Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Maryland Bays

Forfeit helps Jersey Shore Boca qualify for US Open Cup for first time

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For the first time in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present), the state of New Jersey will have a representative in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but one would imagine this isn’t how they wanted it to happen.

After losing their “Win & You’re In” USASA Region I match against the New York Greek American Atlas, Boca had a second chance to get in to the Open Cup by squaring off against the other semifinal loser, the Maryland Bays in the third place match.

Jersey Shore were scheduled to host the match on Sunday, April 29, but TheCup.us has learned that the Maryland Bays have withdrawn from the match. Bays manager Bryan Bugarin was disappointed to pull out, but a combination of injuries and player availability, he said, would not allow him to field a full squad. Bugarin says his club will “definitely be back” next year as the Bays will attempt to become the first team since 1997 to win three straight Maryland Open Cup titles.

Boca are the first New Jersey team to qualify since 1995, and according to TheCup.us records, the last USASA team from the Garden State to participate in the Open Cup was FC Porto in 1993.

Normally each of the four regions is given two Open Cup berths, but this year the USASA was allowed nine places by  tournament organizer US Soccer Federation. It was decided that since more teams attempt to qualify from Region I than any other region, they would be awarded that extra spot.

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: NY Greek American Atlas, Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks emerge from USASA Region I

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UPDATE (4/27/12): The Maryland Bays have withdrawn from the third place match that (for the first time) will act as a “Win & You’re In” match for the US Open Cup. Because of the forfeit, Jersey Shore Boca become the first New Jersey club from the USASA to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Although there was a safety net with a second chance to qualify in the consolation contest next weekend, the USASA Region I Semifinals presented the four remaining clubs with a chance to claim their berths into the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with just one final victory. And experience won out on the day as the veteran Open Cup sides Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks and NY Greek American Atlas both posted 2-0 victories over clubs new looking to advance for the first time.

In a pair of border contests, the DC/Virginia champion Hawks blanked the Maryland Bays at the Maryland Soccerplex and the Greek Americans topped Jersey Shore Boca. Boca and the Bays were scheduled to determine the region’s third Open Cup berth with a third place match the following weekend, but Maryland withdrew due to injuries and lack of player availability. Jersey Shore become the first USASA club from New Jersey to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present).

The Hawks continue to be one of the powers of the region, remaining the only club from Virginia to qualify for the tournament more than once, reaching the Open Cup for the third time now in six years (2007, 2009).

Heavy rains forced a back-and-forth contest between the two sides that proved to hold even until a 40th minute corner kick. Sam Scales found Watson Vaughan Prather for a point-blank header to give the Hawks the lead. It was Prather’s second strike in as many games, tallying the second goal in the Region I First Round contest, a 3-1 victory over West Chester United three weeks ago. Scales previously scored himself in the team’s 3-1 victory over Club Atletico Virginia in the state championship.

Play opened in the second half and both clubs continued to have chances, including Maryland on set pieces that came agonizingly close to equalizing, particularly a ripped 35 yard shot that narrowly missed the post with 15 minutes remaining. As the Hawks began to transition to a conservative posture to hold the advantage, the Maryland pressure continued to increase only for naught.

With six minutes left second-half sub Gui Fonseca secured the victory with a brilliant individual effort. He took the ball 18 yards out and drove past two Maryland defenders before dancing along the end line and poking a shot past the keeper at the near post. Though he was a reserve on the night, Fonseca has been a star for the team in the qualifying campaign. He notched assists on all three goals in the state championship victory and added two more in the win in the Region I opener over West Chester United.

“This is an incredible achievement for us,” said Hawks manager Jon Knight. “We’re a pay-to-play organization and not many teams like us make it this far, so it says a lot about our team. We’re looking to get into the Second Round  this year, and I think we’re going to be tough to beat.”

On Randall’s Island in New York City, the New York Greek American Atlas, who have four US Open Cup titles to their credit (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974), returned to the tournament for the first time since 2005, with their win over Jersey Shore Boca.

The two teams battled to a scoreless draw at the half, but right out of the gate, the Greeks broke through in the 48th minute when Joe Ruesgen’s corner kick was volleyed in by former UMass player Ben Arikian to give the home team the lead.

New York Greek American Atlas: 4-time Open Cup champions (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974)

Later, around the 70th minute, New York would add a second when Chris Megaloudis, a Puerto Rican international who spent time with the New York Red Bulls, found Paul Shaw to make it 2-0. Shaw sent a through ball to Megaloudis in the corner, who then beat his defender, found space and crossed the ball back to Shaw, who put the ball into the back of the net at the six-yard box.

Shaw, who began his career in England with Arsenal in the early 90s, and playing for a number of European clubs before joining FC New York as a player/manager last year. In January, he accepted an assistant coaching job at Adelphi University.

Boca put on the pressure in the final 20 minutes, but the Greeks’ defense held on the clean sheet, led by former Harrisburg City Islander goalkeeper Tommy Booth, who currently coaches at LIU-Brooklyn.

“We are delighted to be back in the US Open Cup,” said Greek Americans player/manager Michael Todd.

New York advances to the Open Cup for the fourth time (1998, 2004, 2005, 2012) in the Modern Pro Era, and puts an Eastern New York team in the tournament for the third straight year and the sixth time in the last nine seasons (New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2008, 2010, 2011).  The Greeks emerged from the Eastern New York tournament, defeating the 4-time defending champion Pancyprian Freedoms in the final by a score of 4-0. New York then defeated Massachusetts champion Battery Park Gunners 2-0 with late goals from Megaloudis and Keith Detelj to reach Sunday’s match against Boca.

NY Greek American Atlas (East NY) 2:0 Jersey Shore Boca (NJ)
NY: Ben Arikian (Joe Ruesgen) – 48th minute
NY: Paul Shaw (Chris Megaloudis) – 70th minute

New York Greek Americans lineup:
Tommy Booth (GK), Danny Kramer, Tom Wharfe, Billy Hole, Joe Ruesgen (Diego Velasquez – 72′), Gary Flood (Michael Todd – 42′), Ben Arikian, Josh Troff, Arman Osooli, Chris Megaloudis, Keith Detelj (Paul Shaw – 65′)

Jersey Shore Boca lineup
Bobby Feeney (GK), Vasili Foukarakis, Andrew Cotrell, Tomas Banionis, John Carrozza (Christian Pontier – 80′), Andrew Hawtin, Dane Hodge, Ryan Sherman, Joe Selitto (Dan Pires – 45′), Simon Muckle (Chris Beekman – 45′), Michael Pezza (Nick Tarquino – 60′)

Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks 2:0 Maryland Bays
AH: Watson Vaughan Prather (Sam Scales) 40
AH: Gui Fonseca (Unassisted) 84

Aegean Hawks lineup:
Chris Fenner (GK), Mateus dos Anjos, Pat Selwood, James Kpainay, Devlin Barnes, Michael Goldman, Watson Vaughan Prather (Danny Irizarry – 65th), Sam Scales, Ernesto Marquez (Lonnie Carter – 75′), Scott Larrabee, Matt Ney (Gui Fonseca – 70′)

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup tournament

Round 1 (April 1)
Battery Park Gunners (Mass.) 0:2 NY Greek American Atlas (East NY) [+] Recap
West Chester United Predators (East PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA) [+] Recap

Semifinals (April 22)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) 0:2 NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) 0:2 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
NY Greek American Atlas, Aegean Hawks both qualify for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Third Place Game (April 29)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Jersey Shore Boca (NJ)
John Patrick Sports Complex – Lakewood, NJ – 2 p.m.
Winner qualifies for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup Qualifying: Aegean Hawks open Region I tourney with 3-1 win over West Chester United (Video)

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Hawks move onto cup-clinching semifinal contest
The Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks, champions from Metro DC/Virginia, began their quest to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for a third time in six years with an opening round victory Sunday in the USASA Region I tournament, downing  West Chester United Predators of Eastern Pennsylvania, 3-1.

It was a big victory for the Hawks, who will now host Maryland Bays on April in a “Win & You’re In” semifinal contest April 22. The club, which previously reached the Open Cup in 2007 and 2009, is one of three clubs from DC/VA that has qualified for the tournament a total of four times during the Modern Pro Era (1995-present). The others were Spartans SC (1995, Fairfax) and Mo’s Sport Shop (1996, McLean).

Maryland Bays will be looking to reverse their recent regional fortunes. They also won the Maryland Open Cup titles last year but were unable to qualify for the Open Cup. The state hasn’t had a representative in the tournament since 2006 (Allied SC).

Sunday’s match went into the second half still deadlocked at zeros until the 58th minute. A throw-in made its way to Gui Fonseca, who delivered a through ball for David Rosenbaum, who drove toward the keeper and blasted a shot to his right.

“Scoring first was important in this game,” said Hawks manager Jon Knight. “They would have been difficult to break down had they gone ahead, so Rosenbaum’s strike was critical.”

Back-to-back goals in three minutes gave the Hawks firm control with 15 minutes remaining.

Sam Scales, coming up the right wing, delivered the ball inside to Fonseca, who laid it off to Watson Vaughan-Prather. Noticing the keeper was off his line, Vaughan-Prather struck a dipping shot into the upper right corner to double the advantage in the 73rd.

Two minutes later an own goal pushed West Chester’s deficit to three. Crashing in on goal, Erwin Diaz sent a ball across the goal to an onrushing teammate. A Predators defender got to the ball first, however, his slide tackle attempt to intercept the pass sent the ball into the net instead.

In the 79th minute West Chester would spoil the shutout when Dom Popolizio finished off a play that began with a free kick at midfield with a looping shot over the keeper.

“I don’t think we played that well; and there is a lot of room for improvement before we face the Bays, who took two of three from us last year,” concluded Knight. “We have to be better in transition on both sides of the ball. Being one step away from the Open Cup will be taken very seriously and we’ll make sure we are ready.”

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup – First Round
Maryland Soccerplex (Field #8) – Boyds, Md. – 2 p.m.

West Chester United Predators 1:3 Aegean Hawks

AH: David Rosenbaum (Gui Fonseca) – 58th minute
AH: Watson Vaughan-Prather (Gui Fonseca) – 73rd minute
AH: Own goal – 75th minute
WU: Dom Popolizio – 79th minute

LINEUPS:
Aegean Hawks: Chris Fenner; Devlin Barnes, Mateus Dos Anjos, Pat Selwood, James Kpainay (Alan Golden 40); Mike Goldman, Watson Vaughan-Prather, Sam Scales, Erwin Diaz; Scott Larrabee (Dave Rosenbaum 55), Gia Fonseca (Jordan Evans 75)
West Chester: Not Available

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup tournament

Round 1 (April 1)
Game 1: Battery Park Gunners (Mass.) 0:2 NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Game 2: West Chester United Predators (East PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)

Semifinals (April 22)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) at NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
Semifinal winners qualify for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Third Place Game (April 29)
Semifinal loser vs. Semifinal loser
Winner qualifies for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays top Charm City 3-1, repeat as USASA state champions

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WOODBINE – The Maryland Bays are heading back to the USASA Region I qualifying tournament for the second time in as many years after defeating local rivals Charm City by the score of 3-1.  In winning, the Bays secured their berth in the Region I tournament at the expense of Charm City, as in 2011, when they defeated Charm City by the score of 5-1.

The outcome of the game was never really in doubt this year either as the Bays opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Mike Gill beat Charm City keeper Mike Sevehla. He received the ball from Man of the Match Powell Cucciella near the penalty spot and fired it in from point blank range.

Cucciella had a hand in all three goals, setting up Antonio Bua in the 22nd when he delivered a long ball over the top that caught forward Bua in stride. Bua proceeded to outmuscle the last defender and loop a deft ball off the outstretched fingertips of Sevehla and take the 2-0 lead.

The Bays kept their foot on the gas and at 40 minutes were rewarded for the effort when center mid Lucas Emil slotted a pass from the edge of the box to a breaking Cucciella, who slid in with the ball from the six and put the game effectively out of reach by the half.

The wind was a factor in the second half with Charm City the beneficiary. But although Charm City dominated second half possession, the Bays kept their shape in the back and allowed few real scoring chances.

Finally, in the 80th minute, Charm City got on the board via a 25 yard blast from center mid Dan Lader, who beat Bays keeper Phil Latham with a low rocket inside the near post. It was too little, too late for Charm City as the Bays triumphed 3-1 to advance to the USASA US Open Cup Region I Qualifying Tournament.

Maryland received a first round bye in the regionals and await the winner of the April 1 game between Eastern Pennsylvania’s champion West Chester United Predators and Metro DC/Virginia title holder Aegean Hawks.  The Bays will be on the road for the semifinal match, tentatively scheduled for April 29, with the winner advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Related: Semifinal Recap [+]

Maryland USASA US Open Cup Qualifying State Tournament Final
Western Regional Park – Woodbine, MD
Sunday March 4, 2012

Maryland Bays 3:1 Charm City

MB: Mike Gill (Powell Cucciella) 12
MB: Antonio Bua (Powell Cucciella) 22
MB: Powell Cucciella (Lucas Emil) 40
CC: Dan Lader 80

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: USASA Region I format set as Massachusetts, New Jersey crown their champions (Updated)

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UPDATES:
(3/24/12) Dates changed for Region I tournament / Third Place match (3/27/12): Massachusetts and New Jersey crown their champions.

Six teams will take part in the 2012 USASA Region I Open Cup tournament with three entries into the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on the line in addition to a spot in the USASA National Finals. This year marks the first time in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present) that one of the four USASA regions will submit more than two teams.

In January, the United States Soccer Federation announced the numbers of USASA entries in 2012 would increase from eight to nine, and the USASA decided the ninth team would come from Region I due to the fact that more teams attempt to qualify for the Open Cup from the Northeast than the rest of the regions.

The tournament, which will begin April 1, will feature six teams from six different state associations: Metro DC/Virginia, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The traditional bracket will feature three rounds with Maryland and New Jersey’s state champions receiving byes to the semifinals. How the two byes were determined is unknown at this time.

Already qualified for the Region I tournament are NY Greek American Atlas (East NY), Maryland Bays (MD), West Chester United Predators (East PA) and Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks.

Regular Open Cup qualification contender Aegean Hawks will host the Predators, first-time Eastern PA title holders, in one of the two First Round contests scheduled for April 1. The winner will advance to the semifinals to face the Maryland Bays, who defeated Charm City FC in the Maryland final. The semifinals are set for April 22.

The other First Round contest will feature the four-time US Open Cup champion NY Greek American Atlas (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974) playing host to the yet-to-be-determined champion from Massachusetts. The winner of that contest will move on to the semifinals to play against the champion from New Jersey.

The Bay State is scheduled to crown a champion on Saturday, March 24 when Mass Premier Soccer squares off with the Battery Park Gunners. Also on March 24, New Jersey’s Open Cup final will pit Go Soccer FC against Jersey Shore Boca.

The two teams who fall short in the semifinals will play each other in a third place match on April 29 to determine the remaining US Open Cup berth.

UPDATE: Jersey Shore Boca captured the New Jersey state title, 5-4 in penalties, after a 1-1 draw and Battery Park Gunners captured the Massachusetts championship with a 2-1 victory.

2012 USASA Region I Open Cup tournament

Round 1 (April 1)
Game 1: Battery Park Gunners (Mass.) at NY Greek American Atlas (East NY)
Game 2: West Chester United Predators (East PA) at Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)

Semifinals (April 22)
Jersey Shore Boca (NJ) at Game 1 winner
Maryland Bays (MD) at Game 2 winner
Semifinal winners qualify for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Third Place Game (April 29)
Semifinal loser vs. Semifinal loser
Winner qualifies for 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Charm City, Maryland Bays advance to USASA Maryland final rematch

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An experienced Charm City squad was a 3-1 winner over a strong but young Baltimore Juniors team on Sunday paving the way for their entrance into the US Open Cup Maryland state final March 4. On the other side of the bracket the defending champion Maryland Bays blanked Christos FC, 2-0, in the second match of the semifinal doubleheader at Western Regional Park in Woodbine despite using a field player in goal for the overtime affair.

The championship pairing in two weeks’ time will be a rematch of the 2011 final between Charm City and the Maryland Bays, a pair of clubs that have been to the past two Region I tournaments, respectively, as representatives for the state.

Charm City capped a hard fought first 45 against Baltimore Juniors when Scott Zakroski delivered a picturesque volley into the upper corner off a Lou Brunetti cross in first half stoppage time to give Charm City the momentum going into the half.

The game, however, got chippy after the break, including Ben Pardew being taken down in the penalty area.  Baltimore Juniors’ Dan Martinnsen was ejected for the foul as it was a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity, but Charm Cmarity missed the kick from the spot when Baltimore Juniors keeper Tom Durkin tipped the shot wide.

Not to be deterred, Charm City kept their foot on the gas and came right back down the field. Wiji Jones delivered a perfect cross, his third assist in two games, and Tommy Appel-Schumacher headed it in for the 2-0 advantage on 62 minutes.

Baltimore got one back in the 80th minute when Andrew Stoenfeld hammered in a free kick from distance.

A chance at equalizing was dashed though for Baltimore when Wiji Jones, showing a penchant for game sealers, tapped home his second late goal in as many weeks. It was the result of a strong individual effort from Luke Pardew beating his defender down the end line and going hard in the box before finding Jones for the tap in for a 3-1 win, giving Charm City an aggregate score of 12-2 over the opposition through two rounds of play having won 9-1 the week before.

While the first match was clinched for certainty in the late stages, the second contest went the distance as the Bays and Christos played to a scoreless stalemate for 90 minutes. The Bays would advance through to the final with a pair of strikes in the final three minutes of overtime.

The deadlock ended in the 117th minute via an Andrew Gillis goal, deep in the second overtime assisted by Will Beckman.

The scoring was capped off by a Jon Ports empty netter as the Christos goal was open after the whole team had pushed up in search of an equalizer in the waning seconds.

Christos had their chances in the second half, but failed to capitalize while the Bays displayed the form that delivered them the 2011 State Open Cup title.  Making the victory all the more impressive for the Bays was that they did it without an established goalkeeper.  Matt Beale played in goal for the Bays, a change from his usual role as a defensive outside midfielder.  According to coach Bryan Bugarin, regular keeper Phil Latham is expected to be back in goal for the final.

Bugarin used to play for Christos himself before the Bays were formed in 2009 as a result of a reunion of a group of talented post-collegiate players who rose together through the youth ranks.

“The players’ comfort with each other shows on the field.” said Bugarin. It is certainly reflected in the clubs all-time record of 69-7-6.

The final is a rematch of last year’s championship clash, a game that went 5-1 in favor of the Bays courtesy of four Marco Mangione goals.  The Bays will be without Mangione this time around as he signed with GD Tourizense of the Segunda Divisao (Portuguese third division) in January.

It is the third consecutive year in which Charm City has reached the final, though in 2010 the state skipped the contest and sent both finalists directly onto the Region I tournament without crowning a singular champion.

Charm City player/coach Pat Crawford is looking forward to the challenge. “The Bays won the league last fall with a 14-0-2 record, they are well coached, are always technically sound, and I’m sure they will be looking to get back at us after we beat them 3-0 in the fall,” he said of the opposition.

The championship game will be held on March 4 at the same field where the rest of the games have been held: Western Regional Park (Field #5) in Woodbine.

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD
Sunday, Feb.  19, 2012

Charm City 3:1 Baltimore Juniors
CC: Scott Zakroski (Lou Brunetti) 45
CC: Tommy Appel-Schumacher (Wiji Jones) 62
BJ: Andrew Stoenfeld 80
CC: Wiji Jones (Luke Pardew) 89

Maryland Bays 2:0 (AET) Christos FC
MB: Andrew Gillis (Will Beckman) 117
MB: Jon Ports 120

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: USASA Maryland Qualifying down to four with Christos FC, Charm City wins

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Christos FC and Charm City emerged victorious in the first round of the Maryland state tournament in 2012 US Open Cup qualifying action.  Christos moves on to play Maryland Bays in the semifinals while Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC.  The semis will take place at Western Regional Park, Field #5 on Sunday February 19.

Christos and the Bays will be kicking things off at 11 a.m. with the Charm City contest against Baltimore Juniors following immediately after at approximately 1 p.m. The state championship match will be held two weeks later, March 4, at the same location at 1 p.m.

Christos FC defeated Baltimore Kickers 3-1 in the opening round this past Sunday amid tough conditions and a frozen pitch with temperatures below freezing.  With winds gusting at 25 miles per hour, it was a rough going in the first half. Christos, however, carried the run of play throughout and were rewarded for their efforts via a goal from Benny Kujawa.

Ryan Sears knotted the game at 1-1 when he connected for Baltimore.

In the second half Christos made their superior quality felt and cashed in on chances from Glenn Leitch and Daniel Ankrah to take the 3-1 win.  Christos moves on to face 2011 Maryland US Open Cup champion Maryland Bays.

On the other side of the bracket, Charm City manhandled a thoroughly outclassed and inexperienced Juniors United FC side, making their USASA Open Cup debut. The match finished 9-1, even with Charm City making six substitutions at the half.

Open Cup competition proved to be too big a step up in quality from the Cosmopolitan League for Junior United, and credit to Charm City for handling themselves with class throughout.

Charm City opened the scoring on the eight-minute mark with Noah Merl slotting home a goal from Scott Zakroski.  The tone was set. After Pat Crawford connected in the 14th and Lou Burnetti in the 32nd, Tarik Walker slammed a penalty kick home from the spot to head to the break up 4-0.

Josh Robinson and Ben Delisle each tallied twice for Charm City in the second half and Wiji Jones got in on the action in the 81st minute as well.

Juniors United’s lone tally was a penalty.  Charm City will take on Baltimore Juniors FC in the second game of the semifinals this Sunday.

Maryland USASA Open Cup First Round

Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC 3:1 Baltimore Kickers

Christos: Benny Kujawa
Baltimore: Ryan Sears
Christos: Glenn Leitch
Christos: Daniel Ankrah

Charm City 9:1 Juniors United FC

Charm City: Noah Merl (Scott Zakroski) 8
Charm City: Pat Crawford (Mike Svhela) 14
Charm City: Lou Burnetti (Noah Merl) 32
Charm City: Tarik Walker penalty 45
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Wiji Jones) 66
Charm City: Josh Robinson (Wiji Jones) 67
Charm City: Ben Delisle (Josh Robinson) 73
Charm City: Wiji Jones (Todd Clingan) 81
Juniors United: Josh Robinson penalty 89

Maryland USASA Open Cup Semifinals
Sunday, February 19
Western Regional Park, – Woodbine, MD

Christos FC vs. Maryland Bays – 11 a.m.
Baltimore Juniors FC vs. Charm City FC – 1 p.m.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Home clubs sweep quarterfinals of USASA Region I tournament (Video)

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New York Pancyprian Freedoms vs. Danbury United
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms (blue) defeated Connecticut's Danbury United 4-0 at St. John's University. Photo: Nick Laveglia | The Borough Boys

Home field proved to be a deciding factor on the day as each of the four hosts were victorious in the Quarterfinals of USASA Region I qualifying for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Sunday afternoon. Moving onto the Semifinals were Go Soccer FC (NJ), Mass Premier Soccer (MA), NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY) and Phoenix SC (East PA).

Dan Rudolph and Julio Cesar DoSantos were stars on the day, scoring twice each to lead their clubs to victories that will now bring them head-to-head. Rudolph’s brace gave MPS a 4-1 win over East Providence Sports (RI) while DoSantos’ double added another chapter to his fantastic career while guiding the Freedoms to a 4-0 shutout against Danbury United (CT). Phoenix Sports Club needed overtime to edge the Maryland Bays 3-2 and Go Soccer rallied with two second half goals to down Club Atletico Virginia in a 2-1 decision (Video highlights below).

With the win, Mass Premier will face the N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms on May 22 in Lancaster for the Region I USASA semifinals of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament. In the another “Win & You’re In” match, Go Soccer FC will play host to Phoenix SC.

Mass Premier Soccer downs East Providence Sports 4-1
Report by Brian O’Connell | New England Soccer Today

LANCASTER, Mass. – Dan Rudolph’s two strikes against East Providence Sports helped advance Mass Premier Soccer to the USASA Region I Semifinals of the US Open Cup qualifying tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory at Citizens Bank Fields at Prongin Park Sunday afternoon.

Rudolph, who gave MPS the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute, added another in first half stoppage time while Andrew Hench and Derek Stenquist each picked up a goal in the 35th minute and second half stoppage time, respectively. A 44th minute strike from Armando Gomes gave East Providence its only measure of success on the afternoon.

Despite the scoreline, it was East Providence that appeared ready and able to find the board first. In the opening minutes, the guests had made a number of runs into their host’s half and earned a trio of corner kicks before the 10th minute. But, it was all for naught as each chance went begging.

By the half hour mark, MPS began to probe the East Providence end, testing keeper James Underhill with a couple of dangerous shots. Underhill withstood the attacks until the 32nd minute, when Rudolph nodded a cross through for the opening goal.

Minutes after Rudolph’s header, MPS stormed into the attacking third, where Hench helped himself to the second goal of the game inside the area at the 35th minute.

East Providence, who’s attacking spirit had left them empty-handed going into halftime, were stunned. Down two goals with the interval approaching, Gomes took possession in the middle of the park, beat a pair of defenders, and with only the goalkeeper ahead, slid it through to cut the lead in half at the 44th minute.

Any hopes of heading into the break down a single goal evaporated moments later when Rudolph emerged from a scramble in front of the East Providence net to bury his second goal of the game in stoppage time.

Mass Premier Soccer: 2011 Massachusetts Open Cup champions
Mass Premier Soccer: 2011 Massachusetts Open Cup champions

Entering the second frame staring at a 3-1 deficit, East Providence went from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 formation, hoping to find better success in the attacking third.

But, after coming up empty-handed following a series of chances, frustration began to mount. At the 57th minute, a hard challenge near the center circle fueled a midfield scuffle. East Providence’s Rui Fortes and MPS’s Tony Tornaritis were each given straight red cards for their roles, leaving each team with 10 men.

In the 76th minute, East Providence nearly cut the deficit again when Kyle Texeira sent a spectacular free kick that screamed over the paw of keeper Nick Christman before it continued over the bar.

Sending numbers forward in the remaining minutes, East Providence desperately sought any chances they could find. But, as a result, their defense was painfully exposed when MPS counter-attacked in stoppage time as Stenquist broke free and coolly finished it to find goal number four.

Freedoms blank Danbury United 4-0 in New York
Report by Nick Laveglia | The Borough Boys

QUEENS, NY — The New York Pancyprian Freedoms moved onto the next round of the US Open Cup qualifying with a 4-0 win over Danbury United today in Queens, New York fueled by a man advantage and a pair of goals from longtime club star Julio Cesar DoSantos.

The Pancyprian Freedoms, three-time winners of the tournament, are one win away from returning to the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. Photo: Nick Laveglia | The Borough Boys

The first half saw some chances, including a Freedoms header just wide of goal in the 32nd minute, but the game really did not pick up in action until the 35th minute when Danbury United’s Michael Mingione was sent off for a challenge on a New York defender.

The ejection opened the door for the Freedoms to take over the game, and they did.

In the 40th minute, former two-time USL Second Division (pro third division) Most Valuable Player and Scoring Champion DoSantos opened up the scoring with a header to put the Freedoms up 1-0, which they would take into the intermission.

New York came out of the dressing room looking to put Danbury away and nearly did 10 minutes in only to see the shot fly off the post.

Despite the best efforts of Danbury to get the equalizer, the flood gates opened in the 65th as the Freedoms were awarded a penalty. Stefan Dimitrov stepped to the spot and converted.

Ahead 2-0, New York did not let up on its opposition as just two minutes later John Koutsounadis put in the third goal.

Another New York attempt was volleyed off the post in the 75th minute before the easy victory was capped off in the 84th minute as man of the match DoSantos netted his second.

The Freedoms advance to the next round to play at Mass Premier on May 22 in a “Win & You’re In” match. New York, who has won the tournament three times (1980, 1982, 1983), is looking to return to the competition for the second year in a row and the fifth time in the Professional Era (1995-present).

Go Soccer FC rallies to top Club Atletico Virginia 2-1

Go Soccer FCBRIDGEWATER, NY – The only home club to trail on the day in Region I Quarterfinal action, Go Soccer FC tallied twice in the second half to beat the Metro DC/VA champion Club Atletico Virginia 2-1 to secure a spot in the Semifinals.

After a cautious opening few minutes, Go Soccer created the first chance with a long ball over the defense from Bryan Oelkers to Dom Paolella forcing a point blank kick save from the CAV keeper and again 10 minutes later after making a first save the CAV keeper denied Paolella again on the rebounded effort with a low diving save. Shortly after, the keeper came up big again when Brian Davis’ header off a corner kick was saved.

The hosts found themselves behind 14 minutes into the contest when a shot from John Carson from 45 yards out surprised and floated over goalkeeper Joe Roth’s reach to give Club Atletico Virginia the initial advantage.

The visitors looked to take advantage of the surprise, forcing Roth to make a diving save just another five minutes later.

The hosts engaged in their first series of pressure on the Virginian side with five minutes remaining in the half. A Go Soccer free kick from the top of the box that was initially cleared out was sent over the goal on a follow-up shot in the 40th minute and two minutes later a corner kick led to a shot that Fabio Andrade pushed over the crossbar.

Go Soccer FC vs. Club Atletico Virginia – 1st half highlights (Video by Go Soccer FC)

It took very little time for the hosts to continue the offensive in the second half. Seeking an equalizer Chase Barbieri sent a shot wide left two minutes into the second stanza and in the 51st minute got his foot on a corner that was saved at the near post.

Around the 60th minute, Bryan Oelkers won a tackle on the left sideline and passed it off to Barbieri who drilled a low shot from about 25 yards to the far post, just under the keeper’s reach to level the score at 1-1 (2:53 of the video highlights)

The pace of the game changed after that goal and the Reds created several opportunities, but could not finish them off. A cross from Matt Heitmann was almost headed home by Paolella from the penalty spot, but the CAV keeper came off his line to get a hand to it, and gobbled up the loose ball right after.

CAV had a golden opportunity on back-to-back free kicks from just outside the box, but Roth came up big once again to keep the score tied.

Finally, the game-winner would come in the 87th minute (5:15 mark of the video highlights) when a Go Soccer free kick was headed out by a CAV defender. The ball wasn’t cleared out far enough as Dennis Maldonado took the ball out of the air on the right side of the box and volleyed a shot that went off the far post. After the ball smacked off the post, Heitman tracked it down and found enough space on the near side to fire a shot that beat the keeper to the near post to send the New Jersey champions to the Semifinals.

Go Soccer FC vs. Club Atletico Virginia – 2nd half highlights (Video by Go Soccer FC)

Phoenix SC holds off Maryland Bays in overtime to earn first-ever Open Cup regional win
(Still awaiting details from Maryland Bays)

FEASTERVILLE, PA – The visiting Maryland Bays made a valiant comeback from a two-goal halftime deficit to force extra time in Pennsylvania only to see the home side Phoenix Sports Club come away the victors, 3-2.

The Eastern Pennsylvania champions got off on the right foot with a goal in the 15th minute. Phoenix was pressuring Maryland’s end of the field when the ball was played into the penalty area. It came back out to the top of the 18 where Scott Rowling was waiting for it. Rowling fired a low-driving shot into the back of the net to strike first blood.

Later in the half, it was a case of teamwork and persistence as Danny Murtagh was sent in behind the defense after a nice 1-2 sequence in midfield. Murtagh found himself one on one with the Maryland keeper and took the shot. The goalkeeper stood tall, stopping the shot, but the ball deflected right back to Murtagh, went off his knee and past the goalkeeper for the second goal.

In the second half, the Bays leveled the match. After a cross came in on the left side, Phoenix goalkeeper Tony Pratico came off his line and attempted to swat the ball out of danger. However, the ball found it’s way through to the right wing where Bryan Moffa was making a well-timed run, and he put it into the back of the net.

Later in the half, Phoenix took a throw-in deep in their own territory. The throw was stolen by Maryland’s Chris Ports who dribbled through two defenders into the left side of the penalty area and beat the keeper with an impressive shot with his left foot into the far upper right hand corner.

Both teams created chances down the stretch, but the match would have to be decided in extra time. In the seventh minute of the extra session, Phoenix made a run down the right side and crossed the ball in but it deflected off a Maryland defender’s hand and earning a penalty kick for the hosts. Team captain Bobby Francis stepped up and buried the PK to put Phoenix up 3-2.

Maryland did everything they could to equalize and nearly did in the final minutes. With everyone back defending, the Bays forced Pratico to make an acrobatic save. He was unable to control the rebound and the ball deflected off a Maryland player, and rolled just wide of the post.

The win marks the first US Open Cup qualifying win for Phoenix SC at the regional level. Last year, they won their first-ever Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup title, but lost to the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the opening round. This year, they defended their Eastern PA title, beat CAV, and are now one win away from their first trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. To accomplish that they will have to play at Go Soccer FC (NJ) on May 22.

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Maryland Bays (MD) 2:3 (AET) Phoenix SC (East PA)
Phoenix Sports Club (Feasterville, Pa.) – 2 p.m.

Scoring Summary
PHO: Scott Rowling (Unassisted) – 15th minute
PHO: Danny Murtagh (Unassisted) – 40th minute
MAR: Bryan Moffa – 65th minute
MAR: Chris Ports – 75th minute
PHO: Bobby Francis (PK) – 97th minute

Lineups
Maryland Bays: Ryan Hock (GK), Nino Mangione (Evan Scheffey), Matt Shell, Matt Beckman, Josh Taylor, BJ Quigley (Lucas Emil), Tim Lane, Chris Ports (Matt Beale), Bryan Moffa, Marco Mangione, Jon Ports

Phoenix SC: Tony Pratico (GK), Pat Dillon, Jack Pocorobba, Ryan Kelly, Danny Murtagh, Nick Pittaoulis, Frebole Kamara, Scott Rowling, Bobby Francis, Greg Mangels, Ben Castor | Subs: Ryan Soroka, Tom McNeil, Virginijus Anusauskas


East Providence Sports (RI) 1:4 Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Citizen Bank Fields at Progin Park – Field #6 (Lancaster, Mass.) – 1 p.m.

Scoring Summary
MPS: Dan Rudolph – 32nd minute
MPS: Andrew Hench – 35th minute
EPS: Armando Gomes – 44th minute
MPS: Dan Rudolph – 45th minute+
MPS: Derek Stenquist – 90th minute+

Lineups unavailable

Danbury United (CT) 0:4 NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s University) – 2 p.m.

Scoring Summary
NY: Julio Cesar DoSantos 40
NY: Stefan Dimitrov pen. 65
NY: John Koutsounadis 67
NY: Julio Cesar DoSantos 84

Discipline
DAN: Michael Mingione (red) 35

Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) 1:2 Go Soccer FC (NJ)
Torpey Athletic Complex (Bridgewater, NJ) – 1 p.m.

Scoring Summary
CAV: John Carson (Javier Castro) – 14th minute
GOS: Chase Barbieri – 60th minute
GOS: Matthew Heitmann – 89th minute

Lineups
CA Virginia: Fabio Andrade, Nikolay Aleksandrov, Javier Castro, Jordan Cullinane, Matt Davis, Dave Leon, Bryant Meckley, Matt Miller, Ryan Rich, Andrew Stadler, Kevin Tangney

Go Soccer FC: Dan Roth, Matt Heitmann, Chad Barbieri, Bryan Davis, Edgardo Alfaro, Bryan Oelkers, Dennis Maldonado, Justin Kamine, Steve Mellen, Chase Barbieri, Dominic Paolella


Semifinals (May 22)*
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY) at Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Phoenix SC (East PA) at Go Soccer FC (NJ)

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Marco Mangione helps Maryland Bays complete Region I field with Maryland title

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The Maryland Bays are headed to their first Region I tournament with a 5-1 win over Charm City FC in the Maryland Open Cup championship game. Marco Mangione was the story of the night, scoring four of Maryland’s five goals, to put his team two wins away from qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Bays move on to the USASA Region I finals where they will travel to face Eastern Pennsylvania champion Phoenix SC on May 1. The winner of that match will play either Go Soccer FC (New Jersey) or Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) for one of the region’s two Open Cup berths on May 22.

Charm City came out firing in the opening 15 minutes, putting pressure on the Maryland backline, but after weathering the storm, it was the Bays who were on the board first. In the 22nd minute, Mangione got in behind the defense and received a ball over the top from defender Matt Beckman. Mangione brought it down cleanly, and fired it past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Just six minutes later, Charm City would equalize thanks to a rebound goal by Lucas Pardew. Luciano Brunetti took a shot from outside the penalty area and Pardew was there to clean up the loose ball.

In the 37th minute the Bays would break the tie with a goal by Lucas Emil from inside the penalty area, but the game would really open up after Maryland was awarded a penalty kick. Bays team captain John Ports beat a defender to reach the corner of the area, broke into the box and was fouled. Ports landed hard on his shoulder and had to leave the game. However, on the bright side, Mangione converted the penalty kick to make it 3-1 going into the intermission.

Mangione broke the game open early in the second half when he beat his defender to his left foot, freed up some space to shoot and put it past the keeper to complete his hat trick.

Two minutes later, in the 61st minute, he added his fourth courtesy of a run by teammate Dan Bulls. The former University of Maryland Baltimore County player won the ball at midfield and raced up the left wing. He sent the ball into the penalty area where Mangione one-timed it into the back of the net to make it 5-1.

Marco's father Nick Mangione playing for the Baltimore Blast | Photo: NASLJerseys.com

“I think we just kept it pact defensively and put in a couple good counter attacks,” said Mangione, who just graduated from Towson University. “Once the game opened up we took advantage of our chances and I received some great service tonight.”

Mangione has scored seven of the Bays’ 10 goals in Open Cup qualifying this year and comes from a strong soccer family. Two of his five siblings played college soccer and his father, Nick, played professionally for the Baltimore Blast during his playing days.

“ is a very humble player,” said Maryland Bays assistant coach Nick Gill. “Sure he was getting great service, and I thought we controlled the midfield today, but every time he touched the ball something special happened. The defense really had a hard time getting a hold of him. He’s got all the tools to play at the next level, but he got injured during his senior year. Now that he’s at full strength, it’s pretty clear what he’s capable of.”

The Bays opened the competition with a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93. Baltimore fielded an Under-18 team, but put up a fight against the more experienced Bays. In the semifinals, Maryland trailed 1-0 to Christos FC in the first half, but came back to win 2-1. After Christos scored their opening goal, they missed a penalty kick shortly after that which shifted the momentum toward the Bays. Marco Mangione would tie the game up a few minutes after the missed spot kick and then converted what would prove to be the game-winning penalty kick in the 75th minute.

A shot of the Maryland Open Cup final from the @MarylandSoccer twitter account

This state Open Cup title just adds to the list of accomplishments from the last two years.  They won the last two Maryland Major Soccer League Fall championships, as well as last year’s Stewart Cup, Rowland Cup and Amateur Cup. They were also a national finalist in the USASA’s Under-23 tournament.

The Maryland Bays are named after the American Soccer League / American Professional Soccer League team from the late 80s, early 90s and are in their second year in their current form. The team was put together by head coach Bryan Bugarin, who played professionally for the indoor club the Baltimore Blast. The Bays are made up largely of players from Coach Bugarin’s Baltimore Bays ‘87 team (Under-14). Many of those teenagers are now in their mid-20s and have been coached by Bugarin for almost a decade.

The current roster includes of mix of college and local players, as well as former professionals such as Billy Chiles (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Kevin Gnatiko (Crystal Palace Baltimore), Dan Bulls (Joe Public FC – Trinidad).

Scoring SummaryUSASA Region I
MAR: Marco Mangione (Matt Beckman) – 22nd minute
CHA: Lucas Pardew (Unassisted) – 28th minute
MAR: Lucas Emil (Unassisted) – 37th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (PK) – 42nd minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Unassisted) – 59th minute
MAR: Marco Mangione (Dan Bulls) – 61st minute 
Maryland US Open Cup tournament recaps:
2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland kicks off state tournament
Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City ends Inter AFC’s run
Charm City FC cruise into Maryland final, 6-1 over Baltimore Kickers

Round 1
Inter AFC 7:3 Magicmen

Quarterfinals
Charm City FC 6:0 Inter AFC
AC Baltimore 0:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 3:1 Baltimore Bays Blue ‘93
Christos FC 2:0 Aegean Hawks FC

Semifinals
 Charm City 6:1 Baltimore Kickers
Maryland Bays 2:1 Christos FC

Final
Maryland Bays 5:1 Charm City FC
Thursday, March 24, 9 p.m.  (Catonsville High School – Catonsville, Md.)

2011 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying schedule

USASA Region I tournament bracket

First Round (May 1)
Danbury United (CT) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY)
East Providence Sports (RI) at Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) at Go Soccer FC (NJ)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Phoenix SC (East PA)

Semifinals (May 22)*
Danbury/NYPF winner vs. MPS/East Prov winner
Go Soccer /Atl. Virginia winner vs. Phoenix/Bays winner

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Past Maryland Open Cup champions

2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC
2005: Baltimore Colts FC
2004: Allied SC
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays advance to state final, Charm City FC ends Inter AFC’s run

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Two more teams have advanced in Maryland’s 2011 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. One has already reached the championship game, while Inter AFC, due to weather delays, just finished its first match of the competition. The Maryland Bays are waiting in the championship game after defeating Christos FC, 2-1, on Sunday, February 27. That same night, Inter AFC won a strange barnburner wbith the Magicmen, 7-3, to move on to the quarterfinals. However, Inter’s run was short-lived as Charm City FC knocked them out, 6-0, to advance to the semifinals.

The Bays will await the winner of Charm City FC and the Baltimore Kickers (Mar. 13) in the title game on Mar. 20.

INTER AFC 7:3 MAGICMEN (FIRST ROUND) – Feb. 27
The 6 p.m. game started out with all the ingredients for a disaster as Inter AFC and Magicmen both started the game shorthanded. Inter began with eight players and Magicmen was without their starting goalkeeper, leaving them with only 10 because additional players were also late getting to the field. Magicmen, with the two-man advantage, scored a pair of goals by Chad Meusel (5th minute) and Powell Cuchiella (15th minute) in the opening 15 minutes. The calvary arrived for both sides as Inter forwards Brian and Mike Walter, midfielder George Phillips and Magicmen goalkeeper Ben Snyder eventually arrived. All were rushed onto the field to bring the match up to full strength.

The arrival of the three missing players for Inter turned the game on its head, and Brian Walter was the catalyst. Walter made an immediate impact by taking a shot in the 18th minute that fooled the newly-inserted Snyder to cut the lead in half. Ten minutes later Walter would help level the match, assisting on a goal by Saheed Lawal. He then dished out Lawal’s go-ahead goal three minutes after that. Walter would put Inter up 4-2 at the 35 minute mark with an unassisted goal, giving him two goals and two assists in less than 20 minutes of work as his club took that lead into the halftime break.

Brian Walter’s brother, Mike, got into the act just after halftime, making it 5-2 on an assist by Lawal in the 49th minute. In the 65th, Lawal would complete his hat trick on an assist by Brian Walter to put the game out of reach at 6-2.

However, Magicmen would pull one back in the 80th minute courtesy of Andre Henciak. Brian Walter would answer back with his third goal of the game five minutes later on an assist by Lawal.

Brian Walter and Saheed Lawal carried the game with Walter finishing with three goals and three assists, while Lawal had three goals and two assists.

Magicmen coach Bryan Cartwright said after the game, “We had taken them very lightly thinking it would be 2 or 3 to nil in our favor the way the game started out for us.”

Magicmen Lineup (4-3-2): Chris Quigley (GK), Raymond Sturm (CB), Bernie Cruey (CB), Justin McGrath (LB), Mike Devine (RB), Chad Meusel (CM), Michael Alessi (RM), Andrew Henciak (LM), Powell Cucciella (LF), Eric Belcher (RF)

Inter AFC Lineup (Incomplete): Brian Walter, Saheed Lawal, Mike Walter, George Phillips

Scoring Summary:
Magicmen – 5th minute – Chad Meusel (Unassisted)
Magicmen – 15th minute – Powell Cucciella (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 18th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 28th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 31st minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Inter AFC – 35th minute – Brian Walter (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 49th minute – Mike Walter (Saheed Lawal)
Inter AFC – 65th minute – Saheed Lawal (Brian Walter)
Magicmen – 80th minute – Andre Henciak (Unassisted)
Inter AFC – 85th minute – Brian Walter (Saheed Lawal)

MARYLAND BAYS 2:1 CHRISTOS FC (SEMIFINAL) – Feb. 27

The 8 p.m. game saw the Maryland Bays line up against Christos FC, who had knocked out USASA Open Cup regular and two-time US Open Cup participant Aegean Hawks FC two weeks ago.

It didn’t take long for Christos to open the scoring though as Danny Skelton scored in the 18th minute off a Joe DiPino pass after a nice build up. Minutes later, the score nearly doubled as the Bays conceded a penalty, but Michael Pennacchia put his penalty over the bar.

Maryland manager Bryan Bugarin would later say, “ was our wake up call.”

Indeed it was, as the Bays equalized just 13 minutes later when Jon Ports fed Marco Mangione in the 31st minute.  The tie held until late in the second half as Mangione was fouled going to goal and converted his penalty kick in the 75th minute to make it 2-1 Bays.

Several cautions and an ejection (Christos FC defender Eric Mahon) followed as tempers flared on both sides, but the score would remain at 2-1 until the final whistle. With the win, the Maryland Bays advanced to the championship game which will be held on Sunday, March 20 at Cedar Lane Regional Park in Harford, Md.

“As a player, coach, or spectator you couldn’t have asked for a more evenly, quality played match,” said Michael Pennacchia of Christos FC after the match. “There was excellent skill, team defending, and overall heart on display with exceptional goals in the run of play from both sides. In the end, the difference ended up being that Marco was able to convert his penalty attempt where I was not.  My hat goes off to Coach Bugarin and the Bays.”

Pennacchia added, “ are a quality group of players and assuming they advance, they will certainly represent the state of Maryland well in regional play.”

 Christos FC Lineup: Steve King (GK), Eric Mahon, Joe Dipino (C Wilson-35′), Bissohong, V. Dipino, Muntz (Fendryk-80′), Michael Pennacchia (Tejada-75′), Leitch, Tyrie (Dwonzkowski-70′), Ankrah, Danny Skelton (Piscopo-65′)

Maryland Bays Lineup: Kristopher Ward (GK),  Matty Beckman (BJ Quigley), Josh Taylor, Matt Shell, Phil Greatwich (Nino Mangione), Bryan Moffa, Chris Ports, Brian Barry (Mike Gill), Timmy Lane (Lucas Emil), Marco Mangione, Jon Ports

Scoring Summary:
Christos FC –  18th minute – Danny Skelton (Joe Dipino)
Maryland – 31st minute – Marco Mangione (Jon Ports)
Maryland – 75th minute – Marco Mangione (PK)

CHARM CITY FC 6:0 INTER AFC (QUARTERFINALS) – Mar. 6

On Sunday, the quarterfinals would finally wrap up with Charm City FC moving on with ease, 6-0, over a shorthanded Inter AFC. No calvary arrived this time for Inter AFC as the club played the match with nine men and were overwhelmed in the pouring rain.

The trio of Saheed Lawal and the Walter brothers, who all combined for seven goals and five assists in their 7-3 win over Magicmen in the opening round, were not at the game as Inter’s offense stuggled playing two men short.

Charm City didn’t waste any time with Lucas Pardew scoring the first goal three minutes into the match. In the 18th minute, Josh Robinson would set up Dan Ladar for the second goal. Just before halftime, the floodgates would open as Tarik Walker scored a pair of goals in the final five minutes of the half and Ken Suter would make it 5-0 just after the halftime break. Dan Delaney would score the sixth and final goal in the 53rd minute.

Charm City advanced to the semifinals where they will face the Baltimore Kickers, who beat AC Baltimore 1-0 in their first game. Charm City is aiming to qualify for the Region I tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, after getting an opening round bye when Athletic Club (West PA) forfeited, Charm City lost to United German Hungarians (East PA) in the quarterfinals, 3-1.

Scoring Summary:
Charm City – 3rd minute – Lucas Pardew (Unassisted)
Charm City – 18th minute – Dan Ladar (Josh Robinson)
Charm City – 40th minute – Tarik Walker (Unassisted)
Charm City – 43rd minute – Tarik Walker (Lucas Pardew)
Charm City – 46th minute – Ken Suter (Eric Breach)
Charm City – 53rd minute – Dan Delaney (Unassisted)

Chris Holden also contributed to this report

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