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2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Live Blog: Join the conversation!

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To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and  news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinal scoreboard [+]
2012 US Open Cup Quarterfinal lineups [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about the Quarterfinals [+]
Semifinal pairings [+]

After a three week break, the US Open Cup resumes with four Quarterfinal matches full of intrigue. Can the Sounders continue their quest for an unprecedented fourth straight Open Cup title, or will San Jose return to the final four for just the second time (2004) in franchise history? Another big storyline is whether or not any of the record three clubs from the 3rd Division move on to the Semis?

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all four games.

Broadcast links (Times Eastern)
Game 1: Harrisburg at Philadelphia (7:30) | VIDEO
Game 2: Dayton at Sporting KC (8:30) | VIDEO
Game 3: Charlotte at Chivas USA (10:30) | VIDEO
Game 4: Seattle at San Jose (10:30) | VIDEO | AUDIO

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Quarterfinals, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

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Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: VIDEO (Philadelphia)
Semifinal scenarios (July 10 or 11):
If Philadelphia wins … home vs. Sporting KC/Dayton winner
If Harrisburg wins … home vs. Dayton or at Sporting KC

Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: New England Revolution (MLS) 3:3 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) (Harrisburg wins 3:4 PKs) [+] Recap
Rd 4: New York Red Bulls (MLS) 1:3 (AET) Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 0:3 Philadelphia Union (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Philadelphia Union (MLS) 2:1 (AET) DC United (MLS) [+] Recap

Affiliates, the two clubs have too many things that tie them together. There are players that have moved up and down the between the two sides, coordinated marketing and, of course, the annual friendlies. The last came less than two weeks ago during the Union’s break in MLS play, and the lower division side managed to post a 3-2 victory. Garret Pettis scored twice, getting the opener in the 17th and what stood as the winner in the 75th. Yann Ekra scored the second go-ahead goal in the 55th after Jorge Perlaza had leveled just before halftime. Kai Herdling adding a free kick goal in the 81st. The match was the final night for coach Peter Nowak, who was released by the Union the following day.

Philadelphia, which features former City Islanders Chase Harrison and Sheanon Williams, has had a busy few weeks since their Fourth Round victory. They fell at home, 1-0, to rival DC United, who they defeated 2-1 in the previous round, in their first official game under new interim coach John Hackworth. This past Saturday, the Union stunned of the league’s top sides, spanking visiting Sporting Kansas City, 4-0, with a pair of goals from Jack McInerney in the first half.

Harrisburg, which features former Union players Morgan Langley and JT Noone, has played four league games since the Fourth Round, including two over the weekend. They fell at home to Wilmington, 2-0, four days after their 3-1 overtime win over the New York Red Bulls but rebounded the following weekend with a 2-1 comeback win against Rochester on Ekra  and Lucky Mkosana tallies. This past week they had a tough two-night road swing, losing 3-0 in Orlando and 3-1 in Charleston with Mellow scoring their lone goal. At 4-4-4 they sit seventh in the table, but have matches in hand on several teams in front of them.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 12-4-3 (2-1 in PKs), 2-3-0 away, 4-3-1 (1-0 PKs) vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 1-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Semifinal scenarios (July 10 or 11): T
If KC wins … home vs. Harrisburg OR at Philadelphia
If Dayton wins … at Philadelphia OR at Harrisburg

Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Columbus Crew (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:3 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0:2 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap

You could not have two teams any more contrasting paired up. Sporting are one of the top clubs in the MLS Eastern Conference while Dayton has been last in the USL Pro table since the start of the campaign. Oddly, both come into the Quarterfinal match with atypical results on the weekend.

For Dayton, the Dutch Lions earned their first victory in league play for the season, making their record 1-7-5 for the year and moving off the bottom and two points ahead of Antigua Barracuda. With just one goal in Dayton’s last four outings and five through 12 games, their 4-0 romp against visiting Wilmington Saturday was an eye-opening result. Eli Garner scored twice and Gibson Bardsley notched his third of the year in the win. Four days after the 2-1 win against the PDL’s Michigan Bucks in the Fourth Round, the Dutch Lions played to a 1-1 draw at home against Pittsburgh. The following week they dropped a pair of 1-0 decisions on the West Coast against the LA Blues.

Sporting KC, meanwhile, saw a four-game unbeaten streak in league play, snapped over the weekend in a shocking 4-0 road loss to the Philadelphia Union, who had been struggling mightily in league play. It was the first time they had allowed four in a game and first loss by more than two goals this season. Also since their 2-0 Fourth Round win against Colorado Rapids, Kansas City picked up a 2-0 win in Toronto and drew 1-1 at home versus Seattle in league play. The loss to Philadelphia allowed the New York Red Bulls to join DC United one point ahead of KC at the top of the conference table.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 3-2-0, 3-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
AS USL PRO: 3-1-0, 3-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 13-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 9-5-0 at home, 1-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)

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Seattle Sounders (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: VIDEO (SJ Earthquakes) | AUDIO (Seattle)
Semifinal scenarios (July 10): W inner hosts Chivas USA / Charlotte winner

Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Cal FC (USASA) 0:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 0:1 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap

In the only all-MLS Quarterfinal pairing, the Heritage Cup rivals clash with something bigger at stake as San Jose Earthquakes attempt to be the team to finally dethrone the Seattle Sounders, who have lost in the Open Cup since joining Major League Soccer. The teams have had opposite runs in league play as of late. The Earthquakes have gone 3-1-1 in their last five and are sitting atop the overall league table. The Sounders, meanwhile, have gone 0-3-2 in that stretch, falling a point behind Cascadia rivals Vancouver.

Seattle’s poor form, a record seven-game winless run, includes the 2-1 loss at archrival Portland Sunday, leaving one day off between games. While history dictates that Seattle should be the clear favorite, especially after hammering Cal FC 5-1 a week after Eric Wynalda’s club downed Portland the week before, there are a number of issues with the three-time champions, who are 2-2-3 on the road in league play. The primary concern has been injuries, and in league play, suspensions. Since the Fourth Round win against Cal FC, the Sounders fell 4-1 on the road to Montreal and in their midweek home match last week, played to a 1-1 stalemate with Kansas City. Eddie Johnson has scored two of the team’s three league goals in the three matches since the last round.

San Jose, 4-1-2 at home in league play, has had an extra day off, and will likely be sporting a regular starting lineup from its league-leading 10-3-3 record. Last week’s pair of matches ended a two-week break, bouncing back from a loss to KC before going idle. They posted an impressive pair of 2-1 road wins at altitude versus Colorado, Wednesday, and Salt Lake, Saturday, with strikers Alan Gordon and Chris Wondolowski terrorizing the defenses of both.

While the hype of David vs. Goliath in the Fourth Round may have had more fanfare (including the Cal FC-Seattle game being broadcast on Fox Sports), this will be a true test of whether Seattle has enough to keep going towards history, or if San Jose will be able to advance towards their first Open Cup championship.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 28-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 6-9-2 (1-1 PKs) away, 13-7-1 vs. MLS clubs
AS MLS: 13-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 2-0-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 9-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 10-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 3-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 0-4-2 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2002 Third Round – San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) 4:3 (ASDET) Seattle Sounders (A-League)
2003 Fourth Round – San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) 0:1 Seattle Sounders (A-League)

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Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Titan Stadium (Cal State Fullerton); Fullerton, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: VIDEO (Chivas USA)
Semifinal scenario (July 10):
Winner plays at Seattle Sounders / San Jose Earthquakes winner

Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Chivas USA (MLS) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Chivas USA (MLS) 2:1 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 FC Dallas (MLS) [+] Recap
Rd 4: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 2:1 (AET) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap

In a meeting of two clubs that have regularly been occupants of the middle to lower portions of their league tables, the US Open Cup this year may be their primary path to glory.

The Charlotte Eagles are making another stop of their extended tour outside of the Eastern Time Zone in the 2012 US Open Cup, this time traveling to California to meet Chivas USA. The Eagles have been true road warriors in the tournament, travelling to Texas three times, and coming away victorious in each trip. Their run has been a bright spot for Charlotte, as their USL Pro season has been, for the most part, dreary. They sit in ninth with 11 points, though within striking distance of the playoffs. They are 1-3-1 in their last five league games, though they have only played two games since the Third Round of the Cup. They split those with Richmond, losing 1-0 on the road and rolling 4-1 at home. Their schedule in USL Pro will get easier with six of their next eight games at home, though considering their road success in the tournament (as well as the home victory against Richmond being their first), they might feel better taking the show on the road.

Still developing under second-year coach Robin Fraser, Chivas USA is having a better than average season in comparison to its own history. Chivas is tied for sixth in the MLS Western Conference (5-7-4) with 19 points, but have gone 1-1-3 in their last five games. They have a 1-1-1 record since their Fourth Round victory over the Carolina RailHawks, beating expansion Montreal Impact, losing to then-conference leader Real Salt Lake, and tying underachiever FC Dallas. With what is now the most impotent offense in the league, the club’s saving grace this year has been the defense constructed by the former star defender turned coach, as they are among the best in the league with 18 goals allowed in 16 matches. Chivas USA are looking to equal their best finish in the Open Cup, having previously reached the semifinals before being beaten by Seattle Sounders FC in 2010. They may be in for a revenge game as the winner travels to the Seattle-San Jose Earthquakes winner.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 8-9-0, 5-8-0 away, 1-1-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 5-5-1 (0-1 PKs), 1-0-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 1-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2005 Third Round – Chivas USA (MLS) 3:2 (AET) Charlotte Eagles (USL-2)

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POTENTIAL SEMIFINAL SCHEDULES

SEMIFINAL 1 – July 10 or 11

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET, July 11
OR
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET, July 10
OR
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 7:30 p.m. CT, July 10
OR
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET, July 10

SEMIFINAL 2 – July 10

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) / Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 7 p.m. PT
OR
Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) / Chivas USA (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Buck Shaw Stadium; Santa Clara, Calif.; 7:30 p.m. PT

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Live Blog: Join the conversation with updates from every game!

by

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 4 [+]
Quarterfinal pairings [+]

After possibly the most historic round in Open Cup history, only eight of the 16 MLS teams entered in the Third Round survived. Fourth level sides Michigan Bucks and Cal FC created a little deja vu from 2006, as they knocked off the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers, respectively. In Michigan’s case, they repeated history, as they were one of two amateur sides to knock off MLS teams in the same round (Dallas Roma being the other). We have reached the Sweet Sixteen of the Cup, with at least one Cinderella getting the opportunity to continue into the Quarterfinals, and Seattle Sounders FC still intent on making history of their own with a fourth straight Open Cup title.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all eight games. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Fourth Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (CarolinaRailHawks.com)
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner will either play at San Antonio Scorpions or host Charlotte Eagles

Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Chivas USA (MLS) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: PSA Elite (USASA) 0:6 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) 1:2 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap

The RailHawks are playing host to a second consecutive club from the Home Depot Center, having knocked off the more high profile half of the LA Clasico by beating the LA Galaxy. Chivas USA is on the road yet again having had games against only two of its previous eight out-of-state opponents at home. The club’s first-ever Open Cup match was in North Carolina, a3-2 overtime loss to the Charlotte Eagles on a goal by Isaac Romo in the 120th minute. .

Chivas USA was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Carolina, meanwhile, finally registered its first victory in league play after starting 0-4-5. Despite losing US youth international Gale Agbossoumonde to a red card in the first half, Carolina got an own goal for the lead and then, after league-leader Puerto Rico equalized, the game-winner in the 88th through Ty Shipalane, who tallied a goal and assist in the victory over the Galaxy.

Wake-Med Soccer Park is home sweet home for the RailHawks as the club has played 12 of its 14 all-time matches in Cary, NC and are 10-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) in front of their fans.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 4-5-1 (0-1 PKs), 3-5-0 away, 1-3-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 10-3-1, 10-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 2-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)

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Red Bull New York (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (NewYorkRedBulls.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner Plays at Philadelphia Union or DC United

Red Bull New York’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Red Bull New York (MLS) 3:0 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: New England Revolution (MLS) 3:3 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) (Harrisburg win 3:4 PKs) [+] Recap

League form may be thrown out the window as the two clubs meet for the second time in three years. In the 2010 Third Round the City Islanders knocked off the Red Bulls with a 1-0 overtime decision on a goal from Dominic Oppong. The City Islanders are giant killers having eliminated four MLS teams over the last six tournaments, while the Red Bulls are looking to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 2003.

New York was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Harrisburg, with a wise schedule, played to a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers in their sixth consecutive home game over league and tournament play. Garrett Pettis provided the second half equalizer for a club that has not found a consistent goal scorer.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New York Red Bulls
OVERALL: 14-13-1 (1-0 PKs), , 8-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2003, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 11-4-3 (2-1 in PKs), 9-1-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 3-3-1 (1-0 PKS) vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2010 Third Round – New York Red Bulls (MLS) 0:1 AET Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)

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Philadelphia Union (MLS) at DC United (MLS) (USL PRO)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, MD; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenario (June 26):
Winner hosts Red Bull New York/Harrisburg City Islanders Winner

Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) 0:3 Philadelphia Union (MLS) [+] Recap
DC United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd. 3: DC United (MLS) 2:1 Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) (AET) [+] Recap

Rivals DC United and Philadelphia Union square off with yet another chapter, this time with a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Both teams dispatched of solid lower level teams in the last round to achieve this point. Union beat 1999 Open Cup Champion Rochester Rhinos 3-0, with Freddy Adu leading the way with a brace. DC United needed more than 90 minutes, but they managed to take out 1995 Open Cup champion and 2011 semifinalist Richmond Kickers 2-1 off a Marcelo Saragosa goal minutes into the second half of extra time.

Philadelphia holds a slight lead in the series (2-1-1, +1 GD), with both teams yet to face each other this year. Philadelphia has had a bad run as of late, going 0-4-1 in league play. They have played some of the better teams of the league in that span, like Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes, but have also lost to wooden spoon leaders Toronto FC. United, on the other had, has rode a 4-1-0 run into first place, as well as having a strong history with the Open Cup. DC won the Cup in their inaugural year in 1996 and again in 2008, as well as being the first victim of current three-time Champion Seattle Sounders FC in 2009. However, the Union will not be looking to go away easily in their first Open Cup run, as they had proved in knocking off an opponent of similar caliber and historical significance last round.

Note: Last round, DC United played their first road game in the tournament since 2007, a span of 11 straight home games. They were 9-2-0 during that 11-game run in the competition, including the 2008 championship played at RFK Stadium.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
DC United
OVERALL: 26-9-3 (1-2 PKs), 20-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-6-2 (0-2 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1996, 2008 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at home vs. Columbus Crew)

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Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (Sporting KC)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winners hosts Dayton Dutch Lions/Michigan Bucks winner

Colorado Rapids’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:1 Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Orlando City SC (USL Pro) 2:3 Sporting Kansas City (MLS) [+] Recap

Both sides were idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. But their only meeting thus far this season is fresh in their minds having played just two weeks ago.

The 2-2 affair in Colorado was dramatic. The visitors took the initial lead through Teal Bunbury with a pair of goals in the first 14 minutes. The advantage stood until the second half when Tyrone Marshall connected in the 52nd and Kosuke Kimura leveled on the hour-mark.

It is an interesting matchup because, along with the New York Red Bulls, these are two of the worst teams when it comes to the Open Cup. While Kansas City has their 2004 Open Cup title displayed in their trophy case, there’s not much else to be proud of. Aside from the 2004 run, KC has only won multiple games in a single year once (2002) and their win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies last round pushed them to a record of 12 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws (1-2 in PKs). However, the franchise has been reborn recently with a new stadium, a new name and a roster full of talent, so this could be a springboard for the team.

The only team in MLS that needs a good Open Cup run more than Kansas City is Colorado, who hold a 9-11-0 all-time record coming into Tuesday’s match. The club has just one deep run to their credit and that came in 1999. Aside from 1999, the Rapids have never won multiple games in a competition. To make matters worse, their loss in the 1999 Final will always stand out to soccer fans because it remains the only year in the Modern Professional Era that a lower division team won the Open Cup title (Rochester Raging Rhinos). But just like their opponents, since they last entered the tournament in 2007, the Rapids have enjoyed some success as a franchise in recent years, winning MLS Cup in 2010, and are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference table.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Colorado Rapids
OVERALL: 9-11-0, 5-10-0 away, 4-4-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1999, lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos
LAST ENTRY: 2007 (Quarterfinals, lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 12-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 8-5-0 at home, 3-6-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
1996 Quarterfinals – Colorado Rapids (MLS) 3:2 Kansas City Wiz (MLS)
2003 Fourth Round – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) 2:3 Colorado Rapids (MLS)

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland University; Rochester, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (USLNation.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner will play at Colorado Rapids/Sporting Kansas City

Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Columbus Crew (MLS) [+] Recap
Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Chicago Fire (MLS) 2:3 (AET) Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap

In a match-up of Cinderellas, one’s search for the glass slipper will continue, while the other will shatter. While Michigan has grown accustomed to slaying giants, both teams are in entirely unfamiliar territory. Dayton had not won an Open Cup game in their brief existence until this year, let alone taken down an MLS team. The Dutch Lions’ Open Cup wins still stand as the lone victories in 2012 as the team is 0-5-4 in USL Pro play and is now the only professional league club without a win. However, they managed to go into Columbus and take down the Crew after trailing in the second half. Their Open Cup showing couldn’t propel the team though, as they fell 1-0 to second place Charleston Battery over the weekend.

One would think that facing a bottom-level team would provide Dayton with a boost, but the Bucks are no ordinary amateur team. Their resume is a laundry list of achievements as they are the only amateur team to upset two MLS teams (at New England in 2000, vs. Chicago in 2012), they have more upsets of professional teams (9) than any amateur club, and their 12 wins in the tournament are not only the most at their level, but more than a lot of professional teams. They have also been dominant in the PDL’s Great Lakes Division, sporting a perfect 3-0 record while outscoring opponents 14-5. However, they are also in uncharted territory as this is the first time they’ve been this far in the tournament. If they win, they will become the first PDL team to reach the Quarterfinals. The winner will face another giant in the quarters, traveling to face either Sporting Kansas City or the Colorado Rapids.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 2-2-0, 2-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
AS USL PRO: 2-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. PDL clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 12-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 7-4-1 home (0-1 in PKs), 4-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)

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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
If Charlotte wins … plays at Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner
If San Antonio wins … home vs. Chivas USA/Carolina RailHawks winner

Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 FC Dallas (MLS) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:2 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 0:1 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap

In one of two matches not featuring an MLS club, the expansion Scorpions of the NASL and a longtime USL side square off in their fifth combined tournament game in Texas. San Antonio has been able to stay in state with shutout wins against the PDL’s Laredo Heat (2-0) and MLS’ Houston Dynamo (1-0) while Charlotte is making its third trek to the state having beaten the PDL’s EL Paso Patriots (1-0) and MLS’ FC Dallas (2-0). A win keeps San Antonio in state to host another match while a Charlotte victory will eliminate the last Texas side and send them to either California or nearby Cary, NC.

San Antonio was at home over the weekend, playing to a scoreless draw with the Minnesota Stars, the lone remaining unbeaten team in the professional ranks. The result extended San Antonio’s unbeaten streak to seven games (4-0-3). It was the fourth shutout for Daryl Sattler. Charlotte, meanwhile, was idle over the weekend, giving the team a much-needed rest following four consecutive road games over league and tournament play.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 7-9-0, 4-8-0 away, 0-4-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup

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Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Video (SJEarthquakes.com)
Quarterfinal scenarios (June 26):
Winner hosts Cal FC/Seattle Sounders FC winner

Minnesota Stars’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2:0 Des Moines Menace (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Minnesota Stars (NASL) 3:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) 1:2 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) [+] Recap

The Minnesota Stars take to the road again, looking for another upset after downing one of MLS’ best in Salt Lake City. It won’t be the first-ever meeting between the Earthquakes and a Minnesota club. The previous Thunder side fell at home in penalties in the 2004 Quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw in a game in which Brian Ching and Landon Donovan scored for San Jose. The pair were also accompanied by penalty takers Richard Mulrooney, Dwayne De Rosario and Todd Dunivant, who narrowly edged Minnesota 5-4 from the spot.

San Jose was idle over the weekend in the midst of the league’s break for the FIFA’s international competition window. Minnesota, meanwhile, played to a scoreless stalemate on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions, one of the league’s hottest teams. Several starters rested again for the Stars, though goalkeeper Matthew VanOekel was between the posts for his fourth shutout of the season. The result kept the club’s unbeaten status intact.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 3-1-0, 2-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 9-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 6-1-2 (2-0) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Fox Soccer (TV)
Quarterfinals scenarios (June 26):
Winner plays at Minnesota Stars/San Jose Earthquakes Winner

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Rd 3: Cal FC (USASA) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 3: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:5 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) [+] Recap

The Fourth Round clash is a meeting of arguably the two clubs with the most high-profile US Open Cup stories this decade. The three-peat Seattle Sounders are facing the upstart entry from the USASA, who have made history of their own to reach the Sweet 16. Cal FC knocked off Seattle’s rival Portland Timbers with a stunning 1-0 overtime decision, the first USASA team to defeat an MLS team without the use of penalty kicks in the Modern Pro Era.

There are several ties between the two clubs. Cal FC goalkeeper Berby Carrillo tried to latch on with the Sounders in 2010, ultimately playing for the nearby Kitsap Pumas, whom Cal FC defeated, 2-1, in the First Round. Defender Jesus Gonzalez also had a trial with the club.

The biggest tie is between the two managers. Cal FC coach and co-owner Eric Wynalda was identified in high school by Sounders coach Sigi Schmid. The rest, as they say, is history. The game will also be broadcast live on Fox Soccer, marking the first time an Open Cup was broadcast prior to the Quarterfinals since 2001 when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Nashville Metros 5-0 in the Second Round.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 3-0-0, 3-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 27-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 21-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 12-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 10-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 against amateur teams
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE – Tuesday, June 26

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
—
Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
—
Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Titan Stadium (Cal State Fullerton); Fullerton, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
—
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Kezar Stadium; San Francisco, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET

2012 US Open Cup Third Round Live Blog: Cal FC pulls off historic upset as Round 3 comes to a close

by

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup scores/schedules [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 3 [+]

The Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is shaping up to be the craziest round in recent memory, and there are still two matches to go.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates from the Atlanta Silverbacks vs. Seattle Sounders game and the Portland Timbers host Cal FC. coming in from 14 of the 16 games tonight, followed by the last two games on Wednesday. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Third Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: SoundersFC.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Seattle wins … home vs. Cal FC OR at Portland Timbers
If Atlanta wins … at Portland Timbers OR TBD vs. Cal FC

Atlanta Silverbacks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:0 Georgia Revolution (NPSL) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

It was not quite the last game between the two clubs at the Starfire Soccer Complex as the Sounders played one more USL First Division campaign before moving onto Major League Soccer after the 2008 season. But the memory of a stinging 4-0 loss in the 2007 championship game has to still be on the minds of team management as they trek back to Seattle for the first time in four years. Only defender Martyn Lancaster remains from the Silverbacks roster that took the field that night. Standing on the other side again may very well defender Zach Scott and forward Roger Levesque. And in one other small twist, Atlanta’s Ciaran O’Brien’s brother, Leighton, was a part of that game for Seattle, though he left after 18 minutes with an injury. The Silverbacks were never able to avenge the defeat, falling 2-0 at home and 4-2 away early in the season and playing to a 1-1 draw in the final month at Starfire.

Atlanta comes into the contest with a narrow Second Round victory against amateur NPSL side Georgia Revolution as the only win of the campaign as they are one of two winless sides (Carolina) in the NASL at 0-4-5. A 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale Saturday ended a four-game losing streak in which they allowed at least two goals in every game. Reinaldo Navia has been the star of the season thus far with six goals, but his equalizer Saturday, set up by O’Brien, was the first in five games.

The Sounders bring the weight of being the three-time Open Cup champions to the table as well as one of the best records in the league at 8-3-3. The Sounders, though, have struggled of late with a four-game winless stretch (0-2-2) and are coming off a two-game week in MLS, falling at home to Columbus, 2-0, and playing to a 1-1 draw on the road against Chivas USA. Scoring has come from a myriad of players and the team is relying heavily on rookie goalkeeper Bryan Meredith, who is in relief of the injured Michael Gspurning. Last year Meredith was on the other side of the equation playing for the PDL Kitsap Pumas. He guided them to a pair of wins versus amateur competition before falling, 2-1, at Starfire to the Sounders. The Sounders enter the 2012 tournament riding a Modern Pro Era record 17-game unbeaten streak dating back to the 2008 campaign, including a 12-game unbeaten streak as an MLS franchise.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Atlanta Silverbacks
OVERALL: 5-6-2 (1-1 in PKs), 2-3-2 (1-1 in PKs) away, 0-2-1 (0-1 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2004, lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 2, lost 1-0 at Miami FC)
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 26-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 20-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 3-1-2 (1-1 PKs) vs. Division 2 clubs
AS MLS: 11-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 9-0-0 at home, 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Portland Timbers (MLS)

JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.; 10:30 p.m. PT
Broadcast: PortlandTimbers.com (Video) | 750AM (Audio)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Portland wins … home vs. Seattle Sounders/Atlanta Silverbacks winner
If Cal FC wins … at Seattle Sounders OR TBD vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Portland Timbers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

If any team can have “giant killer” status, Cal FC are definitely merit of that. In the first round, they met PDL champs Kitsap Pumas and sent them packing early, with the help from former US youth international Danny Barrera netting two goals in the 3-1 victory. Cal FC traveled to Wilmington, knocking off the USL Pro side 4-0. Barrera won his second straight TheCup.us Player of the Round award by scoring two more goals, along with Artur Aghasyan and Pedro Ferreira-Mendez contributing.

Cal FC are just the second USASA team from southern California to win a US Open Cup game. The first team, Hollywood United, also faced the Portland Timbers in the next round. The Timbers were a USL First Division team at the time and were upset by Hollywood 3-2.

The current form of the Timbers could be better, with only one win in the month of May and three draws to go along with it. Portland’s three league wins this season have all come playing at home so far, with their home record standing at 3-2-2. The Timbers are currently 7th in the Western Conference and 14th in all of MLS. This will be the first time for Portland’s MLS team to enter the US Open Cup, and the first time since 2010 a Timbers franchise has been in the tournament.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Portland Timbers
OVERALL: 7-6-1 (0-1 PKs), 2-4-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 5-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 2012 is their first entry
BEST FINISH: Fourth Round (2005, lost 2-0 vs.San Jose Earthquakes)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Third Round, drew 1-1 vs. Seattle Sounders, lost in PKs 4-3)

2012 US Open Cup Fourth Round Schedule

Chivas USA (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET

New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Hershey Park Stadium; Hershey, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Philadelphia Union (MLS) at D.C. United (MLS)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arena; Pontiac, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 7:30 p.m. CT ||  Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 7:30 p.m. CT

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 7:30 p.m. PT

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)/Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) Winner at Portland Timbers (MLS)
JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.; 10:30 p.m. ET
OR
Cal FC (USASA) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10:30 p.m. ET
OR
Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) vs. Cal FC (USASA)
Venue TBD; Time TBD

2012 US Open Cup Third Round Live Blog recap: One of the craziest rounds in recent memory, and two more left to play on Wednesday

by

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 3 [+]
Round 4 Pairings [+]

Sixteen MLS clubs face 16 lower division sides hoping to make history.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from 14 of the 16 games tonight, followed by the last two games on Wednesday. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Third Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart, who issues weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

New England Revolution (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: RevolutionSoccer.net (Audio)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If the Revolution win … at Charleston Battery / New York Red Bulls winner
If City Islanders win … home vs. Charleston Battery / New York Red Bulls winner

New England Revolution’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of the 2012 tournament
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:2 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)  [+] Recap

This is the third time these two teams have met in the US Open Cup, but the first time that they’ve played in Harrisburg.  In 2007, New England finished off Harrisburg 2-1 in the Quarterfinals on their way to winning the Cup. In 2009, Harrisburg beat New England, by the same score, in the Third Round, only to fall to DC (the eventual Runner-Up) in the Quarterfinals.

Coming in to this game, Harrisburg has not conceded a goal since May 12, while the Revolution have not won a game since May 12.  The Revolution have been weak on the road this year in MLS play, with an away record of 1-6-0.  They’ll only be on two days rest from their loss to DC United on Saturday night. They also will be traveling to Pennsylvania without a few of their star players. Captain Shalrie Joseph, three starting defenders including A.J. Soares, top goal scorer Saer Sène, and starting goalkeeper Matt Reis are all headed back to New England and won’t play on Tuesday.  Harrisburg is expected to play the first team for the game and is riding a five game unbeaten streak that includes the US Open Cup Second Round defeat of the Long Island Rough Riders (PDL).

This game should prove to be a fairly even match-up and might even favor Harrisburg, a USL squad with the home field advantage fielding their ‘A’ team while enjoying a successful league season (4th place in USL after 7 games) versus an MLS squad struggling on the road fielding their ‘B’ team while having a less than fortunate league season (7th place in the Eastern Conference, 13th overall in MLS after 12 games).

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New England Revolution
OVERALL: 10-8-3 (2-1 in PKs), 2-5-1 (1-0 in PKs), 2-1-1 (1-0 in PKs) vs. Division 3
BEST FINISH: 2007 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2009 (Round 3, Lost 2-1 AET vs. Harrisburg City Islanders)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 11-4-2 (1-1 in PKs), 9-1-2 (1-1 in PKs) at home, 3-3-0 vs. MLS teams
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2007 Quarterfinals – Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 1:2 New England Revolution (MLS)
2009 Third Round – Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) 2:1 AET New England Revolution (MLS)

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DC United (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 4 scenario (June 5):
Winner hosts Philadelphia Union/Rochester Rhinos winner

DC United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Richmond Kickers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) 4:0 Aegean Hawks (USASA)  [+] Recap

DC United are coming off of only two days rest after their defeat of the New England Revolution in MLS league play on Saturday night.  Because of the short turnaround, we’ll have to wait and see if they’ll bring many of their starters to Virginia on Tuesday night.  One starter that might receive a mixed welcome in Richmond is reigning MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario who got his professional start with the Richmond Kickers.  DeRo had a breakout year for the Kickers in 2000, scoring 16 goals, but now he returns as the enemy.

These two teams have met four times previously in the US Open Cup.  In 2001, the eventual USL A-League champion Kickers fell to DC 2-1 in the Quarterfinal.  In 2004, the eventual MLS champion DC United lost to Richmond by the same score in the Fourth Round.  DC has won the last two Open Cup meetings between the teams.  They won 3-1 in the 2005 Fourth Round  and 2-0 in the 2010 Third Round.

Two-time US Open Cup winners DC United are currently first in the Eastern Division of MLS (3rd overall) and Richmond are mid-table in sixth place in USL Pro but, with DC on limited rest, possibly not playing all of their starters, and Richmond with home field advantage, Richmond might have the edge in this match-up.  They beat DC in the Open Cup during one of United’s best league seasons.  Can they do it again?  We’ll find out Tuesday night.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
DC United
OVERALL: 25-9-3 (1-2 PKs), 5-6-1 (0-1 PKs) away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1996, 2008 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at home vs. Columbus Crew)
Richmond Kickers
OVERALL: 23-12-1 (1-0 in PKs), 18-3-0 at home, 5-9-0 vs. MLS clubs
AS USL PRO: 12-6-0, 8-0-0 at home, 3-3-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1995 US Open Cup Champions (Drew 1-1 at El Paso Patriots, won in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at Chicago Fire)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2001 Quarterfinals – Richmond Kickers (A-League) 2:1 DC United (MLS)
2004 Fourth Round – DC United (MLS) 1:2 Richmond Kickers (A-League)
2005 Fourth Round – DC United (MLS) 3:1 Richmond Kickers (A-League)

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Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: LAGalaxy.com (Audio) | CarolinaRailHawks.com/live (Video) | 99.9 HD3 FM The Ticket
Round 4 scenario (June 5):
Winner hosts Chivas USA/Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

LA Galaxy’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: PSA Elite (USASA) 0:6 Carolina RailHawks (NASL) [+] Recap

Two reigning champions collide on Tuesday night. LA Galaxy, current MLS champions, travel to North Carolina to take on current NASL regular season champion Carolina RailHawks. There’s just one catch: neither team is playing up to the title of “champion” this season. LA are currently last in the Western Division of MLS (17th overall). Carolina are sitting at the bottom of the table in 7th place in NASL with a winless record.

This will be the first meeting of these two teams in the US Open Cup. The advantage in this game will likely go to the RailHawks. While neither team is playing spectacularly, the RailHawks were idle in league play this week after their US Open Cup Second Round defeat of PSA Elite due to the Puerto Rico Islanders needing to play in the Caribbean Football Union championship tournament. LA Galaxy have played (and lost) two league games in the past week. The 2005 US Open Cup champion Galaxy are also coming off of just two days rest from their loss to Houston on SaturdayLA are short Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, both of whom are currently on international duty with their respective national teams; and it has been confirmed David Beckham, along with several other starters, have not made the cross-country trip.

Carolina will enjoy a home field advantage in front of a sold out crowd. Granted, a lot of those tickets will have been sold to people coming to see the Galaxy play, but the absence of the Galaxy stars will temper that somewhat.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
LA Galaxy
OVERALL: 22-9-1, 6-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 8-1-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 9-3-1, 9-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 1-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)

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Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
Al Lang Stadium; St. Petersburg, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
Winners plays at Orlando City SC/Sporting Kansas City winner

Colorado Rapids’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) 3:0 Jacksonville United (NPSL) [+] Recap

This will be the first meeting of these two teams in the US Open Cup, although the Rapids did defeat MLS side Tampa Bay Mutiny in the Cup in 1999, on their way to a loss in the final to Rochester.

Both teams come in to this game pretty evenly matched. Colorado are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Division of MLS (7th overall), and are coming off of a win against Montreal on Saturday. Tampa Bay are currently mid-table, 4th place, in NASL play with 12 points from 9 games. Both teams are playing with very little rest. Colorado has had just two days to rest and Tampa Bay has had only three. Both teams will be fielding strong squads as Colorado have announced that they’ll be bringing most of their starters, including leading goal scorer Jaime Castrillon. Tampa Bay will have the advantage of not travelling as their league game on Friday night was at home.

This is the second year for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the US Open Cup as this is the first year that the NASL has entered teams. The furthest that the Colorado Rapids have progressed in the Open Cup is the 1999 Final when they lost to the Rochester Rhinos, the only non-MLS team to win the cup since MLS began entering the competition.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Colorado Rapids
OVERALL: 8-11-0, 4-10-0 away, 4-6-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1999, lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos
LAST ENTRY: 2007 (Quarterfinals, lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Tampa Bay Rowdies
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)

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New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USLNation.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If New England wins … Winner of this game hosts
If Harrisburg wins … Winner of this game plays at Harrisburg

New York Red Bulls’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Charleston Battery’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Reading United (PDL) 1:2 Charleston Battery (USL Pro) [+] Recap

Believe it or not, the New York Red Bulls are in second place in the Eastern Conference, mostly thanks to a hot start to the season that saw Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry tearing up the league despite a porous defense. Now the defense is shored up and the team is continuing to get positive results, coming into the contest unbeaten in their last six games with a 5-0-1 record after a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA last Wednesday and a weekend off from league play. The Red Bulls have allowed only four goals during the run.

Charleston, on the other hand, is third in the league at 5-2-0 with both losses coming at home in one-goal decisions. Since their first two matches of the campaign, the Battery defense, led by DC United loanee Andrew Dykstra in goal, has allowed no more than one goal in any given game. Charleston comes into the match off a 1-0 home win against the LA Blues Saturday after defeating Reading United AC, 2-1, in the Second Round. The duo of Jose Cuevas and Nicki Paterson are the most dangerous for the Battery. Cuevas has had a role in scoring in nearly every game with three goals and three assists.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
New York Red Bulls
OVERALL: 13-13-1 (1-0 PKs), , 7-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 4-4-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2003, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire)
Charleston Battery
OVERALL: 23-11-4 (3-1 PKs), 19-5-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 6-9-3 (2-1 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
AS USL PRO: 4-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), 4-1-0 at home, 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2008, lost 2-1 at DC United)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2001 Round 2 – Metrostars (MLS) 1:4 Charleston Battery (A-League)
2004 Round 4 – Metrostars (MLS) 0:1 Charleston Battery (A-League)

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Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PPL Park; Chester, Pa.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
Winner plays at DC United/Richmond Kickers winner

Rochester Rhinos’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 0:3 Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Philadelphia Union’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The giant-killing Rochester Rhinos could not have hand-picked a better opponent as the Union are struggling mightily heading into their tournament debut. Philadelphia has the second lowest point total in the league (8) ahead of only Canada’s Toronto FC, who picked up their first three points of the year Saturday with a 1-0 victory against the Union. Philadelphia is winless in its last five games, allowing five of the eight goals in that span at home.

Rochester, meanwhile, is no longer perfect, literally. The Rhinos started the season with six shutout victories behind the outstanding goalkeeping of Kristian Nicht and the consistent, but minimal offensive contributions of JC Banks. They gave up their first goal in a 1-1 draw the weekend before the 3-0 Second Round win against Brooklyn and have struggled since. This week they fell 1-0 in Harrisburg Friday and played to another draw against Dayton, 2-2 on the road, Saturday. The club’s offense has scored twice on two times in nine games this season, but is still second in the table.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Rochester Rhinos
OVERALL: 28-13-5 (3-2 in PKs), 3-7-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 7-11-4 (2-2 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
AS USL PRO: 3-1-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 1999 US Open Cup champions (Defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)
Philadelphia Union
OVERALL: 0-0-0, 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Chicago Fire (MLS) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Ultimate Soccer Arena; Pontiac, Mich.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Chicago-Fire.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
Winner will host Columbus Crew/Dayton Dutch Lions winner

Chicago Fire’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) [+] Recap

If you told a Fire fan that the final scoreline will be 2-1, it might make them worry. The past four league games have finished that way, and both times they were on the road the team was on the wrong side of the ledger. At 5-4-3, the club has yet to post two consecutive victories this season, and only have one three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1) to boast about. The Fire are coming off a two-game week in which they looked great against visiting FC Dallas in a 2-1 win Wednesday, but were overrun on the road in Columbus in a 2-1 defeat Saturday.

It’s somewhat difficult to judge the Bucks as they have played just as many league games and matches in the Open Cup. After drubbing USASA’s Jersey Shore Boca in the First Round to open their 2012 campaign, the Bucks blasted visiting expansion side Chicago Inferno, 4-1, to open PDL play. After earning a narrow 1-0 upset win over Pittsburgh on the road in the Second Round they returned home to post a 6-2 win against second-year Hamilton Rage. Three players have led the scoring in league play with Thomas Catalano tallying two goals and two assists and the duo of Zach Steinberger and Kenny Uzoigwe, one of the club’s all-time greats, providing two goals each as well.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chicago Fire
OVERALL: 28-9-3 (2-1 PKs), 11-9-1 (1-0 PKs) away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Final, lost 2-0 at Seattle Sounders)
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 11-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 4-3-0 away, 1-4-1 (0-1 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TheCrew.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
Winner plays at Chicago Fire/Michigan Bucks winner

Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) 2:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Columbus Crew’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

It has been an ugly start to the season for Dayton, but the Dutch Lions have managed to tie one of the league’s best, Rochester, twice in the past two weeks, home and away. The club’s narrow, last-minute victory over the Chicago Fire PDL side in the Second Round last week is the team’s sole victory so far this season as they enter the contest 0-4-4 in league play, but Gibson Bardsley’s two goals and assist in the last four games is giving the team hope.

The bad news is that Columbus may be one of the best clubs in MLS at the moment, entering the match on a five-game unbeaten streak (3-0-2) with a defense that has allowed a maximum of one goal in the last six and has allowed more than one only three times this season. The Crew, though, are coming off a two-game week having blanked the reigning three-time Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders on the road Wednesday, 2-0, and downing rival Chicago at Crew Stadium Saturday, 2-1. The duo of Emilio Renteria and Eddie Gaven were on fire with three goals and two assists between them in the two games in addition to a goal-line clearance by Gaven. This game marks the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present) that two teams frim

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 1-2-0, 1-2-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
AS USL PRO: 1-1-0, 1-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Columbus Crew
OVERALL: 18-9-2 (0-2 PKs), 10-4-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 4-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2002 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 2-1 vs. Richmond Kickers)

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Orlando City SC (USL PRO) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: YouTube.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5): Winner hosts Colorado Rapids or Tampa Bay Rowdies

Orlando City SC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: KC Athletics (USASA) 0:7 Orlando City SC (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Sporting Kansas City’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

It is a match-up of the two best teams in the two leagues. Sporting KC comes into the match with the best points-per-game average in MLS with an 8-3-1 record after recording a dramatic 2-1 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes, one of the Western Conference’s best teams. The plentitude of attacking options for Kansas City with Graham Zusi, Kei Kamara, Bobby Convey and CJ Sapong hide the fact that the team has a great defensive record with only 10 goals allowed – seven coming in a recent four-game stretch (0-3-1) that ended with Saturday’s win. Aurelien Collin has done both, leading the back line and scoring three goals.

Orlando City remains the lone unbeaten in the league with a 7-0-2 record, scoring 17 and allowing just six goals in nine games. After drubbing the USASA’s KC Athletics 7-0 in the Second Round last week Orlando City played twice at home, posting a 1-1 draw against the LA Blues Thursday and defeating the Charlotte Eagles, 2-1, Saturday. Three different players provided goals, but it was the first time the club had allowed goals in consecutive games, a three-game stretch if you include the second match in Antigua, a 2-1 win nine days before the Open Cup opener.

The reigning USL Pro champions will be looking to follow in the steps of their compatriot Richmond Kickers, who traveled to Kansas City last year and picked up an unexpected 2-0 road victory in the Quarterfinals, becoming the first club to defeat Sporting in their new stadium.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Orlando City SC
OVERALL: 3-1-0, 2-0-0 at home, 0-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2011, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)
Sporting Kansas City
OVERALL: 11-10-3 (1-2 PKs), 7-5-0 at home, 0-2-0 vs Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2004 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 vs. Richmond Kickers)

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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at FC Dallas (MLS)
FC Dallas Stadium; Frisco, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FC Dallas (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If FC Dallas wins … home vs. Houston Dynamo OR at San Antonio Scorpions
If Charlotte wins … at San Antonio Scorpions OR Houston Dynamo

Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) 1:0 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
FC Dallas’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Charlotte Eagles will attempt to bounce back from what has been a difficult regular season in USL Pro to win consecutive Open Cup games for the first time in club history. That will be no small task as the Eagles are in Frisco, Texas to battle Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. Never an easy task to knock off an MLS team, especially on their home field, but Dallas is struggling. They have not won a game since April 14, adding up to a nine-game winless streak.

Charlotte has only faced one MLS team in Open Cup play and nearly pulled off the upset. In a Third Round match in 2005, the Eagles hosted Chivas USA and appeared to be headed to a penalty kick shootout when Isaac Romo scored the game-winning goal with seconds remaining in the second extra time period.

FC Dallas is a mainstay in the US Open Cup, reaching the Quarterfinals a record 12 times since MLS was founded in 1996. Dallas has reached the title game three times (1997, 2005, 2007), while lifting the trophy just once, when they defeated DC United in a penalty kick shootout in 1997.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 6-9-0, 3-8-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
FC Dallas
OVERALL: 21-13-4 (4-0 PKs), 13-4-1 at home, 3-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: 1997 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Semifinals, lost 1-0 at Seattle Sounders)

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Houston Dynamo (MLS) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Heroes Stadium; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Houston wins … at FC Dallas OR home vs. Charlotte Eagles
If San Antonio wins … home vs. FC Dallas/Charlotte Eagles winner

Houston Dynamo’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Laredo Heat (PDL) 0:2 San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) [+] Recap

One of the more intriguing matches of the Third Round of the US Open Cup this year is the expansion team from the NASL, the San Antonio Scorpions, hosting Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo. The Scorpions are 4-1-3 in their inaugural campaign and are drumming up some solid fan support, as is typical for a first-year team. After three home games, they’re averaging almost 11,000 fans per game and it could be a factor in Tuesday’s Open Cup match as the Scorpions try to prove themselves against an in-state MLS team.
BLURB HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Houston Dynamo
OVERALL: 5-4-1 (0-1 PKs), 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs) away, 3-1-1 (0-1) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2006, 2009)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Quarterfinals, lost vs. Chivas USA 3-1)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup

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Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah; 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: RealSaltLake.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Minnesota wins … at San Jose Earthquakes OR home vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
If Real Salt Lake wins … at San Jose Earthquakes OR home vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Minnesota Stars’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) 2:0 Des Moines Menace (PDL) [+] Recap
Real Salt Lake’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

While the Minnesota Stars is a different franchise, when most Open Cup fans think of Minnesota and Real Salt Lake, they think back to the wild barnburner of a match between the Minnesota Thunder the RSL in the Third Round of 2005. (Note: It happened on the same night as the Charlotte Eagles/Chivas USA match we referenced above). Jason Kreis scored a hat trick but Minnesota, led by Melvin Tarley, Johnny Menyongar and Aaron Paye matched the RSL side blow-by-blow, including an 89th minute equalizer by Paye to send the match into extra time tied. With the scoreboard locked at 4-4, the Thunder scored two more in extra time to win it 6-4.

Will we see fireworks like that on Tuesday night? Real Salt Lake is certainly capable, as they currently hold the league’s best record at 9-3-2 and are on a six-game unbeaten streak. The Stars are in second place in the NASL with a 4-0-4 record, but the question is do they have enough to hang with the best team in MLS on the road?

One thing the two teams do have in common is the fact that neither has history on their side. This is just the second tournament for Minnesota since the team started in 2010, but for all the success that RSL has had in league play and the CONCACAF Champions League, the Open Cup has not been their competition. They are only 2-3-0 all-time in the Open Cup, but the reason why a team which began play in 2005 has only five games under its belt is because they failed to qualify for the tournament four years in a row from 2007-2010. Both teams will be anxious to start a new chapter in the team’s history.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
Real Salt Lake
OVERALL: 2-3-0, 2-1-0 at home, 1-1-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2011, lost 2-0 at FC Dallas)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-0 at FC Dallas)

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Chivas USA (MLS) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College; Ventura, Calif.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
Winner will play at Los Angeles Galaxy or at Carolina RailHawks

Chivas USA’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament
Ventura County Fusion’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 6:2 (AET) Fullerton Rangers (NPSL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 3:1 (AET) Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro) [+] Recap

Two clubs with contrasting histories in their respective leagues come together in Los Angeles. The Ventura County Fusion have been one of the more dominant clubs in the Southwest Division for a while, and claimed the league championship in 2009. The Fusion are off to a 3-1-1 start in league play with victories in their last three games, five including US Open Cup. They downed the NPSL’s Fullerton Rangers, 6-2 in overtime, in the First Round. And despite playing twice – two shutout wins – before the Second Round, they stunned the USL Pro LA Blues, 3-1 in overtime, to remain one of three amateur teams left in the tournament. The team is coming off a 4-1 victory Saturday against the Southern California Seahorses with three goals from Travis Bowen in his debut. Two of the goals were set up by Francisco Lopez, who has been the Open Cup star with overtime goals.

Unlike the Fusion, Chivas USA is still searching for glory. At 4-6-3 the club has been surprisingly strong in what was expected to be another rebuilding year under second-year coach Robin Fraser, sitting above both FC Dallas and rival LA Galaxy in the table. The club’s improved defense has been a key factor, 14 allowed in 13 games, as the offense has been sparse with only nine goals. The team is on a four-game unbeaten run, playing to a pair of 1-1 draws this past week in New York Wednesday and at home versus Seattle Saturday. The previous weekend, they stunned many with a rare win against the reigning league champion Galaxy, 1-0. That came a week after an impressive 1-1 road draw against the high-flying offense of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Chivas USA
OVERALL: 3-5-1, 2-5-0 away, 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2010, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Semifinals, lost 3-1 at Seattle Sounders)
Ventura County Fusion
OVERALL: 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs), 2-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2011, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: SoundersFC.com (Video)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Seattle wins … home vs. Cal FC OR at Portland Timbers
If Atlanta wins … at Portland Timbers OR TBD vs. Cal FC

Atlanta Silverbacks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 1:0 Georgia Revolution (NPSL) [+] Recap
Seattle Sounders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

It was not quite the last game between the two clubs at the Starfire Soccer Complex as the Sounders played one more USL First Division campaign before moving onto Major League Soccer after the 2008 season. But the memory of a stinging 4-0 loss in the 2007 championship game has to still be on the minds of team management as they trek back to Seattle for the first time in four years. Only defender Martyn Lancaster remains from the Silverbacks roster that took the field that night. Standing on the other side again may very well defender Zach Scott and forward Roger Levesque. And in one other small twist, Atlanta’s Ciaran O’Brien’s brother, Leighton, was a part of that game for Seattle, though he left after 18 minutes with an injury. The Silverbacks were never able to avenge the defeat, falling 2-0 at home and 4-2 away early in the season and playing to a 1-1 draw in the final month at Starfire.

Atlanta comes into the contest with a narrow Second Round victory against amateur NPSL side Georgia Revolution as the only win of the campaign as they are one of two winless sides (Carolina) in the NASL at 0-4-5. A 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale Saturday ended a four-game losing streak in which they allowed at least two goals in every game. Reinaldo Navia has been the star of the season thus far with six goals, but his equalizer Saturday, set up by O’Brien, was the first in five games.

The Sounders bring the weight of being the three-time Open Cup champions to the table as well as one of the best records in the league at 8-3-3. The Sounders, though, have struggled of late with a four-game winless stretch (0-2-2) and are coming off a two-game week in MLS, falling at home to Columbus, 2-0, and playing to a 1-1 draw on the road against Chivas USA. Scoring has come from a myriad of players and the team is relying heavily on rookie goalkeeper Bryan Meredith, who is in relief of the injured Michael Gspurning. Last year Meredith was on the other side of the equation playing for the PDL Kitsap Pumas. He guided them to a pair of wins versus amateur competition before falling, 2-1, at Starfire to the Sounders. The Sounders enter the 2012 tournament riding a Modern Pro Era record 17-game unbeaten streak dating back to the 2008 campaign, including a 12-game unbeaten streak as an MLS franchise.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Atlanta Silverbacks
OVERALL: 5-6-2 (1-1 in PKs), 2-3-2 (1-1 in PKs) away, 0-2-1 (0-1 PKs) vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2004, lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 2, lost 1-0 at Miami FC)
Seattle Sounders
OVERALL: 26-11-3 (2-1 PKs), 20-2-1 (1-0 PKs) at home, 3-1-2 (1-1 PKs) vs. Division 2 clubs
AS MLS: 11-0-1 (1-0 PKs), 9-0-0 at home, 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Champion, 2-0 win vs. Chicago Fire)

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Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Cagan Stadium, Stanford University; Stanford, Calif.; 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: TBA
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If San Jose wins … home vs. Real Salt Lake/Minnesota Stars FC winner
If Fort Lauderdale wins … at Real Salt Lake/Minnesota Stars FC winner

Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 2: Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2:7 Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) [+] Recap
San Jose Earthquakes’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Soccer history has a page set aside for the rivalry that was between the Strikers and the Earthquakes. Dating back to the 1970s and ‘80s of the old NASL, the Earthquakes had a significant edge over the Strikers. From 1977-83, San Jose had a 2-10-0 advantage over the Fort Lauderdale team that is making their revival into this year’s US Open Cup.

The Strikers are coming off a 7-2 rout over PDL’s Fresno Fuego. Aly Hassan scored a hat trick, with three other teammates contributing to the scoreline at home. Fort Lauderdale, fifth in NASL, is currently 2-3-4 in their season and is 0-2-2 away from Lockhart Stadium.

San Jose has a US Open Cup record of 8-6-4 (2-2 in PKs) and is making a return to the tournament, a first since a quarterfinal appearance in 2005. Aside from the game not being at their normal home field at Buckshaw Stadium (this game will be at Cagan Stadium on Stanford University’s campus), Chris Wondolowski will not be in the lineup for this third round game. San Jose’s leader in goals and shots is currently serving on the US national team. The Earthquakes are currently second in the Western Conference and overall in MLS, but have only won once in their last five league games.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Fort Lauderdale Strikers
OVERALL: 6-4-1 (0-1 in PKs), 0-3-1 away, 0-2-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2008, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: Round 3 (2010, lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)
San Jose Earthquakes
OVERALL: 8-6-4 (2-2 PKs), 1-3-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 5-1-2 (2-0) vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2004, lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2005 (Quarterfinals, lost 2-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Portland Timbers (MLS)
JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.; 10:30 p.m. PT
Broadcast: PortlandTimbers.com (Video) | 750AM (Audio)
Round 4 scenarios (June 5):
If Portland wins … home vs. Seattle Sounders/Atlanta Silverbacks winner
If Cal FC wins … at Seattle Sounders OR TBD vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL) [+] Recap
Rd 2: Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) [+] Recap
Portland Timbers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

If any team can have “giant killer” status, Cal FC are definitely merit of that. In the first round, they met PDL champs Kitsap Pumas and sent them packing early, with the help from former US youth international Danny Barrera netting two goals in the 3-1 victory. Cal FC traveled to Wilmington, knocking off the USL Pro side 4-0. Barrera won his second straight TheCup.us Player of the Round award by scoring two more goals, along with Artur Aghasyan and Pedro Ferreira-Mendez contributing.

Cal FC are just the second USASA team from southern California to win a US Open Cup game. The first team, Hollywood United, also faced the Portland Timbers in the next round. The Timbers were a USL First Division team at the time and were upset by Hollywood 3-2.

The current form of the Timbers could be better, with only one win in the month of May and three draws to go along with it. Portland’s three league wins this season have all come playing at home so far, with their home record standing at 3-2-2. The Timbers are currently 7th in the Western Conference and 14th in all of MLS. This will be the first time for Portland’s MLS team to enter the US Open Cup, and the first time since 2010 a Timbers franchise has been in the tournament.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 2-0-0, 2-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. MLS clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Portland Timbers
OVERALL: 7-6-1 (0-1 PKs), 2-4-1 (0-1 PKs) at home, 5-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS MLS: 2012 is their first entry
BEST FINISH: Fourth Round (2005, lost 2-0 vs.San Jose Earthquakes)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Third Round, drew 1-1 vs. Seattle Sounders, lost in PKs 4-3)

2012 US Open Cup Second Round live blog recap: Three upsets highlight another exciting round in 2012

by

Check below the live blog for additional links, previews and more information about the Second Round.

To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecup.us) for updated scores and news throughout the night .

2012 US Open Cup bracket [+]
2012 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders [+]
2012 US Open Cup participant map [+]
Meet the USASA: Class of 2012 [+]
Things you should know about Round 2 [+]
Round 3 Pairings [+]

You survived the opening round of amateur leagues and organizations; welcome to the Second Round and the introduction of the professional clubs from the North American Soccer League and USL Pro – and along with them a chance at making headlines. Three clubs from the two leagues are coming into the event without a victory (Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks and Dayton Dutch Lions). Will they finally get their first win, or will they suffer even deeper lows? Fate awaits them Tuesday night, as do the 16 Major League Soccer clubs that will join the fray seven days later in the Third Round.

Join TheCup.us right here for a live blog as we will have live updates coming in from all 16 games from our correspondents  from across the country. Also stay tuned for PotHunting trivia for your chance to win a throwback soccer shirt from PotHunting.com.

#TWITTER: To join the conversation, either enter the blog, or include #USOC in your tweets to share your thoughts or ask a question. And don’t forget to Declare Your Support, whether your club is playing or not, with #OpenCupFan. Follow TheCup.us on Twitter (@USOpenCup) for updated scores and news throughout the night (no play-by-play).

Here’s your guide to the entire Second Round, including notes on key players from NASL & USL Pro players via resident Lower Division expert Gerald Barnhart’s weekly Lower Division Five Star honors, which also includes a US Open Cup list:

Michigan Bucks (PDL) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL PRO)
Chartiers Valley Stadium; Bridgeville, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Bucks win … home vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)
If Riverhounds win … at Chicago Fire (MLS)

Michigan Bucks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jersey Shore Boca (USASA) 0:6 Michigan Bucks (PDL)  [+] Recap
Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournamenth

One of the big names in the Modern Pro Era of the tournament, the Bucks are entering the match coming off a 4-1 season-opening victory Saturday evening at home. The Riverhounds, on the other hand, are ripe for upset carrying numerous injury and a six-game winless stretch that is only highlighted by the fact they ended a four-game losing streak with draws in the past two games last week.   It would not be the first time Michigan earned an upset at the expense of Pittsburgh. The Bucks blanked the third division Riverhounds, 2-0, in 2006 on goals from Kenny Uzoigwe and Mychal Turpin in the First Round.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Michigan Bucks
OVERALL: 10-7-1 (0-1 in PKs), 3-3-0 away, 3-2-0 vs. Division 3
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 1, Lost 2-1 vs. Cleveland City Stars)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds:
OVERALL: 5-7-2 (0-2 in PKs), 3-1-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO:  3-4-2 (0-2 in PKs), 2-0-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH (A-League, Div. 2): 2001 (Quarterfinals, Lost 3-2 ASDET at Chicago Fire)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 4-1 vs. Richmond Kickers)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2006 Round 1 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) 0:2 Michigan Bucks (PDL)

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Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)
Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenario (May 29):
If Long Island wins … at New England Revolution (MLS)
If Harrisburg wins …  vs. New England Revolution (MLS)

Long Island Rough Riders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 2:0 FC Sonic Lehigh Valley (NPSL)  [+] Recap
Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Harrisburg narrowly avoided escape in the Second Round against Long Island two years ago with a 1-0 decision on a first half goal from Geoff Bloes. The Rough Riders head into the match this year on the heels of a season-opening loss, 1-0, at home against fellow Second Round participant Reading United AC. The City Islanders are unbeaten in their last three games, but two of the contests have come against struggling opposition. They drew 0-0 in the Pennsylvania derby at home with Pittsburgh on Wednesday and blasted winless Dayton, 4-0, Saturday with a hat-trick from Yann Ekra.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: No players from Harrisburg have had any standout performances thus far, though Ekra is likely to be recognized in the next edition on Wednesday.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Long Island Rough Riders
OVERALL: 3-5-0, 1-4-0 away, 2-2-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS PDL: 1-2-0, 0-2-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (1997, Lost 1-0 after sudden death extra time vs. Metrostars)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
Harrisburg City Islanders
OVERALL: 10-4-2 (1-1 in PKs), 8-1-2 (1-1 in PKs) at home, 7-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2007, 2009, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, Lost 1-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2010 Round 2 – Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) 0:1 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)

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Cal FC (USASA) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
Legion Sports Park; Wilmington, N.C.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenario (May 29):
If Cal FC wins … at Portland Timbers (MLS)
If Wilmington Hammerheads win … home vs. Portland Timbers (MLS)

Cal FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Cal FC (USASA) 3:1 Kitsap Pumas (PDL)  [+] Recap
Wilmington Hammerheads’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Eric Wynalda-backed Cal FC take their show on the road once again, facing the Wilmington Hammerheads after dispatching defending PDL champions Kitsap Pumas 3-1 last Tuesday. The Hammerheads are one of the few lower-division teams with a winning record in the OC, going 12-9-1 (1-0 in PKs), including 6-1 against amateur teams. Their lone loss to a PDL or lower side was a 3-2 loss to the Mid-Michigan Bucks in their 1997 Open Cup debut.

Wilmington is 2-2-3 on their USL Pro season thus far, and are 2-0-2 at Legion Stadium. Cal FC is 2-3-0 in La Gran Liga de Oxnard, though were impressive in dispatching the defending PDL champion Pumas, who had not lost in the First Round since their debut season in 2009. Wilmington has played to draws in the last two outings, picking up a point in a 2-2 tie in Los Angeles two weeks ago and a 1-1 draw at home against state rival Charlotte Saturday.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Hakop Avesyan made the Weekly list for a Week 5 performance that saw him score two go-ahead goals in LA. Bryce Taylor was on the Season list briefly with a run of three games with two goals and an assist.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Cal FC
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Wilmington Hammerheads
OVERALL: 13-9-1 (1-0 in PKs), 13-4-0 at home, 3-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Quarterfinals (2003, 2009)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, Lost 2-0 at Real Salt Lake)

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Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Jacksonville United (NPSL)
Patton Park; Jacksonville, Fla.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Tampa Bay wins … home vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS)
If Jacksonville wins … at Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Jacksonville United’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Jacksonville United (NPSL) 2:1 Orlando City U23s (PDL) [+] Recap
Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Jacksonville United was rewarded for their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Orlando City U23s by hosting the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. Jacksonville gave up a goal early in the second half, but rallied with two goals in the last eight minutes to defeat Orlando City’s PDL side in the First Round. While United is a new entry to the Open Cup, many of their players have played for Lynch’s Irish Pub, who have qualified three times through the USASA competition. United is 1-1-0 on the year, their loss coming to fellow NPSL and USOC Second Round team Georgia Revolution, and both games were at home.

The Rowdies are back in the tournament following their forced hiatus due to the NASL not receiving sanctioning in time, and looks to stay perfect against amateur sides. Tampa Bay is 3-3-2 in the NASL season, including 1-2-1 on the road. The Rowdies come into the match having ended a two-game losing streak with a narrow 3-2 road victory over the winless Atlanta Silverbacks courtesy of two goals from Dan Antoniuk for an initial two-goal advantage.
The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Antoniuk is likely to get another Five Star nod Wednesday after previously being recognized in Week 3 when he was pivotal in a pair of 1-1 draws against his two former clubs, Carolina and Atlanta, with a goal in each.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Tampa Bay Rowdies
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 1-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: Round 2 (2010, lost at Miami FC 2-1 AET)
Jacksonville United
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 0-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. 2nd Division clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire PDL (PDL)
Toyota Park Practice Field; Bridgeview, Ill.; 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Chicago-Fire.com (audio)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at Columbus Crew (MLS)

Chicago Fire PDL’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Croatian Eagles (USASA) 0:1 Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) [+] Recap
Dayton Dutch Lions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Dayton Dutch Lions face a strong challenge, as they play one of the more successful PDL sides in the Chicago Fire PDL. The Fire took care of Croatian Eagles in the first five minutes, then clamped down defensively to a 1-0 win. The Fire PDL have had more success in the Open Cup, as well as in their respective league. Last year was their first time in their five Open Cup tournaments that they were eliminated without winning a game. They have also been successful in the PDL, having missed the playoffs only once in their 11 year existence.

Dayton, meanwhile, has not had much success since turning pro, despite having a partnership with FC Twente of the Eredivisie. They finished in dead last place in USL Pro in 2011, and are currently occupying that spot again, sporting an 0-4-3 record. Chances are, if Chicago can net a goal, a win will come shortly after. Dayton has scored just twice in seven league games, though they hold the distinction of ending Rochester’s perfect start to the season with a shutout streak-busting tally at 568 minutes Friday in a 1-1 draw. The positive result was spoiled the next night with a 4-0 loss in Harrisburg.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Dayton Dutch Lions
OVERALL: 0-2-0, 0-2-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 0-1-0, 0-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost at Richmond Kickers 4-1)
Chicago Fire PDL
OVERALL: 6-4-0, 2-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2004, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 3-0 at Sporting Kansas City)

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PSA Elite (USASA) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.; 7:07 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If PSA Elite win … at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
If Carolina RailHawks win … home vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

PSA Elite’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: PSA Elite (USASA) 3:1 Portland Timbers U23s (PDL) [+] Recap
Carolina RailHawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

PSA Elite, the amateur club from Southern California, are making the cross country trip to Cary, NC with upset in mind, but history is not on their side as USASA clubs have won just one game (Dallas Roma FC 1:0 Miami FC in 2006) in 18 all-time meetings. The Elite have a number of former professionals on their roster who helped the club defeat one of the best PDL teams in the Portland Timbers U23s in the opening round. Davis Paul scored two goals in Round 1 to earn him a number of votes for TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The Carolina RailHawks are off to a surprising winless start, plagued by three draws to open the campaign. The team ended a two-game losing streak over the weekend with a 1-1 draw against the league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders with an equalizer from Brian Shriver. The RailHawks have a strong Open Cup resume in their brief existance. In their inaugural season in 2007, they upset the Chicago Fire en route to a Semifinal appearance, where they fell to the New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time. They have an 8-3-1 (0-1 in PKs) record and will hope to continue their streak of winning at least one Open Cup in every tournament they’ve entered.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Ray Burse was recognized in Week 1 for seven saves in a scoreless draw on the road versus the defending champion Minnesota.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
PSA Elite
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry
Carolina RailHawks
OVERALL: 8-3-1, 8-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) at home, 3-0-0 vs. amateur teams
BEST FINISH: Semifinals (2007, lost at New England Revolution 2-1 AET)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 2-1 at Charleston Battery)

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Fresno Fuego (PDL) at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
Lockhart Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Fresno Fuego’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2:0 Stanislaus United Turlock Express (USCS) [+] Recap
Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Fresno Fuego have returned to the Open Cup for the first time in ten years, and resumed their winning ways with a 2-0 win over Stanislaus United Turlock Express. However, they face a much tougher challenge in this round, traveling to play the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Fresno’s only previous cup run was a memorable one, as they took out the Second Division El Paso Patriots before falling to the LA Galaxy in the fourth round. The Fuego sit on top of the PDL’s Southwestern Division with a 3-1-1 record, though their 28-game unbeaten streak came to an end Friday in a 3-1 home loss to Orange County.

The Strikers, previously known as Miami FC, have also had Open Cup success, as well as some late-game heroics. Paulo Araujo, Jr. scored four overtime goals in the 2010 First Round, setting a record for goals in overtime for a team (matched this year by the Ventura County Fusion), and have only lost in their first game once. Araujo is now with Real Salt Lake, however Fort Lauderdale still has plenty of firepower. They sit fifth in the NASL so far with a 2-3-3 record, but have a 2-1-1 home record. The Strikers, though, are winless in their last four league contests (0-3-1), dropping a home fixture, 3-1, to defending champion Minnesota Saturday.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forwards Aly Hassan and Andy Herron, who is out with an injury, have each been recognized for outstanding performances along with Walter Restrepo, who has been on the Season list for the past three weeks with two goals and four assists over the previous four games.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Fresno Fuego
OVERALL: 4-1-0, 2-1-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2003, lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
LAST ENTRY: 2003 (Round 4, lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers
OVERALL: 5-4-1 (0-1 in PKs), 5-1-0 at home, 3-1-1 (0-1 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2008, 2010)
LAST ENTRY: Round 3 (2010, lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)

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KC Athletics (USASA) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Seminole Soccer Complex; Sanford, Fla.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

KC Athletics’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: KC Athletics (USASA) 3:1 Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) [+] Recap
Orlando City SC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Despite taking only a dozen players on the trip to Colorado, the Athletics left with a surprising victory over the Foxes, who were big winners in the First Round a year ago at home. One of three unbeaten teams remaining in the lower division pro leagues, Orlando City comes into the contest on three consecutive wins, though they were idle the past weekend.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forwards Ian Fuller and John Rooney, brother of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, have been recognized once each this season. Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, meanwhile, spent two weeks on the Season list recently.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
KC Athletics
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 1-1-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, lost 4-2 at NCS Minnesota Stars)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 1, lost 4-2 at NCS Minnesota Stars)
Orlando City SC
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 1-0-0 at home, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2011, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 3-2 at FC Dallas)

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Reading United AC (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USLNation.com (video)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29): Winner hosts Minnesota Stars FC (NASL)

An affiliate of the MLS Philadelphia Union, Reading’s resources and player pool continues to be impressive. They qualified for the tournament a fourth consecutive year, but last week’s victory was their first win after suffering First Round exits the past three years, the last two in one-goal decisions. Reading edged fellow Second Round participant Long Island in their league match, 1-0 on the road, on Saturday with a goal from defender Gregory Cochrane.

The Battery are coming into the match having suffered just their second loss of the year, a 1-0 decision at the hands of unbeaten Rochester that ended a three-game win streak. The Battery defense has been impressive, allowing only two goals once so far through six games. Part of the success has been courtesy of goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra on loan from DC United.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Jose Cuevas was recognized for the opening week of the season, but has been a consistent contributer, remaining on the Season list for four more weeks after. Nicki Patterson has been on the Season list for the past two.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Reading United
OVERALL: 1-5-0, 0-4-0 away, 0-3-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
AS PDL: 1-3-0, 0-2-0 away, 0-3-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2001, 2003)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost 2-1 at Harrisburg City Islanders)
Charleston Battery
OVERALL: 22-11-4 (3-1 in PKs), 18-5-3 (2-1 in PKs) at home, 7-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 3-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), 3-1-0 at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (2008, lost 2-1 at DC United)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

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Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (USASA)
Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium; Boyds, Md.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Richmond wins … home vs. DC United (MLS)
If Aegean Hawks win … at DC United (MLS)

Aegean Hawks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:3 Aegean Hawks (USASA) [+] Recap
Richmond Kickers’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Hawks are coming off their first victory in the tournament in three appearances. Danny Larrabee scored twice to give the club the commanding lead, which stood for the win with the two sides exchanging goals in the final minutes.

Last year, the Kickers were hands down the story of the tournament, becoming the first club to win back-to-back road games against Major League Soccer teams, downing the Columbus Crew, 2-1, and blanking Sporting Kansas City, 2-0, in their new stadium to become the third team from the third division to reach the semifinals, where they fell, 2-1, to Chicago Fire. The current campaign could be simply described as mediocrity as they come into the match with four consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result in Pittsburgh Friday on a goal from Matthew Delicate.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Defender Sascha Goerres and midfielder Stanley Nyazamba were recognized for great performances the first two weeks. Nyazamba remained on the Season list through Week 3 with another goal, but the Kickers have struggled since.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Richmond Kickers
OVERALL: 22-12-1 (1-0 in PKs), 4-9-1 (1-0 in PKs) away, 6-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
AS USL PRO: 11-6-0, 3-6-0 away, 2-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1995 US Open Cup Champions (Drew 1-1 at El Paso Patriots, won in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Semifinals, lost 2-1 at Chicago Fire)
Aegean Hawks
OVERALL: 1-2-0, 1-0-0 at home, 0-2-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2007, 2009)
LAST ENTRY: 2009 (Round 1, lost 1-0 at Real Maryland Monarchs)

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Georgia Revolution (NPSL)
RYSA Soccerplex; Conyers, Ga.; 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online Video
Round 3 scenarios:
If Atlanta wins … home vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS) on May 30
If Georgia wins … at Seattle Sounders (MLS) on May 29

Georgia Revolution’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Mississippi Brilla (PDL) 0:1 (AET) Georgia Revolution (NPSL) [+] Recap
Atlanta Silverbacks’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

For the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present) we have a battle between two teams from the state of Georgia. A ‘Georgia derby’ featuring the NPSL’s Georgia Revolution who will host the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks. Ironically, this will be the first of two matches against the Revolution and the Silverbacks, as Atlanta’s NPSL reserve side will host their suburban counterparts on Saturday. A Hailab Habtom goal just before the end of the first extra time period sealed the deal for Georgia, as they beat the Mississippi Brilla in the First Round. Georgia comes into the match with a 2-1 road victory against fellow Second Round participant Jacksonville United Saturday.

Atlanta is winless in the NASL at 0-4-4, but has a lot of Cup history on their side. They made the Fourth Round in 2004, and have only lost once to an amateur team (a 5-1 loss to the Des Moines Menace in 2005). This will be their first appearance since 2008, after being on hiatus in 2009 & 2010, then sitting through the NASL hiatus of last season. The Silverbacks suffered their fourth consecutive defeat over the weekend, falling at home to Tampa Bay. The positive news, though, was the team ended a three-game scoreless run with a pair of goals from defender Shane Moroney.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forward Reinaldo Navia was recognized twice for big performances in Weeks 2 and 4. He remained on the Season list, but has slipped since his run of five goals in three games.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Atlanta Silverbacks
OVERALL: 4-6-2 (1-1 in PKs), 1-3-2 (1-1 in PKs) away, 3-1-1 (1-0 in PKs) vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2004, lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2008 (Round 2, lost 1-0 at Miami FC)
Georgia Revolution
OVERALL: 1-0-0, 1-0-0 at home, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: 2012 is their first entry
LAST ENTRY: 2012 is their first entry

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Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.; 7:35 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USLNation.com (video)
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner will play at Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Brooklyn Italians’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) 3:2 GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) [+] Recap
Rochester Rhinos’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Italians, a two-time US Open Cup champion (1979, 1991), enter the Second Round with their first tournament victory in three appearances as an NPSL team. They defeated fellow amateur side GPS Portland Phoenix They also picked up a 2-1 road victory against New York Athletic Club Saturday in league play.

They stay in the state to face the 1999 tournament champion Rochester Rhinos, who have been nearly perfect this season. After starting the season with six shutouts, the Rhinos gave up their first goal after 568 minutes in a 1-1 draw at home against winless Dayton. The one drawback to the great start has been the limited offense as they have scored two goals only once.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht has steadily climbed to number 1 on the Season list over the past four weeks, and finally earned a Weekly nod in Week 6 along with defender Jack Traynor. JC Banks is a new addition to the Season list, having been a consistent contributor in the club’s limited offense with a goal or assist in five of their seven matches.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Brooklyn Italians
OVERALL: 1-2-0, 1-2-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2010, 2011)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, lost 2-1 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms)
Rochester Rhinos
OVERALL: 27-13-5 (3-2 in PKs), 22-6-4 (2-2 in PKs) at home, 9-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: 1999 US Open Cup champions (Defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire)

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Ventura County Fusion (PDL) at Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO)
Hal Shurbeck Field, Fullerton College; Fullerton, Calif.; 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Online radio
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Ventura County wins … at Chivas USA (MLS)
If Los Angeles wins … home vs. Chivas USA (MLS)

Ventura County Fusion’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 6:2 (AET) Fullerton Rangers (NPSL) [+] Recap
Los Angeles Blues’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Ventura County travels to Fullerton to play the Los Angeles Blues with revenge on their minds. The two sides met last year in the Open Cup Second Round as well, with the Blues getting a 1-0 victory on the road. Fresh off a four-goal explosion in extra time against the Fullerton Rangers, the Fusion will try to repay the favor and steal a road win. The Fusion are in third in the PDL’s Southwest Division with a 2-1-1 record and are three points behind the leading Fresno Fuego, but have a game in hand. The Fusion come into the match having posted two shutout wins at home over the weekend against Ogden and Pali Blues, LA’s PDL side.

The Blues sit in fourth place in USL Pro with a 3-2-1 record, but have notched victories in both road games this year. Should they get past the Fusion, they also have revenge of sorts to look forward to. After falling 2-1 against the LA Galaxy last year, the winner will face the other area MLS team, Chivas USA. However, as last week proved, looking ahead for even a minute can prove costly. The Blues were idle over the weekend, but come into the match unbeaten in their last four (3-0-1).

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Forward Bright Dike has made a splash since joining on loan from the Portland Timbers, receiving recognition in Week 6. The striker, however, is returning to Portland this week for the club’s friendly versus Valencia, but has been confirmed to be available for the next round according to coach Charlie Naimo, who is coaching five games this week for the multiple Blues sides.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Ventura County Fusion
OVERALL: 2-1-1 (0-1 in PKs), 1-0-0 away, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2011, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. Los Angeles Blues)
Los Angeles Blues
OVERALL: 2-1-0, 1-0-0 at home, 2-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2011, lost 2-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 3, lost 2-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2011 Round 2 – Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro) 1:0 Ventura County Fusion (PDL)

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Laredo Heat (PDL) at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Blossom Athletic Center; San Antonio, Texas; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner hosts Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Laredo Heat’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: ASC New Stars (USASA) 2:4 (AET) Laredo Heat (PDL) [+] Recap
San Antonio Scorpions’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Deep in the south of Texas, two teams without much of an Open Cup record will do battle. The Laredo Heat, whose only previous tournament match was a penalty shootout loss to Dallas Roma FC, which jump-started Roma’s amazing run to the fourth round. Laredo is in fourth place in the PDL’s Mid-South division with a 1-1-0 record, and come into the match with a 2-1 victory over fellow Second Round participant El Paso Patriots in league play Friday with Ernesto Serrato talling a goal and an assist for a two-goal advantage..

The San Antonio Scorpions are an expansion team in the NASL.The Scorpions are 4-1-2 in the NASL, including 2-1-1 at home, their sole loss being a 4-0 setback to league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders. The club is currently one of the hottest in the league with a five-game unbeaten streak. They picked up a fourth consecutive win Saturday by blanking Edmonton, 2-0, with Jonathan Greenfield providing a goal and assist.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Pablo Campos has been recognized on two occasions and goalkeeper Pat Hannigan once. Hannigan, though, has since been replaced by Darryl Sattler in goal, who has allowed just one goal in four games, getting a spot on the Season list.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Laredo Heat
OVERALL: 1-0-1 (0-1 in PKs), 0-0-0 away, 0-0-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 1 (2006, drew 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, lost in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2006 (Round 1, drew 2-2 vs. Dallas Roma FC, lost in PKs 4-2)
San Antonio Scorpions
OVERALL: First entry into the US Open Cup
BEST FINISH: First entry into the US Open Cup
LAST ENTRY: First entry into the US Open Cup

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Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL)
Valley Stadium; Des Moines, Iowa; 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
If Des Moines wins … at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
If Minnesota wins … home vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Des Moines Menace’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: Des Moines Menace (PDL) 3:1 (AET) Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL) [+] Recap
Minnesota Stars FC’s 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

The Des Moines Menace survived a marathon game in Milwaukee, winning 3-1 in extra time after a weather delay. Their reward was to come home to Valley Stadium to host the third-year Minnesota Stars of the NASL. The Menace have a bit more history behind them, which includes a Fourth Round appearance in 2005 and a winning mark against Second Division teams. Des Moines is in second place in the PDL’s Heartland division at 2-2-1, with all but one game (a 1-0 loss to the Springfield Lions) at home. The Menace come into the match with a 3-2 victory Saturday against Kansas City with two goals from midfielder Luis Piffer and another from defender Brent Kallman.

The Stars have only played in the Open Cup once, making the Second Round in 2010; though the predecessor Thunder, which played at the same venue and feature some of the same management, have a lengthy US Open Cup history. The Stars are undefeated and in second place with a 4-0-3 NASL record, going 2-0-1 on the road. The reigning league playoff champions are the only unbeaten side in the league, and are coming into the match with a 3-1 road win in Fort Lauderdale with a goal and assist from Amani Walker.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel was recognized in Week 2 and Walker in Week 4, joining the Season list in Week 6 after two goals and two assists in four games, which he added to over the weekend.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Minnesota Stars FC
OVERALL: 1-1-0, 0-0-0 away, 1-0-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 2 (2010, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 2, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)
Des Moines Menace
OVERALL: 7-5-1 (1-0 in PKs), 4-2-1 (1-0 in PKs), 3-2-0 vs. Division 2 clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 4 (2005, lost 6-1 at Kansas City Wizards)
LAST ENTRY: 2010 (Round 1, lost 1-0 vs. AC St. Louis)

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Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
Patriots Stadium; El Paso, Texas; 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: None
Round 3 scenarios (May 29):
Winner plays at FC Dallas (MLS)

El Paso Patriots’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
Rd 1: NTX Rayados (USASA) 1:3 El Paso Patriots (PDL) [+] Recap
Charlotte Eagles’ 2012 US Open Cup results (home team on right):
First game of 2012 tournament

Runners-up to the Richmond Kickers in the 1995 tournament, the Patriots are one of the originals of the Modern Pro Era. They come into the contest with a 1-2-1 league record, suffering both losses over the weekend. They fell on the road Friday, 2-1, to fellow Second Round participant Laredo Heat and then were drubbed 6-1 in division-leading Austin Saturday.

The Eagles have been a mystery this season going without a goal in the first three games. They finally found offense, but continued to struggle defensively. The good news, though, is it appears the team has found its defensive form and has not allowed more than one goal in their past five games. Unfortunately, limited offense has led to a 2-2-1 record over that span including Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Wilmington on a goal from Darryl Roberts.

The Soccer Barn’s LD Five Stars: Joseph Kabwe was recognized in Week 5 for a pair of assists and Jorge Herrera is a breakout game away from making the Season list as he has been the most consistent threat.

Modern Pro Era Open Cup Records:
Charlotte Eagles
OVERALL: 5-9-0, 2-8-0 away, 5-1-0 vs. amateur clubs
BEST FINISH: Round 3 (2005, lost 3-2 AET vs. Chivas USA)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 2, lost 3-2 AET at Wilmington Hammerheads)
El Paso Patriots
OVERALL: 9-7-3 (1-2 in PKs), 8-5-3 (1-2 in PKs) at home, 2-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
AS PDL: 3-3-2 (1-1 in PKs), 3-1-2 (1-1 in PKs) at home, 0-1-0 vs. Division 3 clubs
BEST FINISH: Final (1995, drew 1-1 vs. Richmond Kickers, lost in PKs 4-2)
LAST ENTRY: 2011 (Round 1, drew 0-0 vs. Kitsap Pumas, lost in PKs 6-5)

Previous Open Cup Meetings (home team listed second):
2005 Round 2 – Charlotte Eagles (USL-2) 4:1 El Paso Patriots (PDL)

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