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El Paso Locomotive FC

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez makes fans “believe” with comeback vs. El Paso

May 8, 2025 by Laura Gallo

Brandon Vazquez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo
Brandon Vazquez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo
Bra ndon Vazquez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo

Austin FC avoided an early exit from the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, overcoming a two-goal halftime deficit to defeat USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive, 3-2, at Q2 Stadium.

El Paso shocked the home crowd in the first half behind a pair of goals from a familiar name in Austin soccer circles. Beto Avila, who previously played for the now-defunct Austin Bold in the USL Championship, silenced Q2 Stadium with a pair of goals.

Less than a minute after having a goal called offside, Avila received a pass from Amando Moreno on the left wing. Avila took a couple of touches, gained the penalty box and fired a low shot which beat Austin goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland to the near post in the 20th minute.

Austin FC continued to put pressure on the El Paso goal. Moments after forcing a point blank save from El Paso goalkeeper Jamali Waite, Austin’s Brandon Vasquez put his head to a cross just outside the six-yard box. His header rang off the crossbar in the 32nd minute.

A minute later, El Paso sprang to live on the other end, forcing a diving save by Cleveland on a shot from about 30 yards out. Then shortly after that, in the 34th minute, Avila received a cross but his touch got away from him, only to have the ball deflect off a defender. Avila chased it down in the box and launched a shot to the far post.

The frustration among the Austin supporters was clear as loud boos rang out at halftime with the hosts trailing 2-0.

“What happened here in halftime was we had a real hard, honest talk amongst ourselves and some words were said,” said midfielder Jon Gallagher. “But I think we were addressing the facts and not caring about the guys’ feelings—we’ve got to do our jobs here, and that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

Despite the deficit, Austin created several chances—particularly through forward Brandon Vázquez, who was active throughout the first half but couldn’t find the breakthrough. As the saying goes, la red no quería ceder—the ball simply didn’t want to go in.

That changed in the 73rd minute when Vázquez finally got on the scoresheet. There was no celebration, just urgency and a sense of unfinished business. Owen Wolff, who had just entered the game, played Vazquez through to the box and the US international one-timed the ball to cut the lead in half.

“It felt like the goal just wouldn’t come. We were putting in all the work, and finally, I hit the back of the net,” said Vázquez. “It was an incredible feeling—and to come back, score, and win the game made it even better.”

Austin had flipped the momentum. Three minutes later, Vazquez played provider. With his back to the goal, Vazquez chested a ball down to Myrto Uzuni, who settled the ball at the edge of the 18-yard-box and fired a shot to beat a diving Waite, sending Q2 into a roar.

Vázquez added his second of the night in the 80th minute, when Wolff dribbled into the El Paso penalty area and just as he reached the box, he sent a low cross to Vazquez who powered a header into the back of the net. He sprinted to the supporters’ section with a scream of “Believe!” as Austin completed the comeback.

Vasquez’s brace gives him 11 career US Open Cup goals, which moves him into a tie for 7th with Dom Dwyer on the Modern Era (1995-present) goalscoring chart. His goal was his fourth game-winning goal in his Open Cup career, which is tied for second most of any player.

El Paso exit the tournament after a courageous first-half performance, but Austin FC’s second-half response—powered by key substitutions and relentless pressure—proved too much to contain. Austin FC will now face in-state MLS rival Houston Dynamo in the Round of 16, with that match also set to be played at Q2 Stadium.

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Austin FC, El Paso Locomotive FC

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: El Paso Locomotive earns first MLS date after PK win over New Mexico United

April 17, 2025 by Seth Biddulph

Players from El Paso Locomotive FC celebrate after scoring a goal against New Mexico United in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Angel Ramos - El Paso Locomotive FC
Players from El Paso Locomotive FC celebrate after scoring a goal against New Mexico United in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Angel Ramos - El Paso Locomotive FC
Players from El Paso Locomotive FC celebrate after scoring a goal against New Mexico United in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Angel Ramos – El Paso Locomotive FC

El Paso Locomotive FC delivered a dramatic and determined performance on the road Wednesday night, defeating New Mexico United in a US Open Cup clash that showcased both teams’ grit and intensity. After 120 minutes of play and a deadlock at 2-2, El Paso triumphed in a penalty shootout, advancing to the Round of 32 for the first time in club history.

The match began with a noticeable shift in demeanor from the visitors compared to their recent league encounter with United. Where El Paso had previously appeared cautious and content to play for a point, this time they arrived with purpose. Buoyed by a string of strong performances in recent weeks, the Locomotive played with an attacking mindset from the outset, pressing high and creating dangerous opportunities from the opening whistle.

Former United forward Amando Moreno was instrumental early, pressing United’s back line and helping to dictate the tempo. El Paso’s pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Ricardo Ruiz delivered a pinpoint corner into the box. The cross pulled United goalkeeper Kris Shakes off his line, but the flight of the ball carried past him and met the head of Daniel Carter, who directed it into the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The goal sparked a physical and emotional response from both sides. The match saw multiple yellow cards before halftime, and tempers flared during two scuffles at opposite ends of the pitch. The officiating came under scrutiny as the center referee worked to maintain control in an increasingly tense atmosphere.

Despite a shaky opening, United found their footing around the 30-minute mark. In the 29th minute, Brazilian forward Fernando narrowly missed an equalizer after misfiring a promising cross from McKinze Gaines. But fortune favored United just minutes later. In the 40th minute, a miscommunication at the back proved costly for El Paso. Goalkeeper Sebastian Mora-Mora attempted to play the ball out to his left but lingered too long, allowing Gaines to pounce and intercept. With a quick pass to the center of the box, Gaines found Marlon Vargas, who slotted the ball home to level the match at 1-1 heading into the break.

The second half saw a tactical shift from both teams as they sought control through more deliberate build-up play. El Paso nearly regained the lead in the 70th minute when Andy Cabrera unleashed a powerful strike from distance, only to be denied by a fingertip save from Shakes that pushed the ball onto the crossbar.

Just three minutes later, United capitalized on a well-orchestrated sequence. Moving the ball fluidly from wing to wing, United pulled the El Paso defense out of position. Mukwelle Akale found space on the left and delivered a curling cross to the far post, where Jaylin Lindsey timed his run perfectly to head the ball past Mora-Mora and give United a 2-1 advantage.

As the clock wound down, United began rotating in fresh legs and looked set to close out the match. But the rivalry’s dramatic nature had one more twist. In the dying seconds of stoppage time, a foul by Talen Maples near midfield gave El Paso a lifeline. With the entire team pushed forward, including the goalkeeper, the ball was launched into the penalty area. A failed clearance allowed Gabi Torres to collect and find Cabrera, who calmly buried a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to tie the match 2-2 and force extra time.

Fatigue set in during the additional 30 minutes, though both teams managed to carve out key chances. United had the best look in the 104th minute when Akale and Thomas Amang broke into the final third. Akale attempted to square the ball for what seemed a certain goal, but a heavy touch let the opportunity slip away.

With no breakthrough in extra time, the match was ultimately decided by penalties. United struggled from the spot, as Gedion Zelalem’s attempt was saved and Kalen Ryden’s shot ricocheted off the crossbar. El Paso, by contrast, was clinical. Cabrera, capping off a standout performance, converted the final penalty to seal the shootout 4-1.

The win marks a significant milestone for El Paso Locomotive, who will now prepare for their Round of 32 matchup against an MLS side with momentum at their backs. For New Mexico United, it’s a painful exit in a match that saw them claw back, take the lead, and come within seconds of victory—only to see it slip away in the most dramatic fashion.

