Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Harrisburg City Islanders

2017 US Open Cup Round 4: Philadelphia Union continue USOC dominance of Harrisburg City Islanders

by

Philadelphia Union rookie Marcus Epps dribbles through the Harrisburg City Islanders defense in a Fourth Round match in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph
Philadelphia Union rookie Marcus Epps dribbles through the Harrisburg City Islanders defense in a Fourth Round match in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph

Rookie Marcus Epps’ first professional goal restored a two-goal lead two minutes after halftime to help the Philadelphia Union (MLS) knock off the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) for the fourth time in US Open Cup play at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa. on Wednesday night.

Epps, drafted out of the University of South Florida in January, made his first start in a Union uniform and was a handful for the City Islanders early in the game as Harrisburg was looking to avenge a 3-2 loss in the same building a year ago. In the early going, Epps set up a dangerous free kick when he was taken down just outside the 18 and nearly got onto the end of a long pass in the box that would have spelled trouble.

In the 18th minute, it was the Mississippi native’s strong run and layoff in the box that eventually set up a pass from Jay Simpson to Derrick Jones for a goal off a low liner from 25 yards out. The goal was the first for Jones in an official first team match.

After Simpson was denied by a fine save from Sean Lewis in the 28th minute, his hold-up play and a switch of the flanks between Epps and CJ Sapong led to a second goal off the left foot of Sapong that beat Lewis to the far post for Simpson’s second assist of the night.

Firmly in control of possession and momentum, it appeared as though the Union might run away with a rare easy victory over their former USL affiliate before Paul Wilson connected with Jonathan Mendoza to cut the lead in half in the 37th minute.

The goal sparked the City Islanders’ offense and the visitors had a chance to go into the break on level terms when Rasheed Olabiyi’s free header off a corner kick flashed just wide of the post.

The momentum carried into halftime didn’t last long in the second half thanks to a beautiful ball Haris Mendunjanin sent down the right flank that Epps caught up before beating his defender and the keeper for the first non-preseason goal of his young career.

“Haris played a great ball,” Epps said of the goal. “It was tough, the keeper did well, but I saw the little gap and so you know a slow roller I thought would work best.”

Back in command, the Union were content to keep the ball and run down the clock but Harrisburg had another surge left in them as Pedro Ribeiro made things interesting for his former team in the 69th minute when he forced Union goalkeeper John McCarthy into a save that fell to Shawn McLaws for a rebound opportunity that hit the cross bar and bounced out. Ribeiro, Mendoza, Jake Bond and Lee Nishanian all had additional shot attempts stopped by McCarthy in the final half hour.

“Unfortunately, we gave up a goal early in the second half but I thought from that point on we were pretty good,” City Islanders head coach Bill Becher said. “The game was back and forth. We had all of the chances in the second half; I don’t remember them having any outside of the goal.”

McCarthy finished the night with six saves, his counterpart with two on vital interventions that easily could have made the final score a lopsided one. With the win, the Union extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament against non-MLS teams to seven dating back to a 2012 win over Rochester Rhinos, their first in the club’s Open Cup history after going one-and-done against MLS opponents in the first two years. Harrisburg’s record against MLS teams in the competition fell to 5-7 with the loss.

“It’s harder than people think because these games are tricky,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said. “We’re expected to win, we’re expected to be the team that just takes care of business. The only time it gets really talked about is if we lose a game like tonight.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: City Islanders prove themselves in 3-0 win over Reading United

by

Harrisburg City IslandersStarting strong was the number one priority for the Harrisburg City Islanders coming into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round.

Facing an amateur team for the second consecutive round, it was imperative to demonstrate they were the better side as professionals.

That is exactly what the City Islanders did with two goals in the first 15 minutes to eliminate Reading United AC with a 3-0 win Wednesday at Don Thomas Stadium.

“We came out to prove we were the professional side,” Harrisburg midfielder Jake Bond said. “We said we were going to be the dominant ones. Come out the first 15 and set the dominance.

“For the first 25 minutes we were all over them and they didn’t have anything.”

The win sends Harrisburg to face the Philadelphia Union for the fourth time in six years June 14. Reading was eliminated and matched Michigan Bucks and Chicago FC United as the PDL teams to advance the furthest in the tournament.

The scoring came easy early for the City Islanders. Pedro Ribeiro sent Daniel DiPrima a pass into the middle of the box that DiPrima finished in space in the 8th minute.

Seven minutes later, Bond controlled a long pass and sent a volley past Reading goalkeeper Ben Beaury following a perfect long pass from Abass Mohammed.

“When you play PDL teams you know the longer the game goes the more confidence those teams get,” Harrisburg head coach Bill Becher said. “The key is to jump on them early which is what we were able to do.”

Coming back from behind to pull a Second Round upset against the New York Cosmos, Reading United made a similar push late in the first half. This time, Reading struggled to get the final touch with Sean Lewis coming up with big saves when necessary.

Frantzdy Pierrot and Hugo Delhommelle had multiple chances on one rush in the 21st minute but their three chances were stopped. Lewis made his biggest save of the night on Delhommelle.

Turning with the ball from the penalty marker, Lewis reacted to Delhommelle’s unobstructed shot to send it over the bar.

“I’m feeling confident now,” Lewis said. “I’ve had a few games in a row now and really getting my feet under me.”

Lewis finished the night with nine saves, seven coming in the first half.

“By the end of the first half we were lucky to escape 2-0,” Becher said. “They probably deserved a goal, maybe two.”

Harrisburg ended any hopes of a Reading comeback in the 50th minute. Bond, making the change from right back to midfield, scored his second receiving a deflection in the box to find the back of the net.

Pierrot with Delhommelle finished with eight and five shots respectively but were unable to find the back of the net.

“Finishing and sloppy mistakes,” Reading head coach Stephen Hoagn said were his sides’ downfall. “If we defend like we teach to defend we’re still in the game at halftime even if we don’t convert our chances.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: City Islanders avoid Beach House upset, beat Ocean City Nor’easters in PKs

by

harrisburg-celebrates-at-ocean-city-2017-usoc-big

At least one save. That’s what Harrisburg City Islanders head coach Bill Becher predicted his goalkeeper would make when he gathered his players for a huddle on the field before a penalty shootout in a Third Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match in Ocean City on Wednesday night.

That save came when Brandon Miller dove to his left to stop Ocean City Nor’easters defender Fraser Colmer’s penalty attempt in the fourth round of kicks after a scoreless draw and 6-5 Islanders win on penalties.

“That’s the goal for a goalkeeper just to try and save one and hopefully your teammates can stick theirs in the back of the net,” City Islanders goalkeeper Brandon Miller said. “I did my job and they did their job so we get out of here with a win.”

The Harrisburg City Islanders (white) were taken to penalty kicks by the Ocean City Nor'easters at Carey Stadium ("The Beach House") in Ocean City, NJ. Photo: Matt Ralph
The Harrisburg City Islanders (white) were taken to penalty kicks by the Ocean City Nor’easters at Carey Stadium (“The Beach House”) in Ocean City, NJ. Photo: Matt Ralph

After Ribeiro’s miss in the first round, the City Islanders were a perfect 6-for-6 from the spot with Mouhamed Dabo hitting the decisive strike after Ocean City Nor’easters midfielder Max Hemmings skied his attempt over the bar.

The two teams have a history. The midweek encounter was a rematch from the 2007 US Open Cup, when the City Islanders edged the Nor’easters at “The Beach House” by the score of 2-1. In fact, 10 former Ocean City players have gone on to play for Harrisburg, including current midfielder Shawn McLaws.

Seeking a sixth upset over a professional club in Open Cup play, the Premier Development League side played Harrisburg more or less even through 120 minutes of soccer on a breezy night at Carey Stadium. In fact, it was the amateur side with less than two weeks training together that nearly opened the scoring at the close of the first half.

Tyler Collishaw, who scored in Ocean City’s First Round win over Junior Lone Star last week, started the play when he received a ball near midfield on a counter attack and threaded a pass through to Ismael Noumansana in the box. Noumansana was unable to chip Miller but a second attempt fell for Akeil Barrett that he ended up slamming off the underside of the football field goal post just above the goal. Barrett, a former Swope Park Rangers player who came off the bench and scored in last week’s victory, made the most of his start and, along with Friedlin Mompremier, looked dangerous on counters.

Carey Stadium ("The Beach House") is located on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, just a few hundred yards from the Atlantic Ocean. Only one other minor league sports stadium in the country is closer to an ocean. Photo: Matt Ralph
Carey Stadium (“The Beach House”) is located on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, just a few hundred yards from the Atlantic Ocean. Only one other minor league sports stadium in the country is closer to an ocean. Photo: Matt Ralph

Harrisburg came close to grabbing a late winner when with time running out in the second overtime substitute Aaron Wheeler buried a loose ball that had deflected off an Ocean City defender, only to have the goal waved off with a questionable call for offside.

The Nor’easters created chances of their own in overtime, including one off a piece of skill from substitute Frantztly Zephirin, who danced down the end line and delivered a pass to Ignacio Tellechea in the box for a shot attempt that sailed high over the bar. Each team was shown three yellow cards and Ocean City had 15 fouls to 13 for Harrisburg.

“We have to be proud because we took a pro team all the way to penalties and in the run of the game we created maybe a few more opportunities than them,” Nor’easters head coach John Thompson said.

