GPS Massachusetts

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Camaraderie spurs Boston-based GPS Omens to US Open Cup glory

May 7, 2017 by Brian O'Connell

GPS Omens celebrate their 2015 Bay State Soccer League MacKenzie Cup championship. Photo: GPS Omens

The more things change, the more they stay the same: it’s a phrase that rings especially true for Massachusetts-based USASA side GPS Omens.

In 2013, the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) squad qualified for the US Open Cup tournament for the first time as Mass Premier Soccer, a moniker that was replaced by GPS Massachusetts, when in 2014 and 2015.

After missing the cut last year, the boys from Boston are back and it’s only fitting that they will sport a different name that they adopted last year.

“When Mass Premier Soccer merged into Global Premier Soccer (GPS), we saw it as an opportunity to refresh our name with something unique to the current players,” Omens skipper Greg Zuboff said. “We were originally the MPS MOA (Monsters of the Apocalypse). We changed to GPS Omens, which is a phrase used among our players in a social setting, though it’s also foreshadowed our terrific success under this brand.”

No doubt Omens have certainly enjoyed plenty of success as of late. In 2016, they became the first team in BSSL history to post an undefeated season by going 16-0-2. That remarkable run not only allowed them to be crowned league champions, but it also extended to Open Cup qualifying as well, as they beat Southie FC (MA) and Newton Pride (CT) to earn one of the 17 local qualifier spots in the 99-team field.

So how does Omens, an outfit whose identity seems to change with the autumn leaves, remain one of the best amateur sides in New England? One word: Depth

“We have a 30-man roster, and given personal schedules we usually turn out half for any game,” Zuboff said. “Any combination of that 30 is a force, and it’s enabled our success, particularly in late June games where occasionally find ourselves with only 11 or 12 men.”

Among the 30-man roster, a total of 21 players remain from the squad’s last Open Cup run back in 2015, and 15 have stuck around for each of the three first-round tilts since 2013, according to Zuboff. That familiarity among the players has no doubt made them one of the most formidable amateur outfits in New England.

Case in point: Omens has picked up right where they left off following last year’s table-winning season by notching victories in each of their first BSSL matches this year and already boast a goal-differential of +28.

Omens with 7-1 W over @oneida_fc E Anderson MOTM with 5 g’s @baystatesoccer @NESoccerToday @NonLeagueUSA pic.twitter.com/lMNhAFRJTU

— GPS Omens (@GPS_Omens) April 29, 2017

But relying on longstanding connections isn’t the only dynamic at play when it comes to their success.

“We also don’t take the game too seriously,” Zuboff said. “This is an outlet for our otherwise white collar lifestyles, and so we are there to play because we love the game, we love to win and we love drinking our coolers after a hard fought victory.”

After many such victories in league play last season, Omens is seeking something greater when they begin their Open Cup run in earnest on May 10 at GPS Portland Phoenix, which will take place in Portland, Me. The game is a rematch of the club’s first-ever Open Cup game in 2013 when they lost 2-0 to the Phoenix on the same field at Deering High School in Portland.

“The Open Cup is an opportunity to play against first class opponents and test our might,” Zuboff said. “Our league is very strong; however, the added diversity of playing teams against which we don’t regularly compete adds excitement about the unknown. “

The excitement and the unknown are undeniable draws for many amateur squads who’ve earned tickets to the historic tournament. But the way Zuboff tells it, there’s even more at play when Omens packs its bags for Portland on Wednesday.

“We also take advantage of the chance to travel together,” Zuboff said, “and enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with that.”

2017 US Open Cup qualifying review: A New York-New Jersey thriller highlights opening weekend of Round 2

October 19, 2016 by Josh Hakala

FC Motown celebrates the game-winning goal scored in second half of stoppage time in the club's 3-2 win over Lansdowne Bhoys in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying. Photo: James O'Rourke | FC Motown — FC Motown celebrates the game-winning goal scored in second half of stoppage time in the club’s 3-2 win over Lansdowne Bhoys in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying. Photo: James O’Rourke | FC Motown

The second round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying tournament kicked off with four games. Three teams that qualified for last year’s US Open Cup (West Chester United, Aromas Cafe FC, Lansdowne Bhoys FC) were eliminated by teams who are seeking their first-ever tournament berth (Christos FC, Tartan Devils Oak Avalon, FC Motown). The fourth game featured recent tournament regular GPS Omens who knocked off Newtown Pride FC (CT) as they aiming to qualify for the third time in four years.

The biggest game of the weekend was between New Jersey’s FC Motown and New York’s Lansdowne Bhoys. The Bhoys tied the game up in second half stoppage time but FC Motown answered that with the game-winner in the final minute.

There are still 14 more games to be played in Round 2, but they will take place the following weekend (Oct. 22-23). Check out the full schedule, and past results, here.

Below is a brief recap of each game:

Christos FC kept the Maryland flag flying in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over one of last year’s darlings, West Chester United. In the end, it was a trio of former University of Maryland Baltimore County players who eliminated the Philadelphia-area club. Pete Caringi III headed home a pass from Geaton Caltabiano in the 87th minute to break the scoreless tie and Phil Saunders earned a clean sheet in goal. Christos FC won last year’s USASA Amateur Cup and has won three Over-30 national championships in club history. They have been a regular entry in US Open Cup qualifying, but have yet to punch their ticket to the big dance. Now they are moving on to the third round.

Keith Caldwell assisted on two of GPS Omens’ three goals as the Massachusetts-based club cruised into the third round of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Newtown Pride FC. With the win, GPS takes another step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the third time in four years. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Last year, the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon traveled to Charlottesville, Va. and lost 3-1 to Aromas Cafe FC. It was the second year in a row that they had lost their opening round qualifier by the score of 3-1 (They lost to the Aegean Hawks the year before). This year’s rematch took place in Pittsburgh and it was the Devils who advanced 3-1. It was the first qualifying win in club history and they did it on the strength of two goals by former Pittsburgh Riverhounds player Travis MacKenzie. FULL MATCH REPORT »

FC Motown celebrates their 3-2 win over Lansdowne Bhoys in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: James O'Rourke | FC Motown. — FC Motown celebrates their 3-2 win over Lansdowne Bhoys in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: James O’Rourke | FC Motown.

New York vs. New Jersey is always a heated rivalry, especially in the sports world. This made Sunday’s battle between FC Motown (Morristown, NJ) and Lansdowne Bhoys FC (New York City) even more intriguing because it featured two of the best amateur clubs from those respective states. The game lived up to the hype with FC Motown, who are making their US Open Cup qualifying debut, eliminating the Bhoys 3-2 on a game-winning goal scored in the final minute.

FC Motown got off to a hot start with a pair of goals in the opening 30 minutes by Dritan Sela and Max Garcia. The Bhoys pulled one back in the 36th minute and could have equalized five minutes later. They earned a penalty kick, but FC Motown’s Andrew Tartara made a full-extension save to help Motown take a one-goal lead into the halftime break.

After a more physical second half, Lansdowne Bhoys earned another penalty kick in stoppage time. This time they converted and most in attendance thought the goal would send the game into extra time. Everyone except Motown FC. They pushed forward and earned a free kick just outside the Bhoys’ penalty area. There, Martin Lukaschik delivered a cross into the box where it was headed into the back of the net by Andres Berriel to give the home team the dramatic 3-2 win.

MORE: Interview with FC Motown head coach Sacir Hot after the win (from OnceAMetro.com)

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: GPS Omens ousts Newtown Pride as drone watches from afar

October 17, 2016 by Jake Catanese

GPS Omens (MA) defeated Newtown Pride FC (CT) 3-1 in the second round of the open division qualifying tournament for the 2017 US Open Cup. The game was played at Newtown High School in Newtown, CT on Sunday afternoon.

GPS Omens advances to the third round of the tournament, bringing them one step closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup for the third time in four years.

The match between the leaders of the Bay State Soccer League’s GPS Omens and the Newtown Pride, the leaders of the Connecticut State League, got off to an interesting start as the Pride played the start of the game with just 10 players as designated starter Graciano Britto was late to arrive. GPS were unable to capitalize on the early man advantage, though they did spend much of the first 15 minutes maintaining pressure on Newtown’s goal.

Once Britto was in the game, things started to even out, with the two teams trading chances in the middle of the first half. Newtown’s Christian Camacho would send his team’s first chance wide of the net following a counter attack in the 20th minute followed by Keith Caldwell of GPS also missing the far post ten minutes later.

Caldwell, who has been a key player for GPS over the last few years, is the brother of New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell. Their father, Larry, played for the Hartford Bicentennials of the original NASL.

Right before the half it was GPS who broke the deadlock with a strong attack down the left flank. Defender Pete Nolan found Caldwell streaking down the sideline and after a long run to almost the endline, Caldwell centered for Eric Anderson who finished from close range in the 42nd minute. The first half would end with GPS leading 1-0.

Newtown would need a strong start to the second half, but what they got was just the opposite.

Goalkeeper Drew Nucifora spilled a ball in the 52nd minute and GPS striker Charles Romero was there to finish the mistake and double the road team’s advantage. Now chasing the game, Newtown inserted attacker Christian Turizo in the 61st minute looking to spark the offense but before their sub could settle in, GPS took control.

A 65th minute corner was headed home after a fashion by defender Ryan Dunn to give GPS a 3-0 lead. Dunn met Caldwell’s wonderfully-placed cross and despite a deflection on the line by the Newtown defense, the Pride were left picking the ball out of their net for the third time.

The two Turizo brothers did spark Newtown late in the game, with substitute Christian centering for his brother Mauricio in the 79th minute to pull Newtown back to 3-1. But against a packed and organized GPS side, there were not many chances in the final minutes for Newtown and the game ended with no additional goals.

Also, with what might be a USOC qualifying first, a flying drone was sent up by a regional photographer to capture video at the start of the second half. Sadly, the drone was grounded after a few minutes by the referee crew for mostly being noisy.

GPS Omens advances to the third round of qualifying for the 2017 US Open Cup. Dates and opponents for that round have not yet been announced by US Soccer. 14 more games for second round qualifying will take place next weekend on October 22 and 23.

UNOFFICIAL BOX SCORE

LINEUPS
Newtown Pride FC (4-4-2) – Drew Nucifora; Clayton Ulmar, Sean O’Brien, Istvan Kanyo, Dante Spinelli; Frederick Metellus, Christian Camacho, Raphael Carminati, Jan Galvis; Mauricio Turizo, Graciano Britto (Christian Turizo 61’)

GPS Omens (4-4-2) – Zachary Abu-Glass; Alex Walters, Pete Nolan, Alan Ashenfelter, Ryan Dunn; Nicholas Figueiredo (Noah Grumman 66’), Ben Shulera, Scott Prozeller, Keith Caldwell; Charles Romero, Eric Anderson

SCORING SUMMARY
GPS – 42’ – Eric Anderson (Keith Caldwell)
GPS – 52’ – Charles Romero (unassisted)
GPS – 65’ – Ryan Dunn (Keith Caldwell)
NEW – 79’ – Mauricio Turizo (Christian Turizo)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
NEW – 71’ – Caution #5 Camacho
GPS – 74’ – Caution #5 Dunn
NEW – 76’ – Caution #9 Carminati
NEW – 83’ – Caution #10 Turizo, M.

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Southie FC last Mass. team left standing after shutting out GPS Omens

November 16, 2015 by Josh Hakala

Southie FC and GPS Omens square off in 2016 US Open Cup qualifying at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass. Photo: NonLeagueAmerica.com

MORE: Five teams advance to final round of qualifying in first weekend

With Worcester FC losing on Saturday night, Southie FC and GPS Omens were the final two open division amateur teams left in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying tournament from all of the New England states. In the end, there could be only one and it was Southie FC who would advance to the final round of qualifying with a 4-0 win.

After the opening kickoff, Southie came out as the aggressor and it paid off almost immediately. UMass Amherst product Chris Stoker played an through ball to Tim Ritter who held off a GPS defender and scored three minutes into the match.

Southie’s second was provided, again, by Stoker who released the pacey Trevor Hoxsie to calmly finish past the GPS keeper.

GPS caused problems with their two towering center forwards, including former Colorado Rapids draftee Keith Caldwell who had a pair of goals and a two more assists in GPS’ Round 1 win over Boston Olympiakos. Due, in large part, to the play of Harrison McGeady, Caldwell was unable to create any clear-cut chances to really concern Colin O’Donnell in goal.

Southie’s third goal came around the 35th minute Hoxsie released Stoker who crossed the ball to Anthony Baumann to tap in and put Southie in a very strong position heading into the halftime break.

GPS, who were under the names GPS Massachusetts and Mass Premier Soccer in previous years, came out on the front foot in the second half and had Southie pinned into its defensive third but, again, couldn’t create any quality chances. Southie were always dangerous on the break and won a free kick approximately 25 yards out midway through the second half. Before GPS could sort out its 4-man wall, Roy Sandeman, one of the seven players on the field who played college ball for Providence College (Ritter, Baumann, McGeady, Stoker, Thomas Ballenthin and Sean Bakhtiari) who made an impact on this day, quickly whipped the free kick over the GPS goalkeeper, off the underside of the crossbar and across the line to put the game out of reach.

GPS continued to probe, and Charlie Romero produced a fine save from O’Donnell but GPS ultimately couldn’t find a way through and they were eliminated. The loss would deny GPS a USASA record-tying fourth straight trip to the US Open Cup and it put Southie FC one win away from their first-ever berth in the tournament. It was also the second straight shutout for Southie, who competes in the Massachusetts State Soccer League, after they defeated Battery Park Gunners in Round 1, 2-0.

“Having played for GPS the last 3 seasons I knew what we were up against and knew that we had to have a team-first focus in order to advance,” said Sandeman. “I thought we out-fought and out-competed GPS in the early stages which really set the foundation for the rest of the game. GPS are such a great team and have a fantastic set of lads, but I am really proud of our boys’ commitment and performance tonight.”

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Keith Caldwell leads GPS Omens to 5-0 win over shorthanded Boston Olympiakos

October 30, 2015 by Zach Smith

Massachusetts-based Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Omens kicked off their first open division qualifying match in the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was much easier than originally expected.

Thanks to two goals and two assists from Keith Caldwell, GPS Omens beat Boston Olympiakos FC 5-0 on Sunday, Oct. 18. GPS, who were known as GPS Massachusetts last year, are aiming to qualify for the US Open Cup fourth year in a row. That quest got off to a nice start as Omens scored two goals in the first 13 minutes as Olympiakos started the match with just eight players. The first goal came from the penalty spot as former Colorado Rapids draftee Caldwell converted and then later assisted on a goal by former US youth international Scott Prozeller. Boston added two more players before halftime and outlasted the Omens attack and headed into the break trailing 2-0.

Caldwell was at the center of the offense after halftime, assisting on a Jake Johnson goal in the 50th minute. Three minutes later, Charlie Romero gave GPS a four-goal lead to put the game out of reach against 10-man Boston.

Olympiakos had a pair of chances to get back in the game midway through the second half, and so did GPS as they were awarded another penalty kick, but Romero’s attempt was saved by the Boston netminder.

Omens put the nail in the coffin when Caldwell scored his second goal when he ran past the Olympiakos back line and chipped the ball in for the fifth and final goal. Omens had a chance to score a sixth with two minutes left, but the shot sailed over the bar.

Omens is now undefeated in the last five league and cup games dating back to Sept. 19. They take on Boston-based rivals Southie FC in the next round of the Open Cup on Nov. 15 at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass. with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: Shorthanded Seacoast United Phantoms edge GPS Massachuetts for first win since 2006

May 18, 2015 by Bryan Lincks

The First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was held at Buckingham Browne and Nichols Field in Cambridge, Mass. The match was between the USASA’s Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Massachusetts and the visiting side, Seacoast United Phantoms of the PDL. The Phantoms, making their first appearance in the tournament since 2006 when they were a USL-2 club (Div. 3), got a late winner from Sofiane Tergou to hand GPS its third straight loss in the competition, 2-1.

The Phantoms advance to Round 2 where they will travel to Oklahoma to take on the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks.

The match began on a clear, crisp, New England evening, not far from the banks of the Charles River. The match began highly contested with both teams playing evenly. The home team struck first in the 15th minute as Harris Smirko delivered a corner kick that was nodded in by GPS defender Roy Sandeman. The rest of the first half continued to be back and forth. GPS got an impressive performance by their goalkeeper, Colin O’Donnell, who finished with three saves.

The second half started off very heated. Both teams were loudly going back and forth at one another. The game was very physical and both teams accumulated several yellow cards. There were 10 yellow cards handed out over the course of the game, but the biggest came in the 67th minute when Terence Carter of the Phantoms received his second yellow card and was sent off. Carter, who scored both goals in the Phantoms’ 2-0 season-opening win over the Boston Rams over the weekend, would leave United shorthanded up top.

A few minutes later, Seacoast was very fortunate to earn a penalty for a hard tackle in the box. The spot kick was expertly taken by Seacoast substitute and former Michigan Bucks forward Anthony Grant. Tempers continued to flare throughout the half.

In the 88th minute, Sofiane Tergou would net the eventual game winner for Seacoast after some impressive ball movement. GPS fought valiantly for the equalizer in the final minutes but their chances took a hit when Samuel Brill was sent off for his second yellow card in stoppage time. In the end, the referee blew the whistle and the Seacoast Phantoms were the winner.

The Phantoms hit the road to play the Tulsa Roughnecks on Wednesday, May 20 in Round 2. The Roughnecks enter the matchup 2-4-2 in the USL standings.

Meet the Underdogs: GPS Massachusetts back for third straight US Open Cup seeking first tournament win

May 13, 2015 by Sean Donahue

Every year, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup includes a new batch of amateur clubs hoping to be the tournament’s latest Cinderella story. And every year, TheCup.us introduces soccer fans across the country to these teams that have been the heart and soul of this competition for more than a century. This year, we are expanding our annual “Meet the USASA” series to include the USSSA and US Club Soccer. We bring you “Meet the Underdogs.”

Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) side Global Premier Soccer Massachusetts (GPS) is set to kick off its 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign on Wednesday against the USL-PDL Seacoast United Phantoms at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge, Mass. at 8 p.m. For GPS, who as a United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) club that earned qualification by finishing runner-up in the Region I Open Cup tournament last June, it’s the third straight year the club has made it to the tournament. When they first made it in 2013, they were the first USASA club based in Massachusetts in five years to make the tournament.

“The team at its core has remained much the same , particularly the way we go ahead and approach the way we show up every day,” said GPS-Massachusetts player/coach Gregory Zuboff who joined the team in the Fall of 2013, after their first Open Cup run. “We’re a group of guys that are young professionals here in Boston and most of us have played soccer through our whole lives and just continue to play for the love of the game. We come out and meet up once a week during the week to get some fitness and keep our form and then get a game or two in on the weekends to stay competitive.”

GPS, which changed its name from Mass Premier Soccer shortly before last year’s Open Cup to fall in line with the name of the youth clubs it is affiliated with, is an adult amateur team that plays its home games in Wayland, Mass. The team has had some players that have gone through the GPS system, but the affiliation, which began in 2008, has mostly benefited the club in other ways.

Mass Premier Soccer: 2011 Massachusetts Open Cup champions — GPS Massachusetts, formerly Mass Premier Soccer, won their first Massachusetts Open Cup championship in 2011 and since then have three of the last four years.

