Miami FC

2017 US Open Cup Round 4: Stefano Pinho’s hat trick leads Miami FC to road upset of Orlando City

June 15, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Stefano Pinho of Miami FC celebrates one of his three goals against Orlando City in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC

Another year, another south Florida nightmare for Orlando City in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This time, Miami FC did the job, emerging with a convincing 3-1 victory. Stefano Pinho’s hat trick, the first in the history of the new Orlando City Stadium, paced an outstanding performance by the NASL league leaders.

Only thirty seconds into the game, Kwadwo Poku raced around a pursuing Servando Carrasco and flicked a perfect ball onto an onrushing Dylan Mares. The shot went just wide of a lunging Josh Saunders at the far post. For Orlando, so dominant at home this season, it was a moment of dire portent.

Lined up in a modified 4-3-3 with Poku playing just beneath two forwards as a pure playmaking number ten, Miami was able to use the former NYC FC man to peel defenders toward the center, creating space for Dylan Mares and Michael Lahoud to operate in the channels. The result was a plethora of chances for Miami, which outshot Orlando 10-2 in the opening 45 minutes.

Miami again threatened in the eighteenth minute, with Lahoud dancing around Victor “PC” Giro and slotting a cross to Stefano Pinho, who had beaten Leo Pereira to the ball. Stefano fired just wide, but the former NASL golden boot winner was finding space to operate against the Orlando defense.

Miami broke through at the half hour mark.

Stefano Pinho of Miami FC scored one of his three goals against Orlando City in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC

Michael Lahoud took a deep pass from Richie Ryan down the right flank, put a shoulder shake on PC and slotted the ball across to Pinho, who raced just past a lunging Pereira to tap the ball in off his thighs. It was a deserved lead.

“They are usually good defensively,” Lahoud said. “They were missing Will Johnson, which would have made a difference. But I’ve watched them a lot this year, and we weren’t surprised we had space in the channels to operate. Nesta stressed being composed and I thought we were. The temptation in these types of games is to want to score every time you have the ball. You can’t do that against these teams. You have to be composed and patient.”

Miami added to the lead just six minutes later, this time after Hunter Freeman raced forward from his center half spot to put a lovely parabola of a cross towards the far post. The diminutive Pinho outjumped Spector and buried the header past an off-balance Josh Saunders to give Miami a 2-0 lead.

In the opening half, Miami were first to every 50/50 ball and won eight tackles compared to three for Orlando. By the time Luis Gil put Orlando’s first shot on frame in the 41st minute, Miami had already collected eight shots, with four on goal. Whether Orlando lacked cohesion playing with a new lineup or simply lacked interest in the affair, the Lions were thoroughly dominated in the opening half on their own field. With Orlando City playing for the first time since June 4th, and the visitors coming off a weekend road trip to Edmonton, it is difficult to imagine why Miami FC appeared to have fresher legs.

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Three time’s the charm! @stefano_pinho has the trick against @OrlandoCitySC! #ORLvMIA #USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/9p0dGXR63L

— NASL (@naslofficial) June 15, 2017

Orlando’s sluggish performance was even more stunning given the Lions fell victim to a Cupset in last year’s tournament, losing 2-1 at home to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The loss was the breaking point for Orlando City’s front office with then-manager Adrian Heath, who was fired shortly after the defeat. Looking to avoid a similar fate, manager Jason Kreis fielded a blend of youth and experience, affording opportunities to youngsters like Pierre Da Silva, Hadji Barry and Rafael Ramos but flanking them with vets Antonio Nocerino, Servando Carrasco and Jonathan Spector. Also in the eleven for the Lions? PC, who scored the winning goal for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers against Orlando City last season, and signed with Orlando this winter. But the side never appeared to find any rhythm, and the Lions were largely rudderless until the insertion of Kaka at the hour mark.

By the time the former Ballon d’Or winner entered, his side trailed 3-0, victims to another Pinho goal. The Brazilian finished his hat trick in the 55th minute when Vincenzo Renella played a slicing ball in traffic to Roberto Baggio Kcira, who had plenty of space on the flank. Baggio took a quick touch and cut the ball across to Pinho, who finished tidily in space. Giles Barnes scored a consolation goal on a set piece for Orlando in the 79th minute, but by then, Miami had nine behind the ball and was content to sit deep and clear any of Orlando’s forays into the final third.

Jason Kreis was conciliatory after the game, but visibly upset with the club’s second consecutive elimination at the hands of a NASL side from the Sunshine State.

“For me this is the most disappointing night I’ve had since I’ve been in Orlando,” said Kreis, who won the MLS Cup managing Real Salt Lake in 2009. “I take full responsibility. There are three things a coach is tasked with: we must have the players ready physically, we must have the players ready mentally, and we must have them ready tactically. We didn’t do any of that. But at the same time, we have to say Miami was clearly the better team, as difficult as that is to say. And they deserve a great deal of credit.”

Kreis was quick to compliment Miami and Nesta’s setup tactically.

“I think they did a really nice job defensively making us uncomfortable,” Kreis said. “They forced us into poor choices and were quick to catch us into transition. Poku, having worked with him, and in the games we scouted — that was the most invested I’ve ever seen him defensively. Credit their coaches.”

In the winning locker room, the mood was joyful but by no means content.

Lahoud, who was marvelous in 90 minutes for the visitors after flying 29 hours from Sierra Leone, where he played in African Cup of Nations qualifying over the weekend, said the team feels they can go on.

“I believed we would win,” he said. “We had nothing to lose. Pressure is on every MLS team that plays us. We respected Orlando, we’ll respect who we play next, but the moment won’t be too big for us. If we’re going to play in this tournament, we’ll play on our terms.”

That starts and ends with defense, according to Lahoud.

“Alessandro preaches defense and trust. Everyone has a tactical role defensively. If you close a guy down, you trust the guy behind you is covering for you. More times than not, we’re seeing that domino effect, if you cover the guy next to you, there aren’t breakdowns. It becomes interchangeable football. That’s a big thing and makes us tough defensively and as a team.”
For Miami, that toughness has meant only one loss on the season. And now it means a date in the Open Cup round of sixteen.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Miami FC excel during “hot moments”, eliminate Tampa Bay Rowdies

June 1, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Miami FC broke a scoreless tie with two second half goals to defeat the visiting Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night. The 2-0 win was the first in the competition for the hosts over the cross-state rival Rowdies and secures the young franchise their first date with a MLS side in the competition.

Miami FC will visit Orlando City SC in Fourth Round action on June 14.

For Miami FC midfielder Michael Lahoud, the victory was a statement about the quality of NASL and the talent on Miami FC.

“As someone who has played in two US Open Cup finals, I love this competition,” Lahoud said. “This tournament is about survive and advance. We beat a very good team, and made a statement for our league , that we’re better than one of the best teams in USL. We earned the right to show we can compete against MLS teams, and hopefully we continue this great run.”

Lahoud, who will represent Sierra Leone in their upcoming African Nations Cup qualifiers, credited his manager, Alessandro Nesta.

“Italians are never satisfied,” he said of the Azzurri great. “Fortunately, and unfortunately, we have a full staff of Italians, and our coach happens to be one of the greatest Italians to ever play the game, which is saying something. He keeps us humble with his demands, and he has a lot of demands, but he’s proud of us tonight” Lahoud said.

With the visitors playing very narrowly through the middle, chances were hard to come by early in the match. In fact, the Rowdies had the best chance of the opening 20 minutes, when following a turnover near midfield, former Chelsea FC star Joe Cole danced through the Miami FC defense and flicked a shot that Daniel Vega saved high.

Miami FC had a chance minutes later, with Lahoud dancing around defenders Luke Boden and Neil Collins and firing a rocket at the far post that was marvelously parried away by Akira Fitzgerald. It was the best chance either side would have in the opening frame.

Miami seized the initiative as the second half began, and nearly went ahead when Roberto Baggio Kcira made a menacing run down the left flank and crossed to an unmarked Poku, who had time to take a touch but shot one time, shanking the ball harmlessly wide.

Nesta credited his team’s patience and mentality for the break through on a night where space and chances were at a premium.

“The largest issue in Florida to play soccer is the heat,” said Nesta. “Finding energy is not easy. Patience is critical. You cannot force balls and you need to keep the ball. The heat and the rest make it harder to invest defensively.”

Lahoud agreed that his team had the right mentality to win a tough and physical game that included 22 Rowdies fouls.

“Nesta talks about moments that define character, what he calls “hot moments”, moments where you really find out what you are all about,” Lahoud said. “Tonight, it was a hot moment, and we were up for it. That’s what it takes to be a good team. A championship team.”

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute, when for the second consecutive round, a Nesta substitution changed the game. Following a Rowdies turnover near midfield, substitute Dylan Mares was fouled in the area by Georgi Hristov. The referee pointed quickly to the spot, and Vincenzo Rennella buried the spot kick to give Miami FC a 1-0 lead.

Miami kept the pressure on after the opener, and added a second goal in the 83rd minute. Mares was involved again, making a powerful run down the left channel and crossing to Jaime Chavez, who was rewarded when Rowdies keeper Akira Fitzgerald mishandled his soft shot.

Miami FC is now unbeaten in eight games in all competition, building confidence that they, like the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of a year ago, can go to Orlando and collect a victory.

“I’m very happy. My first managerial position and we (advance) to play a team in Orlando with Kaka, Nocerino, beautiful players, beautiful new stadium” Nesta said.

Lahoud thinks Miami can win. “For a club like ours, now there’s a feeling of `We can beat Orlando’. We don’t just want to check off that box of playing an MLS team. They have very good players, but I don’t think they’re a team we should fear. We should respect them, but at the end of the day, it’s a soccer game. If this tournament shows anything, it is that over 90 or 120 minutes, anything can happen. We stand an amazing chance.”

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: Alessandro Nesta leads Miami FC to club’s first tournament win

May 21, 2017 by Neil Blackmon

Miami FC earned the club’s historic first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win with a 3-2 victory over the South Florida Surf at the University of Miami’s Cobb Stadium. The game, played in blustery conditions with intermittent rain, had a bit of everything: strong attacking play, hard-nosed defense, heroic goalkeeping and tactical nous.

Miami FC’s manager, Alessandro Nesta, who won a World Cup playing for Italy, was happy to advance in the Open Cup but less than pleased with his club’s performance.

“It is natural in life to take some things less seriously than others,” Nesta said after the match. “But this is an important competition to our club. I respect the Cup and told the players they need to be better and have the right mentality for 90 minutes. You have to praise the other team. In truth they played harder than we did, so I’m pleased that we won the game but our players can do better.”

Early in the game, the hosts created plenty of chances, building play beautifully down the left flank through Johnny Steele and the off-ball movement of Jaime Chavez and Kwadwo Poku. Miami’s best chance came through Steele and Poku, the latter starting a late run and latching onto a Steele cross in the penalty area only to see the ball glide inches past the near post. Still, it looked very much like Miami FC would strike first, as they piled pressure on the Surf back four.

The game changed in the 20th minute, however, as South Florida midfielder Manny Gonzalez, who reached the quarterfinals of the Open Cup in 2016 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, won a tackle in midfield and played a quick ball down the left to Darwin Espinal. The Honduran, who represented his country in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where he helped Los Catrachos finish fourth, rocketed a shot off his right foot past an outstretched Daniel Vega at the far post, giving South Florida a stunning 1-0 lead.

Miami FC had a tremendous chance to level in the 30th, winning a set piece in the right channel after a Jeff Michaud foul. The ensuing set piece service fooled Surf goalkeeper Andres Ruiz, who was caught in no-man’s land and beat to the ball by Mason Trafford. Trafford popped his clean header over the bar, however, and the Surf avoided the danger. Ruiz was forced into a hard and low save on Chavez in the 40th minute as well, but the Surf centerback pair, featuring Chicago Fire veteran Yann Mvita and Haitian international and Copa America veteran Jean-Marc Alexandre, did well to usher Miami FC runners into difficult angles. In many ways, the Surf’s tough spine in the opening half paid homage to the way upsets of years past have occurred, with good defense and opportunistic counterattacking soccer.

Nesta wasted no time making changes after an opening half where his side outshot the Surf 11-2 but still trailed. Dylan Mares replaced Jonny Steele on the left and Richie Ryan entered for Michel in the center of the pitch. The changes worked, with Ryan winning the ball in the middle of the pitch, shuttling it wide and Miami FC leveling the game in the 48th minute as Kwadwo Poku headed home a Blake Smith cross.

“I saw something to fix and you can’t always wait,” Nesta said of his two halftime substitutions. “We needed to change two players right away to win the game.”

Miami nearly took the lead in minute 55 but were repelled twice by Ruiz, who first denied Poku from ten yards and then hustled to deny a late-running Chavez on the rebound at the post. It was a tremendous sequence for the Surf keeper, who had looked a bit uncomfortable early in the evening dealing with the windy conditions, but recovered to make ten saves.

There was nothing Ruiz could do five minutes later, however.

Dylan Mares, another one of the Nesta halftime changes, made a darting run down the right flank and crossed to a free-running Poku. Andrew Booth of the Surf was in great position to defend, but he mistimed the clearance and pushed the ball into his own net, giving Miami a 2-1 lead on the hour mark.

Miami FC seemed content to keep the ball and kill off the game in the final half hour, but found themselves level in the 76th minute, when the Surf’s Jeff Michaud outraced defender Hunter Freeman to a long ball and then beat Vega from an impossible anger to level the game at two. The howler from Vega forced Nesta, who played many years with the great Italian keeper Gigi Buffon, to throw a clipboard and water bottle.

Nesta’s anger was short-lived, however, as Miami FC regained the lead three minutes later with a goal from Jaime Chavez, again assisted by Blake Smith.

Refusing to give up, Ethan Decker had a great chance to tie the game for South Florida down the left flank in the 88th minute, but Vega got just enough on the shot to allow Jonathan Borrajo to clear for Miami, who held the Surf at bay in the waning minutes to seal a hard-fought win.

Miami FC’s victory sets up a meeting in Coral Gables in two weeks against the in-state Tampa Bay Rowdies, who left the NASL for the USL this season.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Wilmington Hammerheads strike early, hold off Miami FC, 2-1

June 4, 2016 by Craig Tower

Justin Moose of the Wilmington Hammerheads scored what would prove to be the game-winner against Miami FC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC- Orovio Photography

Playing at home in their ninth competitive match, Miami FC fell by a 2-1 score to the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. Miami (1-3-4 in the NASL) hoped to build on Saturday’s first-ever franchise win over FC Edmonton, but the Hammerheads, coming off of their own 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II, ended up notching their second in a row instead.

The Hammerheads (3-4-3 in USL play) came ready for action and took the lead in the 2nd minute when Michael Lahoud of Miami FC coughed up the ball to Mathew Barnes-Homer in central midfield 35 yards from his own goal. Homer found the feet of Jeff Michaud, and with no pressure on the ball from Miami, the midfielder trapped the ball and took a touch to his right, into the center of the Miami defense. He lashed a dipping right-footed shot from 25 yards out to the near post, beating Miami keeper David Sierra for the lead, silencing the faint cheers from the stands of the Florida International University stadium.

The sparse home crowd soon fell into an even deeper funk. A normally harmless Wilmington throw-in taken inside the visitor’s own half, was tipped back by Miami’s Hugo Leroux, straight into the path of a charging Justin Moose on the left side of the Miami defense. The midfielder drove in diagonally from the touchline, battling off a Miami FC challenge. Moose found himself loose in the Miami box. Sierra rushed unafraid into the path of the charging Moose, only to see the Hammerhead’s shot from 12 yards out sail low to his right and inside his far post.

Punch-drunk, Miami only recorded one shot on goal during the first half, and only began to string together passes in the midfield with five minutes remaining until the break.

At halftime, Miami made two changes. Jaime Chavez came in for Dane Richards, and Dario Cvitanich entered for Pablo Campos.

The newcomers made a significant impact on the game. Cvitanich initiated the most dangerous offensive movements for Miami in the second half, and Chavez was on the end of many of them.

Miami’s Martinez saw his low 25 yard drive in the 49th minute deflected to the left of the Wilmington goal by Eric Ati. Less than a minute later, Chavez found himself pursuing a chipped ball into the box, and barely missed to the same side with a looping ball over the keeper’s outstretched arms.

In the 52nd minute the Floridians broke through on a long ball from defender Adailton from 10 yards inside his own half. The ball arced over the center of the Wilmington backline and into the path of Chavez, who took the ball 30 yards away from the Wilmington goal. He took a shot from about 16 yards out, the ball flew over the keeper’s hips as he dove towards his near post.

Miami continued to press, and were dominating the game. In the 64th minute, Wilmington’s Tom Parrat charged into the outstretched leg of Cvitanich to draw the game’s first yellow card. Miami’s Lahoud followed with his own when he dropped a streaking Austin Martz before the Hammerhead could escape his own half on a breakaway.

Miami had a golden chance to tie the score in the 79th minute when Cvitanich’s chipped pass in to the box found Chavez, who was caught by Eric Ati after he tipped ball over the keeper’s right shoulder and towards the far post. Ati felled Chavez, and the referee decided that Ati should receive a yellow card and Miami a penalty kick.

Cvitanich took the kick, cooly driving it with his right foot to the keeper’s right post. Ati read the kicker’s intentions and dove with conviction, parrying the kick harmlessly past his post.

Miami seemed deflated after the setback, and lost their patience during the rest of regular time. In the 88th minute Adailton drew his own yellow for tripping a Wilmington player on his way into the Miami half.

With the win, Wilmington secures their first win over a Division 2 team in regulation since 2006.

Miami registered one more shot on goal during four minutes of added time, but it was a weak toe poke by Chavez that Ati collected easily.

Wilmington will go on to the next round where they face MLS side Real Salt Lake.

Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

May 17, 2016 by Josh Hakala

FC Cincinnati fans cheer on their team during a Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against Detroit City FC. Photo: Brett Hansbauer | 4th Floor Creative

In 2002, no team below the Second Division advanced beyond the Second Round.

The Modern Era (1995-present) record for single-game attendance is held by FC Cincinnati when they had an announced attendance of 12,790 at Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati) when they defeated AFC Cleveland (NPSL) 1-0 in extra time on May 17, 2017. The record for average attendance in the Second Round is 3,019 (16 games) from the 2001 tournament.

The El Paso Patriots recorded the biggest rout in the Second Round since 1995, defeating the Arizona Sahuaros 9-1 in 1998. Kirk Wilson scored three times to lead the Patriots. Matching the eight-goal margin, the most lopsided shutout came in 2001 when DC United of MLS trampled the New Jersey Stallions of the D3 Pro League 8-0.

Kiley Couch of Dallas Roma FC (left) challenges for the ball against Romario of Miami FC during their Second Round match during the 2006 US Open Cup. Photo: Dallas Roma FC

From 1996-2013, only three Open Division Local clubs won Second Round games. Bavarian SC defeated the Reading Rage (D-3 Pro League) 1-0 in the Second Round of 2003. Dallas Roma FC became the first USASA team to defeat a second division team when they eliminated Miami FC (USL First Division) 1-0 in 2006. Cal FC traveled across the country and upset the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro (Div. 3 pro) 4-0 to reach Round 3 in 2013. However, in 2014, that mark was blown out of the water, as a record five Open Division Local teams reached the Third Round: New York Greek American Atlas (Region I), RWB Adria (Region II), North Texas Rayados (Region III), Des Moines Menace (Region II), and PSA Elite (Region IV) who advanced after the San Diego Flash forfeited. The reason for this increase was due, in large part, to the change in format which saw an increase to 80 teams, and an abbreviated opening round (8 games). Of this group, only RWB Adria and PSA Elite began in the First Round, so the rest of the teams only had to win one game.

Open Division teams winning Second Round games doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of during the Modern Era. 41 USL League Two (formerly PDL) teams have made it to the Third Round in the Modern Era. The Flint City Bucks (formerly Michigan Bucks) have done it more than anyone else, advancing to Round 3 six times. 19 Open Division Local teams have reached the Third Round. The NPSL has had nine teams win Second Round games, with four of them all coming in 2018: Brooklyn Italians (2014), Chattanooga FC (2014, 2015, 2016), Elm City Express (2018), Miami United (2018), FC Wichita (2018), Jacksonville Armada (2018), Orange County FC (2019).

The US Soccer Federation increased the number of teams to 80 in 2014, creating the largest Second Round in the Modern Era (and quite possibly of all time) with 24 games on the schedule. One of the games was forfeited, and one was moved to May 13, leaving a record 22 games to be played on May 14. That record was broken as the tournament continued to expand in 2017 when there were 26 games played, and then again in 2022 when 31 games were on the schedule.

In 2013, a record four Open Division clubs advanced to Round 3. The following year, due to a change in format and an increase in amateur entries, 12 amateur clubs reached the Third Round, which remains a Modern Era record.

1997: Central Coast Roadrunners
1999: Mid-Michigan Bucks
2000: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Chicago Sockers
2001: Seattle Sounders Select
2003: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Fresno Fuego
2004: Chicago Fire Reserves, Cape Cod Crusaders, Boulder Rapids Reserves, Carolina Dynamo
2005: Ocean City Barons, Des Moines Menace
2006: Michigan Bucks, Des Moines Menace, Carolina Dynamo
2009: Ocean City Barons
2011: Chicago Fire PDL, Kitsap Pumas
2012: Michigan Bucks, Ventura County Fusion,
2013: Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, Ocean City Nor’easters, Reading United AC
2014: Reading United AC, New York Greek American Atlas SC, RWB Adria, Orlando City U23s, Brooklyn Italians, Laredo Heat, North Texas Rayados, Fresno Fuego, PSA Elite, Baltimore Bohemians, Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace
2015: Chattanooga FC, Chula Vista FC, Jersey Express, PSA Elite, Ventura County Fusion
2016: Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace, Jersey Express, Kitsap Pumas, La Maquina, Lansdowne Bhoys FC, Los Angeles Wolves FC
2017: Chicago FC United, Christos FC, GPS Omens, Los Angeles Wolves FC, Michigan Bucks, Reading United AC
2018: Elm City Express, FC Golden State Force, FC Wichita, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami United, Mississippi Brilla FC, NTX Rayados, Ocean City Nor’easters, Sporting AZ FC
2019: Florida Soccer Soldiers, Orange County FC

Updated after 2019 US Open Cup

USSF: NASL teams will not be eligible for 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

February 14, 2011 by Josh Hakala

In a conference call to discuss the US Soccer Federation’s provisional sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL), US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the eight-team league will not be taking part in the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Five of the eight teams in the NASL — Carolina RailHawks, FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, Atlanta Silverbacks, NSC Minnesota Stars and Miami FC — will not participate due to the fact that a change to the Open Cup format at this stage of planning would be difficult.

Gulati said during the conference call, “It’s simply too late to incorporate them into the process in the various phases of the tournament. The timing does not work for the five U.S.-based teams to participate in this annual event.” He added, “It’s impossible to put them into . They’re not going to play this year.”

This marks the first time in the Professional Era (1995-present) that a pro league will not be taking part in the tournament. The last time a professional league was not represented in the Open Cup was when the previous North American Soccer League(1968-1984) refused to enter throughout the league’s 17-year existence. In 1996, the USISL Pro League did not enter a club into the Open Cup, but that was due to the qualification tournament created by the USISL, which merged all the leagues together into one competition. None of the USISL Pro teams survived the qualifying tournament.

The format for the 2011 US Open Cup has not been released, and it is unknown when it will be announced and how many teams will ultimately take part in the tournament. The last two years, the format was announced on May 5, 2010 and April 30, 2009.

The three remaining clubs, all of which are not eligible because they are not based in the United States, are still competing in their own cup competitions. The Canadian-based teams, FC Edmonton and the Montreal Impact will be taking part in the Canadian Nutrilite Championship and the Puerto Rico Islanders will also continue to participate in the Caribbean Football Union championships. Both tournaments lead to a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Currently there are a number of states who have either completed or are conducting their Open Cup qualifying tournament for the USASA. Check back with TheCup.us with a recap of all the state qualifying to this point.

2010 US Open Cup Third Round: Houston outlasts Miami FC 1-0

July 5, 2010 by J.T. Alwin

The Houston Dynamo defeated Miami FC of the USSF Second Division on a Lovel Palmer late goal, and held leading Open Cup scorer Paulo Araujo, Jr. scoreless.

Houston started quickly, dominating the first ten minutes, however Araujo had Miami on the counterattack quickly. He had two shots in a 5 minute span, however Dynamo keeper Tally Hall kept both shots out of the net. Play evened out, and neither team could capitalize on their chances in the half.

Houston gained more attacking chances in the second half, however Miami keeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell proved up to the task, including blocking a Penalty Kick from the Dynamo’s Richard Mulrooney at 50′. However, 80 minutes into the match, Houston’s Dominic Oduro got a pass into a streaking Palmer, a halftime sub, who slid the ball underneath Patterson-Sewell.

Miami quickly counterattacked, as Abe Cunningham, a former Dynamo player, quickly came back with a shot, but Hall was able to save it. Miami’s comeback was squashed, however, as J.P. Rodrigues was given a second yellow card at 83′. This prompted Miami to go all-or-nothing, as midfielder Steven Cabas replaced defender Christiano Dias. This backfired, as Houston took advantage of the thin defense to control the rest of the game.

Houston will host fellow MLS side Chivas USA in the Quarterfinal Round on July 6. Miami’s Araujo finished his Open Cup campaign with 5 goals, three more than any player still in the tournament.

GOALS:
HOU- Palmer (Oduro) 80′

DISCIPLINE:
MIA- Patterson-Sewell 48′ (yellow, Reckless foul)
MIA- Rodrigues 66′ (yellow, Reckless foul)
MIA- Rodrigues 83′ (second yellow/red, Reckless foul)

SUBSTITUTIONS:
HOU- Chabala for Landin, 43′
HOU- Palmer for Cochrane, 46′
HOU- Cruz for Mulrooney, 76′
MIA- Shriver for Santeliz, 76′
MIA- Cabas for Dias, 84′

2010 US Open Cup Second Round: Miami FC wins Floridian battle over Rowdies 2-1 in extra time

June 23, 2010 by Tavio Palazzolo

Miami FC was forced into extra time for the second time in the US Open Cup this year, and for the second time, they won the match to move on to the next round. This time it came at the expense of their in-state rivals, FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, winning 2-1 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Miami got off to a very quick start in the match, scoring in the second minute. A free kick was awarded just outside the Rowdies penalty box, and Christian Gomez stepped up to take it. His kick bounced off goalkeeper Josh Lambo’s chest and into traffic in front of the net. The ball landed at the feet of Miami FC striker Paulo Jr, who shot the ball into the net to give his team the 1-0 lead. The hero from the first round scored his fifth goal of the 2010 US Open Cup, matching the totals of Sebastien Le Toux in 2007 and 2008 with the USL’s Seattle Sounders and scoring the most by a player in the tournament since 2005.

Miami almost doubled their lead in the 10th minute as threatening free kick by Euzebio Neto went past traffic and out of bounds. Despite the miss, the Blues managed to keep possession for most of the first half. The Rowdies would get their own chance at goal in the 35th minute, as a Yendry Diaz header was tipped over the crossbar by Miami goalkeeper Caleb Patterson to keep the shutout intact through the end of the half.

Both teams came out at full force to start the second half, with each getting a good scoring chance within minutes of kickoff. Tampa Bay would then pressure later in the match to force the equalizer as more chances came their way. They would finally break through in the 82nd minute as Mozzi Gyorio sent in a free kick into the box, which Diaz converted to tie the match. Diaz would get his shot at a game winner in the 87th minute with a hard shot, but Patterson made a diving save to keep his team alive through regulation.

In the 97th minute, Miami FC would get their advantage by virtue of a handball. Robert Valentino was called for a handling the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Abe Thompson stepped up to the spot and converted in the 98th minute, giving the Blues the lead they would hold onto for the rest of extra time.

Miami FC has moved on to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2008, when they lost 2-1 at FC Dallas. This time they travel to face Dallas’ Texas rival, the Houston Dynamo. The game is scheduled to take place at Robertson Stadium on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 p.m.

FC Tampa Bay Rowdies Lineup: Josh Lambo, Kwame “JJ” Adjeman-Pamboe, Yendry Diaz, Aaron King (80′ – Chad Burt), Gordon Kljestan (102′ – Joe Donoho), Pascal Millien, Stanley Nyazamba, Long Tan, Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Takuya Yamada (65′ – Mozzi Gyorio).

Miami FC Lineup: Caleb Patterson, Paulo Araujo Jr. (97′ – Bryan Dominguez), Bryan Arquez, Cristiano Dias (104′ – Sean Cameron), Christian Gomez, Zach Kirby, Neto, JP Rodrigues, Edward Santeliz (116′ – Jair Cabas), Abe Thompson, Kyle Veris.

Scoring Summary
MIA – Paulo Araujo Jr. – 2′
TB – Yendry Diaz – 82′ (Mozzi Gyorio)
MIA – Abe Thompson – 98′ (PK)

Misconduct Summary
MIA – Zach Kirby – yellow (22′)
TB – Yendry Diaz – yellow (32′)
TB – Stanley Nyazamba – yellow (58′)
MIA – Abe Thompson – yellow (61′)
TB – Rob Valentino – yellow (79′)
MIA – Bryan Arquez – yellow (85′)
TB – Chad Burt – yellow (110′)

2010 First Round: Miami FC’s Paulo Araujo Jr. scores four in overtime to win Player of the Round

June 21, 2010 by Josh Hakala

After a record-setting first round performance against the Central Florida Kraze, Miami FC’s Paulo Araujo Jr. has been voted as TheCup.us Player of the Round. Araujo Jr. came off the bench in the second half and scored four goals in under 10 minutes in overtime to lead the Blues to a 5-1 win over the Kraze.

The award is voted on by the staff of TheCup.us and a selected panel of members of the North American Soccer Reporters (www.soccerreporters.com).

The game was a challenge for the Blues of the USSF Second Division, as the Kraze, an amateur team from the Premier Development League, took them into extra time with the score tied 1-1.

Most goals scored in a US Open Cup match
(Professional Era 1995-present)

6 – Mugurel Dimitru – San Diego Flash (vs. Arizona Sahuaros – 1999 First Round)

4 – Paulo Araujo Jr. – Miami FC (vs. Central Florida Kraze – 2010 First Round)
4 – Jorge Munoz – Jacksonville Cyclones (vs. Cocoa Expos – 1999 First Round)
4 – Welton – Miami Fusion (vs. New Jersey Stallions – 2000 Second Round)
4 – Josh Wolff – Chicago Fire (vs. Dallas Burn – 2000 Quarterfinals)
4 – Johnny Menyongar – Minnesota Thunder (vs. San Diego Gaunchos – 2002 Second Round)
4 – Melvin Tarley – Minnesota Thunder (vs. Colorado Rapids – 2005 Fourth Round)
4 – Sebastien Le Toux – Seattle Sounders (vs. Hollywood United – 2008 Second Round)

“When they tied the match, it was harder, because usually when a team scores they usually come full-attack to get the 2nd goal,” said Araujo Jr. “But I thought that took it well and eventually the game spoke for itself.”

Araujo Jr. entered the match in the 62nd minute and it wasn’t until the second overtime period until he got on the scoresheet. His first goal came in the 110th minute. “They didn’t really know anything about the match. The team has to play every game like it’s a final,” explained Araujo Jr. He was surprised the Kraze were “pretty good, and it’s always hard to play against a lower level team that’s supposedly weaker, because you never know.”

Araujo Jr.’s four goals is the most ever scored by a player in overtime since the golden goal format was dropped after the 2004 tournament. In fact, no individual team has ever scored four in extra time and only once have two teams combined for four goals in the extra session (2009 First Round: Carolina RailHawks 3:3 Wilmington Hammerheads — Match was 1-1 after full time).

Scoring four goals is not unheard of in the Professional Era, as seven other players have reached that total. One of them, Mugurel Dimitru of the San Diego Flash (A-League), surpassed that total by scoring six in a 9-2 route of the Arizona Sahuaros in the opening round of the 1999 tournament.

Notable upsets in the Second Round of the US Open Cup

September 3, 2009 by Aaron Stollar

UPDATED 5/18/17

2000 – Mid-Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 New England Revolution (MLS)

The Mid-Michigan Bucks have always been one of the lower division troublemakers of the US Open Cup, and this match against the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium helped build that reputation. Goalkeeper Eric Pogue was the early hero for the Bucks, saving a Shaker Asad penalty kick in the 7th minute to keep the game scoreless. The Bucks stayed with the Revolution for 90 minutes using a high-tempo style of play and eventually sent the sparse crowd of 1,857 Revolution fans home disappointed.

Three minutes into stoppage time, midfielder Chad Schomaker scored the winner on an assist from Boniventure Maruti. The win was the first time an amateur side defeated a Major League Soccer team. The Bucks, however, remain the only amateur club to upset an MLS team without the help of extra time or penalty kicks. Their Cup run would come to an end in the next round, when the Miami Fusion of MLS came to Saginaw, Mich., they needed a penalty kick shootout to eliminate the giant killers after a 3-3 draw in regulation.

2000 – Chicago Sockers (PDL) 0:0 Kansas City Wizards (MLS) (Chicago advances, 7-6 on PKs)

The Mid-Michigan Bucks weren’t the only team slaying MLS giants in the Second Round of the 2000 Open Cup. The Kansas City Wizards were leading Major League Soccer in points at the time of the match, but that didn’t matter to the PDL’s Chicago Sockers, who were the defending champions of the fourth division league. Adam Throop of the Sockers put in a spectacular performance, keeping a clean sheet for 105 minutes despite 23 shots from the Wizards. Both teams slugged though extra time scoreless as well, and the 3,140 on hand at Forest View Park in Chicago eagerly awaited the penalty kick session to decide the game. Throop came though again, saving Uche Okafor’s penalty to give Chicago the win.

The Sockers, like the Bucks, went on to put a scare into their next MLS opponents. In the Third Round, the Sockers took on the Chicago Fire and only a Josh Wolff goal in the 22nd minute seperated the two clubs in a rare Open Cup derby match.

2006- Dallas Roma FC (USASA – Region III) 1:0 Miami FC (USL-1)

Dallas Roma FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup (1995-present), defeating the USL First Division’s Miami FC 1-0 in front of their home fans in Dallas. Roma scored the lone goal of the match early in the game, when Miami midfielder Zinho was called for a handball in the penalty area. John Waters stepped to the spot and converted the penalty for the 1-0 lead.

The Roma defense, led by goalkeeper Jessie Llamas, held World Cup winners Romario and Zinho in check all night, only allowing Miami to attack from the side, instead of up the middle. Roma head coach Michael Schell did not start three of his regulars for disciplinary reasons, making the 1-0 lead that much more remarkable. When he eventually brought in the likes of Patrick Shamu and Mark Rowland, Schell said the Miami players began to get frustrated.

“They (Miami) realized these guys were better then the ones they replaced”, Schell said. It was during this time that both Michael Erush and Fabian Sandoval were sent off, leaving Miami with just nine men to finish the game. Schell was also quick to point out that the visitors did not take his team lightly, as they constantly put pressure on Roma’s defense throughout the night.

The win marked the first time a USASA club had beaten a team from the USL First Division. Roma are also only the second USASA team since 1995 to advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup. “I don’t think I’m going to go to sleep tonight!” said an ecstatic Schell after a post-match dinner with his team.

Other Second Round upsets

1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 1:0 Seattle Sounders (A-League)
1998 – Orlando Nighthawks (D3 Pro) 2:1 Milwaukee Rampage (A-League)
1998 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 3:2 Hershey Wildcats (A-League)
1999 – Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2:1 Minnesota Thunder (A-League)
1999 – Carolina Dynamo (D3 Pro) 2:0 Orange County Zodiac (A-League)
2000 – Richmond Kickers (A-League) 3:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2001 – Connecticut Wolves (MLS) 3:2 Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS)
2001 – Charleston Battery (A-League) 4:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2001 – Seattle Sounders Select (PDL) 3:2 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2001 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds (A-League) 3:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2003 – Bavarian SC (USASA) 1:0 Reading Rage (PSL)
2006 – Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2:1 Cincinnati Kings (USL-2)
2006 – Des Moines Menace (PDL) 1:0 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
2006 – Carolina Dynamo (PDL) 1:0 Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
2008 – Cleveland City Stars (USL-2) 2:0 Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)
2009 – Ocean City Barons (PDL) 1:0 (AET) Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2)
2012 – Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
2012 – Cal FC (USASA) 4:0 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro)
2012 – Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 3:1 (AET) Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro)
2013 – Reading United (PDL) 1:0 Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro)
2013 – Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 1:0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro)
2013 – Des Moines Menace (PDL) 1:0 Minnesota United FC (NASL)
2013 – FC Tucson (PDL) 2:2 (4:3 PKs) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
2014 – Fresno Fuego (PDL) 2:0 Orange County Blues (USL Pro)
2014 – Chattanooga FC (NPSL) 3:1 Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro)
2017 – Reading United AC (PDL) 3:2 New York Cosmos (NASL)
2017 – Christos FC (USASA) 1:0 Richmond Kickers (USL)
2017 – Charlotte Eagles (PDL) 3:2 Charlotte Independence (USL)
2017 – Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1:0 Indy Eleven (NASL)
2017 – Chicago FC United (PDL) 3:1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL)