CD Faialanese secured a berth in the 2025 US Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over the UPSL’s FCY New York on a clear but cool night in Withrop, Mass. Faialanese qualifies for the US Open Cup for the first time in team history and becomes the first team from the Bay State Soccer League to qualify since Brockton FC United in 2022. Former UMass Lowell player Yanis Lakhlifi accounted for all three goals on the night for the home team.
Faialanese opened the scoring in the 26th minute after a long pass from midfield into the penalty area was lobbed to Lakhlifi who headed it past the FCY goalkeeper
FCY equalized in the 36th minute after a long pass down the sideline was taken to the touchline, then across towards the goal where Witman Hernandez beat the Faialense goalkeeper.
Ten minutes into the second half Faialense regained the lead when Lakhlifi headed home a pass from the touch line at close range. Off the restart Faialense took advantage of a defensive lapse from FCY, as Lakhlifi stole the ball from a FCY defender and took it straight into the penalty area to easily beat the goalkeeper for a 3-1 lead.
Jacob Maddox and Gianluca Arlotti provided assists on Lakhlifi s first two goals.
In the remaining 35 minutes Faialense were able to keep FCY from making any serious attempt at clawing their way back into the game.
“We’re honored to have qualified for the US Open Cup as an amateur team,” said CD Faialense head coach Paul Correia. “This is the perfect way to close out a great year and all credit goes to the players for their commitment, selflessness and quality. A heartfelt thank you as well to CD Faialense who are amazing sponsors and to Mass Soccer for their continuous support.”
The win caps off a very successful season for Faialense, which saw them finish atop the 2024 Bay State Soccer League Division 1 table with a 13-3-2 record, their second straight year they have won the league title.