Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Feature - Qualifying

2026 National Amateur Cup: Chicago House appeal upheld, will play Minnesota Blizzard next

by

Chicago House players celebrate after scoring a goal in the 2026 National Amateur Cup. Photo: Alex iDiscoverer | IG: @idiscoverer.sport
Chicago House players celebrate after scoring a goal in the 2026 National Amateur Cup. Photo: Alex iDiscoverer | IG: @idiscoverer.sport

Well nevermind then.

On Monday, the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) announced that Chicago House AC has successfully appealed its disqualification from the 2026 USASA Region II (Midwest) Amateur Cup tournament. The team had been disqualified last week for fielding an ineligble player.

House will now play Minnestota Blizzard FC in Round 2 of the tournament. Game information has not been announced yet, however sources have told TheCup.us that the game is expected to be played in the next two weeks.

USASA Executive Director Bruce Bode provided TheCup.us with a statement on the association’s committee ruling.

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

“The Appeals Committee panel considered all the evidence and concluded the team should not be disqualified. Once we have the full written decision we will determine if modifications to the rules are needed. The Appeals Committee also recommended that the event rules be revised to remove any existing ambiguity in this area….Where needed, the rules will be modified.”

While not explicitly cited in the ruling, House player Nico Williams appears to be the player at the heart of the controversy. Williams was playing professional indoor soccer at the time of the Amateur Cup match. The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) is professional, however it is not registered with the United States Soccer Federation. Only the MASL’s lower divisions are associated as amateur under the USASA umbrella.

Chicago House provided the following statement to media after the announcement.

The USASA Appeals Committee has upheld the appeal by Chicago House AC and the team remains eligible in the USASA Amateur Cup Tournament. Last week, USASA’s Region 2 claimed Chicago House used an ineligible player and the team was disqualified from the Amateur Cup.

House appealed the decision insisting that the player in question is in fact eligible, citing US
Soccer policy and the appeals committee agreed.

“We are pleased that the committee took a sincere review of our appeal, asked relevant questions and came to the same conclusion that we had,” said House Managing Partner and CEO Peter Wilt.

“We look forward to hosting the Minnesota Blizzard in the 2nd round match as soon as possible,” Wilt said.

Chicago House is attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third time in club history and the first time since 2024. The 2026 Natioal Amateur Cup champion qualifies for the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

2026 National Amateur Cup: 16 teams begin in Region II

by

Ricardo Garcia of Goshen City FC shoots against Steel City FC during Round 1 of the 2026 USASA Region II Amateur Cup | Credit: Jayden Schlabach
Ricardo Garcia of Goshen City FC shoots against Steel City FC during Round 1 of the 2026 USASA Region II Amateur Cup | Credit: Jayden Schlabach

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup began this week in the Midwest. Comfortable wins were predominant, one match was suspended by the weather and two games were forfeited so far in the first wave of games in the USASA Region II tournament for the 2026 Amateur Cup.

The 2026 edition of the United States Adult Soccer Association top tournament will once again grant an automatic bid into the follow year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Meaning this is already 2027 Open Cup qualifying.

Region II, which is made up of teams from the Midwest, is just starting, but the eventual champion will be the representative at the National Finals, alongside the other three USASA Regions.

Here’s a look at each of the seven Region II games played so far. Interested in how the Northeast’s First Round played out? Check out our recap here.

Monday, March 23

Camargo FC (MN, MASL)
L:W
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL)
N/A

Round 1 kicked off with a forfeit as Minnesota side Camargo FC withdrew, allowing Wisconsin’s Green Bay Glory to advance. No date or venue was ever set for this game, and the above date represents the day TheCup was informed of the decision.

Northland Soccer Journal was able to reach Camargo FC and was given the following statement.

“Unfortunately, the travel required this early in the Amateur Cup created logistical challenges that we weren’t able to overcome within the three-week window between the schedule release and the match deadline. “

Green Bay advances to Round 2 which is scheduled to take place during the month of April. Last year, the Midwest Premier League side was defeated in Round 1 by United Serbian Soccer Club, 4-1, in Round 1.

Tuesday, March 31

Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
5:4
Ypsilanti Athletic FC (MI, MUSL)
Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

A nine goal slugfest officially opened up the Region II Amateur Cup as Drita Soccer Club beat Ypsilanti Athletic FC, 5-4, in the cozy confines of Michigan Stars Sports Center. Drita surged to a 3-0 lead 20 minutes in, before a back and forth saw YAFC make it 4-4 with just under twenty minutes to play. In the end, Dennis Cali secured his hat-trick with the game winning goal in the 73rd minute to advance his team.

YAFC looked a little overwhelmed after the rough start. But after Jayden Huxtable scored midway through the first half the team seemed to pick right up. Injury was the biggest detriment however. Midfielder Skyler Sebring was injured near the end of the game after a hard tackle. The team lost a lot of play making ability as he left the field.

Drita still played like a team early in its season, starting fast but allowing Ypsilanti to come back with careless mistakes. It was also a chance for the new APSL side to experience with experience and youth. Team captain Christian Margilaj was a constant threat on the ball for the visitors ball hawk. Elsewhere, University of Detroit Mercy commit Daniel Kadiu made his first team debut and scored in the first half.

Goal scorers

Drita:

  • Dennis Cali 11′, 12′, 73′
  • Dom Ivezaj 20′
  • Daniel S. Kadiu 31′

YAFC:

  • Jayden Huxtable 22′, 26′
  • Ibrahima Dioubate 47′, 71′

MATCH BROADCAST (We Are Soccer)

Thursday, April 2

Livonia City FC (MI, APSL)
2:6
Monroe United (MI, APSL)

Two members of the American Premier Soccer League’s Mitten Conference, a new conference featuring Michigan teams, faced off in Round 1. In the end experience won out at Livonia City FC beat Monroe United, 6-2.

It was a different type of game for both teams. Livonia relied on a mix of young players and some older faces are they continue to prepare for their MWPL season. Meanwhile Monroe was playing their first-ever game as a team. The side, which had some high school players making their first team debut, only had one 11 v 11 training session the weekend prior.

Thomas Dono and former Gold Star FC Detroit forward Jacob Kunnath both earned braces for their side as Livonia scored five goals in the first half. Despite the result Monroe’s technical director Eric Perilla still saw positives from the game.

“It’ll take time, but it was a great experience and huge opportunity for the guys, especially the young ones still in high school,” Perilla said. “I’m just glad we finally got this going. Our second half looked much stronger too!”

Goalscorers

LCFC

  • Caleb DuPree 12′
  • Jacob Kunnath, 20′, 40′
  • Thomas Dono 28′, 44′
  • Patrick Smith 75′

MU:

  • Jovanny Gallegos-Jimenez
  • Israel Hernández-Vargas (Jovanny Gallegos-Jimenez)

Saturday, April 4

1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
W:L
Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
N/A

Hosts Valhalla FC forfeit their match against 1927 SC in Round 1, allowing the Indiana side representing the Ft. Wayne Sports Club to advance. Valhalla, which has been a regular in the Amateur Cup in recent years, was unable to have paperwork to host the match approved in time before the round window was set to end.

1927 lost in Round 1 last year, 4-2 AET, to Livonia City FC. The team’s best performance was in 2023, under the Ft. Wayne Sports Club name, where they reached the regional semifinals. Valhalla reached the regional quarterfinals in 2025 before losing to Michigan Stars U23, 5-1.

Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
1:4 AET
Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL)
Everwise School Field – South Bend, IN

In an all Midwest Premier League clash, Goshen City FC beat Steel City FC, 4-1 after extra time, to advance. Home side Goshen took the lead in the first half thanks to Joao Laranjo before the visitors equalized in the second half off a Tim Slusarczyk goal.

Things were even up until the 89th minute, when Steel City’s Tre Adams was shown a second yellow card and given a red. A series of injuries in extra time brought SCFC down to eight men and Goshen pounced. Three unanswered goals lifted the home side into the next round of the tournament.

“The game was lost in the boardroom, not on the field,” Steel City chairman Ivaldo Basso said after the game. “We under-resourced the team by not traveling with a full squad, and we paid the price for that. I take full responsibility.”

Goshen lost in Round 1 of the Amateur Cup in a thrilling penalty kick shootout to Michigan Rangers FC. Its a second-straight Round 1 exit for Steel, who reached the regional semifinals in 2024.

Goal scorers

SCFC:

  • Tim Slusarczyk 56′

GCFC:

  • Joao Laranjo 24′
  • Teague Misner 105+5′
  • Pedro Diegues 117′
  • Javier Enciso 120+1′

MATCH BROADCAST (Goshen City FC)

RKC Third Coast SC (WI, MWPL)
1:4
Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
Fenwick Priory – River Forest, IL

Another all Midwest Premier League showdown saw Open Cup and Amateur Cup regulars Chicago House AC beat first-timers RKC Third Coast SC, 4-1.

Former pro Elias McCloud scored first for House but RKC fought back. A blocked penalty kick could have equalized but the visitors did that get goal just before halftime off the foot of Cole Rodgers. However the more experienced House side scored three unanswered in the second half to take the win. CHAC’s top goal scorer from last season Kikis Avalos scored the game winner in the 60th minute before Nico Williams got a brace within five minutes late in the half.

This marked RKC’s first-ever appearance in the National Amateur Cup tournament. House reached the regional Quarterfinals last year, where they lost to eventual regional finalist Michigan Rangers FC, 3-0.

Goal scorers

CHAC:

  • Elias McCloud 25′
  • Kikis Avalos 60′
  • Nico Williams 75′, 80′

RKC:

  • Cole Rodgers 44′

Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)
4:2
Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
Conway Dome – Saint Paul, MN

By Tim Abbott

Originally scheduled for McMurray Fields in St Paul, Minnesota, the game moved to the Conway Dome in the city as temperatures dropped to 37º with wind chill dropping even further. The two teams squared off for a second successive year at this stage, with last year’s going the way of Vlora FC by a score of 5-1. Both sides had decidedly makeshift appearance, with Vlora bringing in U21 players and Blizzard borrowing from their MASL indoor roster.

At half-time it was 0-0 and it was only 1-1 with 20 minutes left. The Minneapolitan Diego Yang proved the key man as he opened the game’s scoring in the 47th minute and after they went behind to a brace from Adonay Hans in the 52nd and 57th minutes, it was Yang who scored his second and third in the 62nd and 70th minutes to put the visitors back ahead. The icing to the first round cake was applied by Bertrand Ngo in the 90th minute.

Goal scorers

Vlora:

  • Adonay Hans 52′, 57′

MBFC:

  • Diego Yang 47′, 62′, 70′
  • Bertrand Ngo 90′

Full Match Recap on Northland Soccer Journal

Tuesday, April 7

United Serbian SC (WI, MPL)
4:3
Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL)
Heartland Value Funds Stadium, Glendale, WI

A game split over two days closed out Round 1 in Region II, as United Serbian Soccer Club beat Bavarian United SC, 4-3.

Originally scheduled for April 2, the game played out for 30 minutes with both teams getting on the scoresheet. Nemanja Medic struck first for the Serbians while Jack Bowden equalized for Bavarians. Weather closed in and heavy rain made the field unplayable in the 30th minute.

The game resume a few days later on April 7th, with both teams allowed to change their lineups based on availability. Aleksandar Prpa took five minutes and five days to get USSC back in front, while Medic notched his brace after nearly half a week break from his first goal. The game remained fast paced with the ball rarely staying in the middle of the field for long. That allowed Bavarians’ Sam Yarmulnik to notch a late goal to make it 3-2 just before halftime.

The fast pace continued into the second half but the scoring slowed down. It took nearly 20 minutes for Petar Krecak to score what would be the game-winning goal, though the home side tried to push until the end. A late penalty for Bavarians’ Buran Huseini, who missed the first one but was allowed to retake after the referee called the goalkeeper for being off the line on the save before converting the second chance, was not enough.

Its a second straight year of disappointment for Bavarian. After winning the National Amateur Cup in 2022, United lost in the final in back to back years the next two tournaments. In 2025, after being given a bye to the Quarterfinals as defending regional finalists, the side lost to RWB Adria in their first game. This marks a second straight one-and-done performance in the tournament for the six-time amateur cup champions. United Serbian reached Round 2 last year before losing to Vlora FC, 6-2.

Goal scorers

USSC:

  • Nemanja Medic 15′, 41′
  • Aleksandar Prpa 35′ (Nemanja Medic)
  • Petar Krecak 72′

BUSC:

  • Jack Bowden 25’
  • Sam Yarmulnik 45’
  • Buran Huseini 90’ (PK)

USASA Region II, Round 2 Matchups

(Away team listed first, games to be played between April 8 to 19)
Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL) v 1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
Livonia City FC (MI, APSL) v Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL) v Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL) v United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, MPL)

2026 National Amateur Cup: USASA Region I tournament begins with four forfeits

by

Leros SC during their USASA Region I Amateur Cup match versus Hoboken FC 1912. Photo: Julian Camilo

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup began last month in the Northeast. It was dominant wins and forfeits so far in the first wave of games in the USASA Region I tournament for the 2026 Amateur Cup.

The 2026 edition of the United States Adult Soccer Association top tournament will once again grant an automatic bid into the follow year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Meaning this is already 2027 US Open Cup qualifying.

Region I, which is made up of teams from the Northeast, is down to the Quarterfinals after battles between state champions and runner-ups. The region will eventually crown a champion that will be the representative at the National Finals, alongside the other three USASA Regions.