“They’ve been very supportive of us – always helpful in terms of managerial responsibilities such as finding fields,” said Zuboff. “Anytime we’re in a crunch they come through. We have a great relationship with Joe Bradley who runs the organization, so we like to stay as involved as we can and they’ve been a great organization to be a part of.”

The affiliation just adds further to the credibility of one of the most successful amateur teams in Massachusetts. The team has built its continued success around a core of players who have stuck with the club long term.

“A lot of the guys have been with the team 5, 6, 7 years and it’s a testament to the team that they stick around,” said Zuboff. “They love to come on Saturday morning for the game, at the coolers after the game and so it’s pretty similar makeup of the team.”

The team is further aided by a host of players with professional experience. Among them are Keith Caldwell (formerly on MLS side Colorado Rapids and brother of current New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell), Charles Romero (USL’s Charleston Battery), and Joe Vella (lower divisions in Spain). Perhaps most notable is Sam Brill, who played for the New England Revolution as well as lower division teams in Germany and Sweden. Brill scored the game-winning goal for the Revolution in a 3-0 victory over the USL’s Richmond Kickers in the Third Round of the 2008 Open Cup. He also started at center back for the Revolution in their quarterfinal penalty kick win over USL’s Crystal Palace Baltimore that year, but didn’t play when the team was eliminated by D.C. United in the semifinals.

“Sam is a great leader for this team,” said Zuboff. “He’s never been a captain, but he’s been a stronghold in our defense for a number of years and he’s a real leader on and off the field. Very composed guy, very talented guy, so he in many ways is a leader on the team and the players on the team look to him for guidance and really respect what he has to say. Particularly on the field during tough games we look to him to show up and perform and he does.”

But, although GPS has done well to make it to three straight US Open Cups, the team has fallen in the first round on both occasions thus far: 4-1 to the Western Mass Pioneers (USL-PDL) in 2014 and 2-0 to GPS Portland Phoenix (USL-PDL)—another team under the GPS umbrella—in 2013. An impressive history of success and championships in the BSSL and amateur cups has yet to translate when facing teams higher up in the soccer pyramid in the Open Cup.

“We do quite well in our local leagues here in Massachusetts,” said Zuboff. “We have some great competition here, but we typically perform. We’ve had some tough results when we’ve gotten to the Open Cup as of late. It’s definitely top of mind for us, we’ve know we’ve got to come out and show up right from the get go. Seacoast is going to be a great competitor, so we know we’ve got to show up and certainly the results from the past will fuel us to work that much harder.”

GPS’ recent results show just what the club is capable of in the BSSL. This past Saturday they crushed Oneida FC 6-0. The weekend before Kendall Wanderers B was their victim, falling 7-0. The team now sits at 3-1 to start the BSSL season and is riding a three game winning streak. Undoubtedly, momentum is on their side.

“We’re hoping to carry that forward into the Cup game ,” said Zuboff.

If they do that successfully, a first ever trip to the second round and a home match against USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks awaits.

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays in line for a USASA Region I double as championship games set

June 6, 2014 by Michael Berton

USASA Region I qualifying for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is nearly at an end, with the Maryland Bays remaining alive in both the Open and Amateur Cups. Elsewhere, Mass Premier Soccer is in the Open Final after changing its name to GPS Massachusetts, and the New York Greek American Atlas nearly hit double-digit goals against its Amateur Cup semifinal foes.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Lansdowne Bhoys 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts

It doesn’t seem to matter what their name is, GPS Massachusetts just keeps on winning in Region I play. Formerly Mass Premier Soccer, the side that switched its name partway through the tournament defeated Lansdowne Bhoys 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.

According to BigAppleSoccer.com, the hosts from Eastern New York dominated the game after an early goal from Sikele Sylvester. However, GPS equalized from a deflected free kick, and neither team could find the back of the net again until the penalty kick shootout.

GPS is looking to return to the Open Cup in 2015, after gaining a surprise entry into the 2014 edition. With the announcement of an expanded 2014 Open Cup field, the USASA was awarded two additional entries. One of those new spots went to GPS, who lost in the First Round on May 7 to the PDL’s Western Mass Pioneers.

The Massachusetts side faces the Maryland Bays on June 15 for the Region I Open Cup title.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 4:0 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks

The Maryland Bays continued to roll through Open Cup qualifying with a 4-0 victory over the Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks. Jon Ports scored a first half brace, and Chris Weaver and Chris Ports added goals in the second half.

Maryland was riding high after earning its first-ever victories in Region I qualifying. A week after defeating West Chester United 3-1 in the Open Cup, the Bays stormed past FC Motown 6-1 in the Amateur Cup.

The Aegean Hawks were the only team other than Maryland that qualified for both tournaments, but the DC side is now out of both—they fell in penalty kicks to Vereinigung Erzgebirge in the Amateur Cup.

This game marked the first time Maryland had ever hosted a Region I Open Cup qualifier. The Bays move on to face GPS Massachusetts in the final on June 15.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

Preliminary Round (April 6)
AC Blaugrana (RI) L:W Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
ACB won original match 2-0, but were DQ’d for use of ineligble player

Quarterfinals (April 6)
Newtown Pride FC (CT) 1:5 Lansdowne Bhoys FC (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) 3:1 West Chester United (East PA)
Oak Avalon (West PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA)
Icon FC (NJ) 0:5 Mass Premier Soccer (MA) – April 13

Semifinals (May 4)
Lansdowne Bhoys (East NY) 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts (Mass Premier Soccer) (MA)
GPS Massachusetts advances 5-4 on penalty kicks
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA) 0:4 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 11 a.m.)
GPS Massachusetts (MA) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
New York Greek American Atlas 9:0 Danbury United

Danbury United just can’t seem to get over the New York hump. Since qualifying for the Open Cup in 2007, United have lost to teams from the Empire State in its three attempts. This year’s 9-0 loss to New York Greek American Atlas was by far the worst of those losses.

Reigning Region I Amateur Cup champions and 2014 US Open Cup entrants NYGAA were up 6-0 at halftime. The victory propels the Cosmopolitan League side to the Final, where last year they defeated fellow New Yorkers, the Italian Americans.

The Greek Americans are four-time US Open Cup champions (1967-69; 1974) and this year qualified for the tournament for the fifth time in the Modern Pro Era and won their first tournament game during that span as they defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 2-0 in the Second Round.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

With a spot in the Regional final on the line the Semifinal battle between the Maryland Bays and Eastern Pennsylvania’s Vereinigung Erzgebirge came down to the final minutes. The Bays put themselves in line for a Region I double with a a game-winning goal in the 86th minute, giving Maryland a 1-0 win. They will play in the Region I Open Cup Final and the Amateur Cup Final, which will be hoested by the Ukrainian Nationals (Horsham, Pa.) on June 15.

In the opening half, the visitors from the Philadelphia area focused on absorbing pressure from the Bays, and with the game scoreless at halftime, it was mission accomplished.

“The game plan was advance. We knew we would need to defend first and finish off one of our chances,’ said VE manager Rob Oldfield.

VE created more chances in the second half as the game opened up, but the Bays would have the best chance thanks to Greg Ermold. Maryland’s John Boswell sent a cross into the box that snuck through all of the traffic in front of the net and fell to Ermold who launched a shot off the post to keep the game scoreless.

The game opened up late and just when it looked like it was heading to extra time, a deflected cross fell to Maryland’s Elton Joe and after a scramble for the ball, Joe got his foot on the ball and put what would prove to be the game-winner into the back of the net with less than five minutes to play.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

First Round (April 13)
Manzanillol Deportivo (NH) 0:6 Danbury United (CT)
NY Greek American Atlas (East NY) 5:0 Mass United FC (MA)
Maryland Bays (MD) 6:1 FC Motown (NJ)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 3(4):3(3) Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
VE advances 4-3 in penalty kicks

Semifinals (May 11)
Danbury United (CT) 0:9 NY Greek American Atlas SC (East NY)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 0:1 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 3 p.m.)
New York Greek American Atlas (East NY) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup