Fresno Fuego

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: Without Didier Drogba, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Phoenix Rising win opener vs. Fresno Fuego

May 23, 2017 by Adrian Luevano

Phoenix Rising FC moved into the Third Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Fresno Fuego at Fresno State Soccer Field on Wednesday night.

“A lot of our guys who don’t get normal minutes stepped up, and it was good professional performance,” Phoenix Rising FC interim head coach Rick Schantz said. “It’s important to get wins in the Open Cup, and to be on to the next round is huge. Ultimately we want to get an MLS team in Phoenix, and this is what we are supposed to do.”

Phoenix Rising broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Kody Wakasa finished a strike off of a corner kick, beating Fuego goalkeeper Agustin Rey near post for the 1-0 advantage.

After a Fuego giveaway one minute later in midfield, Eric Avila struck Mike Seth’s cross into the back of the net to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

In the 54th minute, Seth would get a goal of is own on a tap in to make it 3-0.

“We had one sleepy moment on that corner kick and we paid the price for it,” Fuego head coach Brian Zwaschka said. “Right after that, we left ourselves a little to open, and they punished us. Apart of that, I thought it was a good performance. We created dangerous chances, but credit to their goalkeeper, he kept them in it.”

The Fuego got a goal back in the 59th minute when substitute Fellipe Oliveira made it 3-1, but that was all Fresno could get past Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Cohen.

Zwaschka was visibly frustrated on the touchline after Abraham Campos received a red card in the 83rd minute, and he felt like it changed the momentum of the match.

“In the second half, we lost focus, and being a man down later was disappointing,” Zwaschka said. “We tied our hands behind our backs after that.”

With the favorable result, Schantz loved seeing his squad players step up so his starters could get some rest before they play San Antonio FC in league play.

“I thought Blair Gavin did a really good job for us in midfield,” Schantz said. “J.J. Greer was another standout, but goalkeeper Josh Cohen was fantastic for us. He made some important saves, and it kept the team confident.”

Phoenix, who played without their recent high-profile signings Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips, will host NASL’s San Francisco Deltas in the Third Round of the Open Cup on May 31. The winner of that match will travel to take on the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer in Round 4.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Fresno Fuego spoil La Maquina’s encore performance

May 12, 2017 by Adrian Luevano

After scoring a brace in the USL PDL opener against the Burlingame Dragons, Jose ‘Chiva’ Cuevas delivered another two-goal night against La Maquina FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday. The Fuego pervailed with a 4-1 victory, denying La Maquina a chance to recreate the magic of last year’s run to the Fourth Round.

After back-and-forth chances for both clubs, Cuevas opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a right-footed curler to put the Fuego up 1-0.

“I think that was a big time goal, because La Maquina were good,” Cuevas said. “They pressed us, while we were still trying to find our rhythm. After we got that goal, it calmed us down and allowed us to find our rhythm.”

La Maquina had a chance in the 34th minute to equalize on a free kick, just outside the box. However, it was blocked and the visitors could not regain possession.

Fuego goalkeeper Agustin Rey denied the UPSL side with back-to-back saves in the 52nd minute to keep the game at 1-0.

However, the visitors would strike 13 minutes later as Jose Montes de Oca buried Edwin Borboa’s pass to level the game at 1-1

Cuevas put the Fuego back in the lead at 2-1 with his second of the night.

“Sometimes you go through those phases where you’re hot and it’s just soccer,” Cuevas said. “I just want to keep scoring for the city, for the club, and for my family.”

Three minutes later, substitute Joey Chica’s touch toward goal, hit the post, and trickled into goal for a 3-1 Fuego lead.

“All I knew was I needed get a goal to calm things down for my team and that was a great ball by Eti,” Chica said. “I thought I missed it to be honest.”

After servicing Chica on the assist, Eti Tavares got a goal of his own in stoppage time, to put the game away at 4-1.

Head coach Brian Zwaschka felt that getting the victory was not only great for his team, but for the community as well.

“It’s massive. La Maquina is such a great team, who had an amazing run last year. Anything can happen in the Open Cup, and with a win, you play bigger and bigger teams. For us to be able to do that and get the win means a lot for the community.”

With the win, the Fuego will host USL side Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 17 at the Fresno State Soccer Field. The USL side features star players such as Omar Bravo, Shawn Wright-Phillips, and the biggest new signing, Didier Drogba.

Cuevas is excited to play the trio, but he is even more ecstatic to take on some familiar faces.

“I’m very excited, because that’s my old club,” Cuevas said. “I’ll definitely play with a little itch on my back, nothing against them, but it’s always good to play against your old club.”

Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

May 17, 2016 by Josh Hakala

FC Cincinnati fans cheer on their team during a Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against Detroit City FC. Photo: Brett Hansbauer | 4th Floor Creative

In 2002, no team below the Second Division advanced beyond the Second Round.

