Wilmington Hammerheads

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Joao Plata rescues Real Salt Lake as MLS team needs PKs to avoid upset

June 15, 2016 by Shawn Blymiller

Real Salt Lake rallied from a two-goal deficit to ultimately defeat the Wilmington Hammerheads in a penalty kick shootout to reach the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

After trailing 2-0 in the second half, Joao Plata brought RSL back and sent the game into extra time with a goal in the 65th minute, followed by assisting on an 86th minute equalizer by Burrito Martinez.

The Wilmington Hammerheads came to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah to kick off against Real Salt Lake, a team that they lost to at the same stadium in 2011.

The Hammerheads arrived to the stage of the competition after beating NPSL side Miami Fusion FC 6-0 in Round 2 and a 2-1 win over the NASL’s Miami FC.

They fought hard against RSL, who have had a lot of success at home in the tournament with an 8-2-0 record.

Wilmington jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the 34th minute after link up play between Austin Martz to Mael Corboz. Martz made a diagonal run down the right side receiving a pass from
Mecham. Martz then cut the ball from the endline back to the top of the 18-yard box where
Corboz was waiting for the ball to come off of the inside of his foot for a curled, tucked away
finish.

The Hammerheads took that advantage into the break, after Real Salt Lake was able to keep a lot of the ball and possession but was unable to complete any significant touches or passes in the penalty box in the first half. The chemistry between the players in the attack didn’t
seem to mesh well in the first half.

At the start of the second half, Real Salt Lake seemed to focus more on stretching the width of the field. They were able to keep the majority of the possession but didn’t seem to be able to
go anywhere.

Head coach Jeff Cassar was not waiting around any longer as he sent in Yura Movsisyan and Joao Plata in the 55th minute.

Just three minutes later, in the 58th minute, against the run of play, Wilmington was able to hit RSL on the break. A shot from distance from Justin Moose hit forward Jeff Michaud in the face and caught RSL goalkeeper Jeff Attinella wrong footed. That doubled the Wilmington lead to 2-0.

In the 65th minute, Plata hit a laser from about 25 yards out on the left side of the
18 yard box that found the top corner, to cut the lead in half.

RSL created a number of chances from that point on. The home team had near chances and close calls that called Wilmington goalkeeper John Smits into action on a number of occasions. His efforts could not keep out the savvy forward Juan Manuel “Burrito” Martinez from a similar distance to Plata’s effort. Burrito’s strike was a curling shot that one hopped right before Smits, and nestled into the lower side netting in the 87th minute.

Despite losing a lead just a few minutes from upsetting a MLS team on the road, the Hammerheads maintained their composure and continued to fight through extra time.

Attinella had to make a huge save in the last minute of the game to send the match into a penalty kick shootout.

The penalties brought the fans to full volume which may have put pressure on the visitors as Bruno Perone skied his attempt, followed by another miss over the bar by Matthew Barnes-Homer.

Attinella made a huge save on Liam Miller to give Chris Wingert the chance to send Real Salt Lake to the next round with his penalty kick attempt. With the home team’s fourth attempt, Wingert stepped up with cool composure that you would expect and tucked it to the goalkeeper’s lower left hand side.

“I just knew where I wanted to go and tried to be patient with it, make sure to
give the goalie enough time, to get out of the way,” said Wingert with a chuckle. “That was it. I always like to shoot when we have a chance to go to PKs. So I asked Jeff right away, and they put me in the five.”

Wingert was proud of how his team kept fighting despite being down in the second half.

“Obviously we put ourselves in a bit of a hole and we were unhappy with the first half,” said Wingert. “Then it was unlucky with the deflection. Stuff happens and credit to the guys for
hanging in there. Two great goals, I mean one a rip by Plata and then a great goal by Burrito.
We hung in there and it is not ideal to play 120 minutes, especially when we have a game on the
weekend, but that is ok. We are fit and it will test our depth a little bit. I think we have a deep team. It is about taking care of our bodies and getting ready for Saturday.”

For Austin Martz, it was a missed opportunity for the Hammerheads.

“I think it was the best of what we could of asked for,” said Martz. “I thought we started well. I thought we maintained our shape really well. I thought we were together and compact, obviously. They had some time on the ball but we expected that. I thought we pressed well. I thought we did a good job to get an early goal. I thought we could have had one or two.

“It was a good game, fun atmosphere. I know that we enjoyed it.”

FULL MATCH REPLAY: WILMINGTON AT REAL SALT LAKE

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Wilmington Hammerheads strike early, hold off Miami FC, 2-1

June 4, 2016 by Craig Tower

Justin Moose of the Wilmington Hammerheads scored what would prove to be the game-winner against Miami FC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC- Orovio Photography

Playing at home in their ninth competitive match, Miami FC fell by a 2-1 score to the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. Miami (1-3-4 in the NASL) hoped to build on Saturday’s first-ever franchise win over FC Edmonton, but the Hammerheads, coming off of their own 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II, ended up notching their second in a row instead.

