NASL

USSF allows NY Cosmos B, Miami FC 2, Jacksonville Armada into 2018 US Open Cup in unprecedented decision

April 2, 2018 by Josh Hakala

Despite not qualifying for the 2018 US Open Cup, Jacksonville Armada U-23s, New York Cosmos B, and Miami FC 2 will be allowed in because their senior teams were left out as members of the NASL. — The three remaining North American Soccer League (NASL) teams Jacksonville Armada, New York Cosmos, and Miami FC are being allowed to enter the 2018 US Open Cup.

UPDATE: All three Play-In Round games will take place on May 6. Click here for the full schedule.

A little over two weeks ago, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced the format for the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 105th edition of the United States championship tournament would feature 94 teams, but last Friday afternoon, in an unprecedented decision, the federation added three teams that didn’t originally qualify for the competition into the 2018 field.

The New York Cosmos B, Jacksonville Armada Under-23s, and Miami FC 2, the three reserve teams for the remaining clubs in the North American Soccer League (NASL), will be allowed to enter the US Open Cup. Since the NASL canceled the 2018 season, the three teams shifted their remaining players to their reserve squads which all compete in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as professional teams.

In previous years, the only way for NPSL teams entered the US Open Cup is through the NPSL qualifying process, which is determined (somewhat complexly) by the previous year’s league and playoff results. Cosmos B and the Armada U-23s failed to qualify and Miami FC 2 are a 2018 expansion team and did not compete in league play last season.

The statement from the US Open Cup Committee read: “The Committee carefully considered the teams’ exceptional situation which involved all three moving from Professional Division II status in 2017 to solely Open Division league participation earlier this year. Since the move occurred after the Open Division league’s 2018 Open Cup entry deadline in mid-2017, the Committee decided to allow the three teams the opportunity to compete in the 2018 edition of the U.S. Open Cup.”

All three teams accepted their invitations and will enter the tournament in a newly-created Play-In Round that is scheduled to take place the weekend of May 5-6.

As a member of the @usopencup committee, I am happy with this outcome. Everyone should have a chance to participate in this prestigious cup, and I’m happy that we gave the @JaxArmadaFC, The @NYCosmos and the @TheMiamiFC an opportunity to compete. Good luck to all the teams

— John Paul Motta (@JohnPMotta) March 31, 2018

US Soccer announced on Monday, April 2 that the New York Cosmos B will face the Brooklyn Italians FC of the NPSL, while the PDL’s FC Miami City will take on Miami FC 2, and The Villages SC (PDL) will face off with the Jacksonville Armada. The winners of those three matches will move on to the First Round on May 9.

The dates, times and locations for the Play-In Round will be announced at a later date. Brooklyn, FC Miami City and The Villages will have the first option to host and according to the press release, they have until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6 to submit their hosting proposal to the federation.

The USSF will also announce the First Round pairings and the potential Second Round matchups on Wednesday, April 4.

“These three teams, the players and the coaching staff and their fans, who had planned to participate in the 2018 US Open Cup, and because they are no longer in a professional league and because now they are participating in an amateur league, they missed all of the deadlines to participate in the 2018 tournament,” said John Motta, President of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and Open Cup committee member. “This situation was out of their control … and in my opinion, we had to find a way to allow these three teams to participate. Because it’s not the fault of any of the players, their fans, their coaches, so let’s take the politics aside and let them play.”

The NASL lost their Division 2 professional sanctioning on Sept. 3, 2017, which was after the registration deadline to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament for the 2018 US Open Cup.

The argument, as detailed in a letter submitted to the USSF by New York Cosmos chairman Rocco Commisso and shared on social media, laid out a number of complaints.

One of them being that Indy Eleven and North Carolina FC both left the NASL and were automatically entered into the US Open Cup as members of the USL. The main difference between the two situations is that since 2012, every US-based professional team is automatically entered into the competition. The Premier Development League (PDL) and the NPSL both choose their Open Cup entries based on the previous season’s results. All other teams are required to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament.

The letter also cited MLS (Los Angeles FC) and USL (Nashville SC, Las Vegas Lights FC, Fresno FC) expansion teams as examples of clubs that have been allowed to enter the tournament. Again, all professional teams are automatically entered into the Open Cup, so this is common practice.

Miami FC CEO Sean Flynn also submitted a similar letter to the US Soccer Federation.

TheCup.us has confirmed that the three NPSL teams will all be competing in the 2018 league season and the US Open Cup tournament as fully professional teams. There is no rule, either at the federation level or with the NPSL itself that prevents them from doing this. Although they are in the minority, they are not the only NPSL teams that compete in the league as professionals.

Earlier this year, amateur side El Farolito, winners of the 1993 US Open Cup, were disqualified for switching leagues during the qualifying process. They made the move from the San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) to the NPSL. Motta was quick to point out the difference between the two situations. One of them had a choice.

“These NASL teams were left out, through no fault of their own … while made a decision to change leagues mid-way through and that’s a clear violation of the Open Cup bylaws,” said Motta.

Section 202c1i of the Open Cup Handbook clearly states: “To remain eligible throughout the tournament, a team must remain a playing member in good standing within its club/league competition, starting from the Open Division entry deadline (which was last summer) and continuing until the Open Cup Final for the competition year.”

One minor detail is that the Jacksonville Armada Under-23s, who prior to this year were largely made up of college players, are putting that franchise on hiatus as the team converts to a fully-professional roster. Miami FC 2, which was announced prior to the NASL canceling the 2018 season, will remain under that name despite the team being converted to a roster full of NASL players. The New York Cosmos will be entering their usual professional roster under the name “Cosmos B”, therefore, just like Miami FC 2, they will be making the club’s first tournament appearance.

With this change, for the first time in tournament history, the NPSL will have more entries (22) than the PDL (20). This will also give the state of Florida 11 entries and the state of New York seven entries in this year’s tournament, both are Modern Era records.

