The second weekend of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Qualifying featured 40 matches across 17 states. The 80 competing teams, including six playing in their first game for a spot in the 110th edition of America’s national championship, played in both the second and third qualifying rounds depending on where they were in the country. For 14 teams, that meant a win last weekend puts them on the cusp of a place in the US Open Cup.
Last weekend featured a record breaking blowout, two shootouts, a broken goal, and more!
Due to geographical draws and the number of teams competing in qualifying, a majority of matches last weekend (26) were part of the Second Qualifying Round. Teams from this group will compete in their “Win & You’re In” match in December.
Below you will find a brief recap of all 40 matches from this past weekend:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
SECOND ROUND
O’Shea’s FC (USSL)
6:2
Atletico Miami Internacional FC (USSL)
Gaines Park; West Palm Beach, FL
By Andrew Torres-Blanco
2024 USSL champions O’Shea’s FC continued their hot form, defeating fellow USSL debutant rivals Atletico Miami Internacional FC 6-2. A dominant second half prevented any chance of an Atletico Miami comeback.
Hat trick hero Giancarlo Triulzi shone for the locals, becoming a constant threat on the left flank and providing two assists as well. Trinidad and Tobago international Bradley Welch opened the scoring early in the 12th minute after a low cross from Giancarlo left the midfielder unmarked to send the hosts into an early lead.
Winger Nael Elysee scored Miami’s first goal and assisted their second goal after confusion at O’Shea’s backline for a brief stint. Still, the hosts recovered before finding separation on the scoreboard later in the match.
United SC (GCSL/USASA)
2:2
Wisloka Chicago (UPSL)
Wisloka Chicago advances, 5-4 on penalty kicks
Lions for Hope Sports Complex; Chicago, IL
By Joshua Taylor
UPSL side Wisloka Chicago defeated United SC 5-4 on penalties after battling out to a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time at Lions for Hope Sports Complex. United SC got off to a great start early in the match, and two quick goals from Ian Murray and Gavin Johnson put them in front 2-0.
United SC frustrated Wisloka Chicago throughout the first half but couldn’t add to their lead. Wisloka Chicago kept pushing to get themselves back in the match in the second half. Isaac Perez came off the bench and made an immediate impact by helping his team create scoring chances. In the 82nd minute, Perez pulled one back for Wisloka to trail 2-1 in the second half. In stoppage time, Giovannie Ortiz would get the equalizer right at the death for Wisloka Chicago to tie the match at two. After 90 minutes of play, we go to extra time.
Neither side could get a goal in extra time, so we went to penalty kicks. Both teams made their kicks through the first three rounds. In Round 4, United SC’s Landon Johnson’s shot was saved by Dominik Pietuch of Wisloka Chicago. Michal Szaflarski buries his shot to give Wisloka a 4-3 lead after four rounds. In the final round, Gavin Johnson scored to keep United SC in it, but Grzegorz Czarniecki converted the final kick from the spot to seal the victory for Wisloka Chicago and advance to the third round qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open Cup.
Naples United U-23s (SCSL/USSSA)
2:3
Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
Paradise Coast Sports Complex; Naples, FL
By Josh Hakala
After a two-year hiatus from the competition, Red Force FC returned to their winning ways, defeating Naples United U-23s, 3-2. It was Red Force’s opening game of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2025 US Open Cup.
The four-time Open Cup qualifier appeared to be heading into the halftime break with a scoreless game, but both teams went into the locker room with a flurry of goals. With about 3 minutes remaining, Pablo Marisi of Naples United broke the deadlock. However, over the next two minutes, Red Force regained the lead with goals from John Diaz and Santiago Fajardo.
Red Force extended the lead with a penalty kick by David Holguin midway through the second half. Naples pulled within one with a penalty kick of their own in the final minutes, but Red Force would hold on for the win.
Kissimmee SC (UPSL)
0:6
FC America CFL Spurs (USSL/USSSA)
St. Cloud High School; St. Cloud, FL
By Topher Adams
FC America CFL Spurs dominated in their return to US Open Cup Qualifying. Against Open Cup debutants Kissimmee Soccer Club, Spurs cruised to a 6-0 victory. FC America roared down the left flank early and often in the first half and found the opener in the 33rd minute when midfielder Shandel Senior buried a cutback from the left side.
Winger Angel Moulton doubled the lead before halftime when he slotted home the ball after a long switch from the left side. After the break, Moulton continued Spurs’ offensive onslaught. He finished off a cross from fullback Dilan Christopher to give the visitors a 3-0 lead. Winger John Perpilus, who terrorized Kissimme’s right flank all night, beat the goalkeeper and passed it to midfielder Micheil Russell Smith, who scored on the wide-open net.
Center-back Kwesi Caesar added another from the penalty spot in the 79th minute, and Russell Smith capped off a perfect performance with a second goal in the 86th minute.
The match nearly devolved into a brawl after a confrontation between Senior and Kissimmee’s Emanuel Valderrama. Valderrama stormed off the pitch and continued shouting at the players on the field. The fighting nearly continued post-match, but players and spectators were separated behind the Kissimmee bench.
FC America CFL Spurs hopes Saturday’s victory will encourage another successful run to the Open Cup first round, where Spurs fell to USL League One side South Georgia Tormenta FC in a competitive 1-0 match last campaign.
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
4:0
Deportivo Lake Mary FC (UPSL)
Melbourne HS; Melbourne, FL
By Grace Ott
In a rematch of a 3-0 Harbor City FC win over Deportivo Lake Mary FC in the UPSL Florida Central spring season back in April, Harbor City was once again victorious. Though there were some stellar saves from the Deportivo keeper Robin Ramirez, Harbor City took the lead in the 25th minute with a Derek Notardonato goal from a corner kick by Trey Collins. They scored again in the 44th minute with Perrie Nascimento getting into space from a chipped pass in the box and sending the ball just inside the far post to extend their lead just before halftime, though the Deportivo keeper was able to make a 1v1 save just a minute later to keep them in the game.
However, their hope was short-lived, as Harbor City scored in the 49th minute with a second goal from Derek Notardonato right in front of the box from a cross from the wing. They would add another in the 82nd minute as Gabe Shelton controlled a long ball and got past the Deportivo keeper to score on the open goal, sealing the deal for Harbor City. Their win sends them to the next round of their second run at Open Cup qualifying, losing to 2024 qualifier FC America CFL Spurs in the second round last year. Deportivo Lake Mary makes this their sixth loss in the opening round of Open Cup qualifying out of six attempts.
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
2:1
Miami Soccer Academy (USSL/USSSA)
Gaines Park; West Palm Beach, FL
By Josh Hakala
The Palm Beach Flames won their US Open Cup qualifying debut, 2-1 over Miami Soccer Academy on Saturday night in West Palm Beach.
All of the scoring came in the second half when Nicholas Castellanos scored in the 60th minute. The Flames’ goalkeeper Sebastian Turbyfield punted the ball to Deravil Shirley on the right wing. Shirley, beat a couple defenders and played a through ball to Castellanos who beat the keeper to take a 1-0 lead.
In the 88th minute, Castellanos was fouled, which led to a free kick. Flames defender Blaine Byam took the kick and when he delivered it, the MSA goalkeeper was unable to control the ball and it fell to Shirley, who avoided some defenders to free himself up for a cross. Shirley played a low cross and a MSA defender attempted to clear it, but he misplayed it and the ball ended up in the back of the net for an own goal.
Despite the late goal, MSA did not give up with Daniel Martinez scoring a goal in stoppage time, but they were unable to find an equalizer.
