• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • US Open Cup Central
  • US Open Cup Qualifying
  • US Open Cup History
  • Amateur Cup

Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

  • 2025 USOC Schedule
  • 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
  • 2025 USOC Qualifying Results
  • TheCup.us Awards
  • Join TheCup.us Patreon!
  • Contact Us

Minneapolis City SC

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Salvadego’s brace off Des Moines Menace bench spoils Minneapolis City’s debut

March 24, 2022 by Blake Siberz

Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
The Des Moines Menace celebrate scoring a goal vs. Minneapolis City SC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Calderon @digitaljose

While the weather in West Des Moines, Iowa attempted to quell the excitement of the 2022 US Open Cup’s First Round, the on-pitch action absolutely would not have it.

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

A six-goal thriller kept a small, yet passionate throng of supporters enthralled from start to finish as the Des Moines Menace rode out as 4-2 winners over a strong Minneapolis City Soccer Club. A brace from Menace substitute-striker Alessandro Salvadego was the difference after he scored the winner in the 69th minute and added an insurance goal ten minutes later to deliver a loss to Minneapolis in the club’s long-awaited Open Cup debut.

Temperatures in the mid-30s with drizzling rain and wet conditions on the turf initially led to a cagey affair at Valley Stadium. Towering midfielder, Man of the Match and Iowa native, Lance Rozeboom, led the battle in midfield for the Reds, while Aidan O’Driscoll brought the fight for the clever Crows.

Speaking of the Crows, they gloriously opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Lionel Vang hit a laser beam free kick from 30 yards out to the top left corner of the net. After the stunning opener, it was clear that the home team was feeling the pressure of their status and they retaliated to make it 1-1 before halftime when Maxi Galizzi scored after bundling home due to consistent pressure from the Menace.

The teams went in level at halftime with Menace coach Dean Johnson in charge of his first match with Kyle Krause on the sideline and general manager, Charlie Bales, in the stands. Both coaches were quick to get their charges to their respective locker rooms as the rain and wind whipped – it seemed to get worse while they recharged their batteries and received their marching orders. The second half kicked off to a crowd that would not disperse.

A slow start to the second half that saw a continued midfield battle that was highlighted by no real chances. The Menace eventually took the lead in the 56th minute when William Rodrigues was first to react after a flowing Minneapolis City move led to a great save from Crows’ goalkeeper, Troy Louwagie.

The Crows equalized at 2-2 in the 61st minute via their danger man, late add, Loic Mesanvi, who smashed home after a direct attack sprung the Crows, who benefitted from a defensive mistake in the Menace backline. Two of the three defenders for Des Moines were wearing “athletic” tights, so perhaps they had not gotten warm enough to catch the speedy Mesavani, a high school student who provided several moments of brilliance in the game, including an incisive run highlighted by two very slick nutmegs.

Ironically enough, Menace matchwinner Alessandro Salvadego entered the match just prior to the Crows’ fightback, which was eventually murdered with a quickfire double in the 69th and 79th minutes. The Menace were not willing to surrender their lead and despite the intensity that the visitors brought, Des Moines quietly got things under control and enjoyed celebrating with their fans.

With the win, the Menace gained ground on the Flint City Bucks. The victory gave Des Moines 13 all-time Open Cup wins as a franchise, which is the second-most of any amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present). The only team with more is the Bucks who have 15.

The result leads to an appetizing matchup pitting the Des Moines Menace, reigning USL League Two champions against USL League One Champions, Omaha Union on April 5 at Morrison Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Des Moines Menace, Minneapolis City SC

Why is it against the rules to change leagues during the US Open Cup?

April 6, 2018 by Josh Hakala

The scene from historic Boxer Stadium in San Francisco with El Farolito hosting Burlingame Dragons in the First Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Evan Ream
The scene from historic Boxer Stadium in San Francisco with El Farolito hosting Burlingame Dragons in the First Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Evan Ream

On Nov. 19, 2017, El Farolito dominated Cal Victory FC 8-0 to clinch a spot in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was a “Win & You’re In” game in the Open Division qualifying tournament for the 105th edition of the competition. It was the second year in a row that the San Francisco-area club would punch their ticket and they did it by not allowing a single goal in three games, outscoring their opponents 16-0.

However, when they made the decision to change leagues from the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) to the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), they violated a rule in the US Open Cup bylaws and it cost them a trip to the 2018 tournament.

So, why is that rule in place?

It began before the 2015 US Open Cup when the tournament committee made a change to the bylaws about team eligibility. In Section 202, subsection c reads that teams entering through the Open Division must adhere to the following rules to remain eligible throughout the tournament:

“(i) A team must remain a playing member in good standing within its club/league competition, starting from the Open Division entry deadline and continuing until the Open Cup Final for the competition year;

(ii) A team’s league must be in operation from the Open Division entry deadline until the Open Cup Final for the competition year.”

During the qualifying tournament, El Farolito had been in talks with the NPSL and were hoping to be accepted into the league.

“We always knew about the rule,” said El Farolito general manager Santiago Lopez. “But there was a deadline to enter the US Open Cup and we didn’t know if NPSL was going to accept us.”

A portion of Section 202 of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup handbook.
A portion of Section 202 of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup handbook.

So they decided to continue with the qualifying tournament as a backup plan just in case they weren’t accepted into the NPSL. Shortly after they defeated Cal Victory FC to clinch a spot in the tournament, the NPSL decided to accept El Farolito into the fold.

@NPSLSoccer 2018 pic.twitter.com/qUcsy2Of3N

— El Farolito (@elfarolito_npsl) December 3, 2017

After the tweet was sent out, it didn’t take long for US Soccer to give Lopez a call to confirm the news and to let him know what his options were. Lopez was told what he already knew, if he decided to join the NPSL and leave the SFSFL completely, they would be disqualified. There have been other teams who have changed leagues during the tournament, but the workaround is that they keep a team in the old league, or field a reserve team, in order to remain in good standing with the league.

They would either have to field two teams or play their first team twice each weekend. That wasn’t an option for El Farolito.

“SFSFL is one of the toughest amateur leagues in the country and having two clubs at the same time is extremely difficult,” Lopez said. “The President decided to just focus on NPSL.”

This wasn’t the first time since 2015 that a team was disqualified for switching leagues. On Oct. 22, 2016, Minneapolis City SC defeated Michigan’s Oakland County FC 2-1 in extra time to clinch a spot in the 2017 US Open Cup before they learned that their plans to move from the Premier League of America to the NPSL was a violation of tournament rules. Once it became clear that they were in violation of the Open Cup bylaws, Minneapolis approached the USSF to see if they could work out an arrangement that would allow them to continue. In the end, they were disqualified.

Some fans and members of the media have asked why this rule was added in 2015. Also, why does the New York Cosmos B, Jacksonville Armada and Miami FC 2 get to participate in the 2018 US Open Cup despite technically changing leagues.

As for the motivation for the rule change, a USSF spokesperson explained it this way.

By changing leagues, even if the team in question leaves to join another US Soccer-affiliated league, there is an “interruption” to their affiliation with the federation. In theory, a team could drop out of their current league, join another league and if they are eliminated from the Open Cup, they could drop out of the new league before they even play a game.

In an extreme scenario, a club could drop out of its current league and register to join another, followed by losing its next Open Cup game without having played a match in its new league. With the Open Cup out of reach, the club could then decide to immediately withdraw from its new league (which it might have joined to retain Open Cup eligibility as its only intention).

While this scenario may be unlikely, based on this explanation, the federation is just concerned with covering their bases.

Filed Under: 2018 US Open Cup, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2018 US Open Cup, El Farolito - CD Mexico, Minneapolis City SC

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: Rochester River Dogz make history by qualifying for first US Open Cup

November 21, 2017 by Brendan Doherty

Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman's SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz
Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman's SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz
Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman’s SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz

On a blustery afternoon amid chilling winds and freezing rain in Rochester’s suburb of Pittsford, NY, the Rochester River Dogz earned a place in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Hosting Stegman’s Soccer Club, a local amateur side and the parent club of Minneapolis City SC of the National Premier Soccer League, the River Dogz are themselves related to the NPSL team founded under the same name and since re-branded to the Lancers.

The River Dogz would defend their home turf, prevailing 2-1 to become the first open division amateur team from Western New York to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

The River Dogz entered the competition through the Rochester District Soccer League, an elite amateur circuit recognized by USASA, but used the players and kits from the NPSL side. Similarly, Stegman’s, a member of the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League, fielded much of its NPSL roster and suited up in MPLS City’s jerseys.

The visitors struck in just the first minute of play, before the Minnesota-style weather took hold.

Nicholas Hutton sent dangerous service into the area from the right wing. Forward Ben Wexler did well to meet the cross but his strike whistled off the crossbar. Stegman’s Timothy Wills reacted first and poked home the rebound to take the early lead.

After conceding, the River Dogz regrouped and mounted some chances of their own. The hosts appeared to notch a goal in quick response after the right winger cut inside and fired a shot on his left that fell nicely to a teammate for an easy rebound. The assistant referee has raised his flag, however, and the score remained 1-0 for the Minnesotans.

The Rochester River Dogz (white) and Stegman's SC square off in a 2018 US Open Cup qualifier at Pittsford Thornell Farm Park in Pittsford, NY. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz
The Rochester River Dogz (white) and Stegman’s SC square off in a 2018 US Open Cup qualifier at Pittsford Thornell Farm Park in Pittsford, NY. Photo: Jameson Pester | Rochester River Dogz

Despite some flowing passing moves, Rochester’s equalizer came from another rebound. Rochester forced a turnover in Stegman’s third with coordinated pressure from midfield. Center forward Austin Gerber received a through ball that split Stegman’s defense and hit a heavy strike that goalkeeper Matt Elder reacted quickly to kick away. Unfortunately for the visitors, the balled popped out to attacking midfielder Stefanos Stamoulocatos and the former U.S. youth international buried the follow-up from a tight angle with his left foot to tie the match in the 26th minute.

Stegman’s number 11, Whitney Browne was active throughout the game. He forced Rochester’s Will Banahene into a diving save from a set piece in the opening 15 minutes and was not shy about unloading shots from distance either.

Rochester held court for much of the remainder of the first half. The River Dogz tried to build measured attacks through midfield, probing for an opening between defenders, while still effectively using the long ball upfield for Gerber to chase. In contrast, Stegman’s kept several players deep even when in possession in the final third.

In the second half, Stegman’s pushed forward more often looking for a second goal but left themselves more vulnerable to counterattacks. A quick break chance almost put the hosts ahead early in the second half but the shot from Anthony Rozzano’s cross bounced off the crossbar.

Rochester’s utility defender Alex Harling, having played center back, right back, and left back on Sunday preserved equity in the middle of the second half. Stegman’s capitalized on a poor pass from Rochester’s No. 14, who had just entered the match as a substitute, and attacked quickly through the middle. The visitors may have thought difficult part of the move was over when a Stegman’s attacker rounded Banahene, but Harling recovered expertly to clear the eventual shot off the goal line.

Shortly after nearly conceding on one end, Rochester grabbed the go-ahead goal at the other. Gerber received another well-timed through ball that put him through with Elder and set himself up for a right-footed instep shot curled low to the far post. To his credit, Elder got a touch on the shot but could not prevent the game-winner from dribbling over the line.

Facing elimination after an unforgiving qualification process, Stegman’s rose to the occasion. The visitors moved the ball around the field well while pressing forward with urgency, peppering Banahene’s goal with efforts.

“Stegmans came to play that’s for sure,” said River Dogz general manager/assistant coach Marc Mandell. “After an early goal a minute into the game, our players had to buckle down and focus on how to get back in the game. I was very pleased that we were able to come back being a goal down to win 2-1. Our goalkeeper Will Banahene was definitely the man of the match coming up with some huge saves and Austin Gerber came through with the game-winning goal for the second game in a row.”

Perhaps an effort to run the clock down, two Rochester players received bookings in the final minutes of the match. The first was to Rochester’s No. 11 for his part in some shoving and gesticulating during a fracas near the Stegman’s goal and the second was to Rozzano for time-wasting after he cleared a ball past the bleachers once it had already crossed the sideline.

Stegman’s players showed well and can be proud of their efforts (after raising the funds to cover their airfare), but it was Rochester that came away with the 2-1 victory.

With the win, the River Dogz will qualify for the 105th edition of the US Open Cup that will begin next May. Their head coach, who has plenty of US Open Cup experience as a player with the Rochester Rhinos, was proud of his team’s performance.

