Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Charm City FC

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City, Bays join Maryland Open Cup semifinals

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The state of Maryland’s Open Cup semifinals, or Rowland Cup, as it’s known locally, are complete.

All four teams that advanced have won the tournament title in the last five years. Two-time champion Maryland Bays (2011-12), ASA Charm City FC (2010 co-champion), last year’s winner Screaming Eagles and another two-time champ Christos FC (2002, 2009) round out the final four, set to be played Feb. 23.

MARYLAND BAYS 2:1 SPARTANS FC

A goalkeeper’s job can be defined by spectacular saves or glaring misses, but when it came down to it, Phil Saunders came up with the former.

Saunders saved a penalty kick late in the game and effectively took the drive out off a strong Spartans squad and Chris Ports would tuck away a last-second penalty to give the Maryland Bays a 2-1 win over the Spartans.

After playing counterattacking soccer for much of the afternoon, the Spartans would push forward and work the ball into the box. Maryland tried to absorb the pressure but eventually conceded a penalty to seemingly swing the momentum in the Spartans’ favor with the score tied at 1-1 at the 75 minute mark.

But Saunders made himself big and saved the ensuing kick, pumping up the Maryland squad and urging his teammates forward to go for the win.

The push forward would eventually work for the Bays as Jon Ports dribbled into the box before being fouled and drawing a red card on a Spartan player.

Ports’ brother, Chris Ports, would step up to the spot and convert the penalty to give Maryland a one-goal advantage and the whistle would blow a few minutes later to seal the win.

The Bays opened the scoring on one of the three dangerous early breakaways that stretched the Spartans’ defense. Jon Ports led the breakaway and tucked the ball into the net five minutes into the game and it seemed smooth sailing heading into the second half.

But the Spartans exploded out of the gate in the second half, using strong counterattacking play to put one past Saunders and tie up the game at 1-1, but Maryland would keep pushing for another goal and leave the pitch with the win.

The game was extremely taxing for the Bays as three Maryland players left the game with game-ending injuries that left coach Bungarin with only his backup goalkeeper as a sub.

The Bays, last year’s state runner-up, will move on to play fellow two-time champion Christos FC in the final four. Christos narrowly edged Washington Elite FC 2-1 in their quarterfinal match earlier in the day.

ASA CHARM CITY FC 3:1 ACADEMY FC

The road to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is long and winding for most teams, and in the Rowland Cup quarterfinal match between ASA Charm City FC and Academy FC, one team’s journey was coming to an end. With a stellar cohesive team performance, Charm City was able to move on to the semifinals with a powerful 3-1 victory.

The game started without much fanfare, with both teams trading blows for the first 30 minutes of the game. In the 30th minute, Charm City’s Dan Lader scored on an attempted cross that ended up in the top corner. Lader raced down the right flank and launched a venomous curling cross to the back post that had enough spin to be tucked inside the frame.

That goal proved to be the only mark on the scoreline from the first half, and Charm City went into halftime up 1-0.

Academy conceded a penalty kick shortly after halftime when one of their defenders took down Charm City’s Pat Delaney inside the area. John Cole stepped up to calmly slot home the attempt to the goalkeeper’s right side. Academy was not done fighting, however, drawing back a goal in the 50th minute to make the score 2-1.

Unfortunately, the effort proved to not be enough, as City forward Cubay Wilson broke free and chipped the ball over the Academy keeper’s head to give Charm City a firm 3-1 lead which they would not relinquish.

Charm City is back in the final four where they will face the Screaming Eagles who cruised past Baltimore Kickers Bayern 8-1. Last year, the Eagles won their first-ever Maryland Open Cup title, denying the Maryland Bays a three-peat.

2014 Maryland Open Cup qualifying results
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Jan. 19)
Baltimore Kickers Bayern 3:1 Malawi FC
Washington Elite FC 6:4 (AET) Pipeline SC

Quarterfinals (Feb. 2)
ASA Charm City FC 3:1 Academy FC
Screaming Eagles 8:1 Baltimore Kickers Bayern
Christos FC 2:1 Washington Elite FC
Maryland Bays 2:1 Spartans FC

Semifinals (Feb. 23)
Christos FC vs. Maryland Bays
Screaming Eagles vs. ASA Charm City FC

Final (March 9)
Montgomery Blair High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2013: Screaming Eagles
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Bays, Mundo FC move into this weekend’s Maryland semifinals

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Defending two-time state champion Maryland Bays used a goal in each half to down their two-time runners-up Charm City FC for the third year in the row, this time in the quarterfinals by a 2-0 scoreline. Meanwhile Mundo FC rallied from an early deficit on a Mike Somtia brace to defeat Washington Elites, 2-1, to reach the final four.

The contests Sunday were the conclusion of the quarterfinals, which began the previous week with the other two matches. The semifinals will be this Sunday, Feb. 24 with Maryland Bays hosting Pipeline SC at Howard HS and Screaming Eagles visiting Mundo FC at Montgomery Blair HS. Both games are set for 11 a.m. ET. The final is set for March 10 at Howard HS.

Mundo FC bags a brace to move into the semifinals
By Richard Kirtland

It was a tense atmosphere in Cooksville, Maryland as Mundo FC and Washington Elites faced off in the quarterfinal match of the 2013 Rowland Cup. What started out as a nice sunny day turned into heavy winds and snow towards the second half of the contest. The sudden change in weather did not seem to shake Mundo FC, however, as they went on to secure a 2-1 win over Washington Elites and passage into the semifinal round.

From the first whistle the game was a very back-and-forth affair with Elite getting many quick breaks toward the Mundo goal. Danish Nelson made good one of these chances and put the ball in the back of the net in the 21st minute to put Elite up 1-0.

Mundo would get an equalizer two minutes before the end of the first half with a good finish by Mike Somtia on a ball from Ben Wagner to make it 1-1.

Around halftime, the weather turned nasty, getting very windy and snowy. According to Mundo coach Leonard Van de Graaff, this caused many balls to “hang in the air” and made ground play more essential.

Despite the wind blowing in their faces, Mundo snatched a goal in the 70th minute, set up by the same pair of Somtia and Wagner. This goal would prove to be enough, as brilliant keeper play by Brian Greuder would keep the score 2-1 until the final whistle.

Van de Graaff, after the game, would say that Greuder “made some big stops to keep it 2-1.” He would also go on to say that “Jake Kern, the Mundo sweeper, played a great game all around.”

Asked what the key to his team’s victory was after the game, Van de Graaff stated, “Elite has very good players… We defended well, and got a lot of passes in front of goal, which was key for our two goals… it was a very back-and-forth game.”