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC, New Mexico United

2024 US Open Cup Round 3: Union Omaha add to El Paso Locomotive USOC struggles with PK win

April 18, 2024 by Tim Howerton

Mark Bronnik of Union Omaha celebrates after scoring the winning PK in the shootout to beat the El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha
Mark Bronnik of Union Omaha celebrates after scoring the winning PK in the shootout to beat the El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha
Mark Bronnik of Union Omaha celebrates after scoring the winning PK in the shootout to beat the El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha

Different pitch, same result for Union Omaha as for the second consecutive year Los Búhos would oversee El Paso Locomotive’s exit from the US Open Cup, advancing 5-3 on penalties. An occasionally frantic 120 minutes saw the teams finish scoreless despite a missed Locos penalty, several incredible saves, and a late red card for Noah Dollenmayer that opened the door for the hosts decide the match in extra time. A breakthrough wouldn’t come, however, and the match came down to a well-timed Rashid Nuhu save and a cooly slotted final penalty kick by 17-year-old Mark Bronnik. 

Last year, Omaha beat El Paso 2-0 at Creighton University in the Second Round.

Despite being the side in the lower division, Union Omaha came out of the starting gates quickly.  Their tenacious pressing led to several shaky moments at El Paso’s back that put keeper Ramón Pasquel under duress early in his first start of the season.  The FC Juarez loanee found himself facing a shot in the 2nd minute from Lagos Kunga following a turnover deep in the defensive half that was kept out by the striker’s hesitation and timely defending in front of goal.

That would end up being a sign of things to come for both sides.  A stout Omaha midfield would control the game and force the Locomotive back line into mistakes or poorly played long balls, the hosts would attack up the wings, and in the final moments the attack would fizzle out either by off-target shooting or Los Locos finding just enough to keep the ball out of the net.

When El Paso was able to connect their passes together, the danger was very real.  The visitors’ first real opportunity to show their teeth came in the 24th minute as defender Nick Hinds worked his way past two Owls to make some space on the left side.  With time to place his cross, he found Javier Nevarez, who took the ball on his right foot and blasted a shot on target.  Rashid Nuhu’s diving save would be the first of six often mind-boggling saves that would keep the clean sheet intact. Nevarez, on the other hand, would also continue to be a major thorn in Omaha’s side.

Play returned to favor the hosts as they outpaced, out-muscled, and out-skilled an Locomotive team that seemed to be lacking steam. El Paso looked like they had no answer for the attacking creativity of Los Búhos and were playing dangerously close to the fire.

???????????????????????????? ????????????????????:

BRONNIKKKKKKK!

THE 17-YEAR-OLD is calm, cool and collected as he puts our last penalty past the keeper to send us to the next round! ????

???? ✅✅✅✅✅
???? ✅✅❌✅#OneMeansAll | @opencup pic.twitter.com/wEZfp1EzgU

— Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) April 18, 2024

That is until the end of the first half when Nevarez took the ball in the attacking third and slipped past Marco Milanese to take a run toward the box. Milanese was able to catch up just enough to foul Nevarez just outside the penalty area to give El Paso a free kick in a tempting area.  As Joaquin Rivas struck the free kick, Nortei Nortey blocked shot with an arm extending from his body. The referee was in perfect position to see the foul and pointed immediately to the spot.

Unfortunately for Locomotive, Amando Moreno’s kick sailed well over Nuhu and the supporters behind his goal.  Minutes later, they would have the ball in the back of the net, but that would be ruled offsides.  By the time the half time whistle blew, the feeling was that El Paso may have squandered the best chances they’d seen all night.

If the first half was hallmarked by the hosts’ control of the match, the second half would be noted for its chaos.  Neither side could build on the positives they’d created in the first half, and the opening 15 minutes were marred by poor passing, turnovers, and a lack of any momentum for either team.  There were still the occasional sharp runs and moments of creativity, but the match had gotten more physical as each side tried to break through the frustration and find the opener.

By the time the first substitutions came on the energy and pace had evened out between the teams.  Union Omaha continued on their way to dominating the shot chart (32-12), but a heavy majority of those would be off the mark or blocked.  Locomotive would make better use of their chances, putting a total of six on Nuhu’s frame, but the Búho’s number one would show his quality time and again.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "Champions" shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The match had the chance to turn itself on its head in the 90+3 minute when Noah Dollenmayer would receive a straight red card for a dangerous challenge at the ankles of Marco Milanese.  The Locomotive defender was initially shown a yellow card, however, after consulting with his assistants, Referee Esad Omanovic upgraded the card and reduced the visitors to 10-men going into extra time.

With the man advantage, Omaha began the extra period much the same way as they began the first half.  In the 91st minute, Brandon Knapp was able to find a completely unmarked Adam Aoumaich inside the Locomotive box, but Aoumaich’s shot would sail over the bar.  7 minutes later, a Ryen Jiba corner would find Joe Gallardo who put a close range shot into Pasquel’s body.  The rebound fell to Marco Milanese who put the shot over the bar.

As the second half of extra time came around, both teams ran at each other alternating squandered chances, yellow cards, and the occasional word or two for the referee.  Despite their renewed energy and efforts, this match was seemingly destined to end 0-0 and have to be decided by penalties.

Electing to go first, Omaha put their first two penalties into the net, matched by Los Locos.  Adam Aoumaich’s kick wasn’t the prettiest in the world, but managed to get in off Pasquel’s glove to give Omaha a 3-2 advantage awaiting Gonzalo Pelúa’s kick.  The young Uruguayan would test Nuhu to the keeper’s right, but Nuhu was well on it to put Los Búhos on the brink of the next round.

The two teams would trade penalties bringing up 120th minute substitute Mark Bronnik. Despite his age, the Brooklyn native placed a pinpoint shot in the bottom left corner that left Pasquel with no chance, despite his guessing correctly.  The youngster was mobbed by his teammates as he send Union Omaha on to the next round, and El Paso back to the station for the second straight year.

????️ A smiling Coach Dom breaks down the character required to push through last night's @opencup tie and advance in dramatic fashion in front of the home fans. ????#OneMeansAll pic.twitter.com/TsrNDyMbj4

— Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) April 18, 2024

After the match, Omaha’s Dominic Casciato had nothing but praise for the mentality of his team, and of the 17-year-old match winner.  “Sometimes when you have that many shots and that many opportunities and the ball doesn’t go in, you start to think maybe this isn’t going to be our night…but the guys have got a real strong mental capacity to break through.”

On Mark Bronnik taking the final kick, Casciato said, “I told him to take the fifth one. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him, he’s a top young player, and he’s going to have a really good career.”

Union Omaha will need every bit of that confidence and mentality as they continue their all-competitions unbeaten run to start the season and look forward to the entrance of the seeded-USL Championship clubs as well as the entrance of MLS first-team sides in the upcoming round of 32. On the other side, El Paso is winless in their first four appearances in the US Open Cup, joining MLS side NYCFC as the only teams in the Modern Era to fail to win their first four consecutive Open Cup games.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC, Union Omaha

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha begins another cup run with upset of El Paso Locomotive

April 6, 2023 by Rich Flemings

Union Omaha players celebrate after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman | @trevhellman
Union Omaha players celebrate after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman | @trevhellman
Union Omaha players celebrate after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman | @trevhellman

Union Omaha looked to prove that last year’s deep run in the US Open Cup wasn’t an exception and after 90 minutes, the Owls proved victorious over USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive, winning the Second Round match with a final score of 2-0.

The fans that made their way into Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University were prepared for the evening, showing up in several layers. At the time of the opening kickoff, temperatures were in the mid-40s and wind gusts were averaging close to 20 mph. Once the opening whistle sounded, weather stopped being a concern and the battle for victory commenced.

Before the match started, El Paso Locomotive announced they would have upwards of 12 players making their US Open Cup debut. Brian Clarhaut, the Locomotive Head Coach, was also making his debut. Of the 12 players eligible for making their debuts, 8 actually took the field in the contest. Despite Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato making his US Open Cup debut, he opted for a lineup full of veteran players with plenty of experience in the tournament.

From the opening whistle, Union Omaha was displaying a level of composure fans didn’t see in their first league match. El Paso Locomotive pushed high, spread their wingers high on the Union Omaha backline, and looked to capitalize on forcing an errant pass. Union Omaha seemed to counter that effort by exposing the half spaces and limiting touches to move the ball quickly. Both sides did a good job of swiftly moving the ball forward while in possession. While the battles continued, the scoreline remained 0-0 heading into the break.

???? to business as usual last night!

El Búfalo and Superman netted our first goals of the 2023 @opencup campaign last night to punch our ticket into the 3rd round ????#OneMeansAll | #OMAvELP pic.twitter.com/XIx3U5FKeL

— Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) April 6, 2023

“I think we had a really clear identity and I think in our first game of the season, against Forward Madison, we came away from that identity,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “If we stay true to who we are, I think we’re going to win a lot of games.”

The second half continued with a lot of the same patterns from the first half, but the ingredient of individual duels became an increasing source of progress as challenges became rougher and successful dribbles helped gain each and every valuable inch toward the opposition’s goal. Within 15 minutes of action after halftime, that notion led to the first goal of the evening.

In the 58th minute, Union Omaha set up for a corner kick. After a series of blocked shots, Union Omaha forward Steevan Dos Santos was able to connect with center back Junior Palacios for the opening goal. It seemed like a mad scramble, but the Owls were able to take advantage of the moment and take the lead.

“Yeah, this week we had been going over set pieces,” Union Omaha defender Junior Palacios said. “We had been honing in on that and I was just anticipating the ball in the right space. It fell to me and I took the opportunity to score.”

As the second half continued on, the tackling grew rougher and rougher. Within a span of 15 minutes, three yellow cards were handed out and that number could’ve been higher, if not for the occasional restraint from the head referee.

Union Omaha’s insurance policy came in the 75th minute when second-half substitute Joe Brito sent a beautiful cross into the box and served it on a platter for Steevan Dos Santos to score the goal. Dos Santos finished the match with a goal and an assist.

The victory was Union Omaha’s first of the calendar year and first ever for new Head Coach Dominic Casciato, who spoke to the importance of the victory. “It feels great,” Casciato said. “I think we’ve got the best people in terms of players and the staff at this football club and that showed tonight.” When asked about his own connection to El Paso Locomotive, serving as an assistant coach for the club last season, Casciato didn’t waste any time in complimenting the Locomotive. “I love El Paso,” Casciato said. “El Paso was a special place to me.”

Both Union Omaha and El Paso Locomotive return to league action this weekend, as Union Omaha travels to Central Valley Fuego for a USL League One match and El Paso Locomotive hosts Orange County SC in their USL Championship matchup.

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC, Union Omaha

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Central Valley Fuego make statement in USOC debut

April 6, 2022 by George Diamond

Central Valley Fuego 2022 US Open Cup Villyan Bijev

Central Valley Fuego 2022 US Open Cup Villyan Bijev
Villyan Bijjev of Central Valley Fuego dribbles the ball against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: CV Fuego FC

On paper, Central Valley Fuego were the underdog. Anyone watching would have a hard time determining which club competed in Division 2 and which was from a Division 3 league. The Fuego of USL League One (Div. 3 pro) dominated in their Second Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the USL Championship’s (Div. 2 pro) El Paso Locomotive, 4 -1 on Tuesday night.

Despite not playing in their usual home field of Fresno State Soccer Stadium, CVF attracted many fans to the larger Lamonica Stadium in Clovis, Calif. and made them feel right at home on a memorable night.

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.

The scoring began early as Fuego left back Nathan Smith pumped a long ball down the left flank to Villyan Bijev. The Bulgarian calmly collected the ball and casually chipped the onrushing El Paso goalkeeper to open the scoring in the 4th minute.

Philipp Beigl nearly made the same mistake twice as an almost identical play occurred in the ninth minute. A direct long ball was played up to Fuego striker Christian Chaney as El Paso keeper Beigl ran towards the top of his box. Chaney went for the chip but this time, Beigl made the save.

El Paso Locomotive had their best chance of keeping the game competitive in the 12th minute. Former MLSer Luis Solignac dispossessed Nathan Smith in Fuego’s defensive third, deftly turned the corner at the edge of the 18 yard box, and played a low pass in for Eric Calvillo. But Calvillo’s side-footed effort went directly into Fuego keeper Ofek Antman’s midsection to keep El Paso off the board.

Bijev had a hand in the Fuego’s second of the night moments later, taking the corner and although the ball was cleared out of the box, the clearance was weak. The bouncing ball was met by an onrushing Nathan Smith with a full head of steam, and the former LA Galaxy homegrown fired a terrific shot with his laces from 30 yards out. The ball never stopped rising as it thundered into the top corner in the 15th minute for the 2-0 advantage.

The goal ranked No. 6 on Sportscenter’s Top 10 list on Tuesday evening.

From then on the rate of chances decreased somewhat and was replaced instead by a higher than usual amount of fouls and bookings. Both El Paso fullbacks were booked within a minute of each other. Eder Borelli for bringing down Bijev in the 24th minute and Shavon John-Brown was guilty of pulling down a CVF attacker.

FUEGOOOO 🔥

Just moments into the game – Villyan Bijev arches an incredible ball over @eplocomotivefc and into the net! @fuego_futbol comin’ in hot!

1-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/2albbYfPMo

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 6, 2022


In the 35th minute as the ball went out of play over the end line, Luis Solignac hit the turf following minimal contact from a Fuego defender. The referee informed Solignac that there was no foul but this incident sparked a small melee that included a lot of pushing and shoving of players from both teams. Ultimately, only a yellow card was produced to El Paso’s Aaron Gomez.

Bijev found his brace in the 44th minute. Adding a lovely solo effort that displayed his technical qualities, Bijev diced up two El Paso defenders and carried the ball into the box. After dancing past the second defender, he wrapped his foot around the ball and guided it past Beigl’s far post.

El Paso manager John Hutchinson attempted to spark a comeback by making three changes during the break but things went from bad to worse for El Paso. Shavon John-Brown was sent off following a challenge that earned him his second yellow card in the 58th minute.

Talk about using your head – up another with the perfect header from Christian Chaney! @fuego_futbol maintaining the lead against @eplocomotivefc in the Second Round.

4-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/2hJpMaKRXe

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 6, 2022


Fuego almost immediately used their man advantage as they scored their fourth goal of the night in the 62nd. Bijev delivered a corner kick to the back post and Christian Chaney jumped highest to head it home.

In the 83rd minute, Fuego coach Jaime Ramirez opted to sub in his backup keeper Mitchell North for the largely unbothered Ofek Antman. The Fuego fans in the seats at Lamonica Stadium were having a blast all night. They stayed lively and got loud for all four of their goals, even utilizing the classic ‘Olé’ chant following a long bout of possession.

Eric Calvillo did a little to spoil their fun in the 90th minute when he scored El Paso Locomotive’s first goal in the club’s Open Cup history, finding the ball outside the box and finishing strongly past Mitchell North.

