Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Player of the Round

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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The final eight MLS teams entered the tournament, as more lower division sides were eliminated, in the Fourth Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  Sixteen teams advanced to the next round as they march their way closer to the championship. The Round of 16 will take place the week of May 24-25.

Though there weren’t any exciting upsets this time, there were some spectacular individual performances in the thrilling Round of 32 of the 107th edition of the tournament.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. But if YOU had a vote, which player do you think would win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

McKinze Gaines
Charlotte FC (MLS)

McKinze Gaines of Charlotte FC put the game away with a brace for the third and fourth goals of the contest as the MLS expansion side cruised to 5-1 road win against the Richmond Kickers (USL League One). The two were his first ever goals for Charlotte.

Carles Gil
New England Revolution (MLS)

In his 62 minutes of play, Gil scored the first hat trick in New England Revolution history (one PK), with both non-penalty goals being scored from the top of the box in dramatic fashion. Gil also provided the assist on the final goal as New England dismantled FC Cincinnati (MLS) 5-1 at Gillette Stadium.

Wilson Harris
Louisville City FC (USL Championship)

Harris scored the equalizer in the 24th minute and then, after 96 more minutes of play (and a 1-1 draw) , he confidently stepped up to the spot to score the third of four Lou City penalties in the 4-2 shootout win over hosts Detroit City FC (USL Championship), leaving them one of just two USL Championship teams left in the tournament.

Ariel Lassiter
Inter Miami CF (MLS)

Lassiter scored a goal in each half to lift Inter Miami to a 3-1 home win over upstart South Georgia Tormenta (USL League One) and advance to the Round of 16 in the club’s first ever US Open Cup tournament.  The second goal dramatically deflected off a defender and hit the crossbar before making it over the line.  The goals were his first ever for Miami.

Luquinhas
New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Luquinhas scored the initial goal that proved to be the game-winner and assisted on another with an endline pass to the top of the box on either side of halftime as the Red Bulls soundly defeated their Atlantic Cup rivals, DC United (MLS), 3-0 at Audi Field.

Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC (MLS)

Mukhtar coolly stepped up to the spot for the initial goal to start Nashville’s comeback from two goals down against Atlanta United (MLS). He then assisted on the game-winner with a long pass to send Ethan Zubak on a breakaway to win the game 3-2 in extra time.

Yordy Reyna
Charlotte FC (MLS)

Reyna had a hand in four of Charlotte’s five goals in their dominating 5-1 road win against the Richmond Kickers (USL League One). After assisting on the first goal, he got the ball in the net for his first time ever for Charlotte, and followed that with two more assists on the day.

Marinos Tzionis
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

After trailing 2-0 at halftime, Tzionis hit a last-second header in the eighth minute of second half stoppage time to score the tying goal against FC Dallas (MLS), forcing the game into extra time. Sporting KC would emerge victorious with two more OT goals in a 4-2 comeback win at home at Children’s Mercy Park.

Danny Vitiello
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)

Vitiello earned a clean sheet and made six saves, including a double save on a penalty kick in the 42nd minute that would have tied the game in a 2-0 home win over Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship).

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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After scoring two second-half goals to lead USL Championship side Detroit City FC to a comeback 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, their first victory over a Major League Soccer side, Maxi Rodriguez has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

It turned out to be a narrow vote as he edged out his former club San Antonio FC’s goalkeeper Jordan Farr, who backstopped his side to a 2-1 win over MLS side and Open Cup debutant Austin FC. Also receiving consideration was Dion Acoff from Union Omaha (USL League One) who finished third, followed by Robert Cornwall from Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One).

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) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Rodriguez has usually been known as the pacemaker of the Detroit City FC squad since he joined in 2021 (when they were in the National Independent Soccer Association), but found himself at the end of the play instead of the start to get DCFC on the board. With Detroit City FC down 1-0, he was the recipient of a cross from Antoine Hoppenot and headed home the equalizer in the 64th minute. Rodriguez discussed the training that paid off: “Trevor always says, especially midfielders, there’s always time to talk about us getting in the box, getting on the end of crosses, so going into the game, I thought that was going to be important … to be fearless in the box, get into situations that will allow the team to score.”

From that point, Rodriguez remembered “it was kind of a feeling that there’s no way we go on and lose this game.” Then, with time ticking away, Michael Bryant was hauled down in the box by Crew captain Josh Williams. It was none other than Rodriguez who stepped to the spot. His shot went to the keeper’s left, bounced off the post, and slowly rolled in to give DCFC the lead.

“I think I’m pretty comfortable taking PKs, no matter the situation, so I kind of jog, got the ball and went through my routine. Goalie almost saved it, but luckily it snuck in the post, barely went over the line … Amazing run to our supporters section, team, behind me in such a pivotal game for the club. It was a dream come true.”

With those goals, Rodriguez scored his second and third in his US Open Cup career. His first came with his hometown club, San Antonio FC, in the Second Round in 2018, as they defeated Midland-Odessa Sockers FC 4-0.

Having grown up in San Antonio, he started training back in high school with the first iteration of the Texas side, known as the San Antonio Scorpions, and then further built a relationship with the Scorpions and later SAFC during his summers away from college with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. They informed him that they would invite him and possibly sign him if he did not get drafted after college, and did so in 2017.

The game against Columbus was not Rodriguez’s first against an MLS team. San Antonio FC faced off against FC Dallas in the Fourth Round in 2018, in which Dallas won the game in San Antonio 1-0. Rodriguez discussed how his youth played a factor in his appearance there: “I was a lot more nervous for the FC Dallas game. I was younger then, not as much experience under my belt.”

After a season with the Richmond Kickers in 2019, Rodriguez sat out 2020 having not found a club before the COVID-19 pandemic brought games to a halt. He was ready to call it quits, but COVID gave him an opportunity to train, and Detroit came calling as they prepared for 2021.

“They were interested in me as a player, and I ran at the idea of playing again after thinking that I was possibly going to be done … The rest is history. It was just the perfect fit for me and probably the best decision I ever made.”

Detroit City FC Columbus Crew 2022 US Open Cup Maxi Rodriguez
Maxi Rodriguez (airborne) and his Detroit City FC teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | Detroit City FC

He has become a club talisman with DCFC in the past two years, and talked about how he has found a home in Detroit.

“Sometimes you just need the right situation, the right scene, the right manager in order to … flourish and do well, and I feel like Detroit has been that pivotal team,” said Rodriguez. “Trevor has been that manager for me that trusts me and gives me the opportunity … (I’ve) just been trying to repay the club and him ever since.”

Rodriguez also spoke about the upcoming Round of 32 match at home against fellow USL Championship side Louisville City FC, a club that DCFC lost to in penalty kicks in the Second Round in 2016).

“I think it’s another opportunity for the club to make history. The league games are very important, but I think we’ve got to put extreme focus on that Open Cup game, and I think having a game at Keyworth is important. I think it’s going to big time for us as a team to have those supporters there and have the smoke, have the noise, and continue this run and not stop now.”

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Photo: Benny Blanco | @Bennyy_Blanco

With the entrance of MLS teams into the tournament, there was room for dramatic upsets in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Twenty-four teams advanced to the Round of 32 where eight more MLS teams are set to join them in the competition (May 10-11).

There were some spectacular individual performances in the thrilling Third Round of the 107th edition of the tournament.

The Player of the Round 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):

Dion Acoff
Union Omaha (USL League One)

Acoff provided the assist for the goal at the death in extra time to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to a penalty shootout against the Chicago Fire (MLS) and then scored the winning PK in the sixth round to seal the upset on the road, 5-4.

Alvaro Barreal
FC Cincinnati (MLS)

After a scoreless 90 minutes, Barreal turned up the heat in extra time, scoring both goals (one PK) to give Cincinnati a 2-0 home win at TQL Stadium over former USL rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship).

Robert Cornwall
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)

Cornwall scored the lone goal of Northern Colorado Hailstorm’s match against Real Salt Lake (MLS) in dramatic fashion, with a volley from the top of the box in the 70th minute.  This gave Hailstorm an impressive 1-0 upset over RSL in the club’s first-ever season of existence.

Jordan Farr
San Antonio FC (USL Championship)

Farr made seven saves over the course of San Antonio’s home match against Austin FC (MLS) to preserve the 2-1 upset in extra time.  Most notably, he accomplished a dramatic double save in the final seconds of the game while tangled on the ground with another player to prevent the game from being decided on penalties.                                 

Ola Kamara
DC United (MLS)

Kamara was involved in all three of DC United’s goals against Flower City Union (NISA), scoring two of them (one PK) and assisting on the other as DC scored in a flurry in the last twenty minutes to avoid the upset in Rochester with a 3-0 win.

Ryotaro Kawashima
California United Strikers FC (NISA)

After being subbed on in the 63rd minute for his debut, the 22-year-old Kawashima scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to lift Cal United over FC Tucson (USL League One) and avoid extra time.  The win gave Cal United a spot as the only NISA team to make it to the Fourth Round of this year’s tournament.

Rodrigo Lopez
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

Lopez had a hand in both goals scored by Sacramento Republic in their 2-1 home win over Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One).  After providing the assist on the first goal right before halftime, he stepped up to the spot in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time to slot home the clutch penalty to win the game in regulation.

Kyle Morton
Louisville City FC (USL Championship)

Though he wasn’t tested much, Morton kept a clean sheet through 120 minutes to take Louisville City to penalties against St. Louis City SC 2 (MLS Next Pro) after a scoreless draw. He then made two critical saves in the thrilling shootout that went to the 10th round, giving Lou City the 9-8 PK win.

Maxi Rodriguez
Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

Rodriguez scored a second half brace to give Detroit City their first win over a MLS team with a 2-1 comeback home win over the Columbus Crew (MLS) in front of a raucous crowd in Detroit.  After being down since the 7th minute, Rodriguez’s goals gave Detroit the comeback, culminating with the game-winner in the 86th minute.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Villyan Bijev of Central Valley Fuego voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Villyan Bijjev of Central Valley Fuego dribbles the ball against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: CV Fuego FC
Villyan Bijjev of Central Valley Fuego dribbles the ball against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: CV Fuego FC

After netting two first-half goals in USL League One’s Central Valley Fuego FC’s 4-1 win over USL Championship’s El Paso Locomotive in the Second Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Villyan Bijev has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

It was very much a two-man race for the award as Bijev narrowly edged out 15-year-old Marcus Lee who led California United Strikers to a 5-0 win over San Fernando Valley FC.

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) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Bijev began the scoring in the fourth minute, chipping El Paso’s keeper from 20 yards to give Central Valley the lead moments into the match.

Then, 40 minutes later, Bijev completed his brace and gave Central Valley the 3-0 lead.

After receiving the ball down the left channel, Bijev cut into the penalty area while avoiding two defenders before unleashing a right-footed strike that easily beat the El Paso keeper.

Bijev continued his strong run of form and played the role of provider in the 62nd minute. Bijev took a corner kick from the left wing and delivered a perfect ball to the far post where Christian Chaney headed it past the diving keeper to make it 4-0. He was subbed off in the 70th minute with a comfortable four-goal lead.

Bijev signing with the Fuego was a homecoming for the Bulgarian-born Fresno, Calif.-native. He has been well-traveled over the years, representing the United States and Bulgaria at the youth international level.

He began his professional soccer journey by signing with Liverpool FC as a teenager. He would immediately be sent out on loan with clubs in Germany (Fortuna Dusseldorf) and Norway (IK Start) and never saw the field for the Reds. After being released by Liverpool, Bijev spent time with two different Bulgarian clubs before returning to the United States to play for Portland Timbers 2 (USL). Later, he signed with the Sacramento Republic where he spent three seasons before joining the Oklahoma City Energy for the 2021 USL Championship campaign. However, when the club announced it was going on hiatus, he returned home to play with the Central Valley Fuego.

With the win over El Paso, the Fuego advance to Round 3 where they will take on another USL Championship side, this time on the road as they face Bijev’s old club, the Sacramento Republic FC.



2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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TheCup.us Player of the Round 2022 US Open Cup
Photo: Nick Miko

 

There were goals and upsets galore in the Second Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Thirty-one teams advanced to Round 3 where some will have the chance to face MLS opponents the week of April 19-21.

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

There were plenty of standout individual performances in the Second Round of the 107th edition of the tournament.

ROUND 1 WINNER: Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC

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. But if YOU had a vote, which player do you think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Jake Areman
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

Areman offered assists on three goals for three different players in Tampa Bay’s 6-0 resounding home win over The Villages SC (USL League Two).

Villyan Bijev
Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)

Bijev scored a first-half brace in Central Valley Fuego’s 4-1 home upset of USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive.

Arthur Bosua
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One)

Bosua broke the ice in the 61st minute with a header off a corner kick to give Tormenta FC their first-ever US Open Cup goal and a 1-0 win on the road over the Charleston Battery (USL Championship), his former club.

Paul Christensen
Greenville Triumph (USL League One)

Christensen made nine saves to keep a clean sheet and preserve the Greenville Triumph’s 2-0 home win over the Oakland Roots (USL Championship).

Jerry Desdunes
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)

Desdunes scored the game-winning goal in the 96th minute for the Hailstorm in the club’s first-ever game, a 1-0 extra time road win over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL Championship). The Hailstorm played the majority of the match with 10 men after a 27th minute red card.

Kyle Greig
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

Greig got his name on the scoresheet three times, assisting both Mkosana goals and adding a goal of his own in the second half at Al Lang Stadium as Tampa Bay advanced past The Villages SC (USL League Two), 6-0.

Duke Lacroix
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

Lacroix added to Sacramento’s dominating 6-0 home win over Portland Timbers U-23s (USL League Two) with two goals in 20 minutes.

Marcus Lee
California United Strikers FC (NISA)

The 15-year-old had a breakout performance with a goal and an assist in California United Strikers’ 5-0 home win over San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL). It is very likely that he is the youngest player to score a goal in the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

Matthew Lewis
Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

Lewis scored a goal in each half to add to the advantage, seeing Detroit City comfortably win against Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at home to the tune of 3-0.

Rodrigo Lopez
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

Lopez put his name on the scoresheet three times in the first half at his home stadium with a goal and two assists in Sacramento’s resounding win over Portland Timbers U-23s (USL League Two).

Lucky Mkosana
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

Mkosana scored a brace in the first twenty minutes of the game to get the Rowdies started in their utter domination of The Villages SC (USL League Two) in their 6-0 win at home.

Luke Prpa
Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)

Prpa assisted on the opening goal and scored the game-winner in the second half of Hartford Athletic’s resounding 3-1 home win over Oyster Bay United FC (UPSL) in Hartford, Conn.

Henrik Sakshaug
San Antonio FC (USL Championship)

Seventeen-year-old Sakshaug scored two goals in a four-minute span early in the second half to lead San Antonio to a 3-0 victory over D’Feeters Kicks SC (The Roja League) in front of the home crowd.

Toby Sims
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)

Sims scored both goals, one in each half, to lift the Riverhounds past Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA) in a 2-0 home win.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Tomas Bosuel San Fernando Valley FC 2022 US Open Cup Player of the Round
Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Escondido FC in the FIrst Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

Scoring a hat trick in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in a one-sided contest doesn’t always guarantee a player an award. In this case, Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC did more than enough to earn TheCup.us Player of the Round. 

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

Bosuel was involved in five of San Fernando Valley’s six goals in a 6-2 First Round win over fellow UPSL club Escondido FC. The Argentine was the only player in the opening round to score three goals and he added two assists to give his club a win in its US Open Cup debut. Bosuel also becomes the first player from Argentina in the Modern Era to score a hat trick in the tournament.

“To be honest, I’m happy to score three goals, but helping the team win is what really matters,” Bosuel told TheCup.us. “I just tried to be as focused as possible, and tried to have fun and do what I know how to do.”

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) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

In the 30th minute, SFV FC’s Bosuel beat a defender for a breakaway. Facing the goalie one on one, he ended with a straight floor shot to the back of the net. Putting SFV FC on the board first, 1-0.

It wasn’t long for SFV FC to raise the score again. In the 42nd minute, Bosuel delivered a ball to Irvin Lopez who made a long run cutting in front of the goal, where he slipped the ball past the goalie to make it 2-0.

After Escondido pulled one back just before halftime, Bosuel dished out another assist as he found Giancarlo Ponciano two minutes into the second half to restore the two-goal lead.

Bosuel completed his hat trick with two goals in less than five minutes. In the 62nd minute, a long ball came in from Rivas which was headed by an Escondido defender, and fell to Bosuel who put it into the back of the net.

About four minutes later, Cristo Deras served up Bosuel to complete the 63rd hat trick of the Modern Era.

It was an impressive performance considering it was just the third competitive game that he had played with the club.

Growing up in Argentina, Bosuel’s dream was to be a pro soccer player. By the time he was 14 years old, he found himself playing at River Plate, and later suited up for clubs like Tigre, Barracas and Sportivo Barracas. However, some personal issues forced him to walk away from the game at the age of 17. After a couple of years away from the game, he found it extremely difficult to resume his career.

“It’s a decision that I have regretted for many years,” said Bosuel about his decision to walk away from the game at a young age. “Supposedly in Argentina when you are 19 years old, you are already too old to enter a club.”

Tomas Bosuel San Fernando Valley FC 2022 US Open Cup
Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC scores a goal against Escondido FC in the FIrst Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

At the age of 20, he began a new journey, with a renewed motivation. He left his home country with the goal of seeing the world, and playing the game that he loves.

He moved to Mexico where he lived there for six months and then moved to the United States in the fall of 2021, settling in the Culver City area, which is about an hour’s drive to get to the club’s home field in Thousand Oaks, Calif. where the UPSL club trains five times a week.

“ I began to trust myself again and understood that it is never too late to go for your dreams,” said Bosuel. “And that was when life, God and the universe began to give me what I was asking for.”

Three months ago, he joined San Fernando Valley FC and says he has fit in well with the team’s culture and is very thankful to the club for embracing him.

Christine Lam, the President and CEO of San Fernando Valley FC believes Bosuel has fit in well in such a short time.

Aside from being a great athlete and team player, he has such a positive attitude and brings great energy to the club,” said Lam. “He initially was not a starter but was subbed in due to an injured player and he just took that opportunity to really give it his all and shined. He is very dedicated to his fitness and training and it shows. And most importantly, he is just a really nice and wonderful young man. You know he will give you his all.”

“I haven’t seen my family and friends for a year and a half and sometimes it’s hard,” said Bosuel. “But I feel like is like my family and it helps me continue on the path to my dreams.”

Those dreams he had as a teenager are still alive and have been reborn here in Southern California and he hopes that if he can continue to perform well for San Fernando Valley, and in the US Open Cup, he can continue on that journey.

“Of course, I want to be a pro soccer player and I know that I’m going to be,” said Bosuel, who credits SFV’s head coach and owner Carlos Cortez for helping him adapt to the team and regain his form during his short time with the club. “Everything in life comes when one is prepared for it to come, that’s why I’m living this dream and I will continue working 100 percent to continue improving and growing.”

With the win, San Fernando Valley FC advance to face a pro team in Round 2. They will travel to Irvine, Calif. to take on the California United Strikers FC (NISA) on April 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Photo: Lesly Rodriguez – LBShots

There was plenty of drama among the Open Division amateur teams in the opening round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Sixteen teams advanced to Round 2 where they will face professional teams the week of April 5-7.

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

There were plenty of standout individual performances in the First Round of the 107th edition of the tournament.

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):

Jean-Philippe Ayolmbong
Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL)

Ayolmbong assisted on NoVa FC’s opening goal in the 13th minute, and then scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 48th minute in his club’s 3-1 road win over Lynchburg FC (USASA/UPSL).

Tomas Bosuel
San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)

Bosuel contributed the only hat trick of the First Round in a wild 6-2 victory over Escondido FC (USASA/UPSL) plus drew a penalty that added another SFVFC goal.

Lucas Espindola
Miami United FC (NPSL)

Espindola scored a late go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute plus a PK goal in stoppage time to give Miami United FC (NPSL) a 3-1 home win over City Soccer FC (USSSA/NSL). With the win, MUFC earns a date with USL Championship side Miami FC in the next round.

Dave Greczek 
FC Motown (NPSL)

Greczek made four saves and earned a clean sheet in FC Motown’s 1-0 home win over West Chester United (USL-2). After the original match was complete, the USSF ordered the game to be replayed after FC Motown protested the result (West Chester won 3-2 in extra time) after WCU made an illegal substitution.

Jacob Mannix
Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)

Mannix played a part in both of the Pioneers’ goals in their 2-0 home win over Brockton FC United (USASA/Bay State Soccer League). A cross early in the second half was headed in by Gabriel Ganzer then, after having to play most of the rest of the half with 10 men, he sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.

Junior Rosero
Oyster Bay United FC (USASA/UPSL)

Rosero helped make Oyster Bay United’s Open Cup debut a memorable one, playing a part in all three goals in their 3-0 road win over Hartford City (NPSL). The forward opened scoring in the 16th minute and assisted on the others to help send the new club to the Second Round where they will play Hartford Athletic (USL Championship).

Alessando Salvedego
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)

Salvedego put the Menace ahead for good with two second half goals in a 4-2 home win against Minneapolis City (NPSL).

 

HONORABLE MENTION – GOAL OF THE ROUND

Lionel Vang
Minneapolis City SC (NPSL)

Vang opened the scoring in the 20th minute in his team’s match against Des Moines. The free kick strike from 31 yards out was so good it made SportsCenter’s Top 10 the next day, taking home silver as the #2 best play from the previous day.

Who should win 2019 TheCup.us Overall Player of the Tournament?

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With less than a week until qualification begins for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, it’s difficult to look back at the 2019 tournament and pick out only one individual to be named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. The eight rounds of competition were filled with studded offenses and sensational defensive efforts with some teams coming practically inches away from altering their history.

The 2019 tournament saw two lower division sides reach the Quarterfinals while the rest of that field consisted of Major League Soccer teams which had never won the Lamar Hunt Trophy. As such, the field is dominated by MLS players for this vote.

Since 2006, TheCup.us has presented the award yearly for the most outstanding player of the most recent edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For this year, voting is being conducted by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and patrons who’ve pledged $10 or more to the TheCup.us on Patreon.

While voting isn’t open to the general public we encourage our readers to make their voice heard on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

Here are the finalists for the 2019 TheCup.us Overall Player of the Tournament (in alphabetical order):

Steve Clark (Portland Timbers of MLS – Division I)

With two shutout wins and seven saves in a Cascadia Cup clash win, Steve Clark’s 360+ minutes between the posts for the Portland Timbers are a big reason why 2019’s perennial road team advanced so far in the tournament. After making those seven stops to help the Timbers eliminate their rivals from Seattle in the opening round, Clark earned two clean sheets in back-to-back games. And he did it against two top offensive teams. In the Round of 16, Portland knocked off the LA Galaxy 4-0 before traveling to Southern California where they shut out the best offense in MLS with a 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Quarterfinals. His work allowed the Timbers to not trail a game in the tournament until a 2-1 road loss in the Semifinals where Clark was beaten by a Darwin Quintero penalty kick early in the match and gave up a second half game-winning counter attack goal by Mason Toye

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., made 7 saves in a 2-1 road win at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 mins., made 4 saves in a 4-0 home win vs. LA Galaxy (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 1 save in a 1-0 road win at LAFC (MLS)
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 4 saves in a 2-1 road loss at Minnesota United (NOTE: one goal was a PK)

Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC of USL Championship – Division II)

The winner of the 2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament award is a St. Louis native who propelled his club through the tournament with stellar defense and a hard head. In Saint Louis FC’s best tournament performance to date, the side only allowed three goals in their four wins, two of which were penalty kicks, en route to the Quarterfinals. Fink, who played every minute of the tournament, etched his name into his hometown club’s history books during the Fifth Round (Round of 16) when he headed in a stoppage time corner kick from Lewis Hilton into the net of MLS side FC Cincinnati for the 1-0 win. The goal earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us.

Round 2: Started, played 120 minutes in a 1-1 draw (3-1 PK win) at Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-1 home win vs. Forward Madison (USL League One)
Round 4: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-1 home win vs. Chicago Fire (MLS) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 5: Started, played 90 minutes, scored a late game-winning goal in a 1-0 home win vs. FC Cincinnati (MLS). Was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-0 road loss at Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club's fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC
Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club’s fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Adam Grinwis (Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

The US Open Cup can produce moments that will last a lifetime in the annals of history and for Adam Grinwis that came in the Quarterfinals against New York City FC. The Michigan native was Orlando City’s starting goalkeeper during its tournament run, a job that has belonged to City’s Brian Rowe during the regular season, allowing him to earn a road win against Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) and an extra time victory over the New England Revolution. In the Elite Eight, Grinwis made three saves but allowed in a stoppage time sliding shot by Maxi Moralez to force overtime. After withstanding a NYCFC push in the extra frame, and with “The Wall” supporting him from behind (albeit out of breath from running to the other side of the stadium for the shootout), the 27-year-old saved both the opening and sixth round shots in the penalty kick shootout to punch the Lions into the Semifinals for the first time in their history. Grinwis was named TheCup.us Player of the Round for that performance before falling to eventual champions Atlanta United FC, 2-0.

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., made 3 saves in a 3-1 road win at Memphia 901 FC (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, played 120 mins., made 2 saves in a 2-1 OT home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 120 mins., made 3 saves in a 1-1 draw (5-4 PK win, 2 saves in shootout) at home vs. NYCFC (MLS). Was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 5 saves in a 2-0 home loss vs. Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Justin Meram (Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

Justin Meram was an essential set-up and control man for Atlanta United during it’s championship run in the 2019 US Open Cup. In Round 4, only a month after being traded to the defending MLS Cup champions from the Columbus Crew, Meram came off the bench in the second half to lead his new team to a 3-1 extra time win against the Charleston Battery (USL-C).  When the game was forced into overtime, the Michigan-born Iraqi National Team player set up Brandon Vazquez for both the game-winner and a stoppage time goal to put the game away. Meram would start the rest of the games in the tournament once again made an impact when his fantastic cross from the left side of the box was slammed into the top of the net by Pity Martinez for what would prove to be the winning goal in the 107th US Open Cup Final.

Round 4: came off the bench in the 59th min., had 2 assists (game-winner in 110th min.) in 3-1 OT home win vs. Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, played 68 mins. in a 3-2 road win at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 84 mins., in a 2-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started played 66 mins., in a 2-0 road win at Orlando City SC (MLS)
Final: Started, played 90 mins., assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-1 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

With six goals through his team’s first four games, Darwin Quintero tied the tournament record for the most goals scored by a single player in the Modern Era (1995-present). The former Columbian National team player started 2019 with two goals and one assist in a 4-1 home win against the 2017 Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City. Quintero would score two more goals in the next round in one of the biggest comebacks of the 2019 tournament. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Quintero sparked the comeback with a goal in the 66th minute and the equalizer in the 82nd minute before Mason Toye’s game-winner in the 90th minute. Quintero added the game-winning goal in a 6-1 home rout against USL Championship side New Mexico United as his team took control in the first half. In the Semifinals, his record-tying sixth goal came from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute in a 2-1 home win against the Portland Timbers. In a controversial decision, Quintero did not start the championship game, coming off the bench in the 75th minute in a 2-1 road loss to Atlanta United FC.

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., had 2 goals and 1 assist in a 4-1 home win vs. Sporting KC (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 mins., had 2 goals in a 3-2 road win at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 73 mins., 1 game-winning goal in a 6-1 home win vs. New Mexico United FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started, played 72 mins., 1 goal (PK) in a 2-1 home win vs. Portland Timbers (MLS)
Final: Came off the bench in 75th min. in 2-1 road loss at Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

Robinson, who has recently broken in with the U.S. National Team, had a strong tournament from start to finish, helping Atlanta United not only win the club’s first US Open Cup title, but also becoming the first team from Georgia to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 107-year history. The defender who played his college ball at Syracuse played every minute of Atlanta’s five wins. Robinson also contributed on the offensive end, assisting on a 79th minute equalizer in a 3-1 extra time win over the Charleston Battery (USL-C). In the Round of 16, he scored a goal of his own in a 3-2 road win over the Columbus Crew (one of those goals scored by the Crew was an own goal). Robinson led a defensive unit that had back-to-back shutouts in the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals. A 2-0 home win over Saint Louis FC (USL-C) put United into the final four where they traveled south to Florida, earning a 2-0 win over Orlando City SC (MLS) to punch Atlanta’s ticket to the Final. In the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he put together a man of the match-level performance as Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United FC, 2-1. 

Round 4: Started, played 120 mins., assisted on equalizer in 79th min. in 3-1 OT home win vs. Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, 90 mins., 1 goal in a 3-2 road win at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-0 road win at Orlando City SC (MLS)
Final: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-1 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Past winners of TheCup.us Player of the Tournament
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2017: Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)
2016: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)
2015: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting Kansas City)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders FC)
2013: Dwayne De Rosario (DC United)
2012: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders FC)
2011: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC)
2010: Nate Jaqua (Seattle Sounders FC)
2009: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)
2008: Chris Eylander (Seattle Sounders, USL)
2007: Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
2006: Andy Herron (Chicago Fire)

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for 2019 US Open Cup

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Sam Fink Saint Louis FC - Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86
Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86

There are many names synonymous with St Louis and their accolades in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup throughout history.

Local soccer stalwarts love to talk up the past. The fans however want to celebrate the present and while most will point to the Josh Sargent’s and Tim Ream’s of the world, Saint Louis FC fans hold one name higher than all others: Sam Fink.

Family man and humble off the field, Sam is a hometown warrior. A true blue collar player for the blue collar city he represents.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett
Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

After leading Saint Louis FC to the club’s first US Open Cup Quarterfinal appearance, the hometown defender was narrowly voted the 2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament. It was a very tight vote as conducted by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and members of TheCup.us’s Patreon team that pledge $10 or more.

Fink edged New Mexico United forward Kevaughn Frater by a single point (3 points for a first place vote, 1 point for a second place vote). Valentin Sabella of the Florida Soccer Soldiers finished just a few points behind in third place and Frater’s teammate Devon Sandoval just a point behind him. (Check out the rest of the nominees HERE)

“I’m honored to have won this award and grateful to everyone that contributed to it,” said Fink, who becomes the first defender to win the award since it was first given out in 2012. “This tournament experience was one that I’ll never forget and adding to that experience after the fact is really special.”

The 2019 US Open Cup run started ominously for Fink. A Second Round match-up against the ever-dangerous Des Moines Menace (USL League Two, Open Division National) saw the game finish 1-1 after extra time. It was Fink who conceded the equalizing penalty kick which allowed the Menace back into the tie after an early Kyle Grieg goal. Saint Louis FC eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout as 18-year-old academy goalkeeper Patrick Schulte kept just three Menace shots at bay.

“Although I’ve never actually experienced it myself, I feel like the Des Moines away has to be the open cup version of ‘can you do it on a cold rainy night at Stoke?’,” said Fink. “The field was not good, the stands were full of rowdy Iowans, the officials were having an off day, and Des Moines did everything in their power to make sure they took us to . Football is a crazy game and I’m glad we got out of there successfully.”

In the Third Round, one of the current darlings of lower division soccer in the United States, Forward Madison (USL League One, Division III) came to St Louis and hit a roadblock in their quest to eliminate a second straight USL Championship side in the competition. The underdogs were up for the challenge, despite going down by two goals early, they attacked with venom and halved the lead before halftime. Fink and his centerback partner Phanuel Kavita had to ride out a tenacious free-flowing counter attack that took Saint Louis FC to the wire. In the 72nd minute, Russel Cicerone scored for Saint Louis to regain the two-goal advantage as the match would end with a 3-1 scoreline that somewhat flattered the home side.

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

“Having played Madison in the preseason we knew they had some quality,” said Fink. “ Anthony made it very clear that if we thought it was going to be a walk about we were going to get embarrassed at home on our own pitch. We scored two quite early and controlled the game exactly how we had planned. As is always the case though the underdog never gives in and they quickly ceased the momentum with a goal until we snatched it back for good with a third goal. They were a quality side and a good test for us, but I thought we very much deserved to move on. ”

With mission accomplished against Madison it was on to the Fourth Round where Saint Louis earned a rematch of a 2017 meeting with the Chicago Fire of MLS.

Due to weeks of rain and some flooding around the field, which had already scuppered two USL contests, the game was moved at the last minute to Hunter Stadium and Lindenwood University in St. Charles County, approximately 25 miles northwest of Soccer Park and it felt very much like an away game for both sides.

“The venue change against Chicago was unexpected and unwanted, but after we got comfortable with the idea we actually felt like it could be an advantage,” said Fink. “Do you think guys that have played in World Cups want to be playing on a turf field with every sport line ever on it? Me neither. The stadium was situated like a bowl that kept all the noise in and it ended up being a really cool atmosphere. We had no fear playing Chicago.”

Chicago came out and immediately stamped their authority in the game dominating for the first 20 minutes. Fink, had to grow into the game, just like he had grown into the team in 2014. The Saint Louis captain used his calming presence to keep the Fire attack at bay as Austin Martz and Guy Abend scored two first half goals which were enough to send the St Louligans home in raptures. With a 2-1 win, this was the club’s first upset of an MLS team after two previous narrow 1-0 losses (2015 Round 4 at Sporting KC, 2017 Round 4 at Chicago Fire). Their second scalp was just a short week away.

After a victory against Louisville in their previous round, the Open Cup gave a struggling FC Cincinnati (MLS) a welcome respite from league play and a chance to follow on from their own Open Cup heroics (as a USL team) of previous campaigns.

They hit a brick wall as this was the game that made Sam Fink a folklore hero among St. Louis soccer fans.

Fans will remember his performance, but also that of the entire team as they played their most complete 90 minutes of the season when it mattered most in a 1-0 home win.

Fink has been a constant presence for Saint Louis when it needed a big moment in USL play. In this game, he scored one of those big goals in US Open Cup play. His back post thumping header from a Lewis Hilton corner kick three minutes into second half stoppage time eclipsed everything as the goal broke the scoreless tie and catapulted the USL side into the Quarterfinals for the first time in club history.

“When I replay that goal in my mind it’s like it was all in slo-mo. I just had this feeling going into the box that this was going to be it – I even told Kadeem as I was running in that I was ending it on that corner. Lewis put a perfect service into the box as he does, and the second it came off my head I knew it was goal bound. The only word I have to describe the moments after is euphoria. Celebrating with fans that mean a lot to me and teammates that deserved every second of that win was special. My favorite part of it all isn’t really the goal, it’s looking thru photos and seeing the looks on the faces of all my teammates, whether they played or not. Complete joy on every single guys face. They aren’t too many things that can unite a group of people all at once like sports can.”

According to Fink, it was the home crowd of more than 4,000 fans that pushed them over the finish line.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates with the fans after defeating FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett
Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates with the fans after defeating FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

“We are really, really good at home,” said Fink. “And with the struggles that Cincinnati has gone through this year, we once again felt like there was a real chance for us to move on. Soccer Park was rocking as always and we put together a fantastic 90 minute display. You could absolutely feel the support from all over the country and especially in our city and I think that gave us the momentum from the jump.

His performance in the win over FC Cincinnati made him the first Saint Louis FC player to earn TheCup.us Player of the Round award in club history.

“When you play guys in leagues above you, you often go in with a chip on your shoulder and a point to prove,” Fink added. “That’s especially true when it’s the team that cut you – like a few of our guys. It was going to take a lot to beat us that night and even if they had the quality, I’m not sure they could match our passion and our work rate to win that game.”

The cup run would end as the quarterfinal game against the reigning MLS Cup champions (and eventual US Open Cup winners) Atlanta United FC on the road proved to be a bridge too far for a team that had been playing two games per week on a consistent basis for the last month. The combination of making up postponed league games and the extra Open Cup games made the journey difficult. Whilst Lewis Hilton hit a post early on which would have given Atlanta some jitters, Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez netted to ease the pressure for Atlanta before Josef Martinez added in the last minute from the spot to round off the 2019 US Open Cup journey for STLFC and Sam Fink.

“The experience playing Atlanta away was two-fold,” explained Fink. “On one hand, it was incredibly special to play a group of world class players that were the best in MLS a season ago. But on the other, we had come that far already beating two MLS teams, so why not three? Looking back, I think we deserved more than a 2-0 result. The second was just a garbage time that came about because we sent everyone forward and the first came off a poor turnover on top of our 18.”

Despite giving up the two goals in Atlanta, Fink’s defensive record in the competition this year was a big part of winning the award.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his goal against FC Cincinnati in a Round of 16 match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Saint Louis FC
Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his goal against FC Cincinnati in a Round of 16 match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Saint Louis FC

Take away the penalty kick goals scored by the Des Moines Menace in Round 2 and the Chicago Fire in Round 4. The Saint Louis defense only allowed one goal in their first four matches with teenager Patrick Schulte in between the sticks for the Menace game and regular starter Tomas Gomez getting the nod in the remaining four matches.

Fink makes history with this award as the first defender to win either of the TheCup.us Player of the Tournament awards (overall or lower division), which is an interesting fact considering his origin story.

“I originally was a striker” said Fink, who has scored a career-high six goals this season in league play, boosted by his new role as designated penalty kick taker.

Saint Louis FC fans came out to support their team against FC Cincinnati in the Round of 16 match of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett
Saint Louis FC fans came out to support their team against FC Cincinnati in the Round of 16 match of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

With Fink’s award-winning performance on the back-line, he helped his club become the first team from Saint Louis to reach the Quarterfinals since 1993 (Scott Gallagher).

“The Open Cup run was a remarkable accomplishment for the club,” said Saint Louis FC general manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “Since we began in 2015, we have not hidden from the fact that the Open Cup has a history in St. Louis. As a club, we have to embrace that history as it deserves our respect. Tradition is one of our Club Core Values and part of that is working to establish new traditions. I think the way we handled the competition this year helped to establish the Club in the history of the Open Cup in Saint Louis.”

“Sam is an outstanding captain,” Alumbaugh added. “The club is in his DNA as a player and person.  He understands how to lead the locker room and the authentic soccer culture that we have created in this community.”

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)
2018: Allisson Faramilio (FC Golden State – PDL)

Who should win TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for 2019 US Open Cup?

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2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament nominees (from left to right): Kevaughn Frater (New Mexico United), Devon Sandoval (New Mexico United), Blake Frischkecht (Orange County FC), Valentin Sabella (Florida Soccer Soldiers), Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC)
2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament nominees (from left to right): Kevaughn Frater (New Mexico United), Devon Sandoval (New Mexico United), Blake Frischkecht (Orange County FC), Valentin Sabella (Florida Soccer Soldiers), Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC)

At its core the US Open Cup is a grueling test for any soccer team that takes part. This is true for all competitors but especially so for the lower league sides that start in the early rounds, possibly even qualification, and have to play at least two games before they even have a chance to face a Major League Soccer team.

While the big boys are usually the ones who walk away with the trophy and champions league berth, some players from the smaller sides make an impact worth commemorating. Following each year’s competition, TheCup.us honors a player with the distinction of being named “Player the Tournament”for their outstanding performance. However 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 (Open Division, Division III, and Division II) who have stood out and helped their team make a memorable run in the Open Cup that year.

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 the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

We encourage everyone to read over each players’ tournament resume and make your case for who you think should win the award in the comments or on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instragram).

Here are 2019’s finalists (in alphabetical order):

Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC of USL Championship – Division II)

Sam Fink was on the field for every moment of his team’s 2019 US Open Cup run and helped lead the defensive effort through the five games. In Saint Louis FC’s best tournament performance to date, the side only allowed three goals in their four wins, two of which were penalty kicks, en route to the Quarterfinals. Fink etched his name into his hometown club’s history books during the Fifth Round (Round of 16) when he headed in a stoppage time corner kick from Lewis Hilton into the net of MLS side FC Cincinnati for the 1-0 win. The goal earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us.

Round 2: Started, played 120 minutes in a 1-1 draw (3-1 PK win) at Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-1 home win vs. Forward Madison (USL League One)
Round 4: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-1 home win vs. Chicago Fire (MLS) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 5: Started, played 90 minutes, scored a late game-winning goal in a 1-0 home win vs. FC Cincinnati (MLS). Was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-0 road loss at Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Kevaughn Frater (New Mexico United of USL Championship – Division II)

In New Mexico United’s inaugural tournament run, they became the second straight debuting USL club to reach the Fifth Round (Round of 16) following Nashville SC in 2018. Kevaughn Frater was a big reason for that as he made a huge impact, scoring in three of the four games he played in and going at least 90 minutes in all of them. His three goals in three games were the difference makers in his team’s narrow wins, including his game-winning penalty kick against the Colorado Spring Switchbacks in Round 3 and a stoppage time equalizer to force MLS side Colorado Rapids into extra time (where New Mexico would eventually prevail in PKs) in the Fourth Round. His final goal came just before halftime to tie the game in New Mexico’s 2-1 road win over FC Dallas (MLS) in the Round of 16. Unfortunately for United, Frater received a yellow card in the 59th minute in that game, which gave him a total of three in the tournament, which led to a one-game suspension. Because of this, Frater had to miss the team’s match against eventual runner-up Minnesota United FC in the Quarterfinals, which the Loons won, 6-1.

Round 2: Started, played 98 minutes in a 2-2 draw (4-3 PK win) on the road against Phoenix Rising (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 115 minutes, scored 1 game-winning PK goal, dished out 1 assist in a 2-1 OT road win at Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
Round 4: Started, played 120 minutes, scored the equalizer in 2nd half stoppage time, and converted his PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (4-2 PK win) on the road at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 minutes, scored a goal in a 2-1 road win at FC Dallas (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Did not play (yellow card suspension) in 6-1 road loss at Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Blake Frischkecht (Orange County FC of the National Premier Soccer League – Open Division)

Frischkecht begin the tournament by assisting on his team’s opening goal in a 2-0 home win over USL League Two power FC Golden State Force. After helping OCFC upset Orange County SC (USL-C), the Player of the Round winner for Round 3 then played a game where everything seemed to come together. His side, the only one remaining in the tournament from the National Premier Soccer League, came out blazing against his hometown Las Vegas Lights FC. The two former U.S. Men’s National Team players who had been at the USL Championship sides’ tryouts the day he arrived, Eric Wynalda and Paul Caligiuri, stood as coaches at opposite benches that night. After assisting on a goal earlier in the game, Frischkecht’s 89th minute header was the game-winner it what seemed ike the perfect culmination to his career up until that point.

Round 1: Started, played 90 minutes, assisted on the opening goal in a 2-0 home win vs. FC Golden State Force (USL League Two)
Round 2: Started, played 120 minutes in a 2-2 draw (5-3 PK win) on the road against Orange County SC (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes, scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute, dished out an assist in a 5-3 road win at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C). Voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Round 4: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-0 road loss at LA Galaxy (MLS)

Devon Sandoval (New Mexico United of USL Championship – Division II)

Along with fellow nominee Kevaughn Frater, Devon Sandoval was the other force behind New Mexico United’s offense. Sandoval started the tournament as a late game substitute but found himself as a starter by tournament’s end. The Albuquerque native made his biggest impact in his team’s first game against fellow USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Coming off the bench, he scored both of his team’s goals, the latter coming in the fifth minute of stoppage, to force extra time and penalty kicks where his successful attempt helped advance his team through. In the Fourth Round he played a part in both goals in the upset against the Colorado Rapids of MLS and went the full 120, including another successful penalty kick shootout attempt that helped United eliminate the hometown Rapids. Sandoval played a big role in his start (and 75 minutes of game play) in the club’s 2-1 road win over FC Dallas (MLS).

Round 2: Came off the bench in 75th min., scored 2 goals (79′, 95′), converted his PK in the shootout, in a 2-2 draw (4-3 PK win) on the road at Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Round 3: Came off the bench in 60th min. in a 2-1 OT road win at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
Round 4: Started, played 120 mins., scored a goal, assisted on a stoppage time equalizer (90+5), and converted his PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (4-2 PK win) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 75 mins. in a 2-1 road win at FC Dallas (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins. in a 6-1 road loss at Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Valentin Sabella (Florida Soccer Soldiers of the United Premier Soccer League – Open Division)

Despite his Florida Soccer Soldiers playing the least amount of games of any other nominee, Valentin Sabella’s actions in the Open Cup not only brought success to his team but also himself. After playing 90 minutes in the Soccer Soldiers’ 2-1 win over pro side Miami FC (who would finish the season with their second straight NPSL championship). In his team’s Second Round match against USL Championship side Charlotte Independence, Sabella’s side was down a man and trailing late in the second extra time half. The Buenos Aires native took advantage of a poor back pass by the Independence and notched the equalizer to send the game to a shootout – all while suffering a minor leg injury during the celebration. He made his penalty kick which allowed goalkeeper Bryant Martin to come up with a huge save in the fifth round to send his team through, an action that earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us. Despite narrowly losing the next game to North Carolina FC (USL-C), 1-0, Sabella later went on to be signed by Charlotte, the team he helped eliminate, in his first ever professional soccer contract.

Round 1: Started, played 90 mins. in a 2-1 road win at Miami FC (NPSL)
Round 2: Started, played 120 mins., scored an 118th min. equalizer, and scored the clinching PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (5-4 PK win) on the road at Charlotte Independence (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 90 mins. in a 1-0 road loss at North Carolina FC (USL-C)

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)
2018: Allisson Faramilio (FC Golden State – PDL)

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