Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2018 US Open Cup

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: One goal all Charleston Battery needs to eliminate NPSL champ Elm City Express

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Players from the Charleston Battery and the Elm City Express battle for the ball in a Third Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ross Almers Photography
Players from the Charleston Battery and the Elm City Express battle for the ball in a Third Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Ross Almers Photography

The Charleston Battery’s starting XI was significantly different as they defeated the visiting Elm City Express 1-0 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

As opposed to last Saturday’s lineup, coach Mike Anhaeuser kept the 3–4–2–1 formation, but made seven changes in the starting lineup in order rest up players for this Saturday’s match against Nashville SC. The change also marked the return of a familiar face at right back, Battery veteran defender O’Brian Woodbine.

The Battery started off slow, but where able to move the ball somewhat effectively against Elm City’s defense. The Battery had several chances to score, however they could not find a way to put the ball in the back of the net.

Anhaeuser substituted Ataulla Guerra in the 72nd minute in an attempt to drive the offense forward and refocus the attack. The veteran’s presence on the pitch was immediately felt. It would not take long as Guerra was able to get the ball forward on the right side to a charging Gordon Wild in the 84th. Wild was able to get the ball past the tackling defender, past the keeper and into the top left corner for the only goal of the night.

It would be all the Battery would need to extend their unbeaten streak to nine games between USL and US Open Cup play, and move into round the Fourth Round against a MLS opponent.

“It’s very exciting to play an MLS team. You don’t really need motivation from the coach for a game like that,” said Battery midfielder Tah Brian Anunga. “It’s another chance for us to test ourselves against the best in this country, so we’re excited to move on.”

The Battery certainly won’t be overlooked by whoever their MLS opponent is. Charleston has eliminated nine MLS teams in its club history, which ranks only behind the Rochester Rhinos (10) among lower division teams in the Modern Era.

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: North Carolina FC prepared for storm, defeated Ocean City Nor’easters, 4-1

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North Carolina FC defeats Ocean City Nor'eastersTwo months ago, a gusty nor’easter uncovered the skeletal remains of a humpback whale long buried on the Jersey shore, about 15 miles north of Ocean City, New Jersey. Tuesday evening, the Ocean City Nor’easters drifted down to WakeMed Soccer Park and encountered another variety of Dead Whales, these representing North Carolina FC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

North Carolina FC scored two goals in the first half, then replicated that in the second stanza on their way to a 4-1 victory over Ocean City to advance to the fourth round of the US Open Cup.

“We weren’t at our best, but I think it was a professional, workmanlike performance, a lot like last week ,” said NCFC midfielder Austin da Luz. “We finished some chances, we defended well, and onto the next round.”

While Tuesday’s opponent was an amateur squad, it came with a long Open Cup pedigree for results over professional opponents, most recently a 3-1 win over the Charlotte Independence last week. It was their sixth win over a professional team in club history. North Carolina FC manager Colin Clarke said he knew what to expect from the visitors from Jersey.

“Counterattacks and transition,” Clarke said. “ scored two goals in the first seven minutes against Charlotte in the last round, and that was the game, pretty much. We nearly fell for it a couple of times , but overall I thought we deserved the game. It’s the third game in seven or eight days , with another one in three days. So, it’s a tough stretch, but we’re moving on to the next round, which the main thing.”

North Carolina FC jumped out to an early lead in the 8th minute. Da Luz delivered a cross that found an onrushing Marios Lomis, who put the outside of his right boot to ball. The sphere squibbed between the legs of Ocean City goalkeeper Alec Smir and across the goal line to give NCFC a 1-0 advantage.

The Nor’easters equalized in the 17th minute, after North Carolina failed to clear a seemingly benign ball in the box that ended up at the feet of Uros Ilic. The OC defender’s shot glanced off NCFC’s Michael Harrington along its path into the net, making the score 1-1.

However, North Carolina FC retook the lead for good in the 26th minute. Midfielder Bernhard Luxbacher sent a cross off the right wing that found da Luz, who poked his head around a Nor’easter defender and nodded the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, making the score 2-1 at intermission.

The home side extended its lead to 3-1 in the 66th minute off a nifty build-up that started when da Luz sent a skimmer into the area that Dre Fortune dummied to Lomis. Lomis one-touched back to Fortune, who took a touch around an OC defender before depositing his left-footed shot past Smir.

Carolina made it a final four in the 84th minute when second-half sub D.J. Taylor turned and fired from distance. His shot pinged off the right shoulder of forward Donovan Ewolo and into the net, giving the Cameroonian import his first NCFC goal, even if he knew nothing about it.

After the match, Clarke credited the “outstanding” play of da Luz, starting his third game in less than a week. Tuesday against the Nor’easters, da Luz scored a goal, assisted another, and set-up a third.

North Carolina FC returns to Open Cup play on June 6, with the site and (likely) Major League Soccer opponent to be determined this Thursday. In the meantime, NCFC resumes USL competition this Friday, May 25 against Atlanta United 2, the reserve side for their MLS parent. It’s the first of four USL home games for NCFC, a pivotal stretch for a club currently mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference table.

“It’s an important —it’s the first one of four at home,” Clarke added. “It’s a team that has some young kids coming in and one or two veterans, but a team that’s scoring goals, conceding goals, and is exciting to watch. But we’re at home, and we need to start putting another run together. And that needs to start Friday night.”

“We’re not anywhere close to where we want to be in the league right now,” da Luz, said. “So Friday is a massive game for us, and we have to turn our attention to that pretty quick.”

Courtesy of WRALSportsFan.com

2018 US Open Cup Round 3 preview: 12 winners will earn dates with Major League Soccer teams

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The 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup features 97 teams from a Modern Era record 33 different states. Graphic by: Gilberto Hernandez | @GilbertoHdz200
The 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup features 97 teams from a Modern Era record 33 different states. Graphic by: Gilberto Hernandez | @GilbertoHdz200

The Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is one of the higher profile rounds of the tournament. When lower division teams find themselves one win away from a data with a Major League Soccer team, that ramps up the drama. There are 12 games in the Third Round and one of them will take place on Tuesday, May 22, and the remaining 11 on Wednesday.

The day after the Third Round is completed, on Thursday, May 24, the US Soccer Federation will hold a live draw to determine the draw for the Fourth Round. The draw is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. EST and will be streamed live on Facebook.

Click below for links of our coverage and scroll down for a preview and live video links for each game.

#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders

News
* USSF allows NY Cosmos B, Miami FC 2, Jacksonville Armada into 2018 US Open Cup
* El Farolito, 1993 US Open Cup champions, disqualified from 2018 tournament
* Why is it against the rules to change leagues during the US Open Cup?
* FC Cincinnati at Gettler Stadium: “Like Metallica playing a small venue”

2018 Meet the Underdogs series
* Christos FC
* FC Denver
* FC Kendall
* Kendall Wanderers
* La Maquina FC
* Los Angeles Wolves FC
* NTX Rayados
* Red Force FC
* Rochester River Dogz
* Santa Ana Winds
* Sporting AZ FC

Qualifying
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying results
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Win & You’re In review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review

* Things you should know about the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

* Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

* Support TheCup.us: Special “TheCup.us” Del Rey City jerseys available for purchase
* Appreciate what we do at TheCup.us? Donate here
* TheCup.us is looking for writers/editors, graphics, WordPress gurus & people who can handle digital ad sales (paid position). Email us here

Twitter (#USOC2018) | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr | Reddit

 

