Mid-Atlantic Division with a 4-6-0 record. The club is one of the newest in this year’s Open Cup qualifying field, having been founded early in 2022.
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SUNDAY October 16
Naples United FC (National Soccer League / USSSA) at Naples City FC (UPSL)
6 p.m. Paradise Coast Sports Complex; Naples, FL
Naples United FC | Naples, FL
National Soccer League Florida South Premier
2022 Spring Season – Could not find
2022 Fall Season – 0-1-2, 1 pts., 3 GF 9 GA (ONGOING)
Naples City FC | Naples, FL
UPSL Florida West Division
2022 Spring Season – 4-4-2, 14 pts., 9 GF 11 GA
2022 Fall Season – 3-1-0, 9 pts., 5 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
Naples United are making their qualifying debut, and Naples City’s first attempt at Open Cup qualifying ended abruptly in 2022, losing their opening game 2-1 to Miami Soccer Academy. Naples United’s NPSL team had qualified for the 2020 Open Cup through their 2019 NPSL season record, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team that competes in the NSL Florida South Premier division is a U-23 team.
Naples City FC struggled in the UPSL Florida West Division in the 2022 Spring season, finishing 4-4-2 and a sixth-place finish. Both Naples City and Naples United drew a first-round bye in 2023 Open Cup qualifying.
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SUNDAY October 16
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA) at New York Greek American SC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
6 p.m. Fleming Park; Yonkers, NY
Lansdowne Yonkers FC | Yonkers, NY
Eastern Premier Soccer League Metropolitan Division
2021/22 Season – 12-1-5, 41 pts., 43 GF 15 GA, 3rd place
2022/23 Season – 4-0-1, 13 pts., 11 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
New York Greek American SC | Queens, NY
Eastern Premier Soccer League Metropolitan Division
2021/22 Season – 10-5-2, 32 pts., 47 GF 21 GA, 5th place
2022/23 Season – 3-1-0, 9 pts., 7 GF 2 GA (ONGOING)
Lansdowne Yonkers FC return to Open Cup qualifying after having earned a spot in last year’s tournament as 2021 National Amateur Cup champions. Lansdowne also qualified for the Open Cup in 2016 and 2018 as members of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. The club also previously won the National Amateur Cup in 2017. Lansdowne have racked up three wins in the Open Cup proper, with their biggest coming in 2016 as a 2-0 upset of USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
New York Greek American SC have the best Open Cup pedigree of all the teams alive in this year’s qualifying. NYGA have won the Open Cup 4 times (1967-1969, 1974), and reached the Final one other time in 1989. NYGA SC have qualified for the Open Cup six times since 1995 but are looking for their first bid since 2015.
In EPSL Metropolitan Division play during the 2021-22 season, Lansdowne and NYGA played to a pair of 0-0 draws. Lansdowne prevailed over the Greeks on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2021-22 Manning Cup (NY State Cup), which Lansdowne eventually won over Zum Schneider FC 03 2-1 in the Final
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SUNDAY October 16
Christos FC (Maryland Super Soccer League / USASA) at DCFC (DC Premier League / USASA)
6:30 p.m. Jelleff Recreation Center; Washington, D.C.
Christos FC | Gambrills, MD
Maryland Super Soccer League Division 1
2022 Spring Season – 6-2-1, 19 pts., 24 GF 11 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 5-0-0, 15 pts., 24 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
DCFC | Washington, D.C.
DC Premier League D1
2022 Spring Season – 6-4-1, 22 pts., 42 GF 11 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 2-0-1, 4 pts., 8 GF 1 GA (Ongoing)
Christos FC had quite a successful year in 2022, winning the “quadruple” of Maryland state cups: Rowland Cup (Maryland state cup), Stewart Cup (Maryland Amateur Cup), Maryland O-30 & O-40 cups. Christos are also the 2016 National Amateur Cup champions and have qualified for the Open Cup twice (2017 & 2018). By far their most famous moment came in the 2017 Open Cup when they faced D.C. United in the Fourth round and jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the first half. Christos stayed tied with D.C. for much of the game until the MLS side scored three times in the final ten minutes. Christos also qualified for the canceled 2020 Open Cup and are return to qualifying after not entering in 2022.
DCFC overcame DC Premier League rivals Team Tevez in the opening round of qualifying, cooming out 4-2 winners after extra time. Harry Engoren and Charles Touch eave DCFC a 2-0 halftime lead, and in extra time Engoran scored a second time and Ryan Mahoney added the insurance goal. Despite finishing third in the DC Premier League Spring season, DCFC held a league high +31 goal differential. DCFC are making their qualifying debut this year.
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SUNDAY October 16
Outbreak FC (Southwest Premier League / USSSA) at Escondido FC (UPSL)
6:30 p.m. San Pasqual High School; Escondido, CA
Outbreak FC | Long Beach, CA
Southwest Premier League – SoCal Premier League Over 30
2022 Spring Season – 4-0-1, 13 pts., 22 GF 8 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season – 2-1-0, 6 pts., 9 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
Escondido FC | Escondido, CA
UPSL Socal South Division
2022 Spring Season – 6-1-3, 21 pts., 33 GF 11 GA, 2nd place
2022 Fall Season – 2-0-1, 7 pts., 8 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
Escondido FC had a successful Open Cup qualifying debut last year, defeating Sporting ID11 3-1 in the final round. Escondido got their second qualifying attempt off to a good start with a win over Rebels SC on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Marcos Rodrigo Celestino equalized in the second half, and Christian Bahena put Escondido temporarily ahead in extra time. In UPSL play Escondido finished second in the Socal South Division, then made their way to the UPSL Round of 16, losing to eventual champions Orange County FC, 2-1.
Outbreak FC also opened their 2023 qualifying run with a penalty tiebreaker win after a scoreless draw with AS Los Angeles. Former LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe, who announced his retirement from pro soccer last year, kept AS Los Angeles scoreless for 120 minutes, then saved two of their penalty attempts to lead Outbreak to the next round. Outbreak have entered Open Cup qualifying every year since 2016 but are looking to qualify for the first time since 2017.
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SUNDAY October 16
SC Vistula Garfield (Garden State Soccer League / USASA) at Jackson Lions FC (Garden State Soccer League / USASA)
7 p.m. Donovan Catholic High School; Toms River, NJ
SC Vistula Garfield | Garfield, NJ
Garden State Soccer League Super Division
2021-22 Season – 7-4-2, 23 pts., 26 GF 17 GA, 2nd place
2022-23 Season – 3-0-0. 9 pts., 12 GF 5 GA (ONGOING)
Jackson Lions FC | Jackson Township, NJ
Garden State Soccer League Super Division
2021-22 Season – 7-3-1, 23 pts., 30 GF 8 GA, 3rd place
2022-23 Season – 2-1-0, 6 pts., 8 GF 6 GA (ONGOING)
Vistula just barely finished better than Jackson in the Garden State Soccer League Super Division 2021-22 season. Vistula finished second with 23 points, while Jackson was a point behind. Vistula and Jackson played to a 0-0 draw in GSSL Super Division play in April, Vistula and Jackson played on Oct. 7 in the Garden State Soccer League Super Division, with Vistula prevailing 5-3. Pawel Kondratowicz notched a hat trick for Vistula.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Vistula have often entered Open Cup qualifying in the past, but this is their first appearance since qualifying was revamped in 2015. Vistula’s first known appearance in the Open Cup came in qualifying for the 1971 tournament. Vistula pulled off a bit of an upset in the opening round of qualifying, knocking off NY Pancyprian Freedoms 1-0. Goalkeeper Anthony Caruso kept the Freedoms scoreless, and 40-year-old Christopher Karcz headed home the winner for Vistula in the 89th minute.
Jackson Lions FC have participated in qualifying every year since 2015 but have yet to advance to the Open Cup proper. The closest the Lions came was in 2016 when they reached the final round, losing to Junior Lone Star 3-2. Jackson’s 2022 qualifying run ended in disappointment with a forfeit loss to West Chester United in the Third Round. Jackson got off to a good start in qualifying for the 2023 tournament with a 4-2 win over Real Central NJ Soccer of the EPSL. Chris Thorsheim and Joel Quist scored two goals apiece for Jackson in the win.
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SUNDAY October 16
City Soccer FC (National Soccer League / USSSA) at Hurricane FC (National Soccer League / USSSA)
8 p.m. Seacrest Soccer Complex; Delray Beach, FL
City Soccer FC | West Palm Beach, FL
National Soccer League Florida Division Elite Division
2022 Spring Season – 2nd place, won Elite Division playoffs
2022 Fall Season – 2-1-0, 9 pts., 7 GF 1 GA (ONGOING)
Hurricane FC | Boynton Beach, FL
National Soccer League Florida Division Elite Division
2022 Spring Season – 5th place
2022 Fall Season – 0-0-3, 0 pts., 4 GF 13 GA (ONGOING)
City Soccer FC are making their second qualifying appearance after a successful 2022 run. In last year’s qualifying City Soccer racked up 14 goals scored against 4 allowed, topped off by a 4-0 win over Florida Soccer Soldiers to qualify. In the tournament proper City Soccer lost 3-1 to the NPSL’s Miami United FC in a wild game in which all four goals were scored in the final 15 minutes. City Soccer again encountered Florida Soccer Soldiers in the opening round of 2023 qualifying and came away with a 3-2 victory. FSS sent the game into extra time in the 90th minute, and City Soccer won the game in the final minute of extra time.
Hurricane FC have entered qualifying every year since 2017 and have reached the final round twice (2017 & 2020). Last year Hurricane’s qualifying run ended after one game with a 5-1 loss to Florida Soccer Soldiers. Hurricane had a bye in this year’s first round.
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SUNDAY October 16
Juventus Academy (UPSL) at Miami Soccer Academy (National Soccer League / USSSA)
8 p.m. Monsignor Edward Pace High School; Miami Gardens, FL
Juventus Academy / Athletum Miami FC | Miami, FL
UPSL Florida South Division
2022 Spring Season – 7-5-1, 22 pts., 28 GF 23 GA, 8th place
2022 Fall Season – 3-0-4, 13 pts., 23 GF 15 GA (ONGOING)
Miami Soccer Academy | Miami Beach, FL
National Soccer League Florida Elite Division
2022 Spring Season – 1st place, regular season champions
2022 Fall Season – 3-0-0, 9 ps. 11 GF 2 GA (ONGOING)
Juventus Academy, based in Miami, are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and are represented by their UPSL Premier team Athletum Miami FC. Athletum finished in 8th place in the 14-team UPSL Florida South spring season. they are off to 3-0-4 start in the Fall season. Athletum opened this year’s qualifying with a 4-3 win over UPSL Florida South rivals Doral SC. Lucas Coro, Matias Paredes and Jacopo Camilli pushed Athletum to a 3-0 lead, and Edu Ramirez scored the fourth in the second half.
Miami Soccer Academy are making their second run at Open Cup qualifying, with their debut last year ending in a 3-1 defeat to Open Cup qualifiers Orlando FC Wolves In the Third Round. MSA had a very successful Spring season in the NSL Florida Elite Division, finishing first and then winning the Elite Division playoffs. MSA are off to a 3-0-0 start in the fall season. MSA defeated the UPSL’s O’Shea’s FC 2-1 in the opening round of qualifying.
