Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

USASA Region I

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Screaming Eagles win first Maryland title, deny Bays a three-peat in chaotic fashion

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First time US Open Cup entrants the Screaming Eagles defeated two-time defending champions Maryland Bays 4-2 in what can only be considered a wild final in Maryland’s Rowland Cup, the state’s US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. With their first final appearance and win, the Eagles advance to the USASA Region I tournament and are now just two wins away from the Open Cup proper.

The Eagles will move on to host the Metro D.C./Virginia champions Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks on April 7 in the Region I quarterfinals. The winner will play the team that emerges from the yet-to-be determined New Jersey champion and Eastern Pennsylvania title holder West Chester United in a “Win & You’re In” match on April 21.

The Screaming Eagles also make a little history in the process as they were the first Maryland International Soccer League team to enter the tournment, and now they are the first to win it.

While the six goals themselves, including two deep in stoppage time, would normally signal a lively affair, the goalscoring was only the tip of the iceberg. The game nearly saw the winning team have to start with only eight players, suffered four somewhat soft yellow cards, three mass confrontations, two clear red cards, a bizarre episode where two fans were ejected from the match and a seven minute suspension of the match while those fans were ejected.

The strange afternoon began even before the first whistle. In an interesting twist, the change to daylight savings time affected the Eagles, who five minutes before kick-off had only eight players. Just before the match started, three additional players arrived to give the Eagles a full complement of players. The Bays, on the other hand, had nearly as many players on their bench. In the 13th minute, three more Eagles arrived to give the first time entrants a bench to tap into for the game.

The first half was dominated by the Bays, who were fully warmed up and working to overcome their normal slow start. The experienced champions took control of possession and showed some sharp passing to create a few chances and keep the Eagles on the back foot. The Eagles, a physically strong, quick team, lacked cohesion and struggled to get passes strung together and their play was easily disrupted.

The physical tone of the match was set early when the Bays’ Antonio Bue made a strong, sliding challenge in the Eagles penalty area. Although a foul was called, the referee just spoke to Bue, on what appeared to be a studs up challenge, normally a misconduct warranting a yellow card. The game only got more physical from here.

The Bays took the early lead when a scramble on the left side saw multiple attempts by the Bays to cross the ball and ultimately winger Elton Joe was able to get a ball across the face of goal. With the Eagles defenders drawn to one side, Bays midfielder Chris Ports was standing all alone, unmarked and one-timed a right footer into the back of the net from six yards out in the 18th minute.

The remainder of the first half saw neither team able to create any solid chances. For the Eagles, it looked as though their best chances would come down the left flank, where Malone Komara was regularly beating Aaron Beall, but Bays centerback Josh Taylor snuffed out any real chances.

By the 40th minute, it had become clear that the refereeing was going to be a factor in the game and it would only be a matter of time before a red card was shown. The inconsistent calls were leading to a escalation of physical play, dangerous tackles and almost constant bickering from the Eagles team. The Bays players and managers had a good case about being on the short end of the referee’s inconsistency, but both teams played through.

When the teams returned to the pitch for the second half, the Bays jumped early into the attack. Again demonstrating quick ball movement, the Bays put two shots on goal and a couple of near misses in the first ten minutes of the half.

The 60th minute saw a definitive shift in the game. The Bays players, though technically skilled, were being muscled off the ball, sometimes fairly, and sometimes, it appeared, not so fairly. The Eagles, for their part, were beginning to link well through the midfield and the movement of their strikers, Munir Hassan and Francis Kamara, began creating options and opportunities.

In the 65th minute, Kamara took possession approximately 30 yards out from goal in the left channel and pushed a clean pass toward the center to the feet of an unmarked Olakunle Banjo who fired a curling right footer past the outstretched arms of Bays keeper Phil Latham to level the match.

After some midfield back and forth, the Bays’ Elton Joe and Powell Cuchiella counterattacked into the heart of the Eagles defense in the 72nd minute. Joe played a nifty through ball to the running Cuchiella who collected the pass at the top of the penalty area, took one touch, and then nutmegged the Eagles keeper for a goal.

At the time of the Bays second goal, the game started to get out of control. In fairly quick order, three Bays defenders, Josh Taylor, Matt Shell and Maxx Hurkamp received yellow cards in fairly dubious circumstances. The calls, in their view, were similar and sometimes identical to challenges made by the Eagles that often went without a call, let alone a yellow card. By the 75th minute, it was clear that tempers were simmering.

Just six minutes after the go-ahead goal, Eagles defender Alimany Jabbie elbowed Elton Joe in the face in a clear case of serious foul play. However, whether the referee was screened or not, it did not appear that he was prepared to issue any discipline to Jabbie, an action that incensed the Bays’ bench. The assistant referee clearly saw the incident and after a discussion with the referee, Jabbie was given his marching orders. The red card touched off the first mass confrontation with Eagles players and managers pleading Jabbie’s case, but the appeals were for naught. Play resumed but tempers were high.

In the 81st minute, Eagles Olakunle Banjo scored his second goal of the game with a hard blast from the right channel, leveling the score at 2-2. It looked as though play was headed to extra time. But when the Bays attempted to begin play again, the ball was kicked away and a few words were exchanged, leading to the second mass confrontation, during which the Eagles’ Christian Culker, who had been substituted out of the game, entered the field of play and appeared to push or strike another player. Culker was given his marching orders, but the Eagles remained with 10 men on the field.

Another attempt to restart play was delayed when Bays manager Andrew Dicea complained to the officials about the number of managers and non-player personnel in the Eagles technical area. An Eagles fan responded by coming down from top of the stands, and began shouting at Dicea from the lowest level of the stands. After two minutes of heated exchanges, the referee then ejected the fan from the grounds, which led to a third mass confrontation. When the Eagles fan refused to leave, a Bays fan took a photo of the Eagles fan and apparently called the local police who responded with four officers. The referee then ejected the Bays fan. When neither fan showed any inclination to leave, the referee suspended the match until such time as the fans left.

After another five minute delay during which the referee refused to restart the match until the ejected fans left the grounds, the fans finally left, although without police escort. Play resumed, and it appeared as though the Bays would simply ride the game out to extra time and mentally regroup. But a free kick conceded at the left corner of the penalty area changed matters.

Jonathan Orlando stepped up to the kick and bent the ball around and over the three-man wall and past the diving Latham and into the back of the net for what would be the game winner five minutes into a lengthy second half stoppage time. In response, the Bays threw everything forward in an attempt to equalize. However, a minute later, the Eagles were on a 2-on-1 break and Orlando scored his second goal in less than two minutes to give the the team a 4-2 lead.

The referee called full time a minute later and the Maryland Bays were denied the Maryland tournament’s first three-peat since Casa Mia won three straight titles from 1995-97.

2013 US Open Cup Qualifying – Maryland
Rowland Cup Final

Scoring Summary
Bays: Chris Ports – 18th min.
Eagles: Olakunle Banjo – 65th min.
Bays: Powell Cuchiella – 72nd min.
Eagles: Olakunle Banjo – 81st min.
Eagles: Jonathan Orlando – 95th+ min.
Eagles: Jonathan Orlando – 96th+ min.

