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NTX Rayados

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Sesay’s hat trick clinches NTX Rayados 9th straight berth

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Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

Mohamed “James” Sesay’s hat trick was the difference as NTX Rayados defeated Celtic Cowboys Premier to qualify for their ninth consecutive Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; a Modern Era (1995-Present) record for an Open Division Local side.

Having scored six goals coming into Saturday night’s showdown, Sesay’s total number of goals scored in qualifying stands at nine, the top goalscoring total of this year’s Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

You’d be hard pressed to find two amateur sides in Texas more worthy of an Open Cup appearance. NTX Rayados’ history of qualifying for the Open Cup is well-documented by now, but this wasn’t the first time these two sides have met. Celtic’s first-ever game in an Open Cup qualifying tournament was at Premier Park in 2016 with NTX gave them a rude welcome to the competition, thumping them 7-0 in front of their home fans. The two met the following year in Austin, but it was the same result: Rayados cruised to a 4-1 win. Both of those games were decidedly less competitive than Saturday’s game at Premier Park, located in the Dallas suburb of Balch Springs.

Mohamed "James" Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: NTX Rayados
Mohamed “James” Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou | NTX Rayados

Both teams were high on confidence, each having won their Round 2 qualifying game comfortably, but it was NTX Rayados who came out and controlled the game in the first 15 minutes. Right from the start, Sesay ran over, around, and through Celtic’s backline but struggled to test Celtic goalkeeper Muhammed Sule early and the visitors struggled to counter effectively.

But as the first half wore on, Celtic’s target forward Christopher Wright began to slip in behind Rayados’ defense as well and eventually the chances evened out for both sides. Perhaps in an effort to stay warm, both goalkeepers made questionable decisions to come out of their respective boxes at different points, but neither was ultimately punished and halftime came with no goals tallied.

It didn’t take long for things to heat up in the second half. Five minutes out of the break, Rayados had already earned two corners, and the second coming after Sesay hit the crossbar from point blank range. Celtic absorbed the pressure well and moments later looked to have earned a chance in on goal, but the whistle for a foul went against Wright.

It would prove costly as Sesay was through on goal just minutes later and opened the scoring to put the home side up 1-0 in the 55th minute.

Celtic created a couple chances in response but nothing dangerous and Sesay made them pay in the 69th minute with his second; a scintillating run through multiple defenders before splitting Sule’s legs.

Eight minutes later, he got a fortuitous bounce on the edge of the box and made the most of it on the volley to complete his hat trick.

NTX Rayados logoSesay – whose teammates have taken to calling him “Eto’o”, after retired Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o – has featured for Rayados in previous campaigns, but never as such a focal point of the offense. Still, he’s earned the comparison to the former Barcelona forward and his comfort with the role he’s been asked to play comes through clear on the night.

“I’m happy because this is a normal thing for me: scoring goals.”, said Sesay, who was grinning from ear to ear after the game.

But the success in qualification hasn’t gone to his head and he was quick to heap praise on his team, especially their mental fortitude coming out of halftime at a stalemate despite having created plenty of chances.

Sesay may be having a moment, but his team captain (and player-coach) Tito Salas, was unusually even keeled after the match. Perhaps that’s because Salas has been more or less in charge of NTX Rayados during the entirety of their current nine year run.

“This is really what we were shooting for: being back in the actual Cup.”, Salas said afterwards.

Rayados also won their league title a week ago on the same field and Salas – speaking like a veteran of qualifying for the tournament – says the main thing he told his players was to go home and enjoy the holidays and come prepared for the tournament in the spring. For him – and the club – that’s what counts more than anything.

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Weekend Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

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2019 US Open Cup Round 2: OKC Energy avenge last year’s upset, eliminate NTX Rayados

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Amer Sasivarevic of OKC Energy FC celebrates his goal in the 51st minute against NTX Rayados in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lori Scholl
Amer Sasivarevic of OKC Energy FC celebrates his goal in the 51st minute against NTX Rayados in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lori Scholl

Oklahoma City Energy FC was able to exact a measure of revenge in the Second Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, dropping visiting NTX Rayados FC, 3-1, at John Crain Field on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. The win avenges OKC’s loss to Rayados in the Second Round of the 2018 edition of the Open Cup.

“The way the Open Cup gets set up, you play a bit geographical,” said OKC head coach Steve Cooke. “Last year, I think it ended up being a great night for us because it changed a lot of mentalities in our locker room. In turn, that changed our mentality tonight.”

After a scoreless first half, Energy FC’s Amer Sasivarevic and Christian Eissele scored on either side of Christian Okeke’s lone goal for NTX Rayados. Je-Vaughn Watson put the finishing touches on the win with a goal in stoppage time.

Oklahoma City had the better chances in the first half and were unfortunate not to find a breakthrough in the opening frame. In the final 15 minutes alone, OKC had three chances, but were stymied either by Rayados goalkeeper Emannuel Frias or the post.

Frias did well to make up for going the wrong way on a shot from Sasivarevic in the 30th minute, making a last-gasp kick save to maintain parity in the match. Energy FC followed that up with Kyle Hyland’s effort from outside the box in the 43rd minute that caromed off the cross bar before Alexy Bosetti saw his free kick from 19 yards out saved.

“These are not easy games, don’t kid yourself,” said Cooke. “They came here to win the game.”

OKC finally drew first blood in the 52nd minute after earning a corner kick. Alexy Bosetti teed up the corner, with Sasivarevic nodding it home from six yards out to give Energy FC a hard-earned 1-0 lead. For Sasivarevic, it was extra special to get a goal in his professional debut.

OKC Energy goalkeeper Bryan Byars comes off his line to make a play on the ball against the NTX Rayados in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lori Scholl
OKC Energy goalkeeper Bryan Byars comes off his line to make a play on the ball against the NTX Rayados in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lori Scholl

However, the lead was short lived as Rayados drew level just 10 minutes later. After being sprung free for a long run, Christian Okeke finished low to Bryan Byars’ near post in the 62nd minute. The goal would shift the momentum to the North Texas club’s side briefly, but they were unable to capitalize. Okeke, normally the team’s super sub, made a rare start in the game. Last year, he came off the bench in all four Open Cup games for the Rayados, scoring four goals, one late equalizer and three game-winners, which made him a finalist for TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament.

Sasivarevic, who was industrious all night, made sure OKC went up for good after getting taken down in the box and earning his side a penalty. Eissele stepped up to the spot and emphatically finished over the outstretched arm of Frias in the 81st minute to put Energy FC back on top. Watson converted on OKC’s second penalty in stoppage time after Omar Gordon was taken down by Frias Ramirez in the box on a solo run.

As a result of their win, OKC advances to the Third Round of the Open Cup for the fourth time in five years when they host Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 29.

“Any time you get to test yourself against the best it’s a good night,” Cooke said. “Tampa Bay Rowdies have a storied history. To get a game against probably as good a team as there is in the league right now is going to be great for us.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: NTX Rayados’ last second goal leads to PK win over Little Rock Rangers

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The scene of the NTX Rayados vs. Little Rock Rangers FIrst Round game in the 2019 US Open Cup after the Rangers scored a goal. Photo: Little Rock Rangers
The scene of the NTX Rayados vs. Little Rock Rangers FIrst Round game in the 2019 US Open Cup after the Rangers scored a goal. Photo: Little Rock Rangers

Mariano Fazio was the hero for NTX Rayados in their penalty shootout victory over the Little Rock Rangers in the First Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The Argentine defender tapped in a parried shot from teammate Lucio Martinez five minutes into second half stoppage time — essentially the final seconds of the game — to tie the contest at 2-2. He then went on to score the deciding penalty in Rayados’ 4-2 shootout victory.

“We gave everything. We put a good effort together, and, finally, we were able to score,” Fazio said. “It was a good feeling to score and tie the game for us.”

Fazio’s late equalizer came after a 15 minute attacking onslaught from the visiting Rayados team. They often found themselves with ten men in the attacking third with only the goalkeeper standing at the halfway line to clean up any clearances. All hope looked lost in the 88th minute, however, as Rayados went down to 10 men due to a straight red card to Reyes Vargas, a second-half substitute. The visiting team stayed resolute and found their equalizer.

“We just had to make adjustments. That did hurt us,” Rayados player-manager Tito Salas said of the ejection. “The whole time I was on the sideline yelling ‘Let’s keep it positive.’ The boys fed off of it, and it went in. It was a lucky goal, but we’ll take it.”

NTX Rayados logoThe equalizer led to a pair of 15-minute extra time periods in which Rayados kept a tight defensive shape and sought to hold on to the deadlock and head into a penalty shootout. Little Rock had a few good chances, including a 115th minute curling effort from Ryan Blair which went just wide of the post, but ultimately failed to find the winning goal. Rayados goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias Ramirez saved Little Rock’s opening penalty from Trevor Reed, and Robel Dent sent the Rangers’ fourth penalty attempt wide to open up the opportunity for Fazio to win the shootout.

The win advances Rayados to play in the second round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday. This is the third second-round appearance in Rayados’ eight-year history in the tournament. In 2018, the North Texas outfit advanced to the Fourth Round of play before falling to MLS side and eventual cup champions Houston Dynamo by a score of 5-0.

Wednesday night’s competition began amidst a heavy downpour which caused for a wet and muddy playing surface. Rayados began the game on the front foot with an 8th minute goal which was the beginning of a thundering opening half-hour for the visitors. The goal came when Rayados striker Reece Wilson brought down a well-placed cross from right-back Carlos Valdez and slotted a right-footed shot past the keeper and into the bottom-left corner of the goal. The team then forced three acrobatic saves from Rangers’ Spanish goalkeeper Walid Barriou on long-range efforts before the Little Rock outfit shifted momentum with a 27th minute equalizer from Alex Guadron.

The young El Salvadorian forward found the ball amidst a flurry of blocked shots and passes and sent the ball past the Rayados keeper from just outside the box. The goal caused Rangers to settle into the game and find a few chances on goal. In the 40th minute, the Rangers found the back of the net again. This time, Guadron laid a pass off to winger Sabelo Hlongwane who chipped the keeper from outside the penalty box. Sabelo wheeled off in celebration, and his team took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

The second half saw an even amount of chances from each side until Rayados began their final push for an equalizer with about 15 minutes remaining in regulation. Despite putting nearly the whole team behind the ball, Little Rock missed a golden opportunity to seal the game when Robel Dent hit the post with a breakaway effort in the first minute of stoppage time. Just four minutes later, Rayados equalized and turned the game on its head.

“Our guys came out and didn’t sit back and watch. They came out and competed,” said Rangers head coach Will Montgomery. “They showed they can compete against a tough team. We were unfortunate that we didn’t get second and third chances in the second half. We had plenty of opportunities to kill the game off, and we just couldn’t do it.”

Despite the loss and stormy weather, it was still a special night in Little Rock for the Rangers. It was the first opportunity for the NPSL side to compete in the US Open Cup, and it was the first time in the 106-year history of the competition that an Arkansas-based team participated in the tournament.

“It is a tremendous honor to be able to coach the first team in the US Open Cup from Arkansas. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go on to the second round, but overall I am very honored to be coaching this team and to be able to say we achieved something and now we get to look forward to getting back here again.”

2019 Meet the Underdogs: NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going

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Members of NTX Rayados who are new to participating in the US Open Cup must endure a mild hazing fro the veteran players on the team. Photo: Mirco Daniel
Members of NTX Rayados who are new to participating in the US Open Cup must endure a mild hazing fro the veteran players on the team. Photo: Mirco Daniel

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Dallas, Texas-based NTX Rayados find themselves competing in their seventh US Open Cup in eight years. To put the streak in perspective, no other Open Division Local (Open Division teams not in USL League Two or the NPSL) team in the Modern Era (1995-present) has more than four consecutive appearances. But there will be some new faces leading the way as the current generation. The club’s current qualification streak began eight years ago when player-coach Tito Salas and some of his college teammates were looking for a way to keep playing competitively outside of their college season. Salas, now 31, has recently been reflecting on his role in Rayados’ current run.

Players from NTX Rayados huddle up before the club's Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mirco Daniel
Players from NTX Rayados huddle up before the club’s Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Mirco Daniel

“I really would hate to be on the sideline without being able to play.” He says before clarifying “We’re just happy to still be a part of it.”

The “we” he spoke of included himself and teammates Alberto Rodriguez and Kevin “Cody” Ellis. Salas says if you were to look at every team photo since the club’s qualification streak began, those are the three faces you’d see in every single one. While he obviously still has that competitive fire burning in him, he also recognizes that he can’t go on forever. He says, with a hint of jest in his voice, that as long as Ellis – a constant on Rayados’ backline over the years – is playing and competing, he’ll be there as well.

But Rayados haven’t made it this far without being able to change things up from time to time. Salas, Rodriguez, and Ellis are all over the age of 30 which means if the club wants to continue their historic streak they’ll need to get young in a hurry. So Salas has gone and found himself a “new generation”. He’ll be bringing seven players who have never played in the Open Cup with him when the team travels to Arkansas Wednesday to take on Little Rock Rangers (NPSL). Four of those players are expected to start or feature prominently during the match.

Anchoring the back line is 6’3 center back Mariano Fazio, who is Argentine by birth but grew up in Spain. On his right at the fullback spot will be Carlos Valdez. Just ahead in the holding midfield spot is England-born Henry Sach, who also grew up playing in Spain. And then there’s midfield playmaker –the No. 10 if you will – Lucio Martinez. All four join Rayados from Richland College, which just won the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 3 title in November. They trailed Nassau 1-0 at halftime before scoring six unanswered goals in the second half to capture their second national title in three years. (The women’s team completed the sweep by winning a national title if their own)

Martinez scored twice in the championship game and Fazio added one himself as both were named to the All-Tournament team.

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika
Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

The new generation hasn’t missed a beat since November. Rayados have won six of their seven league games to date and Martinez and Fazio each scored in Rayados’ win over FC Maritsa last month when the team secured its qualification.

“There’s pretty much an expectation,” Salas says of the new crop of players. “They’re pumped. They’re excited.”

Qualifying for the eighth year in a row was not easy for NTX Rayados. They almost didn’t get out of the opening round when they found themselves down 2-0 in the second half against the UPSL’s Dallas Elite FC. After forcing extra time, NTX fell behind twice, only to find the equalizer each time and forced a penalty kick shootout. They would win the shootout 3-2 to advance.

After shutting out a fellow North Texas Premier Soccer Association side in Leon FC, 2-0, the Rayados found themselves on the brink of getting eliminated again, this time in Round 3. After a 1-1 draw on the road against Motagua of New Orleans, North Texas won an 11-round penalty kick shootout after Kevin Ellis, who missed the opening PK attempt, redeemed himself and scored what would prove to winning spot kick in Round 11.

The final round was far less dramatic as they cruised to a five-goal home win over St. Louis club FC Maritsa to punch their ticket.

Indeed, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a win or two from Rayados in the 2019 US Open Cup. Prior to 2018, the only thing the club had to show for their six trips to the US Open Cup was a thrilling penalty kick shootout win over the Austin Aztex (USL League Two) in 2014. Last year, they put their winless tournament history behind them as they earned wins over Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL), OKC Energy (USL), and FC Wichita (NPSL) before falling on the road to eventual champions Houston Dynamo (MLS) in Round 4.

Salas doesn’t know too much about his side’s opponents on Wednesday, but they’ll take the same measured approach as they have in years past.

“We’ll take this game first and then move on to the next game.”

If Rayados can defeat Little Rock on Wednesday, they’ll travel to Norman, Oklahoma for a rematch with OKC Energy FC. And if things break right, Salas and company may just pass the torch on to a new generation that can keep the club’s historic streak intact.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: NTX Rayados cruises past FC Maritsa to extend qualification record

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NTX Rayados players celebrate during their Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the 2019 US Open Cup Open Division Local qualifying tournament. Photo: NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados players celebrate during their Fourth Round match against FC Maritsa in the 2019 US Open Cup Open Division Local qualifying tournament. Photo: NTX Rayados

The NTX (North Texas) Rayados came into Saturday night’s game looking to qualify for a record-extending eighth Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, while their opponents, FC Maritsa were aiming to make some history of their own. Rayados already have a reputation as one of the toughest Open Division Local teams in the country, and last year had their best run in team history by reaching the Fourth Round. They did that by defeating the Fort Worth Vaqueros (USL League Two), OKC Energy FC (USL), and FC Wichita (NPSL) before falling to the eventual champion Houston Dynamo (MLS) on the road.

Maritsa, who traveled to Dallas from St. Louis, were unable to prevent Rayados from extending their Modern Era (1995-present) qualifying record as the home team came away with a 5-0 win.

Rayados’ Sergio Lara put in a masterful performance, scoring two goals and contributing to the play which resulted in the opening own-goal. The game reached its peak intensity early in the first half and never let up, with a total of six yellow cards handed out between the two sides with several tense and heated moments on the field.

“We’re reliving where we left off last year,” player/coach Tito Salas said following the win. It’s clear the Open Cup means a lot to Salas and his teammates. “That’s why we’re in, that’s why we’re still playing, you know, believe it or not.”

The game was moved to the turf field at Mercy Street Sports Complex in Dallas due to thunderstorms that soaked the original venue’s grass field. With more rain in the forecast, the Rayados played it safe and moved the game. In the end, the weather conditions ended up being ideal.

The opening goal was an own-goal as defensive disorganization on the part of Maritsa saw the ball deflected into the wrong net. Seven minutes later, Maritsa’s Richard Schmermund was issued a yellow card for a clumsy tackle, which seemed to set both teams off.

From there through the rest of the first half, Maritsa channeled their early frustrations into pressure against Rayados, and Rayados responded by getting physical. Salas received a yellow in the 37th minute, followed almost immediately by another yellow to goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias Ramirez.

2019 us open cup qualifying NTX Rayados vs FC MaritsaThe first half ended with Rayados leading 1-0 but with two players already on a yellow card. After the break, whatever speech Maritsa coach Stefan St. Louis gave worked, as Maritsa began the half with a meaningful sense of urgency, pushing hard against the Rayados defense.

After a Maritsa player picked up a yellow card in the 54th minute, tempers cooled down for a moment, which saw Maritsa let up the pressure just enough for Sergio Lara to bury the ball into the back of the net from just inside the box in the 67th.

Tempers immediately flared again, with another yellow card issued to Rayados’ Lucio Martinez in the 69th, who responded with a goal of his own to put Rayados up 3-0 in the 70th.

Maritsa’s side became increasingly visibly and audibly frustrated. When midfielder Vadim Cojocov looked for assistance but found none, he chirped “Anybody over there? Fine, I’ll do it myself,” before attempting to shake three Rayados defenders.

With tempers still high, Rayados’ Reyes Vargas received the sixth yellow of the night for a clearly unnecessary challenge against a Maritsa counter, and the resulting free kick came dangerously close to putting the visitors on the board. The build up from the ensuing goal kick led to a pass to Lara, who scored his second goal of the night which might have once again taken a deflection off an opposing defender.

Four minutes later, Rayados sealed the deal and clinched their eighth appearance in the Open Cup with their fifth of the night, a very cheeky goal scored by Mariano Fazio which was set up by several tight passes from a very, very short corner. Rayados had taken two previous corners that were deflected wide to repeat the set piece, and with long corners not working, they went as short as possible.

The spirit of the Open Cup is a major factor behind Rayados continuing to play year after year.

“To be honest, the Open Cup is the reason why we’re still competing,” Salas said. “I know there’s gonna be a time where it’s gonna come to an end, but as long as we’re still in it, we’re gonna enjoy it and try and maximize the experience.”

With an eighth straight US Open Cup appearance continue to add to their tournament resume. No other Open Division Local (Open Division teams not in USL League Two or the NPSL) team in the Modern Era has more than four consecutive appearances. Now the Rayados have doubled that.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: NTX Rayados’ Kevin Ellis redeems himself in PK win vs. Motagua of NOLA

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NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados

It was all about “redemption” on Saturday night in New Orleans.

The North Texas (NTX) Rayados, who are attempting to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the eighth year in a row, needed 11 rounds of penalty kicks to survive and advance their 2019 Open Division Local Qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. After the match finished in a 1-1 draw, Kevin Ellis of NTX Rayados stepped to the penalty spot in the opening round and had his attempt saved. A couple rounds later, Motagua’s Nestor Peralta had his attempt ring off the crossbar which helped level the shootout at 3-3. No one missed until Round 11 when Rayados goalkeeper Emmanuel “Bebo” Frias dove to his right to stop Brandon Chagnard’s attempt to open the door for the visitors.

This left North Texas player/manager Tito Salas with a tough decision. With the shootout on the line, he had the choice to put Ellis back out there for a second attempt, or to choose another player to take the shot.

Salas didn’t hesitate: “I told him, ‘It’s time for redemption’.”

Ellis stepped to the spot, fired it to the right of Motagua netminder Jose Santos Jr. and into the back of the net to send Rayados to the final round of qualifying.

Motagua finished the game with 10 men after a second yellow card was issued to Leo Barros late in the second half, so when it came time for the shootout, the rules state that once the shorthanded team finishes with their last player in the shootout, the team with 11 players has a choice. They can either allow their 11th player to shoot, or they can choose someone else.

For Salas, it was an easy decision and Ellis was more than confident that he could seal the deal.

“He usually scores his PKs,” said Salas. “There’s a reason why he went first . We are very confident in him.”

NTX Rayados logoThat confidence paid off as NTX Rayados will advance to the final round of the qualifying where they are likely to face off with the El Paso, Texas-based Southwest FC at a venue that will be announced by the US Soccer Federation in the coming weeks. The date of the fourth and final round is scheduled for the weekend of April 6-7.

The Rayados are attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup for the eighth consecutive season, which would extend their Modern Era (1995-present) record for an Open Division Local team.

This rivalry has been growing since they first met in 2012. NTX Rayados are unbeaten against Motagua in US Open Cup qualifying since their first meeting, and every match has had a lot on the line. This was the first time that the match between the two clubs didn’t decide who got into the US Open Cup. However, the overall rivalry isn’t dominated by the Rayados. In Amateur Cup play, Motagua has had the edge, winning all three meetings, including a win in the USASA Region III Amateur Cup Final that sent the Crescent City club to the national finals.

“It’s been a great rivalry,” said Salas. “But it’s been more of a friendship. We get along with them.”

NTX Rayados arrived in New Orleans with just 12 players, but it was their play in the first half that gave them confidence, including the opening goal in the later part of the first half. The play started out of the back where Salas fed the ball to Jose Antonio Hernandez on the wing. Hernandez took the ball to the endline and crossed it into the penalty area where it took a deflection in front and fell to the feet of the team’s all-time US Open Cup goalscorer, Alberto Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who scored two goals in the club’s upset of the Oklahoma City Energy (USL) in the Second Round of last year’s tournament, slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put the visitors in front.

The Rayados went into the halftime break with the lead and with plenty of confidence.

“We had some good chances early,” said Salas, who hit the crossbar in the first half. “It seemed like it was going to be a different outcome from the beginning. But once they scored their goal they got really hype and they were all over us.”

That equalizer came for Motagua in the with about 10 minutes left in regulation.

Motagua’s player/manager Steven Morris was the hero for the home team. He played a through ball to Samir Garcia down the left wing, who took possession and dribbled inside the box. Garcia laid the ball off with a back heel and Morris finished from the corner of the six-yard box to the near post.

NTX Rayados players Christopher Escalera (left) and Cedric Nickerson get ready in the locker room before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. Photo: Goose | NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados players Christopher Escalera (left) and Cedric Nickerson get ready in the locker room before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. Photo: Goose | NTX Rayados

The energy ramped up for Motagua, who were playing against a road team who only had a backup goalkeeper Lorenzo Guillen on their bench (he would later enter the game as a field player in extra time). The momentum they gained from the goal, and the Rayados’ heavy legs, took a hit minutes later when Leo Barros was issued his second yellow card for a tackle from behind leaving the home side down to 10 men.

The match would go into extra time and NTX Rayados appeared to regain the lead but they had a goal taken off the board. On a set piece in the first extra time period, the ball was crossed in and after North Texas put the ball into the back of the net, celebrated that goal and started to head back to the center of the field for the kickoff, the referee and one of the linesman stopped them in their tracks. The two officials had a meeting and determined that the Rayados had committed a foul in the box prior to the goal.

The match would have to be determined at the penalty spot where NTX prevailed 10-9 to keep their five-game US Open Cup qualifying unbeaten streak alive against Motagua of New Orleans.

“It was a hard-played game like we expected,” said Motagua player/manager Steven Morris. “It’s the type of game everyone gets up for. Congratulations to the Rayados and we wish them luck going forward. It’s tough when you play with 10 men and once you get to PKs, it’s a gamble. I’m really proud of my boys and we will be back.”

“They fought hard,” said Salas about his Rayados club. “You could tell that our legs were giving up on us , but I’m proud of the guys. It definitely wasn’t what we expected, and it definitely wasn’t easy.”

These two teams have been scheduled to play each other in every US Open Cup qualifying tournament since 2013, with NTX Rayados winning four times along with another match finishing in a draw (that helped the Rayados clinch a spot in the US Open Cup). In their first meeting that took place in New Orleans in 2013, NTX Rayados cruised to a 4-0 win in the USASA Region III Open Cup Semifinals, which punched their ticket to the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

There was no qualifying tournament in 2014 as the USASA was changing their qualifying method, but the two teams met again in June of 2014 in Montgomery, Ala. to decide the entries for the 2015 US Open Cup. In group play, NTX Rayados just needed a draw against Motagua in the final game to clinch their fourth straight Open Cup berth, and they got just that, as the game finished 3-3.

The USSF created the current Open Division Local qualifying tournament in 2016 and the two teams were scheduled to play before the federation decided to cancel the final round and enter all of the remaining clubs into the tournament. The two teams met in the final round in each of the last two years with NTX Rayados winning both games in Balch Springs, Texas, 2-0, in 2017, and by the score of 2-1 last year.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3
Motagua of New Orleans 1:1 NTX Rayados
NTX advances, 10-9 in penalty kicks

Penalty Kick Shootout
NOLA: Brandon Chagnard (GOAL)
NTX: Kevin Ellis (SAVED)
NOLA: Steven Morris (GOAL)
NTX: Jose Antonio Hernandez (GOAL)
NOLA: Nestor Peralta (MISS)
NTX: Mychel Jones (GOAL)
NOLA: Scott Burris (GOAL)
NTX: Victor Pinal (GOAL)
NOLA: Samir Arzu (GOAL)
NTX: Cedric Nickerson (GOAL)
NOLA: Hisham Aldbziz
NTX: Chris Escalera (GOAL)
NOLA: Anthony Peters (GOAL)
NTX: Alberto Rodriguez (GOAL)
NOLA: Patrick Lynch (GOAL)
NTX: Tito Salas (GOAL)
NOLA: Fernando Vargas (GOAL)
NTX: Brandon Pfluger (GOAL)
NOLA: Jose Santos Jr. (GK) (GOAL)
NTX: Emmanuel “Bebo” Frias (GK) (GOAL)
NOLA: Brandon Chagnard (SAVED)
NTX: Kevin Ellis (GOAL)

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: NTX Rayados win early morning match vs. Leon FC

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NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados

MORE: 2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule/Results

NTX Rayados used late goals in each half from Tito Salas and Alberto Rodriguez to defeat Leon FC 2-0 and advance to the third round of qualifying for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Salas opened the scoring in the 43rd minute and Rodriguez, a halftime sub, put the game away for good with a goal in the 88th minute.

Rayados had initially been scheduled to host the game, but heavy rain in the Dallas area throughout the week left their preferred venue unplayable and Leon were made the home side less than 24 hours before kickoff. The last minute switch also meant the two teams were forced into an early kickoff: 8:30 a.m. local time.

Salas, who often functions as a player-coach, was wary of the early kickoff time and actually wanted to get an early goal.

“We came out with a little bit more energy than we’re used to coming out with at the start,” said Salas. “Although it didn’t come out the way we actually planned – we wanted an early goal – we eventually got it before half. And that was the objective.”

Indeed, the starting lineup featured one particularly strong indicator that Rayados wanted to get off to a fast start. Winger Christian Okeke, who was narrowly voted runner-up for TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for the 2018 US Open Cup for his role as a super sub, found himself starting up top and according to Salas that was by design.

“That was part of it. He was up for it. He’s used to coming in from the bench … even last night I prepped him,” explained Salas. “I said ‘We just don’t want to take any chances.’ He did the job. He did what he could.”

The early start seemed to affect both sides’ backlines the most. Within the first five minutes, each team’s goalkeeper was forced to leave the penalty box to intervene and clear early through balls that beat their respective backlines. Neither team looked willing to put too much effort into winning the ball back early on either. The game’s first foul didn’t come until the 19th minute as the two sides traded possession. Rayados ultimately settled in and controlled possession for the rest of the first half, but Leon had actually registered more shots attempted up until Salas’ goal just before half.

In the 43rd minute, Rayados made their way into the box and midfielder Tommy Nelson managed to poke the ball free from under the feet of Leon’s keeper. He looked up and played a short pass to Salas on the edge of the box and he curled a perfect shot off the far post to give NTX the lead.

Not content to rest on their laurels, Rayados brought on veteran forward Alberto Rodriguez at the start of the second half. But Leon, who have faced Rayados in years past in league play, didn’t lie down and put up a fight in the second half. Midfielder Bryce Kingsly made some charging runs through the field of the field and that opened things up for the home side to exploit space on the wing. Unfortunately, they couldn’t turn their chances into shots on goal. They did manage to earn a free kick on the edge of the box in the 77th minute, but Ian Kalis’ effort went straight into the wall. Rayados center back Bradon Pfluger was booked with a yellow card for dissent five minutes later and it looked as though Leon might break through with an equalizer.

In the 88th minute Rayados winger Jamie Lovegrove caught Leon’s backline napping and played Rodriguez through with a quick throw in from midfield. Rodriguez, who had been in an offside position, got to the ball directly off the throw and quickly rounded the keeper to convert the chance and seal his side’s 2-0 win.

Salas noted the two sides had met before in league play and was quick to praise his entire team’s effort.

“I knew they were going to come out with everything. They wanted to take us out. It was definitely a collective effort today, said Salas.”

NTX Rayados await the winner of CD Motagua New Orleans and Austin, Texas-based Celtic Cowboys Premier in the third and final round of qualifying for the 2019 tournament. If they win, they will take another step toward qualifying for their eighth consecutive Open Cup as an Open Division Local (amateur) side, which would be a Modern Era (since 1995) record.

Who should be voted 2018 US Open Cup’s TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament?

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Finalists for the 2018 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament (from left to right): Christian Okeke of NTX Rayados, Allisson Faramilio of FC Golden State Force, Tim Dobrowolski and Brian Ownby of Louisville City, Marios Lomis of North Carolina FC.
Finalists for 2018 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament (from left to right): Christian Okeke of NTX Rayados, Allisson Faramilio of FC Golden State Force, Tim Dobrowolski and Brian Ownby of Louisville City, Marios Lomis of North Carolina FC.

UPDATE: Allisson Faramilio of FC Golden State Force edged Christian Okeke for the 2018 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament

The heart of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the underdog stories that arise nearly every year. Amateur teams and lower division professional teams attempt to make a name for themselves as they try to put themselves on the same field, and possibly defeat, teams from Major League Soccer.

Each year, TheCup.us has a Player of the Tournament award, but in 2012, an additional honor was added: TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament. The goal is to honor the players on lower division teams who have stood out and helped their team make a memorable run in the competition.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters but if YOU had a vote, which player do you think would win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Tim Dobrowolski (Louisville City FC – USL)
Dobrowolski played every minute in goal for Louisville City as they made their first trip to the Quarterfinals in the club’s short history. Louisville was the last lower division team standing, which earned them $25,000 in prize money. Dobrowolski earned a pair of shutouts in City’s first two games, then helped the team upset the New England Revolution (MLS) and defeat USL rival Nashville SC before the run ended with a one-sided loss to the Chicago Fire (MLS) on the road.

