Feature - Qualifying

The largest Open Division qualifying round in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup is in the books as 64 teams have advanced to the Third Round on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. The round saw nine games go to extra time, two forfeits and a pair of record-setting scorelines. Remarkably, none of the 62 games played needed to be decided via penalty shootout.

The Final Round of qualifying will be on Nov. 21-22, 2026, when 16 teams will make the cut for the 2027 US Open Cup, joining the other 16 clubs from the Open Division who have already earned spots in next year’s tournament.

* Join our Patreon team!
* 2027 USOC Qualifying Schedule/Results
* 2026 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2026 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2026 USOC Player of the Round winners
* 1995 USOC Rewind Series

* Subscribe to our newsletter!
* Follow TheCup.us on X (@USOpenCup)
* Follow TheCup.us on BlueSky
* Follow TheCup.us on Facebook
* Follow TheCup.us on Instagram
* Contact us HERE

All weekend long, the team at TheCup.us brought fans from around the country live updates from nearly every game and then composed a game recap for every one. If you appreciate the work that goes into covering this tournament from the first game of qualifying to the US Open Cup Final, consider supporting the site on Patreon. At the time of this article being published, we have just enough funding to pay every reporter who covers a game of the tournament proper $25 per game. The goal is to be able to pay $50/game and try to pay qualifying reporters $25/game (presently it is purely volunteer). We have thousands of people who follow our coverage. If even a small percentage of them chipping in $5/month, we could meet those goals and do even more to expand our coverage (podcast, anyone?).

You can find a brief recap of all 62 games below:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Vereinigung Erzgebirge (APSL / USASA)
8:1
Philadelphia Soccer Club (APSL / USASA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse – Warminster, PA

By Greg Oldfield

Derek Antonini scored a first-half hat-trick to lead Vereinigung Erzgebirge over Philadelphia Soccer Club 8-1 Saturday afternoon in Warminster, PA. Chris Baker added a second-half brace, and Justin Ruth had a goal and two assists as VE looked sharp from the start against their new APSL counterpart who were making their qualifying debut. 

After several minutes of settling in, VE broke the game open in the 8th minute when Ruth found Antonini at the top of the six, and Antonini’s header beat Daniel Saint-Pol for the 1-0 lead. Antonini scored a second in the 27th minute from a PSC giveaway in the defensive third. The VE striker stripped the ball then dribbled around the final defender and beat Saint-Pol to the far corner to extend the lead. Six minutes later, Antonini scored his hat-trick off a Baker throw-in that he flicked into the net from the near post. As the intensity of the first half picked up, PSC had several chances from Rasheed Thomas and Sean Murray that were saved by Steve Paul, while Saint-Pol made his first of many spectacular saves to deny Danny Bloyou.

In the second half, VE added two more goals three minutes apart. In the 53rd minute, Bloyou ran onto Ruth’s through ball and slotted it home for VE’s fourth, and in the 56th minute, Baker followed up Reed Sturza’s shot to put away the rebound for the 5-0 lead. PSC pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute from the spot after Thomas was tripped in the box. The PSC striker followed up his foul and sent Paul the wrong way, finding the bottom right corner to close the gap to 5-1. 

After several more incredible saves from Saint-Pol, VE finished off the game with three more goals in the final eleven minutes. AJ McIntyre broke free down the left on a VE counter and sent a cross through the spot that Baker tucked away. With five minutes to go, Ruth scored off a lovely free kick from the top of the box, curling his shot over the wall and inside the near post. In the 87th minute, VE added one more on a Ruth to Bloyou combination that Jalen Weatherspoon put on frame before the ball bounced around, eventually crossing the line off a PSC defender.  

VE returns to the Third Round of qualifying, where last season they lost to Oaklyn United 3-1.

Olympiacos CA (UPSL)
3:1
Irvine FC (UPSL)
Pleasant View Park – Huntington Beach, CA

By Scott French

Marlon Pacheco scored one goal, set up another, and was inches from netting a third as Olympiacos FC toppled visiting Irvine FC, 3-1, in an all-Orange County U.S. Open Cup qualifier in near-triple-digit heat Saturday afternoon at Pleasant View Park.

Pacheco set up Pablo Garcia’s 26th-minute opener, volleyed home a Leonardo Morales cross to restore a two-goal advantage in the 73rd, then clanked a blistering shot off the right post in the 82nd as Olympiacos claimed its first Open Cup qualifying victory in its second tournament appearance.

The Huntington Beach club, which plays in the UPSL’s second-tier Division 1’s SoCal South Conference, advances to a third-round qualifier on Oct. 31 or Nov. 2. A draw will determine its foe.

Bryan Vargas’ goal in the 36th minute made for a 2-0 advantage, and Irvine FC, from the UPSL Premier Division’s SoCal South, halved the advantage on Rene Sanchez’s penalty kick deep into first-half stoppage after goalkeeper Enrique Guardado was whistled for a foul on Karrar Hameed.

Irvine FC reached the third round of qualifying the previous two years, falling each time to Laguna United.

Naples United FC (Sunshine Conference League / USSSA)
0:1
Inter City FC (UPSL)
Seacrest Country Day School – Naples, FL

By Josh Hakala

The matchup between Naples United FC and Inter City FC appeared to be headed to extra time without a goal being scored. However, Inter City of the UPSL had other ideas.

John Bole scored the game-winning goal in second half stoppage time to give Inter City their first Open Cup qualifying win.

With regulation nearly over, Inter were on a breakout and a through ball was played to Arnold Mendez. The Naples goalkeeper came out to try to beat Mendez to the ball, but he just got a touch to it before the netminder could get to it. Mendez’s touch found Bole on the right side who tapped the ball into the empty net and the celebrations kicked off for the visitors.

Sebastian Jimenez earned the clean sheet in goal for Inter City.

“It was an intense game from start to finish,” said Inter City head coach Hebert Portillo. “We controlled the tempo and had a lot of possession, and we created four clear opportunities, including a one-on-one that their goalkeeper made an incredible save on. Their keeper had an amazing performance throughout the game. I’m extremely proud of our team because we showed character, resilience, and the ability to know when to take risks. We kept believing, kept fighting, and when the opportunity came, we took it.”

Steel City FC (USL League Two)
5:1
FCY New York (UPSL)
UPMC Graham Field – Pittsburgh, PA
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

By Tunde Akinlosotu

A dominant 5-1 victory sends Steel City through to the third round of U.S. Open Cup qualifying! After a chippy first half that saw FCY equalize at 1-1, Steel City reclaimed the lead in the 41st minute and completely took over the second half. Despite some brilliant saves from the FCY keeper, Steel City cruised to the finish line—capped off by captain Nicky Graeca coming off the bench to score and celebrate with a spectacular backflip to send the lively home crowd happy.

Steel City started on the front foot, looking sharper and immediately generating chances. Their early pressure paid off when a well-placed cutback found the feet of Jacob Alberts, who finished cleanly to make it 1-0. However, FCY New York refused to fold, battling back to equalize 1-1 behind a goal from Hassane Sow. The game became chippy and highly contested for the next 20 minutes until Steel City broke the deadlock in the 41st minute to take a crucial 2-1 lead. FCY applied heavy pressure through the final seven minutes and stoppage time, but missed their best window to tie the game before the whistle.

The opening 20 minutes of the second half were a bit of a gridlock, characterized by frequent stoppages and traded half-chances. The ground finally broke when Steel City found their third goal, completely shattering FCY’s structure. That goal was scored by the man of the match, Didi Flowers, who also had an assist. From there, Steel City shifted into cruise control, using the comfortable lead to rotate the squad and give valuable minutes to their younger academy talents and rotational players, who stepped up to help see the game out perfectly.

Colonial SC (APSL / USASA)
3:1
Vidas United FC (APSL / USASA)
Victory Field – Plymouth Meeting, PA

By Matt Ralph

Colonial SC hosted APSL rivals Vidas United on Saturday at Victory Field in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. After a scoreless first half, A.J. Bishop scored for Colonial but Vidas responded minutes later with a goal by Sekou Sylla. A free kick goal from Vito Vincent ended up holding up as the game-winner and Dallen Moore tacked on a third for Colonial just before the full time whistle to make it a 3-1 final.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS BY PHILADELPHIA SOCCER NOW

New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL)
2:1
Ironbound SCP (UPSL)
Athenia Steel Park – Clifton, NJ

By Michael Battista

In a battle between two teams very familiar with one another, a goal in the dying moments gave New Jersey Alliance FC a 2-1 win over Ironbound SCP, 2-1. The two teams from the United Premier Soccer League American Conference, Garden Division battled in their first match of the 2027 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament.

Both sides were back and forth in the first half, but it was the home side who got on the board first. Djofolo Coulibaly received a long pass in the 39th and ran up the left side, finishing a smooth finish to make it 1-0. After the break, Ironbound equalized off a header from Gabriel Barreto in front of the goal. NJAFC had two goals called back for offside and extra time looked inevitable. However, that changed in the 89th. Djofolo Coulibaly got on the end of a long ball in front of the goal, played it back toward the spot, where Ronald Jones scored the late go-ahead goal.

NJAFC in the sixth straight qualifying tournament is moving on. It also marks a sweep for Alliance against Ironbound, after the team beat them twice in the UPSL regular season earlier this year.

MORE: NJ Alliance post-game interviews

Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
5:0
O’Shea’s FC (UPSL)
Broward College – Pembroke Pines, FL

By Michael Battista

In a match between United Premier Soccer League sides, Florida Badgers FC cruised past O’Shea’s FC, 5-0, to advance. Badgers are looking to return to the USOC for a second straight tournament after a stoppage time goal sunk them against USL Championship side Charleston Battery.

Despite both being from the UPSL, the Badgers compete in the Premier Division, the top level of the UPSL and it showed against the Division 1 (2nd tier) side O’Shea’s. In the first half Carl Joseph (24’) and Christensen Couyoute (38’) both scored for the home side to make it 2-0 before halftime. In the second half, Dave Altidor earned a hat-trick starting with a penalty kick in the 56th. He followed up with goals in the 63rd and 85th minutes.

Cape Coral City FC (UPSL)
0:3
Charlotte County FC (NPSL-RL / USASA)
William & Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex – Babcock, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Despite playing the second half a man down, Charlotte County FC of NPSL-RL advanced to the Third Round with a 3-0 win over Cape Coral City FC.

Lester Cervantes scored the opening goal in the 5th minute when he broke away after receiving a pass from Kevin Ruiz.

Charlotte County doubled its lead in the 43rd minute when #10 sent a free kick from the right side of the penalty area and placed it in the upper left corner of goal.

Just before halftime Charlotte County went down to 10 men when Lester Cervantes was sent off for elbowing a Cape Coral player near the sideline.

Wiliam Lugo added his second goal of the game in the 84th minute after he caught the Cape Coral City goalkeeper out of position and survived an attempted tackle to score in an empty net.

CD Faialense (Bay State Soccer League / USASA)
3:2
Brockton FC United (UPSL)
Malden Catholic High School – Malden, MA

By Eric Casey

In a rematch of a 2026 Third Qualifying Round game between CD Faialense, a club founded by immigrants from the Azores, and Brockton FC United, a team representing Massachusetts’ Cape Verdean community, it would be CD that struck first; A tackle on Martin Vician in the box led to a 10th minute penalty for Gianluca Arlotti, with Arlotti slotting it home to give his team the early lead. 

Brockton’s Meny Silva, a former New England Revolution II player, struck back just four minutes later, finding himself alone on goal and sliding it past CD goalkeeper Lucas Verge. CD would retake the lead just before the half via a 45th minute goal from Alessandro Arlotti.

Brockton tied things back up in the 67th minute, when Leo Alves found a loose bouncing ball in the box, blindly putting it on frame and into the back of the net. Brockton had several more close chances throughout the second half, but failed to capitalize. 

Just as the meeting between these two teams in last year’s qualifying matchup, extra time would be needed, and CD would come out on top; a 96th minute cross found Graham Brenner, who controlled it with his chest before firing it past Brockton goalkeeper Benvindo Barros. It would be the gamewinner, clinching CD Faialense’s seventh qualifying win in a row and a spot in the next round. 

WC Predators (APSL / USASA)
3:0
Oaklyn United FC (APSL / USASA)
Scott Auto Field – West Chester, PA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The WC Predators got their quest for a fifth consecutive Open Cup appearance off to a good start with a 3-0 win over fellow APSL members Oaklyn United. The 2025 National Amateur Cup champions advance to the Third Round and are still on track to repeat their efforts in the 2023 and 2025 Open Division qualifying.

The game was scoreless for a little over the first half hour when the Predators took a free kick from about 40 yards out and moved up the left sideline, where Luke Thomas’ header was stopped by the Oaklyn goalkeeper but could not control the ball, allowing Ammit Bhogal to tap it in goal.

Just seconds before halftime the Predators struck again when Thomas found Adam Gomaa with a pass from the defensive half, which Gomma then shot over the ‘keepers head for a 2-0 lead.

Midway through the second half Oaklyn was hit with a double dose of bad news. First in the 74th minute they were reduced to 10 men when one of their players was shown his second yellow card of the game. Three minutes later, WC were awarded a penalty kick for a foul during a corner kick, which was converted by Ridge Robinson, the club’s leading goal scorer during the 2025/26 APSL season.

Bulldogs SC (UPSL) 
7:4
Jersey Shore Boca (APSL / USASA)
Geick Park – Old Bridge, NJ

By Matthew Mangam

In an all-New Jersey matchup, Bulldogs SC defeated Jersey Shore Boca 7-4 in a back-and-forth affair at Geick Park in Old Bridge, New Jersey, advancing to the third round of qualifying for the second straight year. 

The Bulldogs held an early 2-0 lead in the 20th minute with goals from Kris Maza and Ernst Louisius, who also assisted on the opening goal. But Boca fought back to even things up, with James Cahill converting a penalty and Harmony Bel Gam finishing near post.

Once again, the Bulldogs scored back-to-back goals to take a two-goal lead. Just two minutes after Bel Gam’s goal, Adam Zamraki’s star performance began with a left-footed top-corner strike to start the Bulldogs’ onslaught. Christian Bernal then capitalized on the Boca goalkeeper’s mishap to give the Bulldogs a 4-2 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs started the second half quickly, with Zamraki scoring another outstanding goal, this time with his right foot, curling it into the top corner. 

Despite Boca getting back on the scoresheet thanks to what looked like a Bulldogs own goal, Zamraki completed his hat trick in the 55th minute: Bernal played a long ball to Zamraki in space, then the forward dribbled around the Boca goalkeeper and slotted it into the back of the net for his third goal of the night.

Both teams traded goals from there, but ultimately, Boca’s first qualifying appearance in 10 years ended dimly because of Zamraki’s standout performance. 

Grove United (UPSL)
1:2
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
River City Sportsplex – Midlothian, VA

By Xavier Thompson

Virginia Dream advance to the next round of US Open qualifying with a 2-1 win over Grove United. This game was played with a lot of physicality with quite the down pour. 

The game opened in the 7th min with a O’Brien goal for Grove United which put them ahead very early. A few minutes later Grove hit the crossbar and were unable to extend their lead. Grove were unlucky to lose the lead as in the 18th minute James Quil found the opportunity to equalize the game off a Zoumana Diarra assist. 

As the second half began the rain quickly changed into a downpour and played a vital role in this physical half. The game was played between the two 18s and each team began to rack up fouls, each fortunate to get any solid scoring chances. As the game came close to finishing, with extra time looming, fouls and cards began with Grove disagreeing with a few of the referring decisions. Zoumana Diarra put Dream ahead 2-1 in the 90th minute with a far post finish, winning his 1v1 against the defender.

Dream would see out the final 5 min of stoppage time and advance into the 3rd round of US Open qualifying rounds and look to keep their qualifying streak alive. 

FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
4:0
Stetson FA (UPSL)
Lake Mary High School – Lake Mary, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

FC America CFL Spurs began their quest for a third Open Cup appearance in four years with a 4-0 win over Stetson FA of the UPSL Division 1.

FC America got off to a very quick start and were up 2-0 after ten minutes. In the second minute Kaden Atwell struck from about seven yards out, then in the seventh minute Luca Carvalho stuck a blast from 30 yards out

By the 20th minute it was 3-0 Spurs when Atwell scored his second from an impressive 40-yard solo run to place the ball past the outstretched leg of the Stetson goalkeeper and off the far post and in.

Spurs final tally came in the 78th minute Welley Bienaime picked up the ball from about 30 yards out, beat the onrushing goalkeeper and two defenders to touch the ball into an empty net.

Green Bay Glory (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
2:1
Milwaukee Bavarians (Milwaukee Premier League / USASA)
Aldo Santaga Stadium – Green Bay, WI

By Ian Brooking

A fantastic free kick by Kelmund Islami was the key difference in an all Wisconsin matchup between Milwaukee Bavarians and Green Bay Glory on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The Bavarians defeated their in-state foe 2–1 to advance to the third qualifying round of the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. 

It was Milwaukee who got the party started Saturday night. In the 11th minute, Islami made his way around the defender, slid a pass across the box for Ben Grimm to tap in the easy opening goal. 

But hold your cheese curds because Green Bay said not so fast, my friends. Glory’s Ya Ya Nogenge slotted home the equalizer less than two minutes later.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes still deadlocked at one, a foul was called against Green Bay on the edge of the box. Islami squared up the shot and placed it perfectly in the top right corner to give the visitors the lead. 

Despite a late push, it was not enough for Green Bay and Milwaukee advances to the next qualifying round of the Open Cup.  

Ethos United (UPSL)
1:2
Chicago House AC (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
After Extra Time
Lions For Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL

By Adnan Basic

It was a classic tense cup contest in the Windy City on Saturday night, but ultimately Chicago House AC were the ones to survive and advance after defeating Ethos United in extra time.

The first half was quite uneventful, even though it saw two goals take place. The House opened the scoring through John Hunwick, who pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home from close range. The lead didn’t last long, though, with Gavin Johnson chipping the ball over a misplaced goalkeeper on the counter.

In the second half things got a bit chaotic. The referee became a focal point, with the visitors in particular feeling like they had a few calls not go their way. A last-minute winner was ruled out for offside even though it came via a corner, and then a few penalty shouts fell on deaf ears.

Players started to argue, and the House even went down a man when a late, brutal sounding foul was deemed red-card worthy. Despite that, they grabbed the next goal when reserve goalkeeper Gabriel Zorilla, who was playing in the outfield, latched onto a low cross and fired it home. 

They were in survival mode for the final 10 minutes, and Ethos even hit the crossbar in the final moments. In the end though, the House did enough to secure a victory and their place in the next round of qualifying. 

“I just wanted to peel off Nico because he was cutting to the byline, and Dan was making a run to the near post. He let it go through his legs and next thing I know I just looked up and it was in. You know, I think the Open Cup is special to the team and the fans, so honestly I’m more excited for them more so than for me,” said matchwinner Zorilla post-match.

Sporting NTX (Metroplex Premier League / USSSA)
1:2
Denton Diablos (USL League Two)
Paul Quinn College – Dallas, TX

By Chris Winters

Erin Gomez’s brace was just enough to lift the Denton Diablos past Sporting NTX by a score of 2-1, at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, TX. In a rematch of last year’s encounter in the First Round of 2026 qualifying, Denton managed to outlast the opposition in extra time. 

Gomez opened up the scoring in the 10th minute after being taken down just outside the box. After some deliberation amongst teammates, Gomez curled in a free kick around the wall and in for the game’s first goal.

Just before the halftime whistle, David Stankovic made a run down the right side of the pitch. The Sporting NTX forward cut the ball back onto his left, and curled in a shot to the bottom right corner, equalizing the game at 1-1.

In the first half of extra time, Matthew Albury played a long ball into the opposition’s box, which bounced awkwardly to an uncovered Gomez, who lifted the ball over the keeper’s head and in for the game-winning goal. 

Despite owning the time of possession, Sporting NTX could not piece it together to get their revenge against the Denton Diablos. Denton now advances with the hopes of redeeming last season’s loss in the Final Round of the US Open Cup qualifying game against ASC New Stars.

Master Joga (Dallas Soccer Alliance / USASA)
2:3
Arkansas Wolves 2 (UPSL)
After Extra Time
JJ Pearce B Field Stadium – Richardson, TX

By Daniel Crooke

Arkansas Wolves 2 edged Master Joga, 3-2, after extra time in its Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debut.

Karim Diao put the Wolves in front in the 16th minute, pouncing on a loose pass in the Master Joga back line. He nearly doubled the lead soon after, but his shot sailed well over the crossbar.

Master Joga took time to find their footing against Diao and Arkansas’ high press, not testing the keeper until Mario Garcia Castillo’s low drive in the 36th minute from as many yards out. That seemed to spark the hosts, who leveled three minutes later when Trent Dreyer controlled Jacob Goyen’s cross from the right and shot high past Marcus Norris.

Diao missed a chance to restore the lead just after halftime, firing wide of Giovanni Solis’ goal, after once again finding his way to a poor pass in the Master Joga defense.

Goyen then went from provider to scorer in the 51st minute. A long ball from Abdullah Muhammad drew Norris well off his line, and the Master Joga captain headed it past the onrushing goalkeeper before shooting into an empty net to make it 2-1.

The two captains traded chances in search of another goal, but it was Diao who delivered in the 68th minute. Solis rushed off his line to challenge a Wolves attacker, the ball fell loose, and Diao reacted first to slam it into the unguarded goal. 

Eight yellow cards were shown before the end of regulation as the match grew tense.

Arkansas had lived and died with the actions of its talisman Diao for the first 99 minutes, but the winner came without Diao’s direct involvement. After Diao won a corner off a low shot pushed wide, Ousseynou Gueye headed in Bigne Camara’s second delivery in the 100th minute. 

Camara had a second slice of fortune at the start of the second period of extra time. Booked for a foul, the substitute picked up the ball and threw it away but the referee, who had turned away, booked another Wolves player for the delay.

The result sees Arkansas Wolves 2 make a winning debut following a bye in t he first qualifying round. Master Joga falls at the same stage as last year, still chasing an inaugural Lamar Hunt US Open Cup victory.

Osner’s FC (UPSL)
0:2
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Floyd Bennett Sports Complex – Brooklyn, NY

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

2026 UPSL Spring Semifinalists NY Renegades move on to the Third Round after a 2-1 win over UPSL rivals Osner’s FC.

The Renegades took a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. After receiving a short free kick from Mathews Carriel,

Nicholas Reinoso blasted a shot into goal from 35 yards out that flew past Osner’s goalkeeper Alan Jerome.

Renegades doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Francisco Flores flicked in a free kick from the left side of the penalty area. Renegades nearly made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute Carriel had a point-blank shot in front of goal but somehow put the shot over the bar.

Osner’s missed out on three good chances to get on the board in the latter half of the second stanza. In the 72nd minute Nael Elysee’s shot from the top of the box struck the right post. Nine minutes later Elysee was brought down by Renegades goalkeeper Jean Carlo Perez right in front of the goal. Perez atoned for his mistake by saving the penalty kick taken by Jonel Desire to keep the score 2-0. Elysee nearly made the highlight reel in the 88th minute when his attempted bicycle kick struck the crossbar.

As if being down 2-0 wasn’t bad enough, Osner’s went down a man in the opening seconds of stoppage time when Mamadou Diaw was sent off for his second yellow card of the game. The win keeps the NY Renegades on track for their third straight Open Cup appearance.

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL / USASA)
3:0
Red Hook FC (UPSL)
Tibbetts Park – Yonkers, NY

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Four-time qualifiers Lansdowne Yonkers FC had no trouble getting by the UPSL’s Red Hook Football Club, winning 3-0 to advance to the Third Round.

Red Hook held the 2026 National Amateur Cup runners-up scoreless for most of the opening half, but Lansdowne would not go to halftime with a 0 next to their name. Henry Hamilton opened their account in the 39th minute with a shot the Red Hook goalkeeper got a hand on but could not stop.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 when the Red Hook goalkeeper came out to challenge Melvin Pierre, who calmly put the ball past him.

In the 58th minute Red Hook were awarded a penalty kick, but the Lansdowne goalkeeper was able to save the attempt by Alberto Pangrazzi to keep the clean sheet intact.

Lansdowne put the game away in the 67th minute when Sam McCann shot from the top of the box to make it 3-0.

RGV Red Crowns (The League for Clubs / USASA)
2:1
Central TX Coyotes FC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Harlingen Field – Harlingen, TX

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a battle of League for Clubs rivals RGV Red Crowns survived a deluge of rain to defeat Central TX Coyotes FC 3-1 and advance to the Third Round of qualifying.

The rain was relentless all night, waterlogging the field and creating large pools of water on parts of the sidelines. RGV jumped in front 1-0 in the 14th minute when Vincente Alvarez scored from the penalty spot after Kenneth Reyes was brought down by Coyotes goalkeeper Andres Martinez.

Three minutes before the break Central TX tied the game when former RGV player Daniel Sierra headed in a rebound from a stop by RGV goalkeeper Jacob Pardo. A couple minutes after the break RGV regained the lead on a Central TX own goal, and soon after Jacob Pardo took center stage. In the 55th minute Central TX were awarded a penalty kick, but Pardo saved Daniel Sierra’s attempt to keep it 2-1. Just four minutes later Central TX earned another penalty kick, and Pardo came through again by not only saving the penalty but stopping an attempt to score on the rebound.

With 20 minutes remaining things began to unravel for Central TX when Ivan Vargas was sent off for earning his second yellow card for shoving an RGV player. RGV’s Vincente Alvarez scored his second goal in the 90th minute after taking a long punt from Pardo and avoiding the goalkeeper at the edge of the box to place his shot in an open net.

Central TX lost control after that goal, as goalkeeper Andres Martinez was shown two yellow cards for aggressively arguing a corner kick call, forcing a field player to tend goal for the remainder of the game. On the ensuing corner kick a Coyotes defender was shown a straight red card for a bad tackle, reducing Central TX to eight men. Moments later the referee wisely blew the final whistle to end the match.

The win not only advanced RGV to the Third Round, but also completed a three-game sweep of the Coyotes in 2026 after defeating the 4-0 and 5-0 during the League for Clubs season.

Oklahoma United FC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
2:1
Tulsa Athletic (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Chad Richison Stadium – Edmond, OK

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Tulsa Athletic will have to wait another year to try and return to the U.S. Open Cup, falling to League for Clubs rivals Oklahoma United FC 2-1 in the Second Round.

Oklahoma United got off to a fast start with a goal in the fifth minute when Isaias Silva received a through ball from near midfield and blasted a shot past Tulsa goalkeeper Bryson Reed. Tulsa nearly equalized in the 24th minute when Stefan Cvetanovic headed a cross at point blank range that goalkeeper Alexis Bertrand was able to swat away for a corner kick. Just before halftime Tulsa’s Josue Zaldivar sent a free kick that forced Bertrand to make a full-stretch dive to his right to stop.

Oklahoma United doubled its lead in the 53rd minute when Matheus Mantovani Pinto received a pass from Isaias Silva near the top of the penalty area and put his shot out of Bryson Reed’s reach.

Tulsa finally got on the board in the 59th minute when Stefan Cvetanovic picked up a loose ball in front of goal and sent it past Bertrand. Tulsa continued to press but ultimately could not find the equalizer.

The win marks the second time this year Oklahoma United has beaten Tulsa Athletic in a knockout tournament. Oklahoma United defeated Tulsa Athletic 1-0 in the South Region playoff Final on July 20.

Aurora FC (Houston Football Association / USASA)
1:2
Houston Lions FC (United States Soccer League / USSSA)
Union Park – Katy, TX

By Cristian Putallaz 

After a game fought up to the final whistle, Houston Lions FC surpassed Aurora FC in a 2-1 match. Lions struck early on, when in the fifth minute of play Bringsluck Nche took a shot from about 30 yards out to get the scoring starting in a cloudy, muggy and wet Saturday night in Houston, Texas for the Lions. Houston Lions FC would have another clear chance at goal right before the half, when a cross from a free kick found the head of Ronald Aguilar, but his goal got denied by the left post. 

The second half would start off rough for Aurora FC, as not only would they be a goal down on the scoreline but Aliu Ali would go in too strong in a 50/50 challenge where the referee would not hesitate to show him a straight red, ending his match prematurely only 5 minutes into the second half. Even with 10 men, Aurora FC would feel the urgency of the situation that they were in and would push for an equalizer. In response, Houston Lions FC would have a prefect counter attack, which started with a great thru ball by Christopher Cruz, and would end in a great finish by Ulises Aguilera to make it 2-0 for the Lions in the 66th minute. 

Both teams traded punches, but Aurora FC would have the clearer chances and would finally find their one and only goal in the 82nd minute in the feet of Cyrus Harmon,. Aurora FC would continue to push for an equalizer, but Cristo Gayoso, the Houston Lions FC’s goalkeeper would show up big and block everything that would come his way, even in some acrobatic borderline miraculous fashion. 

Ultimately, Houston Lions FC gets the win and continues to dream in this beautiful competition.

Napa Valley 1839 FC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
3:0
Bay Area United FC (UPSL)
Justin Siena High School – Napa, CA

By Marcos Lopez

Napa Valley 1839 FC decisively defeated the Oakland-based Bay Area United FC by a score of 3-0 in Round 2 of the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying tournament, although both clubs put in a tremendous effort. 

The first half would be left to a 0-0 draw, with the closest opportunity being taken by Ulysses Vega of Napa Valley off of a rebound from another shot farther away from the penalty box. Bay Area United also had several chances on quick runs inside the goal box but could not capitalize. 

However, Napa Valley would draw first blood in the 60th minute. Its captain, Gerado Mendoza, scored off a short cross from Diego Gonzalez. Bay Area United’s hardships would continue after Oliver Cortes received a red card in the 73rd minute for a hard tackle. Oscar Ortiz exploited the momentum shift in manpower seven minutes later and scored another goal, this time in the form of a header from a direct free kick. Landon Leal Ruiz would be the one to strike the finishing blow off of a quick-release assist from Luis Mendoza in the 81st minute. 

This victory for the 1839 will make them a step closer to their first time qualifying for the US Open Cup in three seasons. 

Norcal Shockwaves (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA)
1:20
JSC Jasa (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
Beach Chalet Athletic Fields – San Francisco, CA

By Abram Heredia

A match that truly embodied the chaos of the US Open Cup Qualifying. A relatively last minute update to the fixtures schedule had the match moved from Beach Chalet to Amazon Krocker. Apparently, not everyone got the memo because JSC Jasa had to play about 20 minutes with only ten players on the field due to one of their players going to the wrong field. 

Despite being a man down, JSC never let it affect them from grabbing a whole 20 goals over the course of 90 minutes.

They were able to make it 6-0 before half time with a lot of credit going to Ian Gonda who scored four of the six first-half goals. Gonda continued to link up with teammates Evan Snodgrass and Raspreet Sandhu to eventually finish with six goals.

Shockwaves were able to grab a consolation goal through Geison Giron who found the top right corner of JSC’s net from the edge of the box.

San Ramon FC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
4:2
Academica SC (USL League Two)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA

by Connor Bunnell

San Ramon FC’s quest to qualify for consecutive Open Cups started on a high, as they took down Academica SC 4-2 on home soil.

Kickoff took place just before sunset, and the first half established much of what was to follow. It was a fluid game full of positive play from the jump, with threats to score in both directions, San Ramon getting the bulk of possession, and some ambitious shot attempts from the hosts, including a saved olimpico and a direct free kick that hit the post.

Academica were able to bend for most of the half, but they finally broke in the 38th minute, when a sliding save backfired and allowed Jacob Akinyirige to score on an empty net, with an assist courtesy of Nico Romero. That gave the hosts the 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Eight minutes into the second half, Jonathan Montoya pinged in a low centering pass from Gilbert Fuentes to double San Ramon’s lead. But that woke the Portuguese-American visitors from Turlock up, and just two minutes later, Francisco Magana put Academica on the board. Ten minutes later, Julian Lomeli evened the score, making a shot from an impressively narrow angle.

However, AC would only get to enjoy this level playing field for four minutes before Montoya struck again, firing point blank off an assist from Arman Mogherai to put San Ramon back in front. Academica put up a fight to try and get back on level terms, but in the final minutes, they gave away a penalty, allowing Roberto Gonzalez to sink a PK dagger in the 88th minute and celebrate with the kids from the hosts’ youth levels.

Laguna United FC (UPSL)
4:1
Temecula FC (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park – Laguna Niguel, CA

By Myles Hartwell

After a dominating performance against Problems FC in Round 1, Temecula FC were looking to build on that momentum in Round 2. However, Laguna United had other ideas. This time it was Temecula who were being dominated. Laguna began the game with the majority of the possession. Temecula couldn’t get a look in. Laguna were rewarded with two first half goals, scored by Hudson Garner and Randy Castillo. The build up play for both goals were displays of great passing in and around the box.

After conceding the second goal, Temecula seemed to finally get a foothold in the game. Temecula had a handful of chances in Laguna’s box. They fought hard towards the end of the first half and were able to win a penalty at the edge of added time. The penalty was dispatched by Beto Renteria. Temecula went into halftime down 2-1, but with the momentum and the hope of equalizing in the second half.

Unfortunately for Temecula, that second goal would never come. Outside of a few early chances at the start of the second half, Temecula weren’t able to create any sustained threat of scoring a second goal. It was all Laguna for the majority of the second half. Laguna would cap off their impressive performance with two goals in quick succession at the end of the half by way of Liam Alsharif and Jackson Kauffman. Once again, the way both goals were scored summarized the nature of the game. Efficient passing and clinical touches in tight areas by Laguna would be the downfall of Temecula.

Laguna moves onto Round 3 after winning 4-1. They look to qualify for the Open Cup for a third year in a row. Temecula, who have been absent from qualifying for two years, and have never qualified for the Cup, look to take this as a learning experience. After a strong performance in Round 1, they were simply outclassed in this match, but their dedicated fans are hoping this is something they can build on for next year and for the rest of the USPL season.

CV United FC (UPSL)
1:2
SF Vikings SC (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA)
After Extra Time
Robertson Park – Livermore, CA

By TheCup.us staff

Vikings traveled 50 miles to play CV United FC in Livermore CA. It registered 95 degrees for the 7PM kickoff. Most of the first half was evenly matched until Sean King, midfielder for SF VIkings, collected the ball just past mid field on a counter attack, and made an incredible individual effort, dashing through 3 CV United Defenders and slotting home the first goal of the match in the lower right corner. 

Despite a couple other scoring chances by both teams, the score remained 1-0 at the half.

CV United made a handful of halftime substitutions and fought back to get an equalizer in roughly the 75th minute. After a ball got sent into the box, it ping ponged around just inside the 18 after 2 attempted clearances by the VIkings until it landed in front of goal for the easy putaway. 1-1. 

The match went into extra time, and the heat started to take its toll as players on both sides started cramping up. With just one minute to play, Vikings were awarded a corner kick. Santiago Sarmiento sent a curling ball in, and after an attempted punchout from the keeper, Vikings Captain Max Sachar took the ball off his chest and volleyed it into the goal in the 119th minute to seal the victory just before the match was headed to PKs.

Oakland Stompers (NPSL / USASA)
2:0
Sonoma Valley United (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Antioch High School – Antioch, CA

By Josh Hakala

The Oakland Stompers needed extra time to pick up a win in their return to the US Open Cup qualifying tournament. The NPSL side defeated Sonoma Valley United of the UPSL 2-0 on Saturday at Antioch High School in Antioch, Calif.

The Stompers and SVU played 90 minutes of scoreless soccer before Oakland finally found the breakthrough in the 110th minute. Jeremy Nieraeth scored the opening goal and then two minutes later Jesus Radillo added a second to give Oakland the space they needed for the remainder of the game.

After four years away from the competition, the Stompers earned their first win since 2020 and advance to the Third Round as they are seeking to qualify for the first time in club history.

Sin City FC (NISA Nation / USASA)
3:1
STG Premier FC (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
Mater Academy East – Las Vegas, NV

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Las Vegas’s Sin City FC continued their successful qualifying debut with a 3-1 win over STG Premier FC of the Southwest Premier League.

The game’s opening goals came in quick succession of one another in the opening half. Sin City struck first in the 33rd minute when Daniel Rangel received a pass and dribbled 30 yards to beat the STG goalkeeper Gabriel Brost with his shot. STG responded five minutes later after Jake Martin recovered a stolen pass inside the penalty area and crossed up Sin City goalkeeper Johan Rodriguez.

Sin City took the lead for good in the 59th minute when Miguel Higareda headed in a rebound of a blocked shot. STG’s troubles were compounded when a defender was shown a second yellow card for tugging a Sin City player to the ground.

Sin City made it academic in the 89th minute when Higareda scored his second goal of the game. Sin City advances to the Third Round after beating their second straight SWPL opponent after topping Las Vegas United FC 2-1 in the First Round.

International San Francisco (San Francisco Soccer Football League / USASA)
0:1
CF San Rafael (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Crocker Amazon Soccer Fields – San Francisco, CA

By Abram Heredia

The tension throughout this match was palpable as strong favorites Inter San Francisco hosted CF San Rafael. Early on, Inter SF showed themselves the main aggressors on the attacking end after creating many opportunities though nothing came of it. San Rafael were not interested in playing into the narrative however as they refused to sit back at any point and instead pressed Inter SF throughout the match. 

The strategy to meet fire with fire resulted in many yellow cards from both sides but ultimately it was San Rafael who were rewarded for their efforts. After winning the ball from an Inter SF throw-in, San Rafael’s Ryan Brown played a one-two with ex Inter forward, Matthew Fondy and then found Dennis Hernandez with a low cross across the penalty area. Hernandez finished the chance first time, giving his side the lead in the 80th minute and eventually earning San Rafael their first ever US Open Cup Victory

Capo FC (NISA Nation / USASA)
0:2
DC Monsters (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
Vista Hermosa Sports Park – San Clemente, CA

By Prabh Grewal

On an unusually warm night by the Pacific Ocean, in San Clemente, the DC Monsters advanced to the next round of the 2027 US Open Cup qualifying. The team formerly known as LA Monsters came into a game technically at a neutral site at a city park in Orange County to face the NISA side Capo FC (San Juan Capistrano), the home team.

Both squads have similar history in the US Open Cup, with both making a return to the qualifying tournament after a several years’ absence. The match would usually be hosted at the home field for Capo FC which is J-Serra High School, however the pitch wasn’t wide enough for US Open Cup regulations, so the match was held at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

The match started with Capo FC holding possession but having to withstand some counters from the LA side. Around the 38th minute, the Monsters finally broke through and were able to coast into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Singha Antonio De La Cruz.

The 2nd half was a different story, despite the substitutions that the Capo side made, they were outplayed by the Monsters. The head coach for the Capistrano side received a red card in the 2nd half and then the Monsters sealed the deal with their second goal around the 78th minute by Norberto Ochoa Orejel. It was an exciting match from start to finish, the officials did a good job staying out of the way, and ultimately the SWPL boys from up the coast came down to Orange County and got the “W”.

San Diego Internacional FC (UPSL)
3:0
Chula Vista FC (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
Mission Bay High School – San Diego, CA

By Jim Coppock

On an unusually warm Saturday evening in Mission Bay, California, in the mid-eighties, San Diego Internacional (SDI) hosted and defeated local rivals, Chula Vista, by 3 goals to nil.

The game started at a slower pace, probably due to the heat, with no shots on goal in the first 30 minutes. After the first half hydration break, the game finally found its rhythm. Both teams began to attack more aggressively. SDI’s defender, Emmet Basaca, made a crucial block on a goal bound shot for the hosts in the 41st, likely steering the outcome. Had that goal been scored, the hosts would have been down 1-0. Instead, three minutes later, Spencer Palmer would open the scoring putting the home side in front.

The second half began with roughly the same tempo the first half ended with, and end-to-end was the name of the game. SDI’s Chris Bourdon found himself wide open in front on a 2-on-1 break and doubled the lead on the stroke of the hour. Just 15 seconds prior to that, Jacob Fuson made a key tackle in the box to prevent Chula Vista from equalizing. After a frenetic second half of the second half, Diego Martinez sealed the victory 2 minutes into stoppage time. After a long sequence of attacks and rebuffs, the ball popped loose up the middle of the field. Diego worked a rapid, long distance give and go and hit the ball home from 15 yards out to ensure the victory.

This is SDI’s third attempt at qualifying. Their previous two runs (2025 & 2026) were both ended by Laguna United.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

Mockingbird Valley Premier (Ohio Valley Premier League / US Club Soccer)
0:4
Tennessee Tempo (UPSL)
Mercy Academy – Louisville, KY

By Zach Allen-Kelly

A first half brace from Mario Rodriguez and a 3 player advantage in the second half were enough to secure a 4-0 victory and send Tennessee Tempo on to the next round of qualifying for the 2027 US Open Cup.

Despite the numbers advantage coming in the second half for the visiting side, it was actually a much more dominant first half performance against hosts Mockingbird Valley Premier that would punch the ticket for the visitors from Tennessee.  The Tempo got off to a quick start, earning a Penalty Kick off a late tackle on the edge of the box in the 14th minute, which was confidently put away by winger Mario Rodriguez.  The teams traded blows for much of the middle of the first half, but Tempo remained in the driver’s seat.  The visitors were able to double the lead in the 38th minute after picking off a Mockingbird pass in the midfield and playing a quick counter to Rodriguez for the brace.  Another turnover and a quick cross to winger Jaland Larmond on the back post in the 41st minute put Tennessee up 3-0 entering halftime.

The grit that saw Mockingbird Valley through to an extra time victory in the previous round of qualifying was on display in the second half.  Despite going down 3 players in quick succession off second yellow cards in the 53rd, 65th, and 67th minute the home side dug in and kept the visitors from extending the lead for most of the second half, even creating a few scoring opportunities of their own along the way.  But the tank began to run empty for the short handed Louisville side near the end of regulation.  Tempo pounced on a weak drop pass near midfield (a theme for the night) and quick goal from Omarian Randy O’Brian in the 90th minute would seal the 4-0 victory for the Visitors.

Tempo are on to the next round, looking to qualify for the second year in a row after earning an automatic bid to the 2026 cup for winning the 2025 UPSL spring championship.

New Amsterdam FC (Cosmopolitan Soccer League / USASA)
0:14
New York Greek American SC (APSL / USASA)
Randall’s Island Park – New York, NY

By Dave Einhorn

New York Greek Americans booked their place in the next round of U.S. Open Cup Qualifying with a staggering 14-0 win over New Amsterdam FC. There was drama before the match kicked off, as New Amsterdam could only field eight eligible players. With no substitutes and not enough man-power on the pitch, much of the play was an exercise in defending for New Amsterdam. In the end, they did their best to limit the damage from the New York Greek American’s side with both firepower and Open Cup experience, but were unable to save themselves from embarrassment. 

The opening 20 minutes were the best play from New Amsterdam, as they were able to absorb pressure from New York Greek Americans. It must be commended that all seven field players and the goalkeeper put in a tremendous amount of work to cover, combine, and keep the clean sheet to that point. Eventually, however, the floodgates opened. Both Cameron McGregor and Hermanus Gerrit Achterkamp registered hat tricks in the match. Additional goals came from Nicholas Oberrauch, Stefano Campisi, Sebastian Gregory Rojek (2), Bjorn Hannes Nikolajewski (2), and Patrick Liam McCann (2). It is worth noting that New York Greek Americans likely could have scored more goals; they did keep in mind sportsmanship and respect throughout the match. Similarly, New Amsterdam did not give up on the match. Although they had very few opportunities, their players never gave up and showed an incredible spirit to continue to play in the rainy and limited conditions.

The match was a historic one. According to our records, New York Greek Americans 14-0 win is tied for the second most goals scored in a qualifying match. Ironically, that record was broken in this qualifying round, just one day earlier, as JSC Jasa of the Southwest Premier League defeated Norcal Shockwave of the San Francisco Soccer League 20 to 1. The last time that a team won a match 14-0 was in the second round of qualifying in 2025. Laguna United FC defeated Trojans FC, both teams competing in the United Premier Soccer League.

South Coast Union (UPSL)
2:8
Fall River FC (UPSL)
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School – New Bedford, MA

By Josh Hakala

New Bedford, Mass. has seen numerous dramatic US Open Cup matches in the early-to-mid 20th century. In the first half of Sunday’s 2027 US Open Cup Second Round qualifier, it looked like a game that could be added to that list. However, a red card toward the end of the first half would spoil what had been a back-to-forth game to that point. In the end, with the man advantage, Fall River FC cruised in the second half to an 8-2 win over the host South Coast Union.

The battle between two UPSL rivals, it was South Coast Union who struck first with Ricky Macedo scoring from distance to open up the scoring. Fall River’s Ruddy Delgado would equalize in the 14th minute only to see John Olivera restore the lead for the Union. Valdir Silva of Fall River would tie the game again in the 37th minute. Then, two minutes later, Jeff Feede received a second yellow card and was sent off. 

With an extra man, Fall River took over in the second half with goals from Matt Vidal, Aiden Bagley, Ivanirson Rocha, Cody Granville, Shawn Allien and Kevin Correira to send them to the Third Round.

FC Omens (Bay State Soccer League / USASA)
3:1
Atletico Boston (Bay State Soccer League / USASA)
West Roxbury High School – West Roxbury, MA

By: Eric Casey

It was a mostly uneventful first half, with Atletico leading in possession and chances despite playing with ten men. Boston suffered a blow in the dying minutes of half when Luis Sartor went down with a non-contact injury, forcing Atletico to bring in the late-arriving Prince Loney-Bailey as their lone sub.

Aletico would be the first team on the scoresheet in the 53rd minute, as former New England Revolution  academy player Alex Shterenberg found himself in on goal all alone and coolly beat the keeper to give the 10-man squad the lead. Boston goalkeeper Brendan Clare had a nice  67th minute diving save, as Omens slowly started mounting more attacking chances in the second half.

As Omens dominated possession, they finally found a chance on a corner kick. It found Tyler Johnson, who tied the game up with a looping header to the far post. Just as it seemed like the game was heading to extra time, Omen’s Drake Byrd hit a stunning 25-yard free kick in the third minute of added time to give his team the lead. Just two minutes later,  Caleb Ribeiro would find himself all alone with just the keeper to beat, sailing it past him to clinch the 3-1 win for Omens. 

Somerville United FC (APSL / USASA)
0:1
KO Elites FC (APSL / USASA)
Dilboy Stadium – Somerville, MA

By Connor Bunnell

In an interstate clash of APSL clubs, both of whom were making their first ever attempt to qualify for the Open Cup, Connecticut’s KO Elites crossed their eastern border and returned with a 1-0 win over Massachusetts side Somerville United.

After a scoreless first half, the decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute, when Lamar Chancey scored for the Elites, giving the visitors from West Hartford the lead. For Chancey, it was another addition to an Open Cup resume that dates back to at least 2010 when he laced up his boots for Danbury United.

Chancey’s goal held the rest of the way, allowing the Elites to claim victory on their competition debut in the home of former NWSL side Boston Breakers.

Los Toros (UPSL)
2:5
Bowleys Athletic (MD / UPSL)
South Lakes High School – Reston, VA

By Sam Brummitt

Bowleys Athletic put on a statement performance against their UPSL – DMV North rivals Club Atletico Los Toros with a 5-2 win on Sunday afternoon. Two weeks ago, Los Toros notched a 2-0 win on the road at Bowleys in a fall UPSL – DMV North match. Los Toros hosted Sunday’s qualifying round match at South Lakes High School in Reston, VA, and this time the away team again had the better performance.

Two days of light rain created slick field conditions at South Lakes High School in Reston, VA.  Both sides played a direct and vertical style of soccer and created a number of chances in transition, but it was Bowleys that converted on two set pieces and a counter attack in the first half to take control of the game going into the halftime break.

In the 17^th minute, Eli Dorbi’s lofted an inswinging corner kick to Blake Hoskins at the near post and Hoskins headed it in for Bowleys’ first goal. In the 36^th minute, Los Toros failed to clear the ball out of their box cleanly. Bowleys regained position in midfield and moved the ball to Peter Gansallo through Bryant Seivers on the left wing. Gansallo beat one defender on the dribble and cut the ball back for Bryson Baker to knock in Bowleys’ second goal.

Near the end of the first half, Bowleys executed a near-carbon copy of their first goal. Eli Dorbi’s corner kick dropped the ball just past the near post, and this time Peter Gansallo headed it backwards and over the outstretched hands of Los Toros keeper Jack Pinson.

Bryson Baker scored seven minutes into the second half to put Bowleys up by four goals. Arjun Wente got one back for Los Toros in the 66^th minute with a right-footed shot from six yards following a throw-in from Bardia Kimiavi. Ten minutes later, Los Toros conceded a penalty when Dylan Zane tripped up Bowleys’ Nicholas Richardson in the box. Greg Adams converted the penalty kick for Bowleys to put the game away. Los Toros continued to push for a comeback in the waning minutes of the game. Los Toros’ Carter Berg scored in the 85^th minute following turnover high up the field, assisted by Bardia Kimiavi.

With the win, Bowleys Athletic advances to the third qualifying round in their first attempt at USOC qualification. 

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (APSL / USASA)
1:0
NY Dash FC (UPSL)
Floyd Bennett Sports Complex; Brooklyn, NY

By: Chuck Nolan Jr.

On a soggy afternoon in Brooklyn, three-time Open Cup Champions NY Pancyprian Freedoms held off a game NY Dash to win 1-0 and advance to the Third Round.

The lone goal of the game came in the 58th minute when Joe Holland took a pass down the wing and made a 30-yard run and shot the ball over the head of Dash goalkeeper Juan Leal.

The Dash nearly leveled the game in the 70th minute when Marlon Londono’s free kick from 30 yards out found Jose Rios, whose shot hit the post.

With two minutes remaining the Freedoms had a great chance to put the game away when they took the ball down on a breakaway, but Marcos Quintana’s one-on-one shot was stopped by Dash goalkeeper Juan Leal.

The victory is the Freedoms first win in Open Cup qualifying since they beat the NY Renegades in the Third Round of qualifying for the 2024 Open Cup.

Philadelphia Lone Star FC (UPSL)
W:L
Pennsylvania Prime FC (UPSL)
Philadelphia Lone Star FC advances via forfeit (player availability)
John Bartram High School Stadium – Philadelphia, PA

By Josh Hakala

Pennsylvania Prime FC informed Philadelphia Lone Star FC that they would forfeit their Second Round match. This was due to a lack of player availability. Lone Star FC advance to the Third Round in the club’s sixth attempt at qualifying.

Harpos FC (Colorado Premier League / USSSA)
4:3
Azteca FC 5280 (Colorado Premier League / USSSA)
Broomfield Commons – Broomfield, CO

By: Andrew Mosier

It took extra time, but Harpos FC made its path to the Open Cup proper a little easier knocking 2026 qualifiers, Azteca FC 8250, out of the competition with a 4-3 added time win on Sunday at Broomfield Commons County Park. 

George Marchant, Isalas Daniel Barajas, Adam Greyson, and Gael Hernandez scored for Harpos. Adrian Gutierrez, Edgar Hermosillo, and Diego De La Fuente scored for Azteca in the chippy affair that ended with three sending offs (two for Azteca and one for Harpos) in the final minutes of play. 

With both sides receiving round one byes, this was the first 2027 qualifying match for both sides. 

Marchant, the team captain, put Harpos up in the 19^th minute, getting on the end of a Quinn Matulis cross from the left side. Marchant slid to the far post on a recycled corner kick that sailed untouched by either team. 

Harpos looked to be cruising when Barajas scored on a beautiful individual effort, winning the ball thirty yards out from goal, beating one defender and smashing the ball to the far post with his right foot in the 66^th minute. 

Harpos enjoyed its two-goal cushion for only two minutes when Gutierrez headed a cross from Hermosillo at the back post to claw a goal back for Azteca. 

With Azteca throwing everything forward in the final moments of extra time, Hermosillo leveled the score after Harpos failed to fully clear an Azteca corner. Hermosillo, who had gone to ground in the melee in front of the Harpos goal, blocked the clearance from the ground, getting fortunate with the rebound that sputtered past Harpos goalkeeper Kenneth Symmes to send the game to extra time. 

Azteca took the lead for the first time in the match in the 98^th minute when De La Fuente nodded home the go-ahead goal from close range off a cross from the Azteca right flank. 

The lead held five minutes. With Harpos now throwing numbers forward, it was Greyson’s turn to put away a loose ball inside the Azteca six-yard box to equalize while up for a corner kick. Grayson capitalized after the initial corner was put on goal before Azteca goalkeeper Gerardo Aguilar got enough of the shot on goal to put it off the crossbar. 

With Azteca playing down a man, the field began to tilt in Harpos favor. After multiple attacks Cesar Menza’s clumsy challenge on Dallas Bear in the penalty area led to a penalty kick. Hernandez smashed home the spot kick in the 105+5^th minute to put Harpos through to the third qualifying round. 

Harpos FC have qualified for the Open Cup three times: 2016, 2020, and 2025. 

Shark Coast FC (USL League Two)
5:0
Bold City SC (UPSL)
New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex – New Smyrna Beach, FL

By: Chuck Nolan Jr.

Shark Coast FC kept on rolling in their debut qualifying campaign, defeating the UPSL’s Bold City SC 5-0 to advance to the Third Round in front of more than 100 fans at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

Shark Coast grabbed a quick 1-0 lead after 6 minutes when Nico Diaz scored on a shot from the top of the penalty area. The lead grew to 2-0 in the 32nd minute after a free kick from 30 yards out by Adam Benrahou struck the underside of the crossbar and went down into the goal.

In the second half, Shark Coast kept piling it on. Just three minutes into the half Nico Diaz struck again for his second goal after receiving a pass from Damo Imarino.

The fourth goal came after 60 minutes when Shark Coast was awarded a penalty after a Shark Coast player was taken down in the box and Damo Imarino converted the spot kick.

Zach Ziolo sent a shot from the left side of the goal and off the right post to make it 5-0 in the 73rd minute.

BOHFS St. Louis (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
2:5
Chicago Nation FC (UPSL)
Sport 360 – St. Charles, MO

By Tim Thomas

BOHFS St. Louis’ attempt to make a second consecutive appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup ended abruptly Sunday evening. In a game where they mostly found themselves playing catch-up, BOHFS lost to Chicago Nation FC 5-2.

Against the run of play BOHFS opened the scoring on a Brian Bement goal. That would be the only time they led the game. Less than five minutes later Nation would equalize and five minutes before the half Chicago took a lead they would not relinquish.

Turnovers cost BOHFS as they surrendered two goals because of giveaways. Their second turnover led to the first goal by the star of the game Preston Huirton who had a hat-trick for Nation. All of which came in the second half. The only bright spot for BOHFS was Brian Bement. The former Forward Madison man had a brace. Chicago Nation FC advances to the third round of the qualifying tournament and BOHFS will have to try and qualify again next year.

Mint Hill FC (NPSL / USASA)
4:1
Briar United FC (NC / UPSL)
Queens University Sports Complex – Charlotte, NC

By Greg Wheat

Mint Hill FC took a commanding lead in the first half of their match with Briar United FC, and held on for a 4-1 win at the Queen University Sports Complex in Charlotte.

After a few minutes of each team holding possession to start the game, TJ Hall of Mint Hill opened the scoring in the 8th minute after blowing past a defender and getting the best of the Briar United FC keeper in a one on one battle. This was the start of an action packed 35 minutes of soccer.

Not long after, Ian Larson added the second goal for Mint Hill in the 15th minute. Not to be outdone, Briar United got on the board with a header that beat the keeper.

Mint Hill added their third in the 29th minute on an own goal, and they finished off the scoring with a second goal by TJ Hall in the 31st minute.

That was all the goals the game would see, but far from the end of the action for the evening as a series of cards set the tone in the 2nd half. The Briar United bench was shown a red card after arguing about Mint Hill taking too long to chase down a ball that had gone out of bounds in the corner.  There was also a red shown to Mint Hill FC in the 87th minute for a hard tackle, add two more yellows in the 2nd half, one for time wasting and one for another aggressive tackle.

Briar United did have a chance to get back in the game in the 66th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick, but the Mint Hill keeper made a diving save to keep the ball out of the back of the net. That was their last solid chance, and the game finished 4-1 after 6 minutes of stoppage time.

Detroit Metro FC (UPSL)
3:4
Akron City FC (USL League Two)
Legacy Center – Brighton, MI

By Ottavio Palazzolo

Akron City FC survived a late challenge by 10-man Detroit Metro FC to hold on for a 4-3 victory indoors at the Legacy Center in Brighton, Mich. They took control early in the match, culminating in a 12th minute goal off a cross and deflection that Detroit Metro FC goalkeeper Aurel Planaj couldn’t recover from. The home side would equalize in the 27th minute as Marco Mazzei carried the ball to the top of the box and placed it in the top left corner.

Akron continued the pressure and regained the lead in the 36th minute as Lazar Ivanis took the ball all the way to the end line, then roofed it from a tight angle near the far post to put Akron City up 2-1. A red card near the end of the first half would be earned by Detroit Metro FC’s David Ivezaj for a rough tackle near the sideline to bring the Michigan team down to ten.

The second half saw a flurry of goals, first from Akron City as they looked to pull away and close the match out quickly, taking advantage of their extra player. A 50th minute goal was scored by Jannis Schmidt, who was the fortunate recipient of a deflected cross that bounced his way, where he smashed it in from 12 yards out to put Akron City up 3-1.

Then just four minutes later, Ali Alomari tallied a fourth for Akron through a brilliant individual effort. He received the ball near midfield, then ran through five Detroit Metro defenders with it before finishing it once he got within range of the net.

However, Detroit Metro FC wouldn’t take this result quietly. In the 61st minute, Jacob Kunnath received a ball in the box off a deflection and had enough room to place it in the left side of the net from near the six yard box. Just five minutes later, in the 66th minute, the home side would come within one as Mazzei sent a through ball to Roland Gibson near the top of the arc, where he was able to take a touch and then slot home the ball past Akron City FC keeper Pavle Majerle. Detroit Metro FC would continue to push for the remainder of the match, using the massive momentum swing to try and get an equalizer, but it was not to be as Akron were able to close things out and take a victory back to Ohio.

SCU Heat (UPSL)
4:1
Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
Southeastern Freight Lines Stadium – Columbia, SC

By Lawson Murrell

SC United Heat overcame a first-half red card to defeat Kalonji Pro-Profile 4-1 at Southeastern Freight Lines Stadium in Columbia, SC on Sunday night. Following an uneventful first half hour where neither team was able to test the opposition goalkeeper, SC United’s Jose Flores was given a red card for violent conduct. SC United overcame the early setback and Tom Marriott scored the opening goal just before halftime. 

10 minutes into the second half Kalonji leveled the score when Karim Tmimi found the back of the net following an attacking set piece. Kalonji were not able to create many chances despite the man advantage and SC United made them pay. With less than 15 minutes to play, Marriott scored his second of the game to restore the lead for the home team. Minutes later Kazuma Ishizuka’s deflected effort doubled SC United’s lead. With the final kick of the game Benjamin Mackay scored from the penalty spot for SC United’s fourth goal of the game.

FC Denver (Colorado Premier League / USSSA)
5:1
Peak XI FC (Mountain Premier League / USASA)
Northfield High School – Denver, CO

By Evan Konigsberg

Despite a tight first half, FC Denver came alive with a flurry of goals just before the break to pull away to a 5-1 win and advance to the Third Round. 

The match in Denver was a tense affair in the first 30 minutes. As the game started to open up a bit, Peak XI FC had a great scoring chance that was cleared off the line by FC Denver. Despite the near miss, the chance served as a wake-up call for FC Denver. Just before first half stoppage time, FC Denver Yonatan Tesfasilase scored the opener from a long ball into the box. Two minutes later in the 45th minute, Tesfasilase scored his second goal, doubling the lead in the blink of an eye.

FC Denver were not done, adding yet another goal in the 2nd minute of first half stoppage time. Right back Jared McCleary made a long run into the box before finding striker Ethan Boyle, who finished to give FC Denver a 3-0 lead. All three goals came in a five minute span. 

Peak XI opened the second half on the front foot. Miguel Camorlinga opened the scoring to reduce the deficit to 3-1. However, FC Denver rallied back, and Boyle scored his second of the day to regain the 3-goal lead for FC Denver. Peak XI fought to rally back, but were set back by a strange incident in which one of their defenders received a second yellow card for a tackle after the center referee had a long discussion with the fourth official.

With a man advantage, FC Denver scored an insurance goal late in second half stoppage time, defeating Peak XI 5-1. After falling in their opening round of prelims last season, FC Denver have now won two matches in 2027 Open Cup prelims and will look to continue their run in the Third Round.

FORO SC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
3:1 
Inter Nova Havoc (Metroplex Premier League / USSSA)
The Highlands School – Irving, TX

By Adam Uthe

A stellar individual performance from Brayan Padilla was enough to help FORO SC escape with a 3-1 win over Inter Nova Havoc, despite losing their starting goalkeeper due to a first half red card. Padilla finished with a goal and an assist to overcome the visitors from Denton.

FORO got off to a fast start when Brayan Padilla found Daniel Escocia for the game’s first goal in just the second minute. The hosts were in complete control, maintaining possession and applying pressure effectively, until the 19th minute when goalkeeper Martin Dominguez came off his line to challenge a dangerous through ball and wound up taking out the Nova forward instead. With only two subs available, FORO opted to put starting striker Jorge Delgado in goal. And, aside from a flurry of corners just before halftime, FORO continued to control the first half, just as they did at full strength.

Inter Nova pulled one back early in the second half when Paulin Mathunda converted a brilliant chip in the 49th minute that even Dominguez likely would’ve failed to save. Minutes later, Nova failed to convert back to back chances in quick succession and FORO soon wrestled back momentum. Padilla put the home side back ahead in the 79th minute via the chaos of a goalmouth scramble off a corner. Then, Sebastian Coronado removed all doubt in the 86th minute with a brilliant solo run from midfield that left multiple defenders on the ground and 10 man FORO walked away with a comfortable 3-1 victory.

Yinz United (Super Soccer League / USASA)
5:0
Doradus FC (UPSL)
Oakton High School – Vienna, VA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Yinz United booked a spot in the Third Round with a commanding 5-0 win over Doradus FC of the UPSL.

Yinz United took control early when Jimmy Filerman sent a 20-yard free kick into the box that Austin Pelto headed home after just four minutes.

Four minutes later Yinz had a chance to make it 2- 0 when James Grace was brought down in the box and Yinz was awarded a penalty kick. Hamza Moosvi stepped up to take the kick, but Doradus goalkeeper John Hollinger stopped the shot.

Hamza Moosvi made up for his PK miss with a goal in the 35th minute after Thom Malik flicked the ball back to Moosvi.

Five minutes later Filerman got a goal of his own after assisting on the opener, stealing the ball from 40 yards out and shooting across the goal near the far post for a 3-0 lead.

Fifteen minutes into the second half John Bannon scored on a breakaway after a defensive gaffe by Doradus to increase the lead to 4-0. Moosvi bagged his second goal via header after his initial shot was saved in the 70th minute.

Doradus finished with 10 men when Elias Rodríguez was shown his second yellow card in the 87th minute.

Real Central NJ Soccer (APSL / USASA)
2:3
FC Monmouth (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Mercer County Community College – West Windsor, NJ

By Jim Coppock

A rainy evening did not damp down the energy in the contest between Real Central New Jersey and FC Monmouth. 90 minutes of end-to-end action saw FC Monmouth squeak out a 3-to-2 victory. The action was fast throughout.

The first half saw the visitors take an early lead through Benjamin Zakowski when he sent a 40-yard blast to the far post in the 16th minute. The hosts would waste no time in pulling level when Luke Pompiliano equalized in the 20th with a spin move & shot from 24 yards out. The game continued back-and-forth with the teams pushing for the lead. The half finished 1-1. The second half continued the pace of the first half. Monmouth would retake the lead through Enrique Mutsoli in the 56th minute. Again, Real Central would waste little time in getting back to level, when Ilia Sakheishvili scored in the 62nd minute. 

Real Central NJ had a little bit more of the ball in the remaining 30 minutes, but both sides continued to push feverishly for the winner. In the 3rd minute of stoppage time, an attempted Monmouth cross hit a Real Central defender in the back and one-hopped to Davide Caputo. Davide took a touch then tapped in at the near post from 7 yards out for the last lead change of the night. The two remaining minutes were fully played in front of the Monmouth goal, with 21 players in the penalty area on a series of corner kicks. Those final two frenetic minutes ended with a blasted clearance toward the empty Real Central goal and the final whistle.

The result leaves FC Monmouth with hope in their second qualifying run while Real Central NJ now has four one-and-done runs in qualifying.

SC Vistula Garfield (APSL / USASA)\
5:3
FC Motown (NPSL / USASA)
After Extra Time
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ

By Michael Battista

In one of the best matches of the round, SC Vistula Garfield came from behind and overcame a man disadvantage to beat US Open Cup regular FC Motown, 5-3, in an extra time thriller in front of 73 fans at Garfield High School. Vistula’s Emiland Ezezaj could only sum it up one way.

“There’s not much I can say, but there’s something I can say that will wrap this whole thing up – the magic of the Open Cup.”

The match had a delayed start, kicking off 30 minutes later than scheduled after the goals at Garfield High School were deemed unsuitable for play (they bars were wobbly and not secure). The crisis was averted after the officials and Vistula acquired goals from the next field over.

Motown came off the starting line quickly, scoring in the 5th minute to take the lead. A takeaway in the Garfield end by Julian Gomez set up Gianfranco Vitella with the ball. He arched a shot from distance over Garfield keeper Aldo Munoz and put the visitors up 1-0. It got worse for quickly for Vistula in the 16th minute. After being shown a yellow card, Matthew Fernandez resumed play and a few moments later back kicked the face of Motown’s Elijah Hope while the player was down. He was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving Vistula with 10 men. Motown capitalized on the advantage in the 20th minute when Tobias Catizone, assisted by Vitella, made it 2-0.

Vistula was given a lifeline when Motown’s Salvador Pliego, a former professional, took down a Vistula player cutting across the top of the box. He was shown a yellow card and Emiland Elezaj converted the penalty kick in the 27th minute to make it 2-1. Minus a minor delay to turn the field lights back on at 9 PM, the game continued on.

Then chaos as the teams traded goals late in the match. In the 87th minute, Emiland Elezaj found a break, equalized, 2-2. In the 88th Motown charged down the field and found another go-ahead goal from Eli Crongale, 3-2. In the last minute of regulation time (90’), former New York Red Bulls reserve player and Vistula player coach Christopher Karcz headed in another goal, 3-3.

It got worse for Motown when Osbin Mendez was shown a straight red card in the 90+2’ for DOGSO during a Vistula run down the left side. After some back and forth play in the first extra time, Vistula took the lead when Gabriel Costa set up John McGeechan in the 105’ to score the game-winner. Alex Woftowicz scored a game-sealing goal for Vistula in the 120th, before Motown’s Salvador Pliego was sent off in the 120+5th’ for a second yellow as the game finished up.

The result officially snaps FC Motown’s run of US Open Cup qualifications at nine (eight not including 2020), which was the longest active streak by an Open Division team.

(A more detailed retelling of this match will be published on New York Soccer Journal)

Real Houston Futbol Club (United States Soccer League / USSSA)
0:5
ASC New Stars (Houston Football Association / USASA)
Azteca Soccer League Park – Houston, TX

By Cristian Putallaz

A tale of two very different clubs that face each other in a legendary competition. ASC New Stars, a staple in the soccer community would come in to Real Houston FC territory to show why they have been around in the city for more than 50 years. 

The first half would be somewhat one-sided leaning towards ASC New Stars. Many options to score inside the box were wasted for one or another reason. ASC would even hit the crossbar 3 times in the first 45 minutes of the match. One play in the 38th minute would be the before and after of the whole entire game. Miguel Mangue of Real Hosuton FC would be shown a red card for “violent conduct”, and an apparent elbow to the face. Out of this foul, New Stars would find their break and would be able to find their first goal at the feet of Le in the 41st minute.New Stars goalkeeper GIno Burioni came up big right before halftime with a double save to keep his clean sheet.

In the second half, with a man down and a goal down, Real Houston would have to take chances which lead to more spaces and increase the work rate of the shorthanded squad. This space and tired legs would prove deadly for Real, because New Stars would be able to find spaces between lines where the second goal by Winner Assi, the third by Dessaline Felix Allison, and the fourth by Hani Husain Ahmad, would come with little to no opposition from the Real defense. 

As the game was ending, Ronald Goings, goalkeeper for Real Houston would see a red card of his own after a rough tackle, in which Elvis Rahmanovic would turn in a banger and fifth goal for ASC New Stars. New Stars move to the next round of the competition where the dream to make history for the Houston soccer community continues.

Pinellas County United Pelicans SC (UPSL)
4:3
Kissimmee SC (UPSL)
Walter Fuller Soccer Complex – St. Petersburg, FL

By James Knowles

An accurate summary of this game would take three or four pages. Without the space for that, suffice it to say that it was among the most wild US Open Cup qualifiers attendees will ever see. The hosts, Pinellas County United, eventually ran out 4-3 winners. However, getting there was a process – one overshadowed by some of the worst parts of the sport. 

The guests Kissimmee began the match well. They scored first off the foot of Juan Segundo Larrivey. Going in 1-1 at halftime, the second 45 took innumerable twists and turns. Kissimmee turned the screws to score two more: Larrivey got his second of the night, making it 3-1 in the process. The yellow cards then started flying. PCU defender Anel Crnac headed home, and it was 3-2. Kissimmee had two players sent off, first in the 89th minute and again in stoppage time, and PCU took advantage. Crnac found the net once more in dramatic fashion to force extra time. 

A truly ugly period followed in which the game was delayed multiple times, with the referees handling accusations of racist language leveled against a Kissimmee player. Nothing ultimately came of this incident other than a long stoppage in play. Ten minutes after the extra time period finally began, a third Kissimmee player was sent off. Emotions nearly reached a boiling point on multiple occasions. PCU were awarded a late penalty, which was converted by captain Leo Fernandes, and the ref blew for full time quickly thereafter. 

All the game delays that preceded this and the multiple bench staff sent off would not begin to tell the whole story. These are the parts of soccer absolutely no one wants to see. Pinellas manager Lazzar Popovic stated after earning their fraught victory, “these are the wins that you enjoy the most,” referring to the obvious animus on the field. He finished noting their berth in the next round: “Tuesday we’re back at training, and we continue to grow.”

Potros FC (UPSL)
5:0
Terminus FC (Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League / USASA)
Marietta High School – Marietta, GA

By Matt Stigall

With a blitz of 2 early goals scored within a minute, Potros FC advanced to the next qualifying round of the 2027 US Open Cup with a dominant 5-0 victory over Terminus FC.

With a steady rain pouring down, Nazario Mbomio kicked off the scoring with the opening goal in the 12th minute, assisted by a ball over the defense by Kevin Ruiz. Less than a minute later, Kevin Ruiz slotted another goal past the keeper, assisted by Porfirio Carrasco-Diaz.

Terminus FC tried to recover and gain a footing in the attack, but paid the price in the 25th minute when Daniel Fernandez finished a quick counter after connecting with Sultan Musa who seemed to control the right side of the pitch throughout the first half.

The first half ended with Potros FC holding a 3-0 lead that could have been much greater with a couple of other chances missed.

The second half continued the rout, with Potros forward Marc Bineau tidying up a point-blank rebound to make it 4-0. After many subs and a few too many yellow cards for each team, Nazario Mbomio put the 5th and final goal off a corner delivered by Pedro Valenzuela.

“We’re especially excited about the clean sheet and cleaning up some of the leaky stuff we’ve seen in the past,” Potros FC coach Frankie Ruiz shared, “and the way we showcased how we’ve been working the last couple of weeks on transition and link play was great to see.”

There was a specific player that grabbed Coach Ruiz’s attention, as Kevin Ruiz finished with a goal and one assist, “he stepped up in his first start in a hot minute on the right wing today.”

Potros FC now look forward to seeing who they face in the next round with the confidence that they can go far and make a name for themselves.

Swarm FC (USL League Two)
8:1
Lake Country United FC (UPSL)
Marathon Soccer Park – Austell, GA

By Andrew Charron

The opening goal from Rodrigo Lopes was a fitting opening image to what would be a decisive win for Swarm FC. Up until then, Lake Country United FC defended well early on and the first 8 minutes neither team had even committed a foul. The crack in the armor came from a defender’s sliding clearance straight to a Swarm player who quickly crossed it into the penalty area. A header back to the middle saw a waiting Rodrigo Lopes bicycle kick and may just be the goal of the round.

Swarm never let go of the pressure for the remainder of the half with a second goal from Lopes, and contributions from Arthur Bello, and recent Akron Zips commit, Hugo Enander. Swarm was in the driving seat the entire rest of the half until Lake Country concocted a beautiful passing goal in the last seconds of first half added time.

Unfortunately for Lake Country, Swarm immediately continued their attack and it only took 5 minutes for Lopes to get his hattrick. After a miscue by Lake Country, Segun Afolabki dribbled right past the goalkeeper to add a 6th for Swarm. Lopes his 4th in the 77th minute to make it 7, and after Afolabi was clearly knocked over in the penalty area in the 89th minute, Kami De Sousa Pereira calmly converted the penalty.

Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
0:4
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School – Wellington, FL

By Tim Abbott

Ben Morand’s hat trick sealed the match for Harbor City. He scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute, getting isolated near the corner of the 18, cutting in and finding the back corner.The second goal in 67th minute was a team build up through the middle, finding Morand on the back post for a 10yd finish to the near post. The third goal came  in the 72nd minute from Jacob Wood, who beat his man down the line around 20yds out and got to the end line, drove in towards the goal and placed it back post.

Morand’s hat trick goal came in the 89th minute  as the ball was switched to the right side of the field, the winger faked a shot from just inside the 18 and slid the ball square to the penalty spot for the accolade-clinching strike from Morand into the top corner.

Kyle Morris ended with the clean sheet including a huge foot save from 10 yards away in the 50th minute when the game was 0-0.

Dreamers AFC (Premier Futbol League / USASA)
1:0
Boca Jrs. Miami FC (UPSL)
Miami Dade College – Kendall – Miami, FL

By Ian Brooking

The dream is alive and well for Dreamers AFC as the US Open Cup qualifying debutants won their first-ever match in the competition Sunday night. 

Facing off against Boca Jrs. Miami FC, who advanced to the 2nd qualifying round after staving off a late comeback from Florida Island United FC. 

But on Sunday night, it was Boca who was on the other side of the comeback as they trailed within the first 15 minutes after Jhoan Santi Carrillo found the back of the net to give the debutants the lead.

Despite the efforts from the home side, Boca still trailed going into the break. Boca continued the pressure into the second half but couldn’t find that equalizer.

Midway through the second half, dreamers looked as if they were going to double their advantage, but instead the ball met the top of the crossbar and the lead remained 1–0. 

Boca nearly equalized in the final 10 minutes when a sweeping cross found the head of an attacking player – only for the ball to end up in the hands of Dreamers goalkeeper. 

Boca had a few chances in stoppage time, but none of them came to fruition and the dream continues for dreamers AFC as they held on for a historic 1-0 win.

Aegean Hawks FC (American Premier League / USASA)
0:3
DC Hyper (UPSL)
Langley High School – McLean, VA

By Henry Colonna

After a lot of possession in the first half, a corner kick nearly led to a goal for the Hawks in the 13th minute when an attacking header was missed by inches. DC Hyper continued with meaningful – and dominating – possession including two shots. Gabriel saved and then Waylan Venicius wide on the rebound in a one-two opportunity. Yet another build with possession attack led to a DC Hyper goal in the 18th minute that was called offside earlier in the play. Hawks grew into the game with a good attacking sequence in the 20th minute and again in the 25th minute as the game began to even out. DC Hyper finally broke through with a set piece goal min 41 from Gabriel Barbosa’s header.

The second half started similarly to the first – with DC Hyper leading the waves of attack. Fouls from both teams became more common and stronger. Referee whistles play did in the 57th prematurely to give a yellow to a Hawks player, stopping a counterattack by DC Hyper. Joe Rice once again kept Aegean Hawks in the game,, not bothered by coming out of his goal to save several shots and slightly-heavy touches from Hyper attackers. That was until halfway through the second half, when a DC Hyper counter attack led to a goal by El Sayed in the 65th minute. Gabriel Marcal also off the post for DC Hyper in the 70th minute. The ball was dipping but just not quite enough. By this time, the Hawks had no answers, and frustration was evident from the Hawks but DC Hyper was not rattled. A PK was awarded to DC Hyper in the 89th minute after a very clumsy and obvious foul in the box by a Hawks defender. The PK was converted by Patrick Kakayira put this game away for DC Hyper to advance.

Woodland FC (Midwest Premier League / USASA)
1:2
Omaha Street FC (NE / UPSL)
St. Joseph Athletic Field – Shawnee, KS

By Joseph Reina

Omaha Street FC advances from the second round of US Open Cup Qualifiers with a gritty, determined 2-1 win on the road against Woodland FC. 

A chaotic start to the second half saw the visitors score their decisive second goal before Woodland FC equalized to ensure a dramatic end to the contest. Omaha forward Junior Casillas doubled his side’s advantage in the 50th minute with a deft chip off of a daring long ball from Luke Smith. Their first of the night, also assisted by Smith, set the tone for the contest.

Omaha found tremendous success creating space in midfield and, just after the 20-minute mark, quickly transitioned into attack. Smith’s incisive through ball allowed Emanuel Palga the opportunity to slot his shot past Woodland’s keeper, Harrison Ennis. Despite the loss, Ennis enjoyed an impressive night in goal. The 23-year-old shotstopper made a host of key saves to keep his side in the match, especially down the stretch.

Woodland got their breakthrough just four minutes after conceding, when Kevin Black volleyed home from close range. Tate Lancaster’s long-range cross found Black unmarked at the back post, and with just over 30 minutes remaining, the hosts had life. As they pushed for an equalizer, Ennis faced several dangerous chances and met them all spectacularly, including a crucial 1v1 in stoppage time. 

His goalkeeping heroics were not enough, however, and Woodland FC’s bid for a late comeback fell short. Omaha Street FC advances to the third round of the US Open Cup Qualifiers, where they will hope to shake off the demons of their loss to BOHFS St. Louis at this stage last year. 

ATX United (Austin Men’s Soccer Association / USASA)
1:0
Capital City SC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Round Rock Multipurpose Complex – Round Rock, TX

By: Zach Stein

In a battle between two Austinite clubs making their USOC qualifying debut, underdogs ATX United secured a 1-0 upset on a 93rd-minute winner by Austin native Armando Vidal.

The match began with both teams setting a quick pace in an attempt to take control of the match, but neither team could keep an advantage for long. ATX United’s best chance of the first half came in the third minute, when Martin Tellez stole the ball from Antonio Lopez and sent a through ball to Tyler Wilson. Wilson fired at the near post, but it was saved by Robert Macfarland.

Capital City SC looked like the better team for much of the first half, aided by a strategy reliant on long passes to their wingers who would then cut inside. In the 21st minute, Kike De la Cruz stole the ball and passed it to Derek Espinal, who masterfully cut inside but fired a point-blank shot right at the goalkeeper. The ball deflected off of a defender back towards goal, but went out for a corner and the own goal was narrowly avoided.

After the half-hour mark, both teams became considerably more aggressive with their tackling, but the pace remained high while tempers rose. The problem was exacerbated due to a bizarre incident in the 38th minute. A Capital City shot deflected off a defender, hit the crossbar, bounced upwards, hit an American football crossbar just above it, bounced down, was fumbled by the goalkeeper, and bounced into the goal. Many fans and players believed it to be a goal, but as the ball went out of play when it hit the American football crossbar, it didn’t count. After this point, players from both teams became more brazen in arguing with the center referee.

The tempo of the match dropped considerably in the second half, as fouls ramped up and Capital City were awarded numerous corners while continuing to attack from the wings. ATX United found it hard to generate good chances and began to shoot from distance, but Capital City’s goalkeeper held firm. The match’s only yellow cards went to ATX United’s Leo Duetz and Aviv Alfasi for reckless challenges from behind. Capital City had more than a dozen corners and multiple free kick chances, but weren’t able to capitalize. Goalkeepers Trey Plasko and Macfarland both made incredible fingertip saves in the 72nd and 84th minutes, and it seemed like the match was destined for extra time. 

But that destiny was not to be. In the 92nd minute, an interception by Pablo Ros was quickly passed to Drew Tacher. Tacher sent a perfect through ball past a gap in Capital City’s defense and to Martin Tellez. Tellez ran towards the near post and squared a low cross to Armando Vidal, who fired it into the far corner for a miraculous stoppage time winner.

Austin Men’s Soccer Association champions ATX United advance to the third round of Open Cup qualifying on October 31st and November 1st. 

Stars FC (USL League Two)
0:4
Next Level Soccer Premier (UPSL)
Spirit Field Ottawa University – Surprise, AZ
Photos by Jose Perez (@jpshooots on IG)

By Josh Hakala

After a scoreless first half, Next Level Soccer Premier (NLSP) used an offensive explosion to pull away from Stars FC 4-0 in an all-Arizona battle to close out the Second Round of the 2027 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Marco Afonso was the star of the show, scoring three straight goals with Jermaine Turner capping off the scoring with an impressive individual effort.

In the 52nd minute, Channing Chasten received a cross on the left side of the penalty area from the right wing. Chasten brought the ball down and laid it off to Afonso at the top of the ‘D’. The former Grand Canyon University standout blasted a shot with his left foot into the back of the net.

Afonso doubled the lead on a free kick that was nearly the same spot as his first goal. He expertly bent the ball over the wall and into the upper corner of the goal in the 64th minute.

Afonso would add a penalty kick in the 72nd minute, and then 10 minutes later, Turner would put the game away by dribbling all the way from midfield down the right wing. He reached the penalty area and beat the keeper to the far post.

Next Level advance to the Third Round and are seeking their first Open Cup berth. Last year, they came close, falling to Azteca FC in a “Win & You’re In” match.

Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
4:0
Sharktopus FC (Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer / USSSA)
Bellevue College Soccer Field – Bellevue, WA

By Nate Sachs

Led by a second half hat trick from Jackson Finn, Bellevue Athletic FC advanced to the third qualifying round of the 2027 US Open Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Sharktopus FC, in a rematch of one of the more controversial qualifying games from last year. 

Bellevue Athletic got off to a fast start when Anthony Henry slotted home from six yards after Sharktopus goalie Jack Vallejo deflected Jacen Stein’s initial shot into the Bellevue forward’s path in just the fourth minute.

After Henry’s early goal, both sides traded chances in an open and attacking first half where neither was able to maintain possession for extended periods. In the 11th Bellevue Athletic keeper Luis Birrueta made a magnificent save to deny Fedel Tewolde at the far post. Bellevue Athletic’s Anthony Henry then had an opportunity to grab a second goal in the 32nd minute after he picked up a loose ball in the Sharktopus half and dribbled all the way around the keeper, but his shot hit the post. 

Under the backdrop of a majestic Pacific Northwest sunset, Bellevue Athletic piled on the pressure right from the start of the second half. Just when it looked like Sharktopus had begun to settle back in, Jacen Stein’s cross found half time substitute Jackson Finn open in the box, and he cleanly finished the chance to make it 2-0 to the hosts in the 60th minute. Finn then got his second goal of the game in the 77th minute after Lars Thorne-Thomsen’s cross found him open at the back post.

Jackson Finn completed his hat trick in the 87th minute, again assisted by Lars Thorne-Thomsen, who found himself one-on-one with the Sharktopus keeper on the break but passed the ball across goal to the onrushing Finn to finish the scoring at 4-0.

Last year’s second round qualifying matchup between these two teams – where a replay was ordered after it was discovered the match referee in Bellevue Athletic’s initial 4-3 extra time win had previously played for Bellevue’s reserve team – was at the forefront of the mind of Bellevue’s bench, and they seemed anxious to avoid any situation that could lead to the game being replayed. 

This was most apparent late in the second half, when Bellevue Athletic were preparing to make a substitution, but the incoming player was wearing a jersey from a previous season with a different number than on the lineup sheet. When pointed out, the Bellevue coaching staff held up the substitution and spent the next few minutes clarifying the specifics of the rules with the referees before ultimately subbing on a different player. Another instance of the chaos of the U.S. Open Cup!

The victory is Bellevue Athletic’s first win ever in Open Cup qualifying in their fifth straight appearance.

Legends SC (Southwest Premier League / USASA)
0:8
Iron Rose FC (The League for Clubs / USASA)
Bartholomew Sports Complex – Elk Grove, CA

By Nicholas Ryan

On October 4th Mather California saw two local teams, Iron Rose FC and Legends SC, facing off in the second qualifying round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match would send Iron Rose FC to the third qualifying round and took Legends SC out of contention for a spot in the tournament.

Iron Rose FC dominated from the kickoff, beginning with a penalty kick in the 6th minute of the match from captain Louis Aguilar. They kept consistent pressure until they struck again with a goal in the 26th minute from Isaac Sandoval following a corner deflecting off a defender. While Legends SC found their way to a couple of shots on goal, Iron Rose held possession for the vast majority of the period until a 43rd minute goal from Danny Centeno put them up 3:0 just before halftime. 

The momentum continued into the second half, as Iron Rose’s Nicholas Potts scored a 47th minute goal to put his team up 4:0. A 51st minute penalty for Danny Ceneno would make the game 5:0 Iron rose extended the lead to 6:0 in the 65th minute with an own goal, forced by Roman Warren. In the 79th minute Iron Rose scored their 7th goal of the evening after Alexis Giovanny Vasquez Gutierrez beautifully set up Seidu Shamsudeen. In the 89th minute Iron Rose’s Roman Warren scored their 8th and final goal of the match. 

Iron Rose FC looked formidable today in the early rounds, and after such a dominant performance they will certainly be a team to look out for as we get closer to the tournament.