2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: 10-man Union Omaha hold off MLS stars from Des Moines Menace

April 3, 2025 by Ginevra Spinelli

On a windy afternoon in West Des Moines, Iowa, the home team Des Moines Menace faced Union Omaha, a USL League One team in the Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. While the headlines entering Wednesday’s contest centered around the Menace who had assembled a roster full of former Major League Soccer stars, it was Union Omaha who spoiled the storyline with a 2-1 win.

It was the second year in a row, and the third time in the last four years that Union Omaha eliminated Des Moines from the competition.

The first half was dominated by the visiting team, with Omaha scoring two goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes respectively with Dion Acoff opening the scoring and Aarón Gómez following.

Although the Owls seemed to easily control the game, shortly after the start of the second half, the Menace got a penalty kick then scored by former Sporting Kansas City star Benny Feilhaber, which reopened his team’s hopes. The two-time US Open Cup champion (Sporting KC 2015 & 2017) scored to cut the lead in half.

On the penalty kick, Union Omaha player Brandon Knapp, received his second yellow card, thus leaving his team with ten men for the remaining 35 minutes of the match. Although control of the game shifted to the home team’s hands, the Owls would hold on for the 2-1 win.

The referee whistled the start of the game accompanied by the enthusiasm of the many fans of the Des Moines team who had come to the stadium for this match of their team against a higher-class formation. After 17 minutes of almost total possession, Union Omaha’s Acoff, launches his teammate Gómez toward the goal, to then collected the cross and turned it into the opening goal. The Menace continued to defend until in the 33rd minute Gómez, the author of the previous assist, again made his mark by scoring the second goal.

At the end of the first half, Des Moines Menace, who by now had nothing left to lose, took courage and appeared on a few occasions in the opponent’s half of the field before going to the locker room for halftime. Their chances of hanging with the defending USL League One champions took a blow 15 minutes into the first half when former MLS star Bradley Wright Phillips had to leave the game due to injury. Des Moines brought on some fresh legs at halftime and it gave them a spark.

The decisive moment, however, was at the beginning of the second half, when halftime sub Feilhaber, the Red Army’s No. 10, entered the field putting the captain’s armband on his arm. He scored from the penalty spot just eight minutes after entering the game. Shortly after the goal, Sacha Kljestan subbed out of the game. In the 69th minute, Kljestan would be sent off from the bench after arguing with the referee.

Now, in numerical superiority and with the confidence given by the penalty kick, the Menace increased the pressure. Des Moines maintained an orderly ball possession that, in the 80th minute, produced the best scoring chance of the game for Leroy Enzugusi, who came in to replace Kljestan. He found himself one-on-one with Union goalkeeeper Cole Jensen who made the save. After five minutes of stoppage time, the match ended with the Owls advancing to the Third Round for the fourth year in a row.

“As a player, you always feel like you are in it, especially once you get a goal, you are a man up with about 30 minutes left you think you have a chance,” said Feilhaber. “They defended very well, it becomes tough in those moments to find balls in between the lines but we had some chances, couldn’t convert any of them and they were deserved winners in the end.”

Feilhaber gave credit to his team, especially the younger players who gave everything to put the team in a position to win.

Union Omaha’s defense had to remain compact for almost the entire second half to avoid a Menace comeback.

“We did well in defending, staying together and not conceding the second, because it would have been difficult to go into overtime with a man down,” said Union Omaha defendere and captain Marco Milanese. “I’m very happy with how we defended and how we managed to bring home the result.”

With this victory, Uunion Omaha secures a spot for the Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to be played the week of April 15-16. The draw will take place on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanooga Red Wolves edge Chattanooga FC in PKs in long awaited rivalry debut

April 3, 2025 by Timothy Belin

With an announced attendance of 12,131 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, the US Open Cup game between Chattanooga FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves was just shy of the Modern Era record for a Second Round game. Photo: Patrick MacCoon @PMacCoon

In front of a rocking Finley Stadium, Chattanooga FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves needed penalties to separate the Scenic City’s two professional soccer teams in their first ever encounter.

An at-times feisty Chattanooga Derby drew 12,131 fans for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Second Round matchup, and the on-field performance did not disappoint. In a game of close margins, set pieces provided the only goals and were the biggest threat throughout the 120 minutes.

With nothing to split the sides following extra-time, the game went to penalties after an intense back-and-forth. The Red Wolves won the shootout 5-4 thanks to a Ricardo Jerez save on Daniel Mangarov’s spot kick, sparking wild celebrations from the traveling fans.

“That was a lot of fun,” Scott Mackenzie, Red Wolves head coach, said. “We showed tonight that this is a soccer city, both sides.”

It took CFC just over 90 seconds to set the tone for the night with an early foul. Four minutes later, another one set the Red Wolves up perfectly for a free-kick on the edge of the penalty arc. Omar Hernandez stepped up and deftly lofted the ball over the wall and into the bottom right corner, leaving Eldin Jakupovic stranded.

“That gave us a nice little early boost,” Mackenzie said. “I think we should have capitalized on it more. We could have settled the game and controlled a little bit.”

Steeve Louis Jean, who gave up the free-kick with a foul on Matthew Bentley, nearly made immediate amends for CFC. As the hosts attacked the other end, the young midfielder took a powerful shot from the edge of the five-yard box, but it was straight at the goalkeeper who parried it out for a corner.

The resulting corner was headed over by Logan Brown, but it was a sign of Chattanooga FC’s growing presence in the game.

Ten minutes later, another corner led to the equalizing free-kick. Despite a clearing header at the front post, CFC played the ball around the box before drawing a foul on the right side of the penalty area. Mangarov stepped up and sent a left-footed rocket into the upper 90.

While Jakupovic had been left motionless on his line for Hernandez’ free-kick earlier in the game, Jerez’ full-length dive could do nothing to prevent the 1-1.

The equalizer confirmed the switch in momentum as Chattanooga FC started dominating the game, coming close with another corner in the 26th minute, when Callum Watson’s header dropped inches wide of the post. Robertson then sent a free-kick crashing onto the crossbar seven minutes later as CFC continued to look like the most likely team to break the deadlock.

They thought they had done so in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time after bundling in a corner, but the referee called it back for a foul on a defending Red Wolves player.

“It’s one of those, a set-piece that on another day goes in and the game potentially changes,” Chris Nugent, Chattanooga FC head coach, said. “We had some good opportunities, and that’s all we ask. From open play, from set-pieces, can we create some good opportunities? We did that, but unfortunately today just wasn’t our day to finish them.”

