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FC Tulsa

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: 10-man Phoenix Rising save late PK, win shootout over FC Tulsa

April 17, 2025 by John Tranchina

Players from Phoenix Rising FC celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Players from Phoenix Rising FC celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Players from Phoenix Rising FC celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa

There were plenty of moments for Phoenix Rising FC to crumble under the pressure and the difficult moments they found themselves in, but instead, the team faced its adversity head-on and ultimately emerged victorious.

While playing a man down since the 75th minute, then surrendering the tying goal in the 86th minute, Phoenix continued to battle and survived a shot off the goal post in overtime, and then a penalty shot against in the final minute of OT before prevailing 4-2 in the PK shootout over FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament Wednesday night. The game was played at the Hurricane Soccer and Track Complex, on the campus of the University of Tulsa.

Rising FC advance to the Fourth Round (or the Round of 32) of the US Open Cup, where they are guaranteed to face an MLS team, in a game that will take place either May 6 or 7.

Coming off a disappointing loss on Saturday, 3-2 to Detroit City FC in which they led 2-0 into the 86th minute before surrendering three late goals to lose, Phoenix looked like they might falter late again once Tulsa’s Stefan Lukic tied the game in the 86th minute. But despite Tulsa generating the better scoring opportunities throughout the two 15-minute overtime periods, Phoenix goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky made two key saves, then stopped FC Tulsa’s Taylor Calheira’s penalty shot in the 121st minute to keep the game going.

In the shootout, Rakovsky made another diving save on the first Tulsa shot (by Kalil ElMedkhar) and Phoenix won the PKs 4-2 to claim the victory.

“Incredible group, incredible performance,” said Rising FC coach Pa-Modou Kah. “Given what we had to deal with Saturday night, you’re 2-0 up and you lose, but the character shown and what this group is capable of, we saw it today. It’s an unbelievable team spirit from everybody, from the players, from the staff that is here, from the staff that is home, and for our fans, this is for you. This is what we’re about.”

Obviously, the key moment was Rakovsky’s save on Calheira on the PK just before overtime ended. After a handball was called on a Phoenix defender in the box, Calheira stepped to the dot, about five minutes after his shot from about 10 yards out rattled off the left goalpost. He had scored on PKs in each of the two previous rounds of the U.S. Open Cup and just about everyone in the stadium figured he was about to again.

Calheira shot low to the left side, but Rakovsky made the diving save.

“It feels amazing, it’s something you dream about, save a PK in the last minute, go to a PK shootout, you win,” Rakovsky said afterwards. “Obviously, unlucky that you concede a goal five minutes before the end, but I still thought we gave a great fight. We played almost 50 minutes one man down, we kept fighting. We also had a little bit of luck, they shot it off the post, but also they were lucky to get the PK. Obviously, he hits the ball with his hand, but he’s also falling down, so I know they have to take it, but okay, you can’t change it. Obviously, huge congratulations to the team, great fight, and also, to be that cool in front of the PKs, amazing for the team. Luckily it worked out.”

Kah was proud of Rakovsky for his clutch save on Calheira.

“Listen, these are the moments where you have a goalkeeper that is capable of doing this and Patrick was capable,” Kah said. “It’s tough, because when you look at the game in whole, I think we controlled the game. I think we had occasions to score in second half but we didn’t take the chances, and then in the 85th minute, they score, and you might think, ‘Here we go again,’ but the resilience of this group is unbelievable. The resilience of this group is unbelievable. And the work, the fight, the fighting spirit, they give everything for each other. I’m so extremely proud of this team.”

For Tulsa, it was a heart-breaking ending to their U.S. Open Cup run, the second straight season they reached the Third Round. They defeated local amateur club Tulsa Athletic of The League for Clubs 1-0 on March 18 in the First Round, then beat USL League One side Forward Madison FC 3-1 on April 2 in the Second Round. Last year, they advanced to the Fourth Round (Round of 32) before falling to Sporting Kansas City of MLS, 4-0.

Tulsa actually defeated Phoenix 1-0 in their USL Championship season opener back on March 8. But after opening with a 5-1-0 record across all competitions, Tulsa has now lost two in a row, following its 2-1 home loss to Oakland Roots SC on Saturday.

“It’s disappointing, but I thought the guys gave everything,” FC Tulsa coach Luke Spencer said. “We were pushing forward, were unlucky on a few, so they gave everything and we’re out of the Cup, but that’s life. Proud of the guys for their effort.”

FC Tulsa’s usual home stadium, ONEOK Field, which they share with minor league baseball’s Double-A Tulsa Drillers, wasn’t available due to the Drillers already playing there.

Following a scoreless first half in which FC Tulsa had the wind, featuring gusts of up to 25-30 miles per hour, behind them, Phoenix benefited from it in the second and struck for the game’s first goal in the 51st minute.

Jearl Margaritha received a nice pass from the left wing from Hope Avayevu and drilled a 10-yard shot into the upper right corner to give the Rising FC the 1-0 lead.

Pape Mar Boye almost made it 2-0 for Phoenix on a point-blank shot just four minutes later, but Tulsa goalkeeper Johan Penaranda made a nice save.

FC Tulsa began to gain the territorial advantage after that, and Rakovsky made a nice diving save near the right post in the 58th minute on a 20-yard blast from Owen Damm.

Things didn’t look good for Phoenix once Abdoulaye Cissoko received his second yellow card within six minutes, getting ejected from game in the 75th minute, and Tulsa tied it 11 minutes later. Marcos Certato delivered a nice cross from the right flank into the middle of the box, where Lukic fired it home from 8 yards out.

“Proud of the group, resilient to fight back, to keep pushing,” Spencer said of his team’s ability to tie it up late. “The subs impacted the game in a positive way, it just didn’t work out tonight.”

Phoenix nearly won it just before regulation ended when Margaritha drilled a 30-yard shot from the left side that forced Penaranda to make a nice diving stop.

Just six minutes into the first OT period, Rakovsky made another diving save on Calheira’s header from 12 yards out. Tulsa’s Al Hassan Toure nearly ended it in the 14th minute of overtime, but his point-blank header sailed just over the crossbar.

