USASA Region III

2014 US Open Cup Round 1: Red Force storms back to beat Colorado Rovers, earn rare Florida win

May 10, 2014 by Robert Wilson

Red Force, the USASA representative from Florida, scored a pair of second half goals to overcome the USSSA’s Colorado Rovers 2-1 in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was a battle of amateur clubs featuring former professional players making their second consecutive trip to the tournament and a goal by David Olguin in the 81st minute was enough to send Red Force to a rare Florida victory.

With the win, the Miami-based club becomes the first USASA club from the sunshine state to win an Open Cup game since 2001 when Uruguay SC beat Miami Strike Force (PDL). Red Force have another long road trip ahead of them for their Second Round match as they will take on the PDL’s Laredo Heat on May 14 at 9:15 p.m. ET.

The match kicked off in Highlands Park, Colo. with the Rovers eager to jump on the attack. The Rovers, making their second consecutive appearance in the competition, set a tone for the game by taking the first shot of the game; ringing a hard-hit ball right off the middle of the crossbar. Minutes later, Red Force winger Andres Navas and former Ft. Lauderdale Strikers midfielder Scott Gordon connected on a series of quick passes with Navas firing a shot right at Rovers goalkeeper Mark Saxby. For the next ten minutes or so, the Red Force really found a rhythm displaying excellent ball movement. Attackers Gordon, Navas, Olguin and former Miami FC player Abiodun Adeyemi, continued to hold possession and force the Rovers into their own third.

After warding off multiple shots, the well-organized Rovers backline regained possession and sprung Marc Herschberger and former MLS player Colin Clark toward the opposite goal. The pressure resulted in a foul 22 yards from the goal. Clark took the free kick but it was inadvertently handled along the wall, giving the former Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo midfielder another chance. This time, Clark bent the free kick over the wall and past a helpless Red Force keeper Kyle Schoeder to give his team the lead in the 30th minute.

For the remainder of the first half and into the second, the Rovers enjoyed the majority of the possession and attempts on net. After the game, Red Force manager Gabriel Vega admitted that jet lag, accompanied with altitude, set in and his team struggled to keep up with the athletic Colorado team.

Just when it looked as if the Rovers were going to maintain or build on their lead, Red Force captain Richard Perdomo cut a Colin Clark run short and turned his team on the counter. Substitute Daniel Gonzalez accompanied by Navas, broke into the Rovers 18-yard box and chipped the keeper. Just before the ball rolled over the line, Rovers centerback Tyer Adam heroically cleared the ball but a penalty was called on the Rovers goalkeeper. Daniel Gomez converted the penalty and game was tied up.

Ten minutes later, all momentum that the Red Force had was quickly taken away when Gomez was sent of with his second yellow card. Just when the Rovers were once again looking to put the game away the Red Force responded with a quick counter attack and some smooth passing to set up Colombian forward Olguin with a 35-yard strike that found the top corner of Saxby’s net. Olguin’s golazo took the entire stadium by surprise and gave the Red Force the decisive edge in the back and forth affair.

After some nervy moments in stoppage time for both teams, the 2-1 result was complete, and the Red Force captured their first-ever US Open Cup victory securing their second round tie in Laredo, Texas next Wednesday.

After the game, Rovers coach Erick French was clearly disappointed to be defeated in such a shocking turn of events. For the Rovers, it was the second consecutive heartbreaking loss in Open Cup play. Last year, on the same Shea Stadium grass, Colorado was eliminated by the NPSL’s Georgia Revolution in a penalty kick shootout. Putting his emotions aside, French sounded determined to qualify once again, already thinking about the qualification process for 2015.

Vega and his Red Force players were ecstatic, yet exhausted from the incredible day they had. After the game, Vega complimented his team for pushing through the long travel, altitude, the early goal, and the difficult opposition. There was little time for celebration as the team had to hop on a plane back to Miami for a local tournament before arranging travel plans for Wednesday’s trip to Laredo.

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Cajun SC to face CD Motagua in Louisiana final (updated)

April 3, 2014 by Adam Uthe

UPDATED 5/2/14: Only one of the final two group games actually took place. The Crossroads Poolboys clinched second place in Group A and ended the group stage on a positive note with a 2-0 win over UL-Lafayette. With the win, the Poolboys also clinch a spot in the third place game where they will face FC New Orleans, who received three points from their final game after the LSU club team forfeited.

The final between Cajun SC and CD Motagua and the third place game will both take place on May 16 at Clark Field in Lafayette, La. beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

UPDATED 4/26/14, 11:30 p.m. ET: CD Motagua wrapped up the Group B title, and a berth in the 2014 USASA Region III Open Cup tournament with a 7-3 win over the LSU Tigers club team. Former pro and Baton Rouge native Anthony Peters, who spent time with DC United of MLS, led the way with a hat trick for CDM as they join Cajun SC in this summer’s Region III tournament.

UPDATED 4/20/14, 12:00 p.m.: With the group title already decided, Cajun SC and UL Lafayette decided to move their game ahead by one week. Cajun SC continued their dominant play, finishing the group stage with a perfect record after their 2-0 win over ULL. Cajun finishes with a 4-0-0 record with 12 goals scored and only one against. ULL and the Crossroads Pool Boys are scheduled to play for pride in the group finale at a later date.

Next Saturday, April 26, LSU will take on CD Motagua in what will go a long way toward deciding Group B. (Details below)

UPDATED 4/12/14, 10:30 p.m.: CD Motagua have put itself on the verge of a berth in the 2014 USASA Region III Open Cup tournament with a 4-2 win over FC New Orleans on Saturday night at Harris Playground in the Crescent City.

With the victory, the path to the regional competition is simple. They can clinch with a win or draw against the LSU Tigers at home on April 26, or if they lose that game, they will need FC New Orleans, who has been eliminated, to help them out. If FC New Orleans can pick up a win or draw against the Tigers in the group stage finale, then CD Motagua will win the group. If LSU wins their two remaining games, then they will be tied with CD Motagua with 7 points and it will come down to goal difference.

The winner of Group A will take on Cajun SC in the Louisiana Open Cup championship game. Both state finalists will represent Louisiana in the Region III tournament which will take place the weekend of June 20-22 in Montgomery, Ala. and will decide which two teams will qualify for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. (Updated Standings/Results/Schedule below)

UPDATED 4/11/14, 11 p.m.: In a Friday night tilt, Cajun SC clinched Group A with a 5-1 home win over the Crossroads Pool Boys. Along with the group title and a spot in the state title game, Cajun also earns its first-ever berth in the USASA Region III tournament. This year, the regional tournament will take place the weekend of June 20-22 in Montgomery, Ala. The two teams that reach the Region III championship game will qualify for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

UPDATED 4/6/14, 11 a.m.: On Saturday, April 5, FC New Orleans defeated the shorthanded LSU Tigers club team 2-0 to earn their first win in Group B of the Louisiana Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Andy Centeno took advantage of a mistake by the LSU backline and scored the opening goal in the 35th minute. A scramble in the penalty area gave New Orleans a two goal lead when Leonel Rivera put a loose ball into the back of the net.

The win puts New Orleans within a point of their next opponent, first place CD Motagua. The two teams square off next Saturday, April 12 at Harris Playground in New Orleans. If CD Motagua wins, they will qualify for the USASA Region III Open Cup tournament. If New Orleans wins, then the group is much more wide open.

On Sunday, April 6, the other NCAA club team, Louisiana Lafayette was scheduled to take on Crossorads Pool Boys in Alexandria but the match was postponed. Heavy rain created poor field conditions and the game is expected to be played on May 3.

Louisiana Group A	P	W	L	D	Pts	GF	GA	GD
Cajun SC	4	4	0	0	12	12	1	+11
Crossroads Pool Boys	4	1	2	1	4	5	8	-3
UL-Lafayette	4	0	3	1	1	2	10	-8

Louisiana Group B	P	W	L	D	Pts	GF	GA	GD
CD Motagua NO	4	3	0	1	10	15	8	+7
FC New Orleans	4	2	2	0	6	8	6	+2
LSU Tigers	4	0	3	1	1	5	14	-9

Schedule/Results (Home team on right)

Crossroads Pool Boys 2:2 UL Lafayette (March 14)
FC New Orleans 1:2 CD Motagua (March 22)
Cajun SC 1:0 Crossroads Pool Boys (March 23)
CD Motagua 2:2 LSU Tigers (March 29)
UL Lafayette 0:4 Cajun SC (March 29)
LSU Tigers 0:2 FC New Orleans (April 5)
Crossroads Pool Boys 1:5 Cajun SC (April 11)
CD Motagua 4:2 FC New Orleans (April 12)
Cajun SC 2:0 UL Lafayette (April 19)
LSU Tigers 3:7 CD Motagua (April 26)
FC New Orleans 3:0 LSU Tigers (Forfeit – May 3)
UL Lafayette 0:2 Crossroads Pool Boys (May 3)

State Championship / Third Place Game
Clark Field, Lafayette, La. – May 16
Third Place: Crossroads Pool Boys vs. FC New Orleans – 6 p.m. CT
Final: Cajun SC vs. CD Motagua NO – 8 p.m. CT
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PREVIEW

As the 2014 US Open Cup is ready to get underway next month, qualification has already begun for the 2015 edition in some states.

The Louisiana State Open Cup is underway to determine which two teams will take the next step toward qualifying for the 102nd edition of the national tournament. Among the six teams that are taking part in the competition, two are club teams from universities. Louisiana State University (LSU) and University of Louisiana-Lafayette join Cajun SC, Crossroads Pool Boys, FC New Orleans and CD Motagua New Orleans in the competition that began March 14 with two groups of three teams. The winner of each group will qualify for the 2014 USASA Region III Finals.

The teams attempting to qualify are hoping to do something no Louisiana-based USASA team has done in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present): qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The last Louisiana club of any kind to qualify was the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers who represented the USL’s A-League (2nd Division) in 1997. That team featured a young striker from Trinidad & Tobago by the name of Stern John.

In Group A, Cajun SC (Lafayette, La.) has a commanding five point lead over Crossroads Pool Boys (Alexandria, La.) and UL-Lafayette. Cajun SC opened up with a 1-0 victory over Crossroads Pool Boys on March 23 before cruising to a 4-0 victory over the ULL Ragin’ Cajuns on March 29. Martin Cheramie and Austin Clause are leading the line for Cajun SC with two goals each so far. Cheramie also tallied an assist in the four goal win over UL-Lafayette.

Over in Group B, CD Motagua New Orleans sit atop the standings with four points while the LSU Tigers and FC New Orleans each have one point. Due to the schedule, CD Motagua have already played twice while LSU and FC New Orleans have only played once. CD Motagua represented the state in the Region III finals last year, but it hasn’t been easy for them so far. Their first game was a narrow 2-1 win over FC New Orleans followed by a 2-2 draw with LSU Tigers. CD Motagua have seen four different players score at least once so far while Luke Sheeky has two assists.

The two group leaders are off this weekend as FC New Orleans takes on LSU Tigers this Saturday, April 5 in Group B action while Group A sees Crossroads Pool Boys take on UL-Lafayette on Sunday, April 6. This is the first time the tournament has been played out over multiple weekends allowing each team to play home and away for a more traditional, balanced format. Cajun SC can advance to the State Finals with a win over Crossroads Pool Boys next Friday, April 11.

2013 US Open Cup First Round: Ocala Stampede earn first tournament win, 4-2 over Red Force

May 17, 2013 by Michael Berton

It was a night of firsts for the Ocala Stampede of the PDL—the most important being the club’s first US Open Cup victory in the 100th incarnation of the storied tournament.

The Stampede were making their first Open Cup appearance, qualifying by winning the PDL’s Southeast Division last year. Their opponents were Red Force, the only USASA squad from Florida to enter the tournament this year. Playing at Red Force’s home field at Florida International University Stadium, the Stampede were able to pull out a 4-2 victory.

Jack Bailey scored Ocala’s first-ever Open Cup goal in the 8th minute. Controlling play early, Ocala’s Sam Duininck found Bailey with a cross, which the forward was able to convert into an early goal.

The home side would soon respond, however. In the 21st minute, Heber Hernandez took a free kick that was deflected into the Ocala net, evening the game at one apiece.

The game remained tied through the rest of the first half, but that changed early in the second. The Stampede’s Kenny Hogg was fouled in the Red Force penalty area almost immediately after the whistle to start the half. Hogg stepped up to take the penalty himself, converting in the 46th minute to give Ocala a 2-1 lead.

Red Force, which competes in the SSM Premier League, rallied a second time in front of its home fans. Hernandez was at the forefront again, hitting a rocket of a volley from twenty yards out that Stampede keeper Alex Bolowich could not save. The score was now knotted at 2-2, with momentum seemingly in Red Force’s favor. An Ocala substitution would change all of that, however.

Ocala brought in midfielder Christian Blandon in the 60th minute, and he immediately made his mark. Less than two minutes after entering the game, Blandon found Hogg, who laid the ball off to Bailey. The Ocala forward became the first Stampede player to earn a brace in Open Cup play when he calmly slid the ball past the Red Force goalie and into the net.

After a span of physical play, Hogg put the game away with his second goal of the game. Red Force did not have any more comebacks left in them, and Ocala came away with its first US Open Cup victory.

With the win, Ocala earned the right to host its first Open Cup home game. The Stampede will take on Orlando City SC of USL Pro in Round Two. Next Tuesday, they will be hoping for one more first—an upset victory over a professional side.

2013 Meet the USASA: North Texas Rayados hoping youth, talent will help second straight US Open Cup run

May 14, 2013 by Michael Berton

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.

North Texas Rayados may be a young club having been formed in 2011. What the club lacks in age and tradition, though, it more than makes up for with results.

In just a few seasons, the Rayados have become a fixture at the top of the North Texas Premier Soccer Association, including finishing the Spring 2013 regular season with an 8-1-1 record. They have also become a force in USASA Region III, qualifying to the US Open Cup in both of their first two attempts. This year the Rayados cruised through qualifying with a 4-0 record, outscoring their opponents 17-2.

Much of the club’s success can be attributed to familiarity between teammates. In the summer of 2011, Richland College players Raul Herrera and Tito Salas got a group of friends together to form the club. Nearly all were recent college graduates, and several played with Herrera and Salas at Richland. This season North Texas has added some new faces, but Herrera, the goalie for the club, says that familiarity still exists.

“The core is still there,” Herrera said. “We’ve added two or three guys that are still in college…some youth…some young blood. But we’ve gelled. We’re a very complete team this year. We’re a deeper team, and we’re more dedicated.”

NTX Rayados, which takes its name from the Mexican Primera Division side FC Monterrey, was an instant success in the NTPSA, although it took some persuasion to get into the league’s top division. The club had to get many references and recommendations in order to convince NTSPA officials that Rayados belonged in the first division. Once in, however, NTX shot straight to the top, going 20-1 over two-plus seasons. In the most recent campaign, the Rayados claimed the regular season title with an 8-1-1 record.

The club has carried that success into US Open Cup qualifying play. Based in Dallas, NTX competes in USASA Region III. In its first attempt to qualify last year, the Rayados went 2-1 in group play to clinch its spot. They did even better in 2013, going 4-0 to qualify both for the Open Cup as well as the USASA National Finals.

After defeating the South Texas side Islanders FC 6-1, NTX took out the Oklahoma club Los Lobos by a 4-1 scoreline. Having won its group, North Texas advanced to the semifinals, where it defeated CD Motagua 4-0. With a spot in the US Open Cup secured, the Rayados went on to win the Region III final over Red Force from Florida 3-0.

Herrera said, “The scores are very misleading. Red Force is the best amateur team I’ve ever played against. We won because we’ve got a well-rounded team. We’ve put in a lot of dedication and sacrifice.

Now NTX will attempt to do the only thing it has failed at in its young life as a club—beat a PDL side. In its first Open Cup match last year, the Rayados fell to the PDL squad El Paso Patriots 3-1.

“It was a long trip last year. A lot of the guys didn’t know what they were getting into. We have to be a little more serious and a little more prepared. Hopefully this year we’ll get the right result,” Herrera said.

That right result would have to come at the expense of the Austin Aztex, who qualified for the Open Cup by coming in second place in the PDL Mid-South Division last summer. The winner will host the Wilmington Hammerheads, a third-tier professional club playing in USL Pro.

Despite that tantalizing potential Second Round match-up, the NTX Rayados are focused solely on their initial opponents.

“Austin is the only thing on our minds right now,” Herrera said. “We can’t think of the Second Round until we take care of business right now. I know Austin is a strong team. They finished at the top of their division for a reason. It’s going to be a challenge.”

2013 Meet the USASA: Newcomers from Florida, Red Force, bring experienced players to US Open Cup debut

May 10, 2013 by Jim Robertson

The most compelling thing about the Red Force is not their impressive championships from the last two years but how Coach Gabriel Vega has managed to grow a successful and competitive team that started with his sons and their friends as a youth team. This year’s squad has a mix of veterans and promising youth. The Red Force are competing in their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and will open the 100th edition of the tournament against the PDL’s Ocala Stampede at Florida International University.

The Red Force were the only team that entered Open Cup qualifying from the state of Florida and therefore earned a bye into the USASA Region III tournament where they were able to secure a spot in the US Open Cup. When discussing the team’s participation in the Cup, Vega said “ fantastic feeling… The satisfaction of seeing them win was amazing. We are a like a family. We play a very nice soccer.”

Red Force cruised through the Region III tournament, winning three straight games including an Open Cup-clinching 2-0 win over the ASC New Stars, who were attempting to qualify for the third year in a row.

The Red Force began its adult incarnation in the 2008 season when they began competing as an independent team in the SSM Premier League which they have won three of the last four years.

Young stars

Life for Vega and the Red Force started much earlier than that when Vega was coaching his son as a youth. The commitment to the team is infectious as Coach Vega excitedly talks about the players that played for the Red Force in their younger days. Coach Vega quickly rattles off the names and colleges and accomplishments of many former members of the Red Force squad.

“Some of those players come to our matches and help us in training,” Vega mentions. This legacy of playing with the club as a youth continues with the team today as six players from the Under-18 team that played together are currently on the squad. At least eight former Red Force players are now or have played in the past for college soccer programs on scholarship. Vega counts this as one of his most important accomplishments as coach for the Red Force.

Growing a competitive team

From that core youth team staying together after their teammates went to college, Coach Vega has added many impressive players. These players that have joined the Red Force and made them a formidable team in Southeast Florida. With professional experience both in the United States and abroad these players understand how to play in a “big game.”

Daniel Gomez

C.A. River Plate

Fluminense of Puerto Rico

Richard Perdomo

Carolina Railhawks

Miami FC

Platense

Kevin Nylen

Wilmington Hammerheads

Charleston Battery

Ryan Solle

Raleigh CASL Elite

Carolina Dynamo

New England Revolution

Carolina Railhawks

Wilmington Hammerheads

David Holguin

America de Cali

Hernan Acosta

Joan Carvajal

Creighton University

North Carolina Tarheeels

Alan Sanchez

Carolina Dynamo

Cary Clarets

Real Maryland Monarchs

Charlotte Eagles

Coach Vega also played in Argentina before coming to the United States and has been coaching since 1997. The team is also excited to be hosting the match.

“We have a great relationship with , so they are letting us use their fields.”

Despite being in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time, the Red Force are not unfamiliar with big matches and taking on opponents who are expected to beat them. Before attending the Region III qualifying tournament, the Red Force faced the Venezuela Under-19 World Cup team in Miami and played them to a 1-1 draw at halftime. The game was close throughout the match, and as Vega says, the Venezuelan team outlasted them because they were “basically so incredibly fit. In the last minute they scored two goals and we lost 3-1.”

Other notable Red Force accomplishments include being a semifinalist in Copa Latina 2011, a finalist in the Region III finals, champion of the Hiatian Cup in Miami and a two-time champion of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers open tournament (2011-2012).

Vega and his players are ready and excited for the challenge of competing in The Cup and plan on this being only the first appearance of many.

“We are training hard to compete. I always believe in my team always. The Red Force never give up.”

Florida’s Red Force, North Texas Rayados emerge from USASA Region III tourney, qualify for 2013 US Open Cup

April 18, 2013 by Marc Roseblade

USASA Region III, representing most of the southern part of the United States, has submitted their two entries for the 100th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

In the region’s Open Cup qualifying tournament in New Orleans, Florida-based newcomers Red Force and the North Texas Rayados advanced to the competition’s championship game to punch their tickets to the Cup. The Red Force, making their first Open Cup appearance, become the first team from the Sunshine State to qualify since 2009 (Lynch’s FC). The Rayados will make their second straight appearance, something a North Texas-based club hasn’t done since Dallas Roma FC qualified in 2005 and 2006. Both teams will begin play in Round 1, scheduled for May 14.

In addition to competing in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, North Texas defeated Red Force in the title game, 3-0, to advance to the USASA National Finals.

This weekend’s play saw nine sides compete in three groups of three, resulting in Sunday’s semifinal matches involving group winners CD Motagua (Louisiana), Rayados, Red Force and the top second place team, ASC New Stars (Texas South) all competing for a spot in the final and an Open Cup berth.

Both 2012 Region III entrants, ASC New Stars (who were beaten in Round 1 by the PDL’s Laredo Heat, 4-2) and Rayados (beaten in Round 1 by PDL’s El Paso Patriots, 3-1) managed to reach the semifinal qualifying stages again this year, but both would take different routes.

The New Stars were attempting to qualify for the Open Cup for the fourth time and they began play on Friday by stamping their authority on the competition once again with a 3-0 win over newcomers Dallas TNT. Rayados also kicked off this year’s competition with a thumping 6-1 win over Texas South entrants Islanders FC, who lost out at this stage last year.

Saturday saw the bulk of the matches and in Group A, the host state’s lone entry CD Motagua took the bull by the horns early in the day with a magnificent 11-1 victory over Dallas TNT, that not only set the benchmark for scoring for the day, but also eliminated the Dallas side from the competition. In the final group match, ASC New Stars scored early, but CD Motagua equalized in the 68th minute and scored the game-winner in the final minute of extra time to take the group. ASC would find out later that their +2 goal difference was enough to make them the top second place team to earn them a spot in Sunday’s final four.

In Group B, Oklahoma runner-up Los Lobos, who qualified after state champion Boston Avenue withdrew, began their first tournament run since 1999 with a 4-1 defeat to the Rayados. North Texas clinched the group after already defeating Islanders FC 6-1 earlier in the day. The only hope Los Lobos had to stay alive to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time since 1999 was to win their second game to stay alive for the wild card spot. Islanders FC had to do the same, and they did so by defeating the Oklahoma representative 4-2. Unfortunately, their opening loss to North Texas would come back to haunt them as the team’s goal difference of minus-3 would not be enough to overtake ASC New Stars as the top runner-up.

Group C may have produced the most entertaining game, but in the end was the least competitive group. After Red Force defeated Barracudas FC to open play on Friday, the Houston-based Barracudas would face North Texas side FC Rahr in the early match on Saturday. In the second half, FC Rahr found themselves up 2-1 but after putting a ball into their own net, the game was tied in the 54th minute. The two teams looked headed for a draw but the Barracudas scored a late goal in the 86th minute to take the lead and possibly put one foot in the semifinals. However, FC Rahr spoiled the party for both teams as they scored a 90th minute equalizer and the match would end that way. Red Force would clinch the group ame de open.

Later that day, Red Force eliminated FC Rahr and cruised into the semifinals with a 3-0 victory.

The semifinals were set, with CD Motagua facing Rayados and Red Force taking on ASC New Stars. The start of Sunday morning’s proceedings was delayed by thunderstorms, but after the weather cleared up, it was Rayados and Red Force who emerged victorious with 4-0 and 2-0 victories, respectively.

They will join an abundance of fellow Region III sides to compete for the ultimate prize in cup competition within the United States this summer.

With the largest number of sides competing this year (68), joining them from Region III are also the largest percentage (31%) of soccer sides in comparable terms to the other three regions. A total of 21 sides (31%) from the eventual 68 taking part will be from our Region III.

USASA will join Round 1 with NTX Rayados (2nd straight entry), & Red Force (1st entry)
NPSL sides will join either in the Play-In Round or Round 1: Georgia Revolution (2nd straight entry) Chattanooga FC (2nd entry – 2011)
PDL will join in Round 1: Austin Aztex (1st entry), Carolina Dynamo (10th entry), Laredo Heat (3rd entry), Ocala Stampede (1st entry), Orlando U23s (6th entry)
USL PRO’s VSI Tampa Bay will join in Round 1
USL PRO sides that will join Round 2: Charleston Battery (14th entry), Charlotte Eagles (11th entry), Wilmington Hammerheads (11th entry)
NASL will join in Round 2: Atlanta Silverbacks (9th entry), Carolina Railhawks (6th entry), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (7th entry), San Antonio Scorpions (2nd entry), Tampa Bay Rowdies (3rd entry)
MLS will join in Round 3: Houston Dynamo (7th entry), FC Dallas (16th entry)

The winner of this year’s competition will receive a $250,000 cash prize and a berth into the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League while the runner-up will received $60,000. The top finisher from each lower division will receive $15,000.

You can follow Marc Roseblade on Twitter @region3soccer

2013 USASA Region III Open Cup tournament (April 12-14)
New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds (New Orleans, LA)
Division winners + best 2nd place team advance to Semifinals
All times Eastern

Group A	PTS	W	L	D	GD
CD Motagua (LA)	6	2	0	0	+11
ASC New Stars (TX South)	3	1	1	0	+2
Dallas TNT (North TX)	0	0	2	0	-13

April 12
Dallas TNT 0:3 ASC New Stars

April 13
CD Motagua 11:1 Dallas TNT
CD Motagua 2:1 ASC New Stars

Group B	PTS	W	L	D	GD
NTX Rayados (North TX)	6	2	0	0	+8
Islanders FC (TX South)	3	1	1	0	-3
Los Lobos (OK)	0	0	2	0	-5

April 12
North Texas Rayados 6:1 Islanders FC

April 13
North Texas Rayados 4:1 Los Lobos
Los Lobos 2:4 Islanders FC

Group C	PTS	W	L	D	GD
Red Force (FL)	6	2	0	0	+4
FC Rahr (North TX)	1	0	1	1	-3
Barracudas FC (TX South)	1	0	1	1	-1

April 12
Red Force 2:1 Barracudas FC

April 13
FC Rahr 3:3 Barracudas FC
Red Force 3:0 FC Rahr

Tiebreakers: (1) Head to head (2) Goal diff. (3) Goals for (4) Goals against (5) Most shutouts

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Semifinals (April 14)
Red Force 2:0 ASC New Stars
NTX Rayados 4:0 CD Motagua
* Both semifinal winners qualify for 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Final
NTX Rayados 3:0 Red Force
North Texas Rayados advance to USASA National Finals

2013 US Open Cup qualifying: Boston Avenue AC wins another Oklahoma title, qualifies for USASA Region III Finals

February 28, 2013 by Michael Berton

The Boston Avenue Athletic Club Reserves are Oklahoma Open Cup champions for the fourth year in a row after defeating Los Lobos 1-0 on Sunday. BAAC dominated the six-team tournament, outscoring its opponents 12-2.

The tournament, which sends the winner to the USASA Region III Open Cup Finals, began on Sat., last Saturday, Feb. 23 with BAAC being placed in Group A with the Oklahoma University club team and Boulder FC.

BAAC and Boulder, which are both teams named after streets in Tulsa located two blocks apart, were first up, with BAAC coming out 2-0 winners. Carlos Zuta and Dave Leung scored for the derby winners.

The BAAC Reserves then took on Oklahoma University in a rematch of last year’s final, which BAAC had won 3-2. This year, BAAC clinched the group with a 5-2 win over the Sooners.

In the final game, Oklahoma narrowly edged out Boulder 3-2 for a place in the semifinals. After falling behind 3-0, Boulder scored twice to make things interesting. Several more chances came close for Boulder, but they couldn’t find that last goal to tie things up.

Group B featured Los Lobos, Guerrero, and Sporting OKC. In the first game, Los Lobos scored three times in the final 15 minutes to defeat Guerrero 3-0. In game two, Los Lobos won the group with a 3-2 victory over Sporting OKC. In that match, Los Lobos had a player sent off, and Sporting OKC lost two of its players for its later match.

Despite losing two players, Sporting OKC booked a spot in the semifinals with a 2-2 tie against Guerrero, who last won the Oklahoma Open Cup title in 2001. Sporting had to come back from 2-0 down to earn the stalemate.

The semifinals were lopsided affairs. Los Lobos, who qualified for the US Open Cup three years in a row from 1997-99, earned a spot in the finals for the first time in seven years with a 3-0 victory over Oklahoma University. BAAC took out Sporting 4-0.

The final was much closer, with only one goal scored between the sides. Leung scored in the 27th minute for BAAC. Los Lobos missed several chances in the second half, and BAAC claimed the state title.

With the victory, BAAC Reserves moves on to the Region III tournament where they will try to advance to their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Last year, BAAC finished third in their group in a year when two teams from Texas advanced out of the tournament. The Region III Finals will be held April 12-14 in New Orleans.

2013 Oklahoma Open Cup tournament (Feb. 23-24)

Group A
Boston Avenue AC 2:0 Boulder FC
Boston Avenue 5:2 Oklahoma Univ. Club Team
Oklahoma Univ. Club Team 3:2 Boulder FC

Group B
Los Lobos 3:0 Guerrero
Los Lobos 3:2 Sporting OKC
Sporting OKC 2:2 Guerrero

Semifinals
Boston Avenue AC 4:0 Sporting OKC
Los Lobos 3:0 Oklahoma Univ. Club Team

Final
Boston Avenue AC 1:0 Los Lobos

USASA Region III tournament updates: ASC New Stars, NTX Rayados clinch US Open Cup berths

April 28, 2012 by Josh Hakala

UPDATE: The ASC New Stars and the North Texas Rayados both qualified for the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after winning their respective groups in the USASA Region III tournament. The New Stars become the first team from Southern Texas to qualify in back-to-back seasons in the Modern Pro Era, while the Rayados, from North Texas, are in the tournament for the first time. We will have more on this weekend as we receive the details.

While both teams have clinched a spot in the US Open Cup, the two clubs will square off on Sunday at 10 a.m. local time to determine who will represent Region III at the USASA Nationals in Chicago this summer.

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Saturday results will be updated with the standings below

The first day of the USASA Region III tournament in Houston is in the books with four matches and four winners. The competition, that will determine the region’s two entries into the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, is divided into two groups of four with the winner of each group punching their ticket.

In Group A, ASC New Stars are looking to return to the tournament for the second year in a row, and they got off to a good start with a 3-1 victory over the NPSL’s Galveston Pirate SC. It was Galveston who struck first with an early goal, but the New Stars took over with three unanswered goals before the halftime break. They are joined at the top of the table with fellow Texas club, FC Rahr who shut out the Greenville Eagles 2-0.

The two first place clubs will square off on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. local time with the winner of that match being put in the driver’s seat for one of the two US Open Cup spots. If the match finishes in a draw, then it will come down to the final round of matches at 8 p.m. local time on Saturday.

Much like in Group A, Saturday morning will feature a match between the Group B co-leaders. The Royal Eagles from Florida and the North Texas Rayados both were victorious and will play each other at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The Eagles, who are representing Florida in the tournament for the second straight year, defeated the South Texas club Barracudas 2-0. The North Texas Rayados edged Oklahoma champion Boston Avenue AC 2-1 to earn the full three points.

