Crystal Palace Baltimore

Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup

May 22, 2014 by Josh Hakala

The Michigan Bucks upset the Chicago Fire of MLS in 2012 Third Round. Photo: Kelly Haapala

MORE: Things you should know about the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2006 – Dallas Roma FC (USASA) 0:0 Chivas USA (MLS)
(Dallas advances 4-2 in PKs)

For all of you who ever wanted the #16 seed to win in the NCAA basketball tournament, we hope you are soccer fans.

Dallas Roma FC, from the North Texas Premier Soccer Association, made history defeating Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on penalties, after playing to a 0-0 draw after extra time. Not only did they defeat their second straight professional opponent in the US Open Cup, they became the first USASA club to eliminate a team from Major League Soccer in the US Open Cup. Chivas was dealt a major blow when their leading scorer, Ante Razov, was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless foul on Roma defender Todd Paulette. Soon after, Chivas head coach Bob Bradley sent in more of his regular starters, Jason Hernandez, Tim Regan and Juan Francisco Palencia.

The Roma defense, named TheCup.us Players of the Round for their win vs. Miami FC, held firm yet again against the Chivas attack, holding the scoreless draw through 120 minutes, at times keeping all 11 players in their own end in extra time.

Roma had a few chances in the second half as well, most notably Dominic Schell hitting the crossbar after Mark Rowland’s shot was knocked away by Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Chivas took the first spot kick in the penalty session, and Juan Francisco Palencia saw his attempt saved by Jessie Llamas. Roma’s Matt Clark and Mark Rowland converted the next kicks, as Sacha Kljestan for Chivas. Fortunes turned Roma’s way when Llamas came through again and saved Jesse Marsch’s kick, and Brad Flanagan scored for Roma to make it 3-1. After Claudio Suarez made it 3-2, Dominic Schell stepped up and put Roma in the history books. Previously, the closest a USASA side has come to defeating an MLS club was in 2000, when Florida’s Uruguay SC fell to the Tampa Bay Mutiny 1-0 in extra time.

1997 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 2:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 2:1 Kansas City Wizards (MLS)

The Modern Era of the Open Cup was still young, and Rochester caused a stir in ’96 with their amazing run to the final.

The San Francisco Bay Seals and Chicago Stingers were determined to top that, and top it they did.

Each team made their way to the third round, no small feat in itself. Both clubs defeated A-League sides in the second round, and now stepped up to face the daunting challenge of Major League Soccer. The Seals were first, taking on the Kansas City Wizards on July 24.

As if being the underdog wasn’t motivation enough, Seals forward Marquis White had something to prove of his own. White was dropped in 1996 by the New England Revolution, and he was eager to prove that he could play at the highest level. White didn’t waste any time, scoring in the very first minute of the game, taking a pass from Chris Davini and racing past the Wizards defenders and goalkeeper Chris Snitko for the goal. On the other end, the Seals defense kept the Kansas City forwards stifled and frustrated, but the Wizards eventually equalized in the 39th minute with a Frank Klopas goal.

Marquis White then stepped up a second time, taking another Davini pass home for the game-winning goal in the 55th minute, setting off celebrations at Negoesco Fiield once the final whistle blew. “I knew I could play, and this proves it” said an ecstatic White after the game. The Seals, as a team, also proved they could play, defeating the San Jose Clash in the quarterfinals to move on to the semifinals, eventually losing a close game to DC United 2-1.

Six days later, the Chicago Stingers took their turn at giant killing, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 2-1 in front of 4,730 fans at Chicago’s Forest View Park. Misfortune started early for Colorado, as the Rapids goalkeeper Paul Grafer was sent off after 17 minutes. The Stingers then took control, as Matt Hamnett and Chris Jahr scores goals before and after halftime to take a lead they would never surrender. Chris Henderson pulled one back for Colorado, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the upstart Stingers. Chicago were eventually overwhelmed by the Dallas Burn in the next round, 4-1, but the Seals and Stingers proved that the Open Cup would never be an easy walk for any MLS team.

2012 – Cal FC (USASA – 4th Div.) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS)

2012 – Michigan Bucks (PDL – 4th Div.) 3:2 (AET) Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was one of the craziest rounds in tournament history. 16 Major League Soccer teams joined the competition and only eight of them survived to play in Round 4. The two biggest stunners came from the Michigan Bucks (PDL) and newcomers Cal FC (USASA).

14 of the 16 games were played on Tuesday, May 29 and among those were the Michigan Bucks hosting four-time champion Chicago Fire indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. It was just the 4th US Open Cup game ever played indoors and the Bucks upset the Fire 3-2 in extra time.

The Bucks struck first just nine minutes into the match when Tommy Catalano received a pass from star veteran Kenny Uzoigwe to put the home team up 1-0. The Fire would equalize on a goal from Corben Bone in the 28th minute and take the lead in the 58th minute thanks to Frederico Puppo and it looked like the MLS team was going to take control, as they so often do in these underdog scenarios, but today wasn’t their day as a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match at 2-2. The match would go into extra time and after play resumed, the Bucks wasted no time in putting the pressure on the Fire. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in when Crnkic ripped a shot toward the net. The goalkeeper got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough to keep it out as the Bucks would go on to win 3-2 to become the first amateur club in the Modern Era to defeat two MLS teams (They upset the New England Revolution back in 2000).[+]FULL MATCH RECAP

After seven MLS teams were eliminated on Tuesday, what could possibly be in store for the following day? It would turn out to be arguably the biggest upset of the Modern Era (1995-present).

Cal FC, led by their manager former US international Eric Wynalda, traveled from Southern California up to Portland, Ore. and upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Artur Aghasyan streaked down the middle of the field, easily beating a lopsided offside trap, collected a well placed through ball and calmly chipped goalkeeper Troy Perkins. It was the only goal they would need to become the first USASA team to defeat a Major League Soccer team (Dallas Roma FC in 2006 eliminated Chivas USA in a penalty kick shootout). A USASA team defeating a MLS team was rare enough, but there had only been four previous USASA teams that had advanced far enough to even play against the top division. In those four games, none of the USASA teams even scored a goal. They were also just the fifth amateur team to eliminate a MLS sidse, and the 12th USASA team to eliminate a pro team of any kind. [+]FULL MATCH RECAP

Notable upsets in the First Round of the US Open Cup

September 1, 2009 by Aaron Stollar

Hollywood United coach Ian Carrington celebrates his club’s upset win over the Portland Timbers. Photo: Allison Andrews

2008 – Hollywood United (USASA) 3, Portland Timbers (USL-1) 2
The Professional Era’s greatest First Round upset came in 2008 when Hollywood United, the USASA Region IV qualifier from California, traveled to PGE Park in Portland Ore. and knocked out the Portland Timbers 3-2. Hollywood United trailed twice during the match, but each time they trailed, Matt Taylor would convert a penalty kick to tie the game back up. With the score level at 2-2, Earl Alexander scored a 90th minute goal to send United to the Second Round and left Portland fans stunned. It was only the second time in the Professional Era that a USASA team has defeated a USL First Division team, and the first time that a USASA team had upset a USL-1 team on the road.

1997 – Bridgeport Italians (USASA) 3, Rhode Island Stingrays (D3 Pro) 2
With the USASA clubs reeling from losing “their” cup to the USISL and MLS, the amateur clubs of the USASA looked forward to proving to the higher level clubs that they still belonged. On this summer day in East Providence, Rhode Island, the Bridgeport Italians proved they did belong. Their opponents, the Rhode Island Stingrays, would eventually make the playoffs of the Third Division USL Pro League, but wound up seeing an early exit for themselves from the Cup. Marek Jurkonski, Pierre Venditti and Allen Zuniga scored for Bridgeport to give them a 3-2 win over the Stingrays. The Italians went on to lose a close 1-0 game to the Long Island Rough Riders in the next round, but they fulfilled the dream of every USASA club, they beat one of the “big boys”.

Other notable First Round upsets
1996 – San Jose Oaks (USASA) 3:2 California Jaguars (USISL Select)
1997 – Bridgeport Italians (USASA) 3:2 Rhode Island Stingrays (D3 Pro)
1997 – Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL) 3:2 Wilmington Hammerheads (D3 Pro)
1997 – Central Coast Roadrunners (PDL) 4:2 Albuquerque Geckos (D3 Pro)
1999 – United German Hungarians (USASA) 2:1 New Jersey Stallions (D3 Pro)
1999 – New York Freedoms (PDL) 3:1 Cape Cod Crusaders (D3 Pro)
1999 – Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL) 3:2 Austin Lone Stars (D3 Pro)
1999 – Spokane Shadow (PDL) 3:2 (aet) Chico Rooks (D3 Pro)
2002 – Raleigh CASL Elite (PDL) 5:2 Carolina Dynamo (PSL)
2002 – Des Moines Menace (PDL) 3:1 New Jersey Stallions (PSL)
2006 – Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2)
2007 – Ocean City Barons (PDL) 1:0 Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2)
2007 – Bavarian SC (USASA) 1:0 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2)
2007 – El Paso Patriots (PDL) 2:2 Miami FC (USL-1) (El Paso advance 4-3 on PKs)
2009 – Ocean City Barons (PDL) 3:0 Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2)

2009 First Round: Ocean City Barons’ Byron Carmichael named best of Round 1

June 12, 2009 by

Byron Carmichael is among the Professional Era's leading goalscorers. Photo: Ocean City Barons

Ocean City Barons forward Byron Carmichael has been named the USOpenCup.com Player of the Round for the First Round of the tournament. Carmichael, in his sixth season with the Premier Development League side, scored a pair of goals in a 3-0 upset win against Crystal Palace Baltimore to earn the award. He edged Sonoma County Sol’s Shawn Percell, who also scored two goals in their First Round win over the PDL’s Orange County Blue Star.

The Player of the Round is selected by the staff of USOpenCup.com and members of the North American Soccer Reporters, 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.

Carmichael, a teacher at Luis Munoz-Rivera Elementary School in Trenton, New Jersey, is participating in his fifth U.S. Open Cup and is one of the Professional Era’s leading scorers. After this year’s opening round, his 10 goals in 11 Cup matches puts him in a tie for third with Dante Washington and Sebastien Le Toux since professional teams joined the tournament in 1995. One would assume that his brightest moment in the tournament was when he helped the Wilmington Hammerheads upset Major League Soccer’s Dallas Burn (now F.C. Dallas) in 2003, but rather than assuming, we asked him for USOpenCup.com’s Player of the Round Q&A.

USOC.com: The Barons qualified for the Open Cup in 2007, knocking off Crystal Palace Baltimore at home in the First Round, but falling to Harrisburg in the next round. After missing out in 2008, you’re back with a similar result in the First Round. What is the difference between this year’s team and previous teams, like the 2007 club?

Both of the teams were very good. I feel there is more hunger for victory on the 2009 team then the 2007. We have come together very quickly as a close soccer family. We enjoy practicing and playing with each other very much. We have good chemistry on the field and off the field. I feel our preparation for Crystal Palacethis year was great. We had two really good practice sessions and went over the game plan. In 2007, I don’t think some of the players realized how important the Open Cup games are. I think the players on this team understand how big these soccer games are. These games can open doors into the professional soccer world, if your team plays well and continues to advance.

USOC.com: What are your thoughts on last Wednesday’s game?

Last Wednesday, the team played very well. We wanted the game more than Crystal Palace Baltimore I feel. We had a plan that we wanted to execute against them. We followed our game plan to perfection which allowed us to win the game. It is always exciting to play a USL-2, USL-1, or MLS team. We felt that out of all theUSL-2 teams, we could play with Crystal Palace and they might have revenge on their mind from 2007. We knew whatever team scored first would have the advantage to go onto the next round. The atmosphere at the stadium was great with the fans cheering on the team. It was a nice night to play a soccer game. I would have liked the field to be in better condition but we played good on it.