After Rakovsky’s save on Calheira’s PK late in the second OT period, every Phoenix shooter scored in the shootout: Emil Cuello, J.P. Scearce, Casey Wells, and then Carl Sainte clinched it.

For Tulsa, Arthur Rogers and Giordano Colli both scored.

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Phoenix Rising FC

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Clinical FC Tulsa too much for Forward Madison

April 3, 2025 by Robert Chappell

Players from FC Tulsa and Forward Madison batle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison
Players from FC Tulsa and Forward Madison batle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison
Players from FC Tulsa and Forward Madison batle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison

FC Tulsa put just three shots on target but they all went in, and Tulsa goalkeeper Bryan Dowd made six saves as the USL Championship side held off a scrappy Forward Madison squad for a 3-1 win in Madison to advance to the third round of the US Open Cup on Wednesday evening.

The game nearly took on a very different complexion in the seventh minute, when a long through ball from Madison winger Ferrety Sousa played Garrett McLaughlin in behind the Tulsa backline, but Dowd made a kick save to keep the game scoreless.

Tulsa displayed a preview of what was to come in the 19th minute, as Khalil ElMedkhar tapped an easy pass from Owen Damm into the back of the net, but Damm was flagged offside. 

The visitors got it right just two minutes later, though. Taylor Calheira played a cutback into a pocket of space in the center of the penalty area, where Damm’s trailing run allowed an easy chip over Madison goalkeeper Owen Finnerty to open the scoring.

ElMedkhar doubled the lead in the 31st, taking a well-weighted through ball from Stefan Lukic and slotting it past Finnerty.

Finnerty kept the game within reach with a point-blank save on Calheira in the closing moments of the first half, but Tulsa put any doubts to rest just moments after the break. 

It was Calheira one-on-one with Finnerty again, and Finnerty took Calheira’s legs out from under him, prompting a point to the spot. Calheira converted to make it 3-0.

The hosts got one back in the 68th on a well-worked training ground set piece – Jacob Crull looped a free kick toward the far post, where Timmy Mehl headed it back across the face of goal to the head of substitute Nazeem Bartman.

That was the last good look Madison would get against the USL Championship’s stingiest defense. Bartman’s tally was only the second goal Tulsa has allowed in the first six matches of the season.

FC Tulsa will head into the third round without midfielder Boubacar Diallo, who earned a second yellow card and was sent off in the 88th minute.

“The difference in the game was that they were clinical with their chances, and we weren’t,” Madison head coach Matt Glaeser said after the match.

“At the start of the game, there was a bit of a feeling out process,” said Tulsa’s first-year head coach Luke Spencer. “I thought both teams had chances. Brian Dowd came up big for us with a big-time save, kept it nil-nil. And then I thought as the first half went on, we were able to gain some momentum and obviously score some goals. It was just sticking to the plan, and having belief in what we were doing.”

Tulsa, currently sitting in second place in the Championship’s Western Conference, came into Madison riding the high of its first-ever win over Sacramento Republic on the weekend.

“We’re just trying to take it game by game. You know, our focus is on the next game,” Spencer said. “Yes, it’s nice to have momentum from the start of the season, and belief in what we’re doing, but you can lose that quick. For us, it’s staying focused and taking that one game at a time.”

While they await the third round draw, Tulsa will prepare to host Oakland Roots on April 12. Madison will head to Charlotte to resume USL League One play on April 11.

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Forward Madison FC

2024 US Open Cup Round 5: Sporting KC show no mercy, dominate FC Tulsa

May 22, 2024 by Alex Wiksell

Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City

With the help of a brace from Felipe Hernández and goals from Stephen Afrifa and Marinos Tzionis, Sporting KC cruised past FC Tulsa and into the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday night in Kansas City.

With the 4-0 win, Sporting advanced to the Quarterfinals for the 13th time in their history, which is the fifth most in the history of the tournament (1913-present). Kansas City, who hasn’t won the Open Cup since 2017, is seeking a record-tying fifth title.

They will know their next opponent after the draw for the next round will take place at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. Due to the geographic reasons, the club is expected to be placed in a group with Atlanta United, the winner of Indy Eleven and Detroit City FC and the winner of FC Dallas and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Sporting came out with a strong lineup featuring starters from last round’s Open Cup game vs Omaha and usual starters, as well as rotational players like Hernandez, Tzionis, and Afrifa starting. Four players who played at the weekend, and also John Pulskamp who is looked at as their “cup keeper” as he has only started one MLS game in the last year. Dany Rosero also made his return to the pitch, after he missed time due to a quad injury. Sporting’s stars came off the bench with Alan Pulido, Daniel Salloi, and Johnny Russell making late contributions.

All Felipe needed was a free kick, and he cashed in ????

1-0 | #SKCvTUL pic.twitter.com/meHjvq9Axx

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 22, 2024

Tulsa also rotated as they made five changes from their weekend defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Michael Creek was between the sticks as Tulsa likes to rotate him and Joey Roggeveen. Owen Damm saw his first start as an FC Tulsa player, after recently joining from Louisville City. Sebastian Sanchez and Alexander Dalou also appeared in the lineup for the first time since their first-round matchup vs Northern Colorado. Six players started from the weekend, rounded out by captain Phillip Goodrum. 

Sporting kicked off to begin the half, and their dominance began right away. KC controlled possession for the first three minutes of the game. They seemed to lean toward attacking on the left side as Stephen Afrifa became involved early and often. In addition, the antics began quickly for both teams as Philip Goodrum kicked the ball away in the 8th minute while Dany Rosero was on the ground. Rosero responded quickly as he fouled Goodrum and they began to attack only 30 seconds later. 

FULL MATCH VIDEO: Sporting KC vs. FC Tulsa

The first big chance for either team came at the 10-minute mark. Erik Thommy hit a quick shot that ricocheted off Afrifa and back to Thommy. He then curled a shot that was saved by Michael Creek, his first of many. That then fell to Jake Davis whose shot hit a sea of bodies and was cleared back to Sporting’s half. Another few big chances came soon after, with Creek saving a Thommy curler in the 17 minutes, and a close-range chance from Fontas was put over the bar at the 20-minute mark. The Sporting chances continue as a low-driven Thommy cross is put in the box and is cleared out at the last second. Just past the 25th minute, Afrifa swung a curling shot that hit exactly in the upper 90, easily the best chance up until then. Sporting attack continued as Camilo Ponce chopped down Jake Davis, leading to a yellow card for him, and for Patrick Seagrist, who was booked for dissent. 

BULLSEYE ????

2-0 | #SKCvTUL pic.twitter.com/GG48Cltjc5

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 22, 2024

Finally, in the 32nd minute, Camilo Ponce created the first chance for Tulsa as his header was just pushed wide by Pulskamp. However, it didn’t take long for Sporting to push right back, as Thommy dribbled past his defender and drew a foul right on the edge of the bottom left of the box. The ensuing free-kick was hit right in the danger area, deflected off of defender Rashid Tetteh, and into the left side of the net. 

Sporting continued to pile on the pressure as quickly after, in the 1st minute of added time, Hernandez whipped in a corner that was headed off the post by WIlly Agada and fell to the alert Afrifa who slotted home the second goal of the night. This was Stephen’s first goal for the first team and the first Canadian to score for the club this decade.

Going into halftime, Sporting out-shot Tulsa 15-1 and held 80 percent possession. Felipe Hernandez had created five chances and also had shown a lot of promise taking set pieces. Thommy dominated the ball too as he won eight duels in the first half alone. On the other side, Michael Creek did his best at controlling damage as he made five saves during the half.

Hernandez scores his second goal of the night! ✌️

Stream #SKCvTUL in the #USOC2024 for free: https://t.co/z7eBF41pYp pic.twitter.com/D7gtr9Sacv

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 22, 2024

Sporting brought off some key players as Thommy and the returning Rosero came for Memo Rodriguez and Robert Castellanos. Tulsa, on the other hand, needed to catch up and brought on Stefan Stojanovic and Edwin Laszo to bolster their attack, though this quickly became futile. Almost immediately, Patrick Seagrist dove recklessly into Jake Davis causing him to earn his second yellow and be sent off. Sporting used this advantage and it didn’t take long to begin to push forward yet again. Agada hit the post three minutes after the red and had another chance grabbed up by Creek and minutes after that.

Tulsa seemed to get back in it as a free kick that was headed toward goal by Stojanovic was saved by Pulskamp and rebounded out to Camilo Ponce who put the ball in the back of the net, but Stojanovic had fouled Pulskamp in the process, disallowing the goal in the 60th minute. Tulsa continued to try and put on pressure but it wasn’t enough. In the 63rd minute, Agada led a breakaway in which he played Hernandez through, where he finished and scored his second goal of the game, and Sporting’s 3rd.

Picture perfect finish, Tzionis! ????

Stream #SKCvTUL in the #USOC2024 for free: https://t.co/z7eBF41pYp pic.twitter.com/BI9zUoq6Bs

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 22, 2024

Not too long after, in the 65th minute, a similar breakaway began as Afrifa played through Marinos Tzionis who finished into the far left side of the goal and made it 4-0, and gave him his second goal in two Open Cup games. By this point, Sporting was outshooting Tulsa 21-1. Tulsa had another great chance as Pacheco was played through and Pulskamp was just able to get his body in the way of the shot, maintaining the clean sheet.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Sporting surprisingly brought on more firepower as the game went on with Johnny Russell and Alan Pulido being brought on for Tzionis and Afrifa in the 76th minute.

“It’s always good when an attacking player gets a goal because it’s a little bit of a confidence builder,” Sporting head coach Peter Vermes said about Afrifa’s performance.

For Afrifa, he was happy to finally get on the scoresheet.

“I’ve been looking for this goal for a long time, and I’m finally glad that it’s here,” said Afrifa. “It feels good.”

Then, Tulsa seemed to wave the white flag as they brought off captain Philip Goodrum for another striker Santiago Sanchez. Sporting continued to press in the last 10 minutes getting chances from Pulido and Salloi back to back that forced a double save from Creek. 

No added time was added and Sporting KC convincingly defeated FC Tulsa 4-0. 

This was Felipe Hernandez’s 2nd brace for the club, his first came in 2022 vs Union Omaha in the Open Cup as well. Afrifa also recorded his first assist along with his first goal for the club.

“The intensity, the aggressiveness, the front footedness to go and take the game to them was there, I think that ruled the day,” said Sporting head coach Peter Vermes.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: FC Tulsa into Round of 16 for first time after late winner at Pittsburgh

May 7, 2024 by Colton Coreschi

Phillip Goodrum of FC Tulsa (left) battles for the ball against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Ed Thompson - Pittsburgh Soccer Now
Phillip Goodrum of FC Tulsa (left) battles for the ball against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Ed Thompson - Pittsburgh Soccer Now
Phillip Goodrum of FC Tulsa (left) battles for the ball against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Ed Thompson – Pittsburgh Soccer Now

On an unexpectedly pleasant Tuesday evening at Highmark Stadium, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds played host to fellow USL Championship side FC Tulsa in the former’s 2024 U.S. Open Cup debut, but the visitors advanced to the Round of 16 and a date against the winner of USL League One’s Union Omaha and MLS side Sporting Kansas City.

Phillip Goodrum scored the game-winning goal, taking a throw-in that landed near his feet before the always-dangerous forward neatly placed the ball through traffic and inside the back post to give Tulsa the 1-0 win in the 88th minute.

It’s the first time FC Tulsa advanced past the Fourth Round of the Open Cup in team history. After six unsuccessful attempts, it marked the first time the club had won a game on the road in the tournament.

While the weather thankfully avoided a dreary forecast, it was a tough first half for both sides that featured heavily rotated lineups. Each squad, many members of whom were making their starting debuts in 2024, took a healthy amount of time to feel each other out, with some scattered chances few and far between and unconverted by either side.

A look at the goal that won us the match and sends us to the Round of 16#ForTulsa | #PatinaGreenCountry pic.twitter.com/oRks1XdHqP

— FC Tulsa (@FCTulsa) May 8, 2024

The Riverhounds largely had the better of the chances, primarily coming from the play of forward EJ Johnson along the left wing. His first opportunity would come in the 5th minute, as a shot from the left wing seemed an easy save for Tulsa goalkeeper Joey Roggeveen, but slipped through his legs and very fortunately went wide of the net.

Johnson would continue to apply the pressure, generating another pair of chances in the 20th and 25th minute. The first came as his run behind the defense was found from midfield. Johnson ran towards the byline and fired in a dangerous cross that unfortunately beat everyone, including his onrushing teammates.

His second would come in similar fashion, with a more concentrated run straight towards goal and right at the last line of Tulsa’s defense. He’d generate a bit of space for his left foot, but would ultimately fire wide of the goal. That counter would also generate the first yellow of the night for Tulsa’s Rashid Tetteh for dragging down Babacar Diene and stopping his run cynically.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit <a href=
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Tulsa’s best chance would come just prior to half, as a missed interception by Pittsburgh’s Jackson Walti left the midfield badly exposed. The numerically advantaged Tulsa attack was able to generate a shot, but it was blocked by a well-positioned Hounds defense and went out for a corner – taken and cleared as the whistle blew.

The second half started much like the first, slowly and with difficulty, but it was Tulsa who found the first substantial chance this time. A corner just prior to the hour mark was placed nicely into the box and headed home by Milo Yosef for the visitors, but the assistant referee was quick to raise the flag and wave the goal off for offsides.

The Hounds responded quickly, substituting on usual starters Junior Etou and Danny Griffin, who rapidly changed the pace of play. The fresh legs generated several turnovers and key passes, leading to multiple chances in the box for their teammates — specifically with potential chances for Langston Blackstock and Bradley Sample blocked by Tulsa defenders.

Despite several late flurries and a lot of stoppage time, the Hounds found themselves unable to answer back, and the Riverhounds faithful watched their run come to an end in much quicker fashion than their 2023 effort. They now prepare for a league rematch with Tulsa on the road Saturday.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

2024 US Open Cup Round 3: FC Tulsa earns first win vs. pro team, 2-1 over Hailstorm FC

April 18, 2024 by Tim Abbott

Photo: FC Tulsa

It’s close to a 24 hour road trip from Windsor in northern Colorado to the oil capital of Tulsa. For the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, it will likely feel longer on the way back, for the winless USL League One side, as they fell to FC Tulsa, 2-1.

For FC Tulsa, it was the club’s first win over a pro team in the competition in team history. Out of the four times they have advanced, three of them were against amateur teams, and a fourth was a penalty kick shootout win over San Antonio FC (US Open Cup games that go to PKs are officially listed as a “draw”)

FC Tulsa pinned the Hailstorm into their defensive third for much of the opening twenty minutes, winning a series of corner kicks but failing to capitalize. The pressure would continue against Hailstorm’s low block without threatening the Coloradan goal mouth.  

A pair of 1st half goals lead FC Tulsa to a 2-1 win against Northern Colorado Hailstorm in their opening match of the US Open Cup.

Nice crowd tonight at the Hurricane Soccer Complex too.@FCTulsa @nipsey04 @opencup pic.twitter.com/527ev3Dlvt

— TJ Eckert (@TJEckertKTUL) April 18, 2024

In fact, the best chance for either side came when a Noah Powder free kick for Hailstorm was whipped in from the left hand side of the penalty area, only for Tulsa keeper Michael Creek to deny a Brecc Evans header at point blank range, in the 32nd minute.

It took a mental error by Powder at the other end for FC Tulsa to go ahead, with the Trinidad and Tobago international hip checking Blaine Ferri to the ground in the penalty area in the 37th minute. Diogo Pacheco snuck his penalty kick just past the left hand of Edward Delgado into the goal. 

In the 44th minute, substitute Milo Yosef added to the margin, driving a ball into the near post from 24 yards out after a free kick wasn’t fully cleared. Hailstorm closed out the first half on the attack, securing back to back corners, the last one marginally past an onrushing Bruno Rendon.  

Northern Colorado Hailstorm fought their way back into the game and in the 65th minute, substitutes combined as Isidro Martinez pulled a goal back with a sumptuous curler into the Tulsa net after Ethan Hoard laid the ball back to the top of the box.

Alex Dalou had a shot kicked clear by Hailstorm keeper Delgado in the 68th minute, with the FCT player claiming a penalty, but it was not given. 

Diogo Pacheco of FC Tulsa celebrates after scoring a goal against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Diogo Pacheco of FC Tulsa celebrates after scoring a goal against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa

The last few minutes saw end to end action, although neither side threatened until Camilo Ponce sliced a half volley wide in the 80th minute for FC Tulsa. Ethan Hoard returned the favor, muscling in and earning a corner with a shot. David Garcia, who got the winner against Rapids 2 in the Second Round, had a second chance shot blocked by Creek. Ethan Hoard drove in, with the clock approaching 90, but a ball across the box was missed by Lucky Opara and Hailstorm’s challenge evaporated.  

“Going back to the Rapids 2 game, it had been 10 days since we played, so we were rusty and we were awful in that first half, just like tonight. This time we gave ourselves too big a mountain to climb,” Hailstorm FC head coach Éamon Zayed said.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Tulsa Athletic upset FC Tulsa in sequel to last year’s Tulsa derby in a public park in Tulsa

April 6, 2023 by Matt Hubbard

Players from Tulsa Athletic and FC Tulsa battle for the ball in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Tulsa Athletic
Players from Tulsa Athletic and FC Tulsa battle for the ball in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Tulsa Athletic
Players from Tulsa Athletic and FC Tulsa battle for the ball in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Tulsa Athletic

Tulsa Athletic fans stormed the pitch as their beloved club pulled off what many are calling the biggest win in club history as they stunned FC Tulsa 1-0 Wednesday night in Round Two of the 2023 US Open Cup.

Tulsa Athletic head coach Jason Rogers was stunned. The last time these two teams met, FC Tulsa won 2-1 at ONEOK Field last year.

“We talked about this the other day, but you know, when you watch the FA Cup in England and you see those 4th and 5th tier guys or teams,” Rogers said. “You don’t think it’s ever going to happen to you or your group.”

It was a slow start to the game like two boxers feeling each other out before throwing haymakers. The first punch thrown was by Tulsa Athletic in the 18th minute as forward Aaron Ugbah took the first shot on goal after getting past the backline of FC Tulsa. FC Tulsa keeper Austin Wormell made the save, but this was just the beginning.

The two sides went back and forth, blow-for-blow counter-attacking. Athletic launched the ball through the air, into the box and Ugbah went wide of the left post, missing the back of the net by inches.

FC Tulsa put on the pressure in the 27th minute, Forward Siad Haji put a corner into the box, but Athletic keeper Bryson Reed made a fantastic save.

FC Tulsa put on a quick counterattack, Nate Worth received a pass from Luca Sowinski, and Worth floated the ball into the box for Watz Leazard, who took two shots on goal before going down with an injury after being fouled.

Athletic had back-to-back corners and was trying to put together a run to the box, Leazard fouled and received a yellow, allowing Athletic to get a free kick, which they failed to convert.

Ugbah once again made a terrific run down the right side, but missed in the 44th minute, resulting in a goal kick.

Mitchell Cashion took an incredible shot outside the box and Wormell made an equally incredible save, the Athletic were awarded a corner with two minutes of stoppage time.

FC Tulsa was driving down the pitch, but their run was cut short after Leazard was hit with a hard tackle. He did return to the game, however.

The scoring opened up after Aimar Membrila was given a yellow card for something said to the referee and Roman Torres received a free kick about 25 yards out.

The knockout blow came when Torres floated the ball into the box and K.B. Harris opened the scoring, giving Tulsa Athletic the lead in the 63rd minute on a terrific header near the back post.

“Man, we actually had a plan at halftime to play that ball back post on the first set piece,” Harris said. “It ended up working out, I was open, had to call one of my guys off, but it ended up going in so we’ll take it, man, we’ll take it.”

In the final 15 minutes, FC Tulsa ramped up the attacking play, subbing on Moses Dyer, Blaine Ferri, and Milo Yosef.

Torres shot on goal, but Wormell made a fantastic save in the 82nd minute. From there FC Tulsa continued to put pressure on, but it was too little too late as Tulsa Athletic left Hicks Park with the win.

Filed Under: 2023 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2023 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Tulsa Athletic

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: FC Dallas wins 8th straight opener, 2-1 over FC Tulsa

April 22, 2022 by Daniel Crooke

Franco Jara of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Tobias | FC Dallas

Franco Jara of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Tobias | FC Dallas
Franco Jara of FC Dallas celebrates after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Tobias | FC Dallas

Two time US Open Cup winners FC Dallas moved into the Fourth Round of the tournament with a 2-1 win over FC Tulsa at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday night.

“The players were on edge, they gave a lot and I think they deserve a lot of credit,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “You see some of the guys that played 90 minutes were going nonstop and were spent after the match. It is hard to take moral victories because we are professionals and we are competitive people, but in terms of what game speed is supposed to look like, I think we’ve seen today what we expect from our players, and we just need that continuity now.”

Franco Jara opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half hour from the penalty spot. The Argentine was felled by a clumsy challenge by Johnny Fenwick, before rolling the ball calmly down the middle of the goal.

Schön ➡️ Jáder with ease.pic.twitter.com/LcBrPCy44K

— FC Dallas 🙂 (@FCDallas) April 20, 2022

The lead would only hold for ten minutes. Rodrigo da Costa sent in a corner, flicked on by Ronald Rodriguez, wasn’t dealt with by Lucas Bartlett in the Dallas back line. After a couple of stabs at the ball by the rookie, Bradley Bourgeois swiped the ball home from inside the six yard box.

Tulsa threatened a vastly changed FC Dallas side, pressing high and playing positively.

“I like what they proposed,” said FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez. “They tried to play, they have tools and resources to build from the back, and it makes it more difficult when a team wants to come here to play because you have to be worried about how you’re going to press and win the ball.”

Jader Obrian restored FC Dallas’ lead in the 66th minute. Szabolcs Schon broke down the left, crossing from deep for Obrian to meet at the back post with an acrobatic volley.

Jimmy Maurer, a veteran of the New York Cosmos teams that knocked out New York Red Bulls and New York City FC in back to back Open Cup seasons, was called into action early by Joaquin Rivas. Brian Brown should have restored parity in the 71st minute, with the hosts again struggling at a set-piece, but the substitute could not control his close range header.

Papa Obrian pic.twitter.com/B6GGAF4hN6

— FC Dallas 🙂 (@FCDallas) April 20, 2022

The MLS side began to bring in more familiar faces with the likes of US Men’s National Team striker Jesus Ferreira and franchise record signing Alan Velasco.
Ferreira – tied for leading scorer in Major League Soccer – had the ball in the net in the final minute, finishing off a pass from Jader Obrian, but the former Tulsa Roughnecks loanee was judged to be offside.

FC Dallas wins their opening round game in the tournament for the eighth year in a row. With the victory they advance to take on Sporting Kansas City on the road on May 11.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, FC Dallas, FC Tulsa

2022 US Open Cup Round 2, Day 1 Review: MLS Next Pro wins debut, one amateur side survives

April 6, 2022 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Maryland Bobcats 2022 US Open Cup

Toby Sims Pittsburgh Riverhounds Maryland Bobcats 2022 US Open Cup
Toby Sims of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds dribbles against the Maryland Bobcats in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger | Pittsburgh Riverhounds

The first MLS NEXT Pro team to enter the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup scored the league’s first win in the Second Round of the tournament, and USL League Two scored an upset over a nearby USL League One counterpart Tuesday night as 11 teams punched their tickets to the next round of the 107th edition of the US Open Cup. 

Round 2 continues Wednesday with 13 matches, with seven more to be decided Thursday. All of the games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ 

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.

Several MLS clubs will join the competition in the Third Round, which will hold a draw Friday to determine the matchups. The draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. 

Here’s a look at all 11 Second Round matches from Tuesday.

Click here for a preview of all the Round 2 games on Wednesday and Thursday

North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL League Two) 4:2 Charlotte Independence (USL League One)
American Legion Memorial Stadium – Charlotte, NC
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The North Carolina Fusion U23 pulled off the first upset of the second round, knocking off their professional USL League One opponent Charlotte Independence 4-2 in Charlotte.

Charlotte opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Shalom Dutey found the end of a Ayrton Paez free kick just in front of goal near the post, beating Fusion goalkeeper Josh Perryman. Twenty-three minutes later, a shot by Faisal Almabaslat was blocked by Charlotte goalkeeper Keegan Meyer, but Luis Neto was right there to put away the rebound to draw the Fusion level 1-1. It took Charlotte just five minutes to regain the lead, as Ivan Luquetta took the ball to the touch line in the penalty area, then passed back to Paez for the goal.

The Fusion tied things up minutes into the second half when Joao Silva took a shot at the top of the box that deflected off a Charlotte defender. Charlotte was reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute when Tresor Mbuyu was sent off for an altercation with a Fusion player after a hard tackle. With just a few minutes remaining in regulation, Charlotte goalkeeper Meyer fumbled an easy shot by Alexandre Horveno, and Tom Marriott scored on a wide-open goal. The Fusion cemented the upset in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Colton Sessoms easily scored on a 3-on-1 breakaway, the youngster’s fourth goal of the night, to book a spot in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Maryland Bobcats (NISA) 0:2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

On a rainy Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, the USL Championship Riverhounds entertained the visiting Maryland Bobcats of NISA. A pair of goals from Toby Sims on either side of halftime was all the Riverhounds needed to see off the Bobcats 2-0 and advance to the third round. Simms’ first goal came in the 38th minute from the center of the penalty area off a Luis Argudo assist. Almost 10 minutes into the second half, Simms tallied from the left side of the penalty area on a Mohamed Sesay assist. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS NEXT Pro) 2:0 Indy Eleven (USL Championship)
Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium (IUPUI) – Indianapolis, IN
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

St. Louis City 2 notched the first-ever Open Cup win for a MLS NEXT Pro team with a 2-0 victory over Indy Eleven of the USL Championship.

St. Louis drew first blood when Joshua Yaro sent an attempted clearance back into the box, where Era Armstrong collected the ball and beat Indy goalkeeper Tim Trilk. The reserve club of the future St. Louis MLS club doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Armstrong passed to substitute Celio Martins, who then fed Wan Kuzain at the top of the box for the goal. From then on. Indy only managed a couple of chances on goal and the St. Louis reserves made their way to the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Michigan Stars FC (NISA) 0:3 Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a battle of former NISA rivals, the USL Championship Detroit City FC smoked the Michigan Stars 3-0 in Detroit.

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

Just as the first half looked to end scoreless, Detroit stuck twice on corner kicks. In the 45th minute, Connor Ruiz put away a Maximilliano Rodriguez corner kick. In the second minute of stoppage time, Rodriguez served up another corner, and this time Matthew Lewis headed the ball home for a 2-0 lead. For the rest of stoppage time, the air was filled with smoke from jubilant City supporters.

 

After a pair of crosses Detroit extended their lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute. After Michigan headed away an initial cross, Michael Bryant sent the ball back into the box, where Connor Ruiz headed the ball to the feet of Matthew Lewis for his second goal of the game. From that point, Detroit easily saw out the remaining time to book their first ever appearance in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


The Villages SC (USL League Two) 0:6 Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Villages SC of USL League Two were no match for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship, with the hosts steamrolling to a 6-0 win. Lucky Mkosana quickly put the Rowdies ahead 2-0 with two goals early in the first half. Jordan Scarlett pushed the lead to 3-0 on a header from a Jake Areman free kick. In the 53rd minute Mkosana appeared to have completed his hat-trick, connecting on a cross from Jake Areman, however the goal was later credited to Kyle Greig.

The goals continued to flow in as Jake LaCava (63rd minute) and Laurence Wyke (73rd minute) finished the rout of their amateur opponents, and confirmed a spot in the third round for the Rowdies. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) 1:2 Union Omaha (USL League One)
Morrison Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Menace opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a shot from Gabriel Rodriguez struck the crossbar and was swatted away by Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu. Corey Hertzog then slammed home the loose ball. Five minutes later, Union found the equalizer when John Scearce headed home a corner from Joseph Brito.

Union Omaha kept control most of the second half, and with nine minutes remaining, Omaha gained the lead on a Menace mistake when Alefu Bertini accidentally headed a lobbed pass from Conor Doyle past his own goaleeper. Omaha withstood a desperate Menace search for an equalizer to win their debut Open Cup match and advance to the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) 1:2 FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
ONEOK Field – Tulsa, OK
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The USL Championship’s FC Tulsa came out on top in the Tulsa derby, defeating the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletic, 2-1.

FC Tulsa wasted no time grabbing the lead, as Jorge Corrales sent a cross into the box that Brian Brown managed to put away while being pulled down by a Tulsa Athletics defender. FC Tulsa scored again in the 19th minute, this time on a Ronald Rodriguez header off a corner kick from Joaquin Rivas. Tulsa Athletic had a few promising free kicks in the rest of the half but the score remained 2-0 at the break.

Despite being outshot by a wide margin, Tulsa Athletic managed to cut the lead in half with thirteen minutes remaining. Halftime substitute Billy Nzojyibwami’s goal from the right side of the penalty area gave the amateurs a glimmer of hope. But FC Tulsa kept the visitors at bay in the final minutes to book their place in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


D’Feeters Kicks (USCS / The Roja League) 1:3 San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
Lynchburg City Stadium – Lynchburg, VA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

For 45 minutes, the amateur D’Feeters Kicks had hope of an upset over the professional San Antonio FC of the USL Championship. However, in four quick minutes that dream was interrupted.

San Antonio scored three goals in four minutes of the second half to separate themselves from their amateur guests en route to a 3-1 win. In the 53rd minute, Henrik Sakshaug scored from the top of the penalty area after a free kick pinballed between players from both teams. Just a minute later, a shot by Justin Dhillon deflected off a D’Feeters defender, allowing Connor Maloney to easily beat goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez for San Antonio’s second goal. Three minutes later, Sakshaug struck again from the center of the penalty area, assisted by Shannon Gomez, and suddenly San Antonio were comfortably ahead 3-0.

