Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Cleveland SC

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: After massive delays, Richmond Kickers hold off late push from Cleveland SC to advance

by

Players from the Richmond Kickers celebrate after scoring a goal against Cleveland SC in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Players from the Richmond Kickers celebrate after scoring a goal against Cleveland SC in the Second Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The Richmond Kickers won their Second Round match of the 2023 US Open Cup, 3-2 over Cleveland SC. The three-time USL League One MVP and Golden Boot winner, Emiliano Terzaghi scored two goals and assisted on another by Dakota Barnathan in what would end up being a close match between the two sides.

This match was a test of endurance between the two sides and the fans. The cup tie was scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m., but storms would delay the match for a couple of hours. The initial kick off finally took place at 9:43 p.m., but after another delay, the match would not end until 12:49 a.m.

The win means that the Kickers will move on to Round 3 where they will travel to renew an old rivalry. Richmond will take on D.C. United of Major League Soccer for the seventh time in Open Cup play. It is the second most common matchup of the Modern Era, but the two teams haven’t met since 2013, when D.C. won in penalties.

From the kickoff, Richmond maintained possession and was on the front foot of the match. The Kickers had several good chances throughout the first half, but the first goal would not come until the 31st minute when Emiliano Terzaghi finished a chance provided by Matt Bentley across the face of the goal.

After Terzaghi’s goal, the game would enter its second weather delay. The stoppage began in the 35th minute and the game wouldn’t resume until 11:33 p.m. The resilience of the teams and the fans were tested as the Kickers and Cleveland SC would wait patiently in their locker rooms for over an hour. The delay would eventually come to an end and the teams would play the final 12 minutes of the first half before halftime.

After halftime the Kickers came out again on the front foot. They limited Cleveland’s ability to get on the ball while maintaining the majority of possession in the early part of the second half. After a few half chances, the Kickers would finally break through for their second goal. The Kickers had a streak of corner kicks that finally saw the ball ending up in the back of the net. Nil Vinyals fed a ball into the box to Terzaghi who would eventually put it away for the Kickers’ second goal of the night in the 59th minute.

The Kickers proceeded to attack Cleveland despite their 2-0 lead and they scored a third goal off the foot of Dakota Barnathan, an alum of the local university in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University. Another corner kick was taken at the 79th minute and the ball would eventually land at Barnathan’s feet via an assist by Emiliano Terzaghi. Dakota put away his chance from the six yard box and Richmond held a 3-0 lead. 

However, Cleveland SC fought hard to stay in the game. Immediately after Barnathan’s goal, Tom Beck scored a goal assisted by Kieran Toland after a string of beautiful passes down the left flank of Richmond’s defense. At the 80th minute, the score would be 3-1. Cleveland SC would make things really interesting at the 86th minute when Skye Harter scored from a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. Cleveland SC scored their second goal of the night and it would be 3-2. However, Cleveland would not threaten again after that point and the Richmond Kickers held onto their 3-2 lead to advance to the Third Round where they will face D.C. United. 

The match initially appeared to be a dominant performance by the Richmond Kickers, but it would eventually become a survive and advance match for the home side. The Richmond Kickers head coach, Darren Sawatzky said, “it was a really interesting night, having the time off was really frustrating and difficult for all of us, tonight was about surviving and advancing and we’ll go back to the drawing board and get back to work.”

The US Open Cup invites teams to fight through adversity and eventually come out on the other side. The Richmond Kickers were able to fight through three hours of weather delays, maintain their focus, and secure a 3-2 victory over Cleveland SC.

With the win, Richmond has advanced 36 times in the US Open Cup in club history. The 1995 champions are now tied with the LA Galaxy for 7th most in the Modern Era (1995-present).

2023 US Open Cup Round 1: 10-man Cleveland SC holds off Lionsbridge to return to Round 2

by

Chris Cvecko of Cleveland SC celebrates after scoring a goal against Lionsbridge FC in the First Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Richard Kruszynski - NPSL.com
Chris Cvecko of Cleveland SC celebrates after scoring a goal against Lionsbridge FC in the First Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Richard Kruszynski – NPSL.com

Cleveland SC claimed an opening round victory in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the second year in a row. On Thursday night, they defeated Lionsbridge FC 1-0 in front of their home fans in North Olmsted, Ohio.

With the win, Cleveland SC will advance to Round 2 where they will travel to take on a professional team from USL League One. This year, the opponent will be the Richmond Kickers on April 6.

This game was a defensive battle that ended in an all-out physical and emotional war as nine cards, including one red card, were given out during this game.

“We have to be smart and manage the game, some of those cards were cheap.” said Vlad Muresean on what he told his team on handling emotions.

Cleveland SC played near 20 minutes one man down as they held out for the win as Lionsbridge FC was on the attack.

Cleveland was fast from the jump thanks to a high press and a direct attack that kept Lionsbridge in their own end in the first half. Cleveland used their back four defenders to help move the ball up.

The home side tried various through ball attempts to the wings and striker trying to set up offense. Cleveland had more attempts in the first half with three shots on net.

Cleveland held possession for majority of the first half while Lionsbridge could do nothing but buckle down and buckle down they did. Cleveland controlled majority of the of the half while Lionsbridge started to control the ball and keep it away from Cleveland defenders.

Despite Lionsbridge finding their pace on offense, Cleveland found magic in a bottle after Chris Cvecko put one in the back of the net to give Cleveland their first lead in stoppage time. Kieran Toland delivered a through ball to Cvecko on the right side of the penalty area and the veteran forward ran onto it. On his way to the goal, he hit the brakes and cut the ball back to his left foot to avoid a sliding defender, and beat the keeper.

As Cleveland led going into the half there was a yellow card issued to the Lionsbridge bench, this was just the beginning of yellow cards issued.

The second half was a defensive showdown filled with high emotions. Both teams shared the same number of chances on offense. Around the 60th minute of play, the game turned into a heavyweight boxing match. Eight cards were earned in the second half by both sides with a red card received by Jannis Schmidt in the 73rd minute.

Defending for 20 minutes, one man down in an elimination game is a tall task, Cleveland rose to the occasion as Lionsbridge FC tried taking advantage of Cleveland’s misfortune. The visitors had a few golden chances to even up the game, they could not beat the Cleveland back line as time expired eliminating Lionsbridge FC and sending Cleveland SC to Richmond for the Second Round.

“We have nothing to lose … This is a very confident group,” Muresean said about advancing to Round 2 of the US Open Cup. If they are able to upset their first pro team in the next round, they would become the first amateur team from Northern Ohio to reach the Third Round in the Modern Era (1995-present).

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Forward Madison marches on, 3-0 over Cleveland SC

by

Forward Madison vs Cleveland SC 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Forward Madison push forward against Cleveland SC in their Second Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison FC

Hosting a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match for the first time, Forward Madison FC (USL League One) dominated in a 3-0 win over Cleveland SC (NPSL) in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Breese Stevens Field.

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

Justin Sukow, Cesar Murillo Jr., and Nazeem Bartman were on the scoresheet for Madison, which outshot Cleveland 19-5.

Madison nearly opened the scoring in the 26th minute when a through-ball found Nazeem Bartman, who skated past his defender but could not skirt his shot past the Cleveland keeper Conor Cable. The subsequent corner found the head of Madison’s Carl Schneider but Cable was there to make another save to keep the game scoreless.

Madison finally broke through the Cleveland defense in the 37th minute. Indy Eleven-loanee Alann Torres drove the ball into the penalty area from near midfield, which found the foot of Justin Sukow. Sukow took two dribbles and unleashed a rocket from just inside the penalty area, which went through the hands of Cable to give Madison the 1-0 lead as the rain began pouring down.

The Madison attack didn’t relent before the break. In added-on time, Cyrus Rad’s head met the ball off a corner, which he turned toward Cesar Murillo, Jr. The first touch with his left foot squeaked past Cable to double the Forward Madison lead after 45 minutes, 2-0.

The second half began much like the first, with Forward Madison winning themselves a corner less than a minute after the restart. Cleveland was able to turn away that chance, but Madison found itselves back in control.

Cleveland SC secured its first shot on goal in the 66th minute off a short corner. The ball made its way to Chris Cvecko, whose shot was saved easily by Madison’s keeper Philip Breno.

Minutes after Cleveland’s chance, Madison struck for the third time in the game. Alann Torres broke away from the Cleveland defense around midfield and took the shot himself from the edge of the penalty area. Cable made a diving save, which fell right to Madison’s Bartman who found the back of the net to extend Madison’s lead to 3-0 in the 68th minute.

“I got an open space and I took it,” Torres said. “In my mind, I was just looking around to see what my options were. They kept on opening up until I finally said ‘I’m going to shoot it.’ Hope for the best and put it where the goalie can only block it and I know the rebound will go in. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Madison was able to hold the 3-0 lead to the final whistle, withstanding multiple Cleveland attacks in the match’s waning moments.

Forward Madison dictated the pace of play throughout the 90 minutes, forcing Cable into making eight saves while Madison counterpart, Philip Breno, was only tested on two occasions.

Forward Madison FC advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup for the second time in club history. The Third Round draw is set for Friday April 6 at Noon ET.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Cleveland SC equalize late, oust Chicago FC United in OT

by

Cleveland SC vs Chicago FC United 2022 US Open Cup
Cleveland SC’s Mikey Derezic celebrates his equalizer against Chicago FC United in their First Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Luigi Musto

On a cold and rainy night at George Finnie Stadium in Barea, Ohio, the last thing most people would want to do is play 120 minutes of soccer in such dreary conditions. On this night, Cleveland SC was grateful to wait the extra 30 minutes to dry off as a 90th minute goal gave the home side a chance to win their first ever US Open Cup game in extra time over Chicago FC United (USL League Two).

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

Cleveland had the first decent chance on goal in the 7th minute when Filip Sparavec sent a cross into the box, but Chicago goalkeeper Andrews Vasquez was able to catch the ball before Vinnie Bell could get his head on it. At the other end Chicago earned three corner kicks in a row before the final one was headed away to safety.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute as Chicago’s Mounir Alami sent the ball into the box from the left wing, and Cleveland defender Boban Cancar lifted his leg to block the ball, redirecting it and sending it past goalkeeper Conor Cable for an own goal.

For the remainder of the first half, Cleveland had most of the possession, and in the 30th minute Vinny Bell passed to Sparavec into the goal mouth, but Vasquez blocked the ball at the post and defender Pau Mateo was able to clear the ball away from danger. Cleveland managed one more corner kick in the 38th minute, but it amounted to nothing. Halftime came with Chicago FC United up 1-0.

Ten minutes into the second half Cleveland’s Andrew Nichols had an excellent chance at goal inside the penalty area but Vasquez was equal to the task.  A couple minutes later Chicago’s Jesus Perez forced Cable to make a diving fingertip save directly in front of goal to keep Chicago from doubling its lead.

For most of the rest of the second half, Chicago stifled any Cleveland attempt to create any scoring chances, although the home side was nearly gifted an own goal of their own in the 73rd minute when Chicago defender Kenton Fadel sent an awkward clearance to Vasquez. For most of the next 15 minutes Chicago created many chances, winning multiple corner kicks but were unable to get the game clinching goal.

Finally, Mike Derezic collected a Vinny Bell throw-in down the left wing, dribbled past Fadel and shot between two Chicago defenders, placing the ball into the right side of the goal giving Cleveland a 90th minute equalizer, sending the 200 or so shivering fans into delight. A few minutes of stoppage time passed, and one final Chicago attack nearly broke the hearts of Cleveland as Paul Mateo sent a shot off a corner kick dead center on goal that Cable was able to swat away, sending the game into 30 minutes of extra time.

The first 15 minutes of extra time saw each team win corner kicks, but nothing materialized from the attacks and the score remained 1-1. Just two minutes into the second half of extra time Cleveland found their game winning goal. Substitute Kieran Toland collected Chris Cvecko’s throw-in and sent a cross which appeared to be partially deflected by Fadel, sending the ball looping into the goalmouth for Vinnie Bell to nod home for a 2-1 Cleveland lead.

For the rest of the way Cleveland was able to keep Chicago in check, and the brave souls that remained in the seats screamed for what felt like an eternity for the referee to blow the final whistle. While waiting for that final whistle, Cable was called upon once more to make a save on a point blank header from Ezau Millan. Finally, the final whistle came and Cleveland SC and its wet, cold fans could warm up and celebrate their first ever Open Cup victory.

Next up for Cleveland SC is a trip north on April 6 to face Forward Madison of USL League One in the Second Round.

Scoring Summary
18’ – Chicago FC United – Own Goal (Boban Cancar)
90’ – Cleveland SC – Mike Derezic (Vinny Bell)
107’ – Cleveland SC – Vinny Bell (Kieran Toland)

Lineups

Cleveland SC: Conor Cable (GK), Chris Cvecko, Boban Cancar (Alexandru Rumleanschi 83’), Miem Derezic (Kokai Minami 112’), Admir Sujevic, Daniel Koniarczyk (Kieran Toland 73’), Andrew Nicholas (Lukas Haka 66’), Corban McAvinew, Alec Nagucki, Vinny Bell, Filip Sparavec (Benjamin Hryszko 46’)

Manager: Lewis Dunne

Chicago FC United: Andres Vasquez (GK), Kervin Fadel, Jacob Graiber, Andy Lomeli (Max Todd 115’), Pau Mateo (Alan Rubio 103’),  Giann Magno, Jesus Perez, Peder Olsen, Amine Airaki (Ezau Millan 46’), Mounir Alami (Isiah Nieves 82’) , Ricardo Avalos (Bukola Abdulwahab-Omotose 66’)

Manager: Kyel Retzlaff

Yellow Cards
Filip Sparavec, Cleveland 14’
Amine Airaki, Chicago 40’
Lukas Haka, Cleveland 112’

Referee: Austin Saini
Linesmen: Michael Nickerson, James Duling
Fourth Official: Stephen Milhoan
Att: 200

 

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development