US Open Cup Qualifying

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

November 25, 2025 by 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.

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““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.

#USOC2026 QR4: @CFLSPURS 0:1 Harbor City FC

Video of Harbor City's 6' goal by Andrew Bennett. Credit: Veter Sports pic.twitter.com/juvSJr6HRP
— TheCup.us (US Open Cup news/history) (@usopencup) November 23, 2025

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.

#USOC2026 QR4: FC America CFL Spurs 1:1 Harbor City FC
FC America equalize in the 17’ with a header by Akeem Flemmings in the box after he initiated the attack up the field. || LIVESTREAM (YouTube): https://t.co/74bvADGEKp pic.twitter.com/NCyMQAhY8Q
— TheCup.us (US Open Cup news/history) (@usopencup) November 23, 2025

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 penalty kick that sent them to the tourney! Video credit: Veter Sports. pic.twitter.com/ndUNLv74To
— TheCup.us (US Open Cup news/history) (@usopencup) November 24, 2025

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

November 25, 2025 by Calum Ewing

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.

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.

pic.twitter.com/CjFrhTyUtU
— TheCup.us (US Open Cup news/history) (@usopencup) November 24, 2025

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.”

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.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Castin hat trick delivers Florida Badgers OT win, first USOC berth

November 25, 2025 by Andrew Torres-Blanco

The Florida Badgers celebrate after defeating Miami United FC 5-3 in extra time in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Florida Badgers

For the first time in their history after only being inaugurated this past season, Florida Badgers FC clinched qualification to the U.S. Lamar Hunt Open Cup in dramatic fashion. Defeating favorites Miami United FC 5-3 in the closing minutes of extra time during a goal-filled evening at Lauderhill Park. “Johnny” Castide turned into the hero bagging a tremendous hatrick full of wonder, skill, and a little luck. The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish as many travelling supporters of the Badgers were fervently cheering on the team.

The game began quite physically as both teams searched to control the tempo of the game. Miami United quickly opened the scoring thanks to their forward man Alejo Fernandez. Whose towering header left Badger centerbacks helpless after a magisterial cross from Miami full back Josduar Serrano who found enough open space to whip in a cross to Fernandez gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute.

Despite the early lead, FC Badger’s dominated throughout the first half as their high line pressure barely left Miami any breathing room to retain possession for long periods of time. The high line pressure proved too effective as captain and star of “El Equipo Del Pueblo”, Robertino Insua was barely able to have any influence over the game during the first half.

Florida Badgers forwards Dave Junior Altidore and Schimiliguen “Johnny” Castin were consistently deadly on the counters leaving Miami defenders dazed constantly. The debutant side would be rewarded for their efforts in the 24th minute. After an unusual Robertino Insua dispossession in midfield led to forward Roodolf Jean silking a fine through ball after excellent movement in between three defenders finding Altidore who made no mistake in slotting home past the keeper to tie up the game for his second goal of the campaign.

For the rest of the half, the game continued in similar fashion as the Badgers pushed to grab the lead failing to capitalize on a few chances. The Badgers could have gone into halftime with a lead when Altidore was left one on one against the keeper after a miscommunication in Miami’s defense, but keeper Nicolas Rivera was quick to react against the forward, parrying the ball at point blank speed.

The second half began the same way as the first half with the Badgers still pushing for a lead. Their efforts would pay off once again. Electric full back Don Dave sent in a cross that was headed away from Miami Defenders only for Castin to pounce quickly and skilfully dummied past his marker and scored past Rivera in the 65th minute. Leaving the Miami bench stunned as their run for the first time in four consecutive years in qualification, looked to be coming to an early end and missing out on a major tournament.

While the Badgers continued to be dangerous in possession, Miami always looked like they were ready to ride the initial storm and be ready to capitalize on any mistakes the Badgers might make. Emotions were high, every ball was fought to the end and Miami embraced this role. Coach Jerome Joseph of the Badgers continued to shout orders to his players to keep calm and not let emotions rise.

Despite this, in the 77th minute Miami showed why you can never count them out early, Serrano tried whipping a cross in similar fashion he did for their first goal but instead was met by a hand ball by a Badger defender, where the referee made no mistake in ruling a penalty in favor of United. Captain Robertino Insua stepped up to the occasion after a quiet night, calmly slotting home the penalty down the bottom left corner that tied the game up 2-2.

From then on the Badgers lost all momentum, the penalty clearly affected the players as Miami United who are experienced in these moments know when to deliver even in difficult situations.

The pendulum shifted and Miami had control for the remaining 15 minutes, Insua tried doing a cheeky tiki taka with substitute Teo Candido who had his shot saved at the near post by Barhemly Marc who was solid throughout the whole night behind goal.

As the game continued to get physical and Miami looked ever-growing, the referee blew the whistle for full time. Once again Miami United would have to go into extra time in qualification.

Miami would not have to wait long, as only two minutes into the first half of extra time center back Peterson Revange skilfully dispossessed Castin and sent a high ball to winger Sony Norde on the counter attack that cut in. Norde sent a diagonal pass to substitute Teo Candido who cut in as well and sent a rocket flying into the top right corner leaving Badgers keeper Marc helpless giving Miami a 3-2 lead. At this point, the Badgers looked battered as their momentum kept crashing and the team struggled to be potent on the offensive.

They needed a hero of individual brilliance and that is exactly what they got from Castin.

Minutes later an inspired Castin sent in a low cross after Miami defenders struggled to contain him in the penalty box. Despite initially looking as if the danger was averted, the rebound was left to fullback Don Dave who answered with another volley of his own past Rivera that tied the game 3-3.

While it seemed like everything was pointing to a penalty shootout an inspired Castin and co wanted to finish this in normal time. In the final five minutes Castin had an individual skill of brilliance by sending a deflected chip past Rivera and three Miami defenders to make it 4-3.

