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Milwaukee Kickers

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Croatian Eagles win Wisconsin in PKs, earn USASA Region II berth

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From Wisconsin Soccer Central

Ilya Ksenidi (West Allis Hale/UW-Green Bay) scored late in extra time and was one of five Croatian Eagles players to convert during penalty kicks as they got past the Milwaukee Kickers 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Wisconsin Open Cup final Sunday at Croatian Park in Franklin.

It’s the first state title for Croatians since 2006, the last time they entered the tournament – that year, they also beat the Kickers 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie in the championship game. As state champions, the Eagles earn a spot in next spring’s US Adult Soccer Association Region II tournament, which traditionally is a qualifier for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The match was scoreless through 90 minutes and the first 15-minute session of extra time before Danny Bauer (Marquette) gave the Kickers the lead in the 106th minute, poking a shot past Croatians goalkeeper Bryce Boyd (Milwaukee Marquette/UW-Milwaukee).

But the Eagles found an equalizer with approximately three minutes remaining. After the Kickers cleared the ball out, Croatians midfielder Scott Raymonds (Brookfield East/UW-Green Bay) got it back on the right side and fired from about 25 yards out. Ksenidi was cutting across the box and got a touch on the shot, redirecting it past Kickers keeper Kevin Strong (West Allis Hale).

The Croatians made all of their penalty kicks, with Aaron Schroeder, Mike Narciso, Ksenidi, Jason Willan and Mohammed Sethi (Mequon Homestead) – who scored a last-minute winner to beat Bavarian SC 2-1 in the semifinals – each successful from the spot.

Craig Charlton, Niels Berg (Plymouth), Ryan Richgels (Madison Memorial/UW-Whitewater) and Thomas Sweeney (Milwaukee Marquette/Marquette) converted their attempts for the Kickers before Brian McGuire’s shot went over the crossbar.

The Kickers nearly went ahead in the first period of extra time, but Mike Vukovic went down his knees to clear a ball off the line for the Croatians.

For the most comprehensive coverage of soccer in Wisconsin, visit www.WisconsinSoccerCentral.com

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Sethi’s late goal sends Croatian Eagles to Wisconsin final

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From WisconsinSoccerCentral.com

Mohammed Sethi (Mequon Homestead) scored in the 90th minute, lifting Croatian Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Bavarian SC in the semifinal match of the Wisconsin Open Cup on Sunday afternoon at Croatian Park in Franklin.

The Croatians advance to play the Milwaukee Kickers in the state final next Sunday at Uihlein Soccer Park.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m., with the winner qualifying for the U.S. Adult Soccer Association Region II tournament – the top two teams in that tournament typically earn berths in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Sunday’s game was a rematch of last summer’s Wisconsin Adult Soccer Association Major League playoff final, which the 10-man Bavarians won 2-1 in extra time.

Aaron Lauber (Franklin/UW) gave the Eagles the lead, finishing off a breakaway in the 35th, but Billy Meier (Racine St. Catherine’s/UW-Milwaukee) tied it up for the Bavarians by scoring on a scramble in the box in the 55th.

It appeared the teams were headed to extra time again until Sethi, who spent time with Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA earlier in his career, scored on a shot from the top of the box in the final minute of regulation.

The Croatians last won the state Open Cup in fall 2005, getting past the Kickers 5-4 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw, and went on to earn their fourth US Open Cup berth in spring 2006. The Kickers lost to the Bavarians in the state final in fall 2006, ’07 and ’08 before turning the tables in 2009.

For the most comprehensive coverage of soccer in Wisconsin, visit www.WisconsinSoccerCentral.com

Open Cup qualifying: AAC Eagles dominate, 402 gets late PK to join KC, Detroit in Region II final four

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With Detroit United and KC Athletics punching their ticket to the USASA Region II semifinals the day before, the other two quarterfinal matches took place on Sunday with one producing a goalfest, and another a dramatic nailbiter.

AAC Eagles: 1990 Open Cup champions

FIRE SC ’00 (MN) 3:8 AAC EAGLES (IL)
Toyota Park Turf Field – Bridgeview, Ill.

At the Toyota Park turf field in Bridgeview, Ill., the host AAC Eagles scored a goal against Fire SC ’00 in the opening minute of the match and never looked back. The goal was scored by Jakub “Kuba” Piotrowski, and it would be the first of five goals he would tally in the match in an 8-3 blowout against the newcomers from Minnesota. Piotrowski, who was an All-American college player at the NAIA level playing for the University of Illinois at Springfield. He also scored the second goal in the Illinois Open Cup title game last November as the AAC Eagles defeated RWB Adria 2-0.

AAC Eagles lineup: Marek Los (GK), Mirek Modzelewski (46th), Piotr Kolasinski, Pawel Policht, Darek Szewczyk, David Otachel, Sebastian Skital, Michal Kapusta, Rafal Zalewski (60th), Matchew Kochanowski (73rd), Jakob Piotrowski. Subs: Mariusz Napiorkowski (46th), Jacek Lechowicz (60th), Rafal Popko (73rd)

Scoring Summary:
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Michal Kapusta) – 1st
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Unassisted) – 38th
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Assist?) – 40th
AAC: Matchew Kochanowski (Sebastien Skital) – 44th
AAC: David Otachel (Michal Kapusta) – 45th
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 45th+
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 49th
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Sebastien Skital) – 62nd
FSC: Unknown goalscorer – 73rd
AAC: Jakub Piotrowski (Jacek Lechowicz) – 74th
AAC: Jacek Lechowicz (Jakub Piotrowski) – 76th

KC ATHLETICS (KA) 4:4 DES MOINES MENACE USASA (IA)
(KC Athletics advances 6-5 on PKs)
Cownie Stadium – Des Moines, Iowa

The Eagles will travel to Kansas City in the semifinals where they will face the KC Athletics, who survived an exciting quarterfinal match against the Des Moines Menace USASA on Saturday. The match is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 15 at a site to be determined. Player/coach Kyle Perkins lead the way with a hat trick for the first Kansas-based team to compete in Open Cup qualifying in several years.

KC would break through first with a goal by Perkins, set up by a cross by Marty Johnson, but it wouldn’t take long for the home team to answer. 15 minutes later, Des Moines would level the match on a counter attack goal by Austin Otto.

Former two-time Premier Development League MVP, Tomas Boltnar and long-time teammate Armin Mujdzic each added a goal on either side of halftime to put Des Moines up 3-1.

A few minutes later, Perkins would add another, this time from a free kick from 25 yards out. The ball took a deflection on the way and ended up in the back of the net. He would complete the hat trick soon after that off a corner kick that was delivered to the far post and then crossed back across goal to the foot of Perkins who fired it home.

Scoring Summary:
KCA: Kyle Perkins (Marty Johnston)
DMM: Austin Otto
DMM: Tomas Boltnar
DMM: Armin Mujdzic
KCA: Kyle Perkins (Stephen Hoffman)
KCA: Kyle Perkins (Brian Williams)
DMM: Armin Mujdzic
KCA: Brian Williams (Josh McDaniel)		 Penalty Summary:
DMM: Armin Mujdzic – GOAL
KCA: SAVED
DMM: GOAL
KCA: GOAL
DMM: Medina – SAVED
KCA: GOAL
DMM: Austin Otto – SAVED
KCA: GOAL
DMM: Tomas Boltnar – GOAL
KCA: SAVED
DMM: Scott – MISS
KCA: SAVED
DMM: Downes – GOAL
KCA: GOAL
DMM: Staley – GOAL
KCA: GOAL
DMM: Collins – SAVED
KCA: Zach Brennan – GOA

Not long after that, Mujdzic would give the lead back to the Menace, only to have the Athletics pull one right back just minutes later. With 10 minutes left, KC’s Stephen Hoffman played a diagonal ball to midfielder Josh McDaniel who beat the offside trap and found teammate Brian Williams wide open at the far post for the game-tying tap-in.After 30 minutes of scoreless overtime, the two teams went to the penalty shootout. All three keepers, Zach Brennan for KC, and Kyle Fitch (first half) and Jason Williams (second half, overtime) for Des Moines, made clutch saves for their teams. In the end, the Athletics would emerge victorious as Brennan saved Des Moines’ attempt in the ninth round, and then immediately stepped to the spot himself to score the winning PK.

The KC Athletics pose for a team photo prior to their US Open Cup qualifying match against the Des Moines Menace USASA in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: KC Athletics

“Going to Des Moines in our first Open Cup qualifier and coming out with a win was big,” said Perkins after the match. “I think this game shows the resolve of our team as we overcame a 3-1 deficit. A lot of credit goes to our goalkeeper Zach Brennan, who not only did he save four penalty kicks, but he also coverted the game-winner.”
Des Moines Starting Lineup: GK: Kyle Fitch, DEF: Staley, Smith, Downes, Scott, MID: Perez, McGowan, Tomas Boltnar, Austin Otto, FWD: Piffer and Armin Mujdzic.

KC Athletics Starting Lineup: Zach Brennan, Barber, Robards (subbed off at 70 Hicks), Woods (subbed off at 80 Woodworth), Stephen Hoffman, Josh McDaniel, Atwood, Miles, Gutherie (subbed off at 60 for Brian Williams) Kyle Perkins, Marty Johnston

DETROIT UNITED (MI) 2:1 MILWAUKEE KICKERS (WI)
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, Wis.

Fernando Gatica scored two impressive goals for Detroit United as the Michigan champions eliminated the Milwaukee Kickers, 2-1. Read a full report of the match by Matt Schroeder of WisconsinSoccerCentral.com. Detroit United will host the 402 Academy from Nebraska in a “Win & You’re In” match tentatively scheduled for May 15.

MINNESOTA TWIN STARS (MN – NPSL) 1:2 402 ACADEMY (NE)

There was some late drama with the 402 Academy from Nebraska, as they needed a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game to get past the Minnesota Twin Stars of the National Premier Soccer League. It was a wet game from the start and Minnesota struck first and taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. 402, who qualified for the US Open Cup in their first-ever attempt last year, would equalize thanks to Minnesota native Amad on a shot from about 20 yards out. Finally, in the 89th minute, 402 was awarded a penalty kick, which Tim Walters converted to make it 2-1.

402 will travel to Detroit in their “Win & You’re In” match on May 15.

USASA Region II Quarterfinal schedule

KC Athletics (KS) 4:4 Des Moines Menace USASA (IA) – (KC advance 6-5 on PKs)
Detroit United (MI) 2:1 Milwaukee Kickers (WI)
Minnesota Twin Stars (MN – NPSL) 1:2 402 Academy (NE)
Fire SC ‘00 (MN) 3:8 AAC Eagles (IL)

USASA Region II semifinals schedule
 (All games are Saturday, May 15 – All times Eastern)

402 Academy at Detroit United – 6 p.m. (Borden Park – Rochester Hills, Mich.)
AAC Eagles at KC Athletics – 9:45 p.m. (CommunityAmerica Ballpark – following Chicago Fire / KC Wizards game)
*Semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2010 US Open Cup qualifying: Fernando Gatica carries Detroit United to win over Milwaukee Kickers

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MILWAUKEE (May 1, 2010) — If Fernando Gatica’s debut in the starting lineup is any indication, Detroit United is a serious threat to reach the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Argentinean-born target striker tallied a pair of superb goals on Saturday as Detroit United eliminated the Milwaukee Kickers 2-1 in the USASA Region II quarterfinals at Uihlein Soccer Park.

Gatica’s work on a warm, windy afternoon pushed United within one victory of a berth in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was especially important because Detroit United left Michigan at 11:30 p.m. Friday with only 11 total players. Then, when Sean Nesbitt took ill, he was only able to give a few minutes at a stretch, leaving his team down a man for much of the match.

But the Kickers, who surprised Bavarian SC 3-1 to win the Wisconsin state title and advance to the Region II quarterfinals, could never find a comfort level on their home field.

“We seemed to be a little out of sorts on both ends, offense and defense,” said John Sweeney, the Kickers coach.

After Nate Robinson was foiled by the underside of the crossbar in the 12th minute, he initiated the sequence that led to United’s first goal in the 29th minute. Following a nice run into the right corner, a cross was sent in and then a rebound went high in the air. Gatica measured it and delivered a dynamic scissor kick from just outside the goal box at the far post.

United controlled most of the action for the remainder of the half. In the last couple of minutes, the Kickers generated a pair of good through balls and one opportunity in front of the goal but couldn’t convert.

Playing with the wind largely at their backs in the second half, United used it to score their second goal in the 68th minute. A long punt by the keeper found the burly Gatica at the right of the penalty area. He shook his mark to the ground to gain some space, then beat Nick Farrell for the 2-0 lead.

“It’s hard to foul me,” said the 21-year-old, who played high school soccer in New Jersey and spent some time with the Waza professional indoor team of the PASL. “The goalie came out and saw I had a teammate coming in. He left the near post a little open and that’s where I finished.

The Kickers pulled with in a goal in the 72nd minute. Detroit United was whistled for a handball just outside the penalty area. Kyle Ingold decided on a quick restart as the wall was forming, and his left-footed effort curled around that wall to make it 2-1. They couldn’t generate the equalizer, while at the other end Gatica missed a few golden opportunities for a hat trick against a thinned-out defense.

“This is his first game as a starter, since some of our other starters are not here,” said Detroit United coach George Juncaj, “I guarantee you he will start (in our next game).”

United plays May 15 in the semifinals against an opponent to be determined.

USASA Region II Quarterfinal schedule
(Saturday, May 1 unless noted – All times Eastern)

KC Athletics (KS) 4:4 Des Moines Menace USASA (IA) (KC advances 6-5 in PKs)
Detroit United (MI) 2:1 Milwaukee Kickers (WI)
Fire SC ‘00 (MN) at AAC Eagles (IL) – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2 (Toyota Park turf field)
St. Paul Twin Stars (MN – NPSL) at 402 Academy (NE) – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2

USASA Region II semifinals schedule
(All games are Saturday, May 15 – All times Eastern)

Blind draw for the semifinals will be held Saturday, May 1
*Semifinal winners will qualify for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

USASA Region II first round draw announced, Michigan championship decided Sunday

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The draw for the USASA Region II Open Cup tournament is set, with several new teams among the eight amateur sides that will vie for two berths in the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

KC Athletics, the first entry from Kansas in at least several years, opens up at the Des Moines Menace USASA team in a first-round match May 1. The Menace have competed under a number of different names, including the Iowa Menace and the Des Moines Menace Reserves. The team is a collection of players from the Des Moines Menace Under-20s and some former PDL players.

Newcomer Fire SC ’00 is playing as the Minnesota representative, and travels to AAC Eagles, who ended RWB Adria’s three-year run as Illinois state champion. AAC Eagles, however, qualified for the 2008 Open Cup — along with Adria — after being the state runners-up. The Fire, as the name would suggest, were founded in 2000 and compete in the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League where they are the two-time defending league champions.

One interesting first-round game pits the St. Paul Twin Stars, the two-time defending National Premier Soccer League Midwest Region champions, but a first-time entry in this tournament, against 402 Academy. The Nebraska team advanced to the Open Cup last year in its first attempt, falling to the Minnesota Thunder 3-2 in the first round.

The other opener sees the Milwaukee Kickers, who ousted six-time Open Cup qualifier Bavarian SC in last fall’s Wisconsin state final, play host to the Michigan champion, Detroit United. Detroit United is scheduled to play Ann Arbor United on Sunday, April 11 at Saline High School to determine the final qualifier. Detroit United defeated Ann Arbor United 1-0 to win their first state title since 2007 and to deny Ann Arbor their second straight championship.

The winners of the two second-round matches earn spots in the Open Cup, and will play in the Region II championship June 18-20 at Gaelic Park in Chicago for a spot in the USASA national semifinals. No information was announced about the second round draw.

Saturday, May 1
(All games at 3 p.m. ET)
Detroit United (Michigan) at Milwaukee Kickers (Wisconsin)
Fire SC ’00 (Minnesota) at AAC Eagles (Illinois)
St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL Midwest) at 402 Academy (Nebraska)
KC Athletics (Kansas) at Des Moines Menace USASA (Iowa)

2010 Qualifying: Ingold, Kickers boot Bavarian SC to win Wisconsin

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Kyle Ingold scored with about 15 minutes remaining to snap a tie, then added an insurance goal by drawing and converting a last-minute penalty kick as the Milwaukee Kickers knocked off Bavarian SC 3-1 in the 2010 Wisconsin Open Cup final on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.Wisconsin Adult Soccer Association

With the win, the Kickers — who had lost to Bavarian SC in the state final each of the past three years — earned the state championship, plus a berth in next spring’s USASA Region II tournament, which also is a qualifier for the US Open Cup.

Nick Walls gave the Kickers (4-1-2 overall) the early lead on an odd play about 5 minutes into the match. A long throw-in sailed into the box and took a big bounce over the Bavarian SC goalkeeper, and the one-time Chicago Fire player beat a defender to the ball and fired home for a quick 1-0 advantage.

The Kickers were forced to use two of their four substitutes for injuries around the 35th minute, with two defenders coming off, and Bavarian SC seized control of the match.

The Bavarians, who have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup six times since 1995 — a record for an amateur team during the tournament’s “professional era” — got the equalizer about 5 minutes before halftime when Dave Treblinski made a good run to the far post and one-touched a volley into the net off a cross.

The teams, who played a 0-0 draw in a Wisconsin Adult Soccer Association Major League opener on Sept. 13, went back and forth with the score 1-1 until Ingold’s first goal. A corner kick was knocked around the box and popped out to Ingold, who half-volleyed in a shot from about 12 yards out to break the tie.

The Bavarians (2-4-1) responded by pushing numbers forward in search of another equalizer — “They put up a fierce attack,” Kickers manager John Sweeney said — but goalkeeper Nick Farrell was up to the task.

Ingold’s late penalty iced the match for the Kickers, who also beat Bavarian SC 2-1 in the 2006 Wisconsin Open Cup semifinals (held in fall 2005), but were eliminated by the Croatian Eagles 5-4 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 tie in the final.

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