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FULL MATCH REPORT
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
The Battery are one of the hottest teams in American professional soccer right now, currently on an eight-match unbeaten run. The Battery, who were US Open Cup runners-up in 2008, defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC 1-0 last Wednesday. Patrick Okonkwo scored midway through the first half to give the Battery the eventual 1-0 win. The Battery have a rich history in the tournament aside from the 2008 runner-up performance. They are tied with D.C. United (the team that beat them in that 2008 Final) with 32 wins, which is tied for the fifth-most in the Modern Era. They boast an impressive 26-6-5 (2-3 PKs) record at home. The Battery have an impressive record against amateur teams as well, with a 14-1-1 (0-1 PKs) mark. If they want to add to that record, they will have to do it without attacking midfielder Nico Rittmeyer who was sent off in the 63rd minute of last week’s match against Tormenta FC.They will take on the defending NPSL champion Elm City Express. The Express made their way to the Third Round of the Open Cup after Shaquille Saunchez scored two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game to give Elm City a 2-0 win over the Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL). In Round 1, they traveled to historic Ludlow, Mass. and defeated the Western Mass Pioneers (PDL), 2-1. With a pair of wins in this tournament, the Express are the first Connecticut-based club (New Haven, Conn.) in the Modern Era to win multiple games in a single tournament.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
Defending USL Champion Louisville City FC cruised to a 5-0 win over the Long Island Rough Riders in the Second Round and will face fellow USL side, Saint Louis FC. City are currently one point behind first place FC Cincinnati (with a game in hand) in the USL Eastern Conference standings. This is just the club’s third trip to the tournament after launching in 2015. Their best finish is when they reached the Fourth Round in their inaugural season, falling 1-0 in extra time to the Chicago Fire (MLS).Saint Louis edged out a 2-0 win over Duluth FC (NPSL) to advance to Round 3. Saint Louis FC will need to muster some magic as the Missouri soccer club has only one win against Louisville City in eight matches across all competitions. The last and only win came in Saint Louis FC’s final game of the 2015 USL season. They re-enter tournament play sitting middle of the table in the USL standings with a record of 3-2-5.Saint Louis has had similar success in the tournament since they launched the club in 2015. Both Louisville (3-3-1, 1-0 PKs) and Saint Louis (4-3-1, 1-0 PKs) have similar records with Saint Louis benefiting from some favorable draws and upsets. They have won four games in the competition but all four were against amateur sides and the lone pro team they eliminated was Minnesota United FC (NASL) in 2015 by way of penalty kicks.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds quelled its demons and emerged 2-1 victors over Erie Commodores FC in Second Round action last Wednesday. Pittsburgh advanced to the Third Round for the first time in three years as a result of the win. Thomas Vancaeyezeele and Kevin Kerr scored a goal apiece inside the first half hour of the match to give the Riverhounds a two-goal advantage. Cameron Philpot got one back in the final minute of the first half for Erie, but Pittsburgh stifled the NPSL side’s attack in the second half to see out the win.The Riverhounds have struggled in the tournament over the last couple decades. Their signature Cup run was back in 2001 when they beat the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and the El Paso Patriots (A-League) and earned a date with the defending MLS Cup and US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire on the road. The Riverhounds took them to extra time but it was the Fire who scored the golden goal.Pittsburgh will have a big challenge ahead of them if this is going to be the year that they have that magical Cup run. They will host FC Cincinnati who is currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-2-2 record. The Riverhounds are not far behind as they league’s only remaining undefeated team. However, they have more draws than wins (4-0-5) which puts them in fourth place.FC Cincinnati, who won advanced five times and reached the Semifinals of the US Open Cup last year by only scoring four goals has experienced an offensive revival in the early part of the USL season. They have 20 goals scored in the first 10 games and have the third-best offense in the USL. Last year, in just their second year of existence, they eliminated two MLS teams (Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire) before blanking the NASL’s Miami FC in the Quarterfinals. They broke the Modern Era record for team shutout streak with 584 minutes of scoreless soccer. Their goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt used that performance to earn himself a contract with MLS power Atlanta United FC. That streak and the Cup run would end in the Semifinals when they fell to the New York Red Bulls in extra time in front of the second-biggest crowd to ever watch a US Open Cup game (33,250).They kicked off the 2018 tournament by scoring as many goals (four) in the opening game than they did the first five games of last year’s tournament. They defeated Detroit City FC 4-1 in extra time thanks to a hat trick from Emery Welshman. The two teams went into extra time tied at 1-1 but FC Cincinnati, playing at the University of Cincinnati’s soccer field — far smaller than the usual Nippert Stadium. This time, the game will be played Pittsburgh’s soccer-specific stadium near downtown.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
Trevor Spangenberg was a wall between the sticks for the Richmond Kickers, posting eight saves and stopping two penalty shots in a 4-3 penalty kick win (after a 1-1 draw) over Reading United AC (PDL). With the win, Richmond reached the Third Round of the Open Cup eight of the last nine years.After playing level through 90 minutes thanks to goals by Richmond’s Koby Osei-Wusu and Reading’s Khori Bennett, the match went to extra time. However, neither side could find a breakthrough despite the extra 30 minutes of action, though Richmond’s Oscar Umar was sent off for an on-field altercation while play was stopped for a foul. In the shootout, Spangenberg came up big to push two efforts wide of the goal to assure victory for Richmond. It was a welcome result against one of the best PDL teams. Last year, the Kickers were one-and-done for just the third time in club history when they narrowly lost to Christos FC (USASA).As a result of the win, Richmond will play host to Penn FC at City Stadium.Penn FC, the team formerly known as the Harrisburg City Islanders, have one of the strongest Open Cup resumes in the USL. They have eliminated five MLS teams in their history. Only three lower division teams in the country (Rochester Rhinos, Charleston Battery, North Carolina FC) have more MLS upsets than them.To reach the Third Round, they scored three goals in the final 12 minutes to eliminate FC Motown of the NPSL. After falling behind 1-0 on a goal by Dilly Duka, Penn FC received goals from Miguel Jaime, Prince Boffo and Pedro Galvao to avoid the upset

Both teams are tied in the league standings in the bottom half of the USL table. Richmond (3-4-1) and Penn FC (2-3-4) both have 10 points. Both teams have won two of their last three games in league play.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
Jacksonville Armada FC became one of the first two NPSL teams besides Chattanooga FC to beat a professional side in Open Cup play with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL). Though Jacksonville is a professional team, one of few in the NPSL, their win marked just the fourth victory over a professional team in Open Cup competition for the league that started in 2003.The breakthrough came in the second half for Jacksonville. JC Banks got on the end of a thru ball by Josh Castellanos on the left side of the box before slotting it home near-post for the only tally of the match. Jacksonville had to begin the tournament in a Preliminary Round because they, along with fellow professional NPSL teams Miami FC 2 and New York Cosmos B, were late additions to the tournament. Combined with wins over The Villages SC (PDL) and SIMA Aguilas (PDL), the Armada have won three games in a single tournament for the first time in club history.Traveling up to Jacksonville will be Miami United FC which will be a rematch of last year’s Second Round where the Armada were victorious 2-1 in Miami. This marks the first time that United have reached the Third Round.They reached the Third Round by defeating amateur side FC Kendall, followed by a 3-1 win over Miami FC 2.  This is the third US Open Cup appearance for the NPSL side. The first two attempts saw them defeat South Florida-based amateur sides, followed by losses to pro teams.Miami are led by star forward David Ochoa who leads the tournament with five goals. Ochoa started out with a hat trick against FC Kendall and followed that up with a pair of goals against Miami FC 2.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
Two southern sides will meet on Wednesday night at Vanderbilt Soccer Stadium when the United Soccer League’s (USL) Nashville SC host Premier Development League (PDL) side Mississippi Brilla in the Third Round of the 2018 US Open Cup.Much like the city of Nashville itself, Nashville SC currently find themselves on quite the upward trajectory. The team, which was founded in 2016, are playing in their first season in the USL as well as their first Open Cup. The team’s majority owner, John Ingram, has also confirmed that the announced MLS expansion franchise in Nashville will, in fact, be Nashville SC. On the field, the team has been somewhat inconsistent as they currently find themselves in 10th place in the USL’ Eastern Conference standings with 12 points from their first eight games. Ghana-born Ropapa Mensah currently leads the line for Nashville with three goals this season while Tucker Hume was the hero with both goals in the team’s Round 2 win over local rivals Inter Nashville.Meanwhile, amateur side Mississippi Brilla are also enjoying 2018. They traveled to New Orleans in Round 1 and came away with a penalty shootout victory over the New Orleans Jesters of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) before scoring a shocking 1-0 upset over the USL’s Indy Eleven in Round 2. It was the first time that a Mississippi-based club has reach the Third Round. Brilla defender Koray Eastering got on the end of teammate Oliver Brock’s 81st minute free kick and the home side held on in front almost 1,000 fans to defeat the pros from Indianapolis. Brilla have carried the momentum into their PDL campaign. They took down Memphis City FC 2-0 on Saturday night behind goals from Ali Brador and Rich Bryan.
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Perennial Open Cup attendee NTX Rayados advanced to the Third Round for the first time since 2014. They advanced by “cupsetting” the USL’s OKC Energy FC 5-2 in extra-time, although the matchup was ripe for an upset as the latter was in the midst of a nine-match losing streak. Christian Okeke scored a pair of goals for the Rayados and earned TheCup.us Player of the Round honors as the North Texas Premier Soccer Association side defeated their first-ever pro team.Their next opponent, FC Wichita, is coming into this matchup after dispatching the Tulsa Roughnecks 4-3 in the Second Round. FC Wichita are making their third straight appearance in the tournament and have taken a new step each year. In 2016, they were one-and-done against the Des Moines Menace (PDL), then last year, they won their first US Open Cup game by defeating Azteca FC (USASA) before losing an extra time battle against Saint Louis FC (USL). This year, they won two games, including their first pro team upset. The win over Tulsa helped FC Wichita join an exclusive club. Along with the Jacksonville Armada, they join Chattanooga FC as the only NPSL clubs to ever upset a pro team since the league was founded in 2003.As the only Third Round matchup consisting of amateur sides, it guarantees that an open division side will advance to the Fourth Round where they will be poised to play a Major League Soccer squad.
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San Antonio FC will host fellow USL foe Colorado Springs in the Third Round of the US Open Cup at Toyota Field. Both sides earned victories over amateur sides in the previous round; San Antonio blanked the Midland-Odessa Sockers 4-0 while the Switchbacks squeaked by FC Denver with a late penalty, 3-2.The two squads have met four times prior, all in league play, with the Switchbacks having the slightest of edges in the series with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. These clubs have yet to play each other in 2018 and are both coming off disappointing league matches. Colorado Springs are limping into this match after losing, 1-0, to the OKC Energy who were in the midst of a nine-match losing streak. Similarly, San Antonio will look to bounce back after giving up two home points to the Tulsa Roughnecks, who currently sit at the bottom of the USL Western Conference.
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LIVE VIDEO (USSoccer.com)
The PDL powerhouse, FC Golden State Force, will host the traveling Las Vegas Lights (USL). Golden State Force have sprung onto the scene since their founding in 2015, quickly becoming one of the most dominant amateur sides in the country. After reaching the Second Round of the Cup in their first appearance in the Cup, the Southern California side have now gone one step further, reaching the Third Round for the first time in the club’s history. In Round 1, they easily disposed of UPSL side, LA Wolves, by a score of 3-1 before going on the road to earn a huge upset victory over USL side, Orange County SC, by a score of 4-2. They currently sit atop the PDL Southwest Division standings with a 3-0 record as they have yet to lose or even concede a goal in league play.Their opponent is USL expansion side, Las Vegas Lights FC. They won their inaugural Open Cup match in Round 2 by a score of 4-2 over FC Tucson of the PDL. The Lights were led by a two goal performance by Sammy Ochoa. Las Vegas currently sits in 12th place in the USL Western Conference standings having picked up just two wins in League play all season. In their most recent match this past weekend, they lost 2-0 to the USL defending regular season champions, Real Monarchs. Las Vegas will look to advance to Round 4 by traveling away to Whittier, Calif. in Round 3.
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This matchup pits one of the 2018 US Open Cup’s best Cinderella stories, Sporting AZ FC, up against USL expansion side, Fresno FC. The UPSL side from Arizona is one of just two remaining clubs to get in through the US Open Cup’s open division qualifying tournament last fall. Arizona is coming off of a thrilling penalty shootout upset win of local USL side, Phoenix Rising. They were led on that night by seven saves from goalkeeper Andrew Weber, who received strong consideration for TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. Sporting Arizona currently sits atop the UPSL Southwest Conference standings with a record of 4-1-1. In their most recent match this past weekend, they earned a draw against their own reserve side, Sporting Arizona II.Their opponents, Fresno FC, will make the trip down to Arizona following a weekend off in which they played a friendly. The Foxes won their inaugural Open Cup match with a 2-0 extra time victory over NPSL side Orange County FC last week. Fresno currently sits in 11th place in the USL Western Conference standings as they haven’t won in League play since a 2-1 victory back in March against Oklahoma City Energy. The Foxes can look to a good Open Cup run to get them back on track in the league.
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This rivalry match is a repeat of last year’s Third Round of the US Open Cup when Sacramento Republic toppled Reno by a score of 2-0 at home. However, this time the rematch will take place in Reno. The home side, Reno 1868, reached the Third Round of the Cup for a second consecutive year with a 7-3 thumping of the PDL’s Portland Timbers U-23s. Reno currently sits in 10th place of the USL Western Conference standings following a 1-1 draw this past weekend with the Oklahoma City Energy.Sacramento Republic will be looking to inflict some revenge on their rivals as just two weekends ago they held a 2-0 lead at home against Reno only to see it all melt away, losing in the end 3-2. The Republic currently sits in third place of the USL Western Conference standings coming off of a huge 3-1 road victory over Phoenix Rising. The Republic are looking to match their impressive Cup run from a year ago when they upset Real Salt Lake in the Fourth Round of the Open Cup at home. They began this year’s Cup with a 3-1 victory over San Francisco City FC of the PDL.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Switchbacks FC scores late PK to get past FC Denver

