Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Phoenix Rising hold off well-traveled Greenville Triumph, 1-0

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Phoenix Rising players celebrate after scoring a goal against Greenville Triumph in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Arianna Grainey
Phoenix Rising players celebrate after scoring a goal against Greenville Triumph in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Arianna Grainey

On a near-perfect spring evening host Phoenix Rising FC took down Greenville Triumph SC in Round 2 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The home side used a first half goal from Carlos Harvey to cling to a 1-0 win.

For Phoenix, it was the second year in a row that they kicked off the tournament with a 1-0 win and improved their home unbeaten streak in the competition to four games.

Despite being pleased with advancing to Round 3 of the US Open Cup, Phoenix coach Juan Guerra said his team will need to do more.

“If we are going to have 70% possession and connect 600 passes, we need to have the ability to threaten the goal a bit more,” he said. “We have to improve.”

When asked about playing a team of ‘mostly second-string players,’ said, “We don’t have a clear starting eleven. We are still developing, still transforming, still learning.”

Both teams have sputtered out of the gates in their respective seasons. Phoenix with two draws and a loss in the Championship and Greenville had a loss in their opener in League One. Both teams were looking to find something to build on.

The first half hour was played almost exclusively in front of the Greenville goal and the Phoenix goal came from a period of strong forward pressure.

Edwin Munjoma received a short pass from Harvey to the outside of the penalty area. As Harvey continued his run to the goal mouth, Munjoma crossed the ball to Baboucarr Njie on the other side of the area. Njie hit a half-volley toward the back post where Harvey managed a flick header to find the net and the 1-0 lead.

The first half was mainly one-way traffic with Phoenix having 71% of the possession. Greenville’s first serious attempt would not come until the 32nd when Jacob Labovitz picked up a loose ball from Njie and sent a shot from 23 yards out that went just wide to the far post.

Emil Cuello, Jackson Conway, and Erickson Gallardo all had opportunities to extend the lead for Phoenix, but none of them could find the twine in either half.

Greenville did manage to up the pressure a bit in the second half. Many great build-ups only to have the final ball be the weak link in attack. Both goalkeepers also played very well on the night. The only mistake was Jared Mazzola getting caught watching Njie’s ball across, which prevented him from getting back across to stop Harvey on the goal.

Greenville’s best chance came in the first minute of stoppage time when Allen Gavilanes sent a simple square ball to a teammate who blasted a shot at the near upper 90. Patrick Rakovsky managed to tip the laser beam shot onto the crossbar and over to prevent the equalizer. The resulting corner pinballed around dangerously before being finally cleared.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Birmingham Legion beats Chattanooga Red Wolves to earn first win vs. pro team

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Birmingham Legion FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Chattanooga Red Wolves in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Chattanooga Red Wolves in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Birmingham Legion FC

On Wednesday, April 5, Birmingham Legion FC of the USL Championship traveled to Tennessee to take on the Chattanooga Red Wolves of USL League One, at CHI Memorial Stadium in East Ridge. After the first half of the game was evenly matched, the visitors from Birmingham broke the game open in the second with three goals to beat the Red Wolves, 4-1. In the club’s third appearance in the US Open Cup, the Legion defeated a professional team for the first time to advance to Round 3 for the third year in a row.

Former US international Juan Agudelo led the way with a pair of goals for Birmingham.


In this match the two squads were trading blows equally throughout the first half, equaling two yellow cards apiece and one shot on goal apiece. That all changed when the Birmingham native Grayson Dupont took a touch up the line and put in a picture-perfect cross in for Agudelo. Agudelo slid to poke the ball between the Red Wolves keeper in the second minute of added time to give Legion a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

In the second half, Legion continued their hot streak with Collin Smith getting his first ever goal for the 3 Sparks in the 46th minute, rocketing a goal to the top left corner.

To put a damper on things, Birmingham went down to 10 men as Dupont was sent off with his second yellow due to a simulation call. For the rest of the match, Legion played down a man, but played like they had the advantage.

In the 68the minute, Birmingham were once again on the attack and Prosper Kasim put in a wonderful cross to Agudelo, who took a touch and fired a goal into the top left to secure his brace with his final touch of the night. The goal gave him six career tallies in tournament play and his first since 2019 with the New England Revolution (MLS).

This goal would not be outshined as Lombardi released a possible goal of the season contender for the Red Wolves in the 79th minute. Lombardi was standing at the top of the box on a corner, and after a deflection off of a Legion head, Lombardi took the ball on the full volley and rifled the ball into the top left, slicing away from the outstretched Birmingham keeper.


The final goal of the night came from first year professional Diba Nwegbo in the 87th minute. Nwegbo bagged his first professional goal with a beautiful knuckle ball from outside the box to beat the Red Wolves keeper. That 4-1 scoreline would be how the match ended in East Ridge, ending the Open Cup run for the 2022 League One finalists.

The win for Birmingham head coach Tom Soehn was the 10th of his coaching career. He moves into fourth place in coaching win percentage (0.714) in the Modern Era (1995-present).

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: San Diego Loyal wins second straight “Stay Clasico” vs. ALBION San Diego

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San Diego Loyal players celebrate after scoring a gaol against ALBION San Diego in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: San Diego Loyal
San Diego Loyal players celebrate after scoring a gaol against ALBION San Diego in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: San Diego Loyal

USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC bested ALBION San Diego 2-0 in the Second Round of the 2023 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night. It was a rematch of last year’s “Stay Classico” that took place in Round 2.

The packed “Loyal” crowd at San Diego State University’s Sports Deck (located on top of a parking garage) witnessed a match seemingly controlled by the home side from the opening kickoff.

After several close opportunities, San Diego Loyal’s midfielder and captain Charles Adams converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute with a beautifully placed shot into the bottom right corner. The USL side’s lead was doubled in the second half through forward Evan Conway after he slotted in a fast-paced run from the left flank in the 52nd minute.

San Diego Loyal nearly added a third, however was denied by ALBION San Diego’s Benjamin Roach onto the crossbar. The match also marked San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree’s first professional clean sheet.

This win gives San Diego Loyal a second consecutive Third Round appearance, and the second consecutive year that they knocked out ALBION San Diego in Round 2. Loyal was eliminated in the Third Round last year at the hands of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

“Guys that stepped in and did amazing,” said San Diego’s Morgan Hackworth. “It just shows that this team has great depth and a lot of guys gave some amazing performances. We’ve got a great team and this tournament is really special so it means a lot to get the win and keep moving on. Survive and advance, baby. Come on!”

With their victory, San Diego Loyal will have a long trip north to take on another MLS team, this time it’s the four-time Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders FC. The game will be played on April 26.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Sacramento Republic survives 9-goal OT thriller with upset-minded Crossfire Premier

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Johnny Fenwick of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Crossfire Premier in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Johnny Fenwick of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Crossfire Premier in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

In a riveting Second Round matchup of the 2023 US Open Cup, Sacramento Republic FC fell behind twice and came back to beat Crossfire Redmond 5-4 after 120 minutes of play.

To the average fan at Heart Health Park watching the match, it seemed that Crossfire was the likely victor after two quick goals by midfielder Richard Aman and forward River Stewart in the 7th and 13th minutes, respectively. They would take that 2-0 scoreline into halftime and hold onto it for the majority of the game.

The Republic fought back late. Last year’s US Open Cup runner-up scored two goals in a five-minute span. First, Aldair Sanchez brought down a cross from the right wing and played it to Zeiko Lewis in front of goal to score at close range in the 81st minute. And then, four minutes later, Sanchez played provider again. He received a pass down the left wing and then played it across to Russell Cicerone who was making a run to the near post. The Republic’s offseason signing one-timed the ball into the back of the net to tie the game.

The match went into extra time and a well-placed free kick from left back Munier Hussen in the 92nd minute to put the Crossfire up 3-2. This highlighted their fight to possibly pull off the upset and advance to the next round for the first time. But the home team would fight back in the 97th minute to level the match. Jack Gurr would chip the ball into the center of the box from just outside the penalty area from the ring wing. The ball took a bounce and Cicerone volleyed it into the back of the net.

It seemed like the pros from Sacramento were ready to take over the game when they took the lead for the first time in the 105th minute. Lewis would score his second goal of the game when the Republic would dispossess a Crossfire defender in their own penalty area and with two quick passes in front of goal Lewis tapped it home.

But Crossfire Premier did not give up as Ricard Aman tied the game in the 111th minute with his second of the game.

But the goal that would seal the game for Sac Republic came from center back and Man of the Match Johnny Fenwick in the 113th minute. A ball was curled into the box into a crowd from the right wing, but was headed out toward the top of the box. The ball took a bounce and Fenwick fired a laser off the volley and crowd erupted when the ball touched the back of the net. 

