Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Georgia Revolution

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Southern States SC win rain-delayed debut

by

Southern States SC 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Southern States SC pose for a team photo before their 2022 US Open Cup match in Round 2. Photo: Southern States SC

Despite having to wait an extra half-hour to make their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut, Southern States Soccer Club made the most of their opportunity with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Georgia Revolution in a first-round match between NPSL sides in Hattiesburg, Miss.

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.

A second-half brace by Man of the Match Thomas Shepherd secured the victory for the Open Cup debutants. He put away a tap-in off a pass from Clayton Adams in the 65th minute, then volleyed home on the back post from the service of Jean Lucas Rivera eight minutes later.

Due to the wet and windy conditions that prompted a 30-minute delay before the opening kickoff, both teams took some time to find their footing. However, once Matt Walsh sent in a dangerous corner kick in the 19th minute that would have resulted in an own goal if not for the quick reactions of Georgia’s Chris Banfi, the action picked up.

Two chances presented themselves in quick succession for the Southern States Stars, forcing a Banfi save and block by a Revolution defender. Rivera followed that up with a header off a pass from Walsh in the 20th that Banfi parried away, portending the future connection between Walsh and Rivera. Though Banfi had stood tall, SSSC finally broke through in the 26th when Walsh whipped in a cross from the left wing that was volleyed in by Rivera at the penalty spot, just under the Revolution keeper, to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Revolution — making their third Open Cup appearance and first since 2013 — had chances to level the match as the clock marched toward halftime, but ultimately the Stars carried that 1-0 advantage into the break.

Hector Grejada, the Stars’ keeper, was presented with a few challenges by the visitors in the opening minutes of the second half but made sure they came away empty-handed.

The Revolution did manage a consolation goal in the 82nd, when Alexander McIlroy connected with Karim Tmimi on a short free kick, but SSSC ultimately controlled the second half of action after Shepherd broke the match open with his two goals in quick succession.

With the win, Southern States Soccer Club earned the right to face the Birmingham Legion of the USL Championship on the road in a Second Round match on April 7.

MATCH BROADCAST

2013 US Open Cup Second Round: Atlanta Silverbacks top Georgia Revolution again in rematch

by

On a gorgeous Tuesday night in Conyers, Georgia, the Georgia Revolution hosted the Atlanta Silverbacks in the Second Round U.S. Open Cup matchup.  Dubbed the “Battle for Atlanta,” the Atlanta Silverbacks advanced to the Third Round of the US Open Cup with a 3-2 win in a game of many chances and drama.

The contest was a rematch from the Second Round a year ago in which the Silverbacks also prevailed by a single goal, moving on with a 1-0 road victory courtesy of Raphael Cox strike in the 61st minute.

The visiting Silverbacks couldn’t have started Tuesday’s “Battle For Atlanta” any better, going up 1-0 in the fourth minute. After a poor headed clearance by Revolution defender Michael Nwiloh, Silverbacks forward Ruben Luna capitalized with a strong volley into the corner of the net from 20 yards out.

The Revolution came back and equalized in the 16th minute with a quick counter attack when forward Kwadwo Poku, who tallied a hat-trick last week, played Iain Smith through on goal.  The midfielder converted beautifully, sneaking a shot inside the near post to tie the game at 1-1.

The Silverbacks had a disallowed goal in the 29th minute when a tap-in from Silverbacks midfielder Horace James was called back for offside. Minutes later, the Silverbacks would have another chance to retake the lead when Mike Randolph was pulled down in the penalty area, earning a kick from the spot.

Ruben Luna was chosen to take the penalty and he blasted it into the right corner to make it 2-1 in the 31st minute.

The Revolution came out for the second half with a renewed focus on the attack in an attempt to find the tying goal, but the Silverbacks doubled their advantage.  Pablo Cruz connected on a pass from midfielder Milton Blanco from over 20 yards out to make it 3-1 in the 57th minute.

In the 61st drama unfolded when the Silverbacks bench was warned for dissent.  A few seconds later, a Silverbacks assistant coach was ejected from the game.

After play continued, the Revolution would immediately strike a surprising goal as midfielder Rene Enang converted on a low shot through traffic.  With about 30 minutes left, the Revolution were looking to equalize while the Silverbacks were doing everything to deny scoring chances.

The best chance to equalize came in stoppage time when Revolution substitute midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko saw a ball fall to his feet at the top of the box, but he blasted the wide open shot over the bar from 12 yards out.

The Silverbacks will face a tougher challenge next week as they will travel to play Real Salt Lake, who are sitting near the top of the Major League Soccer table.  Last year, the Silverbacks were embarrassed by the Seattle Sounders in the Third Round, 5-1, and will be looking to show some improvement on that result.

SILVERBACKS LINEUP: GK Nasco, D Bloom, D Navarro, D Reiss, D Randolph, M Menjivar, M Blanco, M Barrera, M James (Willis 67’), M Cruz (Uribe 80’), F Luna (Gulley 61’)

REVOLUTION LINEUP: GK Kramer, D Davis (Redding 85’), D Nicholson, D Nwiloh, D Papanikolopoulos, M DeBoer (Landberg 61’), M Enang, M Smith (Sissoko 74’), F Poku, F Sumpter, F Maduka

2013 US Open Cup First Round: Georgia Revolution holds off Real Colorado Foxes rally, escapes with 4-3 win

by

It was a game of two halves as the Georgia Revolution held off a thrilling comeback from the Real Colorado Foxes and advanced to the next round of the US Open Cup with a 4-3 win. The Revolution will host the Atlanta Silverbacks for the 2nd year in a row in the 100th edition of the tournament.

The Revolution held a 3-0 lead at halftime following a standout performance from Ghanian forward Kwadwo Poku with two goals an an assist.

His first goal came in the 15th minute with a strike in the top right corner and it was assisted by Rene Enang.

In the 40th minute, Poku assisted an Emeka Maduka goal slotted in the bottom right corner.

Minutes later, Poku put the Revs up 3-0 in the 43rd minute on an unassisted goal where he stole the ball from the Foxes back line and slotted through on a breakaway.

In the second half, the Revs were on the scoreboard first and it was yet another unassisted Poku goal. The hat trick was complete as he put the Revs up 4-0 in the 56th minute and they looked set to cruise.

The Foxes would have other plans, and Alex Tarnoczi made the score 4-1 in the 63rd minute on a shot that was deflected in.

One minute later, the game was on with yet another Colorado goal, this time scored by Chris Salvaggione assisted by Aaron Skipworth and that cut the lead to two.

The comeback continued with another Foxes goal, this time Skipworth converted on a headed cross from Luigi Clendening in the 79th minute. Now the score was 4-3 and the Foxes had 11 minutes plus 3 minutes of injury time to equalize.

The neutral fan would have loved some extra time, but the final whistle ended the match with the Revolution edging out the Foxes, 4-3.

The player of the match was undoubtedly Poku, who contributed to all four goals. For the Foxes, the substitute combination of Skipworth and Clendening in the 56th minute changed the match as they combined for a goal and two assists.

Stats:

Revs- Foxes

Shots: 11-8
Corners: 5-0
Saves: 2-3
Fouls: 5-5
Offsides: 3-3

2013 US Open Cup Preliminary Round: Georgia Revolution edge Colorado Rovers in PKs to reach Round 1

by

The Georgia Revolution clinched a spot in the First Round of the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by eliminating the Colorado Rovers 5-3 in a penalty kick shootout at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch, CO. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, but an early save in the shootout proved to be key as the Revolution earned themselves a home game in Round 1.

The Revolution, taking part in their second straight US Open Cup, opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a goal from Ghana native Kwadwo Poku.

The Rovers would find an equalizer in the 76th minute when former Colorado Rapids academy player Marc Herschberger connected on a header that found it’s way across the line to level the match at 1-1.

The match would remain tied through both periods of extra time, sending the match to penalty kicks and it was Georgia’s Zachary Schultze who help send the Revs back to Georgia as winners. He stopped the Rovers first attempt, which ended up being the difference as everyone else converted their spot kicks, leaving the result at 5-3.

The Revs will now return home to Georgia to take on another Colorado team, this time in front of their own fans. The Revolution will host the PDL’s Real Colorado Foxes on May 14 at the RYSA Soccerplex in Conyers, Ga. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The winner of that match will take on the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks, the team that eliminated the Revolution in Round 2 last year.

#USOC100

Great Lakes Division teams decline 2013 US Open Cup berths as NPSL entries finalized

by

Thanks, but no thanks.

That was the sentiment expressed by a pair of Great Lakes Division teams from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as they were offered a chance to represent the league in the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Erie Admirals, last year’s Great Lakes Division regular season champions, were expected to join the other five division winners from a year ago and the two spring tournament qualifiers from the Western Conference, but according to NPSL secretary and chairman of the NPSL Open Cup committee Joe Barone, they declined.

Erie owner John Moody said the decision was made due to a variety of reasons. First, the Admirals depend on college players to fill out their roster and many of them wouldn’t be able to join the team until the middle of May. And even if they could, there would be no time to practice or prepare for their opponent.

“It’s important to respect the game … the tournament and our opponents and we felt putting out a ‘B-team’ wouldn’t be fair,” said Moody.

He also cited the financial burden of taking part in the Open Cup, especially in terms of making travel arrangements on relatively short notice. As it stands, when the draw is announced at the end of April, his team could be chosen to play the Colorado Rovers of the USSSA, or the Northern California-based US Club Soccer team in the Play-In Round on May 7. If the draw doesn’t go their way, they could travel to that game. As of last year, the US Soccer Federation reimburses up to $8,000 in travel costs, but depending on where they have to travel, that money can be eaten up rather quickly. On the other side, according to Moody, if they had to host, that would also be a challenge for his club because they would have difficulty securing a local venue. Not to mention, there is a cost to hosting as well. Most teams have to pay to rent a field, pay the referees, and coordinate gameday efforts, just to name a few of the primary expenses.

“We would love to take part in this great tournament … but there’s just too many unknowns for a club like ours,” he added.

With the division’s regular season champions out of the running, AFC Cleveland was next in line as the division’s playoff champions. Detroit City FC had finished ahead of Cleveland in the regular season standings by a point, but when the two teams squared off in the playoffs, Cleveland won 2-1, and the defeated Erie in penalty kicks in the division final.

But just like the Admirals before them, Cleveland also turned down the opportunity to play in the 2013 US Open Cup. The second-year club also cited player availability as their main reason for turning down the invitation.

“AFC Cleveland really wanted to participate in such a historic tournament, but scheduling issues during that time made this an impossible task,” said Cleveland chairman Terry Lawriw.

After the top two teams from the Midwest Conference declined, NPSL management decided that rather than giving an Open Cup berth to the division’s third choice (Detroit City FC), they would award the berth to the club that had the best overall record among the remaining teams league wide (excluding Western Conference), which – coincidentally – ended up being the Brooklyn Italians, a team that Barone has worked for over the last two decades.

The Italians will join the Georgia Revolution (Southeast Division playoff finalist) and Atlantic Division winners New York Red Bulls NPSL to complete the eight team NPSL field for the 2013 tournament.

The five remaining NPSL clubs include: Western Conference qualifying winners FC Hasental and Sacramento Gold, as well as the Madison 56ers (Central Division champions), Chattanooga FC (Southeast Division playoff champion) and FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (Keystone Division champions).

TheCup.us has also confirmed that the NPSL is no long guaranteeing spots in the First Round of the 2013 US Open Cup to particular clubs or regions.

It was originally reported that the Madison 56ers, Chattanooga FC, FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, and the two Western Conference winners (FC Hasental and Sacramento Gold) would begin play in Round 1 of the US Open Cup. Of the remaining three teams, which had yet to be determined, two of them would begin in the Play-In Round against either the US Club Soccer or the USSSA champion.

