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Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: West Chester United edges rival VE to book 3rd straight trip to USOC

November 21, 2024 by Dave Einhorn

West Chester United celebrates after defeating Vereinigung Erzgebirge 2-1 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: West Chester United
West Chester United celebrates after defeating Vereinigung Erzgebirge 2-1 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: West Chester United
West Chester United celebrates after defeating Vereinigung Erzgebirge 2-1 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: West Chester United

West Chester United SC and Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) are the sibling rivals of eastern Pennsylvanian soccer. Having just played each other six days prior in the Robert M. O’Neil Amateur Cup group stage, the two teams were ready to lock horns again in the Fourth Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

The all-important “Win & You’re In” round meant a lot to both sides. West Chester United SC was looking to qualify for the third year in a row and the sixth time as a club. Meanwhile, VE was looking to build on last year’s progress as the club competed in the Open Cup proper for the first time since 2002, but lost to the Charlotte Independence of the USL League One (Div. 3 pro).

Ultimately, the spoils belonged to West Chester United on Saturday night on their home field at Kildare’s Turf Field. They defeated a 10-man VE squad 2-1 to advance to the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup.

https://twitter.com/phlsoccernow/status/1857958676809515326

The temperature boiled over early in the first half. Contact between VE player Christopher Baker and a West Chester defender caused tensions as Baker looked for a penalty. It was clear this game would be hard fought for both teams. In the 33rd minute, VE was forced to make a substitution for midfielder Alex Haji, who went down in pain after a serious challenge. In his absence VE’s game plan had to change.

West Chester would take the lead in the 38th minute after a contentious penalty. Kenneth Roby converted, and with the first blood drawn, the match got more intense.

VE pushed for a response over the next few minutes, hoping to level the match. Their hearts would break as Joshua Luchini intercepted a poor back pass to Jimi Leder near the halfway line. He ran down the pitch like a jewelry bandit with last night’s lotto winnings. VE goalkeeper Stephen Paul, did his best to put off Luchini, but there wasn’t much he could do as Luchini gave West Chester a 2-0 lead right before at halftime. 

West Chester was 45 minutes away from glory, and VE had 45 minutes to rewrite the story thus far. VE would strike in the 56th minute. A corner kick to the far post was headed toward the goal but appeared to come off both the post and the goalkeeper. Derek Antonini bundled it home in the end. With more than a half-hour left to play, the fans in attendance seemed to be on their way to being treated to a dramatic finish.

VE’s chances of completing the comeback took a significant blow when they went down to 10 men in the 73rd minute. In a match that featured so many personalities that knew each other so well, it was unsurprising that there was a lot of talk going back and forth between players of both sides and the referee to both sets of players. Kevin Smolyn was sent off for dissent against the center referee, and a challenging task became even more difficult for VE.

In the last 15 minutes, it was all about making the most of every opportunity on the ball while working tirelessly to ensure their deficit was only one goal. In the best defensive play of the match, VE had a triple save between the goalkeeper and the defenders. Considering the context of the match and what winning would mean, it was clear players wanted to leave it all out on the pitch.

In the end, West Chester was victorious. They move on to the first round of the US Open Cup which will take place next spring. Both managers had different perspectives. West Chester’s Blaise Santangelo focused on his team’s performance but suggested they could close out games and possess the ball better before round one.

“We just trained to play faster,” said Santangelo. “You know, if you get linked up with them , they are smart. They know how to grind on you, and they are good at countering. We just wanted to play on their side of the field with possession. I think we did that for parts of the game, but not all of it.”

Meanwhile, VE’s head coach Rob Oldfield lamented the injury substituion as well as the mistakes his club made during the match.

“The Haji sub really limited us. You never want to have to make a sub that early. He’s been playing so well. I thought the back line was pretty good. Jimi made one mistake. If you take away that and the PK, it wasn’t so bad.”

 

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying, Vereinigung Erzgebirge, West Chester United

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Charlotte Independence spoil the Open Cup return of Vereinigung Erzgebirge

March 23, 2024 by Dave Einhorn

Players from the Charlotte Independence (blue) and Vereinigung Erzgebirge battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Justin Nunez
Players from the Charlotte Independence (blue) and Vereinigung Erzgebirge battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Justin Nunez
Players from the Charlotte Independence (blue) and Vereinigung Erzgebirge battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Justin Nunez

Vereinigung Erzgebirge welcomed Charlotte Independence to Carin University in Langhorne, Pa. on Thursday night. The rain and wind stayed away, and cool temperatures gave the perfect playing conditions for Open Cup soccer. The match was Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s first time playing in the first round in 22 years (though they did qualify for the 2020 tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). In one of the most important matches in V.E.’s long history, which dates back to 1969, over 400 people showed up to support the club and its program.

However, despite being a scoreless game well into the second half, the Independence scored a pair of late goals to prevail, 2-0 and advance to the Second Round. It was a positive start for a Charlotte club that came into the game having been eliminated in five of their last six Open Cup games.

Photos: https://twitter.com/phlsoccernow/status/1770977008777847273

Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s best chance of the night came early in 5th minute of play. A corner kick fell to Chris Baker, who directed it onto the crossbar. It inspired the team as Baker immediately turned to the crowd to wave for more noise and support. Big chances would be few and far between for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Meanwhile, their counterparts, Charlotte Independence, had a relentless attack for much of the night.

In the 17th minute, Tresor Mbuyu received the ball in midfield and charged at goal. He fired a shot from outside the area that rose above the crossbar. It was a warning for Vereinigung Erzgebirge: no matter how well they created and played, Charlotte could turn the match instantly.

The @Independence break the deadlock through Omar Ciss ????

That gives him a third straight season with a goal for the club! ????????#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/kCuIUJpMfP

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) March 22, 2024

The game intensified just before halftime as Vereinigung Erzgebirge striker Jaylon Weatherspoon went to meet a cross with his head but was clattered into by the on-rushing Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack. Moments later, Charlotte’s Omar Ciss appeared to body-check Vereinigung Erzgebirge’s former pro Antoine Hoppenot after the whistle had gone. This sudden coming together of players playing the ball and defending their teammates boiled into a shouting match, resulting in yellow cards for each side. Both teams went into halftime without any severe consequences.

Players from the Charlotte Independence (blue) and Vereinigung Erzgebirge express frustrations after a foul in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Justin Nunez
Players from the Charlotte Independence (blue) and Vereinigung Erzgebirge express frustrations after a foul in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Justin Nunez

The halftime score was 0-0, as this would be a game of tactics, creation, and who would blink first. Given the gulf in resources, funding, and experience between the two teams, it was incredible that the match had remained this close.

In the second half, Vereinigung Erzgebirge did their best to go for the win. However, as the match wore on, it was clear that Charlotte was the more fit of the two sides. In the 72nd minute, Kharlton Belmar received a pass at the top of the 18-yard box, and laid it off for Omar Ciss. He fired a low shot past Vereinigung Erzgebirge goalkeeper Steve Paul for the game’s first goal and a well-deserved Charlotte lead. For Belmar, it was his first Open Cup assist since 2018 when he was a member of Sporting Kansas City.

Vereinigung Erzgebirge would go for it all shortly afterward. They made three attacking-minded substitutions and went to three at the back as they chased a goal. It wouldn’t pan out for them, as Charlotte took advantage and sealed the win in the 86th minute. This time, Omar Ciss set up the assist as he sent in a cross, which Kharlton Belmar guided perfectly into the net. It was Belmar’s fourth career Open Cup goal for his fourth different professional club (Portland Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City, Nashville SC). 

Welcome to the Queen City, @Kharltonbelmar! ????

The Grenada international's 50th career goal gives the @Independence a little insurance ????#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/961cmNZ5SA

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) March 22, 2024

The final score at full-time was 2-0 in favor of the visitors. After the match, head coach Mike Jefferies praised Vereinigung Erzgebirge for its professionalism and good nature.

“They’ve been fantastic,” Jeffries said, “I think they are a very proud club, and you can see that in how they handle themselves. They had a strong group today, and you can see that it’s a club the community is behind.”

Jeffries, who now has 13 career US Open Cup coaching wins (seven of them with Charlotte) was also pleased with the goal and the assist from Omar Ciss.

“This is his third year playing with us. We’re really pushing him to be more of a final third presence, and he showed up tonight.”

Vereinigung Erzgebirge head coach Rob Oldfield was sullen, but proud of his squad.

“We had them zero-zero at half,” said Oldfield. “We can’t ask for much better than that. It would have been nice if the shot that hit the crossbar had gone in, but nobody is kicking themselves. It was a well-played game by both sides.”

The dream for Vereinigung Erzgebirge may have ended, but they can look back on a historic night for their team, youth programs, and history. Meanwhile, Charlotte will focus on their Round 2 opponent and their return to league play.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Charlotte Independence, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2024 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round: Vereinigung Erzgebirge wins PK shootout, earns first USOC berth since 2002

November 22, 2023 by Dave Einhorn

Photo: Vereinigung Erzgebirge


Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup after their win over New Jersey Alliance on Sunday, 0-0 (4:2 on penalty kicks). It will be VE’s first time participating in the tournament in more than two decades (though it did qualify for the cancelled 2020 tournament). It was one of the stranger games in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying rounds: an initial yellow card was changed to red, extra time was shortened, and two teams who usually have no trouble scoring held each other goalless. In the end, penalty kicks decided who moved on. VE edged out New Jersey Alliance after the Alliance missed two penalties. It will be the first time Vereinigung Erzgebirge has featured in the Open Cup since 2002.

