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2025 National Amateur Cup: West Chester United wins Region I title, heads to nationals

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West Chester United SC poses with the USASA Region I Amateur Cup after beating New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 3-0, in the final (Credit: West Chester United SC)
West Chester United SC poses with the USASA Region I Amateur Cup after beating New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 3-0, in the final (Credit: West Chester United SC)

West Chester United SC dominated New York Pancyprian Freedoms on Saturday evening in the 2025 USASA Region I Amateur Cup Final. The Pennsylvania side won, 3-0, and earned a direct spot in the 2025 National Amateur Cup tournament later this summer. The win is West Chester’s second-ever regional amateur cup but first since the tournament began awarding direct US Open Cup qualification in 2017.

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms, the defending National Amateur Cup champions, will not be able to defend their title in Milwaukee. West Chester meanwhile will attempt to win their first ever National Amateur Cup. The team is two wins away from both the natty and a guaranteed spot in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

On a soggy day at the Ukrainian American Sports Center in Horsham, Pa., West Chester technically played the role of the visitors despite being only a couple miles from home. They opened the scoring in the 12th minute when goalkeeper Tino Kneis sent a ball down the field to a running Josh Luchini. He finished the play with a successful low shot past the Freedoms’ goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

The Freedoms looked stunned. The goal marked only the second time this tournament that the team had trailed. Speaking to Philadelphia Soccer Now after the game West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo noted how the Freedoms still couldn’t be overlooked.

“Getting up early on them was super huge,” he said.  “They’ve been down to Lansdowne (Yonkers FC) twice recently, and they’ve come back to win 3-2 so we knew they weren’t going to go away without giving a fight.”

West Chester kept the pressure early and capitalized once again before the half hour mark. A free kick by Dylan Lacy found the head of Ridge Robinson on the left side of the box. The attempt found the back of the net to make it 2-0 in the 28th. The goal was Robinson’s third of the tournament.

New York exited the half trying to cut into the deficit. The defending champs pulled the West Chester backline but couldn’t break through. It forced the New York goalkeeper to push up into the Predators’ end. In the 84th minute, defender John Ricks headed the ball to substitute Tomas Ascoli. A quick pass to Jack Jasinski saw the Princeton player hit a slow roller on goal that made it across the goal line.

That was the nail in the coffin for the Freedoms title defense. When the full time whistle sounded, coach Santangelo congratulated everyone in his group for their effort on the day.

“I tell the guys every year at the beginning of the year, this is the one, this is the one we need to win,” Santangelo said. “We lost in the final to Milwaukee Bavarians in 2018 and this is one we’ve been trying to get to and to finally get back there. We still have a lot of work, we’re going to play against some great competition, I’m sure, but it’s to get out of this region is pretty special. A lot of times national champs come out of this region.”

The following two paragraphs come directly from Philadelphia Soccer Now’s recap of the match.

The trip to Milwaukee in late July will be the third final four event of the season for the Predators, who are managing multiple leagues and competitions with a deep and talented pool of players ranging from teenagers to players approaching their 30s and older. They came up short last weekend in the Hank Steinbrecher Cup to champions El Farolito in the semifinal but have a chance to win the American Premier Soccer League title next weekend in addition to this third opportunity.

Saturday’s final for West Chester United nearly didn’t happen. After losing to Christos FC in the semifinal, West Chester United filed a protest that was upheld by the league office in Chicago.

1995 US Open Cup Rewind series: The Modern Era begins

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1995 us open cup rewind graphic
Graphic: Frank Lanham

The 30th anniversary of the 1995 Open Cup is upon us this year, and as we did with the inaugural tournament in 1913-1914, we’re going to take you back in time and relive the 1995 US Open Cup in chronological order, as it happened. Unfortunately, outside of the Final, no video of any of the tournament games exists (that we are aware of), but we have compiled accounts of each game based on newspaper reports, interviews with players and coaches.

1995 also marked the beginning of what TheCup.us has defined as the US Open Cup’s “Modern Era” (more on that in a moment). The American soccer landscape was shifting and the country’s national championship reflected that.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you know anyone associated with any of these teams or might have any information about any of the games from the 1995 US Open Cup, email us HERE. Our goal is to compile a complete historical record of the US Open Cup and we welcome anyone who has stats, team information, photos, videos, or memories about this tournament.

Heading into 1995, the landscape of American soccer, and the US Open Cup, was about to take a drastic change. With a successful hosting of the 1994 World Cup in the rear-view mirror and the debut of Major League Soccer a year away, the US Open Cup would see participation from teams of the top outdoor league for the first time since 1966.

The six-team American Professional Soccer League (or the A-League as it would be known in 1995) would be that top league for at least one more season. The APSL limped into the ’94 off-season with just four teams after three clubs ceased operations. The addition of the Atlanta Ruckus and New York Centaurs in the early part of 1995 brought the roster up to six teams, two Canadian and four American. Previously the teams of the APSL avoided the US Open Cup, perhaps more concerned with simply surviving their own league season.

1995 us open cup rewind graphic

1995 US Open Cup Rewind Series
More to come …

1995 US Open Cup Results
VIDEO: 1995 US Open Cup Final

Alongside (or below) the APSL was the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues, or USISL for short. The league that would eventually become today’s United Soccer League got its start in 1986 as a semi-pro indoor league centered around Texas and Oklahoma.

Eventually the USISL moved outdoors, and in 1995, the 69 teams split into professional and amateur leagues. Unlike the APSL, USISL teams took part in the Open Cup, with much success. In 1991, the Richardson Rockets reached the Open Cup Final, having defeated fellow USISL club New Mexico Chilies in the Semifinals. The Rockets advanced to the Semifinals again in 1992, and the Quarterfinals in 1993 and 1994.

The third piece of the puzzle was the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA). The semi-pro and amateur teams from across the country had kept the Open Cup alive for nearly 30 years. Now, instead of the top USASA teams being the favorites to win the Open Cup, they were suddenly the underdogs, up against the new challenge of professional teams.

The 1995 Open Cup field was limited to just 16 teams, the four American APSL clubs, eight USISL teams, and four USASA teams. The APSL teams had automatic berths in the Open Cup field, while the USISL and USASA held qualifying games to determine its representatives.

For the USASA that meant sticking to the same format when the Open Cup was all theirs, the winners of the four regions (I-East, II-Midwest, III-South, IV-West) would qualify.

For the USISL, it meant eight separate tournaments divided geographically among the teams that showed interest, with each region choosing its own format.

Why the “Modern Era’?

Followers of our coverage at TheCup.us may wonder why we refer to the years after 1995 as the “Modern Era”. Many assume that the Modern Era would begin in 1996 when Major League Soccer formed. While the launching of MLS was a game-changer for the sport in the United States, the groundwork for the tournament’s inclusion of professional teams was laid a year earlier.

There are two main reasons for this. One, as previously mentioned, the 1995 US Open Cup was the first edition of the tournament since 1966 to feature teams from the top outdoor league in the country. During its lifetime, clubs from the NASL stayed out of the tournament for one reason or another. In the days of the APSL in the late 1980s / early 1990s, that league’s teams also avoided the Open Cup. In 1995, with the first season of Major League Soccer a year away, the APSL, now the A-League, finally became involved in the competition.

The second reason is that from 1970-1994, we still have an incomplete record for each year’s results and stats. Some years are better than others, but when referring to or comparing historical occurrences in current tournaments, it is more accurate most of the time for us to limit our comparison beginning with 1995, since saying “all-time” would be inaccurate due to the info we are missing for some years prior to 1995.


1995 US OPEN CUP QUALIFYING

USISL

USISL qualifying kicked off in March of 1995 with three teams in the Northeast region playing a single game elimination tournament. The Cape Cod Crusaders and Connecticut Wolves opened qualifying on March 10 in West Haven, Conn. The Wolves took a 2-1 halftime lead, but Ron Murphy tied the game for Cape Cod the second half. No extra time was played, and Connecticut won the penalty shootout 5-4.

A week later, the Wolves hosted the New York Fever (who drew a bye) at New Britain, Conn., Erik Barbieri and Chris Wright scored two goals each in the opening half in Connecticut’s 4-1 win, making them the first club to qualify for the US Open Cup under its new format.

Next up in the Southwest region, the Valley Golden Eagles and Los Angeles Salsa faced off in a two-leg aggregate goal series. In addition, the region was experimenting with 30-minute halves using a running clock, meaning the clock stopped when play stopped. In the first leg, on April 29, Bobby Bruch scored with two minutes remaining for the Salsa to tie the game and force golden goal extra time. Bruch then tallied again three minutes into extra time for the win. In the return leg on May 7, a Juan Solis hat trick was not enough for the Salsa as the Golden Eagles pushed their way to a 5-3 win.

The West Region kicked off in mid-April with a four-team, single-game tournament. On April 14, the Chico Rooks opened with a wild 7-3 win over the North Bay Breakers, Roman Ritz scoring five of the Rooks’ goals. Two weeks later, the San Francisco All Blacks advanced via shootout after a 1-1 draw with Monterey Bay. In the final on May 29, Chico defeated San Francisco 3-1 with the help of a Lance Welker brace.

In the Southwest region the Los Angeles Salsa and Valley Golden Eagles faced off in a two leg aggregate goals series. LA took the first game 3-2 on the strength of two Bobby Bruch goals, but in the second game the Golden Eagles overcame a Juan Solis hat trick to beat the Salsa 5-3, taking the series 7 goals to 6.

A round robin tournament would determine the teams from the South Central and Northwest regions. In the South Central, the El Paso Patriots had little trouble with the New Orleans Gamblers and Texas Lightning, posting wins of 3-1 and 5-1 respectively to easily win the group.

The Northwest was more competitive with four teams, Everett Bigfoot, Cascade Surge, Portland Firebirds and Spokane Shadow competing. Early on Everett, Portland and Spokane traded wins  against each other with Cascade playing all three in the final games of the group. Cascade knocked off Spokane (5-3) and Portland (2-1) to set up a showdown with Everett on June 2. Everett won 4-2, tying Cascade on points at 19, but claiming the Open Cup spot due to their head-to-head victory.

The final two USISL teams were determined just weeks before the Open Cup was to begin. IN the Southeast region the Tampa Bay Cyclones faced the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in a two-leg aggregate series on June 4 & 11. The Cyclones won both games, 4-2 and 2-1 to qualify.

Finally in the Midwest, the Chicago Stingers defeated the St. Louis Knights 4-1 on June 11 in extra time in a single game. Don D’Ambra tied the game for Chicago in the 90th minute, and the Stingers added three more in the extra session.

USASA

Members of Flamengo SC (Utah) pose for a photo with family and friends at the 1995 USASA Region IV tournament. Photo courtesy of Ellie Cole
Members of Flamengo SC (Utah) pose for a photo with family and friends at the 1995 USASA Region IV tournament. Photo courtesy of Ellie Cole

The USASA determined its four teams in late May and early June. In the Region I Final, four-time US Open Cup champion (1967-69, 1974) New York Greek American Atlas played to a 1-1 draw with Spartans SC (Fairfax, Va.) only to ultimately lose the penalty shootout, 12-11.

In Region II, 1990 Open Cup winners AAC Eagles defeated Thermadyne (St. Louis, MO) 4-1 in the Final. In the previous round the Chicago-based Eagles traveled to Kentucky and thrashed Louisville Soccer Alliance 12-0.

 

A preview of the 1995 Florida State Cup Final with the winner advancing to the USASA Region III tournament.

In Region III, another former champ claimed a spot in the 1995 Open Cup. 1989 winners McCormick St. Petersburg Kickers defeated Houston-based Excel SC, 2-1 after jumping out to a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Finally in Region IV, yet another former Open Cup champ had a shot at qualifying but fell one game short. CD Mexico, 1992 winners, saw their hopes dashed when they were beaten 2-1 in extra time by Flamengo SC of Salt Lake City in the Semifinals. In the Region IV championship, Flamengo crushed San Nicholas SC (Santa Barbara, CA) 5-0 to punch their ticket. 

2025 National Amateur Cup: Northeast Final, South tournament, Midwest Quarterfinals this weekend

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The 2025 National Amateur Cup is shifting into high gear.

This weekend, two teams will clinch their spots in the national finals later this summer in Milwaukee. The defending national champions are still alive, the South has six teams vying for one spot, and the Midwest has four Quarterfinal matches on the menu.

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

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

You can find information for this weekend’s games below. Additionally, here are links to the articles made over the last month regarding other results:

FULL 2025 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

REGION I (NORTHEAST)

The USASA Region I Amateur Cup is down to two, and each one has previously won the regional title. The winner of this game, taking place at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, Pa, will become the first team to qualify for the National Amateur Cup tournament later this summer.

Defending National Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms are attempting to win back-to-back regional and national titles.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Round 1 – Sunday, April 6 (Complete)
  • Quarterfinals – Sunday, April 27 (Complete)
  • Semifinals – Sunday, May 18 (Complete)
  • Final – Saturday, June 14

Below is the match information for the 2025 USASA Region I Amateur Cup Final, which takes place on Saturday June, 14.

West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
Ukrainian American Sport Center, Field 6 – Horsham, PA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

REGION II (MIDWEST)

The USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, recently completed the Quarterfinal round. Due to the quick turnaround between rounds, TheCup.us was unable to properly get this match information out prior to games being played.

Please check our Amateur Cup schedule page for updated results as they become available. A complete recap of the round will be compiled next week.

REGION III (SOUTH)

The USASA Region III Amateur Cup tournament kicks off tonight, and will crown a champion on Sunday. The shortest and most physically demanding of the four regional tournaments, Region III’s format includes a group stage and knockout round over the course of three days. That means teams will be playing two games in one day (Saturday).

Brute Force FC celebrates after winning the 2025 Georgia Men's Adult State Cup, qualifying the team for its first-ever USASA Region III Amateur Cup. Photo: Brute Force FC
Brute Force FC celebrates after winning the 2025 Georgia Men’s Adult State Cup, qualifying the team for its first-ever USASA Region III Amateur Cup. Photo: Brute Force FC

Most of this information was not finalized until earlier this week.

The 2025 regional is taking place at Bryan Park Soccer Complex in Browns Summit, N.C. and will include six teams divided into two groups. The top team from each group will face off on Sunday morning for the regional championship.

The field includes two-time defending regional champion Tobacco Road FC.

The groups and teams are as follows:

Group A:

  • Say Word FC (NC, NCSL)
  • Tar Devils SC (NC, NCSL)
  • Tobacco Road FC (NC, TASL*)

Group B:

  • ASC New Stars (TX, HFA)
  • Brute Force FC (GA, ADASL)
  • Peachtree FC (GA, ADASL)

(Note: Tobacco Road competes primarily in USL League Two. The organization’s Over-30 team competes in the Triangle Adult Soccer League, and the team competing in the regional amateur cup tournament is using that affiliation to take part.)

The schedule for the tournament is as follows. TheCup.us will do its best to keep complete records of goal scorers from each game.

Friday, June 13

Brute Force FC (GA, ADASL) at Tobacco Road FC (NC, TASL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 3 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Peachtree SC (GA, ADASL) at Say Word FC (NC, NCSL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 7 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

ASC New Stars (TX, HFA) at Tar Devils SC (NC, NCSL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 8 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 14

Say Word FC (NC, NCSL) at ASC New Stars (TX, HFA)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 2 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET

Tar Devils SC (NC, NCSL) at Brute Force FC (GA, ADASL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 3 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET

Tobacco Road FC (NC, TASL) at Peachtree SC (GA, ADASL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 7 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET

ASC New Stars (TX, HFA) at Tobacco Road FC (NC, TASL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 2 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Peachtree SC (GA, ADASL) at Tar Devils SC (NC, NCSL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 3 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Brute Force FC (GA, ADASL) at Say Word FC (NC, NCSL)
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 7 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, June 15

Group B Winner at Group A Winner
Bryan Park Soccer Complex, BP Field 2 – Browns Summit, NC
Kickoff: 10:30 a.m. ET

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup has a new format for 2025.

The region’s website says the tournament will take place in a single location, Salt Lake City, UT, over the course of three days between June 20 – 22.

At this time, TheCup.us cannot confirm the teams taking part in the regional tournament. However we have not heard of any additional tournament games (i.e. a Quarterfinal between teams in the same state) prior to this.

Last year, the tournament remained open and ten teams signed up. The final four played a single location knockout tournament in Las Vegas, NV where FC Arizona (AZ, NPSL) won.

National Amateur Cup Finals

On April 7, Utah Adult Soccer posted a graphic on Instagram claiming that the national finals will be held in Milwaukee, Wis.

TheCup.us has confirmed with USASA sources that this is true. The national final four, featuring the regional champions from across the country, will be held at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee. The 4,000-seat stadium has previously hosted the U.S. Women’s National Team and was the former home of the Milwaukee Rampage (three-time US Open Cup qualifiers).

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Jordan Farr of D.C. United voted TheCup.us Player of Round

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Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: D.C. United

When Jordan Farr stepped in goal for his first cap as a Major League Soccer player, little did he know it would go on to become one of the most memorable moments in D.C. United’s rich history.

As extra time neared its final minutes in D.C. United’s Fifth Round US Open Cup match against Charlotte FC, Farr entered the game as a last-minute sub and went on to save four out of five penalties to send DC United into the quarterfinals and earning him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Round of 16.

Farr became the first player in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era to make four saves in a PK shootout to send United into the Quarterfinals with a 2-1 win after a 3-3 draw.

TheCup.us Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Farr earned more than half of the first place votes to distance himself from Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United FC (MLS) who scored two late goals to help his club complete a comeback win over St. Louis CITY SC. San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. finished third for his 120-minute shutout win over the Portland Timbers FC.

Record-Breaking Ending

Normally, as the backup goalkeeper, Farr would only be making an appearance in the event of injury. But in this moment, it was part of the plan all along.

Shared D.C. United head coach Troy Lesesne, “We knew going into this that if we went to penalties and we had a substitution left, we wanted him to be in that situation so he could do what he did tonight.”

Since signing his first professional contract in 2018, Farr’s profile had grown to legendary status in the second division of US Soccer thanks in large part to clutch saves in moments just like this one.

Growing up in Salem, Oregon, Farr first made a name for himself playing college soccer locally at Corban University, a school whose teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which caters to smaller colleges across the U.S. It was there that he earned a host of conference and league awards, while also reaching number two on the NAIA All-Time Career Shutouts List.

Upon graduation, he signed with USL Championship’s Indy Eleven and took hold of the starting goalkeeper spot by his third year, which is when his professional highlight reel started to grow. Thanks to his success at Indy Eleven, Farr was acquired by San Antonio FC through an emergency loan deal in anticipation of the 2021 USL Championship playoffs. The next year, Farr joined San Antonio on a permanent deal and became the USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year while helping the team secure its first title in the club’s history. Following a second successful season with San Antonio, Farr signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies where he became known for his many game-saving moments, none greater than when he saved two penalties in a shootout to help his side beat Detroit City FC and advance to the playoff quarterfinals.

DC United We Want The Cup shirt
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Still though, Farr had yet to be tested at the Major League Soccer level.

So when the first Charlotte FC player stepped up to the penalty spot, few knew what to expect. But it soon became apparent that Farr was the calmest person inside Audi Field. As the first kick was struck, Farr dove to his right with outstretched arms and parried the shot away before it had the chance to hit the side netting of the goal.

Then came the second shot. Another save. And another. And another.

For the fans in attendance, it was a moment they’ll never forget. But for Farr, it was business as usual.

“As a keeper, you have to love moments like this,” Farr said. “I said to myself, you’ve done this before and you just have to trust your gut. I’m blessed I was able to be in this position for my team.”

His heroic shootout performance was the first time in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era that a goalkeeper saved four out of five penalties. And to do so after spending the majority of the game on the bench is another feat all unto itself.

The practice of subbing in a goalkeeper just for the penalty kick shootout is pretty rare in the US Open Cup as well. It has only happened five times.

The first two times that it happened both involved D.C. United in 1997. In both instances, head coach Bruce Arena replaced Scott Garlick with Tom Presthus. In the Third Round, Presthus made three saves to deny the A-League’s (Div. 2 pro) Hershey Wildcats a shot at an upset. However, in the 1997 Final, Presthus and United fell short, with a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) after a scoreless draw.

The Philadelphia Union also subbed in a goalkeeper in a championship game when they sent in John McCarthy to replace Andre Blake in the 2025 US Open Cup Final. They would lose to Sporting Kansas City 7-6 after a 1-1 draw.

Two years later, the gamble paid off for amateur side Anahuac FC edged Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) 5-4 after trading a goal each in regulation. Christopher Valentin would replace Angel Octavio Alvarez.

The last time it happened was in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup when the now defunct Rochester New York FC (MLS NEXT Pro) took six rounds to prevail against FC Motown (NPSL) 4-3 following a 2-2 draw.

Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after defeating Charlotte FC 2-1 in a penalty kick shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United
Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after defeating Charlotte FC 2-1 in a penalty kick shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United

Outside of the US Open Cup, only a select-few goalkeepers around the world have come off the bench to help their teams in penalties in a high-profile situation. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul was subbed on in the 120th minute and saved two out of five penalties to help the Netherlands beat Costa Rica in the Quarterfinals. Similarly, during the 2021 UEFA Super Cup Final, Chelsea FC brought on backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 119th minute for penalties against Spanish side Villareal, and the club won the shootout 6-5 thanks to two saves from Arrizabalaga.

2025 National Amateur Cup: Pancyprian Freedoms, Christos reach Northeast Final, Midwest down to eight

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Players from RWB Adria (left) and Rockford FC (right) battle for the ball during a USASA Region II Amateur Cup, Round 2 game (Credit: Mariano Rosado / Stateline Photos)
Players from RWB Adria (left) and Rockford FC (right) battle for the ball during a USASA Region II Amateur Cup, Round 2 game (Credit: Mariano Rosado / Stateline Photos)

Over the last two weeks, the 2025 National Amateur Cup played out in the Northeast and Midwest.

Tons of red cards, major names in amateur soccer bowing out, and one regional final was set. The Northeast will see the defending champions take on a Mid-Atlantic powerhouse for both the regional trophy and a spot in the national final four. Out in the Midwest, a multi-time national champion is heading to the Quarterfinals alongside plenty of new faces.

You can find information for every game the last two weeks below. Additionally, here are links to the articles made over the last month regarding other results:

FULL 2025 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

REGION I (NORTHEAST) – SEMIFINALS

SUNDAY, May 18

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
3:2
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, APSL)
St. Michael’s Park – Queens, NY

A wild battle between two top teams in the American Premier Soccer League saw defending national champions New York Pancyprian Freedoms beat Lansdowne Yonkers FC, 3-2. Yonkers held a two-goal lead after 45 minutes, but a red card to goalkeeper Daniel DiMarco changed the match. The Freedoms scored all three goals in the second half, with red cards shown to both teams – Dilon Woods for the Freedoms and Musa Bala Danso for Lansdowne. The win keeps New York alive for a potential repeat and second ever Amateur Cup.

(Recap on Hudson River Blue by Michael Battista)

Goal scorers

NYPF:

  • James Thristino 54’ (Devin Heanue), 58’
  • Gonzalo Gil 81’ (Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo)

LYFC:

  • Jared Juleau 30’ (Eddie Speed)
  • Kyle Galloway 34’ (Jared Juleau)

Match Broadcast

West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
2:3
Christos FC (MD, ASPL)
After Extra Time
Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn, PA

Christos FC scored twice in extra time to beat Pennsylvania powerhouse West Chester United, 3-2. West Chester scored first but Christos equalized late in the second half. In extra time, the Maryland side and Stewart Cup champions found the back of the net first and didn’t look back, knotting a third goal not long after. West Chester scored again with about eight minutes to play but couldn’t find a third for an equalizer.

Goal scorers

WCU:

  • Joshua Luchini (Ridge Robinson)
  • Dylan Lacy

Christos:

  • Ethan Watson (x2)
  • Nick Richardson

UPDATE: On Wednesday night (May 28), a panel from the USASA National Cup committee reviewed a protest filed by West Chester United regarding their match against Christos FC. It alleged that Christos did not email their updated player pool and a player, Ben Stitz, that was not on submitted the game day list came on in the second half. USASA has upheld the protest and as a result Christos has been disqualified from the tournament. West Chester United SC will advance to play in June’s USASA Region I Amateur Cup Final.

REGION II (MIDWEST) – ROUND 2

Sunday, May 18

Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)
2:0
Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL)
Davenport University Football Stadium – Caledonia, MI

Goals in each half sent the Michigan Rangers into the Quarterfinals past Edgewater Castle, 2-0. The National Premier Soccer League side held the Midwest Premier League unit off, earning a clean sheet for goalkeeper Noah Crisp. The Rangers join its league rival and the defending regional champion Milwaukee Torrent in the last eight of the tournament.

Goal scorers

MRFC:

  • Mason Smith 6’
  • Chris Mendez 68’ (PK)

Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
3:1
Northern Kentucky Nitro FC (KY, OVPL)
Seven Hills School – Cincinnati, OH

Valhalla FC beat Northern Kentucky Nitro FC, 3-1, to reach the Quarterfinals. Both Ohio Valley Premier League sides were playing their second game against fellow league members, with Valhalla beating Bootleggers AC and Nitro beating Cincy SC last round. Valhalla has been a regular in Amateur Cup play over the last few years and are attempting to win their first regional championship. The Ohio side went down a man in the first half when Pierce Turner was shown a red card in the 25th minute. Despite playing a majority of the game down a man, the offense scored three unanswered goals for the comeback win.

Goal scorers

Valhalla:

  • Itay Soffer 64’ (PK)
  • Justin Rosa 86’
  • Kees Ciric 90+2’

NKN:

  • Andrej Novakovic 27’ (Serge Nkomeza)

Match Broadcast

Wednesday, May 21

Michigan Stars U23 (MI, MWPL)
1:0
Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL)
Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

In a match between two teams trying to make their marks, Michigan Stars Under-23s advanced past Livonia City FC, 1-0. Gjon Melakuqi, the Stars top goal scorer from last year’s Midwest Premier League campaign, scored not long after the second half kicked off and the team didn’t allow an equalizer. The Stars are looking to add another trophy to the organization’s legacy after the first team won the 2022 National Independent Soccer Association title.

Goal scorer

MSFC:

  • Gjon Melakuqi 48’

Match Broadcast:

Saturday, May 24

Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
6:2
United Serbian SC (WI, WSL)
After Extra Time
Burnsville High School – Burnsville, MN

Vlora FC won a wild match over United Serbian Soccer Club, with extra time and multiple red cards involved in the 6-2 win. Off the jump, a USSC chance in the Vlora box was scuffled by a hard challenge and things tumbled from there. Serb’s Reyes Perez was shown a second yellow in the 52nd minute, Vlora brace scorer Benjamin Peña was shown a second yellow for a harsh reaction to a referee call in the 102nd minute, and USSC’s Milorad Kosanović was shown a second yellow for pushing against another players face in the 104th. Overall the home side was able to take advantage of an aggressive side as a game wore on from 90 minutes to 120.

(Full match recap by Tim Abbott on Northern Lights Football)

Goal scorers

Vlora:

  • Benjamin Peña 18’, 96’ (Sohail Ebrahimi)
  • Easton Hoch 52’ (Oscar Gonzalez)
  • Jerónimo Zelaya Diaz 103’ (Deq Jama)
  • Redouane Baarab 105’
  • Vladimir Petrovic 120’ (Own Goal)

USSC:

  • Aleksandar Prpa 62’ (PK) 
  • Vladimir Petrovic 70’ (Aleksandar Prpa)

Match Broadcast (YouTube)

Sunday, May 25

Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)
0:2
RWB Adria (IL, MWPL)
After Extra Time
Mercyhealth Sportscore Two – Loves Park, IL

After 120 minutes, two-time National Amateur Cup champion RWB Adria beat Rockford FC, 2-0. A scoreless draw through regulation, the two Midwest Premier League sides entered extra time with chances to go ahead. In the end, George Maridas notched a brace in the extra half hour to send the Chicago side to the Quarterfinals.

Goal scorers

RWB:

  • George Maridas (x2)

Wednesday, May 28

Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
3:2
KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC)
Stuart Field at the Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago, IL

Round 2 closed out with a rematch from last fall’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Chicago House once again beat Wisloka Chicago, 3-2, to clinch a spot in the Amateur Cup regional quarterfinals. It was a beautiful night in the windy city and both teams scored twice in the opening half to make a deadlock heading into the break. It would be Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos who stepped up early in the second half to score what would be the game winning goal. House is now back in the quarters for a second straight year, having lost to eventual regional champion FC Milwaukee Torrent in 2024’s tournament.

“These are the kinds of games that show who we are — resilient, hungry, and united. Every player stepped up tonight, and I’m proud to wear the armband for this group. But we’re not satisfied. The mission continues,” said House captain Pau Mateo Chacon after the match.

Goal scorers

CHAC:

  • Nico Williams 8′
  • Pau Meteo Chacon 39′
  • Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos 51′

Wisloka:

  • Patrick Knap 14′
  • Lukasz Sulka 38′

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Graphic: Phil Naegely

The Fifth Round (Round of 16) of the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete. There were a number of impressive individual performances over the round’s eight games. But which one was the best?  

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Player, Team (League)

Osman Bukari, Austin FC (MLS)

Bukari started and played 70 minutes, scored on a penalty kick in the 6th minute and assisted on another goal in Austin FC’s 3-1 home win over the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS).

Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Started, played 70 minutes, scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 69th minute in a 3-1 road win over the New England Revolution (MLS).

Bruno Damiani , Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Damiani started and played 66 minutes, scored Union’s first goal in the 18th minute from a penalty kick, and assisted on Union’s third goal in Philadelphia’s 4-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C).

Earl Edwards Jr., San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Edwards Jr. started and played all 120 minutes, keeping a clean sheet while making 5 saves from 14 shots in San Jose’s 1-0 extra time home win over the Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

Jordan Farr, D.C. United (MLS)

Came on as a substitute goalkeeper in the 119th minute and saved four of Charlotte FC’s five attempts in the penalty shootout in D.C. United’s 2-1 PK shootout win after a 2-2 draw at home over Charlotte FC (MLS). It was the first time in the Modern Era that a goalkeeper made four saves in a penalty shootout.

Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Entered the match in the 65th minute, replacing goalscorer Mohamed Sofo. Then scored the game-tying penalty kick in second half stoppage time. After a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes, Forsberg converted his penalty kick attempt in the fifth round of the shootout to beat FC Dallas (MLS), 4-3.

AJ Marcucci, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Started and played all 120 minutes, allowed two goals but made two critical saves off four shots on target. Made a game-winning save in Round 5 of New York’s 4-3 PK shootout win over FC Dallas (MLS) after a 2-2 draw at home.

Anthony Markanich , Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Markanich started and played all 90 minutes, scoring goals in the 85th and 88th minutes in Minnesota United’s 3–2 come-from-behind home win over St. Louis CITY SC (MLS).

Wyatt Meyer, Nashville SC (MLS)

Started, played 90 minutes and scored the game-winning goal (his first career goal) in the 79th minute in a 3-2 road win over Orlando City SC (MLS).

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Red Bulls use “cup magic” to score late equalizer, beat FC Dallas in PKs

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Anthony Marcucci (purple) of the New York Red Bulls celebrates after winning a PK shootout 4-3 over FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro
AJ Marcucci of the New York Red Bulls celebrates after winning a PK shootout 4-3 over FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro

On a night at Sports Illustrated Stadium that felt more like a First Round game in terms of weather, with cold wind and rain coming down on Harrison, N.J., as opposed to a Round of 16 match – the drama certainly wasn’t on ice. The New York Red Bulls, buoyed by a mix of young players and experienced veterans, clawed back against FC Dallas twice to force extra time.

Two-time DFB-Pokal winner Emil Forsberg scored a stoppage time free kick to tie the game at 2-2, before penalty kicks were needed to decide a winner. In the fifth round, MLS newcomer Pedrinho saw his attempt saved by goalkeeper A.J. Marcucci to secure the win; 4-3.

“Super excited that we were able to come out with the win. The (stoppage time goal) – I mean, that’s just cup magic right there,” midfielder and team captain Daniel Edelman said with a laugh. “Emil (Forsberg) doing what he does and then the whole group just staying together. It shows a lot about our character.”

The loss means that New York’s on-going winning-streak against FC Dallas remains intact. In all competitions, the Red Bulls have not lost to Dallas in ten games dating back to 2012. The last Dallas was able to get a win away from home in the series? That dates back to 2006 at Giants Stadium.

With the win, New York advances to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals for only the second time since the club’s run to the 2017 tournament final. Overall, this marks the tenth time the Red Bulls or MetroStars have reached the Elite Eight.

On Wednesday night, the New York Red Bulls rotated much of its squad for the match. The team’s top two goal scorers, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg, who have accounted for 12 goals in the league season, both started on the bench. As did regular goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Instead, the offense was composed of Mohammed Sofo, who scored a brace last round, the young Polish international Wiktor Bogacz, and Wike Carmona. A.J. Marcucci suited up for his third ever start with the first team in goal.

On the other side, despite having a similar record and just as many games this month, FC Dallas’ lineup was strong – resembling what he used against Houston Dynamo last weekend. The team’s leading goalscorers, Peter Musa, Anderson Julio, and Luciano Acosta, all suited up in the Starting XI.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz says he and his group were trying to prepare for all types of scenarios in terms of who they’d be facing, but Acosta’s inclusion was always the big question.

“We said we have to prepare that they are playing with the best guys, with the best players in their starting lineup,” Schwarz said. “But of course we were also thinking about ‘we are not sure that Acosta is playing’. But he played. And this is good. At the end, it’s good for us. We can see the young guys, how they compete against them – and it was very well.”

This season New York has had two major issues, looking threatening in the final third and closing out games. The former reared its head early on Wednesday night. The home side controlled the ball but failed to find many clinical chances on goal. A bad turnover by Dallas keeper Maarten Paes gave the ball to Mohammed Sofo near the edge of the box. He slung a shot just over the crossbar in the 24th minute.

The visitors began to find ways to do more with little in terms of possession time. Dallas was able to pass the ball around the RBNY box whenever it was at the end of the field. That only allowed for one shot in the first half, but it was a big one. A long pass was one touched by Peter Musa to a nearby Bernard Kamungo. Kamungo ran into the box on the left side and went opposite netting for the game’s opening goal.

For their part, the Red Bulls nearly responded immediately when another bad giveaway allowed Wiktor Bogacz to send a shot just wide right of the goal.

Of note, referee Alyssa Nichols began to make her own presence known in the game at this point. Multiple calls throughout the night were questioned by both teams. One example was a New York attack that was called off in the 31st minute when the official whistled for a handball against New York, after Sofo chested the ball.

Anthony Marcucci (purple) of the New York Red Bulls celebrates with his teammates after winning a PK shootout 4-3 over FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro
Anthony Marcucci (purple) of the New York Red Bulls celebrates with his teammates after winning a PK shootout 4-3 over FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro

At the half, with one Dallas making changes, New York’s attack jumped gear. It went from two shots overall in the first half to ten, including two on target, in the second half. Peter Stroud skied a shot just over the crossbar early on to signify that change.

The game’s dam broke in the 62nd minute when a Daniel Edelman shot in the box was blocked by a Dallas defender. Sofo jumped on the rebound and slotted in a game tying goal, his third of the competition, which is tied for the tournament lead. That goal marked his last act of the game as the Red Bulls made a triple sub to bring in regular starters Choupo-Moting, Emil Forsberg, and Cameron Harper.

“It was important because, you know, at that moment, like we needed a goal to come back (into) the game, to change the momentum of the game,” Sofo said when asked about the score. “And, yeah, very happy to get that goal. Because after that, we started believing even more.”

That belief didn’t come without challenges. In the 72nd minute, Dallas was pushing for an equalizer. Two back-to-back required saves from the Pennsylvania native: Musa from point blank and Kamunga from distance off a rebound. But Dallas was able to break through in the 76th minute when Kamungo was involved in yet another goal.

He found Luciano Acosta with a pass and the former MLS MVP walked through the New York backline to score for the visitor’s second lead of the night. It looked as though RBNY’s second issue of not being able to close out games was coming up once again.

Time was running out on New York before last year’s major signing made an impact. Emil Forsberg, the big import from RB Leipzig, stepped up as his team was awarded a late free kick just outside the Dallas box. With over half of the four stoppage time minutes played, his attempt hit off the body of Dallas midfielder Ramiro to tie the game at 2-2.

“Emil (Forsberg) is very important player for us,” Coach Schwarz said of his team’s usual captain, though he wasn’t wearing the band tonight. “And then what I said he’s always feeling the responsibility for the whole group.”

Anthony Marcucci of the New York Red Bulls makes a save in the PK shootout against FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro
Anthony Marcucci of the New York Red Bulls makes a save in the PK shootout against FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro

The game was sent to extra time, with a relatively quiet opening 15 minutes. The second extra time half was all but normal. In the 110th minute, a long pass to Choupo-Moting was headed down towards a running Forsberg on net. The midfielder was swung around by Ramiro, and crashed into Paes. Initially, referee Nichols just called for a free kick – despite pleass for DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity). It took nearly three minutes for the fourth official to chime in and inform her to card Ramiro with a straight red, bringing Dallas down to ten players.

“The refereeing … I dunno. It is what it is. You gotta deal with it in the Open Cup,” Edelman said, clawing for any sort of words that wouldn’t get him in trouble. “I dunno if I can comment, I don’t wanna make a bad comment.” He at least laughed at the end.

The game found itself in a shootout. Both team’s leading scorers started off in front of the South Ward, the three sections for RBNY’s supporters groups. Choupo-Moting converted his Round 1 attempt, while Acosta tried to Panenka but it hit off the crossbar.

It was a perfect round 2, but in the third round New York’s Wiki Carmona saw his attempt saved. Logan Farrington converted into the top left corner to tie the shootout back up at two each. Another set of conversions in the fourth round essentially set-up sudden death. Forsberg calmly sent his fifth round attempt into the lower left side, meaning Dallas needed to score. Pedrinho’s attempt to the right center was stopped by Marcucci and gave New York the win, 4-3 on PKs after a 2-2 draw.

Coach Schwarz said after the game that he was happy his young goalkeeper, who returned from a European loan ahead of this season, was able to have that moment. Something he earned.

“I’m very proud of him that he had this special and very important moment in the US Open Cup. It’s a great goalkeeper which we have,” Schwarz said “And it’s good to see him now in this important spot that he’s on the highest level.”

The Red Bulls will now face the Philadelphia Union in July’s Quarterfinals, an I-95 derby for two teams still looking to win their first major knockout trophies.

Scoring Summary

28’ – FC Dallas – Bernard Kamungo (Petar Musa)
63’ – New York Red Bulls – Mohammed Sofo
77’ – FC Dallas – Luciano Acosta (Bernard Kamungo)
90+3 – New York Red Bulls – Emil Forsberg

Penalty Kick Summary:

RBNY – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (convert, bottom right)
FCD – Luciano Acosta (miss, crossbar)
RBNY – Noah Eile (convert, bottom right)
FCD – Shaq Moore (convert, bottom left)
RBNY – Wiki Carmona (saved, bottom left)
FCD – Logan Farrington (convert, top left)
RBNY – Daniel Edelman (convert, left side netting)
FCD – Marco Farfan (convert, middle)
RBNY – Emil Forsberg (convert, bottom left)
FCD – Pedrinho (saved, bottom right)

Lineups

New York Red Bulls: A.J. Marcucci (GK); Raheem Edwards (Omar Valencia, 101’), Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan (Alexander Hack, 85’), Daniel Edelman ©, Peter Stroud (Ronald Donkor, 85’), Dennis Gjengaar (Cameron Harper, 64’), Wiki Carmona, Mohammed Sofo (Emil Forsberg, 64’), Wiktor Bogacz (Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 64’)

Unused subs: Carlos Coronel (GK)

Manager: Sandro Schwarz

FC Dallas: Maarten Paes (GK); Nolan Norris (Marco Farfan, 65’), Lalas Abubakar, Osaze Urhoghide, Shaq Moore, Ramiro, Kaick Ferreira (Pedrinho, 105’), Luciano Acosta ©, Bernard Kamungo (Sebastian Ibeagha, 81’), Anderson Julio (Paxton Pomykal, 65’), Petar Musa (Logan Farrington, 91’) 

Unused subs: Michael Collodi (GK), Katiego Ntsabeleng

Manager: Eric Quill

Yellow Cards

Ramiro, FC Dallas 26’

Nolan Norris, FC Dallas 38’

Alexander Hack, New York Red Bulls 91’

Raheem Edwards, New York Red Bulls 98’

Red Cards

Ramiro, FC Dallas 113’

Attendance: 3,724

Referee: Alyssa Nichols

AR1: Thomas Felice

AR2: Christian Little

4th Official: Luis Diego Arroyo

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Austin FC “happy and motivated” after 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo

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Ilie Sanchez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against the Houston Dynamo in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo
Ilie Sanchez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against the Houston Dynamo in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo

Austin FC made history Wednesday night, reaching the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals for the first time after a 3–1 win over in-state rivals Houston Dynamo FC at a roaring Q2 Stadium. Under coach Nico Estévez, Austin controlled most of the game and fed off the crowd’s energy, full of chants and excitement.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Brandon Vázquez finished off a perfect cross from Jon Gallagher with a clever flick and a powerful shot to the far post. That goal marked Vázquez’s fifth in five matches and his third of this year’s Open Cup, which ties him for the tournament lead.    .

After the match, Vázquez said, “Yeah, incredible — another ball in the net. Winning is what matters most. We’re happy and motivated. The group knows what we can do, and even when things aren’t perfect, our quality shows. If we keep this up, I think we’ll do well.”

Gallagher added insight on the team’s success: “Sticking to the game plan from the first minute and having the right mentality helped us. Being more direct and playing in strings worked well, especially with Brandon up front and Bukari creating one-on-one chances, even if not every pass paid off. We got good territory and controlled the game.”

Captain Ilie Sánchez notched his first goal for Austin off a low cross from Osman Bukari just after halftime. Sánchez told the media, “We take Open Cup games exactly as they are—playoffs. You win, you advance. You lose, you’re out.”

Bukari earned man of the match honors, scoring a penalty at 56-minute mark and assisting Sánchez’s goal shortly after. Despite recent criticism and rumors about his future with Austin FC, Bukari said he was unaware of the chatter and proved his value tonight with a strong performance.

Brandon Vazquez and Ilie Sanchez of Austin FC celebrate after scoring a goal against the Houston Dynamo in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo
Brandon Vazquez and Ilie Sanchez of Austin FC celebrate after scoring a goal against the Houston Dynamo in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo

The match was physical, with nine fouls called in the first 40 minutes. Houston held 59% possession in the first half and took seven shots but failed to test Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver with a shot on target.

Houston pulled one back in the 70th minute through Ezequiel Ponce, assisted by Franco Escobar, but Austin held firm.

The closing minutes grew intense as Houston pushed forward, putting Austin’s defense under pressure. In the 91st minute, Houston’s Brooklyn Raines received a second yellow card and was sent off. Just two minutes later, Austin’s Julio Cascante was shown a straight red card for a controversial challenge that stirred reactions from the crowd and sidelines. Cascante will now miss the club’s Quarterfinal match in July on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Jordan Farr makes PK shootout history as D.C. United survives Charlotte FC

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Jordan Farr of D.C. United makes a save in the PK shootout against Charlotte FC in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United
Jordan Farr of D.C. United makes a save in the PK shootout against Charlotte FC in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United

On a cold, rainy night in the nation’s capital, DC United outdueled Charlotte FC in a game that will go down as one of the most memorable in DC United’s long US Open Cup history.

The home team secured a penalty shootout win thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Jordan Farr, who was subbed on in the final minutes with the score tied at 3-3 to serve as a penalty specialist. Farr saved four of Charlotte’s penalties and DC United converted on two of its own to win the shootout 2-1. With the result, DC United advances to the Cup Quarterfinals and Farr becomes the first goalkeeper in tournament history to make four saves in a penalty shootout.

“As a keeper, you have to love moments like this,” Farr said. “I said to myself, you’ve done this before and you just have to trust your gut. I’m blessed I was able to be in this position for my team.”

Farr, who joined DC United earlier in the year and had yet to make an appearance for the club before this match, has a long history of penalty saves during his time as goalkeeper in the USL Championship. In fact, it is these moments that he seems to thrive on.

“We knew that if we got into this type of situation, has an excellent track record,” DC United head coach Troy Lesesne said.

Despite not warming up properly, Farr started off the shootout just as his team and he expected. After Aaron Herrera put DC United up 1-0, Farr saved the first shot he faced. He followed that up with a save on the second shot and before the home fans knew it, DC United was up 2-0 and appeared to be sailing into the quarterfinals.

DC United We Want The Cup shirt
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The shootout turned tense though when Charlotte goalkeeper David Bingham matched Farr’s performance by saving three consecutive shots in a row. Going into the fifth and final shot, both goalkeepers had saved three shots each but DC United was up 2-1. All Farr had to do was save the final kick for DC United to secure the victory.

“He’s one of the most humble people that you will ever meet, but before he went in, Jordan said to me, ‘meet me at the corner flag’” Lesesne said. “That was his way of saying we’re going to win it. He’s just that confident in that situation.”

When the fifth shot for Charlotte left the foot of Liel Abada, Farr was already outstretched in the perfect position to make the save. After parrying the ball to safety, Farr turned to the DC United supporters then jumped into the arms of his teammates racing over to congratulate him.

With the win, DC United returns to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals for the first time since 2013. The team awaits the official draw later this week to find out who it will play when the next round takes place July 8-9.

For the 5,179 fans that braved the weather to watch the Round of 16 match, the game had everything – highlight-reel goals, late equalizers, and a goalkeeper performance for the ages.

Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after beating Charlotte FC in a PK shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United
Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after beating Charlotte FC in a PK shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United

With the rain pouring down from the start, both teams spent the early minutes adjusting to the slippery conditions. Each team was able to find opportunities by pressing hard on the opposing defenses and forcing one another into mistakes.

The first moment of magic struck in the 17th minute when DC United was attacking through the right flank. Herrera received a pass along the touchline and drove forward before serving in a low cross into the box. It skipped along the wet grass and dropped perfectly between the Charlotte defense where DC United leftback David Schnegg was waiting. Without hesitation, the Austrian struck the oncoming ball off the volley and sent a rocket of a shot into the roof of the goal, giving DC United the early 1-0 lead.

Still down 1-0 at the half, Charlotte came out for the second 45 minutes on its front foot. The aggressive play paid off with two goals in the span of four minutes. First, in the 58th, Patrick Agyemang received the ball 40 yards from goal and dribbled through the DC United defense before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to make it 1-1. Then, less than four minutes later, Bill Tuiloma headed home an inswinging corner kick that was sent in from Eryk Williamson.


Charlotte FC appeared on their way to victory until DC United did what DC United usually does in Open Cup matches. With the match in the dying minutes of regular time, DC United continued to put the pressure on in search for the equalizer. In the 86th minute, they were rewarded with a goal from Garrison Tubbs to tie it at 2-2.

In extra time, the away side got on top early through a goal by Charlotte’s Tyger Smalls just five minutes into the start of play. However, that lead was short lived as DC United rallied back yet again to tie things up at 3-3 thanks to an opportunistic goal by youngster Jackson Hopkins. Charlotte’s Tim Ream struggled to clear a deflected cross in the 104th minute and the ball fell to Hopkins who confidently slotted it home from a difficult angle.

With the game all but certain to go to a penalty shootout, there was still one more twist to come. Just minutes before the final whistle, DC United made its final sub of the night – bringing in Farr at goalkeeper. “This was an unbelievable performance,” Lesesne said.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Markanich’s late goals gives Minnesota United comeback win over St. Louis CITY

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Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich (13) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal during the 2025 US Open Cup Round of 16 match against St. Louis CITY. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography - Northland Soccer Journal
Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich (13) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal during the 2025 US Open Cup Round of 16 match against St. Louis CITY. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography – Northland Soccer Journal

Minnesota United FC and St. Louis City SC faced off on Wednesday night in one of the most dramatic games of the US Open Cup that did not end in penalties or extra time. After the Loons scored an early goal, they coasted for the remainder of the first half. St. Louis came roaring back in the second half with two goals and looked poised to take home a victory and their first win over an MLS side since March 15. At the end of the night it was two late goals from Minnesota wingback Anthony Markanich that made the difference and sent the Loons to the Quarterfinals.

Both clubs entered the contest with completely different philosophies on resting players and starting lineups. MNUFC brought in a hefty seven changes from Saturday’s showing against St. Louis. City only swapped out three players from their lineup in the 3-0 blowout loss to Minnesota United.

 “Well, we’ve got a small squad. I’m conscious of how the summer months went last year, and I want to make sure that we’re very disciplined in making changes where we need to make changes, and we keep what is the biggest focus in mind,” said Minnesota manager Eric Ramsey.

Early on it appeared that Ramsey’s style was winning out as the Loons started out once again dominating St. Louis as they had on Saturday night. Just 10 minutes into the showing Julian Gressel sent in a cross that Kelvin Yeboah touched home with a no-look back heel, breaking an eight match scoreless streak for Yeboah.

“It’s always good to contribute for the team, so I’m glad that we ended up winning the game,” Yeboah said following the match.

A few yellow cards later, with one going to St. Louis City’s Chris Durkin and one to Minnesota’s Carlos Harvey, the match appeared for a few fleeting moments to be heading into extremely chippy territory. Outside an objectively bad tackle in the 42nd minute which ended in a yellow card to Markanich, that never ended up happening.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The Loons continued dominating the first half getting multiple chances, including forcing St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki to make a huge diving save to keep the match at 1-0 Minnesota. When the halftime whistle sounded the Loons and St. Louis each had six shots but only Minnesota had any on target.

At the start of the second half each side made a few changes, hoping to have the second half go their way. Eric Ramsey brought on DJ Taylor and Michael Boxall to replace Nicolás Romero & Carlos Harvey for MNUFC, while Olof Mellberg brough Akil Watts on to replace Jannes Horn. From there the tide swung rapidly in favour of St. Louis City.

Ten minutes into the second half St. Louis finally got a shot on target and scored as Marcel Hartel headed home a cross sent in from Timo Baumgartl. Eleven minutes after that first goal, from near the eighteen Hartel sent in a cross to the far side of the six yard box, where João Klauss hammered home a header past Wessel Speel to give St. Louis a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes to play.

“We wanted to be a little bit more direct, have more bodies in the middle, and for the crosses and for the second balls,” said St. Louis City manager Olof Mellberg. “I thought that worked well. And again, a really nice couple of goals, and we had a really good period at that time.”

From there on the match was entirely in control by St. Louis City and even four more substitutions by Minnesota didn’t appear to give them any sort of control on the match. St. Louis had countered with four substitutions of their own and while the Loons would end up holding an advantage in shots, shots on target, and corners; late into the match it appeared all for naught as St. Louis was well on their way to a victory and a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals.

A missed shot for St. Louis from Cedric Teuchert in the 84th minute ended up being their undoing. One minute later Kelvin Yeboah broke open and struck a hard shot forcing Roman Bürki to make a huge save to keep the lead for St. Louis. In the 85th Anthony Markanich scored to get the Loons their first goal since 10 minutes into the match and level the match at two-all.

Tani Oluwaseyi of Minnesota United dribbles around St. Louis CITY goalkeeper Roman Bürki in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Tim McLaughlin - Northland Soccer Journal
Tani Oluwaseyi of Minnesota United dribbles around St. Louis CITY goalkeeper Roman Bürki in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Tim McLaughlin – Northland Soccer Journal

With extra time staring everyone in the face, Minnesota United and St. Louis put themselves into overdrive. Tani Oluwaseyi scorched the St. Louis defense and sent a hard shot on goal that easily beat Bürki, but with inches to spare before it crossed the line, Joshua Yaro kicked the ball out of touch.

The ensuing corner was sent in from Joaquín Pereyra and was immediately headed home by Anthony Markanich, earning himself a brace and what ended up being the match winning goal.

“It was awesome, especially with a brace. I think that was my first time professionally, and since I was a little kid, that I scored a brace, Markanich said. “I definitely didn’t want to go to overtime. I was tired, so happy.”

After the goal St. Louis managed only one more chance at goal before the final whistle sounded, with Marcel Hartel missing a shot he took from outside the box, five minutes into stoppage time.

With the win, Minnesota United advances to the Quarter-Finals for only the second time in club history. The last time they did that was in 2019 where they ultimately landed in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, falling to Atlanta United in that championship final.

 

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