Ian Foster also contributed to this report

2016 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Chicago Fire end Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ Cinderella run, make history in process

July 22, 2016 by Jon Sicotte

Chicago Fire celebrate a goal against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the 2016 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Chicago Fire

The Fire continue to find a flicker of hope when it comes to US Open Cup runs.

Although not able to find a spot in its league playoffs since 2012 and sits last in the table in its division, the MLS’ Fire defeated the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers 3-0 in the Cup
Quarterfinals to advance to its fourth consecutive Semifinals berth and 12th overall, setting the all-time US Open Cup record.

The four-time Cup champions will meet its MLS Eastern Conference counterparts the New England Revolution in the Semifinals on Aug. 9.

The Strikers were looking to make history as the first NASL team ever to make the Semifinals.

“In the first 15 minutes we tried to close the space, but we conceded two early goals and that put us in a terrible situation,” said coach and GM Caio Zanardi in a report by the team. “But it was a great moment for us to be in the quarterfinal beating D.C. United and Orlando City. Playing Chicago was special for us. This was a great moment for us to play here in Chicago.”

Accam helped double the lead when he set up Michael de Leeuw in the 35th minute and Khaly Thiam all but sealed the game for the Fire when his goal in the 51st minute made it 3-0.

Gale Agbossoumonde did not make life easier for the Strikers, the last non-MLS team left in the Open Cup field, when he got himself sent off in the 70th minute. Agbossoumonde had previously played every minute of the Strikers NASL and Open Cup campaigns.

Accam was brought down on inside the 18-yard box by Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Diego Restrepo and the Ghanaian forward converted his attempt from the penalty spot. A bad start got worse for the Strikers minutes later as Nana Attakora was forced off after a collision.

It was Accam again in the 35th minute. After winning a ball at midfield, Accam made his way through the Striker’s midfield and around Restrepo in the penalty area and his attempt was cleaned up by de Leeuw. It was de Leeuw’s first goal in the tournament and his second in four matches since joining the Fire.

Fort Lauderdale came out more aggressively in the second half but conceded a third goal shortly after the restart. Accam played a short corner to Brandon Vincent as he found Nick LaBrocca. LaBrocca’s headed attempt was stopped by Restrepo, but the rebound fell to the feet of
Thiam who was able make it a 3-0 tilt in the 51st.

With the win, the Fire advance to the Semifinals for the fourth year in a row. They become the first club in the 103-year history of the tournament to reach four straight Open Cup Semis twice (2003-06, 2013-16). Only six other clubs have ever reached the Semis four straight years: Ukrainian Nationals (1959-66), Seattle Sounders (2007-12), Stix, Baer & Fuller (1932-37), Bethlehem Steel (1915-1919, LA Galaxy (2000-03), Philadelphia Nationals (1949-52).

FULL MATCH REPLAY: Chicago Fire vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

2016 US Open Cup Quarterfinals review: Late goals galore as former champions advance to final four

July 20, 2016 by Ian Foster

The New England Revolution celebrate after a goal against the Philadelphia Union. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution

Late drama defined Quarterfinal Night at the US Open Cup. The four games saw four goals scored in the 85th minute or later, including two winners and one dramatic equalizer that eventually forced penalties.

The final lower-division team took its bow, leaving four MLS teams to contest the Semifinals. The four clubs remaining have combined to appear in 32 Open Cup Semifinals and 15 Finals, winning 8 Open Cups between them.

Here is a brief recap of each Quarterfinal match with links to the full match report (Check back as more will be added). We start in Chicago, the only place where there was decidedly no late drama:

Reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round David Accam again led the way, earning and converting a penalty in the 4th minute for his fourth goal of the tournament and dishing out what would prove to be the game-winner. Accam helped double the lead when he set up Michael de Leeuw in the 35th minute and Khaly Thiam all but sealed the game for the Fire when his goal in the 51st minute made it 3-0. Gale Agbossoumonde did not make life easier for the Strikers, the last non-MLS team left in the Open Cup field, when he got himself sent off in the 70th minute.

Though the Fire have not made the MLS Playoffs since 2012, they’ve been prodigious in the Open Cup. With the win, they secured their fourth consecutive Semifinals berth and their 12th overall, setting the all-time US Open Cup record. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Union’s bid to host their third consecutive US Open Cup Final came to an end at the hands of Brad Knighton, Je-Vaughn Watson, and the New England Revolution. Watson scored the opener in the 44th minute to the delight of the Harvard crowd, and through most of the second half it looked like that would be the winner. But Fabian Herbers had other ideas, receiving a pass from Sebastain Le Toux for the 90th-minute equalizer.

MLS All-Star Andre Blake was brilliant in regulation and even more brilliant in extra time, stopping seven shots. But he could not match his counterpart Knighton in the shootout, who stopped Le Toux and CJ Sapong’s efforts before Watson powered home the semifinal-clinching penalty. It will be New England’s fourth overall appearance in the final four, and their first since 2008. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The MLS Supporters’ Shield leaders left it late, but in the end, FC Dallas were the only road team to advance out of the Quarterfinals on Wednesday night after Castillo’s stoppage time winner over in-state rivals Houston Dynamo. After a cagey first half, Houston looked the better team for much of the second half behind the ambition of Mauro Manotas. Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz did well to keep Manotas off the board in the 48th minute. Manotas went on to beat Seitz in the 60th minute, but could not beat the woodwork.

Castillo then showed why transfer rumors constantly swirl around Frisco, firing home a wide-angle shot to sink the Houston faithful. With the win, FC Dallas will make their ninth Semifinal appearance, this one against fellow Western Conference powerhouse LA Galaxy. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Both teams started “B+” squads for this quarterfinal matchup in Carson, Calif. But it was a trio of regulars that brought the game back for the Galaxy and ultimately buried the Sounders. Giovani dos Santos, who made his Open Cup debut when he subbed on at the 74th minute, scored an equalizer for the home side just three minutes later. Sebastian Lletget, who did start the game, pulled LA ahead in the 85th minute and put the game away in the 88th after a wonderful combination with Gyasi Zardes.

Michael Farfan put the Sounders in front in the 4th minute, but LA’s Alan Gordon was quick to respond to make it 1-1 in the 18th. Herculez Gomez scored a particularly fashionable goal in the 58th minute when he volleyed it home from a wide angle. But it was all for naught in the end. The Galaxy move on to their seventh Open Cup semifinal and their first since 2006. FULL MATCH REPORT »

2016 US Open Cup Round 5: Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ dramatic $15,000 upset of Orlando City makes history

June 30, 2016 by Neil Blackmon

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers celebrate their upset win over Orlando City SC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon van Woerden

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League (NASL) upset Major League Soccer (MLS) host Orlando City SC 2-1 last night on a goal from Victor “PC” Giro in stoppage time of extra time.

A crowd of 3,162 braved an Orlando metropolitan area surrounded by ominous storm clouds to witness the Strikers defeat a MLS team (in regulation or extra time) for the first time in club history. It also snapped the Fort Lauderdale’s Modern Era record winless streak (penalty kick victories are officially considered draws) at seven games and it marked the first time that the Strikers have won a road game in the tournament.

It was a game that had a little of everything: end-to-end free-flowing attacking soccer, blistering counterattacks, great goalkeeping, lovely goals and physical, chippy play that saw 38 fouls whistled and six yellow cards and two reds issued between the two sides.

Throughout the opening half hour, Fort Lauderdale found a good measure of success working the flanks, whether through the young Brazilian PC or wing forward Geison Moura, drifting wide on the right to provide width while the fullback, Gabriel, sat deeper to slow the Orlando City counterattack. The continual probing helped the visitors create the better chances, and it wasn’t surprising that they struck first, in the 12th minute.

Geison Moura played a brilliant chip to Jose Angulo that beat the offside trap, and Angulo did the rest, slotting it home past Earl Edwards Jr. to give the visitors an early lead and send their vocal supporters group, Flight 19, into raptures.

Orlando responded quickly, however.

Orlando City SC vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2016 US Open Cup — Photo: Jon van Woerden

Kevin Molino won the ball with a tackle and made a magical run past four Fort Lauderdale defenders to level the game at 1-1. Molino was easily Orlando’s best player in the opening half, as he was involved in nearly every quality Lions sequence and was the only player for the MLS side who appeared cut from a different cloth than anyone in the Fort Lauderdale eleven.

But the Strikers weren’t finished in the opening half, earning a corner down the right channel in the 40th minute that saw Maicon Santos place a beautiful header toward the top right of the net, only to see an outstretched Edwards Jr. get just enough of the ball to deflect it off the woodwork. Angulo’s follow-up of the ricochet went directly into Edwards’ belly. Still, no one could question the resolve or effort put forth by the visitors in the opening half, as the NASL side very much looked like it belonged on the field with an in—state MLS counterpart.

Brek Shea indicated after the game he expected Fort Lauderdale to play with emotion and resolve.

“Any time a team from a lower division gets a chance to play a MLS team, it is their biggest game of the year,” Shea said. “Credit them. They won.”

Shea’s manager was less diplomatic. Asked if Fort Lauderdale did anything better than Orlando on the evening, Adrian Heath bluntly answered “No. Next question.”

Perhaps his frustration came because Orlando had plenty of chances to change the ultimate outcome, pouring on pressure in the second half.

Minutes after the second half began, Orlando City midfielder Harrison Heath dispossessed Julius James in the Fort Lauderdale area and immediately fired a shot that glanced off the far post.

Moments later, Antonio Nocerino beat his man down the right flank and forced Diego Restrepo into an acrobatic right-handed save that kept proceedings level. Orlando, pressuring higher up the field than in the first session, continued to generate chances, closing down the space and forcing Fort Lauderdale into turnovers. The Lions won multiple corner and free kicks and forced Restrepo into a series of saves and acrobatic punch clearances.

Orlando City SC Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2016 US Open Cup — Photo: Jon van Woerden

But for all the quality final balls, Orlando’s finishing failed them. Shea sailed a sitter over in the 63rd minute after a lovely flicked lay off from Tony Rocha. Hadji Barry saw multiple quality runs end with shots that were just over or off frame. Seb Hines missed the goal completely from four yards in stoppage time. And after entering the game late in the second half, Cyle Larin had a handful of chances go begging.

Adrian Heath lamented the missed opportunities after the game.

“We did well to generate chances with our pressure,” Heath said. “We had enough chances to win the game comfortably. We haven’t done that. When you leave a game 1-1, anything can happen.”

In the 70th minute, anything did, as both sides went down to ten men following a hard foul on Fort Lauderdale’s Geison Moura. As the teams exchanged words, it appeared Brek Shea took an elbow to the face, prompting Kevin Molino to retaliate by striking the Strikers PC in the face.

In the end, Molino and Fort Lauderdale’s Maicon Santos were shown red cards, resulting in ten on ten soccer.

After Orlando’s late flurry to close regulation time, extra time was end to end. The hosts had the first quality chance, winning a free kick at the top of the eighteen only to see Shea’s left footed chip sail hopelessly high and wide of Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Restrepo.

Restrepo, who was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round once already and missed out on back-to-back awards by a single vote, was massive all evening for the Strikers. The former U.S. youth international was controlling his area all night, punching away and catching crosses and marshaling his defense. But without question, his finest save came late in the first extra time session when he stoned Harrison Heath’s brilliant, swerving effort at the far post. The save drew respectful applause from the soccer-savvy Orlando crowd, and assured the game went to the second session of extra time level at one.

For a moment it looked as if Restrepo, already an Open Cup hero for helping Fort Lauderdale win consecutive penalty shootouts to reach the Round of 16, would be called on for penalties yet again Wednesday night. But PC’s goal, a lightning quick counterattack off a quick and controversial restart, assured a winner without spot kicks. The speedy Fort Lauderdale fullback took the restart the length of the field, cut inside toward the eighteen, made two quick, lateral cuts and sent a clinical, low, screaming shot past Edwards Jr. to give Fort Lauderdale the lead, and ultimately, the victory and a spot in the US Open Cup quarterfinal.

It was a goal of tremendous quality, but not one that surprised Strikers captain Jean Marc Alexandre.

“PC is a tremendous player,” Alexandre said following the match. “He’s quick and dangerous on the break. He’s a guy who turned down several MLS sides to stay in Fort Lauderdale with the Strikers, and he showed he has the quality to compete at any level.”

For the Strikers, the next level will be the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in club history. The win helped Fort Lauderdale become not just the last remaining NASL side in this year’s competition, but only the fourth NASL side to reach the quarterfinal round.

As the last remaining NASL team, they are awarded the $15,000 Division 2 prize money from the US Soccer Federation.

For Strikers manager Caio Zanardi, it was about respect.

“We have quality players. Many of our players have played at the highest levels,” Zanardi said. “Gabriel played for long stretches at the top level in Brazil. Jean Marc Alexandre just played at the Copa America. PC was a prized Corinthians player, who captained their youth teams and played for Brazil youth teams that won trophies. We knew we could compete.”

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Late Danny Szetela winner gives New York Cosmos second straight East River Derby win over NYCFC

June 18, 2016 by Luis Hernandez

Danny Szetela of the New York Cosmos celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against NYCFC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Steve Hamlin | TICC

Last year, the New York Cosmos needed penalty kicks following to put away NYCFC after playing 120 minutes. This year, the Cosmos would get all they needed in 90. One goal off the head of Danny Szetela would advance the boys in green to the Round of 16 for the third time in as many years.

The Cosmos came out with no real surprises on the roster, save for one. Roversio was not only in the 18, he cracked the Starting XI. Surprises continued on the bench with the returns of Adam Moffat and Alexis Velela to the 18 after being sidelined by injury.
The Cosmos continued to employ the 4-1-4-1 formation that has given them the most success this season in the NASL.

After comments from NYCFC that they intended to take the game seriously, the jury is out on whether they did. The entirety of the City back line was subbed out, with Shannon Gomez making his first appearance of the season, as well as goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. Mix Diskerud was the only week-to-week starter in the midfield, as Khiry Shelton was up front.
Both sides challenged each other early, but the Cosmos got the better of the chances in the first half. They got the first real chance of the night when Yohandry Orozco delivered a ball into the box for Juan Arango who fired a shot on net that Johansen was able to get a glove on and deflect in the sixth minute. NYCFC got a chance of their own in the fifteenth as a Gomez cross into the box ended with a Kwadwo Poku header that took a bounce before ending up in the hands of Jimmy Maurer. Seconds later, the Cosmos returned from that play with an Orozco shot and another save from Johansen.
The Cosmos back line prevented an early City lead just moments after that as Maurer left his line to clear a ball from the edge of the box, nearly gifting a goal to Disekrud, but his low shot at the open net was correctly read and picked off by Ayoze.
The Cosmos came close to getting on the board in the 37th as Jairo Arrieta drew three defenders before slipping a ball over the top to Danny Szetela who made an unopposed run down the middle. The ball escaped him after his first touch and Johansen was able to step out and make the grab. Maurer would make a grab on an easy Diego Martinez ball on frame two minutes later.
The Cosmos were the first to make the books as Arango received a yellow for a tough foul on Poku in the 43rd. City would not stay out of the book much longer as Jefferson Mena committed one on Arrieta and saw a card just a minute later.
The yellows continued in the second half with one in the 52nd to White for dissent and one to Szetela a minute later for taking the feet of Mehdi Ballouchy out from under him.
City saw a great chance in the 54th as Martinez got a clear look at net and fired a curling ball from about 25 yards out that Maurer just parried away before it was cleared. Martinez was also involved shortly after delivering a cross to Diskerud that he headed wide.
With NYCFC getting the bulk of the chances through most of the second half, Maurer had to make another parry on a shot from Patrick Mullins in the 68th.
NYCFC made the first substitution of match bringing on forward Tony Taylor for Khiry Shelton in the 73rd. Seconds later, they came within inches of taking the lead.
Mullins received a long ball in the box, tipping it past Maurer, who had left his line, and evading a slide from behind by Roversio. Only the work of Hunter Freeman saved the visitors as he raced back to the line during the confusion and slid into the ball to clear it before Mullins could center to a wide-open Poku.
The Cosmos made the next sub of the evening, bringing in Adam Moffat for Ruben Bover in the 79th.
After suffering an injury minutes earlier, Mena left the game in the 87th, replaced by starting center back Jason Hernandez. Despite the addition of a starter to the back line, it would not stop the Cosmos from finally finishing a ball.
A minute after the sub, Ayoze delivered a ball to Moffat who made a run into the offensive end before sliding a pass wide left to Orozco. The Venezuelan put a cross into the six for Szetela, who made an unopposed run into the box and finished with a header past Johansen.
City immediately responded, bring off Ballouchy for Jack Harrison. The Cosmos brought on defender Jimmy Ockford, pulling Arrieta.
With City pushing ahead, the Cosmos nearly caught them again when Arango tried to chip the keeper from distance, but the shot went wide.
The Cosmos made one final substitution, with Orozco coming off for Lucky Mkosana, but time would run out with the Cosmos holding on to their lead.
The NASL side will now advance to the Round of 16 in the US Open Cup and host the New England Revolution at Belson Stadium in Queens on June 29th.

Notes:
 This was Roversio’s second start of the year since coming back from injury. He also started a friendly vs SD Eibar in Las Vegas last month.
 This is the third time the Cosmos have hurdled MLS competition in their first Open Cup match against them in as many years, doing it to NYCFC the last two years.
 This is the Cosmos’ first win on the road against an MLS side falling in 2015 to Red Bull and 2014 to the Philadelphia Union.
 The Cosmos, who have never lost in Open Cup competition as the home team (3-1-0), will have a unique opportunity as they host the Revolution and, if they advance, will host the winner of the Union-Red Bulls match

HIGHLIGHTS

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Diego Restrepo helps Fort Lauderdale Strikers make history in PK win over DC United

June 17, 2016 by Jack Cumming

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL narrowly escaped a reserve-filled DC United squad of Major League Soccer in a 4-3 penalty kick shootout. The game had to be decided from the penalty spot after 120 minutes of scoreless soccer at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday.

It was a historic result for the Strikers as they eliminated a MLS team for the first time in club history (0-4-1, 1-0 PKs). It also marked the first time the Strikers advanced in an Open Cup game played on the road (0-5-2, 1-1 PKs).

With a second straight draw (and second straight penalty kick shootout win), they made an unfortunate bit of history as well. Fort Lauderdale broke the Modern Era record for longest winless streak. The seven-game winless streak began when they lost to the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup. They won a PK shootout with the Laredo Heat (PDL) in the opening game of the 2013 tournament, but then lost three straight games (2013 Round 3 vs. FC Dallas … 2014 Round 3 vs. Laredo Heat … 2015 Round 3 at Charleston Battery) before this year’s back-to-back PK wins.

Fort Lauderdale was able to overcome an incredibly slow first half start and upend the favored MLS squad to the Fifth Round.

Lead by goalkeeper Diego Restrepo who earned TheCup.us Player of the Round by saving three out of four penalties against the Richmond Kickers (USL) in the previous round, Fort Lauderdale was able to capitalize on DC United’s limited chances on goal and force extra time. United, who’s first shot came in the 53rd minute by 16-year-old home grown player, Chris Durkin, could not seem to find any rhythm offensively against the strikers.

DC head coach Ben Olsen played a young and primarily reserve squad throughout most of the match. Sean Franklin was the lone regular season starter and captain during the first half, before being substituted by Taylor Kemp. It wasn’t until the 85th minute when Luciano Acosta replaced Durkin that two regular season starters were on the pitch at the same time.

Fort Lauderdale fielded a primarily first-team squad, including Jean-Marc Alexandre, a Haitian international, who returned to the match after competing in the Copa America Centenario. Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo proved to be an asset for the second consecutive week in cup play making eight saves including a penalty to cap a “cupset” to the next round.

The Strikers are only one of two teams that do not compete in MLS to advance to the Fifth Round of the Cup.

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Zachary Herivaux’s OT winner sends New England Revolution into Round of 16

June 17, 2016 by Ian Foster

Zachary Herivaux of the New England Revolution battles for the ball against the Carolina RailHawks in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Rob Kinnan | Carolina RailHawks

The New England Revolution truly outlasted the Carolina RailHawks, winning 1-0 after extra time in a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Fourth Round game interrupted after ten minutes by a two-hour lightning delay. 20-year-old Zachary Herivaux netted the winning goal in the 103rd minute on a firecracker from just outside the box. Herivaux, the Revs’ homegrown player who had played all of seven minutes since the beginning of the 2015 season, was the difference-maker on the night, also being responsible for holding back many a dangerous 2nd-half RailHawks attack.

The first nine minutes proved uneventful, but not as uneventful as the following two hours, during which play was suspended for lightning and overall nasty conditions. Fortunately, the RailHawks field held up and play resumed.

It was an unusually starter-laden lineup for an MLS team playing a lower-division team on the road. Diego Fagundez, Juan Agudelo, and Kelyn Rowe started alongside rookie revelation Femi Hollinger-Janzen, promising a youthful, dynamic attack. However, that attack never really materialized in the interrupted first half, with the RailHawks getting the slightly better of the first 45. Austin da Luz found the game’s first real chance in the 23rd minute, sending a close but wide-angle shot just past the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Mark Watson got on the end of a corner at the top of the box and sent a laser shot just wide of the goal. Brian Shriver generated the first half’s best chance, skimming the crossbar in the 33rd minute.

For all Carolina’s efforts, however, they went into the half goalless. But it continued to be all RailHawks into the second half, with Austin da Luz, Shriver, and second-half sub Jonathon Orlando bossing the final third, only to come up short on the final touch.

Controversy erupted in the 55th minute, when New England’s London Woodberry appeared to headbutt Drew Beckie, who had just picked up a yellow card a minute earlier, after a scramble in the RailHawks box. The official didn’t give Woodberry a yellow card until after the video replay.

Shriver and da Luz continued to threaten the New England goal, only for Herivaux to provide the saving tackle each time. In the 59th minute, da Luz appeared to miss a sitter. Harivaux was the real culprit, getting to the ball a split-second before da Luz.

The match continued with everyone on the pitch into the 79th minute, when Chris Tierney came on, completing a trio of MLS-regular subs for the Revs (Tierney, Lee Nguyen, and Kei Kamara). The superior talent finally started to shine as the Revs dominated possession, but without a regulation goal to show for it.

That talent would have to win out after the first full-time whistle. In the 103rd minute, Herivaux collected a loose ball at the top of the box and fired into the back of the net.

“Before the break, we thought he was a little tentative, a little nervous,” said New England coach Jay Heaps about Herivaux after the game. “During the break, we had a little heart-to-heart with him just to free himself up, play himself into the game and that’s what he did. When you have young players, you want them to play into the game and of course he scored the goal but he did a lot of things up to that point, winning challenges, defending when we had to.”

The RailHawks would not let up, as second-half substitute Alex Perez nearly equalized in the final moments. Brad Knighton, however, foiled two point-blank Perez efforts in the 117th minute and 121st minute, respectively, to seal New England’s spot in the Round of 16.

“If Knighton isn’t as good as he is tonight,” Heaps said, “we’re probably kicking penalty kicks right now. He was just in the right spots tonight, and that was the difference.”

“We thoroughly deserved to win the game and we didn’t,” said Carolina head coach Colin Clarke. “We didn’t take our chances. I thought we were by far the better team over the course of the 120 minutes, we should be through to the next round and I’m very disappointed.”

For the Revolution, it was just the second game decided in extra time in the club’s history. The first coming against the RailHawks in the 2007 Semifinals when they denied the first-year club a spot in the Final. It was a 93rd minute goal by Pat Noonan that denied Carolina a spot in the championship game.

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Chicago Fire need PKs to eliminate NASL spring champ Indy Eleven

June 17, 2016 by Jeff Engelhardt

David Accam of the Chicago Fire celebrates his goal against Indy Eleven in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire rallied late in extra time and narrowly edged Indy Eleven 4-3 in penalty kicks Wednesday at Toyota Park to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The NASL Spring Champions gave the Fire all they could handle, taking a 1-0 lead in the 105th minute and threatening to become only the third team in Open Cup history to eliminate the Fire in a game played in their home state.

Forward Justin Braun, who had accounted for Indy Eleven’s two best scoring chances on the night, put his team on the board when he received the ball at the top of the box and executed a textbook turn and shoot to beat a diving Matt Lampson to his left side.

Indy appeared on the verge of victory before Chicago Fire forward David Accam, who had been plagued by missed opportunities all evening, leveled the score in the 111th minute. The speedy Ghanaian took matters into his own hands with a run down the right side of the box. One shot fake sent two Indy defenders sliding out of position and a quick cut back inside was all the space he needed to finish his chance in the top corner.

The game entered penalty kicks where Indy Eleven once again took an early advantage courtesy of a Nicki Paterson goal and a miss by Fire forward Kennedy Igboananike. The teams both converted their second attempts but the Fire drew level after Nemanja Vukovic was denied by Lampson in the third round and Fire left back Brandon Vincent converted. The score was level at three when Accam struck once again to give Chicago the 4-3 victory in penalty kicks.

Leading up to extra time, it it was Chicago that missed opportunity after opportunity, keeping the window open for a dangerous Indy Eleven side to capitalize.

Paterson got the scoring chances started for Indy Eleven in the 14th minute with a lofted shot from about 20 yards out. Lampson, scrambling backwards, parried the ball up and away from the net.

Chicago started to turn up the heat in the 20th minute when midfielder Khaly Thiam just missed the far post. It was followed up two minutes later when Thiam found Accam on the break and Accam sent his point blank shot off the woodwork.

Thiam and Accam would continue to connect, with Thiam missing a header off an Accam free kick in the 29th minute and putting a shot on goal in the 38th and Accam forcing a save in the 39th.

But as the half closed down, Braun nearly opened the scoring with a shot from the left side of the box that barely missed the back post. He then found midfielder Dylan Mares on a break but it was broken up by Fire defender Jonathan Campbell.

Indy Eleven regained control in the second half as coach Tim Hankinson seemed to hit all the right buttons with his substitutions. After Braun forced another difficult save from Lampson, Hankinson brought in Souleymane Youla for Mares. The substitute forward had an immediate influence on the game, putting a shot off goal in the 71st minute but involved in threatening buildups throughout.

The Fire had some chances including from substitute Nick LaBrocca who missed an open net in the 84th minute, from midfielder Razvan Cocis who was robbed with a kick save by Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch and from Igboananike who missed a point-blank open net after Busch gave up a rebound in the six-yard box.

Unlike the Fire’s missed opportunities, Hankinson’s second substitute, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, made the most of his. The former Red Bull made a brilliant pass to Braun to assist on the goal in the 105th minute.

While it wasn’t the perfect performance, Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said it was a hard-fought win after a two-week layoff.

HIGHLIGHTS

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Diego Rubio winner helps Sporting KC kick off title defense

June 16, 2016 by Christopher Boyd

Story courtesy of FiftyFive.One

For the first time in their brief four-year history, Minnesota United welcomed an MLS side to the National Sports Center in Blaine as a part of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Minnesota was coming off a weekend league match that saw them defeat Miami FC 3-1. Sporting KC were coming off a two week Copa America Centenario break.

A healthy contingent of fans for both sides attended with many Sporting fans making the journey up I-35. The Dark Clouds and True North Elite supporters were in full voice for the home side, while the Sporting Kansas City fans were scattered about both stands.

Lineups

Both sides fielded most of their regular squad with a few changes. Minnesota United opted for its standard 4-2-3-1 employing two holding midfielders while Kansas City played in a 4-3-3 formation.

Kansas City was missing three key players; central defender Matt Besler and wide man Graham Zusi on duty with the US Men’s National Team, while starting goalkeeper Tim Melia was on the bench. Along with Melia on Sporting’s bench were Kevin Ellis, Chance Myers, Diego Rubio, Brad Davis, Justin Mapp, and Jordi Quintilla.

Minnesota United started almost the same team that defeated Miami FC last Saturday with three changes. Ben Speas started the game on the bench, with Ibson taking the number 10 role. Jack Blake was replaced by Juliano Vicentini, and Jeb Brovsky returned from injury to start as a holding midfielder. Also on United’s bench was Aaron Pitchkolan, Jamie Watson, Lance Laing, Kristian Nicht, JC Banks, and Ismaila Jome.

First Half

From the start, it was clear this would be a contentious match, with neither team afraid to play physically. The Loons started on the front foot, but Sporting quickly found their feet and created chances. With the central midfield clogged, both teams attempted to play down the wings with speed. The first ten minutes was a back-and-forth affair with Kansas City having the better of possession and chances at goal.

There was some small controversy on 15 minutes when it appeared Kansas City had handled the ball in the penalty area, but the referee didn’t hesitate to wave it off and call a foul on the Minnesota attacking player.

Ndjock was called into action in the 22nd minute when an Ibson giveaway at midfield led to a Medranda ball to Dwyer, who was alone on goal with Sammy Ndjock. The Cameroonian keeper was there to make the save, keeping the match scoreless.

The half ended with only the one real chance for Kansas City; Minnesota had not yet found the frame with a shot. Sporting dominated the possession in the first half, but couldn’t find a way around United’s defense. The Loons, meanwhile, were unable to connect their final passes on the counter.

Second Half

The second half picked up with the same intensity with which the first had ended. Sammy Ndjock had to collect a high bouncing cross, while at the other end Ibson dribbled through two Sporting midfielders and drew a foul from central defender Opara, who was shown yellow.

In the 54th minute, Kallman was taken down near the United penalty box. Damien Lowe kicked out at Dom Dwyer, who went down, and Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza shoved Lowe to the ground. Sammy Ndjock returned the favor, and a shoving match ensued with the referee in the middle. Ndjock, Espinoza, and Lowe were all shown yellow. After the match was restarted, Vicentini came in hard on Dwyer from behind and received the fourth yellow card in under two minutes.

With United on their heels and the visitors pushing for a goal, Minnesota coach Carl Craig attempted to boost his attack by bringing attacking mid Ben Speas on for Ibson.

The pressure finally paid off for Sporting in the 63rd minute, when a ball to Dwyer in the box saw Kallman go to ground and inadvertently handle the ball. The ref didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot, and Benny Feilharber slotted the kick to the bottom right corner, with a diving Sammy Ndjock just short of the save.

Danny Cruz was the next offender, booked for a side tackle from behind. Saad Abdul-Salaam, the left back for Sporting KC, was officially cautioned with a yellow card in the 69th minute for pulling on Pinho’s shirt. Ben Speas committed to a sliding tackle from the side and was carded as the Loons pushed forward to try to find an equalizer. Defender Lawrence Olum brought down Danny Cruz and was carded for it as well; the match’s physicality was in full swing and would only grow to the end of the affair.

In the 78th minute, Juliano Vicentini was brought off for JC Banks just before a corner. On the ensuing kick, Banks recovered a rebound and sent a dangerous curler into the box, but the danger was cleared and Sporting KC went on the counter.

In the 79th minute, Danny Cruz got on the end of a ball from Lowe and charged towards the box. Replays were unclear whether Jimmy Medranda took him down inside the box, but the referee pointed to the spot. Christian Ramirez stepped up and hit the same penalty Feilharber had to the bottom-left corner, and Kann fell as short as Ndjock. The match was tied 1-1 with 7 minutes to play in regulation.

Despite Stefan Pinho having two nice chances and Kansas City having some of their own through Dwyer, neither team could find a winner in the five minutes of stoppage time. The match went to extra time with United having one sub left and Sporting Kansas City having two; they brought Brad Davis on for Jacob Peterson as regulation time came to a close.

First Extra Time

Both teams did some frantic defending to start, with Speas in on goal and Dwyer stopped by Lowe. A long ball from Venegas nearly found Ramirez with Kann well off his line, but the pass failed to connect; it was a hectic first three minutes to the period.

The visitors continued to dominate possession, with United having to defend time and again. The visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances on goal, and good defensive work by Kevin Venegas and Damien Lowe eliminated much of the danger.

In the 99th minute, Saad Abdul-Salaam went down with what appeared to be a leg cramp and was replaced by Chance Myers. Sporting KC had a chance to score, but the shot was blocked by Stefan Pinho in the penalty area and cleared. The next big chance fell for Christian Ramirez in the 104th minute off a chested ball by JC Banks, but the shot was blocked by a sliding defender.

Second Extra Time

As the second period began, Kansas City coach Peter Vermes made his third and final substitution, bringing Diego Rubio on for Dom Dwyer. Minnesota won a corner kick to start the period, but the clearance was right to their own player.

Kansas City thought they found their winner from Rubio, but he was well offside after a save from Ndjock on an initial shot from Jimmy Medranda. Shortly after, Rubio had another chance after a pass from Feilharber. This time he was onside and made no mistake with an efficient finish over Ndjock’s right shoulder.

Minnesota continued to push forward for another equalizer, still looking to the wings. The Loons threw everything forward that they could, and fans thought they had equalized on a Pinho header, but it rolled just wide. As time drew to a close, Justin Davis was shown a last yellow card for a high boot while trying to reach a rebound. Ultimately the 2-1 scoreline saw out the second period.

Postgame Comments

After the match Minnesota head coach Carl Craig was asked about the defensive performance of his team and the young pairing of Damien Lowe and Brent Kallman, Craig responded:

Yes they are young and yes they are learning right now… Kallman was a beast for most of the game, I think he ought to get a lot of recognition for his performance and Damien was very good too… There’s little things, whether it’s communication, whether it’s understanding what’s going on… it’s awareness.

He added “They certainly do a lot more positive than the odd slip.”

On starting Ibson over Speas in the number 10 position:

Ibson’s a busybody, and I like his busy-ness, I like his drive… He didn’t get into that position often enough for me, so I was a little disappointed with that.

Craig also commented that he wasn’t getting enough defensive effort from the Brazilian, and that was another reason for his substitution.

Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes has this to say on the victory:

I thought that that Minnesota was going to be the toughest opponent of any of the teams in the tournament at the moment. Playing up here was going to be tough. I know the team well and know a lot of guys in the organization. I was concerned about that. I thought they were solid in all aspects of their game. We were too. The game was a stalemate in the first half. I thought we were more creative in the second half. A couple of the changes we made in overtime really changed the game a lot. They had to press and they were at home and we took advantage of that.