Now, the two Play-In Round teams won’t be known until the US Soccer Federation unveils the 2013 US Open Cup draw at the end of April. It is expected that the teams will be ones that are located closest to the Northern California-based US Club Soccer representative and the Colorado Rovers of the USSSA in an effort to minimize travel costs.

2013 NPSL entries in Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (8 teams)

Brooklyn Italians
Chattanooga FC
FC Hasental
FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic
Georgia Revolution
Madison 56ers
New York Red Bulls U23s
Sacramento Gold

* 2 teams (still TBD) will begin play in Play-In Round

2012 US Open Cup Second Round: Silverbacks win Atlanta derby over Georgia Revolution, give up right to host Seattle Sounders in Round 3

by

CONYERS, Ga. – In the first-ever meeting between two Atlanta-area teams, the Atlanta Silverbacks defeated the Georgia Revolution 1-0 in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Georgia came out on the back heel and withstood the early pressure from the Silverbacks. In the 3rd minute, Reinaldo Navia put a glancing header just wide of Zach Schultze’s far post. Despite controlling most of the possession early on, Atlanta could not put any shots on net until the 21st minute, when Nico Colaluca forced an easy save out of Schultze.

The Revolution slowly but surely made their way forward, and came close in the 25th minute, when Clarke Bentley’s free kick found Michael Nwiloh unmarked in the box, but the defender could only put his header over goal.

Immediately following this chance, the game was stopped due to lightning in the area. As both teams remained on the field, the referees conferred with the coaches and decided to continue the game without further delay.

Late in the first half, Bentley was fouled by Jordan Davis in the area to give Georgia a penalty kick. Kwado Poku stepped up, but Joe Nasco was up to the task for Atlanta, diving to his left to collect the shot and keep the game scoreless going into the half.

As the second half began, the Revolution dominated possession but the Atlanta defense stood strong.

With the game ripe for the taking by either side, it was one moment of brilliance from Raphael Cox that decided the game. Capitalizing on a poor clearance, Cox dribbled down the left side of the field and into the box, unleashing a shot to the far side of the net that Schultze could not stop.

It was the best chance for either team in the second half, as numerous fouls and cards killed any decent flow to the match. Georgia had one final chance in stoppage time, but Sean Grisham’s corner kick sailed just over Schultze’s head into Nasco’s hands as the final whistle blew.

Atlanta moves on to the Third Round of the Open Cup, where they will take on three-time defending champion Seattle Sounders. Originally, Atlanta had won the right to host the Sounders in Atlanta, but a financial agreement was made between the two clubs which resulted in the Silverbacks giving Seattle the right to host. Now Atlanta will head to Tukwila, Wash. on Wednesday, May 30, to play their Open Cup game at Starfire Sports Complex.

The win was the first of the season in any competition for the Silverbacks, who started their NASL campaign with four draws and four losses. Georgia suffered their first loss in any competition, following two wins in NPSL play and one win over the Mississippi Brilla in the 1st round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Scoring: ATL- Raphael Cox (unassisted) 61′

Bookings:
ATL- Nico Colaluca 24′ (caution)
ATL- Raphael Cox 47′ (caution)
ATL- Reinaldo Navia 85′ (caution)
GEO- Jamal Keene 86′ (caution)

2012 US Open Cup First Round: Georgia Revolution edge Mississippi Brilla, 1-0 in OT

by

Two southern soccer clubs took their time deciding a winner Tuesday evening as the host Georgia Revolution of the NPSL claimed a 1-0 decision over Mississippi Brilla of the PDL at the RYSL Soccerplex in Conyers, Georgia. After testing one another throughout, the goal would come in the 105th minute of the overtime affair.

The two clubs primarily played it safe in the early stages of the match, not committing too many men forward. However, the two keepers, Mississippi’s Phil Boerger and Georgia’s Zach Schultze, were forced to make saves during a fast-paced passage of play in the seventh minute. Boerger was called into service again two minutes later, and soon after would pluck a dangerous Revolution cross from midair.

Brilla, in their second tournament appearance, would only manage to create a handful of chances to score as the first half wore on, including a missed bicycle attempt. A more promising opportunity came in the 37th minute, as Chris Oeching and Filipe Silva combined for a clever play resulting in a Silva shot saved by Schultze.

The Revolution, making their Open Cup debut, had a similar number of chances in the opening 45, though one could argue Georgia’s chances were of better quality. Sean Grisham sent a header high after finding himself unmarked on the end of a well-placed cross. Grisham would get another opportunity to score as a series of headed balls at the top of the Brilla box culminated in a shot that was saved by Brilla’s Boerger.

The second half opened with three shining chances for Brilla FC to grab the first goal of the match, but all were dealt with by Schultze.

From that point on, play became a little more open than it had been in the first half. Georgia would have a dangerous loose ball situation in front of their goal, and Georgia’s Peter Vania received the match’s first yellow card as punishment for a late tackle.

The late stages of the second half proved just as open with each side having several opportunities to score. Brilla’s best opportunity came from a corner kick that was headed just wide, and Georgia’s Kwadwo Poku had a shot blocked inside the Brilla penalty area.

The first period of extra time was largely uneventful as both goalkeepers proved too much for either side’s attackers.

However, that all changed when Hailab Habtom, who had come on a substitute in the 62nd minute, broke the deadlock in the 105th minute with a well-placed header.

The second fifteen minutes of extra time were much livelier than the first, as Brilla FC pushed forward with all they had left in a desperate attempt to equalize. The Mississippi club would have numerous crosses and free kicks, but never really came close to the goal needed to survive.

The Georgia Revolution advance to the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they will host the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. The match will take place on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

Georgia Revolution 1:0 ( AET) Mississippi Brilla
RYSL Soccerplex – Conyers, Georgia

Scoring Summary:
GA: Hailab Habtom 105

Discipline:
GA: Peter Vania  – Late Tackle, Kwadwo Poku  – Dissent, Michael Nwiloh – Time Wasting

NPSL announces four of 6.5 US Open Cup berths for 2012 tournament

by

The National Premier Soccer League, the fourth tier of American soccer, announced Tuesday that four of its 2011 conference champions have been selected as entrants for the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Allotted by US Soccer with a total of 6.5 berths, the league’s remaining two guaranteed spots will come out of the western conference with the third team, the half-berth, facing the yet to be determined sole selection from US Club Soccer in a play-in contest.

The winners of the Southeast Division, Jacksonville United, will be joined by the Northeast Division’s Atlantic Conference champion, Brooklyn Italians, the Midwest winner Milwaukee Bavarians and the Erie Admirals, who claimed the Northeast’s Keystone Conference title.

The NPSL Western Conference teams will conduct qualifying during the month of March, however, no details of the format have been announced.

Jacksonville United (6-4-0) tied Georgia (5-2-3) for the Southeast Division title last year but won the tiebreaker to advance to the NPSL Final Four, where they beat the Erie Admirals 4-2 in the semifinals and Hollywood United 3-2 in the final.

The Midwest champion Bavarians (8-2-2) are the Under-23 team from Bavarian SC, a club that has been one of the most successful amateur teams during the Modern Pro Era of the Open Cup and date back to 1929.

Brooklyn went 7-2-1 win the Northeast Division’s Atlantic Conference last summer then lost to Erie in the divisional final. The Admirals (10-1-1) have moved into the new Great Lakes Conference of the Midwest Division.

As for the West, San Diego is the top returning team this season, going 10-3-1 to finish on top of the Southwest Flight in the regular season before being upset by the Sacramento Gold 2-1 in the divisional semifinals. Meanwhile, Hollywood United (11-2-1) are not returning to the league in 2012.

Last year, the NPSL received four Open Cup berths: the Italians, Chattanooga FC, Madison 56ers and Hollywood United represented the league.

The 56ers beat Illinois amateur side AAC Eagles 4-0 before losing to the PDL’s Chicago Fire Premier 2-0 in the Second Round; Brooklyn dropped a 2-1 decision to amateur entry New York Pancyprian-Freedoms; Chattanooga took USL PRO club Pittsburgh Riverhounds to extra time before a 3-2 loss; and Hollywood United lost to USL PRO team Los Angeles Blues 3-1.

Before 2011, NPSL teams advanced to the Open Cup through US Adult Soccer Association regional qualifying. Five teams joined the 56ers in advancing to the Second Round: the Sacramento Knights (2004), Salinas Valley Samba (2005), Sonoma County Sol (2006 and ‘09) and the Arizona Sahuaros (2010).

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

by

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.

Things you should know about the First Round of the US Open Cup

by

David Geno and the Seattle Sounders Under-23s celebrate one of the club's five goals in a 5-1 win over Doxa Italia in the First Round of the 2013 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Coulter | SoundersPhotos.com
David Geno and the Seattle Sounders Under-23s celebrate one of the club’s five goals in a 5-1 win over Doxa Italia in the First Round of the 2013 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Coulter | SoundersPhotos.com

A total of 40 clubs took part in the first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (then known as the National Challenge Cup) tournament in 1913/14, a majority of whom came from the Northeast region of the country.

In 2008, the Seattle Sounders USL franchise became the first club in the Modern Era to advance to the Semifinals in consecutive seasons after beginning play in the First Round.

Since 1996, only five teams have advanced to the Semifinals after beginning play in the First Round. The Charleston Battery (2008), Carolina RailHawks (2007), San Francisco Bay Seals (1997) and the Seattle Sounders who did it twice in 2007 and 2008. San Francisco remain as the only third division club to advance to the final four (after beginning in Round 1) during that span.

Since 1995, an Open Division Local team has failed to advance past the First Round only three times (1995, 1998, 2002). Uruguay SC from Florida made the Second Round in back-to-back years (2000, 2001), and Mexico SC (Fresno, CA) joined them in 2000. Dallas Roma FC advanced in consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006 and Bavarian SC (Milwaukee, WI) moved on to the next round in 2003 and 2007. From 2008-2010, only one USASA club survived the opening round each year (Hollywood United – 2008, Sonoma County Sol – 2009, Arizona Sahuaros – 2010). After the tournament expanded in 2012, it has become more common.

In 1999, the Wilmington Hammerheads saw two players score hat tricks in their First Round match. Ryan Walker and Luke Griffith both scored three times in Wilmington’s 8-1 rout of Los Lobos, a USASA team from Oklahoma.

The Atlanta Silverbacks (USL First Division, Div. 2 pro) embarrassed Azzurri, an Open Division Local club from North Texas, 10-0 in the First Round of the 2007 tournament. It was the biggest route in the Modern Era, topping the Chicago Stingers’ (USL D3 Pro) 8-0 win over SAC Wisla (USASA) in 1997.

2007 marked the first year that all non-MLS teams began the tournament in the First Round. It was also the first year that any Division 2 pro teams started in Round 1.

In 2013, David Geno of the Seattle Sounders U-23s (USL League Two) became the first player from an Open Division team to score four goals in one game, and just the 10th player from any division to pull off the feat. He did this in Seattle’s 5-1 home win over Doxa Italia, and he scored all four of his goals in the first half.

The First Round in 2013 marked the first time that four different players scored a hat trick in the same round. Prior to that year, no more than two players had ever done it in the same round in the Modern Era (1995-present).  David Geno of the Sounders U23s scored four against Doxa Italia (USASA), while Hakan Ilhan (Carolina Dynamo), Kwadwo Poku (Georgia Revolution) and Argjent Duka (Icon FC) each scored a trio of goals in their respective games.

The attendance record for the First Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era) is 5,816, when the Arizona Sahuaros (D3 Pro League) hosted the San Gabriel Valley Highlanders (PDL) at Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona on June 12, 1998.

The record for highest average attendance in the First Round (Modern Era) is 1,247, but there were only four games scheduled that year (and one of them was forfeited).

The record for the biggest Second Round in the Modern Era is 2017 when there were 28 games played.

Updated after the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Copyright © 2025 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development