The second half was more even, though CFC went closest to getting the crucial go-ahead goal. They would have done so from yet another free-kick, this one swung in from the side, if not for a full-extension save low to his right by Jerez.

The Red Wolves’ best chance of the half came from a shot from distance by second-half substitute Alhassam Alhassam, but the powerful drive was straight at Jakupovic.

As the minutes ticked on, the tension in the stadium and on the field continued to grow until finally boiling over with a brief melee in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time. After separating the two teams, the referee administered yellow cards to CFC’s Mangarov and Red Wolves’ Jerez and Owen Green. It was a sign of the growing feistiness in the local rivalry game, which ended with six yellow cards to the hosts and seven to the visitors.

“Whatever side of the fence you sit on, you’ll be able to see that there are instigators on both sides, no doubt,” Mackenzie said. “And both teams lost control sometime and regained it, and I think that’s what derby football should look like. I think there should be an intensity beyond normal; that was there. I think there should be a competitiveness beyond normal; that was there. And I think it was two teams who were really going out to try and win a football game.”

Both teams had already gone to extra-time in their first round matchups, winning in the 112th for CFC and on penalties for the Red Wolves. That prior experience was clear as neither overcommitted in the extra half-hour, with big chances few and far between.

The final opportunity went the Red Wolves’ way in the 120th minute, when a long throw into the box bounced around the five-yard box before Jakupovic could pounce on it. Red Wolves’ Eric Kinzner went for the ball even after the keeper had it in his grasp, resulting in another scrum, a brief injury break for the CFC goalkeeper, and a yellow card for the visiting defender.

Moments later, the referee signalled for full-time, sending the game to penalties.

Mangarov, CFC’s goalscorer, went first, but Jerez read the shot and dived well to save it in the bottom right corner. The next seven penalties all hit the back of the net, prompting a do-or-die moment for CFC’s Ethan Dudley with his team’s fifth attempt.

Though Jerez saved Dudley’s penalty initially, the goalkeeper had come off his line and Dudley got to retake it, making no mistake at the second attempt. The decision made no difference in the end, as Green stepped up for the Red Wolves to make it 5-4 and send his team into tomorrow’s Third Round Draw.

“Penalties aren’t about ability, they’re about mindset,” Mackenzie said. “And I keep praising these guys’ mindset. That’s why we won today.

“Obviously very proud of my guys,” he added. “The intensity, the grit, the personality they showed, it’s massive.”

As Red Wolves players and fans celebrated getting the win, with one visitor rushing to plant a red flag in the CFC center circle, Chattanooga players went over to applaud the thousands of home fans who showed up early and sang the whole way through.

“It’s huge,” Nugent said. “We know that the community loves us, the fan support is excellent.

“It means a ton to us,” he added. “It’s what makes the club so special, and it’s bigger than just a game. It’s what people give to us and what we can give to them. I wish we could have sent them home a little bit happier with it, but I’m proud of the display we had. And, like I said, I think another goal and there’s a party tonight.”

The Red Wolves will discover their Third Round opponent at 1 p.m. ET tomorrow, with games set to be played April 15 and 16. Before then, they will turn their attention to their USL League 1 game against South Georgia Tormenta on Saturday.

Chattanooga FC will look to bounce back from their disappointment when they return to MLS NEXT Pro action Saturday against Orlando City II.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Clinical FC Tulsa too much for Forward Madison

April 3, 2025 by Robert Chappell

Players from FC Tulsa and Forward Madison batle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison

FC Tulsa put just three shots on target but they all went in, and Tulsa goalkeeper Bryan Dowd made six saves as the USL Championship side held off a scrappy Forward Madison squad for a 3-1 win in Madison to advance to the third round of the US Open Cup on Wednesday evening.

The game nearly took on a very different complexion in the seventh minute, when a long through ball from Madison winger Ferrety Sousa played Garrett McLaughlin in behind the Tulsa backline, but Dowd made a kick save to keep the game scoreless.

Tulsa displayed a preview of what was to come in the 19th minute, as Khalil ElMedkhar tapped an easy pass from Owen Damm into the back of the net, but Damm was flagged offside.

The visitors got it right just two minutes later, though. Taylor Calheira played a cutback into a pocket of space in the center of the penalty area, where Damm’s trailing run allowed an easy chip over Madison goalkeeper Owen Finnerty to open the scoring.

ElMedkhar doubled the lead in the 31st, taking a well-weighted through ball from Stefan Lukic and slotting it past Finnerty.

Finnerty kept the game within reach with a point-blank save on Calheira in the closing moments of the first half, but Tulsa put any doubts to rest just moments after the break.

It was Calheira one-on-one with Finnerty again, and Finnerty took Calheira’s legs out from under him, prompting a point to the spot. Calheira converted to make it 3-0.

The hosts got one back in the 68th on a well-worked training ground set piece – Jacob Crull looped a free kick toward the far post, where Timmy Mehl headed it back across the face of goal to the head of substitute Nazeem Bartman.

That was the last good look Madison would get against the USL Championship’s stingiest defense. Bartman’s tally was only the second goal Tulsa has allowed in the first six matches of the season.

FC Tulsa will head into the third round without midfielder Boubacar Diallo, who earned a second yellow card and was sent off in the 88th minute.

“The difference in the game was that they were clinical with their chances, and we weren’t,” Madison head coach Matt Glaeser said after the match.

“At the start of the game, there was a bit of a feeling out process,” said Tulsa’s first-year head coach Luke Spencer. “I thought both teams had chances. Brian Dowd came up big for us with a big-time save, kept it nil-nil. And then I thought as the first half went on, we were able to gain some momentum and obviously score some goals. It was just sticking to the plan, and having belief in what we were doing.”

Tulsa, currently sitting in second place in the Championship’s Western Conference, came into Madison riding the high of its first-ever win over Sacramento Republic on the weekend.

“We’re just trying to take it game by game. You know, our focus is on the next game,” Spencer said. “Yes, it’s nice to have momentum from the start of the season, and belief in what we’re doing, but you can lose that quick. For us, it’s staying focused and taking that one game at a time.”

While they await the third round draw, Tulsa will prepare to host Oakland Roots on April 12. Madison will head to Charlotte to resume USL League One play on April 11.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: 10-man Portland Hearts of Pine score late equalizer, oust Hartford Athletic in PKs

April 3, 2025 by Zach Marchick

On a chilly April night in front of a packed crowd of 3,002 at Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Maine, the Portland Hearts of Pine pulled off the improbable: beating Hartford Athletic for their first upset win in just the club’s third match since its founding. Playing down a man in extra time, they fell behind 1-0 and managed to score an incredible equalizer and send the game into penalty kicks. In the shootout, they prevailed 4-2 to become the first team from the state of Maine to reach the Third Round in the 110-year history of the US Open Cup.

The Hearts, coming off a thrilling 4-0 US Open Cup victory in their first match against CD Faialense, and a scoreless draw on the road in league play against FC Naples this past Sunday, faced a tough test against Hartford. Hartford, competing in the USL Championship – a tier above the Pines who play in USL League One – struggled through a sluggish first half in Round 2 of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, with neither team managing to find the net.

It looked as if it could be a slow game, with the first high-percentage scoring look coming in the 63rd minute, when Hartfold goalie Gerold Antony Siaha made two miraculous saves – with the second unfolding after the first shot hit the post.

In the 72nd minute, Hartford came close to scoring, but the Portland goalkeeper, Hunter Morse, made a brilliant save – only to outdo himself with another exceptional stop in the 84th minute.

With 90 minutes unable to separate the sides, the match headed into 30 minutes of extra time. Tensions flared in the 93rd minute when Farrell of Hartford and Liadi of Portland got into a scuffle; both players received yellow cards.

In the 96th minute, Azaad Liadi of Portland collided with Joe Farrell while chasing down a ball headed back to Hartford’s goalkeeper. He was shown his second yellow card and sent off, forcing Portland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. Emotions continued to boil over in the 97th minute, as both the Hartford goalkeeper and Portland’s manager were shown yellow cards.

The first half of extra time ended scoreless, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. Through it all, the Dirigo Union continued to provide massive support for Portland despite the cold and the added tension of extra time.

Hartford finally found the net in the 107th minute when Jordan Scarlett headed in a corner from Emmanuel Samadia. As the match wore on, snow began to fall in the 111th minute, heightening the drama. Jake Keegan was subbed on in the 113th minute and made an immediate impact.

In the 115th minute, Keegan scored a massive goal, chipping the Hartford keeper from 25 yards out to tie the game.

After Portland equalized to force a penalty shootout, Evan Southern scored the final penalty of an intense shootout to give the Hearts a 4–2 win on penalties. The Hearts will now advance to the Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, with the draw for the third round taking place at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 3. The third round will take place from April 15-16, with each team in the Third Round being pooled geographically into groups of four.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Zach Ryan, Ben Mines lead Loudoun United past Virginia Dream

April 3, 2025 by Xavier Thompson

Ben Mines of Loudoun United celebrates after scoring a goal against Virginia Dream FC in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United FC

The magic of the US Open Cup thrives on the unpredictable, where lower-division teams seize the opportunity to challenge established clubs in a true test of resilience and ambition. Much as Virginia Dream were able to accomplish in their first round victory over the Richmond Kickers.

In a highly anticipated matchup, Virginia Dream took on Loudoun United, hoping to prove their fortitude against a seasoned USL Championship squad. In the end Loudoun United would prevail, 4-2 to advance to the Third Round.

Loudoun’s Zach Ryan knew it would be a competitive game.

“We saw what they did to Richmond.”

With both teams eager to make a statement, the stage was set for a thrilling contest—one that delivered drama, intensity, and moments of brilliance.

The game began with an immediate big ball from Loudoun’s keeper and immediately drew a foul, setting the tone of the match. Loudoun won the half battle in all categorical stats.

Dream’s best chance came in the third minute with a mistake from Loudoun’s right back, but the chance was put wide. With this being their best look of the half Dream began to fall behind. All began to look down for the Dream when Malcolm McAllister picked up a yellow for a smack to the face.

Looking to capitalize and control momentum, Loudoun were able to keep the ball, and then create several opportunities with the Dream defense spread. This allowed them to spray the ball wide and over the top. Leading to several chances early.

An ambitious chance came from Florian Valot, who looked to chip the goalie from the halfway line. Showcasing Loudoun’s comfort in the attack.

After a yellow card, chances began to flow for Loudoun. In the 42nd minute a header by Riley Bidois off a corner broke the deadlock.

Dream looked to get even, after the goal, with a great free kick chance claimed easily by Loudoun’s keeper.

Loudoun United players celebrate after scoring a goal against Virginia Dream FC in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Loudoun United FC

As the second half began, Dream came out pressing early, trying to disrupt Loudoun’s rhythm, which proved vital as it was the visitors who capitalized at 50 minutes off a goal by Akingbolahan Akinkoye.

A goal 9 minutes later on a pass threaded to an onrushing Ben Mines put Loudoun in the lead 2-1 and Dream on the back foot.

“Getting out and running in transition is when I am at my best,” said Mines.

Loudoun’s ability to control possession forced Dream into a reactive approach, and as the game progressed, the physicality ramped up. Fouls piled up on both sides, making for a chippy contest.

Loudoun made second-half substitutions to maintain their edge. With impactful subs coming on, Loudoun struck again as Zach Ryan scored in the 77th minute.

A late push saw Dream pull one back through their big number 9 Nicolas Likulia in the 86th, but Loudoun’s ability to build from the back and execute in transition ultimately secured the result.

A stoppage-time goal by Ryan put the match to bed and secured him the brace. Ending Dream’s hopes of a late equalizer in a hard-fought, midweek battle.

In the end, Loudoun United’s quality and depth proved too much for Virginia Dream, sealing a hard-fought victory in the U.S. Open Cup clash.

Despite Dream’s early pressure in the second half and a late push later that same half, Loudoun’s ability to control possession, capitalize on key moments, and execute in transition made all the difference.

The match saw growing physicality as both teams fought for every inch, picking up several cards on the way, but Loudoun’s composure in front of goal ultimately secured the win.

Notably, some of Loudoun’s biggest impact players came off the bench, demonstrating their squad depth and ability to close out games when it mattered most.

Dream showed flashes of promise, including a well-earned late goal, but struggled to sustain offensive momentum against a disciplined and strong Loudoun defense.

Loudoun’s extra firepower and late-game execution ensured their place in the next round, ending Dream’s dream in the U.S. Open Cup.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: AV ALTA FC last minute OT goal eliminates LAFC 2

April 2, 2025 by Connor Bunnell

Players from AV ALTA FC celebrate with their fans after defeating LAFC2 2-1 after extra time in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: AV ALTA FC

In a Southern California showdown as dramatic as it was physical, USL League One side AV ALTA FC bested MLS NEXT Pro’s Los Angeles FC 2, 2-1, in extra time.

Tuesday night’s final showdown pitted two third-division sides from rival leagues against each other on a chilly night at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, and LAFC 2 got the better jump out of the starting gate. While neither team scored in the opening 45, los Halconcitos led practically every other metric in that stretch, out-possessing and out-shooting the Antelope Valley hosts. However, in a taste of things to come, LA also had to make an extremely early injury sub when right back Josh Santiago went down in just the ninth minute of play.

After a halftime stadium light show set to the sweet sounds of Steve Aoki and Maná, the visitors’ health woes continued into the second half, starting with center back Kenny Nielsen. Arguably LA’s best player up to that point, his injury sub made it two starting defenders down in 55 minutes. All the while, the attack kept clicking at the other end of the pitch, and it would soon finally add up to something major. In the 64th minute, winger Sebastian Nava made a nice pass to midfielder DeCarlo Guerra, who smashed it home with a right-footed strike to give Los Angeles the all-important lead.

With LA’s defense getting more crucial by the minute, disaster struck their back line once again. ALTA striker Emmanuel Alaribe had already shown a willingness to go for Puskas nominees, including an overhead kick that sailed high right before Guerra’s goal. However, in a chaotic 70th-minute scramble right in front of the LAFC 2 net, Alaribe’s bicycle kick missed the ball entirely and instead got all of Christian Díaz’s head. It wasn’t malicious, but it had to be a yellow card, and while the concussion sub effectively gave the visitors bonus swaps in the long run, it came at the cost of not having either of their starting center backs available for the final stretch.

That made things all the easier for ALTA, who’d played a significantly more animated and effective game since returning from halftime, but LA goalie Cabral Carter had risen just as eagerly to this challenge, looking unbeatable in open play. It would take some combination of smart play and dumb luck to get past him, and in the 80th minute, that exact mix arrived. In a post-free kick storm of chaos, Emmanuel Alaribe found his redemption, taking a bounce from Osvaldo Lay and tapping it in for the equalizer. With neither side satisfied, they both kept throwing haymakers in an attempt to end this in regulation, but no one found their mark — and as is seemingly tradition in this tournament, the last match of the day went to extra time.

Surprisingly little action ensued in the first bonus half. The biggest highlight was when ALTA substitute Joaquin Acuña attempted a diving header and wound up headbutting the post instead. Fortunately, he was unhurt, and his team remained the less battered of the two, but despite possessing the ball for 68% of that 15-minute stretch, the hosts did little with it.

After a bizarre miscommunication at the start of extra time’s second half effectively let LAFC 2 steal the kickoff, the final 15 proved a more dramatic affair, with the two sides each taking swings at glory. In a microcosm of the earlier regulation, los Halconcitos’ strong start faded into more and more ALTA momentum, but as penalties loomed, the hosts appeared to take a massive blow. In the 119th minute, ALTA manager Brian Kleiban said something to a referee that was apparently so offensive it merited a red card, a decision the home crowd loudly disapproved of.

However, this would prove to mean little. As the final seconds ticked down, ALTA had another corner on their hands. Though Carter made the initial save, Jimmie Villalobos grabbed the rebound, and with a left-footed blast at point-blank range, the ALTA substitute completed the comeback for his side, then took a second yellow for taking off his shirt and had to leave with his manager. Being short handed wasn’t a problem, though, as AV thwarted LA’s last gasps to take the victory.

With this win, AV ALTA are now 2-0-0 all-time in the Open Cup. They continue to sit in the strange position of being undefeated in the tournament where they debuted, but winless everywhere else. With USL-1 matches against Westchester SC and Chattanooga Red Wolves on the horizon, ALTA will hope to shake that status before the Third Round, which is set for April 15 and 16.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Burrito Boys of El Farolito stun Monterey Bay with chaotic game-winner

April 2, 2025 by Tom Arnison

A sparse but loyal crowd welcomed Monterey Bay FC (USL League One) and visitors El Farolito (NPSL) for the opening night of the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. El Farolito entered the round as the sole-remaining club representing the National Premier Soccer League, as the other six were all eliminated in Round 1 by professional opposition.

They would keep their latest Cinderella run alive with a 2-1 win over Monterey Bay. The game was decided in dramatic fashion with an chaotic 84th minute goal by Edgard Kreye. With the win, the 1993 US Open Cup champions claimed their fourth upset of a pro team in the last two years.

“I am very proud of the team’s character throughout the game,” said El Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez. “We knew we were up against one of the best USL teams in the country but they showed no fear.”

The “Burrito Boys” entered the round having bested MLS NEXT Pro side Real Monachs 3-1 after extra time in Round 1 on the road.

Monterey Bay FC entered the night on a 4-game win streak, including their 4-0 opening round victory over International San Francisco (SFSFL).

El Farolito, unlike many amateur sides, has a much older group of players, with an average squad age of 28.5, The pros in the 18 for MBFC averaged just 25.5 years of age.

MBFC would start the match generally on the front foot, with El Farolito attempting long clearances and fast break attempts from early on in the contest.

In the 8th minute, El Farolito keeper Johan Lizarralde would attempt to spring his side on the attack with a quick punt that he harshly sliced into his team’s bench. This brought a round of ovation and several laughs from his teammates on the bench who were about to put on their raincoats just a few minutes later.

Lizarralde would make another mistake in the 18th minute when attempting to send the ball upfield from within his own 6 as pressure mounted on. The ball would travel just 30 yards and land at the feet of MDFC’s Xavi Gnaulati who dribbled forward and delivered a through ball into fellow midfielder Mobi Fehr who had his attempted cross snuffed out.

The next near miss would go through Gnaulati as well, who would pop the ball over El Farolito captain Johnatan Mosquera and deliver a volley from 8 yards into the glove of Lizarralde. The ball would trickle it’s way towards the goal line before being hacked away by Andres Zuluaga, only to be volleyed at goal again from the top of the 18, with a deflection up and off the crossbar, and down safely into the keeper’s hands.

Looking the more composed of the two sides through the first quarter of match, MBFC would win a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the match after a headed corner hit Dembor Benson’s arm on a bang-bang play at the near post.

Xavi Gnaulati would convert the kick for his third goal of the tournament, moving him temporarily into a tie at the top of the goalscoring list for the competition.

This is when the momemntum would change, however.

El Farolito started to command possession, and would dictate several attacks before the break, missing chances in the 35th minute but winning corner kicks.

Play would slow going into the break as Mosquera would have to exit the match in the 39th minute with an injury, being replaced by Omar Quiroga.

Rain would let up in the second half, but the field would remain slick, and El Farolito would show the few hundred in attendance that they knew how to manage a game going forward.

In the 54th minute, Johnatan Perez would deliver a cross into Benson who would show his special athleticisim with a leaping headed effort that would force a equally spectacular save MBFC’s GK Samuel Gomez.

In the 57th minute, Gabriel Arias would deliver a free kick deep to the back right post that would find Zuluaga ready to hack the ball again, this time into his team’s scoring goal.

With the game now level, El Farolito would not let their foot off the gas and nearly scored again two minutes later with Benson sliding into a Perez cross that would hit the wrong side of the post.

Winger Herlbert Soto would be the next to connect with with Benson in the 83rd minute, chipping a ball from the endline to the back right post. Benson would fail to convert with his head, forcing a brilliant reaction save from Gomez who would deflect the ball up and off the underside of crossbar. Perez woulld then deliver a left footed shot on the rebound, deflected back by a diving header from MBFC’s Joel Garcia Jr. The ball would then find Edgard Kreye twice: first, blasting the ball into the chest of another MBFC defender on the line, and then sliding the ball calmly past the two almost-hero defenders now in splits on the turf.

The match would end 2-1 giving the Burrito Boys another win over a professional opponent, and yet another upset on the road. MBFC head coach Jordan Stewart immediately went to shake hands with the El Farolito staff and players, and El Farolito players ended the night either dancing on the field, lying in star-pose, crying tears of joy, or carrying babies.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2 Review: One amateur team left standing as 16 teams advance to Round 3

April 2, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic by Phil Naegely | Photo: Columbus Crew 2

The Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is done and dusted with 16 victors still standing. An often chaotic two nights of action saw enough thrillers and last minute heroics to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.

Day One on Tuesday featured five of the six total games played being decided by one goal. El Farolito continued its giant killing ways against USL Championship opponents (a win that would ultimately earn them $50,000 in prize money). FORO battled valiantly until the end in South Georgia. Chaotic scenes erupted in the Antelope Valley as AV ALTA squared up against cross county MLS NEXT Pro foes LAFC2.

Day two of the Second Rround on Wednesday night was all about a derby match over half a decade in the making, Chattanooga FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves. While the boys from Tennessee didn’t disappoint in a wire to wire game that ended in a penalty kick thriller, the evening’s other offerings provided plenty of additional storylines. The remaining amateur teams would fall and the Portland Hearts of Pine got to experience their first cup magic with a late equalizer and a penalty kick win.

When the chaos subsided, the original 32 teams had been narrowed down to four teams from the USL Championship, nine from USL League One, two from MLS NEXT Pro, and one from the NPSL. The remaining 16 USL Championship sides will enter in the Third Round. Now, our heroes will wait to see how much steeper the mountain they must climb will become —the draw to find out Third Round opponents will be on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

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Below you find a brief recap of every game from Round 2 with links to the full match report (with video highlights) as they become available:

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
3:0
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-C)

By Gracin Galbreath

Columbus Crew 2 would continue their run in this tournament by pulling off not just a cupset, but a dominant one at 3-0.

Crew 2 took an early 7th minute lead from Owen Presthus’ deflected shot that found the right corner. From that point on, Lexington kept the ball, trying to force a goal through one-two combos and wide play—to no avail. They went into the break with more possession and shots, but no equalizer to show for it.

In the second half, they continued this strategy as Crew 2’s stout defense repelled them. Cristian Ortiz would take advantage of Edrey Cáceres losing possession, and calmly slotted it in the bottom left corner as Crew 2 doubled their lead in the 65th minute. For the rest of the match, Lexington were contained as their opponents sat back. To add salt to the wound, a third goal was added in the 95th minute by Brent Adu-Gyamfi. US U17 prospect Chase Adams assisted the opening and closing goals.

Crew 2 are now 2-0-0 in their debut campaign in the Open Cup. Lexington SC exit with an all-time record of 1-3-0, having made their longest run yet.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
3:2
FORO SC (UPSL)

By James Knowles

In Statesboro, the match started very evenly. Although technically an amateur team, FORO SC had several former and prospective professionals. These players felt perfectly confident to run at the home side, with left back Kyran Pinho particularly active in putting Tormenta under pressure. The early patterns didn’t matter, though, as it was the USL League One club who scored first. Aaron Walker took advantage of a pile up at the back post to head home for South Georgia.

Each side created good chances in the second half, with Tormenta having a goal chalked off for offside. However, it would be the visitors who scored next, leveling things with a beautiful, looping finish from Gibran Rayo. But, South Georgia could not be held back. Yaniv Bazini beat the offside trap and put the home team back in the lead. Then, after a 90th minute scramble at the back, Foro won a penalty, which Brayan Padilla nonchalantly converted.

Somehow, that was not the end of this script. Another header, this time from Sebastian Vivas, gave Tormenta the advantage for a third time. Taking place during stoppage time, it was finally too late for another equalizer. With 101 minutes on the clock, full time was called, thus ensuring South Georgia moved on.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Inter Miami CF II (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:1
Miami FC (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

In the Vice City Derby, it was the USL Championship’s Miami FC who emerged victorious, 1-0, over Inter Miami CF II. Francisco Bonfiglio provided the heroics for the visitors, supplying the matchwinner in the 84th minute.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was Miami FC who applied more pressure to their opponent’s defense. Matias Martin was tested seven times, and while he was equal six times, it was lucky number seven that did the MLS NEXT Pro side in. Deian Veron whipped in a corner that fell to Bonfiglio in the six-yard box. All the Argentinian had to do was slot it home at the near post to punch Miami FC’s ticket to the Third Round.

Miami FC is now 10-6-1 all-time in Open Cup play. Despite seven Open Cup appearances, this is the club’s first win over a Division 3 side.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
2:1
Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time

By Jordan Beech

Charlotte Independence needed extra time for a second-straight match, but in the end secured advancement to the Third Round, 2-1, over Carolina Core FC of MLS NEXT Pro. Souaibou Marou notched the match-winner for the hosts in the 94th minute.

Both teams scored in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Luis Alvarez took advantage of a big touch by Andrew Pannenberg on a back pass, knocking it off the keeper’s foot before slotting it into the back of the net for a 1-0 Charlotte advantage. However, the lead wouldn’t last long as Josuha Rodriguez fired home from Derek Cuevas’ service just eight minutes later to knot the score up at 1-1. Neither team would score in the remaining 80 minutes of regulation, sending the match into extra time.

Quickly after extra play began Souaibou Marou put the Independence back on top. The Cameroonian striker got behind a flat-footed Core backline on a lofted through ball from Jon Bakero. Marou faced down the on-rushing Pannenberg and chipped it over his head in the 94th minute to send Charlotte through.
The win sends the Independence to the Third Round for the third straight year. Charlotte is now 8-7-3 all-time in Open Cup play.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
1:2
El Farolito (NPSL)

By Tim Thomas

The Burrito Boys ride again as El Farolito pulled off the cupset against Monterey Bay FC 2-1. On what at times was a blustery and rainy night El Farolito ended their drought against USL Championship opponents in dramatic fashion.

