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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: Tobacco Road repeats as USASA Region III champions

June 15, 2024 by Michael Battista

Tobacco Road FC celebrate winning the 2024 USASA Region III Amateur Cup. Credit: Sam Cohen

A second team has qualified for the 2024 National Amateur Cup tournament in DeKalb, Illinois. Tobacco Road FC completed a gauntlet of four games in three days to repeat as USASA Region III (South) champions last weekend. The side, competing with its Triangle Adult Soccer League team (not its team from USL League Two) fell in the national semifinals last year to eventual champion MesoAmerica FC.

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

FULL 2024 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Note: NTX Black Ice also goes by the name “Ice FC / Black Ice”

USASA Region III (South)

Unlike every other United States Adult Soccer Association region, USASA Region III holds its amateur cup tournament over the span of one weekend. Teams qualify via a mix of methods, usually by winning state cups or winning their own leagues. These eight teams were separated into two groups of four, with the top teams from each qualifying for Sunday’s final. Additionally, every team was forced to play two games on Saturday, one in the morning and one at night.

Group Stage, Match 1

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Tobacco Road FC (NC – Triangle Adult Soccer League)
6:0
NTX Black Ice (TX – North Texas Premier Soccer Association)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 2 – Greer, SC

The defending Region III champions opened the weekend with a convincing win over NTX Black Ice, 6-0. Brothers Cam and Drew Kerr, sons of Duke men’s soccer head coach and former US Men’s National Team player John Kerr, combined for the opening goal for Tobacco. NTX was a late replacement team team after two announced participants, FC Brownsville (TX) and Los Migos (TX), were unable to compete.

Goal scorers

TRFC:

  • Cam Kerr (Drew Kerr)
  • Lesego Maloma (x2)
  • Rush Campbell (Drew Kerr)
  • Carlos Lemona (Christian Galindo)
  • Mathias Allawai (Alonso Campos)

OFC Wolves (FL – Central Florida Soccer League)
1:3
Terminus FC (GA – Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 3 – Greer, SC

Terminus FC’s Matt Seib notched an early brace to beat OFC Wolves, 3-1. The defending Georgia Adult Men’s State Cup champions held off the one-time US Open Cup participant’s comeback attempt, led by former pro Bradley Welch.

Goal scorers

OFC:

  • Nicolas Gomez 45+1′ (Bradley Welch)

TFC:

  • Matt Seib 4′ (Ben Ebersole)
  • Matt Seib 13′ (Thomas Zukaras)
  • Adam Trotter 78′

ASC New Stars (TX – Houston Football Association)
1:1
Majestic FC (SC – Central League-SCASA)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 4 – Greer, SC

In a rarity for this website in the Modern Era, ASC New Stars and Majestic FC tied, 1-1, in their opening match. Majestic scored just before halftime but ASC, a previous USOC participant, leveled the game midway through the second half.

Goal scorers

ASC:

  • Lukas Simon 65′

MFC:

  • Austin McNair (Joel Bunting) 45′

Cobb United FC (GA – Cobb Adult Soccer League)
1:6
Naples United FC (FL – National Premier Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 5 – Greer, SC

Naples United FC decimated Cobb United FC, 6-1. Cobb, acting as a replacement team like Black Ice, started the game with only nine players on the field. Naples, representing the NPSL, was up 5-0 by the half hour mark. CUFC was able to compete once players arrived to Greer, even getting a goal back, but was outmatched in the end.

Goal scorers

CUFC:

  • Brandon Hernandez (David Ayala)

NUFC:

  • Ethan Barbier
  • Pablo Marisi
  • Riley Aldana
  • Alison Martins (x2)
  • Chase Jackson

Group Stage, Match 2

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 (AM)

OFC Wolves (FL – Central Florida Soccer League)
2:3
Tobacco Road FC (NC – Triangle Adult Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 2 – Greer, SC

Tobacco Road FC squeaked by OFC Wolves, 3-2. Playing around 12 hours after its last game ended, the North Carolina side did not look its best against Orlando. The two goals allowed played a major role in the standings (more on that below).

Goal scorers

OFC:

  • Toby Down
  • Jack Waters

TRFC:

  • Wissem Obeid
  • Rush Campbell
  • Lesego Maloma

Terminus FC (GA – Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League)
5:1
NTX Black Ice (TX – North Texas Premier Soccer Association)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 3 – Greer, SC

Terminus FC beat NTX Black Ice, 5-1, in a blowout performance. The Georgia side trailed midway through the first half before equalizing just before halftime. Four unanswered goals, including a second for Mischael Francois, secured the win.

This and the previous game’s result put both Tobacco Road and Terminus at six points each. However, based on Region III’s tiebreakers (Greatest Goal Differential capped at 3 goals per match), Terminus jumped TRFC for first place in Group A (+5 GD vs +4 GD). This meant Terminus would advance to the Region III final with either a win or draw against Tobacco later in the day.

Terminus FC goal late in the first half here in Greer, SC in the ⁦@USAdultSoccer⁩ Region 3 Cup. Four matches happening simultaneously and the turf fields and the tempers are starting to really heat up. pic.twitter.com/ZQqpFl91ZG

— TheSoccerForrest (@soccer_forrest) June 8, 2024

Goal scorers

TFC:

  • Mischael Francois 43′ (Michael Stockley)
  • Stephen Boles 61′ (Mischael Francois)
  • Mischael Francois 65′ (Michael Stockley)
  • Thomas Zukares 80′
  • Carson Oakes 88′ (Henry Asbill)

ICE:

  • Joshua Peloquin 30′

Cobb United FC (GA – Cobb Adult Soccer League)
1:4
ASC New Stars (TX – Houston Football Association)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 4 – Greer, SC

ASC New Stars rebounded from the previous day’s draw with a convincing win over Cobb United FC, 4-1. The Houston amateurs scored three goals in the first half to make it 3-0 at the break. Cobb got one back when Carlos Saldaña (not the Detroit City FC backup keeper) scored a penalty kick in the second half.

Goal scorers

CUFC:

  • Carlos Saldaña (PK)

ASC:

  • Lukas Simon 15′
  • Emmanuel Usen 25′
  • Dessaline Felix Allison 38′
  • Osiel Robledo (PK) 87′

Naples United FC (FL – National Premier Soccer League)
4:1
Majestic FC (SC – Central League-SCASA)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 5 – Greer, SC

Naples United FC took firm control of Group B with a win over Majestic FC, 4-1. The South Carolina side played down a man for a majority of the game after Austin McNair saw a second yellow in the 10th minute. The NPSL side took advantage and Nicholas Teutsch earned a brace for the Florida team.

With this result, Naples controlled its own destiny going into the final group stage match. A win or draw against ASC would see the NPSL side reach Sunday’s final. ASC needed to outright beat Naples to jump them on points.

Goal scorers

NUFC:

  • Chase Jackson
  • Nicholas Teutsch (x2)
  • Ethan Barbier

MFC:

  • Graham Jermstad (Jonathan Foster) 37′

Group Stage, Match 3

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 (PM)

Tobacco Road FC (NC – Triangle Adult Soccer League)
2:1
Terminus FC (GA – Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 2 – Greer, SC

Tobacco Road FC beat Terminus FC, 2-1, in a thrilling match to reach the USASA Region III Amateur Cup Final. It is TRFC’s second straight appearance in the regional final and the team’s third straight tournament reaching the knockout stage. Terminus took the lead in the 20th minute before Tobacco equalized five minutes later. The game was back and forth and Terminus knew a draw would be enough to get through. However the Georgia side went down to 10 men during the second half and eventually a stoppage time header goal sent the North Carolina side back to the championship game. TRFC head coach Cedric Burke only used one sub in this match in hopes of keeping his player’s fresh for a potential final on Sunday.