This fixture was always going to be difficult for both teams. Vereinigung Erzgebirge is used to grinding out wins and battling an opponent all 90 minutes. New Jersey is a well-disciplined and tactical team that wants to play their way. Unsurprisingly, the game started with lots of shuffling for position and feeling out the opponent. The Alliance had the better opportunities, even without their star striker, Isimohi Bello, who had four goals in the last round against Philadelphia Ukrainian Americans. New Jersey Alliance could not capitalize on their opportunities, as they were caught by the offside flag on a few occasions and stopped by Vereinigung Erzgebirge goalkeeper Steve Paul.

The second half saw immediate substitutes from both teams as the action heated up. Bello would sub in for New Jersey with the hope of giving them the lead. While his appearance did offer more upfront for the Alliance, it was clear that VE was growing into the game. In particular, a shot from a corner missed everyone in the box but managed to hit the far post itself. A well-worked ball from the left side was set up perfectly but was quickly flashed over the bar. As the seconds ticked away, extra time looked necessary. Neither team could break the deadlock, and the crowd was treated to more soccer.

Evan Vare sends @VEClub back to the Open Cup!#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/W0SIKoKjK1

— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) November 19, 2023

It was in extra time that every player and coach realized it was now do-or-die. Heads would go down after every miss, and teammates and coaches alike were vocal after the numerous fouls called. One, in particular, was a crunching tackle from Vereinigung Erzgebirge captain Kevin Smolyn. The sound of cleats clashing with pads so suddenly grasped everyone’s attention. The referee was in a good spot to make a call, a difficult one, and chose to show yellow. Moments later, he conferred with his assistants, and the card was changed to red. The Vereinigung Erzgebirge bench was furious with the decision as it appeared the change was made without formal evidence. The officiating crew stood by one another and were united in the decision being a red card. That brought Vereinigung Erzgebirge down to 10 men with the second half of extra time to play.

This brought us to the next twist in the tale. The United States Soccer Federation and the match commissioner shortened the second period of extra time to ten minutes due to the field’s lack of light. Although the match kicked off at 2 p.m., it was now close to 4:30. The sun was due to set at 4:41. This presented a slight advantage to Vereinigung Erzgebirge as they only needed to keep New Jersey Alliance at bay for 10 minutes before going to penalties.

90’ @VEClub almost finds one late. Still deadlocked.#USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/ZX8wdYA67w

— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) November 19, 2023

They would do exactly that. During the short break in play, both sets of players seemed exhausted. Penalty takers were selected, as was the goal and order for shooting. The final act of the U.S. Open Cup qualifier had a new player – the home crowd. More than 100 people wrapped in jackets and blankets were now outside cheering for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. New Jersey were able to convert their first penalty calmly, but the eruption after every VE spot kick was incredible. New Jersey would unfortunately miss two penalties, leaving the final score Vereinigung Erzgebirge 4 and New Jersey Alliance 2. Upon the final penalty, VE players celebrated their accomplishments on the field with friends, family, and the Under-15 side. A moment that showed the pride of their program since 2002.

After the match, New Jersey Alliance coach Matthew Farrell felt his team had a great overall effort but didn’t assert their style of play as the match went on.

“I think it’s just a little bit of a rush where you’re not getting the necessary breaks, and then you try and resort to a long ball style of play, which isn’t what we’re used to,” said Farrell.

His counterpart, coach Rob Oldfield of Vereinigung Erzgebirge, quickly highlighted how home-field advantage played a role in the victory.

“What a great crowd,” said Oldfield. “Amateur soccer should be like this.”

As for Oldfield, he was a member of the 2002 squad that last played in the US Open Cup for Vereinigung Erzgebirge. The history of the moment was not lost on him.

“I’ve been basically chasing this my whole life to get the team back in it.” Several people congratulated him, even after the sun had officially set.

Vereinigung Erzgebirge are the victors and seek to make their mark on the US Open Cup after it has eluded them for so long. The party in their clubhouse was historic, and, in a sign of good faith, New Jersey Alliance players were invited as honored guests. Truly, the magic of the Cup was alive and well.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying, New Jersey Alliance FC, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Vereinigung Erzgebirge edges West Chester to clinch spot

November 29, 2019 by Matt Ralph

Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

For the first time since 2002, Vereinigung Erzgebirge is heading to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after knocking off their local rivals West Chester United with a 2-1 win in the third and final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Derek Antonini had a goal in the first half and set up Alec Neumann’s game-winner in the second half to secure the victory and achieve a goal head coach Rob Oldfield has been aiming for ever since he led the club to their last Open Cup appearance 17 years ago.

