Orlando City SC

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

June 30, 2016 by Neil Blackmon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orlando responded quickly, however.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adrian Heath lamented the missed opportunities after the game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Strikers manager Caio Zanardi, it was about respect.

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

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

June 16, 2016 by Neil Blackmon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 US Open Cup Quarterfinals review: Record crowds watch plenty of late drama in all-MLS round

July 26, 2015 by Josh Hakala

The Quarterfinals of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was played in front of a record number of fans in the stands and for the first time in the Modern Era, every game was decided in the last five minutes of the match or later.

Through all four games of the round, the total announced attendance was 42,644, an average of 10,661, which is a record for the Quarterfinals in the Modern Era (1995-present). This shattered the previous record set in 1999 where they averaged 7,131 (28,524 total).

Here is the Semifinal schedule (the details on the Final will be announced before the Semifinals take place):

Aug. 12
Chicago Fire (MLS) at Philadelphia Union (MLS) – 7:30 p.m. ET
Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) – 8:30 p.m. ET

Here is a brief recap of each Quarterfinal game with links to the full match report:

All the headlines entering the game was about the possibility of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard making his competition debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy. However, by the end of the night the headlines were all about Aaron Maund of Real Salt Lake sending the home team to the Semifinals for the second time in three years with a late goal. FULL MATCH REPORT »

For the second game in a row, the Philadelphia Union were shown a first half red card and just like their game against DC United in the last round, they advanced shorthanded, this time against the New York Red Bulls. The Union scored a 55th minute goal by Eric Ayuk and it looked like they were going to win it in regulation but Lloyd Sam equalized deep into stoppage time. The match went to penalty kicks and John McCarthy’s spectactular save on Sam’s PK attempt was the difference as the Union advance to their second straight Semifinal.FULL MATCH REPORT »

Just like the Red Bulls-Union match earlier in the day, the Houston Dynamo received a first half red card and took a 1-0 lead early in the second half. However, Sporting Kansas City scored three straight goals, two of them in the final five minutes to put KC into the Semifinals for the first time since their championship year in 2012.FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Chicago Fire defense came to play as they shut down the Orlando City offense but needed a pair of goals by Kennedy Igboananike in the final four minutes to get them into a record-tying 11th Open Cup Semifinal. The Fire were victorious 3-1 at Toyota Park as they reach the Semifinals for the third year in a row. They are now two wins away from a record-tying fifth Open Cup title.FULL MATCH REPORT »

2015 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Late goals help Chicago Fire tame Orlando City, reach record-tying 11th Semifinal (video)

July 23, 2015 by Jeff Engelhardt

It was a game of explosive chances as the Chicago Fire erupted for three goals with each score starting out of their defensive zone before finding Patrick Nyarko, David Accam and Kennedy Igboananike that ultimately left Orlando City with a 3-1 defeat.

The Men in Red got off to a blistering start when goalkeeper Jon Busch punted a ball from his own box that found an opportunistic Nyarko ready to split the central defense. As Busch’s pass bounced toward the Orlando City box, Nyarko slipped in and on his first touch shot the ball to the lower left post to beat a diving Tally Hall, giving the Fire an early 1-0 lead. For Busch, he joined a short list of goalkeepers who have been credited with assists. In the Modern Era, according to TheCup.us records, Busch is just the ninth goalkeeper to directly contribute to a goal.

The remainder of the first half would belong to the Fire as Orlando City, featuring former FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka, failed to get a single shot on goal and only attempted two shots total in the opening frame. Chicago was bolstered by the return of Shaun Maloney, who found Harry Shipp early for a few modest chances the led to shots off the post.

The attack continued to build with left back Joevin Jones, who returned from international duty with Trinidad & Tobago. He had one interception in the first half that resulted him dribbling all the way upfield before being fouled right outside the Orlando City box. The ensuing free kick was taken by Maloney who put his shot on goal but was answered by Hall who deflected it over the bar.

Orlando City’s only chances in the opening half came on corner kicks. All four of their attempts from the corner were caught by Busch or punched out by the veteran keeper with no real dangerous moments.

The Lions came out with more fight in the second half, controlling the flow of the game for the first 15 minutes. Orlando City took advantage of its only shot on goal in the 56th minute when Eric Avila worked up the right flank and sent in a pinpoint cross to Cyle Larin who headed home the equalizer with no real pressure from the defense.

The game took a feel of deja vu after the Larin equalizer, as he was also responsible for the equalizer in Toyota Park in a June MLS match that eventually ended with Orlando City taking a 3-2 victory. But a repeat of that performance was not in the cards.

After the Orlando City goal, Chicago regained control and dictated the flow of the game the rest of the way. Frank Yallop brought on speedsters David Accam in the 59th minute and Kennedy Igboananike in the 66th minute, turning the game completely in favor of the home team.

Accam took no time making his presence felt, forcing a diving save from Hall in the 63rd minute that led to a rebound effort from Jason Johnson just missing the frame.

But like the first goal, Chicago would use its speed to open Orlando City for the lead. Defensive midfielder Matt Watson sent a pass from the Fire’s zone to Accam who raced up the left side in a one-on-one situation. Accam took a shot that deflected off the near post, falling to the feet of an unmarked Igboananike in the middle of the box who easily put the chance away.

“David has world-class speed,” Yallop said of Accam’s game changing performance. “The whole team was excellent tonight.”

Though Orlando City looked to press after the Accam goal, Chicago’s defense would spring another counter attack. Joevin Jones played a long pass toward Igboananike in the 91st minute and the Nigerian made no mistake as he blazed passed the lone defender and danced around a diving Hall to shoot across his body and bury the 3-1 security goal.

The impressive spell of possession and tight defense led the Fire to 18 shots, six of which were on goal compared to Orlando’s five shots with only the Larin header hitting the frame.

“When we have our guys on the field we are pretty good,” Yallop said of finally seeing injured stars such as Maloney and Accam take the field. “I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game.”

The victory added to the Chicago Fire’s lengthy Open Cup resume. The club’s 37 tournament wins remain a Modern Era record and with a fifth straight win at Toyota Park, the Fire improve to 23-1-1 (0-1 PKs) at home.

Chicago also made history tonight by reaching the Semifinals for the 11th time, tying an all-time record held by Kutis Soccer Club of St. Louis. Kutis, a two-time champion (1957, 1986), made their 11 Semifinal appearances over four decades from 1953 to 1986.

Conversely, Orlando City failed to make it to the Semifinals on its second attempt, once again falling to Chicago in the Quarterfinals after suffering the same fate in 2013 when they were a USL PRO team. Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath said unlike the 2013 performance when the Lions were coming in as a third-division underdog, there was no excuse for the toothless performance.

Calling the performance sloppy and embarrassing, the England native said the club failed to seize an opportunity for a major trophy.

“We were second best on every decision,” Heath said. “We played slow. We played sloppy.”

The Chicago Fire will now advance to the final four for the third year in a row. They are just the sixth MLS team to achieve that feat and the only club in tournament history to do it twice. (The Fire reached four straight from 2003-06), and the 18th team in tournament history. The Fire will travel to Philadelphia on Aug. 12 to take on last year’s runner-up, the Union, as Chicago’s quest for a record-tying fifth title continues.

HIGHLIGHTS: ORLANDO CITY SC AT CHICAGO FIRE
POSTGAME: FRANK YALLOP, CHICAGO FIRE

POSTGAME: KENNEDY IGBOANANIKE, CHICAGO FIRE

FULL MATCH REPLAY: ORLANDO CITY SC AT CHICAGO FIRE

2015 US Open Cup Round 5: Kaka scores in debut as Orlando City hands Columbus Crew first-ever shutout loss (video)

July 1, 2015 by Brian Venard

Kaka became just the third World Cup champion in the Modern Era to score a US Open Cup goal. Photo: Orlando City SC

It was clear right from the get go that Orlando City SC wasn’t going to repeat the near-disasterous performance they had in the US Open Cup Fourth Round, and in the end, the MLS expansion side prevailed winning 2-0 over the Columbus Crew. Last round against the Charleston Battery, Orlando blew a two-goal lead in extra time, but prevailed in penalty kicks. This time, they held on to their two-goal lead.

Kaka, the club’s major signing since moving up from the United Soccer League, scored his first Open Cup goal, while Carlos Rivas added another to give Orlando the lead they needed to pick up their first regulation victory of their new era. Kaka becomes just the third World Cup champion in the Modern Era (1995-present) to score a goal in the US Open Cup. He joins fellow Brazilians Zinho (Miami FC, 2007) and Branco (Metrostars, 1997).

Less than a minute after having a goal disallowed for offside, Kaka opening the scoring in the 21st minute. Darwin Ceres stepped up and stole the ball from the Crew backline and started a break into the Columbus penalty area. Ceres played a pass over to the former World Player of the Year, who beat the keeper from the top of the box.

Just 14 minutes later, Carlos Rivas, who became the first Modern Era player to score three penalty kick goals against Charleston in Round 4, scored his first goal of the tournament in the run of play. Pedro Ribeiro brought the ball to the edge of the penalty area, but had the ball knocked away by a swarming Crew defense but the loose ball fell into the path of Rivas who hit a one-time rocket shot into the upper part of the goal.

Orlando head coach Adrian Heath was impressed with Rivas and his goal, but he wasn’t surprised for one of the team’s up-and-coming young players.

“I’ve never been involved with a kid who can kick the ball as hard as he can,” said Heath. “He’s going to be a big player for us moving forward. It’s early days for him, but he’s starting to make an impression.”

The Crew were uninspiring throughout the game, with only a few chances that were very spread out. Orlando goalkeeper Tally Hall only had to make two saves for the home team to pick up his fourth career Open Cup shutout and send the Lions into the Quarterfinals for the second time in the last three years. While the general performance of the visitors was underwhelming, they received a spark midway through the second half but were unable to capitalize on it as Columbus was shut out for the first time in club history, which covers a span of 36 Open Cup games.

Orlando City’s dominant performance further shows not only that they take the Open Cup seriously, but also that the first team can bounce back from a stretch of disappointing performances in both the cup and league play. Heath reiterated after the match how the Open Cup is one of the club’s top priorties and the lineup he put out on the field reflected that. Orlando City, being a former USL team themselves, understands the benefits of a deep Cup run, and if anything, being in MLS makes it easier to do that with a deeper bench.

The standout player from tonight was Rivas, who played an all-around game and even scoring the safety goal for Orlando City. He was rightfully awarded ‘man of the match’ at the stadium even after being subbed off in the 67th minute.

An announced crowd of 13,684 at the Citrus Bowl was small by Orlando City standards, but understandable considering the United States was competing in the Women’s World Cup Semifinal against Germany and the final four of the Copa American tournament was also on the schedule for Tuesday evening. Even with a smaller crowd, Orlando fans still managed to create a strong home field advantage.

Orlando advances to the Quarterfinals where they will play on the road against the Chicago Fire. City’s first trip to the round of eight in 2013 as a USL club ended at the hands of the Fire as Chicago eliminated them 5-1 at Toyota Park. The date of the Quarterfinal match won’t be announced until later this week.

POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE: ADRIAN HEATH

FULL MATCH REPLAY: COLUMBUS CREW AT ORLANDO CITY SC

2015 US Open Cup Round 4: Orlando City lose 2-goal lead in OT, survive thrilling PK shootout with Charleston Battery (video)

June 20, 2015 by Corbin Ensminger

It took 10 rounds of penalty kicks, but Orlando City beat the Charleston Battery in the fourth round of the US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The thrilling game ended at 4-4 after added extra time, and then neither team was able to get the edge in the shootout until Danny Mwanga beat Charleston goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper down the middle on Orlando’s 10th shot. Lions net-minder Earl Edwards Jr made three saves in the shootout, including the deciding moment where he denied Taylor Mueller.

The momentum, and lead, in the game between the two former USL rivals swung back-and-forth several times, including a ridiculous half hour in extra time that saw four goals scored.

Charleston took the lead in the 57th minute when Jared van Schaik headed a ball in from a Justin Portillo corner kick. However, the lead did not last long. Lewis Neal knocked in a headed ball seven minutes later to level the game.

Forward Dane Kelly regained the lead for the Battery in the 67th minute when he ran to a ball that was perfectly-placed by Maikel Chang on the left side of the box. Edwards came off his line but Kelly was able to blast it by the keeper for the goal.

But once again, the Battery could not enjoy their lead. Rafael Ramos made a run into the box in the 75th minute and defender Shawn Ferguson was called for a foul after going in hard for a tackle. Carlos Rivas, who would finish with the Modern Era’s (1995-present) first hat trick from penalties, slotted it home to tie the game at two apiece.

The drama just picked up once extra time began. Orlando was awarded another penalty just minutes into the first half of extra time, and it was controversial. It looked like Cooper got the ball first with time to spare, but the referee pointed to the spot again. Charleston players angrily protested but the referee wasn’t changing his mind and Rivas scored another.

He added another goal in the 105th minute when Pedro Ribeiro was tripped up in almost the same spot. This one was an obvious foul, as Cooper missed the ball and only made contact with Ribeiro’s ankles.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Charleston never stopped believing that they could win the game. Justin Portillo made sure of it. He made it 4-3 right before the end of the first half of extra time with his stunning strike from very far out. Then in the 115th minute, the referee called a penalty kick on Orlando. It was the fourth penalty of the game.

Portillo took the kick and beat Edwards to even it up once more and send the game to penalties. However, Edwards came up big in the end and helped his team advance to round five of the Cup where they will play the Columbus Crew.

FULL MATCH REPLAY: ORLANDO CITY AT CHARLESTON BATTERY

2014 US Open Cup Round 4: Deshorn Brown’s hat trick leads Colorado Rapids to record-setting win over Orlando City SC

June 18, 2014 by Robert Wilson

Deshorn Brown not only scored the first hat trick in Rapids Open Cup history, he also became the first Jamaican to score three goals since 1995. Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood, Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids dominated their first match of the 2014 US Open Cup and secured a 5-2 victory over USL PRO side Orlando City SC.

While Orlando had their moments; possession and consistent attacking from the MLS’ Rapids was the recipe for the victory as forward Deshorn Brown notched the first hat trick in Colorado’s Open Cup history to lead his team to a Fourth Round victory.

The Rapids outshot their opponent 23-6 while owning an overwhelming majority of possession.

“We wanted to show the fans we could do it,” said Brown, who was named man of the match after becoming the first Jamaican player to score a hat trick in the tournament’s Modern Professional Era (1995-present).

Orlando City head coach Adrain Health was clearly not pleased with the rout saying that the match was the “first time in a long time I can say I was disappointed in the group … played a lot of great football, we were second best all over the field.”

#USOC2014 LINKS

Support TheCup.us: Buy #USOC2014 gear

Notable upsets/facts about Round 4

2014 Round 5 draw scenarios

2014 Player of the Round winners

2014 US Open Cup results

2014 US Open Cup bracket

2014 US Open Cup goalscoring leaders

2015 US Open Cup qualifying news

The First Cup series (1913/14)

Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Reddit

The game began with steady waves of Colorado attack led by midfielders Dillon Powers and Nick LaBrocca. Brown fired shot after shot and it appeared inevitable that Colorado would get a goal if not for Orlando keeper Miguel Gallardo’s 7 first-half saves.

It was Orlando that struck first though when Adama Mbengue picked up a loose ball in the 23rd minute near the top of the 18 and sliced it past Rapids keeper Clint Irwin, his third of this year’s tournament.

Orlando’s goal inspired the Rapids to an impressive run of passing and possession, and they finally broke the ice in the 34th minute with a goal from Brown.

Moments later, leftback Marc Burch found Nick LaBrocca for the second goal and a rout seemed eminent.

In the second half, Brown added two more goals to complete a hat trick — the first of his professional career and the first in club history during Cup play.

Orlando midfielder Darwin Ceren grabbed a second goal for his side but was quickly negated by a slashing finish by Dillon Powers for Colorado’s fifth tally.

With the victory, Colorado remains undefeated at home all time in the US Open Cup and will now host the Atlanta Silverback (NASL) on June 22nd in Colorado.

“We want to win every game we play, this is another game,” said Colorado head coach Pablo Mastroeni when asked about the important of the Cup match win. “Obviously there is silverware, we want to win silverware.

“… I don’t look at results, I believe that if we truly do the little things right and keep improving on the little things, the results and the silverware will be a byproduct of that. I don’t skip the process to get to the destination.”

While the game was a let down for Orlando City it served as a quality test for the club entering Major League Soccer next year and the bright spots were noted by Heath.

“We will be on this level next year, it gave me a lot of food for thought,” he said. “(Adama) Mbengue was probably the pick of the players this evening … When you come and play an MLS team and put your group against a team like this one, it gives you an idea for what you need for next year.”

2014 US Open Cup Round 3: Orlando City SC calm Tampa Bay Rowdies to earn rematch with Colorado Rapids

May 29, 2014 by Gerald Barnhart

In a showdown of central Florida foes, the future MLS side Orlando City of USL Pro dominated from the opening and cruised to a 4-1 victory over the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The Lions used thee goals from three different players in the first half-hour to build an insurmountable lead. Kevin Molino scored 11 minutes in and Austin da Luz doubled the advantage in the 22nd. Adama Mbengue added the third four minutes later and Molino scored a second four minutes before halftime to make it a four-goal margin.

Tampa Bay found some hope just before the break through Blake Wagner, but the second half would go scoreless as the Lions stood firm for the victory and a Fourth Round meeting on the road with the Colorado Rapids.

More details to come …

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Orlando City SC cruise past Ocala Stampede, 4-1 (video)

May 16, 2014 by Mike Gramajo

Strike duo Dennis Chin and Corey Hertzog each bagged a brace as Orlando City claimed a 4-1 victory over the Ocala Stampede during second round play of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

“It was a pleasing night,” Orlando head coach Adrian Heath said. “I take my hat off to Ocala. I got lots of respect to their coach. It’s 4-1, we missed lots of chances, and yet they’re still in the game.”

Hertzog gave the Lions the early lead in the 14th minute after midfielder Aodhan Quinn found the striker open in the box, which the former New York Red Bull buried from close range.

With a 1-0 lead in place, Chin doubled Orlando’s lead in the 28th minute after Hertzog found the Oviedo, Florida native with a through pass, which Chin tucked into the net. Hertzog would go on to give OCSC the 3-0 lead before halftime, scoring on a penalty kick after an Ocala handball was whistled.

The Stampede were able to get on the scoreboard in the 61st minute after Ben Knight converted on an Orlando City back line error, beating goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. However, Orlando’s Dennis Chin capped the match in the 83rd after he executed on a deflection from an Ocala defender to make it 4-1.

With the victory, Orlando City will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies on May 28 in the third round of the US Open Cup, which will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

FAN VIDEOS

2013 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Chicago Fire end Orlando City’s underdog run (video)

June 27, 2013 by Scott Fenwick

mike-magee-fire-vs-orlando-2013-QF — Mike Magee scored his third goal of the 2013 US Open Cup against the Orlando City SC. Photo: Brian Kersey | Chicago-Fire.com

In its third – and arguably most important – match in an eight-day span, the Chicago Fire hosted North American soccer darlings and MLS aspirants Orlando City SC in a U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal Wednesday night at Toyota Park and advanced to the semifinals for the ninth time in team history with a 5-1 victory.