“Rochester has a ton of local talent and I am happy to see the community rally around these guys,” said Doug Miller, who scored the game-winning goal for the Rhinos in the 1999 US Open Cup Final. “This cup means a lot to me and my ex-teammates and to be a part of it again is exciting”

Filed Under: 2018 US Open Cup, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2018 US Open Cup qualifying, Minneapolis City SC, Rochester River Dogz, Stegman's SC

2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Minneapolis City has eye on rare tournament berth after OT win over Oakland County

October 25, 2016 by Josh Hakala

minneapolis-city-vs-oakland-county-2017-qualifying-300x150
Whitney Browne of Minneapolis City celebrates one of his two goals against Oakland County FC in the second round of the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/
Whitney Browne of Minneapolis City celebrates one of his two goals against Oakland County FC in the second round of the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/

Courtesy of FiftyFive.One

Minneapolis City SC emerged the victor from a closely fought cup tie with Rochester Hills, Mich.’s Oakland County FC, thanks to an extra time goal from winger Whitney Browne. City frequently had the run of play on the afternoon, but County goal keeper Nathan Steinwascher repeatedly frustrated the Crows, keeping County in the game and forcing 30 additional minutes.

Whitney Browne was a deserved Man of the Match, scoring 22nd and 95th minute goals for the Crows. County winger Shawn Sloan — scoring in a second-straight US Open Cup qualifier — opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

Over 300 people were in attendance at the National Sports Center on a beautiful fall day. Temperatures stayed in the low 60s with little wind and few clouds in sight.

The two teams ran out with starting XIs of similar shape. Player-manager Nicolino Morana set up his County teammates in a 4-2-3-1. Nathan Steinwascher started in goal behind a back four of Mike Pugh, Jamie Foxwell, Ryan Messick and Jacob Prud’homme. Moussa Diallo and Brent Schmid formed the base of a midfield triangle, with Theo Foutris at its point. Dangerman Shawn Sloan started on the right wing opposite Joe Beshara before swapping sides early in the first half. Mikel Alia operated as a lone striker.

City technical director and Open Cup head coach Jon Bisswurm countered with a 4-3-3, using a single holding midfielder to County’s pair. Matt Elder played between the posts, guarded by a back four of Brian Chapman, Joey Gustafson, AJ Albers and Charlie Adams. Miles Stockman-Willis sat in front of defense and behind Martin Browne and Ben Wexler in the center of midfield. Tim Wills spearheaded the Crows’ attack as a center forward, flanked by Abbai Habte and Whitney Browne.

Hosts Minneapolis had a full bench consisting of defenders Evan Wright, Emmanuel Brown and Landy Mattison, midfielders Tom Corcoran and Chase Carey, forward Keido Toure, and goalkeeper James Neher.

Oakland County had made the 12-hour trip by bus with a spartan 13-man roster, leaving only forward Kevin Pinkos and player-coach Morana in reserve.

FIRST HALF

Minneapolis City (left) and Oakland County FC squared off at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/
Minneapolis City (left) and Oakland County FC squared off at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota in the 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/

Oakland County controlled most of the possession in the first five minutes, but was unable to threaten Minneapolis’ goal during that opening stretch.

The first scoring chance of the game occurred in the 6th minute. Whitney Browne — making a diagonal run behind his mark — ran on to the end of a through ball, then squared his path parallel to the edge of the 18-yard box. The winger played a square ball towards the center of the penalty area for a streaking Wills, but the forward’s resulting effort went low and wide of Steinwascher’s left post.

A minute later, on City’s opposite flank, Habte was nearly played in on goal, but a well-timed sliding challenge from County’s center back Foxwell smothered the opportunity.

Neither side was finding much success playing through the middle of the field, with both teams packing the center with three midfielders. City was starting to find space for its wingers on the flanks via long diagonal balls played out from its back line and midfield. When able to work the ball up near County’s 18-yard box, the Crows were able manage a bit of short combination play, but were unable to find the final ball needed to break down County’s back line.

Rallying back from being pinned on its heels for near 10 minutes, County found success with a bit of build-up play.

Sloan let loose with a well-struck volley from just inside the penalty area in the 15th minute, forcing Elder to parry. The goal keeper was able to get a pair of hands on the ball while at full-dive to his left.

Two minutes later, Schmid played the ball between City’s ranks, putting Sloan one-on-one with City’s full back Adams. Checking the ball on to his right foot after a feint, Sloan was able to drive the ball inside the near post and past Elder, putting County up 1-0.

“Honestly, I watched the Liverpool game earlier today, and Coutinho did that same exact thing, where he faked the shot, cut it back against the grain, and hit it near post,” Sloan said. “In my head, I was just thinking play like that, and it worked out.”

“We knew Sloan was the guy to guard,” said Bisswurm. “We singled him out as one guy to pay attention to, we had a mental breakdown, and look what happened.”

City tried to answer back three minutes later when a Martin Browne pass carried Wexler into County’s penalty area, but Foxwell and Pugh smothered the creative midfielder and Wexler’s shot was blocked.

Martin Browne would again attempt to set one of his City teammates up in the 22nd minute, playing a ball between Pugh and Foxwell for his brother Whitney. The winger was able to hold off a defender on his back, and bearing down one-on-one with Steinwascher, slotted the ball low to the keeper’s left. Steinwascher was able to get part of his hand to the ball, but was unable to redirect it around his post. The ball rolled across the goal line, leveling the score at 1-1.

The goal had come from a slightly unexpected source, as the key pass was made from distance along the ground, whereas a majority of City’s prior play had consisted of long diagonal balls sprayed out to the wings, or attempts at short combination play.

“Martin found me on a diagonal run, and I was able to finish,” offered the younger Browne, succinctly. “We watched on film together, and we talked about it before the game — where my spots were going to be.”

Browne nearly scored again in the 28th, beating Pugh off the dribble. Driving towards goal with a defender on his shoulder, the winger could only manage to scuff a shot in the direction of Steinwascher, as the goal keeper comfortably collected the ball.

Misfortune struck Oakland County in the 33rd minute. Alia — who had been noticeably limping for several minutes — was deemed unable to carry on, and County was forced to make a substitution, sending Kevin Pinkos on in his stead.

More than 300 fans were in attendance at the National Sports Center to support Minneapolis City in their 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match against Oakland County FC. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/
More than 300 fans were in attendance at the National Sports Center to support Minneapolis City in their 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match against Oakland County FC. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/

“We had a game plan going in, about exactly how the subs would go,” said Morana. “We weren’t going to make any in the first half, but you could tell… he tweaked , but he told me he was going to fight through it. It was unfortunate, but it happens.”

Shortly after Pinkos had come on, City came close to scoring again. Wills, making a run directly in on goal, was picked up by Whitney Browne who was in possession along City’s right flank. The cross found the outstretched foot of Wills, but the forward only managed to softly settle the ball for Steinwascher to gather.

The two sides would attempt to catch each other off guard via the long ball, but no real scoring chances materialized for the remainder of the half.

SECOND HALF

Neither team made any changes to its lineup coming out of halftime, and the second half began in similar fashion to how the first had ended.

In the 48th minute, Habte used his pace to drive the ball into County’s penalty area. Drawing a pair of defenders, the winger cut the ball back for Wills. The forward seemed not to make the cleanest of contact with the ball, and the resulting effort was rolled directly at Steinwascher.

Though the forward’s finishing was wanting, Wills’ workrate and movement presented a consistent threat.

Moments later, on the other end of the field, Pinkos was able to split City’s center backs in a footrace for a ball played over the top, as County played long from its back line. Only a clean and precisely timed diving tackle from Gustafson prevented Pinkos from going through on goal, as City’s center back was able to poke the ball away while stretching around Pinkos from behind.

While City enjoyed most of the possession following the resumption of play, scoring chances were split evenly between the two teams over the first 10 minutes of the second half.

In the 57th minute, a County turnover in midfield sent Whitney Browne through a channel towards goal. Wills accompanied in support, but a pair of County defenders were able to recover in time and secure the middle of the field, isolating Wills from Browne. As had already happened multiple times in the game, Foxwell arrived to make a crucial tackle in his own penalty area, averting danger.

Inserting fresh legs into its midfield, City would make its first substitution in the 65th minute. Corcoran came on as a like-for-like replacement for Wexler.

Whether it was a lack of substitutes, having to travel from several states away by road, or superior conditioning on City’s part, County began losing the battle for midfield as the second half drew on. But still, Minneapolis was unable to find a goal.

Chances for County became fewer and far between, but the white and purple were still able to threaten goal when picking their spots.

Diallo sent a dangerous cross in the direction of Sloan around the 70th minute, prompting a jumping, scissor-kick clearance from Adams from inside City’s penalty area.

The Crows won a free kick on the other end of the field a few moments later. Corcoran sent a curling ball towards Steinwascher’s far post from 30 yards out, and the goal keeper was momentarily frozen by runs from Stockman-Willis and Albers. Determining late that neither City player would be able to get a head on the ball, the keeper dove to his left and scooped Corcoran’s free kick off the goal line, deftly playing the short hop with one hand.

After the subsequent corner was cleared, Bashara was able to dribble around Whitney Browne, but lacked the pace to shake the winger in traffic. Falling to the ground and grabbing the back of his leg, the winger drew considerable ire from City’s nearby supporters group, the Citizens, as the officials took no notice.

In the 77th minute, City conceded a free kick on the outside edge of its own 18-yard box. Sloan sent a curling effort in, but it was headed away by a leaping Stockman-Willis.

Schmid was shown yellow in the 81st for a rough tackle, and City nearly took the lead from the resulting free kick. Wills put the ball on the head of Adams, who flicked the ball on for Albers. Fully committing, Albers bundled the ball into the goal from short range as Steinwascher was shaken up on the play. Unfortunately for City, the assistant had flagged for offside, ruling Albers had already moved past the last defender prior to Adams’ header.

Browne, taking matters into his own hands, nearly scored in the 87th minute. Going past a pair of County defenders on the dribble the winger was able to round Steinwascher inside the 6-yard box, but the keeper’s effort to close down had pushed Browne wide. Browne’s resulting narrow-angle shot struck the near post, caroming out towards the penalty spot where it was cleared by Oakland County.

Chapman looked worse for the wear in the 90th minute, and was replaced at left back by Mattison.

Two minutes later, Habte caught County’s back line sleeping. Making a diagonal run to keep onside, Habte darted into yards of space behind County’s defense, receiving a ball played straight up the center of the field. One-on-one with Steinwascher, who had come off his line to cut down Habte’s shooting angle, the winger shot low and to the goal keeper’s left. Steinwascher did notably well to get down and parry the shot with his left hand, preserving the tie.

Where most of the second half belonged to City, it was County that made the most of added time. After a scuffle in traffic just outside the top of the D, Purd’homme emerged with the ball and an open look at City’s goal from 22 yards out. The full back let loose with a powerful shot, but sent the ball over Elder’s crossbar.

Then, just before regulation came to a close, Sloan received a pass just outside City’s penalty area. The winger was dispossessed by Albers, but again the ball fell to Prud’homme. This time, the full back made sure to put his shot on target, and only Elder diving and parrying to his right was able to keep County from stealing the game late.

EXTRA TIME

Habte again found himself one-on-one with Steinwascher after making a diagonal run and receiving the ball behind County’s back line, this time in the 94th minute. Again coming off his line, Steinwascher was able to pressure Habte’s shot, and the winger fired wide of the near post.

A minute later, City would finally grab its second goal. Wills flicked a header in the direction of Whitney Browne and Pugh, and both challenged for the header. Pugh lost his footing following the contact while Browne collected the ball and raced in on goal. The winger was able to cut around Foxwell, giving himself enough space to shoot with his right foot. Steinwascher, hung out to dry, was unable to produce another highlight real save, as Browne put the ball into the back of the net to the keeper’s right.

“The second goal was me working hard,” said Browne. “I was able to come out with a chance, and I finished it off.”

The two teams traded half-chances before Wills nearly set up a second goal in extra time in the 101st minute. The forward slipped a clever ball through for Stockman-Willis, but the midfielder shot wide of a diving Steinwascher.

Shortly thereafter, Bisswurm opted to replace Wills with Carey with an eye towards killing the last 15 minutes.

Morana inserted himself into the game on the wing in the 116th, representing County’s last available substitute.

The player-coach was able to get on the end of a cross from Sloan, and attempted to knock the ball down for one of his teammates, but the ball fell into an empty part of City’s penalty area and was cleared shortly thereafter.

Content to defend deep while protecting a lead, City conceded much of the possession an imitative to County in the game’s final minutes.

Foxwell, pushing forward in search of an equalizer, had his shot from the corner of the 18-yard box parried by Elder in the 108th minute.

Carey was shown yellow in the 113th for a late, rough challenge while closing down one of County’s defenders as the visitors sought to keep the ball in City’s half.

Foxwell, still keeping an advanced position, got on the end of a cross from Diallo, but the center back’s header went wide of Elder’s goal.

Making its only notable charge of the game’s final 15 minutes, City nearly put the contest beyond reach in the 117th when Martin Browne again put his brother Whitney in on goal, but the winger was unable to record a hat trick, shooting low and wide right of Steinwascher.

Steinwascher found himself at the other end of the field in the game’s dying moments. Sloan sent a ball into the penalty area in the 120th minute, finding the goal keeper’s head, but Steinwascher was unable to place the effort on target.

Seconds later, the final whistle was blown, sending City through to the third qualifying round.

City now take another step toward becoming the first amateur team from the state of Minnesota to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

REACTIONS

“It could have gone either way,” Foxwell said. “They had, probably, more chances than we had. played a hell of a game. We battled, but they got one in on us . That’s just how soccer goes.”

“We came with 13 guys — me being one of the 13 — travelling 12 hours out here… I was satisfied with the result,” reflected Morana. “We had couple chances at the beginning of the game, and a couple at the end of regulation we could have buried. But at the same time had a breakaway that was missed, hit a post… it was one of those games that was going to come down to one or two goals.”

“Nate definitely kept us in the game,” added Morana. “He made big stops when we needed them, and he extended the game into extra time. What more can you ask from your keeper?”

“Overall, I think we played well,” said Steinwascher. “We struggled keeping the ball at times. were obviously the more fit team out here, today, and it hurt us. They’re a quality team, and they’re probably going to do well in the next round.”

“Coming into the game, we just wanted to get the win,” said Whitney Browne. “I was fortunate enough to score, but I definitely couldn’t it without my teammates. It’s win or go home. However you get the job just, you just have to get it done.”

“I think we should have scored more goals,” offered Bisswurm. “We hit the post… we outran them… I think it should have been five or six to one.”

When asked if focusing his team’s attack down the wings was part of City’s plan going into the game, Bisswurm replied, “We were taking the opportunity presented to us. We’d prefer to keep possession, but when you’re given those diagonal balls and you have two dynamic wingers…”

On being undefeated as a head coach in Open Cup play, Bisswurm said, “I’m going to ultimately be fired, in any event, so I might as well rack up as many wins as possible before then.”

“I feel like we missed a lot of chances, and could have put the game away early,” Albers said, “But a win feels really great. We pressured them, and worked well together as a team. I’ve liked the training and the few scrimmages we’ve had, which set us up for this game.”

“It was sweet – first Open Cup game for me, for the boys, and for the club… to get a win was awesome,” said Elder. “I knew that if I made a mistake, the way the boys were firing up top, we were going to get one back. So not too much pressure on me. Oakland was a class team, give them credit, but I thought we were better in the attacking third.”

WATCH A FULL REPLAY OF THE MATCH HERE

Filed Under: US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2017 US Open Cup qualifying, Minneapolis City SC, Oakland County FC

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Bluesky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

U.S. Open Cup History

Jim Gregory, president of Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment (right), presents the Coffee Pot Cup to Sachin Shah after D.C. United's 2-0 win in the 2004 Carolina Challenge Cup. Photo: Mike Buytas

How a US Open Cup classic, locker room vandalism inspired fans to create Coffee Pot Cup

It remains one of the greatest games of the US Open Cup’s Modern Era but what happened after the game gets more attention than the instant classic that took place on the field.

  • Highs and lows of Los Angeles’ 25 all-time US Open Cup Final appearances
  • Before Lionel Messi’s 2023 US Open Cup impact, Pele changed the 1975 Final in a different way
  • A history of violence against referees in US Open Cup
  • How St. Petersburg Kickers became Florida’s first US Open Cup champion
  • San Francisco Bay Seals, the ‘amateur’ pro team that reached 1997 US Open Cup Semifinals

Analytics powered by

Copyright © 2025 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development