Tulsa Athletic (UPSL)
4:0
FC Bartlesville Buffaloes (UPSL)
Athletic Community Stadium; Tulsa, OK
By Tim Hanson
Tulsa Athletic pulled away with three second-half goals for a 4-0 win over FC Bartlesville Buffaloes on Saturday night at Athletic Community Field at Hicks Park in Tulsa in the first appearance in Open Cup Qualifying for both clubs.
Tulsa’s Mitchell Cashion finished with two goals, the first and last goals of the contest, for the brace. KB Harris scored a second-half goal in the 54th minute, and the third tally came only two minutes later on an own goal after a cross into the box was redirected into the goal by a Buffalo defender.
Cashion opened the scoring in the 27th minute when his left-footed shot to the near post found the back of the net. Cashion added his second goal in the 80th minute on a penalty after he was taken down in the box.
The Buffaloes Muhamed Jammeh received a red card in the 40th minute, and the visitors played the final 50 minutes with only 10.
Tulsa’s captain Bryson Reed finished with the shutout in goal, going the full 90 minutes.
Hurricane FC (FGCL/USASA)
0:4
Pinecrest Premier SC (UPSL)
Hilltopper Stadium; Delray Beach, FL
By Josh Hakala
A hat trick from Daniel Lazardi led Pinecrest Premier SC to a 4-0 win over Hurricane FC on Saturday night in their opening round win in the qualifying tournament. The Open Cup qualifying debutants saw all four goals come in the second half.
In the 49th minute, Lazardi dribbled through the Hurricane backline, stopped at the top of the box, spun around and found enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the upper 90.
Ten minutes later, Pinecrest sent a long through ball up the left wing, but once the player reached the box, it was tackled away by a Hurricane defender. However, the ball fell to Lazardi at the top of the box and he beat the keeper for the second goal.
In the 85th minute, after a restart following an offside call, Pinecrest moved quickly up the field and chipped a ball forward to Manuel Calvo who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and put the ball into the back of the net.
Lazardi would complete his hat trick from the penalty spot in stoppage time and the game would finish 4-0. Alex Bertrand earned the clean sheet for Pinecrest in the club’s Open Cup qualifying debut. For Hurricane, it was the fourth year in a row that they fell in their opening game of the tournament.
Chicago Strikers (UPSL)
0:2
Chicago House (MWPL/USSSA)
Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium (College of DuPage); Glen Ellyn, IL
By Tom Arnison
Chicago House AC (MWPL) defeated Chicago Strikers (UPSL) 2-0 at the College of DuPage to advance to the Third Qualifying Round for the 2025 US Open Cup. The shutout marks their first ever in the qualifying rounds.
The House established their lead early, scoring their first goal in the 11th minute off a left-footed side volley from Pau Mateo Chacon, assisted by Gilberto Angeles.
Two minutes later, Gilberto Angeles would split all three lines of the Strikers defense with a low through ball to winger Nico Williams down the left side. Williams, with his first touch, would deliver a low cross from the corner that would find Alejandro Mentasti unmarked in front of the keeper’s box. Mentasti would slide in to roof the ball into the net, giving Chicago House the two-goal lead that they would carry throughout the match.
Strikers’ keeper Anton Omarov would keep his side in the match with 4 saves on the night, coupled with several parries and interceptions of House’s crossing attack.
House keeper Ryan Grady, making his first Qualifying appearance, would not see much action in the match, with Chicago Strikers tallying just one shot that ultimately was left off target.
Chicago House AC will face Wisloka Chicago in the 3rd round of qualifying at a time and place TBD.
In preparation for his team’s next match, Chicago House AC head coach Shannon Seymour shared a few words after his team’s victory: “We know Wisloka, they are a physical team, they have a great fan base… they play with a lot of passion. They won’t be a team to take likely… we know there is a target on our back, we just need to be prepared to play Chicago House style soccer.”
FULL MATCH VIDEO:
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
2:1
City SC San Diego (UPSL)
Mission Bay High School; San Diego, CA
By Cameron Milledge
In the second round of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament, San Diego Internacional held on to defeat City SC San Diego in a 2-1 win at Mission Bay High School.
The first half saw Internacional take the lead early on, with winger Luke Riley opening the scoring from a nice cutback cross in the 12th minute. The goal gave Inter momentum as they snuffed out the attacking opportunities that City SC had created. Inter had the lion’s share of the possession while they were threatening in the process. City SC began to create chances as the first half went on, none of which threatened Inter’s goalkeeper. SD Inter whipped in inviting crosses that just missed their targets.
Inter made it 2-0 in the 45th minute as Garrett Heine found himself in the right place at the right time and smashed the ball inside the six-yard box.
The second half started with urgency as both teams had shots that were denied by the post in the 51st minute. Much of the second half was a basketball match as both teams sought to wrestle control from the other. City SC thought they had cut the deficit in half, but they had a goal chalked off in the 61st minute for an apparent foul in the box. City SC, at times, looked like the team that was more likely to score, but the offensive opportunities came to nothing. In a stroke of good build-up, City SC had a prime chance to score in the 77th minute as a far post header flashed just wide of the target. City SC clawed back the deficit in the 81st minute as Dominic Edwards smashed a finish at the near post. While under a flurry of pressure in 2nd half stoppage time (and a near miss from a header by City SC), Inter moved on to the next round of the cup.
Bay Valley Suns Sports Club (UPSL)
2:1
Napa Valley 1839 FC (UPSL)
Las Positas College; Livermore, CA
By Abram Heredia
Bay Valley Suns hosted Napa Valley 1839 FC in a cagey affair that remained scoreless for the majority. Despite Napa drawing first blood, Bay Valley emerged victorious with a score of 2-1 at the final whistle.
In the first half, it seemed like Napa would have the advantage. They continuously knocked on the door but were denied for the entire first half thanks to a solid defensive performance from Bay Valley. Eventually, Napa were the ones to break the deadlock in the 84th minute when Bay Valley’s keeper parried a shot off the crossbar. Napa striker Luis Ramirez rushed in to finish the rebound with a header into an open net.
Celebrations didn’t last long, however, when, in the 89th minute, substitute David Arenas leveled the score by finishing a volley on the end of a low cross from the left side of the box by Victor Romero. 21-year-old David Arenas was set to start the match, but due to a hiccup during check-ins, he was forced to wait until halftime to enter the field of play.
Almost immediately after, Bay Valley followed up with another goal in the 90th minute to complete the comeback. David Arenas was involved again with a ball in behind to Adolfo Trujillo. He kept his composure 1-on-1 and finished in the bottom corner.
Irvine FC (UPSL)
4:0
Playmaker FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Orange County Great Park (Field 12); Irvine, CA
By Dennis Pope
Rene Sanchez scored twice as Irvine FC scored all four goals in the first 20 minutes in a 4-0 victory on Saturday night over Playmaker FC in a Qualifying Round 2 match at Orange County Great Park.
Karrar Hameed gave Irvine FC the lead in the fifth minute, getting behind Playmaker FC’s defense before chipping it over goalkeeper Robert Campos Ortiz.
Rene Sanchez scored in the 13th minute, and Elliot Ruoo added a penalty kick in the 16th minute. Four minutes later, Sanchez tucked in a rebound for the final goal.
Irvine FC goalkeeper Daniel Castillo made one save in his Open Cup debut. It was the first qualifying win in club history for Irvine FC, who were one-and-done in each of the previous two years.
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
14:0
Trojans FC (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park; Laguna Niguel, CA
By Josh Hakala
It was a one-sided affair in Laguna Niguel, Calif. as Laguna United FC dominated a shorthanded Trojans FC 14-0 on Saturday night.
Trojans FC, a club affiliated with the University of Southern California, only had nine players available. According to the Trojans, they had as many as eight players who were unavailable due to injury.
Three players tallied hat tricks in the match with Michael Barraza scoring the first three goals in the opening ten minutes of the match. Jacob Garcia and Andrew Bowles also had three goals each. Uriel Morales added a brace and there were one goal each from Tanner Casey, Julien Camacho, and Sungho Yun.
For the Trojans, they have been eliminated in their opening game in five of their last six tournaments.
Sharktopus FC (RATS/USSSA)
4:5 (AET)
Deportivo Rose City (UPSL)
Roosevelt High School; Seattle, WA
By Lance Corbin
On a wet artificial turf field in Seattle, Deportivo Rose City defeated the hosts Sharktopus FC 5-4 in a high scoring extra time affair at Roosevelt High School.
Deportivo controlled possession about 60-40 and moved the ball quickly with a midfield pushing the ball wide most often. Sharktopus played a counter attacking style and got the first goal in the 7th minute when Peder Bakken scored off an assist from Habib Barry.
Tempers flared late in the first half, but the game remained 1-0 in favor of Sharktopus going into the halftime break.
Four minutes into the second half David Stefano scored the equalizer for Rose City off a corner kick from Silva de Leon. And then, in the 59th minute, they took the lead with Espinosa Villa feeding the ball to Victor Guajardo to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Portland-based side.
Deportivo’s lead only lasted two minutes because in the 61st minute, a Rose City defender was called for a handball in the box and Gabe Kellum converted the penalty kick to tie the game back up at 2-2.
Kellum would strike again three minutes later to give Rose City the led on an assist from Riley Cotton.
In the 82nd minute, Sharktopus fought back with Jesus Oliver tying the game back up on an assist by Ronald Sanchez Ortiz.
The match would go into extra time and David Stefano would score his second goal of the game in the 96th minute (assist by Silva de Leon) to give the visitors at 4-3 lead.
With the rain coming down hard, Rose City would extend the lead to two with a goal by Aaron Espinosa Villa in the 103rd minute.
Sharktopus wouldn’t give up as Sybren Russell cut the Rose City lead to 5-4 in the 117th minute on an assist by Junior Moacir. But that would be as close as they would get as Deportivo Rose City would hold on for a 5-4 win as they remain undefeated in all competitions during the fall season.
Las Vegas Legends FC (NISA Nation/USASA)
6:1
Soccer Academy Nevada (NISA Nation/USASA)
Faith Lutheran High School; Las Vegas, NV
By Dominick Delpech
The Las Vegas Legends FC thrashed Soccer Academy Nevada 6-1 in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2025 US Open Cup.
The game started out evenly as both teams were struggling to find good scoring opportunities. However, in the 8th minute, Giovanni Valenzuela went one-on-one with Angel Hernandez Villa and struck the ball to the right post and in to put Soccer Academy Nevada up 1-0.
In the 14th minute, Jonathan Negrete played a dangerous cross into the box that Hernandez Villa was able to intercept. In the 18th minute, Rodriguez was tackled down for a free kick to the Legends. On the ensuing freekick, Roberto Soto stuck a low shot to the left side, catching Alejandro Alvarez Perez off guard to tie the game 1-1.
In the 27th minute, Esequiel Coronel ran down the right wing and stuck a shot from outside the 18-yard box into the left side of the net to put the Legends up 2-1.
Kovach helped create another goal from the left wing, this time he went around the goalkeeper and put the ball away to boost the Legends lead to 3-1.
In the 43rd minute, Mauricio Muniz-Cruz ran down the left wing, struck a shot that rattled the crossbar, and went out. Moments later, Coronel scored again to put the score 4-1 to the Legends.
In the 59th minute, a Legends corner found Muniz-Cruz unmarked who pushed the ball into the back of the net to extend the lead to 5-1.
In the 77th minute, Duce Bell went one on one with the goalkeeper and slotted the ball past Alvarez Perez putting the game 6-1.
ROUND 3
Dalton United (UPSL)
0:0
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
Dalton United advances, 4-1 on penalty kicks
Dalton Stadium; Dalton, GA
By Sydney Banks
On Saturday, Dalton United (UPSL) hosted Mint Hill FC (UPSL) at home for the third qualifying round of the U.S. Open Cup. Both teams returned to the pitch after debut wins and were eager to advance. The hard-fought match resulted in a 4-1 victory for Dalton United in a penalty kick shootout.
Mint Hill’s offense commanded much of the game with several shots on target. Yet Dalton’s defensive pressure, combined with impressive saves from their keeper Samuel Fraire, stunted any of Mint Hill’s attempts to take the lead. Accumulating yellow cards and fouls, the teams remained locked in a 0-0 stalemate throughout regulation and overtime.
Struggling to break the deadlock, the teams entered into a penalty kick shootout as pressure mounted. Dalton’s Kobe Perez led off with a successful kick, setting the tone for the following scorers. Ian Larson answered for Mint Hill, keeping the shootout even at 1-1. Andres Perez took the second kick for Dalton and put them ahead once again. Mint Hill’s Jordani Martinez missed his shot as tension rose, giving Dalton the edge. Sebastian Montero inspired confidence with a successful kick for Dalton to extend the lead. Unable to challenge Fraire’s successful block, Cyrus Rad’s missed penalty kick for Mint Hill left Dalton on the brink of victory. Harrison Fraire’s penalty kick secured the win, and Dalton United advanced to the next round of Open Cup qualifying with flair.
New Jersey Alliance (UPSL)
6:1
Alloy SC (EPSL/USASA)
Athenia Steel Park; Clifton, NJ
By Michael Battista
New Jersey Alliance FC inched closer to a US Open Cup debut by beating Alloy SC, 6-1. Three goals in each half solidified the United Premier Soccer League side’s advancement into the “Win & You’re In” Fourth Qualifying Round for a second straight year. They will play either VA Revolution Pro or Steel Pulse FC on the weekend of Nov. 16-17.
Head coach Robert Kruk was proud of his group, which has gone from a unit with a bunch of new players to just winning the UPSL Northeast American Conference, South Division regular season earlier this week.
“They’re coming together and we showed it today. Everybody played for each other and for the badge and that’s the most important,” the coach said afterwards, “(Alloy) were great, but we were clicking today. This is what we need for the next round.”
A fast break in the 3rd minute saw Christopher Rubio feed Ramchwy St. Vil on a run, who’s shot trickled past Alloy keeper Gerrir Stech for the lead in front of the crowd of 50 at Athenia Steel Park. The home side kept it up from there as St. Vil earned a brace in the 85th minute, assisted by Lucas Miquel Castrillo. Between those goals his teammate, Emiland Elezaj, scored two penalty kicks in the 40th and 64th minutes, the latter of which was initially saved but retaken due to the keeper coming off the line.
“Before the match, the butterflies are running in but once you get going, you’re in a flow of state,” Elezaj said after the game. “To have such a team behind me, the confidence just is through the roof. It’s all about the team.”
Elezaj’s first penalty kick in the 40th minute was caused when the keeper Stech collided with Elezaj in the box. Alloy head coach Thomas Tomale disagreed with the call and argued from the sideline, stepping slightly onto the field. The main official showed him a straight red and made him leave the facility, where he took up a spot on an unlit field across the path to watch the rest of the game.
NJAFC’s other goals were scored by Kelvin Preciado in the 22nd minute off a chaotic corner kick and a closing goal from Dorgeles Coulibably, assisted by Lucas Miquel Castrillo, that hit the back of the net like a nail gun into a coffin. Alloy’s best chance to come back was the beginning of the second half, down by three, which saw Josiah Ramirez capitalize off a defensive error to cut into the lead. NJ Alliance keeper Yamil Macias made other big saves throughout the night to halt Alloy, and Elezaj apologized to the keeper after the match for causing the play which ruined the possible clean sheet.
“Once a team picks up momentum, it’s hard to break the momentum,” Elezaj said. “But (Alliance) showed character. We have a couple of veterans on the team that I knew we weren’t gonna let that slip.”
West Chester United SC (USLPA/USASA)
6:1
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (USLPA/USASA)
Kildare’s Turf Field; West Chester, PA
By Dave Einhorn
West Chester United SC advanced to the next round of US Open Cup Qualifying after defeating The Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 6-1. These two opponents know each other just like Christmas knows New Year’s. They are often drawn together in league or Open Cup play, and it’s always a friendly fight between the local sides. Saturday night was no exception; the tension on the pitch was a bit like the cold fall night.
It was West Chester United who took the lead first. Joshua Luchini crossed to Ridge Robinson for the game’s first goal. Not one minute later, West Chester was awarded a penalty, but the Ukrainian American’s goalkeeper saved it. Ridge Robinson earned his brace in the 27th minute after Mason Miller set him up with a low pass that he drove home like a brand-new Lexus. In the 35th minute, Brian McDaid squared a ball for Joshua Luchini, and as much as he loves giving assists, getting a goal of his own must have felt great. West Chester would add one more before the break, making the halftime score 4-0 to West Chester.
Joshua Luchini and Ridge Robinson started the second half the same way they started the first – with Luchini setting up Robinson for a goal. The Ukrainian Nationals had opportunities and created some great chances. They came out stronger in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from Vasyl Khomenko in the 78th minute. Luca Mellor sealed the deal for West Chester with almost the last kick of the game. His 90th-minute goal ensured West Chester would move on to the next qualifying round.
MSI Pro (UPSL)
0:2
Aegean Hawks FC (APL/USASA)
Liberty Sports Park; Upper Marlboro, MD
By Josh Hakala
US Open Cup qualifying veterans Aegean Hawks blanked debutants MSI Pro (Montgomery Soccer Inc.) 2-0 on Sunday to advance to the next round of the competition.
In the 17th minute, the Hawks had a throw-in that was collected by Julian Ngoh, who turned made a run into the box on the right side. He sent a hard, low cross into the box where it found Salah Ward who finished at close range.
In the 39th minute, Ngoh intercepted a pass and made it toward the box. As he approached the top of the 18, he played a square ball to his left to Ethan Heydt who calmly finished to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead. Hawks goalkeeper Franco Savastano would earn the clean sheet as the Hawks advance in the competition, hoping to eventually earn a fourth trip to the US Open Cup, and their first since 2012.
Kensington SC (EPSL/USASA)
2:4
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA/USASA)
Tiger Field (Holy Family Univ.); Philadelphia, PA
By Greg Oldfield
Down 2-0 just over 20 minutes into the game, Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA) scored four unanswered goals to beat Kensington Soccer Club (EPSL) 4-2 at Holy Family University Saturday evening. After several minutes of early back-and-forth action, Kensington jumped on the board in the 16th minute off the counter-attack. Amadou Kamagale found himself on the end of a VE giveaway and slotted a pass across to an open Henry Gámez at the spot, and Gámez calmly pushed it past VE keeper Steve Paul for the 1-0 lead. It didn’t take long for Kensington to find a second. Six minutes later, Lucas De Sa ran onto a long ball from Kamagale that beat the VE backline. Alone against Paul, De Sa took one touch and hit the back of the net. VE pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute when Aidan Watkins’ free kick outside the box caused Kensington’s keeper, Luis Espejo, some trouble, and Alex Hajj tapped in the rebound. Despite the goal, Kensington carried the play and the lead into the break.
VE came out with an edge to start the second half and three minutes later scored the equalizer. Chris Baker combined with Derek Antonini down the left side and fired a low shot that trickled past Espejo and into the goal. VE continued to sustain their early pressure, which finally paid off in the 55th minute. Hajj’s corner found Kevin Smolyn at the near post, and the VE midfielder’s header put the visitors up 3-2. The game could have gone either way after that, with both teams creating quality chances, but with just over 20 minutes remaining, VE found an insurance goal after Antonini poked home a long throw-in that had bounced favorably to him in the box.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
ROUND 2
Austin Thunder (AMSA/USASA)
0:1
210 FC (UPSL)
Onion Creek Soccer Complex; Austin, TX
By Laura Gallo
210 FC earned a 2-1 win in their debut in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament against the Austin Thunder. Representing San Antonio, the team draws its name from the local 210 area code, bringing community pride to the national stage.
Despite starting the game shorthanded, 210 FC took the lead in the 36th minute, thanks to a goal by Sergio Bustos. By halftime, 210 FC had their full roster on the field and managed to hold on to their advantage throughout the remainder of the match.
210 FC entered the competition after a challenging season in the UPSL Texas Central division, where they finished the 2024 spring season with a 3-6-1 record and currently stand at 2-2-2 in the fall season. Their opponents, the Thunder, who were making just their second Open Cup qualifying appearance, had an impressive 2023/24 season in the AMSA Premier Division, finishing first with a 12-2-2 record.
The ones from San Antonio won. Despite having some issues with their roster the 210 FC won against Thunder from Austin 1-0 @opencup @usopencup pic.twitter.com/tGbxx42SMr
— Laura La Parce 512 (@laparce512) October 27, 2024
Miami United FC (UPSL)
5:0
River Miami FC (USSL/USSSA)
Dr. Lester B. Brown Park; Miami Gardens, FL
By Tim Abbott
Miami United stretched their qualifying round win streak to eleven victories over three tournaments with a 5-0 win over River Miami FC. courtesy of scoring bursts from Robertino Insua and Alessandro Mazzetta, with victory over first time qualifying participant River Miami.
Insua opened the scoring after only three minutes with a penalty kick. Mazzetta doubled the lead in the 37th minute from Josduar Serrano and it was 3-0 in the 41st minute as he secured a brace from a Jose Aguinaga assist.
Insua completed his hat trick with two tap-in goals late in the second half, the first courtesy of a cross from the right by Alejo Fernandez, the second after a drive down the left in stoppage time by Francesco Valdes. They now return to league play, where they are 5-0-0 in fall play after a 9-3-1 record in the 2024 UPSL Florida South Spring season.
In the 2024 US Open Cup, Miami United knocked off pro clubs Chattanooga FC (1-0) and Club de Lyon (2-0), before falling to Memphis 901 FC 2-0.
Inter Nona SC (USSL/USSSA)
2:0
International Soccer Association (UPSL)
Young Pine Community Park; Orlando, FL
By Eric Casey
Inter Nona SC made the most of their US Open Cup qualifying debut, beating UPSL’s International Soccer Association, 2-0.
The USSL team got off to an early start, as a 10th minute corner fell to the feet of Nona’s Dominick White, who slotted it home to give his team the early lead.
White would go on to pick up a red card in the early stages of the first half, putting Nona down a man. Despite this, Nona’s Steve Cardona added a second for his squad in the 74th minute, giving them a 2-0 advantage.
Another Nona player would pick up a red card in the dying embers of the game, but the Orlando-area squad held on to secure the shutout and the ticket to the next qualifying round.
D’Feeters Kicks SC (DSA/USSSA)
1:4 (AET)
FORO SC (UPSL)
Sunnyvale HS; Sunnyvale, TX
By Adam Uthe
For the second time in the calendar year 2024, Kyle Bennett played the hero for the Dallas-based United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) squad FORO SC.
The six foot, three inch center forward scored not one, not two, but three goals in extra time to send the visitors through in qualifying as FORO advanced past D’Feeters Kicks SC (DKSC) 4-1 after 120 minutes played.
Back in the spring, Bennett scored the equalizer in stoppage time of extra time to force penalties against MLS NEXT Pro champs Austin FC II in Round 1 of the 2024 US Open Cup. He went on to convert from the spot in the shootout as well, sealing the upset for his team and also earning himself TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.
It was the hosts, D’Feeters Kicks SC, who came out aggressive to start this 2025 qualifying game though. The home side managed to earn three corners and tally three shots in the first 15 minutes but couldn’t quite put the ball in the back of the net. As the first half wore on, FORO slowly wrestled control of the match back with patient, disciplined buildup in possession. Neither team could break through though, and the first 45 ended in a scoreless stalemate.
Eight minutes into the second half, DKSC’s defense failed to clear the ball past FORO SC holding midfielder Corey Cantor and Cantor laced an ambitious effort from the edge of the box that managed to find its way into the back of the net.
Both coaches made multiple substitutions shortly thereafter and soon the momentum began to shift back towards D’Feeters. In the 69th minute, DKSC’s Juan Ramirez received a short corner pass and had his own go at a shot from the edge of the penalty box. The ball took a slight deflection on the way in, but not enough to keep it out of the upper right hand corner of the goal. Both teams exchanged half chances, but there was nothing to separate them after 90 minutes.
After a quiet initial 15 minutes of extra time, Bennett finally got things going in the 108th minute. D’feeters goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez found himself in possession of the ball inside his own box, but he struggled to get it out from under his feet and Bennett showed no mercy burying the gifted chance. His second was a free header on a gorgeous cross from Juan Cairo and he capped off the performance with a near post rocket with the outside of his foot, assisted by Tendai Jirira.
FORO SC coach Michel Garbini praised his star striker afterwards but was also left slightly unconvinced by what he saw in the game’s first 90 minutes.
“We just didn’t play our game today. What my last speech to the boys was ‘This is not the type of game you want to play, being physical in transition.’ We don’t have the profile to do that.”
He was much more satisfied with his side in extra time.
“Our profile is to move the ball, occupy the good space…and make the ball do the work for us. We did it in the last 30 minutes…and then the result came through.”
FORO SC, who are 5-1-0 in UPSL play this fall, will continue their quest for a second consecutive Open Cup qualification next month in Round 3 of qualifying.
Houston Regals SC (USSL/USSSA)
3:2 (AET)
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
British International School of Houston; Katy, TX
By Ralph Hannah
A hard-fought and heated game on an unseasonably warm night in Katy, Texas saw the 2022 NSL national champion Houston Regals SCA advance to the next round. It was a 120-minute thriller for the 30 or so fans in attendance at the British International School. ASC New Stars battled to the end of extra time, even after goalscorer Emmanuel Usen had been sent off in extra time.
The game started at a frantic pace, Regals had two corners within two minutes and it seemed it was going to be a difficult night for Aria, celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. However, a fast break in the fifth minute saw the ball break to Usen who rounded the opposition goalkeeper to slot it home.
The goal proved to be against the run of play as Regals rebounded quickly, forcing saves and missing easy chances before Nigerian Yusuf Jibril grabbed an equalizer with a fierce long range shot in the 19th minute. No sooner had the 21-year-old leveled the score, his senior strike partner, the 32-year-old Argentinian Víctor Soria put them ahead.
Going behind seemed to finally jolt ASC into action and Mauricio León was forced into a fine save, reminiscent of Emiliano Martínez in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, as his outstretched leg denied Usen his second of the game. By the 32nd minute the game was tied up. Dessaline Alllison received the ball on the left hand side and got in behind the fullback a couple of times as a warning, despite seeing his first attempt saved, the rebound fell kindly and he tucked it away.
It seemed that this game would be high scoring, but Aria came out in the second half with a more defensive mindset, wary of their rivals’ superiority in the one-on-one matchups. Sitting slightly deeper, they absorbed attack after attack but it came at a cost. By the 66th minute they had picked up three yellow cards, and frustration was creeping in on both sides. The chatty Houston Regals goalkeeper had words for Emmanuel Usen in normal time, and things would soon boil over.
With the score still 2-2 at the end of regulation time the match went into extra time, both sides missed good chances in the early exchanges before a hero emerged. Substitute Samuel Cordero, a Rayados fan from Monterrey, pounced on a tired clearance from the ASC defense and rifled home a low shot in the 98th minute.
Behind 3-2 things got worse for ASC New Stars just before the break, Usen thought he had a penalty after going down in the box only to see a red card. “The ref said he saw a stomp” the bemused Aria striker commented post-match. The final throes of this epic battle saw ASC throw balls into the box hoping something would stick. In the 120th minute it finally did, the ball turned in and wild celebrations at a perceived equalizer only for an offside ruling to deny a penalty shootout.
At the final whistle several yellow shirts surrounded the referee and his assistants with cries of “You have to do better!”, but veteran coach Taheer Khalili had sage words for his defeated team. “This is football” he said calmly, “we win as sportsmen, we lose as sportsmen”. There will be no repeat of famous trips to take on Orlando City FC or Charleston Battery as in previous years. That dream is now Houston Regals, who formed a prayer circle and brought some calm after the tempestuous tie.
Holac FC (UPSL)
1:2
Washington AC (RATS/USSSA)
Wener L. Neudorf Stadium; Tukwila, WA
By Chuck Nolan Jr.
Washington AC continued their Open Cup qualifying debut run with a 2-1 win over the UPSL’s Holac FC in front of a very Holac-partizan crowd in Tukwila, Wash.
Holac jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute on a penalty kick from Botan Nur. Washington AC leveled the score with mere seconds remaining in first half stoppage time. WAC took the lead eight minutes into the second half. Both goals were scored by Eric Lagos, a former all-Ivy League player at Yale.
Holac nearly sent the game into extra time in the 88th minute when they saw a shot on goal hit the upright. Washington AC held off Holac’s push to find an equalizer during a considerable amount of second half stoppage time.
WAC move on to the Third Round to likely face Portland’s Deportivo Rose City on Nov. 16 or 17.
FC Folsom (UPSL)
1:3
Real Galt FC (UPSL)
Folsom Lake College; Folsom, CA
By Nicholas Ryan
FC Folsom’s hopes of returning to the Cup following their debut last year were cut short by the newcomers Real Galt FC. The game stayed competitive for nearly all 90 minutes, but Real Galt managed to pull away in the final moments of the game.
While the first half ended scoreless, it wasn’t without its excitement. FC Folsom defender Trevor Swartz picked up his second yellow in the 25th minute, leaving his team disadvantaged for the rest of the match.
The second half started out strong for Real Galt, who gained possession shortly after a Folsom kickoff. A goal in the 47th minute from forward Gilberto Lopez put them in the lead.
