The start of the FIFA World Cup may have paused professional soccer around the world but not everything is on hold. Across the country 36 teams played last weekend looking to inch one step closer to the 108th US Open Cup tournament.

The Third Qualifying Round for 2023 saw 18 games played in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Only California and Florida saw more than one game played over Saturday and Sunday speaking to how spread out the games were. Some teams traveled long distances, reaching as far as 700 miles between opponents, while others simply needed to pay a toll to cross a New York City borough bridge.

Of the team’s competing in the third round ten competed in the 2022 tournament (in some form). Only seven of this group survived to keep their chances of a return alive for at least one more month.

The winners from this round move on to December’s fourth and final qualifying games. Those will take place between November 17-18 with the winners advancing to the tournament proper.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Florida Premier FC (UPSL / USASA)
2:4
Club de Lyon (NISA Nation)
Young Pine Park; Orlando, FL
MATCH VIDEO

By Tim Abbott

NISA Nation’s Club de Lyon took a topsy-turvy affair in Orlando. Florida Premier from Tampa, and the UPSL, took the short trip across Central Florida and took the lead in the 5th minute from a direct free kick. CDL equalized in the 26th minute, after a searching cross into the box made it to the far post for a tidy finish by Felipe Hurtado.

Florida Premier took back the lead in the 55th minute after a corner kick was headed in. Club de Lyon returned the favor only five minutes later from Mateo Borelli. The NISA Nation region champions finally got in front behind two goals from Kewin Duque, with the final one coming off a good cross in the 63rd minute.

(At the time of publication, Florida Premier had not responded to confirm goal scorers)

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Chicago House AC (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
2:1
Metro Louisville FC (UPSL)
Woehrle Athletic Complex; Jeffersonville, IN

By Katherine Reed

Chicago House AC took a step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time with a 2-1 road win over the UPSL’s Metro Louisville FC.

It was a brisk 37 degrees when House and Metro kicked off at Woerhle in Jeffersonville, Ind. The match started off chippy, and early on (9th min.) House was awarded a penalty when a collision between the Metro keeper and House’s Nico Williams was deemed a foul. Seo In Kim converted the penalty while William was taken by ambulance for treatment for a facial injury.

The match was back and forth until Metro equalized in the 28th minute when Erbin Trejo hit home with a short range shot. The equalizer energized the home side and possession leaned their way until the match took another turn.

In the 36th minute, a scuffle broke out when Chicago’s AR Smith committed a foul in his defensive third and his teammate, Daniel Hayes, physically interjected himself. It took five minutes for the officiating team to work out who deserved a card and, surprisingly, only the one red card was given to Hayes.

Despite going down a man, House was spurred on by Kim who was constantly pressing Chicago forward. Heath Martin shut down any chances Metro had down their right side. Frustration became more apparent from Metro with several players spending quite a bit of time on the ground. In the 65the minute, Metro received their own red card when Trejo picked up his second yellow card. About 10 minutes later, saw the ball in the back of the net from a deflected shot by Jedidiah McCloud and House celebrating what would ultimately be the game-winner.

Match Broadcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12CIyzdUjI8

Match Broadcast (Spanish feed):

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D10 Lions FC (National Soccer League / USSSA)
0:2 (74’)
D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club (UPSL)
Lake Ridge High School; Mansfield, TX
Match abandoned in 74th min. after D10 Lions player spit at referee

By Adam Uthe

The Third Round qualifying match for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup between D10 Lions FC and D’Feeters Kicks SC was abandoned in approximately the 74th minute. With D’Feeters leading 2-0, they advanced to next month’s Fourth Qualifying Round. The early ending was after D10 Lions player Ran Vahnono spat in the direction of the referee after receiving a red card for violent conduct. After the referee announced the match was being abandoned, a player kicked him and made contact with his heel.

The red card to Vahnono came after he shoved a D’Feeters player standing over the ball, waiting to take a free kick. Once the red card had been raised, Vahnono’s teammates Farid Orellana and Oscar Romero both came between Vahnono and the referee. The official looked ready to raise his arm for another card as the group’s tensions raised. Moments later, after the interaction, the official blew his whistle to declare the match abandoned.

Click here for the full match report from Adam Uthe

Match Broadcast (Spanish)
First half: https://www.facebook.com/Heynz1991/videos/1105534000156516/
Second half: https://www.facebook.com/Heynz1991/videos/1801508833545292/

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Nova FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
1:0
DCFC (DC Premier League / USASA)
Jelleff Recreation Center; Washington, D.C.

By Sam Luebke

Northern Virginia FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League/USASA) battled the elements, a small pitch and a determined and well organized DCFC (DC Premier League/USASA) team to gain a victory and continue their campaign to qualify for the 2023 US Open Cup.

It was a chilly and damp 41 degrees at kickoff at Jelleff Recreation Center in D.C. The pitch is a cozy 100 x 62.5. Perhaps for these reasons, and maybe a bit of US Open Cup nerves, much of the play in the first half was choppy and disconnected. NoVa FC had trouble maintaining possession and getting into a rhythm. It was obvious NoVa FC were having trouble adapting to the tight confines and used to having a bit more time and space on the ball. DCFC defended bravely and with good structure. There were few high-quality scoring opportunities generated until the very end of the first half.

These conditions and pitch favored DCFC’s direct approach. They had the better chances that emerged in the first half, including a couple of credible efforts, taking advantage of the small pitch, from just inside NoVa FC’s half.

However, Northern Virginia’s quality shone through in the 42nd minute when a neat one touch outside of the right foot pass by Ahmed Sheta and a neat turn and clean finish by Vagner Marquis gave NoVa a lead going into halftime.

Goal by Vagner Marquis gives @NovaFc 1-0 lead over @dcfcest at halftime in @usopencup Third Round Qualification match. #USOC2023 pic.twitter.com/5mJ2j089zg

— Tim Harvey 🚧 ⚽️ 🚧 (@timharvFC) November 20, 2022

DCFC faced a difficult road in their comeback attempt as NoVa FC had posted clean sheets in their previous two US Open Cup qualifiers. NoVa FC keeper Tyler Back continued his streak and posted a third shutout as his defenders closed the door on DCFC in the second half. NoVa FC adjusted to the pitch and were much better integrated and generally looked more confident in the half. They were denied a second goal on a tight offsides call in the 51st minute.

DCFC had two solid scoring chances, but their touch betrayed them in front of goal. The game ended on an exciting note as Tyler Back left the box with the ball in his hands to join a fracas, deep in stoppage time. After a quick conference with the officials to discuss if the ball was in play, DCFC was awarded a free kick dead center, right on the 18. But the wall did its job and NoVa FC moved on to the next round in their quest to qualify for the second year in a row.

Highlights:

Highlights from @NovaFc's 1-0 win over DCFC in @usopencup Third Qualifying Round with a superb save by Tyler Back and two angles of the game-winning goal by Vagner Marquis @jeff9112345 pic.twitter.com/Wnt0dQcBOn

— Tim Harvey ???? ⚽️ ???? (@timharvFC) November 20, 2022

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Oyster Bay United FC (UPSL)
1:4
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (Eastern Premier Soccer League / USASA)
Tibbetts Brooke Park; Yonkers, NY

Lansdowne Yonkers secured their spot in the next round of the qualifying tournament with a 4-1 win over Oyster Bay United. Despite the cold, more than 100 fans turned out for the cup tie and they were treated to some wonderful soccer. Joseph Devivo gave Lansdowne the lead in the 33rd minute from a beautiful volley just outside the six yard box. They would take the lead into halftime.

Lansdowne nearly doubled their lead in the opening minute of the second half but were denied by a good save from Oyster Bay goalkeeper and captain Jean Carlo Perez. Shaquile Sanchez would double Landsdowne’s lead in the 61st minute after a shot rebounded to him and left him right in front of goal with just the keeper to beat. Julio Espinal would give Oyster Bay United a deserved goal in the 65th minute after beating Landsdowne down the right flank and slotting home. Shawn Genus would add the finishing touches as he scored goals three and four for Landsdowne. His fourth was from a tight angle near the touch line but he managed to beat Jean Carlo Perez.

“There is always a winner and always a loser,” said Oyster Bay United head coach Josue Esqueche. “We need to go back to train and see what we need to get better and what we need to reinforce. I’m just happy for the guys. We did everything we could to be in the main cup.”

“The most pleasing aspect of the way we played wasn’t actually the goals, it was the way we defended,” said Landsdowne assistant coach Craig Purcell. “The intensity that the boys worked out of possession to get the ball back and then feed it to the players in attack to score goals. That’s where the goals come from.”

Match Broadcast:

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IASC Boom (Rochester District Soccer League / USASA)
1:2
SC Vistula Garfield (Garden State Soccer League / USASA)
Athenia Steel Recreation Complex; Clifton, NJ

By Josh Hakala

SC Vistula Garfield scored a late goal to edge IASC Boom, 2-1 to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2023 US Open Cup.

IASC Boom, the reserve team for the UPSL’s Roc City Boom in Rochester, N.Y., were happy to play a road game in Clifton, N.J. with the amount of snow back home being measured in feet rather than inches.

Vistula Garfield opened the scoring about 10 minutes into the game with some build up on the left wing. Nick Kozdron collected the ball and played a long pass to the far post where Dean Wright had made a nice run. Wright played the ball back across goal to Wojciech Piwowarczyk who headed the ball into the back of the net.

IASC Boom answered midway through the second half when a Vistula corner kick was headed out by Dom Francis. IASC Boom’s Ayub Jeylani collected the ball and dribbled up to midfield where he played a through ball to Austin Gerber who scored to level the game at 1-1.

Vistula, who are undefeated in the Garden State Soccer League’s Super Division, kept their unbeaten run alive with a game-winner with about 10 minutes left in the match. Just like the first goal, it was created from the left wing. Viktor Pervushkin beat a few defenders down the line and managed a low, hard cross. The IASC Boom goalkeeper dove out to punch the ball, but punched it right to former pro Christopher Karcz. The former New York Red Bulls player controlled the ball and finished inside the six yard line.

Vistula, a club with a 70-year history, are now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present).According to TheCup.us records, Vistula Garfield has participated in the tournament as far back as 1971.

Match Broadcast:

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Escondido FC (UPSL)
3:7
Orange County FC (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park; Lake Forest, CA

By Kathryne Padilla

A late comeback from Orange County FC resulted in a 7-3 victory over Escondido FC in the third qualifying round of the U.S. Open Cup.

“Escondido FC is a great team,” said Orange County FC head coach Paul Caligiuri. “But certainly from the OCFC side, going down to zero and coming back and winning this game. It says a lot about our character as a group, and the depth of our team was a tough game all around.”

Just seconds after starting the match, Escondido FC created a play with a header aimed directly at the goal but was blocked by Orange County FC’s keeper. Multiple close opportunities would follow suit after for Escondido as they held most of the possession for the duration of the half.

Frustration loomed over most of Orange County FC’s players, and the tension seemed to grow between each other as they worked to regain composure.

Escondido’s Raymond Soro would find fellow teammate Robert Guerrero Escobedo’s feet, who would go one-on-one with OCFC’s goalie. A simple chip over the goalkeeper’s shoulder would put Escondido in the lead.

A few minutes after Escobedo’s goal, Marcos Celestino would lengthen Escondido’s lead to 2-0 in the 43rd minute.

The first half would end shortly, with OCFC falling into a deficit.

As the second half commenced, there was a noticeable change in attitude for all of OCFC’s players. Finally holding their shape, OCFC pushed pressure on Escondido’s defense.

“Certainly, in the first half, Escondido worked way harder than OCFC, and they capitalized on their chances. And you know, we had a nice talk at halftime, a realization that’s either come back from a two-zero deficit or you go home, and if you don’t want to go home, we knew that we had to score relatively quickly in the second half when we did so. And I think that lifted,” Caligiuri said.

However, the game’s intensity remained, and in an attempt to score, one of OCFC’s players collided with Escondido’s goalie, Juan Barragan. At this time, the game was delayed for a brief moment to check on Barragan. At this time, a discussion between the OCFC head coach and a referee occurred but resulted in Caliguri being awarded a yellow card.

Throughout the match, players from both teams were given several warnings for fouls they had committed, but at this time of the match, no yellow cards were given out.

When the second half resumed, in the 61st minute, OCFC Jonathan Joel Umana would start a long run for his team after completing a pass from Lorenzo La Violette, bringing the score 2-1.

Not long after, in the 68th minute, La Violette would add himself to the list of goal scorers and tie the game. However, just a few minutes later, Jose Montes De Oca would bring OCFC into the lead in the 70th minute with a shot to the upper left corner of the goal.

The match favored OCFC with a score of 3-2.

Just a goal away from tying the game, a red card was awarded to Escondido FC’s Joshua Hernandezin the 77th minute. It was unclear what Hernandez was awarded the card for, but it dealt with some misconduct.

With just 10 players on the field and time running out. In the 90th minute of the match, Escondido’s Yerry Mendez was able to get that final goal to tie the match at 3-3. Six extra minutes were added to the regulation period but would end with the game going into extra time.

In the 93rd minute, OCFC’s Montes De Oca would gain his second goal of the evening, giving his team the lead early into extra time. Montes De Oca did not stop there; in the 100th minute, he completed his hat trick for the match, which resulted in a 5-3 lead.

Right before the extra time half, OCFC Miguel Moreno Rodriguez would follow Montes’ energy and add to their lead. In the 115th minute, Rodriguez gives OCFC a 6-3 lead over Escondido.

After a quick half, the remaining 15 minutes of extra time continued. Escondido FC battled to get any opportunities to create a comeback. But in the 127th minute, OCFC’s Umana would solidify his team’s win with a final goal bringing their victory to 7-3.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Olympians FC (UPSL)
1:3 (AET)
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
UDA at New Mexico State University; Las Cruces, NM

By Josh Hakala

A pair of UPSL clubs squared off with the hosts, UDA Soccer, overcoming an early deficit to score three straight goals to beat Olympians F, 3-1.

It was the visitors from Arizona who struck first when Eddie Jasso caught the UDA goalkeeper off his line. Jasso launched a shot from near midfield and beat the keeper to give the Olympians an early lead.

The Olympians appeared to be cruising with a 1-0 lead but the game changed in the 75th minute. An Olympians player received his second yellow card and was sent off leaving the visitors down a man for the final 15 minutes. It looked as though the shorthanded Olympians were going to survive, but in the 87th minute, Marco Millan delivered an impressive cross and the equalizer was headed home by Jose “Jay” Mustielis to tie the game.

The game remained tied into the second extra time when the Olympians received another blow to their chances of advancing. Another player received a second yellow card, bringing them down to nine men. UDA would finally take advantage with about five minutes remaining when Will Hansen delivered a ball from the right side of the field to Keane Garcia, who headed it past the goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, UDA, Alan Vargas Gudino connected on a cross to make it 3-1 and that’s how the score would finish.

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Unations FC (UPSL)
2:5
Brockton FC United (Bay State Soccer League / USASA)
Randolph High School; Randolph, MA

Unations FC, in their third attempt at US Open Cup qualifying, visited Brockton FC, who are looking for their second consecutive trip to the Open Cup proper, at Randolph High School in Randolph, Mass. Two goals and two assists from Antonio Correia would see Brockton FC win the contest 5-2.

Brockton’s Antonio Correia, assisted by Ro, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. The home side would increase their lead in the 40th from Kily, with a low strike to the far post. Brockton led 2-0 going into halftime.