Check out the standings and the schedule below for more information …

2012 USASA Region III US Open Cup qualifying tournament

GROUP A	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA	GD
ASC New Stars (TXS)	2	0	1	7	9	2	+7
Galveston Pirate SC (TXS)	2	1	0	6	7	6	+1
FC Rahr (NTX)	1	2	0	3	4	8	-4
Greenville Eagles (SC)	0	2	1	1	2	6	-4

GROUP B	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA	GD
NTX Rayados (NTX)	2	1	0	6	8	9	-1
Royal Eagles (FL)	2	1	0	6	7	8	-1
Boston Avenue AC (OK)	1	2	0	3	7	7	+0
Barracudas (TXS)	1	2	0	3	8	6	+2

Friday, April 27 – 8 p.m. CT

Group A
ASC New Stars (TXS) 3:1 Galveston Pirate SC (TXS)
FC Rahr (NTX) 2:0 Greenville Eagles (SC)

Group B
Royal Eagles (FL) 2:0 Barracudas (TX)
NTX Rayados (NTX) 2:1 Boston Avenue AC (OK)

Saturday, April 28 – 10 a.m. CT

Group A
Greenville Eagles (SC) 1:3 Galveston Pirate SC (TXS)
ASC New Stars (TXS) 5:0 FC Rahr (NTX)

Group B
Royal Eagles (FL) 0:4 NTX Rayados (NTX)
Barracudas (TX) 0:2 Boston Avenue AC (OK)

Saturday, April 28 – 8 p.m. CT

Group A
FC Rahr (NTX) 2:3 Galveston Pirate SC (TXS)
Greenville Eagles (SC) 1:1 ASC New Stars (TXS)

Group B
Boston Avenue AC (OK) 4:5 Royal Eagles (FL)
NTX Rayados (NTX) 2:8 Barracudas (TX)

Sunday, April 29 – 10 a.m. CT
ASC New Stars vs. NTX Rayados
Both group winners qualify for the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2012 USASA Region III participants

ASC New Stars (South Texas): The New Stars are the top-flight side from the Houston-based Aria Soccer Club that was founded in 1974. After winning the title last year, the team fell 4-0 in the first round on the road to Orlando City, who went on to nearly upset MLS’ FC Dallas in the third round as well as win the USL Pro championship. The defending champions were winless two years ago (0-2-1) in the Region III tournament, but qualified previously in 2008 for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, finishing runners-up in a 2-1 decision against Clearwater Galactics (FL) for the regional title. They were blanked, 3-0, by the USL First Division’s Charleston Battery (pro second division) in the First Round that year. They participated in the regionals in 2006, finishing second in their group after withdrawing the previous year. MORE: 2011 Meet the USASA – ASC New Stars

Boston Athletic (Oklahoma): The entrants from the Oklahoma Soccer Association were complete unknowns that were simply listed as the Tulsa-based BAAC Reserves, who won the Adult State Cup Division I tournament in mid-March. They had advanced with a 2-1 victory over COASL IFC in the championship of the three-team event, which also included Ponca City Tiburones. This year, only the club team from Oklahoma University stood in the way. The early March contest was a back-and-forth affair that saw BAAC rally twice for a 3-2 victory on three goals from Ashley McInnes, a former University of Tulsa star. According to TheCup.us records, this year will mark only the seventh time in the last 18 years where a team from the Sooner state has entered the Region III tournament. Prior to 2010, the last team to enter from Oklahoma was a club called Guerrero finished last in Region III group play back in 2001.

Greenville Eagles (South Carolina): The faith-oriented club, which has numerous teams in local Greenville 11v11 and 7v7 leagues, returns for a second chance. The full-sided team is currently dominating the local league with a 3-0 record and 13-2 aggregate goal ledger. Last summer the club had the top two teams in the local league with identical 7-1-0 records as well as the first-place team in the second-flight. The club was well-rounded a year ago with seven different players accounting for their eight goals. Juan Martinez scored in the 2-0 opening victory and his second in a 9-0 rout to finish the group in second with a 2-1 record. They advanced last year from the South Carolina tournament in Myrtle Beach.

Royal Eagles (Florida): Launched in 2009 in the Lakeland area, east of Tampa, and during their brief existence, they’ve experienced nothing but success. They were undefeated in Division 3 of the Florida Suncoast Soccer Leagues (FSSL), winning the league and the Florida Classic tournament in their inaugural campaign. The following year, because of their high level of play, the FSSL approved an unprecedented jump from Division 3 to the Premier Division. They edged Florida Gators, the only other state entrant, in a thrilling 3-2 decision for the state title.

FC Rahr (North Texas): A team a lot of fans can get behind, it is a successful side that is one of the powerhouses in Fort Worth. It is also sponsored by the popular local microbrewery, Rahr and Sons Brewing Company. The club, consisting of 120 players on eight teams, has won 14 league and tournament championships out of the Fort Worth Adult Soccer Association.

NTX Rayados (North Texas): A largely unknown side, the team is currently in first place in the North Texas Premier Soccer Association’s 1A Division with a 6-1-0 record. The league features past US Open Cup participants, Legends FC and Dallas Roma FC.

Barracudas (South Texas): An unknown side, the team had a good showing in the state tournament, qualifying with 2-0 and 4-3 wins in their group. The second victory was over fellow Region III participant Galveston Pirate.

Galveston Pirate (South Texas): The team was a late addition to fill the eighth berth in the tournament. The Pirates fell 4-3 to fellow Region III participant Barracudas in the state tournament and, according to the South Texas site, did not play its second – likely due to Barracudas having already won the three-team group. The club is also a member of the National Premier Soccer League’s four-team South Central Conference.

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Boston Avenue rallies twice to repeat as Oklahoma USASA champions

March 14, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

Despite coming in as the defending state champions, returning to the USASA Region III Tournament was not an easy task as Boston Avenue Athletic Club needed to come from behind twice against the Oklahoma University club side. And at the end of the contest, BAAC owed everything to former University of Tulsa striker Ashley McInnes, who tallied all three in a 3-2 victory.

OU wasted no time opening the scoring with a surprising free kick sublimely placed into the side netting from 30 yards out.

It appeared that the game was going to be a wide open affair when BAAC responded a mere six minutes later. McInnes capped the move and notched his first tally of the match.

The frantic pace did settle down and it wasn’t until the 41st minute that the deadlock was again broken. Goalkeeper Dan Mason kept out the initial attempt only to see the rebound neatly slotted home, giving the Sooners the 2-1 lead at the break.

“OU were doing a good job of pressuring in the opening half and with the conditions as poor as they were (40 mph winds), we knew that scoring an early goal in the second half would be crucial” said BAAC coach Justin Cook.

McInnes again answered the call in the 51st minute when Greg Connor’s inch perfect cross found the Scotsman lurking in the penalty area. His clinical finish put the teams back on level terms.

At this point, BAAC began to hit their stride. After several close misses and two top notch saves, McInnes gave his side their first lead of the match in the 72nd minute when he found a bit of space in the Sooners’ box. His strike completed the hat-trick and in doing so, gave the Athletics a lead that was not to be relinquished.

“The lads put in a real sturdy effort in the second half, we were creating chances and it was just a matter of time before we were rewarded,” said McInnes.

McInnes, a trialist with the Chicago Fire after going surprisingly undrafted a year ago, returned to Oklahoma, where he has had his greatest success. The Aberdeen youth product was a star at the University of Tulsa, finishing his career there in 2010 ranked sixth in assists (22), ninth in goals (30) and 10th in points (82) among TU’s all-time career leaders.

“Also, these new boots helped,” he joked.

The victory gives the BAAC their third state title in as many years and a berth in the Region III tournament in Houston.

2012 Oklahoma Open Cup championship
Boston Avenue AC 3:2 Oklahoma University men’s club
South Lakes Soccer Complex – Oklahoma City, OK
Sunday, March 4, 2012

Scoring Summary
OU: #20 3rd minute
BAAC: Ashley McInnes (Matt Thomas) 9th minute
OU: #17 41st minute
BAAC: Ashley McInnes (Greg Connor) 51st minute
BAAC: Ashley McInnes (Corey Albertson) 72nd minute

Lineups

University of Oklahoma: not available

BAAC: GK- Dan Mason, LB- Randy Randolph, CB- Daniel Dittus, CB- Jordan Gaines, RB- Greg Connor, LM- Blaine Gonsalves, CM- Matt Thomas, CM- Jason Rogers, RM- Stephen Brocks, FW Corey Albertson, FW Ashley McInnes, Subs: Justin Meade, Sonny Dalesandro

2012 US Open Cup qualifying: Boston Avenue, Sooners meet Sunday for Oklahoma USASA title

March 2, 2012 by Gerald Barnhart

Boston Avenue Athletic Club is looking to return to the Region III tournament. This Sunday, March 4 at the South Lakes Soccer Club in Oklahoma City, BAAC will have to get past Oklahoma University Men’s Soccer Club at 3 p.m. in the Oklahoma Soccer Association’s Open Cup Championship for a berth to the USASA Region III tournament held in Houston at the close of April.

BAAC is out to represent Oklahoma for a second consecutive year, but will have to defeat the club program from the university, which has taken the Oklahoma Collegiate Club Soccer League title five of the last 11 years. Last year, BAAC traveled to Tuscaloosa only to come up empty in a four-team group with three losses.

Teams from the state of Oklahoma trying to qualify for the US Open Cup, let alone earn a berth, is not a common occurrence. According to TheCup.us records, this year will mark only the seventh time in the last 18 years where a team from the Sooner state has entered the Region III tournament. Prior to 2010, the last team to enter from Oklahoma was a club called Guerrero finished last in Region III group play back in 2001.

Guerrero had lost its opening two contests against Vikingos of South Texas and Florida’s Uruguay SC, who qualified for the US Open Cup with a sweep of their opposition that year. They would earn the win in the finale, 4-0, against Internationals of Alabama.

Los Lobos of Tulsa represented the state three straight years beginning in 1997. The club fell short against D-3 Pro club Central Jersey Riptide (third division), 1-0, in their first trip to the tournament. The following year, they lost another one-goal game to a D-3 club, the Charlotte Eagles, 4-3. In 1999, Los Lobos advanced to the Region III Final when opponent Guadalajara of Tennessee forfeited the contest in the semifinal round. The club would take their third straight Region III title with a 4-2 victory against the McAllen Sun Devils, only to get blown out by the Wilmington Hammerheads (D-3 Pro) in the opening round of the Open Cup.

USASA clubs that have qualified
three years in a row (1995-present)

Los Lobos (Tulsa, OK | 1997-99)
Mexico SC (Fresno, CA | 1999-02)
Arizona Sahuaros (Phoenix, AZ | 2008-10)

The following year Los Lobos would lose to Uruguay SC (Florida) in the Region III final, and would not return to the competition. The club still competes out of the Tulsa area.

The eight-year absence came to a halt in 2010 when FC Tulsa, now members of the National Premier Soccer League, advanced to the Region III tournament. FC Tulsa finished second in the group with a 1-1-1 record, taking eventual group and tournament winner CASL Elite to a 2-2 draw in the opening game. They then posted a 2-0 victory over ASC New Stars, qualifiers in 2011, before falling in a 3-2 decision against Atlanta FC.