Mundo FC competes in the fall season of the Maryland Majors Soccer League and are based in Baltimore. They are two-time winners of the Bernie Reif Cup (2010 and 2012) and play in the premier division of the MMSL. They also won the Division I title of the Howard County Parks and Rec league in the spring of 2007 and 2008 and the Division I title of the Ann Arundel Spring league in 2011. Their current roster includes players born in America, Germany, Cameroon, Nigeria, Iran, El Salvador, Egypt, Trinidad, and Jamaica. At various moments in their history they’ve also had players from Romania, Mexico, Mali, France, Spain, Brazil, Kenya, and Zambia.

Third time not a charm for Charm City FC
By Matt Johnston

On Sunday, the two-time defending champions Maryland Bays and the two-time defending runners up Charm City FC met yet again in the Maryland US Open Cup Qualifying tournament, but this time in the quarterfinal round as opposed to the final. Yet, the end result was the same as the Bays topped Charm City with a 2-0 scoreline.

The two teams met early in the tournament as the result of the blind draw for all teams but the repeat champions. As a result of the draw, Charm City was placed into a play-in game held the previous Sunday. The result is that this developing rivalry happened early in the tournament rather than in the later stages.

Both teams expected a quality game. Charm City manager Patrick Crawford said, “As always, we know when we play the Bays it is going to be a hard fought game.”

Bays Manager Andrew Dicea agreed, “It’s always a great game against our largest in-state rival.”

Both managers felt as though their teams controlled portions of the match. Dicea singled out his central midfield pairing of Chris Ports and Brian Barry for their control of the midfield. But the hero on the day for the Bays was John Ports, who capitalized on a defensive miscommunication by Charm City to take a through ball from Andrew Gillis in the 17th minute.

Crawford commented on the chances Charm City had in the match. “I feel we controlled the game for the most part and had some chances but could not put the ball away. We just didn’t execute in the final third.”

The Bays second goal came late in the match as Charm City pushed forward for the equalizer. In the 87th minute Kevin Gnitcko slotted home a pass from Ports inside the penalty area for the second goal and the effective end of the match.

Both managers noted the quality of the match. Said Dicea, “We expected exactly what we got; a hard nosed effort from a very good Charm City side.”

Crawford concurred, “The quality of play was there from both sides, as we expected; as I am sure they did.”

The Bays have an expectation of a three-peat and believe they have the depth to make it to the Open Cup proper. “We do expect to win our state and region and make it as far as we can with the talent that our side has,” said Dicea.

2013 Maryland Open Cup Qualifying (Rowland Cup)

Mundo FC 2:1 Washington Elites

Scoring Summary:
Washington: Danish Nelson 21
Mundo: Mike Somtia (Ben Wagner) 43
Mundo: Mike Somtia (Ben Wagner) 70

Lineups
Mundo FC: Jake Kern, Mehran Mirjafari, Rich Burrowes, Rigoberto Gutierrez, Brian Greuter, Brian Weeks, Erick Requeno, Frank Bakong, Vahid Zeinoddini, Mike Somtia, Chris Brown | Subs: Arnaud Ngueguim, Ben Wagner, Ashkan Bahrani, Len Van de Graaff

Washington Elites: Not available

Maryland Bays 2:0 Charm City FC

Scoring Summary
MD: John Ports 17
MD: Kevin Gnitko 87

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying results
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Feb. 10)
ASA Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North

Quarterfinals (Feb. 10/17)
Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan SC (Feb. 10)
Screaming Eagles 2:0 Christos FC (Feb. 10)
Charm City FC 0:2 Maryland Bays (Feb. 17)
Mundo SC 2:1 Washington Elite FC (Feb. 17)

Semifinals (Feb. 24)
Maryland Bays vs Pipeline SC – Howard HS, 11:00 ET
Mundo FC vs Screaming Eagles – Montgomery Blair HS, 11:00 ET

Final (Mar. 3)
Howard High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Pipeline SC’s 4-goal comeback kicks off Maryland tournament

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After Mother Nature delayed the start of Maryland’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament, the Rowland Cup, the competition got under way with three teams moving one step closer to the USASA Region I Finals.

ASA Charm City FC and the Screaming Eagles both moved on with shutout victories, but the highlight, without question, was the comeback victory by Pipeline SC. In the 55th minute of their match against Spartan FC, they fell behind 4-1, but managed to battle back with four goals in the final 35 minutes to punch their ticket to the semifinals, 5-4.

After playing the Maryland Bays in the state championship game the last two years, Charm City will get a third crack at the two-time defending champs in the quarterfinals on Sunday, Feb. 17. That same day Mundo FC will face the Washington Elite to wrap up the round of eight.

PIPELINE SC 5:4 SPARTAN FC
by Richard Kirtland

It was a match for the ages at Heurich Park as Pipeline SC completed a thrilling 5-4 comeback win over fellow first-time entry Spartan SC in the quarterfinal match of the 2013 Rowland Cup.

It was a hard-fought game from the opening whistle, with Pipeline player GR Cannon opening the scoring in the eighth minute off of a long ball out of the back from Donald Gibson. However, it was Spartan FC who would respond next, equalizing on a narrow-angle shot from the side of the box just seven minutes later. In the 22nd minute, Spartan would score on a far-post header to take the lead, and they would add to their advantage just before halftime after pouncing on an uncleared corner kick to go into the halftime break up 3-1.

Pipeline came out after the half and controlled momentum, but Spartan still managed to add a fourth in the 55th minute. After that goal, Zack Bowman took over the match for Pipeline, tallying a hat-trick over the next twenty minutes to level the score at 4-4 in the 75th. Bowman almost had a fourth goal on the day in the 84th minute, but was tangled up with the Spartan center back in the 18 yard box. A penalty was called in favor of Pipeline, and GR Cannon stepped up to blast it home from the spot. Six minutes later, the referee blew his whistle, and Pipeline were proclaimed the day’s victors.

“It was one of the greatest comebacks I’ve ever been a part of as a player or coach,” said Pipeline manager Bill George. “It shows a lot of the character of our team.”

This is the first year for this team to compete under the banner of the Pipeline Soccer Club. The current team was formed in July 2012 as a merger between the Baltimore Juniors and Pipeline Soccer Club. While the team may be relatively young in age, they are laden with experience, boasting a bevy of players who have competed at the collegiate or professional level. Among those are Sean Rush, the club president/forward who played professionally for Crystal Palace Baltimore, Real Maryland, and Ribeirao in the Portuguese Second Division. Midfielder GR Cannon played for Baltimore Bohemians and had a brief stint with DC United back in 2004. This club also boasts club vice-president former US international and Major League Soccer player Santino Quaranta, who played most notably at DC United and garnered 15 caps for the US National Team. Despite his retirement, he may be suiting up in a Pipeline jersey before the end of the qualifying campaign.

ASA CHARM CITY FC 5:0 LOONEY’S PUB NORTH
by Matt Johnston

After two weeks of weather delays, the opening game of the Rowland Cup was played under clear sunny skies and seasonable temperatures. Charm City FC, the tournament’s runner-up the last two years, faced newcomer Looney’s Pub North FC for a spot in the quarterfinal round.

Charm City boasts a large core group of players who played for Christos FC’s Over -30 team that won the USASA National Over-30 Cup last year, and the cohesiveness and experience with each other was evident early on in the game. Looney’s on the other hand, is an amalgamation of players that includes the old Baltimore Kickers team. Indeed, some players were being introduced to each other just prior to the game.

At kickoff, the teams struggled to shake off the winter cobwebs. Charm City took control of the game early, moving the ball well from side to side, but often leaving players who were able to break through the Looney’s back line stranded without assistance. Such abandonment of play often led to poor shots or blunted attacks, as Looney’s recovered to often put ten men behind the ball. The Charm City midfield duo of Dan Lader, a former Crystal Palace Baltimore player, and Noah Merl, a former Seattle Sounders player from the club’s A-League days, easily controlled the middle of the pitch. Looney’s midfield, missing a few key starters, was unable to protect the back line, and early on, it was clear that a rout was in the offering.

After a number of poorly organized attacks, Lader opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a 25-yard screamer from the right channel. Barely had the dust settled when Tony Tamanini bagged Charm City’s second goal just two minutes later with a shot that appeared to take a late deflection and wrong footed the Looney’s keeper.

The teams platooned on a series of substitutes taking advantage of the college-style substitution rule of permitting an unlimited number of subs in a single half, but the substituted players permitted to return in the second half. Charm City came with a deep bench, able to put five substitutes into the game and Looney’s putting three into the match. However, it was the Charm City substitutes that made the most immediate impact.

Barely five minutes after entering the match, Wijy Jones latched on to a sly through ball from Merl and ran 20 yards unopposed to slot Charm City’s third goal inside the left post. At that point, the rout was clearly on. The final goal of the first half came when Kenny Suter powered home a shot from the top of the penalty area.

Following halftime, Charm City FC remained firmly in control of the match, but were obviously working on tactical thinking, moving the ball from side to side to get the fullbacks and wingers more involved in the play. Though much of Charm City’s first half played moved through the right side, the second half saw the left wing and left fullback getting much more involved in the game. During this period, Merl’s passing ability truly shown through, dictating the flow of the game from left to right and keeping the ball spread wide. Looney’s however, was not completely giving up, but balls played long out of the back left the Looney’s two or sometimes three strikers all alone with no support behind them. Shots were either well over the bar, far wide of the post or simply not taken as the Charm City defenders recovered and smothered attacks.

Moving the ball, largely from the right flank and into attack, Charm City was successful putting the ball into dangerous areas, but the final finishing touch was often lacking. Missed shots were the order of the day through the 75th minute.

After platooning substitutes again by both teams, Charm City continued to apply mild pressure, content to play the ball from the left flank into the center and back again. After several more crosses lead to naught, in the 76th minute, Charm City was able to play the ball quickly using a series of short 10-15 yard passes from the left wing, across the top of the box and toward the right side, where Kenny Suter one-timed a 12 yard shot for the game’s final goal.

The final 10 minutes were largely a display of the frustration of some of the Looney’s players, leading to a silly yellow card challenge by a Looney’s player and with right winger Ernest Jackson actually leaving the pitch in disgust and his team with only ten players for the final eight minutes.

Charm City’s 5-0 win sets up a quarterfinal match against the Maryland Bays, the two-time defending state champion, and a team that Charm City has lost to in each of those two years.

When asked about his team’s chances next week, Charm City’s Pat Crawford said, “You never know, there is a certain amount of luck to this. We lost the league championship last year to a team that we had beaten easily during the season.”

With a roster of 24 players, including, as Crawford pointed out, “many players over 30 and even a couple over 40,” Charm City’s depth may be their strength through the qualifying tournament.

SCREAMING EAGLES 2:0 CHRISTOS FC

The Screaming Eagles, making their first appearance in US Open Cup qualifying, made sure they kept the flag of the Maryland International Soccer League (MISL) flying as they defeated Christos FC 2-0 on Sunday.

The Eagles, who are the lone MISL team remaining after Spartan FC were eliminated, got all of their offense from Jonathan Orlando who scored both goals. Orlando was a star player at the University of the District of Columbia almost a decade ago.

The  turning point in the match came in the 34th minute when Ben Kujawa of Christos tackled a Screaming Eagles player from behind in the penalty area and was shown a straight red card. Christos would have to play the rest of the game shorthanded and the Eagles took a 1-0 lead on Orlando’s penalty kick that followed.

The Eagles will join Pipeline FC in the semifinals with the draw for the final four to take place at a later date.

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying
(Rowland Cup)

Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North
Western Regional Park – Cooksville, Md.

Scoring Summary
Charm City: Dan Lader – 24th min.
Charm City: Tony Tamanini – 26th min.
Charm City: Wijy Jones – 31st min.
Charm City: Kenny Suter – 42nd min.
Charm City: Kenny Suter – 76th min.

Discipline Summary
Charm City: Wijy Jones (Yellow – 36th min.)
Looney’s Pub: Unidentified Player (Yellow – 81st min.)

Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan FC
Heurich Park – Hyattsville, Md.

Scoring Summary
Pipeline: GR Cannon (Darren Gibson) – 8th min.
Spartan: Unknown – 15th min.
Spartan: Unknown – 22nd min.
Spartan: Unknown – Before halftime
Spartan: Unknown – 55th min.
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (Sean Rush) – Time?
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (Aaron Velky) – Time?
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (GR Cannon) – 75th min.
Pipeline: GR Cannon (PK) – 84th min.