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SUNDAY October 16
Miami United FC-23 (National Soccer League / USSSA) at International Soccer Association (UPSL)
9 p.m. UPSL Stadium (Broward College-South Campus); Pembroke Pines, FL
Miami United FC U-23 | Miami Beach, FL
National Soccer League Florida Division Elite Division
2022 Spring Season – 7th place
2022 Fall Season – 0-0-2, 0 pts., 2 GF 4 GA (ONGOING)
International Soccer Association | Boca Raton, FL
UPSL Florida South Division
2022 Spring Season – 1-10-2, 5 pts., 25 GF 61 GA, 12th place
International Soccer Association are making their second run at Open Cup qualifying after their debut last year. In 2022 qualifying ISA reached the Third Round where they lost to City Soccer FC 7-2. ISA struggled in the UPSL Spring season, finishing 12th in the Florida South Division.
Miami United U-23 have entered Open Cup qualifying twice in the past. Their first foray in qualifying came in 2018 with a one and done entry. In 2020 qualifying Miami United qualified with a 4-0 win over Hurricane FC, but the Open Cup was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Miami United NPSL parent club have qualified for the Open Cup four times (2015, 2017, 2018 & 2022), with their deepest run coming in 2018 when they reached the Fourth Round.
Miami United won their opening round qualifying game 3-1 over NSL rivals Florida Brothers, while ISA took hoe a 5-3 winm over West Palm Beach Academy of the NSL.
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SUNDAY October 16
BattleBorn FC (NISA Nation / USASA) at Modesto City Football Club (Southwest Premier League / USSSA)
9 p.m. Central Catholic High School; Modesto, CA
BattleBorn FC | Carson, NV
NISA Nation Pacific Region
2022 Spring Season – 5-0-1, 16 pts., 32 GF 5 GA, 1st place
Modesto City Football Club | Modesto, CA
Southwest Premier League – Pacific Premier League
2022 Spring Season – 2-4-4, 10 pts., 15 GF 23 GA, 3rd place
2022 Fall Season – 0-3-0, 0 pts., 2 GF 10 GA (ONGOING)
Modesto City enter their second Open Cup qualifying campaign looking for their first win after exiting last year’s qualifying after one game with a 3-1 loss to Contra Costa FC of the NPSL. Medesto finished 3rd in the Spring season of Pacific Premier League of the SWPL but are off to a rough start in the fall season at 0-0-3.
BattleBorn FC are also making their second attempt at Open Cup qualifying, having reached the Third Round last where they lost to Metro FC 1-0. BattleBorn finished first in the NISA Nation Pacific Region at 5-0-1. Both teams received a bye in the First Round.
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SUNDAY October 16
Temecula FC (Southwest Premier League / USSSA) at Orange County FC (UPSL)
9 p.m. Orange County Great Park (Field 12); Irvine, CA
Temecula FC | Temecula, CA
Southwest Premier League – SoCal Premier League
2022 Spring Season – 6-3-1, 19 pts., 30 GF 18 GA, 2nd place
Orange County FC | Mission Viejo, CA
UPSL Socal North Division
2022 Spring Season – 8-1-3, 27 pts., 42 GF 10 GA, 2nd place.
2022 Fall Season – 5-0-1, 16 pts., 28 GF 8 GA (ONGOING)
OCFC return to Open Cup qualifying after a six-year hiatus, with their lone qualifying game ending in a 3-0 loss to La Marquina FC in 2017. Orange County turned a second-place finish in the UPSL Socal North Spring season into a championship run, going all the way in the UPSL playoffs to defeat Beaman United 3-1 in the Final. Previously a member of the NPSL, Orange County reached the Fourth Round of the 2019 tournament, beating USL Championship neighbor Orange County SC and Las Vegas Lights FC. They fell to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy but earned $25,000 as the farthest reaching Open Division team – the first NPSL team to ever do so.
Temecula are looking to rebound their team image in the SWPL. Founded in 2013, the team joined the NPSL in 2014 and never once made the postseason Southwest Conference during its six year tenure. Temecula departed the league during the COVID-19 pandemic hoping to re-focus the organization and joined the San Diego Premier League, a subdivision of the Southwest Premier League.
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SUNDAY October 16
Legend Football Gold (Federal Way Men’s Open Sunday / USASA) at Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
10 p.m. Bellevue College Soccer Field; Bellevue WA
Legend Football Gold | Lake Forest Park, WA
Federal Way Men’s Open Sunday
2022 Spring Season – 5-1-4, 19 pts.., 1st place
Bellevue Athletic FC | Snohomish, WA
UPSL Pacific Northwest Division
2022 Spring Season – 2-8-0, 6 pts., 10 GF 31 GA, 6th place
2022 Fall Season – 1-1-1, 4 pts., 5 GF 7 GA (ONGOING)
Legend Football Gold are the champions of the four team Federal Way Men’s Open Sunday league and are making their Open Cup qualifying debut. The league and all the teams are sponsored by Legends Sports Video. The league is also known as the Kajumulo City League after Alex Kajumulo, a long-time fixture of local soccer in the Seattle area originally from Tanzania, who supplies the league with kits through Kajumulo World Sports
Bellevue Athletic are also making their Open Cup qualifying debut and finished a disappointing 2-8-0 in the USPL Spring Season. The club is looking to turn their fortunes around in the fall campaign, where they currently hold a 1-1-1 record.
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SUNDAY October 16
Valley FC Raiders (NISA Nation / USASA) at Olympians FC (UPSL)
10 p.m. Pioneer Park; Peoria, AZ
Valley FC Raiders | Gilbert, AZ
NISA Nation Southwest Region
2022 Spring Season – 1-0-9, 3 pts., 10 GF 46 GA, 6th place
Olympians FC | El Mirage, AZ
UPSL Arizona Division
2022 Spring Season – 7-1-2, 23 pts., 41 GF 22 GA, 1st place
2022 Fall Season – 4-0-1, 13 pts., 18 GF 3 GA (ONGOING)
Both clubs are making their Open Cup qualifying debut this year. Olympians FC received a bye in the first round, while Valley FC Raiders were 5-1 winners over FC Arizona (UPSL). Kevin Olivarez scored twice, and Rubin Phiri, Eduardo Lazaro, and Bwaleso Igulu completed the scoring.
Olympians FC won the UPSL Arizona Division with a 7-1-2 record, then advanced to the UPSL National playoffs by winning the Arizona Division playoffs. Valley FC Raiders struggled in their NISA Nation Spring campaign, finishing last with a 1-9-0 record
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SUNDAY October 16
Desert FC (UPSL) at LA Monsters FC (Southwest Premier League / USSSA)
10:30 p.m. Orange County Great Park (Field 8); Irvine, CA
Desert FC | La Quinta, CA
UPSL Socal East Division 1
2022 Spring Season – 4-6-1, 12 pts., 25 GF 25 GA
2022 Fall Season – 2-2-1, 8 pts., 12 GF 11 GA (ONGOING)
LA Monsters FC | Redondo Beach, CA
Southwest Premier League -Socal Premier League
2022 Spring Season – 5-10-1, 16 pts, 33 GF 51 GA, 5th place
LA Monsters are regulars of Open Cup qualifying, having entered almost every year since 2016, minus one absence in 2017. Three times the Monsters have reached the final round of qualifying (2016, 2018 & 2020), but were stopped each time. The Monsters opened their 2023 qualifying run on September 17 with a 3-0 win over Irvine FC of the UPSL. Steven Ramirez led the way with a pair of goals, and Oswaldo Rodriguez completed the scoring for the Monsters. The Monsters had a rough go in the Spring season of the Socal Premier League, finishing 5-10-1.
Desert FC make their Open Cup qualifying debut after receiving a bye in the opening round. The club had been established in the UPSL Women’s league in Spring 2021, with the Men’s team being established for the 2022 Spring season in the Socal East Division 1 Division.