Late in the game teams are going to throw everything at you – knock balls into the box and I thought we handled it pretty well.

Vermes said he thinks the 2016 team they defeated tonight was better than the Minnesota team they defeated in Kansas City in 2014.

I think this team is more seasoned. There are a lot of guys who have played on the MLS here. I think when you look at those guys not the field they bring a little bit more to the game.

Sporting KC will move on to the round of 16 in the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

See the original story HERE

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Orlando City’s emotional win over Jacksonville provides distraction for fans

June 16, 2016 by Neil Blackmon

Orlando City SC celebrate a goal against Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Orlando City defeated the Jacksonville Armada 1-0 in Fourth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action Thursday night in front of a capacity crowd of 2,155 at Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville.

Southern Oak Stadium dripped with emotion in the build-up, the aftermath of the weekend’s tragic act of violence and hatred in Orlando heavy in the air. A considerable contingent of Orlando City supporters made the trip, purple-clad, full-throated and proud, Rainbow flags and signs of remembrance throughout the stadium in Jacksonville, and a moment of silence pre-kick that included both sides in shirts with rainbow hearts that read “Orlando United.”

Orlando City talisman Kevin Molino, who has played for the purple and gold since the USL days, said the game was a welcome respite given the tragedy. “Soccer isn’t much of a distraction,” Molino said. “There is so much sadness for the people of the city, for the loved ones lost, but also it is great to come out and try to unite the community. That feels good and giving them a moment of joy is good.”

Fans of the Jacksonville Armada show their support for the city of Orlando. Photo: James Drexler

Adrian Heath agreed with his star, expressing a sense of relief. “I’m glad we got this out of the way now, and we can concentrate on Saturday (Orlando hosts San Jose as MLS returns from the international break) which will be another emotionally-charged event.” Heath said the opening of the game, where the two teams wore the matching “Orlando United” shirts, was a particularly touching moment.

“Our supporters and the people of our city are part of the DNA of our football club. They are woven into the fabric of everything we’ve built. We’ve grieved with them and if for a couple of hours tonight we have taken their minds of something, that’s good.”

The night was, fairly put, a solemn evening where the soccer seemed secondary. But one minute into the match, Orlando City nearly gave their fans and their city a storybook opening, when Carlos Rivas made a marvelous run down the left flank just after the kick, centering beautifully, only to see Brazilian forward Julio Baptista miss a sitter.

The Lions would come close twice more in the opening fifteen minutes, first through Hadji Barry, who managed the first on target shot of the game, though he was well-defended by Tyler Ruthven, and his shot is easily handled by Miguel Gallardo. Six minutes later it was again Carlos Rivas threatening, as his shot from an odd angle on the left missed just over. Jacksonville had difficulty throughout the opening half closing down the Colombian, who rewarded his manager with multiple chances created.

Orlando City SC poses for a team photo before their match against the Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Despite Orlando City’s furious start, it was actually the hosts who had the better of the play in the opening half. As the game settled, the hosts came into the game, largely thanks to the tenacious midfield play of captain Kevan George and the active Mechack Jerome, who looked in splendid form after three challenging games for Haiti at the Copa América Centenario last week.
Another Haitian international, Pascal Milien, who also was in the Haiti team at the Copa América Centenario, took a while to get involved in the near triple-digit heat, but made his presence felt halfway through the first half, beating Orlando’s Kevin Alston on consecutive occasions down the flank and creating two quality chance for Jacksonville. The Armada couldn’t capitalize, however, earning only one weak shot on goal from both Milien’s runs, and following that, neither team presented much of a threat until the halftime whistle.

Adrian Heath changed midfield shape early in the second half, and was nearly rewarded after a a Milien turnover sent Orlando off on the break—but another Rivas shot went just wide. The shot was on the edge of the 49th minute, at which point a foghorn was sounded and all in attendance rose to their feet in solidarity to cheer and clap in honor of the 49 fallen at the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting this weekend.

Moments later, a Junior Sandoval shot took a deflection and fell beautifully to Jerome, whose shot off one touch beat Orlando City keeper Earl Edwards Jr but missed inches to the right.

The game changed, however, just past the hour mark. Referee Rubiel Vazquez called Beto Navarro for a foul on Julio Baptista just outside the eighteen, setting up a free kick. After Julio Baptista’s free kick was deflected out for a corner, Orlando again found the Brazilian in the area and the his flick found David Mateos on the far post who finished, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute.

City nearly added another three minutes later, as Jacksonville botched two chances to clear in the area before Miguel Gallardo dove to save a Carlos Rivas effort at the far post. Charles Eloundou, brought on for Alhassane Keita in the 65th minute, nearly leveled proceedings for Tony Meola’s side only moments after entering the game, but his long range blast was parried well by Earl Edwards Jr. to keep the Lions ahead.

With just under fifteen minutes to play, still trailing 1-0, Tony Meola brought on Danny Barrow, an attacker on for fullback Bryan Burke, as Jacksonville desperately searched for an equalizer. Barrow helped the Armada earn a terrific chance in the 89th minute, playing a brilliant ball through to Mechack Jerome, but his ensuing cross sailed over a flurry of secondary runners at the center of the box. After Miguel Gallardo parried away a counterattacking chance from Orlando City’s Tony Rocha, Charles Elondou nearly got in behind the City defense, only to have Earl Edwards Jr. beat him to the ball. The Armada would get yet one more chance, in stoppage time, when defender Tyler Ruthven beat David Mateos to a 50-50 ball, but sailed his effort from five yards over the bar.

Orlando City will await a Fifth Round draw Thursday afternoon. Jacksonville Armada, having captured their first win in franchise history in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, will open play in the NASL fall season July 2nd at Tampa Bay.