US Open Cup Qualifying

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Espinoza’s late free kick helps Valley 559 FC finally qualify

November 23, 2025 by Bruce Corrie

Valley 559 FC celebrates after a 1-0 win over Ballard FC in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Bruce Corrie

Valley 559 FC traveled nearly 900 miles for one more shot at US Open Cup history, and on a windy Saturday night at Interbay Stadium, the Fresno side finally claimed it. A late, curling free kick from Ernesto Espinoza carried Valley to a 1-0 win over Ballard FC and into the 2026 tournament for the first time.

Espinoza delivered the breakthrough in the 87th minute after Josh Zambrano was tripped just outside the penalty area. The left-footed strike skipped toward the lower-left corner, beating Ballard goalkeeper Lars Helleren’s outstretched hand and settling the tense match.

Ballard, coming off a 5-1 qualifying win a round earlier led by former MLS player Lamar Neagle, surged forward in response. Seven minutes of stoppage time stretched to twelve as the home side threw numbers ahead, but Valley’s back line held shape and cleared danger after danger to preserve the result.

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The match had opened with flowing play and heavy challenges. Valley tested Ballard early through Espinoza, whose 18th-minute shot grazed the post before another easy save for Helleren at the half-hour mark. Ballard briefly believed it had an opener in the 31st minute when Nii Engmann tucked in a loose ball inside the 6-yard box. A deflection, however, had pushed him offside, wiping away the celebration.

Ballard came out of halftime pressing relentlessly, forcing Valley into hurried clearances, contested goal kicks and tense moments in their defensive third. The hosts nearly paid for their aggression in the 77th minute when Quincy Amarikwa broke free behind the back line but the former MLS player pushed his 1-on-1 attempt wide.

That miss proved costly, and Valley made the most of its late opportunity.

“They have pace,” Valley head coach and former pro Milton Blanco said. “Usually we send a lot of numbers forward, but we knew with them we had to be careful. We didn’t want to stop playing our game, but we needed to protect ourselves in the back.”

Valley 559 FC Defender Mason Gonzalez said the team leaned on its identity.

“If we don’t give up a goal, we have the attacking talent to find one eventually,” he said. “When we were trying to see the game out, I had complete confidence we weren’t going to concede. That’s a real strength of ours.”

After two straight years of falling short in qualifying, Valley 559 FC finally broke through, earning a long-awaited place in the 2026 Open Cup. The club now turns its attention back to UPSL NorCal South play while awaiting its first-round draw.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Virginia Dream beats MSI in OT to earn 2nd straight USOC berth

November 23, 2025 by Sam Brummitt

Virginia Dream FC celebrate after a 2-0 extra time win over MSI Pro in the final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Virginia Dream FC

Virginia Dream FC traveled north to play MSI Pro in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday evening. These two UPSL sides both advanced to the Fourth Qualifying Round after convincing wins by five-goal margins in the previous round. MSI Pro defeated USL-2 side Christos FC 5-0 and Virginia Dream FC took down Guerrilla FC (DC Premier League), 6-1 in the previous round.

There would be no five-goal rout this time as both teams would play 90 minutes of scoreless soccer before Virginia would score a pair of goals in extra time to secure a 2-0 win. The victory earned Virginia Dream, a second straight trip to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Last year, they made waves by upsetting the USL League One’s Richmond Kickers in their tournament debut.

MSI Pro was the better side in terms of possession and physicality in the first half. That physicality delivered a blow to MSI when their goalkeeper Yusupha Fofana took a hard hit when stopping a one-on-one opportunity in the 36th minute. He finished out the half, but during the halftime break, he was evaluated by the trainer and was substituted out.

In the second half, Virginia Dream began creating more opportunities and testing MSI’s backup goalkeeper, Sean Summersgill. Momentum shifted further to Virginia Dream after MSI went down to 10 players in the 68th minute when Alexander Ouldbrahim received his second yellow card. The Dream had several opportunities with well-placed through balls but could not convert. MSI Pro was out of substitutes and the team’s 10 players were physically worn down as the scoreless game approached extra time.

It took 105 minutes before Virginia Dream broke the deadlock when Zoumana Diarra scored a goal off a cross in extra time. Virginia Dream followed up with a second goal by Williams-Merlin Yami on a counter attack in the 113th minute.

Playing a man down, MSI was unable to mount a comeback and Virginia closed out the rest of the game to punch their ticket to the 2026 US Open Cup.

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.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: CD Faialense back in USOC after win over FC Lonestar

November 23, 2025 by Tim Abbott

CD Faialense celebrates after a 5-2 win over FC Lonestar to clinch a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: CD Faialense

Bay State Soccer League stalwarts Clube Desportivo Faialense of Cambridge, Mass. made a 45-minute trip North up I-93 to the Merrimack Valley to face FC Lonestar Global Pro Soccer Exposure (GPSE) on Saturday night. It was the visitors from a Portuguese community club that emerged with the win, and a spot in the first round proper of the US Open Cup for the second year in a row. Lonestar had been making their qualifying debut, after a 2-6-2 debut in UPSL Premier New England North.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the guys,” said CD Faialense head coach Paul Correia. “They went out there from the first whistle and really played with an incredible energy and showed their quality from minute one to minute 90. We’re so happy to have qualified again for the US Open Cup as it was one of our objectives at the start of this year.”

On his return to the area where he went to Merrimack College, Alessandro Negri made the breakthrough after 16 minutes, smartly sweeping home a ball which took a deflection off a defender who had intervened to stop a right wing cross.

North Carolina Tar Heel Martin Vician made it 2-0 only two minutes later, capitalising on some loose defending to latch onto a long ball down the right wing. Vician turned the defender inside out before finishing himself.

A turnover in midfield saw Faialense break forward, although the eventual chipshot by Max Krause into the ground required an element of luck to bounce into the back of the Lonestar net. Krause, who attended Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., had given the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead.

Max Krause of CD Faialense rests after a 5-2 win over FC Lonestar to clinch a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: CD Faialense

The hosts returned the favor immediately, a long ball down the center of the pitch from close to the halfway line beat the defense and former pro Luke Stavros Campbell dashed onto the end.

Krause restored the lead to a three-goal margin in the 38th minute, blasting home from 30 yards out of goal with a precision strike past a fully stretched Lonestar goalkeeper after he dribbled in-field from the left.

The second half of the match saw the CDF left back baited into a penalty-conceding slide tackle down their right wing and Eddie Yepes picked out the opposite bottom corner from the spot to make it 4-2.

The final blow by the Lusitanians saw play down the Faialense left wing reversed into the penalty area and another Holy Cross product Jonathan Klein drew the ball back past the onrushing goalkeeper in the 88th minute.

“While we know that the next opponent (in the US Open Cup) is going to be an incredible challenge, we’re gonna work to try to put ourselves in the best positions to have our best showing that we can,” said Correia. “I know that the guys are up for it and they’ll do whatever it takes to to make that happen.”

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying: Steel City FC holds off Croatia Cleveland to book USOC return

November 23, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Steel City FC celebrates after defeating Croatia Cleveland 3-2 to qualify for the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Randy Werner

Hours after the Pittsburgh Riverhounds claimed their first ever USL Championship title, Steel City FC of USL League Two added to the celebrations in Western Pennsylvania. The USL League Two side went on the road and qualified for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 3-2 win over Croatia Cleveland at Menton High School in Mentor, Ohio.

Steel City will now return to the US Open Cup for the second time after making their tournament debut in 2024 as a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Both teams started the first half with good scoring opportunities. In the 5th minute, a pass from the left touchline found Jack Nury near the goalpost, but Croatia goalkeeper Marijo Musa was able to swat it away. Three minutes later Croatia has a chance of their own when they were awarded a fee kick a few yards to the right of the penalty area. Carson Hodgson sent the kick into the box, and Steel City goalkeeper Garret Watson fell to the turf when he collided with a Steel City defender while trying to clear the ball. In the end, Croatia’s John Dulfdner sent his shot at an open goal past the far post.

Croatia got on the board first in the 13th minute. Just a minute before, Croatia found themselves on a breakaway after a Steel City corner kick, but Adam Wade’s shot was smothered by Watson. A minute later Croatia’s Ben Truax, a member of AFC Cleveland’s 2017 Open Cup squad, received a pass from midfield, beat two Steel City defenders, and calmly sent his shot past Watson for a 1-0 lead.

Near the end of the first half, Steel City would equalize and then take the lead. In the 42nd minute, Sam Boehm collected a pass from past midfield, and found himself one-on-one with Musa, beating the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

Nick Graeca and Sam Boehm of Steel City FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Croatia Cleveland in a 2026 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Randy Werner

In first half stoppage time each team had great chances to take a 2-1 lead into halftime, and it was Steel City that did so. In the first minute of stoppage time, Croatia were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Just as they did in the previous round versus Akron City that led to a goal in that game, Carson and Tanner Hodgson stood over the ball, each player feigned kicking the ball until Tanner’s shot just missed the post and landed in the side netting.

Two minutes later at the other end of the field, Steel City found themselves with a free kick just inches outside the side of the penalty area. Stefano Paulino sent in a shot the Musa initially swatted away, but Jack Nury dove towards the ground to head the ball in and give the Pittsburghers the lead as the referee blew his whistle for halftime as soon as the ball was kicked off again.

Seventeen minutes into the second half Steel City doubled its lead when Sam Boehm was brought down in the penalty area by Cleveland’s Jacob Roberto. Nick Graecea stepped to the spot and sent Musa the wrong way with a low shot to the left post for a 3-1 lead. Eight minutes later Steel City found themselves on a counterattack which Croatia was able to snuff out.

With the second half clock rapidly running out, Croatia were awarded a free kick at the top of the penalty area, but Tanner Hodgson’s attempt was cleared for a Croatia corner kick. The ensuing corner kick wound up going long but was recovered by Cleveland, who brought it back around to AFC Cleveland and Cleveland SC Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic. As Derezic began to dribble up the middle of the penalty area, he was brought down by Steel City’s Jerevel Tobierre, earning a penalty kick. Derezic stepped to the spot himself and sent his shot through the hands of Watson to pull Croatia to with one goal at 3-2.

Sam Boehm of Steel City FC strikes the ball in a 2026 US Open Cup qualifier against Croatia Cleveland. Photo: Randy Werner

In the 88th minute Croatia had a golden opportunity to repeat their two-goal comeback against Akron City, when Tanner Hodgson’s free kick from just outside the penalty area was sent skyward by teammate Amir Serikbaev. A few minutes later, Serikbaev may have considered himself lucky to stay on the field when he stopped Donrick Richards with a horse collar that would have earned him a 15-yard penalty in the NFL, but this time he was only shown a yellow card.

In the dying embers of stoppage time Croatia pressed to find a last gas equalizer but Steel City kept their attack at bay and were soon celebrating along with the small group of fans that travelled from Pittsburgh as the referee blew his whistle for full time.

Afterwards, Steel City head coach Dan Brower gave a nod to their opponents as well as his own team.

“I want to applaud our boys tonight for their effort against a very strong Croatia Cleveland team,” said Brower. “But this win goes beyond the players and staff who were in Cleveland tonight. This win is for everyone who has helped us out over this three-month journey. We’ve tasted the Cup competition in the past, and we can’t wait to try to make a magical run in 2026.”

Steel City returns to the Open Cup seeking their first win in the tournament proper. In 2024, they narrowly lost 1-0 to the Michigan Stars of NISA in the opening round.

FULL GAME VIDEO ARCHIVE

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Preview: 16 “Win & You’re In” games this weekend

November 22, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

For 16 teams, Christmas will come a month early as the winners of this weekend’s “Win and You’re In” Fourth Round games will reserve their spots in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup field. Among the 32 teams battling it out this weekend, 12 teams have been to the Open Cup before, and four games are guaranteed to produce a team earning its first-ever Open Cup appearance. The action kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 22 with seven games and wraps up with nine more games on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Already waiting in the 2026 US Open Cup field are 2025 National Amateur Cup winners West Chester United SC, UPSL Spring champions Tennessee Tempo FC and 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner (aka: 2025 Open Division prize money winner) El Farolito SC.

Follow live updates from every game this weekend on X (Twitter) and Bluesky – @USOpenCup.

Find the full weekend schedule with a brief profile bio of each team below:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
vs.
Steel City FC (USL League Two)
Mentor High School Soccer Stadium – Mentor, OH
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET

The Cleveland-Pittsburgh rivalry carries over into the Open Cup with a spot in next year’s tournament on the line as Steel City FC of USL League Two travels to the North Coast to face Croatia Cleveland at Mentor High School Soccer Stadium in Mentor, Ohio. In Croatia’s run to the 1975 Open Cup Semifinals, they also had to go through Western Pennsylvania, defeating Harmarville 2-1 in the Second Round on second half goals from Joe Zdrilic and Ratko Erceg.

Known alternately as American Croatian and Croatian Rebels over the years, Croatia Cleveland got its start in 1957 and was a regular participant in the Open Cup from the 1960s to the 1990s Croatia’s most successful Open Cup run came in 1975 when they reached the national semifinals, falling to Inter Giuliana of New York City 1-0 after extra time. Croatia Cleveland are the 2024 North Coast Soccer League Champions.

U.S. Soccer: Checkered Roots and Family Ties: Croatia Cleveland’s U.S. Open Cup Renaissance

Steel City earned their lone Open Cup bid in 2024 via a 10-2-0 performance in the 2023 NPSL season and earning a spot in the NPSL Playoff Quarterfinals. Steel City moved to USL League Two in 2025, and finished 8-1-3 in the Great Forest Division, which fell just short of earning one of the nine automatic berths for USL League Two for the 2026 Open Cup. In their first three seasons, Steel City played under the name Pittsburgh Hotspur.

Steel City slipped by FCY New York 3-2 in the Second Round. A pair of penalty kicks from Cameron Territo helped them get past the UPSL side. Steel City only needed one goal to get by the UPSL’s Capital City Islanders, a 49th minute strike from Stefano Paulino.

Croatia prevailed 5-2 over the UPSL’s Detroit Metro FC with Adam Wade scoring the first two goals in the opening half, and Cleveland Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic (AFC Cleveland 2017-18, Cleveland SC 2022-23) netted two goals in the final minute, with Amir Serikbaev converting a PK in the middle.

Croatia’s Third Round match with Akron City FC was a wild affair that saw Croatia overcome a two-goal deficit in extra time to force a penalty shootout. Going into extra time tied 1-1, Akron scored twice in three minutes, only to see John Duldner and Ben Bolinger tally for Croatia to make it 3-3. Croatia prevailed in the PK tiebreaker 5-4.

FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
vs.
CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

CD Faialense are one step away from repeating their 2025 qualifying performance but will have to travel up to Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Mass. to face the UPSL’s FC Lonestar Gpse, a club not only seeking its first Open Cup appearance but also making their first attempt at qualifying.

FC Lonestar finished 7-1-2 in UPSL Division 1 New England North and moved up to the UPSL Premier New England North for the Fall season where they finished 2-6-2. GPSE stands for Global Pro Soccer Exposure.

2025 qualifiers CD Faialense are back to make it two in a row and are participating in their third straight qualifying tournament. Faialense finished 11-5-2 in the Bay State Soccer League Division 1 season and lost 2-1 in the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup Semifinals to fellow Open Cup qualifying participants Atletico Boston. Faialense finished on top of the BSSL in 2023 and 2024.

US Soccer: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future for Cambridge, MA-Based Cinderellas in Waiting

Lonestar got by FC Omens 2-1 in an extra time affair in their Second Round match. Joshua Fichers’ first half goal equalized for Lonestar after an early Omens goal, and Stavros Campbell scored the eventual winner in extra time.

Lonestar’s Third Round game against Atletico Boston not only went into extra time but needed penalties to determine who moved on. With the score 1-1 near the end of regulation Atletico scored what seemed like the game-winner, but Sheu Alamu responded for Lonestar to force extra time. The additional 30 minutes went scoreless, and Lonestar advanced on penalties 5-4.

Martin Vician scored a hat trick for CD Faialense in their opening qualifying game, a 5-0 win over Project Football of the APSL. Graham Brenner and Jonathan Klein also contributed goals in the win.

Faialense’s Third round game was much tougher, a 1-0 extra time win over two-time qualifier Brockton FC United. Jonathan Klein helped avoid penalties with his goal in the 116th minute.

Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
vs.
Briar United FC (UPSL)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

High scoring Southern Indiana FC hosts fellow UPSL club Briar United FC in a bid to return to the Open Cup after their 2025 debut, and Briar are looking to finish a disappointing UPSL year with an Open Cup berth.

After a successful qualifying run last year, Southern Indiana FC are back to try for two in a row. SIFC ran the table during the UPSL spring season, going 11-0-0 in the KY-TN division, but were eliminated in the playoffs by FC Leopards BGKY in a shocking 5-0 defeat. SIFC are currently 4-1-1 in the Fall season.

Founded in 2020, Briar United FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 1-7-2 in the UPSL Mid-Atlantic North Division Spring season and finished 2-6-2 in the Fall season.

Southern Indiana began this year’s qualifying with a dominant 10-0 win over the Southern Indiana Guardians FC of the UPSL. Seven different players scored for SIFC. Led by Kellen Clegg and Nathan Brown with two each. SIFC’s Second Round win was a little closer. Spotting Bootleggers AC an early 1-0 lead, Southern Indiana scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 win.

Southern Indiana continued piling up the goals in the Third Round, overwhelming Tennessee United Soccer Club 7-1. Nate Brown notched a hat trick to leave SIFC within three goals of besting the mark for most goals scored in a qualifying run since 2016, which was set by Laguna United in 2025 qualifying at 23.

Briar United FC advanced to the Third Round with a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s Greenville United. Trailing 1-0 for the first 70 minutes, a pair of goals from Wuilmer Garcia in the space of three minutes gave Briar the lead and eventually the win.

In the Third Round, Briar erased a 1-0 halftime deficit against Grove United on a goal from Gianlucca Blas-Pereira, eventually forcing extra time and a penalty tiebreaker, which Brian won 5-4.

MSI Pro (UPSL)
vs.
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
MLK Jr. Recreational Park (Field 4) – Silver Spring, MD
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

2025 qualifiers Virginia Dream FC aim to make it two in a row as they host MSI Pro, who are going for their first ever Open Cup appearance.

MSI are back at it after their debut effort in 2025 took them to the Third Round of qualifying. MSI finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North Spring season, and finished 6-2-1 in the Fall season, with Youssouf Barry leading the team with 10 goals in the Fall. MSI stands for Montgomery Soccer Inc., and was established in 1971 as a youth soccer club.

Qualifying in their debut last year, Virginia Dream FC went on to upset the Richmond Kickers from USL League One 3-1 in the tournament proper. Virginia Dream finished 8-0-2 in the UPSL DMV South-A division and had a 7-3-0 in the Fall season. Virginia also fielded a team in the NPSL, finishing 9-1-0. Dream recently won the Fall Championship of the Virginia Super Soccer League.

In the First Round, MSI defeated Yinz United 2-1. Yousef Barry’s first half tally and a Yinz own goal propelled MSI to the second round.

MSI had another close game in the Second Round, defeating Arlington SA Pro 1-0. Daniel Gebura scored the lone goal in the 35th minute from an Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out.

MSI shocked Christos FC 5-0 in the Third Round, with Francis Meyer and Nicolas Pasternoster each scoring twice.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd minute, Virginia Dream came back on goals from Williams Yami in each half to defeat Doradus FC 2-1.

In the Third Round, Dream made easy work of Guerrilla FC with a 6-1 victory. Dream jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead paced by Diarra Zoumana who had a hat-trick.

Ballard FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

Led by three-time Open Cup champion Lamar Neagle, Ballard FC are on the cusp of their third straight Open Cup appearance. In their way is Fresno’s Valley 559 FC, who came close to making the Open Cup field in 2024 and 2025, but fell just short.

Ballard FC are looking to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third year in a row. Now that USL League Two teams are allowed to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament, they are getting another shot at qualifying after falling short in USL League Two. Ballard finished just outside of the cutoff for the nine USL League Two clubs that gained an automatic spot in next year’s tournament. The Seattle club finished 9-2-3 in USL League Two Northwest Division and reached the USL League Two championship, losing to Vermont Green 2-1.

Valley 559 FC returns to qualifying after falling at the final hurdle last year. In their first appearance in 2024 they reached the Third Round where they lost 5-3 to eventual 2024 qualifiers FC Folsom. Last year they reached the final round, losing to Inter San Francisco in a 5-4 extra time barnburner. Valley finished 6-2-2 in the UPSL NorCal South Division Spring season and reached the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Valley are finished 4-4-0 in the UPSL Fall Season. Valley 559 have been one of the more consistent teams in the UPSL, finishing either first or second in the NoCal South Division every Spring and Fall season since starting in 2023.

After receiving a double bye through the first two rounds, Ballard finally joined the competition in Round 3, and had no trouble with Sharktopus FC, winning 5-0. Nii Engmann started by scoring the first two goals, and Lamar Neagle, three-time Open Cup winner with the Seattle Sounders in 2009, 2011 and 2014, scored the final two goals.

Valley had to stage a comeback to win their opening qualifying game over Real San Jose. After RSJ took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute, Jose Luis Cuevas and Quincy Amarikwa scored on either side of halftime for the 2-1 win. Amarikwa is a 10-year veteran of MLS, spread out over six different clubs. After being tied 2-2 with FC Folsom through 54 minutes, Valley eventually pulled away for a 5-2 win, with former Chattanooga Red Wolves winger Ernesto Espinoza scoring twice.

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
vs.
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET

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

After making their debut last year, Next Level are back for another shot at qualifying. Next Level finished 5-3-2 in the UPSL Arizona division and went on to reach the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Next Level are currently 6-0-1 in the Fall UPSL season.

Azteca are one of the grizzled veterans of Open Division qualifying, having entered every qualifying tournament except 2016 and 2019. Azteca qualified for the Open Cup in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024, and reached the final round of qualifying in 2020, 2023 and 2025. Azteca finished 7-0-1 in Colorado Premier League Spring season and are currently 5-2-1 in the Fall.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

Next Level advanced by defeating UPSL rival Olympians FC 3-1, with Danny Baca leading the way with a pair of goals.

In the Third Round, Next Level took it to the next level by wiping out UDA Soccer 7-0. A 1-0 halftime lead exploded when former LA Galaxy II player Don Tchilao scored four times in the span of 18 minutes.

Azteca started by getting past Peak IX FC 2-1 after extra time. Jovany Herrera scored both goals for Azteca.

In the Third Round, Azteca gained a measure of revenge by eliminating Harpos FC 1-0. Harpos knocked out Azteca in the Final Round last year, 2-0. Jovany Herrera once again accounted for all the scoring Azteca needed.

Laguna United FC (UPSL)
vs.
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
La Paz Sports Park – Laguna Niguel, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

For the second year in a row, Laguna United FC and San Diego Internacional meet with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line. Last year Laguna United traveled to San Diego and got the upper hand 6-2, Yousef Farah notching a hat-trick and Michael Barrazas scoring twice.

San Diego Internacional are in their second qualifying run, having fallen short last year, Internacional finished 7-3-0 in the UPSL SoCal South Division and are 9-1-1 in the Fall season.

Laguna United have participated in Open Cup qualifying three previous times, finally breaking through last year to qualify for the first time. Laguna United finished 9-1-2 in the UPSL SoCal North Division Spring season and finished 7-2-1 in the Fall session, with Woody Angell leading the way with 13 goals scored.

Laguna United was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds. Once they played their opening match, they blanked Irvine FC (UPSL) 4-0. Marquis Mitchell, Shukur Azizov, Michael Barraza and Marc Binkelund shared the scoring duties.

In their first game, Internacional rolled over fellow UPSL club FC Balboa 7-1, with Taj Winnard scoring twice and five other players filling the scoresheet.

In the Third Round, SDI eliminated their UPSL rivals City SC San Diego 2-1 on goals from William Garton and Michael Khan. It was the second year in a row that SDI eliminated City in qualifying.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
vs.
Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
St. Mary’s High School – St. Louis, Mo.
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

Midwest Premier League clubs clash in St. Louis as Chicago House AC try to complete a successful return to the Open Cup after missing out last year. In their way is qualifying debutant BOHFS St. Louis, who play in the MWPL Gateway Conference

BOHFS are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying this year. BOHFS finished 6-3-1 in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference.

Protagonist Soccer: Who Are Ya!: BOHFS St Louis

Chicago House have reached the final round of qualifying in their previous three attempts, making the cut in 2023 and 2024, and falling via penalties to Tulsa Athletic last year. Chicago House is co-owned by Peter Wilt, who has helped start other clubs such as Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Red Stars, Indy Eleven, Forward Madison and Green Bay Voyageurs FC. House was a founding member of NISA but only played one season after a falling out with the league, prompting a move to the Midwest Premier League. House finished 8-2-2 in the Midwest Premier League Heartland Division 1.

BOHFS earned their first qualifying win with a 3-1 triumph over Woodland FC. Elliot Goodwin, Alex Webern and Michael Utley scored for the winners. BOHFS then vanquished the UPSL’s Omaha Street 4-2, with Liam Collins, Michael Utley and Ryan Wakeman and Brian Bement putting BOFHS up 4-1.

Chicago House got by the UPSL’s Wisloka Chicago 2-0 to enter the Third Round. Nico Williams’ two goals in the first seven minutes were all House needed.

Next, House posted a 3-0 win over fellow MWPL club Edgewater Castle, the third qualifying win over Edgewater in as many years. After 74 minutes of scoreless play Nico Williams, AR Smith and Ricardo Avalos all scored in a nine minute window.

FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
vs.
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
Lake Mary High School Stadium – Lake Mary, FL
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET

UPSL Florida rivals face off in Lake Mary, Fla. as FC America CFL Spurs, 2024 qualifiers host Harbor City FC, who make the cut in 2025. Harbor City earned their spot in 2025 at the expense of FC America CFL Spurs, advancing via penalties. More recently the teams have met during the UPSL Fall season on Nov. 8, with Spurs rolling to a 6-0 win.

2024 Open Cup qualifiers FC America CFL Spurs are making their third straight qualifying appearance. Aside from qualifying in 2024, FC America nearly made it two in a row, falling in the final round of qualifying last year to Harbor City FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw. FC America finished 6-3-1 in the UPSL Florida – Central Zone 2 division and reached the UPSL Round of 32, and are currently 9-0-1 in the Fall season.

Harbor City FC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties over FC America CFL Spurs.

Harbor City finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL Florida Central Zone 2 division Spring season and are currently 6-2-1 in the Fall season.

FC America needed extra time to knock off Pinellas County United Pelicans SC 3-1. Kwesi Caesar gave America a 1-0 lead in the second half, and Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven scored in extra time.

FC America had a much easier time in the Third Round, smashing Emerald FC Orlando 7-0. Alexandre Teixeira registered a hat-trick, and Jorge Lamerias added two goals.

In their opening game, Harbor City defeated FC Kanks (UPSL) 3-0, scoring all three goals in the opening half. Aden O’Hara scored twice and assisted on John Oshakpemhe’s goal.

In the Third Round, Harbor City got by Bold City SC 3-2 after extra time. Mario Licor tied the game at 2-2 with eight minutes left, and then scored the eventual game winner two minutes into the extra session.

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

A pair of APSL clubs from different conferences face off with an Open Cup spot on the line as SC Vistula Garfield makes the trip downstate to face Oaklyn United FC. While both are in the APSL, Oaklyn is near Philadelphia and plays in the Delaware River Conference, while Vistula is closer to New York City and competes in the Metropolitan Conference

Established in 2008, Oaklyn United are making the most of their second attempt at qualifying after their 2025 effort ended after one game. Oaklyn finished 10-6-2 in 2024/25 APSL Delaware River Conference and are currently 2-4-0 in the early 2025-26 season.

SC Vistula Garfield are making their fifth qualifying appearance in a row, and came closest to qualifying in 2022, when they were beaten by Lansdowne Yonkers 2-0 in the final round. Founded in 1952, Vistula have entered the Open Cup off and on since the early 1970s. Vistula finished 5-11-6 in the 2024/25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season, and are just 2-6-1 in the early 2025-26 season.

A first half goal from Jason Mancuso and a second half penalty kick by Austin Johnson was all Oaklyn needed to see off Scots-American Athletic Club 2-0 in the Second Round.

In the Third Round, Oaklyn traded goals midway through the first half with Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors but Austin Johnson and Jason Mancuso closed out the half with goals that eventually gave them the 3-1 win.

Vistula kicked off their 2026 qualifying run with a 2-1 win over Ironbound SCP. Paul Kondratowicz opened the scoring in the first half and Kevin Valdivia scored the eventual winner in the 60th minute.

Christopher Karcz’s 80th minute goal propelled Vistula to a 1-0 win over the UPSL’s Bulldogs SC. Karcz, a former pro, registered three goals and an assist with the PDL’s Jersey Express in the Open Cup from 2014-2016.

Miami United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Miami United are going for their fourth Open Cup qualification in a row, and eighth overall when they host newcomers Florida Badgers FC, a club that holds a record of 17-0-2 in the Spring and Fall seasons of the UPSL this year.

Miami United are one of the more successful clubs in the current qualifying tournament, having made the cut the last three years (2023, 2024, 2025), as well as the canceled 2020 tournament. MUFC have also made Open Cup appearances in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 through the NPSL. Miami United finished 10-2-1 in the UPSL Florida South division and reached the UPSL Quarterfinals losing 1-0 to eventual champions Tennessee Tempo. United are currently 8-0-1 in the Fall UPSL season, with Alejo Fernandez and Sonny Norde leading the way with six and five goals respectively.

Founded in 2025, the Badgers are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and finished 10-0-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Florida South Zone 3 division. They have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season where they are currently 7-0-1. Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin is the team leader in the Fall with 8 goals, followed by Dave Altidor with 6 and Roodolph Jean with 5.

Miami United started their 2026 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs. Miami. Robertino Insua scored twice, and Luis Peralta added the third goal.

Miami United needed penalties to advance past the Third Round over Florida Futbol Club. After former Haitian international Sony Norde gave Miami a 1-0 lead with 14 minutes remaining, FFC drew level in stoppage time. Miami United won the penalty tiebreaker 5-4.

Badgers FC won their first ever qualifying game in dramatic fashion, beating Fort Myers City FC 1-0 on a 90th minute stoppage time goal from Dave Junior Altidor.

Following up in the Third Round, the Badgers put in a dominating performance against O’Shea’s FC, jumping out to a 4-0 halftime lead and finishing 5-0. Roodolph Jean scored twice and Jonex Sirius, James Dormeus and Schimiliguen “Jhonny” Castin contributed the other goals.

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

The New York Renegades are aiming for their second consecutive Open Cup berth zas they head to Jack McManus Field on Roosevelt Island in New York City to face the APSL’s Zum Schneider FC, a club looking for their first ever Open Cup appearance.

Zum Schneider are making a third straight appearance in Open Cup qualifying. The club was founded in 2003 three years after the bar of the same name was established by owner Sylvester Schneider. Last year they reached the Third Round where they fell to Lansdowne Yonkers 3-1. Zum finished 6-11-5 in the 2024-25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season and have started 3-5-0 in the 2025-26 season.

The New York Renegades are looking to return to the Open Cup after qualifying in 2025. In their qualifying debut in 2024 they were stopped by the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the next to last round, The Renegades finished the UPSL Northeast American spring season with a 9-0-1 mark and finished 6-2-2 in the Fall season and have reached the Round of 16 in the UPSL Fall playoffs.. Angelo Quintanilla and Junior Rosario share the goalscoring lead with five each.

Zum Schneider pulled off a remarkable comeback win in the Second Round over Osner’s FC. Down 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining, Zum stormed back to score three times to force extra time. In the extra session Zum continued their barrage, scoring four more goals to win 7-3. Seven different players filled in the scoresheet for the winners. After spotting Metropolitan Oval Academy an early 1-0 lead, Zum reeled off four unanswered goals from Deniz Oncu, Tomas de Andrade Gomes, Diego Silva and Cesare Marconi for a comfortable 4-1 win in the Third Round.

The Renegades got their 2026 qualifying run started by beating American Soccer Club New York from the NPSL 2-0. Oscar Rivas and Junior Rosero.

NYR eliminated four-time US Open Cup champions New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in the middle of a nor’easter in Round 2.

The UPSL club jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening five minutes through goals from Ojai Bedward, Sebastian Ruiz and Junior Rosero. Rosero and Ruiz each scored twice in the Renegades 5-3 win over Lansdowne Yonkers FC in the Third Round.

Rosario has appeared in the Open Cup with two other clubs, the Long Island Rough Riders 2015, 2026 & 2018, and in 2022 with Oyster Bay United where he had one goal and two assists in their 3-1 First Round win over Hartford City FC.

Denton Diablos (MSSL/USSSA)
vs.
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
Mean Green Soccer Stadium – Denton, TX
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

UPDATE (11/22 – 11:30am): This game was moved to a 2 p.m. local time kickoff (3 p.m. ET) due to a severe weather forecast for Sunday evening

Three-time qualifiers ASC New Stars will attempt to secure their first appearance in the tournament since 2012 when they travel north to the outskirts of Dallas to face the Denton Diablos, who are also gunning to return to the big stage after an absence of three years.

Denton has qualified for the Open Cup twice (2020 and 2022) through the NPSL, but their 2020 appearance was cancelled when the 2020 Open Cup was shut down due to COVID-19. Denton spent their first six seasons in the NPSL, winning the league championship in 2021,. In 2025, the Diablos moved to USL League Two where they posted a 7-4-1 record in the Mid-South Division. Denton are entering qualifying through the Metroplex Premier League where their Under-23 team, Denton Diablos Estudiantes, plays.

ASC New Stars are making their second attempt at Open Division qualifying after going one and done last year. ASC (Aria Soccer Club) are no strangers to the Open Cup, having qualified three times (2008, 2011, 2012) before Open Division qualifying was re-organized in 2016. The New Stars finished 11-2-5 in Houston Football Association 2024-25 season and are 5-1-2 in the 2025-26 HFA campaign. ASC also reached the Region III Final of the National Amateur Cup in 2025.

Denton opened their 2026 qualifying campaign with a 6-2 victory over Sporting NTX of the UPSL. Newcomer Jay Lee led the way with a pair of goals.

Denton were involved in one of the wildest games of qualifying in the Second Round, defeating Tulsa Athletic 5-4 after extra time. Denton held a 2-0 lead for 76 minutes when Tulsa scored twice in three minutes to tie the game. Two minutes after Denton regained the lead, but Tulsa drew level deep into stoppage time. Tulsa took a 4-3 lead just after extra time started, but Matt Albury scored the final two goals of his hat trick to put Denton in front for good at 5-4.

Denton’s Third Round game with Atletico Dallas was a bit less dramatic, as Jay Lee scored twice in the opening half to power Denton to a 2-1 win.

ASC New Stars advanced to the Third Round with a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s SVD Beaumont. Scoring for New Stars were Iván Luquetta, Delano Foster and Felix Allisson.

Another shutout followed in the Third Round as the New Stars beat San Antonio’s 210 FC 5-0. Ivan Luquetta led the way with two goals and Jovany Macias, Lukas Simon and Allison Dessaline Felix added the others. Luquetta spent time in Colombia before returning to the States in 2022 to play for the Charlotte Independence, registering an assist in their Second Round 4-2 upset loss to North Carolina Fusion U-23.

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
vs.
Potros FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Kalonji Pro-Profile and Potros FC, a pair of Georgia UPSL rivals seeking their first ever Open Cup appearance meet in Snellville, Ga. to determine who moves on and who has to wait another year. While they were in separate divisions during the 2025 Fall season Kolonji and Potros finished 1-2 in the Spring season, playing to a 1-1 draw on May 11.

Kalonji returned to qualifying after sitting out last year. They previously entered in 2023 and 2024, winning their opening game before being eliminated in the next round. Kalonji finished 10-1-2 in the UPSL Georgia division and finished 8-1-1 in the Fall season, with six different players scoring at least three goals.

Portos are also having a fine 2025, finishing 9-1-3 in the UPSL Spring season and had a perfect 10-0-0 in Fall play. 18-year old Nazario Mbomio, from Equatorial Guinea, led the team in the Fall season with nine goals. Founded in 2016 as an Under-19 team and part of the UPSL since 2020, this is the first ever attempt at Open Cup qualifying for Potros.

Portos won 2-0 over North Georgia United to start their qualifying run. Marc Bineau and Steven Raymont scored in the second half.

In the Third Round Potros got the better of fellow UPSL side Atletico Buford FC 2-1.

Pedro Lima gave Potros a 1-0 lead in the opening half, and Marc Bineau, aka Dadynho converted a penalty kick with six minutes remaining.

Kalonji came out on top of a back and forth game in the opening contest, defeating LSA Norcross Pro 4-2. Kalonji fell behind 1-0 at the half but took a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. After LSA pulled even, Kalonji scored twice in the final minute to take the win. Karim Tmimi and Zain Hylton each had a brace.

It was all Karim Tmimi in the Third round, scoring all four goals in Kalonji’s 4-0 romp over Mint Hill FC (UPSL). The 29-year-old Frenchman spent three years with French lower league club Chauvigny before coming to the United States where he landed with Atlanta United 2 in 2023 and 2024, making 52 appearances and scoring 15 goals. Tmimi also had a brief spell with the Georgia Revolution in 2022, scoring the lone goal in Georgia’s 3-1 First Round loss to Southern States SC Stars of the NPSL.

Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
vs.
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Kendall Soccer Park (Field 3) – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

Two former Open Cup qualifiers face off at Kendall Soccer Park in Miami as 202 qualifier City Soccer FC hosts four-time Open Cup participant Red Force FC.

Red Force are making their eighth appearance in Open Cup qualifying, making the final cut in 2017 and 2018. They also reached the final round last year, falling to Miami United 3-2 after extra time. Red Force previously qualified for the Open Cup in 2013 and 2014. In 2013 they lost their opening match to fellow Florida club Ocala Stampede of the Premier Development League (now USL League Two). They returned the following year and picked up their first cup win, edging the Colorado Rovers (USSSA) on the road by the score of 2-1. The run would end in Round 2 with a rough and tumble 2-1 road loss to the PDL’s Laredo Heat. The match saw a fight break out and five red cards handed out. Red Force finished 8-2-0 in the Premier Futbol League.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC

2018 Meet the Underdogs: Red Force FC

City Soccer FC qualified for the 2022 Open Cup and reached the Final Round in 2024 before falling to qualifiers Miami United, 3-2. 2025 was the lone year out of four qualifying runs that City failed to move past their opening game. City finished 6-4-3 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and held a 7-2-0 mark in the Fall.

Red Force opened their 2026 qualifying run with a back-and-forth 4-3 extra time win over Atletico Miami Internacional FC. The clubs traded the lead twice before Red Force pushed their advantage to 3-1 with five minutes remaining. AMI tied the game in second half stoppage time and Steven Saballos scored for Red Force with three minutes remaining in the extra session to advance. Andres Navas, David Ochoa and Santiago Fajardo scored for the winners in regulation.

Ochoa and Fajardo were the scorers in Red Force’s 2-1 win over Miami Soccer Academy in the Third Round.

City Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds, and in the Third Round survived a wild 4-3 extra time win over the UPSL’s Palm Beach Flames SC. The game saw 38 fouls, 10 yellow cards and two reds between the teams, one of the red cards going to City goalkeeper Ortiz Lovera early in the game. City overcame a 2-1 deficit to force extra time where Ricardo Tapia scored the eventual game-winner in the 97th minute. Auner Cobon Escobar scored twice for City in regulation. Tapia and Escobar both played in City Soccer’s lone Open Cup appearance, a 3-1 loss to Miami United FC in the 2022 First Round.

San Ramon FC (TLFC/USASA)
vs.
The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

A qualifying newbie hosts one of the oldest clubs in this year’s qualifying tournament as San Ramon FC, the lone survivor from The League for Clubs, takes on The Olympic Club at Tiffany Roberts Field in San Ramon, Calif.

The Olympic Club began play in the San Francisco Soccer Football League in 1916 and is also the oldest athletic club in the United States having been established on May 6, 1860. According to TheCup.us records, Olympic made their Open Cup debut in the 1956 tournament. Olympic won the 2025 SFSFL Premier Division with a 16-3-3 record and finished in second place in 2024 and 2023.

This is the 3rd qualifying attempt (2020, 2024) for Olympic Club, qualifying for the canceled 2020 tournament. In 2024, they were stopped in the Second Round by SFSFL rivals Inter San Francisco 4-1.

San Ramon are making their qualifying debut this year and finished 9-4-2 in The League for Clubs NorCal Conference, reaching the NorCal Championship where they were eliminated by Napa Valley 1839 FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw. San Ramon has been active since 1973 and previously played in the NPSL. San Ramon turned in a dominating 4-0 performance to defeat Napa Valley 1839 FC in the TLFC NorCal Conference Fall Cup final on Nov. 16.

In the First Round, Olympic Club pushed past Norcal Shockwaves of the SFSFL third tier 4-2. Alexander Weekes, Arda Bulut and Kevin Lopes scored to give Olympic a 3-0 lead, but the Shockwaves managed to make it 3-2 before Bulut scored his second goal from the penalty spot.

In the Second Round, Olympic just needed a single goal from Bulut to get past Albion SC Silicon Valley of the UPSL 1-0. In the Third Round, it was all Arda Bulut, as he scored all four goals in Olympics 4-1 win over the UPSL’s Ariana FC.

Bulut was a part of 2017 NCAA champions Stanford Cardinal then played with SFSFL club San Francisco Glens. Bulut then signed with Louisville City in 2020 but never appeared in a game for them. He spent 2021 with Turkish 2. Lig club Kasimpasa, scoring four goals in 17 appearances. Bulut has scored seven of Olympic’s nine goals in their three qualifying games. Bulut also scored two goals in Olympic’s 2024 qualifying run.

San Ramon cruised past Dublin Celtic FC of the Southwest Premier League 6-0. Six different players scored for San Ramon, who jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead.

In the Third Round, San Rafael stopped International San Francisco from reaching their fourth consecutive “Win and You’re In” game with a 5-0 win. Jonathan Montoya, Giovanni Mota and Roberto Gonzalez scored for San Rafael, with an own goal added from Inter.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 Review: 32 teams advance to “Win & You’re In” round

November 4, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Across 18 states this weekend, 64 teams fought it out in the Third Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, vying for a chance to play in the final qualification round and punch their ticket to the big dance. Along the way, a massive 149 goals were scored, 8 games went to extra time and 4 were forced to a penalty kick shootout.

The Fourth Qualification Round (“Win & You’re In”) is scheduled to be played across the weekend of Nov. 22-23. Unlike previous rounds, no teams will receive a bye, with 16 spots on the line for Open Division Qualification into the 111th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Read on for recaps of each and every game this past weekend. Links to highlights and streams are provided where available.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Akron City FC (USL League Two)
3:3
Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer Lg./USASA)
Croatia Cleveland advance on penalties, 5-4

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

On a cool and partly cloudy afternoon, Akron City FC from USL League Two and Croatia Cleveland of the North Coast Soccer League added another thrilling chapter to the Akron-Cleveland rivalry in the Open Cup as they kicked off the Third Round in 2026 Open Division qualifying tournament. In a game that saw Croatia overcome a two-goal deficit in extra time, the Clevelanders prevailed on penalties 5-4.

In the 30th minute, Croatia nearly gifted Akron the opening goal when Lovorko Duvnjak played a dangerous back pass to Musa who had to scramble to clear the ball for a corner. The resulting corner led to Akron taking a 1-0 lead when Cole Werthmuller headed in the corner kick from Marko Rimac, then was shoved down by Musa, leading to all 22 players gathering in the Croatia penalty area. Order was quickly restored and both players received yellows. A couple minutes from halftime Croatia saw a goal nullified for offsides, leaving Akron ahead 1-0 at the break.

After keeping play in their half for most of the opening 20 minutes of the second half, Croatia finally broke through to equalize in the 71st minute when Tanner Hodgson slotted home a free kick from the top of the penalty area.

Croatia nearly took a 2-1 lead four minutes later when Akron goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy was beaten and had an open goal in front of him, but Omar Najjar came over to head the shot away at the goal line. Najjar would make another goal line clearance a few minutes later.

In the 89th minute Akron nearly won the game when Najjar had a golden chance in front of goal in the middle of a scrimmage, but his shot was cleared, leaving the initial 90 minutes to remain tied at 1-1.

The relative quiet of the first ten minutes of extra time was awoken when Akron took the lead in the 102nd minute. Colin Biros converted a free kick from just outside the corner of the penalty area. Things went from bad to worse for Croatia three minutes later when Croatia goalkeeper Marjo Musa accidently deflected a cross from Akron’s Emilio Spetic into his own net to give Akron a 3-1 lead.

Croatia pulled a goal back just before the opening extra 15 minutes expired, as John Duldner headed a free kick off the sideline from Carson Hodgson.

In the 114th minute, Croatia equalized when Ben Bolinger flicked in a corner kick from Carson Hodgson. The rest of extra time went scoreless, meaning penalty kicks were needed to determine a winner.

Just like the 120 minutes of play the Akron jumped in front only to see Croatia stage a comeback in the PK shootout. Zoltan Nagy saved the opening kick from Croatia’s Carson Hodgson, but Akron’s Hayden Haffner sent his team’s second attempt over the crossbar. Each team converted their next three kicks to send the shootout to sudden death. Dave Beattie converted for Croatia, then Musa made up for his own goal gaffe by saving Emilio Spetic’s shot to win the shootout 5-4 and send Croatia one step closer to returning to the US Open Cup.

PK summary

Akron City FC
Omar Najjar GOAL
Hayden Haffner MISS
Brenden Swann GOAL
Quinn Groves GOAL
Michael Burrington GOAL
Emilio Spetic SAVED

Croatia Cleveland
Carson Hodgson SAVED
Tanner Hodgson GOAL
Jamon McCourt GOAL
Amir Serikbaev GOAL
Danny Kalic GOAL
Dave Beattie GOAL

Ballard FC (USL League Two)
5:1
Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)

By Nate Sachs

In a free-flowing match, star-studded Ballard FC came away with a decisive 5-1 victory over Sharktopus FC in the Third Round of 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Led by braces from former MLS player Lamar Neagle and Nii Engmann, the Bridges are one win away from playing in the US Open Cup First Round for a third year in a row.

Nii Engmann, who played his college ball at Duke University, opened the scoring in the 6th minute off a feed from Ballard FC co-founder and Seattle Sounders FC legend Lamar Neagle. Just under ten minutes later, Neagle again fed a cross to Engmann who slid in to score Ballard’s second goal.

Gabe Kellum pulled back a goal from the penalty spot for Sharktopus and the halftime whistle blew with the score 2-1 to the hosts.

Six minutes after halftime, Cale Spence made it 3-1 Ballard with a shot from outside the box, before Lamar Neagle put the game away with goals in the 59th and 71st minutes. Neagle, a 3-time US Open Cup champion who was making his debut for the club, earned Man of the Match honors for his two goal and two assist effort.

Despite reaching the USL League Two championship game last season, Ballard missed out on qualifying for the Open Cup through league play and had to scramble to fill a roster for the Open Division qualifying tournament.

With their open tryouts for the 2026 season not until December, Ballard pulled together a squad of players from past seasons, former college players, and three former Seattle Sounders in addition to Neagle. The defensive duo of former top-ten MLS SuperDraft pick Jordan McCrary, and three-time US Open Cup winner Jhon Kennedy Hurtado made their Ballard FC debuts. Meanwhile Kelyn Rowe returned to the club’s roster after playing for the Bridges in their 2025 Open Cup matchup with Spokane Velocity.

Ballard advances to the Fourth and final round of qualifying on the weekend of Nov. 22-23.

Brockton FC United (UPSL)
0:1
CD Faialense (Bay State Soccer League/USASA)
After Extra Time

By Sam Fromowitz

In a high-intensity chippy matchup, Cambridge, Mass.-based club CD Faialense exacted revenge on Brockton FC United in a rematch of the 2024 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round, as they knocked out the latter 1-0 thanks to a goal by Jonathan Klein deep into extra time.

The game started out at a rapid pace. Neither team found much rhythm in the opening minutes; Brockton looking to counter with balls over the top and Faialense trying throughballs to their target man Martin Vician.

As the half went on, Brockton would claim the majority of possession, showing high technical ability and attempting to turn their time on the ball into lethal counters. With some tricky players on the wings, they managed to mount a couple of attacks, though nothing that troubled CD Faialense’s goalkeeper Lucas Verge. As the half went on, the game turned into more of a rapid, shoulder-to-shoulder physical battle with the referee opting to be more lenient in letting things go. Tempers would flare up and manifest in several arguments on the field, reaching a high point after Brockton FC United’s Manuel Andrade was booked for a strong challenge.

The second half started out favoring CD Faialense as they began to look more settled in possession, peaking in the 54th minute just yards from goal, where Vician fed former Boston University standout Gianluca Arlotti a golden opportunity to score which was scuffed wide of the post.

Brockton tested Faialense’s defense and keeper several times afterward, reclaiming momentum as the game entered the tactics-free zone. Up for the challenge, ‘keeper Lucas Verge made several saves leading up to full time; with a diving effort and a pair of quick-reaction saves. His defense bailed him out on a couple of chances with clearances from near the goal-line.

Into extra time, Brockton found much success shifting play from midfield out to the left wing, using the pace of Elizandro Cardoso to beat Faialense’s back line and put in dangerous cross after dangerous cross to the far post. This pattern repeated itself and nearly proved fruitful in the 92nd, 95th and 105th minutes with shots from inside the 6 yard line.

After repeated counter attacks going both directions and tired legs beginning to show, luck would finally prove to be on CD Faialense’s side as they scored off a corner in the 116th minute through Jonathan Klein, who sprinted all the way down the field to celebrate with his erupting bench. Tempers finally boiled over just before the final whistle as Cardoso would get into a scuffle that ended with him being shown a straight red in the 119th minute.

CD Faialense will look to carry their resilient performance into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where one more win will see them make their second-ever appearance in the full tournament.

Briar United FC (UPSL)
1:1
Grove United (NPSL)
Briar United advance on penalties, 6-5

By Ha Lien Gaskin

Briar United FC beat Grove United 6-5 in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw in a fiery, intense match sealed by Briar United forward Gianlucca Blas-Pereira’s final penalty.

The game featuring a pair of first-time entries in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament got off to a fast start. Grove United kicked off the game at breakneck speed with a fast pass-and-go quickly intercepted by Briar United for an early shot on goal.

However, a stumble by Briar United goalkeeper John Paulino led to an early goal by Grove United forward Demetrius Howe in the 4th minute.

Grove United’s Dame Pene was shown a yellow in the 8th minute for a messy tackle on defender William Doyen. Briar United struggled to respond to the early goal, making a few shots on goal throughout the rest of the half that were pressured out wide and neutralized by Grover United’s defense.

The second half began passionately, with a yellow card given to Briar United midfielder Jorlee Trejo in the early minutes of the half.

Gianlucca Pereira made it even for Briar United in the 52nd minute with a neat goal. Briar United were more in control of the half, making several attempts on goal that just failed to reach the back of the net. Tensions continued to rise as the game neared its full 90 minutes, with no winner in sight.

Two 15-minute halves of extra time were played with similar vigor, with no signs of slowing down for either side. Still, both halves were fruitless for the competing teams, and the match continued to penalties.

Even the penalty kick shootout was neck-and-neck between the two teams. The match was decided by a cool, confident goal by Briar United’s Gianlucca Pereira, met with jubilant cheers from fans and teammates alike as the North Carolinian side advanced to the next round.

Penalty Kick Shootout Summary
GU #16 Matthew Do – GOAL
BUFC #19 Cesar Gonzalez Rodriguez – GOAL
GU #14 Hamed Zakiri – SAVED
BUFC #7 Wuilmer Garcia – GOAL
GU #18 Asanda Tom – GOAL
BUFC #31 William Doyen – GOAL
GU #7 Leighton Langenhoven – GOAL
BUFC #26 Brayan Bermejo Rodriguez – GOAL
GU #15 Abdillahi Adan – GOAL
BUFC #9 Gianlucca Blas-Pereira – GOAL

Harbor City FC (UPSL)
3:2
Bold City SC (UPSL)
After Extra Time

By Taylor George

After an exciting, high-intensity matchup, Harbor City walked away with a 3-2 win in extra time over Bold City SC, punching their ticket into the Fourth Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Bold City started off intensely, putting themselves on the score sheet in the 4th minute thanks to a goal by Chan Hrin off an impressive cross into the box by Mirza Nevoric.

HCFC would fail to equalize until the end of the first half when Harbor City’s Mitchell Reed buried a header into the back of the net off a corner taken by Aden O’Hara.

The next 45 minutes started at 1-1 with Bold City yet again putting themselves ahead three minutes into the second half after Mirza Nevoric found the back of the net after maneuvering himself into the box after defeating defenders.

HCFC responded in the 82nd minute when Mario Licor utilized his attacking skills to glide past defenders and cross the ball into the box to tie up the game 2-2.

Regulation ended with the game turning into a scrappy affair as both teams fought to get ahead.

Mario Licor would quickly score the winning goal for HCFC off an assist by Mitchell Reed in the 92nd minute. The rest of the game would be scrappy with both teams gathering a plethora of yellow cards and one straight red card was issued to a Bold City player in the 102nd minute.

HCFC held onto their lead for the rest of the game, allowing them to move onto the fourth and final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. HCFC are looking for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year in 2024.

MSI Pro (UPSL)
5:0
Christos FC (APSL/USASA)

By Dan Creel

A battle of Central Maryland teams saw the upstart MSI of Rockville take down Baltimore’s Christos FC in a fairly surprising 5-0 result. The match was held under the lights on Field 14 of the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.

It was a classic press-versus-counter match with the latter coming out the victor. Christos came out strong from the opening whistle compressing MSI well back into their defensive third.

But, in just the 7th minute, MSI’s counter game paid dividends. A break up the right wing was crossed by Ilyes Ouldbrahim at the end line. The ball zipped across the face of goal to find MSI’s central midfielder, Francis Meyer, on the doorstep. Meyer, a former Johns Hopkins starter, knocked home the service to make it 1-0 early.

Christos would continue to press hard against MSI’s defense, but MSI’s midfield was more than up to the task. MSI’s counter game regularly found pockets in the Christos midfield defense which diffused much of the pressure and made Christos chase the game.

Christos’ attack began to get more comfortable as the first half wore on but still without putting the MSI keeper in danger. That momentum was snatched away by MSI’s second goal.

In the 33rd minute, off a quick restart, Meyer touched a ball wide to Ouldbrahim on the right near the center strip. Ouldbrahim would one time a through ball to striker Youssouf Barry. Behind the Christos defense, Barry, MSI’s leading goal scorer moved from the penalty spot to his right and chipped a beauty that lofted over the keeper and into the back of the net.

As the second half began, Christos FC adjusted and pushed a more direct attack at MSI’s goal. But, again, it was MSI’s counter attack that led to the first dangerous play of the half.

In the 49th minute, Christos roamed to the MSI 18 yard box but the attack was shut down with the ball skimming to Ouldbrahim. He sent a long ball perfectly weighted to find Alek Wroblewski sprinting to goal flanked by two Christos defenders. He paused just inside the Christos penalty area and dropped a lovely pass to his right for an onrushing Barry who took a shot that caromed off the underside of the Christos crossbar.

Just after that, Christos made its own quick attack up the pitch finding the club’s veteran striker, Jacob Bender, with tons of space in the penalty box. Bender’s low shot seemed destined for a goal but it bounced off the bottom of the right goal post and out. That would be Christos’ best scoring chance of the evening.

Things got chippy and physical as the second half wore on. Christos’ players became more frustrated as MSI kept finding just the right angle to shut down an attack or pocket of space to spring their own.

MSI finished things off by scoring a trio of goals in the last 10 minutes of regulation. In the 80th, Francis Meyer found himself with tons of space in the central midfield. A cutback caused his defender to fall and he was able to survey the pitch to find Wroblewski, a former UMBC Retriever and Annapolis Blue, on his left. Wroblewski sent a low shot near post to beat the Christos keeper.

Meyer got his brace in the 86th. Drifting wide left, he received a ball from left back Matthew Cappellina. Meyer juked his defender at the end line, dribbled to goal and sent a tight angle shot home for MSI’s fourth of the night. Midfielder Tomas Martini made it 5-0 by lashing a 20 yard shot to the Christos keeper’s right. Magruder High School grad, Yusupha Fofana, kept a clean sheet for MSI.

With that impressive win, MSI is one game away from their first-ever U.S. Open Cup.

NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
5:3
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
After Extra Time

By Bruce Corrie

From the first kick there is an intensity from both teams that is made blissfully apparent with three fouls in the first three minutes of play. Right off the bat, Lansdowne Yonkers put themselves in the front foot; winning a penalty kick and Musa Danso converting in the 8th minute. However, the NY Renegades answered just seven minutes later from a Francesco Flores header. Contrary to their 2025 Qualifying matchup, goals would continue to flow as both squads put caution to the wind and open up the field.

A half hour later, Danso converted another penalty kick for Lansdowne. The penalty was initially saved, but the referee ordered a retake because the Renegades’ goalkeeper came off his line early. Eight minutes later, NY Renegade’s Sebastian Ruiz stepped up and converted his own penalty to bring the match back square at 2-2.

Lansdowne pushed forward going into the half and found the advantage from Musa Danso’s effort in the 43rd minute. With Lansdowne up 3-2 into the second half, they couldn’t hold off the Renegades’ persistent pressure in their defensive third for much longer. Sebastian Ruiz stepped up and converted from the spot 62 minutes in after his teammate was shoved from behind in a shot towards goal.

Regulation ended with Lansdowne Yonkers and New York Renegades tied at 3-3. About 98 minutes in, Junior Rosero collected the ball at the top of the box on a misclearance and slid home their fourth goal of the night.

Landowne’s hopes of a comeback were delivered a blow when striker Kyle Galloway was sent off in the 108th minute. Three minutes later Sebastian Ruiz scored his third goal of the match to put the game away and send the Renegades to the fourth and final round of 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying.

Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
3:4
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
After Extra Time

By Matt Clark

Thirty-eight fouls, 10 yellow cards and two reds created an interesting atmosphere between UPSL rivals Palm Beach Flames SC and City Soccer SC in Wellington, Florida, Saturday night. However, it was a 97th-minute winner from Ricardo Tapia that made the difference as City knocked off the Flames, 4-3.

Auner Cobon scored the first of his two goals in the sixth minute, before City’s starting goalkeeper Ortiz Lovera was sent off with a straight red card for playing the ball with his hands outside the box.

The Flames regained control of the match behind back-to-back goals in two minutes from Kobe Harris.

City equalized before the break as a ricocheted shot in the box bounced off the foot of Flames’ midfielder Jeffrey Michaud for an own goal.

Between Cobon’s opening strike and Harris’s brace, officials only doled out four cards before halftime.

Things got more testy between the teams in the second half as the Flames racked up another four yellow cards and a red for forward Louay Gharzeddine. City Soccer tacked on another two yellow cards in the second half.

Substitute Malte Schmale put the Flames back on top in the 60th minute, thanks to a cross from Harris. However, Cobon answered seven minutes later with his second to tie the game at 3.

Finally, in the 97th minute, Cobon hit Tapia for the eventual winner past Flames’ keeper Sebastian Turbyfield.

In all, the teams combined for 18 shots on goal – 10 for City Soccer and eight for the Flames.

For the Flames, their quest for their first Open Cup berth ends in Wellington, while City Soccer SC moves on after reaching the Final Round in 2024.

Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
1:2
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)

By Adam Uthe

Two goals in five minutes from striker Jay Lee were enough to help Denton Diablos advance past Dallas Atletico to the fourth and final round of qualifying. The two teams traded possession and chances in a close game.

The start of the game was delayed about 20 minutes due to issues with the line markings on the field, but the game was well worth the wait. The two sides were evenly matched from the start and a tactical battle quickly ensued.

After trading a handful of half chances, Denton striker Jay Lee broke the deadlock. Lee’s first goal came in the 22nd minute after Dallas’ goalkeeper mishandled a back pass and Lee curled the resulting shot perfectly into the upper 90.

Another Dallas mistake presented Lee with his second opportunity just five minutes later. This time, he pounced on the back pass before it could reach its intended target and his subsequent shot was initially saved, but still managed to squeeze through the keeper’s grasp and over the line.

It didn’t take the home side long to respond though.

Five minutes after Lee’s second goal, Dallas midfielder Juan Ramirez lofted a clever through ball over the top of Denton’s backline and Jason Miranda made the most of his shot from the edge of the penalty area.

In the 38th minute, Denton earned a questionable foul on a routine cross into the box. Waleed Cherif stepped up to the spot and struck his attempt cleanly, only for it to be saved. The second half turned out to be a stalemate the Diablos did just enough to hold on and get the victory.

The Denton Diablos move one step closer to qualifying for the second time in team history. They have qualified three times, but only participated once (2022) because the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
7:0
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ

By Tim Thomas

It was the Don Tchilao show in Gilbert, Ariz. as the Next Level Soccer player led his team to victory with four goals in a 7-0 win over UDA Soccer. UDA Soccer, who are the collegiate side for New Mexico State University, had something of a Cinderella run to Open Cup qualification in 2023. It was not to be for 2026.

Next Level got off to a quick start with a David Koko goal in the 9th minute of play. The match became stagnant for the rest of the first half and through the opening minutes of the second half.

During this time action was limited to a smattering of chances for Next Level. The most exciting part of the game for the fans was when the announcer made a reference to the inscrutable “6-7 meme”. Which sent all the youth in attendance into a frenzy.

Players from Next Level Soccer celebrate after scoring a goal against UDA Soccer in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Next Level Soccer

In the 63rd minute, a switch was apparently flipped. Don Tchialao scored a goal. Then mere minutes later Danny Baca scored. Danny’s brother Robby Baca would also contribute to the victory with a pair of assists.

In the 73^rd minute Tchialao would secure a brace. He would immediately turn around and make it a hat trick in the 76^th minute. Tchialao would score his fourth and final goal in the 81^st minute. Not wanting to be left out, Riccardo Arguello slotted home the final goal for Next Level Soccer in the 85th minute.

When the whistle was mercifully blown Next Level Soccer had completely dominated the final thirty minutes of the game. Scoring two goals between the 60^th and 70^th minutes, two goals between the 70^th and 80^th, and two goals between 80^th and 90^th. A dismantling that when combined with the outlier early goal brought the tally to 7-0 in a resounding victory.

Laguna United FC (UPSL)
4:0
Irvine FC (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA

By Tim Thomas

Once Laguna United FC started scoring, they couldn’t be stopped. Beating Irvine FC for the second consecutive year during amateur qualifying in what turned out to be a 4-0 romp.

The match got off to a quick start when Irvine FC defender Jacob Raugel had to make a sliding goal line clearance to prevent his team from falling behind early. After that, the first half saw limited chances as the two sides felt each other out.

Laguna United made three substitutions at the beginning of the second half. These substitutions would prove to be key in the story of Irvine FC and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad half.

Second half substitute Marquis Mitchell would open the scoring for Laguna in the 62nd minute. From there, it was off to the races.

A corner kick led to a mad scramble in front of the net that eventually saw a different second half substitute, Shukur Azizov, knock in the second goal for Laguna.

Goals in the 73^rd minute by Michael Barraza and 80^th minute by Marc Binkelund were purely window dressing on an emphatic victory. Laguna United moves on in their quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
5:2
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA

By David Victor

Valley 559 FC will have another shot at competing for a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating FC Folsom with the help of a brace from Ernesto Espinoza on Saturday night in Fresno.

“We have some guys with experience and younger guys that are hungry,¨ said Valley 559 Head Coach Milton Blanco.

Valley was in this same position last year, but fell just shy after losing 5-4 to Inter San Francisco in extra time. Now they will attempt to overcome the hurdle that barred them from participating in the 2025 edition of the cup.

Just like it happened against Real San Jose in Round 2, Valley found themselves trailing at home and had to come from behind to get the victory.

Nathaniel Carrasco opened the scoring in the 19th minute and gave FC Folsom the lead after capitalizing on a flawed back pass in Valley’s defense.

Valley found the equalizer 32 minutes into the first half after Mason Gonzales pounced on a rebounded ball inside the box and put it in the back of the net.

The game was physical, with both sides exchanging rough tackles meriting yellow cards that set the tone for a high-intensity matchup.

Gonzales later assisted Aaron Huerta, who received the ball inside the box and placed it in the bottom-right to turn the score around for Valley at 50 minutes in the second half.

This lead was short-lived as Folsom’s Oscar Govea approached the goal from right field and blasted it into the net at the far post to even up the score at two goals just four minutes later.

Just when it seemed the game was heading for a tense closing, Espinoza found a gap in FC Folsom’s defense. He used it to release his left foot and score a screamer from outside the box to give Valley the lead once again.

It had been the shot he was looking for the entire game.

“The key thing was to give me a lot of space so I can dribble and do myboldthey gave me the space. I had the opening and I took the shot,” Espinoza said.

Everything went downhill for FC Folsom after Valley’s third goal.

At the 82nd minute, the ball slipped through the hands of FC Folsom keeper Juan Negrete Quintero after failing to control a cross, which MLS veteran Quincy Amarikwa took advantage of to make it four for Valley.

Espinoza then scored his second of the night to conclude the game by blasting it above the keeper while coming in from left field during the 90th minute for the definitive 5-2 score.

In addition to avenging defeat against their fellow UPSL adversary during qualifying for the 2023 Open Cup, Valley has put itself just one game away from securing its ticket to the 2026 US Open Cup.

San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
2:1
City SC San Diego (UPSL)

By MaryBeth Zmuda

Two UPSL sides faced each other on Saturday in the third round of qualifying matches for the 2026 Lamar Hunt Open Cup. San Diego International were hosts to City FC San Diego for one of the “Open Cup After Dark” matches this weekend. Under the lights of Mission Bay Stadium , SD International closed out City SC’s chance to play in next season’s Cup with a 2-1 victory.

This match was a case of history repeating itself as last year’s qualifying rounds saw City SC get knocked out of Open Cup qualifying by Internacional 2-1 in the Second Round.

The first half was a display with both sides playing controlled steady soccer and knowing what was on the line with a win. SD Inter was on the board first in the 17th minute when City’s defense made a crucial error and lost control of the ball in very dangerous territory. International midfielder Daniel Strockis was in the right place at the right time and able to easily slot the ball right past keeper Renier ter Riet. The evenly matched tempo continued as both sides were continuing to make way toward the other’s net.

The 30th minute is when City SC was finally able to create some space on the pitch and get on the scoreboard themselves. With two beautiful long balls, starting from the defense, City’s German Sierra found himself alone with Inter’s keeper Carter Orchuli and easily maneuvered around and it was nothing but net. The halftime break saw the teams knotted up at 1 all.

The second half started similarly to the first. With both sides having already faced one another many times, the sense of urgency for a rivalry win started to show itself. Both City and Inter were starting to ramp up the energy and the chippy play came to the forefront. After a relatively quiet first half the second saw home and away being shown several yellow cards each as the anxiety built.

It wasn’t until the 83 minute that a potential draw was avoided. With a volley of very controlled passes SD Inter made its way quickly up the pitch. Mike Khan was the final link in that passing chain and on the receiving end of a beautiful cross from teammate Jacob Fuson. Khan was able to blast it past net minder Renier ter Riet to give the home side the advantage and not much time on the clock for City to comeback.

Neither side was backing down and fresh legs were being sent in to keep up the blazing fast tempo that had been shown throughout the second half. Unfortunately for City, it was to no avail and the final score would remain 2-1 in Inter’s favor allowing them to move on in the quest for a place at the table in the historic U.S. Open Cup Tournament 2026 edition.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
0:1
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)

By Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC will not be returning to the Open Cup for a second consecutive year. Arch rivals, Azteca FC rode a 13th minute goal from Jovany Herrera to knock last year’s qualifiers out of the competition 1-0 at a windswept Broomfield Commons on Sunday.

The win moves Azteca one step closer to a return to the tournament proper having qualified in 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

With gusting winds blowing across the field, the opening minutes of the game was incredibly ragged as both teams struggled to maintain possession for any period of time. Herrera put the visitors in the lead after Harpos uncharacteristically turned the ball over exiting its own defensive third. Azteca’s Andres Arcila took advantage of the space, driving to the endline, which pulled Harpos’ center backs out of position. Arcila’s ball found Herrera—the hero of Azteca’s 2024 qualifying run—unmarked, with the whole goal in front of him to put Azteca up 1-0.

Arcila continued to give Harpos troubles from his spot on the left flank, forcing Harpos’ goalkeeper Hayden Rus to make a desperate kick save in the 21st minute after getting in behind the Harpos back line.

At the half-hour mark, the game became chippy as Harpos began to find an attacking rhythm. Over the span of ten minutes three different Azteca players were cautioned for tactical fouls preventing Harpos from continuing promising attacks.

Harpos nearly leveled the score in the 37th minute when Quin Matulis beat Azteca goalkeeper Gerardo Aguilar from inside the penalty area, only to have it cleared off the line. Seven minutes later it was Aguilar denying Harpos Isaias Daniel Barajas, parrying Barajas’ curling shot away at full stretch to take the game to half time.

With 20 minutes to play, Harpos emptied its bench, using the fresh legs to stretch the wilting Azteca back line. In the 75th minute, substitute Shane Wheeler stripped an Azteca defender of the ball inside the penalty area, slotting the ball to Barajas, whose poorly-hit shot was saved by Aguilar. With four minutes to play, Harpos substitute Danilo Pekovic smashed a free kick off the crossbar from 25-yards from goal. Harpos did not create another chance after Pekovic’s near miss.

With everyone pushed forward, Azteca mounted one final counter, springing Edgar Hermosillo on Harpos’ goal. Harpos defender Hale Curtis’ clip on Hermosilly was enough to bring him to the turf and for referee Brian Yip to point to the penalty spot. Fighting the wind, Azteca’s Bryan Medina put the shot wide of the post to his right, with the final whistle sounding after the restart.

Steel City FC (USL League Two)
1:0
Capital City Islanders (UPSL)

By Colton Coreschi

After a competitive, evenly played first half, Steel City FC would seize control at home in the second half and see off their intra-state challengers in a 1-0 victory to advance one step closer to an Open Cup proper return.

The two Keystone State sides spent the early portions of the match feeling each other out, with much of the battle playing out in a midfield scrap for possession. Both sides looked clean and comfortable, but aggressive pressing prevented any cohesion into the final third.

Steel City FC would find their footing first, generating several corners, free kicks, and moments of danger in the Capital City box, but were unable to find the critical moment or threaten the defense with a shot on-target. But the visitors grew more comfortable late in the half, generating a dangerous chance on a stoppage-time corner that led to a header pinging off the post – but nullified by a foul for a shove in the box.

The only stat-keeping record of note for the first half came in the 36th minute, as Capital City’s Josiah Ramirez came flying in late on a challenge in Steel City’s box in a bid to win back possession high. The challenge was both late and elevated, and the referee saw fit to issue a caution to cool things down. Otherwise, the halftime whistle would blow with zeroes on the scoreboard all around.

Players from Steel City FC (left) and Capital City Islanders battle for the ball in a Third Round match in the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Randy Warner

That would quickly change in the second half, however, as Steel City really took control of proceedings. Within five minutes of kickoff, Nicky Graeca played a stellar, central through-ball to the feet of Stefano Paulino, leaving him one-on-one with the Capital City keeper. Paulino would very calmly tap the ball beyond his reach, and it nestled into the bottom-right for the 1-0 lead for the hosts.

The chances would all flow through Steel City for the majority of the half, with Paulino consistently putting chances on-target and forcing saves out of the Capital City keeper and defense. Things also became progressively chippier as Capital City sought an equalizer, with several yellows handed out to either side for late challenges and dissent.

But despite the visitor’s efforts to press higher and higher, Capital City couldn’t seem to string together the sequences necessary to threaten Garret Watson in the Steel City net. The hosts would comfortably see out the closing moments defensively and secure their 1-0 victory.

Steel City FC advances to the fourth round in a few short weeks, just one win away from returning to the Open Cup proper for the first time since their 2024 debut, while Capital City’s debut qualifying attempt reached its conclusion.

Potros FC (UPSL)
2:1
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)

By Calum Ewing

Potros FC goalkeeper Cameron Verona made three 1-v-1 saves in a rain-delayed second half, and a late penalty from star Marc Bineau gave the home side a 2-1 win over Atletico Buford in a matchup of UPSL Georgia heavyweights.

In the 24th minute, Buford forward Cristian Suazo received a cross from Eder Cruz on the right wing. With some space afforded in the 18, his half volley attempt was skied over the bar. The ensuing goal kick was flicked on towards Potros right winger Marc Bineau (called Dadynho), who cut back from pressure and, even though he and the ball were moving the opposite direction, turned his hips and played a forward through ball to Pedro Lima. Lima would score to the goalie’s right for the 1-0 lead.

Just nine minutes later, the away side responded. Buford’s Cristian Suazo was played through under pressure from two defenders, forcing him to cut back. When he did, he passed into space on the right flank, where defender Nicolas Salazar was making a rapid run to meet the ball. His shot hit the left side netting, and the game was square at 1-1.

The game would stay level through halftime and for three minutes into the second half. At that time, a lightning delay was called that lasted for over half an hour. When players returned to the rainy, cold conditions, what had once been an evenly matched affair turned strongly in favor of Buford.

In the 56th minute, Cristian Suazo was again involved, taking a strong touch past a defender to go through on goal from the left flank. That gave Potros goalkeeper Cameron Verona enough time to slide out and get his arm behind the low shot. Just a minute later, Buford’s Martinez ripped a half volley from 45 yards out that dipped towards the top right corner, hitting the bottom of the American football crossbar. Only two minutes after that, Guerra played through Carlos Chavarria, and he managed to beat a defender, seemingly control the ball with his right arm (the handball call was missed), and get off a shot. However, Verona was there again, sticking out a strong left arm to save his team.

It was not one, not two, but three 1v1 saves made by Verona. In the 65th minute, Cristian Suazo was through on goal for the second time after defender Omar Barrow whiffed an attempt to stop a pass. This time, Verona’s right arm was the one that valiantly shot upward and sent the ball over the net.

With only six minutes to play, Potros won a corner that was whipped toward the back post and met by Barrow. His header back towards goal was blocked by the extended arm of a Buford player, and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Dadynho, who sent the keeper left as he went down the middle, and Potros would see out a gritty 2-1 victory.

In their debut Open Cup campaign, the 2025 UPSL Georgia Premier Spring Champions are just one win away from making the tournament proper.

The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
4:1
Ariana FC (UPSL)

By Otis Lyons

The Olympic Club (SFSFL) continued its dominant run through qualifying with a commanding 4-1 win over Ariana FC (UPSL) on Sunday afternoon. Arda Bulut was the hero, scoring all four goals for the hosts to send them to the fourth and final round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Bulut got his first two goals in quick succession midway through the first half. The 2017 NCAA champion with Stanford converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, before capitalizing on a defensive error one minute later.

Bulut got his hat-trick just before halftime. Charlie Wehan, a fellow member of the 2017 Stanford squad, slipped a nice ball against the grain between two defenders at the top of the box, and Bulut took a touch before smashing it home.

In the 63rd minute, another defensive mistake cost Ariana FC. The ball was played from a centerback to goalkeeper Zack Rabold who was unaware Bulut was closing in, and the striker’s fourth was his easiest of the game.

Ariana FC got a consolation goal with a few minutes to play. Justin Truax played a free kick in from the center circle, and Said Houseyni reacted first, catching the Olympic Club’s defense sleeping. However, a late flurry was too little, too late for the UPSL club.

With the win, the Olympic Club are now one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the second time. Although, their first time was in 2020 when the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
3:0
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)

By Joshua Taylor

Chicago House AC defeated Edgewater Castle 3-0 on Sunday at Benedictine University Soccer Field. It was a physical battle between these two Midwest Premier League rivals throughout the match. After a scoreless first half, both teams created some good scoring opportunities in the second half. We had to wait until the 74th minute as Nico Williams broke the deadlock to put Chicago House AC ahead 1-0. Shortly afterwards Edgewater Castle FC Head Coach Duygu Erdogan received a red card.

House kept pushing and pounced on another scoring chance as their captain, AR Smith, slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 in the 81st minute. Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos would add the insurance goal to seal the win for Chicago House AC with a 3-0 victory.

For the fourth consecutive year, Chicago House AC has made it to the final round of qualifying for the US Open Cup while Edgewater Castle FC were unable to get past the House in Open Cup qualifying for the third year in a row. With one more win, Chicago House AC will qualify for the third time in the last four years.

Miami United FC (UPSL)
1:1
Florida FC (UPSL)
Miami United advance on penalties 4-3

By Andrew Torres-Blanco

UPSL Florida Rivals Miami United and debutant of the tournament Florida Futbol Club kicked off the third round of qualifications in a dramatic 1-1 draw.

Despite a quiet first half where both opponents had scarce opportunities to open the scoring, including forward Alejo Fernandez hitting the woodwork after a brilliant delivery from magician Robertino Insua from a corner kick early on, Miami United opened the deadlock in the 66th minute thanks to midfielder Peterson Revange linking with winger Sony Norde, driving in a low cross for the winger to tap in past Florida’s keeper to deliver the deserved lead. Celebrations were cut short after Florida’s Andoni Garrogerricaechebarria scored a screamer in the 92nd minute to send the game into extra time.

Extra time began the same way as the end of the second half with both teams pushing for a winner as Florida came alive after their equalizer almost scoring a dangerous free kick that grazed the bar four minutes into the first half of extra time that almost shocked the Miami bench.

However, this was short-lived, when center back Gianluca Mejia who kept the Miami forward line at bay for most of the night was sent off towards the end due to a late challenge.

In the end, Miami United prevailed in penalties 4-3 after a heroic save from the experienced Argentine keeper Franco Acerbi who calmly parried away former Miami United and current Florida player Jose Luis Aguinaga’s penalty in the shootout which was enough to send Miami United into the fourth round of the 2026 Open Cup Qualifying. Miami United are now one win away from a fourth straight US Open Cup berth.

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
3:1
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)

By George Diamond

Despite entering the match as underdogs against storied Vereinigung Erzgebirge, Oaklyn United were able to slay the USL of Pennsylvania giants and walk away as winners. Erzgebirge had the majority of chances and possession to start, but United flipped the script on the Philadelphia-area club after three first half goals and a saved penalty kick.

After soaking up early pressure from VE, Oaklyn struck first through Jake Mulinge. The former Saint Joseph’s Hawk capitalized on a poor clearance from an Erzgebirge defender and ripped a dipping strike from 25 yards out that found the top corner of the net in the 17th minute.

Looking to avoid the upset, VE quickly responded and found the equalizer through former professional Antoine Hoppenot in minute 20. After an Oaklyn turnover near midfield, Kevin Smolyn spotted the run of Hoppenot, who got in-behind the United backline. The former Philadelphia Union striker finished from a tight angle past Oaklyn keeper Matt Perrella.

Then, in the 26th minute, it looked like Vereinigung Erzgebirge would pull ahead. After being played in-behind again, Hoppenot was brought down by United’s Nico Tramontana in the box and a penalty awarded to VE. However, in a shock turn, Matt Perrella made the save on Jalen Weatherspoon’s attempt and the follow up from the rebound, keeping things level.

“ an opportunity to rally the guys, it felt good to be able to do that for the group … you want to come up in big moments … it was cool to get that save and see the guys respond,” remarked Perrella after the game.

The saves invigorated Oaklyn, but the game still hung in the balance for several minutes, until Oaklyn re-took the lead with another spectacular goal.

In the 37th minute, Oaklyn restarted play through Jade Messias after a VE foul near midfield. Messias quickly played a forward pass up to Austin Johnson. Johnson turned inside past his defender, and stroked home a finish to the far post from outside the box to give United another lead.

It was all Oaklyn for the rest of the half and United would get a third shortly before the break through Jason Mancuso. After a prolonged buildup by United, a line-breaking pass found the feet of Osman Barrie. The full-back squared a pass across net and Mancuso was there to tap home.

The half-time whistle would sound shortly thereafter.

The second half saw an unchanged score, and while Oaklyn grew into the game throughout the second half, their defense and Matt Perrella had to make several essential plays to prevent Erzgebirge from coming back. The most notable came in the 56th minute via another double save. First, he got low to deny the shot from Smolyn, then he pounced on the rebound before Hoppenot could finish it across the line.

Hoppenot would have another chance to resuscitate VE hopes at the death, but he was under pressure from Paul Bechtelheimer, and his close range strike was once more smothered by Perrella.

After 4 uneventful minutes of added time, the contest was brought to an end, with Oakly United securing the win.

“We can’t overstate what a big win this is for us,” said Oaklyn manager Alex Lewis. “It’s the most high profile competition a club like ours can compete in, and it was against a well-organized opponent who have a history of success in the Open Cup … for our guys to show up and execute for a full 90 minutes is a testament to what we’re building. The match was a great advertisement for grassroots football in our area.”

With the victory, Oaklyn are now just one win away from qualifying to their first ever US Open Cup appearance. This is the furthest United have reached in qualifying.

Looking ahead to their next match, Lewis said: “We don’t have any secret weapons. Our volunteer coaches put in a ton of time and effort reviewing film and organizing our training. Everyone at this level is making sacrifices purely for the love of the game. But South Jersey is a special place and we’ll always bet on our grit and spirit regardless of the opponent we draw.”

Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
2:2
FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
FC Lonestar Gpse advance on penalties 5-4

By Eric Casey

FC Lonestar GSPE (USPL) fought back from the brink in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament against Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA), winning 5-4 in penalties after drawing 2-2 in a game which saw most of its drama packed into the final seconds of stoppage time.

The only serious chance in the first half of this all-Massachusetts matchup fell in Boston’s favor, as a looping cross in the 35th minute from Ohad Yahalom fell to the feet of Brendan Clare, who calmly dribbled before flipping over outstretched Lonestar goalkeeper Jacob Heinsel. It would be Clare’s second goal of qualifying, having scored against Western Mass Pioneers in the Second Round.

Lonestar would strike back in the 73rd minute, when forward Jonathan Oliveira finding the back of the net.

Just as stoppage time began, Boston’s Johnathan Bonner smoothly struck the ball past Heinsel for what appeared to be the game winner. But Lonestar would succeed in pushing forward and retaining possession from the restart, immediately creating a chance to tie the game as the ball fell to the foot of Sheu Alamu. He slotted it home to miraculously tie the game back up.

Both teams have at least one solid opportunity for a goal in extra time, but the game would end up in penalties. Every goal was scored until the final stage of the fifth round, when Boston’s Fabio Machado sailed one over the bar, sealing the win for Lonestar.

Florida Badgers FC (UPSL)
5:0
O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)

By Josh Hakala

The Florida Badgers’ debut run in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament has them into the final round after a 5-0 win over O’Shea’s FC on Sunday. It was the club’s second straight shutout win as they advance to a “Win & You’re In” match scheduled for the week of Nov. 22-23.

It was a bad start for the O’Shea’s FC backline when they gifted a goal to the Badgers in the 8th minute. They played a goalkick short and Florida’s attacking players applied pressure to the defenders and forced a turnover in the O’Shea’s penalty area. After passing around the goalkeeper, Roodolph Jean opened the scoring with an easy tap in from close range.

In the 24th minute, the Badgers were continuing to put on the pressure on the O’Shea’s goal. The ball was chipped into the box and headed out by an O’Shea’s defender but the ball fell to Jonex Sirius who launched a missile into the upper corner of the net to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Six minutes later, more Badgers pressure paid off with a midfielder dispossessed an O’Shea’s player near the center circle leading to a counter attack. With three players taking on two defenders, the ball was played to the right side to Roodolph Jean who fired a shot in the upper corner of the far post.

In the 39th minute, James Dorneus put his head to a corner kick to give the Badgers a 4-0 lead heading into the halftime break.

The scoring would wrap up in the 67th minute when the Badgers’ pressure paid off again by creating a turnover in the O’Shea’s defensive third. The ball fell to Schimiliguen Castin, who rounded the goalkeeper to push the lead to 5-0 and the score would remain that way until the final whistle.

The win extends the Badgers’ winning streak. Including games in the UPSL Premier, Florida are undefeated in all competitions.

Miami Soccer Academy (USSL / USSSA)
1:2
Red Force FC (PFL / USASA)

By Josh Hakala

In a South Florida matchup in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament, Red Force FC held off Miami Soccer Academy 2-1 to advance to the final round for the second year in a row.

Red Force opened the scoring about 30 minutes into the match. Stiven Salinas assisted on David Ochoa’s goal to give the visitors an early lead. That 1-0 lead would hold until around the 80th minute when Steven Saballos found Santiago Fajardo to double the lead.

Miami Soccer Academy didn’t roll over as they cut the lead in half less than five minutes later. MSA’s Matthew Pacheco converted a penalty kick.

With the 2-1 win, Red Force advance to the Final Round where they will find themselves one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the fifth time and the first since 2018. This marks the second year in a row that they have reached the “Win & You’re In” game. Last year, they lost 3-2 in extra time against Miami United FC.

Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
0:1
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)

By Dave Einhorn

SC Vistula Garfield celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bulldogs SC on Sunday night in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. There was some light controversy at the start of the match as both teams wore red socks as a part of their uniforms. After some discussions, the match was able to be played. Both Vistula and Bulldogs have had less than stellar seasons, so it was no surprise that every challenge, tackle, and shot, was heavily contested. Both sides had opportunities in the first half, but couldn’t pull off the final ball or the right pass to really threaten each other’s goals.

It wasn’t until the 78th minute that Vistula Garfield found their answer to the Bulldogs stout defense. A long ball over the top fell just right for Christopher Karcz, who was able to control the ball around a defender and lob the ball over the keeper for the go-ahead goal. Bulldogs looked to respond quickly, but in a match that seemed to feature more fouls than shots on target, finding momentum was already an uphill battle. Vistula’s 1-0 victory meant that Bulldogs’ first US Open Cup qualifying campaign came to a close.

Vistula will turn their attention back to the APSL season as well as their next opponent in the final round of qualifying. Bulldogs will begin to gather themselves this offseason as they look towards the spring season of the UPSL, and, perhaps, another crack at US Open Cup qualifying next season.

Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
0:7
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)

By Thomas Dupree

Emerald FC showed up in green for the match against FC America but they couldn’t stop seeing red.

Three in total as the beleaguered side finished the night with only 8 men left standing, starting in the 7th minute when Jean-Paul Lopez imbibing a straight red in the box, a PK finished by Alexandre Teixeira we were off for a 7 goal extravaganza.

Halftime saw FC America’s Jorge Lamerias adding a brace and Emerald FC’s Adam New adding a red card leaving little doubt in the outcome of the match. The second half saw Alexandre Teixeira turning his first half PK into a full match hat trick and FC America added goal contributions from Akeem Flemmings and Casey Atwell to push them up to 7 on the night,

Emerald FC did manage to discover one more red from the ref’s pocket and finished the night with eight presumably exhausted players. On a great night to play the game in central Florida, Emerald FC had to walk away disappointed while for FC America they are on to the final round and are one win away from qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup.

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
4:0
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)

By: Grace Ott

After an hour-long weather delay, Karim Tmimi and Kalonji Pro-Profile dominated the 90 minutes to get the 4-0 win at home over Mint Hill FC. After a brace in the previous US Open Cup qualifying round, Tmimi continued his tear with all four of the goals scored in this game. Though Mint Hill’s keeper had a few impressive saves in the beginning of the match, Tmimi scored his first in the 19th minute as Owanja Medard sent a pass across the center for him to tap into the far corner.

Twenty minutes later, at the end of the first half, Tmimi scored two goals in two minutes to complete a hat trick. In the 43rd minute, he scored a header off of a corner delivered by Nathan Charry, and then in the 45th minute, Medard slipped through a nutmegged pass for Tmimi to get past the keeper from just inside the box for Medard’s second assist of the game.

In the second half, Kalonji Pro-Profile added one more in the 75th minute after Omero Ramos stripped a Mint Hill defender of the ball inside the box and tapped it toward an oncoming Tmimi, who sent it into the far corner. With the commanding win, Kalonji Pro-Profile advances to the final round of Open Cup qualifying for the first time in their history.

Tennessee United SC (UPSL)
1:7
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)

By Josh Hakala

Southern Indiana FC took a step toward qualifying for the US Open Cup for the second year in a row with a one-sided 7-1 road win over Tennessee United SC. The Third Round match for the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament was played at Station Camp High School Soccer Field in Gallatin, Tenn.

The game’s first goal came early with Southern Indiana taking the lead in the 6th minute. After an impressive series of quick passes between teammates, Southern Indiana worked the ball into the box where Daniel Nkurunziza had the ball knocked away momentarily. He managed to recover and was able to get off a shot that beat the goalkeeper from close range.

SIFC earned a corner kick in the 23rd minute and after playing it short, the ball was crossed in to the near post. There, former Michigan Stars player and co-captain, Elias McCloud was unmarked and powered a header into the back of the net.

Six minutes later, SIFC worked the ball up the left wing and a shot was fired from a tough angle to the far post. The goalkeeper made the save but Nate Brown crashed the net and put it in. Brown, who also played for the Michigan Stars, had given his team a commanding 3-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Southern Indiana was awarded a penalty kick and Brown stepped up to take it. The goalkeeper guessed correctly and dove low to his right to make the save, but the rebound popped right back to Brown who shot the ball into the opposite side of the net for the fourth goal.

With a 4-0 lead, some heavy fog started to roll in for the second half and SIFC added to their lead in the 53rd minute. Brown received a throughball in behind the Tennessee backline and he beat the keeper 1-on-1 to complete his hat trick.

Three minutes later, Nick Krall would ruin the clean sheet for SIFC goalkeeper Zane Love with a shot from the left side of the box.

Around the 65th minute, after Love punched a ball away from his goal, that ignited a counter attack for SIFC as they raced up the field with numbers. The ball was crossed in low by Kellen Clegg from the left wing to Casey McCloskey who made a sliding shot past the goalkeeper to make it 6-1.

In the 73rd minute, a backpass by United led to a miscommunication, and Elorm Dogbey pounced on the loose ball to finish out the scoring.

The fog continued to get more intense and so did the physicality. With the one-sided scoreboard, frustrations boiled over in the 82nd minute when players came together at midfield. According to SIFC officials, Jack Kramer was elbowed in the face and players had to be separated. A red card was shown to a Tennessee player as the game would end without further incident.

It marked the third time this year that SIFC has defeated Tennessee United in all competitions, having earned two shutout wins in UPSL play. Now Southern Indiana is one win away from returning to the US Open Cup for the second straight year.

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
4:1
Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA)

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

For the first time, Zum Schnieder 03 are headed for a “Win and You’re In” game after a convincing 4-1 victory over 2025 League for Clubs champions Metropolitan Oval Academy at Jack McManus Field on Roosevelt Island in New York City.

It was a young Met Oval side who opened the scoring in the 17th minute when U-19 MLS NEXT Pro prospect Sebastian Patten fed Glenford Gentile in front of the goal for the opener. Gentile has played for Zum in the current APSL season, scoring two goals.

From then on it was all Zum Schnieder as midway through the opening half they would strike for two goals in the span of three minutes. The first goal came in the 35th minute when Diego Silva’s free kick from near the sideline was headed in by Deniz Oncu.

An errant pass in the Met Oval defensive end led to Zum’s second goal two minutes later when Tomas de Andrade Gomes was fed a pass and shot from inside the penalty area to suddenly make the score 2-1. de Andrade Gomes was one of Zum’s leading goal scorers in the 2024-25 season.

It didn’t take long into the second half for Zum to increase their lead. In the 50th minute the Met Oval goalkeeper punched away a shot, only for it to find the foot of Diego Silva, who sent back a rocket shot from outside the penalty area to make it 3-1 Zum.

Silva was involved in Zum’s fourth and final goal seven minutes later, sending in a corner kick that eventually found the foot of Cesare Marconi, who had come on as a sub mere seconds earlier.

Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
6:1
Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)

By Grant Czubinski

Virginia Dream FC (USPL) hosted Guerilla FC (DCPL) on a seasonably brisk fall night in Falls Church, Va. in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Both teams were returning to the competition seeking to qualify for the tournament proper. Virginia Dream FC would ultimately prove too much and move on to the final round of qualifying with a 6-1 victory, thanks in part to a hat trick by Zoumana Diarra.

The hosts, Virginia Dream FC attempted to control the game from the opening whistle, and did not have to wait long for the first goal of the game, as left back Jimmy Filerman scored in the 4th minute. Filerman forced a turnover nearly 30 yards from Guerilla FC’s goal, ran at the defense, passed to forward Wiliams Yami near the top of the box before getting it back and chipping it over Guerilla FC keeper Aidan Powers-Riggs. The high pressure, one-two passing sequence set the tempo for the first half and established a lead that the Dream would build upon.

Dream FC continued to control the game early in the first half pressing Guerilla FC every time the visitors touched the ball. After an array of attacks both over the top of and through the Guerilla FC defense, Diarra scored his first goal of the game in the 25th minute after slotting the ball into the right corner of the goal. The next 20 minutes proved decisive, as Virginia Dream FC continued to attack Guerilla FC’s goal. Yami added a third goal in the 29th minute, a header in the box from a pin-point cross delivered by Filerman.

Guerilla FC continued to fight despite being down 3-0 in the first 30 minutes of the game. A long shot by Guerilla FC’s number 9, Ajmal Behsudi, in the 31st minute forced Dream FC keeper Lorenzo Herrera Rauda into a save. The shot served as a small jolt that proved perfect for an immediate counter attack by Dream FC resulting in another goal, Diarra’s second of the game and fourth for Dream FC. Diarra curled the ball just over the outstretched arms of Power-Riggs into the top right corner of the goal. The balance of the game remained in Dream FC’s favor. Elijah Amo added another goal to Dream FC’s tally in the 35th minute. Halftime saw Dream FC ahead 5-0.

The second half started slowly compared to the first with the temperature dropping slightly during the halftime break. Dream FC continued to try and control the game, but Guerilla FC did not go without a fight. Guerilla FC found more possession of the ball early in the second half. The visitors put together sustained pressure on Dream FC in the first 15 minutes of the second half and found success in their approach, a goal in the 62nd minute by Alexander Koritsas. The goal provided a lifeline for the visitors who continued to try and claw back into the game.

Koritsas’ goal would prove to be the only ball that found the back of the Dream FC goal. The hosts were content to allow more possession from Guerrilla FC in the latter part of the second half, absorbing shots on goal. Dream FC continued to attack until the end of the game, but with less ferocity than the first half. Diarra finished the scoring in the 89th minute to secure both his hat trick and a 6-1 victory for Dream FC. The Northern Virginia outfit advances to the final round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying. They will certainly look to repeat last year’s success that saw them advance into the tournament proper and upset USL League One side Richmond Kickers in the opening round.

International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
0:4
San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)

by Connor Bunnell

In a Sunday night battle in the shadow of San Francisco City Hall, The League for Clubs’s San Ramon FC ran roughshod over San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) side International San Francisco, taking the game 4-0 to reach the final stage of qualifying.

In a fast and physical first half, San Ramon seized the early lead in the 12th minute thanks to a score from Jonathan Montoya-Castro. Eight minutes later, Giovanni Mota-Morfin made a strike of his own to double San Ramon’s money. Despite Inter’s efforts to claw one back, it would remain 2-0 heading into halftime.

As tempers flared in the second half, Inter continued plugging away, making some good chances for themselves that peaked with a dangerously close free kick pinging off the crossbar. But in the 78th, disaster struck, as keeper Jesus Rangel Medina’s attempt at a save went horribly awry and turned into an own goal. San Ramon’s Roberto Gonzalez sank the final dagger seven minutes later, threading the needle in the box between multiple defenders to cement the four-goal rout.

For Inter SF, this marks the first time since 2022 that they haven’t at least reached the final round of qualifying. San Ramon, on the other hand, have now scored ten goals on two clean sheets and stand one match away from their first official entry into the US Open Cup.

210 FC (UPSL)
0:5
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)

By Josh Hakala

In a battle of Houston vs. San Antonio, it was H-Town who came out on top as ASC New Stars shut out 210 FC 5-0 on Sunday night. It was the second shutout for New Stars in this year’s qualifying, after a 3-0 win over SV Beaumont in the Second Round. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias earned the clean sheet for the Stars.

ASC opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Bryan Celis played a ball down the right wing to Ivan Luquetta who ran onto it and crossed the ball into the box. A failed clearance by a 210 defender saw the ball end up at the feet of Lukas Simon who quickly played the ball to Allison Dessaline Felix who sent the ball into the back of the net.

Less than a minute later, Celis sent Luquetta down the left wing. Luquetta cut inside and fired a shot that struck a defender’s hand. The former Charlotte Independence forward took the penalty kick and beat the keeper with a shot down the middle of the goal.

In the 55th minute, Simon played a through ball to Luquetta in behind the defense, who took the shot and rattled it off the crossbar and in to make it 3-0.

Around the 70th minute, ASC would add on when Tayeb Ahmadi found Simon in the box. Simon controlled the ball, drew the defender in and laid it off to Jovacy Macias who tapped it in the open goal.

With about 10 minutes remaining, Luquetta completed his hat trick. Macias would create a turnover in the 210 FC defensive third and the ball would fall to Simon, who played the ball to Luquetta who beat the goalkeeper to make it 5-0.

With the win, ASC New Stars advance to the Final Round where they will be one win away from qualifying for the US Open Cup for the first time in 13 years.

Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
2:4
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)

By Tim Howerton

Omaha Street finally got to make their on-field qualifying debut after advancing to the Third Round of qualifying via forfeit. Unfortunately, BOHFS St. Louis were not in the mood for a welcoming party as they defeated the UPSL side 4-2 on a chilly night in Omaha.

The first half was excessively one-sided on the scoreline, but that didn’t mean Omaha was without quality. An early chance in the 15th minute saw Javi Balde make a run past two defenders from the left side to a cut-back inside the box for Oumar Sissoko. The striker’s near point-blank shot went high over the bar, but it gave the hosts some hope for things to come.

That hope was quickly extinguished only two minutes later as BOHFS’ Liam Collins, dribbling across the top of the box, found room to put a shot on against the Omaha keeper’s momentum. It was fully against the run of play, but it was not an undeserved goal by any means.

Then the counter-attack would start to become a problem for Omaha as BOHFS used their quickness to double the lead soon thereafter. In the 23rd minute, a long ball from the back line found Michael Utley running between two defenders from midfield and shepherding the ball all the way to the box before he easily slotted home to double the lead.

Omaha Street started to show some poise in possession, despite being down, and looked as if they might be able to find a way back into the match. However, six minutes before the half BOHFS struck yet again. Ryan Wakeman found himself even with the defensive backline on a run in transition, and Chad Bond found him perfectly in stride. Wakeman left the defenders behind him and easily touched the ball home to set the scoreline at 3-0 to the visitors going into halftime.

The second half started brighter for the hosts as they looked quicker and more creative on the ball. The creativity paid off with a 48th minute strike from Jeff Sumali on a looping ball that seemed to confuse the BOHFS back line, but was well-met from the Omaha forward.

From there Omaha looked like they might be in line for another with controlling play and a quick attack that mirrored what BOHFS was able to accomplish in the first half. Several great chances presented themselves, but ultimately lacked a finishing touch. BOHFS couldn’t find much going forward, and seemed mostly content to just try to hold on to the lead.

After absorbing everything that Omaha could throw, BOHFS would find a breakthrough and put the game away. In the 85th minute, off a set piece just outside the Omaha box, Liam Collins deflected a ball off of the defensive wall that found its way to Brian Bement at the back post. The ball looked like it was probably on its way in, but Bement left no doubt. His quick reaction beat his marker to the ball to let him grab the St. Louis side’s fourth goal of the match.

Sumali would strike again for Omaha four minutes later to claim his brace and finish off the scoring, but it was too little, too late. The referee’s whistle ended any hopes of the qualifying debutants reaching the US Open Cup proper.

BOHFS, meanwhile, are one win away from being the St. Louis area’s first Open Division qualifier in the Modern Era (1995-present) and etching their name into the city’s long and glorious soccer history.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 Preview: 64 teams one step away from “Win & You’re In”

November 1, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Open Division qualifying rolls on this weekend with 13 games on Saturday, Nov. 1 and the remaining 19 contests set for Sunday, Nov. 2. The prize for the 32 winners is a spot in the Fourth and final round of qualifying on the weekend of Nov. 22-23, what has become known as “Win and You’re In” games.

Seven teams will make their 2026 qualifying debut. Five clubs drew double byes through the first two rounds: Ballard FC (USL League Two), Brockton FC United (UPSL), City Soccer FC (UPSL), Laguna United FC (UPSL), UDA Soccer (UPSL), and two more who had a First Round bye and advanced via forfeit in the Second Round, Omaha Street FC (UPSL) and Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLFC).

Already waiting in the 2026 US Open Cup field are 2025 National Amateur Cup winners West Chester United SC, UPSL Spring champions Tennessee Tempo FC and 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner (aka: 2025 Open Division prize money winner) El Farolito SC.

Follow live updates from every game this weekend on X (Twitter) and Blue Sky – @USOpenCup.

Find the full weekend schedule with a brief profile bio of each team below:

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 schedule — Graphic: Frank Lanham

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Akron City FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer League/USASA)
Green Street Stadium at St. Vincent-St. Mary H.S. – Akron, OH
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

In a battle to determine the Open Division King of Ohio, Akron City SC hosts Croatia Cleveland in the Third Round. The cities of Akron and Cleveland shared a rivalry in the Open Cup in the 1920s and 30s, with teams such as Goodyear, Firestone, and Clan MacKenzie representing Akron against the likes of Greyhounds FC, Magyar American SC and Shamrocks FC from Cleveland.

After three years in the NPSL, Akron City moved to USL League Two, where they failed to qualify for the 2026 Open Cup through their league performance, finishing 5-2-5 in the Great Forest Division.

Croatia Cleveland got its start in 1957 and was a regular participant in the Open Cup from the 1960s to the 1990s and over the years have competed under the names American Croatian and Croatian Rebels. Croatia’s most successful Open Cup run came in 1975 when they reached the national semifinals. Croatia Cleveland are the 2024 North Coast Soccer League Champions.

In the Second Round, Akron topped their old rivals from the NPSL, Cleveland SC, 2-0. Jannis Schmidt and Cole Werthmuller provided the scoring for Akrom, with Schmidt making up for missing a penalty kick earlier in the game.

Ballard FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

Just a week ago, Ballard FC thought they were hosting Bellevue Athletic in their Third Round match. But Bellevue Athletic’s Second Round win was ordered to be replayed and now Seattle’s Shaktopus FC steps in.

Kwame Appiah (left) and Jimmy Forde of Sharktopus FC celebrate after a 5-0 win over Bellevue Athletic FC in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Sharktopus FC

Sharktopus are back for a third straight qualifying appearance, losing their opening game last year in a 5-4 extra time shootout with Deportivo Rose City of the UPSL. Sharktopus finished 7-3-1 in the SRATS Summer season, 6-2-1 in the Spring campaign, finishing first both times

After receiving a double bye through the first two rounds, Ballard finally joins the competition in the Round 3.

Initially it was Bellevue Athletic who advanced to the Third Round with a 4-3 extra time win over Sharktopus FC on Oct. 12. However, a protest was filed when it was discovered the match referee had previously played for Bellevue’s reserve team recently. A replay was ordered and Sharktopus took full advantage with a rain-soaked 5-0 win. Kwame Appiah and Gabe Kellum both scored twice.

Brockton FC United (UPSL)
vs.
CD Faialense (Bay State Soccer League/USASA)
Roberts Playground – Boston, MA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

It’s Portugal vs. Cape Verde as Brockton FC United of the UPSL faces CD Faialense in the Third Round of qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup. The Cape Verdean-based Brockton FC United will no doubt try to take inspiration from the Cape Verde national team, who recently earned a spot in the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. Portuguese CD Faialense are trying to reach the Open Cup for a second straight year.

After sitting out qualifying in 2025, Two-time Open Cup qualifiers Brockton FC United are back. Brockton has participated in qualifying four previous times and has reached the final round each time, qualifying in 2022 & 2024. Brockton finished 9-1-0 in the Spring season of the UPSL New England North division and finished 3-2-5 in the Fall session. Brockton at one time fielded a team in the BSSL before joining the UPSL.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Brockton FC United

2025 qualifiers CD Faialense are back to make it two in a row and are participating in their third straight qualifying tournament. Faialense are 10-4-2 in the ongoing Bay State Soccer League Division 1 season and lost 2-1 in the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup Semifinals to fellow Open Cup qualifying participants Atletico Boston. Faialense finished on top of the BSSL in 2023 and 2024.

US Soccer: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future for Cambridge, MA-Based Cinderellas in Waiting

Martin Vician scored a hat trick for CD Faialense in their opening qualifying game, a 5-0 win over Project Football of the APSL. Graham Brenner and Jonathan Klein also contributed goals in the win. Brockton was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Briar United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Grove United (NPSL)
Pleasant Park – Apex, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Briar United faces off with their second NPSL opponent in this year’s qualifying campaign, hosting Grove United in the Third Round.

Briar United FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 1-7-2 in the UPSL Mid-Atlantic North Division Spring season and are 2-3-2 in the Fall season.

Grove United are making their first attempt at Open Cup qualifying and finished 5-3-2 in the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference. Grove United played to a 1-1 draw with Alexandria on June 8 in NPSL play.

In their Second Round game, Grove United scored twice in the opening 14 minutes for a 2-0 lead, only to see the Alexandria Reds (UPSL) pull even in the second half. Demetrius Howe put Grove up 3-2 in the 68th minute and Leighton Langenhoven’s second goal of the game sealed the win in the 82nd minute.

Harbor City FC
vs.
Bold City SC
Palm Bay H.S. – Melbourne, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

2025 qualifier Harbor City welcomes UPSL rivals Bold City from Jacksonville in the Third Round. Harbor City defeated Bold City 4-1 on October 25 in the UPSL Fall season.

Harbor City FC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties over FC America CFL Spurs.

Harbor City finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL Florida Central Zone 2 division Spring season and are currently 5-1-1 in the Fall season.

Bold City SC are attempting Open Cup qualifying for the first time. The name Bold City comes from one of Jacksonville’s nicknames, The Bold New City of the South. Bold City finished 6-4-0 in the UPSL Florida – Central Zone 1 division, and are currently 5-2-0 in the Fall season.

In their opening game Harbor City defeated FC Kanks (UPSL) 3-0, scoring all three goals in the opening half. Aden O’Hara scored twice and assisted on John Oshakpemhe’s goal.

Bold City needed just one goal to overcome the UPSL’s Stetson FA 1-0. Anderlove Merjuste headed in a corner kick in the 67th minute.

MSI Pro (UPSL)
vs.
Christos FC (APSL/USASA)
Maryland Soccer Plex – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

MSI are back at it after their debut effort in 2025 took them to the Third Round of qualifying. MSI finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North Spring season, and finished 6-2-1 in the Fall season.

Christos have qualified for the Open Cup four times, though the 2020 effort was nullified by a canceled tournament. In their Open Cup debut in 2017, they reached the Fourth Round where they took a 1-0 lead over D.C. United, gaining national attention from several major sports media outlets. Christos finished 7-5-2 in the 2024/25 APSL Mid-Atlantic Conference season, and are currently 2-0-2 in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.

Players from MSI Pro and Arlington SA Pro battle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Vikram Nambiar

In the First Round, MSI defeated Yinz United 2-1. Yousef Barry’s first half tally and a Yinz own goal propelled MSI to the second round. MSI had another close game in the Second Round, defeating Arlington SA Pro 1-0. Daniel Gebura scored the lone goal in the 35th minute from an Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out.

Christos got their current qualifying run off to a fantastic start, overwhelming Patuxent FA of the APSL 8-0. Christos jumped out to a 4-0 by halftime, with Jacob Bender notching two goals and an assist, and Brian Graham scored three straight goals in the second half. Elijah Belcher, Daniel Baxter and Edixon Moreira rounded out the scoring.

In the Second Round, Christos had a tougher test, needing extra time to see off Baltimore City 5-2. Daniel Baxter and Cesar Ramos scored for Christos in regulation, then in extra time Baxter added a second along with Kyle Saunderson and Brandon Burkholder.

New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
vs.
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex – Central Islip, NY
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET

2024 National Amateur Cup champions Lansdowne Yonkers FC will try to gain some revenge after missing out on the 2025 US Open Cup. In their way are the UPSL’s NY Renegades FC, who are aiming for their second consecutive Open Cup. In 2025 it was the Renegades who denied Lansdowne a spot in the Cup after eliminating them via penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final round.

Players from Lansdowne Yonkers FC in front of the New York City skyline. Credit: Lansdowne Yonkers FC

Lansdowne Yonkers are making their ninth qualifying appearance and have reached the Open Cup proper four times, three through Open Division qualifying (2016, 2018, 2024) and again in 2022 as National Amateur Cup champions. They’re looking to return to the Open Cup after a two-year absence. Lansdowne finished 13-1-8 in the 2024/25 APSL Metropolitan Conference, finishing 3rd behind NY Pancyprian Freedoms (1st) and NY Greek Americans (2nd).

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Yonkers

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Bhoys

The Renegades got their 2026 qualifying run started by beating four-time US Open Cup champions New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in the middle of a nor’easter. The UPSL club jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening five minutes through goals from Ojai Bedward

Sebastian Ruiz. Junior Rosero made it 3-1 in the second half before NYGA pulled one back to make it interesting.

Lansdowne Yonkers kicked off their qualifying campaign with one of the more controversial wins of this year’s qualifying, a 2-1 triumph over fellow APSL side Doxa FCW. Ali Dawha scored for Lansdowne in the 4th minute, immediately triggering an angry response from the Doxa players and staff. It turned out Dawha’s shot had actually gone through a hole in the side of the net. The protest led to the expulsion of Doxa head coach Paul Grafas. Jared Juleao added to the Lansdowne lead in the 25th minute, and Doxa was only able to score once just before halftime. A protest from Doxa was denied by U.S. Soccer.

Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
vs.
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Dr. Joaquín Garcia H.S. – Willington, FL
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET

The UPSL’s Palm Beach Flames continue their quest for their first Open Cup berth as they host league rivals City Soccer FC, a club who has already made the cut once in their history. Sharing the same division in the UPSL these clubs are very familiar with one another. City Soccer defeated Palm Beach 5-3 on May 17 during the Spring UPSL season and more recently topped the Flames 2-1 on October 18 in Fall season play.

City Soccer FC huddles up before the club’s 2022 US Open Cup qualifier vs. Florida Soccer Soldiers. Photo: Alex Venegas | IG: @real.wpb

The Flames return to qualifying after making their debut last year, where they were eliminated by eventual qualifiers Harbor City FC 5-1. Palm Beach finished 3-8-2 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and are currently 1-2-1 in the Fall session.

In their opening qualifying game Palm Beach cruised past Hurricane FC of the USSL, 6-1. Five different players (Olivier Kenol, Romero Campbell, Nicholas Castellanos, Kobe Harris and Malte Schmale) scored for the Flames following an own goal from the Hurricanes.

City Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
vs.
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)
Bishop Lynch H.S. – Dallas, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET

Fresh off a rollercoaster 5-4 win over Tulsa Athletic, the Denton Diablos continue their quest for a spot in the Open Cup after being denied by the 2020 cancellation. Qualifying debutant Dallas Atletico will host the Diablos, led by Oscar Ocampo who has scored four of their six goals in their two qualifying games.

The former NPSL club qualified for the canceled 2020 Open Cup through the NPSL, where they played from 2019-2024. In 2025, the Diablos moved to USL League Two where they posted a 7-4-1 record in the Mid-South Division. Denton are entering qualifying through the Metroplex Premier League where their Under-23 team, Denton Diablos Estudiantes, plays.

Dallas Atletico are making their Open Division qualifying debut, not to be confused with Atlético Dallas, an expansion club set to begin in the USL Championship in 2027.

Denton opened their 2026 qualifying campaign with a 6-2 victory over Sporting NTX of the UPSL. Newcomer Jay Lee led the way with a pair of goals.

Atletico pulled off one of the surprise results in the opening round of qualifying, knocking off two-time Open Cup qualifiers FORO SC 3-1. Oscar Ocampo scored two goals for Atletico and assisted on the other. In the Second Round, it was Oscar Ocampo once again leading the way, scoring twice and assisting on Jason Miranda’s goal in a 3-1 win over StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club of the Dallas-based Metroplex Soccer League.

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
vs.
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

2023 qualifier UDA Soccer travels to Arizona seeking revenge on Next Level Soccer, the club who eliminated them in last year’s qualifying tournament 2-1.

2023 US Open Cup Qualifying: UDA Soccer vs. Azteca FC — Photo: UDA Soccer

UDA are playing in their fourth consecutive qualifying tournament, having made the cut in 2023 and reaching the final round in 2024. UDA did not play in the UPSL Spring seasons but are 1-1-2 in the Fall campaign. UDA (University Degrees Abroad) is a club team affiliated with New Mexico State University that allows players to study at the school while playing with the club.

2023 Meet the Underdogs: UDA Soccer

Next Level advanced by defeating UPSL rival Olympians FC 3-1, with Danny Baca leading the way with a pair of goals. UDA Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Irvine FC (UPSL)
vs.
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

2025 qualifiers Laguna United FC kick off their 2026 qualifying run after receiving a double bye. Waiting for them is fellow UPSL foe Irvine FC, a club Laguna defeated 3-1 in the same round last year on their way to earning an Open Cup spot.

Laguna United have participated in Open Cup qualifying three previous times, with last year being the most successful. In 2025 Laguna reached the final round, where they defeated San Diego Internacional 6-2 to earn a spot in the 2025 Open Cup. Laguna United finished 9-1-2 in the UPSL SoCal North Division Spring season and are currently 6-2-0 in the Fall session.

Irvine FC are taking part in Open Cup qualifying for a fourth year in a row. Last year they won their first qualifying game, 4-0 over Playmaker FC of the Southwest Premier League. Irvine finished 3-5-2 in the UPSL SoCal South Division Spring season and are currently 2-5-1 in the Fall season.

Laguna United was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds. In their opening game Irvine had to work extra, eventually needing a penalty shootout after they played a 3-3 extra time draw with Apple Valley Storm of the UPSL. Irvine took a 2-0 lead, but Apple Valley drew level by halftime. AVS had a 3-2 lead late in the game, but Koosha Yar saved Irvine with a goal deep into stoppage time. After a scoreless extra time, Irvine prevailed in the penalty shootout 4-3.

Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
vs.
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

A pair of clubs with past qualifying history square off for a spot in the final round as FC Folsom travels south to meet Fresno’s Valley 559 FC. In qualifying for the 2023 Open Cup, Folsom stopped Valley at this very same stage 5-3 on their way to their only Open Cup qualification.

Valley 559 FC returns to qualifying after falling at the final hurdle last year. In their first appearance in 2024 they reached the Third Round where they lost 5-3 to eventual 2024 qualifiers FC Folsom. Last year they reached the final round, losing to Inter San Francisco in a 5-4 extra time barnburner. Valley finished 6-2-2 in the UPSL NorCal South Division Spring season and reached the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Valley are currently 3-2-0 in the UPSL Fall Season. Valley 559 have been one of the more consistent teams in the UPSL, finishing either first or second in the NoCal South Division every Spring and Fall season since starting in 2023.

FC Folsom celebrate after qualifying for the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Photo: FC Folsom

2024 qualifiers FC Folsom make their third qualifying appearance and are seeking to redeem themselves after being eliminated last year after just one game. Folsom finished 4-3-3 in the UPSL NorCal North Division Spring season. Folsom reached the 2024 UPSL Fall Championship game and are currently 7-0-1 in the 2025 Fall Season.

Folsom had to get past another Valley team, The League for Clubs’s Napa Valley 1839, to advance. After spotting Napa a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute, Folsom scored three unanswered goals to defeat their former UPSL league mates 3-1.

San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
vs.
City SC San Diego (UPSL)
Mission Bay High School – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 11 p.m. ET

It’s the Battle for San Diego between two clubs who are very familiar with one another. For starters, City were knocked out of Open Cup qualifying last year by Internacional 2-1 in the Second Round. Then, during the 2025 UPSL Spring season the teams met three times. On April 27, Internacional prevailed 3-2, then City won 2-0 on June 14. The teams met again in the SoCal South playoff final, where City advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw. During the Fall UPSL season, City won 3-0 on Oct. 11 and are scheduled to play once more on Nov. 9.

UPSL Spring SoCal South Championship Match – SD Internacional vs City SC

San Diego Internacional nearly made the 2025 Open Cup last year in their debut, losing 6-2 in the Final Round to Laguna United. SDI finished 7-3-0 in the UPSL SoCal South Division and are 6-1-1 in the Fall season.

City SC San Diego returns for their second attempt at Open Cup qualifying after going one-and-done in their debut last year. City finished 5-4-1 in the UPSL SoCal South Division, and are currently 9-0-0 in the Fall season.

Both clubs had an easy time in their opening matches. Internacional rolled over fellow UPSL club FC Balboa 7-1, with Taj Winnard scoring twice and five other players filling the scoresheet.

City dismantled UPSL SoCal South rivals Rebels SC 9-0. German Sierra and Diego Martinez led the way with three and two goals respectively.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
vs.
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Broomfield Commons – Broomfield, CO
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET

If there was a dictionary entry for “open cup qualifying rivalry”, Harpo’s vs. Azteca would be front and center. The Colorado Premier League rivals have met five times in Open Cup qualifying, four of which were in the final ‘Win and You’re In” round. Harpos holds the advantage at 4-1, though Azteca broke through last year to qualify for the 2025 Open Cup. More recently, Azteca defeated Harpos on June 11 to win their fifth consecutive CPL Spring championship. Harpos gained some revenge by defeating Azteca 6-4 on Aug. 24 to open the CPL Fall season.

This is the tenth qualifying appearance for Harpos, having entered qualifying every year since 2016. They’ve compiled a record of 13-5-2 over that time, reaching the final round six times and qualifying three times. Last year Harpos finally made it back to the Open Cup after their only other appearance in 2016. They also qualified for the canceled tournament in 2020.

Harpos FC celebrate after a 2-0 win over Azteca FC as they qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Andrew Mosier

Harpos finished 7-1-0 in the Colorado Premier League Spring season and are 6-0-1 in the ongoing Fall session.

2015 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

Steel City FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Capital City Islanders (UPSL)
Rooney Field (Duquesne Univ.) – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

Trying to make the most of their “second chance” after missing out on one of the USL League Two berths, Steel City FC plays host to the Capital City Islanders (no relation to the defunct Open Cup giant killers Harrisburg City Islanders)

Steel City players celebrate with their fans after scoring a goal against FCY New York in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Randy Warner

2024 Open Cup qualifiers Steel City FC are taking their first shot at Open Division qualifying after missing the cut for one of the nine automatic berths for USL League Two. Steel City finished 8-1-3 in the USL League Two Great Forest Division. Steel City played its first five seasons in the NPSL before switching to USL League Two in 2025. Their first three seasons they played under the name Pittsburgh Hotspur.

Capital City Islanders are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 8-2-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Northeast American (South), the second tier of the UPSL. The Islanders moved up to the UPSL Premier Northeast American South for the Fall season, where they are currently 6-2-2. The Islanders play at the Skyline Sports Complex, once home to the defunct Harrisburg City Islanders, a club that had a rich Open Cup history with five upsets of MLS teams on its resume.

Players from Capital City Islanders (blue) and MoCo 1776 FC battle for the ball in a Round 2 match in the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Hayli Akakpo-Martin

Steel City slipped by FCY New York 3-2 in the Second Round. A pair of penalty kicks from Cameron Territo helped them get past the UPSL side. Capital City didn’t have as close a game in their 5-2 win over MoCo 1776 FC. Clovis Kabre and Drew Morris each had a pair of goals.

Potros FC (UPSL)
vs.
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)
Marietta High School – Marietta, GA
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET

A pair of debuting Georgia UPSL clubs face off to see who will move one step closer to a first Open Cup berth. Buford are looking to add to a successful 2025, in which they finished 8-1-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Spring season to move up to the UPSL Premier League, where they are currently in first place. Portos are also having a fine 2025, finishing 9-1-3 in the UPSL Spring season and are 5-0-0 in Fall play.

Portos won 2-0 over North Georgia United to start their qualifying run. Marc Bineau and Steven Raymont scored in the second half. Carlos Chavarria scored in both halves to pace Atletico Buford to their own 2-0 win over Majestic SC.

The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
vs.
Ariana FC (UPSL)
San Francisco Glens Stadium – San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET

The Olympic Club, one of the oldest clubs in this year’s qualifying field host their second “lower division” club in this year’s qualifying when they face a team from the UPSL’s second tier, Ariana FC. Olympic previously faced Norcal Shockwaves of the San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) third tier.

The Olympic Club was founded in 1860 and the soccer team joined the SFSFL in 1916. According to TheCup.us records, Olympic made their Open Cup debut in the 1956 tournament. Olympic won the 2025 SFSFL Premier Division with a 16-3-3 record. This is their 3rd qualifying attempt (2024, 2020), and they qualified for the canceled 2020 tournament.

Matt Fondy of Olympic Club steps up to take a penalty kick against JASA RWC in the 2020 US Open Cup Qualifying. Photo: 3pointsport (IG)

Ariana is making their first ever attempt at qualifying. Ariana finished 6-3-1 in UPSL Division 1 NorCal South, the second tier of the UPSL, and are currently 1-3-4 in the Fall season. The club was formerly a member of the Bay Area Adult Soccer League based in Berkeley, Calif. The name Ariana derives from the Greek origin name Ariadne meaning “most holy” or “very pure”.

In the First Round, Olympic Club pushed past Norcal Shockwaves of the SFSFL 3rd tier 4-2. Alexander Weekes, Arda Bulut and Kevin Lopes scored to give Olympic a 3-0 lead, but the Shockwaves managed to make it 3-2 before Bulut scored his second goal from the penalty spot. In the Second Round, Olympic just needed a single goal from Bulut to get past Albion SC Silicon Valley of the UPSL 1-0.

Ariana advanced to the Third Round with a 2-1 extra time win over Bay Area United FC of the UPSL. Shahzad Hazem gave Ariana a 1-0 halftime lead, and Mohammad Haseen scored the winner in extra time

Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
vs.
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
Benedictine University – Lisle, IL
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

For the third year in a row Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC face off in Open Cup qualifying, with Edgewater seeking to break the two-loss run to House. In 2023 House stopped Edgewater 3-1 in the Third Round on their way to their second Open Cup appearance. Last year Edgewater pushed House to extra time before falling 3-2 in the First Round of qualifying.

Chicago House have reached the final round of qualifying in their previous three attempts, making the cut in 2023 and 2024, and falling via penalties to Tulsa Athletic last year. Chicago House is co-owned by Peter Wilt, who has helped start other clubs such as Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Red Stars, Indy Eleven, Forward Madison and Green Bay Voyageurs FC. House was a founding member of NISA but only played one season after a falling out with the league, prompting a move to the Midwest Premier League. House finished 8-2-2 in the Midwest Premier League Heartland Division 1.

This is the third time Edgewater has entered qualifying for the Open Cup. Edgewater finished first in the MWPL Hartland Division 2, winning promotion to Division 1 for 2026.

Edgewater opened their 2026 qualifying run with a 2-1 win over the UPSL’s Black Cat FC. Mounir Alami opened the scoring for Edgewater in the opening half, and Milos Vucic scored the winner with a 70th minute free kick. Edgewater used another 2-1 win to advance to the Third Round, this time beating United SC of the UPSL. Qudus Lawal scored both goals, one in each half.

Chicago House got by the UPSL’s Wisloka Chicago 2-0 to enter the Third Round. Nico Williams’ two goals in the first seven minutes were all House needed.

Chicago House AC fans cheer on their club against Bavarian United in the First Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chuck Carlson

Miami United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Florida FC (UPSL)
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL
Kickoff – 7 p.m. ET

Miami United continues its quest to qualify for a fourth straight Open Cup, as they play host to one of the qualifying newcomers, Florida Futbol Club. United defeated FFC 2-1 on Oct. 5 in the UPSL Fall season and are set to face off again on Nov. 15. United also got the better of Florida Futbol Club during the Spring UPSL season, winning 4-0 on May 31.

Florida Futbol Club are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying. FFC finished 7-4-2 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and are currently 3-2-1 in the Fall season.

Miami United started their 2026 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs. Miami. Robertino Insua scored twice, and Luis Peralta added the third goal.

Florida Futbol Club also started with a 3-0 win over Parkland Travel Soccer Club of the UPSL. Juan Hurtado opened the scoring and Óscar Rivas netted the final two goals, all three coming in the final 13 minutes.

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

Vereinigung Erzgebirge resume their quest for Open Cup berth #3 as they visit Oaklyn United, who are not only seeking their first Open Cup berth, but their first trip to the final round of qualifying.

Oaklyn United are back for their second attempt at qualifying after their 2025 effort ended after one game. Oaklyn finished 10-6-2 in 2024/25 APSL Delaware River Conference and are currently 2-4-0 in the early 2025-26 season.

Players from Vereinigung Erzebebirge and Colonial SC battle for the ball in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Evan Konigsberg | Philadelphia Soccer Now

VE has entered every edition of qualifying since it was revamped. VE qualified once in 2002 and again in 2024. Last year they reached the final round of qualifying, where they lost to West Chester United 2-1. VE are one of the older clubs in the qualifying field, playing their first game in 1934. VE finished 9-3-0 in the USL of Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 season and are 3-0-0 in the young 2025-26 season.

VE started 2026 qualifying with a 2-1 win over Vidas United of the APSL. Former pro Antoine Hoppenot and Derek Antonini scored VE’s goals in the opening 29 minutes, and goalkeeper Steve Paul saved a Vidas penalty in the second half. VE followed up in the Second Round with a 2-1 win of USL of PA rivals Colonial SC. Justin Ruth and Antonini scored VE’s goals.

A first half goal from Jason Mancuso and a second half penalty kick by Austin Johnson was all Oaklyn needed to see off Scots-American Athletic Club 2-0 in the Second Round.

Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
vs.
FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
Moakley Stadium – Boston, MA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Formerly known as Southie FC and Boston United, Atletico won promotion from the Bay State Soccer League 3rd tier up to the top league in 2022 and 2023. Renamed Atletico Boston, the club won the Massachusetts State Cup and the Massachusetts Soccer Champions Cup in 2024. As Southie FC they entered Open Division qualifying four times from 2016-2019, qualifying once in 2016. Atletico are currently 10-6-0 in the ongoing BSSL Division 1 season and won the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup championship.

Protagonist Soccer: Under the Lights-Atletico Boston

FC Lonestar GPSE are making their debut appearance in Open Cup qualifying. GPSE stands for Global Pro Soccer Exposure. FC Lonestar finished 7-1-2 in UPSL Division 1 New England North and moved up to the UPSL Premier New England North for the Fall season where they finished 2-6-2.

Atletico comfortably defeated the Western Mass Pioneers of USL League Two 4-1 in the Second Round. Egberto DaSilva Jr., Brendan Clare and Sam White scored for Boston along with an own goal from the Pioneers.

Badgers FC (UPSL)
vs.
O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)
Monsignor Pace H.S. – Miami Gardens, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

The Badgers are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and finished 10-0-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Florida South Zone 3 division. They have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season where they are currently 6-0-0.

O’Shea’s FC are participating in their fourth straight Open Cup qualifying tournament. In 2024 and 2025, they won their opening game before being eliminated in the following round. O’Shea’s finished in 6-3-1 USSL South Florida spring season.

Badgers FC won their first ever qualifying game in dramatic fashion, beating Fort Myers City FC 1-0 on a 90th minute stoppage time goal from Dave Junior Altidor.

Down 1-0 at the half, Nick Sowers and Evan Finnegan (PK) scored in the second half to give O’Shea’s FC a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s FC Florida.

Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
vs.
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Capelli Sports Complex – Tinton Falls, NJ
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Two New Jersey clubs who have had disappointing seasons in 2025 battle for a bright spot in this year’s campaign. Bulldogs SC, who have won just two games out of 20 in the UPSL Spring and Fall seasons, host SC Vistula Garfield, who finished in the lower half of the APSL Metropolitan Conference.

The Bulldogs are taking their first crack at Open Cup qualifying this year. Bulldogs SC finished 1-6-3 in the UPSL Northeast American South Division Spring season and finished 1-6-3 in the Fall.

SC Vistula Garfield pose for a team photo prior to their 2026 US Open Cup qualifying match against Ironbound SCP. Photo: SC Vistula Garfield

Bulldogs SC earned a hard fought 3-1 extra time win over FC Monmouth in the Second Round. After a 1-1 draw in the first 90 minutes, Bulldogs scored twice in extra time. Ryan Kuster scored in the opening half and George Olynyk and Oluwaferanmi Omidiran put the Bulldogs in front in extra time.

Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
vs.
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
SoFive Winter Park – Orlando, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

FC America CFL Spurs hosts a new division rival in Emerald FC Orlando in the Third Round. Emerald FC had moved up to the UPSL Premier from Division 1 after a successful spring season and find themselves in the same division as FC America CFL Spurs for the Fall season. FC America defeated Emerald 2-1 on September 27.

Emerald FC make their first entry into Open Cup qualifying this year. Emerald finished 11-0-0 in UPSL Division 1 Florida – Central Zone 1, the second tier of the UPSL, and have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season, where they are 3-4-0 thus far.

Emerald FC won their qualifying debut in dramatic fashion, knocking off Deportivo Lake Mary 1-0 with a goal by in Tajee Argentine second half stoppage time.

FC America needed extra time to knock off Pinellas County United Pelicans SC 3-1. Kwesi Caesar gave America a 1-0 lead in the second half, and Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven scored in extra time.

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
vs.
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Kalonji Pro-Profile hosts Mint Hill FC in a battle of clubs who have never reached the Final Round of qualifying before.

Kalonji return to qualifying after sitting out last year. They previously entered in 2023 and 2024, winning their opening game before being eliminated in the next round. Kalonji finished 10-1-2 in the UPSL Georgia division.

Mint Hill are attempting to qualify for the Open Cup for the fourth straight year. Mint Hill finished 9-3-0 in the North Carolina Soccer League and are playing in the UPSL for the Fall season.

Kalonji came out on top of a back and forth game, defeating LSA Norcross Pro 4-2. Kalonji fell behind 1-0 at the half, but took a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. After LSA pulled even, Kalonji scored twice in the final minute to take the win. Karim Tmimi and Zain Hylton each had a brace.

Mint Hill overcame an early 1-0 deficit to defeat SCU Heat 3-2. John Agnew and Matthew Guarda gave Mint Hill a 2-1 lead at the half, and Jamie DiLuzio scored the eventual game winner in the 88th minute.

Tennessee United SC (UPSL)
vs.
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
Station Camp H.S. – Gallatin, TN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

A pair of UPSL KY-TB division rivals square off as Tennessee United hosts 2025 qualifiers Southern Indiana FC. SIFU have defeated Tennessee United twice this year in UPSL play, first by a score of 4-0 on March 29 in the Spring season opener, then again on Sept. 14 with a closer 1-0 scoreline. The clubs are set to meet again on Nov. 16.

Southern Indiana FC celebrates after defeating Dalton United 3-0 to qualify for the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Southern Indiana FC

Tennessee United are making their inaugural attempt at Open Cup qualifying. TUSC finished 5-6-0 in the UPSL KY-TN division Spring season and are 2-3-0 in the Fall session.

Tennessee United made their way to the Third Round with a 2-0 victory over Eagles Sports Southaven FC (UPSL). Sam Pomeroy and Nick Krall scored TUFC’s goals.

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
vs.
Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

A pair of clubs from New York City who have never graced the Open Cup proper before clash at Jack McManus Field on NYC’s Roosevelt Island for a chance to play for a spot in the 2026 Open Cup.

Zum Schneider are making a third straight appearance in Open Cup qualifying. Last year they reached the Third Round where they fell to Lansdowne Yonkers 3-1. Zum finished 6-11-5 in the 2024-25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season and have started 2-5-0 in the 2025-26 season.

Metropolitan Oval Academy are making their first attempt at Open Cup qualifying. MCA finished 12-1-1 in The League for Clubs Northeast Conference and won TLFC championship, defeating Napa Valley 1839 FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Like Omaha Street, Metropolitan Oval Academy are still waiting to make their on-field qualifying debut as their opponents for the Second Round, the Central Park Rangers, forfeited the contest for unknown reasons.

Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
vs.
Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
Meridian High School – Falls Church, VA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

2024 qualifiers Virginia Dream look to end the Open Cup dreams of Guerrilla FC when they meet at Fall Church, Va. in the Third Round of qualifying.

Qualifying in their debut last year, Virginia Dream FC went on to upset the Richmond Kickers from USL League One 3-1 in the tournament proper. Virginia Dream finished 8-0-2 in the UPSL DMV South-A division and are currently 7-3-0 in the Fall season. Virginia also fielded a team in the NPSL, finishing 9-1-0.

Guerilla FC returns to Open Cup qualifying after a one-and-done performance in their debut attempt last year. Guerrilla FC finished 6-2-2 in the DC Premier League and won the 2024 Spring DCPL season with a 12-0-0 record and are currently 3-1-2 in the Fall league.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd minute, Virginia Dream came back on goals from Williams Yami in each half to defeat Doradus FC 2-1

Guerrilla FC’s game with DMV Elite was the first in this year’s qualifying to go to penalty kicks. Guerrilla struck first in the 37th minute through Ian Daly, but DMV responded just a minute later to draw level. Neither team could break the deadlock in the following 82 minutes, leading to a penalty tiebreaker where Guerrilla prevailed 4-2.

International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
vs.
San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)
James P. Lang Soccer Field – San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET

One step away from their fourth consecutive appearance in a “Win and You’re In” game, Inter San Francisco hosts newcomers San Ramon FC.

Inter San Francisco celebrates after a 5-1 win over BattleBorn FC in the 2023 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Inter San Francisco

Inter San Francisco are entering Open Cup qualifying for the fifth time. They qualified in 2023 and 2025, and reached the final round in 2024. They’ve been one of the top scoring teams by far in the last three qualifying tournaments, scoring 48 goals over eight games. Starting in the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) 3rd tier, ISF won promotion two straight seasons after their debut in 2022. Inter finished 9-10-3 in the SFSFL Premier Division.

San Ramon are making their qualifying debut this year and finished 9-4-2 in The League for Clubs NorCal Conference. San Ramon has been active since 1973 and previously played in the NPSL.

Players from San Ramon FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Dublin Celtic in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: San Ramon FC

Inter San Francisco held on to defeat CF San Rafael of The League For Clubs 3-2 in the Second Round, ISF jumped out to a 3-0 lead on two goals from Javier Rivera Hernandez and one from Dylan Autran. San Ramon attempted a comeback with two goals in the second half, but fell short.

San Ramon cruised past Dublin Celtic FC of the Southwest Premier League 6-0. Six different players scored for San Ramon, who jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead.

210 FC (UPSL)
vs.
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
Cibolo Multi-Event Center – Cibolo, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET

Three-time Open Cup qualifiers ASC New Stars make the trek to the outskirts of San Antonio to face the UPSL’s 210 FC. New Stars are trying to snap a 13-year Open Cup absence, while 210 are looking to better their 2025 performance when they were eliminated in the same round by another club from Houston, Houston Regals SCA.

San Antonio-based 210 FC are back for a second attempt at Open Cup qualifying after their debut last year. In that qualifying run they won their opening contest but lost in the following round to Houston Regals SCA. 210 FC finished 6-4-0 in UPSL Texas Central Spring season and are 4-1-0 in the Fall season.

ASC New Stars are making their second attempt at Open Division qualifying after going one and done last year. ASC (Aria Soccer Club) are no strangers to the Open Cup, having qualified three times (2008, 2011, 2012) before Open Division qualifying was re-organized in 2016. The New Stars finished 11-2-5 in Houston Football Association, and reached the Region III Final of the National Amateur Cup.

Players from ASC New Stars after scoring a goal against SVD Beaumont in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Jonathon Garcia

210 FC opened qualifying with a commanding 6-2 win over Master Joga. Jared Lucio had a hat trick and Collins Gitau scored twice as 210 scored five goals in the span of 18 minutes in the second half.

ASC New Stars advanced to the Third Round with a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s Beaumont.

Scoring for New Stars were Iván Luquetta, Delano Foster and Felix Allisson.

Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
vs.
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
Blackburn High School – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET

Omaha Street are still looking to make their on-field qualifying debut as they host BOHFS St. Louis. After receiving a bye in the opening round, Omaha got another free pass when the Iowa Demon Hawks forfeited their Second Round contest. BOHFS continued their quest to become the first St. Louis area Open Division team to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era.

Omaha Street FC makes its qualifying debut and are affiliated with Boston Street FC, who entered qualifying from 2023-2025. Omaha Street finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL NE-SD-IA division and reached the UPSL Round of 32. Omaha are currently 4-1-2 in the UPSL Fall season.

BOHFS are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying this year. BOHFA finished 6-3-1 in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference.

Protagonist Soccer: Who Are Ya!: BOHFS St Louis

Omaha Street had the benefit of advancing via forfeit when the NPSL’s Iowa Demon Hawks did not have enough players available to field a team. It was one of two forfeits in the Second Round.

BOHFS earned their first qualifying win with a 3-1 triumph over Woodland Football Club\. Elliot Goodwin, Alex Webern and Michael Utley scored for the winners.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Sharktopus FC wins rainy replay with Bellevue Athletic

October 29, 2025 by Bruce Corrie

Sharktopus FC pose for a team photo after a 5-0 win over Bellevue Athletic FC in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament. Photo: Bruce Corrie

Sharktopus FC approached Tuesday night’s 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifier with renewed excitement. The Second Round game at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Wash. Was against Bellevue Athletic FC felt all too familiar.

When the teams met 16 days ago, Sharktopus FC lost 4-3 in extra time in what would have been their chance at redemption against their pesky Eastside foe (Bellevue had beaten them 3-0 in the 2024 Fall UPSL Washington Playoff Finals last December). But after discovering that the referee for the Oct. 12 qualifier had recently played for Bellevue Athletic, a protest was filed and the United States Soccer Federation ordered a replay.

On Tuesday night, on a typically rainy night in the Pacific Northwest, Sharktopus finally earned that redemption with a 5-0 win. The team from Seattle Recreational Adult Team Soccer (SRATS) were powered by a brace from Kwame Appiah, and another by Gabe Kellum. They also received a strong performance in goal by Jimmy Forde who made a number of stops on the night, most notably a second half penalty kick save.

“Beyond proud of the Sharks for stepping up under pressure and delivering a classy performance both on and off the field,” said player/manager Leo Ohannesian. “It feels like every Open Cup match we play is in the pouring rain and cold, and tonight was no different. We had a shaky start, but once the legs got warm, we began combining well and making smart plays against a very motivated opponent.”

With the win, Sharktopus FC advances to the Third Round of qualifying where they will play USL League Two power Ballard FC on Saturday at Interbay Stadium in Seattle.

The rain starts pouring down as the match kicked off. Bellevue Athletic started with energy and focus, pinning the ball into Sharktopus’ final third within the first two minutes. Nothing is more emblematic of the duress Bellevue put on the home side.

In the 4th minute, Sharktopus captain Justin Soto made a crunching late tackle 10 yards outside of his box, with it taking about 80 seconds to restart play. The ensuing shot was flared wide, as a weakness in Bellevue’s press began to show early in the game.

Unlike the Oct. 12 match, it took nearly 30 minutes for the scoring to open up. Sharktopus pressed Bellevue to win the ball back near the left side touchline. Then, the ball was sent to Nuha Ceesay’s feet who whipped in a cross toward the far post where it found Peder Bakken’s head and gave the hosts an early 1-0 lead in the 29^th minute.

As halftime approached, the rain continued to fall in Redmond. In the 43rd minute, Bellevue were unable to clear their lines effectively allowing Sharktopus’ Kwame Appiah to jump at the opportunity. The former Love Is Blind reality show contestant stripped the unsettled ball from the Bellevue midfielder’s feet, created a yard of space, and fired a shot past Bellevue goalkeeper Matt Janke. The half closed with a 2-0 advantage to Sharktopus.

Players from Sharktopus FC and Bellevue Athletic FC play in the pouring rain in a Second Round match in the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Bruce Corrie

When Will Niccolls, the head referee for the match, blew the whistle to start the second half, it was clear that Bellevue knew they had a hill to climb. A first half of near-misses and should-haves ignited the Bellevue players into dominating control of the match.

Bellevue right back Eyal Schetman found a backdoor run from a quick succession of passes in the box only to have his legs taken out from Sharktopus’ Forde in net. Niccolls blew his whistle again, this time for a penalty kick in the 51^st minute.

Bellevue’s Jacen Stein stepped up to take the penalty. Unlike their Oct. 12 meeting where Stein slotted home the awarded kick from the spot, Forde guessed correctly and dove to his left to make the save to keep the clean sheet intact.

As the hour mark ticked past, signs of fatigue become more and more apparent. At the 64-minute mark, Bellevue Athletic swung the ball around their back line to find a seam forward. Bellevue’s Liam Raney squared the ball right to left, but Sharktopus’ Appiah, just like his first goal, jumped the pass to get clear through on goal. Appiah’s options become singular, a charging Janke forced Appiah to continue his run around the goalkeeper, who calmly slotted it home to make it 3-0.

Sharktopus did not look back.

With Bellevue pressing high to find a way back into the match, Sharktopus relieved some of the pressure by finding their targets on the break. Just 7 minutes later, in the 74th minute, a Sharktopus break was created from a failed clearance in the middle by Bellevue. Sharktopus’ Gabe Kellum grabbed his first goal of the night, receiving a through ball and dribbling past Janke to make it 4-0 and fizzling any hope for a Bellevue comeback.

Ball movement became much more direct and the pace of the match slowed down. Kellum would find his second goal of the night on a cross-field switch which he made a run into the Bellevue penalty area and poked it past Janke’s shoulder to seal the deal.

Sharktopus FC knew Tuesday night’s replay would be one of their toughest matches yet, but they remained steadfast in preparing and executing against Bellevue.

“We really just wanted to make sure we capitalized on opportunities, follow the game plan from the manager ahead of the game … execute from an individual level, winning our battles, but also (execute the coach’s game plan) as a team,” said Sharktopus captain Justin Soto. “(Bellevue Athletic FC are) a good side, very well-organized, they have great players,” he added.

Sharktopus has a post-game tradition where they award a “Hustle Suit” where the player who exibits the most hustle puts on a shark costume. With his two goals and one assist, Appiah donned the shark costume afterwards.

“Handing out the Hustle Suit after the game was tough because it was truly a team effort,” said Ohannesian. “Kwame led the charge with a masterclass performance. He was our spark plug all night with relentless pressure on their back line and an absolute monster strike to put us up 2-0, plus another goal and an assist.”

The player who makes the most “memorable play of the game” puts on an octopus suit and Tuesday night’s winner was goalkeeper Jimmy Forde.

“Jimmy took home the memorable play of the game for his huge PK save early in the second half,” said Ohannesian. “(If they would have scored) it could have shifted momentum, but instead it sealed our control of the match. Every player contributed, and it was the kind of night that showed who we are as a club: resilient, disciplined, and not afraid to have a little fun along the way.”

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Rulings made in Doxa FCW, Sharktopus FC protests

October 23, 2025 by Tim Thomas

A screenshot of the moments before the first goal of the game between Lansdowne Yonkers FC and Doxa FCW.

The rulings have come down from on high. Both protests regarding games from the Second Qualifying Round for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup were resolved by the United States Soccer Federation. Doxa FCW have seen their protest denied. While Sharktopus FC will live to fight another day.

Doxa FCW’s claim that the referees failed to inspect the netting on the goal which led to a goal was rejected. Therefore a 2-1 loss to Lansdowne Yonkers will stand. However, a replay was ordered for the game between Sharktopus FC and Bellevue Athletic after a perceived conflict of interest was discovered. Sharktopus FC learned after the game that the referee in charge of the match had recently played for a team in the Bellevue Athletic organization. The date of the replay has not been announced.

If you ever wondered why referees seem to examine and tug at the netting on the goal prior to a match or before the start of the second half this is why. During the Oct. 12 match between Doxa FCW and Lansdowne Yonkers a goal was scored through the side of the net.

In the fifth minute of play, Ali Dawha of Lansdowne took a shot toward the Doxa net. Giuliano Santucci, the Doxa goalkeeper, made a diving attempt to his left but the curving shot went by Santucci’s outstretched hand. It’s at this point things get strange, much like a ghost passing through a wall, video of the play shows the ball going through the side of the netting an into the goal. Astute soccer observers will note that traditionally goals are scored through the front of the net, not the sides.

Doxa immediately took umbrage to the non-standard manner in which Lansdowne scored. A roughly ten-minute argument ensued. During the fracas the Doxa coach received a red card. After the match a protest was immediately filed with the USSF.

On October 16 Doxa FCW reposted a video on both the team’s Instagram and Facebook account from goalkeeper Santucci’s company GSS Sport Training. In the video, Santucci claims he showed the referee the issue with the net before the match started. He states the referee acknowledged his complaints and did nothing.

In the end, the federation ruling was made in favor of Lansdowne Yonkers. The goal will stand, the match will not be replayed, and Lansdowne will advance to the Third Qualifying Round. There they will take on the New York Renegades FC in a Nov. 1 match at SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex.

In a statement issued by US Soccer to Doxa FCW and obtained by Michael Battista at Hudson River Blue, the federation claimed it could not overturn the ruling. This is because with no video review for games played at this level a referee’s decision is final based on Law 5 which states:

“The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.”

On the very same night in which Doxa and Lansdowne were having their disagreement in New York, another dispute was brewing in a match on the opposite side of the country.

The starting lineup for Sharktopus FC pose for a team photo prior to their 2026 US Open Cup Qualifying match against Bellevue Athletic FC. Photo; Sharktopus FC

Sharktopus FC was hosting Bellevue Athletic FC at Jefferson Playfield in Seattle. The match was an entertaining back and forth affair that eventually ended in a 4-3 extra time victory for Bellevue.

There was just one problem.

Head referee Alex Wolbert had previously played for Bellevue Athletic and had recently been playing for their reserve side Bellevue Athletic 2. As of the writing of this article he was listed online on the Bellevue Athletic 2 roster.

Sharktopus FC quickly filed a protest with the federation.

The assignment of Wolbert seems to have had minimal effect on the game, both yellow cards issued went against Bellevue. Even the appearance of any impropriety in a game can be damaging. With that in mind yesterday, US Soccer ruled in favor of Sharktopus FC.

In a statement, the USSF reiterated that Wolbert himself is not at fault for the ruling.

“The Panel wants to be clear for the record that its decision does not reflect any evidence or belief that any party attempted to influence the competition, nor should the decision be viewed as a referendum of the on-field performance of the match officials during the match in question.”

This means Sharktopus FC is back from the dead and Bellevue Athletic FC must slay the beast for a second time.

“We’re grateful to US Soccer for their swift and thoughtful review of our protest and for upholding the principles of fairness that make the US Open Cup so special,” Sharktopus player/coach/general manager Leo Ohannesian told TheCup.us. “We also want to thank Bellevue Athletic and all parties involved for their cooperation throughout this process. We recognize how difficult it is to schedule a replay this time of year in Seattle, with limited field availability and tight calendars, but both clubs are actively working with organizers to find a solution. Our hope is that this decision not only ensures a fair outcome for this match but also helps strengthen transparency and assignment processes for teams of all levels in future competitions.”

Shortly after the USSF announced its decision, Bellevue Athletic announced that they would be appealing the decision.

While no firm details have been released yet the match will be played before the Third Qualifying Round begins on Nov. 1.

2026 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Review: 59 teams advance, but not without controversy

October 15, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

UPDATE: Rulings made in Doxa FCW, Sharktopus FC protests

A grand total of 59 games over four days, the most ever in a single round of the qualifying tournament, made up the Second Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Over 100 teams across 26 states and the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) all attempted to inch one step closer to taking part in the 111th edition of America’s national soccer tournament.

The 59 winners will advance to the Third Qualifying Round which is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 1-2. For five lucky teams (Ballard FC, Brockton FC United, City Soccer FC, Laguna United FC, UDA Soccer) that will mark their entrance into qualifying after receiving two straight byes.

Read below for a brief recap of every game from this past weekend, including links to highlights and streams when available. Of note, two games were forfeited prior to kicking off.

Many of the games feature volunteer reporters covering these games on-site. We are trying to raise money to pay our volunteer reporters for all of their hard work and travel costs. If you appreciate the work that goes into covering this tournament every year from the first qualifier to the championship game, join our PATREON team here.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two)
1:4
Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
Lusitano Stadium – Ludlow, MA

By Eric Casey

Atletico Boston’s battle with Massachusetts Turnpike traffic delayed kickoff by 35 minutes, but once they took to the pitch, the well-coordinated amateur side defeated a hastily-assembled Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two) side 4-1.

The Boston side formerly known as Southie FC struck first in the 25th minute. High pressure from Atletico led to an intercepted pass given away by the Pioneer goalkeeper, with the ball eventually falling to the feet of Egberto DaSilva Jr., who slotted it home for the 1-0 lead.

Given just weeks to assemble a ragtag side, Western Mass’ night began to unravel in the second half, after Timothy Ennin received a red card in the 59th minute. Atletico pressed forward, as a 78th minute goal by Brendan Clare added to its lead.

Against the run of play and from a significant distance, a long and looping shot from Pioneers forward Mmunga Mtabele in the 80th minute caught Atletico’s keeper off his line, briefly giving the home fans something to cheer about.

Hopes for a Pioneers comeback were dashed in the 86th minute, after a Western Mass own goal off the foot of Nathan Sanchez. The game was further cemented with a goal from Boston’s Sam White in the dying embers, allowing the 2024 Massachusetts Soccer Champions Cup winners to move on to Round 3 of qualifying.

Players from Vereinigung Erzebebirge and Colonial SC get ready to resume play in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Evan Konigsberg | Philadelphia Soccer Now

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)
2:1
Colonial SC (USL of PA/USASA)
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Clubhouse – Warminster, PA

By Dave Einhorn

On Saturday afternoon, Vereinigung Erzgebirge defeated Colonial SC by a score of 2-1 in front of their home fans in Warminster, Pa.. Despite rainy conditions and limited bench players for both teams, the match featured excellent play and end-to-end action from both sides. Vereinigung Erzgebirge looked to build on their last round win over Vidas United.

VE took the lead in the 9th minute of play when a saved shot found its way to Justin Ruth with an empty net in front of him. It looked like the hosts were going to start clicking through the gears and cracking up the score, but VE head coach Rob Oldfield was clear. Only two things could hurt his team this match: penalties and red cards. Sure enough, in the 23rd minute, Colonial SC would equalize with a successful penalty conversion from Oliver Whitham. Both teams traded possession, attacking threats, and great saves for the rest of the first half.

It was Colonial SC who came out on the front foot in the second half. They looked to take advantage of a frustrated VE side, who couldn’t convert several chances, but excellent saves and the post also denied Colonial themselves. Vereinigung Erzgebirge would take the lead in the 63rd minute through a set-piece goal from Derek Antonini. As both teams continued to fight for another goal, tempers started to boil over between both sides. More shots, more saves, and more drama made for a great second half, but in the end, Vereinigung Erzgebirge held on for the win.

Christos FC (APSL/USASA)
5:2
Baltimore City FC (MSSL/USASA)
North County High School – Glen Burnie, MD

By Craig Tower

In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter billed alternately as the Charm City Showdown or the Battle of Baltimore, Open Cup veterans Christos FC emerged victorious over debutants Baltimore City FC with a 5–2 win after extra time, in a match filled with goals, controversy, and a flurry of yellow cards.

The match kicked off with intensity, and it didn’t take long for Christos FC to make their mark. In the 13th minute, Daniel Baxter found himself unmarked near the penalty spot and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving BCFC keeper Lucas Muller with no chance.

Just four minutes later, Tyler Sosnowki of Baltimore City FC was shown a yellow card for a rough challenge on a Christos player near the right sideline. The physicality continued as Fukuzawa threatened with a shot off the post in the 21st minute and nearly connected with a low cross a minute later.

Christos’ Brian Graham had two promising chances around the half-hour mark but couldn’t convert. In the 31st minute, Fukuzawa was booked for playing the ball after the whistle following a strong tackle. This triggered significant jeering from Baltimore City fans who felt aggrieved and accused the Christos coach of resembling Santa Claus. Christos coach Drew Belcher shouted that he had brought them a gift while making a saucy hand gesture. At halftime, both sides had a laugh about the banter and there were no hard feelings.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 36th minute when Rodrigo Valenzuela was dragged down at the edge of the box, earning Baltimore a penalty. Jayson Cyrus stepped up and calmly converted to level the score at 1–1.

Christos regained the lead in the 54th minute when Cesar Ramos pounced on a rebound after Saunderson’s header hit the bar, making it 2–1.

Baltimore City responded in the 64th minute, as substitute Araviakis Antonios scored with his first touch, finishing a quick free kick into the far corner to tie the game at 2–2.

Tensions flared again in the 74th minute, with Mazzone receiving a yellow card for a foul on Cyrus. Later, Daniel Baxter was booked in the 81st minute for a flailing arm during a challenge.

Despite late chances from both sides, including a near Olimpico from Desormeaux and a powerful effort from Araviakis, the match remained deadlocked at full time.

In the 91st minute, Baxter broke past the BCFC backline and was rounding the keeper when Muller brought him down in the box, earning Christos a penalty. Kyle Saunderson converted in the 94th minute, putting Christos ahead 3–2.

Baltimore pushed forward in the second extra period but couldn’t find the net. Christos sealed the win with two late goals: Daniel Baxter struck again in the 116th minute on a breakaway, and Brandon Burkholder added the final blow in stoppage time, redirecting a cross from Stiven Llano.

Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
3:2
SCU Heat (UPSL)
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park – Mint Hill, NC

By Forrest Wimberly

For the third year in a row, Mint Hill FC and the South Carolina United Heat met in the US Open Cup qualification stages. The road team had won the previous two meetings but Mint Hill FC flipped the script earning a hard-fought 3-2 win Saturday afternoon in the Charlotte suburbs.

The familiar UPSL Mid-Atlantic Premier foes played a very physical and spirited match that saw the Heat grab an early 1-0 lead after Matheus Barrozo was first to collect a long ball over the top that fooled the Mint defender and drew the Mint keeper off his line. Barrozo calmly slotted the ball into the empty net in the 10th minute despite the Mint keeper’s scrambling efforts.

The Heat looked to be up 2-0 just minutes later as Barrozo again found the nets but the free kick goal was ruled offside and the match slowly began to tilt in Mint Hill’s favor.

A Mint Hill free kick in the 32nd minute from the top, left edge of the penalty box was curled by Mint’s John Agnew between the jumping Heat defenders in the wall and into the near post area where the ball went bounding past the fully-stretched Heat keeper to level the score at 1-1.

Just a few minutes later in the 40th minute, Mint’s Matthew Guarda collected a through ball and out-paced the Heat back into the penalty area to open a shooting window where Guarda drove a ball into the near post upper 90 and Mint Hill FC into the lead 2-1.

With the score 2-1 Mint Hill FC at the half, the teams settled into a midfield duel to open the second half which produced some very physical challenges and a red card to each team in the 78th minute. With both teams now playing with ten men, the final portion of the game opened up with the additional space and Mint Hill’s Jamie DiLuzio found this extra space useful as he slotted home a square ball as it was running through the box in the 88th minute to seal the Mint Hill victory.

The Heat made it interesting in the second-half stoppage time as Alfredo Diaz-Santillan headed in a corner kick in the 90+5 minute but the match ended just seconds later as Mint Hill FC advanced 3-2.

Parkland SC (UPSL)
0:3
Florida Futbol Club (UPSL)
Terramar Park – Parkland, FL

By: Grace Ott

UPSL Florida South division opponents Parkland SC and Florida Futbol Club faced off in the Sunshine State, as FFC made their US Open Cup debut and Parkland just their second attempt at qualifying. The two teams were evenly matched, having finished with similar records in the UPSL season and drawing their meeting in the spring 1-1.

But that only held for the first 27 minutes of this Open Cup qualifying match before Parkland’s Cristian Raudales earned a red card for a poorly-timed tackle, leaving his team down to ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite the disadvantage, Parkland managed to hold FFC scoreless for the rest of the first half and part of the second.

However, Florida FC’s Juan Hurtado broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a laser of a shot from outside the box and they never looked back.

FFC kept up the pressure and added another goal in the 83rd minute after a flurry of chaotic shots and rebounds finally ended with Óscar Rivas getting the ball in the back of the net. They completed the set with a second Rivas goal off of a breakaway run in the second minute of stoppage time to clinch the 3-0 win over their division opponents and advance to the next round of US Open Cup qualifying.

CD Faialense (BSSL/USASA)
5:0
Project Football (APSL/USASA)
Miller Field – Winthrop, MA

By Sam Fromowitz

In a rematch of the 2025 US Open Cup Third Qualifying Round, Bay State Soccer League’s (BSSL) C.D. Faialense took down the American Premier Soccer League’s (APSL) Project Football by a dominant scoreline of 5-0. Both teams have been here before in the Open Cup’s 2nd Qualifying Round – CD Faialense a total of three times; one more than Project Football. These rounds are difficult – both head coaches expressed difficulty in just getting enough players to the game, citing weddings, traffic, marathons and car breakdowns as just a few of a myriad reasons why each played shorthanded tonight.

“It’s how it is. Welcome to the lower leagues” said CD Faialense head coach Paul Correia before the game with a shrug and a wry smile.

With an opening goal from Graham Brenner in the 20th minute and what would be the exclamation point on the night in the 57th minute by Jonathan Klein, CD Faialense were powered through tonight’s victory by their towering talisman striker, Martin Vician – scoring three goals through a first-half brace and another to complete his hat trick a few minutes into the second half.

Suggested by the scoreline, CD Faialense had opened the first half with heavy possession, outdueling Project Football and attempting to play through midfield consistently. Fullback Damian Attire was a primary outlet, consistently outpacing his mark to whip cross after cross into the box. After a brief flurry of goals, Project Football began finding their way into the game, regaining possession generally through quality wide defense and began to mount their own attacks. Their effort wasn’t particularly fruitful, though, with CD Faialense’s larger players outmatching them.

Out of halftime, Project Football leaned into their youth and energy, battling hard with quicker pressure than before in an attempt to regain a foothold into the game, though this was quickly put to bed through Martin Vician’s completion of his hat trick. The game quickly became less of a tactical battle, composed of end-to-end exciting counters by both teams that began to favor Project Football more than in the first half. Despite good chemistry and interplay between captain Isaiah Steersman, Carlos Hernandez and Wilson Lara down their right side, they were unable to capitalize on mostly low-percentage chances from near the top of the box. CDF countered consistently with balls over the top to find consistent outlets Attidore and Vician, but were denied repeatedly by standout Project Football goalkeeper Aidan Perry, who stood on his head in the second half with several quality saves to prevent a more bitter scoreline.

CD Faialense advance to the 3rd round for the third time in 3 tries and look to become the 3rd team from BSSL to qualify for the US Open Cup in recent years – most recently done by themselves in their lone appearance in last year’s tournament edition. They’ll next look to continue climbing the BSSL Division 1 standings – currently sitting in 3rd on an 8-4-2 record, just 1 point behind 2nd place.

ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
3:0
SVD Beaumont (UPSL)
Campbell Park – Houston, TX

By Ralph Hannah

ASC New Stars advanced to the next round of qualifying with a comfortable 3-0 victory over UPSL side SVD Beaumont on a balmy evening in northwest Houston. Under the management of veteran coach Taher “Tom” Khalili the home side, ASC, showed all their experience to overcome a spirited SVD Beaumont making their debut in the competition.

The first major talking point of the game arrived on 26 minutes when ASC were awarded a penalty despite heavy protests from the away bench. Felix Allisson stepped up and hit his spot kick low and hard towards the goalkeeper’s right only to see it expertly saved by Babacar Thiam.

The visitors from east Texas have a partnership with German 2. Bundesliga club SV Darmstadt 98 but it was an ex-pro from the rivals that opened the scoring. Iván Luquetta was on target in the 32nd minute, a clever run lost his marker as he turned in a low cross from the left. Luquetta had made his debut in Costa Rican football in 2017 with Alajuelense before spells in Colombia and Peru before returning to the USL League One in 2022 with the Charlotte Independence.

Moments later, the lead was doubled, an ASC corner wasn’t dealt with effectively by the Beaumont defence as a weak header was volleyed home by captain Delano Foster. SVD had put together some good moves at times, always looking to play the ball on the floor, but their early profligacy when they missed two chances inside ten minutes had proved fatal.

A couple of halftime changes from Beaumont saw them add some early intensity with one substitute, Gabriel Tellez, registering two shots within the first five minutes. The sense of urgency was palpable as the visiting side pushed forward looking to halve the deficit. However, the resulting high line played into the hands of speedster Allisson who made up for his first half penalty miss by latching onto a long pass just inside the opposition half and taking it to the house. The 57th minute breakaway goal had put the game well beyond reach of the new boys in blue.

The resulting 30 minutes saw chances at either end with 18-year-old Cameron Steury coming close for SVD, as he had done in the first half. Allisson could have had another goal but saw his shot well smothered by Thiam.

At the final whistle the hosts celebrated, ASC New Stars have been to the Open Cup on three occasions (2008, 2011 & 2012) and the dreams for this 51-year-old club are still alive.

Briar United FC (UPSL)
2:1
Greenville United FC (NPSL)
Pleasant Park – Apex, NC

By Justin Nunez

Briar United FC is advancing to the next round of qualifying after coming back from one goal down to defeat the traveling Greenville United FC.

The excitement started early on as Abu Fofana got the away side on to the score sheet early in the 15th minute. His lofting header from the top of the box sailed over the Briar United keeper and into the far corner to make it 1-0.

Once teams returned to the pitch after halftime, they were greeted with torrential rain as the heavens opened up for the entirety of the second half. Amid the downpour, Briar United FC found their attacking form and equalized thanks to two goals in quick succession (70’, 73’) by Wuilmer Garcia. From there, the home side held off a sequence of attacks to seal the 2-1 victory and move on in the Open Cup.

Capital City Islanders (UPSL)
5:2
MoCo 1776 FC (UPSL)
Skyline Sports Complex (City Island) – Harrisburg, PA

By Justin Nunez

The Capital City Islanders welcomed MoCo 1776 to their riverfront stadium in Harrisburg, Pa. for the latest clash of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

Capital City Islanders, no connection to the former pro side Harrisburg City Islanders, started off on the front foot right from the start putting pressure on the away side by attacking down the wings. For much of the first 30 minutes, MoCo 1776’s defense seemed up to the task but the Islanders got their breakthrough at the 35th minute mark thanks to a quick combination through the midfield. Derek Ramirez intercepted the ball and quickly advanced it down the wing, before finding Freddy Opoku who shielded a defender and laid the ball off to a waiting Clovis Kabre.

Four minutes later, the home side found their second after Dom Francis, who also serves as the team President and Founder, launched a free kick into the box that first found the head of Clovis Kabre and was then directed in by Derek Ramirez.

In the second half, the Capital City Islanders kept up the pressure and were rewarded as Clovis Kabre netted home a brace with a breakaway goal (50’) to make it 3-0. Drew Morris made it four for the home team with a left-footed shot into the side net in the 57th minute.

The away team wasn’t ready to go home yet though as two quick goals by Joseph Tolton made things interesting. His first came from a well-worked set piece in the 83rd minute and the second was a long-range chip shot over the goalkeeper in the 86th minute.

Fortunately for the home side, that was all that MoCo 1776 could muster. Just before the whistle, Drew Morris netted a brace of his own to make it 5-2 and seal the victory for the Capital City Islanders.

FC Monmouth (TLfC/USASA)
1:3
Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
Count Basie Park – Red Bank, NJ

By Dave Einhorn

US Open Cup newcomers FC Monmouth and Bulldogs SC faced off in Red Bank, N.J. on Saturday. Bulldogs SC emerged victorious 3-1, while FC Monmouth finished with 9 players on the pitch after a hard fought 120 minutes.

The gravitas of the match was felt in every tackle, shot, and goal for both sides as they looked to make history for their club. As such, both teams took turns feeling each other out slowly as the game started. FC Monmouth would strike first in the 25th minute with a goal from Thomas Valinotti.

The lead wouldn’t last for long as Bulldogs SC equalized in the 33rd minute with a goal from Ryan Kuster. Both teams then found themselves in a deadlock for the rest of the match.

Tensions began to build between both sets of benches, players and managers, as everyone waited for their moment of glory. It always seemed like this match was destined for extra time, but right on the cusp, FC Monmouth’s Robert Saunders committed a reckless foul on a yellow card and was subsequently sent off, leaving the hosts with 10 men and two halves of extra time to find a winner in front of their home fans.

Players from Bulldogs SC celebrate after their 3-1 extra time win over FC Monmouth in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Bulldogs SC

It was clear from the start that all players on the pitch were tired, but giving everything they had left in the tank. FC Monmouth may have hit the gas too hard, when a foul by Jermaine Smith resulted in a straight red. FC Monmouth’s tumultuous task became terrifyingly more difficult as they were now down to 9 players.

It only took a few moments for Bulldogs SC to pounce as George Olynyk made the hosts pay. His goal all but sealed it for Bulldogs SC in the first half of extra time, but Oluwaferanmi Omidiran put the final touches on, with the final touch, and goal, of the match.

Bulldogs SC are through to the next round and await their next opponent. Their manager was pleased with the performance of all of his players and expressed how much this opportunity means to the whole organization from its family ownership to its local players. Meanwhile, FC Monmouth may want to forget the scoreline, but they will likely remember their first goal in the competition and having a solid crowd of around 100 spectators, led by the 732 Supporters Group, and their signing and drumming through all 120 minutes of the match.

SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
2:1
Ironbound SCP (UPSL)
Garfield High School – Garfield, NJ

By Michael Battista

In a battle of Garden State teams with ethnic roots, SC Vistula Garfield beat Ironbound SCP, 2-1, in front of around 40 fans at Garfield High School. Despite a tough start this season in the American Premier Soccer League, Vistula battled a high offense Ironbound side and helped control a second half that easily could have seen the team give up a lead for a second time on Saturday night.

Vistula goalkeeper Aldo Munoz said after the game that a result like this can have major lasting effects on a team’s season, remembering his team’s First Qualifying Round loss to New Jersey Alliance FC in last year’s US Open Cup tournament.

“Last season, we unfortunately exited Round 1 of the Open Cup (Qualifying). It’s a sad thing to do, every time you enter you want to go as far as possible and potentially play against professional teams,” Munoz said, with 2025 marking his team’s fifth straight appearance in the qualifying tournament. “I hope that this win will give us that glimmer of hope that we can play against a bigger team later on and that will motivate us in the APSL.”

Vistula got on the board first in the 22nd minute despite Ironbound’s early possession control. A pass found Garfield’s Paul Kondratowicz onside and breaking past the Ironbound backline. Once in the box, and with SCP keeper Kevin Sabadin approaching, the striker’s first shot was blocked. Gathering the rebound, Kondratowicz got a second shot off that nestled into the bottom left corner to give the hosts the lead. The back and forth half continued, with Ironbound hitting the side netting and pressing to find the equalizer. That came with the last kick of the first half as Ricardo Oliveira passed the ball into the box from the right side of the field, finding Ivan Garcia who twisted around to score.

After the break, the home side began to take control in front of the small crowd of 37 fans watching along. A play that started with Vistula playing the ball into the box and forcing SCP’s Sabadin to make a save ended with the ball in the air. With a chance, Vistula’s Kevin Valdivia bicycle kicked a shot from the middle of the box into the back of the net to give Garfield the lead once again in the 60th minute. Ironbound tried to get momentum back on their side, but aggression was boiling over. Three yellows after the goal, including one to the head coach, joined two that were earned late in the first half. The game ended with Ironbound’s Nicholas Neme being shown a red card for stepping on Vistula goalkeeper Munoz’s head when trying to get the ball from him.

The biggest star of the night for Vistula was Munoz, who made four critical saves to keep his team in control. One minute before Garfield’s opening goal, SCP’s Nicolas Cruz sent a shot toward the top right corner of the net that Munoz made a jumping save to keep out. The second half started and ended with him making great saves. In second half stoppage time with Ironbound desperate to equalize, Munoz dove to block a shot through traffic off the goalline before chaos in the box led to the ball going over the net.

Munoz, who previously played professionally with New Amsterdam FC in the National Independent Soccer Association,

“I think we stuck to our gameplan,” Munoz said. “I think Ironbound lost their style of play, kind of just lumping balls, and we were kinda just taking advantage of that and counterattacking very well. Since they were trying to overload on the wings we were just counterpressing whenever we won the ball.”

When asked what team he might want to play in the First Round if given the chance, Munoz smiled and laughed saying he made his professional debut against the New York Cosmos in NISA and would love the chance to play against them again. Vistula, founded in 1952, is looking for its first Open Cup appearance of the Modern Era.

Grove United (NPSL)
4:2
Alexandria Reds (UPSL)
Godwin High School – Richmond, VA

By Evan Konigsberg

Grove United took down Alexandria Reds on Saturday night in a chaotic, back-and-forth match that Grove won 4-2.

The match between the two Virginia-based clubs was hosted by Grove United in Richmond, and the home team looked comfortable early as Leighton Langenhoven opened the scoring for Grove within three minutes. Gerard Broussard extended Grove’s lead around the 14 minute mark, and Grove carried a two goal lead into halftime.

Alexandria responded in the second half, scoring once just after halftime and again ten minutes later, flipping the script and leveling the match at two goals apiece. Despite blowing a two goal lead, Grove United responded, retaking the lead in the 68th minute by way of a goal from Demetrius Howe. An insurance goal came in the 82nd minute when Langenhoven claimed his brace, regaining a two goal lead for Grove. The match ended 4-2, and the debutants Grove United defeated their in-state rivals to advance to the third qualifying round for the first time in their history.

Bold City SC (UPSL)
1:0
Stetson FA (UPSL)
Fort Family Park – Jacksonville, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a battle of two Florida UPSL clubs making their Open Cup qualifying debuts, Jacksonville’s Bold City SC sent Stetson FA back to DelAnd, Fla. with a 1-0 loss.

A largely unremarkable opening half nearly ended in fireworks, but was quickly defused by the referee. With about five minutes remaining in the half, Bold City’s Rio Mello was knocked to the ground at the center circle by a Stetson player. Tempers flared as players from both teams descended on the spot of the foul, and the referee quickly stepped in to calm the situation. Both teams were sent to their sideline to cool off as halftime was called. A couple yellow cards were issued but nobody was sent off.

At the 67th minute Bold City got the only goal they would need when Anderlove Merjuste headed in a corner kick. Bold City were able to see out the remaining 20+ minutes to claim a 1-0 victory and advance to the Third Round on the weekend of Nov. 1-2.

October 11, 2025

Fort Myers City FC (SPL/USSSA)
0:1
Badgers FC (IUPSL)
Babcock Ranch – Punta Gorda, FL

By Michael Anderer

It was always going to be a challenge for visiting Badgers FC on a cool Southwest Florida night. They had to travel the three hours from the east coast to Punta Gorda to play against Fort Myers City FC, a team a division above them and in front of the Fort Myers City FC fans at their home field in Babcock Ranch.

The two teams played a very balanced match with both sides having their share of chances to take control of the game. It would be Fort Myers City FC that would make the first move to take control of the game with two halftime substitutions displaying their depth. Badgers FC head coach, Jerome Joseph, would start to use his bench in the 63rd minute, but it would be the 74th minute substitution that saw Stephen Jean enter the match that ultimately would be the difference. Badgers FC moved the ball well to create their chances while Fort Myers City FC relied mostly on counter attacks for their shots.

Both Marc-Eduoard Barthelmy from Badgers FC and his counterpart Juan Randy Ramirez would have to make important saves to keep the game level. As the coaches both prepared for the prospect of extra time Badgers FC would find the breakthrough in the 91st minute. Midfielder Stephen Jean found space behind the Fort Myers City FC back line and feed a pass to Dave Junior Altidor who bested Juan Randy Ramirez with a shot in the upper part of the far post. The visitors bench and fans erupted knowing the late goal would most likely move them into the next round. Full time was only two minutes away and the celebration began for the Boyton Beach visitors.

Badgers FC head coach Jerome Joseph gave credit to Fort Myers City FC for their quality adding that they are a well-coached team.

“Either team could have won this match, but thank God we won one-zero. I’m still shocked”.

Looking ahead to the next round Joseph said, “We have a lot to work on. We need to stay more compact all of the time.” midfielder Stephen Jean mentioned post game. “We are very very excited to be playing in the next round. It’s a tournament that we like to play. We are very happy to be part of the tournament and we are aiming to win it all.”

StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club (MPPL/USSSA)
1:3
Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
Ron Poe Stadium – McKinney, TX

By Adam Uthe

Dallas Atletico continued their inaugural run through the North Texas region of US Open Cup qualifying with a 3-1 victory over StrikerZ DFW SC, who were only able to field 10 eligible players; none of whom was a goalkeeper by trade. Atletico’s Oscar Ocampo duplicated his performance in Round 1’s 3-1 win over FORO SC by tallying another three goal contributions in Round 2 against the 10-man StrikerZ.

StrikerZ looked almost comfortable in the first half, shutting off access to the penalty area and forcing Atletico to take their best chances of the half from long range. The hosts even managed to string a couple semi-effective counterattacks together, despite their disadvantage.

In the second half, however, Oscar Ocampo earned his teammates’ “Messi” nickname by scoring or assisting on all three of Dallas’ goals, all of which came in a 10 minute span between the 53rd and 63rd minutes. On the first goal, Ocampo managed to drive in behind the defense and cut a pass back to the six yard box for teammate Jason Miranda to convert the chance into a goal. Five minutes later, Ocampo intercepted a pass and crushed a 25 yard shot that may or may not have been saved had StrikerZ DFW’s regular goalkeeper been available. In the 63rd minute, Ocampo received a brilliant through ball from teammate Erik Macias and buried an outside the foot shot into the far post to put the game out of reach for good.

StrikerZ DFW did manage to claw back a consolation goal just moments before the final whistle. Center back Antonio Ramos’ free kick found the head of teammate Travis Leach, who converted the chance easily against Atletico’s backup goalkeeper, who’d been subbed on with about 12 minutes left in the match.

Dallas Atletico coach Gerardo Acuna-Espinoza didn’t make any initial adjustments with the advantage in the first half, but he did give his side new marching orders during the break.

“At halftime, I kind of had to push my guys to go down the line and stop centering the ball and run it down the line for a 45 degree angle.”

Acuna-Espinoza said the team’s expectations for success have not changed after two comfortable wins, but they’re wary of the increase in quality coming their way in the next round.

“As we get higher and higher on the ladder, it’s going to get harder.”

Tulsa Athletic (TLfC/USASA)
4:5
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)
Athletic Community Field – Tulsa, OK
After Extra Time

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a rematch of the 2021 NPSL championship, the NPSL’s Denton Diablos traveled north to face Tulsa Athletic of The League for Clubs, and Denton won a 5-4 extra time slugfest, ending Tulsa Athletic’s four year run of qualifying for the Open Cup.

Tulsa came into the game at a disadvantage, only able to dress the eleven players who started, while Denton had a full roster of 18 players.

Waleed Cherif scored his second goal in this year’s qualifying to give Denton a 1-0 lead. Sharif had a chance to make it 2-0 Denton just seconds into the second half, but he chipped his penalty kick and his shot rebounded harmlessly off the crossbar.

Matt Albury doubled Dentons lead in the 62nd minute by putting away a failed clearance of a free kick. 2-0 Denton Diablos. Denton nearly took a 3-0 lead, but Diaz Aldovar’s free kick in the 70th minute struck the crossbar and bounced away.

With their backs against the wall and the clock running out Danny Perez and Erick Diaz gave Tulsa a glimmer of hope with goals in the 76th and 78th minutes. However, Denton’s Matt Heffernan poured water on Tulsa’s fire with a goal in the 80th minute to put the visitors back on top, 3-2.

Tulsa received one last lifeline when 12 minutes of stoppage time were announced for the end of the second half. About ten minutes into that added time Denton was called for a handball in the penalty area, and Noah Gonsalves stepped up and pulled Tulsa level, forcing extra time.

Just three minutes into extra time Erick Diaz scored his second goal, putting a “worm burner” just past the upright. In the 102nd minute Denton made it 4-4 when Matt Albury headed in a free kick for his second goal. Just three minutes later Albury completed his hat-trick by converting the Diablos’ thor PK attempt of the night.

Unlike the previous 105 minutes, the final fifteen minutes of extra time came and went without any scoring, and Denton came away with a 5-4 win and will continue their quest to qualify for the Open Cup for the first time since 2022.

Woodland Football Club (TSL/USCS)
1:3
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
Shawnee Mission District Stadium – Mission, KS

By Liam Keating

Thousands of cars made their way from St. Louis, to Columbia across Interstate 70. Everyone was hoping for a Missouri victory over Alabama in a college football clash.

Fighting the traffic — and the construction — a few cars avoided the college town. They had one dream, one goal, to reach the Kansas border and come away with a victory on the soccer pitch.

“Like with anything, we want to give it our best shot,” BOHFS St. Louis owner and coach Alan Bradaric said.

It’s exactly what BOHFS St. Louis accomplished in the second round of qualifying in the US Open Cup. They defeated hosts Woodland FC 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The first half played equally. No one had any clear-cut chances and zero shots on goal were attempted. The fireworks came in the second half, but it was Woodland that was on the attack in the opening few minutes.

BOHFS was able to block shots and relieve pressure. They kept their squad in front of the ball and focused on counterattacks. BOHFS found their breakthrough in the 55th minute thanks to Elliot Goodwin. The Macclesfield, England native received a gorgeous pass from Liam Collins.

The pass allowed Goodwin to dink the ball over Woodland’s keeper, who was coming off of his line. The ball hung in the air for what felt like an eternity before bulging the back of the net.

“Liam Collins is a special player in the middle of the park,” Goodwin said. “He played a great ball over the top. I knew he was going to come and the goal settled us into the game. We were buzzing after that.”

The goal gave BOHFS an immense amount of confidence. Everyone’s strides opened further and crunching tackles were placed throughout the field. Goodwin’s goal was the boost the team needed on the score sheet and mentally.

BOHFS did not have a single substitute on the bench, forcing every player to go the full 90 minutes.

“We have a lot of experience, a lot of veteran players on this team,” Goodwin said. “Even with just 11, we knew we’re going to come and play.”

BOHFS doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Michael Utley provided a great piece of hold-up play. After one touch, Utley’s unselfish pass fed Alex Weber to run free in the box before hammering a shot past the keeper.

The soccer gods were able to praise Utley’s work with a goal of his own for good measure. Utley scored BOHFS’ final goal in the 89th minute.

Woodland earned a consolation goal in the 90’ when Gage Pemberton drilled a volley from the top of the box smashing the net. It wasn’t Woodland’s night, who focused their attacks on the wings throughout the match. The service from the wide areas was unable to find any attacking players and clear-cut chances were at a premium for the home side.

This was Woodland’s second appearance in the tournament. They bowed out of the US Open Cup last year to Tulsa Athletic by a score line of 8-0.

This is the first full season for BOHFS as a club, making this their inaugural run in the US Open Cup. They finished in second place in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference a few months ago, ending with a 6-3-1 record.

The only thing that matters is that they have advanced to the third round, a dream for this group of players.

“None of our guys are getting any younger. So why not?” Bradaric said. “Let’s give it a shot and see what happens and we will take this one game at a time.

The next game is a final.”

Deportivo Lake Mary FC(UPSL)
0:1
Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
Lake Mary High School – Lake Mary, FL

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Deportivo Lake Mary’s latest Open Cup qualifying attempt ended just like their previous six did, a loss after just one game. The perpetrators this time were the debuting Emerald FC Orlando, who had moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season after a 11-0-0 performance in the Division 1 Spring league.

Emerald FC waited 91 minutes to break Lake Mary’s hearts, as George New dribbled down the sideline and sent a pass into the box, where Tajee Argentine was able to flick it with his head and into the goal. Two minutes later, Lake Mary had one last chance to keep their Open Cup hopes alive with a free kick from about 30 yards out, but the attempt was punched away by the Emerald FCgoalkeeper.

For Lake Mary it was their seventh loss in as many Open Cup qualifying attempts, as the UPSL club has not scored a goal in the last five qualifying games dating back to 2022.

MSI Pro (UPSL)
1:0
Arlington SA Pro (UPSL)
Blair High School – Silver Spring, MD

By Tim Abbott

Montgomery County, Maryland’s MSI Pro are making a second successive trip to the third round of qualifying after knocking off Arlington SA 1-0, who were undefeated until this point in the season. They finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North.

Arlington pressed high but MSI had a multitude of chances on the break and the winning goal came courtesy of a Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out. The goal was eventually turned home via a Youssouf Barry pass to Daniel Gebura in the 35th minute.

ASA turned up the pressure in the second half but were unable to find an equalizer. MSI advances to the Third Round on the weekend of Nov. 1 and 2.

FC Kanks (UPSL)
0:3
Harbor City FC (UPSL)
XL Soccer World – Orlando, FL

By Taylor George

Harbor City FC defeated FC Kanks, comfortably advancing with a 3-0 road win Saturday night to the second round of qualifying for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. HCFC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties.

HCFC had an eventful first half, scoring all three of their goals in the opening 45 minutes. Forward Aden O’Hara had a stellar match, scoring two of the goals and assisting on the other.

Both HCFC and the Kanks started off very strong, both teams missing crucial opportunities to break open the scoring in the first few minutes. The first goal did not come until the 23rd minute when forward Aden O’Hara penetrated the midfield to send in a pass for center back John Oshakpemhe to bury it to give HCFC the lead.

The second goal came seven minutes later in the 30th minute when Aden O’Hara took a shot from the top of the box after dribbling through the Kank’s defense, drilling the ball into the lower right corner to score an unassisted goal and bringing HCFC up two goals. The final goal came four minutes later when a HCFC player got fouled at the edge of the box. Forward Aden O’Hara steps up to take the free kick, burying it in the top corner for what would be his second goal of the night and the final goal of the match.

The second half was dry of any goals with both teams showing up defensively. Both teams picked up a yellow in the second half as well. HCFC would remain strong defensively and gave up only a few shots on goal to secure their 3-0 win over the Kanks and advancing to the third round of qualifying.

United SC (UPSL)
1:2
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
Lions For Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL

The Rooks of Edgewater Castle FC defeated hosts United FC 2-1 on Saturday night to reach the third round of Open Division qualifying tournament for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match, the first ever competitive meeting between the clubs, drew 70 fans at the gate.

In the 8th minute, Rooks left back Roberto Cardano would play a chipped through-ball to midfielder Joshua Torres who would collect the ball inside the United box. Torres would then play the ball back to on-rushing forward Mounir Alami who would then play a square ball across to Qudus Lawal. The former USL Championship and USL League One forward would hit the ball first-time across goal to give the Rooks the early lead.

In the 33rd minute, United forward Oluwatooni Adisa would dribble into the left side of the box, near the six-yard line. Adisa would then play back to teammate Djefferson Toussaint who would mistime his shot as the Rooks defender closed in, but the ball would be scuffed back towards Adisa who would collect and launch a ball high into the net from close range to tie the game. Shouts for offside by the Rooks center backs were quickly dismissed.

In the 38th minute, Rooks midfielder Gabi Cavalheiro would be assessed a second yellow and an ejection for unsporting behavior after being fouled by a United player. Cavalheiro had served a suspension in the previous round for a double yellow received in the 2023 Open Division qualifying tournament third round matchup against Chicago House.

In the second half, the Rooks would implement a low block to help suppress United’s attack. United, pressing, would be exposed when Alami would play Torres through down the right side of the field. With one touch, Torres would cross the ball wide to Lawal who would once again deliver a first-time shot, finding the net to give his side a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute.

The Rooks would remain in the low block for the remainder of the match, giving up just one shot on goal to preserve the lead and advance to Round 3.

Napa Valley 1839 FC (TLfC/USASA)
1:3
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Justin Siena High School – Napa, CA

By Jim Coppock

Long-time rivals Napa Valley 1839 and FC Folsom met in Napa on Saturday evening for a place in the third qualifying round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Folsom would outlast Napa en route to a 3-1 victory. The win comes 364 days after Folsom eliminated Napa from the UPSL playoffs.

Napa Valley 1839 are back for their second consecutive attempt at qualifying, while FC Folsom are seeking to redeem themselves after being eliminated last year after just one game.

The pace was fast and furious for the full 90 minutes. Both goalkeepers were outstanding in the effort to keep it close, and it was close until the second minute of second half stoppage time.

Napa Valley opened the scoring in the 8th minute through Luis Ramirez off an inch-perfect cross from Ryan Dieter. Folsom turned up the pressure, equalizing in the 10th minute. An intercepted ball in the midfield led to a shot from 25 yards out, which hit the post and caromed to another Folsom player who settled, took one touch and buried his shot into the side netting. The first half would end 1-1.

In the second half, Folsom’s Francisco Magana would get his side in front, 2-1, in the 52nd minute with a 27-yard laser beam to the upper 90 to rock the Napa defense. Napa held tough, however, and searched for an equalizer for the remainder of the contest. In a rare moment of Napa disorganization at the back, Folsom’s leading scorer, Dominic Vagaalban, would side-foot home from outside the goal area after the Napa netminder, Javier Valdez, missed a challenge on him about 6 yards out. The stoppage time goal put Folsom up 3-1, and any possible comeback out of reach.

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
3:1
Olympians FC (UPSL)
Highley High School – Gilbert, AZ

By Jim Coppock

Two Phoenix-area powerhouses, and familiar foes, Next Level Soccer and Olympians FC are both back for their second consecutive attempts at qualifying.

Despite defeating Next Level in league play during the spring season, Olympians would fall to Next Level in the spring playoffs this year. The two have drawn 1-1 in UPSL play this Fall season and are scheduled to meet again on October 19.

A hotly contested and physical match would end with Next Level Soccer winning 3-1 over 10-man Olympians FC.

Olympians would draw first blood in the 27th minute through Josue Hernandez. The 1-0 advantage would last through the remainder of the first half. Shortly after halftime, Danny Baca would put the hosts on level terms.

Next Level continued to build as the game went on. Channing Chasten put Next Level in front 2-1 in the 59th minute. Don Tchilao added an insurance goal, with an assist from Danny Baca, in the 67th minute. The end of the game got very physical with several bookings issued in a short span of time. This culminated in Olympians’ Jocsan Varela being ejected late in the game.

Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
2:1
Real San Jose (NPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA

By David Victor

Valley 559 FC’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup are still alive after beating Real San Jose 2-1 on Saturday night in Fresno.

The UPSL side has high hopes of making the tournament after following previous qualifier performances.

“We have guys that now have experienced what can happen in the Open Cup, and I think with that experience from the previous years, I think that we could go a long way,” said Valley 559 head coach Milton Blanco.

After coming up short last year against Inter San Francisco in the final round of qualifying, Valley seeks to make a deeper run and earn its spot in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Valley had to come from behind to pick up the win. Real San Jose took the lead 30 minutes into the first half after Erwin Cerrillo dribbled into the box from right field and put the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the NPSL side.

Jose Luis Cuevas equalized for the hosts at the 43rd minute with a volley at second post off a corner executed by Anthony Torres to make it 1-1 near the end of the first half.

Valley created several scoring opportunities throughout the match that were saved and hit the crossbar twice. Despite finding itself in a position to net plenty of goals, the home team struggled to capitalize on its offensive plays.

“We missed a lot of chances, so we got to do better in finishing,” Blanco said.

After insisting for the lead in the second half, the hosts found it in the 75th minute when Mason Gonzales sent in a cross to find former MLS player Quincy Amarikwa, who positioned himself inside the box and netted the 2-1 game-winner for the 559.

Amarikwa is seen as a coach on the field and an example to follow by the rest of the team. He is always talking to his teammates and is eager to teach everything learned throughout his career both on and off the field.

“What I try my best to do is showcase the discipline, the consistency, and most importantly, the mentality of the professional level,” Amarikwa said. “It’s not just if you can show up and perform today, it’s if you can show up to perform today, the next day, a week, a month, a year, and turn that into a catalog that people can look at and then clearly know what it is that you bring and why what you bring is valuable to the organization that you’re playing at. My goal is to hopefully showcase that on a day-to-day basis, and I’m hopeful that it results in some positivity and translates into opportunities.”

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Steel City FC (USL League Two)
3:2
FCY New York (UPSL)
Founders Field – Cheswick, PA

By Colton Coreschi

Steel City FC (USL League Two) made the most of their home-field advantage in their US Open Cup qualifying debut, seeing off FCY New York (USPL) at Founders Field just north of Pittsburgh, Pa. in a hard-fought, 3-2 win on a blustery Sunday afternoon.

Steel City FC wasted no time after kickoff. An early high-press forced a defensive turnover from the FCY New York centerback pairing, which fell nicely to Nicholas Niebauer. His slightly scuffed effort nonetheless fell to Stefano Paulino who slotted it into the open net to give the hosts an early 1-0 advantage in the 3rd minute.

Both sides would press heavily in the first half, battling for the important second goal. Ultimately the hosts would take advantage first, as Nicholas Niebauer would earn a penalty with a clever run by his man on the right wing of the FCY New York box. Cameron Territo would step up for the hosts and finish the chance, slotting it low-left under the diving goalkeeper to double Steel City’s advantage to two – a lead they’d carry into the halftime break.

But FCY New York wasn’t out of it yet. Just before the hour mark, a clever run into the box saw Steel City’s defense caught flat-footed, leading to a penalty. Ali Alomari stepped up for the visitors and slotted it into the upper-right corner beyond Garret Watson’s grasp in goal, cutting the deficit in half and making it 2-1 in the 59th minute.

The visitors wouldn’t have to wait long for the equalizer. After a misplayed back-pass handed FCY New York a corner, the ensuing in-swinger was headed home by Witman Hernandez in the 69th minute despite a hand on it from Watson in goal, leaving things equalized with 20 minutes to play.

Cameron Territo of Steel City FC scores a penalty kick goal against FCY New York in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Randy Warner

But Steel City would get the last laugh. A great run from Donrick Richards by his defender left him no option but to sweep his legs from behind, leading to a penalty. Territo would step up for another effort, with his initial effort saved, but parried straight back to him for an easy tap-in rebound – giving Steel City a 3-2 lead in the 82nd minute.

Despite a desperate flurry late from FCY New York with corner after corner and chance after chance, Steel City’s defense held strong until the final whistle, securing a 3-2 win and advancement to the third round of US Open Cup qualifying.

Cleveland SC (NPSL)
0:2
Akron City FC (USL League Two)
North Olmsted Stadium Complex – North Olmsted, OH

By Otis Lyons

Akron City FC (USL League Two) defeated Cleveland SC (NPSL) 2-0 in a battle of Ohio clubs at North Olmsted High School. Second half goals from Jannis Schmidt and Cole Werthmuller capped a successful trip north for Akron City FC, a 2025 USL League Two debutant.

Despite both teams committed to aggressive styles of play, neither side broke the deadlock in the first 45 minutes. The best chance of the opening half came courtesy of an Akron City FC penalty, but Jannis Schmidt sprayed his attempt wide of Ty Bowden’s goal.

Schmidt would make up for his penalty miss in the second half, however. The Gensingen, Germany native scored from outside of the box following a winding run in the 67th minute, bending the ball beyond Bowden to the far post. Fifteen minutes later, former Wright State striker Cole Werthmuller secured Akron’s win with a shot from a similar position.

Majestic SC (APSL/USASA)
0:2
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)
Ebster Park Soccer Field – Decatur, GA

By Ashle Lynn Paige

Coming off their first season this spring where they finished 8-1-1 in UPSL Division I Georgia North, Atletico Buford had a stellar opening match defeating Majestic SC 2-0, in their first attempt at qualifying for the US Open Cup.

After finishing 15-1-0 in the ADASL and defeating rival Terminus FC in the opening round, the hosts in Majestic SC appeared to be the favourites on paper. Though Carlos Chavarria made sure that the hosts would exit the tournament early. He opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute. He added to his tally in stoppage time of the second half to secure himself a brace to send Buford to the second round.

Boulder United FC (CPL/USSSA)
0:3
Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
Broomfield Commons – Broomfield, CO

By Andrew Mosier

Harpos FC took a huge step towards a return trip to the Open Cup proper with a commanding 3-0 win over Boulder United Sunday at a blustery Broomfield Commons. Daniel Isalas Barajas and Christian Nunez Longoria scored first half goals, and George Merchant added a goal in the second half to send Harpos into the next round.

Kicking off its tenth Open Cup Qualifying campaign after a first-round bye, Harpos wasted little time asserting itself when Barajas banged home a Baptiste Debuire cross to put the three-time qualifiers up 1-0 in the third minute. Nunez Longoria made it 2-0 in the 11^th minute, collecting a mis-hit clearance and curling the ball to the far post from 18 yards out.

After having a goal disallowed in the 21^st minute for handling a defender’s clearance, Merchant put the game away for Harpos in the 72^nd minute when Quinn Matulis rewarded Harpos captain’s run from deep in the central midfield with a precisely slotted ball. Merchant did the rest, curling the right-footed shot past a diving Brando Bustios, whose spectacular play in goal for Boulder limited the damage to three goals on the day.

Croatia Cleveland (NCSL/USASA)
5:2
Detroit Metro FC (UPSL)
Mentor High School – Mentor, OH

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

1975 Open Cup Semifinalist Croatia Cleveland made a triumphant return to Open Cup qualifying by defeating Detroit Metro FC of the UPSL by a score of 5-2 at Mentor, Ohio.

The action started early when an apparent Detroit goal was nullified for offsides. Soon after Adam Wade put Croatia up 1-0 with an assist from Joe Katic. Wade struck again to make it 2-0 with help from Lovorko Duvnjak. Detroit then cut the lead in half but Croatia’s Amir Serikbaev converted a penalty kick to restore the two-goal advantage heading into halftime.

With roughly 15 minutes remaining, Detroit gave themselves hope with a goal that cut Croatia’s lead to 3-2. Near the end things began to unravel for Detroit, as Trevor Hermiz was shown his walking papers after being issued his second yellow card in the 88th minute.

Cleveland took full advantage and put the game away afterwards. Michael Derezic, who has previously made appearances in the Open Cup with AFC Cleveland (2017, 2018) and Cleveland SC (2022, 2023) scored in the 90th minute to make it 4-2. Then in stoppage time Derezic put away a penalty kick to make it 5-2. Soon after the referee called for full time and Croatia was on their way to the Third Round

HIghlights (tagged incorrectly, but its this game)-http://www.hudl.com/v/2Sy1gG

Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
4:1
Bootleggers AC (OVPL/USCS)
Green Valley Soccer Complex – New Albany, IN

By Zach Allen-Kelly

Southern Indiana FC continue on to Round 3 in their quest to qualify for their second US Open Cup in a row after a 4-1 victory over Northern Kentucky side Bootleggers AC. The visiting squad jumped out to an early lead but Southern Indiana equalized just before the half, before punching their ticket to the next round with three unanswered goals in the second half.

Scoring opportunities came early and often for the home side, but Southern Indiana struggled to find the back of the net early in the game. Bootleggers took advantage of a high Southern Indiana back line early in the game, with forward Andrei Novakovich scoring off a quick counter attack to give the Away side an early lead in the 10th minute.

Bootleggers were able to weather the storm of the Southern Indiana attack for most of the first half, the gameplan appearing to be to absorb the pressure and look to score on the counter. The pressure eventually became too much though, when Southern Indiana found an equalizer late in the half off the head of defender Saladi Hussani in the 43rd minute.

The boys in Teal took control of the game in the second half, taking advantage of a short bench for the visiting squad. Forward Kellan Clegg gave the home side their first lead of the night in the 52nd minute with a gutsy goal, throwing his body directly into the path of a defender to make the finish.

A pair of substitutions in the 67th minute paid off quickly for Southern Indiana, with midfielder Allain Bizoza slotting a ball past the Bootleggers keeper just two minutes into his shift.

The goal of the night came in the 84th minute when forward Jed McCloud put a ball onto his right foot in traffic and unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the goal from just outside the box to secure the 4-1 victory and send Southern Indiana off to the third round of qualifying.

Doradus FC (UPSL)
1:2
Virginia Dream FC (UPSL)
West Springfield High School – Springfield, VA

By Ashle Lynn Paige

After making their debut and upsetting Richmond Kickers in last season’s tournament, Virginia Dream faced off with fellow Virginia side Doradus FC. With Doradus coming off a 3-0 win in the First Round, they would not make it easy for the Dream scoring early on. But a brace from Williams Yami put the visitors over the top and one step closer to qualifying for the second year in a row.

Doradus FC showed themselves as a threat right from the get-go, starting the match off with a high pressure attack. Following a corner that just couldn’t get cleared out by the Dream, Alador Fitsum sent a first touch shot from the top of the 18 screaming into the upper half of the goal to put the hosts up in the second minute.

Virginia Dream responded in the 27th minute with a break down the pitch, near the far sideline. A low long cross was sent into and across the box, that was immediately sent back to a waiting Williams Yami at the centre of the six, where he tapped it home practically unchallenged for the Dream’s opening goal.

The former CCBC Catonsville standout snapped up his second goal of the evening in the 54th minute after Doradus failed to clear the ball from their own box. Yami then one-touched a low shot through the defence and past the goalkeeper’s wide side to secure himself a brace. From there on both teams battled each other and the weather well. But neither side was able to break through and best the rainfall and increasing wind to put an overall fourth goal on the board.

FC Lonestar GPSE (UPSL)
2:1
FC Omens (BSSL/USASA)
Veterans Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, MA
After Extra Time

By Josh Hakala

A battle between two Massachusetts clubs in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament needed extra time to decide a winner. FC Lonestar GPSE would ultimately prevail with a 2-1 win to advance in their inaugural Open Cup qualifying run.

FC Omens didn’t waste any time getting on the scoresheet. In the 6th minute, Tyler Johnson made a run down the right wing and played a low-driving ball into the box where he found Henry Osborn. The former Williams College player simply redirected the ball into the back of the net from close range.

In the 20th minute, FC Lonestar would tie the game back up. A player received the ball at the top of the box and saw Joshua Fichers streaking into the box from the left side. Fichers received the pass and blasted the ball past the goalkeeper inside the near post.

Both teams would cancel each other out for the remainder of regulation, leading to extra time. The game would be decided in the 104th minute when an FC Lonestar player would send in a cross from the left wing. An FC Omens defender and the goalkeeper would both come out to play the ball and due to some miscommunication, the ball would deflect away from both players and Luke Stavros Campbell pounced on the loose ball and put it into the goal just a half second before the goalkeeper could recover.

Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
1:1
DMV Elite FC (NPSL)
The Fields at RFK – Washington, D.C.
Guerrilla FC advances 4-2 on penalty kicks

By Josh Hakala

Last year, Guerrilla FC made their debut in the US Open Cup qualifying tournament and were sent home after one game. They improved on last year’s early exit with a 4-2 penalty kick win over DMV Elite FC after the two teams finished tied 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Ian Daly of Guerrilla FC opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Pierre De La Croix-Vaubois delivered a through ball to him. The former Tufts University standout put it past the goalkeeper to give GFC a 1-0 lead.

A minute later, Desmond Adeyemi of DMV received a ball over the top and he chipped the keeper to tie the game.

Neither team would find a goal after 120 minutes which sent the game to a penalty kick shootout. Guerrilla FC would prevail 4-2 in the shootout to advance to Round 3 and spoil DMV Elite FC’s inaugural qualifying match.

Miami United FC (UPSL)
3:0
Boca Jrs Miami FC (SPL/USSSA)
Ted Hendricks Stadium – Hialeah, FL

By Josh Hakala

Miami United’s quest to qualify for the US Open Cup for a fourth year in a row got off to a positive start with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs Miami FC in the second round of the 2026 qualifying tournament.

After a scoreless first half, the game changed in the 57th minute when #32 from Boca was sent off. He received a second yellow card on a tackle from behind on United’s star player Robertino Insua.

Six minutes later, Miami United capitalized on the man advantage when Insua connected on a free kick goal to open the scoring.

Insua would connect on another impressive free kick in the 85th minute to put his team up 2-0.

Then Luis Peralta would close out the game with a stoppage time goal.

Colombian goalkeeper Nicolas Rivera earned the clean sheet in goal for United.

Miami Soccer Academy (USSL/USSSA)
3:0
River Miami FC (SPL/USSSA)
Gibson Park – Miami, FL

By Jordan Beech

Miami Soccer Academy blanked River Miami FC, 3-0, to advance to the third qualifying round. Carlos Fernandez led the way with a goal and two assists for MSA.

Jose Molina put MSA on the board in the 23rd minute, cleaning up Fernandez’s initial effort for a 1-0 lead. Then, in the 42nd minute, Fernandez found the back of the net after Diego Lanzi played a square ball to Fernandez on a two-on-one with RMFC’s keeper. Fernandez returned the favor with an assist on Lanzi’s second-half tally to provide the final scoreline.

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
2:0
Scots-American Athletic Club (GSSL/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ

By George Diamond

Oaklyn United FC defeated Scots-American Athletic Club by a score of 2-0 on a windy night where sheets of rain drizzled down under the lights at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J.

Oaklyn quickly established a firm control of the game in the opening stages of the match, which they went on to dominate in both chances and possession. United jumped out to an early lead 11 minutes into the contest when Jason Mancuso smashed home an Ahmed Saidi lay-off in the box.

Kearny-Scots goalkeeper Aldahir Cazun made a big stop in the 35th minute. Samuel Quaye was fed through on goal by Mancuso, and the winger’s shot seemed destined for the far post. But, Cazun got low to make the save, and pushed the ball away for a corner kick.

In the 53rd minute, Mancuso was involved again. This time he burst past his defender, and entered the box, before playing a pass across the face of goal. Although Jacob Mulinge was unable to connect, the ball trickled out to Jade Mesias, whose low-driven shot looked certain to score, but a Scots defender was there to block it off the line.

Oaklyn would finally get their second goal in the 60th minute. A foul by a Kearny-Scots defender in the box resulted in a penalty for United and a sending off for AC’s Gabriel Freitas.

Austin Johnson took the penalty – which was saved by Cazun – but scored the rebound.

“It was great to get an opportunity to take the penalty, Ahmed (Saidi) did a great job in the box drawing the foul,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately the goalie made a great save, but I followed it up and was able to put it away. Getting the goal while being a man up was huge for us.”

Save for a few long shots by Scots-American AC forward Dwight Ceballo, goalkeeper and former pro Matt Perrella was rarely troubled by the Kearny-Scots attack, and made no mistakes when called upon.

“This is a great win for the club,” said Johnson. “A chance for a run in the Open Cup is something we’re really excited about. After a tough loss in the qualifiers last year we’re looking to make a statement.”

Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
W:L (Forfeit)
Iowa Demon Hawks (NPSL)
Blackburn High School – Omaha, NE

By Tim Howerton

Omaha Street FC are in the draw for the third round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying after the Iowa Demon Hawks declared a forfeit late Friday evening. Omaha Street, an affiliate of Boston Street, advanced when their Des Moines-based opponents did not have enough players available to field a team/travel. The match was officially recorded as a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

The match had already been moved once. After originally being scheduled for Sunday, the kickoff slid earlier to Saturday afternoon. No reason was given for the change, but there was also no indication from US Soccer, the Open Cup, nor either team, that the new timing had any impact on the visitor’s ability to field a team.

The Demon Hawks, who compete in the NPSL’s North Division and were also making their Open Cup qualifying debut, could potentially see a financial fallout from their forfeit. According to the US Open Cup Handbook, teams who forfeit “must pay a fine that is at least equal to 3 times the entry fee of that team”. Such decisions are left to an Adjudication and Discipline process whose panel meets on an as-needed basis. At time of writing, that panel had yet to meet to discuss any final penalty.

While Iowa awaits that decision, Omaha Street now waits for the third round draw to determine the next step on the path toward the US Open Cup.

Pinellas County United Pelicans SC (FSSL/USASA)
1:3
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
Walter Fuller Park – St. Petersburg, FL
After Extra Time

By Andrew Baggaley (Because Football Media)

It was a perfect October evening for soccer in West Florida as roughly 150 fans gathered to watch home side Pinellas County United Pelicans take on FC America CFL Spurs of Winter Park, FL.

FCA controlled much of the possession in the first half and it was only PCU goalkeeper Jacob Schick who kept them at bay. FCA hit the post early in the 4th minute. In the 12th minute, FCA attacking midfielder Lucca Carvalho connected well on a 25 yd free kick but Schick parried it over the bar.

The most pivotal moment of the half came in the 26th minute when PCU played a hopeful ball into the box, forcing FCA centerback Lucca Rodrigues Franceschini to turn, stumble and pull PCU striker Finley Sallows to the floor with a horse collar tackle. However, the referee’s whistle remained silent amid halfhearted pleas from the home fans.

PCU’s first chance came in the 30th minute as center midfielder Brennan Breuer played a perfectly weighted through ball with the outside of his boot to winger Omar Saucedo, whose cross was frantically cleared by a sliding block.

As the half continued, FCA maintained their onslaught with a number of half chances. During their clearest chance, Schick used his toe to deflect a finesse back post shot from FCA striker Henri Tophoven to keep the score locked at 0-0.

In the second half, FCA picked up where they left off, enjoying most of the ball and keeping the PCU back line on their heels.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, as FCA right winger Kwesi Caesar received a ball at the top of the box and thundered in a shot on the underside of the bar to put the visitors up 1-0.

PCU struggled to respond directly but maintained a threat on the counter attack. FCA came close again on multiple occasions but could not get a security goal, which they would come to regret.

In the 88th minute, PCU striker Finley Sallows calmly slotted the ball away to tie the match 1-1. The goal was the final action on a comprehensive team goal from PCU, with center midfielder Jacob McDonald delivering a crunching tackle to set winger Omar Saucedo on the break, and his unselfish cross set up Sallows for a favorable finish.

With the score tied at full time, the game entered extra time. FCA asserted their quality with two quick fire goals by Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven in the 97th and 100th minutes, respectively. Fodstad combined with Tophoven on his goal and streaked down the line and beat the keeper to the near post. Then Tophoven pressured the PCU center back and won the ball and curled a shot to beat the netminder to the far post.

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
4:2
LSA Norcross Pro (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
NOTE: LSA Norcross Pro was formerly known as Limeno Georgia. The club changed their name shortly before entering the competition

By Michael Battista

Kalonji Pro-Profile continued its streak of winning its opening match by downing LSA Norcross Pro, the club formerly known as Limeno Georgia, by the score of 4-2 on Sunday evening. The UPSL side is in its third qualifying tournament after competing in both 2023 and 2024 qualifying.

Things got going in the 19th minute when LSA played a ball from just past midfield, through the backline and found an onside Carlos Orta. Orta’s shot was impeded by Kalonji keeper Henry Pleitez but got past him and rolled into the back of the net. The visitors, playing their first US Open Cup qualifying match, took the lead into the break.

Kalonji got their break when 10 minutes into the second half former Atlanta United 2 player Blake White was shoved from behind in the box, with the center official signaling a penalty kick. Zain Hylton, a former professional in Jamaica, stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 1-1 in the 57th minute.

The home side went ahead in the 68th when Kalan Kalonji received a no-look pass from Karim Tmimi in the box and punched in the go-ahead goal.

LSA tied the game again in the 76th minute, but Tmimi put his team back in front in the dying moments. White was outside of the box when his teammate, under pressure, sent the ball his way. The Frenchman one-touched the ball into the lower left corner and made it 3-2 in the 85th. Zain Hylton iced the result with a brace in the third minute of stoppage time assisted by Kalan Kalonji.

Kalonji (both the team and the player) moves on to next month’s Third Round seeking its first-ever appearance in the US Open Cup tournament proper.

MATCH BROADCAST

Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA)
W:L (forfeit)
Central Park Rangers FC (APSL/USASA)
Metropolitan Oval – Maspeth, NY

Metropolitan Oval Academy will have to wait a little longer to make their US Open Cup qualifying debut after their opponents, Central Park Rangers FC, informed them that they were forfeiting. The Met Oval.

Central Park could potentially see a financial fallout from their forfeit. According to the US Open Cup Handbook, teams who forfeit “must pay a fine that is at least equal to three times the entry fee of that team”. Such decisions are left to an Adjudication and Discipline process whose panel meets on an as-needed basis. At time of writing, that panel had yet to meet to discuss any final penalty.

TheCup.us reached out to the Rangers for comment but have yet to get a response.

North Georgia United (UPSL)
0:2
Potros FC (UPSL)
Riverbend Park – Dalton, GA

By Jed Henderson

Potros FC advanced to the next qualifying round after a commanding 2-0 victory over UPSL neighbors North Georgia FC. Two close range goals from Pedro Valenzuela and Steven Raymont made the difference for the visitors.

The showdown in Dalton was between familiar foes as the two sides met twice in UPSL play already this year. Potros FC walked away victors on both occasions, and started the game with a dominance to reflect that. The first half was ripe with chances. Benjamin Uranga thought he had opened the scoring for Potros in the 22nd minute but his header was called back for offsides. Twice more Potros found the frame of the goal, but somehow North Georgia United held on for a level halftime score.

Potros FC started the second half with the same impetus to score, and were finally rewarded in the 54th minute. Marc Bineau received a long ball on the right side of the field and, with much work to do, dribbled toward goal and threaded a low cross across the box. Pedro Valenzuela was on hand to guide the ball into the back of the net.

Two substitutes combined in similar fashion in the 83rd minute as Sean McKeever’s cross from the right side gave Steven Raymont a shot into the open net for a second goal.

The visitors saw out the game successfully, and ran out victors in their Open Cup qualifying debut.

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
7:3
Osner’s FC (UPSL)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY

By Tim Abbott

Osner’s will wonder how they let this game slip away in the horizontal rain and wind. Michenaider Chery opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, slotting home calmly from the right of the penalty area and although Osner’s equalized after only three minutes, Cesare Marconi’s goal seemed likely to be the only goal from the Roosevelt Islanders. Osner’s built a 3-1 lead with goals from Watz L. Leazard (off a Chery assist) and Keithlend Cesar (from Leazard). The Cesar goal in the 78th minute looked to have sealed an Osner’s win.

Not so fast.

Dennis Coke Jr. was pulled down in the Zum Schneider area only a minute later and Diego Silva made it 3-2 from the penalty spot. Only three more minutes elapsed before Osner’s lead had vanished, courtesy of Boris Grubic. Thus it was that a 3-3 draw forced extra time.

Extra Time saw an avalanche from Zum Schneider, starting with their first lead of the game. Tom Hultsch scored the fourth of the game in the 95th minute and Tomas de Andrade Gomes in the 97th made it 5-3. A half volley by Ryo Koiso just on the brink of extra time half time made it 6-3 and the coup de grace was delivered by Richard Bastian in the 118th minute.

Peak Eleven FC (MTPL/USASA)
1:2
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Pinnacle Athletic Complex – Thornton, COAfter Extra Time

By Ashle Lynn Paige

Two Colorado sides, both well experienced in the Open Division qualifying, had one of the best matches of the round. The Centennial State derby saw Azteca FC 5280 come out on top 2-1 after a heated contest that ended in extra time, sending Peak XI home after just two rounds.

In the back and forth affair between the two sides it took nearly the entire first half before a goal was scored. That first goal came in the 45th minute from Azteca’s Jovany Herrera on a shot from near the top of the box that just barely beat out a diving save attempt from the goalkeeper.

The second half mirrored the first half with both sides’ defence being the key to the match. But as time wore on the players wore down and Peak XI capitalised on a defensive lapse from Azteca. After picking up the low pass about 40 yards out from goal, Mathias Varlet broke out alone towards the goal. Coming up directly on the left side of the six yard box, Varlet slipped a shot towards the wide side of the goal scoring from a shot that appeared initially as it was going to miss, thus tying the match up in the 86th minute.

In extra time the late goals continued to happen with Herrera scoring his second goal in stoppage time of the first half of extra time by blasting a loose ball in from inches in front of goal, clinching the win for Azteca FC 5280.

FC Balboa (UPSL)
1:7
San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
Logan Memorial Education Campus – San Diego, CA

By Josh Hakala

San Diego Internacional left little doubt in their first qualifying match for the 2026 US Open Cup. San Diego raced out to a 4-0 lead by halftime and ultimately cruised to a 7-1 win over FC Balboa at Logan Memorial Education Campus.

Six different players got on the scoresheet. Taj Winnard scored a first half brace, while Garrett Heine, Chris Bourdon, Brandon Cortez, Jacob Fuson, and Spencer Palmer all added a goal each.

Ali Olow of FC Balboa scored a goal early in the second half to ruin the clean sheet.

San Diego, which fell one game short of qualifying for the 2025 US Open Cup, will take a step toward punching their ticket to the 2026 competition as they enter Round 3.

Hurricane FC (USSL/USSSA)
1:6
Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
Seacrest Soccer Complex – Delray Beach, FL

By Jordan Beech

Palm Beach Flames FC romped past Hurricane FC and into the next round of qualifying via a 6-1 decision. Five different players found the back of the net.

Disaster struck early for Hurricane FC when they gifted Palm Beach a 1-0 advantage in just the 12th minute following an own goal from a corner kick. The UPSL side from Palm Beach then doubled the advantage in the 34th minute when Nhery Pierre linked up with Olivier Kenol for a headed goal. Palm Beach added one more goal before the interval through Romero Campbell.

In the second half, captain Nicholas Castellanos put in a fourth, followed by Kobe Harris with a fifth. Malte Schmale scored the final goal for the victors deep into the second half with a free kick from eight yards outside the box.

Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
2:0
Wisloka Chicago (UPSL)
Benedictine University – Lisle, IL

By Adnan Basic

Sometimes the sport of soccer will take you somewhere beautiful, and sometimes it will take you to a place that’s almost secretly beautiful like Lisle, Illinois. That’s where Chicago House AC booked their place in the Third Round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying, defeating Wisloka Chicago 2-0 at Benedictine University.

The action started early, as the House opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. A free-kick crossed into the area wasn’t cleared properly, and Nico Williams pounced on the opportunity, slotting the loose ball into the back of the net. Williams and the home side had two goals after only four minutes later. Eric Espinoza hit an excellent ball into the box, and it trickled to the No. 9 for a smart first-time finish.

Remarkably enough that was the only goalscoring action that took place on the night. Wisloka had a few chances, and Patryk Knap really should’ve pulled one back, but they weren’t quite good enough on the day. They didn’t help themselves, and a second yellow to Olek Melnyk put them in an insurmountable hole.

“You kind of want those early chances,” said forward Nico Williams. “When you get in a good position, you have to put it in. That helps us play how we want to play.”

“We always talk about how teams are going to get their chances. They’re going to get momentum, but we got to weather the storm and find a way to get that momentum back in our favor,” said House head coach Shannon Seymour. “We took care of different aspects of the game, transition moments, when we’re in our low block defending, and then obviously putting the ball in the back of the net. It helps when you do that early in a game, right?”

Tennessee United Soccer Club (UPSL)
2:0
Eagles Sports Southaven F.C. (UPSL)
Station Camp HS Soccer Field – Gallatin, TN

By Timothy Belin

In the first Open Cup qualifying game held at Tennessee United SC’s Station Camp High School Soccer Field in Gallatin, Tenn., the home side prevailed thanks to an eventful start to the second half.

Hosting Eagles Sports Southaven, out of Southaven, Mississippi, the two teams played a fairly even opening 45 minutes. Both sides showed quality in possession but more often than not lacked the final ball to create any meaningful opportunities.

The second half cracked the game wide open in the 52nd minute, when Southaven’s Alexander Reyes picked up a red card for a second bookable offense. TUSC pounced on the opportunity and scored within seconds, Sam Pomeroy using the back of his head to deflect a long throw-in into the net.

Ten minutes later, Nick Krall got on the end of a through ball and rifled a shot across goal and into the bottom right corner, just out of reach of the Eagles’ goalkeeper.

Up two goals and with the man advantage, Tennessee controlled the game for the final 30 minutes. Southaven never looked likely to get back into it, and TUSC ensured they would advance to the third round of the Open Cup qualifiers in their inaugural run at the competition.

DOXA FCW (APSL/USASA)
1:2
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
Flowers Park – New Rochelle, NY

By Timothy Belin & John Kornfield

UPDATE: DOXA FCW protested the result, but their protest was denied

Lansdowne Yonkers advanced to Round 3 in controversial fashion following a 2-1 win over DOXA FCW.

The visitors needed just four minutes from the opening whistle to score the go-ahead goal when Ali Dawha ran through and side-footed a ball into the back of the net. However, DOXA players and staff were furious at the officiating crew and quickly pointed out that there was a hole in the side-netting. Upon video review, it did appear that Dawha’s shot was never on target and went in through the side, but the referee was having none of it.

Lengthy protests ensued, all while staff members also looked to fix the gaping net. DOXA’s head coach Paul Grafas eventually earned himself an expulsion some five minutes after the incident, and play did not resume for another three minutes after that. According to Grafas, it was the first time he had ever been sent off in his coaching career, but he was proud of the way his guys reacted to the adversity.

“I give a lot of credit to my players because something like that can definitely take away your concentration and focus on the game,” said Grafas. “It’s a big injustice to soccer. To U.S. Soccer. We work so hard, I mean I’ve been coming to fields for 50 years. The referee’s job before the game is to check the goals, check the nets. See if its playable. Ok? Do your job.”

After play resumed, Lansdowne’s second goal had no such controversy as Jared Juleaou did brilliantly to dribble through a number of bodies before rifling the ball near post and past a stranded goalkeeper. With 25 minutes on the clock, Yonkers led 2-0.

DOXA managed to pull one back just before the break. Milorad Sobot connected with a corner kick at the back post and headed it back across goal and into the net in the 44th minute. Despite 10 minutes of added time to account for the chaos of the first goal, neither side added to their tally.

The second half saw Lansdowne defend their lead in increasingly desperate fashion as DOXA threw more and more men forward. Despite their repeated attempts, the home side were unable to breach a resolute Yonkers defense a second time. They bowed out of the tournament on a 2-1 scoreline and will understandably feel aggrieved about the manner of the first goal.

Lansdowne advanced to the third round of qualifying as they look to make their fifth appearance in the Open Cup proper following a two-year absence from the tournament.

As for DOXA, the drama surrounding this game may not be over. Grafas was asked after the game if he plans to file a complaint with the Open Cup committee.

“Absolutely! It’s on video. Its 110% we’re going to appeal,” said Grafas. “We have every right to. We don’t want to win a game like this but you know, that’s why there’s laws and the scale of the law is gonna tip our way for sure. It shouldn’t even come down to that. It should have been done from the get-go here.”

New York Greek American SC (EPSL/USASA)
2:3
NY Renegades FC (UPSL)
Captains Field (Hofstra Univ.) – Hempstead, NY

By Justin Egan

On a night when most would have stayed indoors, the New York Renegades outlasted the four-time US Open Cup champion New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in a chippy contest at Hofstra University’s Captains Field. Both teams braved the opening bands of a nor’easter expected to dump three inches of rain and whip Nassau County with 40-mph gusts. The weather was a dominant factor in this one, as both sides had their best attacking opportunities with the wind and found it much more challenging to progress the ball against it.

Taking advantage of attacking with the wind in the first half, the Renegades capitalized immediately on a second-minute corner that saw centerback Ojai Bedward clean up a marauding ball at the back post off the bounce. Less than two minutes later, Renegades stunned the Greek-Americans again, this time on the counterattack with forward Junior Rosero popping into the midfield to receive a line-break pass with his back to goal, and promptly played left-winger Sebastian Ruiz in behind after pulling the Greek-American defensive line out of position.

The speed and pace of Rosero and Ruiz proved too much for the Greek-Americans to handle in the first half, as the Renegades, aided by the wind, launched effective counterattacks almost immediately whenever they gained possession. While the Greek Americans did close the gap after keeper Eric Edwards misplayed a free kick by former New York City FC midfielder Daniel Bedoya at the half-hour mark, moments later, Rosero restored the two-goal cushion, darting through the left half-space and finishing inside the box after receiving a pass from Ruiz.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Greek-Americans finally found their footing. Forward Paul McVeigh cut the deficit to one after finding an opening near the six-yard box to bang home a cross at the 56-minute mark. The home side dominated possession from there, pinning the Renegades deep, but despite the pressure, the Greek Americans struggled to turn control into clear chances. The Renegades’ counterattack lost its edge against the wind, yet their defensive shape held, and they weathered both the storm and the late surge to book their place in the next round.

210 FC (UPSL)
6:2
Master Joga (DSA/USSSA)
STAR Soccer Complex – San Antonio, TX

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

San Antonio’s 210 FC sent debutants Master Joga back to Dallas empty handed after a convincing 6-2 win in the Second Round of Open Cup qualifying.

After 38 minutes of scoreless play 210 took a 1-0 lead when Jared Lucio one-timed a volley from Kyle Davis. Just five minutes after intermission Master Joga drew level after a 210’s goalkeeper made an errant pass, allowing Kyle Bennett to easily score.

In the 59th minute, 210 regained the lead when Kyle Davis headed home a long throw-in from Eric Embry. Five minutes later the lead grew to 3-1 when Joel Lucio scored from a run that began at midfield after taking a pass from Keegan Woolley.

At the 68th minute mark, 210 nearly had their fourth goal, but their shot was cleared at the goalline by a Master Joga defender. Seconds later, 210 were awarded a penalty kick and they did score a fourth after Jared Lucio converted from the spot.

Master Joga showed they still had life when in the 75th minute Kenneth Osorio headed a long pass to the far post to make it 4-2.

A minute later the hosts put an end to any kind of comeback when Collins Gitau took a through ball from Keegan Woolley and shot from outside the penalty area for a 5-2 lead.

Gitau struck again a minute later, taking a pass from Lucio and swiftly dribbled past the ‘keeper for the final goal of a 6-2 win, taking 210 FC to the Third Round on the weekend of November 1-2.

The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
1:0
Albion SC Silicon Valley (TLfC/USASA)
Negoesco Stadium (Univ of San Francisco) – San Francisco, CA

By Nap Badillo

In the second round of 2026 US Open Cup qualifying, Olympic Club of the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) faced off against Albion SC Silicon Valley (Redwood City, Ca.) of The League of Football Clubs at Negoesco Stadium on the campus of the University of San Francisco.

The game was a competitive affair marked with physical play with both teams playing to a scoreless draw at halftime.

However, it was Arda Bulut of Olympic Club who struck the ball into the net among the Albion defense past the keeper in the 60th minute.

Albion tried to score an equalizer for the remainder of the match but failed to capitalize as Olympic advanced to the next round of qualifying with Albion finishing one-and-done in their first entry in the competition. The Olympic Club was founded in 1860 and joined the SFSFL in 1916. They are one of the oldest clubs in American soccer and are trying to return to the Open Cup for the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present).

Atletico Miami Internacional FC (SPL/USSSA)
3:4
Red Force FC (PFL/USASA)
Kendall Soccer Park – Miami, FL
After Extra Time

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Two-time Open Cup qualifiers Red Force FC visited Atletico Miami Internacional FC at Kendall Soccer Park in Miami on Sunday night. It turned out to be a lateral back and forth affair, as nearly every goal scored was immediately answered by the opposition. That was until Red Force tallied late enough in extra time to hold on for a 4-3 win.

The scoring got off to a quick start when Atletico Miami was called for a foul just outside of the penalty area in the 7th minute. After a couple minutes of discussion, Red Force’s Andres Navas tucked his shot just inside the post to beat Atletico Miami’s goalkeeper.

Less than a minute later Atletico responded when Rafael Soto received the ball at the top of the penalty area and sent his shot across the goalmouth to tie the game. Atletico extended the lead to 2-1 in the 34th minute when Jeiffer Prieto scored when he headed home a corner kick.

Just like the opening pair of goals Red Force wasted no time responding, as David Ochoa stormed into the penalty area to command a fumbled ball by an Atletico defender and calmly slot it past the goalkeeper to knot the score at 2-2.

In the 73rd minute Red Force had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Santiago Fajardo was brought down at the top of the box. Fajardo stepped up himself to take the resulting spot kick, but sent his shot well outside the goal.

Fajardo redeemed himself with five minutes to go when he collected a long pass in the penalty area and fired a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Just like the other leads this one also didn’t last long as Jeiffer Prieto received a pass at the top of the goal area and scored to tie the game at 3-3 in the second minute of second half stoppage time.

As extra time ticked away without a goal a penalty shootout seemed likely, Red Force took a free kick from the center circle, eventually landing at the foot of Steven Saballos whose shot gave the goalkeeper no chance, giving Red Force a 4-3 lead. Unlike the previous goals there was little time for Atletico to respond, and Red Force advanced to the Third Round with a 4-3 win.

City SC San Diego (UPSL)
9:0
Rebels SC (UPSL)
Aviara Community Park – Carlsbad, CA

By Isaac Mata

The Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament continued in San Diego with a battle between two UPSL sides. In the end, it was City SC San Diego who dominated Rebels SC 9-0 to advance to the next round.

The game began at a fast pace, with Joseph Elias Khalaf making a great save in the 10th minute for Rebels SC. Rebels SC couldn’t hold it any longer as Owen Michals set up the first goal for City SC in the 17th minute with a precise pass to German Sierra, who scored with a header.

Later, in the 25th minute, German Sierra was the playmaker, this time finding Diego Martinez, who slotted the ball into the opposite post putting another point on the board for City SC.

Before halftime, Jake Rowly provided a cross in the 40th minute that led to another goal by German Sierra, who also scored later by dribbling through two players extending the lead 4-0 for City SC before halftime.

Coming back from halftime, City SC continued their dominance with Diego Martinez dribbling along the line to score another goal in the 50th minute. City SC then gets a chance for a freekick opportunity, Chase Koptieff takes the shot, capitalizing in the 61st minute scoring bottom right corner, followed by Giovanni Aguirre, who walked in the seventh goal for City SC in the 65th minute. Late in the game, Diego Martinez assisted German Sierra with a through ball for another goal in the 85th minute, and Nathan Espanto wrapped up the scoring with a first touch goal from outside the box in the 86th minute.

Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)
5:0
Bellevue Athletic FC (UPSL)
Marymoor Park (Field 1); Redmond, WA

Bellevue Athletic FC won the original match 4-3 after extra time back on Oct. 12. However, Sharktopus FC filed a protest after they learned that the referee for the match had recently played for Bellevue Athletic. The United States Soccer Federation sided with Sharktopus FC and ordered a replay. On Tuesday night (Oct. 28), the two teams met again, this time in the pouring rain at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Wash.

The original match was a thriller. Some would argue one of the best matches of the round. Tuesday night was a different story. Sharktopus FC cruised to a 5-0 win to advance to the Third Round. There will be a quick turnaround because their Round 3 matchup will be on Saturday, Nov. 1 on the road against USL League Two power Ballard FC.

Peder Bakken opened the scoring in the 29th minute on a header from Nuha Ceesay. A few minutes before halftime, they doubled the lead when Kwame Appiah took advantage of a giveaway by the Bellevue defense. Appiah, a former contestant on the reality TV show Love Is Blind, beat the keeper to send the hosts into the halftime break soaking wet and leading 2-0.

Bellevue had their chances, hitting the crossbar in the first half most notably. But their best chance came in the 52nd minute when Jacen Stein had his penalty kick attempt saved by Sharktopus goalkeeper James Forde. About 10 minutes later, Appiah took advantage of another defensive mistake and scored his second goal. Appiah played provider in the 71st minute when he served up a pass to Gabe Kellum who scored to make it 4-0. Kellum, a Seattle Pacific University standout, added a second goal in the 79th minute to round out the scoring.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH REPORT

UPDATE: Sharktopus FC protested the result and a replay was ordered
ORIGINAL GAME RECAP By Lance Corbin

After seven goals and 120 minutes, Bellevue Athletic FC defeated Sharktopus FC 4-3 to advance to the third round of the 2026 US Open Cup qualifying tournament.

On a wet night with a turf field at Jefferson Playfield, the match started with a bang.

Sharktopus scored the first goal three minutes in when Dane Becker’s free throw found Hamidou Kante who passed to Gabe Kellum who scored in a crowded box.

Just a minute later, Bellevue Athletic was awarded a penalty kick and Jacen Stein scored to level the score.

Bellevue took the lead in the 22nd minute after Stein received a low cross and beat the Sharktopus goalkeeper Jimmy Forde.

In the 47th minute, a low cross from a wide angle found Santino Miguel of Sharktopus to level the game.

As the second half continued, the rain started to come down harder as the match settled into a more tactical match.

Stein completed his hat trick for Bellevue in the 65th minute after he scored after a hard cross was delivered from the left wing. Stein redirected it into the back of the net to give his team a 3-2 lead.

In the 82nd minute, Sharktopus would find an equalizer off a free kick. Kante would take the free kick from just outside the box on the left side and when it was sent in, Karl Brown would find the loose ball and tie the game at 3-3.

The match went to extra time and just two minutes in, Tyler Hopp scored from the left side on a hard shot just inside the post to give Bellevue the lead.

Sharktopus fought for the equalizer with multiple chances in the final minutes but Belleville would hold on for the win.

International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
3:2
CF San Rafael (TLfC/USASA)
James P. Lang Soccer Field – San Francisco, CA

By Otis Lyons

International San Francisco (SFSFL) survived a late comeback to defeat CF San Rafael (TLfC) 3-2 on Sunday night.

After dominating the first passages of play, International San Francisco opened the scoring in bizarre fashion 21 minutes into the match. The CF San Rafael defense attempted to clear the ball in a corner kick scrum, but it ricocheted off of Javier Rivera Hernandez into the back of the net.

Inter pushed on, adding two more goals before the interval. Mat Fondy assisted Dylan Autran following another San Rafael defensive mistake in the 26th minute, before Hernandez capitalized on a blocked shot for the 3-0 lead just before halftime.

International appeared to be in cruise control for much of the second half, but the contest turned on a dime in the 70th minute. Juan Vicente smashed the top right corner from 30 yards out that left the goalkeeper frozen, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Then, with just over 10 minutes to play, Juan Garcia flicked on a low-driven set piece from Vicente that fooled everyone, and with all the momentum it seemed the visitors had the chance to complete the comeback.

However, a moment of silliness would end San Rafael’s hopes. CF San Rafael’s captain Allan Estrada received a second yellow card for dissent, and with a man advantage International San Francisco were able to salt the game away and advance to the Third Round, where they are now just two wins away from qualifying for their third-ever Open Cup proper.

Irvine FC (UPSL)
3:3
Apple Valley Storm (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
Irvine FC advances, 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Jim Coppock

Irvine FC hosted Apple Valley Storm at the Lake Forest Sports Park for a chance to move closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup proper. This is Irvine’s fourth consecutive attempt at qualifying, while Apple Valley are making their debut in the tournament. A feisty (34 free kicks) and attack-minded (36 shots) contest ended in penalties, with Irvine coming out on top 4-3, after a 3-3 draw through 120 minutes.

Irvine started things early with Damian Joshua Campos scoring from a tap in the 2nd minute. Twenty minutes later, Rene Miguel Sanchez Jr. tapped in a low cross to the back post to give Irvine a 2-0 advantage.

Apple Valley, who traveled with just 12 players, would pull a goal back around the 22nd minute through Jett Casarez and then just before the halftime whistle, David Sabillion leveled the game with a goal

The frenetic pace continued throughout the game. Apple Valley would go ahead in the 82nd with a second goal from David Sabillion and it looked like that might be enough to seal the debutante’s first USOC win. However, in the tenth minute of stoppage time, Koosha Yar unleashed a 28-yard low blast that hit a defender on the way through. The keeper, though wrong-footed initially, was able to reverse direction but could not get down fast enough to stop the shot from dribbling in for a late equalizer. No goals were scored in extra time.

Ariana FC (UPSL)
2:1
Bay Area United FC (UPSL)
Cayetano Park – Livermore, CA
After Extra Time

By Connor Bunnell

The spirit of West Coast US Open Cup After Dark showed up early in the Tri-Valley, as Ariana FC bested fellow UPSL side Bay Area United 2-1 in extra time.

It was a match of high tempo and hustle from both sides throughout, and in the early going, United appeared to have the upper hand. The visitors saw more of the ball, applied more pressure, and weathered the physical side of things more effectively.

However, Ariana keeper Zack Rabold was up to the task, stopping shot after shot to keep BAU off the board. That paid off handsomely late in the first half, when United keeper Reymon Monzon botched an attempted rundown on Shahzad Hazem and allowed Hazem’s ball to trickle into the net. That gave Ariana a 1-0 lead, which they maintained into the halftime break.

However, United wouldn’t be denied forever, and on a play in the box in the 53rd minute, Daniel Gomez Jr. shot through traffic to equalize things. Things got even worse for Ariana late in the half when Hector Alvarez made a bad foul and picked up his second yellow card, forcing the hosts to play shorthanded the rest of the way.

Despite the odds, the ten-man Greens grinded it out to force extra time. In the 98th minute, Mohammad Haseen made a furious blitz on the counter with Rabold’s help and scored in the 98th to put Ariana back on top. United tried to leverage their man advantage for all it was worth, but never found the angle they needed to force penalties. As a result, Ariana’s Open Cup qualifying debut went down as a win.

San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)
6:0
Dublin Celtic FC (SWPL/USSSA)
Tiffany Roberts Field – San Ramon, CA

By Abram Heredia

This East Bay clash had no shortage of goals as San Ramon FC emerged victorious, scoring half a dozen unanswered in front of a crowd of roughly 200 fans.

San Ramon FC were the definitive victors in this match despite the fact that they had multiple starters absent from the roster today. Before kick-off, SRFC head coach Bejan Esmaili admitted his team was missing key players but chose to focus on the opportunities those absences provide.

“We’re missing seven players, and they’re very good players. But in terms of the way we play, I think this again is an opportunity for some guys that don’t necessarily start to play,” said Esmaili. “And it also is an opportunity for players to showcase themselves that maybe they wouldn’t get as many minutes otherwise. So it’s fantastic and I’m excited for them to have this opportunity.”

From kickoff to the final whistle, San Ramon FC exuded quality and imposed dominance with intricate midfield play. Alonzo Del Mundo opened the scoring about eight minutes into the match.

Braulio Maravilla combined with Jonathan Montoya and doubled the lead in the 22nd minute.

Twenty-six year old Victor Romero Jr. was able to orchestrate the tempo of the match from the heart of midfield. Though his influence was mostly in the build-up, Romero was able to get on the scoresheet in the 31st minute with a precision strike into the bottom left corner from around 20-25 yards. It was assisted by Danny Flores.

Five minutes later, Romero Jr. then delivered a through pass to Carver Jensen who beat the keeper to make it 4-0.

Danny Flores assisted on Montoya’s goal just before the halftime whistle. Flores finished off the scoring from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute.

Despite Dublin not scoring any goals, they had a couple of solid opportunities by attacker Kareim Al Shargawi. Al Shargawi showed blistering pace and vicious tenacity, but SRFC Captain Daniel Turgeon and Nickolas Romero were ultimately able to snuff out any attacks to ensure a clean sheet.

The 6–0 scoreline reflected not only San Ramon’s quality but also their enthusiasm to participate in the Open Cup. Head Coach Bejan Esmaili spoke about what the U.S. Open Cup means for a club like his.

“First of all, I’m very excited about the Open Cup because, one, it creates an opportunity for clubs like ourselves that are in the lower tier to play against potentially teams that are obviously in the professional ranks. So it’s very exciting, so that it kind of provides some kind of parity in some capacity. It’s obviously one of the longest and oldest cups that exists in this country. So respectfully, we’re very excited about hopefully doing well and going far in this.”

O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)
2:1
FC Florida (NPSL)
Gaines Park – West Palm Beach, FL

By Tim Abbott

West Palm Beach’s O’Shea’s FC are participating in their fourth straight Open Cup qualifying tournament, having finished 6-3-1 in the USSL South Florida spring season, and they recovered from a halftime deficit to make their way into the third qualifying round against multinational club owner John Textor’s FC Florida. FCF, who finished 3-5-2 in the Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference of the NPSL, took the lead through Joshua Cruz just before half time somewhat against the run of play.

The second half saw O’Shea’s regain their composure and after Nick Sowers scored around the hour mark, it was a penalty kick by Evan Finnegan which settled it in favor of the hosts with only nine minutes left in regulation. Despite a late flurry of activity, FC Florida were unable to take it to extra time.