Despite Folsom being down a man, they fought back, with a goal in the 75th minute by Julan Chavez, tying the game. The game remained tied until Real Galt’s Lionardo Ruiz put his team ahead in the 90th minute. A second goal two minutes from Gilberto Lopez of Real Galt, the team’s third, put the final nail in the coffin for Folsom securing Galt’s cup debut and sending the home team packing.
Modesto City FC (NISAN/USASA)
0:7
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Central Catholic High School; Modesto, CA
By Otis Lyons
Valley 559 FC beat Modesto City FC 7-0 in front of roughly 100 spectators at Central Catholic High School Sunday night.
Andres Velasquez, and brothers Aaron and Andrew Huerta each recorded a brace for Valley in the win, the seventh coming from an own goal off an Aaron Huerta cross. Goalkeeper Juan Carlos Esqueda was a bright spot for Modesto City FC despite the defeat, recording 13 saves.
Valley imposed themselves on the Modesto backline immediately. The visitors had a penalty shout within the first minute, and while it was waved away by the referee, it proved a warning sign for the rest of the night.
Within the first 15 minutes, Valley rattled Modesto City’s posts twice. However, Esqueda was the star of the early proceedings, making multiple point-blank saves. In the 16th minute, he denied Mason Gonzales on a one-on-one, prolonging the shutout.
Despite Esqueda’s early heroics, Valley found the breakthrough in the 20th minute. Aaron Huerta received a through ball in a crowded box, and rounded the Modesto keeper for the easy tap-in.
The floodgates soon opened, with Velazquez doubling the lead four minutes later. An own goal, an Andrew Huerta penalty, and a second from Velazquez gave Valley a 5-0 lead by halftime.
The script didn’t change in the second half. The Huerta brothers tacked on a second goal each (Aaron in the 66th minute followed by Andrew in the 77th) to complete the comprehensive win. Valley goalkeeper Jamber Gomez had a quiet night, facing zero shots on target. Modesto’s only attempt towards goal went over the bar in the dying seconds of the match.
FC Balboa (UPSL)
0:3
Chula Vista FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Logan Memorial Educational Complex; San Diego, CA
By Marybeth Zmuda
Chula Vista FC’s experience showed in their qualifier vs newcomers FC Balboa on Sunday. With a decisive 3-0 victory, CVFC now has eyes on the next step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fourth time in club history.
Right from the first whistle Chula Vista FC showed their readiness to keep their opponent at bay. They controlled the pace throughout the 90 minutes. FC Balboa was unable to get within shooting range more than a few times. While they were not strong offensively, their defense was able to keep the away side from creating a much larger lead despite their keeper being off his mark many times in the match.
Chula Vista forward Jordan Rojas was first on the board with a beauty slotted between the pipes in the 14th minute. They would continue to press until the halfway break but were held to one with the score 1-0 as they headed to the locker rooms.
The second half started with a bang seeing Chula’s Rojas go right from the kickoff straight to the net, getting a brace for himself in the 46th minute. He finished the match with a hat trick, getting a third goal for his team in the 78th minute.
Control was maintained by CVFC from there on with their keeper, phenom Oliver Holt, putting decisive stops to a couple FC Balboa’s set piece chances they might have capitalized on.
JASA RWC (SWPL/USSSA)
3:5 (AET)
International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
Red Morton Community Park; Redwood City, CA
By Adrian Monroy
Inter San Francisco needed extra time to beat JAWA RWC 5-3 in a high-scoring affair in Redwood City, Calif. It was the opening game of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2025 US Open Cup. A Matt Fondy hat trick helps Inter move a step closer to qualifying for the Open Cup for the second time, after narrowly missing out last year.
The game was evenly played early on. Inter forward Julio Cervantes missed an open goal with a header. That missed opportunity haunted them, as the next play, an Inter defender tried to clear a ball and a JASA player managed to block it. The ball fell to Ethan Evans who buried his shot to give JASA a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
In the second half, it was only a matter of time until Inter scored as JASA couldn’t get the ball out of their own half. Inter kept knocking on the door and JASA goalkeeper Damon Prasad made some good saves. Inter’s Matt Fondy, a former pro, scored off a corner kick inside the six yard box to make it even in the 76th minute. He would give his team the lead when he took a shot from a back diagonal pass from the right flank. JASA wasn’t really approaching until a free kick opportunity came up and Raspreet Sandhu hit it over the wall in the 89th minute to send it to extra time.
In extra time, Inter scored two more goals in the same manner as their second goal (a diagonal pass from the right flank). One of those goals came from Fondy, who ended the night with a hat trick. Now 4-2 in favor of Inter, JASA managed to score in the 119th minute as one of their forwards tried to round the keeper and successfully made the rebound land to his teammate to cut the deficit to 1. Inter player Jacob Castro killed JASA’s comeback hopes as he scored on a counter in the 122nd minute to make it 5-3 in favor of the SFSFL team who will play in the next qualifying round on the weekend of Nov. 16-17.
Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
2:1
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
Mesa High School; Mesa, AZ
By Jim Coppock
Next Level Soccer (NLS) and UDA NMSU (UDA) met Sunday evening in the Second Round of US Open Cup qualifying action. It was NLS’s first qualifying game in their first attempt. A fast, hard-fought contest was waged with a 10-man NLS coming out by a 2-1 score.
The hosts dominated the play in the first 10 minutes but failed to register a shot on target. Michael Miller drew first blood in the 25th minute for NLS. NLS stayed in command and sent shot after shot at UDA’s goal, hitting the woodwork twice in one sequence. UDA’s Alan Guidino equalized in the 54th minute after helping to overload the left side of NLS’s defense. The visiting captain put his team on his shoulders and drove attack after attack down this wing. NLS struggled to keep up at times.
UDA bossed the game in full for about 20 minutes after the goal. But a quick breakaway by Danny Baca sent the ball ping-ponging around the goal mouth. The Assistant Referee adjudged that the ball crossed the line and put NLS back in front 2-1. 71st minute substitute Peter Adkins, got stuck in immediately upon entry. His play earned him a booking in the 82nd minute and a second in the 84th, leaving the hosts short-handed for the remaining six minutes. Those six minutes were played at a furious pace, with UDA again dominating the play, but both sides had chances.
The victory sees debutantes Next Level Soccer moving on to the third round the weekend of November 16-17. Their opponent will be Las Vegas Legends, the last two teams in the West B group.
ROUND 3
Pittsburgh Dynamo (GPSL/USASA)
0:1
FCY New York (UPSL)
Highmark Stadium; Pittsburgh, PA
By Evan Konigsberg
A tight affair at Highmark Stadium was decided late in regulation as FCY New York grabbed a late winner to stay alive in qualifiers, winning 1-0 over fellow Open Cup qualifying debutants Pittsburgh Dynamo. The GPSL Dynamo side hosted the match at a familiar Open Cup venue; Highmark Stadium was the site of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ historic 1-0 win over eventual MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew on May 24, 2023. The home side Dynamo tried to replicate the performance of the Riverhounds in their first ever Open Cup match, while FCY New York would attempt to continue their momentum after their impressive 5-3 win over Roc City Boom (NISA Nation) in Round 2.
The match started slowly, with both sides feeling out their opponents by working the ball around for the first 25 minutes. Midfielders Kuba Iwaniuk for Pittsburgh and Moe Saif for FCY New York battled to keep possession for their side. The first big chance fell for FCY New York, as Dynamo keeper Lukasz Palmowski made a spectacular save to deny Mohamed Ayad.
The second half started very similar to the first, a midfield battle between the two sides that was not generating many chances. As the match progressed, a tiring Pittsburgh side struggled to keep possession, putting them under pressure from FCY New York. Striker Witman Hernandez missed a flurry of late chances through on goal that left the match seeming destined for extra time. Finally, the deadlock was broken in the third minute of stoppage time. FCY New York fullback Wyatt Scott cut inside and played a chipped through ball over the Pittsburgh defense. Palmowski came out to claim it, but was beaten by an expertly weighted lobbed finish by New York #18 Freddy Fikiri. The match ended soon after, seeing FCY New York advance with a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh Dynamo.
Steel Pulse FC (MSSL/USASA)
4:2
VA Revolution Pro (UPSL)
Millford Mill Academy; Millford Mill, MD
By Craig Tower
Steel Pulse FC hosted VA Revolution Pro in a Mid-Atlantic matchup In Milford Mill, Maryland. The action was tentative until the teams started trading blows at the quarter hour. A 17th-minute breakaway by Ben Boateng for VA Revolution was answered in the 18th minute when Steel Pulse, on the end of a counter, found the net through Emmanuel Oluwesi off a short backpass from a teammate from around the penalty mark. The Virginians were far from finished and struck back when Alexander Dexter stole a back pass from a defender to score from the top of the box against the onrushing Steel Pulse keeper Patrick Tayta.
Not content with the 1-1 tie, Steel Pulse forward Williams Yami Nano scored off a rebound of his own blocked shot in the 34th minute, curling his shot to the far post with no chance for a save from Tanner Newport in net for VA Revolution. Steel Pulse continued to push up their right wing and found another opportunity in the 40th minute when Yami Nono shot from the right of the penalty mark, only missing due to the lighting reflexes of Newport, who deflected the hip-high shot past his far post. After a sustained period of pressure, Yami Nono stole a ball on the Steel Pulse left wing, shot on the diving keeper, and recovered the ball only for it to ping in front of teammate Zoumana Diarra, who hooked it in from two yards out while falling backward, ending a chaotic melee in front of the Virginia goal.
After halftime, Steel Pulse looked ready to cruise to an easy win when Steven Jude banged in a golazo from 30 yards in the 46th minute. That goal seemed to awaken the fire in VA Revolution however, while Steel Pulse lost their focus. A 54th-minute yellow on Brandon Williamson for the Maryland side was the start of a series of lapses, continuing with a goal at 56’ for Sinasi Emre Deniz, who tucked in a clever left-footed hook shot to elude the Pulse defense. Cardenas of Steel Pulse followed suit when he was awarded a straight red for a dangerous and needless tackle in midfield, leaving the Steelmen a man down for the rest of the match.
VA Revolution nearly found themselves a man down in the 66th when Pierre Richard, a former Steel Pulse man, took down Yami Nono on a breakaway down Pulse’s right wing with only the goalkeeper between the Steelman and the goal. Richard was lucky to walk away with a yellow for his troubles. For the next ten minutes, Jack Stone of VA tested the Pulse multiple times, with a flying volley and a lunging low effort on crosses from the Revolution left wing that could have ended in goals, but both pinged outside the goalframe.
After the 75th minute, the teams traded a series of stiff midfield tackles, leaving bodies on the pitch waiting for the referee’s intervention. The scrappy game continued with Ben Boateng of VA Revolution banging a screamer over the Pulse goal in the 81st minute and a set of three corners for the Revolution in the 93rd to 94th minutes. After 96 minutes, however, the referee whistled the match to an end, with the Pulse taking a 4-2 win from the qualifying match.
This was the second qualifying attempt for VA Revolution Pro, with last year’s run-stopping after one game, a 4-1 loss to Aegean Hawks FC. VA Revolution Pro finished 5-1-4 in the 2024 UPSL DMV South Spring season and is 1-7-0 in the Fall season. Revolution Pro started their qualifying campaign with a penalty kick win over Northern Virginia FC (EPSL) after a 2-2 draw on October 6.
Steel Pulse FC has not qualified in their four previous appearances but has an impressive resume outside of qualifying. Steel Pulse finished 8-2-0 in the 2024 MSSL Division 1 season and won the 2024 Rowland Cup (Maryland State Cup) 2-1 over Christos FC. Qualifying has been a different story, however. Their first three attempts ended after just one game, and last year, their lone qualifying win (13-2 over Villarreal CF Virginia) was followed by a penalty kick loss to Christos FC after a 1-1 draw. In their qualifying opener on October 6, Steel Pulse dominated Maryland Bobcats II (EPSL) 7-0.
FC Denver (CPL/USSSA)
0:2
Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
Aurora Sports Park; Aurora, CO
By Andrew Mosier
Harpos FC took a huge step towards its fourth U.S. Open Cup appearance on Sunday with a decisive 2-0 third-round win over FC Denver 2-0 at Aurora Sports Park.
Elijah Mereness scored both goals to put Harpos through to the final round of qualifying. Goalkeeper Hayden Rus earned the clean sheet.
Mereness put Harpos in the lead in the 20th minute, running onto a perfectly weighted ball from Danilo Pekovic that was played over FC Denver’s pressing back line.
After close chances for both sides to close out the half, Mereness doubled Harpos lead in the 61st minute, again running onto a ball from his central midfield spot, taking a touch before slipping the ball past FC Denver goalkeeper Theodore Marston.
Chasing a two-goal deficit, FC Denver was further handicapped when head coach Neil Gallaghern was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language toward the fourth official in the 72nd minute after FC Denver was forced to use its third substitution moment after Temitope Balogun was initially denied entry into the match as part of a multi-player substitution because the substitution slip handed to the fourth official was not properly completed.
Harpos, which has not qualified for the tournament since 2020, will face Azteca FC, who defeated Colorado Rovers 4-1 in a match that was postponed until Tuesday. That will take place in the fourth and final round of local amateur qualifying in early December.
Project Football (UPSL)
1:4
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Captain John Bertram; Salem, MA
By Todd Tinkham
Three second-half goals lifted CD Faialense to a 4-1 victory over Project Football. The match took place at Captain John Bertram Athletic Field in Halloween-festival Salem, Mass.
Gianluca Arlotti, Eoin Houlihan, and Mirko Nufi were the second half goalscorers for Project Football.
Project Football opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Juan Camillo Hernandez Giraldo got on the end of a cross from Sleter Destin. CD Faialense responded well with a wonder volley from Garrett Leary. Alessandro Negri put in a left-footed outswinger from a corner, and Leary rocketed a left-footed shot past the Project Football keeper to cap the first-half scoring.
CD Faialense dominated the second half, claiming back-to-back US Open Cup 4-1 victories. They now wait to see who they will face in the fourth round of US Open Cup qualifying.
Zum Schneider FC 03 (EPSL/USASA)
1:3
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (EPSL/USASA)
Jack McManus Field; New York, NY
By Carlos Ochoa
Lansdowne Yonkers seemed like favorites going into the game and immediately set the tempo by scoring in the first minute by smooth finish by Kyle Galloway.
Zum Schneider FC 03 was trying their best to play out from the back but couldnt get anything going and as a result from the constant press Lansdowne got another goal in the 33rd minute by Ethan Homler. Zum only managed two shots in the first half.
After some subs Zum was able to get more action upfront but game was getting physical and players were getting tired. Some unlucky calls from the referree kept slowing the run of game.
In the 75th minute, Lansdowne scored by Liam Walsh and silence struck the Zum coaching area very much recognizing that its most likely over.
In the 89th minute, Zum scored a consolation goal by Benjamin Marcu.
Lansdowne Yonkers won in dominating fashion and could have scored more if they were more clinical upfront. Game could have changed as yellow cards and fouls were adding up mid game.
Leros SC (LISFL/USASA)
0:6
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex; Central Islip, NY
By Michael Anderer
After winning their Round 2 qualifying match three weeks ago, Leros SC earned the right to host New York Renegades in this round of US Open Cup qualifiers on a chilly Sunday night on Long Island.
The challenge would be difficult for Leros SC, as the NY Renegades entered the match sitting second in their UPSL division with a record of 7-0-2, five of those wins coming on the road, and a goal differential of plus 36.
At the request of Leros SC, both teams honored recently passed Greek player George Baldock with a moment of silence. The match started with both teams demonstrating their desire and ability to possess the ball and play with patience. The left-sided Renegades duo of Cristian Garcia Vera at defense and Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo would be a difficult pairing for Leros FC, particularly defender Christian Casagranda. Casagranda did well to prevent the final balls from getting through, but it was clear that the stronger Renegades team was applying their pressure on that side of the field. In the 21’ a clearance by Leros SC keeper Luis Hurtado was intercepted at midfield by Kilmar Campos. A quick pass forward to Dillon Woods Called would allow the Renegades to take advantage of the spread-out Leros defense and forward Rances Reneau Bardales to find space to drive into the box and beat Hurtado near post. It felt like once the Renegades broke the pressure of scoring that first goal, the game would open up for them, and the team would add three more goals in the first half, including a second by Reneau Bardales in the 40th minute to secure him a brace and an assist in the match.
Leros SC put up an intense fight despite losing starting striker Bryan Argueta to a knee injury in the 34th minute. The unfortunate injury would give standout player Shaquille Saunchez an early entry into the match. Saunchez proved to add more balance to the Leros attack, but it would not be enough for his side to mount any sort of comeback in the game. NY Renegades showed the depth of their roster, bringing in five substitutes into the match, all impacting the game. Alex Palas subbed into the forward position at halftime and scored a goal off the Reneau Bardales square ball in the 50th minute. Patino Villamizar would enter the game in the 64’ and earn the assist on the final goal by Milton Campos on the game’s last play. The final score of six to nil in favor of the away team, NY Renegades, ultimately would be a fair scoreline based on how the teams match up.
After the match, NY Renegades President Boris Linares said, “We came in with a game plan, executed and got it done. We think we are peaking at the right time both here and in the UPSL.” Linares praised his attack-oriented side for its ability to get many different players involved in the scoring. When asked about playing in the US Open Cup Qualifying rounds, Linares added, “We are feeling very confident, so far we have been pretty good with injury-free, so we are looking good, and hopefully, we can do something with it.”
Renegades forward Rance Reneau Bardales shared after the game, “Thank God that I feel good and healthy. Personally, I am very happy to get one more step further. We focus one game at a time. We need to stay focused on each game to get as far as we can.” Second-half captain Samuel Caceres said following the match, “I think we played good. We have a great team, and the most important is that so many players got to play and showed their best, which is important because we passed on to the next game, and we know that the farther you go, the more difficult the teams will be.”
Bowling Green FC (UPSL)
0:5
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
Bowling Green Junior HS; Bowling Green, KY
By Josh Hakala
Southern Indiana FC’s offense came alive in the second half to earn a 5-0 win over Bowling Green FC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.
After a scoreless first half, Ekuchi Salehe opened up the offensive floodgates with a counter attack goal in the 51st minute. After a Bowling Green corner kick was cleared out, it started a break the other way and Salehe beat the keeper.
In the 58th minute, SIFC’s second corner kick of the game was delivered to the far post where Diallo Irakoze was criminally wide open. He brought the ball down and beat the helpless goalkeeper from close range.
In the 73rd minute, a Southern Indiana player received a cross in the middle of the box and before he could get a shot off he was sandwiched by two defenders and the deflected ball hit the hand of one of those Bowling Green players and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. SIFC captain Jake Calderbank scored the PK to make it 3-0.
In the 85th minute, the Bowling Green goalkeeper came way off his line to retrieve the ball, but a SIFC player beat him to it on the right wing. He crossed the ball to the middle and Kellen Clegg ran onto it and beat the retreating defenders to the ball and put it into the back of the net.
Two minutes later, Southern Indiana would put a bow on their shutout victory when Luca Perrin scored off a corner kick to seal a 5-0 win.
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
2:1 (AET)
Alexandria Reds (UPSL)
Meridan High School; Falls Church, VA
By Sam Luebke
On a chilly night in Falls Church, VA the Virginia Dream FC (UPSL) defeated the Alexandria Reds (UPSL) 2-1 on the back of a brace from Niko Lukulia to advance to the next round of the Open Cup qualifying tournament.
In the first half, the Dream held the majority of the possession but few true scoring chances. The Reds were content to sit back and absorb pressure and attack on the counter. They used these opportunities well with Mattocks coming close in the 13th minute and Sabane forcing a tough clearance four minutes later. However the first goal, against the run of play, fell to the Dream. A scramble in the box following a corner saw the ball fall to the feet of Niko Likulia who made no mistake from in close, putting the Dream up 1-0.
The second half started choppy, with neither club able to put together any sustained pressure or possession. Around the 70th minute, the Reds started putting together effective offensive movements. They were rewarded in the 77th minute when Jacob Kiwanuka snapped home a header off a corner.
There were no clear chances and the teams headed to extra time.
Extra time was uneventful. Both teams looked more concerned about not making an error rather than scoring a winner. However, with penalty kicks looming, Niko Likulia found a big gap in the Red’s backline was fed a through ball and confidently slotted it home, securing his brace and sending the Dream through to the next round.
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
4:1
Colorado Rovers (CPL/USSSA)
Long Lake Field (Field 3); Arvada, CO
Original game on 10/27 postponed due to a broken goal
By Josh Hakala / Andrew Mosier
Azteca FC and Colorado Rovers were forced to reschedule Sunday’s match after match officials declared the game unplayable due to safety conditions. One of the goals at Victoria Sports Park, Azteca FC’s home field for Open Cup matches, was bent, extending the crossbar out over the field of play. Efforts to correct and stabilize the goal were unsuccessful, forcing the postponement of the match.
When the game finally kicked off on Tuesday night, it was the Colorado Rovers who struck first. Cade Austin delivered a corner kick and Brenden Hughes finished it to give the visitors a 1-0 lead roughly 15 minutes into the match.
Just under 10 minutes later, Azteca would shift the momentum with an equalizer on a defensive miscue. A Rovers defender attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper while he was under pressure and that gave Jovany Herrera the chance to steal the ball and tap it in to tie the game at 1-1.
In the 30th minute, Cesar Mesa would give Azteca the lead when he headed home a cross from the wing. With five minutes left in the first half, Azteca earned a penalty kick when Herrera was fouled in the box and Oscar Montoya would score it to send the home team into the halftime break with a 3-1 lead.
Any hopes for a comeback were delivered a blow in the 64th minute when Rory Fraser was shown a straight red card.
With a man advantage, Azteca FC added to their lead when a Cesar Meza cross would find Brandon Rosas in the 83rd minute for the fourth and final finish of the game.
With the win, Azteca extends the club’s Open Cup qualifying unbeaten streak to 13 games (12-0-1, 0-1 PKs), a run that dates back to the opening game of the 2022 qualifying tournament. This is the second-longest straight in the competition’s history, which dates back to 2016. (NTX Rayados – 14 games) Azteca also improves to 3-0-0 all-time against the Rovers in the competition, adding to wins in 2022 and 2023.
