Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

New York Greek American Atlas

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Pancyprian Freedoms need OT to oust Greek Americans in true New York derby

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New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2015 Team Photo
New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2015 Team Photo

On a cold Sunday in Maspeth, Queens, two long-time rivals faced off in the first open division qualifying round for the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The four-time champion New York Greek American SC hosted three-time champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms at the historic Metropolitan Oval in what is one of the longest-running rivalries in American soccer.

In a battle of two teams that have dominated the city of New York in Open Cup play since 2003, it was the Freedoms taking an early lead, only to lose it and force extra time where they beat the Greek American 4-2.

A steady back and forth opened the match. While the Freedoms initially had more chances available to them, the Greek Americans had several dangerous opportunities of their own. An element of chippiness came into play near the end of the first half with a Freedoms player going studs first into an opposing player’s ankle. Shortly after, another Freedoms player was upended in the corner by a Greek American defender and tempers flared again.

NYPancyprian FreedomsThe Freedoms took advantage in the moments that followed, getting on the scoreboard first through a Chris Megaloudis goal in the 38th minute. Megaloudis was quick to pounce on a ball as the keeper came off his line and made a mistake, bobbling the ball away.

The Greek Americans would start the second half with a bang. Dele Akinyode beat the keeper on his left side, putting the sides back level on the board just two minutes in. The Greeks increased the pressure in the second half and only strong play from the Freedoms’ goalkeeper kept his club in it.

The home side took the lead in the 66th minute when Omar Edwards made a run down the left side before cutting in behind his defenders a ripping a shot from about 27 yards out to beat the Freedoms keeper with a spectacular goal.

With six minutes remaining in the half, the Freedoms managed to tie it up at two with a Nick Katsanos header coming off a corner kick sending the game into extra time.

Stoppage time would go to the visitors as the Freedoms scored one in the first half, courtesy of Panagiotis Halkidis. Chris Megaloudis would take away any hope for penalties by burying another in the second half, sending the Freedoms into the second round.

Despite the win, Freedoms captain Nick Katsanos was not satisfied with his team’s performance.

“We looked sloppy out there, especially in those first ten minutes,” Katsanos stated.

While he was happy with the victory, he also said the tight, physical game was what they expected.

“Yeah, we know these guys,” the defender said with a laugh. “This game comes as no surprise.”

With the victory, the Freedoms move on to the second round of qualifying and will host Jersey Shore Boca  of the Garden State Soccer Association on Nov. 14 at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. The Freedoms are now two wins away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time since 2011.

MORE: Ten teams advance to Round 2 in opening weekend of 2016 US Open Cup qualifying

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: Jersey Express shuts out 4-time champion Greek American SC, 3-0

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Jersey Express celebrate as they defeated New York Greek American SC 3-0 in Round 1. Photo: Bob Larson
Jersey Express celebrate as they defeated New York Greek American SC 3-0 in Round 1. Photo: Bob Larson

A diving header in the 65th minute by midfielder Marko Drjlic put the Jersey Express into the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, leading to an eventual 3-0 victory over the New York Greek American SC at NJIT Stadium.

Alone at the far post Drljic finished a picturesque goal on a swinging cross from JP Correa that left Greek American’s goalkeeper Brian Edwards helpless.

Despite having the majority of possession the first half, the Express of the PDL looked as unpolished as a team playing their first match of the season would be expected.

The four-time Open Cup champion Greeks, the USASA Region I representative, played road tournament soccer, sitting back and waiting for the moment to counter.

Jersey coach Francisco Da Silva recognized his team’s nervousness associated with early season play.

“I know we had the game, but we just weren’t playing the way we do that practice,” Da Silva said. “All we needed to do to make a difference was calm down our play.”

Photo: Bob Larson
Photo: Bob Larson

The Greek Americans, frequent participants in the Open Cup with five appearances in the Modern Era, came out more aggressive in the second half, enjoying more possession especially in Jersey’s half.

In the 52nd minute, the Greek Americans nearly took the lead when Jersey keeper Matthew Turner misjudged an in-swinging cross, giving Detejl a clean header that found the net. As the ball dribbled over the goal line the assistant referee called Detejl offside.

The Greeks got another opportunity in the 62nd minute when Kevin Correa perfectly timed a run as he received a pass toward the right flank with loads of space.

Jersey’s central defender Sylvain N’guessa was able to close down the forward as Correa dribbled into the penalty area. Correa ripped a right-footed shot that cleared the bar.

Once Drjlic — who recently closed out his college soccer career at NJIT — broke the tie minutes later, the match was pried up and giving Jersey the advantage again.

“We were a little bit shaky in the first half because we didn’t want to make a mistake,” Drjlic said. “In the second half I thought the Greek Americans dropped a little bit down, we pressured them higher, that caused them trouble, and after that first goal thing got easier.”

In the 88th minute, Correa provided his second assist when Chris Karcz finished at close range past a small crowd in front of goal.

Correa came on at halftime to provide Da Silva’s squad a little more experience.

“We thought bringing JP in would give the team confidence to just play the ball on the ground,” Da Silva said.”He was very, very important in the change that we made.”

Late substitute Alex Biley put in the final goal in the 90th minute when the forward held off his defender with his back to goal.

Biley received the ball from midfield off a short bounce and slotted inside the left post past a frozen Edwards.

The victory is the first Open Cup win for the Express. Last year, they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL).

In the Second Round, the Express will host the New York Red Bulls II of USL at NJIT Stadium.

Red Bulls II, who play their home matches less than 2.5 miles from NJIT Stadium at Red Bull Arena, are nearly a third of the way into their season.

Coach Da Silva knows a lack of early season game experience could be a challenge against the pros in Round 2.

“I’m glad we had this game before we play them, because the initial start is going to hurt a little bit. But I’m sure we’re going to do good.”

Meet the Underdogs: Greek American SC, winner of 4 US Open Cup titles, aiming for success in modern era

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Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor'easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net
Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor’easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net

Every year, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup includes a new batch of amateur clubs hoping to be the tournament’s latest Cinderella story. And every year, TheCup.us introduces soccer fans across the country to these teams that have been the heart and soul of this competition for more than a century. This year, we are expanding our annual “Meet the USASA” series to include the USSSA and US Club Soccer. We bring you “Meet the Underdogs.”

Founded in 1941, the New York Greek American Soccer Club, also known as “The Greeks” are the second oldest soccer club outside Greece representing members of the Greek community. This Astoria-based neighborhood club, which is a long-time member of the historic New York Cosmopolitan League, has a rich history in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, winning the crown four times: in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1974. They are one of just seven clubs in the tournament’s 102 year history to win four titles, one shy of the all-time record of five.

This year, the club is back for the sixth time in the modern era (1995-present), seeking to carry over their winning tradition into success in the 21st century.

NY-Greek-American-Atlas-logoUnlike other amateur leagues, the Cosmopolitan League and the USASA provide players the opportunity to play year-round. The Greek Americans are typically comprised of two types of players: former professional players who need a club to play with before moving on to their next professional team, and aspiring professional players who are looking for exposure in tournaments like the US Open Cup. The club provides year-round training and cup competition experience at both the amateur and professional level.

In the 2014 edition of the US Open Cup, the Greeks snapped a five-game tournament losing streak by taking down one of the Premier Development League’s biggest giant killers, the Ocean City Nor’Easters. They won the game 2-0 on the strength of a pair of goals by Josh Trott before falling to the USL Pro’s Richmond Kickers 2-1 in the third round.

The Greeks have qualified for the tournament for the second year in a row through the USASA’s Amateur Cup. In 2013, USASA Region I decided to award their two Open Cup spots to the region’s Amateur Cup and Open Cup champions, rather than the Open Cup winner and the runner-up. The Greeks won the Region I Amateur Cup title each of the last two years to punch their ticket to the tournament. They clinched their tournament berth with a 5-1 win over Western New York’s Italian American Sport Club in the Region I Amateur Cup Final back on June 13, 2013. Chris Megaloudis scored four goals and Stephan Pierce added another to lead the route.

This season, the Greeks hope to capitalize on last year’s successes and use their momentum to make a run this year’s Cup. The Greeks have already been preparing and believe sound preparation and a steady roster will make a difference in the success of lower division teams in the tournament.

Greek American SC team in 1969. Photo: Bill Graham Guide | National Soccer Hall of Fame
Greek American SC team in 1969. Photo: Bill Graham Guide | National Soccer Hall of Fame

“Preparation and quality does make a difference,” said head coach Stavros Zomopoulos. “We have to be better prepared and our players need to know what we’re getting into.”

The Greeks will look to the leadership and experience of their players heading into the cup stretch. Two notable players to look out for are Megaloudis and Stephan Barea. In last season’s US Open Cup, Megaloudis scored off of a Barea assist to take a 1-0 lead on professional side Richmond Kickers. Both players will be looking to make an impact again this year’s competition.

The Greeks will also look to have a formulated plan as they head into their second round cup matchup against the PDL’s Jersey Express on May 13 in Newark, New Jersey. If the Greeks win, they are scheduled for a third round matchup against the New York Red Bulls II (USL) at Red Bull Arena on May 20. The Greeks will also attempt to reclaim back-to-back USASA National Amateur Championships from May 26-29 in Chattanooga, Tenn., meaning that fitness and training will be a priority going into the next few weeks.

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays in line for a USASA Region I double as championship games set

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USASA Region I logoUSASA Region I qualifying for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is nearly at an end, with the Maryland Bays remaining alive in both the Open and Amateur Cups. Elsewhere, Mass Premier Soccer is in the Open Final after changing its name to GPS Massachusetts, and the New York Greek American Atlas nearly hit double-digit goals against its Amateur Cup semifinal foes.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Lansdowne Bhoys 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts

It doesn’t seem to matter what their name is, GPS Massachusetts just keeps on winning in Region I play. Formerly Mass Premier Soccer, the side that switched its name partway through the tournament defeated Lansdowne Bhoys 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.

According to BigAppleSoccer.com, the hosts from Eastern New York dominated the game after an early goal from Sikele Sylvester. However, GPS equalized from a deflected free kick, and neither team could find the back of the net again until the penalty kick shootout.

GPS is looking to return to the Open Cup in 2015, after gaining a surprise entry into the 2014 edition. With the announcement of an expanded 2014 Open Cup field, the USASA was awarded two additional entries. One of those new spots went to GPS, who lost in the First Round on May 7 to the PDL’s Western Mass Pioneers.

The Massachusetts side faces the Maryland Bays on June 15 for the Region I Open Cup title.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 4:0 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks

The Maryland Bays continued to roll through Open Cup qualifying with a 4-0 victory over the Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks. Jon Ports scored a first half brace, and Chris Weaver and Chris Ports added goals in the second half.

Maryland was riding high after earning its first-ever victories in Region I qualifying. A week after defeating West Chester United 3-1 in the Open Cup, the Bays stormed past FC Motown 6-1 in the Amateur Cup.

The Aegean Hawks were the only team other than Maryland that qualified for both tournaments, but the DC side is now out of both—they fell in penalty kicks to Vereinigung Erzgebirge in the Amateur Cup.

This game marked the first time Maryland had ever hosted a Region I Open Cup qualifier. The Bays move on to face GPS Massachusetts in the final on June 15.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

Preliminary Round (April 6)
AC Blaugrana (RI) L:W Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
ACB won original match 2-0, but were DQ’d for use of ineligble player

Quarterfinals (April 6)
Newtown Pride FC (CT) 1:5 Lansdowne Bhoys FC (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) 3:1 West Chester United (East PA)
Oak Avalon (West PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA)
Icon FC (NJ) 0:5 Mass Premier Soccer (MA) – April 13

Semifinals (May 4)
Lansdowne Bhoys (East NY) 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts (Mass Premier Soccer) (MA)
GPS Massachusetts advances 5-4 on penalty kicks
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA) 0:4 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 11 a.m.)
GPS Massachusetts (MA) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
New York Greek American Atlas 9:0 Danbury United

Danbury United just can’t seem to get over the New York hump. Since qualifying for the Open Cup in 2007, United have lost to teams from the Empire State in its three attempts. This year’s 9-0 loss to New York Greek American Atlas was by far the worst of those losses.

Reigning Region I Amateur Cup champions and 2014 US Open Cup entrants NYGAA were up 6-0 at halftime. The victory propels the Cosmopolitan League side to the Final, where last year they defeated fellow New Yorkers, the Italian Americans.

The Greek Americans are four-time US Open Cup champions (1967-69; 1974) and this year qualified for the tournament for the fifth time in the Modern Pro Era and won their first tournament game during that span as they defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 2-0 in the Second Round.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

With a spot in the Regional final on the line the Semifinal battle between the Maryland Bays and Eastern Pennsylvania’s Vereinigung Erzgebirge came down to the final minutes. The Bays put themselves in line for a Region I double with a a game-winning goal in the 86th minute, giving Maryland a 1-0 win. They will play in the Region I Open Cup Final and the Amateur Cup Final, which will be hoested by the Ukrainian Nationals (Horsham, Pa.) on June 15.

In the opening half, the visitors from the Philadelphia area focused on absorbing pressure from the Bays, and with the game scoreless at halftime, it was mission accomplished.

“The game plan was advance. We knew we would need to defend first and finish off one of our chances,’ said VE manager Rob Oldfield.

VE created more chances in the second half as the game opened up, but the Bays would have the best chance thanks to Greg Ermold. Maryland’s John Boswell sent a cross into the box that snuck through all of the traffic in front of the net and fell to Ermold who launched a shot off the post to keep the game scoreless.

The game opened up late and just when it looked like it was heading to extra time, a deflected cross fell to Maryland’s Elton Joe and after a scramble for the ball, Joe got his foot on the ball and put what would prove to be the game-winner into the back of the net with less than five minutes to play.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

First Round (April 13)
Manzanillol Deportivo (NH) 0:6 Danbury United (CT)
NY Greek American Atlas (East NY) 5:0 Mass United FC (MA)
Maryland Bays (MD) 6:1 FC Motown (NJ)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 3(4):3(3) Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
VE advances 4-3 in penalty kicks

Semifinals (May 11)
Danbury United (CT) 0:9 NY Greek American Atlas SC (East NY)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 0:1 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 3 p.m.)
New York Greek American Atlas (East NY) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Richmond Kickers rally to beat New York Greek Americans in lightning-filled match

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After a three-hour lightning delay, the Richmond Kickers score two goals to beat the New York Greek American Atlas 2-1. Photo: Richmond Kickers
After a three-hour lightning delay, the Richmond Kickers scored two goals to beat the New York Greek American Atlas 2-1. Photo: Richmond Kickers

Despite a three-hour storm delay that saw heavy rain and lightning dominate the evening, the Richmond Kickers were able to get a comeback victory over New York Greek American Atlas SC thanks to two second half goals from George Davis IV & Tishan Hanley.

Before the rain arrived, much of the opening moments of the match match was spent with both sides fighting to generate attack in their respective ends of the field as Richmond midfielder Shay Spitz and New York’s Christian Camacho moving around the pitch trying to create offense.

It would be Atlas striking first and making their presence known to the fans inside City Stadium thanks to a quick counterattack by the club during the the 21st minute.

New York midfielder Stephan Bareas and forward Chris Megaloudis raced down the wing and center of the pitch, respectively. Bareas sent the ball on a low cross to Megaloudis, finding the forward on the run and deep in the box.

Megaloudis’ shot went low to the right side, beating Richmond goalkeeper Joe Willis and elevating Atlas to a one-goal lead over the Kickers.

Richmond tried to level the score quickly on the opposite end of the pitch as defender Shane Johnson moved forward into the attacking zone and sent a quick pass into the box. That pass found midfielder Luke Vercollone, who wanted to take the shot first-time but was unable to make a quality connection with the ball, deflecting toward Atlas goalkeeper Ryszard Gorski, who was able to grab and protect the ball to maintain their single goal lead.

Both teams would be forced to exit the field and fans asked to leave the stands as thunderstorms impacted the area around the stadium at the 33:37 mark of the first half.

The game would be delayed for three hours and eight minutes with players returning to the pitch at 10:43 pm.

With a small number of fans left in the stands, Richmond and New York shook off the cobwebs and returned to the business at hand. The final eleven minutes of the first half saw the Kickers attempt to get on the board but halftime would see Atlas maintain their one-goal advantage.

The second stanza of the match saw Richmond increase the attack and force New York to play in their own zone. That offensive commitment by the Kickers would pay off thanks to the efforts of forward George Davis IV in the 48th minute.

Richmond forward Tishan Hanley was able to set up Davis IV on a give-and-go play inside the box of the New York goalkeeper Gorski and the quick shot beat the Atlas netminder and allowed the Kickers to level the match early in the second half.

The attack continued for the Kickers with several instances of Richmond spreading the ball around the zone via low passes and high crosses, forcing New York to stay active in their defensive zone.

The go-ahead goal for the Kickers came in the 82nd minute off a fast-moving switch play by Richmond’s Samuel Asante. His play found midfielder Sascha Gorres who was able to move the ball with ease to forward Tishan Hanley, who headed the ball into the back of the net, giving Richmond their first lead of the night.

With the lead, the Kickers turned to goalkeeper Joe Willis, who made several strong saves to maintain the team’s one-goal lead. Even with Willis’ saves, New York was not deterred and generated several scoring opportunities.

The 83rd minute saw Richmond commit a foul, leading to an Atlas free kick. The set piece, taken by Atlas defender Christian Arrieta, could not beat the defensive wall created by the Kickers, leading to the ball going back out of the zone. New York whipped it back into the box trying to convert but Willis was alert and made the save.

New York’s late push continued in the 89th minute with a corner kick that found Atlas midfielder Atonios Papasevastos in the box only to see his header denied by the crossbar.

The final whistle was blown at 11:49 p.m., four hours and 49 minutes after the first kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The Kickers will now face Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution on June 18 at Richmond City Stadium at 7 p.m.

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: NY Greek American Atlas beats Ocean City Nor’easters to snap tournament losing streak

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Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor'easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net
Josh Trott (No. 9) celebrates one of his two goals with his New York Greek American Atlas teammates in their 2-0 win over Ocean City Nor’easters. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net

New York Greek Americans muscled their way into the third round of the US Open Cup traveling to Ocean City’s Carey Stadium and defeating the Ocean City Nor’easters 2-0. Josh Trott scored each goal, both coming in the early stages of each half, as the four-time Open Cup champions won their first game of the Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

The 2014 edition of the Nor’easters is different than last year’s team that reached the PDL final four and took MLS’ Philadelphia Union to the brink in Open Cup play. They are returning just seven players from a year ago, including  Jason Plumhoff, who rejoins the club after a stint with Reading United. Before the match though, coach Tim Oswald signed a three-year contract with the team. The loss was the team’s first against a non-MLS team since 2007 and their first loss in franchise history to an amateur club (4-1-0).

Meanwhile the Greek Americans came into the match in midseason form and fitness. The experienced team boasted one player with MLS and European soccer experience in former Philadelphia Union defender Cristian Arrieta. The Greeks victory not only helped them snap their 4-game touranment losing streak, but it avenged a 3-0 loss by Ocean City in 2005.

Almost from the start, the Greeks took Ocean City out of their game. The slightly older, slightly stronger side from New York muscled their way through the Nor’easter midfield, moving with ease. The forward combo of Josh Trott and Keith Detelj pinned back the home side’s back four, with Detelj acting as a battering ram through out the match. The usually pleasing to watch Nor’easters were forced into a long-ball strategy through most of the game. They gave up size on the forward line, so nearly every ball in the box was dealt with easily.

The New York Greek American Atlas defeated Ocean City Nor'easters 2-0 in a rematch of a game played back in 2005. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net
The New York Greek American Atlas defeated Ocean City Nor’easters 2-0 in a rematch of a game played back in 2005. Photo: Paul Rudderow | PhillySoccerPage.net

The Greeks pressure and possession paid off early when Trott and Detelj broke through the Nor’easter back line. In the 10th minute Detelj put a cross into the box and with Ocean City’s goalkeeper Broja Angoita off his line, Josh Trott easily tapped in the tally putting the visitors up 1-0. From then on, the home team was chasing. The usually crafty Frank Tweneboa played the first half at center forward and struggled with service and with the large Greek American center forwards.

The Greeks showed their fitness throughout the first half, chasing down every loose ball and pressuring Ocean City every time they attempted move out of their end.

The second half opened with two subs for the Nor’easters as with two big forwards Aaron Dennis and Ben Maurey coming to strengthen the side. But whatever game plan coach Oswald has in mind for the second half went up in smoke as Josh Trott scored his second of the night. After that it was pretty much job done for New York Greeks. Their line played a little deep as Ocean City stepped up pressure towards the end of the much. The most excitement of the match came after the second goal when both teams came together after a hard tackle with Ian Hines-Ike seeing red after all was said and done. The match finished up 2-0 to New York Greek Americans.NY-Greek-American-Atlas-logo-dan-hagan-edit

”We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be,” said Oswald after the match. “We didn’t match the intensity or the work rate of the Greek Americans.” Oswald added that chasing the early goals in both halves worked against what the team wanted to do.

“Our team is a little bit older so we have maybe a little more experience hoping that we have a little bit higher football IQ so we can read the game a little bit faster,” said Greeks coach Stavros Zomopoulos. He praised former Union man Cristian Arrieta who he said has brought a wealth of experience to his side.

The Greeks move onto play the Richmond Kickers in the Third Round. No rest for the Nor’easters as they are competing on two fronts. They head to Long Island this Sunday to take on the Rough Riders in league play. Shortly after, on May 22, they travel to Gambrills, Md. to take part in the US Soccer national Amateur Championships, which feature the champions from the four major amateur competitions in the United States (USASA Amateur Cup, USASA Open Cup, PDL, and NPSL). The Nor’easters are taking part in place of the Austin Aztex, who were unable to represent the PDL.

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Pancyprian Freedoms take Eastern NY title back from rival Greek American Atlas

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Last year, the New York Greek American Atlas defeated their rival the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the Eastern NY Open Cup Final. The 4-0 victory denied the Freedoms a fifth straight state title, but on Wednesday night, they got their revenge, winning a penalty kick shootout after the teams finished regulation and extra time tied at 2-2. It was their sixth state championship in the last eight years.

With the win, the Freedoms advance to the USASA Region I Finals which will take place in the spring. There they will attempt to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the fourth time in the last six years.

It was a cold night at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium as the two New York powerhouses found themselves squaring off in a cup final once again. For the Freedoms, they had to win three games to reach the championship game. The Greek Americans, on the other hand, earned themselves a bye into the final by winning the Sal Rapaglia Cup, a Cup Winners Cup-style competition that they were a part of as defending Cosmopolitan Soccer League champions. The Greeks defeated the Freedoms 2-0 on their way to winning the tournament back in September. They defeated Long Island’s Forest Park in the title game.

It didn’t take long for the game to warm up as the Freedoms struck first in the opening minutes. John Koutsounadis sent a through ball to veteran Stefan Dimitrov, who finished to give him at least one goal in every game in this year’s tournament.

Leo Fernandes leveled the match with an impressive individual effort around the 40th minute. Fernandes, a star for Stony Brook University, stole the ball from Jeff Matteo in midfield, went on the attack, dribbled through a couple of defenders and beat the keeper to make the game 1-1 heading into halftime.

The Freedoms would regain the lead in the 74th minute when Dimitrov turned provider, setting up another veteran Julio Cesar Dos Santos for a goal. Just like Dimitrov, Dos Santos, one of the greatest pro players to ever play in the United Soccer Leagues (115 career goals), has scored in all three of the team’s Open Cup qualifiers .

Minutes away from taking the Eastern NY trophy back from the Greeks, the Freedoms had their celebration spoiled when the Greeks tied the game up on a goal by former New York Red Bulls forward Chris Megaloudis, on an assist by Shaun Foster, in the 88th minute.

The match would have to be decided by a penalty kick shootout, which favored the Freedoms and their outstanding goalkeeper Chad Calderone. The veteran shot stopper came through, saving the Greeks’ first attempt by Tom Wharf, and what would prove to be their fourth and final attempt by Leo Fernandes. The Freedoms went 4-for-4 on their attempts to clinch a spot in the 2013 USASA Region I Finals.

2013 Eastern New York tournament
Round 1
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 15:1 NY Olympiacos
Barnstonworth Rovers 1:1 JC Eagles (BR advances 4-3 on PKs)

Round 2
United FC 2:0 NY Athletic Club
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 4:1 Barnstonworth Rovers

Round 3
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 2:1 United FC

Final (Dec.  5)
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 2:2 NY Greek American Atlas (NYPF win championship, 4-2 in penalty kicks)

Past Eastern NY Open Cup champions (US Open Cup finish)
2003: Greek American Atlas (Did not qualify)
2004: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2005: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2006: Pancyprian Freedoms (Did not qualify)
2007: Greek American Atlas (Did not qualify)
2008: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 1)
2009: Pancyprian Freedoms (Did not qualify)
2010: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 1)
2011: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 2)
2012: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2013: Pancyprian Freedoms (TBD)

USASA clubs meet in Chicago for National Championships

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Can’t wait for the US Open Cup Final and want some more related tournament action? Well, if you are a fan of the US Open Cup and live in the greater Chicago area, be sure to check out the conclusion of the USASA’s Open Cup National Championship featuring the four regional champions that were among the USASA entries into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Semifinals are Friday, July 20 at 1:00 pm Central. One semifinal features PSA Elite of Region IV’s California South facing off against New York Greek American Atlas of Region I’s Eastern New York. The other semifinal pits the Croatian Eagles of Region II’s Wisconsin against the ASC New Stars of Region III’s Texas South.

The six-championship event, which has an off day Saturday and Finals Sunday, also features the Final Four for the Men’s Over-30, Women’s Open, Men’s U-23, Women’s U-23 and Men’s Amateur brackets. During the off day, participants and fans will have an opportunity to watch the Chicago Fire of MLS take on Aston Villa in a friendly.

PSA Elite were the only team of the Final Four that also registered a victory in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, topping the PDL’s Portland Timbers U23s, 3-1, on the road in the First Round before being knocked out by the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks, 6-0. Davis Paul scored twice with Christian Ramirez netted the other along with tallying an assist in the upset victory, but two goals surrendered in the first nine minutes of play in North Carolina doomed them versus the second division pro club.

The Orange County club got a first taste of national competition last year at the 2011 USASA National Championships in Bowling Green, Kentucky, participating in the Men’s Amateur bracket. There, after defeating the Region III champion Legends FC from Texas, they lost to Chicago side RWB Adria from Region II by a score of 3-2 in the final.

