Player of the Round

It doesn’t get more clutch than scoring an equalizer in stoppage time of extra time, but that’s exactly what FORO SC’s Kyle Bennett did in the Dallas-based amateur side’s First Round match in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The goal sent their road game against reigning MLS NEXT Pro champs Austin FC II into extra time, tied at 2-2. And then the 6 feet, 3 inch tall forward outdid himself and sealed the win by converting from the spot on FORO’s fifth and final attempt of the shootout.

Bennett’s performance was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the First Round of the 109th edition of the US Open Cup.

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) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Bennett was the top vote getter, edging Jordan Adebayo-Smith of MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) and third place finisher Sacha Kljestan of Des Moines Menace (USL-2).

Bennett – a second half substitute – knew his size could be the difference but he would have to wait to make his impact on the game. First, he had to redeem himself after missing an excellent opportunity to put FORO ahead towards the end of the second half. In the 80th minute, Bennett intercepted a poor Austin FC II throw-in near midfield and was clear on goal but failed to beat the onrushing keeper from the edge of the penalty area. Mere moments later (81st min.), FORO went down to 10 men and things were not looking good for the visitors from Dallas.

“I just let it go”, Bennett said of the crucial miss, praising his teammates for lifting each other up and keeping everyone’s confidence at a high level.

Bennett and his teammates went on to force extra time. And that’s when things got interesting.

The hosts went up 2-1 with a goal in the 105th minute and the pros looked headed for a victory to advance. But in the waning seconds of stoppage time in the second period of extra time, FORO threw everyone they had forward and a last gasp cross managed to find Bennett’s head to put the ball in the back of the net. Penalty kicks were up next.

“It was just at the right height and I was in the right spot,” said Bennett of the equalizing goal.

In the shootout, both sides converted three of their first four chances. Then FORO goalkeeper Gonzalo Martinez came up with a massive save on Austin FC II’s fifth attempt by Ervin Torres and that set the stage for Bennett to play the hero a second time. He converted his attempt into the top right corner of the net to send the United Premier Soccer League side into Round 2 in the club’s tournament debut.

Bennett finds himself in good form with FORO after a few false starts early in his semi-professional career. After leaving local youth powerhouse Dallas Texans at 19, he received several offers from Division 3 college programs but decided he wanted to go straight to work instead. Two years later, he was approached by UPSL side Dallas Dynamo about playing for them and, after bouncing around the local scene with several teams, he began to make a name for himself as a proven goalscorer.

Then, in early 2023, FORO head coach Michel Garbini recruited him to join FORO’s quest to qualify for the 2024 US Open Cup. Bennett, however, broke his metatarsal in August and found himself unable to continue. But Garbini told Bennett his spot on the roster was safe if Bennett could get himself back into playing shape – which he managed to do. His services, however, were not required for FORO’s 4-0 victory over Alamo City SC that clinched their spot in the 2024 tournament.

Bennett, however, is still hungry for more and thinks he has another gear, even after such an impressive performance in Round 1.

“It feels like I’m really close to that next level.”

FORO FC will head west to Lubbock, Texas in Round 2 to take on NPSL side Lubbock Matadors on Tuesday, April 2.