US Open Cup Qualifying

2025 National Amateur Cup: Region II, Round 1 concludes in Midwest with many close calls

May 13, 2025 by Michael Battista

The 2025 National Amateur Cup played out in the Midwest over the last two weeks. While the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Fourth Round (Round of 32) saw a majority of Major League Soccer teams advance as favorites, the Amateur Cup saw plenty of surprises and close calls.

A National Premier Soccer League team was blown out by a local amateur side while another needed penalty kicks to advance. There were inter-league clashes between Ohio Valley Premier League and Midwest Premier League teams. Plus, we had the first official forfeit of the tournament.

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 II (MIDWEST) – ROUND 1

Friday, May 2

Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
1:3
KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC)
Providence Catholic High School – New Lenox, IL

Wisloka Chicago beat Steel City, 3-1, on a rainy night in Illinois to advance. Both teams were even to start but the Chicago side found the back of the net first. Storms rolled through as the second half progressed and a foul gave City a penalty kick to go-ahead, which struck off the post. Wisloka scored the go-ahead goal two minutes later and added a third not long after. Steel City will now aim its focus on both league and the elusive Illinois State Cup, while Wisloka tries to reach the regional quarterfinals for a second straight year.

Goal scorers

SCFC:

Christian Baumgartner 51’ (Sergio Reyes)

Wisloka:

Lukasz Sulka 9’
Kalvin Glodz 56’
Paweł Wilisowski 75’

Saturday, May 3

Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL)
1:1
Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)
Rangers advance via penalty kicks, 5:4
Goshen College Soccer Complex – Goshen, IN

A close game in Indiana saw Michigan Rangers squeak past Goshen City, 1-1 (5:4 on PKs). The crowd of 216 at Goshen College Soccer Complex didn’t see a goal until midway through the second half. A loss cross by the Rangers into the City box wasn’t cleared, allowing T.J. Ifauroti to recover it on the right side. His shot in the 67th minute put the National Premier Soccer League side ahead. Goshen looked for an equalizer, and brought on João Laranjo and Maxime Brégeon in the 75th minute. With time winding down, Brégeon passed up to Laranjo who shot long. The Michigan keeper looked to get on top of it, but the ball slipped underneath his body and momentum carried it into the back of the net.

After a scoreless extra time, and with the physicality ticking up, a penalty kick shootout was needed to determine the winner. Goshen’s first attempt by Joshua Cruz was saved and the Rangers were perfect through five rounds to advance on.

(A huge thanks to Tony Miller and the broadcast team who were invaluable to gathering details for this)

Goal scorers

GCFC:

João Laranjo 85’ (Maxime Brégeon)

MRFC:

T.J. Ifauroti 67’

Match Broadcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oI4c-I4L4c

Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
W:L
Billings FC (IL, PSLC)

Sources from both Chicago House and USASA confirmed with TheCup.us that Billings FC had forfeited the Round 1 match it was scheduled to play against House. The Midwest Premier League side advances to Round 2. Last year, the Peter Wilt-owned side reached the Quarterfinals before losing to eventual Region II champion FC Milwaukee Torrent.

Tuesday, May 6

Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)
1:5
Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
Eagan High School – Eagan, MN

The only North Star State battle of the tournament saw amateur regulars Vlora FC beat first-timers Minnesota Blizzard FC, 5-0. The National Premier Soccer League side, who were winless last year in their debut season in the North Conference, are still searching for that first victory as a competitive men’s side. Vlora reached the regional semifinals in 2024 but fell to eventual Region II champs FC Milwaukee Torrent.

Goal scorers

MBFC:

Willian Shrock (Ryan DeBois)

Vlora:

Ignacio Gonzalez (x2) (Easton Hoch)
Deq Jama (Easton Hoch)
Sohail Ebrahimi (PK)
Easton Hoch (Sohail Ebrahimi)

Cincy SC (OH, OVPL)
0:5
Northern Kentucky Nitro (KY, OVPL)
Riverside Park – Cincinnati, OH
MATCH BROADCAST

In a battle of Ohia Valley Premier League teams it was the visiting Northern Kentucky Nitro who left Cincinnati with a win, 5-0, over Cincy SC. Andrej Novakovic, a premier indoor soccer player in the PASL, scored a first half hat-trick. The win advances Nitro to Round 2, marking its best performance in the regional tournament after they went one-and-done in Round 1 back in 2022 (4-2 extra time loss to Springfield SC).

Goal scorers

NKN:

Bobo Kikonda 12’
Andrej Novakovic 13’ (Ben Oliver), 22’ (Tim Stolz), 45’ (Tim Stolz)
Thomas Wolfe 76’ (Ben Oliver)

Wednesday, May 7

Pearl City SC (IA, MWPL)
2:2
Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)
Rockford advance via penalty kicks, 5:4
Muscatine Soccer Complex – Muscatine, IA

In a back and forth match, Iowa’s lone amateur cup team fell as Pearl City SC lost to Rockford FC, 2-2 (7:6 on PKs). The home side equalized twice, including in the dying moments of the second half, and forced both extra time and eventually penalty kicks. The two teams were perfect through three rounds, but Pearl City’s fourth kicker saw his shot stopped by Rockford keeper Dennis Aragon. In the fifth round, Dasha Curiel converted to send Rockford into the next round.

Goal scorers

PCSC:

Unknown at this time

RFC:

Cayden Rodriguez 6’ (Sebastian Burrge)
Efren Gomez 33’ (Abraham “AB” Gonzalez)

Rockford FC Recap

Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL)
5:0
SAC Wisla Chicago (IL, PSLC)
Lincoln Park Soccer Field – Chicago, IL

Edgewater Castle rolled past Wisla Chicago, 5-0, thanks to five unanswered goals. Taking a 1-0 lead into the second half, ECFC’s Murtadha Kamil exploded with four goals in 16 minutes. The Midwest Premier League side is off to the Second Round, which has been its achilles heel. Since 2021, the team has never played a third game in the regional tournament, always losing in the First Round or falling in the second game.

Goal scorers

ECFC:

Bardia Kimiavi 11’ (Alex Gomez)
Murtadha Kamil 72’ (PK), 77’ (Eduardo Aguilera-Guillen), 82’, 88’ (Lucas Sampson)

Saturday, May 10

United SC (IL, GCSL)
0:2
RWB Adria (IL, MWPL)
Lions for Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL

Two-time National Amateur Cup champion RWB Adria scored in each half to knock off United SC, 2-0, in Chicago. The game officially concluded Round 1 of the regional tournament. Loyola University sophomore Luka Ivancic sealed the result with a second half penalty kick.

Goal scorers

RWB:

Carson Messina 20’
Luka Ivancic 70’ (PK)

2025 National Amateur Cup: Region 1 down to final four; Region 2 kicks off

April 30, 2025 by Michael Battista

United Serbian SC players celebrate after a 4-1 win over Green Bay Glory in the 2025 Amateur Cup. Photo: United Serbian SC celebrates

The 2025 National Amateur Cup continued last weekend, plus Tuesday, across the Northeast and Midwest. The USASA Region I Tournament is now down to four teams, including the defending champions, while the USASA Region II competition is now underway.

A historic blowout, an unbelievable comeback, and one weather postponement are all part of the plethora of games.

You can find information for every game from this past weekend 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) – QUARTERFINALS

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Atletico Boston (MA, BSSL)
1:4
New York Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
East Bridgewater High School – East Bridgewater, MA

The defending National Amateur Cup champions are moving on as the New York Pancyprian Freedoms took down Atletico Boston, 4-1, on the road. Two goals in each half sunk the Bay State Soccer League side who could only manage a consolation goal just before the final whistle. The Pancycprians, who currently are atop the Metropolitan Division of the APSL, had familiar faces. But the goal of the match came from the young Nicholas Zielonka who sunk a free kick from distance for his team’s fourth.

Goal scorers

AB:

Alex Shterenberg 90’

NYPF:

Junior Rosero 33’
James Thristino 44’
Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo 70’
Nicholas Zielonka 77’

Match Broadcast

Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
1:3
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, ASPL)
East Bridgewater High School – East Bridgewater, MA

In a doubleheader reminiscent of National Challenge Cups of old, Lansdowne Yonkers FC and Loco Gunners took the field right after the previous New York vs Boston clash. In a battle of previous National Amateur Cup champions, it was Lansdowne that came away with the victory. The Yonkers side trailed early before scoring three unanswered.

This sets up an all New York semifinal in May. Coincidentally, both of these teams qualified for the Region I tournament by reaching the Eastern New York Manning Cup Final. That game will be played April 30 on New York’s Randall’s Island.

Goal scorers

LC:

Justin Freitas 21’

LYFC:

Kyle Galloway 44’
Lukas Hacka 47, 55’

Match Broadcast

Christos FC (MD, APSL)
2:1
Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL)
Arundel High School – Gambrills, MD

Christos FC embodied the phrase “it ain’t over until it’s over” as the Maryland side scored twice deep into second half stoppage time to beat Club Atlético Los Toros, 2-1. MDCVSA state cup champion Los Toros held a lead for a majority of the match but injuries and other stoppages added up into over ten minutes of added time in the second half. Christos, a well known name to those who follow amateur soccer, defied the odds as they try to win their second-ever National Amateur Cup.

Goal scorers

Christos:

Nick Richardson (Anthony Dragasics) 90+7’
Alex Stevenson (Eli Belcer) 90+11’

Toros:

Jakob Asfaha 37’

Match Broadcast

West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
11:0
Alexandria Reds (VA, NPSL)
Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn College, PA

Kinda one sided, isn’t it? West Chester United, playing as their state league team with a roster mostly composed of NPSL players, defeated Alexandria Reds of the NPSL, 11-0. Dylan Lacy scored a brace and notched four assists on the day.

This game is tied with six others for the third largest blowout in a US Open Cup qualifying match since 2015.

Goal scorers

WCU:

Dylan Lacy 17’ (Ayoub Mouhou), 25’
Michael Teduits 20’ (Dylan Lacy)
Bobby Hickerson 32’ (Dylan Lacy)
Ridge Robinson 45’ (Dylan Lacy)
Marcus Brenes 52’
Kenneth Roby 55’ (Dylan Lacy), 76’ (Anthony Noel), 77’ (Thomas King)
Thomas King 66’ (Kenneth Roby)
Anthony Noel 83’ (Shaan Verma)

Match Broadcast (VOLUME WARNING, JUST WATCH ON MUTE)

REGION II (MIDWEST) – ROUND 1

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, WSL)
4:1
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL)
United Serbian SC Fields – Milwaukee, WI

The United Serbian Soccer Club beat Green Bay Glory, 4-1, in a true example of an amateur cup game. GBG saw three red cards and USSC also saw a player ejected during the match. Two penalty kicks before the half hour mark and a choppy field all played a role in the historic Wisconsin side’s win.

Goal scorers

USSC:

Rade Novakovich 11’ (PK), 25’ (PK)
Aleksandar Basta 70’
Aleksandar Prpa 85’

GBG:

Josh Johansen 60’

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL)
4:2 (AET)
1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
TOCA Soccer and Sports Center – Wixom, MI

Livonia City won a back and forth match against 1927 SC (aka: Fort Wayne Sport Club), 4-2 after extra time. A goal in each half for both teams forced extra time, where Jacob Kunnath notched a brace in the first ET half to give the Michigan side the win.

Goal scorers

LCFC:

Alexsandar Isaevski 44’
Franco Cusumano 50’
Jacob Kunnath 93’ 101’

1927:

Keaton Albert 24’
Jose Rodriguez 70’

Bootleggers AC (KY, OVPL)
2:3
Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
Scott High School – Taylor Mill, KY

Bootleggers AC, playing their first competitive game as a club, scored four goals against Valhalla FC. The issue was two of them were in their own net as the Kentucky side lost, 3-2. Valhalla advances as the Ohio regulars attempt to make a run in a very open eastern portion of Region II’s bracket.

UPDATE: After further confirmation, a goal originally designated a Bootleggers own goal has been changed to Jacob Pokorski.

Goal Scorers

BAC:

Paul Nicholson 52’ (asst: Maximo Bompart), 88’ (Ben Hegge)

Valhalla:

Anders Michelson 13’ (Jacob Pokorski)
Own Goal 31’
Jacob Pokorski 51’ (Bbuye Manisuul)

Match Broadcast

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

Michigan Stars U23 (MI, MWPL)
7:1
Implay City FC (MI, MUSL)
Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

This game was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, hosted by Imlay City at Yntema Soccer Park in Imlay City, Michigan. However weather forced the game to be postponed and the Stars became the host.

Imlay City got on the board first but after twenty minutes it was all Stars. The home side scored four unanswered in the first half, including an insane goal by former Iraq youth international Yousuf Zetuna. His free kick from just outside City’s box hit off the crossbar, before the forward recovered the rebound with one leg, and launched another shot that curled into the back of the net. The Stars added three more in the second half to advance.

Goal scorers

Stars:

Dennis Cali 22′
Yousuf Zetuna 25′, 39
Grant Mateer 35′
Myles Manry 71′
Andrew Corder 80′
Philip Ristovski 84′

ICFC:

Mashal Aguilar 8′

Match Broadcast

2025 National Amateur Cup: Northeast Quarterfinals, Midwest kicks off

April 25, 2025 by Michael Battista

Craig Bebee of Livonia City FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first goal in team history during the 2016 season. Photo: Dan Garnell

The 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup just had its Round of 32 draw and the introduction of 16 Major League Soccer teams to the competition is right around the corner. Meanwhile, at the complete other end of the US Soccer system, another tournament is still in its early stages. The 2025 National Amateur Cup is underway in two regions of the country.