40’ goal ⁦@BrocktonUnitFc⁩ #80 Kily. pic.twitter.com/OHiuOcj8Ae

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) November 20, 2022

The second half was busier, staring almost immediately. Unation’s Richie Rivera cut the lead to one with an assist from Patrick Ejide in the 46th. Michael Mohamed would equalize in the 56th with a chip over the top of the Brockton GK. Brockton would find the right answers starting in the 70th minute from Leonardo Teixeira, assisted by Antonio Correia to regain the lead at 3-2. The pair would reverse roles in the 80th when a Texeira pass led to Correia’s second goal of the day to lead 4-2. A late insurance goal in the 88th, a second Correia assist found Euclides Mendoca to seal the deal.

56’ ⁦@unationsfc⁩ equalizes with a goal from #11 Michael Mohamed. pic.twitter.com/LPMh7HMy9d

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) November 20, 2022

Brockton FC is now one win away from back-to-back US Open Cups. A victory in the “Win and You’re In” round, Dec. 17-18 will send them through.

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West Chester United SC (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)
4:0
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USL of Pennsylvania / USASA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse; Warminster, PA

West Chester United SC cruised to a 4-0 victory over Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Early pressure from West Chester put their oppononets on the backfoot from the start. The cold and wind did not yield a beautiful game, but there were many well-worked opportunities by both teams in the first half. West Chester took the lead on a penalty by Derek Ramirez in the 11th minute and later doubled their lead in the 18th minute through Finn Reese, who was later to be named man of the match. VE had a great opportunity cleared right in front of goal a few minutes before halftime, but they could not find the goal they needed.

The second half saw United pull away and cement their place in the next round. Mason Miller gave his team their third goal of the afternoon in the 61st minute and later Reese set up Jake Gosselin to round out a complete 4-0 victory. There were opportunities for Verinigung Erzgebirge but they could not find a way back into the game.

Afterwards, West Chester United coach Blaise Santangelo was pleased with the win despite the touch conditions away from home. “When we come here we’re not looking for pretty points because they are going to constantly run at you for 90 minutes. You just have to find a way to get a ball over the line.”

Meanwhile Vereinigung Erzgebirge coach Rob Oldfield lamented the poor start by his team. “Giving up the early was terrible. It just put us down. Heads went down and we didn’t respond well.” Many at the club hope to return to the competition next year.

Some 📸 from today’s #USOC2023 qualifier between @VEClub and @WCUSCPredators pic.twitter.com/FoczimZZRm

— Brotherly Game (@BrotherlyGame) November 20, 2022

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Azteca FC (Colorado Super League / USASA)
5:1
Athletic Club of Sloan’s Lake (Colorado Super League / USASA)
Wheat Ridge High School; Wheat Ridge, CO

On a cold, snowy Sunday at Wheat Ridge High School, Azteca FC visited AC Sloans Lake in a 3rd qualifying round game. Azteca are looking for their 4th tournament proper appearance (2017, 2018, 2022); Sloans Lake is looking for their first appearance. Azteca would win this contest by a 5-1 score line.

This one began with both teams helping to clear the snow-covered ground so the game could even be played.

Colorado in November ☃⚽️🧊

@ACSLdirector @AztecaFC5280 | #USOC2023 pic.twitter.com/wtJI0L1XEk

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) November 20, 2022

Azteca FC, opened the scoring off of a goalpost rebound from a Sloans Lake effort in the 21st minute from Anthony Miranda. In the 34th, Freddy Fragozo increased the lead to 2-0, sending the Sloans Lake keeper the wrong way on a PK. Freddy Fragozo would get his brace just two minutes later, in the 36th. With a 3-0 halftime lead, it appeared to be cruise control for Azteca from then on.

The second half saw a little more joy from the hosts, pulling a goal back by Adam Everett in the 75th minute and reducing the deficit to two goals. Azteca found more late goals when Jovany Herrera hit a double in the 82nd and 88th minutes, to ensure the win.

With the victory, Azteca FC await word of their opponent in December’s “Win and You’re In” game, to be played on the 17th or the 18th.

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Tobacco Road FC (Triangle Adult Soccer League / USASA)
0:3
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL)
Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Center; Columbia, SC
MATCH VIDEO

By Forrest Wimberly

The South Carolina United Heat used a quick pair of goals in the first half to move past the visiting Tobacco Road FC Sunday night in Columbia, S.C.

Tobacco Road FC only traveled and dressed 10 players due to several players having playing duties with another Tobacco Road FC team. Despite being short-handed the Tobacco Road FC team played some stubborn defense holding the SCU Heat scoreless until the 33rd minute.

The high pressure of the Heat constantly pinned the visitors in their half and a quick passing sequence in the 33rd minute was the first goal for the Heat. Just two minutes later, the Heat struck again finishing a driven cross inside a crowded penalty box. Leading 2-0 at the half the Heat kept pressing the attack adding their third and final goal on a 1-v-1 breakaway in the 75th minute. Tobacco Road had one good look at goal in the 85th minute off a quick restart but the alert Heat keeper was ready to punch the high shot away to preserve the clean sheet.

The SCU Heat now advance to the “win-and-you’re-in” game for a second straight year. A year ago, a Covid-19 outbreak within the Heat squad forced a forfeit in this same game. Just one match away from the 2023 US Open Cup, the SCU Heat advanced tonight and looked focused on bigger prizes just ahead in the next round of qualifiers the weekend of Dec. 17-18.

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Davis Legacy SC (UPSL)
0:5
Inter San Francisco (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA)
Beach Chalet Soccer Field; San Francisco, CA

By Michael Koenig

Nikolai Littleton’s second half hat trick powered Inter San Francisco to a 5-0 win over undermanned Davis Legacy. Only nine Davis players made the trip to San Francisco and they were reduced to an eight man squad when Kennedy Chongo had to leave in the 34th minute mark because of an apparent injury to one of his fingers.

Inter was a constant threat to score throughout the first half, but Davis was able to keep them off of the scoreboard thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Anthony Gonzalez Cruz, who made key saves on shots by Littleton in the 14th minute and Dylan Autran less than a minute later. Inter was also unlucky when Littleton’s shot hit the crossbar in the 22nd minute.

But the host side broke the game open in the second half as the Davis defense began to wear down. Javier Rivera Hernandez opened the scoring in the 54th minute on a low shot that deflected off of Gonzalez Cruz’s leg and into the back of the net. Littleton scored his hat trick with goals in the 58th, 75th, and 82nd minute. Then former pro Matt Fondy closed out the scoring with a goal in the 85th minute.

Match Broadcast:

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Beaman United FC (UPSL)
4:4
Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
Shiloh Generals Stadium; Snellville, GA
Beaman United advances 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Federico Pravettoni

Sunday night madness in Snellville, Ga. as Beaman United defeated Kalonji Pro-Profile in penalty kicks in the third round of the Open Division Qualifying tournament for the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This was after the two teams finished tied at 4-4 after 120 minutes.

In a thrilling roller coaster match that saw eight goals, a red card, a goalkeeper scoring, and the woodwork hit twice in extra time, penalties were needed to send Beaman past Kalonji through the next round of the tournament.

Within the opening minutes of the match, the Georgian side took a surprising early lead on a counterattack with Anthony Sumo after Beaman’s defense gave away the ball too easily at half field.

Despite the early disadvantage, with great patience, cohesion and perseverance Beaman took control of the match.

In the 17th minute, the Lions got their first real chance when left back Daniel Picken crossed the ball from the left flank for Kwadwo Poku, whose header in the box went just inches wide of the goal.

Beaman continued to push and created two good chances with Austin Morenzoni and Alphonso Gooden, but neither was unable to finish.

In the final minutes of the first half Kalonji Pro-Profile caught Beaman’s defense off-guard. Forward Junior Sandoval exploited the chance sliding it past the Lions’ goalkeeper Alex Rodriguez making it 2-0.

Minutes later Sandoval almost made it 3-0 for the Georgians, but the ball went just wide of Rodriguez’s net.

The Lions did not lose composure or temper and in extra time found the back of the net with a left-footed shot by midfielder Michael Reed, sending Beaman on a one goal difference at half-time.

In the second 45 minutes, Beaman started strong and came close to finding the tie with a right-footed attempt looking for the front post by Gooden, which was saved by a superb Kalonji goalkeeper Henry Pleitez.

Despite total Beaman dominion, Kalonji sat back and waited for its opportunity. In the 64th minute, the Georgian side surprised Beaman’s defense on another counterattack, and almost found the third of the night with the forward on a 1-v-1 with Rodriguez, who deflected it into a corner.

Minutes later, Sumo made himself dangerous in Beaman’s box with a header through good coordination and positioning, but the ball went wide.

In the 72nd minute, Kwadwo Poku, who has nine career US Open Cup goals on his resume, received the ball from the right in the attacking third. He dribbled through two Kalonji defenders and released a missile into the net just below the bar, making it 2-2 for Beaman.

The Lions’ equalizer did not last long though, as a deadly Kalonji Pro-Profile on counterattacks did it again to surprise Beaman’s defense line. With two forwards against the sole Rodriguez, it was an easy tap-in for Sandoval to bring Kalonji back on top.

The drama does not end here. Beaman hit the crossbar on a Kwadwo Poku header in the 80th minute off a corner. Ten minutes later, just before extra time, Lions midfielder Brandon Gonzalez delivered a great corner. Pleitez came out of the goal and missed the ball. Seth Poku capitalized on the opportunity, drawing the game for Beaman.

In the first overtime period the intensity slightly decreased, but No. 22 for Kalonji Pro-Profile was awarded a red card for what was deemed as dissent forcing the side from Georgia to play a man down. 12 minutes into the second overtime period, Seth Poku received the ball from the right flank, anticipated the defender with a quick touch, set up his left foot and finished, giving Beaman the lead for the first time in the game. With a few minutes left plus extra time, Kalonji Pro-Profile was now playing against the clock to find a late equalizer.

In the 123rd minute, Kalonji delivered a free kick which hit the post, and on the rebound an unmarked Pleitez was able to tap the ball into the back of the net, making it 4-4. The ref then blew the whistle sending the game to penalties.

Sandoval and Seth Poku both scored the first two penalties. Sumo then missed for Kalonji while Matheus Souza Tonon did not to give Beaman a 2-1 lead. In the third and fourth round Beaman missed a penalty while Kalonji finished both, re-equalizing the score. Rodriguez with the crucial save denied Carr from the spot on the fifth penalty for Kalonji Pro-Profile. Kwadwo Poku with the experience did not miss, allowing Beaman United to defeat Kalonji Pro-Profile at penalties and advance to the fourth and final round of the tournament.

“It means a lot to win against a good team, Kalonji, physical and direct in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup,” said head coach Gift Ndam

“This means a lot,” said Beaman player Nathaniel Bedai. “Not only to the team, to our families and to our fans, it means a lot for those supporting us and those who have been with us all through these times through the summer and through the cold.”

“The key was hard work, and then never give up,” said Bedai. “You fight until the end. It’s not over until it’s over. We wanted to win, the determination was to win.”

With the win, Beaman United advances to the fourth qualifying round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, to be played the weekend of Dec. 17-18.

Match Broadcast:

 

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Naples City FC (UPSL)
3:0
Miami Soccer Academy (National Soccer League / USSSA)
Monsignor Edward Pace High School; Miami Gardens, FL

In a very rainy Miami Gardens, Fla. and after a weather delay that lasted almost an hour, Miami Soccer Academy hosted Naples City FC. Naples City were looking for US Open Cup revenge over Miami, after Miami ended City’s qualifying run last year. Naples City would get it, as 3-0 victors.

First half goals in the 15th and 18th minutes propelled Naples to an early lead. Miami did not shy away from looking to cut the deficit. The first 15 minutes of the second half saw them in charge of the game. A fluke deflection led to a 61st minute goal for Naples City, to alleviate the pressure and seal the victory.

No information about the Naples goal scorers were made available.

With the victory, Naples City awaits their opponent in the “Win and You’re In” round to be held December 17 & 18.

Match Broadcast:

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City Soccer FC (National Soccer League / USSSA)
2:3
Miami United FC (National Soccer League / USSSA)
Ted Hendricks Stadium; Hialeah, FL
MATCH VIDEO

By Michael Battista

Miami United FC denied City Soccer FC a second consecutive Open Cup appearance by beating the West Palm Beach side, 3-2. A fanatic four goal first half gave way to stiff defense later on. In the end a free kick goal from United’s Robertino Insúa, his second goal in as many qualifying games, was the deciding factor.

City took control early as rain trickled down across South Beach. A corner kick in the 3rd minute found a friendly head towards the near post. The ball redirected towards the far post and into the netting to put the visitors up, 1-0. The lead, City’s only one of the match, lasted only six minutes. Miami United responded with a goal from Miguel Benito in the 9th minute. A City goal kick was intercepted just before midfield and passed to Benito on the right side. He cut towards the center, trying to play around a defender, before taking a shot from the corner of the box. The ball may have been slightly redirected but the attempt screamed into the top netting over the City keeper.

Andrea Pastore, a former Italian professional player, gave Miami the lead in the 25th minute. After scoring in the last round against UPSL’s International Soccer Association his shot on Sunday from the top of the box went over the keeper’s head once again. But much like City’s first lead, United’s did not last long. The visitors played excellent counter football the entire match and eight minutes after going down they responded. As the rain picked up intensity a game restart found Miami lexically passing the ball back on the right side. A City player intercepted near midfield and charged down the left side. Going towards the net, he shot low around an advancing keeper’s left side to tie the game at 2-2 in the 33rd.

The weather started to clear up after this and defense started to come out. Miami had to wait until the 55th minute to find a game-winner. A free kick just outside the box left Insúa facing a five man wall. Looking directly at the net and with a City player lying on the ground behind four of his teammates, he elected to shoot high. The attempt went between two of the jumping defenders and curved to the left. The City keeper barely reacted as the ball hit the back of the netting to make 3-2.

Miami advances hoping to qualify for their sixth US Open Cup tournament (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020*, & 2022) with a win in the next round.

Both Miami and City are members of the National Soccer League. While Miami’s first team competes in a higher division (NSL South Florida – Elite Division) this won’t be its last meeting with City. Miami’s U-23 team and City both play in the NSL South Florida – Premier Division (2nd tier of NSL’s Florida group). The two sides finished the regular season next to one another with City in fourth and Miami in fifth. They’ll play in a playoff quarter final on November 27.

Miami U-23s won the lone regular season meeting, 1-0, on Oct. 1.

* 2020 tournament qualification came via open division qualifying and with the organization’s Under-23 team (tournament eventually canceled)

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BattleBorn FC (NISA Nation / USASA)
1:0
Legend Football Gold (Federal Way Men’s Open Sunday / USASA)
Saghalie Park; Federal Way, WA

BattleBorn FC, in their second attempt in US Open Cup qualifying, traveled to Federal Way, Wash. and defeated Legend Football Gold by a score of 1-0. The lone goal of the game came from the penalty spot in the 30th minute. Jonathan Cuevas dribbled past a defender and was taken down in the penalty area to earn his team a PK. Joaquin Garcia stepped up to take the spot kick and converted it to put the visitors ahead.

Five minutes after the goal, the visitors gained another advantage. Karsimi Konneh, who scored the lone goal in LFG’s win last round, was sent off. The hosts would spend the remaining 55 minutes of the match down a man and were unable to find an equalizer. The win sends the Nevada side to next month’s “Win and You’re In” round the weekend of Dec. 17-18.

Kickoff incoming@opencup @battlebornfc_nv #LFG pic.twitter.com/MElkzejua4

— Legend Football (@xlegendfootball) November 21, 2022

 

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Capistrano FC (NISA Nation / USASA)
L:W
Desert FC (UPSL)
Hovely Park (Field 3); Palm Desert, CA

The day of the game, Capistrano FC was contacted by the United States Soccer Federation to inform them that they would be advancing to the Fourth Round of the qualifying tournament. This was because Desert FC, the hosts, did not have enough available players. By advancing, Capo FC will reach a “Win & You’re In” match for the second tournament in a row, and will try to qualify for the first time in team history.