USOC.com: You scored a pair of goals, adding to your career total in the Open Cup – the first one looked tricky with the ball bouncing around on that field … can you describe both goals you scored?

The first goal came from a shot outside the 18 by Karl Reddick. It went right to Neal Melchionni who controlled it and took a shot. It deflected off his defender and it fell right to me. I struck it with my left foot into the back of the net. The second goal came from a great build up through the midfield. William Swetra won the ball in the midfield and placed a good ball to Neal. Then Neal played a square ball to Karl Reddick who continue the ball onto William Swetra. William slipped the ball between two defenders leading me on a breakaway with the goalie. I controlled the ball and blasted it by the goalie for our second goal.

USOC.com: After finishing your college career as Marshall University’s all-time leading scorer, you were drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the 2003 MLS Superdraft, but eventually signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL-2. After spending a couple years playing in the pros, you decided to settle down in South Jersey. Can you talk about your journey to come to that decision, choosing “real life” (as they call it) over a life in pro soccer?

I had always had a dream to play professional soccer when I young. I accomplished my goal and winning two USL-2 championships was an added bonus. I just felt I could do other things besides soccer that would impact other people. I get to work with children by coaching and teaching and being the best role model to them. It’s exciting seeing players I coached getting scholarships to colleges for soccer. I’m still playing competitive soccer in a very good league. I just don’t get to practice every day with my teammates. When I do have practice, I have to go teach my students first. I wouldn’t mind having another chance to play professional soccer again. If a professional team called to see if I was interested in playing, I would definitely look into playing pro again.

USOC.com: Your first professional stop took you to Wilmington where you played for the Hammerheads of the USL Second Division (it was called the USL Pro Soccer League back then). There, I would assume you achieved your
shining moment in terms of the Open Cup, a 4-1 thrashing of the Dallas Burn. You came off the bench in the second half and assisted on two goals. Can you tell us about that game, and what that Open Cup run was
like?

All of these wins in the Open Cup holds a special place in my heart. I can tell you how every game went that I have played in during the Open Cup. Before we got to play Dallas, we beat the Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) 2-1 in Wilmington. It was great to play the Dallas Burn, especially at Legion Field in Wilmington. We were excited to play an MLS team in the Open Cup. We wanted to win this game and get to the next round. We came out winning first and second balls. I don’t think Dallasrealize that they would be in for a tough match. It was 1-1 going into half time. We came out in the second half on fire and were looking for the go-ahead goal. I’m glad that I could help the team with two assists that game. I will always remember beating an MLS team in the Open Cup. We went onto play D.C. United at home. It was a tough game that went back and forth between two good teams. We ended up on the losing end by giving up a late first half goal that would prove to be the game-winner.

USOC.com: Do either of the Barons’ Open Cup games compare to that Dallas Burn game? What was your favorite Barons Open Cup game?

All of the upsets in the Open Cup were great. I feel they are all about the same with the exception of beating an MLS team. When we beat the Dallas Burn, it became a night that you could never forget. I don’t have a favorite Barons Open Cup game. The games that we won are the ones that I remember the most and talk about them to my friends. It was nice to beat Crystal Palace Baltimore andLong Island because not many PDL teams can say they have beaten three professional team in their history. (USOpenCup.com note: Only four PDL teams have three or more Open Cup wins vs. professional opponents. Michigan Bucks have 7, Des Moines Menace have 5 and the Carolina Dynamo and the Ocean City Barons each have 3.)

USOC.com: How confident are you going into Round 2 against Real Maryland?

I’m confident going into our next game. I feel we can play with Real Maryland. We will be prepared for them. I think they will be ready for us too. It should make for an exciting game. Our players are excited for the chance to play another professional team. We are looking forward to playing at home with our fans that will create a great atmosphere.

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

June 11, 2009 by

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
——————————————————————
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: Ocean City Barons fly by Crystal Palace Baltimore again; first PDL upset of 2009

June 10, 2009 by

WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2009 (Postponed from June 9 due to field conditions)
Carey Stadium – Ocean City, N.J. | 7 p.m.
Match Reports: Ocean City | Press of Atlantic City
Video Highlights (Courtesy: NBC40 – Best with IE)
Twitter: @oceancitybarons

	3	FT	0
Byron Carmichael (Melchionni) 9’ Byron Carmichael (Swetra) 34’ JT Noone (Richter) 78’

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. Baltimore was attempting to avenge a 1-0 upset in the First Round of the 2007 tournament at the hands of the Barons. That game two years ago was also played at “The Beach House” in Ocean City and for the Barons, it was their third upset of a pro team in franchise history.

Byron Carmichael opened the scoring in the 9th minute, with an assist from Neal Melchionni. Carmichael struck again in the 34th minute on a feed from William Swetra give the Barons a 2-0 halftime lead. The game had been postponed on Tuesday due to a flooded field from heavy overnight storms.

With 12 minutes remaining, JT Noone left no doubt as to who the winners were with a Ryan Richter-assisted goal in the 78th minute. Ocean City will host the Real Maryland Monarchs next Tuesday in the Second Round with a date with DC United of Major League Soccer on the line.

2008 Quarterfinals: Second string Revolution avoid upset, edge Baltimore in PK shootout

July 8, 2008 by

Sergio Flores of Crystal Palace Baltimore reacts after being shown a red card in the 119th minute after a tackle on Pat Phelan of the New England Revolution. Photo: Art Donahue | Revolution Recap

The New England Revolution’s defense of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was nearly ended in New Britain, Conn. at the hands of a resolute Crystal Palace Baltimore team on Tuesday night. Following 120 minutes of even soccer, the Revs pushed past Palace 5-3 on penalty kicks, with Mauricio Castro slotting home the final shot for New England.

Baltimore, who already claimed the $10,000 prize money as the USL-2 team that advanced the furthest, was attempting to become the first third division club to advance to the Semifinals since the San Francisco Bay Seals made the final four in 1997.

In a very similar lineup from their Third Round match against the Richmond Kickers (USL-2), the Revolution started Taylor Twellman, Kenny Mansally, Khano Smith along with a collection of players who, up until this point in the season, have not seen very much first team action.

Sergio Flores of Crystal Palace Baltimore was shown red in the 119th minute after a foul on New England’s Pat Phelan, leaving Palace one less player to choose from for the penalty kick shootout.

The defending champs would get on the scoreboard first after just six minutes with Kenny Mansally running onto a Brandon Tyler pass and putting it past Palace goalkeeper Brian Rowland. Baltimore would equalize in the 20th minute on a Dan Lader tally after he buried a shot from the top of the box after it pinballed off a couple of players in front.

After Sergio Flores was sent off, Palace with just ten men from which to select its five for the shootout. Chase Hilgenbrinck (NER) opened with a goal, followed by Shintaro Harada (CPB), Kheli Dube (NER), Bryan Harkin (CPB), Chris Tierney (NER), and Matthew Mbuta (CPB). Amaechi Igwe put the Revs ahead 4-3 with his score, but Val Teixeira had his attempt saved by Doug Warren, setting up Castro to be the hero.

The Revolution will hit the road for their Semifinal encounter, traveling to RFK Stadium to take on DC United on August 12.

2008 Third Round: Who needs wings? Crystal Palace Baltimore stuns Red Bulls

July 1, 2008 by

Crystal Palace Baltimore pulled off the surprise of the Third Round, ousting the New York Red Bulls 2-0 at Lawrence E. Knight Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Palace netted their first goal of the evening after seventeen minutes. A Bryan Harkin corner kick was headed in by Andrew Marshall past goalkeeper Zach Thornton to give the underdogs a 1-0 lead. The Red Bulls had a seemingly easy opportunity to tie the game shortly after. New York was awarded a free kick from seven yards out when CPB goalkeeper Matt Nelson handled a back pass. Mike Magee took the free kick, but his shot was blocked by one of the many Baltimore players defending the play.

Palace were forced to play the final 56 minutes with ten men, when Ibrahim Kante was shown a straight red for a dangerous two-footed tackle on Chris Megaloudis in the 34th minute. In all, six yellows and two red cards were issued by referee Andrew Chapin.

After Matthew Mbuta nearly doubled Palace’s lead with a shot that struck the goalpost, Gary Brooks sealed the Red Bulls’ fate in the 75th minute. Brooks put in a low cross from Paul Robson to give the home side a 2-0 lead and it would be enough to book them a trip to the Quarterfinals.

Palace will visit defending US Open Champions New England Revolution in New Britain, Conn. next Tuesday, as Palace attempt to replicate their parent club’s run to the FA Cup Final in 1990.

Lineups

Crystal Palace Baltimore — Matt Nelson, Shintaro Harada, Ibrahim Kante, Paul Robson, Andrew Marshall, Pat Healey, Bryan Harkin (Mike Lookingland 60), Dan Lader, Larry Mark (Sergio Flores 88), Gary Brooks (Val Teixeira 79), Matthew Mbuta.

Substitutes Not Used: David Feazell, Cecil Lewis, Carlos Morales, Brian Rowland

New York Red Bulls — Zach Thornton, Chris Leitch (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 46), Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke, John Gilkerson (Andrew Boyens 46), Luke Sassano, Gordon Kljestan (John Wolyniec 46), Mike Magee, Danleigh Borman (David Roth 63), Chris Megaloudis,

Substitutes Not Used: Hunter Freeman, Caleb Patterson-Sewell, Ricky Schramm

New York Red Bulls Crystal Palace Baltimore
total shots: 6 (Mike Magee 2) 5 (Gary Brooks 3)
shots on goal: 0 3 (3 tied with 1)
fouls: 2 (Danleigh Borman 1,
Kevin Goldthwaite 1) 5 (Gary Brooks 2)
offsides: 0 1 (Gary Brooks 1)
corner kicks: 2 (Danleigh Borman 2) 1 (Andrew Marshall 1)
saves: 1 (Zach Thornton 1) 0

Misconduct Summary:
BAL — Larry Mark (caution; Reckless Foul) 21
BAL — Bryan Harkin (caution; Dissent) 26
NY — Mike Magee (caution; Dissent) 26
BAL — Gary Brooks (caution; Dissent) 30
BAL — Ibrahim Kante (caution; Dissent) 30
BAL — Ibrahim Kante (ejection; Serious Foul Play) 34
BAL — Matthew Mbuta (caution; Delaying a Restart) 44
NY — Mike Magee (ejection; Second Caution) 92+

referee: Andrew Chapin
Referee’s Assistants: Bryan Roland; Rod Harnage
4th official: Jim Sadowsi
time of game: 1:54
attendance: 1,654
weather: Cloudy -and- 78 degrees

2008 Second Round: Matt Nelson knocks out old team as Crystal Palace tops Harrisburg in shootout

June 24, 2008 by

Former City Islander goalkeeper Matt Nelson came back to haunt his old club, saving three of Harrisburg’s four penalty kicks in the shootout tiebreaker to advance Crystal Palace Baltimore to the Third Round of the US Open Cup.

Crystal Palace jumped to an early 1-0 lead on Kevin King’s 10th minute goal, but the lead did not last long. Anthony Calvano leveled the contest a 1-1 in the 24th minute thanks to a David Schofield assist. Just a few moments later, the City Islanders gained a man advantage when King was sent off for striking Calvano. The match remained at 1-1 through halftime, and in the second half, two more red cards were issued. The first was to Baltimore co-Manager Pete Medd, who was dismissed in the 56th minute. Shortly after, the numbers on the playing field were evened when Harrisburg’s Brian Ombiji was sent off for stepping on a Palace defender in the 63rd minute.

In extra time, Baltimore took the lead once again as the first extra session was coming to an end with Matthew Mbuta scoring on a Val Teixeira assist. Just as the game looked to finish a 2-1, Harrisburg was awarded a penalty in the final minute of extra time. Yu Hoshide stepped up and converted the spot kick to send the match to penalties.

Once in the penalty shootout, it was Nelson’s turn to shine. After Harrisburg counterpart Brian Pope saved Michael Lookingland’s penalty attempt, Nelson gained revenge on Hoshide by saving his shot. After Ibrahim Kante (CPB) and Brian Devlin (HCI) converted the next round of shots, fortunes seemed to turn Harrisburg’s way when Cecil Lewis missed his chance. Nelson came to the rescue again as he saved Brett Wiesner’s shot to keep the PK score 1-1. After Patrick Healey scored for Palace. Nelson stepped up again with a save on Adam Clay’s shot. Val Teixeira put the nail in the coffin with the final penalty, putting the result out of reach for Harrisburg.

Crystal Palace will host the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer next Tuesday in the Third Round.

2008 First Round: Pat Healey of Crystal Palace Baltimore named Player of the Round

June 15, 2008 by

Pat Healey was the hero for well-traveled Crystal Palace Baltimore in the First Round. Photo: CPFC USA | James Calder

Pat Healey, a midfielder from Crystal Palace Baltimore, was selected as the Player of the Round for the First Round of this year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by the editorial staff of TheCup.us.

His two goals led the USL Second Division club to a 2-1 victory over the PDL’s Los Angeles Legends. A 2008 draft pick of Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards, Healey returned to Baltimore to finish his degree at Towson University and chose to play for his hometown side.

Recently, we caught up with Pat to discuss the First Round match, Palace’s upcoming Second Round matchup with the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) and his career to date.

TheCup.us: What was the team’s initial reaction when it found out that they would be heading to Los Angeles to play in the First Round, one of only two teams of the 32 to be subject to a cross-country trip?

Healey: We knew it would be difficult going across the country to play the Legends, but it was just how the draw worked out. The draw is what it is, so we were fine with it. It was difficult to travel 3000 miles during the week when you had two games the previous weekend and a game at home the weekend after the Open Cup game. We were very happy to go to L.A. and get a very good win against a very good PDL team.

TheCup.us: Talk about playing for your hometown team and being raised in a soccer environment from an early age. Was there interest from USL-1 sides, MLS or abroad following your career at Towson?

Healey: It is great to play where you grew up. Growing up, I watched a lot of professional teams play in the area and to part of Baltimore professional soccer is great. I was very excited to sign with Crystal Palace. I have always wanted to play professional soccer and this made my dream come true.

Pat Healey (right) battles for the ball against the Wilmington Hammerheads in league play. Healey scored two goals vs. Los Angeles Legends in the First Round including the game-winner in the 88th minute. Photo: CPFC USA | James Calder

I was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the fifth round of this year’s draft. I went to their pre-season camp trying to make the squad, but it didn’t work out that way. When I got released, I went home to Baltimore. When I came back, I decided to finish my last year of college. A few days later, I began talking to Crystal Palace and signed in a day or two. It was the perfect fit for me and I couldn’t be happier. It is great to be the hometown boy signing with the hometown team.

TheCup.us: Preview a bit your club’s Second Round match against Harrisburg, a fellow USL-2 opponent that Palace lost to just two weeks ago at home. Does their pedigree in the Open Cup give them an advantage?

Healey: Harrisburg is a very good team. We played them on June 8th and lost 1-0. It was a very hard fought game on a very hot day. We came up on the wrong side of the stick in that game. We learned a lot about Harrisburg and ourselves after that game. It will be a good match in Harrisburg, and I hope we can go on the road again and get a good win.

