Review

2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals review: Four MLS teams advance seeking first tournament title

July 11, 2019 by Jim Coppock

Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

With the eight now down to four, normality has started to creep into the US Open Cup as only Major League Soccer teams remain in the competition after the Quarterfinals.

The current challengers are all looking for their first Open Cup trophies and are all less than a decade old. Of the last six MLS expansions, three still remain in the competition. This includes the entire 2017 class (Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC) while the 2015 group of New York City FC and Orlando City FC faced off for the chance to advance. The Portland Timbers are the elderly members of the final four coming in at a whopping eight years old.

Across the country the results came in one by one to set the picture. Both New Mexico United and St. Louis FC, the last USL Championship teams left in the tournament, fell by multiple goals. Minnesota continued to show its’ high offense form, Atlanta scored a pair in the second half, and Portland upset the league leader LA on the road with a late game goal coming off a defensive error. Meanwhile, Orlando City SC, only a few unsuccessful seasons into its’ MLS life, has out-achieved what the previous USL team achieved by reaching the semifinals.

Included are the brief summaries and links to game recaps for all four quarter final matches.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report
2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders (Goals, Assists, GKs)
2019 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round of 16: Game-by-game review

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VISIT THECUP.US STORE

US Open Cup histories of the eight quarterfinalists seeking a first title and the cities they represent
NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers
Round 3: Blake Frischknecht – Orange County FC
Round 4: Teal Bunbury – New England Revolution
Round 5: Sam Fink – Saint Louis FC

#USOC2019 QUALIFYING
2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review
Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws
More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format
Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out
Bavarian SC qualify for 2019 US Open Cup by winning Amateur Cup title

MEET THE UNDERDOGS SERIES
Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929
West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup
NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going
Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club
FC Denver using US Open Cup to build to “higher level”
First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”

Atlanta United (MLS)
1:0
Saint Louis FC (USL-C)

Saint Louis FC’s US Open Cup run came to an end at the hands of Atlanta United FC, 2-0. Saint Louis started strong, if not completely on the back foot, for the first 35 minutes. A Paris Gee shot off the post in the 37th would reverse possession, but the half would end scoreless. Saint Louis bent a lot in this game, but finally broke in the 52nd minute when Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez chipped to the far side netting to put Atlanta into the lead. Through the second half, Saint Louis’ Sam Fink was the target of cross after cross, but there would be no late heroics for last round’s player of the round. Josef Martinez would confirm Atlanta’s advancement with a penalty in the five minutes into stoppage time. Atlanta becomes the first Georgia-based club to reach the Semifinals since 1981 and will play Orlando City SC. The date and location will be announced on Thursday at 2 p.m. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New Mexico United (USL-C)
1:6
Minnesota United (MLS)

New Mexico United looked ready to snag a third MLS scalp in their first US Open Cup tournament. In the 7th minute, Santi Moar put the USL Championship side in front. The Loons would not go down easily, or nicely. Just three minutes later Angelo Rodriquez began his hat trick (goals in the 10th, 18th and 45th minutes) to pop NMU’s bubble. Darwin Quintero scored in the 16th to take over the tournament lead in goals with five, and Jan Gregus, from a stellar free kick, scored in the 23rd minute, and would create an insurmountable lead. Miguel Ibarra added a goal in the 62nd minute to seal Minnesota’s advancement to the semifinals. They become the second Minnesota club to reach the final four (2005 Minnesota Thunder) They will take on the Portland Timbers at a date and location that will be announced tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York City FC (MLS)
1 (4):1 (5)
Orlando City SC (MLS)

Orlando City and New York City squared off in an all-MLS quarterfinal. Orlando City’s Chris Mueller scored in the 61st minute to break the deadlock. The late, late show featured a Maximiliano Moralez goal six minutes into stoppage time to send the game into extra time. After 30 minutes of extra time couldn’t determine a winner, the penalty kick shootout saw Oriol Rosell score the winner in the sixth round to advance 5-4. Orlando becomes the first Florida club to reach the Semifinals since the Miami Fusion made a run to the Final in 2000. Orlando will face Atlanta United in the Semifinals, with the host and date to be determined in the draw tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Portland Timbers (MLS)
1:0
Los Angeles FC (MLS)

MLS league-leaders LAFC hosted Portland Timbers in front of a record crowd in the other all-MLS quarterfinal. The first half, while scoreless, had plenty of action. The second half was often played at a breakneck pace. The game finally found a winner in the 84th minute by Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse. Ebobisse appeared to be offside, but LAFC’s Jordan Harvey played the ball into his path. Ebobisse turned and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega and into the side netting. Portland advance to the Semis for the second time in club history as they take another step toward winning their first US Open Cup title. They will take on Minnesota United at a date and location announced on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup Round of 16 review: Eight “new” clubs, 2 from USL, advance to seek their first USOC title

June 21, 2019 by Josh Hakala

The theme of the Round of 16 of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is simple: new blood.

When the dust settled on the tournament’s Fifth Round, eight teams were left standing. Six of them from Major League Soccer, and two from the USL Championship. Based on the eight teams that survived Round 5, it is guaranteed that no matter who wins this year’s US Open Cup title, they will be lifting the trophy for the first time. Another thing they have in common is their team histories. All eight of them have existed in their respective leagues for less than a decade, from the youngest in expansion side New Mexico United (USL Championship) to the oldest with the Portland Timbers, who joined MLS in 2011.

It was a dramatic round with six of the eight games decided by a single goal. Among those games, the headliners were the USL Championship sides who advanced to the Quarterfinals. Saint Louis FC scored a stoppage time winner to beat FC Cincinnati, and New Mexico United held off FC Dallas on the road to become the first New Mexico club to reach the Quarterfinals in almost 30 years. Arguably, the most dramatic win came from Minnesota United, who overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit on the road against the defending US Open Cup champion Houston Dynamo. The win was capped off by a 90th minute game-winner to send the Loons to the Quarterfinals for the first time in franchise history.

Below is a brief summary of every Round of 16 game with links to every match report.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report
2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders (Goals, Assists, GKs)
2019 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Game-by-game review

Appreciate what we do? Help improve our coverage by joining TheCup.us Patreon team!

VISIT THECUP.US STORE

NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

Columbus Crew (MLS)
2:3
Atlanta United (MLS)

Atlanta United broke through into the Quarterfinals for the first time in the club’s brief three-year history with a 3-2 road win over the Columbus Crew. A goal in each half by Brandon Vasquez and another by Miles Robinson was the difference as United won their first tournament game away from home, and their first game against a fellow MLS team. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
2:3
Minnesota United (MLS)

The defending US Open Cup champion Houston Dynamo appeared to be on their way back to the Quarterfinals. Playing in front of their home fans for the eighth tournament game in a row (dating back to 2017), they jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead over Minnesota United on goals from Ronaldo Pena and Tomas Martinez. United came alive in the second half with three unanswered goals — two of them by Darwin Quintero — capped off by a 90th minute game-winner by Mason Toye to send the Loons into the Quarterfinals for the first time in club history. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D.C. United (MLS)
1:2
NYCFC (MLS)

New York City FC dug themselves out of an early hole to defeat D.C. United 2-1 on the road to advance to the Quarterfinals. Wayne Rooney put United in the lead with a 32nd minute goal, but the Pigeons would answer back six minutes later with an equalizer from Alexandru Mitra. Just before halftime, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi would give NYCFC the lead and they would hold on to it throughout the second half. After going winless in their first four US Open Cup matches, NYCFC have now won back-to-back tournament games. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Orlando City SC (MLS)
2:1 (AET)
New England Revolution (MLS)

Orlando City SC held on in extra time to defeat the New England Revolution 2-1. The game was scoreless after 90 minutes but in extra time in the 96th minute Benji Michel scored his first goal for Orlando City to give them the lead. Five minutes later, Tesho Akendele doubled the lead for Orlando in the 101st minute off a rebound to make it 2-0. The Revolution scored a late goal in the 117th minute by Justin Rennicks but they were unable to find the equalizer despite the best efforts of Juan Fernando Caicedo who had his shot in the final minute go just wide of the target. With the win, Orlando advances to the Quarterfinals for the second year in a row, and the fourth time in club history. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Dallas (MLS)
1:2
New Mexico United (USL-C)

USL Championship expansion side New Mexico United went on the road for another cupset against an MLS team as they held on for a 2-1 win over FC Dallas to advance to the Quarterfinals. FC Dallas got the lead first with an impressive goal from Brandon Servania in the 41st minute. Few minutes later Kevaughn Frater equalized for United just before the half. In the second half, New Mexico United took the lead with a goal off a set piece from Sam Hamilton to put United up 2-1. New Mexico held on for the win to earn a fifth straight road game against a fifth straight professional opponent as they will hit the road to take on Minnesota United in the Quarterfinals. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
1:0
FC Cincinnati (MLS)

The other “cupset” in the Round of 16 occurred in Fenton, Mo. where the hometown Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship scored a last-minute stoppage time goal to knock off FC Cincinnati. Saint Louis captain Sam Fink scored off a header off a corner kick from Lewis Hilton to them a 1-0 win over the first-year MLS franchise to advance to the Quarterfinals for the first time in their history despite being outpossessed 63% to 37%. Saint Louis will travel to play Atlanta United in the Quarterfinals. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
4:0
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)

The round’s only truly one-sided affair took place in Portland where the Timbers cruised to a 4-0 home win over the Galaxy. After a Perry Kitchen own goal gave Rose City side an early lead, Brian Fernandez scored a goal and assisted on another to send the Timbers into the Quarterfinals for the second year in a row. Sebastian Blanco added another and goalkeeper Steve Clark made four saves to earn the clean sheet as the Timbers took one step closer to becoming the first Oregon-based club to win the tournament. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
3:1
San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Los Angeles FC closed out the Round of 16 with a 3-1 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday night. After Vako put the visitors in front with a 7th minute goal, LAFC answered with three unanswered goals by Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande and Carlos Vela. LAFC were eliminated last year by the Houston Dynamo in penalty kicks in their inaugural Cup run in the Semifinals (officially listed as a draw), so with the win, the club remains undefeated in Open Cup play in six games. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup Round 4 review: Two USL teams left standing as MLS dominates

June 14, 2019 by Josh Hakala

The Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is one of the biggest events of the American soccer calendar. It puts all the remaining lower division teams on the same field as teams from Major League Soccer and gives fans a round full of “David vs. Goliath” matchups.

The 106th edition of the tournament provided fans with 11 of those matchups to go with five all-MLS games. With the Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United getting rescheduled and relocated due to weather, there were 10 games played between Tuesday and Wednesday featuring teams from the top division and the lower divisions. Of those games, only two USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) teams survived: Saint Louis FC defeated the Chicago Fire, 2-1 and New Mexico United traveled to Colorado and eliminated the Rapids in penalty kicks.

The tournament’s last remaining Open Division team, Orange County FC (NPSL) also bowed out of the competition, falling 3-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

When the dust settled, 13 MLS teams will advance to the Round of 16 with two USL Championship clubs, along with the winner of the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United.

The draw for the Fifth Round will take place on Thursday, June 13 at 10 a.m. ET. The draw will be revealed on the United States Soccer Federation’s social media and website.

Below is a brief summary of every Fourth Round game. Links to the full match reports will be made available as they are published.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report)
Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders (Goals, Assists, GKs)
2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Game-by-game review

Appreciate what we do? Help improve our coverage by joining TheCup.us Patreon team!

VISIT THECUP.US STORE

NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers
Round 3: Blake Frischknecht – Orange County FC

Columbus Crew (MLS)
1:0
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)

David Accam scored his first goal of the season (56th minute) for the Columbus Crew as they eliminated USL Championship side, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and booked a place in the Fifth Round of this year’s tournament. The win by the Crew snapped a three-game winless streak in the tournament, which tied a club record. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2:3 (AET)
New England Revolution (MLS)

A goal 55 seconds in the game by Juan Agudelo, was a great start for the New England Revolution, but the New York Red Bulls would answer back with two goals of their own to take the contest to the wire. Teal Bunbury would hit his seventh US Open Cup goal in the 85th minute to tie the game and send it into extra time. Before the whistle for the end of regulation could be blown New England’s Luis Caicedo received his second yellow card, leaving the Revs down to 10 men for extra time. The Revolution were able to hang on and keep the match level until the 109th minute when Bunbury surprised Red Bulls defense by chipping the goalkeeper to put the Revs in front and sealing the Red Bulls’ elimination from the Open Cup and putting New England into the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
3:2
Austin Bold FC (USL-C)

The Houston Dynamo got their US Open Cup title defense off to a great start against the USL Championship’s Austin Bold FC. The Dynamo scored three first half goals and appeared to be cruising to an easy opening round win. Austin answered with two goals early in the second half by Xavi Baez and Issac Promise, which forced the defending champs to hold on for dear life for the last 30 minutes of the match. The current Cup holders advance to the Round of 16 for the seventh year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
2:1
Chicago Fire (MLS)

Two first half goals by Austin Martz and Guy Abend (17th and 20th minutes, respectively) would be enough to see USL Championship side Saint Louis FC pull off the #Cupset over the four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire, by a score of 2-1. Abend’s goal was his third career US Open Cup goal and his second in this tournament. Nemanja Nikolic cut the deficit in half from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but the Fire would not be able to find an equalizer it would not be enough. With the win, STLFC earns the club’s first MLS upset, and reaches the Round of 16 for the first time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
0:3
Los Angeles FC (MLS)

Los Angeles FC’s Carlos Vela would set the tone early with a goal in the 8th minute which would prove to be the game-winner as Real Salt Lake would be unable to find an answer. Lee Nguyen would score his first US Open Cup goal in seven years and after Adama Diomande added a stoppage time goal, RSL’s tournament winless streak was extended to six games by the score of 3-0. LAFC advance to Fifth Round for the second year in a row after losing in penalty kicks in last year’s Semifinals. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
4:3
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)

Second half sub Vako scored a late winner as part of a brace for San Jose against nearby rivals Sacramento Republic. Vako’s first goal gave San Jose their first lead of the game. Sacramento did not make it easy for the hosts, taking the lead two minutes into the game and again in the 14th minute. With the win, the Earthquakes eliminate Sacramento in the Fourth Round for the third time and advances to the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D.C. United (MLS)
2:1 (AET)
Philadelphia Union (MLS)

The Philadelphia Union appeared to be headed on their way to the Round of 16 when Anthony Fontana gave them a 1-0 lead in the 113th minute of extra time. D.C. United had other ideas, with Chris McCann tying the game with two minutes to play and Wayne Rooney scoring a game-winning penalty kick in the 120th minute. Instead, on a rainy night in front of their home fans, United won their first US Open Cup game against a Major League Soccer team since they upset Real Salt Lake in the 2013 US Open Cup Final when they lifted the trophy for the third time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York City FC (MLS)
4:0
North Carolina FC (USL-C)

For the first time in their history, New York City FC won a game in regulation in the US Open Cup and advanced beyond the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup defeating North Carolina FC 4-0. NYCFC got a break in the 25th minute with an own goal from North Carolina FC Aaron Guillen. Before halftime around the 45th minute, NYCFC strike again with a goal from Jesus Medina, getting his first goal with an assist from Tony Rocha. Keaton Parks gets a header in the 52nd minute to extend the lead in the second half and then follow up with a breakaway goal in the 76th minute to put the game away for NYCFC to advance. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
2:1 (AET)
Louisville City FC (USL-C)

Kekuta Manneh would prove to be the difference maker in the latest edition of the River City Rivalry, slotting home a cross while unmarked to give FC Cincinnati a place in the Fifth Round. Cincy’s Fanendo Adi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, but Louisville’s Lucky Mkosana converted a Cincinnati giveaway just seven minutes later. It was the first US Open Cup win for FC Cincinnati since joining Major League Soccer. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Dallas (MLS)
4:0
Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL-C)

For the third time, FC Dallas and Oklahoma City Energy met in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup, and for the third time, FC Dallas eliminated the USL Championship side in front of a largely pro-Dallasl crowd. There were four different goalscorers for FCD, including Matt Hedges, Michael Barrios, Dominique Badji and Reto Ziegler. Highly-touted 16-year-old prospect Ricardo Pepi made his FC Dallas debut and assisted on Barrios’ goal in the 52nd minute. With the win, the two-time US Open Cup champions (1997, 2016) advance to the Round of 16 for the seventh year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
4:1
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Minnesota United won a US Open Cup match in regulation as a MLS team for the first time thanks to three unanswered goals in the second half. They defeated four-time champion Sporting Kansas City by the score of 4-1. Ethan Finlay broke a 1-1 deadlock just after halftime and Darwin Quintero added two more to break the game open and hand Sporting their first opening-round exit in 16 years. It was tied for the most goals ever scored by Minnesota in team history and they advance to the Round of 16 for the second year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
1:3
Orlando City SC (MLS)

Sacha Kljestan scored a first half penalty kick and added another goal in the second half to push Orlando City SC to a 3-1 win over Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship). For Kljestan it was his fourth and fifth career Open Cup goals. Robin Jansson scored Orlando’s third goal in the 71st minute to break the game open and send Orlando to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in the last five years. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2:2 (AET)
New Mexico United (USL-C)
New Mexico United advances, 4-2 on PKs

New Mexico United gathered their first MLS scalp after travelling to Commerce City to take on the Colorado Rapids. The game started brightly for both sides. with NMU opening the scoring in the 3rd minute through Devon Sandoval. The lead would last about a half hour before Diego Rubio equalized with a ball from Lalas Abubakar.

The hosts would find their second almost from the second half whistle. Rubio turned provider for Nicolas Mezquida in the 46th to level the score. Axel Sjoberg was shown a second yellow for a challenge on NMU’s Kevaughn Frater on a breakaway. In spite of the man advantage, NMU would not find their equalizer until the final ticks of second hand stoppage time (90+4), when Kevaughn Frater found the back of the net on a determined run into the penalty area.

Extra time saw the visitors dominate the play, Colorado often having seven or eight players behind the ball. The extra periods would not see a goal, so it was off to penalty kicks to decide who would advance. It took just 4 of the 5 rounds to decide it. Chris Wehan’s spot kick was the final kick of the game. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
3:0
Orange County FC (NPSL)

The two-time US Open Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy eliminated the tournament’s last remaining Open Division team when they defeated the NPSL’s Orange County FC, 3-0. The game was scoreless into the second half before Efrain Álvarez scored a pair of goals to put the MLS side in front. Last year’s first round pick Emil Cuello came off the bench late to put the game away with a goal in the 90th minute as the Galaxy improve their impressive home record in US Open Cup play to 23-3-0 and advance to the Round of 16. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
1:2
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

For a Modern Era-record eighth time, the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders brought their decades-old rivalry to the US Open Cup. This year, it was the Timbers that eliminated the four-time US Open Cup champions, 2-1. The hero for the visitors was Brian Fernandez who scored an early goal in each half to send Portland to the Round of 16 as they seek their first US Open Cup title in franchise history. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Atlanta United (MLS)
3:1 (AET)
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Original match on Tuesday, June 11 was postponed due to poor field conditions

When Atlanta United and the Charleston Battery arrived at MUSC Health Stadium to play each other for the third year in a row on Tuesday night, the field was in bad shape. This was the result of heavy rain and with more of it in the forcast, a new venue was needed. According to statement issued by the Charleston Battery, the club attempted to find an alternate venue, but they were unsuccessful so the United States Soccer Federation decided to move the game to the Atlanta area. The game was played on Thursday in Kennesaw, Georgia at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on the campus of Kenneshaw State University, the site of the first two meetings between the clubs in 2017 and 2018. The game was closed to the public so no fans were there to see the Battery take an early lead on a goal by Ian Svantesson in the 20th minute. Atlanta would not find an equalizer until the 79th minute when Romario Williams, a former Battery player, would score his third career Open Cup goal. In extra time, it was Brandon Vasquez who was the hero, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 110th minute, and icing the game with another one in stoppage time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2018 US Open Cup Round 5 review: Every game decided by one goal, Louisville FC survives, biggest crowd ever

June 21, 2018 by Josh Hakala

The 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is down to just eight teams as the Round of 16 wrapped up on Wednesday night. When the dust settled on the round, seven Major League Soccer teams emerged along with Louisville City FC, the lone USL team left standing.

It was an incredible competitive round as every game was either decided by a single goal, or went on to penalty kicks. This was the first time that this has happened since a Fifth Round (before the Quarterfinals) was introduced in 2014.

Click below for links to our coverage and scroll down for a brief recap and links to the full match report for every game.

#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2018 US Open Cup Player of the Round winners
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 3 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 4 review

MORE: How amateurs Dallas Roma FC beat World Cup champs, an MLS team and it cost $75,000

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Portland Timbers (MLS) 1:0 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
In a rematch of a Round of 16 match from 2016 on the same field, the Portland Timbers avenged that loss from two years ago with a 1-0 win over the Galaxy. A first half goal from Sebastian Blanco was all the Timbers needed to pick up the win at Providence Park. The Timbers advance to the Quarterfinals for the third time in club history, where they will travel to take on Los Angeles FC on July 18. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Philadelphia Union (MLS) 2:1 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
The Union continued their quest for their first US Open Cup title by defeating the New York Red Bulls, 2-1. It was the first time in the Modern Era that two teams have met four years in a row and the Union, who advanced in three of the four meetings, struck first. Despite missing many prime scoring chances in the first half, the hosts broke through with a rocket by Haris Medunjanin in the 52nd minute, while Cory Burke collected the second goal nine minutes later. US international Alejandro Bedoya assisted on both goals in the win. The Union are into the Quarterfinals for the fifth time in club history and are 2-0-2 (1-1 PKs) in their previous appearances. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) 3:2 FC Dallas (MLS)
In one of the better games of the 2018 tournament, the defending champion Sporting Kansas City won a back-and-forth battle with FC Dallas at Children’s Mercy Park. Daniel Salloi scored two goals for Sporting, moving into second on the club’s all-time Open Cup scoring list with five career goals. However, the deciding goal was scored by the man that would replace Salloi in the 85th minute: Yohan Croizet. In the 89th minute, Croizet launched one of most astounding goals of the tournament (or any competition for that matter) off a volley to win the game. Sporting, who are 4-0-0 against FC Dallas all-time in US Open Cup play, advance to the Quarterfinals for the second year in a row and the third time in the last four years. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Houston Dynamo (MLS) 1:0 Minnesota United FC (MLS)
The Dynamo earned a third straight shutout in the 2018 US Open Cup, with a 1-0 win over fellow MLS side Minnesota United. Mauro Manotas scored the lone goal in the 47th minute, but Minnesota had a chance to tie the game late, though Darwin Quintero missed a penalty smacked off the post, as the Dynamo moved on to a Quarterfinal date with Sporting Kansas City. This will mark the fourth year in a row that the team clubs will meet in Open Cup play. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D.C. United (MLS) 1:1 (2:4 PKs) Orlando City SC (MLS)
Orlando City goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. won his third career penalty kick shootout, as the Lions knocked off the three-time champions from D.C. United, 4-2. The game, which was delayed by about 90 minutes due to lightning, finished 1-1 after Luciano Acosta (D.C.) and Justin Meram (Orlando) traded first half goals. For Orlando, it will be the club’s third trip to the Quarterfinals, and the first since 2015 and they will travel to take on the Philadelphia Union on July 18. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Louisville City FC (USL) 2:1 Nashville SC (USL)
Louisville City is the last lower division team standing in the tournament (and $25,000 richer as a result) after a 2-1 home win over Nashville SC. Paco Craig and Paolo DelPiccolo scored the first two goals of the game, and the Louisville defense held off a late push from Nashville to advance. With the win, Louisville City became the first team from Kentucky to make the Open Cup Quarterfinals in tournament history, thus ensuring a lower division club shall reach the final eight for the third year in a row, as well as for the 11th time in 12 years. The boys in purple will next face Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire away on July 18. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Atlanta United (MLS) 0:1 Chicago Fire (MLS)
No game in the 105-year history of the US Open Cup had more fans watching in person than the 41,012 that showed up to watch Atlanta United host the Chicago Fire. Unfortunately for the vast majority of those fans, they went home disappointed. The four-time US Open Cup champion Fire won the game 1-0 on a Nemanja Nikolic goal in the 54th minute. For the Fire, they clinch a spot in the Quarterfinals for the 14th time in club history, which ranks third-most in US Open Cup history. They will host their next game in the tournament on July 18, when they take on Louisville City FC (USL). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Los Angeles FC (MLS) 3:2 Sacramento Republic (USL)
The last game of the Round of 16 might well have been one of the best of the competition, as MLS expansion side Los Angeles FC came back twice from a goal down to tie the game, and then won the game in the 89th minute. Diego Rossi scored the equalizing goal in the 67th minute, then assisted on Latif Blessing’s late game-winner to send LAFC into the Quarterfinals. Los Angeles will now host the Portland Timbers in the Quarterfinals on July 18. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2018 US Open Cup Round 4 review: Three USL clubs advance with MLS teams into the Round of 16

June 9, 2018 by Ian Foster

Louisville City supporters cheer on their club during a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution in the Fourth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography | Louisville City FC

Twenty US-based Major League Soccer clubs entered the Fourth Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and by the time the dust settled, three teams from the United Soccer League joined 13 from the country’s top division in the Round of 16.

On Tuesday, June 5, the headline was clearly the defending USL champion Louisville City FC upsetting the New England Revolution. On Wednesday, Nashville SC dominated the Colorado Rapids and to close out the night, the Sacramento Republic stunned the four-time champion Seattle Sounders.

Elsewhere, the regional approach to the tournament continued to bring rivalry matchups to the tournament. The Chicago Fire met the Columbus Crew for what fans hope won’t be the last time, and they continued their unbeaten record against their Ohio rivals with a dramatic win in a penalty kick shootout. The New York Red Bulls kept their rivals New York City FC winless in tournament play with a 4-0 beat down. Another tense battle between Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake saw the defending champions win on the road to keep their hopes of a rare repeat alive.

The three remaining Open Division teams all crashed out with Orlando City shutting out Miami United FC (NPSL), the Houston Dynamo (MLS) overwhelmed the NTX Rayados (USASA), 5-0, while FC Golden State Force (PDL) scored a goal but was knocked off by the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS), 3-1.

The eight Round of 16 games are scattered over four different dates. The schedule and match details have been released and the potential matchups for the Quarterfinals are also available. (You can find them here).

Click below for links to our coverage and scroll down for a brief recap and links to the full match report for every game.

#USOC2018 coverage:
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* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 3 review

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* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying results
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Win & You’re In review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review

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Coming off a nightmare in league play that saw them lose veterans Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya to red cards in the 18th minute in Atlanta, the Philadelphia Union feasted on bottom of the table USL competition Tuesday night in a 5-0 win in front of 3,565 fans in Chester, Pa.The Union got things started early when Jack Elliott scored off a corner kick from Medunjanin, who will serve his (at least) one game suspension for Friday’s league match. David Accam doubled the lead in the 27th minute after stepping up to take a penalty kick called on Kickers goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg for taking down Cory Burke in the box. The goal was the sixth in Open Cup play for Accam and his first in all competitions for the Union. Anthony Fontana, an 18-year-old making his Open Cup debut, made it 3-0 on an unassisted flick from a tight angle and Marcus Epps tacked one more on with a lovely curling shot off an assist from Burke in first half stoppage time.Jay Simpson made it 5-0 shortly after coming off the bench for Burke in the 49th minute. The goal was the second in Open Cup play for Simpson, whose only goal in league play came in his second game for the Union in March 2017. The Kickers made a late push to get on the board, but hit woodwork one one chance and forced John McCarthy into his only save of the night on the other. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The defending USL Cup champions claimed the club’s first upset of an MLS squad in a 3-2 win over New England Revolution on Tuesday night. Louisville fell behind early on a fifth minute goal from Revs’ rookie Mark Segbers but leveled the score six minutes later when Brian Ownby set up Oscar Jimenez.New England regained the lead on an own goal in the 26th minute, but Cameron Lancaster put the home side back on level ground before halftime with a 37th minute strike from outside the 18. Brian Ownby then capped off the upset with a 62nd minute stunner that delighted the partisan crowd of 5,000-plus at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium at the University of Louisville.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

In front of a 3,000 plus crowd at the Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland it was D.C. United advancing to the Fifth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup for the fourth straight year on PKs after finishing 1-1 after extra time.D.C. United dominated possession in the first half and in the 25th minute Ian Harkes, the homegrown player and son of US Soccer legend John Harkes, gave DC United a 1-0 lead when the ball bounced to him after Assad hit the post to put the ball in the back of the net.Dane Kelly nearly doubled the lead in the 47th minute but NCFC keeper Alex Tambakis came up with a huge save. In the 83rd minute, Marios Lomis got to a loose ball and buried the shot for the equalizer to tie the match 1-1. Lomis’ goal was his third straight in this year’s competition.

Scoreless in extra time, United keeper David Ousted made a crucial save in the penalty shootout on Kyle Bekker’s penalty in the second round and after both teams missed a kick in the Fourth Round, D.C. sealed it in the fifth when Bruno Miranda converted to secure D.C.’s place in the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Richard Sanchez of the Chicago Fire won the goalkeeper battle, propelling his team to the Round of 16 after 11 shootout rounds. In fact, the deciding round of the penalty kick shootout round were between the two opposing goalkeepers: Sanchez and the Crew’s Logan Ketterer, who was making his professional debut. Wednesday night’s first game was perhaps its most exciting, and not just because of the shootout. First-half goals by Columbus’s Cristian Martinez and Chicago’s Nemanja Nikolic sent the game to extra time, where Nikolic scored again what looked to be the winner in the 109th minute. The Crew struck back five minutes later behind Adam Jahn, leading to the epic penalty kick tilt where only three players (Crew goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and defender Hector Jimenez for the Crew, and Nikolic for the Fire) missed their spot kicks. If it was indeed the last US Open Cup game for the Crew in Columbus, it was at least a memorable one.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York City remain winless in Open Cup play after another 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the rival New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls jumped ahead early behind Vincent Bezecourt’s 2nd-minute strike and never looked back, although it took a minor miracle and a goalline clearance to keep David Villa off the board late in the first half. Aaron Long doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half, and Daniel Royer salted the wounds with goals in the 87th and 89th minutes.New York City has accomplished a lot in coach Patrick Vieira’s tenure. But with rumors swirling around his exit, it appears Open Cup success won’t be one of them. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will move on to take on the Philadelphia Union in the Round of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

As the only amateur side to actually host an MLS team, there was a little more hope than usual for a Cal FC moment. Those hopes were dashed, however, after a Stefano Pinho goal in the 37th minute, and then extinguished when Dillon Powers put in Orlando’s second goal eight minutes into the second frame. PC concluded the damage with a strike to make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute.Orlando City will enter the Round of 16 as the lone remaining Florida team when they travel to DC United.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Atlanta United showed no mercy to their former USL affiliate, routing the Charleston Battery 3-0 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. Andrew Carleton scored his first goal with Atlanta and the first goal of the game in the 14th minute, doing so against the side he played for last year. A Skylar Thomas foul brought Atlanta to the spot, where Ezequiel Barco buried the penalty to make it 2-0 just after the halftime break. Romario Williams, leading scorer for Charleston last year, sealed the deal for Atlanta in the 64th minute.Atlanta will move on to host the Chicago Fire in the ROund of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Cincinnati’s run to the semifinals last year was one of the more magical in recent Open Cup history. Lightning would not strike twice, however, as Minnesota United advanced 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 120-minute draw. While last year’s scoreless draw between Cincinnati and Chicago was thrilling, involving multiple saves by then-Cincinnati goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt, this was one was far cagier and wanting for chances. And while Cincinnati largely controlled possession, Minnesota had the better of the few chances that arose, forcing Cincinnati goalkeeper Spencer Richey into four saves.However, it was Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth who would be the hero, saving two penalties, including Nazmi Albadawi’s last kick of the shootout. Minnesota moves on to Houston in the Round of 16, and Cincinnati will get their chance at revenge in next year’s MLS regular season.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

It’s not often that a USL team makes an MLS team, especially one bringing a first-choice lineup, look like an amateur team. But after 90 minutes, the Colorado Rapids let in two goals and couldn’t even muster a shot on Nashville’s goal. The Rapids did turn a shot on their own goal, which is where Nashville’s first goal came from in the 39th minute by way of Michael Azira. Nashville SC clinched the club’s first win over an MLS side in their first try when Ropapa Mensah slammed home a 79th minute tally.Colorado’s record against Division 2 teams falls to 6-8-0, while Nashville will move on to Louisville in the Round of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

While the scoreline says 5-0 to the Houston Dynamo, this was not a typical MLS vs. amateur match. It took the Houston Dynamo 55 minutes to break down Eduardo Cortes, who put up nine saves, and the NTX Rayados. From then on, the floodgates opened, with Memo Rodriguez and Aldo Quintanilla managing a brace each and Matias Zaldivar scoring Houston’s 4th late in the match. But the Rayados showed life before then, especially in the first half when Mohamed Sesay forced Chris Seitz into a couple of saves in the 23rd and 27th minute.The Dynamo move on to host Minnesota United in the Round of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

San Antonio FC remains winless against MLS competition as they dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at home to FC Dallas. Dallas’s goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer was forced into a few critical saves in the first half, particularly as the half wound down. Maurer parried away a tricky Owayne Omar Gordon effort just before the halftime whistle. Another San Antonio attack midway through the first half needed a goalline clearance. Shortly after the break, Tesho Akindele provided the game’s only goal and Dallas never looked back.FC Dallas moves on to the Round of 16, where they’ll hope to unseat the defending Open Cup champions, Sporting Kansas City.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Sporting Kansas City already has qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Champions’ League wrapped up by virtue of winning last year’s Open Cup. On Wednesday, however, they played as if their spot in the league was on the line, as they won convincingly over Real Salt Lake in Utah. After a strong first ten minutes by the home side, RSL had trouble getting much going in the game, directing just two shots on target. Johnny Russell broke through for the visitors in the 47th minute and Kharlton Belmar made it 2-0 and iced the game in the 74th minute.Sporting Kansas City moves on to the Round of 16, where they’ll welcome FC Dallas to Children’s Mercy Park.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

LAFC cruised in this battle of teams that didn’t exist a year ago, although it took 53 minutes for the home side to finally break through the Fresno defenses. Diego Rossi touched home Dejan Jakovic’s effort to open the scoring, and Latif Blessing slotted home the second just three minutes later to put the game out of reach. Fresno’s lone chance could have altered the game, but Agstin Cazarez missed an open net in the 48th minute.LAFC moves on in their maiden Open Cup voyage to take on the Sacramento Republic.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Golden State Force arguably had the best showing of all the fourth-round amateur sides, scoring a goal and remaining just a goal behind until the 85th minute. It looked like the Galaxy would run away with this early, with Bradford Jamieson scoring in just the 15th minute and Ariel Lassiter scoring a spectacular scissor-kick goal in the 37th to double the lead. But the Force were unfazed, pulling one back just after halftime behind Pedro Fonseca. However, Lassiter’s second tally iced the game in the 85th minute.The Galaxy move on to take on the Portland Timbers in the Round of 16, while FC Golden State will enjoy the bonus for advancing the farthest of all amateur teams while taking out the most pro teams.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Despite playing in the same league, the San Jose Earthquakes weren’t much match for the Portland Timbers on Wednesday night. Jeremy Ebobisse opened the scoring for the Timbers in the 28th minute, and Portland never looked back. The Earthquakes registered just one shot on target, which did not include a missed sitter by Quincy Amarikwa in the second half. Dairon Asprilla doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 66th minute to put the Quakes away.With league form tanking, the Quakes sent largely a first-choice lineup. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Timbers’ reserve-heavy lineup, who now move on to host the Galaxy in the Round of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Seattle Sounders have had a lot of success in the Open Cup in their history. But they didn’t show it on Wednesday night as they fell 2-1 in extra time to the Sacramento Republic. Sacramento dominated most of the game, going ahead on a 55th minute strike by Cameron Iwasa. They continued to pepper Sounders goalkeeper Bryan Meredith with shots until Harry Shipp found a fluke equalizer in stoppage time. But Sacramento continued on their way, netting a goal by way of Jure Matjasic in the 115th minute.Sacramento moves on to Los Angeles, where they’ll face Los Angeles Football Club in the Round of 16.[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Review: FC Cincinnati joins three MLS teams in Semifinals

August 2, 2017 by Zach Smith

The New York Red Bulls celebrate their 1-0 win over the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

For the first time since 2011, the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will feature a non-MLS team. FC Cincinnati continued its Cinderella run in the tournament, beating Miami FC 1-0 on Wednesday.

Weeks ago, in a battle of Open Cup purebreds, three-time winners Sporting Kansas City beat the holders FC Dallas thanks to three extra time goals in a match that ended with just 19 players on the field.

SKC will meet up with Western Conference rivals San Jose Earthquakes, who beat LA Galaxy in the Open Cup version of the California Clasico, in the semifinals. FC Cincinnati and its massive crowds will play host to New York Red Bulls, who edged the New England Revolution, as they advanced toward their goal of winning their first Open Cup trophy.

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

Chris Wondolowski’s brace was enough to push San Jose into the Semifinals for the second time in club history. L.A. opened the scoring early when Jelle Van Damme headed home a corner kick. Wondolowski netted his first goal with a left-footed shot from the top of the box in the 16th minute and scored his second just after halftime on a soft header. San Jose put the game on ice with 30 minutes left when Danny Hoesen got in behind the Galaxy back line. Even a San Jose own goal in the 84th minute did little to damper the first victory by the Earthquakes over the Galaxy in six Open Cup meetings. FULL MATCH REPORT »

In a battle of the past two champions of the Open Cup, Sporting Kansas City overcame an early red card and scored three goals in extra time to beat FC Dallas. Seth Sinovich was sent off in the 15th minute for denying a goal scoring opportunity. Maxi Urruti was given a second yellow due to a high boot early in extra time and Latif Blessing slotted home the game’s first goal after a pass from Benny Feilhaber minutes later. FC Dallas went down to nine men after a second yellow was shown to Javier Morales which opened the floodgates as Blessing scored his second goal of the game in the stoppage time and Daniel Salloi made it 3-0 in the 118th minute. FULL MATCH REPORT »

The Red Bulls beat the Revolution for the second time in a span of just over a week when Bradley Wright-Phillips scored his first-ever Open Cup goal on the campus of Harvard University. Neither team broke through until the 85th minute when Felipe’s low pass found Wright-Phillips at the penalty spot. The two-time MLS Golden Boot winner’s shot lazily rolled past New England keeper Brad Knighton. New York, who has scored just three goals in three games in the tournament, advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2003. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Almost a month after a dangerous storm postponed the original match, Djiby Fall scored his fourth game-winning goal of the tournament and FC Cincinnati continued its impressive Open Cup run with a 1-0 win over NASL spring season champion Miami FC. Fall, who has scored the game-winner in every Open Cup match he’s appeared in this year, redirected a shot in the 68th minute to give Cincinnati the only goal they would need. FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt earned his fourth straight shutout (and the fifth straight by the team) as the second-year USL club reached the Semifinals. FULL MATCH REPORT »

2017 US Open Cup Round 5 review: FC Cincinnati, Miami FC steal the show with thrilling upsets

June 29, 2017 by Josh Hakala

FC Cincinnati drew 32,287 fans to their Round of 16 match against the Chicago Fire (MLS). Only one game in the Modern Era (2011 Final - 35,311) has drawn more. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati — FC Cincinnati drew 32,287 fans to their Round of 16 match against the Chicago Fire (MLS). Only one game in the Modern Era (2011 Final – 35,311) has drawn more. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati

When the dust settled on the Round of 16 of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, there were two clear-cut headliners. Somehow, FC Cincinnati (USL) and the Chicago Fire (MLS) managed to have the game live up to the hype without scoring a single goal. The game was broadcast live on ESPN in front of a record crowd of more than 32,000 (the second largest crowd of any kind in the Modern Era) and Cincinnati prevailed in a penalty kick shootout.

Elsewhere, Kwadwo Poku of Miami FC (NASL) scored the game-winning goal on what was essentially the final kick of the game to upset Atlanta United (MLS).

Wednesday night's US Open Cup action, headlined by FC Cincinnati's upset on ESPN was trending nationally on Twitter. — Wednesday night’s US Open Cup action, headlined by FC Cincinnati’s upset on ESPN was trending nationally on Twitter.

Two lower division teams will take part in the Quarterfinals and thanks to the way the bracket shook out, they will play each other in the next round. This guarantees that there will be a lower division club in the Semifinals for the first time since 2011 (13th time since 1996).

Joining them in the Quarterfinals are six MLS teams: Three-time winner Sporting Kansas City, two-time winner and defending champion FC Dallas will square off, while the California Classico will return to the Open Cup as the Galaxy will travel to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes. The last game features an original MLS matchup between the New York Red Bulls, who are seeking their first Open Cup title and the Revolution, last year’s runner-up who hasn’t lifted the trophy in a decade.

Here is a brief recap of each Round of 16 game with links to the full match report (Check back as more will be added):

FC Dallas advanced to their 16th Quarterfinal appearance with a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the Round of 16. Mauro Diaz scored a penalty kick to put Dallas ahead just before halftime, but Micheal Azira pulled Colorado level just after the break. Ryan Hollingshead put Dallas up ten minutes later, and Javier Morales put the game away with a minute remaining. FC Dallas will travel to Children’s Mercy Park to face Sporting Kansas City in the Quarterfinals on July 11. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

After missing out last season, Sporting Kansas City will make a return to the Quarterfinals after a 2-0 Round of 16 win over the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. Ike Opara’s goal in the 61st minute was backed up by Gerson Fernandes’ clincher in second half stoppage time. SKC will host the defending champions FC Dallas on July 11. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Overcoming an early 1-0 deficit, the New England Revolution pushed past their MLS Eastern Conference rivals D.C. United 2-1 in their Round of 16 match at Harvard University’s Jordan Field. Jose Guillermo Ortiz put D.C. on top in the 7th minute, but the lead only lasted until just before halftime when Diego Fagundez tied the score for New England. The Revs took for good two minutes after the restart on Brian Wright’s first career goal. New England advance to the Quarterfinals where they will return to Jordan Field to host the New York Red Bulls on July 13. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

A dramatic stoppage time winner from Kwadwo Poku vaulted the NASL’s Miami FC to an upset win over Atlanta United in their Round of 16 contest at Miami’s Riccardo Silva Stadium. After Brandon Vasquez gave Atlanta the lead in the 35th minute, Poku helped TheCup.us Player of the Fourth Round Stefano Pinho equalize two minutes later. Eight minutes into the second half Rhett Bernstein gave Miami a 2-1 lead, but with fifteen minutes remaining Poku committed a foul that allowed Julian Gressel to level the score for Atlanta from the penalty spot. Three minutes into stoppage time Poku took a pass from Vincenzo Rennella and broke away to beat Atlanta GK Alex Kann to send Miami to the Quarterfinals, where they will host FC Cincinnati on July 12. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

After a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, the New York Red Bulls reached the Quarterfinals via penalty shootout over the Philadelphia Union at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Sacha Kljestan gave the home team a 1-0 lead just before the break on a Bradley Wright-Phillips assist. Philadelphia denied New York a regulation time victory with a Roland Alberg goal in the 86th minute. After 30 minutes of scoreless extra time, the Red Bulls converted on all five of their penalty attempts, while Ryan Meara saved an attempt from Fabrice-Jean Picault, to gain a measure of revenge for Philly eliminating the Red Bulls in the same fashion in the 2015 Quarterfinals. The Red Bulls advance to a July 13 Quarterfinal date with the New England Revolution at Harvard University’s Jordan Field in Boston. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

In front of 32,287 and a national television audience on ESPN, the USL’s FC Cincinnati advanced to the Quarterfinals after a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over the Chicago Fire. In a back and forth game in which both teams had excellent scoring chances thwarted, it was Cincinnati’s Mitch Hildebrandt rising to legend status in the Queen City. Hildebrand and the Cincy defense held a strong Fire lineup at bay for 120 minutes with 10 saves from 26 shots to force a penalty shootout, although Andrew Wiedeman’s goal in the 109th minute was called back on a very close offside call. After Aodhan Quinn missed Cincinnati’s first attempt with a high shot, Hildebrandt saved three of Chicago’s four penalty attempts, his final stop against Juninho sending the Nippert Stadium crowd into hysterics. Cincinnati, who has yet to allow a goal in the 2017 tournament will face fellow underdogs Miami FC (NASL) in the Quarterfinals on July 12 in Miami. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Danny Hoesen’s goal with six minutes remaining in regulation helped the Quakes edge a 10-man Seattle Sounders team in Wednesday night’s Round of 16 matchup in the US Open Cup. Shea Salinas gave San Jose a 1-0 lead just six minutes into the match, but Aaron Kovar equalized for the reserve-laden Sounders in the opening minutes of the second half of new San Jose head coach Chris Leitch’s first competitive match as the head brass. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

A Galaxy side compromised mostly of LA Galaxy II players scored two goals in the first four minutes of the second half to end Sacramento’s Open Cup run, 2-0 Wednesday night at StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Ariel Lassiter scored the go-ahead goal for Los Angeles, which fielded a lineup of only four players with MLS experience. Bradford Jamieson IV also scored for Los Angeles in the 49th minute, and goalkeeper Jon Kempin earned the shutout. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2016 US Open Cup Round 3 review: The NASL strikes back

June 2, 2016 by Harrison Huntley

Patrick Otte of the Jacksonville Armada celebrates his goal against the Charleston Battery in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Gary Lloyd McCullough | Jacksonville Armada

The United Soccer League (USL) certainly had the upper hand in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup last year, holding the North American Soccer League (NASL) winless in all seven matchups (0-6-1, 0-1 PKs) between the rival leagues. This year, the NASL rebounded as seven of the nine entries advanced to the Fourth Round, including six of them that eliminated USL teams.

As impressive as the NASL was on Wednesday night, they weren’t the only headliners. Sharing the spotlight was a pair of amateur teams that won to punch their ticket to the Fourth Round, a place that very few fourth division teams have ever reached. Both came late in the evening as Southern California side La Maquina won an all-United Premier Soccer League matchup with the Los Angeles Wolves while the Kitsap Pumas closed out the round with a stunning 3-1 upset of the Sacramento Republic. La Maquina will face the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Pumas will take on the Seattle Sounders and if either one of them are able to pull off the massive upset in Round 4, they will be the first amateur team since 1995 to reach the Round of 16.

The round also featured the long-awaited Oklahoma City derby, the Carolina RailHawks breaking a goalscoring record and more. Check out a brief recap of each Third Round game with links to the full match report (Check back as more will be added):

Strikers’ goalkeeper Diego Restrepo was looking for redemption. Twice during the regular season, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers faced a penalty kick and both times he failed to stop a shot. Restrepo saved three of four penalties and made three saves in the game to lead Fort Lauderdale into the Fourth Round. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Both teams scored in the first half, but neither could break the tie in the second. A 107th minute goal for Jacksonville’s Keita gave his club the advantage they would need to win its first Open Cup game in the team’s brief history. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

A free kick broke the scoreless tie in the second half, and Rochester added another to seal the win. The two goals in an 11-minute span helped the Rhinos end the cup run of the amateur Lansdowne Bhoys from New York City. With the win, Rochester improves to 16-0-0 all-time against amateur clubs and earns a date with the New York Red Bulls of MLS. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Harrisburg needed a second half rally to get past the hometown Chattanooga FC. The City Islanders trailed 1-0 entering the 71st minute, but two goals in 11 minutes helped Harrisburg survive and advance. FULL MATCH REPORT

A near-perfect free kick gave New York the lead early, and a late header did all but put this game away. With the win, the Cosmos earn a date with New York City FC of MLS for the second year in a row. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

As hard as it is to believe, this was a scoreless draw at the end of regulation. The RailHawks scored a record five extra time goals to change a close result to a lopsided one against the Charlotte Independence, who played the majority of the match with 10 men due to an early red card.
An early goal had Tampa Bay Rowdies fans on edge all night, but it turned out to be the only goal they would need. The Rowdies will take on the Columbus Crew in the next round. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Louisville held the 1-0 advantage at the half, but Indy came all the way back, netting two goals in 10 minutes to emerge with the win to set up an intriguing Fourth Round matchup with the Chicago Fire of MLS. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

Wilmington scored two goals in the first five minutes of the match and held off Miami FC for the remainder of the match. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]
Minnesota United avenged last year’s loss to Saint Louis FC by scoring a counter attack goal in the 69th minute and then adding a late clincher to put the game out of reach. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]

In the first meeting between two Oklahoma City clubs, the USL’s Energy FC took down the NASL’s Rayo OKC 2-1 in extra time in a true city derby. A 107th minute goal by Kyle Hyland was the game-winner and any comeback hopes were dashed when Rayo OKC received a pair of late red cards. FULL MATCH REPORT »

Des Moines shut out San Antonio through 72 minutes, but Sam McBride came through with his first professional goal to tie the game and Jacques Francois scored the game-winner nine minutes later and the visitors held on for the win to avoid the upset. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]
The Switchbacks, who had already defeated Arizona United twice in league play this year, made it three wins in a row as they cruised to a 3-0 victory to set up an all-Colorado matchup with the Rapids in Round 4. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]
Former Chivas de Guadalajara player Edwin Borboa scored both goals in a rare all-amateur Third Round match as La Maquina defeated fellow United Premier Soccer League team Los Angeles Wolves FC, 2-0. The Southern California club earns a date with the Los Angeles Galaxy. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]
Arguably the biggest surprise of the round came when the PDL’s Kitsap Pumas traveled south and upset the USL’s Sacramento Republic, 3-1. All four goals in this match came in a frantic five-minute span starting in the 60th minute. For the Pumas, it was their first-ever win over a pro team, and their reward is a Round 4 road match with four-time US Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders. FULL MATCH REPORT [+]