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association, receives direct qualification to the following year’s 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 every game from this coming weekend 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 eight, including five teams who have previously won the regional championship (Christos FC, Lansdowne Yonkers FC, Loco Gunners, New York Pancyprian Freedoms, West Chester United SC). The winners of this round will advance to the regional semifinals, otherwise known as the finals for both the north and south quadrants of the bracket. The last two teams will play the regional final at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, Pa.

Defending National Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms are still competing at this point.

The schedule is as follows:

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

Below are the matchups and schedule for the Quarterfinals, which takes place on Sunday April, 27.

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL) at Atletico Boston (MA, BSSL)
East Bridgewater High School – East Bridgewater, MA
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, ASPL) at Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
East Bridgewater High School – East Bridgewater, MA
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL) at Christos FC (MD, APSL)
Arundel High School – Gambrills, MD
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Alexandria Reds (VA, NPSL) at West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn College, PA
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Note: West Chester United SC has two teams competing in the regional tournament. The first from the USL of Pennsylvania, a state league, qualified by reaching the final of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association 2024-25 Robert M. O’Neill Amateur Cup. The second from the National Premier Soccer League qualified via last season’s NPSL results, where they were one of the top performing teams from the region. Both teams can compete but each roster has to be separate.

REGION II (MIDWEST)

The USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, will kick off Round 1 this weekend. The region uses open admission, meaning any eligible team may enter the tournament. The format is a single-elimination knockout bracket.

Defending regional champion FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI, NPSL) and regional finalist Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL) will enter in the Quarterfinal Round.

The schedule is as follows:

Round 1 – Thursday, April 24 – Wednesday, May 7
Round 2 – Thursday, May 8 – Wednesday, May 21
Quarterfinals – Thursday, May 22 – Wednesday, June 4
Semifinals – Thursday, June 5 – Wednesday, June 18
Final – Thursday, June 19 – Wednesday, July 3

Below are the matchups and schedule for Round 1, which is scheduled to take place between Thursday, April 24 and Wednesday, May 7. At this time, nine of the 12 matches for Round 1 have been officially scheduled.

(All game times listed in EASTERN STANDARD TIME)

Saturday, April 26

Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL) at United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, WSL)
United Serbian SC Fields – Milwaukee, WI
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

Sunday, April 27

1927 SC (IN, OVPL) at Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL)
TOCA Soccer and Sports Center – Wixom, MI
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL) at Bootleggers AC (KY, OVPL)
Scott High School – Taylor Mill, KY
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Tuesday, April 29

Imlay City FC (MI, MUSL) at Michigan Stars U23 (MI, MWPL)
(Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m. ET)
Yntema Soccer Park – Imlay City, MI
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Friday, May 2

KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC) at Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
Providence Catholic High School – New Lenox, IL
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

Saturday, May 3

Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL) at Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL)
Goshen College Soccer Complex – Goshen, IN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Tuesday, May 6

Vlora FC (MN, MASL) at Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)
Eagan High School – Eagan, MN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

Northern Kentucky Nitro (KY, OVPL) at Cincy SC (OH, OVPL)
Riverside Park – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Facebook

Wednesday, May 7

Rockford FC (IL, MWPL) at Pearl City Soccer Club (IA, MWPL)
Muscatine Soccer Complex – Muscatine, IA
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

SAC Wisla Chicago (IL, PSLC) at Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL)
Lincoln Park Soccer Field – Chicago, IL
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

Saturday, May 10

RWB Adria (WI, MWPL) at United SC (IL, GCSL)
Lions for Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

To be announced

Billings FC (IL, PSLC) at Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)

REGION III (SOUTH)

No information regarding the USASA Region III Amateur Cup has been released at this time.

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup seems to have 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, 2025. The deadline to register is Friday, May 23, 2025 and the fee to commit is $400.

In previous years the Region IV tournament has had a chaotic structure. Typically, it’s open admission for any eligible team from the region to participate. However, changing leadership and travel difficulties have made the tournament suffer in recent years with forfeits and hectic structuring.

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.

The description for the 2025 tournament could be a continuation of this. Knockout games could be regionalized until four remain, who will then travel to Utah in late June. Once we know more, we will pass this along.

In the meantime, interested teams from the following state associations, and the National Premier Soccer League, can sign up using the line above:

Alaska State Soccer Association
Arizona State Soccer Association
California Soccer Association – North
California State Soccer Association – South
Colorado Soccer Association
Hawaii Soccer Association
Idaho State Soccer Association
Montana State Soccer Association
Nevada Adult Soccer Association
New Mexico State Soccer Association
Oregon Adult Soccer Association
Utah Soccer Association
Washington State Adult Soccer Association
Wyoming Soccer Association

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, Wisconsin.

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).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Utah Adult Soccer (@utahadultsoccer1)

2025 National Amateur Cup: Region I kicks off with multiple blowouts

April 8, 2025 by Michael Battista

Members of the Loco Gunners pose ahead of their USASA Region I Amateur Cup match against KO Elite FC on Sunday, April 6, 2025 (Credit: Massachusetts Adult Soccer)

The 2025 National Amateur Cup kicked off with eight games across the Northeastern United States on Sunday. Four former champions and plenty of new faces took part in USASA Region I’s Amateur Cup tournament. Round 1 splits the bracket between North and South, with most games being reasonably distanced between one another.

There were blowouts, one extra time game, and one that some would consider an upset in the early stages of the 101st National Amateur Cup tournament.

Christos FC (MD, APSL)
2:1
Colonial SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athen College – Bryn Athen College, PA

USASA Region I regulars and 2016 National Amateur Cup champions Christos FC advanced past Colonial SC, 2-1. The Pennsylvania side scored a late goal to keep things interesting but it turned out to just be a consolation prize.

Goal scorers

Christos:

Ron Chesney
Ed McCue

CSC:

Vito Vincent (Assist: Justin Jaime) 87’

KO Elites FC (CT, APSL)
1:3
Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
Madison Park High School – Boston, MA

Loco Gunners came out on top over KO Elites thanks to a late goal by Arsen Melkumyan that put the game away for the home side. The Gunners took a first half lead thanks to a long shot by Justin Freitas that caught the KO keeper standing still. Freitas doubled the lead in the second half but DeAnte Anderson of KO Elite cut into the deficit with just over 20 minutes to play.

Loco Gunners has history with the National Amateur Cup, having won the national title in 2012 under the name “Battery Park Gunners” over Chicago area powerhouse RWB Adria. Coincidentally, the team wore those 2012 championship kits on Sunday.