That poor, poor soccer ball | ⚽️ @fuego_futbol‘s Nathan Smith working through some stuff in a Cupset of @eplocomotivefc | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/jBdHCmiUVG

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 6, 2022

 

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Central Valley Fuego FC, El Paso Locomotive FC

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Forward Madison earn $25,000 after shutout of El Paso Locomotive

May 17, 2019 by Phil Baki

As the last remaining Division 3 pro team in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Forward Madison FC of USL League One has won $25,000 in prize money. Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

Players from Forward Madison (left) and El Paso Locomotive battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: El Paso Locomotive
Players from Forward Madison (left) and El Paso Locomotive battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: El Paso Locomotive

A flock of Flamingos may not actually migrate south but the ‘Mingos of Forward Madison certainly felt at home in the heat of El Paso, flying past the Locomotive 3-0 with goals from Jiro Barriga Toyama, Christian Diaz, and Jeff Michaud in a Round 2 US Open Cup victory.

While the match was perhaps not as lopsided as the scoreline would suggest, the Flamingos put in a professional performance to see off their USL Championship hosts.

The @ForwardMSNFC Flamingos take the victory 3-0 over @eplocomotivefc and will move on to face @MenaceSoccer94 or @SaintLouisFC!?

3-0 MAD | Final | #USOC2019
? Highlights ⤵ pic.twitter.com/V5B9Zzp2FQ

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019

The match did not begin as it meant to go on, with Locomotive controlling much of the opening 15 minutes. A flurry of chances at the Madison end made it seem as if it would be a long night for the Flamingos but they did not take much longer to capitalize on a chance. The counter attack was swift in the 19th minute, as Paulo Junior charged down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross that was guided home by Jiro Barriga Toyama. This sent a shock through Southwest University Park, but the shock did not end there.

As the last remaining Division 3 pro team in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Forward Madison FC of USL League One has won $25,000 in prize money. Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design
As the last remaining Division 3 pro team in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Forward Madison FC of USL League One has won $25,000 in prize money. Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

Six minutes later, Toyama turned provider and put a low cross on a plate for Christian Diaz Dominguez, doubling Madison’s lead and fully establishing that despite being from a lower division, they would not be sent home empty-handed.

Locomotive, who enjoyed 73% possession in the match, were unable to create many chances of note in what remained of the first half and coach Mark Lowry looked to make a change, bringing former USMNT player Jerome Kiesewetter in at the half for Calvin Rezende. The change still left Locomotive a little light of chances as Madison broke up play through the middle of the field. With an hour gone, Lowry rolled the last of his die, bringing on Omar Salgado and Bryam Rebellon and the impact was felt but Madison was the one to strike next.

The goal came from another counter attack, but a slick interchange between Paulo Junior and Jeff Michaud put the latter through on goal. He finished low inside the far post and with just 14 minutes left to play the result was well in hand.

According to TheCup.us records, Michaud’s goal was historic.

With that tally, Michaud becomes just the second player in the Modern Era (1995-present) to score at least one goal in four consecutive tournaments with four different clubs (Javier Castro from 2014-17). His streak began in 2016 when he scored a pair of goals for the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL (Div. 3 pro), then he was tied for second in the entire tournament when he scored three for the South Florida Surf (USL League Two) the following year. Last year, he made it three years in a row with a goal from Miami FC (NPSL).

Michaud is the only player to achieve this feat with teams from four different leagues.

Forward Madison advance to Round 3 where it will travel to St Louis FC, which snuck past Des Moines Menace on penalties.

Filed Under: 2019 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2019 US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC, Forward Madison FC

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U.S. Open Cup History

1995 us open cup rewind graphic

1995 US Open Cup Rewind series: The Modern Era begins

The 30th anniversary of the 1995 Open Cup is upon us this year, and as we did with the inaugural tournament in 1913-1914, we’re going to take you back in time and relive the 1995 US Open Cup in chronological order, as it happened.

  • Dating back to 1913, Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh soccer rivalry returns to US Open Cup
  • How a US Open Cup classic, locker room vandalism inspired fans to create Coffee Pot Cup
  • Highs and lows of Los Angeles’ 25 all-time US Open Cup Final appearances
  • Before Lionel Messi’s 2023 US Open Cup impact, Pele changed the 1975 Final in a different way
  • A history of violence against referees in US Open Cup

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