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Player of the Round

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Patrick Rakovsky of Phoenix Rising narrowly voted TheCup.us Player of Round

April 28, 2025 by John Tranchina

peter rakovsky 2025 us open cup round 3 player of the round
peter rakovsky 2025 us open cup round 3 player of the round
Graphic by Phil Naegely | Photo: FC Tulsa

It is the type of pressure situation that can define a player’s legacy. For Phoenix Rising FC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky, that moment occurred on April 16, when he made a spectacular diving save on a penalty kick by Tulsa’s Taylor Calheira in the 121st minute of his team’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round contest against fellow USL Championship side FC Tulsa.

Following that big stop in a game tied 2-2, Rakovsky made another excellent diving save in the shootout and the Rising FC prevailed 4-2 in PKs to win and advance to the Fourth Round. Phoenix did all of this despite playing the last 45 minutes of the match down a man after Rémi Cabral’s second yellow card in the 75th minute. Now Rising FC advances to face the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) at home on May 7.

His performance against Tulsa, which included five saves in the game overall, earned Rakovsky TheCup.us Player of the Round Award for the Third Round. The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Rakovsky edged out MD Myers of the USL Championship’s Charleston Battery, who scored three goals in his team’s 4-0 victory over USL League One’s South Georgia Tormenta, by just two voting points (players get three points for a first-place vote, one for a second-place vote). It’s the second year in a row Myers just missed out on the POTR award, after he also scored a hat trick in last year’s tournament, also over South Georgia Tormenta (making him the first Modern Era player to score hat tricks in back-to-back tournaments), and falling just two points short in POTR voting then, too (to Zico Bailey of New Mexico United).

Dion Scoff of USL League One’s Union Omaha, who scored the only goal in his club’s 1-0 “cupset” win over San Antonio FC (USL-C), was third in the voting. Rakovsky becomes the third straight goalkeeper to win the award, which is just the second time that has happened since 2006. He is also the first German player to win the award.

Rakovsky, 32, has experience playing in big moments, having made 51 appearances for Orange County SC in 2021 and 2022, winning the USL Championship title in 2021 (when he made a PK save in the league final), even earning 18 caps with his native Germany’s youth national teams.

He had already enjoyed a strong performance in the game as the second overtime period was ticking down, having also made a diving stop on Calheira’s header from 12 yards out six minutes into the first OT period. Tulsa’s Al Hassan Toure also nearly ended it in the 14th minute of overtime, but his point-blank header sailed just over the crossbar.

So when the officials called a handball on a Phoenix defender in the box just before overtime was set to expire, it was the key moment in the match. Calheira had hit the left post on a shot from 10 yards out about five minutes earlier and had already scored on penalty kicks in each of the two previous rounds of the tournament for FC Tulsa.

It seemed almost inevitable that he would do so again, but when Calheira shot low to the left side, Rakovsky dove and made the save.

“Obviously, I know in my head, if I save it, if I don’t, it’s over,” Rakovsky said of Calheira’s PK. “And also I know if I save it, there’s a high chance that we’re going to win it, you get the momentum in that moment. Luckily, it worked out, and just happy that it went that way.

Peter Rakovsky of Phoenix Rising FC plays the ball against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa
Peter Rakovsky of Phoenix Rising FC plays the ball against FC Tulsa in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Tulsa

“It feels amazing, it’s something you dream about, save a PK in the last minute, go to a PK shootout, you go win.”

The Rising FC were clearly energized by his save, and then Rakovsky made another outstanding diving save on the first Tulsa shooter in the shootout (Kalil El Medkhar), propelling them to win the PKs, 4-2. Calheira was presumably scheduled to be Tulsa’s fifth shooter but didn’t get the chance to step up to the dot again.

“Obviously, it gave me a little bit of a boost, I get my confidence higher, I just saved a PK against one of their best shooters,” Rakovsky said, noting how the PK save impacted the subsequent shootout. “And that probably also went through their heads, right? Like, ‘Oh shoot, he just saved probably our best PK shooter,’ so yeah, obviously a huge boost for our team and luckily, it worked out.”

Now, Rakovsky and his teammates, who fell 2-1 in the US Open Cup Round of 16 last year to the Seattle Sounders FC of MLS, turn their attention to hosting the Houston Dynamo FC in two weeks.

“We played last year against Seattle, it doesn’t matter who’s going to come,” Rakovsky said before he knew the specific opponent. “We are ready, and we want to win.”

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Phoenix Rising FC, Player of the Round

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Round?

April 19, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

2025 US Open Cup Player of the Round nominee graphic
2025 US Open Cup Player of the Round nominee graphic
Graphic by Phil Naegely

The Third Round of the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete. There were a number of impressive individual performances over the round’s 16 games. But which one was the best?  

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR), and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Player, Team (League)

Dion Acoff, Union Omaha (USL-1)

Acoff started and played 90 minutes and scored the lone goal in the 36th minute during Union Omaha’s Cupset over San Antonio FC to send the Owls to the Fourth Round for the third time in four years

Oalex Anderson, North Carolina FC (USL-C)

Anderson started, played 90 minutes, scored the opening goal for NCFC in the 71st minute, and assisted on Rodrigo Da Costa’s second goal in the 77th minute in a 3-1 road win over Charlotte Independence (USL-1)

Wilmer Cabrera, El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)

Cabrera came off the bench in the 58th minute, scored the game-tying goal in the 7th minute of second-half stoppage time, and converted the winning PK in El Paso’s 4-1 shootout win after a 2-2 road draw against New Mexico United (USL-C)

Rodrigo Da Costa, North Carolina FC (USL-C)

Da Costa started and played 90 minutes, scored two goals three minutes apart (74′, 77′) in North Carolina FC’s 3-1 road win over Charlotte Independence (USL-1)

Anthony Fontana, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)

After coming on as a sub in the 65th minute, Fontana assisted on the Switchbacks’ go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute, then scored the game-winning goal in the 104th minute of the 3-2 extra time home win over One Knoxville (USL-1).

MD Myers, Charleston Battery (USL-C)

Myers started and played 73 minutes and scored a hat trick with goals in first half stoppage time, the 52nd minute and 70th minute in Charleston’s 4-0 home win over South Georgia Tormenta (USL-1)

Rashid Nuhu, Union Omaha (USL-1)

Nuhu collected three saves while earning a clean sheet in a 1-0 home upset over San Antonio FC (USL-C).

Peter Rakovsky, Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)

While playing a man down for the final 45 minutes, Rakovsky played 120 minutes, faced 23 shots, made 5 saves, including a 120th-minute penalty kick. He also saved the opening penalty attempt against FC Tulsa (USL-C), helping Phoenix advance 4-2 in penalties (after a 1-1 draw).

Andy Thomas, Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)

Thomas made seven saves to keep Tacoma competitive through 120 minutes of play in their 2-1 upset of the Oakland Roots SC (USL-C).

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Hunter Morse of Portland Hearts of Pine voted TheCup.us Player of Round

April 14, 2025 by Zoe Schaedle

Graphic by Phil Naegely

Defeating Hartford Athletic, a USL Championship team, was no easy task. It took penalties and an outstanding performance from Portland Hearts of Pine goalkeeper Hunter Morse to keep the Hearts’ Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run alive at Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Maine. 

His key saves to keep Hartford scoreless until the 107th minute with ten men allowed the Hearts to force a late equalizer in the 117th minute. The Hearts went a man down in the 96th minute due to forward Azaad Liadi’s second yellow card. 

“It was tough, but it happens, you know. Mentally, you’ve just got to forget about it, just play like we have 11,” said Morse. 

Morse’s left handed save against Sebastian Anderson’s low shot was a turning point in the penalty shootout, allowing the Hearts to gain the advantage. Morse also got the upper hand over Hartford’s second-leading scorer in 2024, Michee Ngalina who had already notched one past Morse earlier in the game although it was called offside. Ngalina sent the ball over the crossbar, freezing under pressure.  

The Hearts won 4-2 in penalties advancing to the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup after only three matches since the club’s founding. 

