
The USL League One newcomers Westchester SC earned their first-ever US Open Cup victory over tournament veterans FC Motown on Tuesday night. A late penalty kick goal by Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón was the deciding factor in a back and forth clash at Montclair State University.
“I’m very pleased, the game itself was how we were hoping it wouldn’t go, but that said tremendous credit to Motown tonight,” Westchester head coach Dave Carton said after the game. “I thought we played well and Motown matched us, especially defensively… The boys stuck with it, stayed calm and found a way to win the game.”
Obregón, a native of nearby New York City, was called on in the 81st minute. A long ball from the left side reached the former Hartford Athletic player in the middle of the box with his back turned towards the net. With three defenders around him, Motown’s Daniel Cordeiro made contact with the attacker’s leg and sent him to the ground.
The USL journeyman and one-time Honduras national team player sent a low shot to the right corner, which Motown keeper Josh Schaffer correctly predicted but couldn’t get in front of.
“(It’s a) late game penalty to put the team ahead. That’s what we dream of, that’s what we practice for,” Obregón said after the game. “At that moment I just wanted to step up and help my team come out with a victory.”
The Motown bench protested the call and nearly equalized not long after, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The team, which reached the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) final last year, exits the tournament in the First Round for a third straight year.
The visiting WSC controlled the early portions of the match. The game’s first shot on target came from forward Prince Saydee, who attacked down the right side, cut around a Motown defender to get space in the box, and curled a shot just over the crossbar. The former Miami FC player was a key part of the attack for Westchester on the night, even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
Overall, Westchester’s size and speed advantage kept them in the driver’s seat for the first half hour. Motown’s only shot on target of the half came down to a free kick in the 11th minute, which was easily caught by keeper Dane Jacomen.
But as the half wore on, Motown started to do more than counter. The ball movement picked up and while they couldn’t get deep into the WSC end they were garning more ball possession time. The confidence built more, exemplified by a teamplay in the 40th minute. Erick Ruiz fed Maudwindo Germain, who juked defender Conor McGlynn multiple times to get to edge of the box. The ball was passed around outside the box before former pro Chris Bermudez struck a shot into a Westchester defender.
All of those players were regulars on the Motown team that reached the NPSL final last year. However the home side also brought in new faces. Of note, former Birmingham Legion players Eli Crognale and Anderson Asiedu, with the former starting, alongside defensive midfielder Eddie Speed – the son of Welsh international legend Gary Speed and a recent regular in the lower divisions of NYC soccer.
The second half saw Motown’s momentum really pick up. The amateurs held the ball and broke down the Westchester end of the field, though the team struggled to get more shots on target. When Westchester did get the ball, they still threatened and forced Schaffer to make some huge saves.
Obregón had a shot through traffic from the top of the box that forced the Ramapo College graduate to dive for the save early in the second half. Another long shot by him forced another diving save in the 57th. Overall, Schaffer made five saves in his first USOC start as the first choice Motown goalkeeper.
Coach Carton couldn’t give his team’s opponents anymore praise.
“We had a lot of possession and we didn’t get behind them as much as I would, and that’s down to how well they defended,” the coach said. “The keeper played well and (he) should be happy with his performance.”
In the game of inches, the penalty call decided the entire game. From his spot on the bench Carton didn’t get a good look at the foul, but praised his group for taking their time.
“It’s hard to comment because I didn’t really see it well. The FC Motown guys sounded and seemed really disappointed in it, so maybe they had a case,” Coach Carton said. “What I did like about it was that we were patient in the build up. We connected a lot of passes and we hit the ball from them for a while. So bringing the ball into a dangerous area I was happy with.”
Westchester has only played one other competitive game in their short history. The team’s first-ever USL League One match earlier this month ended 1-1, with both goals also being penalty kicks.
“We want to score goals from open play, but we’ll take them as they get them, you know, if the ball goes across the line, we’re happy,” the coach joked.
Overall, the crowd of 500 plus fans was well entertained. Much of the crowd consisted of Westchester supporters, something that Obregón and his teammates can’t get over considering how young the club is.
“It definitely gives us a lot of optimism going into the season for for our home games,” the forward said. “The Westchester fans made the drive here and supported us and gave us unwavering support for the full 90 minutes – which helped us get that energy and pull the result.”
Westchester now waits to see who they will face in the Second Round. That could be a potential match against Hartford Athletic, who Obregón played for early in his career.
“Going back to Hartford would be heartwarming because, you know, my time there was great,” he said. “I think I left a legacy there, so it would be nice to be received by the fans.”
Scoring Summary
81’ – Westchester SC – Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón (Penalty kick)
Lineups
FC Motown: Joshua Schaffer (GK), Jean Voltaire, Matthew Leong, Daniel Cordeiro (Andrew Maia 85’), Edward Speed, Eli Crognale (Luca Campbell 60’), Stevo Bednarsky, Erick Ruiz, Maudwindo Germain (Joseph Fala 85’), Israel Neto, Christopher Bermudez (Illia Tyrkus 85’)
Unused subs: Kendell Thomas, Anderson Asiedu, David Greczek (GK)
Manager: Toure Weaver
Westchester SC: Dane Jacomen (GK), Bobby Pierre, Conor McGlynn, Kemar Lawrence, Stephen Payne, Joel Johnson Alajarin (Oluwatobilba Adewole 85’), Noah Powder, Jonathan Bolanos (Ermin Mačkić 68’), Prince Saydee (Bryan Vásquez 75’), Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Koen Blommestijn (Samory Powder 68’)
Unused subs: Andrew Hammersley (GK), Daniel Bouman
Manager: Dave Carton
Yellow Cards
Christopher Bermudez, FC Motown 22’
Edward Speed, FC Motown 59’
Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Westchester SC 74’
Stephen Payne, Westchester SC 90+4’
Attendance: 534
Match Broadcast: