New Jersey

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Icon FC wins New Jersey title to complete USASA Region I field

March 25, 2013 by Romulo Vieira

The championship game of the New Jersey Open Cup tournament took place Sunday evening with Icon FC taking on Polonia Wallington under the lights. On a cold night at Montville Community Park in Montville, NJ, Icon FC came out victorious, defeating Wallington 4-0 to win their first New Jersey Open Cup title.

With the win, Icon qualifies for the USASA Region I tournament where they will begin play at Eastern Pennsylvania champion West Chester United on April 7.

Before the referee blew the whistle to start the game, there was confusion over the teams’ uniforms; both teams were using different shades of blue. As a result, Icon used orange pinnies to keep the teams from getting confused.

The opening minutes of the game started slow as both teams kept the ball in the midfield. No team was able to get close to the opposing box to create a scoring opportunity. That all changed in the 9th minute when Icon’s number seven Jonathan Lopuski’s strike from outside the box beat Wallington keeper Marcin Czerwinski, to put his side up 1-0. After the goal, Icon maintained control of the game and three minutes later were able to score again, this time from another ferocious strike from Nathaniel Winslow.

Wallington’s Open Cup dreams suffered another blow just two minutes later when Icon’s Argjent Duka scored a header off a good cross from the right side of the field.

After Icon scored their three goals the game slowed down. Icon controlled the game and didn’t allow Wallington to create any clear chances. Wallington’s only shot in the first half came in the 36th minute when Tomasz Kwaitkowski’s shot went wide of the goal. Every time Wallington was able to get a cross or a pass into the box, there was never anyone at the end of it to threaten Icon goalkeeper Chris Duggan. Before the half, Icon’s Custidiano Michael kept the pressure on with another shot on target forcing the Wallington keeper to make another save.

During the second half, Wallington needed to come out aggressively to try to stay in the game, but the total opposite happened. The Polish team had one shot on target in the beginning of the half and never really threatened Icon after that. Icon had multiple goalscoring opportunities to put the game away for good. Icon’s Andy Cesti tried to chip the ball over the Wallington goalkeeper, but his attempt went wide. Argjent Duka had a chance to score his second goal of the match after shooting the ball from distance, but his attempt flew a few inches over the crossbar.

Icon’s best chance came when Nelson Becerra was alone in the box one-on-one with the goalkeeper, with all the time in the world to put the ball in the back of the net, but managed to hit the post and allow the goalkeeper to pounce on the rebound. Icon had two more one-on-one opportunities to score, but Wallington keeper Marcin Czerwinski came up huge on both attempts.

Czerwinski’s attempt to keep a second half clean sheet came to an end when he was beaten by one of his own teammates. Becerra’s low cross into the box was tapped into the back of the net by Wallington’s Marcin Decowski as he attempted to clear the ball out of the box making it 4-0 for Icon. After the fourth goal Icon dominated the pace of the game and was able keep away any possible threat from Wallington.

At the end of the game, Icon manager Greg Bajek expressed how much of an honor it is to play in the USASA Region I quarterfinal.

“This is a great opportunity for us to play a USL team,” said Bajek. “This new experience will be great for the development of our players.”

New Jersey Semifinals
Polonia Wallington SC 2:1 (aet) Go Soccer FC
Jersey Shore Boca 2:2 Icon FC
Icon FC advances 5-4 in penalty kicks

New Jersey Final (March 24)
Polonia Wallington 0:4 Icon FC

Recent New Jersey Open Cup champions
2013: Icon FC
2012: Jersey Shore Boca
2011: Go Soccer FC
2010: Go Soccer FC
2009: Go Soccer FC
2008: SC Vistula Garfield*
2007: No entry
2006: Sport Club Portuguese
2005: Kappa Real Wyckoff
2004: Sport Club Portuguese
2003: SC Vistula Garfield
2002: ZPA Perth Amboy
2001: ZPA Perth Amboy
2000: SC Vistula Garfield
1999: SC Vistula Garfield
1998: SC Vistula Garfield
* Withdrew from USASA Region I tournament