Seconds later he converted another penalty after a foul committed by Insua who had a night to forget and was sent off. Castin had his penalty initially saved by Rivera but was able to get the rebound completing a heroic hat trick for his team, ending the game 5-3. In a game where it could have gone any way for either team Castin was just unstoppable and proved to be the decider in the end.

As the Referee blew the final whistle crowds in support of the Badgers, which consisted of friends and families, rejoiced and jumped on the field to celebrate with the players as did the coaches and staff as they sang and chanted gleefully on a historic night.

Following the match, Castin gave his thoughts and aspirations for the Florida Badgers going forward following their qualification into the tournament, “We want to make it as far as we can, work hard, it’s all about working hard, but also, you we know we don’t only play soccer, we are also working, so we at least see the Haitian community trying to do something, we are just expecting to make it as far as we can.”

The Florida Badgers set their sights on the US Open Cup 2026 as they look back on a memorable year while Miami United are bowing out early for the first time in four years from qualification. An incredible story of resilience against all odds and most of all an early upset in the tournament.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Emiland Elezaj leads SC Vistula Garfield to first USOC berth since 1970s

November 25, 2025 by Matt Ralph

SC Vistula Garfield celebrates after defeating Oaklyn United 2-1 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | Philadelphia Soccer Now

A standout goalkeeping performance, a first-half brace and the grit and determination of a player born in the early ‘80s propelled SC Vistula Garfield to their first U.S. Open Cup berth in the modern era after a 2-1 win over Oaklyn United Sunday night at Rowan University.

Oaklyn United, coming off a convincing 3-1 win over Vereinigung Erzgebirge on the same field three weeks earlier, appeared to be firing on all cylinders again early in the first half, creating multiple good looks on goal but SC Vistula Garfield goalkeeper Aldo Munoz was there several times to deny those chances. The 22-year-old had three key saves in the earlier stages of the match to keep it scoreless.

“He definitely kept us in the game,” head coach Sebastian Rojas said of Munoz. “He was definitely the player of the match for me.”

Chances the other way were fewer and far between, but danger man Emiland Elezaj reversed fortunes in a four-minute span in the latter stages of the half with a pair of goals. The first came when he dribbled his way into the left side of the box and drew a foul. He converted with a cheeky panenka from the spot to make it 1-0 and then minutes later was back pushing the ball into the final third.

This time instead of dribbling it into the box he backheeled a pass to an overlapping Nikolce Iloski to his left. After the cross was initially intercepted by a defender, the former Red Bull Academy player won the ball back and curled it toward the back post past an outstretched Matt Perrella.

“I saw where the keeper was and where I was and I knew there was only one place it needed to go,” Elezaj said. “So I sent it toward the far post.”

Players from SC Vistula Garfield celebrate after scoring a goal against Oaklyn United in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | Philadelphia Soccer Now

Elezaj is no stranger to scoring big goals in U.S. Open Cup qualifying. He had four in qualifying for NJ Alliance FC last year and had the opener in their “win and in” game, which ended up going Alliance’s way in penalty kicks after Elezaj was forced out of the game with an injury.

“I was here in this same position last year and I’m just glad to be part of it again and for these guys to get to experience it,” Elezaj said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Oaklyn United had plenty of time down 2-0 to find their way back and like they did in spurts throughout the night were pouring on the pressure. Whether it was Munoz there to deny them on the doorstep or a promising attack ending in an offside flag or a shot wide of the mark, the goal just didn’t seem to be in the cards until there was precious little time left.

It came in stoppage time when Samuel Quaye was taken down on a run into the box. Jade Mesias converted from the spot past Munoz, who got a hand to the attempt but couldn’t keep it out.

Players from SC Vistula Garfield (right) and Oaklyn United battle for the ball in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Matt Ralph | Philadelphia Soccer Now

The mad dash to try and add a second would produce one more moment for Jason Mancuso. It came off a pass into the box by Mesias but Mancuso’s shot from the left side of the box went agonizingly wide of the far post. Mancuso sank to his knees on the turf with his head in his hands knowing how close he, and his team, had come all night to history.

“I think we were the better team through 90 minutes but just couldn’t finish it,” said Oaklyn United player-coach Matt Perrella, who had a save in the first half but wasn’t really tested in goal after halftime. “We haven’t expected to consistently win in a while, and the fact that we expected to win and we’re disappointed by it is a good thing as a club.”

On the flipside of the shock felt by the hosts was the elation of the winners, a fellow American Premier Soccer League Club that lifted the “qualified” banner like it was a trophy after posing for a team photo. The New Jersey club dates back to 1952 but last competed in the U.S. Open Cup in the 1970s and has the added feather in their cap of making it through the gauntlet of qualifying.

In the middle of the celebration scenes was veteran Christopher Karcz, one of several players on the team with deep roots in the club. Karcz’s father played for SC Vistula and his daughter is currently playing at the youth level with the club, something he did as a kid. Karcz went on to debut for the men’s team prior to a successful career at Rutgers and stint with the New York Red Bulls.

The APSL’s golden boot winner last season, the 42-year-old can add qualifying for the US Open Cup to his impressive career resume.

“It’s my hometown team so it’s like fighting for the village,” Karcz said. “I love playing for this team and I hope to do so for as many years as my body lets me.”

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: ASC New Stars win PK shootout to end 14-year USOC drought

November 25, 2025 by Adam Uthe

ASC New Stars celebrate after defeating Denton Diablos 4-3 in a PK shootout (after a 0-0 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: ASC New Stars

For the fourth time in club history – and the first time since 2012 – Houston’s ASC New Stars are headed to the US Open Cup. The visiting side overcame an extra time red card from defender Eric Robertson (his second yellow of the match) and a furious attack from hosts Denton Diablos to force penalty kicks, where they advanced 4-3 behind two massive saves from goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias.

From the opening kick, it looked as if Denton Diablos were destined to advance. Their initial pressure forced three corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the match. Striker Jay Lee – who scored two goals on two separate occasions in the earlier rounds of qualifying – stretched ASC’s backline throughout the first half, but the visitors managed to bend without breaking. Denton’s sustained pressure began to wane towards the end of the first half and the New Stars’ confidence grew as they began to find the gaps in transition. Neither side, however, broke the deadlock.

Both sides picked up where they left off coming out of halftime; Denton kept up its attack and New Stars exploited the space in behind in transition. The Diablos looked to have finally broken the dam in 77th minute, but a brilliant diving header off a free kick from Eric Robertson’s first yellow card was ruled offside. Lee’s finishing touch seemingly had abandoned him; a 90th minute header sailed just over the bar and extra time would be required.

ASC New Stars head coach Tom Khalili admitted his side were losing the fitness battle late in the game as extra time came into play. And in the 113th minute, Eric Robertson’s second yellow card of the night looked as if it might be a fatal blow to the Houston side’s resistance. But the New Stars managed to hang on and force a shootout.

Each side converted their first three chances before ASC’s goalkeeper Emmanual Frias – who has featured previously in the Open Cup with NTX Rayados – came up with not one, but two saves that proved to be decisive; New Stars’ proved too much for Denton to overcome. Camilo Botero Fonseca converted the winning spot kick for the visitors.

“Oh, it was an awesome game. Anybody could have won it.” Khalili mused afterwards “ are a good, legitimate team…but we wanted to get there, and the guys showed passion. And when it goes to penalty kicks, it’s anybody’s game.”

He felt so strongly in his team’s overall performance, he couldn’t bring himself to single out any individual players.

“I honestly cannot pick one out. It would be unfair to all the other players. So I think I would just take my hat off to all my players. I love them all.”

ASC New Stars now await their fate in the 2026 Open Cup draw.

Penalty Kick Shootout Summary

Diego Herrera, ASC: GOAL
Eric Gomez Silva, Denton: GOAL
Ivan Andre Luquetta, ASC: GOAL
Jay Lee, Denton: GOAL
Hani Husain Ahmad, ASC: GOAL
Mason Moyers, Denton: GOAL
Quayyum Akorede Murana, ASC: SAVED
Matthew Albury, Denton: SAVED
Camilo Botero Fonseca, ASC: GOAL
Arnold Onyango, Denton: SAVED

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: BOHFS St. Louis makes history with thrilling win over Chicago House

November 25, 2025 by Tim Thomas

BOHFS St. Louis celebrates after defeating Chicago House 3-2 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: BOHFS St. Louis

A new chapter was written in the St. Louis vs Chicago rivalry Sunday at St. Mary’s High School on the city’s south side. In front of a raucous crowd that featured a strong contingent of Chicago traveling fans, BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL) won a 3-2 thriller over Chicago House (MWPL) in a 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifier.

With the win, BOHFS St. Louis becomes the first amateur team from the Gateway City to qualify for the Open Cup in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present).

BOHFS scored in the 31^st minute and seemed to be cruising for the first half. Until a 40^th minute goal by Chicago House drew the game even. BOHFS wasted no time responding and quickly followed with a 42^nd minute goal.

A 54^th minute goal by Elliot Goodwin seemingly had the game sealed for St. Louis. Chicago would not be quieted as a stoppage time goal by Ricardo Avalos filled the waning minutes with tension. In the end, Goodwin’s goal would stand as the winner.

“Credit to everybody that wore a white shirt today. Everybody put 100% in and those are the results you can get when you work hard,” Goodwin said.

Despite both teams playing in the Midwest Premier League, they have never faced each other. St. Louis plays in the Gateway Conference South Division and Chicago plays in the Heartland Conference Division 1. Chicago House has an Open Cup pedigree, having qualified for the tournament twice, whereas BOHFS is in its inaugural season.

“We really didn’t know what to expect,” Goodwin said, “we knew they were going to be good, we knew they were going to be organized.”

BOHFS came out on the front foot with physical play keeping the ball in the House end early. In the 20^th minute, House strung together a pair of solid chances off corner kicks, which swung the momentum in their favor. From the early moments, this Open Cup Amateur Qualifying game had all the atmosphere of a championship.

“It was a little chippy,” BOHFS Founder/Coach Alen Bradaric said. “It was like a final. So, you expect all of that stuff. Lots of talking from the benches.”

Then, against the run of play, Michael Utley muscled the ball off a House defender in the Chicago third. Utley pushed by and drove home the opening goal.

BOHFS kept the pressure on House searching for a second goal. With BOHFS pushing numbers forward, they were caught off guard by a smooth House counterattack.

As House players moved forward, two BOHFS players ran into each other and a BOHFS defender slipped in the box, clearing the way for Avalos to score in the 40^th minute.

The draw wouldn’t last long. A mere two minutes later BOHFS was given a free kick. The ball was struck well towards the far corner of the House net. There it found the foot of Brian Bement, who scored off a volley.

“Set pieces are huge in the game. They can win you games or lose you games and you just gotta stay switched on at all times,” Goodwin said.

BOHFS carried the first half momentum into the second half pressing House early. A slick pass by Liam Collins sprung Goodwin for a breakaway goal.

The play had all the signifiers of the kind of goal that can be scored when two players are familiar with each other. For Collins and Goodwin, the connection they’ve built goes back years.

“He was actually my college coach,” Goodwin said, “he was an assistant coach when I was playing in college. So, I’ve known Liam for a long time.”

With a 3-1 lead, BOHFS began to make substitutions in an effort to park the bus and stitch up the victory. But, Chicago would not go quietly into that good night.

House began throwing players forward and putting pressure on the BOHFS defense. A 68^th minute shot off a long throw-in forced BOHFS goalkeeper, Liam Gibbs, to make a diving save.

Reminiscing an epic U.S. Open Cup Qualifying match…

BOHFS St. Louis advanced to their first ever Open Cup invitation after beating Chicago House AC 3-2. It was their first time competing in the Qualifying Rounds, and now they'll see the tournament proper in March. pic.twitter.com/B9rMGZXDUe
— Midwest Premier League (@midwestpl) November 24, 2025

In the dying minutes of the game Avalos scored again for House. With the score now 3-2, the ending would be nerve wracking as House frantically whipped the ball into the BOHFS box, including a free kick chance in which Gibbs would once again have to come up big in goal for St. Louis.

In the end it was to no avail, BOHFS St. Louis came away with a victory and the fans went away getting every penny worth from a $6 ticket.

BOHFS generally recruits from an older and more experienced player pool. The quick response to the first Chicago goal and the strong effort to close out the match showed the benefits of the roster constructed by Bradaric.

“I don’t want to put too many restrictions and this and that. Just play freely,” Bradaric said. “It’s like you guys have so much experience, you read the game so well, enjoy it when we have it.”

This was the first home match BOHFS hosted during the Open Cup qualifying games. Their previous two matches were played in Kansas City and Omaha. Now that they have qualified, the opportunity to host a professional team looms large.

“We’re just grateful to be in it and we’re happy. If they send us to Alaska, it is what it is. We’ll go,” Bradaric said.

This marks BOHFS St. Louis’ first ever qualification to the Open Cup. For Bradaric, the team he founded is entering uncharted waters that will pose greater challenges. But that is no reason for him to worry.

“Eleven months ago, we weren’t even a team,” he said.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Laguna United qualify at San Diego’s expense again

November 24, 2025 by MaryBeth Zmuda

Laguna United celebrates after defeating San Diego Internacional 4-2 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Laguna United FC

Laguna United FC held a master class on Saturday night as they completed their path to qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup with a decisive 4-2 win over visiting UPSL side San Diego Internacional.

This win looked very similar to last year’s “Win & You’re In” match in the qualifying rounds where LUFC beat Inter down in San Diego by an even wider margin, 6-2.

“We played a familiar opposing team, repeating the same round versus San Diego Internacional last year but the match was away,” said Sam Nicholson, head coach of Laguna United. “This year it was great to play, and win, in front of a home crowd.”

Brandon Cortez was the only goal scorer for San Diego Internacional, getting a brace for his team in the first half as all the goal scoring for both sides came in the first 45 minutes.

SD Internacional got the scoring started quickly as Cortez was at the receiving end of a long throw-in from teammate Jake Haupt in the 4th minute. Haupt’s massive effort placed the ball dead in front of the net allowing Cortez to flick a perfect header right past Laguna United keeper Jacob Estall.

Not to be outdone, just four minutes later LUFC got to light up their side of the scoreboard. Starting all the way from their own net, Laguna utilized a series of stealthy passes to move the ball quickly into striking distance. The final two passes at the end of that chain were Hudson Garner with a lightening pass to star striker Mikey Barraza who blasted it past the out of position Laguna keeper making 1-1.

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

Garner got his second assist for the night when he sent the ball over to teammate Woody Angell who slotted it home giving Laguna their first lead of the game at 2-1.

In the 36th minute, Cortez got his second for Inter.

Once again he was in a perfect position as a ball got placed directly at his waiting boot — and without letting it hit the ground — he was able to leave Estall stunned and sent the ball straight to the back of the net.

Little did either side know that the final goal of the match had already been scored. After a huge six goals in the first half, the second half wouldn’t see a single ball get between the pipes.

Both sides continued to put in full effort and did manage to create chances but neither could complete the task.

LUFC advances to the US Open Cup proper where they will try to improve on their debut last year. They lost their first round game to MLS NEXT Pro side Ventura County FC 7-0 on the road.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Azteca FC clinch 5th USOC berth with PK win over Next Level Soccer

November 24, 2025 by Jim Coppock

Azteca FC celebrates after defeating Next Level Soccer 4-3 in a PK shootout (after a 3-3 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Azteca FC

A longtime participant in Open Cup qualifying, Azteca FC traveled south to face one of the qualifying newcomers, Next Level Soccer.

This was Next Level Soccer’s second attempt at qualifying – with no previous appearances in the tournament. At the start of the match, the hosts were 9-1-0, 28pts (1st) in the UPSL Premier Division – Arizona Conference.

Azteca FC made their eighth attempt at qualifying (2017-2018, 2020-2025) – having made it to the tournament four previous times (2017, 2018, 2022, 2024).

Azteca finished the Colorado Premier League Fall season with a record of 5-1-2, 16pts (4th). In the playoff tournament, they defeated Harpos FC in the final to take their sixth consecutive title.

On a cool and very rainy evening in Gilbert, AZ, Next Level Soccer (NLS) hosted Azteca FC from Denver, CO. This was the first ever meeting between the teams. A high energy contest ended 3-3 after extra time, with Azteca winning the penalty shootout 4-3. About 100 boisterous home fans supplied plenty of noise.

The game started very fast with Next Level making the first push on goal in just the second minute. NLS Edgar Olivas opened the scoring for the visitors in the 7th minute, cleaning up a loose ball from a corner kick. The half would continue at a rapid pace throughout. Both teams were on the front foot for short spells.

Ex-MLS player, Don Tchiao, would level the score in the 41st minute. In a goal mouth scramble. Next Level’s leading scorer, Danny Baca put the home side in front, 2-1, in the 45th minute.

Don Tchilao would prove to be a pest on the wings all evening.

Azteca FC celebrate in the locker room after defeating Next Level Soccer 4-3 in a PK shootout (after a 3-3 draw) in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Azteca FC

Azteca’s Head Coach Andy De La Rosa said (about Tchilao), “Yes, he was , he’s a really good player, but our own mistakes really cost us in their first two goals.” On the game in general, “Other than that, I think we played a really good game and at the end we were better in the PKs.”

Next Level would not hold the lead for long. Luis Reyes found himself in a position to deal with a rebound in front of goal, and did, putting Azteca on level terms in the 53rd minute. No more goals would be scored in regulation despite shots flying at both ends.

In extra time, two more goals were scored. Azteca’s Eduardo Hermosillo scored in the 105+1 minute to send the visitors to the front. In the second half of extra time, just when it looked like Azteca would cross the line, Next Level’s Ricardo Arguello would find an equalizer in the 119th minute, sending the game to a shootout.

Of note, three of the six goals were scored within a minute of the end of a period (45’, 105’+1, 119’), creating plenty of drama.

The PKs were not without some drama. NLS’s first attempt from Don Tchilao, was drilled solidly into the foot of the post and away.

NLS’s fourth kicker, Marco Perez, had his shot blocked, but not saved, and the ball’s spin caused it to cross the line for their second goal. Had Gerardo Aguilar saved it, that would have been the end of the shootout as Azteca were up 3-1 at that point.

Instead, Azteca’s fourth shooter, Luis Reyes, appeared to slip as he set his plant foot and shot the ball well over the crossbar, allowing NLS their fifth attempt. The final round of kicks were both converted, Azteca’s by their talisman, Jovany Herrera.

With the result, Azteca has now qualified for the tournament proper for the fifth time in their history.

Penalty Kick Shootout Summary

NLS    Don Tchilao – MISSED
AZT    Jose Bencomo – GOAL
NLS    Ricardo Oliveria – GOAL
AZT    Cesar Meza – GOAL
NLS    David Koko – SAVED
AZT    Luis Mendoza – GOAL
NLS    Marco Perez – GOAL
AZT    Luis Reyes – MISSED
NLS    Robert Baca – GOAL
AZT    Jovany Herrera – GOAL

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Review: 16 teams punch their ticket

November 24, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: Andrew Green

This weekend, 16 teams punched their ticket to the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Those 16 amateur clubs will participate in the opening round of the 111th edition of the tournament that is set to begin in the Spring.

Half of the teams that qualified with victories in the weekend’s “Win & You’re In” games hail from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

Out of the 16 clubs that qualified, six of them are making their first appearance in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era. One of those first-timers, SC Vistula Garfield, had entered the US Open Cup decades ago.

The games were largely competitive with 14 of the 16 games being decided by two goals or less.

You can find a brief summary of all 16 games with links to the full match report below.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
2:3
Steel City FC (USL League Two)
Mentor High School Soccer Stadium – Mentor, OH

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Steel City FC continued Pittsburgh’s soccer success, following the Riverhounds winning the USL Championship earlier in the day, by qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup. They defeated Croatia Cleveland 3-2 in Mentor, Ohio to punch their ticket to the 111th national championship.

Croatia took an early lead when Ben Truax scored in the 13th minute. Near the end of the first half, Steel City jumped ahead 2-1. In the 42nd minute, Sam Boehm beat Croatia goalkeeper Marijo Musa one-on-one, then Jack Nury sent a low, diving header in to make it 2-1 in stoppage time.

Steel City extended the lead to 3-1 in the 62nd minute when Nick Graecea converted a penalty kick. AFC Cleveland & Cleveland SC Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic pulled one back for Croatia with a PK of his own in the 79th minute, but Cleveland could not find the equalizer as Steel City booked a return to the Open Cup after their initial appearance in 2024 as part of the NPSL.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Lonestar GPSE (UPSL)
2:5
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

CD Faialense secured their second straight US Open Cup appearance by defeating the UPSL’s FC Lonestar GPSE 5-2 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass.

Alessandro Negri, who attended nearby Merrimack College got Faialense on the board first in the 16th minute with a shot that took a deflection off a Lonestar defender Two minutes later Martin Vician doubled the visitors lead.

Taking advantage of a midfield turnover, Max Krause extended Faialense’s lead to 3-0 in the 36th minute. A minute later Lonestar got their first goal through Luke Stavros Campbell, but Krause restored Faialense’s three goal advantage in the 38th minute with a 30-yard blast.

In the second half Eddie Yepes pulled the hosts back to within two by converting a penalty kick, but with a few minutes remaining Jonathan Klein, who scored the extra time game winner in Faialense’s Third Round game, ended all doubt with a shot from near the penalty spot to make the final score 5-2 in favor of CD Faialense.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
2:0
Briar United FC (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

High-scoring Southern Indiana FC gained their second consecutive berth in the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-0 home victory over Raleigh, North Carolina’s Briar United FC (UPSL).

Southern Indiana, who had scored 21 goals in their previous three qualifying games, were held scoreless by Briar United for 73 minutes. That’s when Elorm Dogbey sent in a shot that was cleared at the goal line by a Briar United defender, only to see the ball fall to the feet of Kellan Clegg, who volleyed a shot over the outstretched hand of the Briar goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.

SIFC nearly made it 2-0 in the 80th minute when Clegg sent a pass into the box to Daniel Nkurunziza, whose header was tipped away by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later Southern Indiana would get their second goal via the penalty spot when Saladi Husseini was fouled. Nate Brown stepped up to convert the kick and seven minutes later Southern Indiana were officially part of the 2026 U.S. Open Cup field.