Goal scorers

KO:

DeAnte Anderson 68’

LG:

Justin Freitas (Asst: Tim Ritter) 37’
Justin Freitas 58’
Arsen Melkumyan 87’

Goal Highlights:

37’ GOAL @locogunners Justin Freitas from Tim Ritter pic.twitter.com/TIGDsx2Uqx

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) April 6, 2025

58’ Freitas scores again!! @locogunners up 2-0 pic.twitter.com/URITFiDNSN

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) April 6, 2025

68’ KO Elites scores. Currently down 1-2. pic.twitter.com/CbixaMAt2w

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) April 6, 2025

87’ @locogunners Arsen Melkumyan nets a 3rd goal. pic.twitter.com/veyNwEUREU

— MASS Soccer (@MASS_Soccer) April 6, 2025

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
6:0
Hermandad Connecticut (CT, APSL)
Waterbury Municipal Stadium – Waterbury, CT

The defending National Amateur Cup champions rolled through their first game as the New York Pancyprian Freedoms knocked off fellow American Premier Soccer League side Hermandad Connecticut, 6-0. The three-time US Open Cup champions graced the historic venue, with Municipal Stadium having a history of National Challenge Cup games since its opening in 1930. The home side, which is making its APSL debut this Spring, was completely overpowered.

Goal scorers

NYPF:

James Thristino (x3)
Junior Rosero (x2)
Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo

West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
7:0
Das Bierhalle FC (MD, MSSL)
Milford Mill Academy – Windsor Mill, MD

After a fun match against Loudoun United FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup, West Chester United SC got back into its winning form over the weekend. The side beat Maryland outfit Das Bierhalle FC, 7-0, with braces from Ayoub Mouhou and 19-year-old Dylan Lacy. West Chester qualified for the tournament by winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association’s Bill O’Neill Amateur Cup, the team’s fourth straight year capturing the title.

West Chester is seeking its first-ever National Amateur Cup title, having been runner-up in 2018 to Milwaukee Bavarian SC.

Goal scorers

WCU:

Own goal 9’
Ayoub Mouhou (Assist: Kenneth Roby) 23’
Ridge Robinson (PK) 39’
Dylan Lacy (Assist: Ayoub Mouhou) 60’
Kenneth Roby (Assist: Dylan Lacy) 65’
Ayoub Mouhou (Assist: Dylan Lacy) 69’
Dylan Lacy (Assist: John-Austin Ricks) 88’

Game Broadcast

Yinz United (D.C., APL)
1:3
Alexandria Reds (VA, NPSL)
Ben Brenman Park Turf Field – Alexandria, VA

National Premier Soccer League side Alexandria Reds earned its first-ever Amateur Cup win on Sunday. The team beat Yinz United, 3-1, to reach the regional Quarterfinals. The Reds made their NAC debut last year but lost in a thriller to Christos FC via a penalty kick shootout.

Goal scorers

Yinz:

Fares Tello (Assist: Connor Wharton)

Reds:

Cole Hellert
Ronaldo da Silva
Rowen Choi

Atletico Boston (MA, BSSL)
3:2
Ironbound SC (NJ, GSSL)
After Extra Time
Eddie Moraes Stadium – Newark, NJ

Despite having the longest travel of the round, Atletico Boston came away with the win over Ironbound SC, 2-1 after extra time. Both teams traded goals in the first half, with Ricardo Oliveira giving the home side the lead before Alex Kadelliu responded with a counter-attack goal off the restart. Kadelliu notched a brace in stoppage time to put Boston ahead. Right off the start of the second half, Nicholas Neme tied the game again and it would remain that way until the verge of penalty kicks. Instead, a corner kick by Atletico caused chaos in the box and the side judge whistled for a handball against Ironbound, causing an uproar by the home side. Bruno Coccia calmly converted to put the away side through.

Of note, both goalkeepers played excellently. Luis Rivera of Ironbound and former New England Revolution academy and Vermont Green keeper Tristan Stephani of Atletico kept each of their teams in the match with great performances.

Goal scorers

Boston:

Alex Kadelliu 30’, 45+1’
Bruno Coccia (PK) 119’

Ironbound:

Ricardo Oliveira 28’
Nicholas Neme 47’

Game-winning penalty kick highlight

West Chester United SC (PA, NPSL)
0:3
Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL)
Nike Park – Great Falls, VA

While the state league West Chester team sailed through Round 1, the NPSL side flamed out against Club Atlético Los Toros, 3-0. The defending Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA) state cup champions advanced thanks to a brace from former Puerto Rico and Bolivia pro Jeymer Diaz, along with three assists from Franco Castillo Garcia.

West Chester, which qualified as an NPSL team based on its performance in the 2024 season, most likely struggled due to cup-tied players. A majority of the organization’s best players were already locked onto the USLPA team that won earlier in the day.

Goal scorers

Toros:

Jeymer Diaz (Assist: Franco Castillo Garcia) 13’
Fredy E. Jovel (Assist: Franco Castillo Garcia) 21’
Jeymer Diaz (Assist: Franco Castillo Garcia) 55’

Match Broadcast

Match Highlights

SC Vistula Garfield (NJ, APSL)
0:4
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, ASPL)
Tibbetts Brook Park – Yonkers, NY

The two-time National Amateur Cup champion Lansdowne Yonkers FC (2017, 2021) beat their APSL Metropolitan Conference rival SC Vistula Garfield, 4-0, in Yonkers on Sunday. The last game of the night was one sided as the home side scored twice in each half. Former Irish first division player Séamas Keogh scored beauty of a long distance shot early in the second half to all but seal the result.

Goal scorers

LYFC:

Liam Salmon 21’
James Boote (PK) 45+2’
Séamas Keogh (Assist: James Boote) 46’
Carlyle Smart (Assist: Liam Salmon) 84’

Match Broadcast

2025 National Amateur Cup: Region 1 kicks off Sunday, Region 2 teams unveiled, registration open for Region 4

April 6, 2025 by Michael Battista

The Fritz Marth Cup, awarded to the winner of the National Amateur Cup tournament. Photo: United States Adult Soccer Association

This article is part of TheCup.us’ National Amateur Cup coverage.

The 101st edition of the National Amateur Cup kicks off this weekend. For the seventh straight tournament, the crown jewel of the United Adult Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) plays a part in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Whichever team is left standing as national champion will automatically qualify for the 2026 US Open Cup.

For the tournament, the United States is divided into four regions. Region I in the Northeast, Region II in the Midwest, Region III in the South, and Region IV in the West. All regions hold their own Amateur Cup tournaments with their own formats. The winners from each region play in a four-team national tournament.

For a more in-depth primer on the tournament, you can read our “What is the National Amateur Cup?” article.

Let’s get a quick update about where we are right now at the start.

REGION I (NORTHEAST)

Of the four, the USASA Region I Amateur Cup is the one with the highest competitive caliber. The competition is, for the most part, only open to teams that qualify via winning their respective state cup or qualifying tournament. Of the last ten National Amateur Cup champions, six have come from the Northeast – including three which directly qualified for the Open Cup.

This includes defending National Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms, who are coming off a Round 2 exit in the 2025 US Open Cup this week.

The tournament is set to run between this Sunday, April 6 to June 14, 2025. The format is single elimination knockout, with the bracket of 16 teams split between North and South. The American Premier Soccer League (formerly known as the Eastern Premier Soccer League) is the most represented league in the region with six teams participating. Pennsylvania is the most represented state in the tournament with three teams taking part. The last two teams will play the regional final at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, PA.

The schedule is as follows:

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

Below are the matchups and schedule for Round 1, which takes place on Sunday April, 6.

Christos FC (MD, APSL) at Colonial SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athen College – Bryn Athen College, PA
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

KO Elites FC (CT, APSL) at Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
Madison Park High School – Boston, MA
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Veo

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL) at Hermandad Connecticut (CT, APSL)
Waterbury Municipal Stadium – Waterbury, CT
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA) at Das Bierhalle FC (MD, MSSL)
Milford Mill Academy – Windsor Mill, MD
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Yinz United (D.C., APL) at Alexandria Reds (VA, NPSL)
Ben Brenman Park Turf Field – Alexandria, VA
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

Atletico Boston (MA, BSSL) at Ironbound SC (NJ, GSSL)
Eddie Moraes Stadium – Newark, NJ
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

West Chester United SC (PA, NPSL) at Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL)
Nike Park – Great Falls, VA
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

SC Vistula Garfield (NJ, APSL) at Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, ASPL)
Tibbetts Brook Park – Yonkers, NY
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Note: West Chester United SC has two teams competing in the regional tournament. The first from the USL of Pennsylvania, a state league, qualified by reaching the final of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association 2024-25 Robert M. O’Neill Amateur Cup. The second from the National Premier Soccer League qualified by via last season’s NPSL results, where they were one of the top performing teams from the region. Both teams can compete but each roster has to be separate.

REGION II (MIDWEST)

Registration for the USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, closed on March 17. Teams from the region’s 14 state associations and National Premier Soccer League were eligible to sign up. The region uses open admission, meaning any eligible team may enter the tournament. The format is a single-elimination knockout bracket.

Earlier this week, the 26 teams taking part in the tournament and general schedule were announced, which TheCup.us put out on Twitter (X) and Bluesky. The Midwest Premier Soccer League is the most represented league in the region with 11 teams participating. Illinois is the most represented state in the tournament with nine teams taking part.

Round 1 – Thursday, April 24 – Wednesday, May 7
Round 2 – Thursday, May 8 – Wednesday, May 21
Quarterfinals – Thursday, May 22 – Wednesday, June 4
Semifinals – Thursday, June 5 – Wednesday, June 18
Final – Thursday, June 19 – Wednesday, July 3

Now, the region has announced the First Round match-ups for the 24 teams taking part. Defending regional champion FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI, NPSL) and regional finalist Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL) will enter in the Quarterfinal Round.

(Home team listed first)

Minnesota Blizzard FC (MI, NPSL*) vs. Vlora FC (MN, MASL)

* Blizzard also has a team in the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League. That team goes by the name Blizzard FC II, so we assume this is the NPSL first team.

Bootleggers AC (KY, OVPL) vs. Valhalla SC (OH, OVPL)

Cincy SC (OH, OVPL) vs. Northern Kentucky Nitro FC (KY, OVPL)

United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, WSL) vs. Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL)

Pearl City Soccer Club (IA, MWPL) vs. Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)

Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL) vs. Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)

Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL) vs. 1927 SC (aka Fort Wayne Sport Club) (IN, MWPL)

Imlay City FC (MI, MUSL) vs. Michigan Stars FC U23 (MI, MWPL)

United SC (IL, GCSL) vs. RWB Adria (IL, MWPL)

Steel City FC (IL, MWPL) vs. KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC)

Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL) vs. Billings FC (IL, PSLC)

Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL) vs. SAC Wisla Chicago (IL, PSLC)

Follow TheCup.us for more information regarding these matches as it becomes available. Our schedule page will be updated with locations and kickoff times.

REGION III (SOUTH)

No information regarding the USASA Region III Amateur Cup has been released at this time.

Members of FC Arizona celebrate winning the 2024 USASA Region IV Amateur Cup. Credit: Kaylie Phillips Jades

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup seems to have a new format for 2025.

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.

In the meantime, interested teams from the following state associations, and the National Premier Soccer League, can sign up using the line above:

Alaska State Soccer Association
Arizona State Soccer Association
California Soccer Association – North
California State Soccer Association – South
Colorado Soccer Association
Hawaii Soccer Association
Idaho State Soccer Association
Montana State Soccer Association
Nevada Adult Soccer Association
New Mexico State Soccer Association
Oregon Adult Soccer Association
Utah Soccer Association
Washington State Adult Soccer Association
Wyoming Soccer Association

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Laguna United cruise to first USOC berth with 6-2 win in San Diego

December 9, 2024 by MaryBeth Zmuda

Laguna United FC celebrate after defeating San Diego Internacional 6-2 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laguna United FC

San Diego Internacional hosted Laguna United FC as both UPSL sides sought a coveted spot in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Laguna rolled over San Diego Inter in a decisive 6-2 victory, claiming the club’s first-ever Open Cup spot with a chance to potentially prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country.

Laguna United made the trip south to Mission Bay Stadium in San Diego with one thing on its mind and it showed. Within their crushing defeat of San Diego Internacional, they held a master class. Laguna operated like a well-oiled machine and had control of the entire match. This was in stark contrast to SD Inter who struggled to keep up with the visitors and essentially outplayed themselves.

#USOC2025 #WeWantTheCup
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2024-12-09T06:50:22.327Z

LUFC came out guns a blazing, grabbing four goals lead by halftime.

Left wing Michael Barrazas was responsible for two of those. He struck early with a banger in the 9th minute that was set up due to a defensive miscue. Barrazas would take advantage of another mistake at the back and double the lead in the 25th minute.

In the 32nd minute, San Diego forward Marck Cruz Benito was able to get the home side on the board as he cut the lead to 2-1.

Eight minutes later LUFC would respond. After making it past Inter’s entire defense Barrazas came face to face with goalkeeper John Neves whom he was easily able to maneuver the ball past. Barrazas then got an assist for himself when he and teammate, striker Yousef Farah, deftly moved up the pitch getting into range. Barrazas sent a perfectly timed and centered ball to the waiting foot of Farah who slotted it past the keeper to make it 3-1.

While the display of teamwork previously displayed was a thing of beauty, Farah’s second goal was what fans live for. A Laguna corner created a small melee in front Inter’s net. Farah was able to take advantage of a loose ball and performed a perfect bicycle kick past an unsuspecting Neves to make it 4-1 right before the half.

“(The bicycle kick goal) was huge,” said Laguna United center back Ben Nicholson. “The three goal cushion made a big difference. And the manner in which it was scored definitely contributed to the feeling that the game was going to go our way.”

The second half was a more subdued event. Laguna United was still playing strongly, but they were more about containment. SD Inter was again in contrast of their opponents. They appeared to be overthinking the game, rather than playing more instinctive. Laguna United would extend their lead in the 50th minute when Farah rounded the goalkeeper and slotted it home to complete the hat trick.

Luke Raley did manage to get another for SDI in the 69th minute. But this would be the end of scoring for them.

Laguna United would add a sixth and final goal from the penalty spot when Luke Newman drew a foul inside the box. Ben Nicholson would convert the PK to deliver a memorable result for LUFC with the club’s first-ever trip to the US Open Cup.

“This is a historic moment for our club that really dates back to 10 years of hard work,” said Laguna United director of coaching Sam Nicholson. “Our UPSL team is driven by home grown developed youth players with 10 different age groups represented between the 2010-2002 birth years bringing our current top youth players and our alumni together to achieve this goal. To be part of such a historic cup and have our name in that hat for the real first round is proud for our whole community.”

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Weekend Review: 4 dramatic goalfests, 2 PK shootouts, 1 forfeit completes Open Division Local field

December 9, 2024 by Josh Hakala

The final weekend of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete with seven teams clinching a spot in next spring’s 110th edition of the tournament.

The last seven games had a little of everything with two games finishing scoreless and having to be decided in a penalty kick shootout. Four games were high-scoring barnburners where the lowest-scoring game was five total goals and it was decided in the final seconds of extra time. And finally another spot was decided without a ball being kicked as Washington Athletic Club became the first Open Division Local team from the Evergreen State to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

Of the seven teams that advanced to the tournament proper (which is expected to begin in March), three of them were first-time entries. They will join the following teams in the 2025 US Open Cup:

CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
Virginia Dream FC (VSSL/USASA)
West Chester United SC (USLPA/USASA)
Soda City FC (2024 UPSL Spring Champions).
NY Pancyprian Freedoms (2024 National Amateur Cup Champions)

Below you will find a brief recap of each game with a link to the full match report and video:

Harbor City FC celebrates after defeating FC America CFL Spurs 5-4 in a PK shootout (after a 0-0 draw) to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Harbor City FC

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
ROUND 4 (WIN & YOU’RE IN)

Harbor City FC (UPSL)
0:0
FC America CFL Spurs (USSL/USSSA)
Harbor City FC qualifies, 5-4 on penalty kicks
Melbourne High School; Melbourne, FL
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Taylor George

In a tense “Win and You’re In” matchup against United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) rivals FC America CFL Spurs, Harbor City FC punched their ticket to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after an intense battle that ended in penalty kicks.

After 120 minutes of scoreless soccer, Harbor City would qualify for the 110th edition of the US Open Cup with a 5-4 win in the shootout with goalkeeper Bryce Notardonato making the decisive save.

For HCFC, it was a revenge result as both teams made their Open Cup qualifying debut last year and the Spurs eliminated City 1-0 on a Melvrik Fernandes goal in the 76th minute.

FULL MATCH REPORT

FORO SC celebrates after defeating Houston Regals SCA 4-2 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FORO SC

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
ROUND 4

FORO SC (UPSL)
4:2
Houston Regals SCA (USSL)
Prince of Peace; Carrollton, TX
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Jim Coppock

A cool, rainy night in Carrollton, Texas, saw hosts FORO SC defeat Houston Regals SCA by a 4-2 score in a “Win & You’re In” match. FORO SC took the lead twice only to see Houston equalize each time. But after taking the lead for a third time, they would hold on for the victory. With the win, FORO SC qualifies for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

FORO SC have become perennial UPSL Championship contenders (three times in the UPSL semifinals), while Houston Regals are establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Texas conference of the United States Soccer League (winning it all in 2022 and claiming the most recent Spring Texas title). Neither side considered themselves the underdog and neither played like it. Outside of the first and last five minutes, the game was end to end.

FULL MATCH REPORT

Tulsa Athletic celebrates after defeating Chicago House AC 5-4 in PKs (after a 0-0 draw) to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Tulsa Athletic

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ROUND 4

Chicago House AC (MWPL)
0:0
Tulsa Athletic (UPSL)
Tulsa Athletic qualifies, 5-4 on penalty kicks
Langhorst Field; Elmhurst, IL
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Joe Chatz

There’s no easy path into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, particularly throughout Open Division Local qualifying, but Tulsa Athletic managed to weather multiple storms and secured a spot in the 2025 edition of the tournament after defeating Chicago House AC 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless draw at Langhorst Field on the campus of Elmhurst University in Illinois.

The two sides had multiple chances in open play throughout the 120 minutes but neither side broke the deadlock, sending the match to penalty kicks. Tulsa didn’t miss from the spot and that was enough to secure their spot in the 2025 US Open Cup. With the shootout win, Tulsa Athletic qualified for the third year in a row and the seventh time in club history (all previous entries were as members of the NPSL). Meanwhile, Chicago was denied a third straight trip to the competition.

FULL MATCH REPORT

Miami United FC celebrates after a 3-2 extra time win over Red Force FC to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami United FC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ROUND 4

Miami United FC (UPSL)
3:2
Red Force FC (PFL)
After Extra Time
Ted Hendricks Stadium; Hialeah, FL
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Daniel Solana

On a beautiful night in Hialeah, Fla., two of South Florida’s most historic clubs faced off in a “Win & You’re In” game to punch their ticket to the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Miami United FC, were victorious over their rival Red Force in a fierce game that went to extra time. Fueled by a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time of the second extra time period from their Argentine star player, Diego “Cachetes” Morales, “El Equipo del Pueblo” is on its way to the 110th edition of US Soccer’s historic tournament.

With the win, Miami United extends it’s record winning streak in the qualifying tournament to 13 games, and have qualified for the US Open Cup proper for the third year in a row and the seventh time in club history (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025)

FULL MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ROUND 4

San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
2:6
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
Mission Bay High School; San Diego, CA
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Josh Hakala

Laguna United scored four first half goals and didn’t look back as they traveled south and defeated fellow UPSL side San Diego Internacional 6-2. Michael Barrazas got the offense rolling by scoring the first two goals and assisting on the third. For that third goal, Barrazas set up Yousef Farah for the first goal of his hat trick. Farah’s biggest of his three goals came just before halftime when he gathered a loose ball in the penalty area, flipped the ball up to himself and buried a bicycle kick goal past the diving goalkeeper to make it 4-1 at the halftime break. After Farah would complete the hat trick in the 50th minute, Ben Nicholson would add a late penalty kick to send LUFC to the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

FULL MATCH REPORT

Inter San Francisco celebrates after a 5-4 extra time win over Valley 559 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter San Francisco

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ROUND 4

International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
5:4
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
James P. Lang Field; San Francisco, CA
FULL MATCH VIDEO: YOUTUBE

By: Jordan Beech

It was do-or-die in the Bay on Sunday night, and Leo Lazaro’s extra time heroics proved the difference as Inter San Francisco edged past Valley 559 FC, 5-4, at James P. Lang Field.

After missing out on back-to-back tournament appearances last year, Inter SF are headed back to the Open Cup for the 110th edition of the tournament. Inter made their debut in the Open Cup in 2023.

Leo Lazaro led the way with a brace on the night, scoring in the 85th and 99th minutes.Both times Lazaro scored to give the hosts the lead, with the 99th-minute tally standing as the difference in an otherwise even affair.

FULL MATCH REPORT

Washington AC (SRATS)
vs.
Las Vegas Legends FC (NISAN)
Nathan Hale High School; Seattle, WA
Washington AC qualifies for the 2025 US Open Cup via forfeit

By Josh Hakala

Washington AC earned a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in club history after the Las Vegas Legends informed them that they were forfeiting Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” match in Seattle.

“On our last weekend of the season during NISA Nation championships semi final and Finals we faced disciplinary issues with multiple players. Unfortunately that led us to not have enough players to field a team for the December 7th game,” said Las Vegas Legends owner and founder Meir Cohen. “This is very disappointing to some players and to the club as we were looking forward to make a run at the Open Cup as we did in 2022.”

“The Las Vegas Legends wishes WAC all the best in the First Round in March,” he added.

#USOC2025 Qualifying ("Win & You're In"): Congrats to Washington AC who becomes the first Open Division Local side to qualify from the state of Washington in the Modern Era (1995-pres) after Las Vegas Legends forfeited this weekend's match due to lack of player availability.Graphic: Frank Lanham
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2024-12-07T02:23:48.473Z

“It’s obviously not the way we wanted to qualify with our last game but there’s not much we can do about it,” said Washington AC head coach Mark Conrad. “We are excited to be in the tournament proper regardless.”

Washington AC comes from the Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer, the same league as 2024’s viral sensation Sharktopus FC. The teams have taken turns atop the SRATS, Washington AC winning the Winter and spring regular season and Sharktopus taking the summer section.

Washington AC opened 2025 qualifying with a 4-3 win over Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL) with Christian Soto scoring twice. In the Second Round, WAC defeated Holac FC (UPSL) 2-1, with Eric Lagos scoring twice to erase a 1-0 deficit. Finally, Washington returned home to blank the UPSL’s Deportivo Rose City 3-0 with Lagos once again scoring twice and joined on the scoresheet by Christian Soto.

Washington Athletic Club entered the competition with some rich history as they were founded in 1930. With the forfeit win, WAC becomes the first Washington-based club to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era through Open Division Local qualifying. The only amateur clubs to ever qualify for the tournament from Washington were from USL League Two and the NPSL.

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Inter San Francisco qualifies again with 9-goal OT shootout with Valley 559

December 9, 2024 by Jordan Beech

It was do-or-die in the Bay on Sunday night, and Leo Lazaro’s extra time heroics proved the difference as Inter San Francisco edged past Valley 559 FC, 5-4, at James P. Lang Field.

After missing out on back-to-back tournament appearances last year, Inter SF are headed back to the Open Cup for the 110th edition of the tournament. Inter made their debut in the Open Cup in 2023.

Leo Lazaro led the way with a brace on the night, scoring in the 85th and 99th minutes. Both times Lazaro scored to give the hosts the lead, with the 99th-minute tally standing as the difference in an otherwise even affair.

The hosts were up inside the first minute of the match after a ball squared into the box caromed off a Valley 559 FC player and in the goal for an own goal to make it 1-0. Valley, however, erased that mistake in the fifth minute with Victor Faulk converting from the penalty spot.

#USOC2025 #WeWantTheCup
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2024-12-09T06:48:34.951Z

Inter took back the lead thanks to a long-range strike from Dylan Autran on the fast break in the 12th minute. The ball pinged around the midfield before falling to Autran’s feet. He took one look up at goal, noticed the Valley keeper off his line, and sent one screaming into the top left corner to make it 2-1.

Again Valley had a rebuttal. The Valley keeper got a hold of a bouncing ball and triggered a fast break down the left side. A trio of quick passes up the sideline saw Andrew Huerta slot a ball inside for a finish past the on-rushing Inter keeper.

A well-worked combination put Inter up 3-2 as halftime beckoned. After getting the Valley defense shifting, a lofted ball to the backside connected with Adrian Argosy who just stayed onside. He coolly finished to the back post for the hosts’ third goal of the match in the opening frame.

After the interval, it was Valley that struck first in the 60th minute. A nifty bit of work on the endline saw a Mason Gonzalez receive the ball inside the 18 yard box before hammering it into the side netting, to make it 3-apiece.

In a pattern seen all night, Inter thought they’d found the answer in the 85th minute via Leo Lazaro only to see Valley’s Andy Velasquez respond three minutes later to keep it level at 4-4.

Lazzaro’s extra time goal in the 99th minute proved to be the game-winner, and ultimately, it helped heal a wound from last year’s qualifying tournament when Inter lost 4-2 to FC Folsom (UPSL) in a “Win & You’re In” match.

“It could have been three years in a row to qualify for the Cup, but after last year’s heartbreak, losing in the final round, the way we lost, the pain was immense,” said Inter head coach and general manager Amir Darabi. “All we wanted was another chance to prove ourselves. This year, we made it back in style! Scoring 18 goals in just four games, we delivered entertaining performances every step of the way. Now, with this incredible achievement behind us, we’re dreaming even bigger and making exciting plans for the future!”

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Luis Peralta’s late OT goal sends Miami United to 4th straight USOC

December 9, 2024 by Daniel Solana

On a beautiful night in Hialeah, Fla., two of South Florida’s most historic clubs faced off in a “Win & You’re In” game to punch their ticket to the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Miami United FC, were victorious over their rival Red Force in a fierce game that went to extra time. Fueled by a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time of the second extra time period from their Argentine star player, Diego “Cachetes” Morales, “El Equipo del Pueblo” is on its way to the 110th edition of US Soccer’s historic tournament.

With the win, Miami United extends it’s record winning streak in the qualifying tournament to 13 games, and have qualified for the US Open Cup proper for the fourth year in a row and the eighth time in club history (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

The first half saw Red Force struggle to get themselves in the game, while Miami United had a number of opportunities to break the scoreless draw. After a couple of cautions were showed to each team, Morales was able to slot through the opening goal of the match in the 43rd minute with a beautiful touch over the Red Force goalkeeper. Although, Red Force had a tough time cracking through MUFC defense, they were able to escape the half down by only a goal.

The second half was a different story that saw plenty of chances for both sides, most ending in near misses. MUFC had an opportunity to double the lead, but Santi Frean’s shot hit the crossbar. As the minutes began to dwindle, Red Force’s Santiago Fajardo would have a chance to tie the game, as his shot would go just wide of Sebastian D’Angelo’s goal.

In the 80th minute, Red Force’s captain, David Holguin, tied the game from the penalty spot; with a cheeky shot down the middle. With the game knotted at 1-1, the final minutes of the second half had all of the dramatics you’d expect between two teams fighting for a US Open Cup spot. United’s Serrano had the chance to send his team into the Cup, but couldn’t capitalize on a last minute sitter. As a result, the game was off to extra time.

As the temperatures dipped into the 60s in South Florida, both teams went into the overtime period showing signs of wear and tear after a hard fought 90 minutes. Both teams continued to show their grit, churning out opportunity after opportunity. In the 101st minute, MUFC finally broke through the Red Force defense to take the lead 2-1, with Luis Peralta’s right-footed rocket from outside the box.

Red Force nearly responded seconds later when D’Angelo stopped a breakaway attempt from Fajardo.

With the first half of extra time nearing it’s end, Red Force tied the game in dramatic fashion; ex-MUFC player, Diego Ochoa, struck a volley near post to pull Red Force even, at 2-2.

The second overtime started with an excellent play by the home side that resulted in a goal, which overturned by an offside call from the referees first assistant. It was a decision that caused a lot of controversy among the fans and teams in attendance.

While MUFC continued to push forward looking for a game winning goal, Red Force’s looked tired and was content to let the game go to penalties. In the final minutes of the game, MUFC’s Frea had a free kick denied by the woodwork.

But it was the MUFC’s first half hereo Luis Peralta who doubled his scoring total and not only avoided a penalty kick shootout but he ultimately punched his team’s ticket into the US Open Cup with another scorcher from outside the box, in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

After the goal, MUFC’s president and assistant coach were sent off and the shenanigans began. The game was delayed for a number of minutes, as the officials waited for the gentlemen to leave the pitch. Peralta, was also sent off in the final minutes after receiving a second yellow (the first was given to him after taking off his shirt after his first goal). In the end, Miami United’s depth was too much for Red Force to overcome and the side who called Hialeah home took home the hard fought victory.

After the loss, David Holguin, captain and veteran Red Force player, said “I am proud of the team tonight. We did the unthinkable with the great players we have, but unfortunately we were not on the same level physically, as they were.”

Holguin also talked about how he manages to continue to play at a high level into his 40s.

“I have to thank God,” the Red Force captain said. “It’s tough to continue to play against all of the young talent in South Florida, especially those who train on a daily basis. It’s all thanks to God that I can continue to play this beautiful game.”

“It feels great to qualify to the US Open Cup,” Peralta said about his two-goal performance. “It was a great team effort and overall I think we had a great game. I felt like I was playing in the big leagues, like MLS, or the Premier League, I felt great!”

“It was a debt that we had pending, and we had to win at any cost,” said Miami United manager Claudio Frean about his team earning a spot in the Open Cup. “It was an atypical game where we dominated the entire first half, and we ended up complicating ourselves toward the end of the game. But, overall we are extremely happy with the team, our fans and the city.”

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: Tulsa Athletic qualifies for 4th straight USOC, ends Chicago House’s streak with PK shootout win

December 8, 2024 by Joe Chatz

There’s no easy path into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, particularly throughout Open Division Local qualifying, but Tulsa Athletic managed to weather multiple storms and secured a spot in the 2025 edition of the tournament after defeating Chicago House AC 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless draw at Langhorst Field on the campus of Elmhurst University in Illinois.

The PK that secured Tulsa Athletic’s spot in the 2025 US Open Cup #USOC2025
— (@joechatz.bsky.social) 2024-12-08T23:48:30.925Z

The two sides had multiple chances in open play throughout the 120 minutes but neither side broke the deadlock, sending the match to penalty kicks. Tulsa didn’t miss from the spot and that was enough to secure their spot in the 2025 US Open Cup. With the shootout win, Tulsa Athletic qualified for the fourth year in a row and the seventh time in club history (all previous entries were as members of the NPSL). Meanwhile, Chicago was denied a third straight trip to the competition.

The matchday started well before kickoff for Tulsa, who lost 2-1 on Saturday to the Arkansas Wolves in the UPSL OK-AR Conference Championship Game at Hicks Park in Tulsa. Most of Tulsa’s squad were on the first flight out of Tulsa on Sunday, ensuring that they made it to Elmhurst with plenty of time before taking on their foes from the Midwest Premier League less than 24 hours after their last match took place multiple states away.

There wasn’t a whole lot of action in the first half as both goalkeepers consistently left their nets in order to quash counter attacking runs from the opposition’s forwards.

#USOC2025 Qualifying Final Round ("Win & You're In"): After 120 scoreless minutes, Tulsa Athletic pulls out the win over Chicago House AC 5-4 in PKs to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup tournament!
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2024-12-08T22:17:55.045Z

Tulsa nearly took the lead in the 68th minute as Ruben Torres hit a rocket that was tipped off the bar and away by House goalkeeper Ryan Grady.

House had two great chances to score but couldn’t find the back of the net. Ugo Achara hit a strike from 18 yards in the 87th minute that bounced off the crossbar and away from Tulsa’s net. Achara then was called offside in second half stoppage after effecting the goalkeeper’s eyesight on a House goal moments before the match went into extra time.

The match became more stretched out over the two 15 minute extra time periods but neither side’s use of longballs paid any dividends, sending the match to penalty kicks.

Both teams converted their first two attempts from 12 yards but Tulsa goalkeeper Bryson Reed dove to his right and denied House’s Gilberto’s Angeles’ effort to put the visitors ahead. After each side converted two more penalty kicks, Tulsa’s Edgardo Mira hammered his effort into the net to secure his team’s spot in the 2025 US Open Cup.

“Some of these guys have played two games in less than 24 hours so, yeah, they’re an incredible team, and I’m proud of the boys,” said Tulsa head coach John Woodhead. “I’m proud to be a part of it. It’s not just the team. It’s a big family of mine …”

“Entering the Open Cup next year is just awesome for the club and especially for the fans.”