Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Fresno FC

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic advance past Fresno FC with OT win on final kick of game

by

Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club's Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic
Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club’s Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic

Sacramento Republic waited until the last minute to do it, but they defeated the visiting Fresno FC 1-0 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The game had mostly petered out, despite a few rockets sent in by Fresno, and it seemed destined to head to a penalty kick shootout. Until there was a slight collision along the right channel at the top of the 18 yard box, the ball was collected by Villyan Bijev and his cross sizzled past the face of the goal. The camera caught up to the play just in time to find a centering pass, back from just above the touchline, and towards the center of the scrum. After playing a full 122 minutes, forward Stefano Bonomo twisted his body and headed the ball home. Sealing Fresno’s demise and guaranteeing the Republic will be drawn into the Fourth Round of the Open Cup.

With the win, Sacramento advances to the Fourth Round for the fifth time in the club’s six-year history.

Fresno played their part from the very first moments of the match, with former Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton man Jemal Johnson working combination play with Juan Pablo Caffa in channels to create chances. Fresno’s forward, Qudus Lawal, has had a great month, with four goals in four appearances – including the winner in the club’s Second Round road win over El Farolito, but failed to make an impact tonight.

Additionally, despite the hard work by Renato Bustamonte and Seth Moses, the Foxes of Fresno just couldn’t crack Sacramento’s code. Fresno led Sacramento in shots and possession halfway through the first half, but by the end of the full 120 minutes, they succumbed to Sacramento’s home field advantage. In all competitions, Head Coach and former Sacramento assistant, Adam Smith has been defeated by his old club twice this season. Surely July 3 is circled on his calendar.

Sacramento should have won it in regular time though – Sam Werner, hero from Sacramento’s previous match against Reno 1868, struck a shot off the crossbar and past the goal line in the 65th minute of play. However, it bounced out so quickly that the goal was not awarded and play continued. Had VAR been used, the goal may have been given. Head coach Simon Elliot took a gamble and made a few changes to his lineup, they seemed to payoff in the end.

Sacramento sit 14th in their league table and have lost three of their last five. With another crucial match coming this Saturday, some regular starters had to sit, or come on later. Fresno, who sit third in their USL Championship table, will look to recover their positive form when they play away to Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the league.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno FC “win ugly” and advance against El Farolito

by

Fresno FC's Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito's Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)
Fresno FC’s Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito’s Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

Fans were left to wait until the 76th minute during a very tense affair between home side, El Farolito and Fresno FC for a match winner in Wednesday’s US Open Cup Second Round match at historic Boxer Stadium in San Francisco. At halftime, Adam Smith’s one change made the difference as forward Qudus Lawal was able to slot home after a mix-up in communication in El Farolito’s backline and goalkeeper Luis Castro.

El Farolito’s Edson Carona (11) chases Fresno FC goalkeeper Sam Howard (28) as he kicks a ball out of bounds during a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

The Foxes were 1-0 winners on the day and will travel to Sacramento in two weeks time to take on fellow USL Championship club, Sacramento Republic FC. El Farolito, previous US Open Cup winners in 1993, hosted the Second Round match after their 2-1 victory and wonder-strike from Leonard Fredes in Turlock last week defeated Academica SC. Unfortunately, last week’s hero, Fredes was unavailable for the match after breaking his arm when he hit the ground after his Sportscenter-worthy game-winner.

Twelve minutes into the match, Fresno FC center back, Sam Strong was issued a yellow card for a rash challenge on Carlos Montez during a counter attack. He had to play cautiously and carefully throughout the half to ensure he was not sent off. A minute later, Montez had some freedom off a corner with a chance on a half volley but he dragged his shot wide.

Fresno FC were given an opportunity right after during a free kick, which was just outside the area on the right. From 22 yards away, captain Juan Pablo Caffa’s attempt flashed wide to the near post.

After about 20 minutes, both sides seem to settle into the match. Just before the half hour mark, El Farolito’s Aramais Hayward blazed a curling effort close after a nice buildup by the home team. However, the best chance of the first half fell to Jemel Johnson after his strike beat the goalkeeper, hit the underside of the bar and was cleared off the line.

At halftime, Adam Smith made one change in tinkering with his strike partnership. Qudus Lawal joined Jemel Johnson in the attack. In the 52nd minute, the ball was cleared off the Fresno FC backline after a slow looping header that beat the Sam Howard during a El Farolito free kick. About 10 minutes later, Fresno’s Renato Bustamante was alone after a missed clearance from El Farolito inside the area, but Castro read the angle beautifully.

A couple of crosses bothered Castro in a matter of minutes and which led to him receiving medical attention.

As the match slowed into its final 15 minutes, a quick throw in El Farolito’s half and a chip toward goal caused confusion between Castro and Angel Chavarria. The two collided and the ball popped loose resulting in Lawal’s match winner. A proper goalscorer’s strike to settle things.

El Farolito had two golden opportunities about five minutes from time while pushing for the equalizer. In a patient buildup, Wilmar Aguinaga had a wonderful effort from the top of the 18 saved by Howard. The ensuring corner saw Chavarria free by himself, but his header went over the bar.

Fresno FC’s victory means that they’ll face Sacramento Republic FC in two weeks time.

On the match, coach Adam Smith said: “I wasn’t very happy at halftime. I wasn’t that happy in the second half either. Sometimes you have to win ugly. We won ugly today, but I’ll take 1-nil any day of the week, at the end of the day. It’s nice to get the win and be able to move on in the competition.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: Los Angeles FC win tournament debut, 2-0 over Fresno FC

by

Diego Rossi of Los Angeles FC celebrates the first goal of the game against Fresno FC in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ben Goldman | LAFC
Diego Rossi of Los Angeles FC celebrates the first goal of the game against Fresno FC in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ben Goldman | LAFC

Two second-half goals from Diego Rossi and Latif Blessing lifted Los Angeles FC to a 2-0 victory over USL-side Fresno FC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“A team like Fresno that is well coached and that is prepared, we had to find different ways to open them up,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “It took a little while, but it is good to move on. We look forward to the next part of the Open Cup.”

With the win, LAFC recorded its first-ever Open Cup victory in their inaugural tournament match inside Banc of California Stadium.

Both squads played to a scoreless first half with LAFC controlling the tempo for a majority of the 45 minutes. The hosts best chance on frame came at the 28th minute, when Calum Mallace fired a shot from distance that forced Foxes goalkeeper Kyle Reynish to react.

LAFC’s Adama Diomande also had an early chance in the 18th minute, but his shot was blocked by Fresno defender Cory Brown.

For Bradley, he thought his team was not sharp enough in the first 45 minutes of play.

“I thought in the first half, in tight spaces we were slow sometimes to just play the next ball,” Bradley said. “So we had too many moments where we wanted too long and the pass that we tried had no chance.”

Fresno FC held their own for long stretches, but that was before Rossi stepped onto the pitch.

The Uruguayan national came off the bench in the second half and slotted a close-range finish over the goal line in the 52nd minute, just before Christian Chaney could clear the ball out.
Bradley had high praise for his young forward in the short time of action he received.

“He could’ve played 90 minutes, but to use him for 45 and knowing that we turned it around quickly, and how many minutes he’s played was nice,” Bradley said. “He loves to play.”

Just three minutes later LAFC struck again. This time it was Blessing, who buried Mallace’s blocked shot inside the penalty box.

The Foxes exit the US Open Cup with a 2-1 record that included wins over Orange County FC and Sporting Arizona FC.

For LAFC, they will await the Open Cup draw to see if they play Sacramento Republic FC, Portland Timbers FC or the LA Galaxy.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be the TheCup.us Player of the Round?

by

thecup-us-social-logoNow that the Third Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is finished, it’s time to look back at some of the standout performances of the 12 matches.

From dominant displays to rocket shots to vital moments, there are plenty of great performances to choose from for TheCup.us Player of the Round.
The staff of TheCup.us and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters vote for the award, but if you had a vote, who would you choose?

Reyno Bustamante (Fresno FC, USL)
With Fresno FC locked in a tough extra-time period on the road against Sporting AZ FC (USASA), Bustamante worked some magic to score the game-winner in the 99th minute.

Austin da Luz (North Carolina FC, USL)
The veteran NCFC midfielder da Luz put on quite a performance, scoring the game-winning goal at home in a 4-1 victory against the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL). He also assisted twice, on the game’s opening goal, as well as NCFC’s first insurance goal.

Allisson Faramillio (FC Golden State Force, PDL)
Going up against USL side Las Vegas Lights at home, Faramillio provided all of the offense Golden State needed. He scored the opener in the 75th minute, breaking a scoreless tie. After Vegas had tied the game a short time later, the Force earned a penalty kick in stoppage time, and Allisson was able to find the net to send his side home 2-1 winners.

Luiz Fernando (Richmond Kickers, USL)
With Richmond hosting fellow USL side Penn FC, Fernando started the game off on fire. He notched his first goal just 11 minutes in, and repeated the feat again in the 22nd minute. The Kickers would end up moving on to the Fourth Round, winning 3-2.

Christian Okeke (NTX Rayados, USASA)
After coughing up a 2-0 home lead within a span of five minutes against FC Wichita of the NPSL, the Rayados were on the ropes when they subbed in Okeke in the 82nd minute. Their faith in the forward was repaid just four minutes later, as he notched the game-winner in a 3-2 victory.

Jorge Rivera (Penn FC, USL)
Playing on the road against fellow USL team Richmond Kickers, Penn FC was on their heels after Luiz Fernando had a hot start (see above). However, Rivera helped dig the visitors out of the hole, getting them on the board at 36th minute, then tying the game with a half hour left. While his team would ultimately lose, Rivera’s effort was nothing short of heroic to prevent a possible blowout and rally his team.

Sean Totsch (Louisville City FC, USL)
King’s Cup rival Saint Louis FC (USL) came to town, in a match that largely came down to defense, and Totsch helped City’s backline limit chances and helped keeper Tim Dobrowolski keep a clean sheet. However, it was on the other end where Totsch was vital, running on the ball and launching an absolute screamer from five yards outside the box into the top left corner of the net, giving the home team a 1-0 win.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno FC score two OT goals to edge Orange County FC in debut

by

Renato Bustamante of Fresno FC celebrates his goal against Orange County FC in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiel Maddox
Renato Bustamante of Fresno FC celebrates his goal against Orange County FC in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiel Maddox

Fresno FC fended off a pesky Orange County FC for a 2-0 (AET) victory in the Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Lamonica Stadium.

Terran Campbell opened the scoring for Fresno in the 95th minute. Campbell one-timed a Jose Cuevas pass outside the penalty area for a 1-0 lead.

“It felt amazing (to score the goal),” Campbell said. “It was the first start for me and I am really happy about it. The guys told me I was doing really well and to keep it up.”

Two minutes later, Orange County forward Tomas Canale nearly had the equalizer for the NPSL side, but his shot bounced off the crossbar and was quickly cleared away by Fresno defender Mickey Daly.

The Foxes had a chance to increase their lead in the 106th minute, but forward Renato Bustamante was stood up by goalkeeper Hugo Gomez.

Bustamante, however, would not be denied. In the 118th minute, he scored from six yards out on an assist by Campbell to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

Fresno were without head coach Adam Smith for the club’s inaugural Open Cup match. Smith is in Wales renewing his UEFA coaching license. In Smith’s place was assistant coach Robert Earnshaw. The Cardiff City legend said it was workout being on the touchline for his first ever Open Cup match.

“Tired,” Earnshaw said with a chuckle about how he felt post-match. “First of all congratulations to OC. I thought they were excellent and worked very, very hard. They train two days a week. They gave us a very good test and It was a difficult game. We had to be patient and find the opportunity.”

Orange County FC relied on the counter-attack in the match and often found themselves with the 3 on 2 advanage. Winger Daniel Crisostomo often flew past the Zorros midfield and attempted three shots.

Fresno FC had plenty of opportunities in the final third to take a lead in the first half. None better than Cuevas’ free kick, but Gomez made a fingertip save to deny the former Fuego midfielder.

With the 2-0 victory, Fresno advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup and travel to Sporting AZ FC in Chandler, AZ. Sporting AZ upset Phoenix Rising (USL), 5-4 in a penalty shootout thriller.

The match is slated for a 7 p.m. MST kickoff at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on May 23.

“You can’t take anyone for granted or lightly,” Campbell said. “We just got to go out there and play hard and we’ll come out with a victory.”

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development