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USASA Region II

2024 National Amateur Cup: New York Pancyprian Freedoms win first Amateur Cup, qualify for 2025 US Open Cup

July 29, 2024 by Jake Sillick

Members of the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms celebrate after winning the 2024 National Amateur Cup in DeKalb, Illinois. Credit: US Adult Soccer Association
Members of the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms celebrate after winning the 2024 National Amateur Cup in DeKalb, Illinois. Credit: US Adult Soccer Association

The New York Pancyprian-Freedoms can add two new honors to their long list of accomplishments; 2024 National Amateur Cup champions and 2025 US Open Cup Qualifiers. The three-time Open Cup champs won their first ever Bill Marth Trophy on Saturday, winning two games in three days against fellow USASA regional champions. The team also qualifies for its eighth Open Cup since 1995, the start of the Modern Era, with that record also including its ill-fated qualification to the COVID cancelled 2020 tournament.

Let that @MichelobULTRA flow!!! ???? https://t.co/5d2ASRpqST pic.twitter.com/zSOdjWvjRn

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 28, 2024

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), receives direct qualification to the following year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals.

You can find a brief summary of every game from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads and articles made over the last few months regarding other results:

  • April 7 (Region I)
  • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
  • April 20 (Region II)
  • April 27 to May 5
  • May 11 to 25
  • May 28 to June 2
  • June 7 to 9 (Region III Tournament Recap)
  • June 9 to 16
  • June 25

FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

National Semifinals

THURSDAY, JULY 25

New York Pancyprian Freedoms (NY – Eastern Premier Soccer League)
5:1
Tobacco Road FC (NC – Triangle Adult Soccer League)

NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex – DeKalb, IL

The New York Pancyprian-Freedoms outgunned Tobacco Road FC in the opening match of the national phase. The Region I champions opened the scoring when Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo launched a shot to the Tobacco keeper, whose save was tapped in by a contentiously onside Junior Rosero. Rosero, who made a name for himself with Oyster Bay United FC in the 2022 US Open Cup, and James Thristino both scored braces. Region III champs TRFC fall in the national semifinals for a second straight year.

(Full game recap by TheCup contributor Adnan Bašić for Protagonist Soccer)

ICYMI: a goal by @NYpancyprian in their semi against @TobaccoRoadFC was featured at # 4 in #SCtop10 on @espn ????#NationalAmateurCup #USASA pic.twitter.com/yRO93DOR2f

— USASA | US Adult Soccer (@USAdultSoccer) July 29, 2024

Goal scorers

NYPF:

  • Junior Rosero 37′
  • James Thristino 45+2′
  • Junior Rosero 61′
  • Jordan Bailon 75′ (Asst: Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo)
  • James Thristino 80′

TRFC:

  • Jahmir Flowers 90+3′ (Asst: Jackson Allen)

MATCH BROADCAST

FC Arizona (AZ – National Premier Soccer League)
2:4
FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI – National Premier Soccer League)

NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex – DeKalb, IL

In a battle of NPSL sides, FC Milwaukee Torrent scored three goals in five minutes to beat FC Arizona. Torrent got the scoring going in first half stoppage time, with Max Ludwig cutting between multiple defenders before feeding Jaime Le Comte on the right side for a successful shot. Arizona responded in the second half, with Marco Afonso combining with Kyle Benjamin for a pair of goals. However the Torrent pulled away in the final ten minutes to secure their spot in the final in their debut tournament.

(Full game recap by TheCup contributor Adnan Bašić for Protagonist Soccer)

Goal scorers

FCA:

  • Kyle Benjamin 63′ (Asst: Marco Afonso)
  • Kyle Benjamin 80′ (Asst: Marco Afonso)

FCMT:

  • Jaime Le Comte 45+2′ (Asst: Max Ludwig)
  • Gabe Voung 83′ (Asst: Javier Steinwasher)
  • Jaime Le Comte 85′ (Asst: Javier Steinwasher)
  • Max Ludwig 88′ (Asst: Taylor Pill)

MATCH BROADCAST

2024 National Amateur Cup Final

SATURDAY, JULY 27

New York Pancyprian Freedoms (NY – Eastern Premier Soccer League)
6:0
FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI – National Premier Soccer League)

NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex – DeKalb, IL

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms overpowered FC Milwaukee Torrent to win the 2024 National Amateur Cup. Four goals inside the first 25 minutes included a great shot by former Houston Dynamo FC player Joe Holland. Junior Rosero and Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo both earned braces in the first half, with it being the former’s second in three days. A free kick goal in the second half (which may have hit off another player) ended the scoring as the NPSL side looked completely overwhelmed by New York’s speed and experience.

Of note, with these stats the tournament ends with six players tied for Golden Boot with five goals scored between the regional and national rounds. Those players are: Joe Holland (New York Pancyprian-Freedoms), Junior Rosero (New York Pancyprian-Freedoms), Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo (New York Pancyprian-Freedoms), Alan Salgado (Azteca FC), James Tristino (New York Pancyprian-Freedoms), and Nico Williams (Chicago House AC).

(Full game recap by TheCup contributor Adnan Bašić for Protagonist Soccer)

Goal scorers

NYPF:

  • Junior Rosero 7′
  • Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo 9′ (Asst: Joe Holland)
  • Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo 14′ (Asst: Junior Rosero)
  • Joe Holland 24′ (Asst: Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo)
  • Junior Rosero 43′
  • Rafael Bustaenti 50′

MATCH BROADCAST

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, FC Arizona, FC Milwaukee Torrent, new york pancyprian freedoms, Tobacco Road FC, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region I, USASA Region II, USASA Region III, USASA Region IV

2024 National Amateur Cup Recap: FC Milwaukee Torrent win Region II, claim final spot in Semis (June 25)

July 25, 2024 by Michael Battista

FC Milwaukee Torrent celebrate with the Bill Davey Amateur Cup after winning the 2024 USASA Region II tournament. Credit: FC Milwaukee Torrent

The final spot in the 2024 National Amateur Cup was clinched last month as FC Milwaukee Torrent advanced to the final four. The National Premier Soccer League team will join one of its fellow league mates their as they attempt to win their first national title.

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), receives direct qualification to the following year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

You can find a brief summary of every game from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads and articles made over the two months regarding other results:

  • April 7 (Region I)
  • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
  • April 20 (Region II)
  • April 27 to May 5
  • May 11 to 25
  • May 28 to June 2
  • June 7 to 9 (Region III Tournament Recap)
  • June 9 to 16

FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

USASA Region I (Northeast)

Won by New York Pancyprian Freedoms (NY) on June 15, 2024.

USASA Region II (Midwest)
FINAL

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI – National Premier Soccer League)
1:0
Bavarian United SC (WI – Midwest Premier League)

After Extra Time
Hart Park – Wauwatosa, WI

FC Milwaukee Torrent beat six-time amateur cup champions Bavarian United SC at home after 120 minutes of play. The two Wisconsin sides were evenly matched, with both earning clean sheets through regulation. In the first extra time, Alejandro Martinez made a strong run down the left side for the Torrent and hit a cross just as he reached the endline that reached a mass of humanity in front of the Bavarian net. The ball as it trickled into the Bavarian’s net, and the finish was eventually credited as an own goal.

(Full match recap by the NPSL)

Goal scorer

FCMT:

  • Own Goal 97′

MATCH BROADCAST

USASA Region III (South)

Won by Tobacco Road FC (NC) on June 9, 2024.

USASA Region IV (West)

Won by FC Arizona (AZ) on June 2, 2024.

USASA National Amateur Cup Finals

All four regional champions have been crowned. Each will take part in the national finals on July 25 to 28 in DeKalb, Illinois. This event is officially being hosted by DeKalb County United, who oddly enough did not even enter the tournament.