D’Feeters regained a slight glimmer of hope when San Antonio goalkeeper Matt Cardone was unable to handle a long shot from the left side, allowing Sebastian Mendez to easily tap home the goal. With seven minutes remaining, D’Feeters were reduced to 10 men when Juan Ramirez was shown his walking papers after a hard foul. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL) 0:5 New Mexico United (USL Championship)
Univ. of New Mexico Soccer Complex – Albuquerque, NM
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The NPSL’s Las Vegas Legends saw their luck run out in the second round as New Mexico United of the USL Championship rolled to an easy 5-0 victory.

The hosts set the tone in the seventh minute when Chris Wehan converted a penalty after Sergio Rivas was fouled by the Legends’ Hector Casillas. Jerome Kiesewetter scored the first of his two goals from close range in the 17th minute, and Randy Ovouka placed his shot in the bottom left corner of the goal five minutes from halftime for a 3-0 lead at the break.

Carl Sainte made it 4-0 from a shot outside the penalty area shortly after halftime. Eduardo Guzman was sent off in the 82nd minute, leaving Las Vegas with 10 men. New Mexico was awarded another penalty with four minutes remaining after another foul by Hector Casillas in the box. Kiesewetter stepped to take the penalty and New Mexico cruised to a berth in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) 1:4 Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)
Lamonica Stadium (Clovis H.S.) – Clovis, CA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Sean Walker

Villyan Bijev scored a brace, and USL League One side Central Valley Fuego stunned El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championships, 4-1 at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis, California.

Nathan Smith and Christian Chaney also scored for the Fuego, which needed less than five minutes to score and never looked back.

Bijev opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, chipping the goalkeeper from the left side of the box to put Central Valley up 1-0 mere moments into the game. The goals kept coming, too, through Smith’s golazo in the 15th minute and a second from Bijev in the 44th minute en route to a 3-0 halftime advantage. Chaney added a goal in the 62nd minute for the Fuego.

Eric Calvillo scored in the 90th minute for El Paso, which turned out to be the first Open Cup goal in Locomotive history for the 2019 debutants. El Paso was playing its second of three games in eight days after a four-match winless skid to open USL Championship play, and had traveled up the California coast following Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the San Diego Loyal in league play.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT


LA Force FC (NISA) 2:5 Orange County SC (USL Championship)
Orange County Great Park (Championship Stadium) – Irvine, CA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Sean Walker

Former Real Salt Lake homegrown signing Milan Iloski had a goal and an assist as Orange County SC of the USL Championship rolled by the NISA’s LA Force, 5-2 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, California.

Daniel Pedersen, Sean Okoli, Mikko Kuningas and Kobi Henry each added a goal for Orange County, which converted five of its six shots on target into goals and out-shot the Force 22-15.

Samuel Goni scored a brace for LA Force FC, including a 37th-minute strike that pulled the Open Cup debutants within 3-1 at halftime. But Iloski dished a pinpoint backheel pass to Kuningas to restore Orange County’s three-goal lead, and Henry’s goal in the 69th minute helped seal the win for good.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Central Valley Fuego, Charlotte Independence, D'Feeters Kicks, Des Moines Menance, Detroit City FC, El Paso Locomotive, FC Tulsa, Indy Eleven, LA Force FC, Las Vegas Legends FC, Maryland Bobcats, Michigan Stars, New Mexico United, North Carolina Fusion U-23s, Orange County SC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, San Antonio FC, St. Louis City 2, Tampa Bay Rowdies, The Villages SC, Tulsa Athletic, Union Omaha

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: FC Tulsa wins tournament’s first Tulsa derby

April 6, 2022 by Jim Coppock

FC Tulsa Tulsa Athletic 2022 US Open Cup

FC Tulsa Tulsa Athletic 2022 US Open Cup
Players from FC Tulsa (white) and Tulsa Athletic battle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa

Separated by a mere 15 miles, FC Tulsa and Tulsa Athletic went for bragging rights in the first-ever Tulsa Derby to highlight Tuesday’s Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup before the hosts FC Tulsa took a 2-1 win at ONEOK 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.

From the first 10 minutes, it was all FC Tulsa.

Brian Brown put the home side in front with a goal in the fifth minute, sliding towards net to finish off a feed from Diego Corrales and offer the strong start from FC Tulsa in front of a crowd of 2,300 supporters.

Down 1-0, it would be the 13th minute before Athletic would have any appreciable possession. Jordan Watson showed good skill in making a deep run along the goal line but could not set up a shot on goal.

Ronald Rodríguez headed in the second goal on a corner served up by El Salvador international Joaquín Rivas, giving FC Tulsa a 2-0 halftime lead.

Brown and Rivas had just returned from a call-up with “La Selecta,” making the return trip to Tulsa last Thursday after featuring in three appearances for El Salvador in World Cup qualifying. It was the first goal in a Tulsa uniform for Brown who like Rodriguez joined the club in the offseason.

The second half started much more briskly, but still dominated by FC Tulsa. In the 60th minute, Athletic’s Jo Garcia lifted a long ball deep in the area from a free kick, but none of the three Athletic players could get a boot to it leaving them still in a two-goal deficit.

Deep in the game, substitute Billy Nzojyibwami made a fantastic run down the right side and chipped FC Tulsa goalkeeper Austin Wormell to cut the deficit to 2-1. In the 87th minute, Athletic’s Bryson Reed saved a sure goal by Gabi Torres to keep it a one-goal game.

Tulsa Athletic goalkeeper Bryson Reed made six saves, keeping the ball out of the back of the net for the final 72 minutes. But the damage had been done.

FC Tulsa will learn its third-round opponent Friday with the Open Cup third-round draw held by U.S. Soccer. The draw is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET.

If Tulsa draws an MLS club, it will be the USL side’s first competitive match against a team from the top division since a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas in the fourth round of the Open Cup in 2017.