Here’s a look at each of the six Region I games played so far:

Graphic by Frank Lanham

Sunday, March 22

Baltimore City FC (MD, MSSL)
L:W
West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athen College – Bryn Athen College, PA

The defending USASA National Amateur Cup champions advanced to the next round via forfeit. West Chester SC, a few days removed from a grueling 2-1 loss to Loudoun United FC in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup, reached the Region I Quarterfinals after their opponent Baltimore City FC could not play.

No official reason was given by Baltimore City FC for this decision.

BCFC qualified for the tournament as 2025-26 Stewart Cup finalists, which is the tournament in Maryland to crown a for the state’s amateur champion. The team lost to Christos FC, 3-0, in the final back on March 8. West Chester qualified for the tournament not as defending champions but as 2025-26 Bill O’Neill Amateur Cup finalists, which is Eastern Pennsylvania’s tournament to determine state amateur champions. WCU beat rivals Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE Club), 4-3, on March 13.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: Loudoun United survives late flurry to avoid road upset

Vereinigung Erzgebirge (PA, USLPA)
5:1
Syndicate FC (VA, NVSL)
John R. Lewis High School – Springfield, VA

Vereinigung Erzgebirge (VE Club) left little doubt in their opening match of the Region I tournament, beating Syndicate FC, 5-1, behind a hat-trick and a brace. Former University of Delaware forward Justin Ruth scored twice in the first half and capped it off with his team’s last goal in the second half.

Syndicate qualified for the tournament as Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA) state cup finalists. The team lost to Los Toros, 9-0, in the final on February 21. VE will be looking to avenge a few tough losses from 2025, losing in the penultimate round of 2026 Open Cup qualifying to Oaklyn United FC last fall and not even qualifying for last year’s Amateur Cup after a tough run in the state tournament.

Goal scorers

VE Club:

  • Justin Ruth 25′, 42′, 65′
  • Derek Antonini 50′, 51′

LG:

  • Peter Atanga 85′

MATCH BROADCAST (Northern Virginia Soccer League)

Saturday, March 28

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, APSL)
4:0
South Costal Union (MA, APSL)
Greater New Bedford Vocational High School – New Bedford, MA

Lansdowne Yonkers FC scored twice in each half for an easy opening round win against South Costal Union, 4-0. Both American Premier Soccer League sides were coming off successful runs in their conferences last season, but Lansdowne’s depth was too much for SCU to handle.

It got started early when Seamas Keogh, former Ireland youth national team and first division pro player, sent a corner kick into the box in the ninth minute. Nicolas Macri Badessich headed the ball into the left side for his first of two goals and giving Lansdowne an early lead. The New York side kept pushing and eventually Macri pushed on the right side, sending a ball into the box where a SCU player accidentally slide tackled the ball into his own net while trying to send it out. Yonkers followed up in the second half with two goals in two minutes. Macri knotched his brace in the 63rd before a bad restart allowed former Irish professional Danú Kinsella-Bishop to score a long distance shot in the 65th.

Lansdowne are back in the Amateur Cup after reaching the 2025-26 Dr. Manning Cup final, the state cup for teams in the Eastern NY State Soccer Association. No word on when that final will be played against Leros SC. Union qualified after reaching the final of the Massachusetts State Amateur Cup, where the fell to Locos Gunners, 4-1.

Goal scorers

LYFC:

  • Nicolas Macri Badessich 9′ (Seamus Keogh)
  • Own Goal 22′
  • Nicolas Macri Badessich 63′
  • Danú Kinsella-Bishop 65′ (Marco Charnas)

MATCH BROADCAST (New Logical Sports)

Hoboken FC (NJ, APSL)
0:3
Leros SC (NY, APSL)
SUSA Complex Field #1 – Central Islip, NY

Long Island side Leros SC held back Hoboken FC 1912 before securing the win late, 3-0, to advance into the Region I Quarterfinals. The two American Premier Soccer League Metropolitan Conference teams had already met twice in the regular season, drawing both times including a 3-3 draw on March 15. This time, the home side came away with the win.

Yohance Alexander scored the game winner midway through the first half, when a long ball to Junior Rosero was played towards him in the middle of the box. Alexander got around his defender and gave a right footed shot into the right corner.

Leros SC celebrates after beating Hoboken FC 1912 3-0 in the 2026 USASA Region I Amateur Cup tournament. Photo: Leros SC
Leros SC celebrates after beating Hoboken FC 1912 3-0 in the 2026 USASA Region I Amateur Cup tournament. Photo: Leros SC

It was an MVP performance for Mason Chetti, who was involved in both team’s goals late in the second half. The midfielder and Ronkonkoma, NY native used his speed to frustrate the Hoboken defense all night, creating a number of chances. He also capped it off with a nice front flip celebration after scoring his goal. It was also a huge return for team captain Luis Argudo, the former Major League Soccer and USL Championship player, who returned to the team after serving a four game red card suspension.

Leros qualified for its first amateur cup tournament after reaching the 2025-26 Dr. Manning Cup final, the state cup for teams in the Eastern NY State Soccer Association. That included a shock win over defending Region I Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian-Freedoms last December in the Manning Cup semifinals. It capped off a busy 2025 for the Long Island team, including a promotion playoff win in June that promoted the team from the Long Island Soccer Football League into the APSL. Hoboken returned to the amateur cup through a slate of qualifying through the New Jersey Soccer Association.

Goal scorers

Leros:

  • Yohance Alexander 28′ (Junior Rosero)
  • Harry Cooke 86′ (Mason Chetti)
  • Mason Chetti 90+3′ (Macoumba Ba)

MATCH BROADCAST (Game In Frame)

Sunday, March 29

Club Atlético Los Toros (VA, APL)
W:L
Ristozi FC (MD, NPSL)
Mustang Stadium – Owings Mills, MD

A second forfeit hit the Region I Round of 16 when it was confirmed to TheCup.us that Ristozi FC of the National Premier Soccer League would not be competing in the tournament. The game was to come nine days after the side lost in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round to USL League One side Charlotte Independence. No official reason for the decision was given.

Club Atlético Los Toros advance to the regional quarterfinals. They qualified for the amateur cup tournament as Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA) state cup finalists. The team beat Syndicate FC, 9-0, in the final on February 21.

There is no official method of NPSL qualification for the Amateur Cup regional tournaments, though Region I likes to have one in the Northern half of the bracket and one of the Southern half. Ristozi finished second in the Mid-Atlantic Conference regular season during in 2025, before winning the conference title over Virginia Dream FC in the playoffs and eventual reaching the NPSL East Region Final.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: 2nd half push sends Charlotte Independence past Ristozi FC

Jugadores (PA, GPSL)
0:5
Christos FC (MD, APSL)
Arundel High School – Gambrills, MD

Maryland powerhouse Christos FC dominated in their first game, beating Pittsburgh, PA area side Jugadores, 5-0, to reach the Region I Quarterfinals. University of Maryland, Baltimore County alumni Spencer Hanks scored a brace for his team. Though the real star of the match was Brandon Burkholder who took advantage of a bad Jugadores play and scored a bicycle kick goal from the top of the box.

Christos qualified for the tournament as 2025-26 Stewart Cup finalists, which is the tournament in Maryland to crown a for the state’s amateur champion. The team beat Baltimore City FC, 3-0, in the final back on March 8. There is no official record of how Jugadores qualified for the tournament as Western Pennsylvania’s lone representation.

Goal scorers

Christos:

  • Spencer Hanks (x2)
  • Daniel Baxter
  • Juston Rainey
  • Brandon Burkholder

MATCH BROADCAST (DMV Sports Media)

Unscheduled forfeits

Santa Cruz FC (MA, NPSL)
L:W
Loco Gunners (MA, BSSL)
Madison Park High School – Boston, MA

A fourth and final forfeit for the opening round of the Region I Amateur Cup. Loco Gunners of the Bay States Soccer League advance into the Quarterfinals after a confusing series of events with the National Premier Soccer League.

According to a source close to the situation, Gunners were originally supposed to play Flower City Union of the National Premier Soccer League. However the defending Great Lakes Conference champions, who also lost 9-0 to Lexington SC in the First Round of the 2026 Open Cup, were swapped with NPSL expansion side Santa Cruz FC. That team has now forfeit for unknown reasons, making it the second NPSL team in Region I to refuse to take the field.

Gunners qualified after reaching the final of the 2025-26 Massachusetts State Amateur Cup, where the team beat South Coast Union, 4-1.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: Lexington SC open floodgates in club record 9-goal win vs. Flower City Union

Beech St. FC (NH, UPSL)
L:W
SC Vistula Garfield (NJ, APSL)
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ

A third forfeit was confirmed by USASA to TheCup as it was revealed Beech St. FC would not be traveling to face SC Vistula Garfield. No official date was ever given for this game to take place.

Beech St. has not provided TheCup with an official reason for this decision. USASA told TheCup that the team was not able to field a team this early ahead of their season.

The manner in which Beech St. qualified for the tournament is not known at this time. Interestingly, Beech St. only competes in the United Premier Soccer League – which is not part of the United States Adult Soccer Association. However, because New Hampshire does not have an established USASA adult state league, the UPSL team was allowed to enter. Vistula qualified for the amateur cup through a slate of qualifying through the New Jersey Soccer Association.

USASA Region I, Round 2 (Quarterfinal) Matchups

(Away team listed first, games to be played between April 19 to 26)
West Chester United SC (USLPA) vs Club Atlético Los Toros (APL) vs WEST CHESTER UNITED EPA
Leros SC (APSL) vs Vistula Garfield SC (APSL)
Loco Gunners vs Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA) vs Christos FC (APSL)

2026 National Amateur Cup: Primer and regional information

by

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

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

The 102nd edition of the National Amateur Cup has kicked off in the Northeast and Midwest. For the eighth straight tournament, the crown jewel of the United Adult Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) plays a part in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Whichever team is left standing as national champion will automatically qualify for the 2027 US Open Cup.

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

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

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

REGION I (NORTHEAST)

Of the four, the USASA Region I Amateur Cup is the one with the highest competitive caliber. The competition is, for the most part, highly selective in terms of what teams qualify for it. The 16 teams taking part represent eight state soccer associations and the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Five of these state associations sent both their state cup champion and finalist to the tournament, while one sent two teams that qualified through a separate slate of knockout games. These associations are:

  • Eastern New York
  • Eastern Pennsylvania
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association
  • New Jersey

Both Western Pennsylvania and New Hampshire sent one team each, with no stated qualification method listed. The NPSL sent two teams into the tournament, once again with no listed qualification method. All of these teams can be found on our schedule page.

Of the last ten National Amateur Cup champions, six have come from the Northeast – including four which directly qualified for the Open Cup.

This includes defending National Amateur Cup champion West Chester United SC, who are coming off a Round 1 exit in the 2026 US Open Cup last month.

The tournament is set to run between this Sunday, March 22 to June 6, 2026. The format is single elimination knockout, with the bracket of 16 teams split between North and South. The American Premier Soccer League (formerly known as the Eastern Premier Soccer League) is the most represented league in the region with six teams participating. Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are the most represented states in the tournament with each having three teams taking part. The last two teams will play the regional final at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, PA.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Round 1 – March 22-29
  • Quarterfinals – April 19-26th
  • Semifinals – May 10-17
  • Final – Saturday, June 6

A complete Round 1 recap of the tournament can be found here: *LINK When Ready later today*

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

REGION II (MIDWEST)

Registration for the USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, closed on March 8. Teams from the region’s 14 state associations and National Premier Soccer League were eligible to sign up. The region uses open admission, meaning any eligible team may enter the tournament. The format is a single-elimination knockout bracket.

In total, 18 teams representing six state associations are taking part in the tournament. The Midwest Premier Soccer League is the most represented league in the region with seven teams participating. Wisconsin is the most represented state in the tournament with five teams taking part.

Regional began in late March, with each round expected to have a two week window periods set for each round. The final will be hosted by Ft. Wayne Sport Club, which is the same as 1927 SC that is taking part in the tournament, in Fort Wayne, IN.

  • Round 1 – Competition window closes Sunday, April 5, 2026
  • Round 2 – Competition window closes Sunday, April 19, 2026
  • Quarterfinals – Competition window closes Sunday, May 3, 2026
  • Semifinals – Competition window closes Sunday, May 17, 2026
  • Final – Sunday, May 31, 2026

Of the 18 teams taking part, 16 will compete in Round 1 before the winners of those games meet in Round 2. Defending regional champion RWB Adria (IL, MWPL) and regional finalist FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI, NPSL) will enter in the Quarterfinal Round.

Round 1 matchups are as follows;

(Home team listed first)

  • Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL) vs Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
  • Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL) vs 1927 SC (IN, MWPL)
  • Ypsilanti Athletic FC (MI, MUSL) vs Drita Soccer Club (MI, APSL)
  • Monroe United (MI, APSL) vs Livonia City FC (MI, APSL)
  • Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL) vs United Serbian Soccer Club (WI, WSL)
  • Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL) vs RKC Third Coast FC (WI, MWPL)
  • Green Bay Glory (WI, MWPL) vs Camargo FC (MN, MASL)
  • Vlora FC (MN, MASL) vs Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)

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

A full round recap for this round will be published to TheCup.us soon. Please check our schedule page for updated results, game locations, and kickoff times.

2025 National Amateur Cup: Tyler Bagley bags four goals to give RWB Adria Region 2 title

REGION III (SOUTH)

The USASA Region III Amateur Cup is scheduled to take place between Friday May 29 and Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, TN.

No format has been announced at this time. However, Region III typically involves a group stage and single elimination knockout style tournament. In years past, teams have been broken up into groups before playing three games over the course of two days (Friday and Saturday). The top performing teams in these groups advance to a knockout round on Sunday, with either four semifinalists playing two games in one day to determine a champion or only the top teams from each group playing in a final.

Teams that compete in leagues that are part of the following state associations are permitted to enter;

  • Alabama Soccer Association
  • Arkansas Soccer Association
  • Florida Adult Soccer Association
  • Georgia State Soccer Association
  • Louisiana Soccer Association
  • Mississippi Soccer Association
  • North Carolina Adult Soccer Association
  • North Texas Soccer Association
  • Oklahoma Soccer Association
  • South Carolina Soccer Association
  • Tennessee State Soccer Association
  • Texas State Soccer Association South

Teams that compete in the National Premier Soccer League from one of the above states are also permitted to enter.

2025 National Amateur Cup: Well-rested Say Word FC wins Region III title over ASC New Stars

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup is scheduled to take place between Friday June 26 and Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Western Sports Park in Farmington, UT.

The region looks to be using the same format it implemented last year, which is similar to Region III with a group stage and single elimination knockout style tournament.

Teams will likely be broken up into groups before playing three games over the course of two days (Friday and Saturday). The top performing teams in these groups advance to a knockout round on Sunday, with either four semifinalists playing two games in one day to determine a champion or only the top teams from each group playing in a final.

In the meantime, interested teams from the following state associations, and the National Premier Soccer League, may sign up prior to the deadline of Monday, May 25, 2026:

  • Alaska State Soccer Association
  • Arizona State Soccer Association
  • California Soccer Association – North
  • California State Soccer Association – South
  • Colorado Soccer Association
  • Hawaii Soccer Association
  • Idaho State Soccer Association
  • Montana State Soccer Association
  • Nevada Adult Soccer Association
  • New Mexico State Soccer Association
  • Oregon Adult Soccer Association
  • Utah Soccer Association
  • Washington State Adult Soccer Association
  • Wyoming Soccer Association
2025 National Amateur Cup: Sin City FC score late to win USASA Region IV tournament

National Amateur Cup Finals

According to USASA Region II, the 2026 National Amateur Cup Finals will be held in Milwaukee, WI between Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. The exact hosting venue is unknown at this time.

The four regional champions will play a semifinal match on Friday, with the two winners advancing to Saturday’s national championship game. The winner of that will take home the Fitz Marth Amateur Cup, prize money, and automatic qualification to the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

2026 US Open Cup format: FIFA World Cup shrinks 111th tournament

by

Nashville SC celebrate after defeating Austin FC 2-1 to win the 2025 US Open Cup title. Photo: Laura Gallo
Nashville SC celebrate after defeating Austin FC 2-1 to win the 2025 US Open Cup title. Photo: Laura Gallo

US Soccer announced the format for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with some major changes due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the resulting two month break from MLS during said World Cup. Because of that, the competition has been reduced to seven rounds instead of eight rounds as in recent years. As a result of that, the format will only result in 80 teams instead of 96 teams in the 2025 competition, and only 48 professional teams instead of 64.

As announced last January by MLS, only 16 US based MLS teams qualify for the US Open Cup this year, with teams that are not in CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup automatically in, then filling out the rest of the field by Supporters Shield standings, excluding teams in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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 MLS teams will enter in the Third Round (Round of 32), same as in 2025. Also returning from 2025 is that eight MLS teams will be seeded as home teams in the Round of 32, with the remaining eight teams unseeded as away teams. All draws prior to that round and all draws after the Round of 32 will be done in a randomized fashion to determine hosts, if both venues meet tournament standards.

However, as a result of the shorter tournament and smaller field, the USL Championship will also have to trim its field to 17 teams. They will use league standings to select these teams, all of which will be entered in the First Round. Also technically, both Division III leagues (USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro), also used league standings as well to qualify.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "US Open Cup Champions" shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “US Open Cup Champions” shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP

A new rule, although it is unclear if it will be a temporary or permanent change, does not permit “expansion teams” in the US Open Cup. They must have played a league season in 2025 to be in the competition. This will disqualify teams from all three lower division leagues, but it also means that there are only 15 eligible Division III teams in total. So while the goal was to have 16 teams from each division, this meant that the USL Championship (Division II) added a 17th team to the field.

David Applegate, US Soccer’s Director of Competitions, told TheCup.us that “the reduction in professional teams was directly tied to the need for the competition to run seven rounds to fit within the footprint of the professional league schedules while avoiding conflict with the World Cup when both players and some venues will not be available.”

What is permanent is two new rule changes. There is now a “one club-one entry” rule. As far as that goes for the pro leagues, this means that the highest division team from a club must be the one that is entered. Reserve teams will no longer be allowed, but affiliated teams will be accepted as long as they are not owned by the parent club and only have contractual relationship to loan players and other such things.

The other rule change is all numerical roster restrictions have been removed. Any and all eligible, registered players, subject to league roster restrictions and cup tying rules, are allowed to compete in the US Open Cup. One such restriction by in the past is normally loaned player deals must be of 90 days or longer to be eligible. Amateur teams from the qualifying rounds have also had restrictions on the maximum number of players on their team.

“The 80-team format is custom for 2026 based on the World Cup’s impact on venues, player availability and other resources,” said Applegate. “As we’re engaging our stakeholders on the format for 2027, we’ve heard from the leagues, teams and fans across all divisions that they want to be in the US Open Cup – so we’ll be starting from a place that accommodates expanded participation.

The schedule for the 2026 US Open Cup avoids all dates of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and will be down to the semifinalists by late May, before finally resuming with the final matches in September. The final will be Oct. 21.

2026 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SCHEDULE

First Round: Tuesday, March 17 – Thursday, March 19

Second Round: Tuesday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 1

Round of 32: Tuesday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 15

Round of 16: Tuesday, April 28 – Wednesday, April 29

Quarterfinals: Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20

Semifinals: Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Wednesday, Sept. 16

Final: Wednesday, October 21

The full list of teams can be found below, along with the qualifying criteria. This will be the second year in a row that the defending champion will not be allowed to defend the title, as the champion is entered in the Concacaf Champions Cup and is thus excluded from the field.

Division I – 16 Teams entering in the Round of 32

Major League Soccer

Qualifying Criteria:

  • Teams participating in Concacaf Champions Cup are excluded from the Open Cup
  • Teams not participating in the 2026 Leagues Cup qualify for the Open Cup, ranked based on 2025 Supporters Shield Standings. The top four teams from this list from each conference will be seeded as home teams.
  • The next best teams in the Supporters’ Shield Standings that are not in the Concacaf Champions Cup will enter the Open Cup.

Atlanta United FC
Austin FC
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew
D.C. United
Houston Dynamo FC
Minnesota United FC
New England Revolution
New York City FC
Orlando City SC
Red Bull New York
San Jose Earthquakes
St. Louis CITY SC
Sporting Kansas City

Division II – 17 teams entering in First Round

USL Championship

Qualifying Criteria:

  • 2025 League Standings will be used to determine Open Cup qualifiers.
  • Positions allocated evenly between East & West Conferences based on conference standing, with total points serving as a tiebreaker in the case of an odd number of teams.

Charleston Battery
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Detroit City FC
El Paso Locomotive FC
FC Tulsa
Hartford Athletic
Indy Eleven
Lexington SC
Loudoun United FC
Louisville City FC
New Mexico United
Orange County SC
Phoenix Rising FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Rhode Island FC
Sacramento Republic FC
San Antonio FC

Division III – 15 teams entering in the First Round

MLS NEXT Pro

Note: Players from 15 MLS NEXT Pro teams affiliated with Division I entrants may appear in the competition for their MLS Division I affiliate in the Round of 32 (subject to competition roster regulations).

  • MLS NEXT Pro teams that are part of a club that plays in Division I Major League Soccer are not eligible based on the one club, one entry principle.
  • Because fewer than 16 teams participating in 2026 Division III leagues have results in the 2025 League Standings, both returning, eligible teams will qualify.

Carolina Core FC
Chattanooga FC

USL League One

Qualifying Criteria:

Because fewer than 16 teams participating in 2026 Divison III leagues have results in the 2025 League Standings, all 13 returning teams otherwise eligible teams from the 2025 season will qualify.

AV ALTA FC
Charlotte Independence
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
FC Naples
Forward Madison FC
Greenville Triumph SC
One Knoxville SC
Portland Hearts of Pine
Richmond Kickers
South Georgia Tormenta FC
Spokane Velocity FC
Union Omaha
Westchester SC

Open Division/Amateur – 32 teams entering in the First Round

Qualifying Criteria:

  • Half of the Open Division slots have been allocated to teams advancing from the Qualifying Rounds played in Fall 2025.
  • Half of the Open Division slots have been filled with teams awarded byes into the First Round based on strong performance in 2025 competitions.

2026 Qualifying Rounds Participants (16)

ASC New Stars (Houston, Texas; Houston Football Association)
Azteca FC (Denver, Colo.; Colorado Premier League)
Badgers FC (Boynton Beach, Fla.; UPSL)
BOHFS St. Louis (Saint Louis, Mo.; Midwest Premier League)
CD Faialense (Winthrop, Mass.; Bay State Soccer League)
FC America CFL Spurs (Orlando, Fla.; UPSL)
Kalonji Pro-Profile (Dacula, Ga.; UPSL)
Laguna United FC (Laguna Niguel, Calif.; UPSL)
NY Renegades FC (Jericho, N.Y.; UPSL)
Red Force FC (Miami, Fla.; Premier Futbol League)
San Ramon FC (San Ramon, Calif.; The League for Clubs)
SC Vistula Garfield (Garfield, N.J.; APSL)
Southern Indiana FC (Corydon, Ind.; UPSL)
Steel City FC (Pittsburgh, Pa.; USL League Two)
Valley 559 FC (Fresno, Calif.; UPSL)
Virginia Dream FC (Arlington, Va.; UPSL)

Earned Byes to First Round via League/Competition Play (16)

Asheville City SC (Asheville, N.C.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Des Moines Menace (Des Moines, Iowa) – USL League Two Qualifier
El Farolito (NPSL – San Francisco, Calif.) – 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner
FC Motown (Morristown, N.J.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Flint City Bucks (Flint, Mich.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Flower City Union (Rochester, N.Y.) – NPSL Qualifier
Hickory FC (Hickory, N.C.) – NPSL Qualifier
Laredo Heat SC (Laredo, Texas) – USL League Two Qualifier
Little Rock Rangers (Little Rock, Ark.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Michigan Rangers (Hudsonville, Mich.) – NPSL Qualifier
Northern Virginia FC (Leesburg, Va.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Ristozi FC (Baltimore, Md.) – NPSL Qualifier
Tennessee Tempo FC (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) – UPSL Spring Champion
Ventura County Fusion (Ventura, Calif.) – USL League Two Qualifier
Vermont Green FC (Burlington, Vt.) – USL League Two Qualifier
West Chester United SC (West Chester, Pa.; USL of Pa.) – 2025 USASA National Amateur Cup Champion
 

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Stoppage time goals send NY Renegades past Zum Schneider, back to USOC

by

NY Renegades celebrate after defeating Zum Schneider FC 4-2 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: NY Renegades
NY Renegades celebrate after defeating Zum Schneider FC 4-2 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: NY Renegades

The New York Renegades defeated Zum Schneider 4-2 on Sunday night to clinch the club’s second straight US Open Cup berth. The Renegades were heavily favored, but both sides contested well: trading goals, well-timed shots, and hard tackles throughout the 90 minutes. 

After the match, New York Renegades founder and manager Boris Linares credited his team for their hard work throughout the tournament. 

“Any team can give you a battle, and everybody comes at us hard. Everybody plays a hell of a game,” Linares said. “They didn’t come to roll over … and I expect my players to know that, but they responded.” 

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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

Renegades drew first blood with an excellent goal from Junior Rosero. A long ball from the halfway line bounced once in front of Rosero, who had a defender challenging him for the ball and his back to goal. Rosero used his skill, touch — and some yoga moves — to spin his defender and toe-poke the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. 

The goal was a step in the right direction for the Renegades, but their lead wouldn’t last long.

Moments later, Tomas de Andrade Gomes was left unmarked at the back post and was able to slide in and redirect a cross into the net. The response was swift, the slide was stylish, and the equalizer signaled it was game on.

While the referee didn’t have a significant influence on the match, he did make a few important calls. Several crunching tackles and late challenges lead to yellow cards. 

The most controversial of the first half came in the 31st minute as Zum Schneider’s Jason Budhai received the ball on the right at the top of the box. He executed some swift step-overs before coming into contact with the Renegades’ Cristian Garcia. Despite the foul and goal-scoring opportunity, Garcia did not receive a yellow card, which would have been his second. The referee was consistent in calling fouls and issuing cards, but the nature of the match changed nearly instantly.

The second half mirrored the first with the same sense of battle, grit, and now, urgency with the match tied at 1-1. 

Graphic: Frank Lanham

The Renegades once again took the lead early in the half as a cross from the right was smashed home by an unmarked Samuel Caceres to make it 2-1. 

Gomes would answer after he found himself in space and saw his shot deflected. Still, a poor clearance set up a perfect volley for Gomes, who once again equalized at 2-2. Fans of Zum Schneider in attendance exploded with flags and songs in support. 

When all signs pointed to extra time, the Renegades found the breakthrough. They scored not one, but two late goals to ensure they would move on to the 2026 US Open Cup. 

The first came from Eric Turcios, who got a touch on a low cross from Garcia. Turcios had been out injured, didn’t start the match, but had the crucial touch that sealed the win. Turcios is making a name for himself in scoring dramatic late winners, as he had also scored a late winner against the NY Braveheart to send the Renegades to the UPSL National Finals.

Zum Schneider had four minutes to find some Open Cup magic. They made quick substitutions and did their best to get into an attacking position. It was clear that going for the equalizer would leave them exposed, as Sebastian Ruiz got free on the left and hit the post. 

Zum Schneider’s tired legs and broken hearts were starting to show as Ruiz once again got free in a similar area and this time did not miss the far corner. He left the goalkeeper rooted to his spot, Zum Schneider’s dreams dashed, and sent his team into pandemonium with the final score to make it 4-2.

 

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: San Ramon FC earns first USOC berth after foggy win vs. Olympic Club

by

San Ramon FC celebrates after defeating The Olympic Club 2-1 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: TJ Valenton
San Ramon FC celebrates after defeating The Olympic Club 2-1 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: TJ Valenton

The fog was thick, and so was the tension in the stands as San Ramon FC narrowly emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Olympic Club to punch its ticket to the 2026 US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

Olympic looked threatening from set pieces throughout the match, but it was the goal in the fifth minute that showed just how dangerous they could be. 

A wide free kick found the head of Andrew Ellis, who knocked it down for Kaya Fabbretti. Fabbretti took full advantage of his opportunity and finished with a half volley at close range, giving his side the early lead.

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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

An external factor that ended up having a big effect on this match was the rampant fog. Those among the crowd complained often about not being able to see the play happening on the far side of the field. In no moment was the fog more impactful than in the 22nd minute, when SRFC midfielder Roberto Gonzalez took advantage of the limited visibility and blasted his free-kick straight into the center of the goal. The Olympic keeper strafed to his right as the kick was taken, then watched as the ball went in where he had just been standing.

When asked about whether or not the heavy fog was a factor for his team, SRFC Head Coach Bejam Esmaili said it was.

“Because the way we play, we like to keep the ball, we like to switch play, we like to go to the other side,” Esmaili said. “When you can’t see the other side and you don’t know you have a player available … it’s an effect.”

Graphic by Frank Lanham

Just before halftime, Olympic Club demonstrated its set-piece prowess yet again with a free kick from Daniel Kirkland, once more making its way to Ellis in the box, but it was not to be, and the score remained 1-1.

Though SRFC played a possession-oriented game, Olympic Club proved to be a very formidable counter to its style of play. The midfield pairing of captain Stefan Clemmens and Kirkland, who exhibited a powerful combination of experience and physicality, was complemented by winger Kaya Fabbretti, who offered blistering pace in counterattacks.

San Ramon FC and The Olympic Club line up for pre-game introductions ahead of a final round match in the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Abram Heredia
San Ramon FC and The Olympic Club line up for pre-game introductions ahead of a final round match in the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Abram Heredia

Once the fog began to clear, SRFC started to find rhythm. 

In the 58th minute, 19-year-old Carver Jensen latched onto a poor clearance from the defender and drove at the off-balance defence. Jensen sized up his man before cutting in sharply from the left and expertly placing the ball into the far bottom corner. A composed finish from Jensen — despite being the youngest player on the pitch — to score what would ultimately be the winning goal. Jensen continues his streak of getting at least one goal contribution in his last three US Open Cup appearances.

Fog or not, what is clear is that as a result of this match, San Ramon FC qualifies for the US Open Cup for the first time. 

On this accomplishment, Esmaili beamed.

“I’m so proud of them, the boys. They worked so hard all year,” he said. “They’re such great people. I am just beyond happy for them and so proud of them.”

 

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Red Force FC to make 5th trip to USOC after win over City Soccer

by

Red Force FC celebrates after beating City Soccer FC 4-1 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Red Force FC
Red Force FC celebrates after beating City Soccer FC 4-1 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Red Force FC

On a warm Sunday night at Kendall Soccer Park, with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line, Red Force and City Soccer delivered a fierce, emotional, high-stakes showdown that lived up to every expectation of a “win-and-you’re-in” battle. From the opening whistle it was clear both sides understood exactly what was at stake: survive, advance, and write their names into the most iconic tournament in American soccer.

City Soccer burst out of the gates with energy and ambition, carving out two clear scoring opportunities in the opening minutes that immediately put Red Force on the defensive. The pace was intense, the touches sharp, and Red Force needed a few minutes to settle into the rhythm of the match. 

It was City Soccer who struck first, capitalizing on their aggressive start. A dangerous attack down the flank eventually found its way to Auner Escobar, who made no mistake in front of goal to give City Soccer a 1–0 lead. It was a deserved advantage based on the early flow of the game.

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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

Red Force, however, are no strangers to pressure. Their response was almost instantaneous. A beautifully constructed attacking sequence ended with Santiago Fajardo launching himself into a full-stretch diving effort, only to be denied by an excellent reaction save from the City Soccer goalkeeper. That moment served as a turning point—Red Force settled in, found their confidence, and began imposing their game.

The match quickly grew chippy, as expected from two clubs fighting for a life-changing opportunity. Hard tackles, heated confrontations, and rising tension became part of the narrative as both teams refused to back down.

Red Force found their breakthrough midway through the first half with one of the most polished plays of the night. A sharp give-and-go sliced open the City Soccer defense before the ball was whipped across to the far post, where Stiven Salinas arrived perfectly to tap it in and level the score at 1–1. It was a brilliantly executed goal—simple, quick, and lethal.

Despite City Soccer controlling large stretches of possession in the first half, it was Red Force who carried the momentum into the halftime break. Their confidence grew with every pass, every duel, every transition. At 1–1, it felt like the match was tipping in their favor.

That feeling proved accurate almost immediately after the restart. Red Force came out flying, creating danger with every attack. They had a goal from Santi Fajardo called back for offside—a decision that brought heated protests—and followed it up with two more chances that sailed just wide of the City Soccer net. The warning signs were bright and blinking.

Then came the explosion.

In the 62nd minute, John John Díaz stepped up from distance and unleashed an absolute missile from outside the box that bent away from the goalkeeper and crashed into the back of the net. Four minutes later, in the 66th, Díaz did it again—another long-range strike, another moment of brilliance, another dagger to City Soccer’s hopes. His quick brace flipped the game on its head and showcased exactly why Red Force remain one of the most respected amateur sides in South Florida.

Graphic: Frank Lanham

But the match wasn’t without controversy. In the 72nd minute, Santiago Fajardo—who had been a constant threat all night—was shown a second yellow and then a red card after a heated tackle near midfield. The decision sparked outrage on the Red Force sideline, and tensions reached a boiling point as City Soccer pushed desperately to take advantage of the extra man.

Even with 10 men, Red Force refused to sit back. Their shape tightened, their defensive lines held strong, and City Soccer struggled to generate meaningful danger in the final third. Red Force played with grit, unity, and a deep understanding of game management—hallmarks of their identity.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, with City Soccer throwing numbers forward, Red Force delivered the knockout punch. In 90+4, David Ochoa found himself with a pocket of space just outside the area and ripped a stunning shot that flew past the City Soccer keeper to make it 4–1. It was the exclamation point on a statement performance—one that left no doubt about which club rules the amateur scene in Kendall.

When the final whistle blew, Red Force stood tall, victorious, and deservedly on their way to the U.S. Open Cup. City Soccer fought bravely and showed quality early, but once Red Force found their rhythm, the difference in experience, composure, and firepower became undeniable.

On this Sunday night in Kendall, Red Force didn’t just win a match—they delivered a message.

After the match, Red Force captain Steven Seballos summed up the moment with pride:

“I’m proud of the work this team and coaching staff has put in to get back into the U.S. Open Cup. We had to win some tough games to get to this point, but it feels good to be back in the most historic soccer tournament in the United States.”

And now, they march on to the biggest stage American soccer has to offer.

 

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: FC America CFL Spurs get revenge on Harbor City, return to USOC

by

FC America CFL Spurs celebrate after defeating Harbor City FC 5-4 in a PK shootout (after a 1-1 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Thomas Dupree
FC America CFL Spurs celebrate after defeating Harbor City FC 5-4 in a PK shootout (after a 1-1 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Thomas Dupree

FC America CFL Spurs advanced into the US Open Cup, qualifying Saturday after defeating Harbor City FC in a penalty shootout, edging the hosts 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout after finishing in a 1-1 draw at the end of 120 tense, physical minutes. The game was marked by heavy challenges, shifting momentum and an electric atmosphere.

In penalties, Harbor City’s only miss — a crossbar strike from second shooter, Osaro Osayamon — proved decisive. FC America converted all four of its attempts to clinch the victory and avenge last year’s qualifying loss to the same opponent.

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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

““The boys have worked really hard this year,” America head coach Luiz Dantas said. “We are undefeated so far in the UPSL, but this was the moment we all wanted badly. 

“They conducted themselves in a very serious and professional manner in training every day, and it feels great for that to pay off by getting past the hurdle we stumbled on last year. The whole team really wanted this win and I’m full of joy and pride that we made it happen.”

A 4:30 kickoff time for a soccer match in central Florida can be dicey. However, the weather was as close to perfect as you can expect as Harbor City supporters made themselves known through waving flags and raised voices, while the America supporter’s section boasted a vuvuzela could be heard far and wide.

From the starting whistle that familiarity made itself known in the form of crunching tackles and the slapping sound of two bodies meeting at full speed.

Officiating through the first half was especially the embodiment of “letting them play,” and the first 25 minutes were a frenetic up and down game; with the battle in the midfield being the center of action. 

Harbor City did not wait long for the opening goal as a perfectly placed long ball from Forrest Ferget bounced from outside the 18-yard box to catch the FC America goalkeeper Hector Berrio Velandia in no-man’s land. 

The indecision was all that Andrew Bennett needed to crash the box, win the 50/50 ball and bury it in the back of the net to make it 1-0. It was a play in keeping with the rest of the game that produced a loud slap that could be heard across the grounds as the two players collided.

The next 20 minutes was a midfield grudge match, with whole bodies being used to throw blows. In that maelstrom Akeem Flemmings used a direct boot to the gut to light a fire in his belly, driving the ball forward from his center back position into the Harbor City half. 

With a pass to a teammate, he immediately crashed the box to find himself in perfect position to head the ball into the top left corner to even the match at 1-1 before the half.

The second half was a back and forth stalemate with both teams creating chances and both teams putting in a solid half of defensive work to keep things level, as the clock approached the full 90, fatigue made its influence known in the form of strong tackles from the first half turning reckless. The yellow card made its appearance towards both clubs as and the full allotment of subs were used. Meeting that full 90 all even at one goal apiece they marched into extra time with corners and set pieces coming to dominance. Each side had good scoring opportunities; however, none were completed as each side limped into penalties instead.

 

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Kalonji Pro-Profile clinch first USOC spot aided by stunning GK save

by

Kalonji Pro-Profile celebrates after defeating Potros FC 1-0 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Kalonji Pro-Profile
Kalonji Pro-Profile celebrates after defeating Potros FC 1-0 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Kalonji Pro-Profile

A couple hundred fans packed into Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga. playing salsa music, banging bleachers, and showing home support for first time Open Cup qualifying Kalonji Pro-Profile in a 1-0 win over UPSL rivals Potros FC. 

After 11 chaotic opening minutes, with possession mostly controlled by Potros, Kalonji had the game’s first scoring opportunity. Former Atlanta United 2 standout Karim Tmimi played a low ball from the left wing straight to an open Thierry Joules in the box, but Cameron Verona came up huge in goal for Potros with a kick-save to stop the effort from point-blank range.

In the 17th minute, Kalonji’s Owanja Medard ran centrally from the right wing, controlled the through ball with his chest, and was running towards goal before a light shove from a Potros defender sent him into the turf. It was a tough decision to make, but the referee did not give a penalty. 

*Join our Patreon team!
* 2025 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2025 USOC Stat Leaders
* 2025 Player of Round winners
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 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

Thirteen minutes later, Potros had their first big chance on goal. A cross into the box from the left side found the head of Nazario Mbomio, but he headed it just wide of the right post. 

The away side’s biggest chance would shortly follow in the 33rd minute when a cross from the left by Pedro Valenzuela fell towards Sebi Morrello. While moving and facing away from goal, Morrello flicked the ball with his back heel towards the top left corner. Goalkeeper Ashon Maynard of Kalonji dove rapidly to his right and made a ridiculous save, pushing the ball with one hand onto the crossbar.

“That’s a youngster. That’s a 2007”, said Pro-Profile Head Coach Bruno Kalonji, “an amazing keeper, as you can see.”

With just 5 minutes to go in the first half, Potros’ Benjamin Uranga picked up a yellow card. The ensuing free kick dipped considerably late into the 6 yard box, causing Uranga to head the ball backwards as he attempted to clear the danger. Cameron Verona was there to save the day again in goal just like the previous round, jumping up to push the ball over the crossbar. Verona and his backline would see off the remaining danger to keep things level at halftime.

Nine minutes into the second half, Kalonji won a corner and rocketed a shot back towards goal from 30 yards out. It was blocked by Potros, and then the ref confidently pointed to the spot for a handball! From the stands and on replay, it was impossible to tell how correct the decision was with the pace on the shot, but the home side would not miss out on their chance to take the lead. Left back Grant Carr would step up and slot the ball home in the bottom right corner, and young Kalonji fans would invade the pitch to celebrate. 

“We have a lot of experience on the field in the mix with the younger guys, you know, so we knew that we were going to score a goal eventually”, said Coach Kalonji. “Whether the PK, whether a regular goal, we knew we were going to score, so the tactics were to defend, defend, defend, to hold the game.”

Graphic: Frank Lanham

And defend they did. Potros could not come close to replicating their ball movement and chance creation from the first half, and they could not play as well late as they did the round before against Atletico Buford. Kalonji Pro-Profile held onto the 1-0 lead for the remaining 38 minutes and earned their first ever Open Cup qualification in club history. 

 

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development