With scorelines of 10-0, 4-1, 7-1 and 2-0, SIFC finished 2026 qualifying with 23 goals, equaling the mark for most goals scored in a qualifying run since 2016, held by Laguna United with 23 in last year’s qualifying tournament.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

MSI Pro (UPSL)
0:2
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park (Field 4) – Silver Spring, MD

By Sam Brummitt

Virginia Dream FC and MSI Pro came into Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” match on the heels of one-sided wins. Their match was anything but as the two teams went 105 minutes before the first goal was scored. MSI played most of the game shorthanded as their starting goalkeeper Yusupha Fofana had to be subbed out at halftime due to injury. Then in the 68th minute, MSI’s Alexander Ouldbrahim received his second yellow card. With no subs on the bench, MSI had an uphill climb. In the 105th minute, Virginia Dream’s Zoumana Diarra scored a goal off a cross. Then, in the 113th minute, Williams-Merlin Yami scored on a counter attack.

With this 2-0 win over MSI Pro, Virginia Dream has qualified for the Open Cup tournament for the second year in a row. In their first appearance in the Open Cup tournament last spring, they upset USL League One club Richmond Kickers 3-1 before bowing out in the second round with a 4-2 loss to USL Championship club Loudoun United. Virginia Dream has won five of the last six season titles in the Virginia Super Soccer League. With a roster composed of a number of former collegiate D1 players and experience in the tournament proper last year, they will be a formidable opponent in the opening round of the Open Cup next spring.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

Ballard FC (USL League Two)
0:1
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA

By Jon Sicotte

A late free kick from Ernesto Espinoza lifted Valley 559 FC to a 1-0 win over Ballard FC on Saturday night at Interbay Stadium, securing the Fresno club’s first-ever berth in the US Open Cup. Espinoza converted in the 87th minute after Josh Zambrano drew a foul just outside the box, curling a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Lars Helleren and breaking open a match that had been tense and scoreless throughout.

Ballard nearly broke through when Nii Engmann finished a loose ball in the 31st minute, but the goal was nullified for offside, and Quincy Amarikwa missed a clear chance in the 77th when he pushed a 1-on-1 attempt wide. Despite more than 10 minutes of stoppage time, Ballard couldn’t find an equalizer as Valley’s defense held firm.

The win capped a breakthrough moment for Valley 559 FC, which had fallen short in qualifying in both 2023 and 2024. Valley now awaits its first-round matchup in the 2026 tournament while returning to UPSL NorCal South league play.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
3:3
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Azteca FC advances 4-3 in penalty kicks
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ

By Jim Coppock

A longtime participant in Open Cup qualifying, Azteca FC travels south to face one of the qualifying newcomers, Next Level Soccer.

On a cool and very rainy evening in Gilbert, AZ, Next Level Soccer hosted Azteca FC from Denver, CO. This is the first ever meeting between the teams. A high energy contest ended 3-3 after extra time, with Azteca winning the penalty shootout 4-3.

The game started very fast with Next Level making the first push on goal in the second minute. Edgar Olivas opened the scoring for the visitors in the 7^th minute, cleaning up a loose ball from a corner kick. The half would continue at a rapid pace throughout. Both teams were on the front foot for short spells. Ex-MLS player, Don Tchiao, would level the scores in the 41^st minute. In a goal mouth scramble. Next Level’s leading scorer, Danny Baca put the home side in front, 2-1, in the 45th minute.

Next Level would not hold the lead for long. Luis Reyes found himself in a position to deal with a rebound in front of goal, and did, putting Azteca on level terms in the 53^rd minute. No more goals would be scored in regulation despite numerous shots flying at both ends.

With the result, Azteca has now qualified for the tournament proper for the fifth time.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH REPORT

Laguna United FC (UPSL)
4:2
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park – Laguna Niguel, CA

By MaryBeth Zmuda

For the second year in a row, Laguna United FC punched their ticket to the US Open Cup with a win over San Diego Internacional. Last year, the two teams met in San Diego at Mission Bay Stadium in a “Win & You’re In” match and Laguna cruised to a 6-2 win to advance to the US Open Cup for the first time in club history.

On Saturday night, the two UPSL sides met again, this time at La Paz Sports Park in Laguna Niguel, Calif. The result was very similar with Laguna United winning 4-2.

All of the scoring came in the first half and it was San Diego who broke through first with Brandon Cortez putting a header past the United goalkeeper in the 4th minute.

Four minutes later, Mikey Barraza equalized. Laguna jumped out in front with a goal from Woody Angell, but in the 36th minute, Cortez scored his second of the game to bring San Diego level.

United would regain the lead for good with goals in the 39th and 42nd minutes. Woody Angell scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot. Three minutes later, Angell assisted on Marc Birkelund’s goal. That 4-2 halftime lead would hold up for the remainder of the game. LUFC advances to the US Open Cup proper where they will try to improve on their debut last year. They lost their first round game to MLS NEXT Pro side Ventura County FC 7-0 on the road.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
3:2
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
St. Mary’s High School – St. Louis, MO

By Tim Thomas

A pair of Midwest Premier League teams squared off to see who would go to the US Open Cup. Open Cup veterans Chicago House took on debutants BOHFS St. Louis. In the end BOHFS would prevail and become the first Open Division (amateur) club from St. Louis to qualify in the Modern Era (1995-present).

The match started out with all the intensity of a title game. In the 31st minute Adam Utley would open the scoring for BOHFS after stealing the ball off a House defender. House would even it up with a 40th minute Ricardo Alvos goal. Two minutes later Brian Bement would regain the lead for BOHFS with a volley off a set piece.

BOHFS started the second half with guns blazing. In the 54th minute Elliot Goodwin scored for BOHFS with an assist by Liam Collins. Chicago House refused to die and Avalos would secure a brace with a goal in stoppage time. It was too little too late as BOHFS would hold off a late flurry of House chances to secure the win.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
1:1
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
FC America CFL Spurs advances, 5-4 in penalty kicks
Lake Mary High Stadium – Lake Mary, FL

By Josh Hakala

A pair of UPSL rivals from Florida squared off with a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup on the line. In last year’s qualifying tournament, Harbor City FC eliminated FC American CFL Spurs in penalty kicks. On Sunday, the Spurs got their revenge, knocking out Harbor City 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw.

The two teams traded first half goals starting in the 6th minute when Harbor City’s Andrew Bennett headed home a bouncing ball over the keeper in the middle of the box. The Spurs equalized a little more than 10 minutes later when Akeem Flemmings scored on a header.

No one would find the back of the net until the penalty kick shootout when the Spurs prevailed 5-4.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
1:2
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ

By Josh Hakala

SC Vistula Garfield are heading to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in the Modern Era after a 2-1 win over fellow APSL side Oaklyn United.

SC Vistula did all of their scoring in the first half through Emiland Elezaj. The former New York Red Bulls academy player, who also competed in The Soccer Tournament for Kwik Goal FC, broke the scoreless draw with a penalty kick goal in the 35th minute.

Just four minutes later, Elezaj would strike again. A low-driving cross was sent in from the left wing where an Oaklyn defender blocked it but Elezaj retrieved the ball on the left side of the box and chipped the goalkeeper to the far post.

Oaklyn would make it interesting in the final minutes as Jade Mesias scored on a penalty kick, but United would be unable to find the equalizer.

With the win, SC Vistula Garfield, a New Jersey club that dates back to 1952 will make their return to the tournament for the first time since the 1970s.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

Miami United FC (UPSL)
3:5
Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL

By Josh Hakala

It was a back-and-forth affair between two UPSL powerhouses with vastly different resumes. Florida Badgers FC, making their US Open Cup qualifying debut, ended Miami United FC’s run of three consecutive trips to the tournament proper with a 5-3 extra time win.

The Badgers, who had a league record of 17-0-2 in the Spring and Fall seasons combined, jumped out to the early lead with Guido Cacciabue scoring in the 7th minute.

Miami United’s Dave Junior Altidor, who scored a game-winning goal in stoppage time in the opening round against Fort Myers City FC, would tie the game in the 24th minute.

The Badgers would re-take the lead in the 66th minute after Castinde cut back from the left wing and beat the keeper to the far post.

Robertino Insua, one of Miami’s top players, would pull them level with a penalty kick goal in the 77th minute.

Tied at 2-2, the match would go to extra time and it was Miami that would take the lead for the first time after Teo Candido volleyed home a shot into the upper corner in the 93rd minute.

Ten minutes later, Davie answered for the Badgers with a volley of his own to tie the game back up at 3-3.

The game appeared to be headed to penalty kicks but the Badgers Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin scored a stoppage time winner where he chipped the goalkeeper. Castin, who was the team’s top goalscorer in the Fall season, would put the game away deep into stoppage time with a penalty kick that resulted in United’s Insua getting sent off.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
2:4
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY

By David Einhorn

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.

Renegades drew first blood in the opening minutes, but Zum Schneider signaled their intent to fight with a quick equalizer not long after. The cat and mouse game continued as once again, Renegades took the lead in the second half only for Zum Schneider to equalize later on.

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

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

Denton Diablos (MSSL/USSSA)
0:0
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
ASC New Stars advance 4-3 in penalty kicks
Mean Green Soccer Stadium – Denton, TX

By Adam Uthe

ASC New Stars are back in the Open Cup for the first time since 2012 after surviving going down to 10 men in extra time and ultimately prevailing on penalties over hosts Denton Diablos. New Stars goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias saved the final two penalties from Denton and that was enough to see the Houston side advance.

Denton controlled the match from the opening kick, earning three corners inside of the first 10 minutes. Striker Jay Lee came in having scored two goals in two separate matches in the earlier rounds of qualifying, but his good form seemed to abandon him when it mattered most. As the game went on, ASC began to gain confidence exploiting the gaps in Denton’s backline in transition. By the time extra time arrived, it looked as if it was anyone’s game – even after ASC center back Eric Robertson received his second yellow card in the 113th minute.

Both sides converted their first three penalties in the shootout before Frias’s heroics. Camilo Botera Fonseca stepped up and buried the fifth and decisive attempt for New Stars.

This will ASC’s fourth appearance in the Modern Era, with their previous appearances occurring in 2008, 2011, and 2012.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
1:0
Potros FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA

By Calum Ewing

A couple hundred fans packed into Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia 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.

Kalonji had the game’s first scoring opportunity in the 11th minute when Atlanta United 2 standout Karim Tmimi played a low ball from the left wing straight to an open Thierry Joules in the box. However, Cameron Verona came up huge in goal for Potros with a kick-save to stop the effort from point-blank range. The away side’s biggest chance would be in the 33rd minute in which Sebi Morrello flicked the ball with his back heel towards the top left corner while moving and facing away from goal. Kalonji’s goalkeeper Ashon Maynard dove rapidly to his right and made a ridiculous save (maybe the save of the tournament thus far), pushing the ball with one hand onto the crossbar.

In the 54th minute, 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. After the fans went back to their seats, they saw a gritty defense shut down Potros’ ball movement and win 1-0 for Pro Profile’s first ever Open Cup appearance.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH REPORT

Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
4:1
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park (Field 3) – Miami, FL

By Connor Bunnell

Miami side Red Force FC of the Premier Fútbol League defended their turf in style Sunday night, taking down UPSL side City Soccer FC 4-1 to punch a long-awaited ticket back to the Open Cup.

In the early going, City looked the stronger side, and Auner Escobar appeared to confirm it when he scored in the 6th minute. The visitors from West Palm Beach nearly managed to carry that lead into the break, but Stiven Salinas had his say in the 42nd minute and tied things back up. That ensured it was still anybody’s ballgame when the whistle sounded for halftime.

When play resumed for the second half, the pendulum swung hard in the hosts’ direction. John John Diaz, who’d been essential in the buildup to Red Force’s equalizer, snagged the spotlight for himself by starting a brace in the 62nd and finishing it four minutes later.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, especially after forward Santiago Fajardo earned a red card to reduce Red Force to just ten men. However, the River Plate-inspired hosts successfully fended their challengers off the rest of the way, and with a final long-range dagger from David Ochoa in stoppage time, Red Force cemented a 4-1 victory.

With the win, Red Force are back in the Open Cup for the fifth time in team history. They last reached the big dance in 2018, where they fell to Miami FC 2 in the First Round.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

San Ramon FC (TLFC/USASA)
2:1
The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA

By Connor Bunnell

San Ramon FC wrote a triumphant new chapter in club’s history Sunday night by winning 2-1 at home against reigning San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) champions The Olympic Club to clinch the final Open Division qualifying spot of the 2026 US Open Cup.

At kickoff, the fog of war was no metaphor, as a thick blanket of the stuff covered the pitch.

Olympic were quick to seize the upper hand, parlaying a 5th minute free kick into a Kaya Fabriette goal, with Andrew Ellis’s head pass assisting in between.

However, the hosts would soon learn to weaponise the conditions. In the 22nd minute, San Ramon’s Roberto Gonzalez took a direct free kick from 20 yards out, and with the keeper unable to see through the fog, the equalizer sailed home untouched. The San Franciscan visitors would come dangerously close to stealing the lead back by the end of the half, but couldn’t make it stick, leaving it all tied after 45.

In the clearer conditions of the second half, San Ramon’s Carver Jensen emerged as the clear hero of the night. With a cut in from the left and a perfect slice into the bottom corner, Jensen completed the comeback in the 58th minute. Once the hosts had the lead, they sped off like a Supra at Suzuka, and after over half an hour of refusing to let the Olympians catch back up, SRFC celebrated a hard-earned 2-1 victory.
After over fifty years of not even trying to reach the Open Cup, San Ramon have now made it in on their first try, and did so in impressive style. Meanwhile, Olympic Club, who last qualified for the tournament in the COVID-cancelled 2020 edition, will have to wait one more bitter year to finally get their place on the national stage back.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL MATCH REPORT

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: High-scoring Southern Indiana FC blanks Briar United to qualify

November 23, 2025 by Ashle Lynn Paige

Southern Indiana FC celebrates after defeating Briar United FC 2-0 in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Andrew Green

Two UPSL clubs on completely different trajectories met in the fourth and final round of qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup. Briar United, who finished the league season on a six-match skid with a final record of 2-2-6 (W-D-L) made the 500-plus mile trip across the Appalachians. On the other side were hosts Southern Indiana FC who had stomped their previous three Open Cup qualifying opponents, scoring 21 goals and allowing just one. After the first half ended 0-0, an upset seemed possible for the visitors. But two Southern Indiana goals in the final twenty minutes pushed the hosts into the Open Cup proper.

“We controlled the match from start to finish, defended well, and finally broke through with two late second-half goals to clinch Open Cup qualification for Southern Indiana for the second straight year,” said Southern Indiana FC president Nick Hunter. “We’re proud to represent this community and excited to see how far our 2026 US Open Cup run can go.”

Controlling the match from the outset is exactly what Southern Indiana did and the domination only grew as the minutes went on. Southern Indiana’s first chance came just two minutes into the match, missing wide, something that continued to haunt them in the opening half of play. Briar United was only able to get the ball into the attacking third a few times, with nothing coming from the opportunities. As the first half wound down, Briar showed their frustration with some poorly timed tackles, bad fouls, and ended up being handed a yellow card.

The second half started off just as the first half had ended, with the hosts in complete control over the match and Briar United visibly frustrated. Though United did get the first good chance of the half, it was easily picked out of the air by the SIFC goalkeeper. Southern Indiana FC continued to get good chances on goal, but ultimately none of them would find the net, until the 74th minute.

After a diving save to keep the match level, the ensuing clearance attempt came down right at the edge of the 18 yard box. Jed McCloud chipped the ball back towards the middle where Kellan Clegg struck it right off the volley to put Southern Indiana FC up 1-0.

A Southern Indiana FC player celebrates after scoring a goal against Briar United in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Andrew Green

Most goals scored in a 3-game US Open Cup qualifying run (Modern Era)

2025 Laguna United FC (UPSL) – 23
2018 FC Kendall (USASA/APSL) – 19
2022 Brockton FC United (USASA/BSSL – 17
2018 El Farolito (USASA/SFSFL) – 16

Most goals scored in a 4-game US Open Cup qualifying run (Modern Era)

2026 Southern Indiana FC (UPSL) – 23
2023 Inter San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL) – 19
2024 Inter San Francisco (USASA/SFSFL) – 18
2024 Orange County FC (UPSL) – 17
2023 D’Feeters Kicks SC (UPSL) – 15

The second goal of the night came in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot. Southern Indiana was awarded the penalty after a terribly timed tackle just inside the box took out Saladi Husseini’s legs in the 81st minute. Nate Brown stepped up to the spot for SIFC and sent a low, slow shot to the goalkeeper’s right where he dove the opposite way, to put the stamp on the match.

“Southern Indiana FC battled through a four-game qualifying run while juggling a full UPSL schedule and several injuries,” said Hunter. “Different guys stepped in and the whole team stepped up. It was a complete team effort.”