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The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their opening round game in the US Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. Photo: Isaiah Downing | Switchbacks FC
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their opening round game in the US Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. Photo: Isaiah Downing | Switchbacks FC

On a night that saw many United Soccer League (USL) teams fall to open division teams, it took everything the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had not to join the list. The Switchbacks welcomed FC Denver to Weidner Field, an amateur team that was coming off a First Round victory over Azteca FC, 4-2.

From the opening whistle, FC Denver looked to be the more aggressive side, jumping on miscues from the sluggish-looking home team, often to the delight of the large traveling contingent in the stands who made the 90-minute trip south to Colorado Springs. Their devotion was rewarded in the 38th minute when Fernando Magallanes headed in a goal for the visiting team. The half ended, with FC Denver leading 1-0.

The second half saw the Switchbacks make some adjustments, bringing in Saeed Robinson and Luke Vercollone. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when a Josh Suggs corner kick found Pascal Eboussi who deflected the ball into the net, bringing the game back into a tie, 1-1. Just three minutes later, Robinson set up Uriel Macias for his first professional goal, giving the Switchbacks a 2-1 lead over FC Denver.

FC Denver did not go down quietly, however, and kept the pressure on the home team. Their aggressive play led to a would-be tying goal on a howler of a mistake from the Switchbacks back line and goalkeeper Mouise Pouaty. FC Denver had a free kick from their own half of the field in the 70th minute. The ball was played in from the kick, and indecision between Pouaty and his defense led to the ball bounce untouched in the goal, seemingly tying up the contest. During the celebration, the referee and his side judge convened, and after several minutes of discussion waived off the goal. Because the goal was scored off of an offside restart, which is an indirect free kick, and did not touch any player before being scored, by rule, the goal was waived off, and Colorado Springs was awarded a goal kick.

FC Denver pressed on, and were rewarded with a penalty kick in the 77th minute off an apparent handball in the box. Cesar Castillo, who scored a hat trick in FC Denver’s opening round win over Azteca FC, stepped up and deftly converted the shot, and tied the game at 2-2.