El Farolito came into the evening facing long odds looking to keep their Cinderella story going against a surging Monterey Bay squad. Monterey came out on the front foot early pressing El Farolito and eventually scoring a goal on a penalty kick that came as a result of a Dembor Benson handball.

Going into the half down 1-0 and with their captain subbed off due to an injury, things looked bleak for El Farolito. They came out in the second half guns blazing, leading to an Andres Zuluaga goal in the 57th minute. A chaotic scramble in front of the net would lead to the Burrito Boys game winner in the 83rd minute by Edgard Kreye.

This marks El Farolito’s first victory in the Open Cup against USL Championship opponents and their third 2-1 victory against professional opponents after trailing 1-0.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

AV ALTA FC (USL-1)
2:1
LAFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
After Extra Time

By A.D. Mosier

A cagey match between third division Open Cup debutant clubs saw the newly incarnated USL-1 side, AV Alta FC, top LAFC2 2-1 with a goal in the waning moments of extra time.

Emanual Alaribe and Jimmie Vallalobos scored for AV Alta, playing only its fourth competitive match in club history. Anthony Guerra scored for the visiting LAFC2.

Guerra put LAFC2 in the lead in the 64th minute, running onto a sublime through ball from Sebastian Nava to smash the ball past Alta goalkeeper, Carlos Avilez from inside the penalty area.

The hosts drew level in the 80th minute when Emanual Alaribe got enough on the ball in a goal-line scrum to finally beat LAFC2 goalkeeper, Cabral Carter.

The game was stretched in the final ten minutes. Both goalkeepers were forced to make crucial saves to keep the game level as regulation time wound down.

With both teams looking resigned to penalty kicks, Vallalobos banged home a rebound after center back Luca Mastrantonio rose to meet an inswinging corner kick, smashing his header off the crossbar.

Vallalabos will have to watch his club in the next round from the stands. His exuberant celebration led to his dismissal after being shown a second yellow card and subsequent red for ripping off his shirt in celebration.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
4:2
Virginia Dream FC (USASA / VSSL)

By Gracin Galbreath

It was a goalfest as USL Championship side Loudoun United neutralized two goals from amateur side Virginia Dream to advance by a score of 4-2.

The opener for Loudoun was a glancing header from Riley Bidois, just 3 minutes before the whistle. Going into the break, their 1-0 advantage remained. In the 50th minute, a low cross from Asparuh Slavov found the feet of Akingbolahan Akinkoye for the Dream’s equalizer. It was then Ben Mine’s close-range finish that restored Loudoun’s lead. Another goal from close-range, this for 3-1, was scored by Zach Ryan in the 77th minute. Nicolas Likulia’s header right down the throat of the Loudoun goal pulled one back, but it wouldn’t be enough; Zach Ryan completed his brace in stoppage time by slotting one into an open net. Loudoun had a majority of possession with 22 shots that came from it.

Loudoun United advance with a record of 5-2-1 in the Open Cup; meanwhile, the Dream is over as they go 1-1-0 in their first campaign.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)
1:1
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
Portland Hearts of Pine advances 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Jordan Beech

Portland Hearts of Pine secured their first-ever Cupset in their first-ever shootout, edging past Hartford Athletic, 1-1 (4-2), on Wednesday night in Second Round action.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock in regulation, sending the match to extra time. Unfortunately for Portland, Azaad Liadi received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow in the 96th minute. Jordan Scarlett took advantage of being up a man, nodding home in the 107th minute from Emmanuel Samadia’s service off the corner. However, Hearts of Pine leveled 10 minutes later when Evan Southern found Jake Keegan on the right side of the box.

In penalties, Hunter Morse saved Hartford’s third kick, while Nathan Messer converted to give Portland a 3-2 advantage. Michee Ngalina then missed Hartford’s fourth attempt over the crossbar, setting up Evan Southern to punch Hearts of Pine’s ticket to the next round.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Westchester SC (USL-1)
3:2
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA / APSL)

By Ben Land

A Tri-state area clash took place this evening in Westchester County at the host’s venue in Mount Vernon, New York. The suburban hosts held down their home turf in the end.

Westchester SC opened the scoring inside 3 minutes through their captain and Honduran national team player, Juan Obregón. Obregón led the lines alongside Ermin Matic who was quiet in comparison. A mere 18 minutes later, the visitors added insult to injury by conceding an own goal in the 22nd minute. New York Pancyprian Freedoms’ center back, Jack Sluys was unlucky to get the last touch allowing Westchester to double their lead. The scoring wasn’t over just yet though. Daniel Bouman, a former Australia youth international, netted in the top left corner from inside the box at the 33rd minute mark. The half concluded three-nil in favor of the USL League One side, with a yellow card for the Pancyprian captain, Luis Argudo

The Pancyprian Freedoms showed resolve,mustering a total of 12 shots, 4 of which were on target in the match. Pablo Herrera had one of those shots, which he converted from close range in the 54th minute off a corner. A minute later Obregón of Westchester FC was carded for a handball. The visitors continued to push for a second until stoppage time when they finally broke through for a second time, courtesy of James Thristino. Jordan Bailon whipped in a delicious cross which Thristino finished emphatically with the left foot from about 8 yards out.

The match finished 3-2 Westchester FC, who held off a last second rally from the amateur New York City based side. The hosts move on to the Third Round and the fairytale run for the Pancyprian Freedoms, the three-time Open Cup champs, comes to an end in their home state.

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Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
1:1
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC advances 5-4 on penalties

By Gracin Galbreath

The long-awaited “Chattanooga Derby” took place in this Round Two of the US Open Cup; in the end, the Scenic City was Red.

Just 7 minutes in, a free-kick from Omar Hernandez would give the Red Wolves a lead. 12 minutes later, CFC had their own free-kick goal as Daniel Mangarov nestled one into the top corner for their equalizer. It was a back-and-forth affair from then on, as CFC held most of the ball while the Red Wolves played on the counter. A scrum—which is expected between crosstown rivals—brought the match to the end of regulation. By then, they had combined for 19 shots with only a sliver being on target.

A scrummy first half of extra time would take place; CFC continued to build towards the final third while the Red Wolves picked up the scraps, but it amounted to nothing. The second half of extra time saw the Red Wolves with more momentum, but so remained the scoreline. It would ultimately go to penalties. CFC immediately went down 1-0 as Ricardo Jerez denied Mangarov. With just the last penalty to make, Owen Green rippled the right netting to send the Red Wolves through.

Chattanooga FC now have a record of 3-8-5 in Open Cup play, while the Chattanooga Red Wolves are 4-4-0 and tie the record for their deepest run yet.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Greenville Triumph (USL-1)
1:3
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)

By Ian Livingston Brooking

One Knoxville scored two goals in the first 25 minutes en route to a 3-1 victory over Greenville Triumph on Wednesday night, advancing to the Third Round in the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

Stavros Zarokostas scored the opening goal just before the 14-minute mark, then found teammate Mark Doyle not even 10 minutes later to double Knoxville’s advantage in the Upstate.

Greenville looked to cut the lead in half just before halftime after a penalty was given, only to see it saved by Knoxville’s Johan Garibay. Despite going down a man within the first five minutes of the second half, the Triumph upped the pressure and finally got the goal they’d been pushing for in the 55th minute.

The Triumph continued to put the pressure on their fellow USL League One side, with many chances coming in the final 10 minutes. However, Knoxville’s Babacar Diene caught a long pass upfield and slotted the ball into the back of the net late in stoppage time, sealing the historic victory.

With this win, One Knoxville avenges a 3-2 defeat to the Triumph in last year’s edition of the tournament and improved their all-time Open Cup record to 3-2-0. They will know their next opponent following the Third Round draw on Thursday, April 3.

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FC Naples (USL-1)
3:0
Little Rock Rangers (USL-2)

By Jordan Beech

FC Naples was untroubled by Little Rock Rangers, claiming a 3-0 triumph on Wednesday night in Second Round action. Three different players scored for the host side against the amateur visitors.

Jayden Onen wasted no time in getting the party started, scoring in the opening minute of play for FC Naples with a shot from distance. Brecc Evans then doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, heading home Luka Prpa’s corner service. With the match well in hand, Andres Ferrin put a bow on the proceedings with the host’s third goal in the 77th minute of play.

FC Naples has now picked up two wins in their inaugural Open Cup campaign, with both wins coming against amateur sides.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Forward Madison (USL-1)
1:3
FC Tulsa (USL-C)

By Jordan Beech

In a rough match that saw seven cards handed out, FC Tulsa escaped Wisconsin with a 3-1 win over USL League One’s Forward Madison.

The visitors from the Sooner State went up 2-0 in the first half thanks to Owen Damm and Kalil ElMedkhar. Damm drew first blood in the 21st minute, with ElMedkhar following suit in the 31st minute.

Shortly after the restart, Tulsa went up 3-0 as Taylor Calheira, who already had an assist on the evening, converted from the spot. Forward Madison would pull one back in the 68th minute thanks to Nazeem Bartman to put the final touches on the scoreline. However, with the match all but wrapped up, Tulsa’s Boubacar Diallo received a second yellow card and made an early trip to the locker room.

As a result of the win, FC Tulsa punches its ticket to the Third Round for the fifth time, including their third time in four years. Now 7-8-1 overall in Cup action, Wednesday night was just the third road win for Tulsa, and their second of the 2025 Open Cup campaign.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
1:2
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Irlanda Cecilia Tangarife

Nothing but excitement, passion, a great battle Wednesday night in Des Moines, Iowa where the US Open Cup was hosted by the Des Moines Manace against Union Omaha. Starting off the game in the first 15 minutes, the Des Moines Menace, armed with their roster of former MLS stars, held strong on their defense, but Union Omaha came with great possession, and at the 17th minute, Dion Acoff got his team in the lead. He couldn’t have done it without the great assist from Aaron Gomez, however, this drove Gomez to fight for more. Not long after, in the 33rd minute, Aaron Gomez made a spectacular goal with the assist from Sergio Ors Navarro. This left the Owls up 2-0 in the first half, leaving the pitch strong and together.

Although Des Moines Menace were down 2-0 in the first half, this just made them become more driven and motivated to catch up. Fighting in the box to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net, a second yellow card was issued to the Union Omaha’s Brand Knapp when he fouled Des Moines’ Benny Feilhaber. The two-time Open Cup champion (Sporting KC with 2015 & 2017) cut the lead in half from the penalty spot in the 54th minute. Knapp’s second yellow card left the Owls vulnerable and having to stay strong to keep their defensive shape and not risk another goal. The Menace fought hard, had greater possession in the second half, and created multiple chances but were unable to find the equalizer as Union Omaha reached the Third Round for the fourth year in a row.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)
2:1
Spokane Velocity FC (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott

There were moments when Defiance looked to be coasting to a win after Joonma Kang’s third-minute goal, but after a Luis Gil equalizer in the 78th minute, the Velocity goal led a charmed life with Edson Carli and Tsukanome hitting the crossbar and a Gil header trickling in, sent the Defiance defense scrambling in stoppage time at the end of regulation.

After hitting the crossbar yet again, Carli got the hosts back ahead, seizing on a cross from the left, pulling the ball back on the right before a deflection took the ball back inside the left-hand post. The match ended dramatically as Anuar Pelaez bicycled right into the keeper’s gloves.

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Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
0:3
El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)

By A.D. Mosier

El Paso Locomotive rode two first half goals and an early Ventura County FC red card to advance to the third round with a 3-0 win at Dignity Health Park’s Track Stadium.

Daniel Carter Bodden, Antonio Alfaro, tallied first half goals to keep the third division side at bay, and Andreas Cabrera put the game out of reach within the final ten minutes. All three of El Paso’s goals were scored from inside the six-yard box.

Shortly after going down two goals, things went from bad to worse when Jason Bucknor was shown a second yellow card in five minutes to put the visitors up a man. El Paso would keep that advantage for just under a half an hour when Alfaro picked up his second yellow card on the night, leveling things at 10 players each.

El Paso took the lead in the 17th minute when Alfaro flicked on an inswinging corner kick from the right side. The flicked ball shot across the face of the goal before Bodden got enough on the ball to get it over the line.

El Paso doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, from the opposite corner this time, when Ventura County goalkeeper, JT Marcinkowski could not get through the crowded six-yard box to play the ball, allowing it to float to the far post where it found Alfaro.

Cabera, the coach’s son, put the game away with nine minutes to play, slotting home a Beto Avila cross at the far post to put the game out of reach.

With the win, El Paso advances to the third round for just the second time in club history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: South Georgia Tormenta need 3 go-ahead goals to fight off FORO SC

April 2, 2025 by Forrest Wimberly

Players from FORO SC (Orange) and South Georgia Tormenta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly | TheCup.us

It was a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup instant classic Tuesday night in Statesboro, Georgia as South Georgia Tormenta defeated visiting FORO SC 3-2. The UPSL side from Texas just refused to go away and twice leveled the game in the final 20 minutes before Tormenta found the late, late winner to advance.

The match started with both teams looking to control the midfield spaces with Tormenta studying their opponent as they read and reacted to the visitors from Texas. This was all part of the plan for Tormenta Head Coach Ian Cameron.

“It was a quick turnaround (from the USL One game last Saturday) and the mentality of the group was to see what they bring and then test ourselves as a staff and players to see if we can adapt to their tactics within the game”.

In the 38^th minute, Tormenta adapted their attacking pattern and found space down the right flank to drive the ball deep and FORO SC in their penalty box. The ball was then dropped to the 18 where defender JP Perez floated a ball into the center of the box as midfielder Aaron Walker rose first and rose highest to head the ball down into the left corner of the net for the 1-0 advantage.

The score line stayed in the hosts favor all the way into the 65^th minute when Tormenta thought they had scored a second goal only to see the offside flag wipe it away. From this moment on the match went bonkers.

FORO SC found their first goal in the 67^th minute as Gibran Rayo pressed forward from his right back position and hit a curling shot into the back post upper 90 to level the match at 1-1. FORO SC had dribbled into the attacking third of the field followed by some quick passes from the center to the right flank which opened up the Tormenta defense. This allowed the ball to be cut back to Rayo for the first-time shot at the edge of the penalty box. The scrambling Tormenta keeper Austin Pack had no chance of even getting a touch to the bending shot up over his outstretched arms.

The match picked up tempo as both teams pressed for the game-winner and Tormenta substitute Yaniv Bazini was slipped a ball at the top of the box in the 85^th minute and he perfectly timed his run and calmly converted the chance versus the onrushing FORO SC keeper low to the left post for the 2-1 Tormenta lead.

FORO SC threw everything forward after the Tormenta goal and a scrambling save by Austin Pack in the 90^th minute looked to preserve the result.

The following run of play saw FORO SC deliver the ball into a dangerous area of the Tormenta box where a penalty kick was won by FORO SC to send US Open Cup first round hero Brayan Padilla to the spot. Padilla converted the penalty at 90+2 minutes and again FORO SC had leveled the match and looked to be sending the match to extra time.

Tormenta forward Sebastian Vivas had other ideas and scored the decisive goal for the hosts at the 90+4 minute mark taking all the wind out of the Cupset minded FORO SC attack. Tormenta pushed the ball down the right flank and won a very physical duel 1v1 to serve the ball into Vivas at the goal box where he nodded the ball down to the right past the frozen FORO SC goalkeeper. The hosts finished out the final minutes of the match and claimed the win to advance to Round Three.

“I thought they (FORO SC) were terrific,” said Tormenta Head Coach Ian Cameron. “Their touch, their movement, their togetherness…they are all on the same page. They made it really difficult. It wasn’t just spirit, or their World Cup Final with them playing up; it was proper football they played. It was really cool to see.”

The win keeps South Georgia Tormenta’s home US Open Cup undefeated streak alive at 5-0-0 in home matches played inside Tormenta Stadium which opened in the fall of 2022

Tormenta now awaits the third round draw to see who their next opponent will be.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Marou’s OT goal gives Charlotte Independence first pro win in 10 years

April 2, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

Souaibou Marou of the Charlotte Independence celebrates after scoring a goal against Carolina Core FC in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence

While USL League One side Charlotte Independence and MLS NEXT Pro team Carolina Core FC have only met in preseason matches prior to the 2025 US Open Cup, the tension on the field was that of storied rivals that had something to prove. A hectic start saw goals on each side after only ten minutes on Tuesday night, but the game was pulled into extra time before the game winner by Souiabou Marou in the 93rd minute.

Mike Jeffries, head coach of the Charlotte Independence, has spent a lot of time in and around the US Open Cup. Tuesday’s 2-1 extra time win was the 17th time in his career that he has led a team to the next round of the competition, which is tied for 10th most of any coach in the Modern Era (1995-present).

“I love the Open Cup, because it’s fun, and I’ve been on both sides of the coin, being the underdog with the amateur team and trying to figure out how to get a result, and then also being the favorite in a game, or being an MLS club that’s expected to win some of the games,” said Jeffries.

With this mindset, it’s easy to see the intensity that Jeffries instills in players season after season with the club.

An unfortunate goalkeeping error by Andrew Pannenburg led to an early lead by the Independence, with Luis Alvarez scoring easily on an empty net in only the 2nd minute of the game. Carolina Core responded numerous times over the next few minutes, most notably with a blocked shot on goal in the 7th minute. So it’s no wonder that they were able to equalize in the 10th minute with a goal from Josuha Rodriguez, assisted by Derek Cuevas. A grueling pace was set for the rest of the half, both teams urging each other to get ahead once more.

As the second half began the tone on the field seemed more subdued, with less urgency seen from both teams. There were plenty of shots taken, each player itching for that winning goal, with a free kick in the 58th minute giving Carolina Core their most clear cut chance. But no goals were given, and extra time loomed in Matthews, N.C.

In almost a repeat of the beginning of the game, the deciding goal was scored within the first three minutes of extra time. Souaibou Marou, in his first season with the team, made the angles work for him and brought Charlotte Independence one step closer to the next round of the Cup. All they had to do was survive the remainder of the extra time, and Carolina Core wasn’t going to make it easy for them. Tensions rose, tempers flared, and after a few small scuffles, the final whistle blew.

Independence Captain Clay Dimick was proud of his teammates’ performance.

“The team did everything you could ask from them,” said Dimick. “Mentality was the biggest thing we wanted to harp on going into this game and from minute one to minute 120 the mentality was there. is a way to see how far you can go … the players, the staff, we believe that we have a lot of quality and can play with teams in the higher divisions than us, and it’s a good chance to showcase that.”

With the win, Charlotte wins back-to-back extra time games to advance to Round 3 which is scheduled for the week of April 15-16. Tuesday’s win marked the first time they have elimated a pro team in the Open Cup without the use of penalty kicks since the club’s inaugural season in 2015. That year, Charlotte upset the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL (now North Carolina FC) and the New England Revolution (MLS) to reach the Fifth Round. The only pro team Charlotte has eliminated since then was last year when they beat Rhode Island FC (USL Championship) 5-4 in a PK shootout after a 4-4 draw.

Charlotte Independence will compete in the next round of the Open Cup, which is scheduled for the week of April 15-16. In regular league play, they will visit Greenville Triumph on Saturday. Carolina Core will have their home opener for the MLS NEXT Pro season this Saturday against NYCFC II.