The Modern Era (1995-present) record for single-game attendance is held by FC Cincinnati when they had an announced attendance of 12,790 at Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati) when they defeated AFC Cleveland (NPSL) 1-0 in extra time on May 17, 2017. The record for average attendance in the Second Round is 3,019 (16 games) from the 2001 tournament.

The El Paso Patriots recorded the biggest rout in the Second Round since 1995, defeating the Arizona Sahuaros 9-1 in 1998. Kirk Wilson scored three times to lead the Patriots. Matching the eight-goal margin, the most lopsided shutout came in 2001 when DC United of MLS trampled the New Jersey Stallions of the D3 Pro League 8-0.

From 1996-2013, only three Open Division Local clubs won Second Round games. Bavarian SC defeated the Reading Rage (D-3 Pro League) 1-0 in the Second Round of 2003. Dallas Roma FC became the first USASA team to defeat a second division team when they eliminated Miami FC (USL First Division) 1-0 in 2006. Cal FC traveled across the country and upset the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro (Div. 3 pro) 4-0 to reach Round 3 in 2013. However, in 2014, that mark was blown out of the water, as a record five Open Division Local teams reached the Third Round: New York Greek American Atlas (Region I), RWB Adria (Region II), North Texas Rayados (Region III), Des Moines Menace (Region II), and PSA Elite (Region IV) who advanced after the San Diego Flash forfeited. The reason for this increase was due, in large part, to the change in format which saw an increase to 80 teams, and an abbreviated opening round (8 games). Of this group, only RWB Adria and PSA Elite began in the First Round, so the rest of the teams only had to win one game.

Open Division teams winning Second Round games doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of during the Modern Era. 41 USL League Two (formerly PDL) teams have made it to the Third Round in the Modern Era. The Flint City Bucks (formerly Michigan Bucks) have done it more than anyone else, advancing to Round 3 six times. 19 Open Division Local teams have reached the Third Round. The NPSL has had nine teams win Second Round games, with four of them all coming in 2018: Brooklyn Italians (2014), Chattanooga FC (2014, 2015, 2016), Elm City Express (2018), Miami United (2018), FC Wichita (2018), Jacksonville Armada (2018), Orange County FC (2019).

The US Soccer Federation increased the number of teams to 80 in 2014, creating the largest Second Round in the Modern Era (and quite possibly of all time) with 24 games on the schedule. One of the games was forfeited, and one was moved to May 13, leaving a record 22 games to be played on May 14. That record was broken as the tournament continued to expand in 2017 when there were 26 games played, and then again in 2022 when 31 games were on the schedule.

In 2013, a record four Open Division clubs advanced to Round 3. The following year, due to a change in format and an increase in amateur entries, 12 amateur clubs reached the Third Round, which remains a Modern Era record.

1997: Central Coast Roadrunners
1999: Mid-Michigan Bucks
2000: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Chicago Sockers
2001: Seattle Sounders Select
2003: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Fresno Fuego
2004: Chicago Fire Reserves, Cape Cod Crusaders, Boulder Rapids Reserves, Carolina Dynamo
2005: Ocean City Barons, Des Moines Menace
2006: Michigan Bucks, Des Moines Menace, Carolina Dynamo
2009: Ocean City Barons
2011: Chicago Fire PDL, Kitsap Pumas
2012: Michigan Bucks, Ventura County Fusion,
2013: Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, Ocean City Nor’easters, Reading United AC
2014: Reading United AC, New York Greek American Atlas SC, RWB Adria, Orlando City U23s, Brooklyn Italians, Laredo Heat, North Texas Rayados, Fresno Fuego, PSA Elite, Baltimore Bohemians, Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace
2015: Chattanooga FC, Chula Vista FC, Jersey Express, PSA Elite, Ventura County Fusion
2016: Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace, Jersey Express, Kitsap Pumas, La Maquina, Lansdowne Bhoys FC, Los Angeles Wolves FC
2017: Chicago FC United, Christos FC, GPS Omens, Los Angeles Wolves FC, Michigan Bucks, Reading United AC
2018: Elm City Express, FC Golden State Force, FC Wichita, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami United, Mississippi Brilla FC, NTX Rayados, Ocean City Nor’easters, Sporting AZ FC
2019: Florida Soccer Soldiers, Orange County FC

Updated after 2019 US Open Cup

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic dominate shorthanded Fresno Fuego, 6-0 (video)

May 29, 2014 by Evan Ream

Despite the game being their third in three different cities in six days, Sacramento Republic FC managed to post the largest margin of victory so far in the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 6-0 win over Fresno Fuego Wednesday night at Cosumnes River College.
Nermanja Vuković, Justin Braun, Thomas Stewart, Rodrigo Lopez, Emrah Klimenta and Steven Evans all scored to set up a Fourth Round meeting with the San Jose Earthquakes, one of Sacramento’s two MLS affiliates.

