2019 US Open Cup

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Cal FC are kings of L.A. with win over Oxnard Guerreros

November 30, 2019 by Josh Hakala

Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

Cal FC, the team best known for their upset of the Portland Timbers back in 2012, is back in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after a 2-1 win over fellow Southern California UPSL side Oxnard Guerreros. Goals from William Raygoza and German Alfaro clinched Cal FC a spot in the 2020 US Open Cup, the club’s second straight trip to the tournament, and their fifth all-time (2012, 2014, 2015, 2019).

Cal FC made the trip about 20 miles west from Thousand Oaks, Calif. to Del Sol Stadium in Oxnard, Calif. The visitors wasted very little time getting on the scoreboard as they struck first within 90 seconds of the opening kickoff. Oxnard played the ball back to their goalkeeper who attempted to boot the ball up the field. Unfortunately for the Guerrerors, his clearance was hit hard and low where an Oxnard player was unable to bring the ball down and Cal FC’s Romario Lomelli was at the right place at the right time. The ball fell to him about 35 yards from goal and he immediately played a through ball into the box on the left side where William Raygoza ran onto it, hit it one-time with his left foot and beat the keeper. For Raygoza, a former Los Angeles Galaxy academy player, it was his sixth goal of the competition, which ranks second among all players in the qualifying tournament.

In first half stoppage time, Oxnard was putting pressure on the Cal FC goal, only to see a set piece off a corner kick miss the target. After the Cal FC goal kick, the ball found its way down the right wing to German Alfaro who was tripped up deep in Oxnard territory, near the sideline. Alfaro took a low-driving, in-swinging free kick with his left foot, avoided the three-man wall, and found its way into traffic in front of the goal. Art Aghasi led the charge toward the low-driving cross, but after reviewing the video, it’s unclear if Aghasi got a piece of it before it took a bounce and ended up into the side netting. The official scorer credited Alfaro with his second goal of the competition.

Cal FC players huddle up prior to their 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against Oxnard Guerreros. Photo: Victor Friedman | Cal FC

The home team was given some new life midway through the second half. In the 72nd minute, Oxnard launched a counter attack after a clearance of a Cal FC corner kick. With Cal defenders on their back heels, Raul Gonzalez of the Guerreros delivered a ball from the right wing to the opposite side of the box where Carlos Arriola snuck a header just inside the near post to cut the lead in half. But the Cal FC defense held strong for the remaining 20 minutes to advance to the tournament proper for the second year in a row.

“It’s always hard to get a win on the road,” said Cal FC owner and head coach Michael Friedman. “I’m always impressed how our players response to pressure. They kept their poise and remain focused on closing out the game. We only had 13 available players and we were able to manage the game with just 1 substitution.”

Cal FC punches their ticket after Saturday’s win, and earlier round wins over Quickening (9-2 in Round 1) and Alta California Sol (3-1 in Round 2).

#USOC2020 ESSENTIALS

Newtown Pride FC win first Amateur Cup, qualify for 2020 US Open Cup
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Schedule / Results
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In Weekend Game-By-Game Review
2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Goalscoring Leaders

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FULL GAME VIDEO (YouTube)
Cal FC Goal 1 >> 8:00
Cal FC Goal 2 >> 53:00
Oxnard Goal >> 1:34:10

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Former pros lead historic Olympic Club to first USOC berth

November 27, 2019 by Jim Coppock

In a game between two clubs without a loss in the qualifying stages, something had to give. On a damp and chilly night, at the second venue of the evening, the hosts Azteca FC could not ride their seven-game undefeated run any further as they were defeated by Northern California’s Olympic Club, 3-1.

Goals from a trio of former pros helped the Olympic Club, a social club in the Bay Area that dates back more than a century, secure a win to qualify for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

This contest, originally scheduled for the Aurora Public Schools Stadium in Aurora, Colo., would have a venue change less than an hour before kickoff due to non-functioning lights at the original stadium. The game was moved to nearby Ridgeview High School and remarkably, kickoff was only delayed by about 20 minutes.

The first half was mostly one-way traffic for the visiting Olympic Club. Former MLS and USL player Matt Fondy opened the Olympic account in the 5th minute, outpacing his defender on a ball over the top, and slotting it past Azteca goalkeeper Austin Harms. Matt would have several more good chances in the first half. The play would continue be physical the rest of the half. None more so than between Azteca’s Daniel Jimenez-Anaya and Olympic’s Austin Toth. After several sliding challenges by both players, the referee had finally seen enough, and booked the Azteca player in the 43rd minute. The Olympic Club would go into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.

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

The second half saw the home side start on the front foot, winning a penalty in the 48th minute, when an Azteca player was clipped and brought down from behind. Erik Chavez-Richart would go to his left to convert it. moments later.

With the scores now level, the game would find another gear. Both sides had ample chances up to the hour mark. A scramble in front of goal in the 63rd minute saw Fondy with another attempt at goal, gather his own rebound and slide it across to Bryan Burke who laced it into the net to return the lead back to the visitors.

Both sides would continue to trade chances until the 86th minute. Fondy, with another shot on frame, would see it deflected and fall to Javier Amaya-Hil for the third and final goal.

In an anti-climax to what was an otherwise tight game, a fracas began at the final whistle resulted in two red cards and two yellow cards. One of the red cards was shown to Azteca’s Daniel Jimenez-Amaya for abusive language. As that sending off was happening, the remainder of the players on the field came together in the goal mouth. From there, Erick Chavez-Richart was shown red for violent conduct; Azteca’s Jesus Munoz-Barraza and Olympic Club’s Austin Toth were both shown yellows for unsporting behavior.

With the victory, The Olympic Club advance to the US Open Cup in their first attempt, hoping to add some success in the men’s US Open Cup to go along with their two USASA Women’s Open Cup titles from 2015 and 2016.

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Miami United U-23s blow past Hurricane FC

November 27, 2019 by Lee Ifans

Miami United cruised into the 2020 US Open Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Delray Beach’s Hurricane FC in the final round of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

While, Miami United’s senior team that competes in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has qualified three times (2015, 2017, 2018), this is the first time the Under-23s team from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) has punched their ticket.

The tone for the evening was set early on when United broke the deadlock with the game’s first meaningful effort on goal. A great free kick looped in from deep in the Hurricane half by Juan Fuenmayor found Bautista Dominguez in the penalty area. Dominguez beat Hurricane keeper Bruno to the ball and powered a header into the net.

Hurricane could have equalized with a long range effort by Jeremy Garcia Villatoro that caught Soto in the Miami United goal off-guard. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, the crossbar came to his rescue.

After that, it was one way traffic and United piled on three more goals, all from quality crosses from the wing.

In the 24th minute, a giveaway by Hurricane FC deep in their own end saw Matias Solari send a cross from the right side to Darryl Gordon who was wide open at the far post for the easy tap in.

Almost 15 minutes later, they would add a third when William Stamatis sent in a cross from the left wing and Nico Miccoli was making a run to the far post. Miccoli just barely beat the keeper to the ball and headed it into the back of the net.

In first half stoppage time, it was the same formula for United with Carlos Rodriguez sending in a cross from the right wing and Stamatis running on it and sending a powerful header, in stride, into the back of the net, beating the helpless goalkeeper.

The difference between the two teams came down to the experience on the Miami United side. Captain Ezequiel Tejera gave a masterclass in midfield, effortlessly controlling the tempo of the game. Winning the ball when needed and moving the ball round wonderfully in possession. Although with a 4-0 win it might be easier to look at the attacking performances, but it was defender Juan Fuenmayor who turned in a man of the match performance. In addition to his assist for the first goal and helping his side to a clean sheet, the 40-year-old former captain of the Venezuelan National Team also cleared a Hurricane effort off the line toward the end of the first half.

The second 45 didn’t live up to the exciting first stanza. Hurricane were unable to create meaningful chances. They almost got one back through a goalmouth scramble but Elizor was unable to force the ball into the net. United went more defensive and were happy to manage the game to it’s conclusion. As the half wore on and Hurricane pressed forward, they were unable to solve Bruno for a fifth goal on the break. The Hurricane keeper denied United on a few key occasions. The game ended 4-0 with Miami United able to soak up the noisy support from the sidelines, led by local supporter’s group Vice City 1896, and bask in the glory of a return to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“Qualifying for the US Open Cup with our UPSL team is an amazing accomplishment for our club,” said Miami United FC club manager Crispino Meola. “We are trying to grow our youngest players and want to bring these players to the next level. We mixed them up with more experienced players so they can grow at a faster pace. Next NPSL season will see these young players have a more important role in our first team. They will have to slowly take over and become as successful as the older players. Miami United wants to promote our local players development even more, so our doors are open to young talented players for the upcoming season.”

It is unclear if the Miami United FC (NPSL) senior team will join their Under-23 team in the 107th edition of the US Open Cup next Spring. Based on TheCup.us projections, they are likely on the outside looking in, sitting at No. 22 on the list. This could change once the 2020 US Open Cup format is announced and the number of NPSL teams that are leaving the league is finalized (or if any teams decline to enter).

The format for the 2020 tournament is expected to be announced in January.

Portions of this report came from MagicCity.Soccer (with permission)

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Sesay’s hat trick clinches NTX Rayados 9th straight berth

November 27, 2019 by Adam Uthe

Mohamed “James” Sesay’s hat trick was the difference as NTX Rayados defeated Celtic Cowboys Premier to qualify for their ninth consecutive Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; a Modern Era (1995-Present) record for an Open Division Local side.

Having scored six goals coming into Saturday night’s showdown, Sesay’s total number of goals scored in qualifying stands at nine, the top goalscoring total of this year’s Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

You’d be hard pressed to find two amateur sides in Texas more worthy of an Open Cup appearance. NTX Rayados’ history of qualifying for the Open Cup is well-documented by now, but this wasn’t the first time these two sides have met. Celtic’s first-ever game in an Open Cup qualifying tournament was at Premier Park in 2016 with NTX gave them a rude welcome to the competition, thumping them 7-0 in front of their home fans. The two met the following year in Austin, but it was the same result: Rayados cruised to a 4-1 win. Both of those games were decidedly less competitive than Saturday’s game at Premier Park, located in the Dallas suburb of Balch Springs.

Mohamed "James" Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: NTX Rayados — Mohamed “James” Sesay (left) and player/coach Tito Salas of NTX Rayados do a celebration dance after Sesay scored his third goal against Celtic Cowboys Premier in a 2020 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou | NTX Rayados

Both teams were high on confidence, each having won their Round 2 qualifying game comfortably, but it was NTX Rayados who came out and controlled the game in the first 15 minutes. Right from the start, Sesay ran over, around, and through Celtic’s backline but struggled to test Celtic goalkeeper Muhammed Sule early and the visitors struggled to counter effectively.

But as the first half wore on, Celtic’s target forward Christopher Wright began to slip in behind Rayados’ defense as well and eventually the chances evened out for both sides. Perhaps in an effort to stay warm, both goalkeepers made questionable decisions to come out of their respective boxes at different points, but neither was ultimately punished and halftime came with no goals tallied.

It didn’t take long for things to heat up in the second half. Five minutes out of the break, Rayados had already earned two corners, and the second coming after Sesay hit the crossbar from point blank range. Celtic absorbed the pressure well and moments later looked to have earned a chance in on goal, but the whistle for a foul went against Wright.

It would prove costly as Sesay was through on goal just minutes later and opened the scoring to put the home side up 1-0 in the 55th minute.

Celtic created a couple chances in response but nothing dangerous and Sesay made them pay in the 69th minute with his second; a scintillating run through multiple defenders before splitting Sule’s legs.

Eight minutes later, he got a fortuitous bounce on the edge of the box and made the most of it on the volley to complete his hat trick.

Sesay – whose teammates have taken to calling him “Eto’o”, after retired Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o – has featured for Rayados in previous campaigns, but never as such a focal point of the offense. Still, he’s earned the comparison to the former Barcelona forward and his comfort with the role he’s been asked to play comes through clear on the night.

“I’m happy because this is a normal thing for me: scoring goals.”, said Sesay, who was grinning from ear to ear after the game.

But the success in qualification hasn’t gone to his head and he was quick to heap praise on his team, especially their mental fortitude coming out of halftime at a stalemate despite having created plenty of chances.

Sesay may be having a moment, but his team captain (and player-coach) Tito Salas, was unusually even keeled after the match. Perhaps that’s because Salas has been more or less in charge of NTX Rayados during the entirety of their current nine year run.

“This is really what we were shooting for: being back in the actual Cup.”, Salas said afterwards.

Rayados also won their league title a week ago on the same field and Salas – speaking like a veteran of qualifying for the tournament – says the main thing he told his players was to go home and enjoy the holidays and come prepared for the tournament in the spring. For him – and the club – that’s what counts more than anything.

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Louisiana Krewe edge Livonia City with single PK

November 26, 2019 by David Hebestreit

In a “Win & You’re In” match for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in Lafayette, La., Louisiana Krewe FC topped visitors Livonia City FC, 1-0, to qualify for the tournament for the first time. A 68th minute penalty kick, converted by Matheus Fulini Barrozo, proved enough to propel Krewe FC into the Open Cup proper this spring.

With the win, the Krewe become just the second Open Division Local team from the state of Louisiana to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present).

The home team had a small but energetic fanbase, along with team mascot Pele the Pelican, at St. Thomas More Catholic High School and opened the game with a solid nine minutes of possession and pressure, forcing City FC to sit in and defend. City FC soon found their legs, though, and calmed down and got their first clear chance in the 9th minute. After finishing a sharp move, Ardit Dushkaj found the back corner of the net from a tight angle in the penalty area, but the play was deemed offside.

Louisiana Krewe pose for a team photo before their 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against Livonia City FC. Photo: David Hebestreit | Detroit Soccer Central

Over the next 25 minutes the teams traded blows, each having some half-chances, but neither squad finding a method for unlocking the opponent’s defense. Krewe FC’s Henrique Pimpao, who entered the game with a team-leading five goals, and Ricardo Caliman were particularly effective in combining and posing problems for the City backline throughout the final two-thirds of the match. City FC center back Vince Bruno battled resolutely all night long, thwarting the two strikers’ efforts. And City goalkeeper Adam Moustafa made several key stops on driven crosses or attempts at goal, either parrying or punching them clear of danger.

In first half stoppage time, Matheus Fulini Barrozo smashed a direct free kick from about 32 yards out that rang solidly off the far post, a drive that no keeper would have gotten to, the post preserving the first half draw for City FC and further frustrating Krewe FC.

In the second half, Barrozo had several other free kick opportunities that were saved or went just wide or high. City FC’s Ardit Dushkaj, who was a known quantity before the match, was unable to get off the mark in the run of play as he had in the first two qualifying rounds, but grazed the crossbar on a direct free kick in the 57th minute. Dushkaj did not receive the space or service that he had enjoyed in the previous two outings with City FC.

Krewe FC head coach Joan Oliva, a former FC Barcelona Academy coach, said before the match that, “ are very similar in the way we play, and we know about their striker, and will do what we need to keep him quiet.” Krewe FC were mindful of Dushkaj all night long, denying him the space and time on the ball he needed to be effective.

Most of the second half went to Krewe FC, who made a change in their system that allowed more attacking numbers to get forward and caused even more problems for City FC defenders. The game went back and forth for the first 15 minutes of the half, then Louisiana started to take control and string together chances, as Dril Moussoki Mboungou and Matheus Fulini Barrozo controlled tempo and created chances in the midfield and top third. At the same time, the increased numbers forward for Krewe left them susceptible to counter attacks, which Livonia found success with despite rarely challenging the keeper.

It was the 68th minute penalty that was the ultimate difference in the evenly-contested match between the two young programs. The foul, occurring along the top of the penalty area, and with the attacking player facing away from the goal, was a downer for City, because they had traveled nearly 1,200 miles for the single match (they were defeated on PKs in this same round last year).

Livonia City FC club president Craig Beebe commented after the match that “We didn’t take our chances and we will have to live with that until next year. This is going to be motivation for us that will drive the club to new heights next year.”

Both squads are enjoying success in their infancies as clubs with City competing in their fourth year, and Krewe FC in their first. However, it’s Krewe that punched its ticket to the US Open Cup proper in the spring of 2020.

“Livonia was a good team, they did a really good things on defense, but I think our adjustments at the half, playing with three up top and how our players took the initiative and were brave, was crucial and produced more chances on goal,” said Oliva. “I am happy for the Krewe players and staff, the volunteers, and this community. We are enjoying our journey!”

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2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Nashville United flattens Soda City in the rain

November 25, 2019 by Wade Brazell

2020 US Open Cup qualifying nashville united — Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

On a rainy night in the capital city of Columbia, S.C., Nashville United came into town and stunned hosts, Soda City FC Sorinex, by a score of 4-0 to become the first Tennessee-based Open Division Local team to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present).

Nashville was led by former professional Georgi Hristov and Logan Paynter who each scored two goals, one in each half.

With the win, Nashville qualifies for the 2020 US Open Cup in just their second attempt. The tournament is scheduled to begin in the spring. The format and draw for the 107th edition of the tournament will be held in the coming months.

From the opening whistle, Nashville United was on the front foot and opened the scoring in the 5th minute when Danny Dunleavy sent in a long cross to the foot of Hristov, who recently finished his pro career as the all-time leading goalscorer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship). The Bulgarian then slotted it past the Soda City keeper to make it 1-0.

Players from Nashville United pose for a team photo before their 2020 US Open Cup qualifier against Soda City FC Sorinex. Photo: Nashville United

After a little bit of back-and-forth, Nashville found the goal again from the foot of Paynter. Lipscomb University’s all-time leading goalscorer nailed a strike into the back of the net to make it 2-0 in the 15th minute.

Soda City wouldn’t get their first quality chance until the 29th minute when Seth Hansen sent a nice through ball to Davis Bryan who sent the ball just wide of the goal.

In the 36^th minute, Soda City had a case for a penalty kick after the Nashville goalkeeper came off of his line to challenge Bryan as he fell down hard around the six-yard box trying to get a shot off. That proved to be an emotional spark that Soda City needed and continued their pressure on the Nashville goal.

However, they got too emotional as Paul Grandacarpio and Nestor Jaramillo were both booked for rough challenges in the 38th and 42nd minutes, respectively.

Once the second half started, Soda City kept up the pressure from the first half as Dean Smith had a great shot on goal in the opening moments, but it was saved.

In the 51st minute, United’s Paynter whipped in a lobbed ball that found the head of Hristov who put it just high of the net. Nashville would continue their press with pretty combination play as Paynter doinked one off the post in the 63rd minute but would get another chance a minute later to redeem himself. On the second chance, he did not disappoint.

Paynter’s shot found the back of the net to put his side up 3-0 on the road. Just as the game was drawing to a close and the pitch continued to get bogged down with rain, Hristov found the net yet again in the 88th minute to extend the Nashville lead to 4-0 and put Soda City out of their misery and out of the tournament for the second straight year in Round 3.

As previously mentioned, Nashville became the first Open Division Local team from the Volunteer State to qualify, but three other Open Division National teams have qualified. The now-defunct Memphis Express from the Premier Development League (now USL League Two) were the first to participate in 2002, followed by Chattanooga FC (NPSL) who qualified six times (2011, 2013-17) and most recently, Inter Nashville FC (NPSL) in 2018.

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Darwin Quintero of Minnesota United FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament for 2019 US Open Cup

September 21, 2019 by Josh Hakala

Darwin Quintero - Minnesota United - US Open Cup Player of the Tournament Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86 — Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86

For the first time in more than a decade, TheCup.us has awarded a player who did not win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup the Player of the Tournament award. The competition’s top goalscorer, Minnesota United midfielder Darwin Quintero, has been voted the 2019 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and members of TheCup.us’s Patreon team that pledge $10 or more.

Quintero was the run-away winner for the award, besting Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson, Atlanta United winger Justin Meram, and Saint Louis FC defender Sam Fink, who was named TheCup.us Lower Divison Player of the Tournament.

Quintero tied the Modern Era’s (1995-present) single-tournament record with six goals and dished out one assist to lead his Minnesota United side to the US Open Cup Final for the first time. It was the first time that a team from Minnesota had reached the championship game in the 107-year history of the tournament, but they would fall short in the title game, falling 2-1 to Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Sorry for ruining your b-day, @DylanWolpers…

Full #HOUvMIN Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RDnAYNAThl

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 19, 2019

He becomes the second consecutive player from Colombia to win the award (Houston Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas) and the third Colombian overall (Seattle Sounders forward Fredy Montero in 2011). Quintero joins Manotas as one of 10 players in the Modern Era to score six goals in one tournament.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Quintero scored his first two goals against Sporting Kansas City on June 12, with an easy tap-in goal created off a leaping run in to the box from Angelo Rodriguez in the 55th minute. Just 12 minutes later, Rodriguez once again found Quintero, who rounded the goalkeeper, took a couple of touches, and easily put the ball in the back of the net, capping the Loons’ 4-1 victory.

The Rodriguez-Quintero partnership once again came alive in their next match, on the road against the defending US Open Cup champion Houston Dynamo. Down 2-0 in the 66th minute, Rodriguez played the ball through the box to Quintero, who tapped the ball home past the outstretched arms of Dynamo goalkeeper Michael Nelson for his third goal of the tournament. In the 82nd minute, Quintero netted his fourth on a 30-yard blast past Nelson that curled inside the near post, leveling the match at 2-2. A 90th minute game-winning goal by Mason Toye completed the unlikely comeback to send Minnesota to the Round of Eight.

Quintero netted his fifth goal of the tournament early in their Quarterfinal matchup against New Mexico FC (USL-C). With the match tied 1-1 in the 16th minute, Quintero pounced on a shop by Rodriguez that was spilled by New Mexico goalkeeper Cody Mizell, sending it home from the six-yard box to give Minnesota the lead for good in their eventual 6-1 victory.

His final goal of the tournament was perhaps his easiest. In the Semifinals against the Portland Timbers, Quintero sent a ball in the box off a free kick that hit the arm of Timbers defender Claude Dielna, earning the Loons a penalty kick. With Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark guessing the wrong way, Quintero easily netted his record-tying sixth goal, as Minnesota went on to defeat Portland 2-1 and earn their spot in the Final.

In a shocking decision, Quintero was left out of the Starting XI by Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath for the championship game in Atlanta, but eventually made an appearance in the 75th minute.

After the match, Quintero told reporters after the match, “I was very surprised, I was upset, I was frustrated, especially being the lead goal scorer in the tournament, I wanted to be there… (Heath) is the one who makes the final decision. But when someone tells you one thing and does another without telling you about it in person, it hurts.”

Darwin Quintero of Minnesota United FC dribbles against the Portland Timbers in the Semifinals of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United FC

“We can’t all get caught up in individuals here, guys,” Heath told reporters in the same report. “We are trying to move the club forward as a group, and as I’ve said before, I don’t make decisions purely and simply for individuals. I make them for the good of the club and trying to win and trying to move the club forward. Sometimes when that happens, you have to make decisions that are not popular. I understand that, but that will never change.”

Quintero joins Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander who helped the USL side reach the Semifinals in 2008 as the only two players since 2006 to win the award without lifting the trophy.

Past winners of TheCup.us Player of the Tournament
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2017: Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)
2016: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)
2015: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting Kansas City)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders FC)
2013: Dwayne De Rosario (DC United)
2012: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders FC)
2011: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC)
2010: Nate Jaqua (Seattle Sounders FC)
2009: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)
2008: Chris Eylander (Seattle Sounders, USL)
2007: Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
2006: Andy Herron (Chicago Fire)

Modern Era (1995-present) Single-Tournament Goalscoring record

SIX GOALS
2019: Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United FC)
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders FC)
2011: David Bulow (Richmond Kickers)
2005: Herculez Gomez (LA Galaxy)
2005: Melvin Tarley (Minnesota Thunder)
2000: Josh Wolff (Chicago Fire)
2000: Welton (Miami Fusion)
1999: Mugurel Dimitru (San Diego Flash)
1997: Marquis White (San Francisco Bay Seals)

Who should win 2019 TheCup.us Overall Player of the Tournament?

September 17, 2019 by Michael Battista

With less than a week until qualification begins for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, it’s difficult to look back at the 2019 tournament and pick out only one individual to be named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. The eight rounds of competition were filled with studded offenses and sensational defensive efforts with some teams coming practically inches away from altering their history.

The 2019 tournament saw two lower division sides reach the Quarterfinals while the rest of that field consisted of Major League Soccer teams which had never won the Lamar Hunt Trophy. As such, the field is dominated by MLS players for this vote.

Since 2006, TheCup.us has presented the award yearly for the most outstanding player of the most recent edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For this year, voting is being conducted by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and patrons who’ve pledged $10 or more to the TheCup.us on Patreon.

While voting isn’t open to the general public we encourage our readers to make their voice heard on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

Here are the finalists for the 2019 TheCup.us Overall Player of the Tournament (in alphabetical order):

Steve Clark (Portland Timbers of MLS – Division I)

With two shutout wins and seven saves in a Cascadia Cup clash win, Steve Clark’s 360+ minutes between the posts for the Portland Timbers are a big reason why 2019’s perennial road team advanced so far in the tournament. After making those seven stops to help the Timbers eliminate their rivals from Seattle in the opening round, Clark earned two clean sheets in back-to-back games. And he did it against two top offensive teams. In the Round of 16, Portland knocked off the LA Galaxy 4-0 before traveling to Southern California where they shut out the best offense in MLS with a 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Quarterfinals. His work allowed the Timbers to not trail a game in the tournament until a 2-1 road loss in the Semifinals where Clark was beaten by a Darwin Quintero penalty kick early in the match and gave up a second half game-winning counter attack goal by Mason Toye

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., made 7 saves in a 2-1 road win at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 mins., made 4 saves in a 4-0 home win vs. LA Galaxy (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 1 save in a 1-0 road win at LAFC (MLS)
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 4 saves in a 2-1 road loss at Minnesota United (NOTE: one goal was a PK)

Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC of USL Championship – Division II)

The winner of the 2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament award is a St. Louis native who propelled his club through the tournament with stellar defense and a hard head. In Saint Louis FC’s best tournament performance to date, the side only allowed three goals in their four wins, two of which were penalty kicks, en route to the Quarterfinals. Fink, who played every minute of the tournament, etched his name into his hometown club’s history books during the Fifth Round (Round of 16) when he headed in a stoppage time corner kick from Lewis Hilton into the net of MLS side FC Cincinnati for the 1-0 win. The goal earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us.

Round 2: Started, played 120 minutes in a 1-1 draw (3-1 PK win) at Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-1 home win vs. Forward Madison (USL League One)
Round 4: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-1 home win vs. Chicago Fire (MLS) – NOTE: Only goal allowed was a PK
Round 5: Started, played 90 minutes, scored a late game-winning goal in a 1-0 home win vs. FC Cincinnati (MLS). Was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 minutes in a 2-0 road loss at Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club's fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC — Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club’s fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Adam Grinwis (Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

The US Open Cup can produce moments that will last a lifetime in the annals of history and for Adam Grinwis that came in the Quarterfinals against New York City FC. The Michigan native was Orlando City’s starting goalkeeper during its tournament run, a job that has belonged to City’s Brian Rowe during the regular season, allowing him to earn a road win against Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) and an extra time victory over the New England Revolution. In the Elite Eight, Grinwis made three saves but allowed in a stoppage time sliding shot by Maxi Moralez to force overtime. After withstanding a NYCFC push in the extra frame, and with “The Wall” supporting him from behind (albeit out of breath from running to the other side of the stadium for the shootout), the 27-year-old saved both the opening and sixth round shots in the penalty kick shootout to punch the Lions into the Semifinals for the first time in their history. Grinwis was named TheCup.us Player of the Round for that performance before falling to eventual champions Atlanta United FC, 2-0.

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., made 3 saves in a 3-1 road win at Memphia 901 FC (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, played 120 mins., made 2 saves in a 2-1 OT home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 120 mins., made 3 saves in a 1-1 draw (5-4 PK win, 2 saves in shootout) at home vs. NYCFC (MLS). Was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., made 5 saves in a 2-0 home loss vs. Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Justin Meram (Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

Justin Meram was an essential set-up and control man for Atlanta United during it’s championship run in the 2019 US Open Cup. In Round 4, only a month after being traded to the defending MLS Cup champions from the Columbus Crew, Meram came off the bench in the second half to lead his new team to a 3-1 extra time win against the Charleston Battery (USL-C). When the game was forced into overtime, the Michigan-born Iraqi National Team player set up Brandon Vazquez for both the game-winner and a stoppage time goal to put the game away. Meram would start the rest of the games in the tournament once again made an impact when his fantastic cross from the left side of the box was slammed into the top of the net by Pity Martinez for what would prove to be the winning goal in the 107th US Open Cup Final.

Round 4: came off the bench in the 59th min., had 2 assists (game-winner in 110th min.) in 3-1 OT home win vs. Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, played 68 mins. in a 3-2 road win at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 84 mins., in a 2-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started played 66 mins., in a 2-0 road win at Orlando City SC (MLS)
Final: Started, played 90 mins., assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-1 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

With six goals through his team’s first four games, Darwin Quintero tied the tournament record for the most goals scored by a single player in the Modern Era (1995-present). The former Columbian National team player started 2019 with two goals and one assist in a 4-1 home win against the 2017 Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City. Quintero would score two more goals in the next round in one of the biggest comebacks of the 2019 tournament. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Quintero sparked the comeback with a goal in the 66th minute and the equalizer in the 82nd minute before Mason Toye’s game-winner in the 90th minute. Quintero added the game-winning goal in a 6-1 home rout against USL Championship side New Mexico United as his team took control in the first half. In the Semifinals, his record-tying sixth goal came from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute in a 2-1 home win against the Portland Timbers. In a controversial decision, Quintero did not start the championship game, coming off the bench in the 75th minute in a 2-1 road loss to Atlanta United FC.

Round 4: Started, played 90 mins., had 2 goals and 1 assist in a 4-1 home win vs. Sporting KC (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 mins., had 2 goals in a 3-2 road win at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 73 mins., 1 game-winning goal in a 6-1 home win vs. New Mexico United FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started, played 72 mins., 1 goal (PK) in a 2-1 home win vs. Portland Timbers (MLS)
Final: Came off the bench in 75th min. in 2-1 road loss at Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer – Division I)

Robinson, who has recently broken in with the U.S. National Team, had a strong tournament from start to finish, helping Atlanta United not only win the club’s first US Open Cup title, but also becoming the first team from Georgia to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 107-year history. The defender who played his college ball at Syracuse played every minute of Atlanta’s five wins. Robinson also contributed on the offensive end, assisting on a 79th minute equalizer in a 3-1 extra time win over the Charleston Battery (USL-C). In the Round of 16, he scored a goal of his own in a 3-2 road win over the Columbus Crew (one of those goals scored by the Crew was an own goal). Robinson led a defensive unit that had back-to-back shutouts in the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals. A 2-0 home win over Saint Louis FC (USL-C) put United into the final four where they traveled south to Florida, earning a 2-0 win over Orlando City SC (MLS) to punch Atlanta’s ticket to the Final. In the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he put together a man of the match-level performance as Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United FC, 2-1.

Round 4: Started, played 120 mins., assisted on equalizer in 79th min. in 3-1 OT home win vs. Charleston Battery (USL-C)
Round 5: Started, 90 mins., 1 goal in a 3-2 road win at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-0 home win vs. Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
Semifinals: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-0 road win at Orlando City SC (MLS)
Final: Started, played 90 mins., in a 2-1 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for 2019 US Open Cup

September 11, 2019 by Matthew Bird

Sam Fink Saint Louis FC - Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86 — Graphic by Daniel Crooke | Twitter @crooke86

There are many names synonymous with St Louis and their accolades in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup throughout history.

Local soccer stalwarts love to talk up the past. The fans however want to celebrate the present and while most will point to the Josh Sargent’s and Tim Ream’s of the world, Saint Louis FC fans hold one name higher than all others: Sam Fink.

Family man and humble off the field, Sam is a hometown warrior. A true blue collar player for the blue collar city he represents.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

After leading Saint Louis FC to the club’s first US Open Cup Quarterfinal appearance, the hometown defender was narrowly voted the 2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament. It was a very tight vote as conducted by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and members of TheCup.us’s Patreon team that pledge $10 or more.

Fink edged New Mexico United forward Kevaughn Frater by a single point (3 points for a first place vote, 1 point for a second place vote). Valentin Sabella of the Florida Soccer Soldiers finished just a few points behind in third place and Frater’s teammate Devon Sandoval just a point behind him. (Check out the rest of the nominees HERE)

“I’m honored to have won this award and grateful to everyone that contributed to it,” said Fink, who becomes the first defender to win the award since it was first given out in 2012. “This tournament experience was one that I’ll never forget and adding to that experience after the fact is really special.”

The 2019 US Open Cup run started ominously for Fink. A Second Round match-up against the ever-dangerous Des Moines Menace (USL League Two, Open Division National) saw the game finish 1-1 after extra time. It was Fink who conceded the equalizing penalty kick which allowed the Menace back into the tie after an early Kyle Grieg goal. Saint Louis FC eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout as 18-year-old academy goalkeeper Patrick Schulte kept just three Menace shots at bay.

“Although I’ve never actually experienced it myself, I feel like the Des Moines away has to be the open cup version of ‘can you do it on a cold rainy night at Stoke?’,” said Fink. “The field was not good, the stands were full of rowdy Iowans, the officials were having an off day, and Des Moines did everything in their power to make sure they took us to . Football is a crazy game and I’m glad we got out of there successfully.”

In the Third Round, one of the current darlings of lower division soccer in the United States, Forward Madison (USL League One, Division III) came to St Louis and hit a roadblock in their quest to eliminate a second straight USL Championship side in the competition. The underdogs were up for the challenge, despite going down by two goals early, they attacked with venom and halved the lead before halftime. Fink and his centerback partner Phanuel Kavita had to ride out a tenacious free-flowing counter attack that took Saint Louis FC to the wire. In the 72nd minute, Russel Cicerone scored for Saint Louis to regain the two-goal advantage as the match would end with a 3-1 scoreline that somewhat flattered the home side.

“Having played Madison in the preseason we knew they had some quality,” said Fink. “ Anthony made it very clear that if we thought it was going to be a walk about we were going to get embarrassed at home on our own pitch. We scored two quite early and controlled the game exactly how we had planned. As is always the case though the underdog never gives in and they quickly ceased the momentum with a goal until we snatched it back for good with a third goal. They were a quality side and a good test for us, but I thought we very much deserved to move on. ”

With mission accomplished against Madison it was on to the Fourth Round where Saint Louis earned a rematch of a 2017 meeting with the Chicago Fire of MLS.

Due to weeks of rain and some flooding around the field, which had already scuppered two USL contests, the game was moved at the last minute to Hunter Stadium and Lindenwood University in St. Charles County, approximately 25 miles northwest of Soccer Park and it felt very much like an away game for both sides.

“The venue change against Chicago was unexpected and unwanted, but after we got comfortable with the idea we actually felt like it could be an advantage,” said Fink. “Do you think guys that have played in World Cups want to be playing on a turf field with every sport line ever on it? Me neither. The stadium was situated like a bowl that kept all the noise in and it ended up being a really cool atmosphere. We had no fear playing Chicago.”

Chicago came out and immediately stamped their authority in the game dominating for the first 20 minutes. Fink, had to grow into the game, just like he had grown into the team in 2014. The Saint Louis captain used his calming presence to keep the Fire attack at bay as Austin Martz and Guy Abend scored two first half goals which were enough to send the St Louligans home in raptures. With a 2-1 win, this was the club’s first upset of an MLS team after two previous narrow 1-0 losses (2015 Round 4 at Sporting KC, 2017 Round 4 at Chicago Fire). Their second scalp was just a short week away.

After a victory against Louisville in their previous round, the Open Cup gave a struggling FC Cincinnati (MLS) a welcome respite from league play and a chance to follow on from their own Open Cup heroics (as a USL team) of previous campaigns.

They hit a brick wall as this was the game that made Sam Fink a folklore hero among St. Louis soccer fans.

Fans will remember his performance, but also that of the entire team as they played their most complete 90 minutes of the season when it mattered most in a 1-0 home win.

Fink has been a constant presence for Saint Louis when it needed a big moment in USL play. In this game, he scored one of those big goals in US Open Cup play. His back post thumping header from a Lewis Hilton corner kick three minutes into second half stoppage time eclipsed everything as the goal broke the scoreless tie and catapulted the USL side into the Quarterfinals for the first time in club history.

“When I replay that goal in my mind it’s like it was all in slo-mo. I just had this feeling going into the box that this was going to be it – I even told Kadeem as I was running in that I was ending it on that corner. Lewis put a perfect service into the box as he does, and the second it came off my head I knew it was goal bound. The only word I have to describe the moments after is euphoria. Celebrating with fans that mean a lot to me and teammates that deserved every second of that win was special. My favorite part of it all isn’t really the goal, it’s looking thru photos and seeing the looks on the faces of all my teammates, whether they played or not. Complete joy on every single guys face. They aren’t too many things that can unite a group of people all at once like sports can.”

According to Fink, it was the home crowd of more than 4,000 fans that pushed them over the finish line.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates with the fans after defeating FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the Fifth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

“We are really, really good at home,” said Fink. “And with the struggles that Cincinnati has gone through this year, we once again felt like there was a real chance for us to move on. Soccer Park was rocking as always and we put together a fantastic 90 minute display. You could absolutely feel the support from all over the country and especially in our city and I think that gave us the momentum from the jump.

His performance in the win over FC Cincinnati made him the first Saint Louis FC player to earn TheCup.us Player of the Round award in club history.

“When you play guys in leagues above you, you often go in with a chip on your shoulder and a point to prove,” Fink added. “That’s especially true when it’s the team that cut you – like a few of our guys. It was going to take a lot to beat us that night and even if they had the quality, I’m not sure they could match our passion and our work rate to win that game.”

The cup run would end as the quarterfinal game against the reigning MLS Cup champions (and eventual US Open Cup winners) Atlanta United FC on the road proved to be a bridge too far for a team that had been playing two games per week on a consistent basis for the last month. The combination of making up postponed league games and the extra Open Cup games made the journey difficult. Whilst Lewis Hilton hit a post early on which would have given Atlanta some jitters, Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez netted to ease the pressure for Atlanta before Josef Martinez added in the last minute from the spot to round off the 2019 US Open Cup journey for STLFC and Sam Fink.

“The experience playing Atlanta away was two-fold,” explained Fink. “On one hand, it was incredibly special to play a group of world class players that were the best in MLS a season ago. But on the other, we had come that far already beating two MLS teams, so why not three? Looking back, I think we deserved more than a 2-0 result. The second was just a garbage time that came about because we sent everyone forward and the first came off a poor turnover on top of our 18.”

Despite giving up the two goals in Atlanta, Fink’s defensive record in the competition this year was a big part of winning the award.

Sam Fink of Saint Louis FC celebrates his goal against FC Cincinnati in a Round of 16 match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Saint Louis FC

Take away the penalty kick goals scored by the Des Moines Menace in Round 2 and the Chicago Fire in Round 4. The Saint Louis defense only allowed one goal in their first four matches with teenager Patrick Schulte in between the sticks for the Menace game and regular starter Tomas Gomez getting the nod in the remaining four matches.

Fink makes history with this award as the first defender to win either of the TheCup.us Player of the Tournament awards (overall or lower division), which is an interesting fact considering his origin story.

“I originally was a striker” said Fink, who has scored a career-high six goals this season in league play, boosted by his new role as designated penalty kick taker.

Saint Louis FC fans came out to support their team against FC Cincinnati in the Round of 16 match of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Will Bramlett

With Fink’s award-winning performance on the back-line, he helped his club become the first team from Saint Louis to reach the Quarterfinals since 1993 (Scott Gallagher).

“The Open Cup run was a remarkable accomplishment for the club,” said Saint Louis FC general manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “Since we began in 2015, we have not hidden from the fact that the Open Cup has a history in St. Louis. As a club, we have to embrace that history as it deserves our respect. Tradition is one of our Club Core Values and part of that is working to establish new traditions. I think the way we handled the competition this year helped to establish the Club in the history of the Open Cup in Saint Louis.”

“Sam is an outstanding captain,” Alumbaugh added. “The club is in his DNA as a player and person. He understands how to lead the locker room and the authentic soccer culture that we have created in this community.”

Past winners of TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament

2012: Danny Barrera (Cal FC – USASA)
2013: Ty Shipalane (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)
2014: Scott Goodwin (Carolina RailHawks – NASL)
2015: Michael Salazar (PSA Elite – USASA)
2016: Diego Restrepo (Fort Lauderdale Strikers – NASL)
2017: Mitch Hildebrandt (FC Cincinnati – USL)
2018: Allisson Faramilio (FC Golden State – PDL)

Who should win TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for 2019 US Open Cup?

September 4, 2019 by Michael Battista

2019 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament nominees (from left to right): Kevaughn Frater (New Mexico United), Devon Sandoval (New Mexico United), Blake Frischkecht (Orange County FC), Valentin Sabella (Florida Soccer Soldiers), Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC)

At its core the US Open Cup is a grueling test for any soccer team that takes part. This is true for all competitors but especially so for the lower league sides that start in the early rounds, possibly even qualification, and have to play at least two games before they even have a chance to face a Major League Soccer team.

While the big boys are usually the ones who walk away with the trophy and champions league berth, some players from the smaller sides make an impact worth commemorating. Following each year’s competition, TheCup.us honors a player with the distinction of being named “Player the Tournament”for their outstanding performance. However in 2012, an additional honor was added: TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament. The goal is to honor the players on lower division teams (Open Division, Division III, and Division II) who have stood out and helped their team make a memorable run in the Open Cup that year.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

We encourage everyone to read over each players’ tournament resume and make your case for who you think should win the award in the comments or on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instragram).

Here are 2019’s finalists (in alphabetical order):

Sam Fink (Saint Louis FC of USL Championship – Division II)

Sam Fink was on the field for every moment of his team’s 2019 US Open Cup run and helped lead the defensive effort through the five games. In Saint Louis FC’s best tournament performance to date, the side only allowed three goals in their four wins, two of which were penalty kicks, en route to the Quarterfinals. Fink etched his name into his hometown club’s history books during the Fifth Round (Round of 16) when he headed in a stoppage time corner kick from Lewis Hilton into the net of MLS side FC Cincinnati for the 1-0 win. The goal earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us.

Kevaughn Frater (New Mexico United of USL Championship – Division II)

In New Mexico United’s inaugural tournament run, they became the second straight debuting USL club to reach the Fifth Round (Round of 16) following Nashville SC in 2018. Kevaughn Frater was a big reason for that as he made a huge impact, scoring in three of the four games he played in and going at least 90 minutes in all of them. His three goals in three games were the difference makers in his team’s narrow wins, including his game-winning penalty kick against the Colorado Spring Switchbacks in Round 3 and a stoppage time equalizer to force MLS side Colorado Rapids into extra time (where New Mexico would eventually prevail in PKs) in the Fourth Round. His final goal came just before halftime to tie the game in New Mexico’s 2-1 road win over FC Dallas (MLS) in the Round of 16. Unfortunately for United, Frater received a yellow card in the 59th minute in that game, which gave him a total of three in the tournament, which led to a one-game suspension. Because of this, Frater had to miss the team’s match against eventual runner-up Minnesota United FC in the Quarterfinals, which the Loons won, 6-1.

Round 2: Started, played 98 minutes in a 2-2 draw (4-3 PK win) on the road against Phoenix Rising (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 115 minutes, scored 1 game-winning PK goal, dished out 1 assist in a 2-1 OT road win at Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
Round 4: Started, played 120 minutes, scored the equalizer in 2nd half stoppage time, and converted his PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (4-2 PK win) on the road at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 90 minutes, scored a goal in a 2-1 road win at FC Dallas (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Did not play (yellow card suspension) in 6-1 road loss at Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Blake Frischkecht (Orange County FC of the National Premier Soccer League – Open Division)

Frischkecht begin the tournament by assisting on his team’s opening goal in a 2-0 home win over USL League Two power FC Golden State Force. After helping OCFC upset Orange County SC (USL-C), the Player of the Round winner for Round 3 then played a game where everything seemed to come together. His side, the only one remaining in the tournament from the National Premier Soccer League, came out blazing against his hometown Las Vegas Lights FC. The two former U.S. Men’s National Team players who had been at the USL Championship sides’ tryouts the day he arrived, Eric Wynalda and Paul Caligiuri, stood as coaches at opposite benches that night. After assisting on a goal earlier in the game, Frischkecht’s 89th minute header was the game-winner it what seemed ike the perfect culmination to his career up until that point.

Round 1: Started, played 90 minutes, assisted on the opening goal in a 2-0 home win vs. FC Golden State Force (USL League Two)
Round 2: Started, played 120 minutes in a 2-2 draw (5-3 PK win) on the road against Orange County SC (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 90 minutes, scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute, dished out an assist in a 5-3 road win at Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C). Voted TheCup.us Player of the Round
Round 4: Started, played 90 minutes in a 3-0 road loss at LA Galaxy (MLS)

Devon Sandoval (New Mexico United of USL Championship – Division II)

Along with fellow nominee Kevaughn Frater, Devon Sandoval was the other force behind New Mexico United’s offense. Sandoval started the tournament as a late game substitute but found himself as a starter by tournament’s end. The Albuquerque native made his biggest impact in his team’s first game against fellow USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Coming off the bench, he scored both of his team’s goals, the latter coming in the fifth minute of stoppage, to force extra time and penalty kicks where his successful attempt helped advance his team through. In the Fourth Round he played a part in both goals in the upset against the Colorado Rapids of MLS and went the full 120, including another successful penalty kick shootout attempt that helped United eliminate the hometown Rapids. Sandoval played a big role in his start (and 75 minutes of game play) in the club’s 2-1 road win over FC Dallas (MLS).

Round 2: Came off the bench in 75th min., scored 2 goals (79′, 95′), converted his PK in the shootout, in a 2-2 draw (4-3 PK win) on the road at Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
Round 3: Came off the bench in 60th min. in a 2-1 OT road win at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
Round 4: Started, played 120 mins., scored a goal, assisted on a stoppage time equalizer (90+5), and converted his PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (4-2 PK win) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Round 5: Started, played 75 mins. in a 2-1 road win at FC Dallas (MLS)
Quarterfinals: Started, played 90 mins. in a 6-1 road loss at Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Valentin Sabella (Florida Soccer Soldiers of the United Premier Soccer League – Open Division)

Despite his Florida Soccer Soldiers playing the least amount of games of any other nominee, Valentin Sabella’s actions in the Open Cup not only brought success to his team but also himself. After playing 90 minutes in the Soccer Soldiers’ 2-1 win over pro side Miami FC (who would finish the season with their second straight NPSL championship). In his team’s Second Round match against USL Championship side Charlotte Independence, Sabella’s side was down a man and trailing late in the second extra time half. The Buenos Aires native took advantage of a poor back pass by the Independence and notched the equalizer to send the game to a shootout – all while suffering a minor leg injury during the celebration. He made his penalty kick which allowed goalkeeper Bryant Martin to come up with a huge save in the fifth round to send his team through, an action that earned him Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us. Despite narrowly losing the next game to North Carolina FC (USL-C), 1-0, Sabella later went on to be signed by Charlotte, the team he helped eliminate, in his first ever professional soccer contract.

Round 1: Started, played 90 mins. in a 2-1 road win at Miami FC (NPSL)
Round 2: Started, played 120 mins., scored an 118th min. equalizer, and scored the clinching PK in the shootout in a 2-2 draw (5-4 PK win) on the road at Charlotte Independence (USL-C)
Round 3: Started, played 90 mins. in a 1-0 road loss at North Carolina FC (USL-C)

Past winners of TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament