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2019 US Open Cup

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Previewing all six “Win & You’re In” weekend games

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UPDATE: 2019 US Open Cup qualifying scores / schedule

This weekend, the last six entries into the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will be determined.

The fourth and final round of the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament for the 106th edition of the US Open Cup will feature four games on Saturday, April 6 and two more on Sunday, April 7. The winner of each game will punch their ticket to the competition that has been crowning a national championship since the tournament launched in 1913.

For teams this weekend, it’s very simple: “Win & You’re In.”

Two Open Division Local teams (clubs that are not part of USL League Two or the National Premier Soccer League) have already clinched a spot in the competition.

Florida Soccer Soldiers (Miami, Fla.) got a free pass after their final round opponents America Soccer Club (Jacksonville, Fla.) withdrew after deciding to go on hiatus due to financial troubles. The Soccer Soldiers will be competing in the US Open Cup for the first time.

Milwaukee-based Bavarian SC, who have been entering the US Open Cup since the 1950s, are back in the tournament for the first time since 2009. They earned their spot by winning the 2018 USASA Amateur Cup.

Of the 12 teams playing this weekend, seven are seeking their first-ever trip to the Open Cup. The five teams that have qualified before include West Chester United (2016), FC Denver (2018), Santa Ana Winds (2018), Cal FC (2012, 2014-15), and NTX Rayados (2012-18). Cal FC made a name for themselves in a big way during their Open Cup debut in 2012 when they won three straight road games, including a stunning 1-0 extra time win over the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. NTX Rayados are aiming to qualify for the eighth year in a row, which would add to their Modern Era (1995-present) record for an Open Division Local team.

According to multiple teams, none of this weekend’s games will be streamed after the participants received a notice from the federation. It stated that “teams are NOT allowed to stream or broadcast your upcoming U.S. Open Cup 4th Round Qualifying match (this includes, Periscope, Twitter, Facebook live etc.)” The same email stated that the federation will be making an announcement soon regarding an “exciting new broadcast partner” for the 2019 tournament.

Stay tuned.

(All Times Eastern)

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

2019 US Open Cup qualifying - West Chester United vs. Safira FC
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Michael Berton

Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com
Players from West Chester United and Vereinigung Erzebirge battle for the ball in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament game. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

Two northeastern heavyweights will battle it out with an Open Cup spot on the line on April 6 when Safira FC hosts West Chester United.

Safira FC is seeking its first US Open Cup berth. Perhaps more well-known in futsal circles as four-time US Futsal national champions, Safira nonetheless has proven it can dominate in the outdoor game as well. Safira won the UPSL Northeast Conference Patriot Division in the 2018 spring season with a 9-1-2 record, and has been making strides on the amateur circuit for several years.

In the qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup, the Massachusetts club hosted three games in a row, defeating Mass United (UPSL) 3-1, before eliminating a pair of Bay State Soccer League teams in Boston City II 4-1, and GPS Omens 7-6 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

West Chester United has dominated Eastern Pennsylvania soccer for nearly a decade. The club has become one of the top amateur teams in the country, winning the Werner Fricker Open Cup in 2015 and making it to the final of the 2018 National Amateur Cup.

Since the club’s first and only US Open Cup appearance in 2016, which included a win over Fredericksburg FC of the NPSL and a loss to the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL (now Penn FC), the West Chester brand has grown. The Pennsylvania side joined the NPSL, in addition to still having a team compete in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. That USL-PA squad won the 2017-2018 league season with a perfect 20-0-0 record, and lead the league in the current season with a 9-1-0 record.

Safira FC celebrate after they advance with a 7-6 PK shootout win (2-2 draw) over GPS Omens in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Chris Aduama | Aduama.com
Safira FC celebrate after they advance with a 7-6 PK shootout win (2-2 draw) over GPS Omens in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Chris Aduama | Aduama.com

Unlike Safira, which hosted all three of its qualifying games, West Chester has been on the road for all three of its qualifiers. All of their opponents feature rich histories of their own, and two are former US Open Cup champions. In the first round, United took down fellow Pennsylvania side Vereinigung Erzgebirge, 1-0, a club that dates back to 1931 . They stayed in the Philadelphia area for Round 2 when they defeated the four-time US Open Cup champion Ukrainian Nationals, 3-0. They then took a trip to the Big Apple in the third round where they defeated three-time champions New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 3-0.