TheCup.us: Who are some of your soccer role models? Who do you model your game after most?

Healey: My soccer role model is my father (former Baltimore Bays/Blast coach Kevin Healey). He is a very good coach who has coached from professional soccer to youth soccer. He has been successful at every level. From an early age, he has taught me everything. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. I can sit and talk to him about soccer for hours and it only feels like a short time. I could not have had a better role model.

I try to model my game after Paul Scholes. The guy is a world-class player. He isn’t the fastest guy or have the most step-over moves, but he gets the job done. He cares about the team success above everything and that is the most important. He is a winner!

TheCup.us: I see you are majoring in Sport Management at Towson. Any ambitions for a post-playing career in soccer?

Healey: I am finishing my degree this summer. For my post-playing career, I am interested in a lot of things. I have thought about it, but playing professional soccer is the most important right now. I have been putting hard work in for many years to get to this point, so I am going to put my best foot forward with soccer at this time.

2008 First Round recap: Hollywood United historic upset headlines the opening round

June 14, 2008 by

2008 US Open Cup First Round
(Home team listed on right)

June 10
Yakima Reds 1:5 Harrisburg City Islanders
Boston Olympiakos 0:2 Western Mass Pioneers
Fredericksburg Gunners 0:3 Richmond Kickers
Crystal Palace Baltimore 2:1 LA Legends
RWB Adria 1:2 (aet) Rochester Rhinos
Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4:0 AAC Eagles
St. Louis Lions 1:4 Minnesota Thunder
Cleveland City Stars 2:1 Michigan Bucks
Bradenton Academics 2:4 Miami FC
Atlanta Silverbacks 2:2 (5:4 PKs) Austin Aztex U23s
Clearwater Galactics 2:5 Charlotte Eagles
Seattle Sounders 1:0 (aet) Arizona Sahuaros
Hollywood United 3:2 Portland Timbers
Brooklyn Knights 0:1 Carolina RailHawks
ASC New Stars 0:3 Charleston Battery
June 13
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 2:3 (aet) Real Maryland

Player of the Round: Pat Healey (CP Baltimore)
Notable upsets in the First Round
Things you should know about the First Round

In the lone upset in this year’s opening round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Hollywood United became only the second USASA club to defeat a USL First Division team in the tournament, knocking off the Portland Timbers with a dramatic, stoppage-time goal from Earl Alexander.

A pair of penalty kicks by Matt Taylor kept Hollywood level with their professional hosts. The Timbers tallied with goals fron Chris Brown (32nd minute), and Arsene Oka (51st minute). A crucial turning point in the match came in the 53rd minute, when Hollywood goalkeeper Javier Barragan saved a penalty kick from the Timbers’ Takayuki Suzuki, keeping the score 2-1 in favor of Portland.

Four other amateur teams nearly joined Hollywood in the Second Round.

In Phoenix, Arizona, the defending USL First Division Champion Seattle Sounders needed 118 minutes to find the winning goal against the USASA’s Arizona Sahuaros. Kenji Treschuk scored the winning goal with just a couple minutes remaining in extra time, before the match would go to penalty kicks.

In Austin, Texas, the Atlanta Silverbacks got a penalty kick goal from David Hayes late in overtime to tie the game back up at 2-2 and sent the game into a tiebreaking shootout against the PDL’s Austin Aztex U23s. However, Atlanta would prevail, with Hayes sending the USL-1 side to the next round with the winning kick.

In Rochester, the Rhinos also needed extra time to knock off Chicago USASA club RWB Adria 2-1. Awadallah Morad tied the game for Adria with just four minutes remaining in regulation, and Hamed Diallo scored the eventual winning goal for Rochester just seven minutes into the extra period.

One match on Tuesday’s schedule was washed out by inclement weather, but the day after New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA Region I) took the Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2) to overtime. The Monarchs needed an 85th minute equalizer and a late extra time goal to end the Freedoms’ upset bid.