Though PSA Elite won the regional title and right to represent Region IV in Chicago and then went on to win in the US Open Cup, the team was overshadowed along the way by the club they defeated in the final. Cal FC, a small squad depleted by injury during the Region IV tournament, lost 2-0 to PSA Elite in the final, but went on to steal the headlines in the US Open Cup by upsetting professional clubs under the management of Eric Wynalda.

While the name Greek American Atlas had not been in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in seven years, the club is very intertwined with the competition’s history. Founded in 1941, the club from New York City has won the Cup four times, including a three-peat from 1967 to 1969, making them one of four clubs to do so (Fall River/New Bedford 1930-32, Stix, Baer, and Fuller 1933-35, Seattle Sounders FC 2009-11). The club is also successful on the homefront, winning their division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League 10 times since joining in 1994, including this season. The team also captured the Dr. Manning Cup in 2009, the main cup tournament for the Eastern New York Federation.

The NY Greek American Atlas path to the Chicago began with a satisfying 4-0 win over archrival New York Pancyprian-Freedoms in the Eastern New York Federation’s Open Cup, ending Pancyprian’s two-year run of USOC qualification. They were also authoritative in the USASA’s Region I qualifying tournament, notching 2-0 wins against Massachusetts’ Battery Park Gunners and eventual qualifier Jersey Shore Boca. The Greek Americans fell in the opening round of the US Open Cup, 2-1, to the PDL’s Reading United AC, an affiliate of the MLS Philadelphia Union. Trailing 2-0, Paul Shaw connected with Stephen Roche, but it was not enough.

The Croatian Eagles of Milwaukee earned the right to make the short trip to Chicago for the Final Four by blanking two of Illinois’ top amateur teams, fellow Croatian club RWB Adria and Polish side AAC Eagles, by identical 2-0 scores in the U.S. Adult Soccer Association Region II tournament April 14 and 15 in Bensenville, Ill., to earn their first Open Cup berth since 2006. Getting to know the Windy City well, the Eagles were narrow US Open Cup First Round losers to the PDL affiliate version of the Chicago Fire, falling 1-0, on the very in which they will play their USASA Semifinal on.

Houston’s ASC News Stars, with a new crop of players, have risen to the top of Region III over the past few years, finishing as runners-up last year and 2008 before finally earning a spot in the Final Four this year. The club finished its group 2-0-1 at the Region III tournament, defeating the NTX Rayados of North Texas in the tournament final, 2-0. The First Round of the US Open Cup was a thriller with ASC equalizing once in each half to force overtime against the PDL powerhouse Laredo Heat. Lukas Simon provided the first and, playing a man down already for a half-hour, got the second late in stoppage time through Peter Kozlowski. From there, the Heat went on to score twice for a 4-2 victory.

The New Stars are making a return trip to the Final four after falling in the Semifinal a year ago in Bowling Green, 3-2 in overtime, to Doxa Italia of California South (Region IV). Doxa Italia went on to tie NY Pancyprian Freedom (Region I, Eastern NY), 2-2, before falling in penalties, 5-4.

Match Schedule for National Cups
Team (Region, State Association) – Time Location*

Men’s Open
ASC New Stars vs Croatian Eagles – 1 pm TP-PT
NY Greek American Atlas vs PSA Elite – 1 pm AHS
Championship – 10 am TP-S

Women’s Open
Turbo D’Feeters vs Chicago Red Stars – 10:30 am TP-PT
New York Athletic Club vs Salt Lake United – 10:30 am AHS
Championship – Noon TP-S

Women’s U-23
Louisiana United vs KC Dynamos – 3:30 pm TP-PT
Annandale Conquistadors vs FC Milwaukee – 6 pm AHS
Championship – 2 pm TP-PT

Men’s Amateur
Legends FC vs RWB Adria – 5:30 pm TP-PG
Battery Park Gunners vs Olympic Club – 6 pm TP-PT
Championship – 2 pm TP-S

Men’s Over-30
Kickers FC vs Belmont United – 8 am TP-PT
Christos vs San Diego Surf – 8 am AHS
Championship – 10 am TP-PT

Men’s U-23
Carolina RailHawks vs Croatian Eagles – 3 pm TP-PG
Real Caribe vs South Sound FC – 3:30 pm AHS
Championship – Noon TP-PT

*Fields
TP-PT: Toyota Park practice field (turf)
TP-PG: Toyota Park practice field (grass)
AHS: Argo High School (turf)
TP-S: Toyota Park Stadium field (grass)

Club Representation

Region I
Men’s Open Cup: NY Greek American Atlas (Eastern NY)
Men’s Amateur Cup: Battery Park Gunners (Massachusetts)
Men’s Over-30 Cup: Christos (Maryland)
Men’s Under-23 Cup: Real Caribe (Eastern NY)
Women’s Open Cup: New York Athletic Club (Eastern NY)
Women’s Under-23 Cup: Annandale Conquistadors (Metro DC/VA)

Region II
Men’s Open Cup: Croatian Eagles (Wisconsin)
Men’s Amateur Cup: RWB Adria (Illinois)
Men’s Over-30 Cup: Belmont United (Illinois)
Men’s Under-23 Cup: Croatian Eagles (Wisconsin)
Women’s Open Cup: Chicago Red Stars (Illinois)
Women’s Under-23 Cup: KC Dynamos (Kansas)
Women’s Under-23 Cup*: FC Milwaukee (Wisconsin)
*Second entry in place of Region IV

Region III
Men’s Open Cup: ASC New Stars (Texas South)
Men’s Amateur Cup: Legends FC (North Texas)
Men’s Over-30 Cup: Kickers FC (Florida)
Men’s Under-23 Cup: Carolina RailHawks (North Carolina)
Women’s Open Cup: Turbo D’Feeters (North Texas)
Women’s Under-23 Cup: Louisiana United (Louisiana)

Region IV
Men’s Open Cup: PSA Elite (Cal-South)
Men’s Amateur Cup: Olympic Club (Cal-North)
Men’s Over-30 Cup: San Diego Surf (Cal-South)
Men’s Under-23 Cup: South Sound FC (Washington)
Women’s Open Cup: Salt Lake United (Utah)
Women’s Under-23 Cup: No entry – replaced by RII

Meet the USASA: Class of 2012

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Nine teams from the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and one from United States Club Soccer have qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this year.

Will a club imitate Dallas Roma FC’s famous run in 2006? Will our bonus feature, Stanislaus United Turlock Express, make a name for US Club Soccer? These questions are yet to be answered, but we can introduce you to the amateur sides that will be taking the field on Tuesday. Click on the links below to read about the clubs:

Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (Region I – DC/VA – Sterling, VA)

Greek American Atlas (Region I – East New York – New York, NY)

Jersey Shore Boca (Region I – New Jersey – Toms River, NJ)

Croatian Eagles (Region II – Wisconsin – Milwaukee, WI)

KC Athletics (Region II – Kansas – Kansas City, MO)

ASC New Stars (Region III – Texas-South – Houston, TX)

North Texas Rayados (Region III – Texas-North – Dallas, TX)

Cal FC (Region IV – Southern California – Thousand Oaks, CA)

PSA Elite (Region IV – Southern California – Irvine, CA)

BONUS: US Club Soccer

Stanislaus United Turlock Express (US Club Soccer – Turlock, CA)

2012 US Open Cup First Round: Reading United finally gets Open Cup win, downing NY Greek American Atlas 2-1 in delayed game

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Photo: Glenn Riegel | www.GRiegelPhoto.com

Reading United AC has had a heartbreaking track record in the U.S. Open Cup in recent years.

Losing a late lead to Harrisburg last year. Falling in double overtime to Real Maryland FC in 2010. In five years, Reading United has suffered five losses in the U.S. Open Cup.

However, this year is different.

Despite playing in just its second game of 2012,  the United got a goal and an assist from Ryan Finley and a clutch stop in stoppage time by goalkeeper Emmanuel Martin to defeat the USASA’s New York Greek American Atlas SC 2-1 on a rainy night at Fleetwood’s Ray Bus Stadium Tuesday night.

The win puts the United, the Philadelphia Union’s PDL affiliate, into the U.S. Open Cup’s Second Round, sending them to Blackbaud Stadium in South Carolina to face USL PRO’s Charleston Battery May 22, sandwiched three days before and after league games.

Finley set up the first United goal in the 37th minute, as a cross found Pedro Ribeiro, who slid his shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Finley struck for the second goal in the 55th minute, finishing a Steven Neumann free kick after former Philadelphia Union defender Christian Arrieta was booked for New York.

New York cut the lead in half in the 64th minute on a goal from Stephen Roche, assisted by Paul Shaw.

Two minutes later, the match was delayed by an hour and 15 minutes due to severe weather.

After the restart, New York nearly broke through, but Martin’s diving save at the end ensured that United would advance in the tournament for the first time in team history.

United, 0-0-1 in the PDL after a 1-1 tie with the New Jersey Rangers, will resume league play May 19 against the Long Island Rough Riders, another U.S. Open Cup first round winner.

The winner of the United-Battery match will face a yet-to-be-determined Major League Soccer team.

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