Safira and West Chester United have met once before. On a neutral site in Pennsylvania, the clubs played in the 2018 Region I Final of the National Amateur Cup. Despite receiving a red card in the 9th minute, United won the contest 2-0 in extra time.

How they got here:

West Chester United (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania)
Round 1: W, 1-0 at Vereinigung Erzebirge (USLPA)
Round 2: W, 3-0 at Ukrainian Nationals (USLPA)
Round 3: W, 3-0 at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (Cosmopolitan Soccer League)

Safira FC (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 3-1 vs. Mass United FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 4-1 vs. Boston City FC II (Bay State Soccer League)
Round 3: D, 2-2 (7-6 PKs) vs. GPS Omens (Bay State Soccer League)

2019 us open cup qualifying - fc maritsa vs ntx rayados
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Adam Uthe

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika
Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

There could be a changing of the guard on display when Dallas-based NTX Rayados host St Louis’ FC Maritsa in Saturday’s “Win & You’re In” qualifier. Rayados will be looking to qualify for their eighth consecutive US Open Cup while Maritsa are attempting to clinch their first-ever appearance.

The disparities don’t end there.

The two sides took very different paths to get to this point. Maritsa earned a bye in the first round of qualifying before taking down FC Minnesota 4-3 in the second round game against the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League side. In the third round, they made the trek to Michigan and played 120 minutes of scoreless soccer against Livonia City FC of the Michigan Premier Soccer League before ultimately prevailing 7-6 in the penalty shootout. Center back Rob Acosta scored the winning penalty for Maritsa.

Rayados needed to work just a little harder to get to this point. In Round 1 of qualifying they overcame multiple extra time deficits AND a controversial overturned penalty kick goal to defeat Dallas Elite FC of the UPSL 4-3 in the penalty shootout after tying 4-4 in regulation. Round 2’s 2-0 victory over Leon FC (North Texas Premier Soccer Association) was a little more straightforward, but Rayados would need penalties once again in Round 3. After their November date had to be postponed, they met longtime qualifying rivals CD Motagua (Gulf Coast Premier League) of New Orleans in January. Tying 1-1 in regulation, they advanced 10-9 after 11 rounds in the shootout. The two sides have been scheduled to play each other in qualifying every year since 2013.

Players from FC Maritsa (green) and FC Minnesota challenge for the ball during their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Mark Zimmerman
Players from FC Maritsa (green) and FC Minnesota challenge for the ball during their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match. Photo: Mark Zimmerman

Last year, in their seventh consecutive trip to the tournament, NTX Rayados enjoyed, without question, their most successful Cup run in club history. They hosted a US Open Cup game for the first time and won three in a row in front of their home fans. They defeated the NPSL’s Fort Worth Vaqueros, 2-1 in extra time, and then exploded for three goals in extra time to earn their first pro upset over the USL’s Oklahoma City Energy FC, 5-2. After edging FC Wichita (NPSL) in Round 3, they earned a date with the Houston Dynamo of MLS. They held the game scoreless in the first half before falling 5-0 to the eventual US Open Cup champions, but it helped put the club on the map.

The season has just begun, but Rayados are off to a good start in the very competitive North Texas Premier Soccer Association. The club is undefeated with a 3-0-1 record.

FC Maritsa are members of the UPSL and don’t begin league play until later this spring.

If FC Maritsa are able to advance, they would be just the second Open Division Local team to qualify from the state of Missouri. The only other team to do it was the KC Athletics in 2010. NTX Rayados, on the other hand, already own the Modern Era (1995-present) record for consecutive US Open Cup qualifications by an Open Division Local side; a win on Saturday would simply extend the current streak. Will the streak continue or will a new dynasty be born in 2019?

How they got here:

FC Maritsa (UPSL)
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 4-3 vs. FC Minnesota (Minnesota Amateur Soccer League)
Round 3: D, 0-0 (6-5 PKs) at Livonia City FC (Michigan Premier Soccer League)

NTX Rayados (North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Round 1: D, 4-4 (4-3 PKs) at Dallas Elite FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 2-0 vs. Leon FC (North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
Round 3: D, 1-1 (10-9 PKs) at Motagua of New Orleans (Gulf Coast Premier League)

2019 us open cup qualifying - fc denver vs. Southwest fc
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Phil Baki

Southwest FC celebrates in the locker room after the club's 3-0 win over San Juan FC in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Southwest FC
Southwest FC celebrates in the locker room after the club’s 3-0 win over San Juan FC in the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Southwest FC

This fourth qualifying round is uncharted territory for a pair of amateur teams looking for a berth into the 2019 US Open Cup. Looking at the roads that Southwest FC of El Paso, Texas and FC Denver have taken to reach this point show that they are both quality sides.

Southwest FC of the United Premier Soccer League’s (UPSL) Southwest Conference have relied on fast starts to reach this point of the competition. The Wolves pressed extremely well in their Second and Third Round games, leading to early goals against 2018 UPSL national finalists Sporting AZ (Second Round) and  against 2018 UPSL fall semifinalists San Juan FC of Utah (Third Round).

Manager Endy Gonzalez pointed out that he approaches each match differently, but he may rely on what has served them well to this point. Cesar Sosa Jr., the son of Cesar Sosa Sr., who helped the El Paso Patriots to a runner-up finish in the 1995 US Open Cup, is a constant threat on the front line and will have FC Denver’s attention. Gonzalez will certainly look to his captain and man of the match from the 3-0 victory over San Juan, David Lopez, to provide the spark and ensure the team reaches the level required to make SWFC the second Open Division Local club from El Paso to qualify for the Open Cup. (El Paso Indios USA qualified in 2007 as a member of the NPSL prior to the USSF recognizing the league as a national league status, thus were labeled as an “Open Division Local” club).

FC Denver celebrates after the club's 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter
FC Denver celebrates after the club’s 4-1 win over Gam United FC in their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: FC Denver Twitter

FC Denver have fought a battle for Colorado to get to this point, having eliminated three other Centennial State teams en route to the Fourth Round. They’ve left Indios Denver FC, Harpos FC, and GAM United FC in their wake, with the 4-1 thrashing of GAM being their standout performance. Like Southwest FC, they also relied on early pressure but were much more focused on creating dangerous chances from possessing the ball as much as possible. Their crossing can be extremely dangerous and SWFC’s fullbacks will need to be able to stop the service from out wide. Cesar Castillo, Alex Bernhardt, and Fernando Magallenes make up FC Denver’s potent attacking line and constantly rotate positions to keep defenses on their toes.

A Cesar Castillo hat trick helped FC Denver beat fellow Denver side Azteca FC to reach the US Open Cup Second Round last year before they lost narrowly to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the United Soccer League.

Both teams have proven their quality and their right to be finalists in Open Division Qualifying. The tournament proper has not begun yet, but this certainly feels like a proper cup tie. Both clubs will be giving their all to grab a spot this Saturday.

How they got here:

FC Denver (Colorado Premier League)
Round 1: W, 1-0 at Indios Denver FC (UPSL)
Round 2: D, 1-1 (3-2 PKs) vs. Harpo’s FC (Colorado Premier League)
Round 3: W, 4-1 vs. Gam United FC (UPSL)

Southwest FC (UPSL)
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 4-1 at Sporting AZ FC (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-0 vs. San Juan FC (UPSL)

2019 us open cup qualifying ips-vs-academica
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Josh Duder

Players from International Portland Select celebrate one of their goals in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against JASA RWC. Photo: Ben McFarland
Players from International Portland Select celebrate one of their goals in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against JASA RWC. Photo: Ben McFarland

This Saturday, Academica SC of the NPSL will host Interational Portland Select (IPS) Marathon Taverna, an amateur side from Portland, Ore. in the final qualifier for the 2019 US Open Cup.