Action from this weekend’s ⁦@USASARegion3⁩ Cup. Terminus FC defending versus Tobacco Road FC. The defenders just kept showing up… pic.twitter.com/lUa5FhZvMN

— TheSoccerForrest (@soccer_forrest) June 9, 2024

Tobacco Road in second half stoppage time. Confusion about the score from earlier…this wins it for Tobacco Road. pic.twitter.com/T1EpUEPwqI

— TheSoccerForrest (@soccer_forrest) June 9, 2024

Goal scorers

TRFC:

  • Seraphin Guetan 25′
  • Wissem Obeid (Seraphin Guetan) 90+6′

TFC:

  • Thomas Zukaras (Henry Asbill) 20′

NTX Black Ice (TX – North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
3:4
OFC Wolves (FL – Central Florida Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 4 – Greer, SC

OFC Wolves left Greer, SC with a win as they beat NTX Black Ice, 4-3.

Goal scorers

ICE:

  • Joshua Peloquin (x3)

OFC:

  • Juan Hernandez (x2)
  • Toby Down
  • Lorenzo Jayakanthan

ASC New Stars (TX – Houston Football Association)
1:1
Naples United FC (FL – National Premier Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 5 – Greer, SC

Naples United FC reached the USASA Region III Amateur Cup Final via a draw, 1-1, thanks to a late own goal by ASC New Stars. The Texas powerhouse scored just before halftime to take the lead and held that score line for nearly the entire second half. Naples had a chance to equalize after a foul in the box forced a penalty kick, but that was saved by ASC’s keeper. In the end, a late error sent a ball off an ASC player into the back of their own net to equalize for Naples. That tie was enough to put the NPSL team through and break the hearts of ASC fans.

GOAL. ASC New Stars ⁦@ariasoccer52150⁩ score just before the half in a very physical ⁦@USAdultSoccer⁩ Region 3 Cup match. The winner plays in the final in the morning. pic.twitter.com/YIgn7LjKez

— TheSoccerForrest (@soccer_forrest) June 9, 2024

Huge save in the 45th minute for the ⁦@NaplesUnitedFC⁩ keeper on the PK. Handball earned the PK. ⁦@USAdultSoccer⁩ Region 3 Cup pic.twitter.com/EAfDuMjaIU

— TheSoccerForrest (@soccer_forrest) June 9, 2024

Goal scorers

ASC:

  • Dessaline Felix Allison

NUFC:

  • New Stars OG

Majestic FC (SC – Central League-SCASA)
4:1
Cobb United FC (GA – Cobb Adult Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 7 – Greer, SC

The final match of the group stage saw Majestic FC beat Cobb United FC, 4-1.

Goal scorers

MFC:

  • Peyton Miller (Graham Jermstad) 16′
  • Joel Bunting (Connor Deany) 23′
  • Nick Burnz (Dom Byars) 30′
  • Connor Deany (Peyton Miller) 78′

CUFC:

  • Carlos Saldaña

Final Group Stage Standings

Group A

  • 1: Tobacco Road FC (9 pts)
  • 2: Terminus FC (6 pts)
  • 3: OFC Wolves (3 pts)
  • 4: NTX Black Ice (0 pts)

Group B

  • 1: Naples United FC (7 pts)
  • 2: ASC New Stars (5 pts)
  • 3: Majestic FC (4 pts)
  • 4: Cobb United FC (0 pts)

Region III Final

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Tobacco Road FC (NC – Triangle Adult Soccer League)
5:0
Naples United FC (FL – National Premier Soccer League)

MESA Soccer Complex, Field 5 – Greer, SC

Tobacco Road FC, fresh off an elimination in The Soccer Tournament (TST) on Friday, dominated Naples United FC, 5-0, to repeat as USASA Region III Amateur Cup champions. Three first half goals, including a brace by Wissem Obeid, punched a ticket to July’s national tournament in Illinois. TRFC is looking to win both its first National Amateur Cup and qualify for its first US Open Cup.

CHAMPIONS!!!! ???? @TobaccoRoadFC came ready to play, powering their way to a 5-0 victory over Naples to claim a repeat @USASARegion3 Men’s Amateur championship!

Proud of the hard work and dedication shown by this team! Always happy to have TR representing @NCAdultSoccer! pic.twitter.com/OFXQ7kWkIG

— Sam Cohen, NCASA President (@SamCohenNCASA) June 9, 2024

Goal scorers

TRFC:

  • Wissem Obeid 14′ (Seraphin Guetan)
  • Wissem Obeid 26′ (Kevan Kahoussi)
  • Cam Kerr 39′ (Wissem Obeid)
  • Lesego Maloma 71′ (Cam Kerr)
  • Emory Chrichlow 85′

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, Tobacco Road FC, United States Adult Soccer Association, USASA, USASA Region III

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

    2018 Meet the Underdogs: River Dogz using Doug Miller's US Open Cup championship recipe

    May 4, 2018 by Matt Ralph

    Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman's SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz

    Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman's SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz
    Rochester River Dogz pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Stegman’s SC. Photo: Domenico Vella | Rochester River Dogz

    Nineteen years after hoisting the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with an unlikely band of underdogs, Doug Miller is back in the competition with a group of players who have grew up with the legend of the Rochester Raging Rhinos.

    The head coach of the amateur Rochester River Dogz, a “farm team” for the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Rochester Lancers, Miller doesn’t mind using his former team’s historic run as the last non-MLS team to win the competition as motivation for his players.

    “I bust my team and my players’ chops and say I won the Open Cup as a player and I’m undefeated as a coach so the least you can do is make some national news out of it,” Miller said in a recent interview. Miller not only helped the Rhinos win the 1999 US Open Cup title, but he came off the bench in the Final at Columbus Crew Stadium and scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids.

    While the circumstances are much different — the River Dogz are an amateur team — Miller said the approach isn’t all that dissimilar to what he and his Rhinos teammates in the late ’90s took entering the competition.

    Rochester River Dogz logo“You saw a little bit nationally with Christos FC last year, which is the same boat we fall in as ex-pro and other high level amateur players who want to go and compete on the national level against teams that do this for a full-time living,” Miller said, referring to the only amateur team to advance to the Fourth Round in 2017. “Nobody believed we could do it back in 1999. I want to give my players the same belief we had.”

    Belief for the River Dogz or any of the other amateur teams in the competition doesn’t mean entertaining ideas of winning it all. Simply advancing to take on a top level team like Christos FC did last year when they played D.C. United in the Fourth Round can be a dream fulfilled.

    “To play into the Fourth Round or Fifth Round and actually set foot in an MLS stadium, that’s something that’s possible and that’s fun to always dream about,” said River Dogz defender and captain Jake Schindler.

    A 30-year-old who grew up in Rochester, Schindler is fully aware of the history and the present state of soccer in his city. Ten days after the RiverDogz qualified for the Open Cup with a 2-1 win over Stegman’s SC in the freezing rain, the Rhinos announced that they would go on hiatus for the 2018 USL season.

    “This community has such a rich history, it’s inspiring just to have an opportunity to step on a somewhat familiar stage,” Schindler said. “And because of what happened with the Rhinos, it feels like the local community is getting a second chance.”

    Qualifying wasn’t just historic for the young club founded in 2015. The River Dogz became the first open division amateur team from Western New York to qualify in the Modern Era of the of the competition (1995-present). Rochester only needed to win two games to punch their ticket to the 105th edition of the tournament. They edged the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League) 2-1 in the Steel City before getting a free pass into the final round when Ann Arbor FC had to forfeit.

    Rochester Raging Rhinos: 1999 US Open Cup champions
    Rochester Raging Rhinos: 1999 US Open Cup champions

    To get the party started, they’ll travel to Erie on May 9 to take on familiar NPSL rival Erie Commodores. The teams split their home and home series last season, each winning their game at home. While the River Dogz compete in the Rochester District Soccer League, their team that travels to Erie will feature several players who also play for the Lancers.

    “We’re going to go with the same attitude,” Miller said. “We’ll go there with the goal of not conceding a goal.”

    To prepare for the match, Miller was able to get an early start on training, utilizing the indoor facility that also houses the Lancers youth programs he oversees, to build chemistry among a large pool of players, something that is needed at the amateur levels because of jobs, families and other commitments that can limit participation from game to game.

    “When you’re talking about trying to compete on a national level, you need to have a big roster pool,” Miller said. “We bring them in, 35-40 guys in training each day, competing for opportunities. The ones that are playing well at that time will get the opportunity to showcase themselves.”

    Doug Miller of the Rochester Raging Rhinos scores an equalizing goal against the Chicago Fire in the 2005 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Rochester Raging Rhinos
    Doug Miller of the Rochester Raging Rhinos scores an equalizing goal against the Chicago Fire in the 2005 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Rochester Raging Rhinos

    Schindler, who is an optical engineer by day and plays at the professional indoor level through the winter, said the training sessions are where the dedication of the team — some players drive in several nights a week from Buffalo, Syracuse and other areas outside Rochester — really shines.

    “It’s no longer a drink beer and go play soccer kind of environment,” he said.

    While Schindler is the seasoned veteran at age 30 (“If you come to practice there’s probably two voices you’re going to hear, mine and Doug’s), there’s another even more seasoned player on the sidelines who could be called upon in a pinch. He’ll turn 49 a few days before the game and he last laced up his boots for the Syracuse Silver Knights in indoor soccer in 2016 but he did win an Open Cup once.

    “Most likely no,” Miller said when asked if he’d complete the Open Cup circle by subbing himself into the game. “But you never know.”

    Filed Under: Meet the Underdogs, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2018 US Open Cup, Meet the Underdogs, Rochester River Dogz, USASA

    2018 Meet the Underdogs: NTX Rayados preps for record 7th straight US Open Cup run

    April 25, 2018 by Adam Uthe

    NTX Rayados pose for a team photo in 2018. Photo: Tito Salas

    NTX Rayados pose for a team photo in 2018. Photo: Tito Salas
    NTX Rayados pose for a team photo in 2018. Photo: Tito Salas

    Deep in the heart of (Dallas) Texas, you’ll find one of the best kept secrets in American soccer.

    NTX Rayados find themselves back in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the seventh year in a row, the longest streak of any open division local entry in the Modern Era (1995-present). While they have qualified for the last seven tournaments, they have only participated in six of them. A 2016 disqualification, which was handed down the night before their first round game, is the only interruption of their record streak.

    Their success is no secret to fans of the Open Cup, but the details of the team’s approach to the Open Cup may surprise some.

    Tito Salas helped found NTX Rayados in 2011 and the following spring in 2012, he and his squad got their first taste of what it’s like for an amateur team to play in the US Open Cup.

    “Back in 2012, we learned so much from that experience,” said Salas.

    Back then, Salas had recently graduated college and was just looking for a way to continue playing competitively. You might think a former college soccer player would bring that competitive fire with him to his new team and institute mandatory practices to work on tactics and mold the best possible team. After all, the tournament is serious business for amateur teams now that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is increasing prize money and revamping its travel expense policy to help amateur sides get to away games that require expensive, long distance travel arrangements.

    NTX Rayados in the US Open Cup
    2012 Round 1: Loss, 3-1 at El Paso Patriots (PDL)
    2013 Round 1: Loss, 3-0 at Austin Aztex (PDL)
    2014 Round 2: Draw, 4-4 (4-2 PK win) at Austin Aztex (PDL)
    2014 Round 3: Loss, 4-2 at San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
    2015 Round 1: Draw, 0-0 (4-2 PK loss) at Laredo Heat (PDL)
    2016 Round 1: Forfeit loss (DQ’d due to not participating in league play)
    2017 Round 1: Loss, 3-1 at Dutch Lions FC (NPSL)
    2018 Round 1: Home vs. Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL) – May 9

    But Salas, who is married with two kids and works full time as an assistant principal in the Dallas Independent School District, takes a very pragmatic approach to organizing his team ahead of the Open Cup every year.

    “We don’t practice,” Salas reveals. “We just can’t. We’re with our families, we have jobs. We’ll be lucky if we can have five players get together. Our practices consist of league games on Sunday.”

    For NTX Rayados, they have only managed to play five league games in the spring season of the North Texas Premier Soccer Association due to a variety of weather-related postponements. As of now, they are 4-1-0 and sit in second place. Despite playing fewer league games than he would like, Salas is still optimistic about his team’s preparation for the US Open Cup.

    “We still feel good about it,” he said. “These next couple weeks we plan on having a couple mandatory scrimmages.”

    Not all of the players on his squad work full-time to support their families, but they still have their own difficulties getting together with the team. Seven players on the roster, all of whom grew up in the area, are currently away from Dallas at college. But they all want to answer the call of the Open Cup for Rayados.

    “For things like the Open Cup, they will make the effort to come back and play,” said Salas.

    Salas wouldn’t have it any other way either. He doesn’t believe Rayados exist to fight for glory in the Open Cup. His ultimate goal is for players who spend time with the team to go on to college and make a better life for themselves. He’s dedicated to helping them in any way possible.

    North Texas NTX Rayados“This is kind of the norm: you come here, you play here during the summer … but we expect you to move on and play in college. That’s something that I really am proud of,” said Salas. “Whenever you move on, let me know how I can help you.”

    It’s the same for Salas year in and year out. He is willing to let his roster turn over every year, even if it’s detrimental to the team; though there’s no evidence that’s actually the case. In fact, if you pressed him, he might tell you that ends up benefiting the team in the long run.

    “We take the positives out of everything,” he said. “We lose (players) for good reasons. We’re known, we’re pretty well known.”

    Salas does sometimes wonder what his team might be capable of if they had a dedicated practice facility and used it to try and take the team to the next level. But he still maintains everything Rayados do is about more than just winning and advancing in the tournament. His expectations for the tournament are just as pragmatic as his approach to the team’s ultimate purpose.

    “I’m satisfied with the guys going out and giving it their best. My expectation is for us to go out there and give everyone a good night of soccer, whether they’re there for us or not.”, he states, without skipping a beat.

    All of that said, Salas still has a roster stacked with local, homegrown talent and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect the team to make a run in this year’s tournament.

    Up front, Salas has a variety of options to help supply the goals. Veteran forward Alberto Rodriguez grew up with Salas and has been with the team since 2011. Salas also expects big things from forward Mohamed Sesay.

    “(It’s the) first time he’ll see Open Cup action, but he’s played with us. We’re going to be relying on him a lot as well.”

    There’s also midfielder Christian Okeke, who supplied the 85th minute game-winner in the team’s final qualifying match against CD Motagua New Orleans. Even center back Javan Goncalves-Toledo scored a spectacular overhead kick in the team’s qualifying victory over Celtic Cowboys Premier.

    NTX Rayados will open their 2018 tournament run on May 9 when they will host a game for the first time. They will face off with first-time entry Fort Worth Vaqueros of the National Premier Soccer League at Richland Community College (Field No. 10) in Dallas.

    No amateur team can boast an Open Cup qualification record to match Rayados’ these past seven years, but they are still missing a signature win in the tournament itself. In fact, technically speaking, they are missing a win. Their lone trip to the Second Round occurred in 2014 when they defeated the PDL’s Austin Aztex in a penalty kick shootout after a thrilling 4-4 draw.

    Cal FC’s 2012 victory over the Portland Timbers (MLS) is etched into Open Cup history, La Maquina FC took the Los Angeles Galaxy to extra time in 2016 and Baltimore’s Christos FC made national headlines last year for their valiant effort against D.C. United. All three of those teams pulled off their magical Open Cup run in their first trip to the tournament. Sometimes, in the Open Cup, the ball just needs to bounce your way.

    Tito Salas’ priorities may lie in accomplishments off the field, but perhaps this is the year his Rayados can get over the hump and bring their story into the national spotlight.

    Filed Under: 2018 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Meet the Underdogs, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: Meet the Underdogs, NTX Rayados, USASA

    2017 US Open Cup qualifying: Brick Lions rally with five straight goals to overcome VE on the road

    September 11, 2016 by Michael Berton

    Kris Olsen-Barr (pictured) scored two of the Brick Lions' five straight goals to overtake VE, 5-2. Photo: Kari Berton
    Kris Olsen-Barr (pictured) scored two of the Brick Lions’ five straight goals to overtake VE, 5-2. Photo: Kari Berton

    New Jersey’s Brick Lions FC overcame oppressive heat and an early two-goal deficit to defeat their Philadelphia-area hosts Vereinigung Erzgebirge 5-2 in the first round of 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament on Saturday.

    Brick Lions earned the win in its first Open Cup qualifying appearance, but several members of the organization had been part of the process before. Manager Michael McCullion helped run the Jersey Shore Boca, which reached the second round of qualifying last year and qualified for the US Open Cup in 2012.

    The temperature at kickoff was well over 90 degrees, but that paled in comparison to Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s (VE) start. Just 30 seconds in, Anthony Bafile found himself with the ball and curled a shot from the left side of the box into the bottom right corner of the goal.

    After some wide open play and multiple chances for each team, the hosts scored again. This time the ball was played to William McGuiness, who scored past the Brick Lions keeper into the bottom left corner.

    Brick Lions FC pose for a team photo before their 2017 US Open Cup qualifier against Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Photo: Brick Lions FC
    Brick Lions FC pose for a team photo before their 2017 US Open Cup qualifier against Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Photo: Brick Lions FC

    The visitors got one back less than ten minutes later. In the 33rd minute, Chris Katona put in a cross from the right. The VE keeper got a touch on it, but the ball went right to the Lions’ Kris Olsen-Barr, who calmly shot the ball into the net to cut the deficit in half.

    The Garden State Soccer League members got another goal right before the half. A long ball was played to Thomas Gray, who sprinted roughly 25 yards before blasting the ball into the top right corner of the net, tying the game at two goals apiece.

    “We were down but got a couple huge goals,” Brick Lions coach Costas Kaifas said. “After we got those goals, we were very confident. Our style is very open and attacking, so we weren’t afraid after going two goals down.”

    brick-lions-vs-ve-2017-qualifying-bigBuoyed by a huge home crowd, VE, which was founded in 1931, came out strong in the second half. However, despite getting a slew of shots off, it would be the Brick Lions that would get on the board next. After VE cleared a corner kick in the 54th minute, a second cross went into the box. Chris Katona, who played for Stockton University, snuck his header in to give his team a 3-2 lead.

    In the 64th minute, Gray got on the board again to give his team a 4-2 lead. Gray, who has played professionally for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, stepped up to take a free kick from 20 yards out. He hit a beautiful curling shot that gave the VE keeper no chance.

    “They are a really good team,” said VE’s long-time coach Rob Oldfield. “They had a couple great goals. That free kick goal was just icing on the cake.”

    Not to be outdone by his teammate, Olsen-Barr wanted a second goal as well. In the 72nd minute, coming in from the left side of the field, he slipped the ball past the keeper into the bottom right of the net to give his team a fifth straight goal.

    With the win, Brick Lions FC will host a second round qualifying match October 15 or 16. The opponent will be either Rising Stars or Junior Lone Star, both of which play in the Philadelphia Premier Soccer League. VE is still looking to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time since 2002, when they lost to the South Jersey Barons (now Ocean City Nor’easters) in the opening round.

    Filed Under: US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2017 US Open Cup qualifying, Brick Lions FC, USASA, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

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    U.S. Open Cup History

    Jim Gregory, president of Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment (right), presents the Coffee Pot Cup to Sachin Shah after D.C. United's 2-0 win in the 2004 Carolina Challenge Cup. Photo: Mike Buytas

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