Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Carolina RailHawks

USSF: NASL teams will not be eligible for 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

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In a conference call to discuss the US Soccer Federation’s provisional sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL), US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the eight-team league will not be taking part in the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Five of the eight teams in the NASL — Carolina RailHawks, FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, Atlanta Silverbacks, NSC Minnesota Stars and Miami FC — will not participate due to the fact that a change to the Open Cup format at this stage of planning would be difficult.

Gulati said during the conference call, “It’s simply too late to incorporate them into the process in the various phases of the tournament. The timing does not work for the five U.S.-based teams to participate in this annual event.” He added, “It’s impossible to put them into . They’re not going to play this year.”

This marks the first time in the Professional Era (1995-present) that a pro league will not be taking part in the tournament. The last time a professional league was not represented in the Open Cup was when the previous North American Soccer League(1968-1984) refused to enter throughout the league’s 17-year existence. In 1996, the USISL Pro League did not enter a club into the Open Cup, but that was due to the qualification tournament created by the USISL, which merged all the leagues together into one competition. None of the USISL Pro teams survived the qualifying tournament.

The format for the 2011 US Open Cup has not been released, and it is unknown when it will be announced and how many teams will ultimately take part in the tournament. The last two years, the format was announced on May 5, 2010 and April 30, 2009.

The three remaining clubs, all of which are not eligible because they are not based in the United States, are still competing in their own cup competitions. The Canadian-based teams, FC Edmonton and the Montreal Impact will be taking part in the Canadian Nutrilite Championship and the Puerto Rico Islanders will also continue to participate in the Caribbean Football Union championships. Both tournaments lead to a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Currently there are a number of states who have either completed or are conducting their Open Cup qualifying tournament for the USASA.  Check back with TheCup.us with a recap of all the state qualifying to this point.

Things you should know about the First Round of the US Open Cup

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David Geno and the Seattle Sounders Under-23s celebrate one of the club's five goals in a 5-1 win over Doxa Italia in the First Round of the 2013 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Coulter | SoundersPhotos.com
David Geno and the Seattle Sounders Under-23s celebrate one of the club’s five goals in a 5-1 win over Doxa Italia in the First Round of the 2013 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Coulter | SoundersPhotos.com

A total of 40 clubs took part in the first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (then known as the National Challenge Cup) tournament in 1913/14, a majority of whom came from the Northeast region of the country.

In 2008, the Seattle Sounders USL franchise became the first club in the Modern Era to advance to the Semifinals in consecutive seasons after beginning play in the First Round.

Since 1996, only five teams have advanced to the Semifinals after beginning play in the First Round. The Charleston Battery (2008), Carolina RailHawks (2007), San Francisco Bay Seals (1997) and the Seattle Sounders who did it twice in 2007 and 2008. San Francisco remain as the only third division club to advance to the final four (after beginning in Round 1) during that span.

Since 1995, an Open Division Local team has failed to advance past the First Round only three times (1995, 1998, 2002). Uruguay SC from Florida made the Second Round in back-to-back years (2000, 2001), and Mexico SC (Fresno, CA) joined them in 2000. Dallas Roma FC advanced in consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006 and Bavarian SC (Milwaukee, WI) moved on to the next round in 2003 and 2007. From 2008-2010, only one USASA club survived the opening round each year (Hollywood United – 2008, Sonoma County Sol – 2009, Arizona Sahuaros – 2010). After the tournament expanded in 2012, it has become more common.

In 1999, the Wilmington Hammerheads saw two players score hat tricks in their First Round match. Ryan Walker and Luke Griffith both scored three times in Wilmington’s 8-1 rout of Los Lobos, a USASA team from Oklahoma.

The Atlanta Silverbacks (USL First Division, Div. 2 pro) embarrassed Azzurri, an Open Division Local club from North Texas, 10-0 in the First Round of the 2007 tournament. It was the biggest route in the Modern Era, topping the Chicago Stingers’ (USL D3 Pro) 8-0 win over SAC Wisla (USASA) in 1997.

2007 marked the first year that all non-MLS teams began the tournament in the First Round. It was also the first year that any Division 2 pro teams started in Round 1.

In 2013, David Geno of the Seattle Sounders U-23s (USL League Two) became the first player from an Open Division team to score four goals in one game, and just the 10th player from any division to pull off the feat. He did this in Seattle’s 5-1 home win over Doxa Italia, and he scored all four of his goals in the first half.