 

Goal scorers

FC Tulsa 5’ Brian Brown

FC Tulsa 18’ Ronald Rodríguez, assist Ronald Rodríguez

Tulsa Athletic 77’ Billy Nzojyibwami, assist Joe Garcia

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, FC Tulsa, Tulsa Athletic

2011 US Open Cup Qualifying: Chattanooga FC wins NPSL Southeast berth on overtime strike

May 27, 2011 by Gerald Barnhart

Photo: Frank Mattia

Six clubs representing five states meet at Finley Stadium  in Chattanooga, Tennessee this weekend for the National Premier Soccer League’s Southeast Division tournament for one of the league’s four Lamar Hunt US Open Cup berths. First Round games will be held Friday with the winners joining two others in the semifinals Saturday. The Open Cup berth will be determined Sunday.

Knoxville Force and Jacksonville United FC meet in the first match followed by Rocket City United versus FC Tulsa. The two winners advance to play the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves and host Chattanooga FC Saturday evening. New club Georgia Revolution are the only team in the division not slated to participate. In their place as the sixth team is FC Tulsa, a club that was a member of the league a year ago, but is only playing friendlies in 2011 in preparation of joining the USL Premier Development League in 2012.

Previous NPSL qualification opportunities were primarily held via the regional USASA tournaments. Three clubs participated in the Region III tournament a year ago, but were unable to earn one of the two berths on the line, finishing a combined 2-4-3 in group play.

Both First Round matches will be first-time meetings for 2011. Knoxville, currently 1-2-0, and Jacksonville, 0-4-0, are new to the division and will meet for the first time ever. A year ago Tulsa finished second in the division at 4-2-2 with a win and draw against Rocket City in consecutive matches. They posted a 2-1 win at home and played to a 1-1 draw on the road.

Undefeated a year ago at 6-0-2, Chattanooga enters the tournament still unbeaten with a 2-0-1 record thus far in 2011 league play, making them heavy favorites. They have yet to face either possible semifinal opponent. A year ago Chattanooga drew 1-1 at Rocket City before finishing the season off with a 4-0 victory over them. They swept Tulsa with a 2-1 road win and 5-0 blanking at home.

Winless a year ago as Atlanta FC (0-6-2), the new-look side under the Atlanta Silverbacks banner has made strides early in the season with only one loss in four games at 1-1-2. The club could prove dangerous for Chattanooga having registered the season opening 1-1 result and having handed them one of the two draws a year ago.

Links:  NPSL SE 2011 Results –   Tournament Format

Friday, May 27
Knoxville Force 0:1 Jacksonville United FC – 5:30 pm ET
– JUFC: Tyler Williams (Tommy KKrizanovic) 53rd
Rocket City United 7:1 FC Tulsa – 8:00 pm ET
– RCU: Hyde (Letsholo) 13
– RCU: Hyde 22
– TUL: Jake Cottage 31
– RCU: Hyde 33
– RCU: Nkurunungi 59
– RCU: Hyde 64
– RCU: Nunez pen. 80
– RCU: Omondi 88

Saturday, May 28
Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves 3:1 Jacksonville United FC – 5:30 pm ET
– JU: Tyler Williams 23
– ATL: Juan Carlos Nandi 28
– ATL: Kingsley Morgan 86
– ATL: Duque 90+
Chattanooga FC 2:0 Rocket City United – 8:00 pm ET
– CFC Penalty kick Heredia (saved)
– CFC: James Moore 65
– CFC: Chris Ochieng 74

Sunday, May 29 – FINAL – 7:00 pm ET
Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves 0:1 Chattanooga FC
– CFC: Chris Ochieng 116

About the Teams

Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves: Formerly known as Atlanta FC, the club has been in existence since 2008 as members of the NPSL and previously only qualified for the US Open Cup once. In their lone appearance in 2009, the club was eliminated in the First Round on the road, 2-0, by the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division (pro second division). The new name reflects new ownership and affiliation with the new NASL team of the same name (provisionally sanctioned pro second division). Atlanta won the division in its first season in 2008. Last year, Atlanta finished third in its Region III tournament group. (MORE: Atlanta FC – 2009 Meet the USASA)

Chattanooga FC
: The club from Tennessee is entering its third year in the league and are the defending conference champion. This will be the team’s first attempt at qualifying for the US Open Cup. The team is coached by Brian Crossman, the 21-year coach of local Covenant College.

FC Tulsa
: Members of the NPSL Southeast Division last year, the Oklahoma side finished second in the division a year ago after finishing second in the USASA Region III tournament while trying to qualify for the US Open Cup. The club’s director of coaching is Ali Adibi, who also manages the women’s side and formerly coached the Tulsa Roughnecks for eight years during the USL era in which they never qualified for the US Open Cup. The club is spending 2011 preparing to play in the USL PDL in 2012.

Jacksonville United FC
: The Florida club is a new entry into the NPSL this season, but fans of the US Open Cup will recognize the team. Jacksonville United is a product of a merger of Open Cup regulars Lynch’s FC (Lynch’s Irish Pub / DS United) and the Jacksonville United youth academy. Lynch’s has qualified for the Open Cup three times (2003, 2007, 2009) in the last eight years. The team is coached by Pat Cannon, a recent inductee into the University of West Florida Hall of Fame. (MORE: Lynch’s FC – 2009 Meet the USASA)

Knoxville Force
: Another new club in the NPSL, the Force are led by Derek Broadley, who previously served as head coach of Reading United AC of the Premier Development League from 2005-07. Reading did not qualify for the US Open Cup during his tenure.

Rocket City United
: A member of the NPSL since 2008, the club finished first in the division in 2009, but has not qualified in its attempts to reach the US Open Cup the past two years. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the club is under its third coach in four years with Gerry Cleary at the helm.

Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2011 NPSL qualifying, Atlanta Silverbacks U23s, Chattanooga FC, FC Tulsa, Georgia Revolution, Jacksonville United FC, Knoxville Force, NPSL, Rocket City United

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U.S. Open Cup History

Jim Gregory, president of Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment (right), presents the Coffee Pot Cup to Sachin Shah after D.C. United's 2-0 win in the 2004 Carolina Challenge Cup. Photo: Mike Buytas

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