Qualified teams:

  • New York Pancyprian-Freedoms (Region I)
  • FC Milwaukee Torrent (Region II)
  • Tobacco Road FC (Region III)
  • FC Arizona (Region IV)

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, FC Milwaukee Torrent, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region II

2024 National Amateur Cup Recap: Pancyprian Freedoms win Region I, Midwest Semis produce all Wisconsin Final (June 9–16)

June 18, 2024 by Michael Battista

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms celebrate the club’s 2024 USASA Region I championship in the National Amateur Cup.

A three-time US Open Cup champion is heading to Dekalb, Illinois to compete for the 2024 National Amateur Cup. The New York Pancyprian Freedoms became the third team to punch its ticket last weekend which two other teams inched closer to claiming the final spot. The Midwest final is now set and going to be a first-ever match between two Wisconsin sides looking to make history.

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), receives direct qualification to the following year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

You can find a brief summary of every game from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads and articles made over the two months regarding other results:

  • April 7 (Region I)
  • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
  • April 20 (Region II)
  • April 27 to May 5
  • May 11 to 25
  • May 28 to June 2
  • June 7 to 9 (Region III Tournament Recap)

FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

USASA Region I (Northeast)
Final

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Christos FC (MD – Maryland Super Soccer League)
0:2
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (NY – Eastern Premier Soccer League)
Ukrainian American Sports Center, Field 6 – North Wales, PA

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms won the USASA Region I Amateur Cup over Christos FC, 2-0, to qualify for July’s national tournament. Goals at the bookends of the match were enough to beat an over-extended Christos team, which had a USL League Two match earlier in the day. The game was played at the Ukrainian American Sports Center during a weekend in which Region I also crowned other champions ranging from Under-23 to women’s amateur cup. The Freedoms are looking to join an exclusive club of teams to win both the National Amateur Cup and US Open Cup. The last team to do it was the Freedoms’ EPSL rival New York Greek Americans back in 2014.

Goal scorers

NYPF:

  • James Thristino 2′
  • Joe Holland 80′

Match Broadcast:

USASA Region II (Midwest)
Semifinals

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Bavarian United SC (WI – Midwest Premier League)
7:5
Akron City FC (OH – National Premier Soccer League)
After Extra Time
Indiana Invaders Sports Complex – South Bend, IN

Bavarian United SC is back in the Region II Final after an unbelievable comeback win over Akron City FC, 7-5 after extra time. Despite being the host, Bavarians elected to play the game in South Bend, Indiana as a “meet in the middle” compromise with Akron City. The NPSL side trailed heading into halftime but responded by scoring four goals. The two teams traded goals in the last ten minutes meaning the score was 5-2 in the 82nd minute. The six-time National Amateur Cup champions then pulled off one of the greatest comebacks not seen (because there was no stream). Three goals, including two in stoppage time, forced the game to extra time. Akron seemed deflated and allowed a goal in each extra time half to exit its inaugural tournament.

(Full match recap by Akron City FC)

Goal scorers

BUSC:

  • Buran Huseini 40’
  • Joe Raasch 81’
  • Dogara Zamani 86’
  • Kelmend Islami 90+2’
  • Michael Russell 90+5’
  • Chaney Christensen 100’
  • Logan Andryk 113’

ACFC:

  • Sam Sarver 47′, 63′
  • Ryan Kingsford 60′
  • Kelly Jannsen 67′
  • Carter Cormier 82′

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Vlora FC (MN – Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
0:1
FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI – National Premier Soccer League)
Burnsville High School – Burnsville, MN

FC Milwaukee Torrent scored a late goal over Vlora FC to advance, 1-0, to its first-ever regional final. A scoreless first half saw a Torrent goal called back for offside and two Vlora chances held up by strong defensive plays by the visitors. The critical chance came with under ten minutes to play in regulation. A run down the right side saw a cross from the end line find Juan Lopez for the game’s only goal. For Vlora, the loss ends a historic tournament which saw the Minnesota side reach the regional semifinals for the first time. The team was the only team without a bye to the Quarterfinals to reach the final four of Region II.

(Full match recap by the NPSL)

Goal scorers

FCMT:

  • Juan Lopez 81′ (Zakaria Daaou)

Match Broadcast:

USASA Region III (South)

Won by Tobacco Road FC (NC) on June 9, 2024.

USASA Region IV (West)

Won by FC Arizona (AZ) on June 2, 2024.

USASA National Amateur Cup Finals

Once all four regional champions have been crowned, each will take part in the national finals on July 25 to 28 in DeKalb, Illinois. This event is officially being hosted by DeKalb County United, who oddly enough did not even enter the tournament.

Qualified teams:

  • New York Pancyprian-Freedoms (Region I)
  • Tobacco Road FC (Region III)
  • FC Arizona (Region IV)

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, new york pancyprian freedoms, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region I, USASA Region II, USASA Region III, USASA Region IV

2024 National Amateur Cup Recap: FC Arizona win Region IV, Midwest Quarterfinals take place (May 28–June 2)

June 7, 2024 by Michael Battista

Members of FC Arizona celebrate winning the 2024 USASA Region IV Amateur Cup. Credit: Kaylie Phillips Jades

The first team heading to July’s national championship is now known. FC Arizona punched their ticket to play for the National Amateur Cup, and a US Open Cup spot, in the 100th anniversary of the competition. Meanwhile the Midwest narrowed its field and the South set its own.

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association, receives direct qualification to the following year’s U.S. Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

You can find a brief summary of every from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads and articles made over the two months regarding other results:

  • April 7 (Region I)
  • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
  • April 20 (Region II)
  • April 27 to May 5
  • May 11 to 25

    FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

    USASA Region II (Midwest)
    Quarterfinals

    TUESDAY, MAY 28

    FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI – National Premier Soccer League)
    6:1
    Chicago House AC (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    Catholic Memorial High School – Waukesha, WI

    FC Milwaukee Torrent beat Chicago House AC, 6-1. Back-to-back goals in the first ten minutes was followed up with five unanswered by the Torrent. House’s Eduardo Aguilera was red carded for a bad tackle from behind twenty minutes into the second half, all but sealing the visiting team’s fate. Milwaukee received a bye to the Quarterfinals as a member of the NPSL based on last year’s league results.

    (Full Recap by TheCup.us’ Joe Chatz on the NPSL website)

    Goal scorers

    FCMT:

    • Angel Gongora 8’, 34’
    • Sam Abreu 28’
    • Gabe Voung 50’
    • Zakaria Daaou 83’
    • Paco Piscaglia 90+2’

    CHAC:

    • Nico Williams 9’
    https://twitter.com/MKETORRENT/status/1795847766368743845

    THURSDAY, MAY 30

    Bavarian United SC (WI – Midwest Premier League)
    2:0
    Wisloka Chicago (IL – Premier Soccer League of Chicagoland)
    Bavarian Soccer Park – Glendale, WI

    Bavarian United SC beat Wisloka Chicago, 2-0, as it continues the hunt for a seventh National Amateur Cup title. Two late goals helped the Bavs get the momentum over Wisloka. Since USSF began awarding a place in the USOC to the national champion, the Wisconsin side is the only team to win the Amateur Cup multiple times (2018, 2022). United received a bye to the Quarterfinals as a regional finalist from last year’s tournament.

    Goal scorers

    BUSC:

    • Buran Huseini (Ivan Cuellar) 78′
    • Paco Gutierrez (Logan Andryk) 86′

    SUNDAY, JUNE 2

    RWB Adria (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    1:4
    Vlora FC (MN – Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
    Bridgeview Sports Fields – Bridgeview, IL

    In a huge upset, Vlora FC beat defending Region II champion RWB Adria, 4-1, in the shadow of Seatgeek Stadium. Vlora took the lead in the first half before RWB equalized. In the second half, the Minnesota amateurs scored three unanswered to secure a spot in the regional semifinals for the first time. RWB had received a bye to the last eight as defending champion.

    Goal scorers

    RWB:

    • Peri Marošević

    VFC:

    • Hesham Samir Al-Julani (x2)
    • Franklin Schwendimann
    • Robert Cooper

    Match broadcast:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGXnoGvgYFc

    Akron City FC (OH – National Premier Soccer League)
    4:2
    Northern Indiana FC (IN – Midwest Premier League)
    After Extra Time
    St. Vincent-St. Mary High School – Akron, OH

    Akron City FC advanced past Northern Indiana FC, 4-2 after extra time, to lock up a spot in the Semifinals. NIFC had two leads in the game but the hosts equalized twice, including a late goal in the last few minutes of regulation. A controversial penalty kick call early in extra time gave Akron the lead for the first time and a counter attack sealed the win. Akron received a bye into the quarterfinals as a member of the NPSL. The team is looking to be the second Akron team to win the National Amateur Cup after Akron Goodyear lifted the trophy back in 1931.

    (Full match recap by the NPSL)

    Goal scorers

    ACFC:

    • Samuel Sarver 63′
    • Ryan Kingsford 85′, 94′ (PK)
    • Jackson Herbert 127′

    NIFC:

    • Eduardo de Silva 33′
    • Andres Maza 72′

    Match broadcast:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n6qDLz0uno

    USASA Region III (South)

    Region III, encompassing 11 states and 12 associations across the southern United States, will hold its tournament on June 7–9 at MESA Soccer Complex in Greer, South Carolina.

    Teams taking part are:

    Group A
    • Tobacco Road FC (NC)
    • NTX Black Ice (TX) – North Texas
    • OFC Wolves (FL)
    • Terminus FC (GA)
    Group B
    • ASC New Stars (TX) – South TX
    • Majestic FC (SC)
    • Cobb United FC (GA)
    • Naples United FC (FL) – NPSL

    Note: Two teams were previously announced for the tournament but were unable to compete. Those teams were FC Brownsville (TX) and Los Migos (TX). They were replaced by Cobb United FC (GA) and NTX Black Ice (TX).

    USASA Region IV (West)
    Semifinals

    SATURDAY, JUNE 1

    Temecula FC (CA – NISA Nation)
    1:2
    FC Arizona (AZ – National Premier Soccer League)
    Cheyenne Sports Complex – North Las Vegas, NV

    FC Arizona beat former NPSL rival Temecula FC, 2-1, after a long day. Saturday’s semifinals were originally scheduled to be played at Sandstone Ridge Park in North Las Vegas in the morning (Prior to THAT the games were going to be held at Tropical Breeze Park but the venue was changed earlier in the week). The morning of, the venue was changed to Cheyenne Sports Complex due to field conditions at Sandstone. USASA and the teams also decided to move the semifinal matches to later in the day. Arizona scored five minutes after the first whistle and didn’t look back. A late goal by Temecula cut the deficit in half but it wasn’t enough to force extra time.

    Goal scorers

    TFC:

    • Eddie Perez

    FCA:

    • Marco Afonso
    • Cade Williams

    JM United FC (UT – Utah Adult Soccer League)
    1:5
    Azteca FC (CO – Colorado Soccer Association)
    Cheyenne Sports Complex – North Las Vegas, NV

    Azteca FC knocked off upstarts JM United FC, 5-1, in the second semifinal. The 2024 US Open Cup participant used its vast experience to overpower a much younger Jersey Mike’s throughout. JM, a second team to USL League Two side Salt City SC, has a roster mostly made up of college age players. A lone goal ruined the clean sheet for the Colorado side but was not enough to threaten.

    Goal scorers

    JMUFC:

    • Dalton Gibson

    AFC:

    • Alan Salgado (x3)
    • Jovany Herrera
    • George Martinez

    USASA Region IV Final

    SUNDAY, JUNE 2

    FC Arizona (AZ – National Premier Soccer League)
    2:4
    Azteca FC (CO – Colorado Soccer Association)
    After Extra Time
    Cheyenne Sports Complex – North Las Vegas, NV

    FC Arizona won its first ever USASA Region IV Amateur Cup title by beating Azteca FC, 4-2 after extra time. With the win, Arizona is also the first team to punch their ticket to July’s national tournament in Illinois. Arizona took a 1-0 lead into halftime before Azteca tied it in the 88th minute to force extra time. In extra time, Arizona scored twice in the first period to take control back. Both teams scored in the final 15 minutes before the final whistle blew.

    (Full match recap by the NPSL)

    Goal scorers

    FCA:

    • Marco Afonso
    • Gabe Waters
    • Bryan Aceves
    • Jordin Figueroa

    AFC:

    • Alan Salgado
    • Luis Reyes

    USASA National Amateur Cup Finals

    Once all four regional champions have been crowned, each will take part in the national finals on July 25 to 28 in DeKalb, Illinois. This event is officially being hosted by DeKalb County United, who oddly enough did not even enter the tournament.

    Qualified teams:

    • FC Arizona (Region IV)

    Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region I, USASA Region II, USASA Region III, USASA Region IV

    2024 National Amateur Cup Recap: West kicks off, Northeast Semis Conclude (May 11–25)

    June 4, 2024 by Michael Battista

    Players from Azteca FC (yellow) and Timbers SC (green) play for the ball in a 2024 USASA Region IV Amateur Cup Quarterfinal match (Credit: Azteca FC)
    Players from Azteca FC (yellow) and Timbers SC (green) play for the ball in a 2024 USASA Region IV Amateur Cup Quarterfinal match (Credit: Azteca FC)
    Players from Azteca FC (yellow) and Timbers SC (green) play for the ball in a 2024 USASA Region IV Amateur Cup Quarterfinal match (Credit: Azteca FC)

    The 2024 National Amateur Cup has continued over the last few weeks, with more regional tournaments nearing their final stages. Only one region, Region III (South), has yet to kick a ball.

    Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association, receives direct qualification to the following year’s U.S. Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

    USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

    You can find a brief summary of every from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads and articles made over the two months regarding other results:

    • April 7 (Region I)
    • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
    • April 20 (Region II)
    • April 27 to May 5

    FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

    Region I (Northeast)
    Semifinals

    SUNDAY, MAY 19

    Providence City FC Rogues (MA – Bay State Soccer League)
    1:7
    New York Pancyprian-Freedoms (NY – Eastern Premier Soccer League)
    Rhode Island College Alumni Stadium – Providence, RI

    Three-time US Open Cup champions New York Pancyprian-Freedoms cruised past Providence City FC Rogues, 7-1, to reach the regional final in June. The visitors took a one goal lead into half but took advantage of a lacking host. PCFC suffered a red card and then allowed six goals. A consolation was the only solace for the home side.

    Goal scorers

    PCFC:

    • Pedro Ferreira

    NYPF:

    • Joe Holland
    • Matt Forster (x2)
    • Sebastian Ruiz (x2)
    • James Thristino
    • Arsen Demetriou

    Christos FC (MD – Maryland Super Soccer League)
    2:0
    Steel Pulse FC (MD – Maryland Super Soccer League)
    Cedar Lane Park Field #6 – Columbia, MD

    Christos FC advanced to the regional final past rival Steel Pulse FC, 2-0, with two late game penalty kicks. The match was back and forth with both teams knowing each other very well. This was a rematch of the 2023-24 Maryland Stewart Cup final, which qualified both teams for the regional tournament and which Christos won. This was also a rematch from the Third qualifying round of 2024 US Open Cup qualifying, which Christos also won on route to a tournament berth.

    Goalscorers

    CFC:

    • Anthony Dragisics (PK) 88’
    • Dominic Colon (PK) 90+5’

    Match video:

    Region II (Midwest)
    Round 3

    SATURDAY, MAY 11

    Michigan Stars Semi Pro U23 (MI – Midwest Premier League)
    0:2
    Northern Indiana FC (IN – Midwest Premier League)
    Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

    Northern Indiana FC scored twice late to beat hosts Michigan Stars Semi Pro U23, 2-0. The leaders of the Great Lakes West Division in the MWPL have been rolling since joining the league earlier this year. With the win, the team will return to Ohio, the site of its win last round, to play NPSL side Akron City FC.

    Goal scorers

    NIFC:

    • Leo Mendez 80′
    • Julian Vargas 84′

    Match video:

    Match highlights:

    SUNDAY, MAY 12

    Green Bay Glory (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    0:1
    Vlora FC (MN – Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
    Aldo Santaga Stadium – Green Bay, WI

    Joseph Giron’s stoppage time goal advanced Vlora FC past Green Bay Glory, 1-0, in a game that looked destined for extra time. Vlora’s second time in regional quarterfinals (2021) sets up a road trip to play a multi-time national champion in RWB Adria.

    Goal scorers

    VFC

    • Joseph Giron 90+4′

    WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

    SAC Wisla Chicago (IL – Premier Soccer League of Chicagoland)
    1:3
    Wisloka Chicago (IL – Premier Soccer League of Chicagoland)
    After Extra Time
    Loyola Academy Munz Field – Glenview, IL

    A heated match between league rivals saw Wisloka Chicago beat SAC Wisla Chicago, 3-1 AET. The home side took the lead midway in the second half thanks to Konrad Malinowski corner finding Alex Lulek. Former Polish professional player Daniel Lukaszczyk equalized late in the second half to force extra time. Late in the first ET, Lukasz Sulka put the visitors ahead with what would be the game winning goal before former USL Championship player Wojciech Wojcik scored in his second straight Amateur Cup game. Wisloka will now hit the road to play multi-time national champion and one-time US Open Cup runner-up Bavarian United SC.

    Goal scorers

    Wisla

    • Alex Lulek (Asst: Konrad Malinowski) 57’

    Wisloka

    • Daniel Łukaszczyk 84’
    • Łukasz Sulka 104’
    • Wojciech Wójcik 108’

    MONDAY, MAY 20

    Czarni Jaslo Chicago (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    1:3
    Chicago House AC (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    Redmond Soccer Field – Bensenville, IL

    2024 US Open Cup participant Chicago House AC advanced, 3-1, past Czarni Jaslo Chicago. Nico Williams scored for a second straight Region II match before Kikis Avalos doubled the lead just before halftime. Hosts CJC cut the deficit in half, but House responded a few minutes later to make it a two goal lead once again. After being one and done in its first Amateur Cup last year, CHAC is now heading on the road for a Quarterfinal match against NPSL side FC Milwaukee Torrent.

    Goal scorers

    CJC:

    • Paul Urban 64’

    CHAC:

    • Nico Williams 20’
    • Kikis Avalos 42’
    • Lalo Aguilera 69’

    Video of Nico's goal! ⚽️????????????????⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/NYKFBFEgmN

    — Chicago House AC (@ChicagoHouse_AC) May 21, 2024

    Video of @kikis_9 goal. https://t.co/Easl4PZMrj

    — Chicago House AC (@ChicagoHouse_AC) May 21, 2024

    VIDEO! AR to Kikis ⚽️????????????????
    ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/Tm9sPtNLPF

    — Chicago House AC (@ChicagoHouse_AC) May 21, 2024

    Region III (South)

    Region III, encompassing 11 states and 12 associations across the southern United States, will hold its tournament on June 7–9 at MESA Soccer Complex in Greer, South Carolina.

    Qualifications is typically decided by teams winning their respective state cups (for example the on-going Georgia Adult State Cup). However, open entry has been allowed in the past to make up numbers.

    Region IV (West)
    Round 1

    SUNDAY, MAY 12

    Peak XI FC (CO – Mountain Premier League)
    1:1
    Timbers SC (CO – Mountain Premier League)
    Timbers SC advances 4-3 on penalty kicks
    Fairview High School – Boulder, CO

    The first game of the USASA Region IV Amateur Cup did not disappoint on thrills as Timbers SC beat fellow Mountain Premier League side Peak XI FC, 1-1 (4:3 on pks). The game was scoreless after 90 minutes meaning the two teams would need to play at least two more 15 minute halves. In the second extra time, a run by Peak up the left side ended with a shoulder tackle by a Timbers player in the box. The subsequent penalty kick was converted by Taylor Smyser to give the home side the lead. However Timbers responded a few minutes later, with a team play up the right side ending with Alex Molchan equalizer. In the penalty kick shootout, Timbers’ keeper Kyle Lanham made two huge saves in the first two rounds as his team went four for five to win, 4-3, in the fifth round.

    Goal scorers

    Peak:

    • Taylor Smyser 113′ (PK)

    TSC:

    • Alex Molchan 118′

    Match Video:

    • Video 1: https://www.facebook.com/peakxi/videos/6740214276081047/
    • Video 2: https://www.facebook.com/peakxi/videos/1019124812908431/
    • Video 3 (Second half + ET + Shootout): https://www.facebook.com/peakxi/videos/1083951045999312

    Azteca FC (CO – Colorado Soccer Association)
    W:L
    Young Gunz FC (CO – Mountain Premier League)

    Azteca FC advanced past Young Gunz FC via forfeit. When reached for comment, Gunz cited the team’s current schedule congestion between Mountain Premier League and another competition it was in. The team also criticized the region’s planning of the event, noting it had signed up for the tournament in March and only heard about scheduling two barely squeezing two games in May at the last minute.

    Quarterfinals

    SATURDAY, MAY 18

    Boise Alpha FC (ID – Southern Idaho Soccer League)
    1:4
    J.M. United FC (UT – Utah Adult Soccer League)
    Sunway Soccer Complex – Twin Falls, ID

    J.M. United FC beat Boise Alpha FC, 4-1, In a battle of teams from states that aren’t often talked about on this website. J.M., which stands for Jersey Mike’s United FC, is a reserve/second team for USL League Two side Salt City SC. The group is in the process of changing its name to “Salt City FC” but there’s no chance we’re not capitalizing on this name while we have the chance to report on it.

    Goal scorers

    BAFC:

    • Alain Clement (Musab Bwana)

    JMUFC:

    • Nathan Reginato (Youri Joseph)
    • Teddy Chester (Youri Joseph)
    • Moses Ruiz (Ian Nielson)
    • Ian Nielson (Moses Ruiz)

    THURSDAY, MAY 23

    Azteca FC (CO – Colorado Soccer Association)
    4:0
    Timbers SC (CO – Mountain Premier League)
    Lowry Sports Complex – Denver, CO

    Azteca FC beat Timbers SC, 4-0, to advance to the regional semifinals in Las Vegas. The experienced multi-time US Open Cup qualifier overpowered the barely year old club. Timbers had chances to turn the tides but had two goals called back, preserving Azteca’s clean sheet.

    Goal scorers

    AFC:

    • Luis Reyes
    • Jovany Herrera
    • Alan Salgado
    • George Martinez

    SATURDAY, MAY 25

    UNM Club Soccer (NM – Albuquerque Soccer League)
    0:4
    FC Arizona (AZ – National Premier Soccer League)
    New Mexico Soccer Complex – Bernalillo, NM

    Experience heavy FC Arizona knocked off sentimental favorite UNM Club Soccer, 4-0, on the road. Hosts UNM are the only men’s soccer representing their university cut the varsity men’s soccer program in 2018. The NPSL side took a one goal lead into half time thanks to a Dino Redzic goal before scoring three more unanswered to advance to Las Vegas.

    Goal scorers

    FCA:

    • Dino Redzic
    • Josue Murillo (x2)
    • Justin Provenzano

    Temecula FC (CA – NISA Nation)
    W:L
    The Olympic Club (CA – San Francisco Soccer Football League)

    Temecula FC advanced past The Olympic Club via forfeit. When reached for comment, OC and the region cited the team’s current schedule congestion with San Francisco Soccer Football League commitments and the travel to SoCal. The team, like Young Gunz prior, also criticized the region’s planning of the event. A team official noted the original date of the Las Vegas Semifinals & Final was supposed to be June 17-18 and OC was supposed to just qualify for that without a play-in (Quarterfinal) match. The date of the final four switched two more times, giving Olympic Club little space to organize travel to a game.

    Note: This was announced the same day as the Young Gunz FC forfeit/withdrawal.

    National Amateur Cup Finals

    Once all four regional champions have been crowned, each will take part in the national finals on July 25 to 28 in DeKalb, Illinois. This event is officially being hosted by DeKalb County United, who oddly enough did not even enter the tournament.

    Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region I, USASA Region II, USASA Region III, USASA Region IV

    2024 National Amateur Cup Recap: Northeast Q-Finals & Midwest Round 2 (April 27–May 5)

    June 4, 2024 by Michael Battista

    Providence City FC Rogues’ goalkeeper Oliver Larente stops a New York Shockers penalty kick attempt late in regulation to keep the score tied at 2-2. Photo: Jim O’Leary/NPSL.com

    The 2024 U.S. Open Cup continues on with the Round of 32 next week and the introduction of eight Major League Soccer teams. Meanwhile, at the complete other end of the U.S. Soccer system, another tournament is still in its early stages. The 2024 National Amateur Cup is underway in two regions of the country as the historic tournament celebrates its 100th anniversary.

    Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association, receives direct qualification to the following year’s U.S. Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

    USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

    You can find a brief summary of every from this past weekend below. Additionally, here are links to the Twitter threads made over the last month regarding other results:

    • April 7 (Region I)
    • April 14 (Region I & Region II)
    • April 20 (Region II)

    FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

    Region I (Northeast)
    Quarterfinals

    SATURDAY, APRIL 27

    New York Shockers (NY – National Premier Soccer League)
    2:3
    Providence City FC Rogues (MA – Bay State Soccer League)
    Afrim’s Sports Park – Albany, NY
    After Extra Time

    The 2023 Massachusetts Amateur Cup Champions knocked off the last remaining NPSL side in the Region I tournament. Providence City FC Rogues came from behind in the second half and goalkeeper Oliver Larente stopped a late penalty kick to force extra time. A free kick into a header sent the talented internet darlings into their first-ever Region I semifinal.

    (Thanks to Dutch Guards SG for the help reporting!)

    Goal scorers

    NYS:

    • Adel Cekic (PK) 33’
    • Bilal Hersi (Asst: Yusef Okine) 64’

    PCFC:

    • Emerson Debritto 34’
    • Taff Wadda (PK) 71’
    • Jake Lamar 114’

    SUNDAY, APRIL  28

    Steel Pulse FC (MD – Maryland Super Soccer League)
    2:1
    Vereinigung Erzgebirge (PA – United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
    Milford Mill Academy – Millford, MD

    In a battle of state cup runner-ups Steel Pulse FC knocked off Vereinigung Erzgebirge, 2-1, thanks to a late diving header. The historic Pennsylvania side exits the Amateur Cup a month after its defeat in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.

    Goal scorers

    SPFC:

    • RJ Fuentes (Asst: Ramzey Hassen) 30’
    • Diarra Zoumana (Asst: RJ Fuentes) 85’

    VE:

    • Derek Antonini 33’

    Match video:

    Club Atlético Los Toros (VA – American Premier League)
    0:3
    Christos FC (MD – Maryland Super Soccer League)
    Hammond High School – Columbia, MD

    The Maryland state cup champions are heading to the semifinals, setting up a Steward Cup final rematch with Steel Pulse FC. Christos FC started with a phenomenal goal within the first ten minutes and didn’t look back against Club Atlético Los Toros. Historically, Christos has struggled in the regional amateur cup meaning this deep run is new territory for many of the players.

    Goal scorers

    CFC:

    • Morgan Lucci 7’
    • Brian Graham 67’
    • Roshawn Panton 83’

    Match video:

    Newtown Pride FC (CT – Connecticut Soccer League)
    1:6
    New York Pancyprian-Freedoms (NY – Eastern Premier Soccer League)
    Joel Barlow High School – Redding, CT

    In a rematch of last year’s Region I Quarterfinal, New York Pancyprian-Freedoms knocked off defending regional champions Newtown Pride FC, 6-1. The result means Newtown will not be in the final after three consecutive appearances.

    Goal scorers

    NPFC:

    • Unknown

    NYPF:

    • Joseph “Joe” Holland (x2)
    • Junior Rosero
    • Sebastian Ruiz
    • Matthew Forster
    • Luis Argudo

    Region II (Midwest)
    Round 2

    SATURDAY, APRIL 27

    Valhalla FC (OH – Ohio Valley Premier League)
    2:3
    Northern Indiana FC (IN – Midwest Premier League)
    Milford High School – Milford, OH

    Region II regulars knocked off by the newcomers. Northern Indiana FC, a recent addition to the Midwest Premier League and playing in their first Amateur Cup, eliminated Valhalla FC. The home side scored twice in the second half while playing down a man due to a red card, but couldn’t hold off the well traveled visitors who scored back to back goals.

    Goal scorers

    VFC:

    • Anders Michelson (Asst: Ebiel Gamino) 48’
    • Noah Hjelmeng (Asst: Ebiel Gamino) 56’

    NIFC:

    • Eduardo da Silva (PK) 13’
    • Juan Perez 67’
    • Piero Sabroso 68’

    Match video:

    Inter Detroit (MI – Midwest Premier League)
    0:3
    Michigan Stars Semi Pro U23 (MI – Midwest Premier League)
    Mott High School – Waterford, MI

    The defending champion of the Great Lakes East Division fell to its Midwest Premier League rival. Inter Detroit, who had a bye through Round 1, had a second half collapse against Michigan Stars Semi Pro U23. The reserve side of the National Independent Soccer Association professional team scored three unanswered to win its first-ever Amateur Cup game (not via forfeit).

    Goal scorers

    MSFC:

    • Rocco Galati 49’
    • Vincent Vultaggio (PK) 66’
    • Gjon Melakuqi 89’

    Match video:

    WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

    SAC Wisla Chicago (IL – Premier Soccer League of Chicagoland)
    5:4 AET
    CKS Warta Soccer Club (IL – Greater Chicago Soccer League)
    Loyola Academy Sports Complex – Glenview, IL

    Despite trailing 3-0 at halftime, SAC Wisla Chicago was able to battle back against CKS Warta Soccer Club. Late goals from Kamil Macko and Matt Skorupa forced extra time and emotions ran high as two Wisla players were shown red in overtime. In extra time, Alex Lulek found Michal Mroz at the top of the box in the 97th minute, who slotted in the game winning goal.

    Goal scorers

    Wisla:

    • Konrad Malinowski 49’
    • Michal Mroz 74′, 97′
    • Kamil Macko 87′
    • Matt Skorupa 90+2’

    Warta:

    • Aleksandar Zdravkovic 15’, 42′
    • Aaron Moreno 34’, 77′

    Wisloka Chicago (IL – Premier Soccer League of Chicagoland)
    2:1
    Edgewater Castle FC (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    Olympic Park (#9) – Schaumburg, IL

    Wisloka Chicago is into the next round over Edgewater Castle FC, 2-1. After a back and forth first half, a late goal by former professional forward Wojciech Wójcik proved to be enough for the home side.

    Goal scorers

    Wisloka:

    • Patryk Knap 21′
    • Wojciech Wójcik 87′

    ECFC:

    • Enzo Dagatti 36′

    SUNDAY, MAY 5

    Bateaux FC (WI – Wisconsin Primary Amateur Soccer League)
    0:3
    Green Bay Glory (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    Regis High School – Eau Claire, WI

    Green Bay Glory beat Bateaux FC, 3-0, in their Amateur Cup debut. The traveling MWPL side took a one goal lead into halftime. In the final 45 minutes, Green Bay extended its lead and Bateaux’s AJ Mittelsteadt got a second yellow card to make the home side play with 10 men. A familiar face to York United FC fans iced the game not long after that.

    (Thanks to Northern Lights Football for the help reporting!)

    Goal scorers

    GBG:

    • Edgar Heredia Victoria 13′
    • Kevin Sosa 50′
    • Osvaldo Ramirez 64′

    United Serbian Soccer Club (WI – Milwaukee Premier League)
    2:6
    Chicago House AC (IL – Midwest Premier League)
    United Serbian Soccer Club Fields – Milwaukee, WI

    Chicago House AC, coming off an appearance in the US Open Cup earlier this year, beat United Serbian SC (WI), 6-2. House regular Nico Williams scored twice in the first five minutes and made it a hat-trick within a half hour. Serbians struggled to recover, dealing with injuries and eventually seeing two players sent off with red cards.

    Goal scorers

    USSC:

    • Dejan Rokvic 25′
    • Vitalis Takawira Jr 70′

    CHAC:

    • Nico Williams 2′, 5′, 30′
    • Kikis Avalos 39′
    • Lalo Aguilera 62′
    • Isaac Carnalla 85′

    Region III (South)

    Region III, encompassing 11 states and 12 associations across the southern United States, will hold its tournament on June 7–9 at MESA Soccer Complex in Greer, South Carolina.

    Qualifications is typically decided by teams winning their respective state cups (for example the on-going Georgia Adult State Cup). However, open entry has been allowed in the past to make up numbers.

    Region IV (West)

    Region IV, encompassing 13 states and 14 associations across the western United States, is scheduled to begin it’s tournament in early May. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, April 30. There is no set venue for the regional final.

    National Amateur Cup Finals

    Once all four regional champions have been crowned, each will take part in the national finals on July 25 to 28 in DeKalb, Illinois. This event is officially being hosted by DeKalb County United, who oddly enough did not even enter the tournament.

    Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 National Amateur Cup, 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region I, USASA Region II, USASA Region III, USASA Region IV

    2014 US Open Cup qualifying: Des Moines Menace clinch USASA berth in snow; Schwaben AC return after 50 years (video)

    November 26, 2013 by Matthew De Witt

    Sean Hoek of the Des Moines Menace attemps a shot in the club's USASA Region II semifinal match against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

    On a snow-covered field Saturday night, the Des Moines Menace smashed three goals in a span of 15 minutes to ease past RWB Adria in the semifinals of the USASA Region II tournament. With the finalists in the touranment clinching a spot in the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the victory puts the USASA edition of the Menace club back in the tournament for the first time since 2011.

    In the other semifinal, Schwaben AC punched their ticket to the tournament for the first time in half a century with a 3-1 win over AAC Eagles in an all-Illinois match-up. The last time Schwaben AC took part in the US Open Cup, it was 1964 and the Beatles had just released their debut album and US National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann was born.

    The format for the 2014 US Open Cup tournament has yet to be released, but the USASA is expected to received two spots from each of their four regions. Region I and III have decided to submit their teams based on last season’s results, while Region II elected to hold a brief tournament before the Dec. 31 qualifying deadline. Region IV has yet to finalize their plans.

    Ben Taylor of the Des Moines Menace tries to control the ball in the snow against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

    With the PDL version of the Menace club expected to qualify based on their 2013 league results, this will mark the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present) that two entries from the same club will participate in the US Open Cup.

    Michael Thaden opened the scoring for the Menace in the 49th minute after putting home a Taylor Ostrander cross from the left flank. Ostrander pushed through the snowy terrain to track down a long ball in a bit of space before finding a streaking Thaden in the center of the field. Thaden collected the ball at the top of the penalty area and ripped off a shot with his second touch.

    The shot blew past Igor Dimov for RWB Adria to propel the Menace to a one-goal lead.

    Sean Hoek put his name on the scoring summary after he produced a solo effort to put away a low line drive into the net. After collecting a long ball from the defense nearly 30 yards out, Hoek blew past the Adria back line to find space on the right side of the penalty area. Having the angle on Dimov, Hoek produced a line drive, which snuck inside the right post, giving the Menace a 2-0 lead at the 54-minute mark.

    “It felt good, especially after the way the game was going,” Hoek said about his goal. “The game was fun, though. I’ve played on a frozen field in a tournament, but never played in snow.”

    Darren Marcello of the Des Moines Menace sends a goal kick up the field against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

    Mike Noonan would flick home an Espriu cross in the 64th minute to put Des Moines up by three, but Adria began finding a foothold in the snow with just under 25 minutes to play. Adnan Ejupovic and Martin Khoshaba began stringing some offensive threats together for the Chicago side, but just could not hit the frame.

    The best chance for RWB Adria came late in the game, when Des Moines goalkeeper Darren Marcello mishandled a cross from the right side. Alex Ricketts put a head on the ball, popping it up but on frame in the dying minutes of the game. The ball would have found the net, but Jack Pearson would ease the ball away, giving away a corner but preserving the clean sheet.

    Dimov did make key saves down the stretch, giving Adria a bit of confidence. The biggest call to action was a one-on-one situation with Des Moines’ Tucker Sindlinger near the top of the penalty area. Sindlinger tried to curl in a shot to the right post, but Dimov came up with an acrobatic diving save in the end.

    The Menace side, featuring a mix of alumni of the PDL team and current college students, brought more heat in a game that was 12 degrees at kickoff.

    “I thought the beginning of the game was more of a feeling out process, especially with the field conditions and a team we had never seen before,” said Menace head coach Mike Jeffries. “I thought the second half, we had little more of a sense on how we wanted to get at them, with more direct play. It was not necessarily long balls, but just getting forward a bit quicker.”

    The Menace will be joined in the 2014 US Open Cup, and the USASA Region II championship game by Schwaben AC who neeeded two late goals to defeat fellow Chicago-area club AAC Eagles.

    The goals came in the 76th and 78th minutes It took two late goals, in the 76th and 78th-minutes to come up with a winner. Schwaben AC, of Illinois, punched their ticket to the 2014 US Open Cup by virtue of a 3-1 win over the AAC Eagles.

    The last time Schwaben competed in the US Open Cup was when they lost in the semifinals of the 1964 tournament. Prior to that, their Open Cup participation dates back to at least 1943. Their best finish came in 1956 when they were runners-up after losing an exciting championship series to the Harmarville Hurricanes (Pittsburgh).

    Schwaben and the Eagles possessed two completely different playing styles, with Schwaben electing to play over the top to beat them with speed, while the Eagles were more tactical and connected the passes through the middle of the field. Schwaben won the contest in the second half with goals in the 76th and 78th minutes when tired legs took over in the Eagles backline.

    The game-winner came on a failed clearance inside the penalty area with less than 15 minutes remaining. Schwaben tracked down a long ball from the defense in the offensive third and looked to get in a cross from the left flank. An end line cross was sent toward the penalty spot, with the Eagles making first contact on the ball. The attempted clearance was poor, and it would be their downfall. A mad scramble in the penalty area ensued, with Schwaben finally poking in a shot. The ball was lost amongst the amount of bodies, but by the time the Eagles saw it, it was already in the back of the net.

    Adding a bit of insurance, Schwaben tucked away a final goal two minutes later on a breakaway created from a long ball from the backline.

    Early on, SAC had more of the game, scoring right away. Schwaben controlled more of the possession in the first half and it was rewarded with a 15th minute goal. The ball built up from the back playing through the defenders and using the midfielders to push forward. Schwaben pushed down the right side, breaking past the Eagles defense and taking the ball into the penalty area. Faced with a one-on-one situation, Schwaben got the better of the Eagles goalkeeper this time around, and smashed home a rocket to take the 1-0 lead.

    Eagles did bring a bit of momentum into the closing moments of the first half after their goal brought them back on level terms. A dangerous free kick was the ultimate demise of SAC, after the goalkeeper called off his defenders to collect the delivery. The AAC Eagles sprung past their marks and powered home a header from 15 yards out to draw the teams back to an even playing field.

    Willy Schaeffer, part of the Schwaben AC squad, offered his thoughts following the game: “Both teams were fluent today. The field conditions were frozen, but overall both teams did well. I was proud of the effort put forth today.”

    MATCH: RWB ADRIA V. DES MOINES MENACE
    DATE: Saturday, November 23, 2013
    COMPETITION: USASA National Cups, Region II Tournament, Semifinals

    Scoring Summary
    Des Moines: Michael Thaden (Thomas Ostrander) – 49th min.
    Des Moines: Sean Hoek – 54th min.
    Des Moines: Michael Noonan (Rodrigo Espriu) – 64th min.

    Misconduct Summary
    RWB Adria: Martin Khoshaba (Yellow Card) – 44th min.
    RWB Adria: Igor Dimov (Yellow Card) – 84th min.
    RWB Adria: Adnan Ejupovic (Red Card) – 90th+ min.

    DES MOINES STARTERS:
    GK- Darren Marcello
    D- Sergio Leiva
    D- Ben Taylor
    D- Jack Pearson
    D- Chris Scott
    M- Bruno Moreas
    M- Sean Hoek
    M- Michael Thaden
    F- Thomas Ostrander
    F- Rodrigo Espriu
    F- Michael Noonan

    RWB ADRIA STARTERS:
    GK- Igor Dimov
    Taylor Bond
    Adnan Ejupovic
    Fadi Houma
    Martin Khoshaba
    William Kletzien
    Rohan Mckenzie
    Semir Mesanovic
    Dorin Opera
    Alex Ricketts
    Igor Stijepic

    Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2014 US Open Cup qualifying, 2014 USASA qualifying, AAC Eagles, Des Moines Menace, RWB Adria, Schwaben AC, USASA Region II

    2013 US Open Cup First Round: Not quite a high mark for Riverhounds who escape loss to RWB Adria in penalties

    May 15, 2013 by Ben Cole

    Highmark Stadium held its first Open Cup game on Tuesday and it did not hold back on the dramatics as the USL Pro’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds defeated amateur side RWB Adria 5-4 in penalty kicks after ending regulation tied at 1-1.

    Riverhounds goalkeeper Greg Blum – who last faced a shootout in college at Slippery Rock University – was shaky, never making a stop. Matthew Dallman put Pittsburgh ahead and Kevin Kerr clinched the victory after Adria’s fourth shooter, Johnny Morris, hit the crossbar.

    “The win doesn’t feel as good as I thought it was going to feel,” said Pittsburgh coach Justin Evans. “We still have a few things to look at.”

    A group of 1,400 people saw Pittsburgh stay unbeaten through four matches this season, the last two being victories at home. The Riverhounds are currently 10th in the USL Pro table, with a 1-4-3 record. The Riverhounds move on to play the Ocean City Nor’easters in the second round on May 21.

    Adria took an early lead, with a goal from Carlos Munoz as he slipped through the Riverhounds defense to catch them off guard and to go up 1-0 in the 17th minute. Despite the lead, Pittsburgh leaded in shots (5) and corners (4) at the break.

    Pittsburgh found an equalizer in the second half.

    Seth C’deBaca scored from the top of the 18-yard box on a play that started from a Rob Vincent corner in the 53rd minute. After a redirect and an assist from Mike Green, C’deBaca notched his first of the season.

    “It’s something I’ve needed,” he said about the goal.

    The rest of regulation was very back and forth as fatigue started to settle in for both sides. That led to a few injury stoppages and cautions from the referee. All the yellow cards came in the second half and beyond, with Adria totaling four and to Pittsburgh three, all of which were labeled as unnessecary behavior.

    Extra time is where the Riverhounds almost took the victory. They registered five shots in the overtime periods, with three of them coming from forward Jose Angulo.

    It was also some impressive goalkeeping from Adria’s Igor Dimov that kept the Chicago-based side in through the tail end of the game.

    SHOTS: Pittsburgh: 17, RWB Adria: 4

    SAVES: Pittsburgh: 2, RWB Adria: 6

    CORNERS: Pittsburgh: 15, RWB Adria: 2

    FOULS: Pittsburgh: 19, RWB Adria: 19

    OFFSIDES: Pittsburgh: 3, RWB Adria: 6

    Filed Under: US Open Cup Tagged With: 2013 First Round, 2013 US Open Cup, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, RWB Adria, USASA Region II, USL Pro

    2013 Meet the USASA: Dearborn Stars putting controversy behind them to debut in 100th US Open Cup

    May 13, 2013 by Alejandro Zúñiga

    Welcome to our continuing series of Meet the USASA features where we annually profile the clubs representing the United States Adult Soccer Association in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Advancing from the four regional tournaments, these often unknown clubs have great stories to tell and each year, our goal is to allow fans to get to know them as they attempt to become this year’s Cinderella story.

    Amidst quite a bit of controversy and misunderstanding, the Dearborn Stars will participate in the 100th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Don’t expect them to make any apologies.

    In the 30-year-old club’s first attempt at qualifying for the Cup, the Stars earned the opportunity to represent the United States Adult Soccer Association’s (USASA) Region II. They took a first step toward clinching a berth with a 5-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Saints at home and etched their spot in the tournament when the Kansas City Athletics couldn’t travel to a makeup game.

    In the original contest between Dearborn and Kansas City in Kansas, the Athletics emerged victorious thanks to a late goal, but the Stars were playing the game under protest because the field was not regulation size. Region II ruled in favor of Dearborn, and the Athletics conceded the match when they couldn’t arrange last-minute transportation to the rematch in Chicago.

    The KC Athletics (white) and Dearborn Stars battle for the ball in their USASA Region II semifinal. Photo: David Kuhn

    Dearborn became just the third team from the Michigan Soccer Association to qualify for the tournament in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present), joining Motor City clubs Detroit United (2010) and Chaldean Arsenal (2001).

    The Athletics have voiced their frustration with the Stars and the way they were left out of the Open Cup both online and through the local media, Dearborn has put the off-field drama behind it and moved on.

    “It was tough at the beginning because there was a negative vibe about us,” said coach Sam Piraine. “But we do belong, and we’re ready to prove that.”

    Behind the veil of the controversial qualification, the Stars have a solid lineup that is highlighted by a prolific offense and a lockdown goalkeeper. Serbian native Miki Djeresilo played professionally in Europe when he was younger and joined Dearborn because he couldn’t let go of the game; he now leads the team in goals. Another standout is Hamoody Saad, who was a standout at the University of Michigan alongside his brother Soony Saad who currently plays for defending US Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. In goal is netminder Vito Lonigro who made several spectacular saves against Kansas City and Cincinnati in the qualifying rounds, an occurrence the Stars are very accustomed to.

    “ is one of our standouts,” Piraine said. “He’s been put to the test before, and he’s answered the call.”

    At reportedly 62 yards wide, the width of the field at Olathe North High School was an issue as the Dearborn Stars filed a protest prior to the match. Photo: David Kuhn

    Dearborn is surely the underdog in its opening-round Open Cup contest against the Premier Development League’s Michigan Bucks, one of the best-known amateur teams in the country. The Bucks became the first amateur club in the country to topple two MLS teams, adding last year’s 3-2 extra time victory over the Chicago Fire to its historic defeat of the New England Revolution in 2000. Meanwhile, the Stars have never participated in the nationwide tournament and will play on the road at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich. The contest will mark just the fifth game in the 100-year history of the tournament to be played indoors.

    Because Dearborn regularly trains indoors and hosts official matches on artificial turf, Piraine expects that playing at Ultimate Soccer Arena won’t present too difficult a challenge. That experience will help the Stars avoid another controversy and focus solely on their opponents.

    The Stars are hoping to ride the momentum of some recent victories into their Open Cup match on Tuesday. They defeated Zoo City FC in the state semifinals of the US Amateur Cup 3-1 last weekend with goals by Sam Seppo, Thiago Harris and Ahmad Jawad.

    The US Open Cup gives even the smallest teams the chance to make a name for themselves on a national stage, and the Stars hope to do just that. After the negativity surrounding its qualification, Piraine wants people to remember Dearborn for its performance on the field.

    “The guys are ready to prove themselves,” he said. “We were upset that we couldn’t re-play Kansas, but unfortunately, that’s how it happened. We have a tough task ahead of us but we’re ready to put on a good show. And anything can happen.”

    Alejandro Zúñiga can be reached on Twitter

    Filed Under: Meet the Underdogs, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2013 Meet The USASA, Dearborn Stars SC, Meet the USASA, Michigan, USASA, USASA Region II

    2013 Meet the USASA: RWB Adria part of rich tradition of Chicago soccer since 1959

    May 11, 2013 by Scott Fenwick

    Photo: Scott Fenwick | OnTheFire.com
    Welcome to our continuing series of Meet the USASA features where we annually profile the clubs representing the United States Adult Soccer Association in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Advancing from the four regional tournaments, these often unknown clubs have great stories to tell and each year, our goal is to allow fans to get to know them as they attempt to become this year’s Cinderella story.

    Chicago’s soccer roots run deep.

    With Britain, Europe, and Japan in shambles after World War II, steel fueled an economic boom throughout the 1950s and 60s in what came to be known as America’s “Rust Belt.” Like many formerly industrialized American cities, the Midwest’s metropolis attracted opportunity seekers from across Europe and Latin America to pursue a better life in the mills.

    54 years ago, in a now little-known corner of Chicago – a neighborhood tucked into its southeast side near the heavy industry that once boomed there and in nearby Northwest Indiana – Croatian immigrants formed what would become one of America’s most storied amateur soccer clubs.

    History

    A member of Chicago’s National Soccer League (one of America’s oldest dating back to the 1920s), Croatian National Soccer Club Red White and Blue Adria, or C.N.S.C. RWB Adria, has operated continuously since 1959. Adria has amassed an impressive number of trophies over the years and is always a contender on the US amateur circuit.

    The club has reached the US Open Cup semifinals twice in its history (1978, 1991), and has qualified for the tournament four times during the Modern Pro Era (1996, 2007, 2008, 2013). Recently, in 2011, Adria brought the National Amateur Cup home to Chicago.

    According to its manager Ante Loncar, RWB Adria’s philosophy is to always “represent the club, the community, and win.”

    Despite its overt Croatian-American ethnic identity, for many years Adria has called players from around the world its own – most notably the legendary Portuguese striker Eusebio, who in the 1970s made his way across North America playing for NASL and amateur teams alike.

    RWB Adria's Semir Mesanovic strikes the game-winning strike in extra time against FC Indiana in the USASA Region II tournament. Photo: Chris O'Connor | OnTheFire.com

    “Unlike a lot of ethnic teams, once we hit our peak in the late 1970s, we never looked down,” says Loncar.

    Indeed, Adria’s sustained on-field prowess can be traced back to its willingness to embrace diversity in its roster decades ago. Today, the club boasts players hailing from more than nine countries across three continents.

    At the same time though, Adria has maintained its Croatian heritage when it comes to management and organization. Theirs is a unique, multi-ethnic American soccer success story.

    Being RWB Adria

    Operating a competitive amateur club is no easy task. It’s a collective effort that requires time, care, and work from volunteers. It also means providing incentives to the men who lace up their boots for Adria.

    The club plays many games and enters numerous cup competitions during both the indoor and outdoor seasons each year. Thus due to the number of games it plays and the benefits it is able to afford players, Adria, says Loncar, is “definitely considered semi-pro.”

    “To be competitive, you’ve got to find guys who are committed.” The only way to do that, he says, is to offer players benefits such as jobs and mortgage assistance.

    In the case of its foreign players, the club also offers to help them settle in and assimilate to their new lives in America.

    “You’ve got to be able to do a little bit of everything to make these guys feel comfortable,” says Loncar.

    While a few players earn a bit of money, most are afforded other benefits that come with wearing the Adria badge. For example, manager Loncar employs five players, as well as its head coach.

    Loncar’s cousin (and main sponsor) employs two players at the Wolcott Group, a Chicago real estate investment company. Wolcott buys the team’s uniforms and provides it with needed financial assistance for meals and travel.

    “They really help us. They understand our needs,” says Loncar about Adria’s main benefactor.

    Challenges: US Soccer and the US Open Cup

    After a five-year absence from US Open Cup competition, Adria is excited to return during the 2013 Centennial year. “It’s an honor for us as amateurs to play any kind of pro team, to be in the Cup. Every amateur team should enjoy it,” Loncar believes.

    But underneath his appreciation for the tournament and eagerness to have a shot at beating the pros lies frustration with US Soccer’s organization and administration of one of the world’s oldest domestic cup tournaments.

    On Tuesday, May 14, Adria will take on USL Pro’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their new soccer-specific stadium in Station Square, a 52-acre entertainment complex located on the south shore of the Monongahela River that snakes through the Steel City. Adria learned of its first-round draw little more than two weeks before game day.

    “I wish they’d give us more preparation time. For example, it’s very hard to organize twenty guys to get to Pittsburgh. It’s hundreds of miles away. You can’t drive, because guys would miss a lot of work. It’s really difficult. US Soccer must find a way to give teams like us at least three weeks’ notice before our first game.”

    Loncar offers further insight into the hardships amateur and semi-pro teams face during the Open Cup:

    “If we win – and that’s a big ‘if’ – we’ve only six days to organize ourselves for the second-round game. It’s a lot of work for an amateur team. The pros have paid staffs to handle these things, so it’s easier for them – especially the MLS teams.

    “It’s expensive,” Loncar reveals. “You’ve got to pay roughly $10,000 up front (airfare, cars, hotel, per deim money, etc.) and then you get your money back from US Soccer, so you’ve really got to be financially prepared and stable to play in the US Open Cup. Again, if you win, you’ve got to front another $10,000, and so on. This is why we’ve seen NPSL teams drop out of the field. It’s because of the money.”

    What lies ahead?

    With decades of sustained success at the amateur level, would RWB Adria ever look to make the jump to a higher tier of US Soccer?

    “Every year, we talk about joining NPSL or PDL,” says Loncar. But he claims it’s expensive to join the PDL and, moreover, equates it to a “glorified college summer league.”

    Although the club has the funds to join NPSL, according to Loncar, the fourth-tier league is regarded by some in its ranks as “little more than an organized amateur league” similar to the one Adria already resides in (Chicago’s National Soccer League).

    Loncar adds that joining USL Pro (third-tier) would be difficult. “Realistically, we’ll probably keep doing what we do. A lot of our guys like the indoor game, so our community might be able to support a move to PASL Premier, but we’re not fit for a move to USL Pro.”

    Interestingly, Loncar implied that keeping the club’s ethnic name and identity might prove problematic with a move up US Soccer’s ladder. Adria’s manager thinks his club’s Croatianness might prove odd and unattractive to the casual soccer fan who might otherwise support a more conventional-looking club.

    Nevertheless, Adria will not forego its heritage, name, badge, and colors for the sake of posterity. As long as its unique, tight-knit community has any say in the matter, RWB Adria will forever reflect its founders’ American and Croatian pride.

    Filed Under: Meet the Underdogs, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2013 Meet The USASA, Illinois, Meet the USASA, RWB Adria, USASA Region II

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