The game seemed to be destined for extra time, as both teams continued to pressure for the decisive goal. In the 88th minute, Robinson used his speed to break down the FC Denver defense, and was clipped in the heel in the box, leading to a penalty kick. Longtime Switchbacks defender Jordan Burt stepped up and converted, giving the home team the 3-2 lead. Despite desperate pressure by FC Denver in injury time, the game ended with a spectacular diving save from Pouaty.

Switchbacks assistant coach Wolde Harris stepped into the head coach’s role for the game and handled the training, planning and game management.

“It’s Wolde’s game – he’s the man,” said head coach Steve Trittschuh. “It’s a part of taking my Pro License and it’s for Wolde’s development as a coach. Wolde will prepare the team and get them ready for Wednesday and it’s all him for this game and that’s great for him and for everybody.”

After the game, Harris commented, “We came out flat in the first half which we can’t do against a USL opponent. We fought back in the second half after we made two impactful substitutions. Saeed Robinson came on and got an assist and set up the game-winning penalty kick. Luke’s experience stabilized the team even after the second goal.”

The Switchbacks will advance to the Third round, and face fellow USL Western Conference side, San Antonio FC, who easily handled their second-round opponent, Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (NPSL), shutting them out 4-0.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Christian Okeke of NTX Rayados named TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Christian Okeke of NTX Rayados was named TheCup.us Player of the Round after scoring two goals against OKC Energy. Photo: NTX Rayados
Christian Okeke of NTX Rayados was named TheCup.us Player of the Round after scoring two goals against OKC Energy. Photo: NTX Rayados

NTX Rayados forward Christian Okeke’s second super sub performance in as many weeks earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for Round 2 of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Okeke earned, and then converted, the 90th minute penalty that forced extra time and then scored the go-ahead goal in extra time to help his side take down the United Soccer League’s (USL) OKC Energy at Richland College in Dallas, Texas.

The award is voted on by the staff at TheCup.us and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

It was a very wide open vote within 12 different players receiving consideration. Finishing second in the voting was Emery Welshman of FC Cincinnati who scored a hat trick in an extra time win over Detroit City FC (NPSL). Other top vote getters include Kyle Gurrieri of the Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL), Franck Tayou of FC Wichita (NPSL), and Andrew Weber of Sporting AZ FC (UPSL).

Rayados, an open division qualifier, have qualified for the US Open Cup for seven years running, but the win over OKC was their first-ever again a professional side. Just as Rayados are no strangers to the tournament, Okeke is no stranger to providing a spark off the bench when his team needs it most. He scored the extra time winner in Round 1 against Fort Worth Vaqueros after entering the game as a second half sub. He also came off the bench to score the game-winner in Rayados’ final qualifying match back in November when they came from behind to defeated CD Motagua New Orleans 2-1.

Rayados midfielder and co-founder Tito Salas, who does everything – including coaching – for the team, knew Okeke would get the job done.

NTX Rayados huddle up at their Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against OKC Energy FC. Photo: NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados huddle up at their Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against OKC Energy FC. Photo: NTX Rayados

“Just like Round 1, Okeke went in and changed the game completely. No difference in either game, the game plan was the same. We all knew he had to come in and win it for us.”, said Salas.

Okeke, who was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American as a high school junior in 2012, spent the first two years of his college career at Bradley University before returning closer to home in Wichita Falls. There, he joined up with Rayados teammates Alberto Rodriguez (who also scored twice against OKC), Christopher Escalera, and Jose Antonio Hernandez Hurtado at Midwestern State University. As a senior, he scored nine goals in 22 games and was voted a NSCAA Second Team All-American. Like many players on the Rayados roster, he played in college and now finds himself relishing the opportunity to continue playing at a competitive level. He says playing with his former college teammates just makes it all the more special.

“I’m extremely blessed to be playing in this competition with these types of players. It means a lot, especially, to play alongside people who I grew up playing with,” said Okeke.

Okeke and Rayados will look to continue their magical 2018 run in Round 3 when they FC Wichita on Wednesday night back at Richland College.

2018 Meet the Underdogs: NTX Rayados preps for record 7th straight US Open Cup run

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Las Vegas Lights win USOC debut, 4-2 over upset-minded FC Tucson

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The Las Vegas Lights and their llamas pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup match against FC Tucson. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights
The Las Vegas Lights and their llamas pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup match against FC Tucson. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights

Las Vegas Lights FC jumped ahead early and rallied in the second half to win their US Open Cup Second Round fixture against FC Tucson.

In front of a nearly sold-out crowd, Matt Thomas opened the action for Lights FC at UNLV’s Peter Johann Field. The speedy winger blazed up the left side before firing a low cross into the box. Sammy Ochoa attracted the defense and Carlos Alvarez buried the chance. Thomas and Zak Drake provided danger all night, running at defenders from their positions on the wing.

Not long after, Alvarez would again play a part in a Vegas goal. His corner kick was met by Marcelo Alatorre and the veteran defender’s header found the back of the net.

The PDL’s FC Tucson would not turn over despite the deficit. Jason Romero took advantage of a quick counter-attack opportunity and pulled a goal back for the visitors. Right before the break, Tucson would have a strike bounce off the post, nearly a brilliant equalizer.

The Las Vegas Lights celebrate a goal against FC Tucson in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights
The Las Vegas Lights celebrate a goal against FC Tucson in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights

They would find a tying goal after the halftime. This time, Romero set up Adrian Valenzuela for a score.

Unfortunately for the underdogs, the house would win. Sammy Ochoa headed home his first-ever goal for the Lights. FC Tucson nearly leveled things immediately, but Las Vegas’ goalkeeper Ricardo Ferrino stopped a breakaway chance. Ochoa added another goal, tapping the ball past the keeper at the far post.

In a rare play later on, Las Vegas’ goalkeeper Ricardo Ferrino took a free kick from just outside the penalty area. His curling effort struck the crossbar and he hustled all the way back to his goal before any damage was done.

The final scoreline was 4-2 in favor of the USL side. With the win, Lights FC join Reno 1868 FC (who won earlier that same evening) as the first Nevada-based clubs to win US Open Cup games in Modern Era. Last year, two Nevada teams (Anahuac FC, Reno 1868 FC) advanced via penalty kicks, which is officially listed as a draw. The Lights move on to take on PDL side FC Golden State Force next week in the US Open Cup Third Round.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: North Carolina FC blank Lansdowne Bhoys to remain perfect vs. amateurs

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Players from North Carolina FC and Lansdowne Bhoys FC battle for the ball in their 2018 US Open Cup match. Photo: Rob Kinnan, NCFC
Players from North Carolina FC and Lansdowne Bhoys FC battle for the ball in their 2018 US Open Cup match. Photo: Rob Kinnan, NCFC

In their relatively storied Open Cup history, North Carolina FC (nee the RailHawks) had never lost to an amateur team. That run continued as they routed Lansdowne Bhoys 3-0 on Wednesday night behind goals from Connor Tobin, Marios Lomis, and Bernhard Luxbacher.

The rout started early at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary as NCFC pushed forward right from the kickoff, earning themselves a corner kick in the first minute. Kyle Bekker’s ball glanced off the head of Austin da Luz and snuck through to Connor Tobin, who smashed home a rare goal for the centerback.

Lansdowne didn’t generate much work for NCFC goalkeeper Austin Guerrero in the first half–their best chance was a scuffed touch behind the backline. Lansdowne goalkeeper Abdoukarim Danso (brother of NCFC centerback Futty Danso) had to work to avoid a 2-0 deficit, on the other hand. He got fingertip to a Andre Fortune shot that hit the post in the 26th minute, fought off a near own goal in the 30th minute, and pushed another shot off the post in the 42nd.

In the 44th minute, however, the hosts broke through after a smart throw-in down the line played Fortune behind the Lansdowne line. Lomis easily powered his cross home to double the advantage before the halftime whistle.

Abdoukarim Danso’s heroics once again went unrewarded in the second half, as just a minute after an amazing one-on-one save on Lomis, Luxbacher put home the third. In the 74th minute, Kyle Bekker found Luxbacher with a looping ball behind the backline. One touch put Luxbacher behind Abdoukarim Danso and, having struggled with his shot all game, the Swiss midfielder decided to simply escort the ball into the net.

With the win, North Carolina FC improves to 7-0-0 all-time against amateur teams in this tournament. They advance to the Third Round where they will host the Ocean City Nor’easters of the PDL on Tuesday, May 22.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno FC score two OT goals to edge Orange County FC in debut

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Renato Bustamante of Fresno FC celebrates his goal against Orange County FC in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiel Maddox
Renato Bustamante of Fresno FC celebrates his goal against Orange County FC in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiel Maddox

Fresno FC fended off a pesky Orange County FC for a 2-0 (AET) victory in the Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Lamonica Stadium.

Terran Campbell opened the scoring for Fresno in the 95th minute. Campbell one-timed a Jose Cuevas pass outside the penalty area for a 1-0 lead.

“It felt amazing (to score the goal),” Campbell said. “It was the first start for me and I am really happy about it. The guys told me I was doing really well and to keep it up.”

Two minutes later, Orange County forward Tomas Canale nearly had the equalizer for the NPSL side, but his shot bounced off the crossbar and was quickly cleared away by Fresno defender Mickey Daly.

The Foxes had a chance to increase their lead in the 106th minute, but forward Renato Bustamante was stood up by goalkeeper Hugo Gomez.

Bustamante, however, would not be denied. In the 118th minute, he scored from six yards out on an assist by Campbell to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

Fresno were without head coach Adam Smith for the club’s inaugural Open Cup match. Smith is in Wales renewing his UEFA coaching license. In Smith’s place was assistant coach Robert Earnshaw. The Cardiff City legend said it was workout being on the touchline for his first ever Open Cup match.

“Tired,” Earnshaw said with a chuckle about how he felt post-match. “First of all congratulations to OC. I thought they were excellent and worked very, very hard. They train two days a week. They gave us a very good test and It was a difficult game. We had to be patient and find the opportunity.”

Orange County FC relied on the counter-attack in the match and often found themselves with the 3 on 2 advanage. Winger Daniel Crisostomo often flew past the Zorros midfield and attempted three shots.

Fresno FC had plenty of opportunities in the final third to take a lead in the first half. None better than Cuevas’ free kick, but Gomez made a fingertip save to deny the former Fuego midfielder.

With the 2-0 victory, Fresno advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup and travel to Sporting AZ FC in Chandler, AZ. Sporting AZ upset Phoenix Rising (USL), 5-4 in a penalty shootout thriller.

The match is slated for a 7 p.m. MST kickoff at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on May 23.

“You can’t take anyone for granted or lightly,” Campbell said. “We just got to go out there and play hard and we’ll come out with a victory.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: After early scare, Reno 1868 scores six second half goals to beat Portland Timbers U-23s

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USOC PDX-RNO FINALReno’s Greater Nevada Field saw two kinds of torrential downpours on May 16. The day started with one of the natural variety as clouds opened up and dumped a large amount of rain. After the match started, Reno 1868 FC rained down soccer balls on the Portland Under-23s net in a 7-3 victory in the Second Round of this year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Weather delayed the start of the match for 15 minutes. Once the match got started, both teams looked slow in the beginning, neither team able to dictate their will on the other. Things changed in the 30th minute when a Rey Ortiz free kick was deflected by Reno goalkeeper Kyle Ihn before Ryo Shimazaki finished it to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Ortiz continued his set piece mastery 10 minutes later when his corner kick found the head of Wouter Verstraaten, who doubled the Portland lead to 2-0.

First half stoppage time saw a key moment of the match. Reno’s Sam Gleadle put a cross into the box where Jerry Van Ewijk place a shot into a low corner to pull back a goal and cut the halftime deficit to 2-1.

Van Ewijk equalized with his second of the night just after the break to make the score 2-2. Portland would retake the lead briefly via an own goal from Dembakwi Yomba in the 58th minute. After that, however, it would be all Reno.

The home side kept finding space and exploited the Portland backline in the second half, allowing Reno to score seemingly at will. Danny Musovski picked up a brace, scoring in the 68th and 72nd minutes, while Van Ewijk completed his hat trick in the 81st. Lindo Mfeka (85’) and Christian Thierjung (90’) added late scores to complete the rout.

With the victory, Reno joins Las Vegas Lights FC (who won later on that evening) to become the first two Nevada-based clubs in the Modern Era (1995-present) to win a US Open Cup match. Reno, along with amateur side Anahuac FC, advanced last year via penalty kicks, but those are officially listed as draws.

Reno move on to the Third Round where they will host their rival, Sacramento Republic FC on May 23.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: San Antonio cruises past Midland-Odessa, 4-0

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USOC SA-MO FINALSan Antonio FC (USL) advanced to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for a third consecutive year with a 4-0 win over the Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (NPSL) on Wednesday night in Midland, Texas. This marks the second year, and first since 2015, that the Sockers advanced to the Open Cup Second Round in their history.

The visitors’ lineup included four players starting in their first match of the season, including hometown goalkeeper Matt Cardone. Cardone made five saves to keep a clean sheet.

San Antonio opened the scoring late in the first half when defender Darnell King headed home to beat the Sockers’ keeper. The Sockers were unable to clear the ball out of danger and the Florida native opened his account for SAFC. Midland-Odessa went into halftime down a goal, but were not out of the match.

“I thought before the game it’s always a challenge, especially on the road against the NPSL finalists from last year,” said SAFC head coach Darren Powell.

The middle of the second half featured some great saves by Cardone as the Sockers looked for an equalizer. However, San Antonio FC’s season goal leader, Mikey Lopez, doubled their tally in the 87th minute. Lopez scored off a free kick from the left side about 20 meters out, earning his third goal in the 2018 campaign.

Midland-Odessa kept pushing near the end for at least a consolation goal but a pair of stoppage-time goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Jamaican international Omar Gordon sealed the win for San Antonio. The Alamo City club will next face the Colorado Switchbacks FC (USL) back home at Toyota Field on May 23.

“All in all, we are excited to advance in this historic competition,” Powell said.

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