“It feels great. I hope the team gets to realize that we’re a good team,” Lopez said, “We’re a very deep team as well. I think we can go pretty far.”

After arriving back at home late Tuesday night due to weather delays from their two-game road trip where they picked up wins in Rochester and Dayton, the Republic started the match out slowly, nearly giving up a goal in the fifth minute only to be saved by a goal-line clearance from defender Harrison Delbridge.

Former Chivas USA draft pick Paul Islas beat two defenders down the left side of the field, and cut the ball back to Jose Cuevas who opened up and side-footed the ball to the far post where the hulking Australian Delbridge was able to deflect the shot out of the penalty area.

The teams traded quality opportunities until Fuego defender Alfred Edmonds was sent off in the 41st minute for his second yellow card, giving Sacramento a man advantage.

Sacramento quickly pounced just four minutes later as some extended possession saw midfielder Octavio Guzman pick out an overlapping run from left back Nermanja Vuković who received the ball 12 yards out in the left side of the box and rifled a left-footed rocket into the roof of the net for the eventual winning goal of the match.

“Nermanja was wide open, it was easy to do,” Guzman said. “I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to test ourselves against an MLS team.”

Shortly after the break, Guzman won the ball at the midfield stripe to set up a three-on-one situation where Justin Braun played Thomas Stewart through onto goal. Stewart cut the ball back, drew the Fuego keeper off his line and returned the ball to Braun, who was able to tap it in from close range to essentially seal the win and a June 11 game against San Jose at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.

The next four goals came in a flurry in which Fuego goalkeeper Francisco Hernandez was forced to make a variety of highlight-reel saves to keep the score as close as it was.

Stewart scored eight minutes after Braun on an assist from Lopez, and then 15 minutes after that, the diminutive playmaker brought the house down with a spectacular effort. Picking the ball up 30-yards from goal, Lopez slalomed between two defenders and then pushed the ball past a third while running around the other side of the helpless defender. He then took a touch to his right and chipped the ball over the onrushing Hernandez, sending the crowd of 1,523 into pandemonium.

“I don’t know where I got it from,” the halftime substitute said in disbelief. “I didn’t know I had the legs to do it.”

Emrah Klimenta and Steven Evans each scored to cap off the blowout that wasn’t done with the controversy.

Republic midfielder Ivan Mirković fouled a Fuego player in the box in stoppage time of the game to receive his second yellow card of the game which set up a penalty for Fuego.

Mirković was given a standing ovation as he exited the field and goalkeeper Jakubek dove to his right to stone Jose Cuevas and then to his right to deny Cuevas again on the follow up as the referee blew for full time.

“We expect to win, you never really contemplate what the score is going to be,” said Rod Underwood, Sacramento’s acting manager while head coach Preki finished serving the second game of a two-game suspension in the Open Cup. “We just expect to win.”

HIGHLIGHTS

Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

May 23, 2014 by Josh Hakala

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

The US Open Cup has only had a Fourth Round (prior to the Quarterfinals) 12 times in the Modern Era (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012-22).

The first indoor game in US Open Cup history took place in the Fourth Round. On July 20, 2004, the Minnesota Thunder hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. The Thunder upset the Galaxy that day 1-0, in front of 5,505 fans. Defender Chris Brunt scored the game-winning goal in the 21st minute.

No Open Division team in the Modern Era has ever advanced beyond the Fourth Round

Only 7 USL League Two (PDL) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round, all but one have faced MLS teams
2018: FC Golden State Force (lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2016: Kitsap Pumas (lost 2-0 at Seattle Sounders FC)
2014: Laredo Heat (lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2014: Orlando City U23s (lost 3-0 at Portland Timbers)
2012: Michigan Bucks (lost 2-1 AET vs. Dayton Dutch Lions)
2006: Carolina Dynamo (lost 4-2 vs. Houston Dynamo)
2005: Des Moines Menace (lost 6-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
2003: Fresno Fuego (lost 3-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

Only 6 Open Division Local (USASA) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2018: NTX Rayados (lost 5-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2017: Christos FC (lost 4-1 at D.C. United of MLS)
2016: La Maquina (lost 4-1 AET at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2015: PSA Elite (lost 6-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2014: PSA Elite (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2012: Cal FC (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2006: Dallas Roma FC (lost 2-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)

Only 2 NPSL teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2019: Orange County FC (lost 3-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2018: Miami United FC (lost 3-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

In 2006, only teams from Major League Soccer emerged from the Fourth Round.

touray-harrisburg-vs-red-bulls-big — The Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) won a Fourth Round game in 2012 by upsetting the New York Red Bulls 3-1 after extra time. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The Chicago Fire did not lose a Fourth Round game until 2019 when they lost to Saint Louis FC. Prior to that, they had a 7-0-2 (2-0 PKs) record.

Major League Soccer began playing in the tournament in the Fourth Round for the first time in 2014 as part of an expanded format.

The attendance record in the Modern Era was set in 2013 when Sporting Kansas City (MLS) hosted Orlando City SC (USL PRO) at Sporting Park in front of an announced attendance of 15,981. Thanks to that figure, the record for Fourth Round average attendance was broken with 6,887 across the eight games. Sporting Kansas City later broke their own record in 2015 when they hosted and defeated Saint Louis FC (USL) 1-0 on June 16, 2015 in front of an announced crowd of 19,298. FC Cincinnati shattered that record in 2017 when they drew 30,160 to Nippert Stadium to watch them upset the Columbus Crew (MLS), 1-0.

In 2014, with Major League Soccer not entering the tournament until Round 4, a record three amateur teams (Laredo Heat, Orlando City U23s, PSA Elite) advanced beyond the Third Round, followed by five amateur teams reaching the Fourth Round in 2015.

Notable upsets in the Fourth Round

2003: Wilmington Hammerheads (PSL) 4:1 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2003: Seattle Sounders (A-League) 1:0 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2004: Charleston Battery (A-League) 1:0 Metrostars (MLS)
2004: Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) 1:1 New England Revolution (MLS) (ROC advances on PKs 3-1)
2004: Richmond Kickers (PSL) 2:1 DC United (MLS)
2004: Minnesota Thunder (A-League) 1:0 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
2005: Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL-1) 3:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2005: Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) 4:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2006: None
2012: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PROro) 3:1 (AET) New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2012: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2:1 (AET) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
2013: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 3:1 (AET) Chivas USA (MLS)
2013: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
2014: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2014: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:1 (3:2 PKs) Chivas USA (MLS)
2014: New York Cosmos (NASL) 3:0 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2014: Rochester Rhinos (USL) 1:0 DC United (MLS)
2015: Charlotte Independence (USL) 1:0 New England Revolution (MLS)
2015: New York Cosmos 2:2 (4:3 PKs) New York City FC (MLS)
2016: New York City FC (MLS) 0:1 New York Cosmos (NASL)
2016: D.C. United (MLS) 0:0 (3:4 PKs) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
2017: Columbus Crew (MLS) 0:1 FC Cincinnati (USL)
2017: Miami FC (NASL) 3:1 Orlando City SC (MLS)
2017: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 4:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2018: Louisville City FC (USL) 3:2 New England Revolution (MLS)
2018: Nashville SC (USL) 2:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2018: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 2:1 (AET) Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
2019: Saint Louis FC (USL-C) 2:1 Chicago Fire (MLS)
2019: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 2:2 (2:4 PKs) New Mexico United (USL-C)
2022: None

Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup

May 22, 2014 by Josh Hakala

The Michigan Bucks upset the Chicago Fire of MLS in 2012 Third Round. Photo: Kelly Haapala

MORE: Things you should know about the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2006 – Dallas Roma FC (USASA) 0:0 Chivas USA (MLS)
(Dallas advances 4-2 in PKs)

For all of you who ever wanted the #16 seed to win in the NCAA basketball tournament, we hope you are soccer fans.

Dallas Roma FC, from the North Texas Premier Soccer Association, made history defeating Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on penalties, after playing to a 0-0 draw after extra time. Not only did they defeat their second straight professional opponent in the US Open Cup, they became the first USASA club to eliminate a team from Major League Soccer in the US Open Cup. Chivas was dealt a major blow when their leading scorer, Ante Razov, was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless foul on Roma defender Todd Paulette. Soon after, Chivas head coach Bob Bradley sent in more of his regular starters, Jason Hernandez, Tim Regan and Juan Francisco Palencia.

The Roma defense, named TheCup.us Players of the Round for their win vs. Miami FC, held firm yet again against the Chivas attack, holding the scoreless draw through 120 minutes, at times keeping all 11 players in their own end in extra time.

Roma had a few chances in the second half as well, most notably Dominic Schell hitting the crossbar after Mark Rowland’s shot was knocked away by Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Chivas took the first spot kick in the penalty session, and Juan Francisco Palencia saw his attempt saved by Jessie Llamas. Roma’s Matt Clark and Mark Rowland converted the next kicks, as Sacha Kljestan for Chivas. Fortunes turned Roma’s way when Llamas came through again and saved Jesse Marsch’s kick, and Brad Flanagan scored for Roma to make it 3-1. After Claudio Suarez made it 3-2, Dominic Schell stepped up and put Roma in the history books. Previously, the closest a USASA side has come to defeating an MLS club was in 2000, when Florida’s Uruguay SC fell to the Tampa Bay Mutiny 1-0 in extra time.