2013 USASA Region I Finals (US Open Cup qualifying)

Quarterfinals (April 7)
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (ENY) at Newtown SC (CT)
Treadwell Park (Newtown, CT) – 4 p.m. ET
Mass Premier Soccer (MA) at Rhode Island Reds FC (RI)
Cranston Stadium (Cranston, RI) – 2 p.m. ET
Icon FC (NJ) at West Chester United (EPA)
Delacy Soccer Complex No. 4 (West Chester, PA) – 2 p.m. ET
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA) at Screaming Eagles (MD)
Cedar Lane Regional Park (Bel Air, MD) – 1:30 p.m. ET –

Semifinals (April 21)
Time/Location TBA
Semifinal winners both qualify for 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Icon FC eliminates Jersey Shore Boca in PKs to reach New Jersey final

March 18, 2013 by Romulo Vieira

Check out a complete photo gallery of this game from Michael Anderer of SoccerLIMagazine.com

The second semifinal of the 2013 edition of the New Jersey Open Cup tournament was a clash between two Garden State League teams from the Super Division, played at the Berkley Soccer Complex in Bayville, NJ. First time participants, Icon FC took on Jersey Shore Boca. Jersey Shore Boca’s dream of advancing to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the second straight year came to end after losing to Icon FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout after playing to a 2-2 draw.

With the win, Icon FC earned the right to play Polonia Wallington in the New Jersey final on March 24. Polonia needed extra time to defeat three-time state champion Go Soccer FC 2-1 in the other semifinals the week before. The winner of the New Jersey final will qualify for the quarterfinals of the USASA Region 1 Finals where they will hit the road to play Eastern Pennsylvania champion West Chester United.

The Montville, NJ based club, Icon FC dominated play throughout the first half. The team did a good job taking control of the midfield and was especially dangerous on the right side of the field; where they were able create scoring opportunities through crosses. Icon forward Adam Bajek tested Jersey Shore Boca goalkeeper Robert Feeney with a strike that forced Feeney to come up with a good save.

As the game went on Icon continued to work the ball well. Any time the Jersey Shore Boca offense came close to the opposing box, they were met with a very well organized defense.

However, even though Icon was dominating the first half, Boca scored first with Justin McGrath. The play started when Icon goalkeeper Chris Duggan saved a shot from Nick Tarquino, but the rebound fell to McGrath who took advantage and put the ball into the back of the net in the 13th minute. The goal did not take away Icon’s concentration as they continued to press forward.

A few minutes after falling behind, they were rewarded for their skilled play when midfielder Nelson Becerra scored the tying goal from a free kick. He shot the ball low to the keeper’s right side. It seemed to be an easy shot for the keeper to save, but the ball managed to slip through Feeney’s arms.

During the early minutes of the first half it seemed the game was being played at a more equal level, with both teams coming out hungry to score goals. Icon missed two clear chances in front of the keeper to go ahead and McGrath had a chance to put Boca in the lead after beating Chris Duggan, but missed the open net with a shot that went wide.

The second half began to look more like the first half with Icon creating more opportunities thanks to their goal scorer Becerra. He was able to get another shot on target and provided his teammates with opportunities to score. Despite the efforts from both teams, neither was able to find the back of the net in the second half and the game went into extra time.

nj-semi-jsboca-iconfc-1st-goal2013 — Justin McGrath scored the first goal of the game for Jersey Shore Boca off a rebound in the 13th minute. Photo: Michael Anderer | SoccerLImagazine.com

The first 15 minutes made it clear that both teams were tired after playing a full 90 minutes. Even with tired legs, Boca was able to create the best scoring chance in the first half of overtime. Thomas Gray sprinted down the right side of the field, dribbled past a defender and passed the ball to McGrath who took a shot right in front of goal. Boca would have taken the lead at that point but Duggan made an impressive reflex save to keep his team in the game.

The first half of overtime ended with both teams still level with one goal for each side. The second half of overtime started with Boca substitute left back Ryan O’Donnell taking the ball up the field and striking it from outside the box, beating the keeper in the opening minute of the overtime period. As time was running out it seemed that Jersey Shore Boca was going to go home with the win, but in the 115th minute, Icon found an equalizer. Becerra crossed the ball into the box from a corner kick, which Adam Bajek headed into the goal, tying the game and taking the semifinal to penalty kicks.

Greg Bajek stepped up first for Icon, shooting the ball easily past the goalkeeper. Duggan followed up that goal with a save on Boca’s first attempt by McGrath. Icon and Boca exchanged goals for the next three rounds, setting up Round 5. Icon had a chance to punch their ticket to the championship game but Adam Kelemet rattled his attempt off the crossbar which shifted the pressure to Boca’s Thomas Gray. He didn’t seem to mind the pressure as he put the ball comfortably in the back of the net. Jonathan Yazo converted Icon’s first sudden death penalty kick, but Ryan O’Donnell of Boca was not as fortunate as he shot wide to send Icon into the state final for the first time.

New Jersey Semifinals

Polonia Wallington SC 2:1 (aet) Go Soccer FC
Jersey Shore Boca 2:2 Icon FC
Icon FC advances 5-4 in penalty kicks

New Jersey Final (March 24)
Polonia Wallington vs. Icon FC
Time/location TBA

Recent New Jersey Open Cup champions
2012: Jersey Shore Boca
2011: Go Soccer FC
2010: Go Soccer FC
2009: Go Soccer FC
2008: SC Vistula Garfield*
2007: No entry
2006: Sport Club Portuguese
2005: Kappa Real Wyckoff
2004: Sport Club Portuguese
2003: SC Vistula Garfield
2002: ZPA Perth Amboy
2001: ZPA Perth Amboy
2000: SC Vistula Garfield
1999: SC Vistula Garfield
1998: SC Vistula Garfield
* Withdrew from USASA Region I tournament

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Polonia Wallington defeat Go Soccer FC to reach New Jersey final

March 13, 2013 by Ed Rue

The 2013 edition of the New Jersey Open Cup tournament got underway on Sunday in Bridgewater as three-time state Open Cup winners Go Soccer FC took on league rivals SC Polonia Wallington. Go Soccer may have come in with the experience, but it was first-time entry Polonia who came away victorious after a penalty kick by Zbigniew Puzio in the 99th minute of extra time to give PW a 2-1 win and a ticket to the New Jersey Final on March 24.

In the state title game, Polonia Wallington will take on the winner of Icon FC and last year’s Open Cup entry Jersey Shore Boca. The state champion will advance to the USASA Region I Finals where they will travel west of the city of Philadelphia to face Eastern Pennsylvania champion West Chester United in the quarterfinals.

From the get go, play was tough, with both teams fighting for positioning in the midfield. Early on, pressure was placed on Go Soccer FC with Ben Barton of Polonia Wallington putting a shot just above the Go Soccer FC goal for the game’s first shot. GSFC was able to answer back, but a shot put on frame trickled just wide of the Polonia net and out of harms way. After that attempt, the game remained in the Polonia Wallington defensive third with Go Soccer FC pressing hard for the game’s first goal. Polonia was able to withstand the early pressure.

The roughness of the play showed as Tomasz Wachowicz brought down a GSFC player in the midfield, earning the game’s first yellow in the 30th minute, causing both coaches to get into heated discussions with the ref.
The resulting free kick went wide of the Polonia goal once more. The best chance for either side came in the 33rd minute when a hard foul in the Go Soccer FC six yard box was committed brought about a penalty kick. Zbigniew Puzio stepped up to take the PK, only to have his shot go just wide of the GSFC net.

The missed penalty would come back to haunt Polonia Wallington, after some scrappy play in the midfield and some pressure in the Polonia box, GSFC were awarded back-to-back corners in first half stoppage time. The first corner was hit from the top of the box and deflected off a Wallington defender, bringing about the second corner.

On the second corner, Go Soccer FC were able to take advantage as Cyril Yemofio headed in the corner just past Polonia keeper Marcin Czerwinski to close out the first half.

The second half began as the first had, with lots of aggressive play in the midfield. Go Soccer FC went on the offensive immediately, putting a shot on target moments after the restart, but it was handled easily by the Polonia keeper. A majority of the possession went Go Soccer FC’s way as they looked to increase upon their 1-0 lead.

Polonia was able to counter the pressure put upon them by GSFC and put a few shots on frame, but nothing threatened GSFC keeper Zach Zamek.

Play continued end to end with Polonia pressing for an equalizer, while Go Soccer FC looked to put the game away in the late stages.

However, with Go Soccer FC unable to find the goal to lock the game, Polonia capitalized, leaving it late. A cross from PW defender Tomasz Wachowicz managed to slip past GSFC keeper Zach Zamek and bank it in off the far post, tying the game at 1-1 in the 87th minute. Neither team were able to find a winning goal in the 2nd half injury time, forcing the game to go into overtime

Polonia Wallington kicked off the first period of overtime, but it was Go Soccer FC who ended up with the first chance on goal in the 93rd minute off a corner kick. The attempt on goal was right at the Polonia keeper for the easy save in the opening moments. The biggest moment in the first overtime period came as Josh Brown from Go Soccer FC handled the ball in puttempt to clear a ball from the goal line in the 99th minute. Brown was issued a yellow for the infraction and a PK was awarded to Polonia Wallington. Puzio from Polonia Wallington stepped up to take the PK and managed to convert it, sending Zach Zamek diving to the left as Puzio slotted it down the middle.

Wallington had a shot to make it 3-1 and put the game away when another shot from Puzio was bound for goal, but it was cleared from the goal line by Josh Brown again, who managed to avoid handling the ball this time around. The first period of extra time ended with Polonia Wallington up 2-1.

Go Soccer FC kicked off the second OT period, trying to find the equalizer, but only found a stingy Polonia defense. A missed foul call lead to a heated exchange of words between Go Soccer FC players and Polonia Wallington’s players. This exchange led to two more yellow cards to Polonia. The cards were issued to Ben Barton and Damian Serafin, both for dissent in the 113th minute. The majority of the second overtime was spent by both teams trying to break down each other’s defenses. The momentum seemed to change, with Wallington the ones applying the offensive pressure, leaving GSFC to defend their hearts out.

Go Soccer FC managed an opportunity near the end of the match and found themselves being awarded a PK for a handball in the box with nothing but injury time left in the match. Dennis Maldonado from Go Soccer FC stepped up to take the penalty kick, with the chance to send the game into penalty kicks. His attempt, however, was high and over the crossbar, all but sealing victory for Polonia Wallington. The game was quickly restarted with a goal kick, but it was soon called after the kick, ending 2-1 in favor of Polonia Wallington.

New Jersey Semifinals (March 10/17)

Polonia Wallington SC 2:1 (aet) Go Soccer FC – March 10
Torpey Complex in Bridgewater, NJ
Jersey Shore Boca vs. Icon FC – March 17
12 p.m. – Berkeley Soccer Complex in Bayville, NJ

New Jersey Final (March 24)
Time/Location TBA

2012 Meet the USASA: Jersey Shore Boca of Toms River, NJ

May 15, 2012 by William Murphy

Welcome to our continuing series of Meet the USASA features where we annually profile the clubs representing the United States Adult Soccer Association in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Advancing from the four regional tournaments, these often unknown clubs have great stories to tell and each year, our goal is to allow fans to get to know them as they attempt to become this year’s Cinderella story.

A club founded in 1978 and named after the famous Argentine club boasting a tremendously successful past in the state of New Jersey, you would be surprised to learn that Jersey Shore Boca has not only never played in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, but has not even applied to play in the tournament.

“When I first saw the opportunity to apply for the USOC qualifiers, I couldn’t believe that Boca never applied,” said player/manager Michael McCullion after the team touched down in Michigan. “I felt we had a strong enough side to take a shot, so I just went for it”

The Jersey Shore Boca men’s Open Cup team will add another chapter to the club history books during the First Round on May 15 as the men of blue-and-gold square off against the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premiere Development League in Pontiac, Michigan. It will be the first time in the club’s 34-year history that a Boca team will appear in the prestigious competition, and the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995 to present) that team from New Jersey will make an appearance in the Open Cup via USASA Region I.

“We see this as a big step for both ourselves as a team and as representing the club.”

The timing was right, and McCullion’s decision had paid off. With the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup expanding to a field of 64 teams, the US Soccer Federation added a ninth berth to the USASA, expanding the Region I entrants to three due to its consistent number of entrants in recent years. It was a number that proved beneficial for Boca.