For his performance, Hunter Morse was voted The Cup.us Player of the Round. 

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Hunter Morse distanced himself from second place Edgard Kreye of El Farolito SC (NPSL) who scored in the 83rd minute to send the “burrito boys” to the Third Round with a 2-1 road win over Monterey Bay FC. 

Ben Mines of Loudoun United FC (USL Championship) earned third place for his performance against Virginia Dream FC where he scored a goal and had two assists in a 4-2 win. 

Morse joined the Portland Hearts of Pine from FC Cincinnati. Drafted by the MLS side in 2023 as the 51st pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Last year, he started 11 games for FC Cincinnati 2 of MLS NEXT Pro, helping the team to the 3rd best record in the league and a berth in the playoffs.

Hunter Morse of Portland Hearts of Pine makes a diving save in the PK shootout against Hartford Athletic in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Portland Hearts of Pine
Hunter Morse of Portland Hearts of Pine makes a diving save in the PK shootout against Hartford Athletic in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Portland Hearts of Pine

Morse spent his college career at Michigan State before spending a graduate year at Western Michigan University. At WMU, he raised his draft stock by earning Mid-American Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors. 

“It was a difficult game,” said Morse about the PK win over Hartford Athletic. “They showed a lot of talent on their team, and I think the hardest part was just settling into the game mentally and trying to figure out what they’re going to do.”

When asked about his penalty kick save, Morse revealed that he “called bluff,” describing the right back looking to his right twice. Morse described observing how players line up to shoot during their routine in preparation for each shot. 

The Hearts take on Rhode Island FC (USL Championship) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST at Lewiston High School. 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Josh Levine of NY Pancyprian Freedoms voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

March 31, 2025 by Josh Hakala

Graphic: Dan Crooke

Facing one of last year’s best MLS NEXT Pro teams on the road in the opening round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was a tall task for the New York Pancyprian Freedoms. The amateur side from the American Premier Soccer League (APSL – formerly the Eastern Premier Soccer League) and reigning USASA Amateur Cup champions won three US Open Cup titles in the early 1980s, but haven’t won a game in the competition since 2016.

The Pancyprian Freedoms kept FC Cincinnati 2 off the scoresheet and took them to a penalty kick shootout after 120 minutes. The performance of New York goalkeeper Josh Levine and the backline in front of him were key to holding the Cincinnati offense in check and in the end, the Freedoms won the PK shootout 5-4 to advance to Round 2. Levine faced 24 shots, four corner kicks and made seven saves to earn the 120-minute clean sheet.

For his performance, Josh Levine was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round. He distanced himself from another goalkeeper, Tomasz Wroblewski who finished in second place. Wroblewski led Little Rock Rangers (USL League Two) to a 1-0 upset of the Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship). It was a tight race for third place between Brayan Padilla of FORO SC (UPSL) who scored both goals in FORO’s road upset of Texoma FC of USL League One and Rafael Jauregui of Charlotte Independence (USL League One) who scored twice, including the game-winner in extra time on the road against the Long Island Rough Riders (USL League Two).

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

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“Our match against FC Cincinnati 2 was a strong testament to the coaching staff’s game plan and the team’s collective effort,” said Levine. “We saw standout performances across the board, from the starting lineup to the players who came on later. Jack Sluys, Devin Heanue, Rikard Cederberg, and Jens Hoff were solid on the back line. Proud of what this group has accomplished so far and ready to keep the momentum going into our next match.”

The Freedoms advance to Round 2 where they travel to face Westchester SC of USL League One on April 2.

Levine, who led the Freedoms to last year’s Amateur Cup title, which clinched a spot in the Open Cup for New York, becomes the first player from an APSL team to win Player of the Round.

Levine spent four years at Penn State where he was a standout with a 1.39 goals against average in 32 games with the Nittany Lions. After graduating from Penn State, he spent one season as a graduate student at Fordham where he helped the Rams win an Atlantic-10 championship and punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. His 0.65 goals against average in his lone season with Fordham tied the single-season school record set by Ryan Meara who went on to play professionally with the New York Red Bulls of MLS.

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, new york pancyprian freedoms, Player of the Round

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Round?

March 25, 2025 by Phil Naegely

2025 US Open Cup Player of the Round
2025 US Open Cup Player of the Round
Graphic by Phil Naegely

The First Round of the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete. There were a number of impressive individual performances over the 32 games last week. But which one was the best?  

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Player, Team (League)

Brent Abu-Gyamfi, Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)

Abu-Gyamfi scored twice (45+4’, 69’) in the Crew 2’s 4-1 home win over New York Renegades (UPSL)

Matt Bentley, Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL-1)

Bentley scored both of Chattanooga’s goals (a PK in the 65th min. and another in the 84th) and converted the Red Wolves’ first attempt in the penalty shootout in Chattanooga’s PK win on the road over New Jersey Alliance (UPSL) after a 2-2 extra time draw.

Aaron Bibout, Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)

Bibout scored a hat-trick (41’, 52’, 68’) in Ventura County FC’s 7-0 home win over Laguna United (UPSL)

Riley Bidois, Loudoun United FC (USL-C)

Bidois scored twice, once in the 36th minute and a PK in the 61st minute in Loudoun United’s 3-1 road win over West Chester United SC (USASA)

Francisco Bonfiglio, MIami FC (USL-C)

Bonfiglio scored the first two goals, the first in the 41st minute and the next in first half stoppage time, in Miami FC’s 4-1 home win over Naples United FC (UPSL)

Yuval Cohen, Inter Miami II (MLS NEXT Pro)

Cohen scored the final two goals (70’, 81’) in Inter Miami II’s 4-2 home win over Miami United (UPSL)

Jerry Desdunes, AV ALTA FC (USL-1)

Desdunes scored the first two goals, the first in the 28th minute and the next from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time in AV ALTA’s 3-1 home win over Ventura County Fusion (USL-2)

Matt Evans, Los Angeles FC 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)

Evans scored twice (2’, 65’) and assisted on Jude Terry’s 48th minute goal in LAFC2’s 7-1 home win over FC Arizona (NPSL)

Juan Galindrez, Forward Madison (USL-1)

Galindrez scored two goals (86’, 90+7’) in Forward Madison’s 5-1 home win over Duluth FC (NPSL)

Xavi Gnaulati, Monterey Bay (USL-C)

Gnaulati scored twice (26’, 45+2’) in Monterey Bay’s 4-0 home win over International San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL).

Rafael Jauregui, Charlotte Independence (USL-1)

Jauregui scored twice (79’, 107’), including the eventual game winning goal in extra time in Charlotte’s 2-1 road win over the Long Island Rough Riders (USL-2)

Sacha Kljestan, Des Moines Menace (USL-2)

Kljestan scored both Menace goals via penalty kicks (57’, 75’) In Des Moines’ 2-1 away win over Sporting Kansas City 2 (MLS NEXT Pro).

Azaad Ladi, Portland Hearts of Pine (USL-1)

Ladi scored two goals (29’, 62’) in Portland’s 4-0 home win over CD Faialanse (BSSL/USASA)

Josh Levine, NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USSSA/APSL)

Levine kept a clean sheet for 120 minutes, facing 24 shots and 4 corner kicks and making 7 saves in the Freedom’s PK win on the road over FC Cincinnati 2 after a 0-0 extra time draw

Johnan Lizarralde, El Farolito (NPSL)

Lizarralde allowed one goal over 9 minutes, facing 18 shots and 5 corner kicks, making 5 saves in El Farolito’s 3-1 upset win on the road against Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro)

Alfredo Midence, Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1)

Midence scored once (46’) and assisted on three other goals in Lexington’s 5-0 home win over Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)

Tommy Mihalic, Los Angeles FC 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)

Mihalic assisted on LAFC2’s first two goals (2’, 27’), then scored his own goal (42’) unassisted in LAFC2’s 7-1 home win over FC Arizona (NPSL)

Luis Müller, Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)

Muller scored one goal (63’) and assisted on three others in Ventura County FC’s 7-0 home win over Laguna United (UPSL)

Brayan Padilla, FORO SC (UPSL)

Padilla scored both goals (15’, 99’) in FORO SC’s 2–1 upset road win over Texoma FC of USL League One

Niall Reid-Stephen, South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)

Reid-Stephen scored the final two goals (75’, 80’) in South Georgia’s 3-0 home win over Harbor City FC (UPSL)

Joseph Rice, Virginia Dream (USASA/VSSL)

The Virginia Dream GK allowed just one goal on 16 shots and 11 corner kicks, making 5 saves in Virginia Dream’s 3-1 upset win away from home against the Richmond Kickers (USL-1)

Joshua Rodriguez, Carolina Core (MLS NEXT Pro)

Rodriguez scored the first two goals for Carolina (18’ (PK), 58’) and assisted on the third goal in Carolina’s 4-2 home win over Soda City FC (UPSL)

Bryan Romero, El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)

Romero scored back to back goals (37’, 45+2’) in El Paso Locomotives’ 5-1 home win over Harpos FC (USSSA/CPL)

Yu Tsukanome, Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)

Tsukanome scored the final two goals (47’, 71’) in Tacoma’s 3-1 road win over Washington AC (USASA/SRATS)

Tomasz Wróblewski, Little Rock Rangers (USL-2)

Rangers GK Wróblewski posted a clean sheet over 90 minutes, making 3 saves while facing 13 shots and 7 corner kicks in the Little Rock Rangers’ 1-0 home upset over Birmingham Legion (USL-C). He also saved a penalty kick in regulation.

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2024 US Open Cup: Cristian Olivera of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

October 25, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images | Graphic: Phil Naegely

In one of the closest votes in recent memory, Cristian Olivera of Los Angeles FC was narrowly voted the 2024 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament after leading his club to its first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

With each first place vote receiving three points and second place votes getting one each, Olivera won the award by a single point over LAFC teammate Timothy Tillman. Dembor Benson of El Farolito SC, the winner of the Lower Division Player of the Tournament award, finished third, just six points behind Olivera.

The Player of the Tournament award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Olivera helped LAFC win the club’s first US Open Cup title with a team-leading three goals and one assist.

The Uruguayan came off the bench in the 67th minute in the Final and assisted on what would prove to be the championship winning goal in extra time by Omar Campos in the 102nd minute.

That was the second time Olivera came off the bench in a 1-1 contest to score  — the first was in a 27-minute cameo on the road in the Round of 32 match against the Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship). They would win the match, 3-1.

Recent Player of the Tournament winners

2023: Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo)
2022: Rodrigo Lopez (Sacramento Republic)
2019: Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United)
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2017: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
2016: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)
2015: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting KC)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders)
2013: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
2012: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders)
2011: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

His pair of goals rescued the Black and Gold who found themselves struggling to find a go-ahead goal after both teams scored early in the second half.

The close-range, tap-in goal from defender Omar Campos’ cross gave LAFC the lead with 20 minutes left while his second tally in stoppage time cooled off any threats of a late equalizer and guaranteed his side a place in the next round.

Up next in the Round of 16 for Olivera and LAFC was a second USL outfit, Loudoun United. The winger featured in the team’s starting 11 and began the game with a contribution on the game’s first goal.

Omar, Oh My 🤯 @LAFC#USOC2024 @OpenCup pic.twitter.com/zBKKYzgogy

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) September 26, 2024

After eight minutes the winger’s sneaky cross through the face of goal found Tillman in acres of space at the back post to tap in from close range.

Olivera doubled LAFC’s lead after forward Denis Bouanga set up his Uruguayan teammate to cap-off a darting run that started in the Black and Gold’s defensive third.

Bouanga ➡️ Olivera ➡️ GOAL

🇺🇾 Cristian Olivera is there for the finish following a strong run by @BouangaDenis #LAFCvTIJ 1-0 pic.twitter.com/jo5zhbqBQC

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 27, 2024


While he did not play in the 3-1 home win over New Mexico United in the Quarterfinals, he started and played 68 minutes in LAFC’s narrow 1-0 road win over Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).

Olivera is the third Uruguayan player to win an award from TheCup.us. He joins Orlando City’s Facundo Torres who was the Player of the Round for the 2022 US Open Cup Final and Diego Rossi of LAFC who won Player of the Round for the 2018 Semifinals, despite not advancing.

 

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round, Player of the Tournament

2024 US Open Cup: Dembor Benson of El Farolito voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of Tournament

October 19, 2024 by Abram Heredia

Graphic by Phil Naegely

Two game-winning goals, one equalizer, and the opener on the road against bitter rivals. Dembor Benson balanced quantity and quality in a red-hot Open Cup campaign. Benson scored four goals in three games which saw him tie for top scorer in the tournament despite only making it to the third round.

With a three-way tie for the Golden Boot, multiple players were in the running for this accolade. However, given the circumstances and magnitude of Benson’s performances, he was voted the clear winner of the 2024 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament award. 

El Farolito, Oh 😎 @elfarolito_npsl #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/a5ZrwMMW3I

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) March 20, 2024

Benson is the first player from an NPSL team to win it since TheCup.us added a Lower Division version of the Player of the Tournament award in 2012. 

“I was a little surprised because there are so many teams, there are so many good players and well, I understand it’s a bit difficult (to win this award) but I’m very happy to be honest,” said Benson after learning that he won the award.

Benson run away with the vote with NYCFC II’s Jonathan Jimenez finishing second. Jimenez led the tournament in scoring with four goals and two assists, helping NYCFC II (MLS NEXT Pro) reach the Round of 16 (and the $25,000 Division 3 prize money). Indy Eleven goalkeeper Hunter Sulte, who had three clean sheets to help his team reach the Semifinals, finished third.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

EL FAROLITOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

*That's it, that's the tweet | #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/cf6WzJlhgX

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 3, 2024

Early on in the tournament, El Farolito looked unstoppable. They caused back-to-back upsets against professional sides with Dembor Benson scoring four of the team’s five goals. The first goal was a 68th minute winner in a 2-1 road win against Timbers2 (MLS NEXT Pro). That performance made him just the second Honduras native to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round, joining Romell Quioto who won the award as a member of the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the 2018 Quarterfinals.

The next two goals came in the form of a brace against Central Valley Fuego (USL League One), where he scored an equalizer just before halftime as well as an 88th minute winner to secure his team’s place in the Third Round.

His fourth and final goal of the tournament came in the first half of a road game against local rivals Oakland Roots (USL Championship). El Farolito wasn’t able to hold on to that early lead as the Roots came back to win 2-1 in extra time.

.@elfarolito_npsl LEAVE IT LATE 🌯@opencup // #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/s7alwqCN45

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 3, 2024

When asked about his thoughts on being knocked out of the tournament early despite his success in front of goal he had this to say: “Well, the personal aspect was good, to be honest, but we also knew that they were favorites on paper even though we were also good on paper but we kept believing. We were like a family and we knew that the other team would be stronger than us. Pitifully, the expulsion for us made us fractured and what happened, happened. If we hadn’t had that player expelled, then things would’ve been different to be honest because we were very comfortable in that game, we started off winning. We felt really good in that game but to play with one man down is difficult … we believed we could’ve achieved more.”

After an impressive few years with El Farolito, Benson’s performance has earned a spot with one of his US Open Cup opponents: USL League One side Central Valley Fuego where he scored three goals in his first 10 games.

BURRITO BOYS DO IT AGAIN. San Francisco amateur side El Farolito—founded in 1985 by local burrito restaurant—upset 2nd pro side in US Open Cup Tuesday night with late 2-1 win over USL's Fuego FC. And made SF Chronicle front page. #KeepTheOpenCupWeird 🌯❤️📰 pic.twitter.com/jNFVZ0ifm6

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 3, 2024

When asked what inspires him to remain consistent he said “Well to be honest, the main thing that inspires me is my family,” said Benson about his . My family is always looking out for me. We’re always going to watch soccer, that’s our passion. My son, my wife, and my mother it’s a passion of theirs… their support is always there and every time I take the pitch I go ‘This is for my family.’ ‘I’m going to do it for my son, for my wife, and for my family who is always raising me up and supporting me.’ and I think that’s the primary motivation that pushes me in every game.”

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, El Farolito - CD Mexico, Player of the Round, Player of the Tournament

2024 US Open Cup Final: Omar Campos of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

October 3, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

2024 us open cup final player of the round
2024 us open cup final player of the round
Graphic by Phil Naegely

For his late heroics in Los Angeles FC’s 3-1 extra time win over Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Omar Campos has been selected TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The left-foot-dominant defender’s unpredictable right-footed finish that curled beyond Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia earned the Black and Gold its first etch onto the Dewar Challenge Trophy.

“Truly it was a lovely moment to see the people scream,” Campos added. “For everyone to get up — it was something very emotional to me.”

WHAT A FINISH BY OMAR CAMPOS 💥#LAFCvSKC 2-1 pic.twitter.com/ktUqvH1I4m

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2024

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo opted for the defender 67 minutes into a final that saw Black and Gold forward Olivier Giroud put the hosts in front eight minutes into the second half before midfielder Erik Thommy leveled the scoring for the Wizards after an hour of play.

With three minutes remaining before the end of the first extra time, Campos found himself in unfamiliar territory.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

“Omar has been fantastic not just because the goal,” Cherundolo said following LAFC’s 1-0 win over St. Louis City SC on Wednesday. “Defensively he broke up a lot of plays. His positioning has been much, much better. He’s understanding covering width, but also, he’ll shoulder up the center back at the same time which means your positioning is perfect, and yeah he’s improving before our eyes and that’s a great sign.”

Campos’ move started at the touchline. He noticed forward Cristian Olivera drag two defenders away from goal so his decision to turn his run forward into the inside of the field became the key step in what happened next.

“I’m always near the wings,” Campos admitted about his unusual choice to take up space centrally. “I’ve never tried to hit it with my right, but it was something that in the moment I didn’t hesitate to shoot.”

Olivera noticed the left-back and released him with a pass that led the goalscorer toward the top of the box. After ghosting past midfielder Zorhan Bassong and setting his hips, Campos’ shot whipped around defender Robert Castellanos and past the goalkeeper for LAFC’s game-winning goal that got the Black and Gold over the hump after failing to win in each of its last three finals appearances.

The Open Cup Final but cinematic 📽️ pic.twitter.com/KFw05WLM1Z

— LAFC (@LAFC) October 1, 2024

“It was actually the first time I’ve seen him strike the ball with his right foot since he’s got here,” Cherundolo said. “He is somebody who is technically very good in possession.

“Can beat you one-v-one. These are the things we show him weekly, ask him to do daily.”

His five duels won led all substitute players while his three of four successful dribbles was the highest success rate of all players that attempted two or more dribbles.

Campos’ emergence on the LAFC left side has allowed Cherundolo to adjust his backline that will look to move defender Ryan Hollinshead into the right side of a back three after the Black and Gold have used the latter on the left side of a line of four defenders.

2024 TheCup.us Player of the Round
FINAL: Omar Campos (LAFC)
SEMIFINALS: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
Q-FINALS: Augustine Williams (Indy Eleven)
RD. 5: Kieran Phillips (Sacramento Republic)
RD. 4: Zico Bailey (New Mexico United)
RD. 3: Stefano Pinho (Birmingham Legion)
RD. 2: Dembor Benson (El Farolito SC)
RD. 1: Kyle Bennett (FORO SC)

With three games remaining in Major League Soccer’s regular season before MLS Cup Playoffs begin, Cherundolo has some time to figure out how Campos and his latest formation can help LAFC succeed in the postseason.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history. 

Campos beat out a pair of teammates for the award. Kei Kamara, who came off the bench and scored the third goal in the match, finished second, followed by LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who made four saves in the championship game.

Campos’ win is just the third time since 2006 that a defender has won the award for the Final. He joins last year’s winner Griffin Dorsey (Houston Dynamo FC), and Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) in 2012.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Tim Melia of Sporting KC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

September 14, 2024 by Alex Wiksell

tim melia sporting kansas city
tim melia sporting kansas city
Photo by Sporting Kansas City | Graphic by Phil Naegely

After a stellar performance where he made four saves on his way to a clean sheet and a spot in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, Tim Melia of Sporting Kansas City has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history. 

No way past Mighty Tim Melia 😤 @SportingKC | #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/06YKQ046Po

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) August 28, 2024

Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC finished as the runner-up with his game winning goal from the penalty spot on the road against the Seattle Sounders FC, and Melia’s Sporting KC teammate and goalscorer Johnny Russell finished third.

Melia’s four saves against USL side Indy Eleven came spread out as it seemed every time they had possession, they pushed forward quickly to try and test the 38-year-old. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Melia now has two straight games with at least four saves, the other match being against FC Dallas in the Quarterfinals where he made seven saves including a late diving save in the 122nd minute on a close range Sebastian Llegget shot that would have been the equalizer.

TheCup.us has been awarding a Player of the Round award since 2006. During that time, Melia has won the award three times, which is more than anyone during that span. Melia has won this award two times (2015 Final, 2017 Final) during his time at Sporting KC, and once as a member of the Charleston Battery in 2010.

In addition, he also won TheCup.us Player of the Tournament in 2017 where he led his club to their fourth US Open Cup title where they defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the Final. He kept three shutouts en route to the title, only allowing two goals in five matches.

"Not today 🚫" – Tim Melia, probably#SportingKC | #SKCvIND pic.twitter.com/0E9WaywDOJ

— Sporting Kansas City 🎗️ (@SportingKC) August 28, 2024

Melia’s road to this stage has been arduous. Before arriving at Sporting KC in 2015 he served as Chivas USA’s backup keeper in 2013. During his time there, he made six appearances where he conceded 11 goals. But when Chivas USA dissolved in 2014, he ended up in the MLS goalkeeper pool, which seemed like a black hole for someone at the age of 28. But in 2015, Sporting KC had a goalkeeper sized hole as all three of their first team keepers were hurt, and Melia took the opportunity as quick as he could and proved he still had it. He went on to win 2015 MLS Comeback Player of the Year along with two US Open Cup titles in 2015 and 2017, along with the latter years MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.

He looks to help bring home Sporting KC’s fifth US Open Cup title on Wednesday September 25 when he faces LAFC in the final, where he will possibly play his last final for the club he spent the majority of his career at.

 

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Player of the Round, Sporting Kansas City, Tim Melia

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

August 31, 2024 by Josh Hakala

Photo by LAFC Communications | Graphic by Phil Naegely

The Semifinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are complete with Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC punching their ticket to the Final.

Sporting Kansas City are seeking to win a record-tying fifth US Open Cup title, and they got there with a 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL Championship) on Tuesday night. The day after, Los Angeles FC needed just a single goal to get past Seattle Sounders FC. With a 1-0 win at Starfire Soccer Complex, LAFC will play in the club’s first-ever Open Cup Final.

There were some key players that propelled both teams into the tournament’s 109th championship game and are being considered for TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC): Bouanga started, played all 90 minutes and scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute in LAFC’s 1-0 road win over Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).

Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City): Melia started, played all 90 minutes, made five saves and earned a clean sheet in a 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL-C).

Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City): Russell started, played 88 minutes and scored opening goal (14th min.) in Sporting KC’s 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL-C).

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round, Sporting Kansas City

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U.S. Open Cup History

Jim Gregory, president of Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment (right), presents the Coffee Pot Cup to Sachin Shah after D.C. United's 2-0 win in the 2004 Carolina Challenge Cup. Photo: Mike Buytas

How a US Open Cup classic, locker room vandalism inspired fans to create Coffee Pot Cup

It remains one of the greatest games of the US Open Cup’s Modern Era but what happened after the game gets more attention than the instant classic that took place on the field.

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  • San Francisco Bay Seals, the ‘amateur’ pro team that reached 1997 US Open Cup Semifinals

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