2018 US Open Cup

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: Kendall Wanderers earn first Open Cup berth with win over Mass United

November 20, 2017 by Michael Preston

Boston’s Kendall Wanderers moved into the First Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in the Bay State Soccer League club’s long history with a 2-1 win over Mass United.

This season’s BSSL runners-up enjoyed more possession and chances than their United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) opponents in steady rain at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Mass. The Wanderers survived a late scare and held on to clinch a spot in the 105th edition of the tournament which is scheduled to begin in May of 2018.

Dave Sheehan broke the deadlock six minutes before halftime as the Wanderers left back ventured down the flank and chipped the advancing United keeper with a finish that was hacked clear in desperation, but had crossed the line. Mass United might have leveled deep into added time with the last kick of the half by Mohamed Saeed saw a chance roll agonizingly across the face of goal.

United had strong penalty claims for handball waved away after 62 minutes but Kendall had begun to take the upper hand with left wing raids through Francis Mulhern twice causing problems. In the 67th minute, Ian Sweeney saw a clear chance parried away and the loose ball fell to Mitch Justice, who was unable to react to the quick rebound, his finish deflected away for a corner.

Kendall Wanderers’ pressing paid off in the 73rd minute when the same three players combined to take a 2-0 lead. Justice picked up a loose ball 40 yards from goal, found Mulhern racing down the left, and his low cross was directed home from close range by Sweeney, formerly of Athlone Town of the League of Ireland.

Two minutes from fulltime, Mass United could have halved the deficit through Majid Saeed but he was unable to capitalize. However, United made the second half’s three minutes of injury time interesting, when a curling finish from Jeff Thomas wide on the left found the back of the net. That late goal would be too little, too late as the Wanderers would clinch a spot in the US Open Cup for the first time.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: Sporting AZ wins one-sided battle of Arizona to qualify

November 19, 2017 by Yvette Sanchez

Sporting AZ FC earned its spot in the first round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with their 6-1 win over Galati FC.

Alejandro Aguilar scored a pair of goals to lead Sporting, the club formerly known as the Arizona Sahuaros, to their first US Open Cup berth since the new club was launched last January.

At the 4:30 mark Sporting AZ’s Alejandro Aguilar put the ball in the middle with a deflection from Galati, and it went in for the early lead, setting the tone for the entire night.

It was 15 minutes later that teammate Jose Ramos would kick it in with an assist from Robert Paul. Galati would remain scoreless through out the rest of the first half.

Sporting head coach Aiden Davison said, “We were effective, that’s about it, we’ve got a lot of work to do,” when it came to his teams performance throughout the night.

Andrew Weber Sporting AZ goalkeeper, said, “First half was a little sloppy on our part,” but they would quickly change the tempo, “I think we cleaned it up and got one right away in the second half.”

Sporting AZ, with a goal kicked in by Alejandro Aguilar, made the score 3-0 46 minutes into the game.

The goals would keep on coming, the 78-minute mark of the game would finally prove effective for Galati, making the score 4-1.

The deficit would quickly go to 5-1 at the 79-minute mark with a goal by Aguilar once again, with an assist from Jaime Olabarria.

In the closing minutes Galati’s Pablo Ramirez was red carded for throwing the ball at a member of Sporting AZ, in not the best of areas.

Weber said, “I just think defensively we were really solid.” The team is now going to regroup and focus on the 2018 tournament.

Davison said about their performance, “We’ve just got to do a lot of work on the training ground, which we will be doing because there some huge improvements to be made.”

Weber agreed with his coach saying, “Just regroup and get things tighter you know, as the rounds go on it get tougher and tougher and I think this group can definitely make a run at it if we get things tighter.”

Sporting AZ would finish the game with a score of 6-1 and will see their next opponents in 2018 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: NTX Rayados rally late to earn seventh straight Open Cup berth

November 19, 2017 by Adam Uthe

North Texas Rayados pose for a team photo before a 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. Photo: NTX Rayados

The North Texas Rayados scored twice in the final ten minutes to earn a 2-1 comeback victory over CD Motagua New Orleans and clinch a spot in the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Midfielder Christian Okeke, making his first-ever appearance in an Open Cup qualifier, scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute. With the win, Rayados have qualified for a Modern Era (1995-present) record seventh consecutive US Open Cup run.

North Texas has qualified for every US Open Cup since 2012, and no open division amateur club has a longer streak. Reading United of the Premier Development League holds the Modern Era record with nine consecutive Open Cup berths, which remains an active record.

The weather at kickoff was unseasonably chilly (for north Texas) with winds well over 20 miles per hour, making it especially difficult to play the ball through the air. Fortunately for both teams, the game plan involved keeping the ball on the ground.

The two sides took turns controlling possession and creating chances. Rayados failed to convert on two shots on goal in the first 15 minutes; one was saved point blank and the other struck the post. New Orleans took advantage of Rayados’ poor finishing and came up with the game’s first goal in the 27th minute. Steven Morris played Carson Gorecki through into the box and Gorecki finished the shot near post to put the visitors up 1-0.

The second half offered more of the same. Both sides continued to get into the final third and create chances but both failed to convert their respective opportunities. In the 67th minute, NTX had a golden opportunity in front of the net but the shot was shanked well over the goal.

It looked as though Rayados would be missing their first Open Cup since 2012, but the team showed their resolve and proved why they have appeared in the US Open Cup opening round schedule every year since 2012.

In the 82nd minute, a low cross was driven into the box where the keeper bobbled it until it deflected off one of his own defenders and then subsequently skipped off a Rayados attacker. Minutes later, Okeke found himself in the box and did his best Michael Jordan impression, shaking off his defender and firing past the keeper for the eventual game winner.

“It was nice. I know we missed a lot of chances in the game but it was nice.”, said Okeke.

Okeke is a testament to the quality of the program NTX Rayados has put together over the past seven years. With four regular players missing due to scheduling conflicts, Okeke stepped in and when his opportunity came, he comfortably converted the shot. While the weather may have scared a lot of fans away, those who were in attendance were treated to a very exciting, evenly-matched game of soccer.

“My heart is still pumping. It was a good game, but it was one of those you don’t want to happen to you.”, said North Texas head coach Tito Salas. He also admitted the weather got to some his players at some point during the game. “It’s hard to play when it’s cold … it’s not the same.”

Despite failing to convert any of their early chances, Rayados ultimately pulled out the win over a team they’ve now beaten twice in as many qualifying campaigns. They’ll be glad to have their full team back in the spring and will be feeling confident about their chances of advancing.

“Oh I think we can go pretty far. We’ll see though,” said Okeke.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying: FC Denver scores two extra time goals to qualify for first time

November 19, 2017 by Robert Wilson

FC Denver poses for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match vs. Indios Denver FC. Photo: FC Denver

Two goals in the second half of extra time was enough for FC Denver to eliminate UPSL side Indios Denver and qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup competition for the first time.

Through the first half of regulation, the two sides exchanged shots including free kicks called inches outside of the two 18-yard boxes, and attempts ricocheting off the two crossbars. As the second half progressed, FC Denver earned more and more possession and had several quality attempts on net, but Indios goalkeeper Diego Garcia could not be beat.

The turning point in the match occurred in the 89th minute when Indios midfielder Alejandro Alaniz was issued a red card after a last ditch tackle on a FC Denver breakaway.

Down a man, FC Denver dominated and eventually scored twice in extra time. The first goal came in the 107th minute when Mark Wallace’s left footed shot skipped under Indios goalkeeper. A minute later, Alex Bernhardt sealed the victory with a second goal, redirecting a low cross off the upright and into the back of the net.

FC Denver, who compete in the Colorado Amateur Soccer League, did not allow a single goal in their qualifying games with wins over three UPSL teams: Gam United (3-0), Fort Collins United (1-0), and Indios Denver FC (2-0, AET). FC Denver will make their US Open Cup debut next spring along with fellow Colorado club Azteca FC, as the only two representatives from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) in the 105th edition of the tournament.

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying: Win & You’re In Weekend Preview

November 17, 2017 by Josh Hakala

The 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament wraps up this weekend with 14 games played across the country. 28 amateur teams will battle for 14 spots in the 105th edition of the tournament for a chance to earn a shot at the pros next year.

This is the third and final round of this new qualifying tournament that was launched three years ago by the US Soccer Federation. The new format welcomes all amateur teams that compete in US Soccer-sanctioned leagues (National leagues like the Premier Development League and the National Premier Soccer League base their qualifying on the previous season’s results) to sign up and compete in a single-elimination tournament.

Of those 28 teams left, they feature a former US Open Cup champion, one of the oldest active clubs in the country, teams that have upset professional sides, six from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), and 15 squads that have never qualified for the competition before. In fact, six of the 14 games will be between teams who have never qualified, meaning there will be a minimum of six first-timers in the 2018 US Open Cup.

2018 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results

There will be teams competing this weekend who have made a name for themselves in the last few years. Teams that have upset pro teams and made memorable Cinderella runs. Those teams include Christos FC (Baltimore, Md.), La Maquina (Los Angeles, Calif.), Harpo’s FC (Boulder, Colo.), Chula Vista FC (Chula Vista, Calif.), North Texas Rayados (Dallas, Tx.) and Lansdowne Bhoys FC (New York City).

But which teams will survive Win & You’re In Weekend? TheCup.us will have reporters at every game, so you can follow updates as they happen on TheCup.us Twitter account this weekend (@USOpenCup). Fans who are attending games, be sure to use the hashtag #USOC2018 to share photos, videos and more.

Results will be posted on the 2018 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results page.

Let’s take a look at each game (All Times Eastern):

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Indios Denver FC (USASA/UPSL)
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FC Denver (USSSA/Colorado Amateur Soccer League)
Aurora Sports Park – Aurora, CO
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
LIVE STREAM

A pair of Denver clubs will square off with the winner qualifying for US Open Cup for the first time. FC Denver has yet to give up a goal in the competition, blanking a pair of UPSL teams thanks to goalkeeper Michael Moberg. They knocked out Gam United in Round 1, 3-0, followed by a 1-0 win over Fort Collins United back on Oct. 21. On the opposite end, the two games by Indios Denver, who is participating in the qualifying tournament for the first time, have been goalfests. They eliminated Colorado Premier League side FC Union Jerez 6-2 before punching their ticket to the final round with a 4-2 home win over the much-traveled IPS/Marathon Taverna.

There are rarely live streams for these qualifying matches, but fortunately for Open Cup fans, this is one that will have one. The live stream can be watched here.

Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier League)
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Harpo’s FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier League)
Broomfield County Commons Park Stadium – Broomfield, CO
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
LIVE STREAM

A pair of Colorado Premier League rivals will square off in what will be a rematch from last year’s final qualifying round. Harpo’s FC, who has developed a strong following as the self-proclaimed “#bullshitpubteam”, was looking to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third year in a row when they met Azteca FC at an auxillary field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. In 2015 and 2016, Harpo’s had reached the second round where they lost to the USL’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks (both losses by a single goal each). However, Azteca defeated them 2-1 to earn themselves their first-ever Open Cup berth.

Azteca defeated UPSL side Denver Metro FC, 2-0 in Round 1, followed by a dramatic 3-2 win over the Colorado Rush. Samuel Lazo’s game-winner deep into second half stoppage time capped off an improbable performance by the Rush, who were only able to field 10 players.

Harpo’s had their fair share of drama en route to the final round. They needed penalty kicks to knock off FC Boulder of the UPSL, and then needed a 30-yard strike from Stibe Torres in the 120th minute to stun Colorado Springs FC (UPSL). Watch the video below …

@StibeTorres match winning bomb from 30 yards out in the 120th minute! Assist from Ben Iiames.#bullshitpubteam #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/RmVjJ34zlJ

— Harpos FC (@HarposFC) October 24, 2017

FC Kendall (USASA/American Premier Soccer League)
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Nashville United (USASA/Middle Tennessee Soccer Alliance)
Richard Siegel Soccer Park (Stadium Field) – Murfreesboro, TN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

One of the teams who had to make a lengthy trip for their Round 3 match is FC Kendall who will make the journey from South Florida to Nashville (more than 900 miles by car). For the first time, the USSF is providing financial assistance for teams that have to make lengthy trips in qualifying and FC Kendall, will take advantage of that. However, the assistance will not cover all of their travel costs, so they started a crowdfunding campaign to help. When they arrive in Murfeesboro (just southeast of Nashville), they will face Nashville United who are trying to become the first Modern Era (1995-present) open division amateur team from Tennessee to qualify. The winner of this game will qualify for the first time.

Nashville received a first round bye and had scored a 3-0 home win over Majestic SC from Atlanta to move on to the final round. FC Kendall had to play one more game, but had little trouble in each of them. They thrashed Leu Blacks FC (UPSL) 11-0 and then traveled north and took out former US international Eddie Johnson and the Orlando Storm, 4-0.

Kendall Wanderers (USASA/Bay State Soccer League)
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Mass United (USASA/American Soccer League)
Dilboy Stadium – Somerville, MA
Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. ET
LIVE STREAM

There can only be one. The two remaining Massachusetts-based clubs will square off to determine who will qualify for the 105th edition of the US Open Cup. Both Mass United and Kendall Wanderers are entering the qualifying tournament for the first time (Although Mass United had tried to qualify under the previous USASA format). Neither team had to leave the state to reach the final round. United needed penalty kicks to eliminate Southie FC, then shut out Safira FC 2-0, on a 40-yard bomb of a goal and a penalty kick. After bouncing the Boston Siege FC 5-2 in Round 1, the Wanderers also eliminated a team that has qualified for the tournament in penalty kicks. They defeated GPS Omens 4-3 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

Junior Lone Star U-23s (USASA/Philadelphia Premier Soccer League)
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Lansdowne Bhoys FC (USASA/Cosmopolitan Soccer League)
Tibbetts Brooke Park – Yonkers, NY
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

Last year, Philadelphia-based Junior Lone Star FC made their US Open Cup debut. They were disappointed when their quest to qualify for 2018 ended in Round 1. However, the club’s Under-23 team has continued on. After defeating fellow Philadelphia Premier Soccer League side Salone FC, they escaped with a 3-2 road win over United German Hungarians, one of the oldest active clubs in the country. Now, the team that was founded by West African refugees are one win away from qualifying.

To accomplish that, they will have to get past one of the powerhouses from New York City’s famed Cosmopolitan Soccer League, Lansdowne Bhoys FC. The Bhoys qualified in 2016 and made the most of their Open Cup debut with a stunning upset of the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds. After falling one game short last year, they are one game away for the second year in a row. The defending USASA Amatuer Cup champions got to the final round by defeating New Jersey’s Jackson Lions FC 2-1, followed by a penalty kick win over three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms.

Motagua of New Orleans (USASA/Gulf Coast Premier League)
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North Texas Rayados (USASA/North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Premier Park – Balch Springs, TX
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

Since 2012, every US Open Cup has featured the North Texas Rayados (although they were disqualified shortly before the 2016 tournament began). With a home win over Motagua of New Orleans, they would qualify for an open division record seventh year in a row.

These teams have a history. They were scheduled to play a “Win & You’re In” match in New Orleans during the inaugural 2016 open division qualifying tournament, but the round was canceled and all the participants were awarded spots in the US Open Cup. The next year, they met in the final round with North Texas winning 2-0. Now, they will face off again with a spot in the Open Cup on the line.

North Texas knocked off a pair of Austin-based clubs on the road to reach the final round, beating Central Texas Lobos 2-0, then Celtic Cowboys Premier, 4-1. Motagua needed a 4-1 road win over Mississippi-based Gaffa FC and then knocked off fellow Louisiana club Cajun SC, 3-1.

Galati FC (USASA/Arizona Champions League)
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Sporting AZ FC (USASA/UPSL)
Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Chandler, AZ
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

Both Arizona-based clubs battling for their first-ever US Open Cup berth only had to play one game to reach “Win & You’re In Weekend”. Sporting AZ of the UPSL and Galati of the Arizona Champions League each received first round byes. In Round 2, Galati FC cruised to a 6-1 win over Ojuelos Jalisco while Sporting rallied from a halftime deficit to score three straight goals to beat Inter Empireworks 3-1. Both clubs are seeking to become the first open division amateur club from Arizona to punch their ticket to the big dance since 2010.

San Pedro Monsters (USASA/SoCal Premier League)
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Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA/UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
LIVE STREAM

The Monsters and the Winds have both cruised into the final round with one-sided results. The Monsters produced back-to-back 4-0 wins over UPSL teams (Fontana International SC and SFV Scorpions SC). Santa Ana defeated Outbreak SC 5-2, which denied Outbreak a possible third straight US Open Cup appearance. The Winds blew past fellow UPSL side Newcastle United FC, 6-0. The winner of Saturday’s game will be making their first US Open Cup appearance.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Phoenix SC (USASA/United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
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Christos FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer League)
Anne Arundel Community College – Arnold, MD
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET

After years of trying to qualify, Christos FC made the most of their US Open Cup debut in 2017. They earned three straight shutouts, including a road upset of the USL’s Richmond Kickers, and gave D.C. United (MLS) a run for their money as their Cinderella run came to a close in Round 4. If they want to return to the Open Cup, they will have to get past one of the oldest active soccer clubs in the country in Phoenix SC. The Philadelphia-area club has been playing soccer since 1926, and hasn’t qualified for the Open Cup since 2011. Phoenix SC has yet to allow a goal in the competition while shutting out Upper Darby FC (3-0) and 2016 qualifier West Chester United (1-0).

Christos blanked Open Cup regular Aegean Hawks FC (Maryland) 3-0 in Round 1, but punching their ticket to Round 3 wasn’t easy. They needed a Chris Panian goal in the 117th minute to break a scoreless deadlock to knock off fellow Maryland club Izee Auto FC.

Stegman’s SC (USASA/Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
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Rochester River Dogz (USASA/Rochester District Soccer League)
Pittsford Thornell Farm Park Turf Field – Pittsford, NY
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET

Stegman’s SC, the parent club of Minneapolis City SC (NPSL), got a free pass into Round 2 after a forfeit. They then had to travel to the Chicago area, where they edged Aurora Borealis SC 3-2. Their reward? Another long trip, this time to Rochester, NY to take on first-time entry Rochester River Dogz. (They’re raising money to cover their travel costs.) Rochester also benefited from a forfeit. After a 2-1 win over 2017 qualifier Tartan Devils Oak Avalon (Pittsburgh, Pa.), they reached the final round after Ann Arbor FC was unable to make the trip from Southeast Michigan due to player availability.

Rochester are led by a head coach who knows a thing or two about the US Open Cup. Doug Miller spent nearly his entire outdoor career with the Rochester Rhinos, and he helped the club make history when they won the 1999 US Open Cup title. Miller came off the bench and scored the first goal in the Rhinos’ 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids in the championship game. The River Dogz will look to represent the city of Rochester, which is currently dealing with the possible folding of the Rhinos.

Cal Victory FC (USASA/UPSL)
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El Farolito (USASA/San Francisco Soccer Football League)
Boxer Stadium – San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 2:15 p.m. ET

The last two Northern California teams remaining in the tournament enter Sunday’s “Win & You’re In” match with vastly different resumes.

Cal Victory FC, a team that was impacted by the Northern California wildfires, are making their first attempt at qualifying and have reached the final round by defeating Real San Jose 3-2 and the Davis Legacy 4-2. The win over the Legacy featured one of the best individual performances of the round. With the Victory playing with 10 men for the entire second half, Jesus Zamudio scored four goals to give Cal a comeback victory.

El Farolito, on the other hand, have won the tournament before. Under the name “CD Mexico” they won the 1993 US Open Cup, but haven’t attempted to qualify until the federation created this new open division qualifying tournament in 2015. They punched their ticket to the tournament last year, but were eliminated in a penalty kick shootout with the Burlingame Dragons (PDL). This year, they have pitched back-to-back shutouts to reach Win & You’re In Weekend. They earned a 3-0 win over Dynamos FC (UPSL), followed by a 5-0 win over Academica SC.

South Florida FC (USASA/American Premier Soccer League)
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Red Force FC (USASA/American Premier Soccer League)
Kendall Soccer Park – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET

A pair of South Florida-based American Premier Soccer League (APSL) teams will square off with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line. Red Force FC is looking to qualify for the fourth time in the last six years, while South Florida FC is making its qualifying tournament debut.

South Florida reached the final round the traditional way. They played 90 minutes of soccer against an opponent in two separate games, earning a 3-1 win over Miami United Under-23s and a 5-1 win over Boca Raton FC. Red Force started the competition with an 8-1 beating of UPSL side FC Ginga, but had an easier game in Round 2. After jumping out to a 4-0 first half lead of Miami Nacional SC, Red Force was awarded a penalty kick. Miami Nacional’s head coach was so infuriated with the call, and what he felt were numerous bad calls prior to that, he walked onto the field and refused to leave. Later, he ordered his team to leave the field and did not return, which ended the game in the 40th minute.

La Maquina FC (USASA/UPSL)
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Chula Vista FC (USASA/SoCal Premier League)
Chula Vista Elite Training Center – Chula Vista, CA
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET

Two teams who have made in headlines in recent years by upsetting professional teams will play each other with a spot in the US Open Cup on the line. Chula Vista FC is seeking a third trip to the tournament in the last four years, while La Maquina is trying to punch their ticket for the third year in a row.

This is a rematch of the final round of the 2016 qualifying tournament when La Maquina eliminated Chula Vista 4-0 to earn their first trip to the US Open Cup, which led to them advancing to Round 4 and nearly upsetting the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS).

To get to “Win & You’re In Weekend”, La Maquina just needed a 5-0 win over Bell Gardens FC, which featured two goals from Edwin Borboa, to advance. In Round 2, the Las Vegas Mobsters of the UPSL forfeited to allow them a free pass into Round 3. Chula Vista had a one-sided win in Round 1 as well, cruising past Strikers FC South Coast (UPSL) 5-1. They advanced to the final round without scoring a single goal, because their 1-0 win over Valley United SC (UPSL) was decided on an own goal.

Los Angeles Wolves FC (USASA/UPSL)
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Buena Park FC (USASA/SoCal Premier League)
OC Great Park Championship Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

The Los Angeles Wolves have reached the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in each of the last two years, and are now one win away from qualifying for a third straight year. To return to the tournament they will have to get past Buena Park FC, who are trying to qualify for the first time.

The Wolves just needed a 6-1 win over the Real Sociedad Royals to reach Round 2, where they received a free pass into Round 3 after Vanquish FC (UPSL) withdrew. Buena Park FC defeated a pair of UPSL teams to reach the final round, as they shutout Newport FC 3-0 and then defeated Santa Clarita Storm, 3-1.

The game was originally set to be played at JFK High School, but a few days before the game someone drove a vehicle on the playing field, leaving deep tire marks all over the pitch. This forced the game to be moved to Irvine, Calif.

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Justin Funes hat trick leads Buena Park FC past Santa Clarita Storm

October 26, 2017 by Omar Avalos

Buena Park FC poses for a team photo ahead of their 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against the Santa Clarita Storm. Photo: Buena Park FC

MORE: 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

The sun pelted all in attendance during the Buena Park FC’s Second Round 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying match against FC Santa Clarita on Sunday, Oct. 22. It was 94 degrees at kickoff at John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, Calif. in what turned out to be a rugged, scrappy match for both sides. But it was the home side Buena Park FC of the So Cal Premier League that defended their rugged, natural grass pitch most effectively, grinding out a 3-1 win over the UPSL side.

The hero for Buena Park was Justin Funes who scored all three goals for the home side to send the club into the final round of qualifying for the first time. This is a nice redemption for a club that in the pervious two qualifying tournaments crashed out in the opening round in both years. Both of those games were played on their same home field (JFK High School), both to the same opponent (Outbreak SC), and both with one-sided scorelines (5-1, 5-0).

