Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

New England Revolution

2011 US Open Cup qualifying updates: MLS play-in tournament underway

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Tony Tchani (23) of the New York Red Bulls battles for the ball against Joseph Niouky (23) of the New England Revolution during last year's MLS qualifying tournament. | Photo: RBNY/Getty Images

For the fifth year in a row, Major League Soccer (MLS) will conduct a play-in tournament to narrow the number of teams that enter the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Beginning on June 28, eight MLS clubs will join the 98th edition of the tournament in the third round, with the top six MLS teams based on the 2010 league standings automatically qualifying. The 10 remaining US-based clubs are left to fight for the last two spots.

Below are the matchups as well as which team will host each match, as determined by a coin flip at MLS headquarters. The dates, times and locations will be announced at a later date.

Automatic qualifiers: Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC

2011 MLS qualifying bracket

First Round

(8) Chivas USA 0:2 (10) Portland Timbers – RECAP
Tuesday, March 29 – 10 p.m. EST | Merlo Field (Portland, Ore.)

(7) Philadelphia 2:2 (9) DC United – RECAP
DC advances 4-2 in PKs
April 6, 7:30 p.m. | Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.)

Second Round

(2) San Jose Earthquakes 1:0 (10) Portland Timbers – RECAP
After Extra Time
May 3, 10:30 p.m. EST | Jeld-Wen Field (Portland, Ore.)

(6) New England 3:2 (9) DC United – RECAP
April 26, 7:30 p.m. EST | Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.)

(1) Colorado Rapids 1:2 (4) Chicago Fire – RECAP
March 30, Shea Stadium (Peoria, Ill.)

(3) Sporting Kansas City 1:0 (5) Houston Dynamo – RECAP
After Extra Time
April 6, 8 p.m. EST – Aggie Soccer Stadium (College Station, Tx.)

Third Round*

(4) Chicago Fire 2:2 (2) San Jose Earthquakes – RECAP
Chicago qualifies for the 2011 US Open Cup, 5-4 in PKs
May 24, 10:30 p.m. EST – Buck Shaw Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.)

(6) New England Revolution 0:5 (3) Sporting Kansas City – RECAP
Kansas City qualifies for the 2011 US Open Cup
May 25, 8:30 p.m. EST – Blue Valley District Activities Complex (Overland Park, Kan.)

MLS qualifying team profiles

Chicago Fire: The MLS team with the most Open Cup titles (4) only had to qualify one time and only had to play one game to qualify for that tournament in 2008. They defeated the Columbus Crew 3-2 and they would advance to the quarterfinals that year, losing to DC United.

Chivas USA: Has never had to qualify for the US Open Cup

Colorado Rapids: The Rapids share the unfortunate distinction with Real Salt Lake as the club who has played the most qualifying matches over the last four seasons. Which only means a lot of heartbreak for their fans, as Colorado has a 3-2-2 record (1-1 in PKs) and after advancing in 2007, the Rapids have fallen one game short in each of the last three years. In 2010, they lost to the New York Red Bulls, 3-0.

DC United: In two years (2009, 2010), DC has never lost a qualifying match, with a perfect 4-0 record. Last year, United advanced to the semifinals where they lost to the Columbus Crew, and in 2009, they joined fellow qualifying survivor Seattle Sounders FC, by reaching the championship game. Seattle won the final 2-1 at RFK Stadium.

Houston Dynamo: Houston has never had to qualify for the US Open Cup.

New England Revolution: Last year was the first time New England has had to qualify for the Open Cup, and they lost in the semifinals, 3-0, to the New York Red Bulls.

Philadelphia Union: In their inaugural season last year, the Union lost their first qualifying match, 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls.

Portland Timbers: 2011 MLS expansion club

San Jose Earthquakes: The Earthquakes have never won a qualifying match (0-2-1), failing to advance each of the last three years. The closest they came was last year, when they drew 3-3 with Real Salt Lake, but fell short in the shootout.

Sporting Kansas City: The club formerly known as the Wizards have also never won a qualifying game (0-2-1, 1-0 in PKs). The only time they advanced was when they defeated the Colorado Rapids in a penalty kick shootout to qualify for the 2008 US Open Cup.

Hosting MLS qualifying games (2007-2010)

Chicago: 1 game, 1 home, 0 away (1-0)
Colorado: 7 games, 2 home, 5 away (3-2-2, 1-1 in PKs)
Columbus: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (1-2-0)
DC United: 4 games, 4 home, 0 away (4-0-0)
FC Dallas: 2 games, 0 home, 2 away (0-2-0)
Los Angeles: 4 games, 2 home, 2 away (2-1-1, 0-1 in PKs)
New England: 1 game, 0 home, 1 away (0-1-0)
New York: 6 games, 3 home, 3 away (4-2-0)
Philadelphia: 1 game, 0 home, 1 away (0-1-0)
Real Salt Lake: 7 games, 2 home, 5 away (2-4-1, 1-0 in PKs)
San Jose: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (0-2-1, 0-1 in PKs)
Seattle: 2 games, 2 home, 0 away (2-0-0)
Sporting Kansas City: 3 games, 2 home, 1 away (0-2-1, 1-0 in PKs)

More: USSF announces 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup team allocations, dates

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Kheli Dube’s double gives New England 3-2 win over DC United

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2011 MLS qualifying bracket

Kenny Mansally - New England Revolution 2011 MLS Play-in qualifying
Kenny Mansally assisted on Kheli Dube’s first goal as the New England Revolution defeated DC United 3-2. Photo: Tony Quinn | DC United

Kheli Dube had one of his best games since the 2009 season, scoring twice to guide the New England Revolution to a 3-2 victory against DC United Tuesday evening at the Maryland Sportsplex in a Major League Soccer US Open Cup qualifier. The victory propelled the Revolution to the final round of the eastern qualification bracket and a meeting with Sporting Kansas City on the road for a tournament berth.

A sloppy affair through the first half hour due to mixed lineups consisting of many reserve players, Dube changed the complexion of the match with the opening tally 34 minutes in on a pair of nice passes from Kenny Mansally and Ousmane Dabo.

Dube doubled the advantage just moments into the second half, stunning the home side who barely had time to settle in. Rookie Alan Koger, who came in for Mansally at the break, set up the goal.

The goals were Dube’s first in any US Open Cup related game, but more surprisingly, matched his entire output for the 2010 campaign in which he played 20 games for the Revolution. His only other multiple-goal game came in 2009 when Dube scored all three goals in the 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake (Aug. 23).

Koger added to his already impressive professional debut, with a goal in the 69th minute to put the game seemingly out of reach at 3-0. Koger it In his first-ever official match a professional, Koger made it a three-goal lead in the 69th minuteWith a two goal lead, it looked like the Revolution had the match in hand, and when Koger added a goal of his own in the 69th minute to go with his assist in his first-ever official match as a professional, it seemed like the contest was over.

But DC United, who had not missed the tournament since 2002 despite needing to qualify the past two years, showed they were no quitters and fought back down 3-0. Branko Boskovic led the charge with two goals, scoring in the 73rd minute on an assist from second-half sub Charlie Davies and cutting the lead to one 10 minutes later courtesy of Andy Najar.

The Montenegrin international seems to enjoy US Open Cup related matches. In two years with DC, he has yet to score in league play, but now has three in cup-related games having previously scored the opening goal of the side’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over USL-2 (pro third division) Harrisburg City Islanders.

The rally took everyone’s attention away from the daunting skies above threatening thunderstorms that could halt the play at any time in the second half. But as the game came to a physical conclusion, DC United was unable to find the equalizer as time ran out.

For the Revolution, who missed the tournament last year for the first time since 2002, they are one match away from returning to the only event in which the club has won a championship (aside from the SuperLiga exhibition tournament). They will travel to Kansas City on May 25 to face a club they defeated just this past Saturday, 3-2, in Foxborough, overcoming a 2-1 deficit.

As for trends, New England’s unbeaten streak in league and cup-related play is now six games with five straight victories. DC’s last win against the Revolution, 2-1, came at home October 16, 2008. Ironically, United’s run of consecutive cup-related home matches (19) may continue further, depending on 2012’s fixture details, with the loss meaning they will not be traveling to Kansas City.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying (MLS)
New England Revolution 3:2 DC United
Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, Md.) – April 26, 2011

LINEUPS

DC UNITED: Pat Onstad (GK); Brandon Barklage, Rodrigo Brasesco (Dax McCarty – 79th), Ethan White, Daniel Woolard; Andy Najar, Branko Boskovic, Kurt Morsink, Santino Quaranta (C); Joseph Ngwenya (Charlie Davies – 68th), Blake Brettschneider (Chris Pontius – 64th) || Unused substitutes: Bill Hamid, Stephen King, Conor Shanosky, Perry Kitchen

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: Bobby Shuttleworth (GK); Darrius Barnes, Ryan Cochrane, Otto Loewy (Michael Augustine – 91th), Chris Tierney; Sainey Nyassi, Ousmane Dabo (Diego Fagundez 76′), Stephen McCarthy, Ryan Kinne; Kheli Dube, Kenny Mansally (Alan Koger 46′) || Unused substitutes: Tim Murray, Zack Schilawski

SCORING SUMMARY
NER: Kheli Dube (Kenny Mansally) – 34th minute
NER: Kheli Dube (Alan Koger) – 47th minute
NER: Alan Koger (Unassisted) – 69th minute
DCU: Branko Boskovic (Charlie Davies) – 73rd minute
DCU: Branko Boskovic (Andy Najar) – 83rd minute

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
Branko Boskovic – caution 16′
Otto Loewy – caution 50′
Kheli Dube – caution 80′
Ryan Cochrane – caution 85′
Alan Koger – caution 86′
Kurt Morsink – caution 88′

Referee: Juan Carlos Rivero
Assistants: Mark Gorak, Ian O’Neil
4th official: Michael Donovan

US Open Cup qualifying: New York Red Bulls cruise past shorthanded Revolution

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New England Revolution
0:3
New York Red Bulls
Red Bull Arena – Harrison, NJ
Recaps: MLSsoccer.com | BigAppleSoccer.com | NJ.com

WIN & YOU’RE IN
Colorado Rapids at New York Red Bulls
Red Bull Arena – May 26 – 8 p.m.
Real Salt Lake at DC United
RFK Stadium – June 2 – 7:30 p.m.

The New York Red Bulls have moved within a game of a berth in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 3-0 win over the New England Revolution. On a cold night at Red Bull Arena, John Wolyniec scored two goals and Sinisa Ubiparipovic added another as New York advanced to the final game of Major League Soccer’s qualifying tournament.

With the win, the Red Bulls will host the Colorado Rapids in a “Win & You’re In” match on May 26 at Red Bull Arena. Kick off is scheduled for 8 p.m. In the other half of the bracket, DC United will host Real Salt Lake on June 2 to fill the 8th and final MLS entry.

The New England Revolution, already missing several key players due to injury, traveled to Harrison, NJ with only 14 players, and one of them was a goalkeeper. New York fielded a relatively strong starting 11, and it took 35 minutes for them to finally break through the Revs defense. Brian Nielsen slotted a through ball in behind the New England backline to the feet of last round’s hero Conor Chinn, who dribbled in one-on-one with goalkeeper Bob Shuttleworth, who was making his professional debut. Chinn fired a shot which was stopped by Shuttleworth, but the rebound fell to Wolyniec who had his shot blocked, only to have the ball end up at his feet again, and on the second attempt, he put it into the back of the net.

Tony Tchani (23) of the New York Red Bulls battles for the ball against Joseph Niouky (23) of the New England Revolution. | Photo: RBNY/Getty Images

In the 62nd minute, the Red Bulls would add another off a set piece and, once again, it was Nielsen setting the table. The Danish youth international took a free kick just outside the penalty area, but rather than striking it on goal, he laid off a short pass to Ubiparipovic, who blasted a low shot past Shuttleworth to make it 2-0.

Nielsen contributed to the third goal just two minutes later when his shot from the top of the box was spilled by the goalkeeper. Once again, Wolyniec was there to clean up the mess for his second goal of the match.

The New York defense, led by Greg Sutton in goal, held New England without a goal for the remainder of the match. The loss means the Revolution will not participate in the Open Cup for the first time since 2002, snapping a string of seven consecutive appearances.

The Red Bulls have taken part in Open Cup qualifying three of the last four years (2007, 2009, 2010) and have advanced to the final game of qualifying every time. However, in their two previous attempts, they’ve fallen short of making the tournament, losing to the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 in 2007 and getting eliminated by DC United last year, 5-3.

Scoring Summary
NY – John Wolyniec (unassisted) 36
NY – Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Nielsen) 62
NY – John Wolyniec (unassisted) 64

Lineups

New England: Bob Shuttleworth, Marko Perovic, Zak Boggs, Seth Sinovic (Khano Smith), Chris Tierney, Nico Colaluca, Pat Phelan, Joseph Niouky, Kenny Mansally, Kheli Dube, Zack Schilawski

New York: Greg Sutton, Chris Albright (Irving Garcia), Carlos Mendes, Andrew Boyens, Danleigh Borman, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Jeremy Hall, Tony Tchani (Luke Sassano), Brian Nielsen, John Wolyniec (Juan Agudelo), Conor Chinn

Post-game interviews (NewYorkRedBulls.com)

Notable upsets in the Second Round of the US Open Cup

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UPDATED 5/18/17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Second Round upsets

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

2009 Third Round recap: Portland, Seattle renew rivalry, Houston face Battery (again)

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2009 US Open Cup Third Round
(Home team listed on right)
June 30
Columbus Crew 1:1 Rochester Rhinos
Rochester advance on PKs 5-3
Chicago Fire 0:1 Wilmington Hammerheads
Harrisburg City Islanders 2:1 (aet) New England Revolution
Ocean City Barons 0:2 DC United
Chivas USA 1:3 Charleston Battery
Kansas City Wizards 3:3 Minnesota Thunder
Kansas City advance on PKs 4-2
July 1
Houston Dynamo 2:0 Austin Aztex
Seattle Sounders 2:1 Portland Timbers

Player of the Round: Randi Patterson
Notable upsets in Third Round history
Things you should know about the Third Round

The underdogs of the United Soccer Leagues ruled on day one of the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo each earned wins on Wednesday to level the tournament with four MLS teams and four USL teams in the Quarterfinals. The draw for the next round dictates that for the second year in a row, the USL will have at least one team in the Semifinals.

The Houston Dynamo defeated the Austin Aztex 2-0 on Wednesday to set up a date with the Charleston Battery next Tuesday at Blackbaud Stadium. This will be the third year in a row that the Battery and the Dynamo square off in the Open Cup with Charleston eliminating Houston in both years.

Later that night, the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders renewed their rivalry in front of a sold-out PGE Park in Portland, Ore. The more than 16,000 fans in attendance was the fourth largest attendance (Source: Kenn.com) during the Professional Era (1995 – present) and a modern era first for the Timbers.

The biggest upsets of the night came from USL Second Division clubs. In New Britain, Conn., the Harrisburg City Islanders defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time. Ahead 1-0, the Revs allowed the game-tying goal after losing a player to injury after having used all of its substitutions. Another New England player left near the end of full time due to injury, leaving the MLS side with just nine men. The City Isles took advantage and scored the game-winning goal in extra time.

In Wilmington, the USL-2 Hammerheads edged out the four-time Cup champion Chicago Fire 1-0. TheCup.us Player of the Second Round Kenny Bundy scored the deciding goal in the 37th minute to give Wilmington just their second win over an MLS foe in Open Cup play. With Rochester winning their penalty kick tiebreaker over the Columbus Crew after a 1-1 draw, the two clubs will meet in the quarterfinals, assuring the USL of at least one club in the Semifinals for the third year in a row.

2009 Third Round: City Islanders need extra time to upset shorthanded Revolution

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Veterans Stadium – New Britain, CT | 7 p.m.
1
AET
 2

Jeff Larentowicz 38’
      
Mo Oduor 67’
Geoff Bloes 105’

Steve Nicol is probably wishing he could have his three substitutions back. It could’ve been questioned why the Revolution head coach made all three changes at the start of the second half, and it certainly backfired as two injuries left New England down to nine men. They could only stand and watch as the Harrisburg City Islanders took the game over with a 2-1 upset win in extra time.

A Jeff Larentowicz free kick goal in the 38th minute gave the Revolution the lead, which they took to the break. Then, with all three subs made at the half, Kheli Dube went down with an ankle injury in the 63rd minute. The Revs were forced to play the rest of regulation with only 10 men. Harrisburg would capitalize as Mo Oduor headed home a cross to tie the game 1-1 in the 67th minute.

As if that wasn’t enough for New England, Michael Vidiera suffered a thigh injury in the 81st minute, leaving them with only nine players. Being short two players with no substitutions available hurt them immensely as they went into extra time. The City Islanders ultimately took the win on a scrappy goal from Geoff Bloes in the 105th minute, just as the first period of extra time was ending.

Harrisburg moves on to play DC United at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the Quarterfinals next week.

Michigan Bucks owner talks US Open Cup, pro team aspirations for Detroit

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Dan Duggan, owner of the USL Premier Development League’s Michigan Bucks, spoke with Kartik Krishnaiyer of Major League Soccer Talk and covered many topics with regards to his team, including future prospects for a professional team in the Detroit area. The first topic they covered is the US Open Cup and how important it is to the Bucks organization. Duggan discussed the Bucks and the results that have helped them become the most successful PDL team in Cup history, including a 2000 victory over the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium.

You can listen to the podcast on the Major League Soccer Talk website.

2008 Semifinals: Luciano Emilio’s two goals earns him Player of the Round

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D.C. United earned a place in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 1997 with a 3-1 win over the New England Revolution in the Semifinals. Luciano Emilio’s pair of goals earned him the TheCup.us Player of the Round award, edging out Charleston Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock. The award was voted on by the TheCup.us staff and members of the North American Soccer Reporters.

BehindTheBadge.com, the official blog of D.C. United, conducted an interview with Emilio following his performance.

2008 Semifinals: DC United knock off defending champs to reach Open Cup Final

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A pair of goals from reigning Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Luciano Emilio were enough to put DC United one win match away from their first championship in four years with a 3-1 victory over the defending Open Cup champion New England Revolution.

The 1996 Open Cup champions opened the scoring on four minutes with Emilio’s first tally, finishing off a Brian Namoff cross. The Revolution responded in the 34th minute on a goal from Joe Germanese, and the match went to halftime level at one.

Just three minutes into the second half, DC would regain the lead on a goal from Santino Quaranta, assisted by MLS’ all-time scoring leader Jamie Moreno. The match turned when Wells Thompson, playing out of position at right back, was dismissed in the 71st minute as the result of a second yellow card.

United put the match away ten minutes later, when Emilio slipped a cross from Ivan Guererro past Revolution backstop Doug Warren.

DC will now host the Charleston Battery at RFK Stadium on September 3 at 7:30 p.m.

2008 Quarterfinals: Sounders’ Chris Eylander unanimous as Player of the Round

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Chris Eylander’s 421 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal is a Professional Era record for an individual goalkeeper, and a team record for a single tournament. Photo: George Holland
Chris Eylander’s 420 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal is a Professional Era record for an individual goalkeeper, and a team record for a single tournament. Photo: George Holland

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander was a unanimous selection as the TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Quarterfinals. The award was voted on by the TheCup.us staff and members of the North American Soccer Reporters.

Eylander was challenged for the award by Jamie Moreno of DC United, along with goalkeepers Doug Warren of the New England Revolution and Eric Kronberg of the Kansas City Wizards.

The University of Washington alum helped the Sounders earn their fourth straight shutout in the tournament (a Professional Era single-tournament record of 421 shutout minutes), while holding Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes of play. After extra time, Seattle earned their second straight trip to the Semifinals with a 6-5 win in the penalty kick shootout.

Eylander made 13 saves in the match, including two stops (Jimmy Conrad, Tyson Wahl) in the shootout to send the Sounders to a date with fellow USL First Division club, the Charleston Battery on August 12 at Blackbaud Stadium.

The goalkeeper took some time to talk with TheCup.us following his Quarterfinal performance.

TheCup.us: First of all, congratulations on the win on Tuesday and for being named “Player of the Round.” The Wizards definitely put some pressure on your net, forcing you to make 13 saves. Was there a moment for you personally, or a particular defensive stop, where you felt like your defense was going to keep this shutout streak going.

Eylander: Thanks a lot for congratulating me. I don’t remember there being a distinct moment where I knew we were going to shut out the Wizards in regular play. We were under pressure in spells throughout the entirety of the game. Playing in any game a breakdown can occur at any time. I was very determined to do everything I could to keep the ball out of the net and help communicate with the players in front of me to dissallow any unnecessary opportunities on goal.

TheCup.us: In the penalty kick shootout, or any penalty kick shootout, do you just guess, or do you try to read the shooter? What’s your approach?

Eylander: PK tactics can always vary. I don’t think any goalkeeper would like to give out their secrets to how they approach penalties. In general, if you can determine any information from the player’s approach to the ball, this is a whole lot better than a random guess.

TheCup.us: Some MLS teams rest their starters for Open Cup games, but even the ones who field strong lineups are still getting knocked off the last couple of years. Do you feel like the talent gap is closing between the USL-1 and MLS or is the motivation for the USL-1 teams greater?

Eylander: Regardless of who the MLS teams are fielding, you can’t look at the last couple of years in Open Cup play and not see that the USL teams are competing very well with them.

TheCup.us: Sebastien Le Toux has already secured a place on the Seattle MLS roster. Is the prospect of getting a contract with the MLS Sounders creating some extra pressure for the rest of the players on the roster? Is that something that’s talked about among your teammates?

Eylander: I think every one of the players on the team would love the oppurtunity to play at the next level up. It may add a bit of pressure for the players. Playing well consistently thoughout the USL season and performing well against other MLS teams would add a lot of credibility for those looking to play at the MLS level. It isn’t something that I have noticed to be talked about much amongst the players. We understand that taking care of business in league and Open Cup play is the most important area of concentration for the team.

TheCup.us: Do you feel like you will be wearing a Seattle uniform next season?

Eylander: I would very much like to be wearing a Seattle uniform next season.

TheCup.us: Looking ahead to the next round, you’ve got Charleston at Blackbaud Stadium on August 12. Is there a different level of pressure when facing a team you’re familiar with rather than a team you rarely play, or have never played? What’s your outlook for the semifinal matchup with Charleston?

Eylander: The good thing about playing in Charleston for the Semifinals is that we have already played there twice this year. We will be much more familiar with the pitch, the environment and the team as opposed to if we were playing an unknown team for the first time away from home. We will also have more time this round to prepare and get players healthy. The semifinals will be a very challenging game. Charleston has a strong team and will give us a tough match.

About the NASR
The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) are a group that consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at www.soccerreporters.com.

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The 2008 Seattle Sounders now hold the record for the longest single-tournament shutout streak, but D.C. United have the high mark for longest streak over multiple competitions.

D.C. United (1996-1997, 564 mins.)
09/04/96 2-0 vs. Carolina Dynamo (GK – Jeff Causey) 90 mins.
10/27/96 2-0 vs. Dallas Burn (GK – Mark Simpson) 90 mins.
10/30/96 3-0 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos (GK – Mark Simpson) 90 mins.
08/06/97 0-0 (PKW 3-2) vs. Hershey Wildcats (GK – Scott Garlick) 120 mins.
08/19/97 2-0 vs. Tampa Bay Mutiny (GK – Scott Garlick) 90 mins.
09/03/97 2-1 vs. San Francisco Bay Seals (GK – Scott Garlick) 84 mins.

Seattle Sounders (2008, 421 mins.)
09/04/07  1-2 vs. FC Dallas (GK – Chris Eylander) 1 min.
06/10/08  1-0 vs. Arizona Sahuaros (GK – Chris Eylander) 120 mins.
06/24/08  6-0 vs. Hollywood United (GK – Chris Eylander) 90 mins.
07/01/08  2-0 vs. Chivas USA (GK – Chris Eylander) 90 mins.
07/08/08  0-0 (PKW 6-5) vs. Kansas City Wizards (GK – Chris Eylander) 120 mins.

Colorado Rapids (1999, 381 mins.)
07/30/97 1-2 vs. Chicago Stingers (GK – Paul Grafer) 46 mins.
07/13/99 1-0 vs. Seattle Sounders (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
08/13/99 1-0 vs. Tampa Bay Mutiny (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
09/01/99 3-0 vs. Charleston Battery (GK – Ian Feuer) 90 mins.
09/13/99 0-2 vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos (GK – Ian Feuer) 65 mins.

Carolina RailHawks (2007, 329 mins.)
06/12/07 4-1 vs. RWB Adria (GK Chris McClellan) 14 mins.
06/26/07 4-0 vs. Bavarian SC (GK – Chris McClellan) 90 mins.
07/15/07 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire (GK – John O’Hara) 90 mins.
08/07/07 1-0 vs. Richmond Kickers (GK – Chris McClellan) 90 mins.
09/04/07 1-2 vs. New England Revolution (GK – Chris McClellan) 45 mins.

Charleston Battery (2007, 324 mins.)
08/02/06 3-3 (PKL 3-5) vs. FC Dallas (GK – Dusty Hudock) 1 min.
06/12/07 3-0 vs. Central Florida Kraze (GK – Keith Wiggans) 90 mins.
06/26/07 1-0 vs. El Paso Patriots (GK – Dusty Hudock) 90 mins.
07/10/07 1-0 vs. Houston Dynamo (GK – Dusty Hudock) 120 mins.
08/07/07 1-2 vs. FC Dallas (GK – Dusty Hudock) 23 mins.

San Jose Earthquakes (2000-2001, 292 mins.)
08/09/00 0-2 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Joe Cannon) 9 mins.
06/27/01 6-0 vs. Central Coast Roadrunners (GK – Jon Conway) 90 mins.
07/11/01 0-0 (PKW 7-6) vs. Milwaukee Rampage (GK – Jon Conway) 120 mins.
07/24/01 1-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Jon Conway) 73 mins.

Dallas Roma FC (2006, 259 mins.)
06/14/06 2-2 (PKW 4-2) vs. Laredo Heat (GK – Jesse Llamas) 14 mins.
06/28/06 1-0 vs. Miami FC (GK – Jesse Llamas) 90 mins.
07/12/06 0-0 (PKW 4-2) vs. Chivas USA (GK – Jesse Llamas) 120 mins.
08/01/06 0-2 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (GK – Nestor Merlo) 35 mins.

Longest Shutout Streak in Professional Era (1995 – present)
DC United (1996-97)  564 mins.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS (2008)  421 mins.
Colorado Rapids (1999)  381 mins.
Carolina RailHawks (2007)  329 mins.
Charleston Battery (2007)  324 mins.
San Jose Earthquakes (2000-01)  292 mins.
Dallas Roma FC (2006)  259 mins.

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