Lineups
Pipeline: Rob Hollasch (GK), Donald Gibson (Ade Parks – 32′), Phil Greatwich, Geoff Bowman, Eric Mullins, Joe Clancy (CJ Okoko – 28′ & Donald Gibson – 87′), GR Cannon, Gus Teren, Aaron Velky (Andrew Shoenfeld – 28′), Zack Bowman, Sean Rush
Spartan: N/A

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Feb. 10)
ASA Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North

Quarterfinals (Feb. 10/17)
Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan SC (Feb. 10)
Screaming Eagles 2:0 Christos FC (Feb. 10)
Charm City FC vs. Maryland Bays – Feb. 17 – 11 a.m. (Western Regional No. 5)
Mundo SC vs. Washington Elite FC – Feb. 17 – 1 p.m. (Western Regional No. 5)

Semifinals (Feb. 24)
Site TBD

Final (Mar. 3)
Howard High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays top Charm City 3-1, repeat as USASA state champions

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WOODBINE – The Maryland Bays are heading back to the USASA Region I qualifying tournament for the second time in as many years after defeating local rivals Charm City by the score of 3-1.  In winning, the Bays secured their berth in the Region I tournament at the expense of Charm City, as in 2011, when they defeated Charm City by the score of 5-1.

The outcome of the game was never really in doubt this year either as the Bays opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Mike Gill beat Charm City keeper Mike Sevehla. He received the ball from Man of the Match Powell Cucciella near the penalty spot and fired it in from point blank range.

Cucciella had a hand in all three goals, setting up Antonio Bua in the 22nd when he delivered a long ball over the top that caught forward Bua in stride. Bua proceeded to outmuscle the last defender and loop a deft ball off the outstretched fingertips of Sevehla and take the 2-0 lead.

The Bays kept their foot on the gas and at 40 minutes were rewarded for the effort when center mid Lucas Emil slotted a pass from the edge of the box to a breaking Cucciella, who slid in with the ball from the six and put the game effectively out of reach by the half.

The wind was a factor in the second half with Charm City the beneficiary. But although Charm City dominated second half possession, the Bays kept their shape in the back and allowed few real scoring chances.

Finally, in the 80th minute, Charm City got on the board via a 25 yard blast from center mid Dan Lader, who beat Bays keeper Phil Latham with a low rocket inside the near post. It was too little, too late for Charm City as the Bays triumphed 3-1 to advance to the USASA US Open Cup Region I Qualifying Tournament.

Maryland received a first round bye in the regionals and await the winner of the April 1 game between Eastern Pennsylvania’s champion West Chester United Predators and Metro DC/Virginia title holder Aegean Hawks.  The Bays will be on the road for the semifinal match, tentatively scheduled for April 29, with the winner advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Related: Semifinal Recap [+]

Maryland USASA US Open Cup Qualifying State Tournament Final
Western Regional Park – Woodbine, MD
Sunday March 4, 2012

Maryland Bays 3:1 Charm City

MB: Mike Gill (Powell Cucciella) 12
MB: Antonio Bua (Powell Cucciella) 22
MB: Powell Cucciella (Lucas Emil) 40
CC: Dan Lader 80

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City, Maryland Bays advance to USASA Maryland final rematch

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An experienced Charm City squad was a 3-1 winner over a strong but young Baltimore Juniors team on Sunday paving the way for their entrance into the US Open Cup Maryland state final March 4. On the other side of the bracket the defending champion Maryland Bays blanked Christos FC, 2-0, in the second match of the semifinal doubleheader at Western Regional Park in Woodbine despite using a field player in goal for the overtime affair.

The championship pairing in two weeks’ time will be a rematch of the 2011 final between Charm City and the Maryland Bays, a pair of clubs that have been to the past two Region I tournaments, respectively, as representatives for the state.

Charm City capped a hard fought first 45 against Baltimore Juniors when Scott Zakroski delivered a picturesque volley into the upper corner off a Lou Brunetti cross in first half stoppage time to give Charm City the momentum going into the half.

The game, however, got chippy after the break, including Ben Pardew being taken down in the penalty area.  Baltimore Juniors’ Dan Martinnsen was ejected for the foul as it was a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity, but Charm Cmarity missed the kick from the spot when Baltimore Juniors keeper Tom Durkin tipped the shot wide.

Not to be deterred, Charm City kept their foot on the gas and came right back down the field. Wiji Jones delivered a perfect cross, his third assist in two games, and Tommy Appel-Schumacher headed it in for the 2-0 advantage on 62 minutes.

Baltimore got one back in the 80th minute when Andrew Stoenfeld hammered in a free kick from distance.

A chance at equalizing was dashed though for Baltimore when Wiji Jones, showing a penchant for game sealers, tapped home his second late goal in as many weeks. It was the result of a strong individual effort from Luke Pardew beating his defender down the end line and going hard in the box before finding Jones for the tap in for a 3-1 win, giving Charm City an aggregate score of 12-2 over the opposition through two rounds of play having won 9-1 the week before.

While the first match was clinched for certainty in the late stages, the second contest went the distance as the Bays and Christos played to a scoreless stalemate for 90 minutes. The Bays would advance through to the final with a pair of strikes in the final three minutes of overtime.

The deadlock ended in the 117th minute via an Andrew Gillis goal, deep in the second overtime assisted by Will Beckman.

The scoring was capped off by a Jon Ports empty netter as the Christos goal was open after the whole team had pushed up in search of an equalizer in the waning seconds.

Christos had their chances in the second half, but failed to capitalize while the Bays displayed the form that delivered them the 2011 State Open Cup title.  Making the victory all the more impressive for the Bays was that they did it without an established goalkeeper.  Matt Beale played in goal for the Bays, a change from his usual role as a defensive outside midfielder.  According to coach Bryan Bugarin, regular keeper Phil Latham is expected to be back in goal for the final.

Bugarin used to play for Christos himself before the Bays were formed in 2009 as a result of a reunion of a group of talented post-collegiate players who rose together through the youth ranks.

“The players’ comfort with each other shows on the field.” said Bugarin. It is certainly reflected in the clubs all-time record of 69-7-6.

The final is a rematch of last year’s championship clash, a game that went 5-1 in favor of the Bays courtesy of four Marco Mangione goals.  The Bays will be without Mangione this time around as he signed with GD Tourizense of the Segunda Divisao (Portuguese third division) in January.

It is the third consecutive year in which Charm City has reached the final, though in 2010 the state skipped the contest and sent both finalists directly onto the Region I tournament without crowning a singular champion.

Charm City player/coach Pat Crawford is looking forward to the challenge. “The Bays won the league last fall with a 14-0-2 record, they are well coached, are always technically sound, and I’m sure they will be looking to get back at us after we beat them 3-0 in the fall,” he said of the opposition.

The championship game will be held on March 4 at the same field where the rest of the games have been held: Western Regional Park (Field #5) in Woodbine.

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD
Sunday, Feb.  19, 2012

Charm City 3:1 Baltimore Juniors
CC: Scott Zakroski (Lou Brunetti) 45
CC: Tommy Appel-Schumacher (Wiji Jones) 62
BJ: Andrew Stoenfeld 80
CC: Wiji Jones (Luke Pardew) 89

Maryland Bays 2:0 (AET) Christos FC
MB: Andrew Gillis (Will Beckman) 117
MB: Jon Ports 120

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: USASA Maryland Qualifying down to four with Christos FC, Charm City wins

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Christos FC and Charm City emerged victorious in the first round of the Maryland state tournament in 2012 US Open Cup qualifying action.  Christos moves on to play Maryland Bays in the semifinals while Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC.  The semis will take place at Western Regional Park, Field #5 on Sunday February 19.

Christos and the Bays will be kicking things off at 11 a.m. with the Charm City contest against Baltimore Juniors following immediately after at approximately 1 p.m. The state championship match will be held two weeks later, March 4, at the same location at 1 p.m.

Christos FC defeated Baltimore Kickers 3-1 in the opening round this past Sunday amid tough conditions and a frozen pitch with temperatures below freezing.  With winds gusting at 25 miles per hour, it was a rough going in the first half. Christos, however, carried the run of play throughout and were rewarded for their efforts via a goal from Benny Kujawa.

Ryan Sears knotted the game at 1-1 when he connected for Baltimore.

In the second half Christos made their superior quality felt and cashed in on chances from Glenn Leitch and Daniel Ankrah to take the 3-1 win.  Christos moves on to face 2011 Maryland US Open Cup champion Maryland Bays.

On the other side of the bracket, Charm City manhandled a thoroughly outclassed and inexperienced Juniors United FC side, making their USASA Open Cup debut. The match finished 9-1, even with Charm City making six substitutions at the half.

Open Cup competition proved to be too big a step up in quality from the Cosmopolitan League for Junior United, and credit to Charm City for handling themselves with class throughout.

Charm City opened the scoring on the eight-minute mark with Noah Merl slotting home a goal from Scott Zakroski.  The tone was set. After Pat Crawford connected in the 14th and Lou Burnetti in the 32nd, Tarik Walker slammed a penalty kick home from the spot to head to the break up 4-0.

Josh Robinson and Ben Delisle each tallied twice for Charm City in the second half and Wiji Jones got in on the action in the 81st minute as well.

Juniors United’s lone tally was a penalty.  Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC in the second game of the semifinals this Sunday.

Maryland USASA Open Cup First Round

Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC 3:1 Baltimore Kickers

Christos: Benny Kujawa
Baltimore: Ryan Sears
Christos: Glenn Leitch
Christos: Daniel Ankrah

Charm City 9:1 Juniors United FC

Charm City: Noah Merl (Scott Zakroski) 8
Charm City: Pat Crawford (Mike Svhela) 14
Charm City: Lou Burnetti (Noah Merl) 32
Charm City: Tarik Walker penalty 45
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Wiji Jones) 66
Charm City: Josh Robinson (Wiji Jones) 67
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Josh Robinson) 73
Charm City: Wiji Jones (Todd Clingan) 81
Juniors United: Josh Robinson penalty 89

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Sunday, February 19
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC vs. Maryland Bays – 11 a.m.
Baltimore Juniors FC vs. Charm City FC – 1 p.m.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Marco Mangione helps Maryland Bays complete Region I field with Maryland title

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The Maryland Bays are headed to their first Region I tournament with a 5-1 win over Charm City FC in the Maryland Open Cup championship game. Marco Mangione was the story of the night, scoring four of Maryland’s five goals, to put his team two wins away from qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Bays move on to the USASA Region I finals where they will travel to face Eastern Pennsylvania champion Phoenix SC on May 1. The winner of that match will play either Go Soccer FC (New Jersey) or Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) for one of the region’s two Open Cup berths on May 22.

Charm City came out firing in the opening 15 minutes, putting pressure on the Maryland backline, but after weathering the storm, it was the Bays who were on the board first. In the 22nd minute, Mangione got in behind the defense and received a ball over the top from defender Matt Beckman. Mangione brought it down cleanly, and fired it past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Just six minutes later, Charm City would equalize thanks to a rebound goal by Lucas Pardew. Luciano Brunetti took a shot from outside the penalty area and Pardew was there to clean up the loose ball.

In the 37th minute the Bays would break the tie with a goal by Lucas Emil from inside the penalty area, but the game would really open up after Maryland was awarded a penalty kick. Bays team captain John Ports beat a defender to reach the corner of the area, broke into the box and was fouled. Ports landed hard on his shoulder and had to leave the game. However, on the bright side, Mangione converted the penalty kick to make it 3-1 going into the intermission.

Mangione broke the game open early in the second half when he beat his defender to his left foot, freed up some space to shoot and put it past the keeper to complete his hat trick.

Two minutes later, in the 61st minute, he added his fourth courtesy of a run by teammate Dan Bulls. The former University of Maryland Baltimore County player won the ball at midfield and raced up the left wing. He sent the ball into the penalty area where Mangione one-timed it into the back of the net to make it 5-1.

Marco's father Nick Mangione playing for the Baltimore Blast | Photo: NASLJerseys.com

“I think we just kept it pact defensively and put in a couple good counter attacks,” said Mangione, who just graduated from Towson University. “Once the game opened up we took advantage of our chances and I received some great service tonight.”

Mangione has scored seven of the Bays’ 10 goals in Open Cup qualifying this year and comes from a strong soccer family. Two of his five siblings played college soccer and his father, Nick, played professionally for the Baltimore Blast during his playing days.

“ is a very humble player,” said Maryland Bays assistant coach Nick Gill. “Sure he was getting great service, and I thought we controlled the midfield today, but every time he touched the ball something special happened. The defense really had a hard time getting a hold of him. He’s got all the tools to play at the next level, but he got injured during his senior year. Now that he’s at full strength, it’s pretty clear what he’s capable of.”

The Bays opened the competition with a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93. Baltimore fielded an Under-18 team, but put up a fight against the more experienced Bays. In the semifinals, Maryland trailed 1-0 to Christos FC in the first half, but came back to win 2-1. After Christos scored their opening goal, they missed a penalty kick shortly after that which shifted the momentum toward the Bays. Marco Mangione would tie the game up a few minutes after the missed spot kick and then converted what would prove to be the game-winning penalty kick in the 75th minute.

A shot of the Maryland Open Cup final from the @MarylandSoccer twitter account

This state Open Cup title just adds to the list of accomplishments from the last two years.  They won the last two Maryland Major Soccer League Fall championships, as well as last year’s Stewart Cup, Rowland Cup and Amateur Cup. They were also a national finalist in the USASA’s Under-23 tournament.

The Maryland Bays are named after the American Soccer League / American Professional Soccer League team from the late 80s, early 90s and are in their second year in their current form. The team was put together by head coach Bryan Bugarin, who played professionally for the indoor club the Baltimore Blast. The Bays are made up largely of players from Coach Bugarin’s Baltimore Bays ‘87 team (Under-14). Many of those teenagers are now in their mid-20s and have been coached by Bugarin for almost a decade.

The current roster includes of mix of college and local players, as well as former professionals such as Billy Chiles (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Kevin Gnatiko (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Dan Bulls (Joe Public FC – Trinidad).

Scoring SummaryUSASA Region I
MAR: Marco Mangione (Matt Beckman) – 22nd minute
CHA: Lucas Pardew (Unassisted) – 28th minute
MAR: Lucas Emil (Unassisted) – 37th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (PK) – 42nd minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Unassisted) – 59th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Dan Bulls) – 61st minute 
Maryland US Open Cup tournament recaps:
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland kicks off state tournament
Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City ends Inter AFC’s run
Charm City FC cruise into Maryland final, 6-1 over Baltimore Kickers

Round 1
Inter AFC 7:3 Magicmen

Quarterfinals
Charm City FC 6:0 Inter AFC
AC Baltimore 0:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 3:1 Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93
Christos FC 2:0 Aegean Hawks FC

Semifinals
 Charm City 6:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 2:1 Christos FC

Final
Maryland Bays 5:1 Charm City FC
Thursday, March 24, 9 p.m.  (Catonsville High School – Catonsville, Md.)

2011 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying schedule

USASA Region I tournament bracket

First Round (May 1)
Danbury United (CT) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY)
East Providence Sports (RI) at Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) at Go Soccer FC (NJ)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Phoenix SC (East PA)

Semifinals (May 22)*
Danbury/NYPF winner vs. MPS/East Prov winner
Go Soccer /Atl. Virginia winner vs. Phoenix/Bays winner

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Past Maryland Open Cup champions

2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC
2005: Baltimore Colts FC
2004: Allied SC
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City FC cruise into Maryland final, 6-1 over Baltimore Kickers

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Charm City FC continued it’s lopsided run through the Maryland US Open Cup qualifying tournament with a 6-1 win over the Baltimore Kickers in the semifinals. Eric Breach assisted on three of Charm City’s goals to send them to the state championship game on Thursday where they will meet the Maryland Bays at 9 p.m. at Catonsville High School in Catonsville, Md.

The winner of that game will host Phoenix SC, the champion of Eastern Pennsylvania, in the opening round of the USASA Region I tournament on May 1. The winner of that match would play either the New Jersey champion (Go Soccer FC or FC Fort United) or Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA champion) on May 22 with a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on the line.

Charm City would get off to a quick start, coming out in a 4-3-3 formation. They scored 14 minutes into the match when a throw-in by Eric Breach found the head of former Crystal Palace Baltimore player Dan Lader, who headed it into the upper left corner of the goal. Lader also scored in Charm City’s 6-0 win over Inter AFC in the last round. Charm City would add two more before halftime with Noah Merl scoring unassisted in the 20th minute, and Lucas Pardew making it 3-0 on an assist by Wijy Jones seven minutes later.

Defender Eric Breach would assist on a pair of goals after the break. In the 50th minute, he found Lou Brunetti to make it 4-0 and he helped Merl score his second in the 75th minute. Tarik Walker came off the bench to finish out the scoring in the 80th minute, his third goal in two games. But the Kickers would ruin the shutout with Nick Kiss’ shot from distance that took a deflection to beat the goalkeeper, Mike Svehla, to leave the score at 6-1 when the final whistle blew.

“The boys played hard but we were just over-matched tonight,” said Baltimore Kickers head coach Mike Lott. “Charm City was operating on another level and clearly deserved the victory. I wish them well in the finals and think they would represent the league and the state well at regionals.”

Charm City will play in Thursday’s final aiming to qualify for the Region I tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, after getting an opening round bye when Athletic Club (West PA) forfeited, Charm City lost to United German Hungarians (East PA) in the quarterfinals, 3-1.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland semifinals
Charm City FC 6:1 Baltimore Kickers
Catonsville High School – Catonsville, Md.
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Scoring Summary
CHA: Dan Lader (Eric Breach) – 14th minute
CHA: Noah Merl (Unassisted) – 20th minute
CHA: Lucas Pardew (Wijy Jones) – 27th minute
CHA: Lou Brunetti (Eric Breach) – 50th minute
CHA: Noah Merl (Eric Breach) – 75th minute
CHA: Tarik Walker (Unassisted) – 80th minute
BAL: Nick Kiss (Chris Lorenzet)

Baltimore Kickers lineup: Ryan Flannely, Dan Thrailkill, Brandon Fischer, Jason Janetti (Phil Kratochvil 65th), Joe Pusateri, Chad Dye (Rob Bailey 70th), Anthony DeCesaris (Brian Tully 65th), Marcos Perdomo (Jake Ayers 65th), Tyler Inge (Josh Miller 65th), Kelli Maddox (Nick Kiss 65th), Chris Lorenzet

Charm City FC lineup: Mike Svehla (GK), JC Cole, Sean Porter, Lou Karko, Eric Breach, Noah Merl, Dan Lader (Jerry Fialkwicz 83rd), Darren Laroque (Sergio Flores 56th), Wijy Jones (Kenny Suetter 77th), Lou Burnetti (JD Kershaw 72nd), Luke Pardew (Tarik Walker 46th)

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City FC ends Inter AFC’s run

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Two more teams have advanced in Maryland’s 2011 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. One has already reached the championship game, while Inter AFC, due to weather delays, just finished its first match of the competition. The Maryland Bays are waiting in the championship game after defeating Christos FC, 2-1, on Sunday, February 27. That same night, Inter AFC won a strange barnburner wbith the Magicmen, 7-3, to move on to the quarterfinals. However, Inter’s run was short-lived as Charm City FC knocked them out, 6-0, to advance to the semifinals.

The Bays will await the winner of Charm City FC and the Baltimore Kickers (Mar. 13) in the title game on Mar. 20.

INTER AFC 7:3 MAGICMEN (FIRST ROUND) – Feb. 27
The 6 p.m. game started out with all the ingredients for a disaster as Inter AFC and Magicmen both started the game shorthanded. Inter began with eight players and Magicmen was without their starting goalkeeper, leaving them with only 10 because additional players were also late getting to the field. Magicmen, with the two-man advantage, scored a pair of goals by Chad Meusel (5th minute) and Powell Cuchiella (15th minute) in the opening 15 minutes. The calvary arrived for both sides as Inter forwards Brian and Mike Walter, midfielder George Phillips and Magicmen goalkeeper Ben Snyder eventually arrived. All were rushed onto the field to bring the match up to full strength.

The arrival of the three missing players for Inter turned the game on its head, and Brian Walter was the catalyst. Walter made an immediate impact by taking a shot in the 18th minute that fooled the newly-inserted Snyder to cut the lead in half. Ten minutes later Walter would help level the match, assisting on a goal by Saheed Lawal. He then dished out Lawal’s go-ahead goal three minutes after that. Walter would put Inter up 4-2 at the 35 minute mark with an unassisted goal, giving him two goals and two assists in less than 20 minutes of work as his club took that lead into the halftime break.

Brian Walter’s brother, Mike, got into the act just after halftime, making it 5-2 on an assist by Lawal in the 49th minute. In the 65th, Lawal would complete his hat trick on an assist by Brian Walter to put the game out of reach at 6-2.

However, Magicmen would pull one back in the 80th minute courtesy of Andre Henciak. Brian Walter would answer back with his third goal of the game five minutes later on an assist by Lawal.

Brian Walter and Saheed Lawal carried the game with Walter finishing with three goals and three assists, while Lawal had three goals and two assists.

Magicmen coach Bryan Cartwright said after the game, “We had taken them very lightly thinking it would be 2 or 3 to nil in our favor the way the game started out for us.”

Magicmen Lineup (4-3-2): Chris Quigley (GK), Raymond Sturm (CB), Bernie Cruey (CB), Justin McGrath (LB), Mike Devine (RB), Chad Meusel (CM), Michael Alessi (RM), Andrew Henciak (LM), Powell Cucciella (LF), Eric Belcher (RF)

Inter AFC Lineup (Incomplete): Brian Walter, Saheed Lawal, Mike Walter, George Phillips

Scoring Summary:
Magicmen – 5th minute – Chad Meusel (Unassisted)
Magicmen – 15th minute – Powell Cucciella (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 18th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 28th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 31st minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 35th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 49th minute – Mike Walter (Saheed Lawal)
Inter AFC – 65th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Magicmen – 80th minute – Andre Henciak (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 85th minute – Brian Walter (Saheed Lawal)

MARYLAND BAYS 2:1 CHRISTOS FC (SEMIFINAL) – Feb. 27

The 8 p.m. game saw the Maryland Bays line up against Christos FC, who had knocked out USASA Open Cup regular and two-time US Open Cup participant Aegean Hawks FC two weeks ago.

It didn’t take long for Christos to open the scoring though as Danny Skelton scored in the 18th minute off a Joe DiPino pass after a nice build up. Minutes later, the score nearly doubled as the Bays conceded a penalty, but Michael Pennacchia put his penalty over the bar.

Maryland manager Bryan Bugarin would later say, “ was our wake up call.”

Indeed it was, as the Bays equalized just 13 minutes later when Jon Ports fed Marco Mangione in the 31st minute.  The tie held until late in the second half as Mangione was fouled going to goal and converted his penalty kick in the 75th minute to make it 2-1 Bays.

Several cautions and an ejection (Christos FC defender Eric Mahon) followed as tempers flared on both sides, but the score would remain at 2-1 until the final whistle. With the win, the Maryland Bays advanced to the championship game which will be held on Sunday, March 20 at Cedar Lane Regional Park in Harford, Md.

“As a player, coach, or spectator you couldn’t have asked for a more evenly, quality played match,” said Michael Pennacchia of Christos FC after the match. “There was excellent skill, team defending, and overall heart on display with exceptional goals in the run of play from both sides. In the end, the difference ended up being that Marco was able to convert his penalty attempt where I was not.  My hat goes off to Coach Bugarin and the Bays.”

Pennacchia added, “ are a quality group of players and assuming they advance, they will certainly represent the state of Maryland well in regional play.”

 Christos FC Lineup: Steve King (GK), Eric Mahon, Joe Dipino (C Wilson-35′), Bissohong, V. Dipino, Muntz (Fendryk-80′), Michael Pennacchia (Tejada-75′), Leitch, Tyrie (Dwonzkowski-70′), Ankrah, Danny Skelton (Piscopo-65′)

Maryland Bays Lineup: Kristopher Ward (GK),  Matty Beckman (BJ Quigley), Josh Taylor, Matt Shell, Phil Greatwich (Nino Mangione), Bryan Moffa, Chris Ports, Brian Barry (Mike Gill), Timmy Lane (Lucas Emil), Marco Mangione, Jon Ports

Scoring Summary:
Christos FC –  18th minute – Danny Skelton (Joe Dipino)
Maryland – 31st minute – Marco Mangione (Jon Ports)
Maryland – 75th minute – Marco Mangione (PK)

CHARM CITY FC 6:0 INTER AFC (QUARTERFINALS) – Mar. 6

On Sunday, the quarterfinals would finally wrap up with Charm City FC moving on with ease, 6-0, over a shorthanded Inter AFC. No calvary arrived this time for Inter AFC as the club played the match with nine men and were overwhelmed in the pouring rain.

The trio of Saheed Lawal and the Walter brothers, who all combined for seven goals and five assists in their 7-3 win over Magicmen in the opening round, were not at the game as Inter’s offense stuggled playing two men short.

Charm City didn’t waste any time with Lucas Pardew scoring the first goal three minutes into the match. In the 18th minute, Josh Robinson would set up Dan Ladar for the second goal. Just before halftime, the floodgates would open as Tarik Walker scored a pair of goals in the final five minutes of the half and Ken Suter would make it 5-0 just after the halftime break. Dan Delaney would score the sixth and final goal in the 53rd minute.

Charm City advanced to the semifinals where they will face the Baltimore Kickers, who beat AC Baltimore 1-0 in their first game. Charm City is aiming to qualify for the Region I tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, after getting an opening round bye when Athletic Club (West PA) forfeited, Charm City lost to United German Hungarians (East PA) in the quarterfinals, 3-1.

Scoring Summary:
Charm City – 3rd minute – Lucas Pardew (Unassisted)
Charm City – 18th minute – Dan Ladar (Josh Robinson)
Charm City – 40th minute – Tarik Walker (Unassisted)
Charm City – 43rd minute – Tarik Walker (Lucas Pardew)
Charm City – 46th minute – Ken Suter (Eric Breach)
Charm City – 53rd minute – Dan Delaney (Unassisted)

Chris Holden also contributed to this report

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland kicks off state tournament

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After snow and ice delayed the opening of Maryland’s US Open Cup qualifying, the tournament got underway on Sunday with three teams advancing to the next round. Christos FC, Baltimore Kickers and the Maryland Bays will advance to the semifinals.

There are still two games to be played to complete the semifinals, because the play-in game between Magicmen and Inter AFC, originally scheduled for Feb. 6, had been postponed twice and the two teams are set to play on Feb 27, along with the semifinal match between the Maryland Bays and Christos FC. The winner of Magicmen/Inter AFC will take on Charm City FC at a date to be determined, with the winner of that match playing the Baltimore Kickers in the semis.

Play began on Sunday morning with AC Baltimore, a club formerly known as AEK Baltimore, taking on the Baltimore Kickers. Founded in 2006, AC Baltimore changed their club name last year but would suffer their first loss to the Kickers in three all-time meetings, by the score of 1-0.

Mother Nature cooperated just enough for the game to be played as snow still needed to be shoveled off the field before kickoff, leaving the pitch a little slippery for the players. It was an evenly played game that started off with a scoreless first half that saw Mario Inacio being carted off with an injury (replaced by Adeoluwa ‘Lulu’ Akerele). The Kickers would open the scoring in the 52nd minute when Jason Jannati sent a cross from the wing in what appeared to be a ball intended for a teammate at the far post. Regardless of the intent, the ball managed to curl toward goal and ended up just under the crossbar and into the back of the net.

AC Baltimore lineup (5-3-2): Nick Affrunti (GK), Robbie O’Brien, Ryan Reif, Mike Murphy, Lanre Fasina, Casey Nemphos, Mario Inacio, Rafiq Gharbi, Ben Hernandez, Eric Mcphee, Ayuk “Ramdy” Ekiko (Team website)

The next game featured two of the stronger teams in the tournament with Christos FC and the Aegean Hawks FC doing battle. The Hawks had been regulars in the Metro DC/VA association since their founding in 1996, but defected to Maryland this year. “We just wanted to try something different,” said Hawks head coach Jon Knight. “We found out that competing in the Maryland tournament as an option and we heard it was very well run, so we took advantage of the opportunity.”

Christos FC, who fell one game short of the state championship game last year (falling 3-0 to Jilly’s Bar & Grill), broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Both teams had played an even game to that point but a pair of Loyola University players connected for the game’s first goal as Mike Deasel sent in a cross to Glenn Leitch who headed it past an out-of-position goalkeeper. With the Hawks pushing everyone forward late in the game, Christos would put the game out of reach with another Loyola player making it 2-0. Vinnie Piscopo played a ball across to Danny Ankrah who slotted it home to make it 2-0.

Aegean Hawks FC lineup: Alex Fatovic (GK), James Kpainay, Alan Golden, Clayton Voss, Devlin Barnes, Seth C’deBaca (Ernesto Marquez – 55th), Michael Goldman, Watson Prather, Scott Larrabee, John Stephens (Erwin Diaz – 65th), Nate Burkey (Mateus dos Anjos – 45th)

Christos FC lineup (4-5-1): King (GK), Bissohong (Digbeu – 80th), Wells, J. Dipino, Mahon (V. Dipino – 45th), Tyrie (Piscopo – 75th), Deasel, Pennacchia (Muntz – 65th), Leitch, Ankrah, Skelton (Dwonzkowski – 70th)

For the second year in a row, Christos will meet another of Maryland’s top teams as they host the Maryland Bays who defeated Baltimore Bays Blue ’93, 3-1 in Sunday’s finale. Maryland, who won three MSSA championships last year, were the favorites against Baltimore who fielded an Under-18 team. Baltimore head coach Jim Fendryk got special permission to enter his U-18 side into the tournament in an effort to give his team some challenging games. The Bays scored 16 minutes into the match with Marco Mangione finding the back of the net, but Baltimore would hold strong until after halftime when Matt Beckman’s long-distance goal would make it 2-0. Maryland’s Chris Ports would set up Ryan Russell for the third goal  in the 77th minute, but the young Baltimore team would ruin the clean sheet in the 85th minute on a goal from Brandon Wilfong.

“Having personally played with some of the Maryland Bays players and having played for Coach Bryan Bugarin myself when I was younger, we knew coming in that this was going to be a difficult test for our young guys,” said Baltimore coach Jim Fendryk. “The Maryland Bays are a quality team who has had great success in the past few seasons, highlighted by last year’s national championship appearance.

“Our game plan focused on limiting space defensively, which we did well in the first half,” he added. “In the second half, we began to settle down and build into the game and created some good opportunities. Unfortunately we made some very poor and uncharacteristic mistakes and when you make mistakes against a team like the Maryland Bays they make you pay.”

“ was very qualified to play in the men’s Open Cup,” said Maryland coach Bryan Bugarin. “They played the entire game in a surprisingly physical manner.”

Maryland Bays lineup: Kristopher Ward (GK), Matty Beckman, Josh Taylor, Chris Williams, Phil Greatwich (Matt Beale), Chris Ports (Danny Poe), Nino Mangione (Kevin Gnatiko), Bryan Moffa (Dan Bulls), Timmy Lane, Marco Mangione, Jon Ports (Ryan Russell)

Baltimore Bays Blue ’93 lineup (4-5-1): Connor Kregecz (GK), Jon Grant (LB), Nick Clarke (CB), Kyle Westbrook (CB), Nick Liberto (RB), Joe Fili (CDM), Eric Borkowicz (CDM), Brandon Wilfong (CAM), Zach Stocksdale (LM), Matt Wilfong (RM), Yanni Sarioglou (CF)

Maryland US Open Cup qualifying results/schedule

Round 1
Magicmen vs. Inter AFC – Feb. 27 (Cedar Lane Regional Park in Harford, Md.)

Quarterfinals
Charm City FC vs. Magicmen/Inter AFC – Date/Location TBA
AC Baltimore 0:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 3:1 Baltimore Bays Blue ’93
Christos FC 2:0 Aegean Hawks FC

Semifinals
Baltimore Kickers vs. Magicmen / Inter AFC / Charm City FC – Date/Location TBA
Maryland Bays vs. Christos FC – Feb. 27 (Cedar Lane Regional Park in Harford, Md.)

Final
Date/Location TBA

1. Charm City * ** –
8. Magicmen
9. Inter AFC
4. Baltimore Kickers Baltimore Kickers 1-0
5. AC Baltimore
2. Maryland Bays Maryland Bays 3-1 –
7. Baltimore Bays Blues ’93
3. Christos FC Christos FC 2-0
6. Aegean Hawks
02/27 02/13, *TBA 02/27, **TBA 03/21
Cedar Lane Park Western Regional Park Cedar Lane Park TBA

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