Discipline
Bays: Chris Ports – Yellow Card (reckless challenge)
Bays: Josh Taylor – Yellow Card (reckless challenge)
Bays: Matt Shell – Yellow Card (reckless challenge)
Eagles: Alimany Jabbie – Red Card (Serious Foul Play)
Bays: Maxx Hurkamp – Yellow card (reckless challenge)
Eagles: Christain Culker – Red Card (Violent Conduct)

Lineups
Screaming Eagles: Edwin Theodore (Christian Caulker) Francis Kamara, Issa Mohamed, Isiaka Kamara, Guillermo Rodriguez, Godwin Amuzie, Usif Sindel, Alimamy Jabbie, Mannie Yamson, Jonathan Orlando, Olakunle Banjo | Subs: Larry Sawyer, Malone Koroma, Bash Bangura, Abdul Rasheed

Maryland Bays: craig Nearhood, Powell Cuchiella, Phil Latham, Brian Moffa, Chris Williams, Matt Shell, Maxx Hurkamp, Chris Ports, Josh Taylor, Ray Kuemmer, Mike Gill, Elton Joe, Aaron Beall, Kevin Gnitcko, Antonio Bue, Bryan Barry, Jon Ports, Glen Letich.

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying results
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Feb. 10)
ASA Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North

Quarterfinals (Feb. 10/17)
Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan SC (Feb. 10)
Screaming Eagles 2:0 Christos FC (Feb. 10)
Charm City FC 0:2 Maryland Bays (Feb. 17)
Mundo SC 2:1 Washington Elite FC (Feb. 17)

Semifinals (Feb. 24)
Maryland Bays 4:1 Pipeline SC
Screaming Eagles 4:1 Mundo FC

Final (Mar. 10)
Screaming Eagles 4:2 Maryland Bays
Howard High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2013: Screaming Eagles
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Aegean Hawks FC win second straight DC/VA title, 1-0 over Hammers FC

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Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC: 2013 Metro DC/Virginia Open Cup champions
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC: 2013 Metro DC/Virginia Open Cup champions | Photo: Jon Knight

Watch video of the match here

The Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC continued their dominance over the Metro DC/Virginia soccer association with their second straight Open Cup title. The Hawks achieved that by defeating Hammers FC 1-0 at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Va. on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Former Crystal Palace Baltimore player Mateus dos Anjos scored the lone goal midway through the first half to give the Hawks their sixth state Open Cup title in their last seven attempts.

The Hawks will open the USASA Region I tournament on April 7 against the winner of the Maryland Open Cup qualifying tournament.

The two clubs were the only entries in this year’s tournament, with Hammers FC of the Northern Virginia Soccer League, making their first appearance in this competition.  They featured a number of notable players including some who spent time with Major League Soccer teams and other professional sides. Among those, brothers Jeremy and Neil Barlow. Jeremy spent time with DC United and the Los Angeles Galaxy before joining his brother Neil with the Richmond Kickers back in 2010. In fact, Jeremy recently spent time with the Hawks before joining the Hammers.

The opening 35 minutes belonged to the defending champions, as they controlled the majority of possession. The goal that would prove to be the game-winner would come in the 25th minute. Hawks captain Mike Goldman started the play by stealing the ball in midfield and fed the ball up to David Rosenbaum at the top of the box. Rosenbaum, a former Richmond Kickers player, played the ball to dos Anjos who beat his defender with a quick turn toward goal and fired a shot inside the far post.

In the 35th minute, a through ball to Diaz put him in on goal, but his attempted chip over Hammers goalkeeper Dan Blake was too low and he made the save. After the goal, the tide turned and Hammers FC, who brought on some fresh legs early in the second half, started to put pressure on the Hawks defense, but the Hawks still managed to create chances.

Hammers FC poses for a team photo at the 2013 DC/VA Open Cup Final | Photo: Jon Knight

In the 55th minute, the Hawks had another opportunity when Watson Prather struck a shot on goal off a corner kick, the goalkeeper blocked the shot, only to watch the rebound fall to Diaz at close range. Diaz would miss another opportunity inside the six as he shot it over the bar. Former Ohio State Buckeye Sam Scales took a curling shot from the right wing and the ball hit the post to deny the Hawks again.

The final chance for the Hawks came in the 80th minute when Ernesto Marquez, who played his college ball at nearby George Mason University, took a shot from the top of the area and banged his shot off the crossbar.

“It was an exciting game for us as our first attempt at the US Open Cup,”  said Hammers manager John Eskandary. “We are already eager for next year and another chance.”

Hammers FC launched in the early 1990s and with an influx of talent over the years, that young club eventually produced a premier and an over-30 team. Many of the players, including Eskandary, are products of the Hammers’ system and with the talent and familiarity the players had with one another, he felt it was time to put his premier team “up against the best of the best.”  The club is planning to expand by partnering with local youth club Premier AC to further boost their ability to find and produce professional players.

“It feels good, because the Hammers are a very good team, but I wish there was a better representation of the quality of this area,” said Hawks manager Jon Knight. “There are a lot of strong teams in this area that just choose not to participate.”

The Hawks first entered the DC/VA Open Cup tournament back in 2006 and won the tournament four years in a row (2006-2009) before having their streak ended in 2010 by rival Club Atletico Virginia. In 2011, the Hawks found a way to enter the more competitive Maryland tournament, but also found out just how competitive it was and lost in the opening round to Christos FC. They returned to DC/VA last year where they were just one of just two entries, and they avenged their 2010 loss with a 3-1 victory over CAV.

“It’s a great record and it’s a testimate to the hard work of our players over the years,” said Knight. “It’s a team effort, from the sponsors, all the way down to the coaches and the players.”

2013 DC/VA Open Cup Final

Aegean Hawks FC 1:0 Hammers FC
Sunday, Feb. 17 – Robinson Secondary School (Fairfax, Va.)

Scoring Summary
Aegean Hawks: Mateus dos Ajos (David Rosenbaum) – 25th min.

Lineups
Hammers FC: Dan Blake (GK), Mathius D’Amico, Chris Kamara, Kyle Miller, Andrew Harvey, Clay Price (Alex Jones – 70′), Jeremy Barlow, Neil Barlow, Suli Williams, Jeremy Gold (Donald Hart 45′), Chad Kite (Kyle Sullivan)
Aegean Hawks: Chris Fenner (GK), Devlin Barnes, Phil Gordon, Tim Finklea, Alan Golden, Erwin Diaz (Titou Fierro – 55′), Michael Goldman, Watson Prather, Ernesto Marquez, David Rosenbaum (Scott Larrabee – 55′), Mateus Dos Anjos  (Sam Scales – 45′)

Recent DC/VA Open Cup champions:
2013: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2012: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2011: Club Atletico Virginia
2010: Club Atletico Virginia
2009: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2008: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2007: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2006: Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks
2005: Lex United
2004: LCC International
2003: Dynamos FC
2002: LCC International
2001: Virginia Beach International
2000: LCC International
1999: Zorba FC
1998: LCC International

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Bays, Mundo FC move into this weekend’s Maryland semifinals

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Defending two-time state champion Maryland Bays used a goal in each half to down their two-time runners-up Charm City FC for the third year in the row, this time in the quarterfinals by a 2-0 scoreline. Meanwhile Mundo FC rallied from an early deficit on a Mike Somtia brace to defeat Washington Elites, 2-1, to reach the final four.

The contests Sunday were the conclusion of the quarterfinals, which began the previous week with the other two matches. The semifinals will be this Sunday, Feb. 24 with Maryland Bays hosting Pipeline SC at Howard HS and Screaming Eagles visiting Mundo FC at Montgomery Blair HS. Both games are set for 11 a.m. ET. The final is set for March 10 at Howard HS.

