2018 US Open Cup

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Mississippi Brilla edge New Orleans Jesters in penalty kicks to reach Round 2

May 14, 2018 by Bradley Schlesinger

It took a three-hour drive and 120 minutes of physical soccer, but the Mississippi Brilla came to the Crescent City and eclipsed the New Orleans Jesters after a back-and-forth penalty shootout.

Brilla keeper Jordan Bell saved Igor Siscov’s kick to clinch the shootout, after Thomas Peers’ goal in the 72nd minute canceled out Oliver Brock’s opener in the 65th minute.

The game started tentatively, with neither side really able to generate a substantial attack during the first half. Possession was hard to come by with both teams overloading the midfield and playing hopeful passes over the top. After a few hard fouls the referee intervened, and issued a yellow card to players on both teams for tactical fouls.

At halftime, the Jesters made adjustments that opened the game up – within the first five minutes they had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out as the last touch came from a player in an offside position. New Orleans were pushing the tempo of the game and creating chances, but it was Mississippi who scored first as Oliver Brock sent a low, driven strike from 35 yards out into the bottom left corner of the goal.

At that point Brilla were content to sit back and defend their lead, but it wouldn’t last for long thanks to a wonderful bit of skill from Thomas Peers. Facing down his defender, he lobbed a pass to Chase Rushing, who used his head to continue the 1-2 pass and set Peers in on goal. He took one touch with his right foot to control the ball, and another to scoop it over the head of the last defender coming to his left. With just the oncoming keeper to beat, he volleyed the shot with his left foot into the right side of the net.

The last best chance of regular time came in the 88th minute, when a Brilla forward met a driven cross about 10 yards from goal. He hit it with power but Jesters keeper Chad Collins was able to make a reaction save to keep it out. Neither team was able to break the others’ defenses down in extra time, so it would take penalty kicks to decide who would advance from what had been a fairly even game.

“ was even enough, I felt as though we probably out possessed them just a little bit,” said Brilla head coach Mark McKeever. “We probably had the better of the chances, but it was a good game between two good teams and lucky in the end.”

While Brilla did take more shots than the Jesters, 13 to 9, neither team was particularly clinical in the final third – Collins made three saves for the Jesters, and Bell only was called into action once before the penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Mississippi shot first and scored first. Then, Oliver Roberts shot over the bar on their kick, but their keeper saved Mississippi’s next shot to bring the shootout back level. Both teams’ kickers made their third shots, but after Brilla’s fourth penalty taker scored Lucas La Vanway’s shot hit the inside of the post with the keeper beat and bounced out. Jesters keeper Collins saved the shot to keep New Orleans alive, but Bell sealed Brilla’s win by stopping Igor Siscov’s attempt.

For Kenny Farrell, head coach of the New Orleans Jesters, there were still positives to take away despite bowing out in the team’s debut in the US Open Cup.

“It was a tough one, I don’t really believe we deserved to lose the game … but that’s why we play the games, and that’s why people come to watch them – it’s great!”

The New Orleans Jesters will now focus fully on their league matches – they host Emerald Force SC Saturday May 12 at 7pm to open the NPSL season. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Brilla will prepare to host Indy Eleven when the US Open Cup continues with the Second Round. That match will take place on Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in Clinton, Mississippi.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: NTX Rayados need extra time to get elusive first USOC win

May 14, 2018 by Adam Uthe

Players from NTX Rayados and Fort Worth Vaqueros battle for the ball during their 2018 US Open Cup match. Photo: Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou

Dallas-based NTX Rayados bagged a goal in extra time to get past their visiting neighbors from the west, the Fort Worth Vaqueros (NPSL) and advanced to the Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Christian Okeke, who scored the late game-winner that secured Rayados’ qualification back in November, came on as a second half substitute and scored the game winner in the 115th minute. The two sides put on a show in the first half, trading free kick goals before settling in for a stalemate that went the extra 30 minutes.

The home team grabbed momentum right out of the gate when Rayados earned a corner kick in the second minute and were denied by Fort Worth goalkeeper Marko Jovanovic on a point-blank shot inside the six-yard box.

In the fifth minute, Fort Worth defender Roger Da Costa received a yellow card for conceding a hard foul on the edge of the penalty area. The foul would prove to be a costly mistake as NTX midfielder Lucio Martinez curled his free kick effort into the near-post upper 90 to grab the early lead.

The home team kept up the pressure and earned another corner kick in the 17th minute, only to be denied by Jovanovic on the ensuing shot.

Fort Worth earned their first opportunity in the 25th minute, drawing a free kick of their own just outside the box. Bobby Edet stepped up and fired a rocket, untouched, into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. However, Edet would fail to convert on two separate opportunities in the next three minutes.

In the second minute of first half stoppage time, NTX’s Sergio Lara was through in on goal, rounded Jovanovic, and was brought down in the box, earning himself a penalty. Unfortunately for Lara, the Vaqueros goalkeeper guessed correctly and made the save to preserve the stalemate going into halftime.

If the first half was defined by chances created, the second half was highlighted by missed opportunities. Both sides looked a step slow as the game wore on, but Fort Worth had more opportunities early in the second half as forward Masue Kalle Sone found himself free in on goal twice in five minutes, only to waste both chances with poor shots right at the keeper.

NTX introduced Okeke in the 53rd minute and Alberto Rodriguez in the 62nd minute and both had immediate impacts, helping swing the momentum toward the home side. Okeke hit a shot that struck the wrong side of the woodwork in the 73rd minute and Rodriguez helped his side earn a pair of corner kicks in the final ten minutes; though neither resulted in a chance created.
In the first minute of second half stoppage time, Rodriguez created enough space for himself to shoot from 30 yards out, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar and the game went to extra time still deadlocked at 1-1.

Near the end of stoppage time NTX looked as though they might break through when they earned back to back free kicks, but they failed to convert either one.

The two teams were still deadlocked going into the extra time break and it looked as though they were destined for penalties until a long ball made its way into Fort Worth’s penalty area and Okeke took advantage of an ill-positioned Jovanovic to bury the winner with five minutes left in extra time.

“I saw an opportunity. I just cut it inside. The keeper was a little bit out of the goal, so I just took a touch around him and finished.”, Okeke said after the game.

Okeke also scored the game winner in the 85th minute back in November when Rayados scored twice in the final 10 minutes to advance past CD Motagua New Orleans and secure qualification for the 2018 tournament. Although NTX has qualified each of the last seven years, this was their first win, but not their first time advancing. They advanced in their opening match in 2014 after winning a penalty kick shootout with the Austin Aztex (PDL), but matches that finish in PKs are officially considered a draw.

Both teams’ fans, perhaps sensing an opportunity to form a new local rivalry, brought plenty of energy. About two dozen or so blue and yellow Vaqueros supporters made the hour-long trek from Fort Worth, almost splitting the crowd 50-50. However, Rayados player/coach Tito Salas felt his side’s supporters did enough to help their team get the victory.

“Well, to be honest, the atmosphere . We’re at home. We feel it.”, Salas said afterwards with celebratory music still echoing throughout the field.

Although there is some question as to whether or not Rayados will play a league game this weekend, between now and the second round next week, both Salas and Okeke like their chances to advance far into the tournament, just as they did in 2014.

“You just never know. We have a really good team here.”, said Okeke.
“Collectively, we’ve been on the same page. I mean…the sky’s the limit.”, Salas added.
NTX Rayados will host the United Soccer League’s (USL) OKC Energy in the next round on Wednesday, May 16 at Richland College in Dallas.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Long Island Rough Riders’ offense tramples Kingston Stockade in extra time

May 13, 2018 by Michael Anderer

It looked like it was going to be a long night for the host team, the Long Island Rough Riders.

Kingston Stockade FC took the three hour plus drive from Kingston, NY and along with their fans, the Dutch Guard Supporters Group, they set the tone early in the match. After already beating his mark twice, Pedro Espindola would win the endline battle against Long Island’s Jeffrey Medina and slot a cross that Stockade’s Bruce Jeter would stuff into the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.

What possibly could be one of the turning points of the game, Espindola on his next attempt to attack the Long Island goal went down after a tackle and would not be able to finish the game. David Lindholm, head coach for Stockade would be forced into an early substitution replacing Espindola in the 25th with Matel Anasta.

Lindholm said after the game about the switch, “We felt good about the guys we had coming off the bench even though you don’t want to have to make a change like that. You hope that you can cope with that, a team in more than just one player.”

The Rough Riders would be able to hold the visitors at one for the remainder of the half and created a few of their own chances, usually utilizing the pace and skill of left winger Charlie Ledula. Despite their effort Long Island would go into the break trailing 1-0.

Recognizing that he had to be proactive Rough Riders’ head coach, Stephen Roche, would make his first substitution at half time replacing right back Jeffrey Medina with Jacob Bohm. The change would not yield the desired result as Joshua Maley got free on the left side and find Michael Creswick for an easy goal and Stockade FC would double their lead in the 52nd minute.

All they had to do in order to advance is hold on for the remaining 38 minutes. Stockade couldn’t even hold Long Island for five minutes. Shortly after thinking they had already punched their ticket to Louisville for Round 2, Stockade would concede their first of the night. Alex Dexter found himself inside the box near the endline and, from a tight angle, drove a cross into the box where he found Tyler Botte who put it in the back of the net to give the Rough Riders life. Long Island now found themselves trailing 2-1 with just over a half an hour left in regulation.

In the 58th minute, the center referee would issue his first yellow card of the game to Long Island’s Thomas Wharf. After that, the cards just kept coming. Stockade’s Bernardo Mattos would get one in the 63rd and a few minutes later the Rider’s Tyler Botte and Stockade’s Juan Gatti would go into the book.

Realizing that time is running out, Roche would make his second change replacing captain and center back Dan Gwyther with midfielder Colin Murphy in the 68th minute. The change would pay off. Just over ten minutes later, after it felt like most of the game was being played in the Stockade FC goal box, Wharf would knock in the equalizer with 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining.

Long Island defensive midfielder Shaun Foster, was outstanding in the game, protecting the back line and forcing the Stockade attack to rely on their wing play. Foster would get a yellow for a hard tackle in the 88th minute. And then a minute later, the game would change completely as Bernardo Mattos would get his second yellow after Charlie Ledula forced him into a risky tackle. With just stoppage time remaining the work horse Foster would go down unable to finish the game and give way to Junior Rosero. Rosero’s first touch was a blistering shot from distance that rose too much ending out of play, but it wouldn’t be his last chance at goal.

Regulation ended all square, two a piece and the team would begin their two 15 minute extra time periods. While Long Island poured on the pressure and kept Stockade on their back foot the entire first ET period, the only benefit they could yield from it was a yellow card against Stockade’s Michael Creswick in the 100’.

Lindholm said after the game, “I told my boys, we had 105 minutes of game in our bodies, but unfortunately we had to play for 120.”

Long Island would take over in the second extra time session with Junior Rosero scoring the go-ahead goal just three minutes in making it 3-2. Four minutes later, Charlie Ledula would find himself one on one with Stockade keeper Steve Skonieczny and beat him to the left giving the Rough Riders a 4-2 lead. And two minutes after that, Tyler Botte would put away his second giving the home team a comfortable 5-3 advantage with five minutes to play. Stockade were still pushing forward and earned a PK for their efforts that Matt Koziol would stick into the lower left corner giving Kingston a glimmer of hope for the waning minutes of the game. That hope was extinguished when Charlie Ledula would find himself in a similar position, 1v1 with the keeper and just like last time, easily past him to the left. Rough Riders would win 6-3.

“We’re delighted with the win,” said Roche of the result. “Stockade were what we expected, ferocious, hard working and very difficult to break down. Especially after going two-nil down, I’m very proud of our guys getting back into the game.”

It should be noted, Long Island’s Shaun Foster entered the field of play during the goal celebration of Rosero’s goal. For his action Foster who was already on a yellow was shown a red card. Roche said of Foster, “We’ll be appealing the referee’s action. He ran on the field thinking it was a golden goal and the game was over. He was given a straight red, that’s an incorrect decision, so we’ll definitely be appealing that one.”

Another player that stood out for the Rough Riders was Ledula with his two-goal performance.

“He had a great game, even without the goals,” said Roche. “He’s got a lot of ability and he’s here to showcase himself. Hopefully he’s one of the guys we can push on to the next level. We believe he’s got what it takes to be a professional player.”

Long Island will travel to play Louisville City FC in the Second Round on May 16.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Lansdowne Bhoys blank Brooklyn Italians to advance to Round 2

May 13, 2018 by Anthony Merced

The dream came to an end on Wednesday night for the Brooklyn Italians as Lansdowne Bhoys took a 2-0 win at LIU Athletic Center to move on to the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. A goal from Daryl Kavanagh in the first half was all they needed to lock the game down with the Italians offering little in response on offense.

Lansdowne Bhoys started the game by spreading the ball out wide and challenging the Italians in the midfield. Despite their best efforts, the Italians seemed on the back-foot from the first whistle. That was confirmed in the eighth minute when Michi Holzer shredded the defense and fed the ball to Daryl Kavanagh for the game’s opening goal. The Bhoys continued to pour on the offense but weren’t able to find the brace before the halftime whistle.

Injuries did plague Brooklyn, forcing them to go to the bench before the 45th minute. Another injury, this time to Collyns Laokandi who assisted on two of the Italians’ three goals in the upset of the New York Cosmos B a few days before, forced another substitution in the second half, altering the game plan.

Brooklyn didn’t surrender in the second half, forcing the action and taking advantage of a visibly tired Lansdowne Bhoys team. That didn’t stop Mamadou Guirassy from taking the ball down the line and forcing a clearance that was botched by the Italians. The ball ricocheted off of the defender and into their own net, doubling the lead.

From there, Brooklyn pressed and created opportunities but none were good enough to force a save out of the Bhoys keeper. On the flip side, the winners did have opportunities only to find it difficult to beat the Italians’ keeper.

The win pushes Lansdowne Bhoys into the Second Round of the US Open Cup and sends them to North Carolina to play North Carolina FC of the USL. For the Italians, they can take solace in knowing they eliminated the New York Cosmos B in the Preliminary Round but Lansdowne Bhoys proved to be too much.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Seacoast United Phantoms need PKs to eliminate 10-man Kendall Wanderers

May 13, 2018 by Tucker Moss

The Seacoast Phantoms huddle up during their match against the Kendall Wanderers in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley MacLaughlin | Seacoast United Phantoms

After 120 minutes plus and seven rounds of penalties Seacoast United Phantoms find themselves headed to the Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after defeating a 10-Men Kendall Wanderers side at Seacoast United Sports Park in Amesbury, Mass.

The Phantoms, who were making their sixth appearance in the tournament — third in the last four years — got a gift from the Wanderers in the form of a 12th minute red card by Kendall’s Jason Noctor. The Wanderers, who were making their US Open Cup debut, had to play down a man for the remainder of the game but managed to hold the home team to a 2-2 draw before falling in penalty kicks, 6-5.

Kendall Wanderers players looked to prove their case as to why the Bay State Soccer League side deserved to be on field coming out with a high intensity press taking the game to Seacoast United. This proved effective in early moments of the game, but Wanderers found it difficult to get possession of the ball back once lost. Tackles began to fly in an effort to win possession, and after 12 minutes, Jason Noctor slid through the back of Seacoast forward Donnett Sackie, earning a straight red card.

After going a man up, Seacoast United began carving out chances, hitting the post early in the 21st minute. But it was the 10 men of Kendall Wanderers to strike first after winger Braima Samati latched on to a through ball and put it past the Seacoast keeper.

Following the first goal, Seacoast began to bring the intensity to Kendall and eventually found an equalizing goal in the 44th minute through a Rok Taneski cross that found the head of Donnett Sackie. Seacoast ended the first half continuing a high press looking for a go-ahead goal, but went into the locker room with the game tied 1-1.

Seacoast United Phantoms goalkeeper Mitch Stedman made two saves in the penalty kick shootout to eliminate Kendall Wanderers in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley MacLaughlin | Seacoast United Phantoms

Seacoast came out of the break continuing where they left off pressing Kendall and exploiting their man advantage. For most of the second half Kendall absorbed the pressure that Seacoast was throwing at them in waves. As the half went on, Kendall defending began to get desperate with several goal line clearances. But with the constant pressure from Seacoast’s front three it proved to be too much and Kendall conceded to a Julian Canosa strike from the top of the box in the 82nd minute.

As the clock continued to roll it looked increasing likely that Seacoast United had punched their ticket to the Second Round. In stoppage time, the Wanderers were awarded a corner kick, and they capitalized with defender Eric Robertson heading the ball home.

As the game entered extra time the tempo of the game stayed very much the same as it was from the second half. Kendall continued to absorb Seacoast’s continued press searching for a goal. Kendall Keeper Evan Weagle was called into action multiple times during extra time, saving what should have been Seacoast’s go ahead goal in the 116th minute. Seacoast continued to press until the officials whistle went signaling the game would be decided on penalties.

Both teams scored in the first two rounds of the shootout. Kendall had their third penalty saved and Seacoast capitalized scoring their third. The score stayed the same until the fifth round, where all Seacoast would need to do is score to win the match, but again Kendall goal keeper Even Weagle came up big again saving a Donnett Sackie shot to move to sudden death rounds. After Seacoast’s Mitch Steadmen saved Kendall’s seventh penalty, Joey Bhangdia stepped up and scored sending Seacoast United to the Second Round of the US Open Cup.

The PK that sealed the deal tonight!! Great work from the lads in their first match, now on to the next one vs @elmcityexpress #WeAreSUSC #SupportTheLads pic.twitter.com/VYy6cxrjPe

— SeacoastUtdPhantoms (@SUSC_Phantoms) May 10, 2018

After claiming victory, Seacoast United will host the Elm City Express of the National Premier Soccer League on May 16th, 2018.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: South Georgia Tormenta’s late rally ends Mutiny in Myrtle Beach

May 13, 2018 by Ian Livingston Brooking

South Georgia Tormenta and Myrtle Beach Mutiny battle for the ball in an all-PDL matchup in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ian Brooking — South Georgia Tormenta and Myrtle Beach Mutiny battle for the ball in an all-PDL matchup in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ian Livinston Brooking

South Georgia Tormenta FC scored twice in the final 15 minutes to defeat the Myrtle Beach Mutiny 2-1 in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday, May 9.

Two hundred and fifty people were on hand to see what was a very physical game at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. A hard foul on the Mutiny’s Romario Piggott forced the forward to step off the pitch for a moment while a crunching tackle by Alex Nelson of the Mutiny led to the defender being given a yellow. Twenty-six fouls were called throughout the match and five yellow cards were handed out.

The first 15 minutes of the match was dominated by Tormenta FC as a majority of their seven first half shots came within that time frame.

However, two of Tormenta FC’s best chances came minutes apart midway through the first half, with a shot going high over the bar in the 19th minute and a free kick rattling the crossbar just seven minutes later.

The Mutiny’s best chance in the first half came in the 31st minute as Nazeem Bartman’s shot went whiskers wide of the post, keeping the match scoreless with less than a quarter of an hour to play in the first half.

The Mutiny would control the first 15 minutes of the second half, creating more of an attacking presence and keeping Tormenta FC on their heels in their own half.

The constant pressure by the Mutiny led to a goal in the 56th by Myrtle Beach’s Rooby Dalusma. Dalusma gathered the loose ball outside the box, dribbled in and ripped a shot that breezed past Tormenta’s Pablo Jara and into the side netting.

John Miglarese, head coach of Tormenta FC, talked about the message he was telling his team from the sidelines after going down a goal.

“We’ve talked in the past week or so about finishing games strong and playing our best in the final 20 and 30 minutes,” said Miglarese. “I thought we had a great first half and we were unfortunate to not be a goal up. I have to give credit to Myrtle Beach as they had us on our heels and none of our schemes were working so we had to hang in there.”

Just over 10 minutes after scoring the opening goal, Dalusma had to be subbed off due an injury.

Tormenta would take this as an opportunity to up the pressure on the Mutiny defense. Jad Arslan zigged and zagged his way through the Mutiny defense and put the ball past Junior Santos, tying things up at a goal apiece in the 76th minute.

Miglarese talked about a possible extra-time game plan if the match was going to have an extra thirty minutes to decide a winner.

“We were watching our subs in case extra time happened,” said Miglarese. “Once we got that second goal, we burned our last sub to get an experienced defender.”

Six minutes later, Toni Soler’s free kick took a slight deflection but still found the back of the net to give Tormenta FC a 2-1 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the match.

“I think we showed a lot of character in the final 20 minutes,” said Miglarese. “We got a bit lucky with the deflection on the second goal but in the end, it’s a win.”

Tormenta FC now advance to the second round of the US Open Cup to play the USL’s Charleston Battery next Wednesday, May 16 at MUSC Health Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Jacksonville Armada hits team milestone with shutout of SIMA Aguilas

May 12, 2018 by Austin David

With the win over SIMA Aguilas, Jacksonville Armada earned back-to-back US Open Cup wins for the first time in club history. Photo: Austin David

In tonight’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round matchup between the Jacksonville Armada FC and SIMA Aguilas at Montverde Academy, it was the experience of the Jacksonville Armada that prevailed as they came away with a 2-0 win to advance to the next round. SIMA Aguilas (PDL) had just begun training together a few days ago, before playing their first competitive match tonight, while the Armada, which feature a roster full of professional players, is coming off a 2-1 victory in last Sunday’s Preliminary Round against The Villages SC (PDL).

Through the first half Jacksonville controlled much of the possession, as SIMA spent most of the beginning of the match trying to settle in and build cohesiveness.

“I thought in the 1st half we did a very good job in keeping Jacksonville in their end like we wanted to, not building out,” SIMA general manager Mike Potempa said after the match. “Of course, as legs begin to tire, we had to make some subs when guys haven’t been with us for too long it gets a little bit raveled. The goals we gave them, they didn’t really earn them, but overall I know congratulations to them they move on and and we have PDL season starting Saturday, so for me I’m very happy with with the match.”

Throughout the rest of the first half, Jacksonville put on pressure early but SIMA’s squad hung in and absorbed the pressure, creating a few chances on the counter. The first half of the match was very physical between the two teams as Jacksonville committed 10 fouls in the first half alone, while SIMA Aguilas had 11 fouls of their own. Jacksonville managed two shots on goal, while SIMA had three.

“Disappointed with the first half,” head coach Mark Lowry said following the game. “I thought we were poor in the first half. It wasn’t like we were in trouble, I just expect better from us. Second half, I made a change, brought on Camillo who’s a young 19-year-old Colombian to give us more of an attacking threat and I thought he changed the game. We came out in the second half a lot more potent going forward, a lot more dangerous and it resulted in two goals for us.”

The second half saw the more experienced Armada take control of the game with a goal in the 54th minute from Joshua Castellanos. After a poor touch from SIMA’s Alexander Happi, Castellanos found himself alone on goal with only the keeper to beat. He finished the chance easily and Jacksonville took the 1-0 lead early in the second half.

Just a minute later, SIMA almost equalized in the 57th minute. From a goal kick, midfielder AJ Seals had a cutting through ball that found Mikael Martins in on goal. In a one-on-one situation with the keeper, Martins’ shot struck the near post and went out for a goal kick. This turned out to be the best chance of the night for the Aguilas.

Jacksonville continued to control the pace of the game, though the SIMA team was able to create chances on the counter. It wasn’t until the 77th minute when the door on the match was shut as Jacksonville’s Connor Doyle took a Aguilas turnover and blasted an uncontested shot from just outside the box, rifling the back of the net and giving the Armada a commanding 2-0 lead. SIMA Aguilas tried to fight back into the game, but it was too late to make up the deficit.

With the win, the Armada have won multiple games in a single tournament for the first time in club history. Jacksonville now advances to the Second Round of the US Open Cup and will host USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies next Wednesday, May 16.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Duluth FC advance in PKs after goalfest with Dakota Fusion

May 12, 2018 by Lee Goettl

Duluth FC celebrates their PK victory over Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography

A cold and dreary evening in Duluth, Minnesota set the stage for an offensive extravaganza between the Dakota Fusion and Duluth FC in the first round of Open cup play as Duluth FC prevailed on penalty kicks 3-0, after a 4-4 draw and extra time at James Malosky stadium.

Prior to the match, Duluth FC head coach Joel Person said “the weather is a challenge,” but explained the team was going to stick with their game plan regardless.

What in fact proved to be the biggest challenge early in the match for the Duluth squad was the goal scored by Dakota Fusion’s Maia Willis just 22 seconds into the match, one of the fastest goals in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present). The goal set the tone for the first 20 minutes of the match, which was dominated by the Fusion.

Reversing the Dakota Fusion’s first half dominance, Joel Watt scored for Duluth in the 31st minute. Followed by a Ricardo Ramos goal shortly thereafter, and capped by a Sean Morgan strike in the 35th. Duluth led 3-1 heading into the half.

After the first half, it appeared that the Duluth offense was unstoppable, and that Dakota was going to be going to be exiting the tournament early.

The Fusion would have none of this. More specifically, Jade Johnson.

Duluth FC goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi makes a save in the PK shootout vs. Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography

Johnson answered for the Dakota Fusion with a the 47th minute strike and again with another, a minute later tying up the game at 3-3, giving the Fusion a much needed offensive infusion.
However, Duluth FC was far from finished. Ricardo Ramos brought the advantage back to the Duluth side with a 50th minute goal, putting them up 4-3.

The pace of the game settled down for a spell after the Ramos goal, with both side’s offense lying dormant. until a great assist by FC Duluth’s Jacob Weiler to George Gauld tied the game up once again at 4-4.

The Fusion were not going to let this game go down without a fight.

At the close of regulation, a frightening moment occurred as Ivan Adika and Akeem Smith collided on the field and were both motionless for a short period of time.

Adika was given a red card for the hit, and Smith was injured and could no longer continue. Dakota had made all their substitutions by this time and no update was given on Smith’s condition, but he was able to walk off the field under his own power.

Duluth FC goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi celebrates his team's PK victory over Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography — Duluth FC goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi celebrates his team’s PK victory over Dakota Fusion FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen | Steffenhagen Photography

In extra time, both teams battled for possession, but neither team was able to hit the net. There were a few close calls for both teams, but game headed to penalties at the conclusion of extra time.

Up first was Duluth’s Santiago Garcia Castro, who scored the first PK with a bullet. Followed the Fusion’s George Gauld who missed far right of the net. Joe Watt managed to score for Duluth, followed by a surprising miss by Dakota’s Jade Johnson who had already bagged two goals on the night.

However, Duluth couldn’t make it 3 for 3, as Garga Nyuah couldn’t convert. Dakota’s Ben Eastwell followed with a miss of his own and left Vlad Margolin with the chance to win it for Duluth FC.
Margolin placed a solid strike outside the keeper’s hands, giving Duluth a well-earned victory.

Duluth FC owner Tim Sas had one word for the game: “Unbelievable!”

Duluth moves on to host Saint Louis FC of the USL in Round 2 on May 16.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Erie Commodores edge River Dogz in PKs to earn date with Riverhounds

May 12, 2018 by John Bava

In a battle between two teams making their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup debuts, it was the home team that held serve.

The NPSL’s Erie Commodores triumphed over the Rochester River Dogz of the Rochester District Soccer League in a mesmerizing 5-4 penalty shootout win after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. This marked just the second time in the Modern Era (1995-present), and the second year in a row, that an amateur team from Western Pennsylvania has advanced in the tournament. They join Tartan Devils Oak Avalon who reached Round 2 in the 2017 US Open Cup.

This was also the first time Erie has advanced in club

Erie opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Forward Sam White got in behind the Rochester back line from the left hand side and centered the ball to Cameron Philpot, who made no mistake one-timing it past Rochester goalkeeper William Banahene to make it 1-0.

The visitors, led by head coach Doug Miller, a US Open Cup champion with the Rochester Rhinos, remained headstrong despite the repeated Erie forays into their defensive third. And late in the first half, they found themselves with an opportunity of their own that they pounced on. Midfielder Austin Gerber collected a long ball in the 45th minute and dribbled into the Erie box. He then slotted a deftly placed near-post shot, beating goalkeeper Nicolau Neto for the equalizer.

Erie continued to put the River Dogz on the back foot after halftime. But Rochester were resolute defensively and successfully repelled the Commodores’ scoring chances throughout the entirety of the second stanza. After 90 minutes, the two sides remained deadlocked at one apiece which necessitated 30 minutes of extra time.

The best chance of the first extra session came from the River Dogz. In the 96th minute, William Stone came onto a cross from the right and headed it at goal. But Neto was up to the task, parrying it to his left to avoid falling behind to the underdogs.

Erie reasserted control on the match in the second 15 minute extra period. It resulted in a legitimate chance in the 112th minute when Philpot had a chance for a brace. But Banahene, who made quite a few impressive saves himself to keep Rochester in the game during regulation time, did so again in to keep things tied up.

The River Dogz net minder was called into action once more in the 118th minute. This time, it was a chance for second half substitute Jack Simpson to be the hero for the home side. But Banahene came off his line and prevented Simpson from flicking it over him.

In keeping with the theme of goalkeeping exploits, Neto had something left in the tank himself. In the 120th minute, the Erie goalkeeper made another sprawling save to his left. After the resulting corner, the Commodores sprung a counterattack which resulted in a free kick. But nothing resulted from it and the match when to a penalty shootout.

The battle of spot kicks was a back and forth affair. But Erie was given a lifeline when defender Alexander Harling hit his effort over the crossbar. Though Rochester converted the remainder of their kicks, Erie made all five with their spot in the Open Cup getting wrapped up when Casey Bartlett-Scott stepped up and buried his past Banahene for the win.

Erie’s triumph meant a lot to the team considering their looming opponent, the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds, has a connection to the club.

“The big motivation was to bring the Riverhounds here next week,” Commodores manager Dale White said post-game. “There’s one of our own boys, Andy Lubahn, who plays for the Riverhounds now so we were already in touch as soon as the draw came out and saying it would be nice to bring him back.”

The Commodores’ looming showdown in the second round of the tournament with a professional side just a few hours drive down I-79 takes place on Wednesday, May 16.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: “Designated Player” Dilly Duka leads FC Motown to win over Red Bulls U-23s

May 11, 2018 by Zach Rayment

Dilly Duka of FC Motown scores what would be the game-winning goal against the New York Red Bulls U-23s in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us

MORE: Check out a photo gallery from Bob Larson of this game

FC Motown came from behind to defeat the New York Red Bulls Under-23s, 2-1 in the opening round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. All the goals came in a thrilling first half where both teams threatened to score multiple times. Former MLS player Dilly Duka was the star of the night scoring a brace for his new club.

It was the first Open Cup win in club history for the team formerly known as the Clarkstown Eagles. The Eagles had qualified out of the NPSL for the past two years, and this past offseason announced that they were merging with FC Motown and would take their name. (FC Motown, the team that competed in the 2017 US Open Cup, still competes in the Garden State Soccer League)

It was all going well for the Red Bulls U-23s early on as they constantly put pressure on the hosts. Some exciting play in the final third led to the first goal, which was headed in by Brian Saramago in the 21st minute of play. Sean Teixeira got the assist with a delicious curling cross from the right side. The MLS Academy side was dominant leading up to this moment.

The next 10 minutes were vital for Motown’s victory. They took control of the match and created chance after chance. They were eventually rewarded for their improved play with an equalizing goal in the 35th minute scored by Duka. Chris Cartona tracked down a loose ball on the right wing and played a ball into the middle to an onrushing Duka who took a touch at the top of the D and fired a left-footed blast into the back of the net with force.

Duka’s first goal for FC Motown

It wasn’t long before he got a second. Just nine minutes later Duka scored again after the ball fell to him on a long throw-in. The ball was headed straight up in the air and Duka, shielding off a defender just outside the six-yard box, brought the ball down, turned, and volleyed the ball inside the far post.

A pair of first half goals in the first half helped Duka earn high praise from head coach, Sacir Hot.

“Duka is a game changer,” he said. “It is almost like we have a DP (Designated Player) for an NPSL club.”

Duka’s game-winning volley

It was not all good on the day for FC Motown. Walter Calderon was shown a red card in the 84th minute meaning the midfielder will not be eligible to play in the Second Round. There was speculation that he was sent off for spitting.

For the last six minutes, plus the 10 minutes of stoppage time added on at the end of the match, Motown held on while they were down a man. It was no easy task as they struggled to keep the ball out of their own half. They could not get a hold of possession for more than a few seconds, which meant the Red Bulls U23’s had plenty of chances.

In total, the MLS Academy side had 10 shots, with six of them being on target. Motown let fire 14 times on the night, but only managed five on target. Motown goalkeeper, Ryan Baird, made five saves on the night and managed to keep his team in it.

Dilly Duka of FC Motown dribbles against the New York Red Bulls U-23s in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us

For Duka, a US youth international who spent time with four different MLS teams (Chicago Fire, Montreal Impact, Columbus Crew – twice, New York Red Bulls), playing for FC Motown is a strange choice for a 28-year-old with his credentials. His motivation for signing was to get some playing time as he slowly recovers from offseason ankle surgery.

Duka’s two goals against Red Bulls U-23s were the first two US Open Cup goals of his career, and gives himself a little bit of family bragging rights. Prior to this game, the only member of his family to score an Open Cup goal was his older brother Argjent Duka, who scored four goals (including a hat trick) for the New Jersey-based amateur side Icon FC back in 2013. While his Argjent’s team only lasted two rounds that year, Dilly played a big role with the Chicago Fire team that reached the Semifinals that year.

Sacir Hot also mentioned that he is “excited” to get a shot at a pro team in the second round.

“Penn FC has been a really good pro USL franchise for a long time,” Hot added.

FC Motown will host Penn FC, the team formerly known as the Harrisburg City Islanders, on Wednesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. The match will be played at Ranger Stadium on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ.

Coach Hot thinks this match can put FC Motown on the map.

“The only way to get ourselves on the map is to beat a USL team,” he said. Since the league was founded in 2003, only one NPSL team (Chattanooga FC eliminated the Wilmington Hammerheads twice) has eliminated a pro team. FC Motown is aiming to be added to that list.