Now, after back-to-back home wins in this year’s competition, BPFC are one win away from punching their ticket to the US Open Cup.

Buena Park got on the board in the 19th minute when Grant Carlson snuck behind the backline on a throw-in. Carlson collected the ball and sent in a cross that was redirected by Funes into the back of the net. About 10 minutes later the game was tied thanks to an individualistic effort by FCSC midfielder Brandon Cando. It would be all the UPSL side would get given the scrappy Buena Park defense that fought off every FCSC onslaught, header and breakaway. BPFC was absolutely resolute in their box.

Buena Park went up 2-1 in the 40th minute when Scotty Locken split the defense and fed the ball to Funes who put the ball between the keeper’s legs for his second goal. FCSC didn’t quit before the halftime break as they battled back to hit the post before time expired.

Just like his first two goals, Funes completed his hat trick thanks to some good ball movement from his teammates. Jonathan Rojas beat a pair of defenders on the right wing and crossed the ball to Nathan Da Rosa who trapped the ball and fed Funes, who hit a one-timer with his left foot to beat the keeper in the 62nd minute.

FCSC continued to fight to get back in the game. The Storm missed two really clear chances including a late missed penalty kick and a direct shot on goal. FCSC was also denied a free kick goal on a great, outstretched stop by Buena Park goalkeeper David Padilla, late in the game.

Buena Park FC weathered all the elements thrown at them, resolutely, from the pelting heat, a rugged pitch and a battling opponent to emerge victorious and move on to the Third Round of 2018 US Open Cup qualifying.

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Indios Denver FC use home field advantage to oust Oregon’s IPS/Marathon Taverna

October 26, 2017 by Jim Hart

Steven Robellada of Indios Denver FC salutes the fans in the stands in a 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against IPS/Marathon Taverna. Photo: Indios Denver FC

MORE: 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

On a gorgeous autumn afternoon in the suburb of Englewood Colo., in a high school football stadium with a view of downtown Denver, Indios Denver FC treated their guests rather rudely by dispatching them in a 4-2 manner in front of about 250 mostly Indios supporters.

Indios, a club founded in 2015, is mostly Hispanic in its cultural connections and its members.

The opponents, International Portland Select (IPS) / Marathon Taverna is a club that hails from Portland Ore., and has competed in the last two US Open Cup qualifying tournaments, but just picked up their first win in the last round of this year. They are well-traveled since they are the only team from the Pacific Northwest to enter the competition, and since there’s no local teams to play against they often have to make lengthy trips or teams have to make lengthy trips to play them in the Rose City. IPS had traveled the day before the match to Denver and were feeling some of the effects of jet lag and altitude.

Indios Denver FC players pose for a team photo ahead of the club's 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against IPS/Marathon Taverna. Photo: Indios Denver FC — Indios Denver FC players pose for a team photo ahead of the club’s 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match against IPS/Marathon Taverna. Photo: Indios Denver FC

The match was an ideal setup, two very talented teams that were ready to show off their skills and put on a great show for the fans. And a great show was what they delivered.

The opening half started off with 20 minutes of high energy box-to-box action. Right off the bat in the 10th minute Indios’ Julio Rodriguez picked up a yellow for aggressive play. There were a lot of nerves showing early and players were over-anxious and wanted to make big plays. A trend that would be seen for most of the match.

The scoreline was finally broken in the 16th minute with an own goal scored of Indios. Putting the hosts on the board first. Less than a minute later, Indios put another in the net when Christian Ochoa buried a shot.

The game then went into a more structured period. Both teams seemed to get a handle on their defensive posture, the pace of the match slowed, then in the 38th a through ball made its way into Pablo Salinas whot put it in the back of the net for IPS to cut the lead in half.

The 40th minute saw a substitution for Indios as Cristian Gomez came on for the injured Sajjad Alfatlawi. Which brought the game into halftime with Indios leading 2-1. Indios was controlling the game pretty well at this point, they had more shots on goal, had a few corner kicks and felt more comfortable on the front foot.

As the sun began to set in the west, long evening shadows began to take over the pitch. Indios was playing into the sun, however, there was no seeming effect on the players. Coach Jose Edgar Espinoza said after the game that Indios kept trying the counter-attack against IPS’ high line on the offside trap. Indios continued to push that line with ball after ball over the top.

Goal kicks were launched 60-70 meters into the on-rushing attackers to try to break the IPS high line. With a very slick play off a back heel pass in the box by Steven Robellada buried the third golazo and scored the winner.

In the 55the minute, ’ IPS’ Nathan Pogue tightened the score up at 3-2 with a lightening bolt direct free kick that definitely got Indios attention.

As the match started getting late the physicality started heating up. What was a somewhat gentlemanly match began to turn into a yellow card every couple of minutes as the time ticked away. The 3-2 scoreline made IPS push all of their attacking players forward, until suddenly Indios had three players open in front of the net.