A small consolation prize for the Nor’easters is that with the match finishing in a scoreless draw, it added to a record they hold. It was the sixth time in club history that they had kept a clean sheet against a professional opponent. No amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present) has more. It was the first time in Ocean City’s 21-year franchise history that the club had participated in a penalty kick shootout.

With the win, Harrisburg City Islanders will travel to face another PDL side, Ocean City’s division rival, Reading United on May 31. Reading stunned the NASL champion New York Cosmos 3-2 on Wednesday night.

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Philadelphia Union ruin City Islanders comeback in frantic final minutes

by

Walter Restrepo of the Philadelphia Union scores a goal against the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlie Flowe
Walter Restrepo of the Philadelphia Union scores a goal against the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlie Flowe

The Philadelphia Union defeated the Harrisburg City Islanders in a thrilling US Open Cup Fourth Round match on Wednesday.

A few minutes after the Union saw their 2-0 lead disappear thanks to a Bobby Warsaw equalizer in the 90th minute, Roland Alberg scored on a free kick in stoppage time to give Philly a 3-2 win.

The Union, who have been the US Open Cup finalist the last two years were hosting their former affiliated club to open the tournament for them.

Philadelphia got on the board early when Walter Restrepo collected a rebound in front of the net from a shot from Vincent Nogueira and gave the Union the early 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute. It was his Union debut and scored what was the fastest US Open Cup goal in Union franchise history.

Both sides had numerous attempts at scoring. The Union used build up combinations from Restrepo, Ilsinho, and Roland Alberg to create chances for the home team. Harrisburg used set pieces from corners to get their opportunities to get on their scoreboard.

The Union got on the scoreboard again right before halftime, when Fabien Herbers sent a clean pass to Alberg to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw the Islanders control most of the half. And after numerous chances, Harrisburg got their breakthrough in the 78th minute. Second half substitute Craig Foster came into the game and dribbled his way into the box, turned and shot the ball. Union goalkeeper John McCarthy was screened by some traffic in front of the net and didn’t see it coming as it slowly rolled into the back of the net.

The pace of the game picked up in the final 10 minutes as the City Islanders fought for the equalizer. The physicality also picked up as Harrisburg’s Cardel Bendow and Shane Johnson received yellow cards in the 80th and 83rd minute respectively. Then Harrisburg’s Jose Barril was given a red card after a hard tackle to Philadelphia’s Leo Fernandes.

Then, in the 90th minute, City Islander captain Bobby Warsaw collected a rebound in the box, dribbled into the box and toe-poked a shot past McCarthy to tie the game.

However, three minutes into stoppage time, after a foul just outside the box, Alberg got his second of the match when he sent the free kick into the top corner to extend the Union’s unbeaten streak to six games, dating back to last season.

“Nothing surprises me, ever,” said Union head coach Jim Curtin. “You’ve seen a lot, I’d like to think that we’re past the craziness, some of the games that have been here, so again, it started to creep in maybe and we punched it right in the face so it was over with.”

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: City Islanders comeback denies Chattanooga FC chance to make NPSL history

by

Harrisburg City IslandersChattanooga FC hosted the Harrisburg City Islanders with a chance at becoming the first NPSL team to earn a game against an MLS team. However, the City Islanders, who are known for being giant-killers in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, played spoiler as they rallied to beat Chattanooga FC 2-1 to deny the amateur side a chance to add a third pro team upset to its resume.

With the win, the City Islanders earn a date with the Philadelphia Union, Harrisburg’s MLS affiliate, in Round 4. Since the two clubs are just affiliated, and don’t share an owner, they are allowed to compete in the tournament against each other. This will be the third meeting between the Eastern Pennsylvania clubs.

Chattanooga and Harrisburg played a mostly even first 40 minutes, with Chattanooga controlling much of the possession but the teams garnering equal chances. Chattanooga’s Juan Hernandez proved dangerous from the get-go, springing Michael Brooks on a through ball through the Islanders defense in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Hernandez shot it himself, clipping the crossbar.

Chattanooga’s goalkeeper Tom Halsall, who had kept Reading off the board in the last round while delivering two critical penalty saves, made what may have been the save of the tournament in the 40th minute off a header from a free kick.

The sides were gearing to go into the half level until Harrisburg’s Shane Johnson gave up a somewhat cheap corner in the 44th minute. The ensuing kick set up perfectly for Hernandez, who scissor-kicked it off a defender, off the head of Soren Yohaschek, and into the goal. It seemed likely that Yohaschek had hit it from an offside position, but the sequence was too chaotic for any assistant referee, so the goal was awarded, and the home fans cheered what they hoped to be a third straight defeat of a USL side in the US Open Cup.

All was going well for Chattanooga until Harrisburg’s 65th minute introduction of the speedy Craig Foster. He immediately showed danger, making a cutting run into the box in the 66th minute, freeing himself for a shot that required a desperation sliding block by a Chattanooga defender.

Harrisburg continued putting the Chattanooga goal under siege. A penalty shout was (rightfully) denied as a header off a corner kick flew into the hand of Hernandez in the 68th minute. The equalizer was coming though.

And it did, in the 72nd minute as Foster slipped behind the Chattanooga defender at the near post and jabbed home the point-blank volley. The goal saved the USL side from possible elimination, but no one celebrated, instead picking the ball out of the net and running back to their half to restart the game. They were looking for the kill shot, understandable for a team in the midst of a grueling USL season.

Eight minutes later, Samuel Goni broke the Harrisburg back line, only to be called offside. The call, while quite unpopular among the partisans, seemed just correct upon replay. Harrisburg sprung on the counter and a moment later, Paul Wilson, another second-half substitute, struck home the kill shot after Foster drew the defense to his side of the box before laying it off to Wilson for the easy finish.

Not used to the US Open Cup rules of three substitutes per game (the NPSL allows seven) and in the midst of a match-heavy stretch, Chattanooga seemed gassed as the minutes ticked down on their Open Cup run. However, Hernandez and Luis Trude engineered one last effort, as Trude spun around a defender and fired a shot that deflected out for a 93rd-minute corner kick. However, the corner was headed away and the ref blew his whistle.

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

by

Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers
Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time against the Portland Timbers of MLS. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers

MORE: Notable upsets in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Since the expanded format in 1997, a USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) team has failed to reach the Third Round just six times (1998, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2019). The recent struggles can be attributed to the fact that in 2007, the format was changed so that all non-MLS teams began the tournament in the First Round, unlike previous tournaments where USL League Two teams were matched up with other Open Division clubs. In more recent years, that format has been altered slightly where the First Round is exclusively Open Division clubs, with lower division pro teams entering in Round 2 and Round 3.

The biggest rout in the Third Round during the Modern Era came in 2014 when the Sacramento Republic (USL PRO) defeated the Fresno Fuego (PDL) 6-0.

In their 1998 Third Round match, Major League Soccer’s Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Worcester Wildfire of the A-League combined for nine cautions, and saw four players sent off. Tampa Bay won the match on penalties, after finishing extra time drawn 2-2.

The attendance record for the Third Round during the Modern Era is technically 20,376, which was set in 1999 by the Colorado Rapids when they hosted the Seattle Sounders (USL) at Mile High Stadium. The number of fans who actually watched the game is unknown because that game was part of a doubleheader with the U.S. Men’s National Team who were playing against English club Derby County. Since that game, the highest attendance in a Third Round game has been 17,212. This was set on May 29, 2012 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah when Real Salt Lake of MLS hosted the Minnesota Stars FC of the NASL. Unfortunately for the home team, they lost 3-1.

The highest scoring Modern Era Open Cup game occurred in the Third Round on July 19, 2005 when the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) defeated the Ocean City Barons (now the Ocean City Nor’easters of USL League Two) 8-4. The game was played at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Va., a week after the original match was re-scheduled due to bad weather. The Barons scored first in the 4th minute, but Richmond stormed back with four goals in less than 20 minutes. With the score 4-1, Ocean City scored a pair of goals on either side of halftime to cut the lead to one. At that point, Neil Holloway, the Barons player/manager made some offensive-minded substitutions and pushed for the equalizer, but at that point, the flood gates opened and Richmond scored four more in the second half. The game would finish 8-4. The previous total goals record was shared by a pair of games. In 1995, the Seattle Sounders (A-League, now USL-1) defeated the Everett BigFoot (USISL Pro, now USL-2) 9-2 and in 1999 the San Diego Flash (A-League) cruised past the Arizona Sahuaros (D3 Pro, 3rd Division) by the same score.

In 2007, a record five MLS teams were upset in the Third Round, with only three clubs advancing to the next round. It was the fewest MLS teams to enter the Quarterfinals in the Modern Era (1995-present).

On five occasions, a pair of 3rd Division clubs have won Third Round games in the same tournament. In 2007, the Richmond Kickers (1-0 win vs. Los Angeles Galaxy) and the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-0 win vs. DC United) were victorious. Two years later, in 2009, the Wilmington Hammerheads won another Third Round match (their fourth) and with the Harrisburg City Islanders, they were the second pair of USL-2 teams to reach the Quarterfinals in the same season. In 2010, the City Islanders made it two years in a row, upsetting the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in overtime, while the Charleston Battery (who moved down to the 3rd Division after several years in the 2nd Division) eliminated the Chicago Fire of MLS in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless draw. In 2012, with the expanded tournament (64 teams), three clubs from the 3rd Division reached Round 4. The Harrisburg City Islanders erased a 3-0 deficit in the second extra time period, forced penalty kicks and upset the New England Revolution. The Charlotte Eagles knocked off FC Dallas 2-0, while the Dayton Dutch Lions surprised the Columbus Crew by winning the first ‘Ohio Derby’ by a score of 2-1. In 2013, Orlando City SC upset their first MLS team, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 3-1, while the Charleston Battery upset the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0.

In 2014, seven 3rd Division clubs (USL PRO) and in 2015, 12 advanced past the Third Round, but this was largely due to a change in format where Major League Soccer didn’t enter the tournament until Round 4. In 2016, that number dropped to six.

In 2004, a Modern Era record four Open Division teams reached the Third Round. All four teams were from USL Leageu Two (PDL) and all four of them lost by a single goal (three of them by golden goal) in their Round 3 matches:

* Boulder Rapids Reserve lost to the Minnesota Thunder (A-League, Division II) 2-1 in sudden death extra time
* Carolina Dynamo lost to the Atlanta Silverbacks (A-League, Division II) 3-2 in sudden death extra time
* Cape Cod Crusaders lost to the Richmond Kickers (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in sudden death extra time
* Chicago Fire Reserves lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in regulation.

In 2013, that record was matched with four new teams:

* Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) lost 2-1 at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL) lost 2-0 at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
* Reading United (PDL) lost 2-0 at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
* FC Tucson (PDL) lost 2-0 at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

In 2015, that record was broken with FIVE teams:

* Chattanooga FC (NPSL) lost 2-1 (AET) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
* Chula Vista (USASA) lost 7-3 at Sacramento Republic (USL)
* Jersey Express (PDL) lost 3-0 at New York Cosmos (NASL)
* PSA Elite (USASA) defeated Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 2-1 (1st all-Open Division Round 3 matchup)

In 2016, that number was up to SEVEN:

* Lansdowne Bhoys (USASA)
* Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
* Jersey Express (PDL)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL)
* La Maquina (USASA)
* LA Wolves FC (USASA)
* Kitsap Pumas (PDL)

In 2006, four more Open Division clubs reached Round 3, but for the first time, TWO of them advanced:

* Dallas Roma FC eliminated Chivas USA of MLS 4-2 in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw to become the first USASA club to eliminate a Major League Soccer team.
* Carolina Dynamo defeated the Seattle Sounders (USL First Division, Division II) 3-2 after extra time
* Michigan Bucks lost to the Columbus Crew (MLS, Division I) 4-1
* Des Moines Menace lost to the Kansas City Wizards (MLS, Division I) 2-1

In 2014, due to an increase in Open Division entries and a change in format (most teams beginning in Round 2), a record 12 Open Division clubs reached the Third Round. Three of them advanced.

In 2012, for just the second time in the Modern Era, two Open Division teams advanced beyond Round 3, but both of them were particularly historic:

*The Michigan Bucks became just the fourth USL League Two (PDL) team to eliminate a Major League Soccer team when they defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. With the win, they also became the first Open Division team to defeat multiple MLS teams in club history after they upset the New England Revolution in Foxboro, Mass. in 2000.

* Cal FC, a USASA club from Southern California managed by former US international Eric Wynalda, not only became the first USASA team to score a goal against a Major League Soccer team, but they became the first to defeat one. (Dallas Roma FC won their game in PKs, and therefore is officially a draw) Cal FC upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Ore. Cal FC joined the Michigan Bucks as the only Open Division team to defeat an MLS team on the road, but the Bucks’ upset of New England in 2000 remains the only time an Open Division team has done it within 90 minutes.

In 2003, the Fresno Fuego (PDL) became the first Open Division team to win a Third Round game in the Modern Era (1995-present), upsetting the El Paso Patriots (A-League, Division II) by a score of 5-2.

Prior to 2014, only 12 3rd Division clubs have ever advanced beyond the Third Round. In 2015, seven NEW clubs advanced. San Antonio FC was the only new USL teams to accomplish that feat in 2016.

Wilmington Hammerheads (2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2016)
Harrisburg City Islanders (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
Charleston Battery (2010, 2013, 2015)
Richmond Kickers (2007, 2011, 2014, 2015)
Charlotte Eagles (2012)
Dayton Dutch Lions (2012)
Orlando City SC (2013, 2014)
San Francisco Bay Seals (1997)
Rochester Rhinos (2014, 2015, 2016)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2014, 2015)
Arizona United SC (2014)
Seattle Sounders 2 (2015)
Charlotte Independence (2015)
Louisville City FC (2015)
Saint Louis FC (2015)
Oklahoma City FC Energy (2015, 2016)
Austin Aztex (2015)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2015, 2016)
Sacramento Republic (2014, 2015)
San Antonio FC (2016)

Note: The format of the 2014 US Open Cup changed so Major League Soccer teams didn’t begin the tournament until Round 4 to accommodate the increase in teams (80).

In the Modern Era, only 16 open division teams have advanced beyond the Third Round:

Fresno Fuego (2003, PDL)
Des Moines Menace (2005, PDL)
Dallas Roma FC (2006, USASA)
Carolina Dynamo (2006, PDL)
Cal FC (2012, USASA)
Michigan Bucks (2012, PDL)**
Orlando City U23s (2014, PDL)
Laredo Heat (2014, PDL)
PSA Elite (2014, USASA)
PSA Elite (2015, USASA)*
Kitsap Pumas (2016, PDL)
La Maquina (2016, USASA)*
Christos FC (2017, USASA)*
Miami United FC (2018, NPSL)*
NTX Rayados (2018, USASA)*
FC Golden State Force (2018, PDL)**
Orange County FC (2019, NPSL)

** Defeated a MLS team in Round 3
* Defeated an Open Division team in Round 3

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: City Islanders oust West Chester United to continue 4th division dominance

by

Harrisburg City Islanders vs. West Chester United in the 2016 US OpenCup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. West Chester United in the 2016 US OpenCup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

City Islanders FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders) has made a name for itself in the US Open Cup as giant-killers. On Wednesday night, the giant-killers took the role of the giants and held off their amateur opponents in West Chester, Pa.

In front of the largest crowd in West Chester United SC history, the City Islanders scored a goal in each half en route to a 2-0 victory that propelled them to the US Open Cup Third Round. With the win, Harrisburg improved to 12-1-0 all-time against amateur opponents.

After four years of falling just short of the Open Cup, West Chester qualified this year by notching a pair of wins over Philadelphia-area teams Junior Lone Star and Salone FC in the open division qualifying tournament. United, which plays in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania, advanced past Fredericksburg FC 8-7 in penalty kicks after finishing 1-1 at the end of regulation in the First Round.

With its First Round victory, West Chester got to host an Open Cup game for the first time.

Bobby Warsaw of the City Islanders scores the team's first goal against West Chester United in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger.
Bobby Warsaw of the City Islanders scores the team’s first goal against West Chester United in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger.

“This is the biggest game we have ever hosted, and it was our first game against a pro side” West Chester coach Blaise Santangelo said. “We filled the place. It was an exciting night.”

The home crowd had very little to cheer about in the beginning of the match. The City Islanders pressed forward early and dominated the first portion of play. The away side was awarded for its effort in the 13th minute. The ball was played into the West Chester penalty area, where City Islanders forward Craig Foster passed it on to Bobby Warshaw. The defensive midfielder made no mistake with his shot, burying it in the back of the net.

City Islanders FC coach Bill Becher said, “Bobby is more of a defensive player usually, but he helps the guys around him a lot. He and the rest of the team played a very good first half.”

After the goal, West Chester started to get some chances going forward. Those chances were not leading to goals, however, and the City Islanders kept threatening with their speed over the top.

Speaking about the City Islanders, Santangelo said, “They kept stretching us defensively. They also played a lot of one-touch soccer, moving our guys around. They were getting us out of our shape.”

The City Islanders, which are currently 12th out of 14 teams in the United Soccer League Eastern Conference, started the second half in much the same way they started the first. Early pressure led to a corner kick in the 49th minute. The initial kick from Jose Barril did not find a player in the box, but the ball was eventually played to Matthew Bolduc, who curled a shot around keeper Charlie Sales to give his team a 2-0 lead.

With a comfortable lead, the pro side took its foot off the gas a little, and West Chester pushed everything forward. In the 59th minute, the home team even scored a goal, only to have the play called back for a foul.

Through a light rain, City Islanders FC held West Chester at bay for the rest of the second half. The 2-0 scoreline held, sending the fans home disappointed.

Becher said, “It was a good result. These games are tricky. We knew it would be a battle. They gave us a tough time, and this tournament is crazy. But we played well enough to get the win.”

With the win, City Islanders FC moves on to the Open Cup Third Round. It will play on the road to another amateur team–Chattanooga FC. A victory there would mean the chance to become giant-killers yet again, as a Fourth Round berth comes with a guaranteed match-up with an Major League Soccer team. Harrisburg has eliminated a MLS team five times since its first Open Cup appearance in 2007.

2015 US Open Cup Round 3: Asani Samuels sparks OT stampede as Rochester Rhinos beat Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1 (video)

by

rochester-rhinos-20Asani Samuels only played 32 minutes in the Rochester Rhinos’ US Open Cup Third Round win over the Harrisburg City Islanders, but that was plenty of time to turn in a man-of-the-match performance.

Samuels assisted on one goal and scored two others in the Rhinos 3-1 extra-time victory. With the win, Rochester moves on to play the MLS’ Philadelphia Union in the Fourth Round.

The game struggled to get going, with both teams content to play defensive soccer. The game was unexpectedly turned on its head, however, when Rochester’s Steevan dos Santos picked up his second yellow card in the 38th minute, meaning the Rhinos would have to play a man down the rest of the game.

Harrisburg, which was trying to advance to the Fourth Round for the second year in a row, pressed forward in the second half, but chances were few and far between. The 1999 Open Cup champs, Rochester was able to keep the City Islanders off the scoreboard and even had a few chance of its own.

Samuels entered the game in the 88th minute and instantly produced problems for Harrisburg defenders. It was the home side with the best chance at the end of the game, however, when Jose Barril’s free kick from 25 yards out was saved by Rochester keeper Brandon Miller.

After a scoreless first half of extra time, the second half produced more action than the rest of the match combined. In the 106th minute, Harrisburg’s Eric Bird (on loan from Philadelphia) hit a laser of a shot that was initially saved by Miller. The rebound fell to Brett Jankouskas who easily scored from the left side of the box.

At this point Samuels began to put in a man-of-the-match performance.

Two minutes later, Samuels headed the ball in the Harrisburg box to Kenardo Forbes, who slotted it home to tie the game.

In the 115th minute, after a scrum in the City Islanders penalty area, the ball bounced to Samuels, who put it home for a 2-1 lead.

Harrisburg threw everything forward, giving Samuels another chance to show off his goal-scoring prowess. In injury time, Samuels dribbled to about 20 yards out from the Harrisburg goal and got the ball past Harrisburg City keeper Kyle Renfro for the final goal.

It may have taken a while to get to the action in this Third Round matchup, but that just made it all the sweeter for Samuels and the Rochester Rhinos, which will now play the Union on June 16.

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Harrisburg City Islanders avenge 2013 upset with 3-0 win over Reading United AC

by

Harrisburg City IslandersThe USL’s Harrisburg City Islanders scored an emphatic 3-0 victory in the Second Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup over nearby Reading United AC to avenge their ouster by the amateur side in the 2013 edition of the national tournament. The loss to Reading two years ago on the very same field was not only Harrisburg’s first loss to an amateur team, but it was the first time they had ever lost the opening match of the tournament. The City Islanders made sure history didn’t repeat itself.

Harrisburg came into the game with four straight victories by an 11-1 goal margin in league play, and showed that the numbers were not a fluke by putting in two quick goals over the home side. Midfielder Danny DiPrima netted the first for the visitors in the 8th minute, striking into space left by the Reading backline. As Reading netminder Kyle Morton charged off his line, DiPrima calmly pushed the ball wide and slipped a low ball to the far post for the first score.

Former Reading player and 2013 All-PDL selection Jason Plumhoff was the architect of the next goal just two minutes later. Outflanking the Reading defense on the right side of the penalty area, Plumhoff sighted teammate Cardel Benbow driving toward the goal, sending a cross to his feet. Benbow shot low and to the corner to put the Islanders up 2-0.

The second half finished without any further scoring as Reading started to find their feet, but their comeback hopes were given a major blow when Harrisburg scored in the 46th minute. Plumhoff again pulled the strings for Harrisburg, this time curving a corner kick into the box to defender Ken Tribbett, who headed the ball home cleanly.

While Harrisburg didn’t concede, they also didn’t leave Don Thomas Stadium unscathed. Neil Shaffer earned an ejection when he drew his second yellow card of the match in the 76th minute. However, Reading wasn’t able to capitalize on their man advantage.

With the victory, Harrisburg earned entry to the third round and a home matchup against fellow USL side Rochester Rhinos. The last Open Cup visit by the Rhinos to Harrisburg in 2011 resulted in a 1-0 City Islanders loss. The Rhinos will bring the memory of that victory with them, along with dreams of repeating their 1999 Open Cup championship, when they became the last non-MLS team to take home the Dewar Trophy.

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Maurice Edu equalizer, Andrew Wenger brace help Philadelphia Union beat Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1 in OT (video)

by

Harrisburg City Islanders goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre makes one of his many saves in the losing effort against the Philadelphia Union. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger
Harrisburg City Islanders goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre makes one of his many saves in the losing effort against the Philadelphia Union. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

Andrew Wenger must have thought that he would be having nightmares about Brian Sylvestre. That is, until he finally found the back of the net twice in overtime to lead his Philadelphia Union to victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders in the Fourth Round of the 2014 US Open Cup.

Sylvestre nearly single-handedly won the match for the third-division City Islanders, making 10 saves, but Maurice Edu canceled out a 39th-minute Harrisburg goal in the 89th minute, and Wenger added two more in extra time for a 3-1 win in Chester, Pa.

#USOC2014 LINKS

Support TheCup.us: Buy #USOC2014 gear

Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

2014 Round 5 draw scenarios

2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results

2014 US Open Cup bracket

2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders

2015 US Open Cup qualifying news

The First Cup series (1913/14)

Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

“He was very good. He’s a big boy, he made some saves,” said new Union interim manager Jim Curtain, who was making his head coaching debut, about Sylvestre. “He was pretty quick to get to some things tonight that were special. He had a great game.”

While Sylvestre had a great game, his opponents had their share of struggles. Disjointed passing and sluggish play meant the Union showed very little going forward. Philadelphia dominated possession, and the ball was more often than not in the Harrisburg half, but the Union rarely troubled the away side’s goal in the first half.

The City Islanders, on the other hand, made the most of their chances. In the 39th minute, Danny Diprima whipped in a corner that was headed to and saved by Union keeper Andre Blake. Jason Pelletier was first to the rebound, shooting it in to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Despite playing all three of its Designated Players, the Union still could not muster much in the first half.

“If you look at the first half, the passing was sloppy, sluggish,” Curtain said. “We’ve had a long layoff. If we were a little cleaner on three plays in the first half, we could have scored the first goal. They got behind the ball and they were a handful to break down.”

The second half was appearing to be much of the same until Union substitute Sebastian Le Toux inserted new life and energy into the game. The Union began to create serious chances, but that is when Sylvestre was in his element. Several saves later, and Harrisburg looked like it was going to spring its sixth upset of an MLS team since 2007. But Le Toux crossed in a ball in the 89th minute that found Edu right in front of goal, where he powered it in from eight yards out.

Jason Pelletier's goal for the City Islanders nearly stood up until Union midfielder's 89th minute equalizer: Photo: Kari Haffelfinger
Jason Pelletier’s goal for the City Islanders nearly stood up until Union midfielder’s 89th minute equalizer: Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

Sylvestre’s most remarkable saves came right after the goal, forcing extra time. After a Le Toux corner, the netminder stopped a Leo Fernandes shot, ran to the other side of the net and kept out what looked to be a game-winner by Wenger.

Harrisburg’s tired legs finally caught up to the squad in overtime. The Union dominated the extra periods, and Wenger finally got the goal he was looking for in the 110th minute. He received the ball in the center of the box from Le Toux, and his shot deflected of Islander defender Matt Bahner and into the net. Seven minutes later, Wenger made a solo run, blowing by the tired defense, rocketing in a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and giving his team a 3-1 lead.

“Andrew came in and did a great job and got the two goals that won it in the end. He struggled a bit in the beginning, but he stuck with it,” Curtain said. “These games are always fights. I’d like to give credit to Harrisburg who was really undermanned tonight. They put us on the ropes to be honest. Bill Becher did a great job preparing these guys.”

With the victory, the Union advance to the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup on at 7 p.m. June 24. They will host the NASL’s New York Cosmos, who upset the New York Red Bulls 3-0.

REPLAY: HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS AT PHILADELPHIA UNION

POST-GAME INTERVIEW: JIM CURTIN (via @PhillySoccerPg)

POST-GAME INTERVIEWS: PHILADELPHIA UNION (via @PhillySoccerPg)

Philadelphia Union vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
PPL Park – Chester, PA

Scoring Summary:

HCI: Jason Pelletier (Danny Diprima) 39’
PU: Maurice Edu (Sebastian Le Toux) 89’
PU: Andrew Wenger (Le Toux) 110’
PU: Andrew Wenger (unassisted) 117’

Lineups:

PU: Andre Blake; Raymon Gaddis, Maurice Edu, Sheanon Williams, Fabinho; Brian Carroll (Leo Fernandes-69’), Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira (Antoine Hoppenot-81’); Cristian Maidana, Danny Cruz (Sebastian Le Toux-57’), Andrew Wenger

HCI: Brian Sylvestre; Raphael Cox, Matt Bahner, Coady Andrews, Colin Zizzi; Jason Pelletier, Yann Ekra (Edinho-87’), Danny DiPrima, Jose Barill (Luan Silva-71’); Morgan Langley, Garret Pettis (Jamiel Hardware-75’)

Bookings:

HCI: Morgan Langley (caution – 32’)
PU: Raymon Gaddis (caution – 78’)
HCI: Edinho (caution – 94’)
PU: Maurice Edu (caution – 108’)
PU: Antoine Hoppenot (caution – 112’)

Attendance: N/A

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development