Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2019 US Open Cup

NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup

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A scene from the first half of the First Round match between West Chester United and FC Baltimore Christos in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: @finchamphoto
A scene from the first half of the First Round match between West Chester United and FC Baltimore Christos in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: @finchamphoto

The National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Mid-Atlantic Conference is not playing enough games this season to be eligible for the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. All five teams in that conference will not be able to enter next year’s US Open Cup as the schedule currently stands.

The five teams in the conference include 2018 entry FC Baltimore Christos, Northern Virginia United, Virginia Beach City FC, FC Frederick, and Charlottesville Alliance FC. They would have to add more matches to the schedule in order to become eligible.

To enter the US Open Cup, clubs must be part of a sanctioned league by US Soccer or an affiliate organization. US Soccer defines a league as having at least 4 teams and each team playing a schedule of at least 10 matches. This is fully defined in Section 202 (a) of the US Open Cup policy.

To enter the Open Cup, a team must be an outdoor soccer team based in the United States and a regular playing member in good standing competing in an ongoing league competition of an Organization Member of the Federation, with said league competition and Organization Member also in good standing with the Federation. Such league competition must be regularly scheduled (i.e. not infrequent) each year and formatted such that member teams play games against fellow members, with only these results (i.e. league matches) used to determine a set of standings or ranking table. The league competition must consist of at least four (4) teams, with each playing at least ten (10) league matches (excluding any pre-season and/or post-season playoff or cup matches) each calendar year.

As of publication, the current schedule consists of eight matches for each of the five teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference.

The NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference decided on a balanced, double round robin schedule for each of its teams. A balanced schedule is not required by US Soccer or the NPSL. There are three conferences that play an unbalanced schedule in the NPSL. The other ten conferences play a balanced, double round robin schedule.

NPSL Conferences not playing a double round robin schedule:

  • Northwest Conference (5 teams, 10 matches per team, 2 opponents twice, 2 opponents three times)
  • Keystone Conference (9 teams, 10 matches per team, 6 opponents once, 2 opponents twice)
  • Golden Gate Conference (8 teams, 11 matches per team, 3 opponents once, 4 opponents twice)

NPSL was reached for comment on this and released the following statement:

“The 2019 Mid-Atlantic Conference schedule is not yet finalized.  The NPSL is aware of the U.S. Open Cup rules, and will abide by them so the teams are eligible for the 2020 tournament.”

According to the NPSL, the schedules are in the process of being altered and an announcement will be made when it’s finalized. A league spokesman told TheCup.us that the process of altering a schedule once the season is already under way is rare, but not unprecedented.

As long as each team in that conference plays two more games in the regular season, they will be eligible for the 2020 US Open Cup.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review

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Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design


The opening round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete and, as is usually the case, there was plenty of drama. There were 19 teams that advanced to Round 2. Check out a summary of every game below, with links to the full match report.

#USOC2019 NEWS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results
Things you should know about the First Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal
More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format
Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out

2019 US OPEN CUP QUALIFYING
2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review

MEET THE UNDERDOGS SERIES
Milwaukee’s Bavarian Soccer Club, proudly amateur since 1929
West Chester United battle tested from long journey back to US Open Cup
NTX Rayados grooming “new generation” to keep qualifying streak going
Academica SC earns first US Open Cup berth after more than 40 years as a club
FC Denver using US Open Cup to build to “higher level”
First year Florida Soccer Soldiers winning with “respect, pride and commitment”

Virginia United 2:6 Richmond Kickers
An historic night from striker Charles Boateng helped Richmond Kickers (USL League One) comfortably dispatch Virginia United (ANFEEU / Woodland Soccer Lg.) 6-2 at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. Boateng scored four goals – two in each half – before eventually being subbed off with an injury. Daniel Jackson and Eli Lockerby provided the rest of the scoring for Richmond while Virginia United’s goals came courtesy of Eliot Martinez and Bernardo Mejano. Boateng became the first player since Dom Dwyer in 2015 to score four or more goals in a single Open Cup game and is just the 12th player to do so in the Modern Era (1995-Present). Richmond will travel south in Round 2 to take on North Carolina FC (USL Championship) on Wednesday, May 15. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Villages SC 1:1 (8:7 PK) Lakeland Tropics
It took 120 minutes and ten rounds of penalties, but The Villages SC (USL-2) eventually prevailed 8-7 in penalties after a 1-1 draw with Florida rivals Lakeland Tropics (USL-2) at Lake Myrtle Beach Sports Complex in Auburndale, Florida. The Villages opened the scoring in the 16th minute, courtesy of a marauding run into the box from left back Danilo Seglio, who buried the rebound after his initial shot was saved. Lakeland equalized before halftime via a goal from Raheem Tayler-Parkes, with the assist coming from Chase Hovious. The stalemate couldn’t be broken in the second half or extra time, so penalties would have to decide the winner. Both sides converted their initial kicks before trading misses up until the fifth round when The Villages goalkeeper Jerfesson stepped up with a chance to win it, only to be denied by Tropics keeper Joel Serrano. Both teams converted their next four kicks before The Villages midfielder Sukrija Dudic played the hero and converted in the tenth round to send his side through. The Villages will travel to St. Petersburg on Tuesday, May 14 for a Second Round matchup with the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Motown 4:4 (3:5 PK) NY Red Bulls U-23
The New York Red Bulls Under-23s (USL-2) side overcame two blown leads and a half hour rain delay to defeat FC Motown (NPSL) 5-3 in penalty kicks after a 4-4 draw. All eight goals before the shootout were scored by eight different players. Joseph Fala, Kene Eze, Cameron Vickers, and Maximiliano Garcia scored for Motown while New York got their goals from JP Marin, Brian Saramago, Omar Sowe, and Jeciel Cedeno. Lightning and heavy rain kept both teams in the locker room for an additional 20 minutes at halftime before the second half could resume. New York went on to convert all five of their penalties in the shootout, which turned out to be enough to send them through. The Red Bulls’ U-23 side advances to the Second Round for just the second time in their nine year existence. They will travel southwest on Tuesday, May 14 to take on Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

West Chester United 1:1 (5:4 PK) FC Baltimore Christos
Samuel Phelps scored in the sixth round of penalties and West Chester United SC (USL of Pennsylvania) defeated hosts FC Baltimore Christos 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw at Homewood Field on the campus of Johns Hopkins University. West Chester, playing in their fifth straight away match of the tournament (going back to the Open Division Local qualifying tournament), opened the scoring early in the first half with a headed goal from Troy Amspacher that came courtesy of an Andreas Bartosinski assist. Christos defender Jake Dengler fired a shot from distance with just enough power to deflect off the keeper’s hands and into the net to even the score in the 56th minute. The two sides combined for a total of 29 shots, but only nine were on target and only two goals were produced. Each side converted four out of their first five penalties before failing to convert on their sixth attempts. Phelps took his penalty well and Christos’ Charles Pulliam skied his shot over the bar to send the away side through to the second round. West Chester will meet Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship) on Wednesday, May 15 at BBVA Compass Field in Birmingham. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chattanooga Red Wolves 0:3 South Georgia Tormenta FC 2
Goals from Jarvian Wigfell, Luca Mayr-Fälten and Adrian Billhardt were enough to help amateur side South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 (USL-2) defeat professional side Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL-1) on Tuesday night at the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Wigfell opened the scoring the 25th minute, with Mayr-Fälten and Billhardt adding theirs in the 58th and 74th minutes, respectively. Most of Tormenta’s squad was in Statesboro for less than a week, giving themselves little time to prep, but it turned out to be much ado about nothing. They will travel to Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University next Tuesday, May 14 to take on Nashville FC (USL Championship). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Forward Madison FC 2:0 Bavarian SC
First-half goals from Brandon Eaton and Jiro Barriga Toyama helped Forward Madison FC (USL-1) defeat Milwaukee rivals Bavarians FC (USASA/UPSL) before a crowd of about 400 at Uihlein Soccer Park. Sporting a 2-2-1 record in their debut season, Forward Madison deployed a side without Paulo Junior and three other regular starters who are on loan from Minnesota United of Major League Soccer. Eaton opened the scoring in the 9th minute and Toyama added his goal in the 36th and that was enough for Forward Madison to overcome Bavarians, who are the reigning UPSL national champions. Bavarians were playing their first competitive match of the 2019 season. Forward Madison will visit El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) on Wednesday, May 15 in the Second Round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Brazos Valley Cavalry FC 0:1 Laredo Heat
Playing in the US Open Cup for the first time in five years, Laredo Heat (NPSL) made sure they wouldn’t be exiting early after dropping Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (USL-2), 1-0, at the Texas A&M International Soccer Complex. Francois Sakou bagged the match’s lone goal in the 60th minute after finishing from the spot. Both teams would go down to 10 men after Ivan Leon and Jose Luis Hincappie both collected two yellow cards. Laredo now moves on to face San Antonio FC (USL) at Toyota Field in San Antonio in the Second Round 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 14. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

El Farolito 2:1 Academica SC
1993 US Open Cup Champions El Farolito scored twice in the first half and withstood a second half rally to defeat Academica SC 2-1 at Academica Field in Turlock, California on Tuesday night. Miguel Garduno scored the first El Farolito goal in the 21st minute, courtesy of an assist from Edson Cardona. Leonardo Fredes scored a bicycle kick already worthy of consideration for Goal of the Tournament to stretch the lead to 2-0, but the celebration was muted as Fredes ended up fracturing his arm coming down from the shot. El Farolito’s Walter Mazzolatti picked up his second yellow in the 54th minute and the visitors were forced to play a man down the rest of the way. Academica took advantage and in the 72nd minute, Jorge Carmoa pulled one back for the home side. But El Farolito held on and earned their first Open Cup win in the Modern Era (1995-Present). It was also their first win in the competition since their 1993 tite. They will host Fresno FC (USL Championship) at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco on Wednesday, May 15. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Mulhouse Portland 1:5 Cal FC
Former MLS player Orr Barouch led the way with a hat trick and German Alfaro, Danny Barrera, and Richard Menjivar each added a goal apiece to help amateur side Cal FC (USASA/UPSL) defeat FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL) 5-1. Barouch only needed one half to complete his hat trick and the darlings of the 2012 US Open Cup scored their fifth and final goal six minutes into the second half. Barrera, the 2012 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament, added an assist on top of his first half goal as he returned to the club that made him famous after stints with several USL sides over the past few years. Cal FC will travel to Las Vegas next Tuesday, May 14 to take on the Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship) in Round 2. Eric Wynalda, who led Cal FC on their Cinderella run in 2012, is the current head coach of the Lights. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Golden State Force 0:2 Orange County FC
Cody Shelton and Aaron Lombardi scored in the first and second halves, respectively, to help Orange County FC (NPSL) advance past FC Golden State Force (USL-2) 2-0 at the Orange County Great Park-Championship Soccer Stadium. Shelton opened the scoring in the 28th minute with help from a clever back heel pass via teammate Blake Frischknecht. Lombardi converted a free kick from 25 yards in the 68th minute and that was enough to see Orange County through to the second round. Coached by former United States international Paul Caliguri, Orange County FC will return to the Orange County Great Park-Championship Soccer Stadium next Wednesday, May 15 when they “visit” local rivals Orange County SC (USL Championship). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Dayton Dutch Lions 2:1 Erie Commodores FC
It all started with an own goal off a corner kick in the 12th minute from Erie Commodores midfielder Craig Quinn to give the Dayton Dutch Lions a 1-0 lead. In the second half Erie Commodores Midfielder Curtis Strolley got his team back into the game into the 56th minute to tie the match 1-1 with midfielder Austin Solomon with the assist for the Commodores. In the 73rd minute the Dayton Dutch Lions captain Tate Robertson Kier gets the ball from Harvey Slade and blast the ball past the keeper to put the Dayton Dutch Lions back in front 2-1. The Dutch Lions hang on for the win and will advance to the next second round next week and will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds. This will be the two teams’ first meeting since 2014 when both teams were in the USL. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Philadelphia Lone Star FC 1:2 Reading United AC

Reading United entered the game riding the Modern Era’s longest streak of consecutive US Open Cup appearances by an Open Division team. By the time their opening round match with Philadelphia Lone Star ended, United had added to another one of their Modern Era records: an eight-game unbeaten streak in opening round matches. Penn State forward Jeremy Rafanello had a brace in a two-minute span inside 20 minutes to put Reading United in front 2-0 but Philadelphia Lone Star would pull one back in the second half. Late in the game, Lone Star appeared to have equalized but the play was ruled offside. A review of the video appears to show the play was not offside. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta FC 0:1 Greenville Triumph FC
In a meeting between USL League 1 sides, Greenville Triumph FC proved a fitting name as they ran out 1-0 winners over South Georgia Tormenta FC at Legacy Early College. Cole Seiler fought through a goalmouth scrum to slot home the winner in the 75th minute for the only score of the game. Greenville held firm in defense over the final 15 minutes of the match to see out the victory, advancing to the Second Round for the first time in club history. Greenville returns to Legacy Early College next Wednesday, May 15 when they play host to Charleston Battery (USL) at 7 p.m. ET. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Florida Soccer Soldiers 2:1 Miami FC
In arguably the biggest upset of the First Round, the defending NPSL champions Miami FC were shocked to end up on the losing end against amateur side, and first-time entry Florida Soccer Soldiers 2-1. The Miami FC was off to a good start in the 6th minute with a goal from Miami FC forward Ariel Martinez. After halftime, the Florida Soccer Soldiers struck back with a goal from striker William Stamatis in the 46th minute to tie the match 1-1. In the 87th minute, midfielder Carlos Daniel Menesses scored the late winner for the UPSL side to give them the First Round win and a spot in the Second Round where they will travel to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Independence (USL Championship). [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York Cosmos B 2:1 Black Rock FC
Substitute Bledi Barcic headed in a corner kick six minutes into second half stoppage time to win the match for the Cosmos (NPSL) and break the hearts of upset-minded Black Rock FC (USL League Two), who had withstood a first-half barrage and equalized in the 87th minute when Komar Martinez-Paiz’s shot took a deflection and trickled into the back of the net. The Cosmos had dominated the first half and had an early penalty kick by Danny Szetela saved by Leland Gazo, but got the opening goal in the 28th minute from Aaron Dennis off an assist from Giuseppe Barone. Black Rock started to apply pressure of its own midway through the second half, eventually resulting in the tying goal. The Cosmos advance to meet Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) at the University of Hartford Tuesday at 7 p.m. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

NTX Rayados 2:2 (4:2 PK) Little Rock Rangers
NTX Rayados (USASA) needed late heroics and a shootout to make it to the Second Round of the US Open Cup, 2-2 (4-2), against Little Rock Rangers (NPSL). Backs against the wall with time winding down, Mariano Fazio scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time for 10-man Rayados to force extra time on the road against Little Rock. An additional 30 minutes weren’t enough, setting up the match to be decided by penalty kicks. After Trevor Reed missed the first attempt for Little Rock, Christian Okeke put Rayados up 1-0. The two teams matched each other over the next two rounds, but disaster struck when Robel Dent failed to convert for the Rangers in the fourth round. Fazio finished what he started at the end of regulation, slotting home his attempt to clinch the match for Rayados. The win sets up a rematch of last season’s Second Round matchup against OKC Energy FC (USL) at John Crain Field in Norman, Oklahoma, next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CT. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Duluth FC 1:1 (1:3 PK) Des Moines Menace
Ninety minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time weren’t enough to separate Duluth FC (NPSL) and the Des Moines Menace (USL-2) at Lions Field in Urbandale, Iowa. Ignacio Goya de Anca put the Menace up 1-0 in just the 9th minute of action off an assist from Marek Weber, but Des Moines found their advantage wiped away after giving up a penalty in the 35th minute. Carlyle Junior converted from the spot, and the teams would go into halftime tied 1-1. As the second half wore on, neither team could find separation, sending the game into extra time, and later penalty kicks. Lucas Jacobs was the only Duluth player to convert his attempt, while Des Moines’ Oquin Robinson, Rory, O’Keeffe and Weber all found the back of the net to give the Mance the match, 3-1. Des Moines now moves on to the Second Round as they get set to host Saint Louis FC (USL) at Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines, Iowa, next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. CT. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Denver 2:1 Midland-Odessa Sockers FC
FC Denver hung on to a 2-1 road win over the Midland-Odessa Sockers FC thanks to an 89th minute goal from Kyle Crouse to deliver the game winner for FC Denver to advance to Round 2. The first opportunity for FC Denver came when Cesar Castillo scored off a deflection to put FC Denver in front. In the 64th minute Grant Mobley also scored off a deflection to get Midland-Odessa Sockers FC to tie the match but FC Denver would use Crouse’s game-winner to punch their ticket to the Second Round where they will travel to play the Colorado Springs Switchbacks for the second year in a row. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

AFC Ann Arbor 1:2 Lansing Ignite FC
Elma N’for scored both goals for Lansing Ignite FC (USL-1) to hold off a tough challenge from NPSL side AFC Ann Arbor at Lansing Catholic High School. N’for scored his first-ever US Open Cup goal in his US Open Cup debut in the 29th minute to put Lansing in front, only to see the Mighty Oak equalize in the 66th minute. Ignite would have a quick response, as N’for would score his second goal six minutes later, which would prove to be the game-winner. The win sets up a Second Round meeting for Ignite FC with Indy Eleven FC (USL) at the Sellick Bowl in Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. CT.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders

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Darwin Quintero of Minnesota celebrates one of his goals with teammate Ethan Finlay in a Round of 16 match against the Houston Dynamo in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos Vos_Castellanos on Twitter and Instagram
Darwin Quintero of Minnesota United FC celebrates one of his goals with teammate Ethan Finlay in a Round of 16 match against the Houston Dynamo in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos Vos_Castellanos on Twitter and Instagram

GOALS

Six Goals
Darwin Quintero Minnesota United FC MLS
 
Four Goals
Brandon Vasquez Atlanta United FC MLS
Angelo Rodriguez Minnesota United FC MLS
Brian Fernandez Portland Timbers FC MLS
Charles Boateng Richmond Kickers USL-1
Three Goals
Andre Lima Austin Bold FC USL-C
Orr Barouch Cal FC USASA
Ian Svantesson Charleston Battery USL-C
Kevaughn Frater New Mexico United USL-C
Devon Sandoval New Mexico United USL-C
Valeri “Vako” Qazaushvilli San Jose Earthquakes MLS
Brandon Allen Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Two Goals
Pity Martinez Atlanta United FC MLS
Sonny Guadarrama Austin Bold FC USL-C
David Accam Columbus Crew SC MLS
Wayne Rooney D.C. United MLS
Jiro Barriga Toyama Forward Madison USL-1
Tomas Martinez Houston Dynamo MLS
Ronaldo Pena Houston Dynamo MLS
Elma Nfor Lansing Ignite FC USL-1
Adama Diomande Los Angeles FC MLS
Carlos Vela Los Angeles FC MLS
Efrain Alvarez Los Angeles Galaxy MLS
Jochen Graf Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Joshua Morton Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Mason Toye Minnesota United FC MLS
Teal Bunbury New England Revolution MLS
Keaton Parks New York City FC MLS
Bljedi Bardic New York Cosmos B NPSL
JP Marin New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Robert Kristo North Carolina FC USL-C
Christian Eissle Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Dakota Collins Orange County FC NPSL
Cody Shelton Orange County FC NPSL
Sacha Kljestan Orlando City SC MLS
Neco Brett Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL-C
Jeremy Rafanello Reading United AC USL-2
Sam Werner Sacramento Republic FC USL-C
Guy Abend Saint Louis FC USL-C
Adrian Billhardt South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
One Goal
Cory Golbad Academica SC USCS
Alex Alexis AFC Ann Arbor NPSL
Emerson Hyndman Atlanta United FC MLS
Josef Martinez Atlanta United FC MLS
Eric Remedi Atlanta United FC MLS
Miles Robinson Atlanta United FC MLS
Romario Williams Atlanta United FC MLS
Xavier Baez Austin Bold FC USL-C
Kleber Austin Bold FC USL-C
Isaac Promise Austin Bold FC USL-C
Chandler Hoffman Birmingham Legion USL-C
Femi Hollinger-Janzen Birmingham Legion USL-C
Prosper Kasim Birmingham Legion USL-C
Edward Opoku Birmingham Legion USL-C
Komar Martinez_Paiz Black Rock FC USL-2
German Alfaro Cal FC USASA
Richard Menjivar Cal FC USASA
Nicque Daley Charleston Battery USL-C
Hugh Roberts Charlotte Independence USL-C
Dominic Oduro Charlotte Independence USL-C
Namanja Nikolic Chicago Fire MLS
Nicolas Mezquida Colorado Rapids MLS
Diego Rubio Colorado Rapids MLS
Jordan Burt Colorado Springs Switchbacks USL-C
Kwasi Donsu Colorado Springs Switchbacks USL-C
Tate Robertson Keir Dayton Dutch Lions USL-2
Chris McCann D.C. United MLS
Ignacio Goya de Anca Des Moines Menace USL-2
Nicolas Perea Des Moines Menace USL-2
Carlyle Duluth FC NPSL
Leonardo Fredes El Farolito NPSL
Miguel Garduna El Farolito NPSL
Curtis Strolley Erie Commodores FC NPSL
Jake Dengler FC Baltimore Christos NPSL
Fanendo Adi FC Cincinnati MLS
Kekuta Manneh FC Cincinnati MLS
Dominique Badji FC Dallas MLS
Michael Barrios FC Dallas MLS
Matt Hedges FC Dallas MLS
Brandon Servania FC Dallas MLS
Reto Ziegler FC Dallas MLS
Cesar Castillo FC Denver USSSA
Kyle Crouse FC Denver USSSA
Joseph Fala FC Motown NPSL
Kene Eze FC Motown NPSL
Maximiliano Garcia FC Motown NPSL
Cameron Vickers FC Motown NPSL
Freddie Braun FC Mulhouse Portland NPSL
Carlos Daniel Meneses Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA
Valentin Sabella Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA
William Stamatis Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA
Adolfo Suazo Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA
Brandon Eaton Forward Madison USL-1
Christian Diaz Forward Madison USL-1
Jeff Michaud Forward Madison USL-1
Don Smart Forward Madison USL-1
Qudus Lawal Fresno FC USL-C
Max Hemmings Greenville Triumph SC USL-1
Cole Seiler Greenville Triumph SC USL-1
Harry Swartz Hartford Athletic USL-C
Made Jorgensen Hartford Athletic USL-C
Matias Vera Houston Dynamo MLS
Thomas Enevoldsen Indy Eleven USL-C
Raheem Taylor-Parkes Lakeland Tropics USL-2
Francois Sakou Laredo Heat NPSL
Santiago Echavarria Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Samuel Ochoa Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Edwin Rivas Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Victor Rojas Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Junior Sandoval Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Alexander Guadron Little Rock Rangers NPSL
Sabelo Hlongwane Little Rock Rangers NPSL
Lee Nguyen Los Angeles FC MLS
Diego Rossi Los Angeles FC MLS
Emil Cuello Los Angeles Galaxy MLS
Abdou Mbacke Thiam Louisville City FC USL-C
George Davis IV Louisville City FC USL-C
Sunny Jane Louisville City FC USL-C
Lucky Mkosasa Louisville City FC USL-C
Sean Totsch Louisville City FC USL-C
Marc Burch Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Elliot Collier Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Morgan Hackworth Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Cameron Lindley Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Ariel Martinez Miami FC NPSL
Grant Mobley Midland Odessa Sockers FC NPSL
Ethan Finlay Minnesota United FC MLS
Jan Gregus Minnesota United FC MLS
Miguel Ibarra Minnesota United FC MLS
Robin Lod Minnesota United FC MLS
Kharlton Belmar Nashville SC USL-C
Cameron Lancaster Nashville SC USL-C
Ropapa Mensah Nashville SC USL-C
Alan Winn Nashville SC USL-C
Juan Agudelo New England Revolution MLS
Justin Rennicks New England Revolution MLS
Sam Hamilton New Mexico United USL-C
Santi Moar New Mexico United USL-C
Christopher Wehan New Mexico United USL-C
Jesus Medina New York City FC MLS
Alexandru Mitria New York City FC MLS
Maximiliano Morales New York City FC MLS
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi New York City FC MLS
Aaron Dennis New York Cosmos B NPSL
Tom Barlow New York Red Bulls MLS
Cristian Casseres Jr. New York Red Bulls MLS
Jeciel Cedeno New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Brian Saramago New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Omar Sowe New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Wahab Ackwei North Carolina FC USL-C
Yamikani Chester North Carolina FC USL-C
DJ Mason North Carolina FC USL-C
Mariano Fazio NTX Rayados USASA
Christian Okeke NTX Rayados USASA
Reece Wilson NTX Rayados USASA
Alexy Bosetti Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
DeShorn Brown Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Omar Gordon Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Amer Sasivarevic Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Je-Vaughn Watson Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Oscar Flores Orange County FC NPSL
Blake Frischnecht Orange County FC NPSL
Ryan Holland Orange County FC NPSL
Aaron Lombardi Orange County FC NPSL
Darwin Jones Orange County SC USL-C
Tesho Akindele Orlando City SC MLS
Robin Jansson Orlando City SC MLS
Benji Michel Orlando City SC MLS
Chris Mueller Orlando City SC MLS
Shawn Genus Philadelphia Lone Star FC NPSL
Anthony Fontana Philadelphia Union MLS
Junior Flemmings Phoenix Rising FC USL-C
Adam Jahn Phoenix Rising FC USL-C
Kenardo Forbes Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC USL-C
Anthony Velarde Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC USL-C
Sebastian Blanco Portland Timbers FC MLS
Jeremy Ebobisse Portland Timbers FC MLS
Jorge Moreira Portland Timbers FC MLS
Andre Fortune Richmond Kickers USL-2
Daniel Jackson Richmond Kickers USL-2
Eliajah Lockaby Richmond Kickers USL-2
Vilyan Bijev Sacramento Republic FC USL-C
Stefano Bonomo Sacramento Republic FC USL-C
Drew Skundrich Sacramento Republic FC USL-C
Russell Cicerone Saint Louis FC USL-C
Sam Fink Saint Louis FC USL-C
Paris Gee Saint Louis FC USL-C
Kyle Greig Saint Louis FC USL-C
Austin Martz Saint Louis FC USL-C
Jack Barmby San Antonio FC USL-C
Pascal Eboussi San Antonio FC USL-C
Ever Guzman San Antonio FC USL-C
Walter Restepo San Antonio FC USL-C
Magnus Eriksson San Jose Earthquakes MLS
Cristian Espinoza San Jose Earthquakes MLS
Victor Rodriguez Seattle Sounders FC MLS
Luca Mayr-Falten South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
James Meehan South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
Jarvian Wigfall South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
Gerso Fernandes Sporting Kansas City MLS
Antoine Hoppenot Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Mohamed Kone Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Zach Steinberger Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Leon Taylor Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Vandyke Gyau The Villages SC USL-2
Danilo Seglio The Villages SC USL-2
Elias Martinez Virginia United ANFEEU
Bernardo Majano Virginia United ANFEEU
Troy Amspacjer West Chester United USASA
Charles Wilson West Chester United USASA

 

Own Goals
Craig Quinn Dayton Dutch Lions (vs. Erie Commodores Rd. 1)
Joshua Davis Orange County SC (vs. Orange County SC Rd. 2)
Mobi Fehr Las Vegas Lights (vs. Orange County FC Rd. 3)
Aaron Guillen North Carolina FC (vs. NYCFC Rd. 4)
Brad Guzan Atlanta United (vs. Columbus Crew Rd. 5)
Perry Kitchen Los Angeles Galaxy (vs. Portland Timbers Rd. 5)
Chase Gasper Minnesota United FC (vs. Atlanta United FC – Final)



ASSISTS

Four Assists
Zach Steinberger Tampa Bay Rowdies USL-C
Three Assists
Justin Meram Atlanta United MLS
Angelo Rodriguez Minnesota United MLS
Alexy Bosetti Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Lewis Hilton Saint Louis FC USL-C
Two Assists
Sonny Guadarrama Austin Bold FC USL-C
Sean McFarlane Austin Bold FC USL-C
Edward Opoku Birmingham Legion USL-C
Jordan Schweitzer Colorado Springs Switchbacks USL-C
Michael Barrios FC Dallas MLS
Robert James Allen FC Motown NPSL
Paulo Jr. Forward Madison USL-1
Hasani Dotson Minnesota United MLS
Kevin Molino Minnesota United MLS
Flavio Alvarez Los Angeles Galaxy MLS
Alan Winn Nashville SC USL-C
Santi Moar New Mexico United USL-C
Brian Saramago New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Blake Frischknecht Orange County FC NPSL
Jeremy Ebobisse Portland Timbers MLS
Jack Barmby San Antonio FC USL-C
Cristian Espinoza San Jose Earthquakes MLS
One Assist
Jorge Carmoa Academica SC USCS
Ezequiel Barco Atlanta United MLS
Franco Escobar Atlanta United MLS
Julian Gressel Atlanta United MLS
Emerson Hyndman Atlanta United MLS
Miles Robinson Atlanta United MLS
Isaac Promise Austin Bold FC USL-C
Daniel Johnson Birmingham Legion USL-C
German Alfaro Cal FC USASA
Danny Barrera Cal FC USASA
James Alewine II Cal FC USASA
Kyle Nelson Charleston Battery USL-C
AJ Paterson Charleston Battery USL-C
Romario Piggott Charleston Battery USL-C
Hassan Ndam Charlotte Independence USL-C
Lalas Abubakar Colorado Rapids MLS
Diego Rubio Colorado Rapids MLS
Luis Argudo Columbus Crew MLS
Pedro Santos Columbus Crew MLS
Harvey Slade Dayton Dutch Lions USL-2
Wayne Rooney D.C. United MLS
Ulises Segura D.C. United MLS
Marek Weber Des Moines Menace USL-2
Edson Cardona El Farolito NPSL
Carlos Montes El Farolito NPSL
Austin Solomon Erie Commodores FC NPSL
Eddy Rodriguez FC Baltimore Christos NPSL
Emmanuel Ledesma FC Cincinnati MLS
Jesus Ferreira FC Dallas MLS
Ricardo Pepi FC Dallas MLS
Kene Eze FC Motown NPSL
Reed McKenna FC Mulhouse Portland NPSL
Daniel Meneses Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA
Brian Bement Forward Madison USL-1
Jeff Michaud Forward Madison USL-1
Don Smart Forward Madison USL-1
Jiro Barriga Toyama Forward Madison USL-1
Aaron Walker Greenville Triumph SC USL-1
Giuseppe Gentile Hartford Athletic USL-C
Marlon Hairston Houston Dynamo MLS
Tomas Martinez Houston Dynamo MLS
Ronaldo Pena Houston Dynamo MLS
Kenney Walker Indy Eleven USL-C
Chase Hovious Lakeland Tropics USL-2
Rafael Mentzingen Lansing Ignite USL-1
Lewis Jones Lansing Ignite USL-1
Pablo Cruz Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Santago Echavarria Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Edwin Rivas Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Jose Villarreal Las Vegas Lights FC USL-C
Donald Benamna LIttle Rock Rangers NPSL
Alexander Guadron Little Rock Rangers NPSL
Eduard Atuesta Los Angeles FC MLS
Tristian Blackmon Los Angeles FC MLS
Latif Blessing Los Angeles FC MLS
Lee Nguyen Los Angeles FC MLS
Diego Rossi Los Angeles FC MLS
Niall McCabe Louisville City FC USL-C
Magnus Rasmussen Louisville City FC USL-C
Elliot Collier Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Lagos Kunga Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Cameron Lindley Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Adam Najem Memphis 901 FC USL-C
Dylan Mares Miami FC NPSL
Ethan Finlay Minnesota United MLS
Jan Gregus Minnesota United MLS
Miguel Ibarra Minnesota United MLS
Darwin Quintero Minnesota United MLS
Boluwatife Akinyode Nashville SC USL-C
Ropapa Mensah Nashville SC USL-C
Juan Fernando Caicedo New England Revolution MLS
Charles Gil New England Revolution MLS
Wilfred Zahibo New England Revolution MLS
Kevaughn Frater New Mexico United USL-C
Devon Sandoval New Mexico United USL-C
Josh Suggs New Mexico United USL-C
Christopher Wehan New Mexico United USL-C
Sebastien Ibeagha New York City FC MLS
Maximiliano Moralez New York City FC MLS
Keaton Parks New York City FC MLS
Tony Rocha New York City FC MLS
Juan Torres New York City FC MLS
Ansi Agolli New York Cosmos B NPSL
Guiseppe Barone New York Cosmos B NPSL
Emmanuele Sembroni New York Cosmos B NPSL
Sean Davis New York Red Bulls MLS
Omir Fernandez New York Red Bulls MLS
Jonah Conway New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Skylar Conway New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
JP Marin New York Red Bulls U-23s USL-2
Caled Duvernay North Carolina FC USL-C
Steven Miller North Carolina FC USL-C
Manny Perez North Carolina FC USL-C
Braeden Troyer North Carolina FC USL-C
Mariano Fazio NTX Rayados USASA
Alberto Rodriguez NTX Rayados USASA
Calum Ross Oklahoma City Energy FC USL-C
Joshua Bynoe Orange County FC NPSL
Peter Gregory Orange County FC NPSL
Aaron Lombardi Orange County FC NPSL
Cody Shelton Orange County FC NPSL
Harry Forrester Orange County SC USL-C
Cristian Higuita Orlando City SC MLS
Nani Orlando City SC MLS
Jamiro Monteiro Philadelphia Union MLS
Solomon Asante Phoenix Rising USL-C
Jordan Dover Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL-C
Noah Franke Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL-C
Anthony Velarde Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL-C
Sebastian Blanco Portland Timbers MLS
Brian Fernandez Portland Timbers MLS
Ulrich Ewolo Richmond Kickers USL-1
Joe Gallardo Richmond Kickers USL-1
Justin Grove Richmond Kickers USL-1
Eliajah Lockaby Richmond Kickers USL-1
Mutaya Mwape Richmond Kickers USL-1
Luke Pavone Richmond Kickers USL-1
Braeden Taylor Richmond Kickers USL-1
Drew Skundrich Sacramento Republic USL-C
Sam Werner Sacramento Republic USL-C
Russell Cicerone Saint Louis FC USL-C
Audi Jepson Saint Louis FC USL-C
Adrian Billhardt South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
Luca Mayr-Falten South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
James Meehan South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
Jordan Skelton South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 USL-2
Jimmy Medranda Sporting Kansas City MLS
Gabriel De Freitas The Villages SC USL-2
Alian Flott Virginia United ANFEEU
Andreas Barosikski West Chester United USASA


Goalkeeping Leaders

Goals Against Average (Min. 270 Minutes) GP MIN GA GAA
Brad Stuver, New York City FC MLS 3 360 2 0.50
Chris Hubbard, Louisville City FC USL-C 3 300 2 0.60
Pablo Sisiega, Los Angeles FC MLS 3 270 2 0.67
Brad Guzan, Atlanta United MLS 4 360 3 0.75
Steve Clark, Portland Timbers MLS 4 360 3 0.75
Brian Sylvestre, Forward Madison USL-1 3 270 3 1.00
Phil Breno, Charleston Battery USL-C 3 340 4 1.06
Bryant Martin, Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA 3 300 4 1.20
Tomas Gomez, Saint Louis FC USL-C 4 360 5 1.25
Vito Mannone, Minnesota United MLS 5 460 7 1.37
Shutouts GP MIN SHO
Brad Guzan, Atlanta United MLS 4 360 2
Brian Sylvestre, Forward Madison USL-1 3 270 2
Chris Hubbard, Louisville City FC USL-C 3 300 2
Steve Clark, Portland Timbers MLS 3 270 2
19 players tied with 1
Saves GP MIN SV
Cody Mizell, New Mexico United USL-C 5 510 26
David Preys, Orange County FC NPSL 4 390 23
Phil Breno, Charleston Battery USL-C 3 340 16
Steve Clark, Portland Timbers MLS 3 270 16
Josh Cohen, Sacramento Republic USL-C 2 210 15
Vito Mannone, Minnesota United MLS 5 460 20
Pablo Sisiega, Los Angeles FC MLS 3 270 13
Tomas Gomez, Saint Louis FC USL-C 4 360 13
Tor Saunders, South Georgia Tormenta 2 USL-2 2 180 13
Chris Seitz, D.C. United MLS 2 210 12
Jordan Bell, Des Moines Menace USL-2 2 240 12
Shots Faced GP MIN SF
David Preys, Orange County FC NPSL 4 390 101
Cody Mizell, New Mexico United USL-C 5 420 84
Phil Breno, Charleston Battery USL-C 3 340 69
Tomas Gomez, Saint Louis FC USL-C 4 270 60
Bryant Martin, Florida Soccer Soldiers USASA 3 300 51
Josh Cohen, Sacramento Republic USL-C 2 210 45
Chris Seitz, D.C. United MLS 2 210 44
Emmanuel Frias, NTX Rayados USASA 2 210 44
Brian Sylvestre, Forward Madison USL-1 3 270 38
Steve Clark, Portland Timbers MLS 4 360 38

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Laredo Heat defeats Brazos Valley Cavalry on 2nd half PK

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Players from the Laredo Heat and Brazos Valley Cavalry battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Laredo Heat
Players from the Laredo Heat and Brazos Valley Cavalry battle for the ball in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Laredo Heat

In a physical game at Texas A&M International University, the Laredo Heat defeated Brazos Valley Cavalry 1-0 on a second half penalty kick by Francois Sakou. Both sides would finish the match with 10 men but the Cavalry would be unable to find an equalizer. With the win, Laredo advances to take on San Antonio FC (USL Championship) in the Second Round next week.

For most of the first half, Laredo had the majority of chances, coming close early on in the 6th minute, but just couldn’t keep any shots on target. Laredo would outshoot Brazos Valley 11-1 in the first half.

The second half started with most of the same from Laredo, getting more chances but still not many shots being on target.

In the 58th minute, Laredo was awarded a penalty kick after a scramble in the box from a corner kick. Ivan Leon of Brazos Valley clipped Abraham Contreras during the struggle and was given a card for the challenge. Sakou stepped up in the 60th minute putting the penalty to the bottom left corner past Andy Rios.

Brazos Valley would dig themselves a deeper hole just six minutes later when Leon would get his second yellow card for a professional foul stopping a Laredo counter in the 66th minute.

However, that advantage would only last 10 minutes for Laredo before they also had a man sent off in the 76th minute. Luis Hincapie would launch himself for a studs up late challenge on the far touchline at midfield. That would result in his second yellow card of the match sending him to the locker room early.

Late in the match, Brazos Valley would have some chances to equalize but it would not come. Laredo held on that 1-0 win.

Laredo, who is participating in the tournament for the first time since 2015, advances beyond the team’s opening round game for the fifth consecutive tournament. Only Reading United AC (7) and the Michigan Bucks (6) have longer streaks among all Open Division teams in the Modern Era (1995-present)

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: New York Cosmos B uses last second header to beat Black Rock FC, 2-1

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A shirtless Bledi Bardic celebrates his game-winning goal in the final seconds for the New York Cosmos against Black Rock FC in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Matthew Levine | New York Cosmos
A shirtless Bledi Bardic celebrates his game-winning goal in the final seconds for the New York Cosmos against Black Rock FC in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Matthew Levine | New York Cosmos

With stoppage-time winding down and extra time looking imminent, a final corner kick from left-back Ansi Agolli found the head of Bledi Bardic who converted his first goal of the season to send the New York Cosmos B past Black Rock FC, 2-1, and into the Second Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“We needed that goal bad and that ball came to me and I just hit in,” said Bardic. “I’m happy to score and I’m happy to go through because it was important.”

With the First Round being particularly brutal to National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams, the Cosmos join only three other squads from the league’s initial group of 14 in the next round and will play Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) this Tuesday on the road.

In a game where New York dominated possession in the first half, USL League Two’s Black Rock FC stayed composed enough to hold the team to only one goal. The group, comprised of mostly college age players, had only starting practicing within the last week before making the trip south to New York City to play in front of 463 fans at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

The Cosmos got off to a quick start, earning the first shot on goal and yellow card on Kevin Venegas all within the first ten minutes. The B club to the eight-time NASL champions got its first real chance when a handball was called inside the Black Rock box. Cosmos captain Danny Szetela stepped up and shot low towards the right where keeper Leland Gazo correctly dove before covering the ball up.

Aaron Dennis celebrates his goal for the New York Cosmos against Black Rock FC in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Matthew Levine | New York Cosmos
Aaron Dennis celebrates his goal for the New York Cosmos against Black Rock FC in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Matthew Levine | New York Cosmos

“I just hit it bad I guess,” Szetela said after the game. “I wanted it to go up. Playing here at Columbia , the turf is a lot different than Mitchel , a lot more rubber. I just didn’t hit it the way I wanted to and that’s it. I missed, it wasn’t the first and probably won’t be the last.”

The visiting New England side looked out-matched to start the contest with the Cosmos dominating possession in the first half while Black Rock couldn’t get the ball past the halfway point early on. Despite it being one-way traffic for stretches of the first half, chances did present themselves multiple times for Black Rock.

Twenty minutes in, Ifunanyachi Achara found the ball after a Cosmos attack, giving him a chance to sprint down the left side of the field. A teammate was open and onside across the field but the cross was too weakly hit allowing New York to intercept.

Only two minutes after this, the Cosmos’ aggressive, offensive tactics finally paid off when a charging Aaron Dennis finished a cross from Giuseppe Barone on the left side of the box just under Gazo’s arm.

Dennis, who was previously a member of the Miami FC team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2017 tournament by beating MLS sides Orlando City SC and Atlanta United, has scored in three straight games for the Cosmos including their two NPSL matches.

“It’s gonna be hard to score if your not getting in the box and not being dangerous” Dennis said. “So my thing is just getting in the box and whether I get one opportunity or two I’m just gonna be there at the right moment and hopefully the ball will go in.”

The Cosmos continued to push but couldn’t find the back of the net again as the first half bled into the second. Over the last 45 minutes, the team’s dominant possession began to lessen and the chances on goal were replaced with wider shots and more ball time being given to Black Rock.

“First half I think was great,” Bardic said. “It could have been 3-0 for us but it happens. With soccer sometimes if you don’t score the team is gonna come back. After sixty minutes we slowed down a little bit, they put their pressure on us.

“ a very good team,” he continued. “They were organized team. They had a good forward , fast guy. I think they’re a good team.”

Black Rock continued to mount possession time in the Cosmos end but the threatening chances weren’t there until late in regulation. In the 87th minute, Komar Martinez-Paiz notched the tying goal off a deflection after he received the ball at the top of the box.

With the game seemingly destined the reach overtime, The New York Cosmos B looked as though they would become the second New York area team to head to extra time thanks to a late game comeback after New York Red Bulls Under-23s blew a two-goal lead against FC Motown the previous night. But Bardic’s game-winner sent the fans at Rocco B Commisso Stadium to their feet and some onto the pitch as a shirtless, and subsequent yellow-carded Bardic, celebrated with the team’s supporters group.

“That’s the Five Points, they’re just celebrating,” Szetela said. “They didn’t hurt anybody so we should leave them alone and continue to have fun. It makes it a lot of fun for us when they are in the crowd and supporting us.”

With the team moving on to play Hartford and earning the organization’s first tournament win in two years (losing to Reading United in 2017’s First Round and falling to the Brooklyn Italians in last year’s impromptu Play-in Round), Szetela knows that besides taking things game-by-game, the team’s goal is to reach the Fourth Round where the Cosmos can play a Major League Soccer team. When the Cosmos senior team was a member of the North American Soccer League, the group enjoyed a period of three years (2014-2016) where it reached the fifth round and beat both New York-area MLS teams (New York Red Bulls and New York City FC – the latter in two consecutive years).

“ is very important,” Szetela explained. “Obviously we want to go play against MLS teams. So we got to take it one game at a time.

“Here in America, they say MLS is the highest level. Not everyone agrees with that, but you want to play against the best teams they say are in this country.”

When asked if he agreed with that statement, Szetela didn’t leave much up for interpretation.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “I think that teams that were in the NASL that got taken away with unfortunate events. Right now there’s rules in this country and this sport of soccer and you have to live by them. So hopefully in the future, soccer can change in this country but right now we have to deal with what we have and continue to have fun.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Lansing Ignite wins tournament debut over AFC Ann Arbor

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Players from Lansing Ignite FC and AFC Ann Arbor battle for the ball in their First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lansing Ignite FC
Players from Lansing Ignite FC and AFC Ann Arbor battle for the ball in their First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Lansing Ignite FC

It was a monumental game for Lansing Ignite FC as they won their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match in their young team history, holding off instate rival AFC Ann Arbor 2-1 behind a brace from Njeta Elma N’for to advance to the next round of the tournament. The Ignite made some history as the first professional team from Lansing to qualify for the US Open Cup and the first team of any kind to get in since Lansing United of the NPSL beat RWB Adria in penalty kicks in the opening round of the 2015 US Open Cup.

The game was delayed as Lansing Ignite had to change venues on the day of the game due to weather. It was moved from their normal home field of Thomas Cooley Law School Stadium, a downtown minor league baseball stadium to Lansing Catholic High School’s turf field. Kickoff was also pushed back two and a half hours to 9:30 p.m.

The first chance of the game would be for the Ignite as Rafa Mentzingan sent a through ball for a streaking N’for, but the Cameroonian’s shot would be deflected up and out by Marlon De Freitas. Ann Arbor’s first shot came in the 19th via Jordan Montoya but his curling effort drifted over the left side of the post. The first official shot of the game didn’t come until the 27th minute when Montoya’s second effort was deflected and then scooped up by Lansing’s Kyle Ihn.

Lansing almost took the lead in the 29th as Mentzingan found Ricky Lopez-Espin from the right wing, but the Creighton product’s one touch stab drifted just wide of the right side of the net.

Lansing would soon put a ball in the net, as Lansing found Ann Arbor’s defense in disarray and started a counter attack through the middle. Mentzingan found N’for dashing up the middle of the field. N’for received the pass and gently prodded it past Ann Arbor’s Spencer Ward to give Lansing a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

Lansing almost doubled their lead seven minutes later as Mentzingan picked off an errant back pass by the Ann Arbor defense, but his low shot was scooped up by Ward.

Alex Alexis would pick up a yellow card in the 40th minute for a rash tackle on Lansing’s Kevin Coiffic.

Ann Arbor had a chance to tie it up just before halftime but midfielder Jake Rufe’s volley in the box skied over the left side of the net.

Ann Arbor would tie the game up in the 67th minute as Rufe tracked a bad back pass to Lansing’s Ihn and took a shot that was deflected by Lansing’s Grant Stoneman. It fell to Alexis, who was at the top of the box, and the young Haitian winger calmly slotted the ball into Lansing’s open net. Ann Arbor tried to build on that pressure when recent sub Yuri Farkas came on and forced Ihn into another save.

Lansing would restore their lead, however. After a corner kick was deflected back into the run of play Lewis Jones lashed a cross into the box and found the head of N’for, standing all alone. N’for headed the ball in to give Lansing the 2-1 advantage in the 72nd minute.

Mentzigan had a chance to put the game on ice in the 76th minute when he found himself in acres of space, but his shot was kick saved by Ward of Ann Arbor.

Late in the game, AFC Ann Arbor’s final chance fell to Jack Hallahan who found space to make a run with the ball in the box, but Lansing’s Ihn was game as he cartwheel swiped the ball out of the air and to a Lansing player who cleared it.

Lansing advances the Second Round in its inaugural US Open Cup run. Next they will play on the road against Indy Eleven (USL Championship) on May 15. AFC Ann Arbor remains without a tournament win in three consecutive trips to the competition.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: In first PK shootout in 14 years, Des Moines Menace edge Duluth FC

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The Des Moines Menace take a team photo before kickoff of their First Round match vs. Duluth FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
The Des Moines Menace take a team photo before kickoff of their First Round match vs. Duluth FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

For Lamar Hunt US Open Cup regulars Des Moines Menace, it was another notch to their belt as they defeated Duluth FC on penalties to advance to the Second Round after a 1-1 draw. Des Moines won the penalty shootout 3-1.

Des Moines didn’t wait long to get on the board for this match, scoring in the 10th minute on a goal by Ignacio Goya de Anca. Goya de Anca was served a great short cross from Marek Weber and Goya de Anca caught it on the volley on his right foot to the far corner of the goal to beat Duluth goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi.

The Menace had some good possession after the goal, but a giveaway in their own half led to a penalty call for Duluth in the 34th minute. On a counter for Duluth, it eventually bounced around to Dorian Barberto where he was almost hockey checked by James Thomas. No card was issued but it was an easy penalty to score for Carlyle Junior. It would stay 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half was much more physical and chippy as both sides tried to find the winning goal. Yellow cards started being awarded in the second half for both teams, but it was Des Moines dominating possession and the majority of the chances. Notably for Duluth, they did have a one-on-one with the Menace keeper Jordan Bell but was denied by Bell. The winning goal would not be found and the match would head to extra time.

Extra time was similar to the second half, with Des Moines netting the majority of the chances. Ciroi was up to the task all night making a few crucial saves and takes from crosses to deny the Menace. Both teams would end up using all four subs in this match, although Des Moines’ last sub in extra time was due to injury as Daniel Mukuna picked up a knock in the 112th minute.

With no one able to break the deadlock, the game went to penalty kicks. For the Menace, who were founded in 1994 and made their Open Cup debut in 2002, it was their first PK shootout since 2005. That year, they eliminated the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Jordan Bell was a savior for Des Moines in the shootout, making a major save in the shootout. Unofficially, he had to save that kick twice. On Duluth’s second kick by Alberto Diaz, Bell was deemed to be off the line the referee while making the save. Bell would then be given a card for arguing and time wasting before the kick was retaken. Diaz was then denied on the retaken kick in a classic “ball don’t lie” situation. Duluth’s Ronaldo Fortune would sky his kick and Aiden Hill would hit the post, leaving Duluth with only the one made kick by Lucas Jacobs.

Des Moines their first three penalty kicks by O’quin Robinson, Rory O’Keefe, and Marek Weber. Des Moines advances to face Saint Louis FC of USL Championship in the Second Round on May 15.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: NTX Rayados’ last second goal leads to PK win over Little Rock Rangers

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The scene of the NTX Rayados vs. Little Rock Rangers FIrst Round game in the 2019 US Open Cup after the Rangers scored a goal. Photo: Little Rock Rangers
The scene of the NTX Rayados vs. Little Rock Rangers FIrst Round game in the 2019 US Open Cup after the Rangers scored a goal. Photo: Little Rock Rangers

Mariano Fazio was the hero for NTX Rayados in their penalty shootout victory over the Little Rock Rangers in the First Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The Argentine defender tapped in a parried shot from teammate Lucio Martinez five minutes into second half stoppage time — essentially the final seconds of the game — to tie the contest at 2-2. He then went on to score the deciding penalty in Rayados’ 4-2 shootout victory.

“We gave everything. We put a good effort together, and, finally, we were able to score,” Fazio said. “It was a good feeling to score and tie the game for us.”

Fazio’s late equalizer came after a 15 minute attacking onslaught from the visiting Rayados team. They often found themselves with ten men in the attacking third with only the goalkeeper standing at the halfway line to clean up any clearances. All hope looked lost in the 88th minute, however, as Rayados went down to 10 men due to a straight red card to Reyes Vargas, a second-half substitute. The visiting team stayed resolute and found their equalizer.

“We just had to make adjustments. That did hurt us,” Rayados player-manager Tito Salas said of the ejection. “The whole time I was on the sideline yelling ‘Let’s keep it positive.’ The boys fed off of it, and it went in. It was a lucky goal, but we’ll take it.”

NTX Rayados logoThe equalizer led to a pair of 15-minute extra time periods in which Rayados kept a tight defensive shape and sought to hold on to the deadlock and head into a penalty shootout. Little Rock had a few good chances, including a 115th minute curling effort from Ryan Blair which went just wide of the post, but ultimately failed to find the winning goal. Rayados goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias Ramirez saved Little Rock’s opening penalty from Trevor Reed, and Robel Dent sent the Rangers’ fourth penalty attempt wide to open up the opportunity for Fazio to win the shootout.

The win advances Rayados to play in the second round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday. This is the third second-round appearance in Rayados’ eight-year history in the tournament. In 2018, the North Texas outfit advanced to the Fourth Round of play before falling to MLS side and eventual cup champions Houston Dynamo by a score of 5-0.

Wednesday night’s competition began amidst a heavy downpour which caused for a wet and muddy playing surface. Rayados began the game on the front foot with an 8th minute goal which was the beginning of a thundering opening half-hour for the visitors. The goal came when Rayados striker Reece Wilson brought down a well-placed cross from right-back Carlos Valdez and slotted a right-footed shot past the keeper and into the bottom-left corner of the goal. The team then forced three acrobatic saves from Rangers’ Spanish goalkeeper Walid Barriou on long-range efforts before the Little Rock outfit shifted momentum with a 27th minute equalizer from Alex Guadron.

The young El Salvadorian forward found the ball amidst a flurry of blocked shots and passes and sent the ball past the Rayados keeper from just outside the box. The goal caused Rangers to settle into the game and find a few chances on goal. In the 40th minute, the Rangers found the back of the net again. This time, Guadron laid a pass off to winger Sabelo Hlongwane who chipped the keeper from outside the penalty box. Sabelo wheeled off in celebration, and his team took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

The second half saw an even amount of chances from each side until Rayados began their final push for an equalizer with about 15 minutes remaining in regulation. Despite putting nearly the whole team behind the ball, Little Rock missed a golden opportunity to seal the game when Robel Dent hit the post with a breakaway effort in the first minute of stoppage time. Just four minutes later, Rayados equalized and turned the game on its head.

“Our guys came out and didn’t sit back and watch. They came out and competed,” said Rangers head coach Will Montgomery. “They showed they can compete against a tough team. We were unfortunate that we didn’t get second and third chances in the second half. We had plenty of opportunities to kill the game off, and we just couldn’t do it.”

Despite the loss and stormy weather, it was still a special night in Little Rock for the Rangers. It was the first opportunity for the NPSL side to compete in the US Open Cup, and it was the first time in the 106-year history of the competition that an Arkansas-based team participated in the tournament.

“It is a tremendous honor to be able to coach the first team in the US Open Cup from Arkansas. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go on to the second round, but overall I am very honored to be coaching this team and to be able to say we achieved something and now we get to look forward to getting back here again.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Kyle Crouse’s late goal sparks FC Denver past Sockers FC

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Players from FC Denver and Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (blue) battle for the ball in their First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Midland-Odesssa Sockers FC
Players from FC Denver and Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (blue) battle for the ball in their First Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Midland-Odesssa Sockers FC

Kyle Crouse’s late goal ended up being the difference-maker in FC Denver’s 2-1 win over Sockers FC in the First Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland, Texas. It was a long day for FC Denver as their flight to Midland was canceled, forcing them to fly into El Paso and drive four hours to the game.

They were able to get to the game on time and when it started, it was back-and-forth throughout the night. FC Denver never trailed, and took the lead on a 34th-minute goal by Cesar Castillo. But Sockers FC used a strong second half to pull even on a 64th-minute goal by Grant Mobley on a corner kick.

“Our team battled together,” FC Denver head coach Drew Melin said. “We fought for each other the whole game. We have a few things that we need to tighten up but we just kept battling. We played for each other.”

FC Denver poses for a team photo before their First Round match with Midland-Odessa Sockers FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Denver
FC Denver poses for a team photo before their First Round match with Midland-Odessa Sockers FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Denver

FC Denver finished with 14 total shots while Sockers FC had 12. Both teams had four shots on target.

Both teams were nearly even on possession with Sockers FC controlling it 51 percent of the game.

Both teams began the night on a promising note with close opportunities within the first three minutes, one of which was a Sockers FC corner kick that came up empty-handed.

A free kick by FC Denver resulted in a diving save by Sockers FC goalkeeper Brin Lapuh early in the game. Then, a shot by Peter Jacobson forced Lapuh to make another saving effort in the 16th minute of the game.

FC Denver had another scoring opportunity come and go when Lashaw Salta’s shot went over the crossbar in the game’s 22nd minute and both teams remained scoreless.

Andres Ruiz delivered one of the few chances for Sockers FC in the first half, overshooting the target from the right side in the 30th minute.

But, FC Denver finally cracked the scoreboard Cesar Castillo found the back of the net in the game’s 33rd minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. For Castillo, it was his fifth career US Open Cup goal. He scored four goals for FC Denver in last year’s tournament, which tied him for third in the competition’s goalscoring chart. With five goals, no player from a United States Sports Specialty Association team has scored more goals in the history of the tournament.

FC Denver would go on to end the first half its one-goal advantage.

While the visitors created the bulk of chances in the first half, Sockers FC began to settle down in the second half and tie things up with Mobley’s equalizer.

“You have to give all the credit to FC Denver,” Sockers FC head coach Johnny Clifford said. “They played pretty well. We’ve had guys who are still getting adjusted and have just showed up. We haven’t had many practices and it showed.

“We just got beat by a better, more experienced team. you have to give credit to them. I don’t want t to make excuses. I felt like we did enough to win the game, but we had lack of fitness and experience and preparation. We paid the price for it.”

But with time ticking away, Crouse’s last-second effort gave FC Denver its second US Open Cup win in the franchise’s history.

“I was glad to be able to finish off the game,” Crouse said. “It was a hard-fought battle. I’m really excited for this team. we had a great team effort. I last minute-winner is something that everyone dreams about.

“I think we expected them to come out strong in the second half. It certainly woke us up. It was a good back-and-forth game. It was a battle until the end.”

With the win, FC Denver advances to the Second Round for the second year in a row, and for the second year in a row they have to travel to play the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of the USL Championship. Last year, the Switchbacks eliminated FC Denver on a late penalty kick, 3-2.

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Greenville Triumph SC wins all-pros matchup vs. South Georgia Tormenta

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Players from Greenville Triumph celebrate the club's goal against South Georgia Tormenta in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Brittany Hildreth | Twitter: @britthildreth
Players from Greenville Triumph celebrate the club’s goal against South Georgia Tormenta in the First Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Brittany Hildreth | Twitter: @britthildreth

In the only 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round match to feature two professional teams, Greenville Triumph SC was able to notch a 1-0 victory over South Georgia Tormenta FC in a USL League One showdown. The victory came on the back of hometown boy Cole Seiler’s 75th minute game winner after a chaotic few minutes starting in the 65th minute.

Tormenta goalkeeper Matias Reynares was about to be booked for persistent time wasting when a Triumph player went to grab the ball and was elbowed in the face. After a scrum, no cards were handed out and, oddly, an indirect free kick was given inside the 18-yard box.

While nothing came from that chance, moments later, Seiler saw the ball drop at his feet from an Aaron Walker corner kick that led to the match’s only goal. The midfielder celebrated his goal by doing the Legacy Leap into the supporters’ section.

“I think it’s always nice to score. I haven’t done that enough in my pro career so I am trying to make a habit of it here in Greenville,” Seiler said. “I wish I would have celebrated with my teammates before the fans.

“I appreciate the fans but I want everyone to know that was a team effort on that goal.”

With the win, Greenville will host USL Championship side Charleston Battery Wednesday, May 15, for the first ever Palmetto Derby between South Carolina’s two professional teams. This will mark just the second time in the tournament’s history that two South Carolina teams have squared off. Back in 2002, the Charleston Battery, then of the A-League (Div. 2 pro) traveled to take on the Greenville Lions (D-3 Pro League) in a Second Round matchup.

“It’s important that the guys recognize this moment and the hard work that was put into it,” said Greenville head coach John Harkes, who won this tournament as a player with D.C. United in 1996. “I thought the guys deserved it tonight. We came out and we managed the game extremely well with good possession and a good battle in winning duels.

“It’s a good win. We will take it and move forward.”

The game got off to a fast start for Greenville as it dominated possession early in the match. As Greenville created chances early, it was clear that a mostly second choice Tormenta side was growing increasingly frustrated and things began to get a bit chippy.

Although the referee gave plenty of leeway early on, he would try to bring the match under control in the 37th minute by issuing a yellow card to Tormenta’s Mikie Rowe for a foul, followed quickly by another to Tormenta’s Josh Phelps for dissent.

After a scoreless first half, Tormenta tried to boost its attack early in the second half by bringing on Ricardo Gomez and Conner Antley who have both shined this season.

After the Seiler goal, the Triumph were able to go on the defensive and see the match out in front of the over 1,700 home fans.

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