The team got its feet wet in the New Jersey semifinals, posting a 10-0 drubbing of Santorini with James Nelson scoring four times. Michael Pezza, Nick Tarquino and Simon Muckle each added two. Boca then proved their mettle in a showdown with the reigning three-time state champion Go Soccer FC, advancing in penalties after a 1-1 draw against the 2011 Region I semifinalists. Tomas Banionis tallied the equalizer in the 35th minute and Matt Heitmann made a save in the fifth round of the tiebreaker for the 5-4 decision from the spot.

They did not know it at the time, but that result was all they needed. Boca were paired up with another powerhouse in the Region I semifinals, and were unable to overcome their neighbors to the north, falling to New York Greek American Atlas, 2-0, on a pair of second half goals.

That left one apparent chance remaining to qualify, needing to win a consolation match with the Maryland Bays, who fell to Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks by the same score. The Bays, however, citing hardship from a combination of injuries and external player commitments were left with no choice but to forfeit their second chance to qualify, sending Jersey Shore Boca onto the prestigious national event.

Go Soccer were the state powers, and NY Greek American Atlas have a long history in the US Open Cup as four-time champions in the 1960-70s. But in the Michigan Bucks, Boca now face a club that has a history of success in the tournament’s Modern Era.

McCullion seemed reserved but quietly confident ahead of the match.

“Our main strength is our experience, both in the game and on this team. I personally have been with the club more than 10 years. We know each other well. That has always been a huge advantage to us on the field in big games, and for us, this is a big as it gets.”

That may come in handy as the Bucks are just coming together as a club for the PDL season, and are one of the three teams from the league (16 entrants total) that are entering the event without having played a regular season contest – a first that has been caused by the new schedule format of the Open Cup.

The Basics

Jersey Shore Boca is an amateur organization based in Lakewood NJ. Their men’s open team plays in the Garden State Soccer League. Boca fields teams from several age groups and both Men’s and Women’s teams, playing their home matches at John Patrick Sports Complex in Lakewood.

Jersey Shore Boca was founded in 1978 by Walt Pericciuoli and Phil Morretta, and promptly named after the very successful Argentine side Boca Juniors. Boca had just won its second Copa Libertadores and were crowned World Club Champions as well. The pair wanted to mimic both their style and success.

Boca started out with a U18 team that went undefeated in league play in each of its first two seasons. A second team was added in 1980 and the first and second teams finished one and two in the league. In 1990, the club grew with the addition of a semi-professional men’s team entered into the North East Super Soccer League (NESSL).

In 2001, Jersey Shore Boca became a member of the USL’s Super Y-League, and in 2002, the United Soccer Leagues awarded Jersey Shore Boca a Premier Development League franchise in 2003. The club, however, chose not to re-apply the following season.

There have been four senior National team players out of the club: George Gelnovatch, Ric Lansing, Dan McGuire and Ted Gillen. After a successful college and professional career, Gelnovatch is currently the head men’s soccer coach at the University of Virginia after serving as a former US Under-18 Men’s National Team Coach. Both Lansing and McGuire played professionally in Europe. Gillen achieved All-American status while at Penn State and played for the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) of during the first two seasons of Major League Soccer (1996-97).

Two members from the Boca 2006 U23 men’s team, Chris Konopka and Teddy Niziolek, were selected by the Kansas City Wizards and Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer in the MLS 2007 Supplemental Draft. Konopka’s career also took him to Europe, where he played in Ireland before coming back to MLS, spending time last season with the Red Bulls and Columbus Crew. His stint with the Crew included an appearance against the English Premier League’s Newcastle United in a friendly. He recently signed with the Philadelphia Union.

– Gerald Barnhart also contributed to this report

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Jersey Shore Boca takes New Jersey USASA title in penalties after 1-1 draw

March 28, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

After a pair of first half goals in the New Jersey State Final Saturday, Go Soccer SC and Jersey Shore Boca went deadlocked for the remainder of the contest, sending the match to overtime and eventually penalties. Jersey Shore would prevail 5-4 with a save in the final round, advancing to the Region I USASA tournament.

It marked the end of a dominant streak for 2011 Region I semifinalist Go Soccer FC, snapping their three-year run as state champions.

The win puts Boca one win away from a berth in the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as they will face the winner of Massachusetts champion Battery Park Gunners and Eastern New York representative Greek American Atlas on April 22. The state of New Jersey has never had a USASA representative in the Open Cup in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

The defending champions took the initial advantage approximately 15 minutes into the contest. They built it up along the right side through Chase Barbieri, who looked to cross, but played it back and eventually sent it to Chad Barbieri about 30 yards from goal in the middle of the pitch. Chad Barbieri then took a few touches towards goal and rifled a shot saved by the keeper to he left, allowing his brother to follow up and tuck in the rebound.

Tomas Banionis, also a star on the club’s over-30 side, leveled the score back up 20 minutes later.

The remaining hour of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time went fruitless for both sides. Go Soccer’s Dom Paolella would come out of the contest in the second half with a concussion and Robert Wynn would replace the injured Simon Muckle in overtime for Jersey Shore, which would also insert Christian Pontier at the close of the match for the upcoming tiebreaker.

Pontier and the rest of the Jersey Shore shooters converted all five attempts, but it was goalkeeper Robert Feeney coming up the hero. He stopped Go Soccer’s Matt Heitmann in the final round to give Dane Feeney the opportunity to clinch the win with his conversion.

New Jersey USASA State Championship
Go Soccer FC 1:1 Jersey Shore Boca
(Boca wins 5-4 in penalty kicks)

Scoring:
GS: Chase Barbieri 15
JSB: Tomas Banionis 35

Penalties:
GS: Chase Barbieri – goal, Dennis Maldonado – goal, Bryan Davis – goal, Chad Barbieri – goal, Matt Heitmann – saved
JSB: Rypan Sherman – goal, Vasili Foukarakis – goal, Christian Pontier – goal, John Carrozza – goal, Dane Hodge – goal

Lineups:

Go Soccer: Ryan Goehring; Collin Gumbiner, Matt Heitmann, Bryan Davis, Edgardo Alfaro; Jesus Gregorio (Oscar Araya 112), Dennis Maldonado, Chad Barbieri, Nathan D’Aversa (David Breines 50); Chase Barbieri, Dom Paolella (Ray Arce 60, Isaac Rodriguez 91)

Jersey Shore Boca: Robert Feeney, Rypan Sherman, Vasili Foukarakis, Dane Hodge, Simon Muckle (Robert Wynn 91), Chris Beekman, Andrew Hawtin, Nick Tarquinon (John Carrozza 46), Joe Sellitto (Dan Pires 46), Tomas Banionis, Andrew Cottrell – sub: (Christian Pontier 111 – unknown whom for)

Past New Jersey Open Cup champions
2011: Go Soccer FC
2010: Go Soccer FC
2009: Go Soccer FC
2008: SC Vistula Garfield*
2007: No entry
2006: Sport Club Portuguese
2005: Kappa Real Wyckoff
2004: Sport Club Portuguese
2003: SC Vistula Garfield
2002: ZPA Perth Amboy
2001: ZPA Perth Amboy
2000: SC Vistula Garfield
1999: SC Vistula Garfield
1998: SC Vistula Garfield

*Withdrew from Region I tournament before it began

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Massachusetts, New Jersey crown USASA state champions Saturday

March 23, 2012 by Steven Bayley

In Region I qualifying action this weekend, the Massachusetts USASA US Open Cup final is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Dilboy Field in Somerville, where 2011 Region I tournament qualifier and defending Massachusetts champion Mass Premier Soccer will take on the Battery Park Gunners. New Jersey is also hosting its state final Saturday. Go Soccer FC and Jersey Shore Boca will meet at the John F. Patrick Sports Complex in Lakewood, NJ. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30.

The two clubs in Massachusetts are very familiar with each other, both competing in the Bay State Soccer League Division 1. Battery Park Gunners are defending 2011 League champs, posting a 15-1-2 record last year, while MPS finished third in the table at 14-3-1.

This is the first of four potential meetings for the local rivals in 2012. In addition to USOC play, the teams will meet home and home on June 30 and Aug. 25 respectively, and appear to be on a collision course for a possible May 19 match up in the second round of the BSSL’s McKenzie Cup competition.

Expect a high level of play in this match, though it’s a shame it is scheduled for the same day as the New England Revolution’s home opener, a doubleheader that also features an international women’s friendly between Canada and Brazil.

The winner of the match will face nearly immediate competition in the USASA Region I tournament with a road trip April 1 to play NY Greek American Atlas, champions out of Eastern New York.

In the Garden State, Go Soccer FC is looking to qualify for the US Open Cup in 2012 after coming up one game short at the regional tournament in 2011. The defending New Jersey state champs beat FC Fort United 1-0 on a frozen field in Bridgewater last March to claim their spot on the Region I tournament.

They went on to beat Club Atletico VA, the 2011 DC/VA champs, by a score of 2-1 in the first round but failed to secure a place in the Open Cup after falling to Eastern Pennsylvania champ Phoenix SC, 3-0, in a game in which they gave up a penalty kick and an own goal.

Four teams took part in the New Jersey qualifying tournament this year with Go Soccer defeating Soccer Dreams 5-1 and Saturday’s opponent, Jersey Shore Boca, had no trouble in their opening match, crushing Santorini 10-0.

The New Jersey champ this year books themselves a bye in the Region I tournament and will await the winner of the April 1 match between NY Greek American Atlas and the Massachusetts winner. That game is tentatively scheduled for April 22.

2011 US Open Cup qualifying: New Jersey’s Go Soccer FC wins state title, beats FC Fort United 1-0 (Video)

March 23, 2011 by Josh Hakala

On a frosty night in Bridgewater, NJ, Go Soccer FC defeated FC Fort United 1-0 to win the New Jersey Open Cup championship and punch their ticket to the USASA Region I tournament.

With the win, Go Soccer FC will host DC/VA champion Club Atletico Virginia in the first round at regionals, putting them just two wins away from qualifying for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match is scheduled for May 1 and will mark the club’s third straight trip to the Region I finals.

Go Soccer came out aggressively in the first half, scoring the game’s only goal in the 17th minute. Former Lafayette College player Chad Barbieri took a shot on goal which was saved by the FC Fort goalkeeper, but Jesus Gregorio was there to clean it up to make it 1-0.

nj-open-cup-final-2011-snow — It was a frosty night at the 2011 New Jersey Open Cup final. Photo: @vitospadea (Twitter)

The momentum shifted after the halftime break with FC Fort pushing for an equalizer. The pressure was put on and they created some chances, but Go Soccer’s Dan Roth was able to keep the clean sheet with three critical saves in the second half.

Go Soccer, founded in 2007, will move on to the Region I tournament hoping to win their first regional qualifying game in club history. The past two seasons, they have crashed out in the opening round. In 2009, they fell to Maryland’s Charm City FC, 5-0 and last year, they lost a close match with the Brooklyn Italians, 1-0.

Only three teams entered the New Jersey Open Cup tournament this year, with FC Fort United defeating Santorini FC in the opening round to reach the final. The date of the final was delayed because Santorini filed a protest, but it was eventually denied.

Go Soccer FC starting lineup: Dan Roth (GK) Bryan Oelkers, Chad Barbieri, Chase Barbieri, John Pompeo, Edgardo Alfaro, Isaac Rodriguez, Jesus Gregorio, Matt Heitmann, Paul Racz, Steve Mellen | Subs: Brian Davis, Dominic Paolella, John Parez

2011 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying schedule

First Round (May 1)
Danbury United (CT) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (East NY)
East Providence Sports (RI) at Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
Club Atletico Virginia (DC/VA) at Go Soccer FC (NJ)
Maryland Bays (MD) at Phoenix SC (East PA)

Semifinals (May 22)*
Danbury/NYPF winner vs. MPS/East Prov winner
Go Soccer /Atl. Virginia winner vs. Phoenix/Bays winner

* Winners of each game qualify for the 2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Past New Jersey Open Cup champions

2010: Go Soccer FC
2009: Go Soccer FC
2008: SC Vistula Garfield (forfeited their opening Region I match)
2007: No team entered
2006: Sport Club Portugues
2005: Kappa Real Wyckoff
2004: Sport Club Portugues
2003: SC Vistula Garfield
2002: ZPA Perth Amboy
2001: ZPA Perth Amboy
2000: SC Vistula Garfield
1999: SC Vistula Garfield
1998: SC Vistula Garfield
1997: No info available
1996: No info available
1995: No info available

Second half highlights – 2011 New Jersey Open Cup Final (Courtesy of Go Soccer FC)