Despite the win, there was a feeling of frustration that the team could have played better with fewer turnovers and capitalized on their previous opportunities to score. Forward Russell Cicerone, who scored his second and third career US Open Cup goals in the win, noted the team’s success as well as the need to improve moving forward. 

“The first goal definitely helped swing the momentum of things,” said Cicerone, who signed with Sacramento after two seasons with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. “There was still a lot of work to be done, but you could see that we were starting to trend in the right direction. It shouldn’t take that long for us to get our intensity up like that but in the end, we got it there.”

Republic head coach Mark Briggs echoes Russell’s thoughts on their successes and mistakes, especially from the standpoint of how well and cohesively Crossfire played.  

“I felt that the guys when they played simple and quick, they pulled the opponent apart,” said Briggs ,who has the second-best advance percentage (0.818) of any coach of the Modern Era. “But when you try and force things and try and make things happen that aren’t necessarily being presented by the opposition, then you end up making silly mistakes and you complicate the game; and you end up in transition moments, and to be fair to them they took their chances, they played extremely well.”

With this hard-fought win out of the way, Sac Republic can now focus on the next matchup of the US Open Cup against San Antonio FC, equipped with the lessons learned from this memorable game.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Orange County SC cruise past Capo FC, 5-0

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Players from Orange County SC and Capo FC battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Orange County SC
Players from Orange County SC and Capo FC battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Orange County SC

In a calm and collective manner Orange County SC placed themselves in the next round after defeating Capristrano FC, 5-0, in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. 

The beginning of the match showcased the intensity of the play that would unfold in the first half. Right off the bat Capo FC demonstrated their eagerness to be the first on the board with a smooth play in front of OCSC goalie in the sixth minute but with Capo FC’s Hevany Ramos’ shot ending in the keepers hand.
 

“I think that 92 (Ramos) was basically started the show in the last game for them. So we knew all about the guy,” head coach Richard Chaplow said. “We knew it was a danger man. I’m glad that Capo but they didn’t get the goal because it showed our guys what I was talking about in the builder that they’re a dangerous team.”

Just a few minutes later in the 13th, another close opportunity from Capo FC’s Hevany Ramos would end up in the keeper’s hands yet again; fueling the Capo FC to find a way to finish their plays.

However, that determination would leave Capo FC to collect three yellow cards with more than 20 minutes of play left.

“We knew that we knew there will be physical. I would say I thought Capo, you know, tried to try to do what they needed to do to win the game and I respect that,” said Chaplow. 

OCSC continued to play with calmness though each of their shots were deflected multiple times, but still pushed offensively and in the 33rd minute they raised the score. 

In a one and one run from the left corner into the goalie box, Orange County’s Emil Nielsen found a shot to the bottom corner of the net to give them the lead.
 


The following minutes after their first goal, OCSC would have conceded two more goals but in each event, there would be an offside call that would keep them at a 1-0 scoreline.

Orange County’s Bryce Jamison would put Capo FC in a deficit right at the end of the first half in the first minute of stoppage time after heading a free kick from Daniel Penderson to give them a 2-0 lead.

Returning in the second half, Capo FC didn’t lighten up their physical intensity on the field. In the 58th minute, this would disrupt Orange County’s calm demeanor of play as they would receive their first yellow card of the match in order to compete with Capo’s attack. 

By the 62nd minute, the intensity level on the field had reached its all-time high. A foul would be committed where it seemed an elbow was thrown between two players, but ultimately, Capo FC’s Sergio Montes would receive his second yellow card of the evening and would exit the field. Capo FC continued on with only 10 players. 

In the 69th minute, OCSC would lengthen the lead with a goal by Milan Iloski who was assisted by Alexander Villaneuva. However, that would not end their scoring ride, in the 87th minute, Thomas Amang would bring Orange County up to 4 -0. 

With the game dwindling down, three minutes were added to the end of the half, but a penalty kick by Iloski would seal Orange County’s spot in the next round. 

“I think we had a lot of momentum we were very clinical finishing wise and finish our chances,” said Ruiz. 

 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Monterey Bay earn first USOC win after 3 OT goals overcome Central Valley Fuego

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Players from Monterey Bay FC (right) and Central Valley Fuego battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego
Players from Monterey Bay FC (right) and Central Valley Fuego battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego

Three post 90th-minute goals from Monterey Bay’s Christian Volesky, Hugh Dixon, and Samuel Gleadle secured the club’s victory over their USL League 1 host, Central Valley Fuego FC, to advance Round Three in the 2023 US Open Cup. While Fuego was from the division below Monterey, both clubs played with high energy and passion that kept both teams deadlocked in regular time and did not swing in anyone’s favor until the 97th minute in extra time.

At kickoff, the two sides did not waste any time in demonstrating their aggression when a yellow card was issued in the 2nd to Monterey’s Alejandro Lara, then a Fuego yellow card in the 30th minute to Mouhame Dabo. While the ball never found its way in the back of the net in the first half, a goal attempt made by Fuego’s Diego Casillas almost had the supporter stands erupt with celebration in the opposite end of the pitch in the 30th minute, only to be called back for offsides.

At the start of the second half, both clubs showed aggression; with five yellow cards being shown — three belonging to Fuego. By the 89th minute, both clubs were not budging to concede and it looked like the match would be forced to extra time.

Seven minutes into extra time Volesky — who subbed on in the 78th minute in place of Jason Johnson — was assisted by Dixon. Thirteen minutes later Dixon himself doubled the lead for the Union. While Fuego was down two goals, Zahir Vazquez — who was subbed on in the 90+1st minute to relieve David Diaz — found the back of the net in the 116th minute to assure Monterey that Fuego would not go down without a fight.

The surge from the crowd, though strong, was short lived when Samuel Gleadle banged in the third goal for Monterey in the 120+1st minute to seal the deal for Monterey Bay to advance.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Just like last year, Northern Colorado Hailstorm upset Colorado Springs Switchbacks in OT

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Photo: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Photo: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

A year ago, almost to the date, the USL League One Northern Colorado Hailstorm began its Cinderella run by knocking the Colorado Springs Switchbacks out of the Open Cup in extra time of the Second Round.

This year, the two Colorado-based professional USL clubs faced each other again. And for the second straight year, Northern Colorado upset its USL Championship neighbors to the south in extra time, 3-1, to advance to Round Three.

“Another fairytale ending. That is what I love about this competition. I’m absolutely delighted,” said Northern Colorado coach Eamon Zayed. “Now we’re on to the next one.”


Trevor Amann nodded home an Arthur Rogers cross to level the score with just a minute to play in regulation. Then Donald Menamna put the visitors up 2-1 in the 96th minute, and Mark Hernandez sealed the win with a spectacular solo effort in the 110th minute.

It was the USL League One Side that started the game on the front foot, and stayed there for all but the final ten minutes of the first half. Both teams failed to convert opportunities from inside twelve yards. Northern Colorado outshot Colorado Springs 9-2 in the opening stanza, forcing Switchbacks goalkeeper Alec Smir to make three saves. Colorado Springs, which started the game with several regular starters on the bench, did not get a shot on target in the first half.

The game remained a stalemate until the 82nd minute when Drew Skundrich put Colorado Springs up 1-0 with a cheeky flick just inside the far post from inside the six-yard box.

“They were really tough to break down tonight,” Skundrich said. “Marco was really intelligent going into space. I made a near post run to try to draw a defender or maybe get a touch. I got a flick on it and it went in.”  


Northern Colorado nearly leveled it just two minutes later when substitute Trevor Amann smacked a shot off the post.

Amann did not miss his next chance. With just a minute left in regulation he nodded in a Rogers cross at the far post to level the score at 1-1 and send the game to extra time.


“Trevor was brilliant for us tonight coming off the bench and scoring,” Zayed said. “It was a just reward for the work he’s put in.”

In extra time, substitutes Donald Brenamnma put the visitors up 2-1 in the 95th minute when he got behind his marker and nodded in a Marky Hernandez cross from the left flank.

“Donald was an absolute livewire when he came off the bench,” Zayed said. “He’s coming off the international break with a lot of confidence. I don’t care what level he’s playing against, people are going to have a hard time containing him.”

Hernandez put it out of reach in the 107th minute. He ran onto a ball just past midfield and waltzed uncontested into the Colorado Springs penalty box, where he smashed the ball into the far former to put the visitors up 3-1.



“I saw they were getting tired,” Hernandez said. “I knew I was going to get an opportunity. I was just against the goalie, so I knew I was not going to miss. I just took my shot.”

With the win, Northern Colorado advances to Round 3 where they will face the Colorado Rapids (MLS). 

 

 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha begins another cup run with upset of El Paso Locomotive

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Union Omaha players celebrate after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman | @trevhellman
Union Omaha players celebrate after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman | @trevhellman

Union Omaha looked to prove that last year’s deep run in the US Open Cup wasn’t an exception and after 90 minutes, the Owls proved victorious over USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive, winning the Second Round match with a final score of 2-0.

The fans that made their way into Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University were prepared for the evening, showing up in several layers. At the time of the opening kickoff, temperatures were in the mid-40s and wind gusts were averaging close to 20 mph. Once the opening whistle sounded, weather stopped being a concern and the battle for victory commenced.

Before the match started, El Paso Locomotive announced they would have upwards of 12 players making their US Open Cup debut. Brian Clarhaut, the Locomotive Head Coach, was also making his debut. Of the 12 players eligible for making their debuts, 8 actually took the field in the contest. Despite Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato making his US Open Cup debut, he opted for a lineup full of veteran players with plenty of experience in the tournament.

From the opening whistle, Union Omaha was displaying a level of composure fans didn’t see in their first league match. El Paso Locomotive pushed high, spread their wingers high on the Union Omaha backline, and looked to capitalize on forcing an errant pass. Union Omaha seemed to counter that effort by exposing the half spaces and limiting touches to move the ball quickly. Both sides did a good job of swiftly moving the ball forward while in possession. While the battles continued, the scoreline remained 0-0 heading into the break.

“I think we had a really clear identity and I think in our first game of the season, against Forward Madison, we came away from that identity,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “If we stay true to who we are, I think we’re going to win a lot of games.”

The second half continued with a lot of the same patterns from the first half, but the ingredient of individual duels became an increasing source of progress as challenges became rougher and successful dribbles helped gain each and every valuable inch toward the opposition’s goal. Within 15 minutes of action after halftime, that notion led to the first goal of the evening.

In the 58th minute, Union Omaha set up for a corner kick. After a series of blocked shots, Union Omaha forward Steevan Dos Santos was able to connect with center back Junior Palacios for the opening goal. It seemed like a mad scramble, but the Owls were able to take advantage of the moment and take the lead.

“Yeah, this week we had been going over set pieces,” Union Omaha defender Junior Palacios said. “We had been honing in on that and I was just anticipating the ball in the right space. It fell to me and I took the opportunity to score.”

As the second half continued on, the tackling grew rougher and rougher. Within a span of 15 minutes, three yellow cards were handed out and that number could’ve been higher, if not for the occasional restraint from the head referee.

Union Omaha’s insurance policy came in the 75th minute when second-half substitute Joe Brito sent a beautiful cross into the box and served it on a platter for Steevan Dos Santos to score the goal. Dos Santos finished the match with a goal and an assist.

The victory was Union Omaha’s first of the calendar year and first ever for new Head Coach Dominic Casciato, who spoke to the importance of the victory. “It feels great,” Casciato said. “I think we’ve got the best people in terms of players and the staff at this football club and that showed tonight.” When asked about his own connection to El Paso Locomotive, serving as an assistant coach for the club last season, Casciato didn’t waste any time in complimenting the Locomotive. “I love El Paso,” Casciato said. “El Paso was a special place to me.”

Both Union Omaha and El Paso Locomotive return to league action this weekend, as Union Omaha travels to Central Valley Fuego for a USL League One match and El Paso Locomotive hosts Orange County SC in their USL Championship matchup.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Tulsa Athletic upset FC Tulsa in sequel to last year’s Tulsa derby in a public park in Tulsa

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Players from Tulsa Athletic and FC Tulsa battle for the ball in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Tulsa Athletic
Players from Tulsa Athletic and FC Tulsa battle for the ball in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Tulsa Athletic

Tulsa Athletic fans stormed the pitch as their beloved club pulled off what many are calling the biggest win in club history as they stunned FC Tulsa 1-0 Wednesday night in Round Two of the 2023 US Open Cup.

Tulsa Athletic head coach Jason Rogers was stunned. The last time these two teams met, FC Tulsa won 2-1 at ONEOK Field last year.

“We talked about this the other day, but you know, when you watch the FA Cup in England and you see those 4th and 5th tier guys or teams,” Rogers said. “You don’t think it’s ever going to happen to you or your group.”

It was a slow start to the game like two boxers feeling each other out before throwing haymakers. The first punch thrown was by Tulsa Athletic in the 18th minute as forward Aaron Ugbah took the first shot on goal after getting past the backline of FC Tulsa. FC Tulsa keeper Austin Wormell made the save, but this was just the beginning.

The two sides went back and forth, blow-for-blow counter-attacking. Athletic launched the ball through the air, into the box and Ugbah went wide of the left post, missing the back of the net by inches.

FC Tulsa put on the pressure in the 27th minute, Forward Siad Haji put a corner into the box, but Athletic keeper Bryson Reed made a fantastic save.

FC Tulsa put on a quick counterattack, Nate Worth received a pass from Luca Sowinski, and Worth floated the ball into the box for Watz Leazard, who took two shots on goal before going down with an injury after being fouled.

Athletic had back-to-back corners and was trying to put together a run to the box, Leazard fouled and received a yellow, allowing Athletic to get a free kick, which they failed to convert.

Ugbah once again made a terrific run down the right side, but missed in the 44th minute, resulting in a goal kick.

Mitchell Cashion took an incredible shot outside the box and Wormell made an equally incredible save, the Athletic were awarded a corner with two minutes of stoppage time.

FC Tulsa was driving down the pitch, but their run was cut short after Leazard was hit with a hard tackle. He did return to the game, however.

The scoring opened up after Aimar Membrila was given a yellow card for something said to the referee and Roman Torres received a free kick about 25 yards out.

The knockout blow came when Torres floated the ball into the box and K.B. Harris opened the scoring, giving Tulsa Athletic the lead in the 63rd minute on a terrific header near the back post.

“Man, we actually had a plan at halftime to play that ball back post on the first set piece,” Harris said. “It ended up working out, I was open, had to call one of my guys off, but it ended up going in so we’ll take it, man, we’ll take it.”

In the final 15 minutes, FC Tulsa ramped up the attacking play, subbing on Moses Dyer, Blaine Ferri, and Milo Yosef.

Torres shot on goal, but Wormell made a fantastic save in the 82nd minute. From there FC Tulsa continued to put pressure on, but it was too little too late as Tulsa Athletic left Hicks Park with the win.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanooga FC overpower Des Moines Menace, 4-1

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Players from Chattanooga FC (blue) and Des Moines Menace line up for a set piece in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Players from Chattanooga FC (blue) and Des Moines Menace line up for a set piece in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Des Moines Menace

Welcome back to the Third Round, Chattanooga.

Behind Taylor Gray serving up two assists and reigning-NISA scoring champion Markus Naglestad opening his Open Cup goal tally, Chattanooga FC set up a spot in the Third Round for the second straight year with a 4-1 win over the Des Moines Menace on Wednesday evening.

Chattanooga was able to exploit Des Moines’ 3-5-2 formation by loading up the penalty area early and often. Naglestad’s opener came after the forward was lost in the shuffle of a cross. Getting on the end of Mutaya Mwape’s cross, Gray nodded the ball back across the frame and allowed Naglestad to volley home his first goal of the tournament.

A first-half injury that sent Mwape off and inserted Damian Rodriguez did little to slow down CFC, as the sub was able to receive a ball in the penalty area from Luis Garcia Sosa and pound home what turned out to be the eventual game-winner.

“Damien Rodriguez, very good,” said Chattanooga head coach Rod Underwood. “Our goal this year was not to build depth, but to build starters. We feel like we’re trying to build a team that can start. We want those headaches every week of ‘who’s going to play’.”

Des Moines did offer a response in the second half. A goal from Fernando Garcia in the 69th minute offered a lifeline to the USL2 squad, but the Menace could not put two good chances away shortly after to equalize.


“I knew this game was going to be a lot harder than everybody was thinking in their head,” Underwood said. “I know Des Moines. We just knew we had to be good. And if we weren’t good, we were going to get punished. We made sure we didn’t take it lightly.”

The visitors capitalized on the missed opportunities late to cement their spot in the next round. Andrew McGrath sent a 50-yard strike into an open goal after Menace goalkeeper Grant Makela came off his line for an intercepted clearance to regain the two-goal cushion. In the dying minutes, Chattanooga was able to round out the scoring through Juan Louis when Gray slipped the substitute through from midfield.

CFC will travel to Birmingham Legion (USL Championship) for the Third Round. The date is still to be determined.

In the 2022 edition, CFC was tasked with going toe-to-toe against defending Open Cup champion Atlanta United in the third round. The Five Stripes easily handled the NISA side 6-0.

With the loss, Des Moines fails to reach the third round for the fourth straight tournament after becoming a notable cup-set squad. Coming into Wednesday’s tilt, the Menace has been able to knock off seven professional teams in its 14th appearance in the tournament. The last time Des Moines beat a higher-division team was 2016, earning a 2-0 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the second round.

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