Harpo's FC

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Harpos FC back in USOC after handing rival Azteca FC rare loss

November 18, 2024 by Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC celebrate after a 2-0 win over Azteca FC as they qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC exorcized its U.S. Open Cup qualifying demons Sunday, topping bitter league rivals Azteca FC 2-0 at Broomfield Commons.

Halftime substitutes Jack O’Brian and Adam Mickleson scored to put Harpos back into its fourth tournament proper after a four-year hiatus. Harpos last qualified for the 2020 tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The win was Harpos’ first over Azteca in Open Cup qualifying in its fifth attempt with all four previous meetings decided by a single goal. Azteca, who has qualified for the Open Cup four times, entered Sunday’s match 18-0-0 against teams from Colorado in Open Cup qualifying.

Harpos started the Colorado Clássico on the front foot, when Baptiste Debuire took advantage of some indecisive passing from Azteca defenders in the opening minutes of the match, winning a 50-50 ball 20 yards from goal. Debuire was unable to capitalize on the gift, putting the ball just over the crossbar.

Azteca began to wrestle back control of the match around the quarter-hour mark, calming the frantic pace of the match that favored Harpos by taking control of the midfield. Breaden Jenkins had Azteca’s first and best opportunity of the half in the 16th minute, smashing a 30-yard shot into the upper corner after Harpos failed to fully clear one of Azteca’s three first half corners. With a good line of sight on the shot, Harpos goalkeeper Joel Chavez managed to get across his goal and spectacularly plucked the ball from the top corner to keep the score level.

The remainder of the half turned into trench warfare, with neither team able to mount a sustained attack for the remainder of the half as tempers and the referee began to be tested between the two overly-familiar sides. With play at a stalemate, both sides tinkered tactically during the interval, which included the introduction of O’Brian and Mickleson for Harpos.

“We went into the half knowing we needed some more pace out wide. Adam Mickleson gave us that pace and coverage in the back where we were exposed in the first half,” said Harpos managing director, Johnny Freeston.

Mickleson made his presence felt immediately in the second stanza, Harpos’ first attack of the second half came through Mickleson down the right flank. After turning the corner past a chasing defender, Mickleson drove a low cross to the top of the goal box, finding the streaking O’Brian unmarked eight yards from goal. O’Brian, a recent addition to the Harpos squad, tucked the ball back inside the far post to put Harpos up 1-0.

After nearly half-an-hour of bogged play as Harpos kept numbers behind the ball to fend off the waves of Azteca players coming forward, the speedy Mickleson doubled Harpos’ lead in the 76th minute off a Maradona-esque run through the stabbing Azteca defense that started on his own side of half. After outpacing one defender on the right flank and beating another defender in the penalty area before turning towards goal. Mickleson went around one final defender before going in on Azteca goalkeeper Gerardo Aguilar. An off-balance Mickelson awkwardly wrong-footed Aguilar, who helped Mickleson’s shot over the line to make it 2-0 Harpos.

“I got the ball around midfield and looked up and saw I had some space. I beat a couple guys and knew I had the pace to get around the last defender and go in on goal,” Mickleson said. “I got a little lucky putting it off the ‘keeper’s foot but I’ll take it.”

With the win, Harpos returns to the tournament proper for a fourth time, equaling Azteca’s Open Cup appearances. Meanwhile, Azteca’s 13-game unbeaten streak in the competition was snapped, along with its 12-game road winning streak

“This win gets us back where we want to be,” Freeston said. “We’ve completely rebuilt the team since 2020. We have the talent, and everyone has bought in to what we are doing. We know what it takes to make a run in the Open Cup. We’ve done it before. I think with this team we can do it again.”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Azteca FC qualifies with back-and-forth OT win vs. Harpos FC

November 24, 2021 by Jim Coppock

Azteca FC hosted Harpos FC at Victoria Sports Park in their third all-time meeting in a “Win & You’re In” US Open Cup qualifying match. In the previous two meetings, Azteca came away winners by a single goal (2-1 in 2017, 4-3 in 2018).

Sunday would be no exception as Azteca came back to beat fellow Colorado Super League side Harpos FC, 4-3, though an extra 30 minutes were required to settle it. The crowd of about 120 were thoroughly entertained in Golden, Colo.

Folks had barely turned their attention to the game, when Max Steinmetz had the ball land at his feet. He streaked in at goal and slotted home to his left to put Harpos in front after just four minutes.

After this point, the game was played in Harpos’ half for nearly the remainder of the first half. Azteca turned up the heat. Jovany Herrera and Freddy Fragozo combined all over the field in an attempt to level the score with Fragozo putting a shot off the post in the 14th minute.

Harpos would create some breathing room in the 20th minute when Austin Bell grabbed a deflection off an Azteca defender and made it a 2-0 game. Two goals in as many entries into the Azteca penalty area – it seemed like a rout was developing.

Azteca’s Rosendo Castro would see yellow in the 24th minute as he brought down Harpos’ Sean Baumann at midfield. Shortly after that, the momentum would shift again. Azteca’s defense stepped up and began building from the back. Goalscorer Bell would be booked in the 33rd minute after bringing down Fragozo. The resulting free kick would be bobbled by Harpos’ goalkeeper Hayden Rus, but the second ball was sent wide.

After a few minutes of chippy play, and a foul against Jovany Herrera, led to an Azteca free kick at the top of the penalty area. Cesar Echegaray buried the 20-yard free kick to cut the deficit in half in the 37th minute.

Five minutes later, the ball took an awkward bounce into the hand of Harpos’ defender Patrick Slogic in the area, and a penalty kick was awarded. Eduardo Reza sent the spot kick straight up the middle and it was saved by Rus, keeping Harpos in front going into the halftime break. Azteca would have one of many corners on the day in the second minute of first half stoppage time after Herrera was fouled again. Cesar Echegaray attempted to get his second of the contest, but the kick deflected off the wall and wide of goal to end the first half.

The second half started as fast as the first, this time with Azteca at the wheel. Still in the 46th minute, Eduardo Reza would be the player streaking right at goal and bury the shot to level the score.

Azteca had a relentless attack for the next 15 minutes, registering three shots in the process. Harpos’ first break from the onslaught was Caleb Cole unable to convert a free kick at the top of the penalty area. Harpos would register a pair of shots, both saved, over the next six minutes.

Then it was back to the other end. Jovany Herrera was fouled again, Harpos’ Jake Taylor was booked, and Azteca’s Armando Gonzalez would sink another 20-yard free kick to put Azteca in the lead, 3-2 in the 68th minute. Azteca’s Herrera and Eric Hernandez would take turns shooting for the next 10 minutes, missing just wide of goal each time.

At about the 80-minute mark, Harpos found a fresh wind in their sails and began a constant attack to end the second half. The highlight of this was a long Caleb Cole cross finding the head of Austin Bell, for his second goal, about eight yards out to level the score at 3-3.

Harpos nearly stole a late winner in second minute of stoppage time after a shot by Juan Pablo Caffa was deflected off an Azteca wall, toward the far post. Regulation would end with the score tied.

Extra time began with both teams pushing hard for the victory. Both sides had traded shots after just three minutes. Azteca would retake the lead in the 100^th minute when Cesar Meza received a long diagonal cross after a long run, chipping the ball around the Harpos’ keeper and it ended up just inside the back post.

Azteca would get the scare of the game in the 104th minute when a Juan Pablo Caffa pass led to a Caleb Cole shot that was nearly turned into their own goal. Only a quick reflex save by Marcos Madera kept the score 4-3.

The second period of extra time started with a Harpos shot after about 15 seconds, and they would boss the game comprehensively in these 15 minutes. Caffa, Cole and Slogic all had shots in the final few minutes; Slogic nearly beating Madera at the post with a headed effort in the 112th minute. The final big chance for Harpos was in the 116th minute as Cole sent a long diagonal ball between the goal and an on-running Juan Pablo Caffa. Azteca looked for an insurance goal in the final minute, Oscar Montoya hitting the outside of the post and Herrera making a goal line run, but Rus saved his shot. Moments later, the final whistle sounded. Azteca keep a perfect record against Harpos in Open Cup qualifying with the 4-3 win.

“These are always good games, have a great team,” said Azteca head coach Andy De La Rosa. “Good thing our guys stepped up, we did what we had to do.”

“We knew it would be a battle, it always is,” said Harpos FC coach Johnny Freeston, who led his team to US Open Cup berths in 2015 and 2016. “We did what we needed to in the first half. Felt good about that, and then we got tired. We made mistakes and we got punished for our mistakes.”

2022 US Open Cup Qualifying: Harpos FC continue hot streak, edge FC Union Jerez

September 16, 2021 by Jim Coppock

Harpos FC’s Max Steinmetz (left) battles against FC Union Jerez’s Daniel Lopez Rojas (right) in their team’s 2022 US Open Cup Second Qualifying Round match. Photo: Kevin Pugh

2022 Open Division Local Qualifying Schedule / Results

Harpos FC, fresh off a run of 12 straight victories in league play, including a 10-0 record in the spring season, defeated FC Union Jerez by a score of 1-0 in the first meeting between the two teams in a US Open Cup qualifier. The match at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park facility was the first time the two teams have played since the Colorado Super League semifinal last June (which Harpos won 4-2).

The Denver-based Harpos FC has entered the Open Division Local qualifying tournament every year since it began in 2016, while punching their ticket twice in 2016 and 2020 (the 2020 US Open Cup was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The team also qualified for the 2015 tournament through association play. This was Union Jerez’s third attempt at qualification (2018, 2020).

The first few minutes, kicked off to a sunset backdrop in Commerce City, CO, belonged to the home side with Union Jerez barely touching the ball. However, the 10th minute would see starting goalkeeper Jacob Lissek collide with Jerez’s Marco Antonio Ochoa Gutierrez, Jr. with the latter’s team being awarded a penalty kick. The collision required backup Hayden Rus to be put into service and immediately be tested. After the injury delay Union’s Bryan Fuentes would finally take the ensuing penalty in the 14th minute, but Rus saved to his right to keep it scoreless.

Lissek was knocked out cold from the impact. Harpo’s general manager Johnny Freeston said on the sideline he was clearly in distress and was eventually taken to the hospital. There’s no update on his status at this time though Freeston believes it was a concussion.

The Harpos’ left side duo of John Lister and Aaron Woodruff would route most of the attack up that side, but the final pass would be lacking for most of the first half. The danger men for Union Jerez were Ochoa Gutierrez, Jr., Alex Govanny, Ortiz Rosales and Bryan Fuentes.

In the 39th minute, a cross from Harpos’ Lister was bobbled and dropped by Jerez keeper Samuel de Jesus Benitez Tovar and an onrushing Cody Stratton tapped in for the lead. The final five minutes of the first half belonged to Union Jerez, but they could not find an equalizer despite several set piece opportunities.

Stratton’s goal came at the right time for multiple reasons. The attacking center midfielder, whose been with Harpos since 2018, lost his father to cancer two weeks ago. He dedicated his first career goal in the competition, and the win, to his father Mike Stratton.

The second half was fast-paced and end-to-end. Union’s Gutierrez and Fuentes each had a couple of strong shots to try and break the clean sheet but were saved. Their teammate Daniel Lopez Rojas had a great free kick sail just wide in the 61st minute. Meanwhile the home side swapped out goal scorer Stratton in the 73rd minute for Edgar Olivas who immediately gave the Union Jerez back line fits.

Both teams found an extra gear in the final ten minutes but there were no more goals to be found. Harpos had a chance to put the game to bed in the 82nd, when a back post shot rolled on the ground for the entire width of the goal and out for a goal kick.

Freeston stated he was happy with the win and says he’s confident that once a few more players receive their international clearances, and the team gains more match fitness, the team will be even better.

“It was a standard US Open Cup game with both sides battling from the first whistle,” said Freeston. “We played well in spells and had some positive sequences. Our goal build up and finish was a moment of class that was needed. We will continue to improve on our fitness, form and fluidity. We enjoy the hard earned win and look forward to the next round in October.”

The victory marked the sixth year in a row that Harpos FC advanced in their opening round qualifier. After receiving a first round bye, Harpos now move on to the third round of qualifying, currently scheduled for Oct. 16-17, against an opponent still to be determined.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1: Harpo’s need OT goal to beat shorthanded Colorado Rush

September 25, 2018 by Jim Coppock

MORE: 2019 US Open Cup qualifying results/schedule

Colorado Rush and Harpo’s FC added another chapter to their rivalry with a matchup in the 2019 US Open Cup open division local qualifying tournament

The two teams have battled for several years in and around several local leagues, primarily the Colorado Premier League and Premier Arena Soccer League. This was the second meeting between the two clubs in a US Open Cup qualifier, and just like their first game back in 2015, Harpo’s came away with a win.

This time, Harpo’s needed extra time to edge a shorthanded Rush team, 2-1, to move one step closer to qualifying for the tournament for the first time since making a second straight appearance in 2016.

Kick-off at just moments past 5 p.m. local time, under bright sunshine and a temperature in the upper 80s. A crowd of around 100 fans would ultimately make their way in to watch the game at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

The Rush were only able to dress 12 players for the game due to various player commitments.

The first 15 minutes or so was the teams feeling each other out. Decent, but not terribly dangerous opportunities for both sides; though Chas Parry of Rush did put one off the bar with a clinical spin move after settling a ball under heavy pressure from a Harpo’s defender. Harpo’s Herzberger would have been helpless to save had the ball been just a few inches lower.

Harpo’s FC took to the front foot in the final 20 minutes of the first half, putting four shots on goal on that stretch, but Rush keeper Marscheider was equal to all of them. The first of those was a point-blank shot at the edge of the goal box at the near post from about three yards out from Shane Wheeler in the 23rd minute. Trevor Amman would have a couple of good far-post chances saved by Marschnieder’s fingertips in the final 20 of the half.

First, a ‘grass cutter’ in the 28th minute from 11 yards after picking off a lazy pass out of the back. Then 14 minutes later, from about 14 yards out after receiving a well-struck pass from Wheeler on the right wing and beating five Rush players.

The half ended the way it began, 0-0.

The game restarted with Harpo’s still on the front foot. A shot from about 35 yards, just seconds into the half, forced Marscheider to again make a save. The game took a bit of a breather around the hour mark. Harpo’s would re-ignite it in the 67th minute. Trevor Amman was once again saved by Marscheider, forcing yet another corner. Off that corner, the ball would skip off of Marscheider’s fingers and fall to a Harpo’s player. The first shot looked as though it might have struck Rush’s Peter Willams in the arm, but the whistle did not come until after the ensuing rebound, when Marschneider went across the front the same Harpo’s player, appearing to knock him to the ground. The referee’s whistle sounded instantly with a point to the spot. The resulting penalty hit the back of the net in the 69th minute from the right foot of Judson McKinney to give Harpo’s a 1-0 lead.

The Rush began the process of finding the equalizer straight away. Many runs, up both wings, seemed to stretch the Harpo’s defense out of shape more than once. The equalizer would finally come in the 77th minute from a ball won in the defensive third of the Rush. A nearly 50-yard ball was sent up field, meeting JT Grover’s head and falling back to a wide open Chas Parry. Parry then found a wide open Grover streaking up the right wing. After a
couple of touches to control the ball, he slotted home to the far post from about 10 yards out to tie the game.

The remaining 13 minutes saw some good back-and-forth play as both teams went looking for the winner. Harpo’s had a bit of edge in the chances department. After Harpo’s committed a foul in the 87th minute would give the Rush a solid scoring chance when the free kick would find the head of Stisser, but it sailed well wide of goal.

Extra time started much as regulation ended with more back-and-forth play. There was more ball movement with less speed. Again, Harpo’s with a slight edge in chances.

The final period of play began with Harpo’s forcing another save from Marscheider after only 30 seconds. Again though, there was a lot of action from both sides through most of the extra frame. In the 111th minute, a Harpos corner kick produced a laser beam of a shot from the top of the box that was saved by Marscheider.

Four minutes later, Harpo’s FC would find the winning goal. They won the ball deep in their own half and went on a counter attack up the left wing allowed Harpo’s to gain 30 yards up the field. This led to another 30-yard pass into space through the middle of the Rush midfield. The ensuing run pulled Marscheider out of goal and outside the post. Then, a quick turn and pass to the onrushing Trevor Amman, who struck a beautiful arcing shot to the upper-right corner from about 17 yards out.

Harpo’s executed excellent clock management for the final five minutes to close out the game and advance to Round 2.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: Azteca FC eliminates Harpo’s FC again to reach second straight USOC

November 20, 2017 by Jim Hart

It was a balmy 48 agrees Fahrenheit in Broomfield Colorado, a high-tech community just outside the Denver skyline where CenturyLink and its 55 story building dominates the skyline. A 3 pm kickoff almost certainly guaranteed a frigid ending to this exciting tie that will go down as a classic Colorado US Open Cup match.

Colorado is proving to be fertile ground for amateur clubs attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup, and today’s match was no exception, as this tie was filled with passion and more than a little physicality. This was a rematch of an exciting 2-1 match from a year ago that saw Azteca FC earn a first-ever trip to the US Open Cup and denied Harpo’s FC of Boulder, Colo. a third straight trip to the tournament. This year’s rematch went the same way with Azteca winning 4-3

As the match opened, it was clear that this big pitch was going to make for wide open play. Both sides used the flanks to enhance their attacks, with Azteca making especially good use of the right flank throughout the match. This would prove an issue for Harpo’s in the second half that could not be resolved.

Most of the first half was played with nervous tension filling the spaces. Neither side was able to set a marker in the ground until Harpo’s long time number 10, Kyle Luetkehans put one past the keeper to give Harpo’s the early lead in the 13th minute.

Things began to heat up at that point. Azteca were pressing their case on the attack and getting closer to a goal of their own when Harpo’s goalkeeper Zac Gibbens came out of his box and clipped Naoyas Aizawa of Azteca. This resulted in the awarding of a penalty kick to Azteca, which Erik Chavez put in the back of the net. This brought the score to 1-1

As the half was coming to a close there was a skirmish in front of the Harpo’s net. Azteca players had converged around the ball where Gibbens had just made a close save inside the six yard box. After the whistle blew Gibbens popped up off the deck with a lot of emotion. Several minutes of pushing and moving ensued, with the final result being red cards for both sides, unfortunately for Harpo’s one of those red cards went to Gibbens, leaving Harpo’s with the unenviable task of having to replace their starting goalkeeper.

The second half opened with each team down a man after the dual red cards. Harpo’s seemed to have left their game in the locker room, while Azteca came out ready to take the match by the scruff of the neck. Nine minutes into the second half Eric Hernandez fed Dehrian Ramirez for a goal that gave Azteca a 2-1 lead.

In what appeared to be Deja Vu all over again, Dehrian Ramirez recorded his brace in the 62nd minute on a play that looked eerily similar to the goal that was scored just minutes before. Azteca was rolling, Harpo’s looked like they had no answers at this point, In order to try to get some offense into the side, Harpo’s, team owner Johnny Freeston, who was sitting in for suspended coach Steve Lepper of Harpo’s, went to the bench to. swap out the center forwards, Stibe came on for Whittle in the 67th minute.

This strategy seemed to work as just three minutes later Dan Campbell pulled one back for Harpo’s, the scoreline now stood at 3-2, with Azteca hanging on to a one-goal advantage.

As the temperature dipped into the 30s and the light began to fade it seemed to give Azteca new life. They clung to their lead and kept the pressure on, looking for more goals. Suddenly in the 75th minute, Erik Chavez completed his brace and Dehrian Ramirez completed his hat-trick of assists on the day.

Azteca had an opportunity to park the bus, however, that is not their DNA. The primarily Mexican-American side is aggressive and loves to attack with the ball. They continued to keep the heat on and attempted to grab another goal.

Two minutes into extra time Harpo’s Leutkhens pulls one back for Harpo’s to make the match 4-3. Kyle has been a stalwart for the Boulder side for four seasons, and he was clearly the man of the match for Harpo’s on the day.

There were several candidates for man of the match from Azteca, but Dehrian Ramirez’s playmaking and his ability to be in the right place at the right time set him apart with three assists.

The qualifying tournament is over for the fall, as Azteca FC advances to the tournament proper for the second year in a row. They will look to improve on their one-and-done appearance in the 2017 competition. In their Open Cup debut, they lost a narrow 1-0 extra time decision, on the road, to the National Premier Soccer League’s FC Wichita.

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Azteca FC dethrone Harpo’s FC in Colorado clash

October 25, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Field No. 8 at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park complex was the site for the 2017 US Open Cup qualifier between Azteca FC and Harpo's FC. Photo: Jim Hart — Field No. 8 at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park complex was the site for the 2017 US Open Cup qualifier between Azteca FC and Harpo’s FC. Photo: Jim Hart

Omar Ledezma delivered for Azteca FC by drawing the equalizing penalty kick and scoring the winning goal to defeat Harpo’s FC two goals to one. With this victory, Azteca FC will advance to the third round of the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament which will take part next spring (Mar. 11-12, 2017).

Harpo’s FC, who had qualified for the last two US Open Cup tournaments and won two games and also advanced once by penalty kicks. Azteca FC, who won the last Colorado State Cup and recently defeated Harpo’s in league play. Now, Azteca FC will join the Colorado Rush as the only two remaining open division amateur teams from Colorado remaining in the competition.

Harpo’s FC took the initial lead when Chris Salvaggione finished a straightforward shot from the top of the 18 yard box. After taking the lead, owning most of the possession and opportunities on net in the first half, Harpo’s FC were unable to maintain the physical and mental sharpness into the second half.

Starting off the second half Azteca FC manager Andy De La Rosa made his first substitution at striker, bringing in Makyr Opoeza, and told his team to pick up the tempo, play quicker and complete shorter passes. The adjustments payed off immediately. Ex-Chivas Guadalajara winger Omar Ledezma drew a penalty at the top of the box, converted by Opoeza. Later in the second half Azteca midfielder Jesus Jeaus Muños flicked on a corner kick to the far post directly in the path of Ledezma who converted the winning goal.

After routinely getting beaten on set pieces by the much taller and more physical Harpo’s FC the pre-designed corner kick was a brilliant call. After the game De La Rosa took no credit for the goal saying that set pieces have always been the Azteca’s weakness, instead it was Ledezma’s creativity and play calling that won the game.

Looking forward to the Open Cup De La Rosa added that he hoped to be the last amateur team standing next summer and hopes that their recently formed under-23 side will provide the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts.

“The loss was a reality check of the level that is needed to compete at this level,” said Harpo’s manager Johnny Freeston. “Today they won the game no question, and we are even more motivated to return to the Cup next year.”

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Harpo’s FC, the “bull shit pub team”, faces challenge from newcomers Azteca FC in Colorado clash

October 21, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Harpo's FC celebrates a league game against FC Denver at Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo. Photo: Harpo's FC — Harpo’s FC celebrates a league game against FC Denver at Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, Colo. Photo: Harpo’s FC

On Saturday, Oct. 22, outside of Dick’s Sporting Good Park, the top two Colorado amateur teams line up for the right to represent the region in the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Defending their hold on this region’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup spot, in what could be their third consecutive entry into the tournament is the ever-confident Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) champions Harpo’s FC. Green with envy and ready to throw everything at the incumbent, this year’s final challenger is Colorado State Cup champions Azteca FC.

Both teams are representing the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). They are two of three remaining USSSA teams in the qualifying tournament (Colorado Rush).

Over the past two years very few amateur teams around the country have enjoyed their time in the US Open Cup as much as Harpo’s FC. Johnny Freeston’s self-proclaimed “bull shit pub team” has used their Open Cup victories, and their narrow defeats at the hands of the professional Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2015, 2016), to grow their player pool and fan support. Over this time, the Boulder-based club has been a dominate force in every competition they have entered – until this year’s Colorado State Cup when they ran into Azteca FC.

Azteca FC has been a Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) regular for years now either under the current name or their previous name Cruz Select. Over the years, Azteca has always been a collection of the top Hispanic players in the area that would compete in CASL, as well as other local Hispanic leagues and occasionally other tournaments across the Southwest with varying success while teams like Harpo’s were running away with the league.

In an interview with TheCup.us, Azteca captain and rightback Armando Chavira admitted “watching Harpo’s get to the level they did the last two seasons motivated us. If they can do it why not us?”

Turning that desire into a reality has been the work of head coach and team sponsor Andy de la Rosa. The owner of a successful stucco and plastering company de la Rosa has been able to acquire the team, formerly known as Cruz Select, and provide the resources needed to commit to tournaments like the Colorado State Cup, Las Vegas Silver Mug and now the US Open Cup. He has also helped grow the club’s growing sense of professionalism to the amateur competitions that they enter, much like ambitious teams like Harpo’s.

“(Harpo’s FC) made us step up,” added Chavira. “We used to go to games and rely on our talent but now we are training harder and more frequent… if it was up to Andy (de la Rosa) we would train every day.”

A lot of the players on Azteca have had experience playing in various professional, semi-pro and amateur teams across Mexico and the southwestern USA, so training four to five times or even seven times a week is something they were excited to return to. Balancing the demands of an aspiring soccer club and their day jobs with de la Rosa’s stucco and plaster business, or in the case of Chivara in an auto body shop, proved to be difficult. Putting in a full shift at work and then going out to the field and training to go up against the best amateur soccer players in the region made for long days, but quickly became the hallmark of the blue-collar team.

Hard work turned into results earlier this year when Azteca FC knocked off Harpo’s FC in the semifinals of the 2016 Colorado State Cup before defeating FC Denver in the final.

More recently, Azteca defeated FC Denver again in the opening round of this year’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament, and then picked up a win over Harpo’s FC later that week in CASL league play. Now this opportunity to play the top local team for the right to continue to the national level would be the perfect cap for a great season.

“For the younger players it’s an opportunity, said Chivara. “A lot of them deserve this chance, but for me personally, I appreciate all the hard work that myself and the older guys put in. All the training, all the paperwork. This could be our last chance and we are going to give it our all.”

Azteca FC head coach De La Rosa has also elevated the club in terms of recruitment. Prior to the State Cup, De La Rosa brought in two former Liga MX pros in ex-Chivas Guadalajara playmaker Omar Ledesma and ex-Club America center back Alfredo Duran to his squad. This move, while completely within the rules of the league, cup and the US Open Cup, has ruffled a few feathers in the local soccer community. The local league is filled with ex-NCAA players, and each team has a former pro or two on their roster. Typically these former pros have had opportunities at the USL level, lower division European clubs and occasionally a season or two in MLS but these signings are truly unprecedented in the local scene and indicative of the crazy competition among the Colorado rivals.

Harpo's FC celebrates their 2015 US Open Cup First Round win over KC Athletics. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler — Harpo’s FC celebrates their 2015 US Open Cup First Round win over KC Athletics. Photo: Richard Laeming Wheeler

Now that the stakes have been raised, Harpo’s FC is anxious to get out on the field and defend their place at the top of the Colorado soccer scene. Club owner John Freeston says their best 18 players are ready to go for Saturday’s game and they have proclaimed that this qualifier is their top priority and would hold as much weight as all of the State Cup, League, everything prior to this game combined.

One of those previous wins came in the opening round of the Open Cup qualifying tournament when Harpo’s FC defeated another in-state rival, the Colorado Rovers, 4-1 after extra time. It was the third year in a row that the Rovers have been eliminated by Harpo’s FC in qualifying.

The most notable change for Harpo’s FC going into this game is that long-time goalkeeper Zac Gibbens has signed with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL.) and midfield stalwart Justin Geibel moved back home to Vermont. Replacing Gibbens in net has been the job of Marc Herzberger who recently returned to Colorado from a stint working and playing abroad in Holland.

The playmaking duties have gone to two of the top local college recruits in the area now graduated and returned home to work in the area; Santiago Velez from Louisville and the University of Milwaukee’s Ross Van Osdol. Alongside established CASL league leaders Shane Wheeler, Dan Whittle, Ben Iames, Chris Salvaggione, Aaron Woodruff, Dan Campbell, Kyle Luetkehans, Edgar Olivas, and Sawyer Frank, Harpo’s are expected to continue their recent Open Cup form. However, with Azteca FC winning recent state cup and league meeting make this game tough to predict.

The game will be played at one of the secondary fields at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Field No. 8) in Commerce City, Colo. The game will kickoff at 5 p.m. EST / 3 p.m. local time.

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Harpo’s FC eliminates Colorado Rovers for third straight year

September 17, 2016 by Jim Hart

In the shadow of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, where the Colorado Rapids were warming up for their match against the San Jose Earthquakes, two powers of the Colorado Amateur Soccer League (CASL) were going at it on a pitch that was far below the standards the Rapids were playing on. This bumpy, ragged, patchwork pitch was the scene for the opening round match featuring two of Colorado’s best sides, Colorado Rovers of Denver and Harpo’s FC of Boulder.

In the end, Harpo’s FC won the latest chapter in this rivalry by a score of 2-0. It was the third year in a row that Harpo’s have eliminated the Colorado Rovers in Open Cup qualifying.

The Rovers are the historic power in Colorado football, having won two national championships in the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and made historic runs in the Open Cup in years not too far in the distant past. Head coach Erick French is proud of that winning tradition and is determined to bring those days back to the Rovers.

Harpo’s is the current hot hand in Colorado, making a decent run in the Cup last season, they were knocked out by USL’s Colorado Switchbacks in an exciting 1-0 loss in the Spring session. Head coach Steve Lepper is excited to return to Open Cup action and feels like he has the side to take Harpo’s further this season.

These two Colorado Amateur Soccer League rivals have been the only two clubs that have represented the USSSA since the organization received its first entry into the tournament in 2013. In 2013 and 2014, the Rovers won the USSSA qualifying tournament to punch their ticket. In 2015, Harpo’s FC defeated the Rovers in group play, which helped them advance to the championship game. Harpo’s would lose the Final to the KC Athletics, but earned their first spot in the US Open Cup after the Athletics already qualified for the tournament through the USASA. In 2016, the open division qualifying tournament made its debut and the Rovers and Harpo’s met in the opening round with the “bull shit pub team” (as Harpo’s refers to themselves as) won 4-1 in extra time.

The match started quickly with Harpo’s taking most of the action in the first half. Harpo’s was able to work the ball down the left side effectively throughout the half, however, finishing was elusive, as the Rovers defense was bending, but certainly holding firm at the net until late in the half when Santiago Velez was able to beat the goalkeeper in the 40th minute for 1-0 Harpo’s lead.

The second half played at a slower pace and became a more physical affair. Rovers were able to get more of their attacking players up the field and were unlucky with a shot off the post. These two teams are very familiar and banter from the first half started to become frustration in the second half. A few yellow cards were required to settle things down and the pace became more choppy and uneven, which seemed to play into Rovers game plan a bit better.

Substitutions started to come in the 60th minute and none was more effective than Harpo’s Dan Whittle, whose pace changed the game dramatically. From the time Whittle came off the bench the match took a different tone, and Harpo’s amped up the pace and was able to stave off the advancing Rovers attack. The result was an 89th minute securing goal by Ross Van Osdale to seal the victory for Harpo’s.

Speaking with both managers after the match it was clear that the pitch was an issue for both sides, they were both missing critical players, however, Harpo’s was clearly the deserved winner. French was gracious in defeat and wished Harpo’s well in their match on October 22 against Aztecs, who were able to defeat FC Denver 3-1 in other action tonight in CASL.

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks end cup run of Harpo’s FC again

May 21, 2016 by Jim Hart

For the second year in a row the Colorado Springs Switchbacks have knocked Harpo’s FC out of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match was played under the looming shadow of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the home stadium of the Switchbacks. A crowd of about 600 was in attendance to witness the match in the cool Colorado spring. Snow was seen high on the peaks in the background, and a definite chill was in the air, especially for visiting Harpo’s FC of Boulder Colorado, an amateur side who plays in the Colorado Amateur Soccer League of the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA).

The first half started brightly for the Switchbacks. The athleticism of the USL side showed in the early stages of the match, then in the 17th minute, Martin Maybin scored a perfect goal on the run in against Harpo’s gymnastic goalkeeper Zac Gibbens, who was caught out and just missed the save. Harpo’s FC looked to be on their back heels early in the match, but after the 20 minute mark they began to take the game to the Switchbacks. Frontman Sawyer Frank broke through several times in the first half but was unable to find the net. The first half ended with the Switchbacks up by a goal, but Harpo’s knocking on the door.

The second half was all Harpo’s. Wave after wave of attack was thrust upon the Switchbacks defensive unit. The only discipline of the match occurred in the 61st minute with a yellow card to Switchbacks Saeed Robinson for a nasty tackle in the midfield.

In the 71st minute, the Switchbacks brought in fresh legs to help on the defensive side but the Harpo’s attack continued, and missed a shot from inside the six yard box late in the match. The all-out attack from Harpo’s left them defensively open. Robinson got free with the ball late in the match and Gibbens was able to stop the shot which then careened off the post to save the one goal deficit.

However, in the end it was all that the Switchbacks needed, the single goal was the decider as they earn a trip to Peoria to take on fellow USL side Arizona United in Round 3 with the Colorado Rapids waiting for the winner in the Fourth Round.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Harpo’s FC kicks off second straight tournament with win in Albuquerque

May 14, 2016 by Robert Wilson

Harpo’s FC (USSSA) rode two first half goals to an away victory at Albuquerque Sol (PDL) in the First Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Casual fans may see it as an upset, but after last year’s run to Round 3, nobody should be surprised by the veteran and in-form group from Boulder, Colo.

Harpo’s opened the game with a 3-5-2 lineup intent on allowing the hosts maintain possession amongst their defenders but cutting down every attempt out of their own half. Eventually defensive miscues and some timely passes by the Harpo’s counterattack gave the visitors the lead and they never looked back.

Harpo’s opened the scoring in the 14th minute when midfielder Chris Salvaggione pounced on Dan Campbell’s long ball that was misplayed by the Albuquerque goalkeeper Andres Seazzu and his backline. Salvaggione and the rest of the Harpo’s full team press continued to pressure the Albuquerque defense corralling the hosts back into their own half. Seventeen minutes later long free kick picked up by Kyle Luetkehans forced the Albuquerque defense into another precarious situation. Luetkehan’s cross in side to penalty area was defected, by a handball not called by the referee, but collected by forward Shane Wheeler whose first touch drove the ball into back of the net for the second goal.

Albuquerque Sol’s playmaker Patrick Pacheco and second half substitute Elliot Prost provided the hosts with a number of second half attacking combinations, few which tested Harpo’s goalkeeper Zac Gibbons. Harpo’s Chris Salvaggione, on the other hand, never took his foot off of the gas, testing Seazzu numerous times in the second half including a disallowed finish from an offside position in the 53rd minute and a long-range effort that required a diving Seazzu fingertip save.

The victory sets up a Centennial State rematch with second year USL side Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The Switchbacks ended Harpo’s three-game Open Cup run before setting off on a three game run themselves in last year’s tournament. The 2015 match turned into a fierce back and forth battle on a cold, rainy evening. This year’s matchup is guaranteed to be equally as heated with both teams confident and eager to push into the later rounds of their second U.S. Open Cups.

Man of the Match: Team effort. Chris Salvaggione’s pace along with Dan Campbell and Kyle Luetkehans’ passing created many of the highlights for Harpo’s however it was defender Joey Matibag that held a very high and very consistent three man backline throughout the match. As the field was compacted the counterattack was pushed higher and higher into the Albuquerque backline eventually forcing the pivotal mistakes.

Moment of the Match: Shane Wheeler’s goal in the 31st minute. At this point Albuquerque was already a goal down, but they were establishing possession and starting to build into dashing attacks led by winger Patrick Pacheco. The offensive foul by Wilkinson and ensuing long free kick by Joey Matibag led to a messy situation that if the missed handball on Kyle Luetkehans’ cross passed without effect perhaps the tide could have turned in the host’s favor. Instead Shane Wheeler blasted the deflected ball into the net and pushed the game out of reach.

LHUSOC highlights Harpo’s 2, ABQ Sol 0 from Patrick Shea on Vimeo.