Round 2: 1 save, faced 3 shots in a 5-0 home win vs. Long Island Rough Riders (PDL)
Round 3: 2 saves, faced 11 shots in a 1-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL)
Round 4: 7 saves, 9 shots faced, 2 goals allowed (1 was an own goal) in a 3-2 home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
Round 5: 2 saves, 15 shots faced, 1 goal allowed in a 2-1 home win vs. Nashville SC (USL)
Quarterfinals: 3 saves, 17 shots faced, 4 goals allowed in a 4-0 road loss at Chicago Fire (MLS)

Allisson Faramilio (FC Golden State – PDL)
Faramilio scored at least one goal in each of the first three games of the tournament for FC Golden State Force as the PDL side became just the 14th amateur side (16th open division team) to reach the Fourth Round since 1996. Faramilio helped his team upset a pair of pro teams from the USL and his two-goal performance in Golden State’s 2-1 upset of the Las Vegas Lights in Round 3 earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

Round 1: Started, played 72 mins., scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 home win over the Los Angeles Wolves FC (USASA)
Round 2: Started, played 76 mins., scored a PK goal in a 4-2 road win at Orange County SC (USL)
Round 3: Started, played 90 mins., scored 2 goals in a 2-1 home win vs. Las Vegas Lights (USL)
Round 4: Started, played 84 mins. in a 3-1 road loss at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

Marios Lomis (North Carolina FC – USL)
Lomis did everything he could to help North Carolina FC make a deep run in the US Open Cup. The Dutch forward scored a goal in all three games until the team’s run came to a halt in the Fourth Round when they lost a penalty kick shootout to D.C. United (MLS). Lomis converted his attempt, but NCFC would fall short, 4-3.

Round 2: Started, played 90 mins., scored 1 goal in a 3-0 home win vs. Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA)
Round 3: Started, played 90 mins., had 1 goal, 1 assist in a 4-1 home win vs. Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)
Round 4: Started, played 120 mins., scored 1 goal in a 1-1 road draw at D.C. United (MLS), scored in the PK shootout but lost 4-3

Christian Okeke (NTX Rayados – USASA)
Okeke was this year’s super sub, coming off the bench in all four games for NTX Rayados and scoring three game-winning goals to help the Dallas-based amateur side reach the Fourth Round. That trip to the Fourth Round earned them a date with the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and was the furthest the team had advanced out of their eight consecutive trips to the tournament, a streak started in 2012. Okeke’s best performance came in the Second Round when he scored the game-tying penalty kick in the 90th minute and then scored what would be the game-winning goal in the 105th minute in a 5-2 extra time win over the USL’s OKC Energy FC. It was the Rayados’ first win over a pro team and it earned Okeke TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

Round 1: 2nd half sub in the 53rd min., scored the game-winning goal in the 114th min. in a 2-1 OT home win vs. Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL)
Round 2: 2nd half sub in the 65th min., scored the game-tying goal in the 90th min. and the game-winner in the 105th min. in a 5-2 OT home win vs. OKC Energy FC (USL)
Round 3: 2nd half sub in the 64th min., scored the game-winner in the 86th min. in a 3-2 home win vs. FC Wichita (NPSL)
Round 4: 2nd half sub in the 53rd min. in a 5-0 road loss at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Brian Ownby (Louisville City FC – USL)
There were several key field players that helped Louisville City FC reach the Quarterfinals of this year’s US Open Cup. It was a difficult decision, but Brian Ownby’s overall performance, highlighted by his TheCup.us Player of the Round performance in an upset of the New England Revolution (MLS) helped him stand out. Ownby was a consistent offensive threat for City in all four of their wins

Round 2: 2nd half sub in the 62nd min., scored 1 goal in a 5-0 home win vs. Long Island Rough Riders (PDL)
Round 3: Started, played 71 mins., in a 1-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL)
Round 4: Started, played 78 mins., assisted on the first goal and scored the game-winner in the 62nd min. in a 3-2 home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 75 mins. in a 2-1 home win vs. Nashville SC (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins. in a 4-0 road loss at Chicago Fire (MLS)

Past winners of TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament 
2012: Danny Barrera (Cal FC – USASA)
2013: Ty Shipalane (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)
2014: Scott Goodwin (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)
2015: Michael Salazar (PSA Elite – USASA)
2016: Diego Restrepo (Fort Lauderdale Strikers – NASL)
2017: Mitch Hildebrandt (FC Cincinnati – USL)

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1: NTX Rayados carry over magic from last year in comeback win

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NTX Rayados overcame multiple deficits in extra time and, quite possibly, a wrongly overturned penalty kick during the ensuing penalty shootout to defeat Dallas Elite FC 4-3 on penalties after a 4-4 draw. The Rayados advance in their quest to qualify for an eighth consecutive US Open Cup. Reece Wilson, a former Rayado who moved to New Orleans for work in 2013, led the way for NTX with a pair of goals and the penalty that was overturned (more on that later).

The visiting Rayados seemed to have taken control in the second half with goals from Brandon Pfluger and Reece Wilson in the 57th and 67th minutes, respectively, but hosts Dallas Elite FC fought back with a 74th minute goal from Joel Wilson Martinez-Gutierrez and a literal last second penalty kick that was earned and converted by Alexander Molano in second half stoppage time.

Then things really got interesting.

Five minutes into the first half of extra time, Dallas Elite midfielder Oscar Romero picked up a red card. The hosts held their own despite being a man down and the score remained 2-2 going into the final 15 minutes of extra time. Then, in the 108th minute, Dallas left wing back Jorge DeLeon did his best Ronaldo impression and beat Rayados defender Cedric Nickerson one-on-one on the left side of the box, cut toward the end line, and hammered a shot from point blank range that left Rayados goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias Ramirez helpless.

Nickerson, however, would get his revenge six minutes later with a goal of his own that tied the game up 3-3. Four minutes later, however, DeLeon did it again, but this time he provided an inch perfect cross that midfielder Victor Umanzor was able to get on the end of for the easy finish; with two minutes and stoppage time left, the hosts seemed to have won playing with 10 men.

But Reece Wilson and the Rayados were not done.

They earned a corner kick in stoppage time and midfielder Sam Garza whipped a desperate cross into the box. Wilson was able to get his foot overhead and redirected the ball into the back of the net. 30 seconds later, the referee blew the whistle and the game went to penalty kicks with a 4-4 scoreline.

Then things REALLY got interesting.

Dallas Elite went first and both sides converted their initial penalty. Dallas then had its second shot saved and its third missed while Rayados converted both of theirs. With three rounds in the books, NTX led Dallas 3-1. Then Dallas midfielder David Balyeat had his penalty saved and Reece Wilson stepped to the spot and converted his spot kick to send NTX through.

Or so he – and the entire Rayados team – thought.

The ball appeared to go into the goal and Wilson celebrated as if he could not have been more sure of anything in his life. But the ball ended up on the outside of the net and referee Lorenzo Hernandez, after conferring with one of his assistants, overturned the initial call of “goal” and declared that a goal had not, in fact, been scored. The game-winning goal was taken away.

In the fifth round of penalties, Javan Toledo, who played for Rayados during their epic run to the Fourth Round this past spring in the 2018 Open Cup, scored from the spot and watched his former teammate, Alberto Rodriguez, miss his shot for Rayados, who finished the round leading, 3-2.

A sixth round of penalties was needed and Dallas Elite missed their shot and Rayados’ attempt was saved, forcing a seventh round of penalties. Both teams converted their seventh chances before Martinez-Gutierrez had his eighth round shot saved and Rayados fullback Kevin Ellis scored his to, at long last, send the visitors through. Rayados were one step closer to continuing their incredible streak of Open Cup qualifications. Among open division local teams in the Modern Era (1995-present), no one has a longer qualifying streak than NTX Rayados with seven, and only one amateur team (Reading United AC of the PDL with 10) has more.

Ellis may have scored the winning penalty, but he saw the bigger picture of what happened quite clearly.

“I’m glad we got the win,” said Ellis. “I didn’t expect it to go to PKs and that long of PKs and that much drama in PKs. I’ve been with the team since the start so it’s good to keep us going forward, rather than losing and going home.”

He was also quick to praise his team’s opponents, calling them the best opponent he can recall facing during qualification.

“This was our toughest qualifying game yet.”

His teammate and player-coach/team founder Tito Salas, who also happens to be Wilson’s brother-in-law agreed.

“Definitely. We knew this … we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”

Toledo wasn’t the only former teammate Salas and company had to be prepared to face. Dallas goalkeeper Eduardo Cortes Sanchez, who, if you’re keeping score at home, saved two penalties during the shootout, was Rayados’ starting keeper this past spring during their 2018 Open Cup run. Salas was just as in awe of the evening’s events afterwards, but he had been confident before the ensuing chaos.

“I really thought we would win it in 90 minutes … (but) we got a little comfortable,” said Sanchez. “They were a man down and I thought to myself ‘We got this’…and they scored first (in extra time).”

Dallas Elite were quick to exit the field and only coach Berti Generes could be reached for comment. He didn’t have much to say, but somehow still managed to succinctly sum everything up.

“Helluva game”

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: Houston Dynamo take over in 2nd half, eliminate amateurs from NTX Rayados

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Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika
Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

How do you prepare for a team you’ve never seen play?

“It’s complicated because you don’t know what to expect,” said Houston Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera after a 5-0 win against NTX Rayados, an amateur team from the Dallas area, in the Fourth Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Cabrera added that even though the team had some video of Rayados, “we didn’t want to show them (the Dynamo players) because it’s really blurry, at grass level.”

“We didn’t want to feel comfortable,” he said. “We told them, if they are here it’s because they won each of their games. They deserve to be here.”

NTX showed they more than belonged as the two teams struggled through a sluggish first half in the 90-plus degree Houston heat. Rayados also had a couple of opportunities on the counter attack. In the 23rd minute, forward Mohamed Sesay received a got on the end of a long pass but his shot was stopped by Dynamo goalkeeper Chris Seitz.

Arturo Alvarez’s header over the bar as the first half came to an end was the best chance for the home side.

Houston got its breakthrough in the 55th minute when defender Alejandro Fuenmayor whipped a cross into the box. Dynamo midfielder Memo Rodriguez converted on his second attempt to give Houston a 1-0 lead.

The Dynamo doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Luis Gil put recent signing Aldo Quintanilla through on goal. The former RGVFC Toro made no mistake to put Houston up 2-0.
Moments later, the Open Cup dream for NTX was all but dashed when a turnover led to defender Jose Luis Burciaga taking Rodriguez down in the box. Burciaga received his marching orders as he was given his second yellow of the match.

The 22-year-old former Dynamo Academy product converted from the penalty spot for his brace to put Houston on top 3-0. Rodriguez said the penalty “was always mine, but Arturo (Alvarez) asked if I wanted and he gives me that confidence that I’m gonna step up and take the opportunity and score.”

Arturo Alvarez added two assists late, one to Matias Zaldivar (another RGVFC product) in the 88th minute and one to Quintanilla in the second half of stoppage time.

NTX may have suffered a lopsided defeat but you wouldn’t tell by looking at their faces as they walked off the BBVA Compass Stadium Field. This was a team of teachers and friends who went toe-to-toe with a MLS team, a memory they’ll never forget.

With the win over NTX, the the first competitive match against an amateur team in Dynamo history, Houston advances in the Cup and sets up a likely date with in-state rivals FC Dallas, who beat San Antonio 1-0 Wednesday night.

While not yet official, Cabrera and Dynamo players were already discussing the anticipated match up after the win.

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