While the USL Pro’s Lions looked to prove their worth with yet another tournament upset, the Men in Red were hell-bent on continuing their run towards a historic fifth U.S. Open Cup.

In the modern era, only one lower-division club (Rochester Rhinos, 1999) had ever knocked off three MLS opponents in a row. But the Lions slept on Wednesday night in Bridgeview and saw their hopes end in front of 6,893 raucous Fire fans.

Uncharacteristically, Chicago struck first. Fed by forward Mike Magee on the left flank, winger Dilly Duka ran toward the byline and cut a 90 degree angle, perpendicular to goal at the edge of the penalty area. Duka made a move to drive into the box, but instead fed a streaking Chris Rolfe at its edge for a header past Lions keeper Miguel Gallardo in the sixth minute for his second goal in 2013 USOC competition.

“I thought Dilly was going to serve it first time, so I made my initial run, but as I started to back out, I gave a little shake to the right, the defender kind of fell back on his heels, and allowed me the space to come at the near post,” said Rolfe.

The Lions responded by showing Chicago they could keep the ball on the ground and play the possession game through the midfield and into the attacking third. But Orlando could find no joy within 20 yards of Sean Johnson’s goal, as center back Bakary Soumare and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz led a Fire defensive effort that snuffed out the Lions’ attack.

Back and forth action continued through the first half, with neither side seizing a real advantage. Chicago tried to pump and chip long, floating balls over the top and into the box, but Orlando’s back line prevented the creation of any Fire threat. However, Lions ‘keeper Miguel Gallardo did pass a few tests from Magee, Rolfe, Larentowicz by the time the whistle blew.

Shortly after halftime, Orlando City sprung to life and took advantage of what appeared to be a heavy-legged Fire side. For eight of Chicago’s eleven starters, it was their third start in eight days as they came in riding high on a seven-match unbeaten stretch (5-0-2) across all competitions, while the well-rested Lions traveled to the Windy City having only played a home friendly vs. Brazil’s Fluminense (3-4 loss) since upsetting Sporting Kansas City on the road (1-0) two weeks prior.

“We were tired, but we pushed through it,” said 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year Austin Berry, who has logged every possible minute for Chicago in 2013, across all competitions.

After a corner was played on the ground to him, Lions midfielder Kevin Molino found enough space deep on the flank to serve a pinpoint pass to teammate Rob Valentino, who one-timed the ball past Chicago’s Sean Johnson at the near post to knot the game at one in the 51^st minute.

For the next seven minutes, Orlando City controlled the run of play. The Lions were in total command as they camped out in Chicago’s defensive third and took pot shots at Sean Johnson. But the Fire keeper would not yield. Johnson foiled two scoring opportunities by Dom Dwyer and Adama Mbengue that left the Lions perplexed after having their way with Chicago for a significant period of time.

“Sean had a great second half,” said teammate Dilly Duka. “He helped us come back into this game, and then we finished our chances.”

While the Fire fell asleep temporarily and paid the price, they soon woke up in a big way, led by Patrick Nyarko and Chris Rolfe.

After possessing a less-than-stellar goal kick from Johnson, Nyarko found space on the left and drove, undefended, towards the near post. Orlando’s back line could not get itself organized in time and Chicago’s Ghanaian winger made them pay with an on-the-ground far post netter that put the Fire up 2-1. To his team’s detriment, Lions keeper Gallardo guessed near post and watched in vain as the eventual game-winner rolled by his outstretched arm.

After the Lions played so well in the beginning of the second half did Nyarko’s strike take the wind out of their sails? “Yes, for sure, said Dilly Duka, who wound up with two assists on the evening. “They were all over us at the start of the second half. Patrick scored, we settled a little, and they kind of sat back after that.”

“Patrick’s goal was a game-changer. At that point it was tied, they had tons of momentum, and we didn’t look like we had much life. Patrick’s goal was the most important moment for us tonight,” revealed Chris Rolfe, who wasn’t yet done on the evening.

In the 64^th minute, Jeff Larentowicz chipped forward from just outside the top of the penalty area to Rolfe. Out rushed Gallardo, but his reaction was a split-second tardy, as Rolfe was able to get enough of a foot on the ball to bounce it off the Orlando keeper and into the back of the net.

Sean Johnson wasn’t done yet, however. Dom Dwyer tested the Chicago keeper again after he received a perfect through-ball in stride and put it on target. Johnson made another world-class save and again proved the sole reason why the game wasn’t tied at three by the 70^th minute.

“Credit to Orlando,” Johnson said. “They put pressure on us and created chances. But we were able to sustain the attack. We were up for it.”

In the 70th minute, newly-inserted Joel Lindpere was fouled hard on the break at the top of the box. Orlando’s Yann Songo’o denied the Fire winger a scoring opportunity and was issued a straight red card. With the Lions, who had to replace James O’Connor for injury four minutes into the game, down to ten men, the hill to climb proved insurmountable as they suffered their first loss in a competitive match since April 10^th.

The dagger came in the 83^rd minute, as Mike Magee lofted a goal to the back post after receiving an rolling, right to left 30-yard cross from sub Maicon Santos. Santos provided Magee with an exquisite ball that cut through the entire Orlando defense, allowing him to score his seventh goal in as many contests while wearing Fire red.

Frustrated, the Lions fell apart and lost their composure after a reckless challenge by Mbengue on Chicago right back Jalil Anibaba resulted in a second red card for the Lions, who went down to nine men.

The icing on the Fire’s victory cake was marked by a Joel Lindpere goal in the 90^th minute. The Estonian took a long, floating chip from Dilly Duka right up the middle and past Gallardo.

“I’m really disappointed with the result,” said Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath. “I thought five to one score line flattered them. I thought between both boxes we played the best football tonight.”

Heath continued, “They took chances when they created them and we gave away two or three poor goals. When I look and reflect on the game, I think I will be disappointed with both final thirds of the field. The middle, I thought we played some good stuff.”

With the 5-1 result, the Fire extended its unbeaten streak to eight across all competitions, including wins in its last three. Chicago will host MLS Eastern Conference cellar-dwellers D.C. United at Toyota Park in a semifinal battle on August 7^th, a prime opportunity for the club to earn its shot at a record-tying fifth U.S. Open Cup crown.

“At this point you’re going to play good teams,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “The good thing is that we’re at home. is the matchup we wanted. At this point in the semifinals though, there are no easy games.”

“We got the job done,” said Sean Johnson. “Now we’re on to the semifinals and one step closer to winning the cup.”

QUARTERFINAL – Orlando City 1 :: 5 Chicago Fire

Toyota Park – Bridgeview, IL

Scoring Summary

CHI: Chris Rolfe (Dilly Duka) – 6th min.
ORL: Rob Valentino (Unassisted) – 51st min.
CHI: Patrick Nyarko (Unassisted) – 59th min.
CHI: Chris Rolfe (Jeff Larentowicz) – 63rd min.
CHI: Mike Magee (Maicon Santos) – 83rd min.
CHI: Joel Lindpere (Mike Magee) – 90th+ min.

Discipline

ORL: Christian Duke (caution) 21, Yann Songo’o (ejection) 71, Bryan Burke (caution) 76, Adama Mbenge (ejection) 86
CHI: Alex (caution) 24, Gonzalo Segares (caution) 73

Lineups

Orlando: Miguel Gallardo; Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Yann Songo’o (ejection 71), Rob Valentino; James O’Connor (Christian Duke 4), Kevin Molino (Jean-Marc Alexandre 87), Adama Mbenge (ejection 86), Anthony Pulis (Dennis Chin 65); Long Tan, Dominic Dwyer

Chicago: Sean Johnson; Gonzalo Segares, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Bakary Soumare; Patrick Nyarko (Joel Lindpere 66), Alex (Dan Paladini 54), Dilly Duka, Jeff Larentowicz; Mike Magee, Chris Rolfe (Maicon Santos 80)

#USOC100