The Hammerheads (3-4-3 in USL play) came ready for action and took the lead in the 2nd minute when Michael Lahoud of Miami FC coughed up the ball to Mathew Barnes-Homer in central midfield 35 yards from his own goal. Homer found the feet of Jeff Michaud, and with no pressure on the ball from Miami, the midfielder trapped the ball and took a touch to his right, into the center of the Miami defense. He lashed a dipping right-footed shot from 25 yards out to the near post, beating Miami keeper David Sierra for the lead, silencing the faint cheers from the stands of the Florida International University stadium.

The sparse home crowd soon fell into an even deeper funk. A normally harmless Wilmington throw-in taken inside the visitor’s own half, was tipped back by Miami’s Hugo Leroux, straight into the path of a charging Justin Moose on the left side of the Miami defense. The midfielder drove in diagonally from the touchline, battling off a Miami FC challenge. Moose found himself loose in the Miami box. Sierra rushed unafraid into the path of the charging Moose, only to see the Hammerhead’s shot from 12 yards out sail low to his right and inside his far post.

Punch-drunk, Miami only recorded one shot on goal during the first half, and only began to string together passes in the midfield with five minutes remaining until the break.

At halftime, Miami made two changes. Jaime Chavez came in for Dane Richards, and Dario Cvitanich entered for Pablo Campos.

The newcomers made a significant impact on the game. Cvitanich initiated the most dangerous offensive movements for Miami in the second half, and Chavez was on the end of many of them.

Miami’s Martinez saw his low 25 yard drive in the 49th minute deflected to the left of the Wilmington goal by Eric Ati. Less than a minute later, Chavez found himself pursuing a chipped ball into the box, and barely missed to the same side with a looping ball over the keeper’s outstretched arms.

In the 52nd minute the Floridians broke through on a long ball from defender Adailton from 10 yards inside his own half. The ball arced over the center of the Wilmington backline and into the path of Chavez, who took the ball 30 yards away from the Wilmington goal. He took a shot from about 16 yards out, the ball flew over the keeper’s hips as he dove towards his near post.

Miami continued to press, and were dominating the game. In the 64th minute, Wilmington’s Tom Parrat charged into the outstretched leg of Cvitanich to draw the game’s first yellow card. Miami’s Lahoud followed with his own when he dropped a streaking Austin Martz before the Hammerhead could escape his own half on a breakaway.

Miami had a golden chance to tie the score in the 79th minute when Cvitanich’s chipped pass in to the box found Chavez, who was caught by Eric Ati after he tipped ball over the keeper’s right shoulder and towards the far post. Ati felled Chavez, and the referee decided that Ati should receive a yellow card and Miami a penalty kick.

Cvitanich took the kick, cooly driving it with his right foot to the keeper’s right post. Ati read the kicker’s intentions and dove with conviction, parrying the kick harmlessly past his post.

Miami seemed deflated after the setback, and lost their patience during the rest of regular time. In the 88th minute Adailton drew his own yellow for tripping a Wilmington player on his way into the Miami half.

With the win, Wilmington secures their first win over a Division 2 team in regulation since 2006.

Miami registered one more shot on goal during four minutes of added time, but it was a weak toe poke by Chavez that Ati collected easily.

Wilmington will go on to the next round where they face MLS side Real Salt Lake.

Things you should know about the Third Round of the US Open Cup

May 27, 2016 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers — Cal FC celebrate their goal in the first period of extra time against the Portland Timbers of MLS. Photo: L.M. Parr | Portland Timbers

MORE: Notable upsets in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Since the expanded format in 1997, a USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) team has failed to reach the Third Round just six times (1998, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2019). The recent struggles can be attributed to the fact that in 2007, the format was changed so that all non-MLS teams began the tournament in the First Round, unlike previous tournaments where USL League Two teams were matched up with other Open Division clubs. In more recent years, that format has been altered slightly where the First Round is exclusively Open Division clubs, with lower division pro teams entering in Round 2 and Round 3.

The biggest rout in the Third Round during the Modern Era came in 2014 when the Sacramento Republic (USL PRO) defeated the Fresno Fuego (PDL) 6-0.

In their 1998 Third Round match, Major League Soccer’s Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Worcester Wildfire of the A-League combined for nine cautions, and saw four players sent off. Tampa Bay won the match on penalties, after finishing extra time drawn 2-2.

The attendance record for the Third Round during the Modern Era is technically 20,376, which was set in 1999 by the Colorado Rapids when they hosted the Seattle Sounders (USL) at Mile High Stadium. The number of fans who actually watched the game is unknown because that game was part of a doubleheader with the U.S. Men’s National Team who were playing against English club Derby County. Since that game, the highest attendance in a Third Round game has been 17,212. This was set on May 29, 2012 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah when Real Salt Lake of MLS hosted the Minnesota Stars FC of the NASL. Unfortunately for the home team, they lost 3-1.

The highest scoring Modern Era Open Cup game occurred in the Third Round on July 19, 2005 when the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) defeated the Ocean City Barons (now the Ocean City Nor’easters of USL League Two) 8-4. The game was played at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Va., a week after the original match was re-scheduled due to bad weather. The Barons scored first in the 4th minute, but Richmond stormed back with four goals in less than 20 minutes. With the score 4-1, Ocean City scored a pair of goals on either side of halftime to cut the lead to one. At that point, Neil Holloway, the Barons player/manager made some offensive-minded substitutions and pushed for the equalizer, but at that point, the flood gates opened and Richmond scored four more in the second half. The game would finish 8-4. The previous total goals record was shared by a pair of games. In 1995, the Seattle Sounders (A-League, now USL-1) defeated the Everett BigFoot (USISL Pro, now USL-2) 9-2 and in 1999 the San Diego Flash (A-League) cruised past the Arizona Sahuaros (D3 Pro, 3rd Division) by the same score.

In 2007, a record five MLS teams were upset in the Third Round, with only three clubs advancing to the next round. It was the fewest MLS teams to enter the Quarterfinals in the Modern Era (1995-present).

On five occasions, a pair of 3rd Division clubs have won Third Round games in the same tournament. In 2007, the Richmond Kickers (1-0 win vs. Los Angeles Galaxy) and the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-0 win vs. DC United) were victorious. Two years later, in 2009, the Wilmington Hammerheads won another Third Round match (their fourth) and with the Harrisburg City Islanders, they were the second pair of USL-2 teams to reach the Quarterfinals in the same season. In 2010, the City Islanders made it two years in a row, upsetting the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in overtime, while the Charleston Battery (who moved down to the 3rd Division after several years in the 2nd Division) eliminated the Chicago Fire of MLS in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless draw. In 2012, with the expanded tournament (64 teams), three clubs from the 3rd Division reached Round 4. The Harrisburg City Islanders erased a 3-0 deficit in the second extra time period, forced penalty kicks and upset the New England Revolution. The Charlotte Eagles knocked off FC Dallas 2-0, while the Dayton Dutch Lions surprised the Columbus Crew by winning the first ‘Ohio Derby’ by a score of 2-1. In 2013, Orlando City SC upset their first MLS team, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 3-1, while the Charleston Battery upset the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0.

In 2014, seven 3rd Division clubs (USL PRO) and in 2015, 12 advanced past the Third Round, but this was largely due to a change in format where Major League Soccer didn’t enter the tournament until Round 4. In 2016, that number dropped to six.

In 2004, a Modern Era record four Open Division teams reached the Third Round. All four teams were from USL Leageu Two (PDL) and all four of them lost by a single goal (three of them by golden goal) in their Round 3 matches:

* Boulder Rapids Reserve lost to the Minnesota Thunder (A-League, Division II) 2-1 in sudden death extra time
* Carolina Dynamo lost to the Atlanta Silverbacks (A-League, Division II) 3-2 in sudden death extra time
* Cape Cod Crusaders lost to the Richmond Kickers (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in sudden death extra time
* Chicago Fire Reserves lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League, Division II) 1-0 in regulation.

In 2013, that record was matched with four new teams:

* Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) lost 2-1 at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL) lost 2-0 at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
* Reading United (PDL) lost 2-0 at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
* FC Tucson (PDL) lost 2-0 at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

In 2015, that record was broken with FIVE teams:

* Chattanooga FC (NPSL) lost 2-1 (AET) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
* Chula Vista (USASA) lost 7-3 at Sacramento Republic (USL)
* Jersey Express (PDL) lost 3-0 at New York Cosmos (NASL)
* PSA Elite (USASA) defeated Ventura County Fusion (PDL) 2-1 (1st all-Open Division Round 3 matchup)

In 2016, that number was up to SEVEN:

* Lansdowne Bhoys (USASA)
* Chattanooga FC (NPSL)
* Jersey Express (PDL)
* Des Moines Menace (PDL)
* La Maquina (USASA)
* LA Wolves FC (USASA)
* Kitsap Pumas (PDL)

In 2006, four more Open Division clubs reached Round 3, but for the first time, TWO of them advanced:

* Dallas Roma FC eliminated Chivas USA of MLS 4-2 in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw to become the first USASA club to eliminate a Major League Soccer team.
* Carolina Dynamo defeated the Seattle Sounders (USL First Division, Division II) 3-2 after extra time
* Michigan Bucks lost to the Columbus Crew (MLS, Division I) 4-1
* Des Moines Menace lost to the Kansas City Wizards (MLS, Division I) 2-1

In 2014, due to an increase in Open Division entries and a change in format (most teams beginning in Round 2), a record 12 Open Division clubs reached the Third Round. Three of them advanced.

In 2012, for just the second time in the Modern Era, two Open Division teams advanced beyond Round 3, but both of them were particularly historic:

*The Michigan Bucks became just the fourth USL League Two (PDL) team to eliminate a Major League Soccer team when they defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2 in extra time at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. With the win, they also became the first Open Division team to defeat multiple MLS teams in club history after they upset the New England Revolution in Foxboro, Mass. in 2000.

* Cal FC, a USASA club from Southern California managed by former US international Eric Wynalda, not only became the first USASA team to score a goal against a Major League Soccer team, but they became the first to defeat one. (Dallas Roma FC won their game in PKs, and therefore is officially a draw) Cal FC upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Ore. Cal FC joined the Michigan Bucks as the only Open Division team to defeat an MLS team on the road, but the Bucks’ upset of New England in 2000 remains the only time an Open Division team has done it within 90 minutes.

In 2003, the Fresno Fuego (PDL) became the first Open Division team to win a Third Round game in the Modern Era (1995-present), upsetting the El Paso Patriots (A-League, Division II) by a score of 5-2.

Prior to 2014, only 12 3rd Division clubs have ever advanced beyond the Third Round. In 2015, seven NEW clubs advanced. San Antonio FC was the only new USL teams to accomplish that feat in 2016.

Wilmington Hammerheads (2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2016)
Harrisburg City Islanders (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
Charleston Battery (2010, 2013, 2015)
Richmond Kickers (2007, 2011, 2014, 2015)
Charlotte Eagles (2012)
Dayton Dutch Lions (2012)
Orlando City SC (2013, 2014)
San Francisco Bay Seals (1997)
Rochester Rhinos (2014, 2015, 2016)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2014, 2015)
Arizona United SC (2014)
Seattle Sounders 2 (2015)
Charlotte Independence (2015)
Louisville City FC (2015)
Saint Louis FC (2015)
Oklahoma City FC Energy (2015, 2016)
Austin Aztex (2015)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2015, 2016)
Sacramento Republic (2014, 2015)
San Antonio FC (2016)

Note: The format of the 2014 US Open Cup changed so Major League Soccer teams didn’t begin the tournament until Round 4 to accommodate the increase in teams (80).

In the Modern Era, only 16 open division teams have advanced beyond the Third Round:

Fresno Fuego (2003, PDL)
Des Moines Menace (2005, PDL)
Dallas Roma FC (2006, USASA)
Carolina Dynamo (2006, PDL)
Cal FC (2012, USASA)
Michigan Bucks (2012, PDL)**
Orlando City U23s (2014, PDL)
Laredo Heat (2014, PDL)
PSA Elite (2014, USASA)
PSA Elite (2015, USASA)*
Kitsap Pumas (2016, PDL)
La Maquina (2016, USASA)*
Christos FC (2017, USASA)*
Miami United FC (2018, NPSL)*
NTX Rayados (2018, USASA)*
FC Golden State Force (2018, PDL)**
Orange County FC (2019, NPSL)

** Defeated a MLS team in Round 3
* Defeated an Open Division team in Round 3

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: Wilmington Hammerheads deliver rare blowout in 6-0 thrashing of Miami Fusion FC

May 19, 2016 by Harrison Huntley

After two straight USOC losses to Chattanooga FC, Wilmington Hammerheads FC obviously had no intention of losing to a third NPSL team. After two goals in the first 10 minutes, it became clear they were in control and Wilmington cruised to a 6-0 win over Miami Fusion FC.

The goals came early and often for Wilmington as they struck first with a breakaway goal in the sixth minute. The smoke hadn’t even floated away from the supporter’s section when Wilmington’s attack led to another goal. Before 10 minutes had elapsed, the Hammerheads already held a 2-0 lead. Wilmington coach Mark Briggs later said the quick scores were exactly what the team had been working on.

“The focus for us has been doing a lot of finishing lately, a lot of repetition in front of goal,” said Briggs. “If I could have gone to sleep last night and dreamt of the perfect game tonight, this was it. It gave us an opportunity to score goals. It gave us an opportunity to get people on the field who need minutes, especially leading up to Saturday against Charleston which is a massive game. It was good all around for everyone.”

The first goal came from Austin Martz, who got free on a breakaway, and appeared to have glanced a shot off the keeper, but it was later ruled that Justin Moose had the last touch. That would become important because Martz later scored two more goals, but could not complete the hat trick without that first goal.

After adding two more goals, Wilmington went into the half with a 4-0 lead. Coming out of the break, Miami Fusion FC used their last two subs, leaving them with none for the second half. This would prove costly for Miami, as they would later play the final 20 minutes of the game with nine players after two went down with injuries. Wilmington used this advantage to add two more goals, pushing the final to 6-0. Coach Briggs added that he was happy his team took care of business in what the Cup setting.

“These games can go one of two ways like any game,” said Briggs. “These games, when you take them easy, they can easily become a banana skin and you can fall flat on your face. That was the focus in the locker room and it was all about making sure that they were focused like they would be playing any other team in our league.”

With the biggest shutout win in the club’s Open Cup history, the Hammerheads will travel south to play the first-ever tournament game in the state of Florida when they face Miami FC (NASL) on June 1.

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanooga FC upsets Wilmington Hammerheads for second year in a row (video)

May 21, 2015 by Marissa Blackman

In 2014, Chattanooga FC made history by becoming the first National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team to eliminate a professional team when they beat Wilmington Hammerheads, 3-1. A year later, those same two teams squared off, and history repeated itself. This time, after a 1-1 draw, it took penalty kicks for Chattanooga to oust the Hammerheads.

By winning the penalty kick shootout 5-3, Chattanooga sets up another rematch. Just like last year, the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks will travel to Finley Stadium, the place where they cruised to a 5-0 victory.
“As an amateur team playing on the road against a professional team, we just needed to try to be in the game at the end,” said Chattanooga FC coach Bill Elliott. “We didn’t have any allusions that we were going to go out and win it early. We just wanted to hang around and be in it at the end.” That is exactly what Elliot’s team did.

The Second Round US Open Cup match began with the Wilmington club keeping control of possession. The Hammerheads controlled possession with accurate midfield passing, but when Chattanooga got the ball, no time was wasted attempting a goal. Several Hammerhead chances fizzled out in front of the goal because of passing. Each team took three shots by the end of the half. A foul committed by Chattanooga FC resulted in a Hammerheads penalty kick at the 37th minute taken by Zimmerman, who scored the first goal of the night.

The second half was a continuous cycle of each team taking chances that were either cleared in the box or saved, but neither club seemed to be discouraged by this. They never stopped trying. There were several instances where the ball was right feet away from the goal bouncing like a pinball between players. In the 58th minute, Chattanooga broke the cycle when Chrispin Ochieng capitalized on an assist from Samuel Goni. Possession was more evenly distributed throughout the later half. Since neither team was able to score again, the match went into extra time.

The pace of the game slowed slightly during extra time. Both clubs continued taking shot after shot, but neither club was giving away chances. After 30 minutes of extra time, many shots, and several saves, the score still remained even.

Chattanooga FC finally wrestled away the victory by outscoring Wilmington Hammerheads FC 5-3 in penalties.

“They worked as hard as they possibly could,” Hammerheads coach Carson Porter said about his team. “So you can’t ask for anything more on the work. We talked about trying to make plays, and I think we didn’t make a play at the end there. That was a little disappointing, but overall it was a great effort. I feel a bit disappointed for the players.”

Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

May 23, 2014 by Josh Hakala

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

The US Open Cup has only had a Fourth Round (prior to the Quarterfinals) 12 times in the Modern Era (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012-22).

The first indoor game in US Open Cup history took place in the Fourth Round. On July 20, 2004, the Minnesota Thunder hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. The Thunder upset the Galaxy that day 1-0, in front of 5,505 fans. Defender Chris Brunt scored the game-winning goal in the 21st minute.

No Open Division team in the Modern Era has ever advanced beyond the Fourth Round

Only 7 USL League Two (PDL) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round, all but one have faced MLS teams
2018: FC Golden State Force (lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2016: Kitsap Pumas (lost 2-0 at Seattle Sounders FC)
2014: Laredo Heat (lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2014: Orlando City U23s (lost 3-0 at Portland Timbers)
2012: Michigan Bucks (lost 2-1 AET vs. Dayton Dutch Lions)
2006: Carolina Dynamo (lost 4-2 vs. Houston Dynamo)
2005: Des Moines Menace (lost 6-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
2003: Fresno Fuego (lost 3-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

Only 6 Open Division Local (USASA) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2018: NTX Rayados (lost 5-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2017: Christos FC (lost 4-1 at D.C. United of MLS)
2016: La Maquina (lost 4-1 AET at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2015: PSA Elite (lost 6-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2014: PSA Elite (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2012: Cal FC (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2006: Dallas Roma FC (lost 2-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)

Only 2 NPSL teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2019: Orange County FC (lost 3-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2018: Miami United FC (lost 3-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

In 2006, only teams from Major League Soccer emerged from the Fourth Round.

touray-harrisburg-vs-red-bulls-big — The Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) won a Fourth Round game in 2012 by upsetting the New York Red Bulls 3-1 after extra time. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The Chicago Fire did not lose a Fourth Round game until 2019 when they lost to Saint Louis FC. Prior to that, they had a 7-0-2 (2-0 PKs) record.

Major League Soccer began playing in the tournament in the Fourth Round for the first time in 2014 as part of an expanded format.

The attendance record in the Modern Era was set in 2013 when Sporting Kansas City (MLS) hosted Orlando City SC (USL PRO) at Sporting Park in front of an announced attendance of 15,981. Thanks to that figure, the record for Fourth Round average attendance was broken with 6,887 across the eight games. Sporting Kansas City later broke their own record in 2015 when they hosted and defeated Saint Louis FC (USL) 1-0 on June 16, 2015 in front of an announced crowd of 19,298. FC Cincinnati shattered that record in 2017 when they drew 30,160 to Nippert Stadium to watch them upset the Columbus Crew (MLS), 1-0.

In 2014, with Major League Soccer not entering the tournament until Round 4, a record three amateur teams (Laredo Heat, Orlando City U23s, PSA Elite) advanced beyond the Third Round, followed by five amateur teams reaching the Fourth Round in 2015.

Notable upsets in the Fourth Round

2003: Wilmington Hammerheads (PSL) 4:1 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2003: Seattle Sounders (A-League) 1:0 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2004: Charleston Battery (A-League) 1:0 Metrostars (MLS)
2004: Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) 1:1 New England Revolution (MLS) (ROC advances on PKs 3-1)
2004: Richmond Kickers (PSL) 2:1 DC United (MLS)
2004: Minnesota Thunder (A-League) 1:0 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
2005: Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL-1) 3:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2005: Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) 4:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2006: None
2012: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PROro) 3:1 (AET) New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2012: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2:1 (AET) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
2013: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 3:1 (AET) Chivas USA (MLS)
2013: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
2014: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2014: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:1 (3:2 PKs) Chivas USA (MLS)
2014: New York Cosmos (NASL) 3:0 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2014: Rochester Rhinos (USL) 1:0 DC United (MLS)
2015: Charlotte Independence (USL) 1:0 New England Revolution (MLS)
2015: New York Cosmos 2:2 (4:3 PKs) New York City FC (MLS)
2016: New York City FC (MLS) 0:1 New York Cosmos (NASL)
2016: D.C. United (MLS) 0:0 (3:4 PKs) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
2017: Columbus Crew (MLS) 0:1 FC Cincinnati (USL)
2017: Miami FC (NASL) 3:1 Orlando City SC (MLS)
2017: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 4:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2018: Louisville City FC (USL) 3:2 New England Revolution (MLS)
2018: Nashville SC (USL) 2:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2018: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 2:1 (AET) Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
2019: Saint Louis FC (USL-C) 2:1 Chicago Fire (MLS)
2019: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 2:2 (2:4 PKs) New Mexico United (USL-C)
2022: None

Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup

May 22, 2014 by Josh Hakala

The Michigan Bucks upset the Chicago Fire of MLS in 2012 Third Round. Photo: Kelly Haapala

MORE: Things you should know about the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2006 – Dallas Roma FC (USASA) 0:0 Chivas USA (MLS)
(Dallas advances 4-2 in PKs)

For all of you who ever wanted the #16 seed to win in the NCAA basketball tournament, we hope you are soccer fans.

Dallas Roma FC, from the North Texas Premier Soccer Association, made history defeating Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on penalties, after playing to a 0-0 draw after extra time. Not only did they defeat their second straight professional opponent in the US Open Cup, they became the first USASA club to eliminate a team from Major League Soccer in the US Open Cup. Chivas was dealt a major blow when their leading scorer, Ante Razov, was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless foul on Roma defender Todd Paulette. Soon after, Chivas head coach Bob Bradley sent in more of his regular starters, Jason Hernandez, Tim Regan and Juan Francisco Palencia.

The Roma defense, named TheCup.us Players of the Round for their win vs. Miami FC, held firm yet again against the Chivas attack, holding the scoreless draw through 120 minutes, at times keeping all 11 players in their own end in extra time.

Roma had a few chances in the second half as well, most notably Dominic Schell hitting the crossbar after Mark Rowland’s shot was knocked away by Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Chivas took the first spot kick in the penalty session, and Juan Francisco Palencia saw his attempt saved by Jessie Llamas. Roma’s Matt Clark and Mark Rowland converted the next kicks, as Sacha Kljestan for Chivas. Fortunes turned Roma’s way when Llamas came through again and saved Jesse Marsch’s kick, and Brad Flanagan scored for Roma to make it 3-1. After Claudio Suarez made it 3-2, Dominic Schell stepped up and put Roma in the history books. Previously, the closest a USASA side has come to defeating an MLS club was in 2000, when Florida’s Uruguay SC fell to the Tampa Bay Mutiny 1-0 in extra time.

1997 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 2:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 2:1 Kansas City Wizards (MLS)

The Modern Era of the Open Cup was still young, and Rochester caused a stir in ’96 with their amazing run to the final.

The San Francisco Bay Seals and Chicago Stingers were determined to top that, and top it they did.

Each team made their way to the third round, no small feat in itself. Both clubs defeated A-League sides in the second round, and now stepped up to face the daunting challenge of Major League Soccer. The Seals were first, taking on the Kansas City Wizards on July 24.

As if being the underdog wasn’t motivation enough, Seals forward Marquis White had something to prove of his own. White was dropped in 1996 by the New England Revolution, and he was eager to prove that he could play at the highest level. White didn’t waste any time, scoring in the very first minute of the game, taking a pass from Chris Davini and racing past the Wizards defenders and goalkeeper Chris Snitko for the goal. On the other end, the Seals defense kept the Kansas City forwards stifled and frustrated, but the Wizards eventually equalized in the 39th minute with a Frank Klopas goal.

Marquis White then stepped up a second time, taking another Davini pass home for the game-winning goal in the 55th minute, setting off celebrations at Negoesco Fiield once the final whistle blew. “I knew I could play, and this proves it” said an ecstatic White after the game. The Seals, as a team, also proved they could play, defeating the San Jose Clash in the quarterfinals to move on to the semifinals, eventually losing a close game to DC United 2-1.

Six days later, the Chicago Stingers took their turn at giant killing, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 2-1 in front of 4,730 fans at Chicago’s Forest View Park. Misfortune started early for Colorado, as the Rapids goalkeeper Paul Grafer was sent off after 17 minutes. The Stingers then took control, as Matt Hamnett and Chris Jahr scores goals before and after halftime to take a lead they would never surrender. Chris Henderson pulled one back for Colorado, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the upstart Stingers. Chicago were eventually overwhelmed by the Dallas Burn in the next round, 4-1, but the Seals and Stingers proved that the Open Cup would never be an easy walk for any MLS team.

2012 – Cal FC (USASA – 4th Div.) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS)

2012 – Michigan Bucks (PDL – 4th Div.) 3:2 (AET) Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was one of the craziest rounds in tournament history. 16 Major League Soccer teams joined the competition and only eight of them survived to play in Round 4. The two biggest stunners came from the Michigan Bucks (PDL) and newcomers Cal FC (USASA).

14 of the 16 games were played on Tuesday, May 29 and among those were the Michigan Bucks hosting four-time champion Chicago Fire indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. It was just the 4th US Open Cup game ever played indoors and the Bucks upset the Fire 3-2 in extra time.

The Bucks struck first just nine minutes into the match when Tommy Catalano received a pass from star veteran Kenny Uzoigwe to put the home team up 1-0. The Fire would equalize on a goal from Corben Bone in the 28th minute and take the lead in the 58th minute thanks to Frederico Puppo and it looked like the MLS team was going to take control, as they so often do in these underdog scenarios, but today wasn’t their day as a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match at 2-2. The match would go into extra time and after play resumed, the Bucks wasted no time in putting the pressure on the Fire. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in when Crnkic ripped a shot toward the net. The goalkeeper got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough to keep it out as the Bucks would go on to win 3-2 to become the first amateur club in the Modern Era to defeat two MLS teams (They upset the New England Revolution back in 2000).[+]FULL MATCH RECAP

After seven MLS teams were eliminated on Tuesday, what could possibly be in store for the following day? It would turn out to be arguably the biggest upset of the Modern Era (1995-present).

Cal FC, led by their manager former US international Eric Wynalda, traveled from Southern California up to Portland, Ore. and upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Artur Aghasyan streaked down the middle of the field, easily beating a lopsided offside trap, collected a well placed through ball and calmly chipped goalkeeper Troy Perkins. It was the only goal they would need to become the first USASA team to defeat a Major League Soccer team (Dallas Roma FC in 2006 eliminated Chivas USA in a penalty kick shootout). A USASA team defeating a MLS team was rare enough, but there had only been four previous USASA teams that had advanced far enough to even play against the top division. In those four games, none of the USASA teams even scored a goal. They were also just the fifth amateur team to eliminate a MLS sidse, and the 12th USASA team to eliminate a pro team of any kind. [+]FULL MATCH RECAP

2014 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanooga FC first from NPSL to upset pro team with win over Wilmington Hammerheads (video)

May 16, 2014 by David Walker

Chattanooga FC made history on Wednesday night, defeating the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro 3-1 to become the first NPSL team to defeat a professional team in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Entering the competition, the league, as a whole, was 0-15-0 against pro competition all-time, but a pair of goals from Luke Winter helped lead the way to the team’s first tournament victory.

With the win, the NPSL Southeast Conference Champions advance to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in club history. Chattanooga will host NASL-side Atlanta Silverbacks at Finley Stadium on May 28th.

The match nearly didn’t take place at all. Heavy storms rolling in to Chattanooga from the southwest forced team officials to move the match up an hour. Despite the last minute time change, a crowd of 1,502 braved the rain.

For the first 15 minutes, the teams played each other evenly, with Wilmington holding slightly more possession. Chattanooga began to look like the stronger side, though, using fluid wing play to create several dangerous chances. In the 21st minute, forward Luke Winter beat the Wilmington offside trap for a breakaway, tucking the ball past keeper Matt Glaeser to open the scoring.

In the 39th minute, somewhat against the run of play, the Hammerheads equalized, when Brazilian-born Belgian Mickael Oliveira slipped his marker and flicked in a cross from Jordan Hamilton. This boost would be short lived, as just before halftime, Wilmington’s Jason Watson was cautioned for deliberately handling the ball while on the ground. It was his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card and his dismissal.

The second half started evenly but with the player advantage Chattanooga eventually asserted control. In the 63rd minute midfielder Luis Trude make a picture-perfect cross from the right wing, connecting directly with Winter. The Tennessee Wesleyan College alumnus had little choice but to head it sharply to the near post for his second goal of the night, giving the 4th Division side a 2-1 lead.

Asked about his two goals, Winter said: “The first one, I knew I was onside. It would have been hard for him to make that call. The second one, Luis hit it so well, it wasn’t even a cross – it was a pass. It was a pass directly to my head.”

In the 89th minute, with Wilmington desperately pressing late in the game, Chattanooga took advantage on the counterattack. Trude slipped through on a breakaway but was taken down by Oliveira, who was immediately sent off for stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Deep into stoppage time, Chattanooga capitalized on the two-man advantage, with an insurance goal from Chrispin Ochieng, assisted by Trude, his second of the night.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH REPLAY

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Portland’s Piquionne makes history with four goals in Timbers’ 5-1 win over Wilmington

May 30, 2013 by Michael Orr

Timbers_openCup_CM013 — Portland Timbers forward Frederic Piquionne (10) celebrates his third goal of the match at JELD-WEN Field on May 29, 2013. Photos: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

Four first half goals from Frédéric Piquionne were more than enough to send the Portland Timbers past the Wilmington Hammerheads at Jeld-Wen Field. The 5-1 scoreline was utterly representative of just how much better the Timbers were than their USL Pro opponents on Wednesday night.

Portland’s line-up featured ten players with starting experience or significant first team minutes including captain Will Johnson, Darlington Nagbe and Michael Harrington. Yet it was Piquionne who played the starring role for the Timbers in an explosive first half.

The 34-year old striker scored his first goal of the season in the second minute, heading in a Will Johnson corner to set the pace for a record-setting night. With a rare early lead, Caleb Porter’s high-pressure system was unleashed, wreaking havoc on Wilmington’s attempts to build possession. Piquionne nodded in his second goal in the 17^th minute, this time from a Harrington cross, to break the game open for the home side.

Wilmington, travel-fatigued from playing in Texas in the Second Round and twice in Florida over the weekend in league play, was not without quality chances, however, as defender Daniel Steres hit a nice volley just wide of the far post in the 27th minute and Kyle Greig twice came close to scoring from close range late in the half. Yet the up-field pressure from Nagbe and José Valencia was simply too much for most of the Hammerheads’ half.

Kalif Alhassan chipped a pass into the box on 34 minutes, providing Piquionne with a chance to score with his feet and complete his hat-trick in just three shots. The shot skipped past Tony Hernandez, providing the first Timbers hat-trick of the MLS era in a competitive match. Following Greig’s two chances, Piquionne finished the half in style, heading in a Johnson free kick to put Portland ahead 4-0 in injury time.

Timbers_openCup_CM017 — The Timbers Army cheer after Futty Danso's goal in the second half at JELD-WEN Field on May 29, 2013. Over 10,000 fans attending the midweek Open Cup match. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer | Portland Timbers

The second half was much more competitive as Wilmington worked back into the game, particularly through Shawn Nicklaw and first half substitute Cody Arnoux. Later in the half, Steven Perry provided additional offensive options and nearly scored on a 79th minute header.

Yet the Hammerheads’ goal came from midfielder Paul Nicholson in the 62nd minute, a brilliant overhead kick that was one of the finer goals of the Open Cup so far this season. Nicholson flipped the ball to himself after it deflected to him in the box, before scissor-kicking the ball into the top left corner from the right side of goal. Though it did not do much for Wilmington’s odds of advancing, the goal was well deserved both for the individual and the club.

Miloš Kocić recorded several key saves over the game’s final 20 minutes to maintain the wide margin, particularly on Perry’s angled header. Futty Danso finished the night’s scoring with a header of his own in the 73rd minute, giving Johnson his third assist and providing the final scoreline.

Five goals represent the most a Timbers team has ever scored in an Open Cup match, topping a 4-1 victory in 2010 against Kitsap Pumas. Piquionne’s four goals mark only the second time a Portland player has achieved that feat, and the first since McKinley Tennyson’s four-goal league game in 2002. He joined a list of 11 players to accomplish the feat in the Modern Pro Era (1995-present) and joins Seattle Sounders U23 striker David Geno (first half v Doxa Italia – 2013, First Round) and Fort Lauderdale Strikers (nee Miami FC) forward Paulo Jr (overtime v Central Florida – 2010, First Round) as only players in MPE to score all four in one period of play.

Portland advances to host upset winners Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Fourth Round on Wednesday June 12 at Jeld-Wen Field.

Scoring Summary

POR: Frederic Piquionne (Will Johnson) 2
POR: Frederic Piquionne (Michael Harrington) 17
POR: Frederic Piquionne (Kalif Alhassan) 34
POR: Frederic Piquionne (Will Johnson) 45+2
WIL: Paul Nicholson 61
POR: Futty Danso (Will Johnson) 73

Misconduct Summary

WIL: Parratt (caution) 6
WIL: Wallace (caution) 58
WIL: Nicklaw (caution) 67

Lineups & Stats

POR: GK Kocic, D Miller, D Jean-Baptiste, D Danso, D Harrington (McKenzie, 74), M Zemanski, M Nagbe (Zizzo, 45), M Johnson, W. ©, F Valencia, F Piquionne (Rincón, 45), F Alhassan

Substitutes Not Used: GK Gleeson, D Fehr, M Evans, M Valeri

TOTAL SHOTS: 13 (Piquionne, 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 (Piquionne, 4); FOULS: 9 (Valencia, 3); OFFSIDES: 1; CORNER KICKS: 10; SAVES: 7

WIL: GK Hernandez, D Daly (Taylor, 64), D Steres, D Utterson, D Wallace, M Evans, M Parratt (Arnoux, 25), M Nicholson, M Nicklaw, F Greig (Perry, 74), F Elenio

Substitutes Not Used: M Briggs

TOTAL SHOTS: 10 (Nicholson, 3); SHOTS ON GOAL: 8 (Nicholson, 3); FOULS: 13 (Four players, 2); OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 1

Referee: Alejandro Mariscal  Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Andrew Marihart  4th Official: Ronald Lagraff

Attendance: 10,924

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 62 degrees

2013 US Open Cup Second Round: Wilmington Hammerheads net first road win 2-0 in Austin with Aztex aid

May 22, 2013 by Gerald Barnhart

Having beaten MLS clubs in the past, the Wilmington Hammerheads came into Tuesday’s contest with the PDL Austin Aztex fully focused after an embarrassing 4-0 home loss to amateur Cal FC a year ago in the Second Round and used some help from the hosts for a 2-0 win, moving on to a Third Round showdown with the Portland Timbers.

Troy Hernandez posted the shutout in his debut for Wilmington, making a few important saves in the early going and eliminating any potential nerves.

Things became a lot easier in the 23rd minute when his counterpart, Devin Cook, was sent off for taking down Steven Perry on a breakaway. Richard Isberner converted the subsequent penalty and the Hammerheads controlled from that point.

They were unable to find the back of the net themselves, however, with an own goal providing the insurance in the 68th minute. A failed clearance on a free kick led to Juan Cruz putting the ball in his own goal.

The victory was the first in tournament history away from home for the Hammerheads against all opposition, having come into the match 0-5-1 with a PK victory. It is a complete contrast to their 13-5-0 record at home.