Suddenly bodies were on the pitch, mayhem was the order of the day and a penalty was called. Said penalty was dispatched in the 95th minute of play and that was that on a 4-2 victory for the home side.

According to Indios captain Jose Hernandez, Sunday’s win was an inspired performance as one of their assistant coaches, Jaime Hernandez was back in Mexico for funeral services for his mother.

“This win is dedicated to Jaime,” Hernandez said.

As for IPS Marathon, they will head back to the Northwest and try for another year. Traveling to Colorado can be difficult under the best conditions and these were very good conditions for a match

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Amateur Cup titleholders Lansdowne Bhoys edge Pancyprian Freedoms in PKs

October 25, 2017 by Brendan Doherty

MORE: 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

Two of the titans of the famed Cosmopolitan Soccer League in New York City battled for 120 minutes and neither could find a goal. The match had to be decided in penalty kicks with the reigning Amatuer Cup champion Lansdowne Bhoys edging three-time US Open Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 4-3.

The Bhoys and the Freedoms have both qualified for the US Open Cup in recent years.

The Bhoys from the New York metropolitan area qualified for the 2016 edition of the tournament after defeating Newtown Pride FC and Worcester FC during qualification. That year Lansdowne Bhoys defeated PDL side Long Island Rough Riders 2-1 before traveling to Pennsylvania to stun the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 2-0. The cup-run ended with a 2-0 loss in Rochester at the hands of the Rhinos in the Third Round.

The team fell to FC Motown during qualification for 2017 tournament but returned to try to earn a spot for 2018. Lansdowne Bhoys FC defeated Jackson Lions FC of New Jersey’s Garden State Soccer League in the opening round on September 24.

The Pancyprian Freedoms defeated Newtown Pride of Connecticut 2-1 in the first round of qualifying last month.

The club has a storied history that includes both the amateur side in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League dating back to 1979 and the professional team founded in 1999 as the New York Freedom. The Freedoms pushed eventual champion Rochester Raging Rhinos to the brink in extra time during the second round of the 1999 Open Cup.

More recently, the amateur side qualified for the 2016 Open Cup and showed well. The Freedoms defeated PDL-side New York Red Bulls U-23s 2-1 in the first round and narrowly lost to another PDL team, Jersey Express 1-0.

These two sides know each other well both from league play in the CSL and in amateur cup competitions, including 2017 Open Cup qualifying last autumn. In that contest, Lansdowne Bhoys prevailed 3-2 over New York Pancyprian Freedoms after extra time in Yonkers on September 10, 2016.

The teams also met just two weeks prior to Sunday’s cup showdown, a CSL match on Oct. 10 that ended 1-1 in Yonkers. Within CSL, NY leads the league in scoring with 2.4 goals per game average and Lansdowne has the stingiest defense in the division allowing just 0.75 goals per contest.

Both the familiarity between the teams and the prize at stake added venom to Sunday night’s match. The first half was chippy, with five bookings, but produced saves from both goalkeepers. New York’s forward Andreas Chronis forced a clearance off the line in the 27th minute and struck the woodwork in the 65th.

Lansdowne Bhoys defenders had their backs against the wall late in regulation when Craig Purcell got his body in front of a header from Luis Esteves in the 90th minute.

In extra time, Lansdowne goalkeeper Abdoukarim Danso, who played during the team’s previous cup run and won TheCup.us Player of the Round, came off his line to close down New York’s Adam Himeno. The best chance of the second period of extra time came off the foot of Lansdowne Bhoys’ Joseph Lopez but his long-distance effort missed the target.

After 120 scoreless minutes of soccer could not separate the Bhoys and Freedoms, the teams lined up for a shootout. Sunday night’s opponents proved evenly matched even from the spot as the Bhoys finally prevailed.

Perhaps energized from his extra time heroics, Danso stole the show with three saves from the line as his side now advances to the third qualifying round to be played in November against the Junior Lone Star Under-23s from Philadelphia.

Lansdowne Bhoys head coach Austin Friel is now one game away from taking his team back to the Open Cup while the Pancyprian Freedoms cast attention back to their undefeated start to the league

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2: Youth is served as Junior Lone Star U-23s eliminate UGH

October 25, 2017 by Michael Berton

Junior Lone Star U-23s (white) battle with United German Hungarians (red) in 2018 US Open Cup qualifying. Photo: Kari Berton

MORE: 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

The next US Open Cup Cinderella story might come out of Eastern Pennsylvania. The clock has not yet struck midnight for the young, but talented, Junior Lone Star Under-23s, who upset one of the oldest clubs in the United States in the second round of Open Cup qualifying.

Two-time US Open Cup runners-up, United German Hungarians (UGH), were favorites to win, hosting the developmental U23s. While the Junior Lone Star parent club made the Open Cup last year, the U-23s were entered into qualifying this year to just earn some valuable experience. The young team from Philadelphia showed that they are playing for more than just practice, beating UGH 3-2 at the home of the team that has been around since the 1920s.

The game was wide open from the start. Junior Lone Star was not afraid to attack, and UGH was more than happy to try to catch the U-23s on the counter attack. Ten minutes in, UGH threatened to open the scoring, but the Junior Lone Star keeper was up to the task, making two point blank saves in a row.

Just as the U-23s seemed to have control of the contest, UGH nabbed the opening goal. Jacob Mulinge crossed from the right, the ball was flicked on and John Gravelle, who played college soccer at La Salle, knocked it easily into the net.

United German Hungarians (red) celebrate a goal by John Gravelle against the Junior Lone Star U-23s in a 2018 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Kari Berton

Junior Lone Star got the equalizer right after halftime. In the 50th minute, a long ball over the top found Elijah Ema, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper into the net. Six minutes later, Junior Lone Star’s Opeyemi Amao made it 2-1 when he made a darting run from the left side into the box, then curled the ball around the keeper.

The U-23s got yet another goal in the 73rd minute on a free kick. The cross found the head of John Quaye, who made it 3-1.

It was a tense final few minutes for the young side from Philadelphia. The U-23s goalie made multiple saves to preserve the lead. UGH did get a second goal from Gravelle in second half stoppage time, but Junior Lone Star held on for the victory.

Junior Lone Star U-23s have a chance at a Cinderella story in the 2018 Open Cup. Now, they are just one win away from making that tournament. To get into the competition, they will have to overcome the reigning Amateur Cup champions on the road when they travel to New York City to face the Lansdowne Bhoys FC. A win, which would be considered an upset, would certainly solidify their Cinderellla status.

2018 US Open Cup Qualifying: Red Force FC advance after Miami Nacional quits before halftime

October 25, 2017 by Omar Moubayed

Scot Gordon scored a hat trick in the first half for Red Force FC in 2018 US Open Cup qualifying against Miami Nacional. Photo: Red Force FC

MORE: 2018 US Open Cup Qualifying Results/Schedule

Two Miami-based clubs went at it in the second round of qualifying for the 105th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Red Force FC and Miami Nacional SC faced off at Ives Estates Park on Sunday afternoon with the goal of advancing to the next round of qualifying. While players from both squads showed up, it was evident only one turned up to play.

Red Force FC of the American Soccer League is no stranger to the US Open Cup. They’ve made noise in years past and qualified for the first round of the 2017 cup. Despite being ousted by South Florida Surf, the boys in Red managed to earn a qualifying position for a 2018 cup run. As soon as the whistle blew, it was all Red Force on the scoreboard.

After an early scoring chance from Miami in the opening few minutes of the game, Red Force FC opened the scoring in the 15th minute as former Florida International Panther Mathew Treumun put one in the back of the net off a beautiful feed from Gilbert Ruiz.

After that, the crowd was welcomed to the Scott Gordon show. Gordon became a thorn in the side of Nacional as he collected a hat trick in the span of 14 minutes. Finishing up passes from Christopher Munoz, Stiven Salinas, and Daniel Gomez, the former Fort Lauderdale Striker ran Nacional off the field; literally.

Yes they did. This should be looked at by the tournament. They can’t allow teams to just quit.

— Red Force FC (@RedForceFC09) October 22, 2017

Red Force FC was awarded a penalty in the 40th minute of the match that was protested by Nacional. Their head coach David Garcia walked onto the field to argue the call with the referee and refused to leave. In the end, he ordered his team to walk off the pitch and they would not return for the match. The game would officially be called in the 44th minute. In a comment from Red Force’s Twitter account, they replied to the forfeit update posted by TheCup.us by saying “This should be looked at by the tournament. They can’t allow teams to just quit.”

According to Miami’s team president Gaston Basulto, a series of bad calls by the referee led to his head coach’s on-field protest. Among his complaints about physical play, he claims that Red Force had as many as six offside plays that were not called in the opening 40 minutes. Those plays led to a pair of Red Force goals and the controversial penalty kick call that ultimately brought the game to it’s untimely end.

“When your has two goals that were clearly offside, one penalty in your favor not called, one elbow hit to the face of one of your defenders 20 feet from where the referee was standing that ends in a penalty , something is really wrong,” said Basulto. “That’s why my coach told me ‘we cannot continue with this circus’, and we walked off.”

This is the first time that since the Vega said regardless of how the game is going, or how well you believe the officiating is, you should finish the game.

“The situation with Miami Nacional was an embarrassment for the cup,” said Red Force owner/head coach Gabriel Vega. “I talked to the owner and he told me that they were abandon the game because the refs were against them … made a decision and I hope he will pay the consequences for the future of the Open Cup.”

The US Soccer Federation is currently reviewing the incident and will make a ruling at a later date.