1997 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 2:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 2:1 Kansas City Wizards (MLS)

The Modern Era of the Open Cup was still young, and Rochester caused a stir in ’96 with their amazing run to the final.

The San Francisco Bay Seals and Chicago Stingers were determined to top that, and top it they did.

Each team made their way to the third round, no small feat in itself. Both clubs defeated A-League sides in the second round, and now stepped up to face the daunting challenge of Major League Soccer. The Seals were first, taking on the Kansas City Wizards on July 24.

As if being the underdog wasn’t motivation enough, Seals forward Marquis White had something to prove of his own. White was dropped in 1996 by the New England Revolution, and he was eager to prove that he could play at the highest level. White didn’t waste any time, scoring in the very first minute of the game, taking a pass from Chris Davini and racing past the Wizards defenders and goalkeeper Chris Snitko for the goal. On the other end, the Seals defense kept the Kansas City forwards stifled and frustrated, but the Wizards eventually equalized in the 39th minute with a Frank Klopas goal.

Marquis White then stepped up a second time, taking another Davini pass home for the game-winning goal in the 55th minute, setting off celebrations at Negoesco Fiield once the final whistle blew. “I knew I could play, and this proves it” said an ecstatic White after the game. The Seals, as a team, also proved they could play, defeating the San Jose Clash in the quarterfinals to move on to the semifinals, eventually losing a close game to DC United 2-1.

Six days later, the Chicago Stingers took their turn at giant killing, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 2-1 in front of 4,730 fans at Chicago’s Forest View Park. Misfortune started early for Colorado, as the Rapids goalkeeper Paul Grafer was sent off after 17 minutes. The Stingers then took control, as Matt Hamnett and Chris Jahr scores goals before and after halftime to take a lead they would never surrender. Chris Henderson pulled one back for Colorado, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the upstart Stingers. Chicago were eventually overwhelmed by the Dallas Burn in the next round, 4-1, but the Seals and Stingers proved that the Open Cup would never be an easy walk for any MLS team.

2012 – Cal FC (USASA – 4th Div.) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS)

2012 – Michigan Bucks (PDL – 4th Div.) 3:2 (AET) Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was one of the craziest rounds in tournament history. 16 Major League Soccer teams joined the competition and only eight of them survived to play in Round 4. The two biggest stunners came from the Michigan Bucks (PDL) and newcomers Cal FC (USASA).

14 of the 16 games were played on Tuesday, May 29 and among those were the Michigan Bucks hosting four-time champion Chicago Fire indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. It was just the 4th US Open Cup game ever played indoors and the Bucks upset the Fire 3-2 in extra time.

The Bucks struck first just nine minutes into the match when Tommy Catalano received a pass from star veteran Kenny Uzoigwe to put the home team up 1-0. The Fire would equalize on a goal from Corben Bone in the 28th minute and take the lead in the 58th minute thanks to Frederico Puppo and it looked like the MLS team was going to take control, as they so often do in these underdog scenarios, but today wasn’t their day as a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match at 2-2. The match would go into extra time and after play resumed, the Bucks wasted no time in putting the pressure on the Fire. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in when Crnkic ripped a shot toward the net. The goalkeeper got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough to keep it out as the Bucks would go on to win 3-2 to become the first amateur club in the Modern Era to defeat two MLS teams (They upset the New England Revolution back in 2000).[+]FULL MATCH RECAP

After seven MLS teams were eliminated on Tuesday, what could possibly be in store for the following day? It would turn out to be arguably the biggest upset of the Modern Era (1995-present).

Cal FC, led by their manager former US international Eric Wynalda, traveled from Southern California up to Portland, Ore. and upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Artur Aghasyan streaked down the middle of the field, easily beating a lopsided offside trap, collected a well placed through ball and calmly chipped goalkeeper Troy Perkins. It was the only goal they would need to become the first USASA team to defeat a Major League Soccer team (Dallas Roma FC in 2006 eliminated Chivas USA in a penalty kick shootout). A USASA team defeating a MLS team was rare enough, but there had only been four previous USASA teams that had advanced far enough to even play against the top division. In those four games, none of the USASA teams even scored a goal. They were also just the fifth amateur team to eliminate a MLS sidse, and the 12th USASA team to eliminate a pro team of any kind. [+]FULL MATCH RECAP

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno Fuego burns Orange County Blues for first upset in over a decade

May 17, 2014 by Nick Schiffler

The Fresno Fuego pulled off one of the upsets of the Second Round in the US Open Cup, knocking off professional side Orange County Blues 2-0 behind some solid defending and two opportunistic goals.

Abraham Campos and Jose Cuevas scored within three minutes of each other late in the first half, which was enough for the PDL side to knock off the USL-PRO Blues and move on to the Third Round. The amateur squad last defeated a professional team in the tournament in 2003.

“We defended extremely well,” said Fuego head coach Scott Alcorn, who was ejected in the final 10 minutes of the match. “It was the best defensive effort this season. But the difference tonight was that we won the 50-50 balls.”

Fresno ran into trouble before the match even kicked off, as three of their players were ruled ineligible. Alfred Edmonds and Elliot Hord were both forced into the starting 11 for the Fuego at the last minute, and the match kicked off nearly 45 minutes late as a result of the roster confusion.

Despite the early drama, and despite temperatures at kickoff nearly reaching 100 degrees, Fresno started the first half brightly, creating as many chances as their USL-PRO opponents. Fresno winger Paul Islas forced Blues keeper Mohammad Mohammadi into a good save, tipping a shot over the bar. Soon after, Orange County’s Enrique Cardenas zipped a shot just past the post and wide.

It was the Fuego who would get on the board first at the end of the first half. In the 41st minute, Campos lined up over a free kick about 25 yards out, and banged a low shot that beat Mohammadi, deflected off the post and into the net.

Three minutes later Fresno doubled their advantage. Tyler Reinhart forced Mohammadi into a save, but the rebound deflected right back to the forward. Reinhart nudged it to Cuevas, who slotted in the goal from about eight yards out for the 2-0 lead.

Desperate to find some kind of offensive spark, the Blues made substitutions early – they had used all three by the 60th minute. Orange County was able to turn up the pressure on Fresno, controlling the majority of possession as the second half wore on, but it couldn’t put any good chances on goal.

“To get the second goal right before half totally changed what we wanted to do. We wanted to still put pressure on them,” Alcorn said. “As the second half of the half moved on, obviously we dropped into a little more low-pressure, and the last 20 minutes we basically bunkered in.”

The Blues were given additional life when Fresno defender Trevor Spurgeon was shown a red card in the 85th minute, reducing the hosts to ten men. Five minutes of stoppage time were added, but Fresno defended well and held on for the shutout victory.

Fresno was making its third trip to the US Open Cup. Most recently, in 2012, they defeated Stanislaus United Turlock Express in the First Round, before getting hammered 7-2 by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL.

Orange County, then known as the Los Angeles Blues, entered the US Open Cup in the Second Round in 2013. They defeated the Ventura County Fusion 5-1 before being knocked out of the tournament by Chivas USA of MLS for the second straight year.

Fresno will travel a few hours north for their next Cup match on May 28 to take on the Sacramento Republic, who defeated the Ventura County Fusion 2-1 in the Second Round. The winner of that game will get the chance to take on an MLS club in the tournament’s Fourth Round.

“We’ve played exhibition games against MLS teams, and we feel we can play with any of them,” Alcorn said. “We’re just not as deep as they are. win just earns respect for the PDL, and the PDL is such a high level that doesn’t get the respect it deserves. it just shows you that USL soccer is at an extremely high level.”

2013 US Open Cup Preliminary Round: FC Hasental win tournament debut, 5-3 over Fresno Fuego Future (VIDEO)

May 8, 2013 by Evan Ream

UPDATE: Video of FC Hasental goals added below.

First-time US Open Cup entry FC Hasental of the National Premier Soccer League posted an impressive result in their debut, registering a 5-2 victory at Chukchansi Park in Fresno Tuesday night against the Fuego, who were 13-3-2 at home in league play the last two years.

And the visitors had to come from behind as well to do it. The Fuego took the initial advantage three minutes into the contest when they capitalized on a defensive error that resulted in Alexander Caceres finding Paul Islas for the opening goal.

Unfortunately for the Fuego, FC Hasental would score four straight goals and five total to set up a first round match-up with Ventura County Fusion next Tuesday at Ventura College.

The 1-0 margin stood until Gustavo Villalobos nailed a volley past Gilbert Vega in the 29th minute off a ball from Joel Contreras.

The visitors nearly took the lead in the first minute of the second half when Alberto Anguiano sent a chip off the crossbar, but the Agoura Hills side would find the go-ahead strike four minutes later when Armando Gaitan struck on a 20 yard free kick.

It was the first of three consecutive for Hasental. Manny Cazares found Villalobos for his second on the hour mark and seven minutes later set up Anguiano to make it 4-1 in favor of the NPSL entry.

Fresno answered through Abraham Campos in the 75th, but saw the visitors answer right back three minutes later through Anguiano to restore the three-goal margin. Ferid Celosmanovic capped the match for Fresno with a tally in the 90th minute.

FC Hasental advances to the First Round of the tournament where they will play the Ventura County Fusion of the PDL on May 14 at Ventura College.

Scoring Summary
FRE: Paul Islas (Alexander Caceres) – 3rd min
HAS: Gustavo Villalobos (Joel Contreras) – 29th min
HAS: Armando Gaitan – 50th min
HAS: Gustavo Villalobos (Manny Cazares) – 60th min
HAS: Alberto Anguiano (Manny Cazares) – 67th min
FRE: Abraham Campos – 75th min
HAS: Alberto Anguiano – 78th min
FRE: Ferid Celosmanovic – 90th min

Discipline
HAS: Gustavo Villalobos 45, Kleber Ortiz 62
FRE: N/A #20 55, Gaston Cignetti 66

Starting Lineups
FC Hasental : Mitchell, Rodriguez, Ortiz, Ramos, Contreras, Rosas, Cazarez, Gaitan, Villalobos, Anguiano, Cazares

Fresno Fuego: Gilbert Vega; Jesus Garcia, M. Gutierrez, Justin Finch, Trevor Spurgeon; Abraham Campos, Gaston Cignetti, Alexander Caceres; Tyler Reinhart, Paul Islas, Eligio Morales

FC HASENTAL GOALS IN ORDER:

#USOC100

Fresno Fuego Future to represent US Club Soccer in 100th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

April 29, 2013 by Evan Ream

Star forward Tyler Reinhart scored two goals, tallied an assist, and drew a penalty in a man-of-the match performance that helped the Fresno Fuego Future qualify for the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 5-1 victory over APJCC Los Gatos Storm on Saturday.

The championship game of US Club Soccer’s Open Cup qualifying tournament took place at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, Calif. Saturday. The Fuego, who also compete in the USL’s Premier Development League, didn’t qualify for the 2013 tournament based on their 2012 PDL results, but entered a team in the US Club Soccer tournament.

The Fuego will begin Open Cup play on May 7 in the Play-In Round against NPSL club FC Hasental. According to a local media report, the Fuego claim they will host that game at Chukchansi Park, but no official announcement has been made.

Reinhart opened the scoring in the 34th minute when a shot saved by Storm goalkeeper Jairo Zermano dropped right to him in the penalty area.

The Cal Poly Pamona product expertly finished the chance with a one-time shot that seemed minutes in the making as Fuego had been controlling much of the match to that point.

Just seven minutes later, Chivas USA Supplemental Draft pick Paul Islas made a long run through the midfield before playing a smart one-two with Rienhart at the top of the box. Islas side-footed the ball into the corner of the net to give Fuego a deserving 2-0 lead just before the break.

fresno-fuego-future-us-club-soccer-champions — The Fresno Fuego Future celebrate their US Club Soccer Open Cup championship. Photo: Dan Perlea Photography

“We really wanted to come out strong,” said Reinhart. “Luckily we were able to get a couple of early goals.”

If there was any question to the result, Reinhart ended all speculation when he completed his brace, finishing from a tight angle after some nice interplay down the left side from Islas and Robert Garcia in the 49th minute.

Islas, who described his own play as “mediocre” was a nuisance for the Storm all day, continually making probing runs from midfield, and losing his marker with deft touches and quick interplay with teammates.

The Fuego weren’t close to being done though. When Storm defender Felix Alvarez misplayed a back-pass, Reinhart was the quickest to pounce, getting the ball behind the defender with just the keeper to beat. The hulking Alvarez was left with no choice but to pull down Rienhart, earning Fresno a penalty kick and a red card for Alvarez.

Fuego captain Caston Cignetti coolly converted the spot kick in the 57th minute, ending any chances of a Los Gatos comeback.

As the result was assured, both teams played out the rest of the game somewhat nonchalantly in the 90 degree heat.

In the 63rd minute Storm captain, and former California Cougar, Enrique Tovar played a lofted through ball to Steven Sanchez who finally beat Fuego keeper Gilbert Vega with a low shot that shaved the inside of the left upright.

Three minutes later, another Paul Islas run drew the keeper off his line. Islas slotted the ball back to the onrushing Robert Garcia who finished the ball in the corner of the back of the net to end the night’s scoring at 5-1.

“We’re playing really well right now,” said Islas. “The Open Cup opens up opportunities for us so hopefully we can be a part of it for as long as possible.”

In the 73rd minute Enrique Tovar hit the crossbar with a penalty kick after Fuego defender Eddie Gonzalez brought down a Storm player in the box. Gonzalez was immediately substituted afterwards.

2013 will mark the third time a team from the Fuego organization will be a part of the US Open Cup. In 2003, the team’s inaugural season in the PDL, they put together one of the top Open Cup runs of the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). After defeating MPSL (now known as the NPSL) side Chico Rooks , they upset two professional teams (Utah Blitzz and the El Paso Patriots) before falling to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

It would be almost a decade before they would qualify again, reaching the tournament last year. The Fuego defeated last year’s US Club Soccer representative Stanislaus United Turlock Express 2-0 in the opening round before they were eliminated by the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers .

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: US Club Soccer

Bracket A	PTS	W	L	D	GD
x-San Ramon SC	9	3	0	0	+11
x-Cap FC	6	2	1	0	+6
North Coast Tsunami	3	1	2	0	-4
Southern Oregon Fuego	0	0	3	0	-13

March 16
Cap FC 0:3 San Ramon SC
North Coast Tsunami 1:0 Southern Oregon Fuego

March 23
Southern Oregon Fuego 0:5 San Ramon SC

March 24
Cap FC 4:2 North Coast Tsunami

March 29
San Ramon SC 3:0 North Coast Tsunami

March 30
Southern Oregon Fuego 0:7 Cap FC

Bracket B	PTS	W	L	D	GD
x-Fresno Fuego Future	7	2	0	1	+3
x-APJCC Los Gatos Storm	6	2	1	0	+3
Stanislaus United	2	0	1	2	-1
Bullard United	1	0	2	1	-5

March 16
Fresno Fuego Future 1:0 APJCC Los Gatos Storm

March 17
APJCC Los Gatos Storm 3:2 Stanislaus United

March 22
Bullard United 0:3 APJCC Los Gatos Storm

March 24
Stanislaus United 2:2 Fresno Fuego Future

March 27
Fresno Fuego Future 3:1 Bullard United

March 30
Bullard United 1:1 Stanislaus United

—————————————————

Semifinals (April 6)
Cap FC 2:10 Fresno Fuego Future

Semifinals (Replay – April 21)
San Ramon FC 0:2 (AET) APJCC Los Gatos Storm
* Original match on April 6 suspended when the lights went out at the stadium with the score tied 1-1 in extra time.

Final (April 27)
Fresno Fuego Future 5:1 APJCC Los Gatos Storm
Chukchansi Park (Fresno, CA)

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: US Club Soccer spot down to Fresno Fuego Future, Los Gatos Storm after semis

April 23, 2013 by Evan Ream

The US Club Soccer Semifinals in the path for the organization’s lone berth into the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup could not have any more different as the Fresno Fuego Future cruised to an easy win while Los Gatos Storm emerged from a near two full overtime game standoff with San Ramon following a replay in which both games went to extra time.

The winner of the final will face a yet-to-be named National Premier Soccer League team in the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Play-In Round on May 7.

Fresno Fuego Future 10 Cap FC 2

Forward Tyler Reinhart scored a hat trick to help the Fresno Fuego Future dominate Cap FC 10-2 Saturday at Clovis East High School in Clovis, Calif on April 6.

Reinhart scored in the 11^th, 44^th, and 55^th minutes, while also setting up two goals to help the Fuego cruise to the US Club Soccer US Open Cup qualifying tournament final on Saturday at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, Calif.

The Fuego started off the game fast with Eligio Morales breaking the deadlock after being sent behind the defense by Reinhart in just the eighth minute.

Three minutes later the Fuego doubled the lead when Reinhart beat the keeper from 18 yards out off of a scuffed clearance from a Cap FC centerback.

Gatson Cignetti and Paul Islas each put one in the back of the net in addition to first half braces from Reinhart and Morales to push the score to 6-0 at the break.

Islas completed a brace of his own shortly after halftime to push the game even more out of reach. After Reinhart completed his hat trick in the 55th minute, the Fuego opted to sub out some of their players, even going down to 10 men for the last few minutes of the game.

Nevertheless, there was still scoring to be done. Cap FC exposed the Fuego’s new recruits with two quick goals from Uriel Guevara and Luis Arce in the 53rd and 62nd minutes respectively.

But it was too little, too late as the Fuego capped off the night with a fourth and final brace, this time from prospect Jose Segura.

Los Gatos Storm 2 San Ramon FC 0 (after extra time)

The Los Gatos Storm also booked their ticket to the final, albeit in much different circumstances.

After play was suspended when the lights at Tiffany Roberts Park in San Ramon, Calif. went out with the score tied 1-1 in the second period of extra time with 13 minutes remaining on April 6, the teams were forced to reschedule their game to Sunday.

Sunday’s game also went beyond the initial 90 minutes, resulting in the two sides ultimately playing 227 minutes to decide who would advance to the final.

On Sunday, Enrique Tovar broke the deadlock in the 109th minute of play at Evergreen College in San Jose, Calif. Andy Moya added an insurance goal for the Storm in the 118th to cap the belated victory.

#USOC100