“That was a much younger me, I was a 26-year-old coach in that one,” Oldfield said after the win at William Tennant High School. “That’s been the goal, getting the guys back there so they can experience what we did before.”

Though they were the home team, VE had a longer trip than normal to their clubhouse afterwards to celebrate. Heavy rains Sunday morning forced a late move of the game to the turf field at William Tennant but it didn’t disrupt VE’s game plan at all.

They were poised and organized in the back and dangerous going forward and on set pieces. They opened the scoring in the 36th minute after Adam Bestidas was given enough space on the left flank to send a long ball into the box that found the head of Antonini. The 6-foot-6 target forward, who was a handful all day, nearly doubled the lead before halftime when he pounced on a rebound in front of goal but West Chester keeper Evan Bleiler was able to parry the attempt away.

The second goal came on a tight angle shot from Antonini in the box in the 80th minute that resulted in an easy tap-in for Neumann at the far post.

“They were just taking the game to us, they got a good first goal and a good second goal,” West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo said. “They played better than us today. They deserved it. I’m happy for my friend Rob, it was their game.”

Players from Vereinigung Erzgebirge and West Chester United battle for the ball in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Matt Ralph | Brotherly Game
Players from Vereinigung Erzgebirge and West Chester United battle for the ball in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Matt Ralph | Brotherly Game

After scoring nine goals in their first two qualifiers – a 5-0 win over Danubia SC and a 4-2 win over Landsdowne Bhoys – the West Chester attack struggled to generate clear chances in front of goal. A couple tweaks to the lineup, moving Jordan Poarch from the back line to the wing and pushing center back Andrew Gonzalez up to forward and switching to three in the back eventually led to the breakthrough when Gonzalez volleyed a Matt Greer pass past a diving Tim Washam. But by then it was too late and the VE defense just too stingy to find an equalizer. West Chester also played short-handed in the closing minutes after Andreas Bartosinski was sent off for a late challenge on Fraser Colmer in front of the fourth official.

“I thought it was just really good communication, really good work from our midfield, the guys did a really good job tracking back and staying with their runners and we had a couple lucky bounces,” said defender Mike Reese, who has been with the team since 2012. “It feels good to get a win in a meaningful game.”

Qualifying for the Open Cup, something the Warminster, Pa.-based sports club dating back to the 1930s has done only once in the Modern Era (1995-present). Prior to that, they attempted to qualify several times. According to TheCup.us records, their best finish prior to the Modern Era was a Round of 16 run in 1984. Qualifying was a goal Oldfield had set for the club and reminded the group of during a halftime talk. They’ll have to wait for the spring to compete in the “Open Cup proper” but they retreated from the cold to their bar back at the club with a big mission accomplished on Sunday.

“We play in a lot of different cups but you know this one’s the most special,” Antonini said.

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Filed Under: 2020 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2020 US Open Cup Qualifying, Vereinigung Erzgebirge, West Chester United

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Vereinigung Erzgebirge edges UGH in battle of historic Philly area clubs

October 24, 2019 by Daniel Rohll

Vereinigung Erzgebirge logoIn a scrappy game that ultimately went the full 120 minutes, it was Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) who deservedly triumphed 2-0 over the United German Hungarians. Despite looking on top for the majority of the game, it took 100 minutes for the away side to get their first goal and, even then, Sean Fahy’s close range header came only after a chaotic goal-mouth scramble. Sean Peckham would add another late in extra time to give VE two straight wins in the competition for the first time.

VE will host West Chester United in a Third Round match-up on Sunday, Nov. 24 (2:30 p.m. kickoff) as they attempt to qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time since 2002.

Undoubtedly, the conditions did not help either team to play champagne football. Heavy rain in the Philadelphia area saw the match relocated from United German Hungarians’ home ground to the all-weather surface at Bryn Athyn College just hours before kickoff. The combination of wet conditions and synthetic turf saw the ball run very quickly, making gaining control of the ball extremely difficult. Largely as a result of this, at times the match did descend into a midfield skirmish with neither side able to gain a proper hold of the game. Indeed, it could be argued that only one outfield player – VE’s Derek Antonini – was consistently able to control and use the ball and, consequently, he was at the center of much of this game’s drama.

Like most of the rest of the VE team, Antonini, who played as an attacking midfielder, took a few minutes to get into gear as UGH looked more promising in the early minutes. In the first 10 minutes, they controlled possession and the game was being played in VE’s half. Ultimately though they failed to convert this pressure into anything concrete, with Gabriel Dwyer’s edge of the box shot the only half-chance Hungarian’s were able to carve for themselves.