The First Round in 2013 marked the first time that four different players scored a hat trick in the same round. Prior to that year, no more than two players had ever done it in the same round in the Modern Era (1995-present).  David Geno of the Sounders U23s scored four against Doxa Italia (USASA), while Hakan Ilhan (Carolina Dynamo), Kwadwo Poku (Georgia Revolution) and Argjent Duka (Icon FC) each scored a trio of goals in their respective games.

The attendance record for the First Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era) is 5,816, when the Arizona Sahuaros (D3 Pro League) hosted the San Gabriel Valley Highlanders (PDL) at Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona on June 12, 1998.

The record for highest average attendance in the First Round (Modern Era) is 1,247, but there were only four games scheduled that year (and one of them was forfeited).

The record for the biggest Second Round in the Modern Era is 2017 when there were 28 games played.

Updated after the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2009 Second Round: Q&A with Player of the Round Kenny Bundy of Wilmington Hammerheads

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Wilmington Hammerheads midfielder Kenny Bundy has been named the TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Second Round of the 2009 tournament. Bundy came on as a 68th minute substitute for Wilmington in their match against the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division, and scored a goal in the final minute of extra time to tie the match at 3-3. Bundy also converted one of the Hammerheads’ penalty kicks in the tiebreaker.

In another narrow vote, Bundy edged Ocean City Barons goalkeeper Tunde Ogunbiyi and Portland Timbers forward Mandjou Keita. Ogunbiyi kept a clean sheet in the Barons’ 1-0 upset win in overtime against the Real Maryland Monarchs of the USL Second Division, and Keita scored two late goals to seal the Timbers’ 3-0 victory over the USASA’s Sonoma County Sol.

The Player of the Round is selected by the staff of TheCup.us and members of the North American Soccer Reporters, a group that consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information about the NASR can be found at www.soccerreporters.com.

Bundy’s first run with the Hammerheads was from 2004-06, where he had 11 goals and 10 assists in his 57 games. He left the club to become the Director of Coaching at the Cape Fear Soccer Association, but after a two-year abscence, has come back. Bundy has one goal and three assists this season for the resurgent Hammerheads who are looking to return to the USL Second Division playoffs after missing out the last three seasons.

His tally against Carolina was Bundy’s third career Open Cup goal. The other two also came in Second Round matches, with the first in a 5-0 win against Dallas Roma FC (USASA) in 2005 and the other in 2006 when Wilmington eliminated the PDL’s Virginia Beach Submariners, 3-1.

The goal came just two minutes after Carolina’s Gavin Glinton seemingly gave the RailHawks a 3-2 win, and was the result of a long free kick which was headed toward Bundy. Bundy then beat Carolina goalkeeper Caleb Patterson to send the game to penalty kicks. In the penalty session, Bundy scored on Wilmington’s second attempt on their way to winning the tiebreaker 4-3.

We had the opportunity to chat with Kenny recently for TheCup.us’s Player of the Round Q&A.

TheCup.us: Can you tell us about your dramatic equalizer and the wild extra time session between your Hammerheads and the Carolina RailHawks? And how does it rank for you personally?

This was one of the most exciting games I have ever been a part of. The fact that every time a goal was scored the opposite team had a response within two minutes was amazing. We went into extra time knowing the next goal could win the game and scoring that goal three minutes into extra time gave us a huge boost of confidence. There is a split second when we went down 3-2 with two minutes left that doubt set in. As that ball was traveling into our final third it’s funny because you see everything slower and when Timmy headed that ball through all I had to do was get a touch and it was all tied up. If you watch the replay there are several opportunities where that play could have been disrupted, but it was our night.

TheCup.us: After a few disappointing seasons, what would you say is the biggest reason for the Hammerheads’ turnaround this year?

We all have the same goal, win the league and do well in the Open Cup. From the day we started preseason we have been working toward that goal. We have a good core of veteran guys who lead by enthusiasm and by example. Our younger players have experience from the top leagues and colleges, which is experience in its self. This is the balance that I think the teams in the past seasons have lacked.

TheCup.us: You have returned to the Hammerheads this season after a couple of years involved with the Cape Fear Soccer Association. What prompted your return? Are you still involved with Cape Fear and can you tell us about the organization?

Coach Irving called me after the New Year and had a plan to change the team dynamic around. He was bringing in some older veteran players like Chris Bagley and Tim Karalexsis. He asked if I wanted to be a part of this team. Obviously I was in. We discussed my job with Cape Fear Soccer and how we could work the schedule around each other. The Hammerheads have been fantastic about Cape Fear and my obligation. I am a Director with Cape Fear Soccer. We have around 2200 kids and 350 adults in our program. I also coach the 94 Breakers White and the 98 Breakers White. Coaching has become a passion of mine. Everyday I get to wake up and do what I love in a field that I have been involved in my whole life.

TheCup.us: This will be the third MLS team Wilmington has faced in the Open Cup. You took F.C. Dallas to extra time in 2005 and played a tight game with the Red Bulls in 2006. Does your history of being able to compete with the country’s top league give you guys confidence that you can pull off an upset on Tuesday?

Anything can happen at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, NC. We expect it to be a sell out crowd with lots of energy. We have arguably the best fans in the USL-2. Combine that with our team and this is a hard place to play.

TheCup.us: What are some memories you have from previous Open Cup games?

The one that sticks out the most is going into Dallas and going up a goal in the first half. At that moment it didn’t matter what league you were in. The two open cup games this year will stick with me for a while. Both games going long into the game to get a winner. This tournament is special in that aspect that any team from any league on any given night can win.

TheCup.us: Next up is the Chicago Fire … what do you expect from them on Tuesday?

We expect a very good team. Look at there roster, they have exceptional talent and they played a very good style of soccer. I expect a battle. We don’t care who comes into our stadium, we always worry about our game and believe that if we play our way we will come out on top.

2009 Second Round recap: Thriller in Carolina, Barons are last amateur survivor

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2009 U.S. Open Cup Second Round
(Home team listed on right)
June 16
Real Maryland Monarchs 0:1 (aet) Ocean City Barons
Wilmington Hammerheads 3:3 Carolina RailHawks
Wilmington advance on PKs, 4-3
Cleveland City Stars 1:2 (aet) Rochester Rhinos
Western Mass Pioneers 0:0 Harrisburg City Islanders
Harrisburg advances on PKs 4-3
Charleston Battery 1:0 Miami FC Blues
Chicago Fire (PDL) 0:4 Minnesota Thunder
El Paso Patriots 0:2 Austin Aztex
Portland Timbers 3:0 Sonoma County Sol
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Player of the Round: Kenny Bundy (Wilmington)
Things you should know about the Second Round
Notable upsets in the Second Round of the Open Cup

The Ocean City Barons and the Wilmington Hammerheads pulled off the lone upset of the US Open Cup Second Round. The Barons get a penalty kick in the 108th minute and JT Noone breaks a scoreless tie and Ocean City earns a date with DC United at the Maryland Soccerplex in Round 3. The Barons, based on the rest of the results, won the $10,000 prize money as the amateur team that has advanced the farthest in the tournament.

However, even with the drama of a PDL team earning a match with an MLS team, without question, the match of the Second Round was the Wilmington Hammerheads and the Carolina RailHawks. After finishing regulation tied 1-1, both teams scored a pair of goals in extra time, including a Hammerheads goal in stoppage time of the second overtime period to send the match into penalty kicks. Wilmington would win the PK shootout 4-3 and will move on to host the Chicago Fire of MLS.

2009 Second Round: Wilmington hold off RailHawks in PKs after goal-filled extra time session

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WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, N.C. | 7 p.m.
Twitter: @RailHawksFC Broadcast: USL Live
3
AET
 3
Wilmington advance on PKs 4-3
Hamed Diallo (Cunliffe) 34’
Brian Plotkin 98′
Gavin Glinton (Lowery) 118’
       22’ Chris Bagley (Watson)
92’ Timothy Karalexis (Murray)
120’+ Kenny Bundy
Penalty Kick Summary
Daniel Paladini – SAVED       GOAL – Chris Murray
John Cunliffe – GOAL       GOAL – Kenny Bundy
Gavin Glinton – GOAL       GOAL – Mark Briggs
Brian Plotkin – GOAL       GOAL – Jamie Watson
Mark Schulte – SAVED        

Caleb Patterson made several great saves during regulation as the Carolina RailHawks battled the Wilmington Hammerheads in a wild Second Round US Open Cup match.

However, it was Daryl Sattler came up with the big saves in the shootout, stopping two penalty kicks to send the USL Second Division side into the Third Round thanks to a 4-3 advantage on PKs following a pulsating 3-3 draw at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

“I think they deserved to win,” said Carolina coach Martin Rennie, whose team stands second in the USL First Division table. “I didn’t think we played well tonight. We got a lot of plaudits this season for doing well. Now we have to see how we react to a big disappointment. We went behind twice and came back, which showed character, and then we got the goal that should have been the winner. But right to the end, we didn’t play, so we deserved to lose, I think.”

Sattler made a diving save to deny Daniel Paladini on the first penalty kick, then stopped fifth shooter Mark Schulte to win it. All four Hammerheads shooters — Chris Murray, Kenny Bundy, Mark Briggs and Jamie Watson — made their kicks.

Each team scored twice during the 30 minutes of extra time, with Bundy’s goal in the last of the 120 minutes forcing the match to penalty kicks. His goal came two minutes after substitute Gavin Glinton nodded a flick from Amir Lowery past Sattler to seemingly seal the RailHawks’ passage into the Third Round for the third straight year.

Wilmington led twice, first through Chris Bagley in the 21st minute and then again thanks to Tim Karalexis, who scored off a rebound in the 92nd. But Carolina answered each time, Hamed Diallo doing the honors in the 34th and Brian Plotkin converting a header in the 98th — just a minute after coming into the game.

The Hammerheads have progressed to at least the Third Round in their last five US Open Cup appearances (2003-06 and 2009).

Lineups

CAROLINA: GK Caleb Patterson, D Devon McKenney, D Jeremy Tolleson, D John Gilkerson, M Luke Kreamalmeyer (Joseph Kabwe, 72nd), M Amir Lowery, M Daniel Paladini, M John Cunliffe, F Matt Watson (Brian Plotkin 97), F Hamed Diallo (Gavin Glinton 81).

WILMINGTON: GK Daryl Sattler, D Jerit Thayer, D Tim Karalexis, D Colin Falvey, D Graham Tatters, M Ryan Solle (Kenny Bundy, 68th), M Mark Briggs, M Zeke Dombrowski, M Jamie Franks (Chris Murray 69), F Chris Bagley (Zyler Noviello 105), F Jamie Watson.

Yellow cards: W Tatters (18), W Watson (32), C Lowery (35), C Cunliffe (43), C McKenney (95), C Schulte (105), W Falvey (120).

2009 First Round recap: Favorites survive first day, Barons pull off upset, Hawks just upset on day 2

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2009 U.S. Open Cup First Round
(Home team listed on right)
June 9
Orange County Blue Star 2:5 Sonoma County Sol
Carolina RailHawks 2:1 Richmond Kickers
Western Mass Pioneers 3:2 (aet) Emigrantes Das Ilhas
Wilmington Hammerheads 2:0 Charlotte Eagles
Rochester Rhinos 1:1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Rochester advance on penalities, 4-2
Cleveland City Stars 3:0 St. Louis Lions
Chicago Fire (PDL) 3:1 Bavarian SC
Harrisburg City Islanders 4:1 Reading Rage
Minnesota Thunder 3:2 402
Charleston Battery 2:0 Atlanta FC
Miami FC Blues 2:1 Lynch’s FC
Austin Aztex 2:0 Mississippi Brilla
El Paso Patriots 2:1 Arizona Sahuaros
Kitsap Pumas 0:3 Portland Timbers
June 10
Real Maryland Monarchs 1:0 Aegean Hawks FC
(Match stopped in 74th minute)
Crystal Palace Baltimore 0:3 Ocean City Barons
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Player of the Round: Byron Carmichael (OCB)
Some things you should know about the First Round
Notable upsets in the First Round of the Open Cup

If seeing the underdogs prevail is your thing, then you went to sleep disappointed last night.

Of the fourteen matches first round US Open Cup matches last night, only one was won by a team from the lower division, and even that wasn’t much of an upset.

The evening began with the lone “upset” of the day, as the NPSL’s Sonoma County Sol, perhaps the hottest team of the 32 set to play in the First Round, defeated the PDL’s Orange County Blue Star 5-2. Shawn Percell scored twice and Trevor Hurst, Eric Lafon, Eric Larson added the others for the Sol. The Sol are 12-0-1 in all matches played in 2009.

The most dramatic game of the night was in Rochester, as the Rhinos needed a stoppage time equalizer and penalties to overcome the USL-2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Trailing 1-0 for much of the game, the Rhinos forced extra time when Tai Atieno knocked in a corner kick in second half stoppage time. Atieno then missed a potential game winning penalty kick with two minutes left in overtime, but Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow came up with two saves in the penalty shootout to see his club through to the Second Round.

Two matches were postponed and were moved to the following day. Ocean City and Crystal Palace Baltimore was put off early in the day when heavy overnight rains left the Barons’ home field, Cary Stadium, flooded. The Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks and Real Maryland Monarchs were forced to set their game back a day when heavy thunderstorms rolled through the Rockville, Md. area.

The next day, the Ocean City Barons became the first PDL team to beat a USL professional squad in the 2009 tournament, winning a 3-0 decision over Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USL Second Division.

Byron Carmichael opened the scoring in the 7th minute, with an assist from Neal Melchionni. Carmichael struck again in the 33rd minute with an unassisted goal to gibe the Barons a 2-0 halftime lead.

With 12 minutes remaining, JT Noone left no doubt as to who the winners were with a Ryan Richter-assisted goal. The game had been postponed on Tuesday due to a flooded field from heavy overnight storms.

In Rockville, Maryland, the Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks were done in by Mother Nature on Wednesday night, as their opening round game versus the Real Maryland Monarchs was halted in the 74th minute after an hour and a half lightning delay, giving the USL-2 club a 1-0 win. The only goa,l of the match game from Ryan Cordeiro in the 14th minute, with an assist from Gary Brooks. Soon after, the Hawks were reduced to 10 men when Michael Goldman was shown a red card.

Hawks manager Jonathan Knight was understandably upset that the game was called. We have been told there was a 10 pm deadline, which is when the stadium lights had to be shut off (presumably by a city ordinance), and the game was official called at 10:18 pm. The game had to be rescheduled for tonight due to severe thunderstorms on Tuesday night.

This is the second year in a row weather has played a part in Real Maryland’s First Round Open Cup game. Last year their gasme against NY Pancyprian Freedoms was moves back three days after severe storms prevented play on the original date. Maryland won the rescheduled game 3-2 in extra time.

Ocean City will host Real Maryland next Tuesday in the Second Round.

2009 First Round: RailHawks beat Richmond in rematch of 2007 Quarterfinals

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WakeMedSoccer Park – Cary, N.C.
2
FT
 1
Daniel Paladini (Diallo) 14’
Hamed Diallo 48
         
20’ David Bulow (PK)

The Carolina RailHawks will move on to face another USL Second Division team after defeating the Richmond Kickers 2-1.

Hamed Diallo scored the game-winner just after halftime, and assisted on the opening goal early in the first half to lead the way for the home side at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. Richmond tied the game in the 20th minute on a David Bulow penalty kick. The game was a rematch of the 2007 Open Cup Quarterfinals when the RailHawks eliminated the Kickers 1-0, en route to an appearance in the Semifinals in Carolina’s inaugural season.

The RailHawks will advance to host the Wilmington Hammerheads in the Second Round next Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Lineups

RailHawks: GK Eric Reed, Devon McKenney, Mark Schulte, Jeremy Tolleson, John Gilkerson, Amir Lowery, Josh Gardner, Joseph Kabwe, Daniel Paladini, Matt Watson, Hamed Diallo (Sallieu Bundu – 68’)

Kickers: GK Ronnie Pascale, Sascha Görres, Yomby William, Henry Kalungi, Kenny Cutler, Luke Vercollone, Kelvin Jones (Adrian Bumbut – 50’), Gerson dos Santos (Ross MacKenzie – 83’), Chris Carrieri, David Bulow (Mike Burke – 50’), Matthew Delicâte

Shots: RIC 6, CAR 3
Saves: RIC 0, CAR 3
Fouls: RIC 10, CAR 14
Corners: RIC 3, CAR 4

Cautions:
54th minute: Devon McKenney (Carolina)
59th minute: Henry Kalungi (Richmond)
76th minute: Joseph Kabwe (Carolina)

Ejections:
None.

Referee:    Daniel Fitzgerald
Assistant Referees:   Saeed Mohamed, Chris Spivey
Fourth Official:    Mark Kadlecik
Attendance:    1,362
Weather:    Rain

2008 Quarterfinals: Sounders’ Chris Eylander unanimous as Player of the Round

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Chris Eylander’s 421 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal is a Professional Era record for an individual goalkeeper, and a team record for a single tournament. Photo: George Holland
Chris Eylander’s 420 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal is a Professional Era record for an individual goalkeeper, and a team record for a single tournament. Photo: George Holland

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander was a unanimous selection as the TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Quarterfinals. The award was voted on by the TheCup.us staff and members of the North American Soccer Reporters.

Eylander was challenged for the award by Jamie Moreno of DC United, along with goalkeepers Doug Warren of the New England Revolution and Eric Kronberg of the Kansas City Wizards.

The University of Washington alum helped the Sounders earn their fourth straight shutout in the tournament (a Professional Era single-tournament record of 421 shutout minutes), while holding Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes of play. After extra time, Seattle earned their second straight trip to the Semifinals with a 6-5 win in the penalty kick shootout.

Eylander made 13 saves in the match, including two stops (Jimmy Conrad, Tyson Wahl) in the shootout to send the Sounders to a date with fellow USL First Division club, the Charleston Battery on August 12 at Blackbaud Stadium.

The goalkeeper took some time to talk with TheCup.us following his Quarterfinal performance.

TheCup.us: First of all, congratulations on the win on Tuesday and for being named “Player of the Round.” The Wizards definitely put some pressure on your net, forcing you to make 13 saves. Was there a moment for you personally, or a particular defensive stop, where you felt like your defense was going to keep this shutout streak going.

Eylander: Thanks a lot for congratulating me. I don’t remember there being a distinct moment where I knew we were going to shut out the Wizards in regular play. We were under pressure in spells throughout the entirety of the game. Playing in any game a breakdown can occur at any time. I was very determined to do everything I could to keep the ball out of the net and help communicate with the players in front of me to dissallow any unnecessary opportunities on goal.

TheCup.us: In the penalty kick shootout, or any penalty kick shootout, do you just guess, or do you try to read the shooter? What’s your approach?

Eylander: PK tactics can always vary. I don’t think any goalkeeper would like to give out their secrets to how they approach penalties. In general, if you can determine any information from the player’s approach to the ball, this is a whole lot better than a random guess.

TheCup.us: Some MLS teams rest their starters for Open Cup games, but even the ones who field strong lineups are still getting knocked off the last couple of years. Do you feel like the talent gap is closing between the USL-1 and MLS or is the motivation for the USL-1 teams greater?

Eylander: Regardless of who the MLS teams are fielding, you can’t look at the last couple of years in Open Cup play and not see that the USL teams are competing very well with them.

TheCup.us: Sebastien Le Toux has already secured a place on the Seattle MLS roster. Is the prospect of getting a contract with the MLS Sounders creating some extra pressure for the rest of the players on the roster? Is that something that’s talked about among your teammates?

Eylander: I think every one of the players on the team would love the oppurtunity to play at the next level up. It may add a bit of pressure for the players. Playing well consistently thoughout the USL season and performing well against other MLS teams would add a lot of credibility for those looking to play at the MLS level. It isn’t something that I have noticed to be talked about much amongst the players. We understand that taking care of business in league and Open Cup play is the most important area of concentration for the team.

TheCup.us: Do you feel like you will be wearing a Seattle uniform next season?

Eylander: I would very much like to be wearing a Seattle uniform next season.

TheCup.us: Looking ahead to the next round, you’ve got Charleston at Blackbaud Stadium on August 12. Is there a different level of pressure when facing a team you’re familiar with rather than a team you rarely play, or have never played? What’s your outlook for the semifinal matchup with Charleston?

Eylander: The good thing about playing in Charleston for the Semifinals is that we have already played there twice this year. We will be much more familiar with the pitch, the environment and the team as opposed to if we were playing an unknown team for the first time away from home. We will also have more time this round to prepare and get players healthy. The semifinals will be a very challenging game. Charleston has a strong team and will give us a tough match.

About the NASR
The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) are a group that consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at www.soccerreporters.com.

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The 2008 Seattle Sounders now hold the record for the longest single-tournament shutout streak, but D.C. United have the high mark for longest streak over multiple competitions.

D.C. United (1996-1997, 564 mins.)
09/04/96 2-0 vs. Carolina Dynamo (GK – Jeff Causey) 90 mins.
10/27/96 2-0 vs. Dallas Burn (GK – Mark Simpson) 90 mins.
10/30/96 3-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos (GK – Mark Simpson) 90 mins.
08/06/97 0-0 (PKW 3-2) vs. Hershey Wildcats (GK – Scott Garlick) 120 mins.
08/19/97 2-0 vs. Tampa Bay Mutiny (GK – Scott Garlick) 90 mins.
09/03/97 2-1 vs. San Francisco Bay Seals (GK – Scott Garlick) 84 mins.

Seattle Sounders (2008, 421 mins.)
09/04/07  1-2 vs. FC Dallas (GK – Chris Eylander) 1 min.
06/10/08  1-0 vs. Arizona Sahuaros (GK – Chris Eylander) 120 mins.
06/24/08  6-0 vs. Hollywood United (GK – Chris Eylander) 90 mins.
07/01/08  2-0 vs. Chivas USA (GK – Chris Eylander) 90 mins.
07/08/08  0-0 (PKW 6-5) vs. Kansas City Wizards (GK – Chris Eylander) 120 mins.

Colorado Rapids (1999, 381 mins.)
07/30/97 1-2 vs. Chicago Stingers (GK – Paul Grafer) 46 mins.
07/13/99 1-0 vs. Seattle Sounders (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
08/13/99 1-0 vs. Tampa Bay Mutiny (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
09/01/99 3-0 vs. Charleston Battery (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
09/13/99 0-2 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos (GK – Ian Feuer) 65 mins.

Carolina RailHawks (2007, 329 mins.)
06/12/07 4-1 vs. RWB Adria (GK Chris McClellan) 14 mins.
06/26/07 4-0 vs. Bavarian SC (GK – Chris McClellan) 90 mins.
07/15/07 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire (GK – John O’Hara) 90 mins.
08/07/07 1-0 vs. Richmond Kickers (GK – Chris McClellan) 90 mins.
09/04/07 1-2 vs. New England Revolution (GK – Chris McClellan) 45 mins.

Charleston Battery (2007, 324 mins.)
08/02/06 3-3 (PKL 3-5) vs. FC Dallas (GK – Dusty Hudock) 1 min.
06/12/07 3-0 vs. Central Florida Kraze (GK – Keith Wiggans) 90 mins.
06/26/07 1-0 vs. El Paso Patriots (GK – Dusty Hudock) 90 mins.
07/10/07 1-0 vs. Houston Dynamo (GK – Dusty Hudock) 120 mins.
08/07/07 1-2 vs. FC Dallas (GK – Dusty Hudock) 23 mins.

San Jose Earthquakes (2000-2001, 292 mins.)
08/09/00 0-2 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Joe Cannon) 9 mins.
06/27/01 6-0 vs. Central Coast Roadrunners (GK – Jon Conway) 90 mins.
07/11/01 0-0 (PKW 7-6) vs. Milwaukee Rampage (GK – Jon Conway) 120 mins.
07/24/01 1-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Jon Conway) 73 mins.

Dallas Roma FC (2006, 259 mins.)
06/14/06 2-2 (PKW 4-2) vs. Laredo Heat (GK – Jesse Llamas) 14 mins.
06/28/06 1-0 vs. Miami FC (GK – Jesse Llamas) 90 mins.
07/12/06 0-0 (PKW 4-2) vs. Chivas USA (GK – Jesse Llamas) 120 mins.
08/01/06 0-2 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Nestor Merlo) 35 mins.

Longest Shutout Streak in Professional Era (1995 – present)
DC United (1996-97)  564 mins.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS (2008)  421 mins.
Colorado Rapids (1999)  381 mins.
Carolina RailHawks (2007)  329 mins.
Charleston Battery (2007)  324 mins.
San Jose Earthquakes (2000-01)  292 mins.
Dallas Roma FC (2006)  259 mins.

2008 Third Round: Wizards conjure up extra time escape vs. RailHawks

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The Kansas City Wizards traveled to Cary, NC to meet the Carolina Railhawks in what proved to be an evenly fought game with the fans getting their money’s worth.

The Wizards started strong but it was the Railhawks that took control of the first half and got on the board first with a 43rd minute goal by Santiago Fusilier after a nice volley by Ryan Solle. Matthew Watson added to their lead at 57 minutes with a fine strike to beat goalkeeper Eric Kronberg.

At this point the Wizards woke up and started taking control of the play and forced Carolina keeper Chris McClellan into making eight saves in the second half.

The Wizards got their first tally at 67 minutes when Ivan Trujillo scored off an assist from second half sub Michael Harrington. They kept the pressure on and were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute which Claudio Lopez converted to tie things up.

Things didn’t get any easier for Carolina who went down to ten men when Ryan Solle was sent off for a second bookable offense. The overtime session saw the Wizards go ahead when Trujillo walked in another goal with the Carolina defense looking for a flag.

The Railhawks played hard to the end showing no evidence of being a man down and forcing much the action in front of the Kansas City goal. The atmosphere was electric in the stands and heated on the pitch with some scuffling breaking out. The Wizards sealed the win with another penalty earned when Carolina’s Chad Dombrowski was sent off for committing a foul on a breakaway in the final minutes of overtime. Ryan Pore converted the penalty kick to put the game and clinch Kansas City’s spot in the Quarterfinals.

Lineups

Carolina RailHawks Line-Up: Chris McClellan, Steve Curfman (Franki Sanfilippo 72), David Stokes, Mauricio Segovia, Kupono Low, Santiago Fusilier (Chad Dombrowski 90), Ryan Solle (ejection 108), Matthew Watson, Martin Nunez, Jamil Walker (Connally Edozien 54), Dan Antoniuk (Caleb Norkus 62)
Substitutes not used: Brian Levey (GK), Chris Lemons, Ross Mackenzie

Kansas City Wizards Line-Up: Eric Kronberg, Jonathan Leathers, Aaron Hohlbein, Tyson Wahl, Matt Marquess, Chance Myers (Michael Harrington 46), Kerry Zavagnin (Kurt Morsink 77), Ryan McMahen (Claudio Lopez 65), Roger Espinoza, Carlos Marinelli (Ivan Trujillo 46), Ryan Pore
Substitutes not used: Kevin Hartman (GK), Jimmy Conrad, Jack Jewsbury
 
Misconduct:
CAR – Ryan Solle (caution) 89
KC – Kurt Morsink (caution) 104
CAR – Ryan Solle (ejection) 108
KC – Claudio Lopez (caution) 111
KC – Ryan Pore (caution) 117
CAR – Chad Dombrowski (ejection) 120
Total Shots: KC 20, CAR 19
Shots on Goal: KC 13 , CAR 6
Saves: KC 4 , CAR 9
Fouls Committed: KC 13 , CAR 10
Offside: KC 7 , CAR 5
Corner Kicks: KC 5 , CAR 5
Referee: Niko Bratsis
Referee’s Assistants: Saeed Mohamed, Daniel Barak
4th official: Abbas Piran

2008 Second Round: Another late goal by Kupono Low gets RailHawks past Monarchs

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Once again, a late goal by Kupono Low sent the Carolina RailHawks onto the next round.

Low, who scored the RailHawks’ lone goal in the 85th minute of their First Round win over the PDL’s Brooklyn Knights, converted a 90th-minute penalty kick to beat USL Second Division side Real Maryland 1-0 in Cary, NC.

Former MLS forward Jamil Walker drew the decisive penalty, as he was taken down by Monarchs goalkeeper Emilio Zelaya in the box. Carolina, which advanced to the Semifinals last year in their inaugural season, moves on to play the Kansas City Wizards.

Lineups

Real Maryland: Emilio Zelaya, Marcos Chantel, Stephen Basso, Devlin Barnes, Angel Higueras, Andrew Kish (Steven Tupy 68th), Mateus Dos Anjos (Teodoro Ramirez 66th), Dennis Alas (Philippe Bissohong 61st), Muner Hassen, Ronald Cerritos, Nilson Perez (Victor Ramirez 90th)

Carolina RailHawks: Chris McClellan, Steven Curfman, David Stokes, Mauricio Segovia, Kupono Low, Ryan Solle, Martin Nuñez (Ross Mackenzie  80th), Matt Watson (Chad Dombrowski 90th), Santiago Fusilier (Phillip Long 67th), Caleb Norkus, Dan Antoniuk (Jamil Walker 66th)

Scoring Summary: Low (Car 90th,PK)

Cautions: Basso (RMD, 14th), Segovia (CAR 45th), Low (CAR 72nd), Ramirez (RMD 74th)

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