Mundo FC bags a brace to move into the semifinals
By Richard Kirtland

It was a tense atmosphere in Cooksville, Maryland as Mundo FC and Washington Elites faced off in the quarterfinal match of the 2013 Rowland Cup. What started out as a nice sunny day turned into heavy winds and snow towards the second half of the contest. The sudden change in weather did not seem to shake Mundo FC, however, as they went on to secure a 2-1 win over Washington Elites and passage into the semifinal round.

From the first whistle the game was a very back-and-forth affair with Elite getting many quick breaks toward the Mundo goal. Danish Nelson made good one of these chances and put the ball in the back of the net in the 21st minute to put Elite up 1-0.

Mundo would get an equalizer two minutes before the end of the first half with a good finish by Mike Somtia on a ball from Ben Wagner to make it 1-1.

Around halftime, the weather turned nasty, getting very windy and snowy. According to Mundo coach Leonard Van de Graaff, this caused many balls to “hang in the air” and made ground play more essential.

Despite the wind blowing in their faces, Mundo snatched a goal in the 70th minute, set up by the same pair of Somtia and Wagner. This goal would prove to be enough, as brilliant keeper play by Brian Greuder would keep the score 2-1 until the final whistle.

Van de Graaff, after the game, would say that Greuder “made some big stops to keep it 2-1.” He would also go on to say that “Jake Kern, the Mundo sweeper, played a great game all around.”

Asked what the key to his team’s victory was after the game, Van de Graaff stated, “Elite has very good players… We defended well, and got a lot of passes in front of goal, which was key for our two goals… it was a very back-and-forth game.”

Mundo FC competes in the fall season of the Maryland Majors Soccer League and are based in Baltimore. They are two-time winners of the Bernie Reif Cup (2010 and 2012) and play in the premier division of the MMSL. They also won the Division I title of the Howard County Parks and Rec league in the spring of 2007 and 2008 and the Division I title of the Ann Arundel Spring league in 2011. Their current roster includes players born in America, Germany, Cameroon, Nigeria, Iran, El Salvador, Egypt, Trinidad, and Jamaica. At various moments in their history they’ve also had players from Romania, Mexico, Mali, France, Spain, Brazil, Kenya, and Zambia.

Third time not a charm for Charm City FC
By Matt Johnston

On Sunday, the two-time defending champions Maryland Bays and the two-time defending runners up Charm City FC met yet again in the Maryland US Open Cup Qualifying tournament, but this time in the quarterfinal round as opposed to the final. Yet, the end result was the same as the Bays topped Charm City with a 2-0 scoreline.

The two teams met early in the tournament as the result of the blind draw for all teams but the repeat champions. As a result of the draw, Charm City was placed into a play-in game held the previous Sunday. The result is that this developing rivalry happened early in the tournament rather than in the later stages.

Both teams expected a quality game. Charm City manager Patrick Crawford said, “As always, we know when we play the Bays it is going to be a hard fought game.”

Bays Manager Andrew Dicea agreed, “It’s always a great game against our largest in-state rival.”

Both managers felt as though their teams controlled portions of the match. Dicea singled out his central midfield pairing of Chris Ports and Brian Barry for their control of the midfield. But the hero on the day for the Bays was John Ports, who capitalized on a defensive miscommunication by Charm City to take a through ball from Andrew Gillis in the 17th minute.

Crawford commented on the chances Charm City had in the match. “I feel we controlled the game for the most part and had some chances but could not put the ball away. We just didn’t execute in the final third.”

The Bays second goal came late in the match as Charm City pushed forward for the equalizer. In the 87th minute Kevin Gnitcko slotted home a pass from Ports inside the penalty area for the second goal and the effective end of the match.

Both managers noted the quality of the match. Said Dicea, “We expected exactly what we got; a hard nosed effort from a very good Charm City side.”

Crawford concurred, “The quality of play was there from both sides, as we expected; as I am sure they did.”

The Bays have an expectation of a three-peat and believe they have the depth to make it to the Open Cup proper. “We do expect to win our state and region and make it as far as we can with the talent that our side has,” said Dicea.

2013 Maryland Open Cup Qualifying (Rowland Cup)

Mundo FC 2:1 Washington Elites

Scoring Summary:
Washington: Danish Nelson 21
Mundo: Mike Somtia (Ben Wagner) 43
Mundo: Mike Somtia (Ben Wagner) 70

Lineups
Mundo FC: Jake Kern, Mehran Mirjafari, Rich Burrowes, Rigoberto Gutierrez, Brian Greuter, Brian Weeks, Erick Requeno, Frank Bakong, Vahid Zeinoddini, Mike Somtia, Chris Brown | Subs: Arnaud Ngueguim, Ben Wagner, Ashkan Bahrani, Len Van de Graaff

Washington Elites: Not available

Maryland Bays 2:0 Charm City FC

Scoring Summary
MD: John Ports 17
MD: Kevin Gnitko 87

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying results
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Feb. 10)
ASA Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North

Quarterfinals (Feb. 10/17)
Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan SC (Feb. 10)
Screaming Eagles 2:0 Christos FC (Feb. 10)
Charm City FC 0:2 Maryland Bays (Feb. 17)
Mundo SC 2:1 Washington Elite FC (Feb. 17)

Semifinals (Feb. 24)
Maryland Bays vs Pipeline SC – Howard HS, 11:00 ET
Mundo FC vs Screaming Eagles – Montgomery Blair HS, 11:00 ET

Final (Mar. 3)
Howard High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Pipeline SC’s 4-goal comeback kicks off Maryland tournament

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After Mother Nature delayed the start of Maryland’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament, the Rowland Cup, the competition got under way with three teams moving one step closer to the USASA Region I Finals.

ASA Charm City FC and the Screaming Eagles both moved on with shutout victories, but the highlight, without question, was the comeback victory by Pipeline SC. In the 55th minute of their match against Spartan FC, they fell behind 4-1, but managed to battle back with four goals in the final 35 minutes to punch their ticket to the semifinals, 5-4.

After playing the Maryland Bays in the state championship game the last two years, Charm City will get a third crack at the two-time defending champs in the quarterfinals on Sunday, Feb. 17. That same day Mundo FC will face the Washington Elite to wrap up the round of eight.

PIPELINE SC 5:4 SPARTAN FC
by Richard Kirtland

It was a match for the ages at Heurich Park as Pipeline SC completed a thrilling 5-4 comeback win over fellow first-time entry Spartan SC in the quarterfinal match of the 2013 Rowland Cup.

It was a hard-fought game from the opening whistle, with Pipeline player GR Cannon opening the scoring in the eighth minute off of a long ball out of the back from Donald Gibson. However, it was Spartan FC who would respond next, equalizing on a narrow-angle shot from the side of the box just seven minutes later. In the 22nd minute, Spartan would score on a far-post header to take the lead, and they would add to their advantage just before halftime after pouncing on an uncleared corner kick to go into the halftime break up 3-1.

Pipeline came out after the half and controlled momentum, but Spartan still managed to add a fourth in the 55th minute. After that goal, Zack Bowman took over the match for Pipeline, tallying a hat-trick over the next twenty minutes to level the score at 4-4 in the 75th. Bowman almost had a fourth goal on the day in the 84th minute, but was tangled up with the Spartan center back in the 18 yard box. A penalty was called in favor of Pipeline, and GR Cannon stepped up to blast it home from the spot. Six minutes later, the referee blew his whistle, and Pipeline were proclaimed the day’s victors.

“It was one of the greatest comebacks I’ve ever been a part of as a player or coach,” said Pipeline manager Bill George. “It shows a lot of the character of our team.”

This is the first year for this team to compete under the banner of the Pipeline Soccer Club. The current team was formed in July 2012 as a merger between the Baltimore Juniors and Pipeline Soccer Club. While the team may be relatively young in age, they are laden with experience, boasting a bevy of players who have competed at the collegiate or professional level. Among those are Sean Rush, the club president/forward who played professionally for Crystal Palace Baltimore, Real Maryland, and Ribeirao in the Portuguese Second Division. Midfielder GR Cannon played for Baltimore Bohemians and had a brief stint with DC United back in 2004. This club also boasts club vice-president former US international and Major League Soccer player Santino Quaranta, who played most notably at DC United and garnered 15 caps for the US National Team. Despite his retirement, he may be suiting up in a Pipeline jersey before the end of the qualifying campaign.

ASA CHARM CITY FC 5:0 LOONEY’S PUB NORTH
by Matt Johnston

After two weeks of weather delays, the opening game of the Rowland Cup was played under clear sunny skies and seasonable temperatures. Charm City FC, the tournament’s runner-up the last two years, faced newcomer Looney’s Pub North FC for a spot in the quarterfinal round.

Charm City boasts a large core group of players who played for Christos FC’s Over -30 team that won the USASA National Over-30 Cup last year, and the cohesiveness and experience with each other was evident early on in the game. Looney’s on the other hand, is an amalgamation of players that includes the old Baltimore Kickers team. Indeed, some players were being introduced to each other just prior to the game.

At kickoff, the teams struggled to shake off the winter cobwebs. Charm City took control of the game early, moving the ball well from side to side, but often leaving players who were able to break through the Looney’s back line stranded without assistance. Such abandonment of play often led to poor shots or blunted attacks, as Looney’s recovered to often put ten men behind the ball. The Charm City midfield duo of Dan Lader, a former Crystal Palace Baltimore player, and Noah Merl, a former Seattle Sounders player from the club’s A-League days, easily controlled the middle of the pitch. Looney’s midfield, missing a few key starters, was unable to protect the back line, and early on, it was clear that a rout was in the offering.

After a number of poorly organized attacks, Lader opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a 25-yard screamer from the right channel. Barely had the dust settled when Tony Tamanini bagged Charm City’s second goal just two minutes later with a shot that appeared to take a late deflection and wrong footed the Looney’s keeper.

The teams platooned on a series of substitutes taking advantage of the college-style substitution rule of permitting an unlimited number of subs in a single half, but the substituted players permitted to return in the second half. Charm City came with a deep bench, able to put five substitutes into the game and Looney’s putting three into the match. However, it was the Charm City substitutes that made the most immediate impact.

Barely five minutes after entering the match, Wijy Jones latched on to a sly through ball from Merl and ran 20 yards unopposed to slot Charm City’s third goal inside the left post. At that point, the rout was clearly on. The final goal of the first half came when Kenny Suter powered home a shot from the top of the penalty area.

Following halftime, Charm City FC remained firmly in control of the match, but were obviously working on tactical thinking, moving the ball from side to side to get the fullbacks and wingers more involved in the play. Though much of Charm City’s first half played moved through the right side, the second half saw the left wing and left fullback getting much more involved in the game. During this period, Merl’s passing ability truly shown through, dictating the flow of the game from left to right and keeping the ball spread wide. Looney’s however, was not completely giving up, but balls played long out of the back left the Looney’s two or sometimes three strikers all alone with no support behind them. Shots were either well over the bar, far wide of the post or simply not taken as the Charm City defenders recovered and smothered attacks.

Moving the ball, largely from the right flank and into attack, Charm City was successful putting the ball into dangerous areas, but the final finishing touch was often lacking. Missed shots were the order of the day through the 75th minute.

After platooning substitutes again by both teams, Charm City continued to apply mild pressure, content to play the ball from the left flank into the center and back again. After several more crosses lead to naught, in the 76th minute, Charm City was able to play the ball quickly using a series of short 10-15 yard passes from the left wing, across the top of the box and toward the right side, where Kenny Suter one-timed a 12 yard shot for the game’s final goal.

The final 10 minutes were largely a display of the frustration of some of the Looney’s players, leading to a silly yellow card challenge by a Looney’s player and with right winger Ernest Jackson actually leaving the pitch in disgust and his team with only ten players for the final eight minutes.

Charm City’s 5-0 win sets up a quarterfinal match against the Maryland Bays, the two-time defending state champion, and a team that Charm City has lost to in each of those two years.

When asked about his team’s chances next week, Charm City’s Pat Crawford said, “You never know, there is a certain amount of luck to this. We lost the league championship last year to a team that we had beaten easily during the season.”

With a roster of 24 players, including, as Crawford pointed out, “many players over 30 and even a couple over 40,” Charm City’s depth may be their strength through the qualifying tournament.

SCREAMING EAGLES 2:0 CHRISTOS FC

The Screaming Eagles, making their first appearance in US Open Cup qualifying, made sure they kept the flag of the Maryland International Soccer League (MISL) flying as they defeated Christos FC 2-0 on Sunday.

The Eagles, who are the lone MISL team remaining after Spartan FC were eliminated, got all of their offense from Jonathan Orlando who scored both goals. Orlando was a star player at the University of the District of Columbia almost a decade ago.

The  turning point in the match came in the 34th minute when Ben Kujawa of Christos tackled a Screaming Eagles player from behind in the penalty area and was shown a straight red card. Christos would have to play the rest of the game shorthanded and the Eagles took a 1-0 lead on Orlando’s penalty kick that followed.

The Eagles will join Pipeline FC in the semifinals with the draw for the final four to take place at a later date.

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying
(Rowland Cup)

Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North
Western Regional Park – Cooksville, Md.

Scoring Summary
Charm City: Dan Lader – 24th min.
Charm City: Tony Tamanini – 26th min.
Charm City: Wijy Jones – 31st min.
Charm City: Kenny Suter – 42nd min.
Charm City: Kenny Suter – 76th min.

Discipline Summary
Charm City: Wijy Jones (Yellow – 36th min.)
Looney’s Pub: Unidentified Player (Yellow – 81st min.)

Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan FC
Heurich Park – Hyattsville, Md.

Scoring Summary
Pipeline: GR Cannon (Darren Gibson) – 8th min.
Spartan: Unknown – 15th min.
Spartan: Unknown – 22nd min.
Spartan: Unknown – Before halftime
Spartan: Unknown – 55th min.
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (Sean Rush) – Time?
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (Aaron Velky) – Time?
Pipeline: Zack Bowman (GR Cannon) – 75th min.
Pipeline: GR Cannon (PK) – 84th min.

Lineups
Pipeline: Rob Hollasch (GK), Donald Gibson (Ade Parks – 32′), Phil Greatwich, Geoff Bowman, Eric Mullins, Joe Clancy (CJ Okoko – 28′ & Donald Gibson – 87′), GR Cannon, Gus Teren, Aaron Velky (Andrew Shoenfeld – 28′), Zack Bowman, Sean Rush
Spartan: N/A

2013 Maryland Open Cup qualifying
(Rowland Cup)

First Round (Feb. 10)
ASA Charm City FC 5:0 Looney’s Pub North

Quarterfinals (Feb. 10/17)
Pipeline SC 5:4 Spartan SC (Feb. 10)
Screaming Eagles 2:0 Christos FC (Feb. 10)
Charm City FC vs. Maryland Bays – Feb. 17 – 11 a.m. (Western Regional No. 5)
Mundo SC vs. Washington Elite FC – Feb. 17 – 1 p.m. (Western Regional No. 5)

Semifinals (Feb. 24)
Site TBD

Final (Mar. 3)
Howard High School

Past Maryland Open Cup champions
2012: Maryland Bays
2011: Maryland Bays
2010: Charm City FC
2009: Christos FC
2008: Baltimore Colts FC
2007: AC United (Note: Christos FC & Allied SC merged)
2006: Allied SC*
2005: Baltimore Colts FC*
2004: Allied SC*
2003: Brilla Baltimore
2002: Christos FC
2001: DiPasquale Baltimore Colts FC
2000: Jerry D’s*
1999: Jerry D’s
1998: High Topps

*qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: West Chester United defeat United German Hungarians to repeat as Eastern PA champs

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West Chester United celebrates a goal during the Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup Final against the United German Hungarians. United won the game 3-1 to win their second straight title. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

West Chester United is the Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup champion for the second year in a row after beating United German Hungarians 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. UGH scored first, but West Chester equalized just before the half and used the extremely windy weather conditions to its advantage to pull away in the end.

“The guys played really, really well. The wind was a huge factor. In the second half…I think the elements actually helped us with the wind going our way a little bit,” West Chester manager Vincent D’Ambrosio said after the game.

The two-time Open Cup runners-up, UGH, had the wind advantage in the first half, and used it to control the early part of the game. The visitors capitalized in the 17th minute when Elsion Pajolarri was taken down just inside the box. Pajolarri sent the keeper the wrong way on the ensuing penalty to put the Hungarians up 1-0. Pajolarri then had to be subbed out after picking up an injury just three minutes later.

From that point on in the first half, neither side had a definitive advantage. However, just as the half was coming to a close, West Chester nabbed an equalizer. A long ball that was popped up high into the air came down perfectly for West Chester’s Dominic Popolizio, who then outran the defense and slotted the ball past the keeper.

West Chester United: 2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup champions. Photo: Kari Haffelfinger

“They’re back breakers when things like that happen,” UGH coach Mike Curley said. “At halftime I tried to give a pep talk because as we walked off the field, our heads were down. It’s tough to come back from a goal like that. That hurt.”

West Chester used that momentum, plus the wind advantage, to score early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Popolizio ran into the penalty area and passed the ball across the 6-yard box to an onrushing Michael Lodge, who calmly hit it home. UGH had no answer for West Chester’s play in the second half, and ended up finding themselves down 3-1 in the 80th minute. At the top of the box, Lodge found David King, who ran deep inside the area. Bearing down on the keeper, he passed to substitute Scott Patrick for the game’s final goal.

With the victory, West Chester United advance to the USASA Region I Finals in the spring. Last year, United fell in the first round to Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks.

2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Final
West Chester United 3:1 United German Hungarians

Scoring Summary
UGH: Elsion Pajolarri (PK) – 17th minute
WCU: Dominic Popolizio (unassisted) – 45th minute
WCU: Michael Lodge (Dominic Popolizio) – 52nd minute
WCU: Scott Patrick (David King) – 80th minute

Discipline

None

Lineups

West Chester United: Travis Chulick; Christopher Amato, Ryan Smallwood, David King, Neema Mohajery; William Brown (William Pinto-81), Neil Gallagher (Omarie Salmon-81), Andrew Kummerer, Justin McCall (Scott Patrick-75); Dominic Popolizio, Michael Lodge

United German Hungarians: Jim Clark; Mike Pio, Zach Fayer (Ike Onyeador-81), Kevin Sherry, Brian Blesi; Jason Karasow, Ken Tomczuk, Ryan Tadley, Joe Brocker; Uche Onyeador, Elsion Pajolarri (John Gravelle-26)

2013 Eastern PA Open Cup Tournament
(home team listed second)

First Round (Nov. 11) [+] Recap
Cavalla FC 1:0 Ukrainian Nationals (Oct. 28)
Quakertown 3:2 Colonial Ultras
Junior Lone Star 6:0 Mayfair Celtic
Nether United 1:1 Phoenix SC (Nether United advances, 7-6 in PKs)
Predators 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

Quarterfinals (Dec. 2) [+] Recap
Quakertown 0:4 West Chester United
Cavalla FC 4:0 Salone
Junior Lone Star 0:3 United German Hungarians
Predators 0:0 Nether United (Predators advance 5-4 in PKs)

Semifinals
Cavalla FC 1:2 West Chester United (Dec. 9) [+] Recap
Predators 0:1 UGH (Dec. 16) [+] Recap

Final (Dec. 22)
United German Hungarians 1:3 West Chester United

Past Eastern PA Open Cup champions:
1997: United German Hungarians
1998: United German Hungarians
1999: United German Hungarians*
2000: United German Hungarians
2001: DiPasquale’s
2002: Vereinigung Erzgebirge*
2003: Ukrainian Nationals
2004: Lighthouse SC
2005: Ukrainian Nationals
2006: Ukrainian Nationals
2007: Vereinigung Erzgebirge (Runner-up Ukrainian Nationals also qualified for Region I Finals)
2008: United German Hungarians
2009: Vereinigung Erzgebirge
2010: Phoenix SC
2011: Phoenix SC*
2012: West Chester United Predators
2013: West Chester United Predators

* Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: United German Hungarians edge 10-man Predators to reach another Eastern PA final

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The much anticipated Eastern Pennsylvania US Open Cup semifinal match between United German Hungarians and the Predators took place on Sunday at the soccer cathedral known as the YSC sports complex in Wayne, Pa. The United German Hungarians, making their fifth straight semifinal appearance, advanced to the championship game with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Predators, who were making their first appearance in the competition.

With the win, UGH will advance to Saturday’s title game against defending champion West Chester United. The match will be hosted by United with the kickoff scheduled or 2 p.m. (Map to the game) The winner will take the next step toward qualifying for the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by qualifying for next spring’s USASA Region I Finals.

The match was originally to be played at UGH’s home field in Oakford, Pa. last Sunday, Dec. 9, but had to be rescheduled due to poor field conditions caused by heavy rain. The game was then moved to the YSC sports complex, which is the facility the Philadelphia Union use for preseason training, and the home to the YSC Union Juniors.

Elsion Pajolarri of UGH, who scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot, sends in a free kick against the Predators' defense. Photo: Jeff Livezey

Sunday’s semifinal was a true battle for the entire 90 minutes with both teams playing with rosters full of skill and experience. Everyone from former Union academy players, to current and former college players, to veterans of the professional ranks.

The Preds were dealt a blow early in the game when Tom Greenawalt, a former pro with the Reading Rage (now Reading United), took down a UGH player inside the box and referee John Barr called for a UGH penalty kick. Before the kick was taken, Greenawalt, continued to argue the call until the official had enough and sent him off. The Predators, a talented over-30 team, were down a man and shortly after, down a goal as Elsion Pajolarri converted the spot kick. Despite playing with 10 men, the Pred’s defense held UGH to 1-0 at the half.

In the second half the shorthanded Predators moved the ball well and managed to create a number of chances, but none of them went their way. Peter Pittaoulis had a shot on goal that just went right of the goal post, and Tomasz Fryzel had a free kick opportunity that went just above the crossbar. The best opportunity came from Joe Ferrero, who dribbled inside the box and had a shot on frame that hit the post. UGH had a strong defense that kept their lead and kept a clean sheet for goalkeeper Jimmy Clark.

The Hungarians, an Open Cup runner-up in 1977 and 1993, move on to the Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup championship game as they attempt to win their sixth title since 1995.

2013 Eastern PA Open Cup Tournament
(home team listed second)

First Round (Nov. 11) [+] Recap
Cavalla FC 1:0 Ukrainian Nationals (Oct. 28)
Quakertown 3:2 Colonial Ultras
Junior Lone Star 6:0 Mayfair Celtic
Nether United 1:1 Phoenix SC (Nether United advances, 7-6 in PKs)
Predators 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

Quarterfinals (Dec. 2) [+] Recap
Quakertown 0:4 West Chester United
Cavalla FC 4:0 Salone
Junior Lone Star 0:3 United German Hungarians
Predators 0:0 Nether United (Predators advance 5-4 in PKs)

Semifinals
Cavalla FC 1:2 West Chester United (Dec. 9) [+] Recap
Predators 0:1 United German Hungarians (Dec. 16)

Final (Dec. 22 – 2 p.m.)
United German Hungarians at West Chester United
(Map to the game)

Past Eastern PA Open Cup champions:
1997: United German Hungarians
1998: United German Hungarians
1999: United German Hungarians*
2000: United German Hungarians
2001: DiPasquale’s
2002: Vereinigung Erzgebirge*
2003: Ukrainian Nationals
2004: Lighthouse SC
2005: Ukrainian Nationals
2006: Ukrainian Nationals
2007: Vereinigung Erzgebirge (Runner-up Ukrainian Nationals also qualified for Region I Finals)
2008: United German Hungarians
2009: Vereinigung Erzgebirge
2010: Phoenix SC
2011: Phoenix SC*
2012: West Chester United Predators

* Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Mass Premier Soccer wins second Mass. title in three years (video)

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Story originally published at New England Soccer Today. Follow them on Twitter @NESoccerToday

Matt Hoff converted the game-winning penalty for a short-handed Mass Premier Soccer squad, which staked a 1-1 (4-2 PKs) victory over East Providence Sports in Saturday’s US Open Cup Massachusetts state final.

It took only 20 seconds for Tyler Macnee to put Mass Premier in the driver’s seat, but the goalscorer was red carded three minutes later. Kyle Teixeira equalized in the 81st minute before penalties were employed to separate the sides.Jimmi Underhill stopped the first Mass Premier penalty, while Jeff Newman stopped East Providence’s second bid, and was helped by the post on the fourth attempt. Seconds later, Hoff struck it true to send his teammates through to the USASA Region I portion of the 100th edition of the US Open Cup tournament.“It was a tough game,” said MPS manager/midfielder Nick Christman. “It wasn’t a flashy game, but I think both sides showed a lot of resilience. Everyone dug in real deep, it went back and forth a lot.”

Christman’s club wasted no time tipping it in their favor. As East Providence cycled the ball inside their half right after the whistle, Mass Premier seized a lazy ball, and Christman sent it Macnee. With only Underhill standing in his way, Macnee slid it through to grab the lead in the first minute.Yet, Macnee’s match was over before the fifth minute for putting his elbow into Gomes’ forehead on a 50/50 ball near center circle. With Gomes sporting a sizable gash on his forehead, the referee issued a straight red card to Macnee.

“You start off and score a goal in the first minute, and we have real good combination play that kind of set the tone of the game,” Christman said. “Then, you get a red card. Obviously, that’s not what you want, especially in the Massachusetts final.”

Gomes returned to action bandaged up moments later, and helped steer his team’s attack against a short-handed opponent.

In the 28th minute, Jimmy Hernandez chased down a pass from Teixeira into the box and was brought down by Newman. A penalty was awarded, and Newman was cautioned before Teixeira lined up his shot. But Newman redeemed himself when he denied the penalty.“We had a great opportunity to take advantage,” East Providence coach Larry Alves said. “Missing that PK was huge. Their goalie came up with a big save. Kyle’s usually pretty good about putting those away. But going forward, a man up, you have to take advantage.”

Instead of dwelling on their misfortune, East Providence only sharpened the attack. Teixeira and Anthony Petrarca each fired dangerous free kicks that curled away from frame at the last moment.

Photo: Brian O'Connell | NESoccerToday.com

Alves’ squad almost leveled right before halftime when Andres Perdomo found an open look on frame. But the attacking midfielder couldn’t keep his shot down.

The second half opened much like the first 45 closed: with East Providence pressing the issue. Gomes and Joaquim De Pina each put Mass Premier on notice with open headers that came close to frame.

While the luck may have eluded East Providence, Mass Premier relied on its defense to snuff out a host of chances. Former New England Revolution defender Sam Brill helped keep the back four strong by winning a number of aerial chances.

“We attacked well,” Alves said. “We were pretty much in their end for the entire game. But we couldn’t put more balls away. It’s just unlucky.”

“Our defensive line played real, real well,” Christman said. “It’s one of our strengths. We have an unbelievable backline. We don’t give up very many goals.”

The only goal Mass Premier gave up came from a curious sequence in the 81st minute. Teixeira went inside the area and chipped it far post with Hernandez nearby. Realizing he was offside, Hernandez ducked away, and watched the ball crash into the net on its own. Initially, the assistant referee’s flag nullified the goal, but the referee consulted with assistant referee, and East Providence was back in business.

Overtime concluded 10 v. 9 after Andrew Hench and Eddy Lopes were issued red cards in the 97th and 102nd minutes, respectively, for dangerous challenges.

Knotted at one apiece after 120 minutes, each team selected players for penalties. After East Providence missed their second attempt, Hoff stepped to the spot with his club holding a 3-2 advantage, and buried it to send Mass Premier to its second U.S. Open Cup state final triumph in the last three years.

“The guys did a great job. We’re ready to go (to the USASA Region 1 Finals),” Christman joked. “We’ve got knocks, so it’ll be good to take some time off and wait until March for the draw.”

Video highlights

2013 Massachusetts Open Cup tournament results

First Round [+] Recap
Battery Park Gunners 2:1 Mass United FC
Boston Olympiakos 0:6 Mass Premier Soccer
Middlesex FC 1:6 East Providence Sports
Strela Negra (BYE)

Semifinals
Battery Park Gunners 3:4 East Providence Sports [+] Recap
Mass Premier Soccer 8:1 Strela Negra

Final

Mass Premier Soccer 1:1 East Providence Sports
MPS wins the championship, 4-2 in PKs

Recent Massachusetts Open Cup champions
2013: Mass Premier Soccer
2012: Battery Park Gunners
2011: Mass Premier Soccer
2010: Emigrantes Das Ilhas
2009: Emigrantes Das Ilhas*
2008: Boston Olympiakos*
2007: Lowell Revolution
2006: Green Briar Rebels
2005: Green Briar Rebels
2004: Boston Olympiakos
2003: Green Briar Rebels
2002: Hellas United

*Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Eastern PA final four kicks off in Philly area on Sunday afternoon

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Michael Berton and Jeff Livezey contributed to this report.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association’s Open Cup semifinals will take place on Sunday afternoon in two different Philadelphia area locations beginning at 2 p.m.

The final four features one of the oldest clubs in the country, the defending state champion, an over-30 team and a team making their Open Cup qualifying debut.

You can follow in-game updates of both matches on TheCup.us’ Twitter account @USOpenCup.

Cavalla FC at West Chester United – 2 p.m.
WC turf field in West Chester, PA – MAP

Reigning champions West Chester United are looking to win the tournament for the second game in a row, but to do that, they will have to go through newcomers Cavalla FC.

United, one of three USLPA teams left in the tournament, advanced to this point after receiving a bye in the first round and dispatching Quakertown SC by a 4-0 scoreline in the second round. West Chester will be hosting for the second week in a row.

Cavalla FC also got to this point by winning 4-0 in the quarterfinals. After defeating the Ukrainian Nationals 1-0 in the first round, Cavalla defeated Salone FC. Cavalla is looking to win a title in its first attempt at US Open qualification. The winner of this match will take on either Predators or United German Hungarians in the final on Dec. 16.

Predators at United German Hungarians – 2 p.m.
UGH Field in Oakford, PA – MAP

The match between the United German Hungarians and the Predators will be much anticipated as a contrasting match-up. UGH is a storied club in Pennsylvania with a soccer history that dates back to 1922 (the club itself was founded in 1910). UGH’s rich history includes being the Open Cup runner-up twice in 1977 and 1993, and having won the state Open Cup title five teams since 1997. The Predators are making their first appearance in the Open Cup tournament.

On the other side of the field, you have the Predators, with a roster made up of pros, semi-pros, and even some Union academy players is very competitive. When Karl Zandi founded this club 5 years ago, with his main goal to be a competitive over-30 club. Winning the state over-30 cup in 2010 and winning almost every game they play in the Inter County Soccer League, they have achieved their main goal of being a competitive team.

After receiving a first round bye, UGH reached the semifinals for the fifth year in a row with a 3-0 win over Junior Lone Star. Elsion Pajolarri scored a brace, while Uche Onyeador added another to lead the way. The Predators, who began play in Round 1 with a surprising 1-0 win over tournament regular Vereinigung Erzgebirge, needed penalty kicks to reach the semis. After finishing the game in a scoreless draw with Nether United, the Preds won the PK shootout 7-6 to move on.

The two teams will square off at UGH Field in Oakford at 2 p.m.

2013 Eastern PA Open Cup Tournament
(home team listed second)

First Round (Nov. 11) [+] Recap
Cavalla FC 1:0 Ukrainian Nationals (Oct. 28)
Quakertown 3:2 Colonial Ultras
Junior Lone Star 6:0 Mayfair Celtic
Nether United 1:1 Phoenix SC (Nether United advances, 7-6 in PKs)
Predators 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

Quarterfinals (Dec. 2)
Quakertown 0:4 West Chester United
Cavalla FC 4:0 Salone
Junior Lone Star 0:3 United German Hungarians
Predators 0:0 Nether United (Predators advance 5-4 in PKs)

Semifinals (Dec. 9 – 2 p.m.)
Cavalla FC at West Chester United
Predators at United German Hungarians

Final (Dec. 16)
Cavalla FC/West Chester vs. Predators/UGH

Past Eastern PA Open Cup champions:
1997: United German Hungarians
1998: United German Hungarians
1999: United German Hungarians*
2000: United German Hungarians
2001: DiPasquale’s
2002: Vereinigung Erzgebirge*
2003: Ukrainian Nationals
2004: Lighthouse SC
2005: Ukrainian Nationals
2006: Ukrainian Nationals
2007: Vereinigung Erzgebirge (Runner-up Ukrainian Nationals also qualified for Region I Finals)
2008: United German Hungarians
2009: Vereinigung Erzgebirge
2010: Phoenix SC
2011: Phoenix SC*
2012: West Chester United Predators

* Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Pancyprian Freedoms take Eastern NY title back from rival Greek American Atlas

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Last year, the New York Greek American Atlas defeated their rival the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the Eastern NY Open Cup Final. The 4-0 victory denied the Freedoms a fifth straight state title, but on Wednesday night, they got their revenge, winning a penalty kick shootout after the teams finished regulation and extra time tied at 2-2. It was their sixth state championship in the last eight years.

With the win, the Freedoms advance to the USASA Region I Finals which will take place in the spring. There they will attempt to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the fourth time in the last six years.

It was a cold night at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium as the two New York powerhouses found themselves squaring off in a cup final once again. For the Freedoms, they had to win three games to reach the championship game. The Greek Americans, on the other hand, earned themselves a bye into the final by winning the Sal Rapaglia Cup, a Cup Winners Cup-style competition that they were a part of as defending Cosmopolitan Soccer League champions. The Greeks defeated the Freedoms 2-0 on their way to winning the tournament back in September. They defeated Long Island’s Forest Park in the title game.

It didn’t take long for the game to warm up as the Freedoms struck first in the opening minutes. John Koutsounadis sent a through ball to veteran Stefan Dimitrov, who finished to give him at least one goal in every game in this year’s tournament.

Leo Fernandes leveled the match with an impressive individual effort around the 40th minute. Fernandes, a star for Stony Brook University, stole the ball from Jeff Matteo in midfield, went on the attack, dribbled through a couple of defenders and beat the keeper to make the game 1-1 heading into halftime.

The Freedoms would regain the lead in the 74th minute when Dimitrov turned provider, setting up another veteran Julio Cesar Dos Santos for a goal. Just like Dimitrov, Dos Santos, one of the greatest pro players to ever play in the United Soccer Leagues (115 career goals), has scored in all three of the team’s Open Cup qualifiers .

Minutes away from taking the Eastern NY trophy back from the Greeks, the Freedoms had their celebration spoiled when the Greeks tied the game up on a goal by former New York Red Bulls forward Chris Megaloudis, on an assist by Shaun Foster, in the 88th minute.

The match would have to be decided by a penalty kick shootout, which favored the Freedoms and their outstanding goalkeeper Chad Calderone. The veteran shot stopper came through, saving the Greeks’ first attempt by Tom Wharf, and what would prove to be their fourth and final attempt by Leo Fernandes. The Freedoms went 4-for-4 on their attempts to clinch a spot in the 2013 USASA Region I Finals.

2013 Eastern New York tournament
Round 1
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 15:1 NY Olympiacos
Barnstonworth Rovers 1:1 JC Eagles (BR advances 4-3 on PKs)

Round 2
United FC 2:0 NY Athletic Club
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 4:1 Barnstonworth Rovers

Round 3
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 2:1 United FC

Final (Dec.  5)
NY Pancyprian Freedoms 2:2 NY Greek American Atlas (NYPF win championship, 4-2 in penalty kicks)

Past Eastern NY Open Cup champions (US Open Cup finish)
2003: Greek American Atlas (Did not qualify)
2004: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2005: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2006: Pancyprian Freedoms (Did not qualify)
2007: Greek American Atlas (Did not qualify)
2008: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 1)
2009: Pancyprian Freedoms (Did not qualify)
2010: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 1)
2011: Pancyprian Freedoms (US Open Cup Round 2)
2012: Greek American Atlas (US Open Cup Round 1)
2013: Pancyprian Freedoms (TBD)

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Eastern PA final four set after clean sheet-filled quarterfinal round

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Salone FC (blue) and Cavalla FC battle for the ball in their Eastern Pennsylvania Open Cup quarterfinal match. Photo: Jeff Livezey

Michael Berton and Jeff Livezey contributed to this report

One of the biggest state qualifying tournaments for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, which began with 13 teams, is now down to the final four.

West Chester United and Cavalla FC will meet in the semifinals after earning 4-0 quarterfinal wins. United knocked off Quakertown while Cavalla, playing on the road, defeated Salone.

One of the most storied teams in Eastern Pennsylvania, United German Hungarians, continued on to the semis with a 3-0 win over Junior Lone Star. UGH will face off with the Predators in the next round, who advanced 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout over Nether United after finishing in a scoreless draw.

Cavalla FC 4:0 Salone FC

Cavalla FC may have defeated Salone FC 4-0, but the game was not as one-sided as the scoreline would suggest. Cavalla led throughout the game, but didn’t put the game out of reach until late in the second half.

Cavalla started off with being awarded a penalty kick in the 8th minute that Oliver Quiah converted to put CFC up 1-0. Already down by a goal, Salone’s comeback chances took a hit when Dero Muttabah was sent off on a red card after a hard challenge that put Salone FC down to ten men before the halftime break. At the start of the second half, Cavalla’s Gerald Saydee dribbled through two Salone defenders and buried his shot past the goal keeper to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Despite being down a man Salone FC showed alot of fight, and nearly leveled the match, but Abdul Sesay and Idrissa Kone both had shots rattle off the post.

In the 82nd minute, the game started to unravel for the shorthanded Salone FC as Cavalla’s Peter Jarbo caught Salone goalkeeper Ralph Jacobs off his line and put a chip shot in the back of the net making it 3-0. Three minutes later, another Salone FC player was sent off when Fatoma Turay came in with a hard challenge. The game wrapped up in the final minute when Robinson Barclay was sent through on a breakaway and he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

This is the first entry into the Open Cup tournament for Cavalla FC, while Salone was the runner-up last year

Predators 0:0 Nether United (Predators advance 5-4 in PKs)

After finishing regulation scoreless, the Predators advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, winning the penalty kick shootout, 5-4 over Nether United.

“It was a very well-played game,” Predators coach Blaise Santangelo said. “Our goalie just made a couple more saves.”

Jason Kustka scored the final kick for Predators, who are an over-30 club that, according to team officials, is “not affiliated with West Chester United.” Predators had reached the quarterfinals by beating Vereinigung Erzegebirge 1-0 in Round One.

Nether United defeated 2010 and 2011 state champion Phoenix SC on penalties in the first round, but could not replicate that feat in this round. United player/coach Scott Spangler finished the game ruing missed opportunities.

“Both teams had chances,” he said. “We just didn’t finish the opportunities that came about.”

With the victory, the Predators move on to the semifinals where will take on the United German Hungarians at UGH Field in Oakford, Pa. next Sunday. The time of the match has not been announced.

United German Hungarians 3:0 Junior Lone Star

The United German Hungarians, who are likely the only team who have been around longer than the US Open Cup (founded in 1910), who will try to qualify for the tournament this year, punched their ticket to the final four with a 3-0 win over Junior Lone Star. UGH, who have not won the state championship since 2008, got two goals from Elsion Pajolarri, and another from Uche Onyeador to put them back in the semifinals for the fifth year in a row.

Pajolarri, who played his college ball at Penn State-Abington, opened the scoring in the 24th minute off a free kick from former Temple University standout Joe Brocker. Just after halftime Onyeador, a former Georgetown Hoya, made it 2-0 on an assist from LaSalle alum John Gravelle. Any hope of a comeback was squashed when Pajolarri added his second of the day, unassisted, in the 73rd minute.

UGH will host the Predators on Sunday, Dec. 9 trying to reach the final for the fourth time in six years.

West Chester United 4:0 Quakertown FC

The defending state champion West Chester United got their title defense off on the right foot with a 4-0 win over Quakertown FC. This was the first game of the tournament for West Chester who received a first round bye.

United carried the majority of the play in the opening half and started out with their first scoring chance 14 minutes into the match. Andrew Kummerer served a corner kick that was headed by Bill Brown but right at the Quakertown goalkeeper. Moments later, Kai Kasiguran created space around a defender and got a quick, low shot off that the keeper saved.

The early chances gave West Chester confidence as they started to pick up the pace. Justin McCall and Omar Salmon worked a pretty give-and-go 24 minutes in and deep in the Quakertown half but McCall was too fast and offsides as a result. Central defender Chris Amato was solid defensively all game and got involved in the offense multiple times including a 70-yard run following a steal in his defensive third. However, by the time he got within range of the goal, it was easily swallowed by the keeper.

Just a minute later, in the 27th, Dave King found McCall all alone in the area. He served a ball from the right flank toward the back post that found McCall’s head for the opening goal. West Chester continued to take the game to Quakertown, who didn’t register a shot until the 30th minute. In the 35th minute, Kummerer slipped a throughball to Salmon who hip faked the keeper to the far post and slid the ball toward goal with the outside of his left foot, and kissed it off the near post and in for a 2-0 lead.

Neema Mohajery found an opportunity to get into the offense and found himself about 8 yards out when the ball made its way to him. The ball came in on a little hop and was too much to handle and he shot it high over the bar.

The second half continued the same as the first with West Chester creating more of the chances. In the 57th minute, McCall worked his defender deep on the far side. West Chester was able to move the ball to the near side to King at the top of the box who dribbled his man, created space to his right and hit a low, far-post shot beyond the keeper for an unassisted goal and a 3-0 lead.  Two minutes later, Chulick was forced to make his most challenging save of the match when Quakertown countered. The attacker never got entirely free but Chulick came off his line to slide and gather the ball. Three minutes later, McCall touched the ball through the defense to second half sub Scott Patrick who did well to make a lateral run and score the fourth and final goal.

2013 Eastern PA Open Cup Tournament
(home team listed second)

First Round (Nov. 11) [+] Recap
Cavalla FC 1:0 Ukrainian Nationals (Oct. 28)
Quakertown 3:2 Colonial Ultras
Junior Lone Star 6:0 Mayfair Celtic
Nether United 1:1 Phoenix SC (Nether United advances, 7-6 in PKs)
Predators 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

Quarterfinals (Dec. 2)
Quakertown 0:4 West Chester United
Cavalla FC 4:0 Salone
Junior Lone Star 0:3 United German Hungarians
Predators 0:0 Nether United (Predators advance 5-4 in PKs)

Semifinals (Dec. 9 – 2 p.m.)
Cavalla FC at West Chester United
Predators at United German Hungarians

Final (Dec. 16)
Cavalla FC/West Chester vs. Predators/UGH

Past Eastern PA Open Cup champions:
1997: United German Hungarians
1998: United German Hungarians
1999: United German Hungarians*
2000: United German Hungarians
2001: DiPasquale’s
2002: Vereinigung Erzgebirge*
2003: Ukrainian Nationals
2004: Lighthouse SC
2005: Ukrainian Nationals
2006: Ukrainian Nationals
2007: Vereinigung Erzgebirge (Runner-up Ukrainian Nationals also qualified for Region I Finals)
2008: United German Hungarians
2009: Vereinigung Erzgebirge
2010: Phoenix SC
2011: Phoenix SC*
2012: West Chester United Predators

* Qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

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