After 10 minutes, the game had begun to settle into the pattern that would, by-and-large, repeat itself for the next hour and a half – disjointed battling for possession in the midfield occasionally punctuated by flashes of quality from Antonini and successions of VE corner-kicks. The first clear glimpse of Antonini’s talents came in the 14th minute as he lashed a shot onto the bar from 30 yards out and standing at 6-foot-4, it was also Antonini who was the target of most VE corners. The first few corners saw UGH ‘keeper Hopf perform well under the high ball however VE’s physical dominance was clear. Indeed, such was the danger Hungarians perceived he and his teammates offered in the air, the home team would often put all 11 men in their own box to defend corners (a tactical decision that deprived UGH of an attacking outlet and facilitated lengthy, multi-corner VE attacks).

It didn’t take long however for Hungarian’s to identify Antonini as the VE dangerman. By the midway point in the first half the 26-year-old was routinely being swarmed by defenders upon receiving the ball. This tactic was partially successful. Antonini himself no longer had the space to play freely but, thanks to his size, control and short passing ability, he was able to exploit the space vacated by the players who had rushed to pressure him. Had his teammates been more able to exploit this space (or take up sufficiently dangerous positions to reduce the pressure on Antonini in the first place) then the VE break-through could have come far earlier. Perhaps the most notable culprit here was right winger Toby Abdul Razaq who, despite looking dangerous, failed to hurt UGH, most frustratingly early in the second half when he squandered three chances in five minutes – significant in a game in which good chances were at such a premium.

Perhaps the biggest talking point from regulation time came in the 35th minute when, in an ill-judged attempt to prove his credentials as a sweeper-keeper, Hungarian’s ‘keeper Hopf (who had an outstanding game for the most part) cleared out, you guessed it, Antonini, 35 yards from goal. Confusion ensued but ultimately Hopf only received a winding for his actions, as opposed to the red card that the VE players and bench were calling for. In truth, the decision could have gone either way. Whilst one Hungarian player’s claim that the ball touched Hopf’s back during the collision, thus making the action legal, was fanciful justification of a bad tackle, the distance of the contact from the goal, relative proximity of UGH defenders and Antonini’s lack of complete control over the ball all added weight to the referees decision. Nevertheless, right decision or wrong, the game remained 11 vs 11 and the score remained 0-0.

Barring the aforementioned chances for Abdul Razaq, the second half passed largely without incident. Hungarian’s strategy was clear – dig in and hope to go through via the lottery of spot-kicks – and VE, whilst superior, looked devoid of the creativity to fashion a clear-cut chance to kill their opposition off. Extra time seemed likely with 20 minutes left of normal time to play and the intensity on the pitch was beginning to flag. VE almost snatched it at the death following an Antonini flick-on however they were once again denied by a flying Hopf save. Apart from that chance, perhaps the most memorable moment of the final quarter of the match was the Hungarian manager’s passionate demands for the punishment of a VE substitute whose socks were the wrong color.

After 10 minutes of extra-time however, the Hungarian defense was finally broken. Once again, it was an Antonini flick on the edge of the box that helped create the space. Once again it looked as if the chance would go begging as three times VE shots were blocked but, eventually, it was bundled home with Sean Fahy getting the final touch from just a yard or two out. It never seemed likely that Hungarian would be able to come back from that blow and when, five minutes later, Adam Bastidas curled a free kick in from just outside the box, the game was all but over.

In some ways, it was a shame that probably the greatest moment of quality in the match had so little consequence compared to the scrappy goal courtesy of a goalkeeper spill that came five minutes before it, however Fahy’s goal was undoubtedly more fitting. VE had been testing Hopf in the Hungarian goal all day and, in the wet conditions, all it was going to take was for the ball to slip invitingly from Hopf’s grasp into the path of a VE player.

When the game clearly came to be dominated by VE, UGH gambled. They gambled that they could pack their box and ride out the storm for 120 minutes, trusting VE didn’t have the quality to create a clear chance when faced with so many defenders. VE, however, also gambled. They gambled that, if they subjected Hopf and the aging Hungarian defense to enough pressure (and a little Antonini flair), eventually they’d crack.

VE’s gamble paid off.

Filed Under: 2020 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2020 US Open Cup Qualifying, United German Hungarians, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1: West Chester United edge rivals Vereinigung Erzgebirge

September 25, 2018 by Matt Ralph

Players from West Chester United celebrate after a 1-0 win over VE in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

Players from West Chester United celebrate after a 1-0 win over VE in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com
Players from West Chester United celebrate after a 1-0 win over VE in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

A second half goal from Matt Greer was the difference on a muddy day in the Philadelphia suburbs in a 1-0 win for West Chester United over Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) that put the club one step closer to qualifying for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Greer, who was one of the standouts in West Chester’s run to the National Amateur Cup final in August, found the breakthrough in the 57th minute when Chas Wilson fed him a ball into the box he was able to calmly put past VE goalkeeper Tim Washam.

Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com
Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

The lead was not undeserved given the pressure and the attacking talent on display for West Chester, but VE had chances of their own they weren’t able to put away in a scrappy back-and-forth clash that featured a flurry of whistles and several players losing their footing in the muddy surface.

“The way the game flowed if you make a mistake in the back that’s how it’s going to be won,” VE head coach Rob Oldfield said after the match. “I thought we played pretty good — I think these are still the best two teams in the state.”

The rivals, which finished first and second in the majors division standings of the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania last season, are familiar foes with history as opponents in the amateur ranks. Several players on the field either played together or against each other on local division 1 college teams.

So it was no surprise that the margin would be narrow and the competition fierce from the opening whistle.

Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com
Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

Greer, a former Dartmouth and Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder had been threatening throughout the day with some strong runs through the middle of the VE defense before capitalizing on the best chance either side had on the day to open the scoring 12 minutes after the break.

“It seemed like the play just opened up,” Greer said. “I made a pass off to Chas, he did a good job feeding it off; I think the conditions may have played a part because the center backs couldn’t recover, there was a big pocket and I was able to get one on one with the goalkeeper.”

West Chester United head coach Blaise Santangelo called the rivalry between the teams “ridiculous.”

“Last time we were here they beat us in the Werner Fricker Open Cup so we have a ton of respect for them,” Santangelo said. “I think we were the better team on the day but it was a battle.”

With the win, the Predators return to the second round of local qualifying for the fourth straight year after losing last year to Phoenix SC and Christos FC in the second round in 2017. They qualified for the Open Cup for the first time in club history through local qualifying by winning two rounds in 2016.

“We’ve been so close to qualifying for the Open Cup in so many competitions throughout the year,” said captain Michael Gonzalez. “This tournament means a lot to us and it’s one of our biggest goals every season to get to that first round.”

Sunday’s match at VE was one of two on the day for USL of PA teams. Ukrainian Nationals advanced in the other game against United German Hungarians, 2-0, and will host West Chester United on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Ukrainian American Sports Center in North Wales, Pa. in Round 2.

Filed Under: 2019 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2019 US Open Cup qualifying, Vereinigung Erzgebirge, West Chester United

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

2016 US Open Cup qualifying: Salone FC edges Vereinigung Erzgebirge in Philadelphia area matchup

October 20, 2015 by Chris Allen

salone-fc-logo

Courtesy of BrotherlyGame.com

One of the opening matches of the 2016 US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament featured a pair of Philadelphia area teams as Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE) hosted Salone FC in Warminster, Pa. In the end, Salone were rude guests as they pulled off a 1-0 win to take the next step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time.

The match on Oct. 17 was a very evenly-matched fixture. Both sides applied high pressure and put an emphasis on dangerous crosses, adding to the back-and-forth nature of the game. The match started out favorably for VE, who controlled possession and had a number of shots on the Salone net through the first 40 minutes. Just before halftime, a cross from VE was put into the back of the net and for a moment it seems like the home side had pulled ahead, but the offsides flag went up and the contest remained deadlocked.

Vereinigung Erzgebirge came out strong in the second half and earned a penalty kick in the 50th minute, Anthony Bafile stepped up to take the kick but his weak rolling shot was saved by the keeper. The missed penalty completely swung the momentum toward Salone. VE began to lose the possession battle, and the game became very stretched. As Salone continued to grow into the game VE began to increasingly rely on counterattacks to generate offense, creating a fast-paced game that added a sense of excitement to the match. The pace of the match caught up with VE, they seemed to become increasingly tired as the game progressed and it opened the door for the game-winning strike from Salone.

The go-ahead goal came after VE lost possession in the midfield, Salone capitalized on the opportunity and sprung a counterattack. They worked the ball out wide and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which was tapped into the far post to give them the lead in the 81st minute. Unfortunately, the visitors were unable to finish the game with all 11 players, after a second yellow card was issued for dissent just minutes after the goal. Nevertheless, Salone was able to hold on to their slim lead for the remaining 10 minutes and come away with a hard-fought victory.

With the win, Salone FC, who compete in the Philadelphia Premier Soccer League, moves on to host United Soccer League of Pennsylvania opponent West Chester United on Nov. 15.

Filed Under: Feature - Qualifying, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2016 US Open Cup qualifying, Salone FC, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Maryland Bays in line for a USASA Region I double as championship games set

June 6, 2014 by Michael Berton

USASA Region I logoUSASA Region I qualifying for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is nearly at an end, with the Maryland Bays remaining alive in both the Open and Amateur Cups. Elsewhere, Mass Premier Soccer is in the Open Final after changing its name to GPS Massachusetts, and the New York Greek American Atlas nearly hit double-digit goals against its Amateur Cup semifinal foes.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Lansdowne Bhoys 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts

It doesn’t seem to matter what their name is, GPS Massachusetts just keeps on winning in Region I play. Formerly Mass Premier Soccer, the side that switched its name partway through the tournament defeated Lansdowne Bhoys 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.

According to BigAppleSoccer.com, the hosts from Eastern New York dominated the game after an early goal from Sikele Sylvester. However, GPS equalized from a deflected free kick, and neither team could find the back of the net again until the penalty kick shootout.

GPS is looking to return to the Open Cup in 2015, after gaining a surprise entry into the 2014 edition. With the announcement of an expanded 2014 Open Cup field, the USASA was awarded two additional entries. One of those new spots went to GPS, who lost in the First Round on May 7 to the PDL’s Western Mass Pioneers.

The Massachusetts side faces the Maryland Bays on June 15 for the Region I Open Cup title.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 4:0 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks

The Maryland Bays continued to roll through Open Cup qualifying with a 4-0 victory over the Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks. Jon Ports scored a first half brace, and Chris Weaver and Chris Ports added goals in the second half.

Maryland was riding high after earning its first-ever victories in Region I qualifying. A week after defeating West Chester United 3-1 in the Open Cup, the Bays stormed past FC Motown 6-1 in the Amateur Cup.

The Aegean Hawks were the only team other than Maryland that qualified for both tournaments, but the DC side is now out of both—they fell in penalty kicks to Vereinigung Erzgebirge in the Amateur Cup.

This game marked the first time Maryland had ever hosted a Region I Open Cup qualifier. The Bays move on to face GPS Massachusetts in the final on June 15.

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

Preliminary Round (April 6)
AC Blaugrana (RI) L:W Mass Premier Soccer (MA)
ACB won original match 2-0, but were DQ’d for use of ineligble player

Quarterfinals (April 6)
Newtown Pride FC (CT) 1:5 Lansdowne Bhoys FC (East NY)
Maryland Bays (MD) 3:1 West Chester United (East PA)
Oak Avalon (West PA) 1:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA)
Icon FC (NJ) 0:5 Mass Premier Soccer (MA) – April 13

Semifinals (May 4)
Lansdowne Bhoys (East NY) 1(4):1(5) GPS Massachusetts (Mass Premier Soccer) (MA)
GPS Massachusetts advances 5-4 on penalty kicks
Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC (DC/VA) 0:4 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 11 a.m.)
GPS Massachusetts (MA) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2014 USASA Region I Open Cup Semifinals
New York Greek American Atlas 9:0 Danbury United

Danbury United just can’t seem to get over the New York hump. Since qualifying for the Open Cup in 2007, United have lost to teams from the Empire State in its three attempts. This year’s 9-0 loss to New York Greek American Atlas was by far the worst of those losses.

Reigning Region I Amateur Cup champions and 2014 US Open Cup entrants NYGAA were up 6-0 at halftime. The victory propels the Cosmopolitan League side to the Final, where last year they defeated fellow New Yorkers, the Italian Americans.

The Greek Americans are four-time US Open Cup champions (1967-69; 1974) and this year qualified for the tournament for the fifth time in the Modern Pro Era and won their first tournament game during that span as they defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) 2-0 in the Second Round.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup Semifinals
Maryland Bays 1:0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge

With a spot in the Regional final on the line the Semifinal battle between the Maryland Bays and Eastern Pennsylvania’s Vereinigung Erzgebirge came down to the final minutes. The Bays put themselves in line for a Region I double with a a game-winning goal in the 86th minute, giving Maryland a 1-0 win. They will play in the Region I Open Cup Final and the Amateur Cup Final, which will be hoested by the Ukrainian Nationals (Horsham, Pa.) on June 15.

In the opening half, the visitors from the Philadelphia area focused on absorbing pressure from the Bays, and with the game scoreless at halftime, it was mission accomplished.

“The game plan was advance. We knew we would need to defend first and finish off one of our chances,’ said VE manager Rob Oldfield.

VE created more chances in the second half as the game opened up, but the Bays would have the best chance thanks to Greg Ermold. Maryland’s John Boswell sent a cross into the box that snuck through all of the traffic in front of the net and fell to Ermold who launched a shot off the post to keep the game scoreless.

The game opened up late and just when it looked like it was heading to extra time, a deflected cross fell to Maryland’s Elton Joe and after a scramble for the ball, Joe got his foot on the ball and put what would prove to be the game-winner into the back of the net with less than five minutes to play.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup qualifying
(Home teams on right)

First Round (April 13)
Manzanillol Deportivo (NH) 0:6 Danbury United (CT)
NY Greek American Atlas (East NY) 5:0 Mass United FC (MA)
Maryland Bays (MD) 6:1 FC Motown (NJ)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 3(4):3(3) Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
VE advances 4-3 in penalty kicks

Semifinals (May 11)
Danbury United (CT) 0:9 NY Greek American Atlas SC (East NY)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 0:1 Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15, 3 p.m.)
New York Greek American Atlas (East NY) vs. Maryland Bays (MD)
Winner qualifies for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Filed Under: US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2015 US Open Cup qualifying, 2015 USASA qualifying, Aegean Hawks, Danbury United, GPS Massachusetts, Lansdowne Bhoys, Maryland Bays, Mass Premier Soccer, New York Greek American Atlas, USASA Region I, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

2015 US Open Cup qualifying: Amateur Cup to decide USASA Region I entry for first time

April 21, 2014 by Martin Whiteley

USASA Region I logo

USASA Region I logoThe opening round of the 2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup took place on on April 13 with four teams moving one step closer to qualifying for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Region I announced last fall that, for the first time in tournament history, the winner of the Amateur Cup will represent the region in the US Open Cup.

Vereinigung Erzgebirge from Eastern Pennsylvania traveled to the Maryland Soccerplex to face 2009 Amateur Cup champion Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks from Metro DC/Virginia. In the closest of the four first round games the teams ended play locked at 3-3. A Greg Shertzer goal in the 29th minute gave VE a 1-0 halftime lead, but after Andre Nunes equalized just after halftime for the Hawks, a 60th minute penalty kick by Artie Taylor gave VE the lead again. Aegean Hawks veteran Watson Prather tied the game in the 78th minute off a free kick but the scoring wasn’t done. Five minutes later, Drexel University product Malcolm LeBourne put VE ahead again.

“Malcolm thought the third goal was the finisher, allowing him to get home in time for ‘Game of Thrones,'” said VE’s Paul Dudley after the game.

Unfortunately, LeBourne’s favorite show would have to wait as Prather scored a stoppage time penalty kick for the Hawks to send the game into extra time.

After 30 minutes of scoreless soccer, a place in the semifinals came down to penalty kicks and VE, who have been playing soccer since 1969, emerged victorious 4-3. The Philadelphia area club earned a spot in the Amateur Cup regional semifinals for the first time since 1997 and are looking to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time since 2002.

“This was a complete team win,” said VE’s Brian Madden. “We are playing some of the best soccer I’ve seen in the 9 years I’ve been on the team.”

In other action, Danbury United from Connecticut played host to New Hampshire’s Manzanillol Deportivo at Immaculate High School. Danbury, who last qualified for the Open Cup in 2007, won a one-sided contest by the score of 6-0.

At Montclair State University, the home side FC Motown of New Jersey entertained the Maryland Bays. The Bays, who are also competing in the Region I Open Cup semifinals on May 4, came out comfortable 6-1 winners.

Another home side to struggle was Mass United FC, who lost 5-0 at Manning Stadium against 4-time US Open Cup champion New York Greek American Atlas. Keith Detelj scored two goals in the first 15 minutes, then completed his hat-trick 11 minutes into the second-half. Stephan Barea scored after 69 minutes and the scoring was completed 10 minutes from time. New York is attempting to qualify for the Open Cup for the second year in a row. They have been awarded a spot in the 2014 tournament as the 2013 Region I Amateur Cup champion.

The Amateur Cup semifinals will see Danbury United travel to New York to take on Greek American Atlas, while the Bays will play host to Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Both games are scheduled for May 11.

2014 USASA Region I Amateur Cup

First Round (April 13)
Danbury United (CT) 6:0 Manzanillol Deportivo (NH)
Maryland Bays (MD) 6:1 FC Motown (NJ)
NY Greek American Atlas 5:0 Mass United FC (MA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) 3:3 Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks (DC/VA)
VE advances 4-3 in penalty kicks

Semifinals (May 11)
Danbury United (CT) at NY Greek American Atlas SC (East NY)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (East PA) at Maryland Bays (MD)

Final (June 15)

Danbury/NYGAA vs. VE/Maryland Bays
Winner qualifies for the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2015 US Open Cup qualifying, 2015 USASA qualifying, Aegean Hawks, Danbury United, FC Motown, Manzanillol Deportivo, Maryland Bays, Mass United FC, NY Greek American Atlas, USASA, Vereinigung Erzgebirge

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