Academica SC, currently 2-2 in NPSL play, will host the match at their own Academica Soccer Field in Turlock, Calif. IPS will make their first away trip of the tournament, a distant 670 miles south, after hosting their first two qualifying matches last fall. In those two matches, the amateur side knocked off high quality clubs Nevada Coyotes and JASA RWC (Redwood City, Calif.).

Founded in 1972, Academica SC have a long history of competing for titles in Northern California’s soccer scene. 2018 was their first season in the NPSL, and they finished fifth while missing the playoffs. Still, several players and head coach Sergio Sousa earned a variety of league awards. Along the way, in the US Open Cup qualifing rounds, they eliminated Davis Legacy 4-1 at Academica Field, beat Contra Costa FC 3-2 in another home match, and traveled to Raimondi Park in Oakland, Calif. to knock the Oakland Stompers out of the tournament.

Ramiro Ceja of Academic SC scored the lone goal in the club's 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo
Ramiro Ceja of Academic SC scored the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo

IPS decided to join another league, in addition to the Oregon Premier League, which recently moved to a summer-and-fall season format. They joined the Greater Portland Soccer District in attempt to stay fresh ahead of their US Open Cup run. They are currently sitting on 9 points in Open Division I.

They get the week off to travel to California, a trip that required a fundraising campaign to cover the costs. Expect an active offensive-minded game, with IPS’s Prince Saydee and Nate Pogue not afraid to attack defenses, and Academica’s Cody Golbad and company looking to see that translate their 12 league goals into Cup success. The Rose City side are attempting to become the first Open Division Local team from the state of Oregon, and only the third Open Division club of any kind (Cascade Surge, Portland Timbers U-23s) to ever qualify in the tournament’s Modern Era.

There will be a live stream available for the match which will kick off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

How they got here:

IPS Marathon Taverna
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: W, 5-4 vs. Nevada Coyotes (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-2 vs. JASA RWC (UPSL)

Academica SC
Round 1: W, 4-1 vs. Davis Legacy (LIGA NorCal)
Round 2: W, 3-2 vs. Contra Costa FC (LIGA NorCal)
Round 3: W, 1-0 at Oakland Stompers (UPSL)

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

2019 us open cup qualifying world-class-premier-vs-virginia-united
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Michael Battista

World Class Premier and the Rochester Lancers 2 square off in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Nasha Queen
World Class Premier and the Rochester Lancers 2 square off in a 2019 US Open Cup qualifier. Photo: Nasha Queen

After advancing past the Third Round of US Open Cup Qualifying in November of 2018, both World Class Premier Elite FC and Virginia United FC could be forgiven for thinking that around this time their squads would be preparing for the First Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. However the announcement last December of a Fourth Qualifying Round now means both teams are vying for a single slot in the 106th edition of the tournament. The match on Sunday will determine which of the two clubs will make their US Open Cup debut this month while the other’s journey ends just short.

This marks the first time in tournament history that teams from the Asociacion Nacional Fútbol en USA have attempted to qualify for the Open Cup. The last remaining team from that league is Virginia United, and they have gone through multiple well-established clubs on their way to Sunday’s final round. The team started its run by dispatching fellow league-mate Centro America FC, 2-1, with goals in each half in a game that included seven separate yellow cards – including four for VU. Going up against Super Delegates FC of the Maryland Major Soccer League (MMSL), the Virginia club dominated throughout. A goal within the first five minutes gave Virginia the early lead as the young squad pulled SDFC into committing multiple fouls, including three yellow card offenses in the second half. A final goal advanced the home team, 2-0.

The most recent challenge for United was its biggest one to date as it took on Open Cup fan favorite Christos FC which were looking to advance to their third straight Open Cup tournament. The cleanest game for Virginia United saw Mauricio Martinez score both goals for his team, which brought his qualifying goalscoring total to three. His second goal in the 85th minute was the game-winner, sending United into the final round on a  2-1 scoreline.

Virginia United take a team photo prior to their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier against the Super Delegates FC. Photo: Virginia United
Virginia United take a team photo prior to their 2019 US Open Cup qualifier against the Super Delegates FC. Photo: Virginia United

The competition isn’t the only thing going well for United. The team has created a board and promoted one of its players Jonahan Romero, to the role of head coach, all as the team took part in both qualifying and a winter season. This occurred at the same time that the team was preparing for league play in both the Woodbridge Soccer League and in the ANFUSA. The team features a number of former D.C. United academy players, including brothers Denis and Christian Najar, siblings to former MLS player Andy Najar. Other notable players include former youth internationals such as Eber Martinez (United States) and Bernardo Majano (El Salvador).

While United has had close competition throughout the qualifying rounds, World Class Premier’s impressive offense has outscored opponents 13-3 over the three rounds. Daniel Ankrah and USL Championship veteran Levi Houapeu (formerly of Christos) have both scored four goals each, tying them with four others for second most goals scored during qualifying. Both have scored two goals in two separate games, with Houapeu bookending the team’s first 4-2 win against fellow MMSL club Izee Auto FC.

The MMSL team’s entire offense lit up in the next game against  Charlottesville Alliance FC Reserves with five separate players scoring. Houapeu again scored twice as the team notched a 6-0 win. The team’s Round 3 triumph saw Ankrah score the winner against the Rochester Lancers 2 in western New York State, 3-1.

How they got here:

World Class Premier Elite FC (Maryland Major Soccer League) 
Round 1: W, 4-2 at Izee Auto FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)
Round 2: W, 6-0 at Charlottesville Alliance FC Reserves (Soccer Organization of of Charlottesville Area)
Round 3: W, 3-1 at Rochester Lancers 2 (Rochester District Soccer League)

Virginia United (Woodbridge Soccer League)
Round 1: W, 2-1 at Centro America FC (Woodbridge Soccer League)
Round 2: W, 2-0 vs. Super Delegates FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)
Round 3: W, 2-1 vs. Christos FC (Maryland Major Soccer League)

2019 us open cup qualifying cal-fc-vs-santa-ana-winds
LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Preview by Omar Avalos

Cal FC poses for a team photo before they take on Cal United FC II in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal FC
Cal FC poses for a team photo before they take on Cal United FC II in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal FC

Santa Ana Winds FC will host Cal FC in the final qualifying round to the 2019 US Open Cup on April 6 at the Lake Forest Sports Park at 7 p.m. PST. Santa Ana will attempt to qualify to the Open Cup for the second consecutive year, while Cal FC, a club best known for their upset of Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers in 2012, will attempt to qualify for the first time since 2015.

Winds FC aims to return and improve upon last year’s one-and-done showing, a 3-0 loss to Paul Caligiuri’s Orange County FC. The team arrives at the final qualifier at full strength, with the return of key players who contributed to their qualifying last year. Midfielder Junior Herrera has come back from an injury and defender Matt Rosendo returns from other endeavors to reinforce an already consistent squad featuring defenders Maximiliano Rico and Israel Espnioza, midfielders Xavier Corona and Wilton Quintero, captain Ezequiel Estrada and goalkeeper Alexis V. Rojo.

A win for Santa Ana Winds FC will serve as an affirmation of the club’s intention to produce talent and send players onto bigger and better opportunities. This club, like Cal FC, has sent players to pro sides, namely Juan Arellano who signed with Cartaginés in Costa Rica, Adan Coronado and Kyle O’Brien who went to Cal United, and most recently Jordan Gorman, who joined Milwaukee Torrent of the NPSL. Arellano has returned stateside and has been playing league games with the Winds, but missed the Open Cup roster deadline and could not be added for the tournament qualifying rounds.

Santa Ana Winds logoWinds FC arrived at the fourth round by a pair of one-sided shutouts against UPSL clubs LA Wolves FC and Lionside FC. To reach the final round, the Winds needed a pair of impressive extra time goals by Rico and Corona to earn a 3-2 win over Buena Park FC of the SoCal Premier League.

Cal FC has been demolishing its competition in the UPSL’s SoCal North Division, outgunning everyone 25-7 with a perfect record of 5-0-0. Cal FC had a more difficult path to “Win & You’re In” weekend compared to the Winds. The club ground out an epic overtime victory over Cal United FC to set up the final qualifier with Winds FC. Cal FC had, arguably, the more difficult qualifying route in comparison to Winds FC. They opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over fellow UPSL side San Nicolas FC, and then saw the controversial protest that followed go their way. After a 6-1 road win over Outbreak FC in Round 2, Cal FC edged California United II (UPSL) in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw. The original match nearly two months prior was cut just short of completeion on Nov. 18 when the stadium lights went out in the 89th minute due to a local curfew ordinance. At the time,  the match was tied at 2-2 and a full match replay was ordered.

A win for Cal FC this weekend would also serve as an affirmation of their overall approach as the club seeks to transition to the professional level. The club will need the best competition it can get in order to prepare for the inaugural NPSL Founders Cup, and in doing so, vie for relevance, especially in the soccer-crazed Southern California market.

How they got here:

Cal FC (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 3-1 vs. San Nicolas FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 6-1 at Outbreak FC (SoCal Premier League)
Round 3: D, 1-1 (7-6 PKs) vs. California United II (UPSL)

Santa Ana Winds (UPSL)
Round 1: W, 4-0 at Los Angeles Wolves FC (UPSL)
Round 2: W, 5-0 at Lionside FC (UPSL)
Round 3: W, 3-1 (AET) vs. Buena Park FC (SoCal Premier League)

2019 US Open Cup qualifying: Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws

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Florida Soccer Soldiers logoThe Florida Soccer Soldiers have punched their ticket to the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup without playing their final Open Division Local Qualifying tournament game. On March 18, 2019, the US Soccer Federation announced on Twitter that their final round opponent, Jacksonville, Fla.-based America Soccer Club, has withdrawn from the competition.

TheCup.us has confirmed with the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) that America SC is no longer a part of the league due to financial reasons, which disqualifies them from participating in the US Open Cup.

America SC did not respond to a request for comment.

This will mark the first time that Florida Soccer Soldiers, who are based in the Miami area, will take part in the US Open Cup. The Soldiers won the UPSL Florida Conference regular season championship in their inaugural season in 2018.

ASC America SC logoThey began their qualifying journey on Sept. 22 when they edged fellow UPSL side Miami Sun FC, 2-1. In Round 2, the Soldiers took advantage of a second half red card and earned a 1-0 win over fellow Miami club Red Force FC who were seeking their fifth trip to the Open Cup.

They advanced to the final round with a one-sided 6-0 win over Hurricane FC. Valentin Sabella, who scored the game-winner against Red Force FC, scored two goals and dished out two assists in the win. William Stamatis also bagged two goals for the Soccer Soldiers.

With one less game, the final round of the qualifying tournament is down to six games, which will be played the weekend of April 6-7. The winner of each game will join the field of 84 teams in the 106th edition of the tournament. Click here for the full qualifying schedule.

 

Plans to broadcast every 2019 US Open Cup game among changes in tournament handbook

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The New York Red Bulls take on FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup Semifinals at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday August 15, 2017. Photo: Ryan Meyer | New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls take on FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup Semifinals at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday August 15, 2017. Photo: Ryan Meyer | New York Red Bulls

UPDATE (3/7/19 – 4:02 p.m.): The change involving caps on the length of suspensions is not a new addition to the handbook. Red card suspensions are kept on the books for 10 years, while suspensions imposed by the Adjudication and Discipline Panel are in place for 20 years. Upon further review, this policy change was added in 2015. 

Without fanfare, the handbook for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has received some updates.

The handbook lists all the rules and policies of the competition, as well as a full list of players who are suspended from playing due to red cards or a discipline panel decision. Since the 2018 Open Cup concluded with the Houston Dynamo lifting the trophy for the first time, there have been some significant changes, many of them related to increasing standards to set the stage for the United States Soccer Federation’s plans to broadcast every match when its 106th edition begins in May.

In preparation for the upcoming broadcast deal, home teams are now required to have space for a TV truck at all matches, sufficient lighting and additional staff in place. Here is how the handbook reads:

In the most exciting addition in the tournament’s modern era, U.S. Soccer is arranging for all matches in the tournament to be broadcast (an announcement will be made soon). As a result, home teams will be required moving forward to have additional staff in place, including a broadcast operations manager, a “red hat” and an electrician on-site (page 34). Further, the local commercial rights available to home teams are being modified to include the first three rounds (page 32).
Stadium requirements now include:
Sufficient floodlights for TV broadcasts
Suitable area to park TV production truck

Team eligibility also was clarified so that only teams in good standing in leagues and organizations that are in good standing can participate in the tournament. Leagues also must have regular schedules.

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.

There is also additional clarification on the definition of a new team in a new or existing league.

For the purpose of this Policy, any team having not played in its league’s regular competition for the full season ending immediately prior to the entry deadline for its respective competition division (e.g. Open Division, Outdoor Professional League) shall be considered a team starting its first season, whether in an existing or new league.

With these two rules changes, the loophole that the three NASL teams fielding teams in the NPSL (New York Cosmos, Miami FC, and Jacksonville Armada FC) used to enter last year’s tournament, is now closed.

Following suit of other cup competitions, a fourth substitution is now allowed in extra time.

A team may use not more than 3 substitutes from its match day roster unless a match proceeds into extra time, in which case an additional substitution shall be granted.

Team benches now may have as many as nine coaches or team officials in its Technical Area, up from seven in 2018.

Each team shall have no more than seven (7) players and nine (9) coaches or team officials in its Technical Area. The name of each coach and team official shall be included on the roster sheet provided to the referee before the match.

Other Open Division handbook highlights

  • Criteria was developed for Open Division National League status (USL League Two and NPSL have National League status)
  • The method for allocating Open Division slots into the First Round proper among the various qualifying pools (i.e.: local qualifiers, any national leagues) has changed to a prorated system based on the number of teams entered. This is why NPSL received 14 slots and USL League Two received 10 slots, as NPSL had 98 teams and USL League Two had 69.
  • All teams (professional and open division) must now post a $1,000 performance bond in addition to their entry fee.
  • Player eligibility was clarified for foreign work visa players on professional teams, stating that “any conflicting Outdoor Professional League roster rules shall not apply to the number of foreign players allowed to compete in the Open Cup.” This could be considered the “LAFC rule” after last year’s controversy where they fielded an ineligible player and nearly had to forfeit their Quarterfinal win over the Portland Timbers.

US Soccer teases significant broadcasting plans for US Open Cup

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Dan Flynn, the CEO and Secretary General of US Soccer, speaks at the 2019 US Soccer Federation AGM on Feb. 16, 2019. Photo: YouTube.com Screen Shot
Dan Flynn, the CEO and Secretary General of US Soccer, speaks at the 2019 US Soccer Federation AGM on Feb. 16, 2019. Photo: YouTube.com Screen Shot

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) held its annual general meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. last week. During the National Council Meeting on Feb. 16, there was a significant 15 seconds that should excite fans of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the United States’ national championship, that will kick off its 106th competition in May.

During his remarks, US Soccer CEO Dan Flynn gave a broad view of what’s to come in the near future with the federation. During his speech, what may have caught the ear of fans of the second-oldest continually-operating cup competition in the world was when he talked about the USSF’s plans to revamp its digital offerings to fans.

Flynn mentioned plans for a new website and a new mobile app, but then said this:

“This year we will expand our Open Cup broadcast coverage and will be soon announcing a deal with one of our partners that will provide an unprecedented level of access for fans during the entire competition.”

No details were provided.

In the US Open Cup’s Modern Era (1995-present), the tournament has had very limited television exposure. There have only been 41 US Open Cup broadcasts (the vast majority of which were aired live),  on a national or regional cable network. Of those 41 broadcasts, 23 of them were the championship game and 11 were Semifinal matches. In fact, between 2004 and 2018, there have only been four non-championship matches shown prior to the Final. Last year, the only match that was broadcast live on national television was the 2018 US Open Cup Final between the Houston Dynamo and the Philadelphia Union which was shown live on ESPN2 and the Univision Deportes Network.

In the tournament’s Modern Era, fans interested in watching the tournament have had only two choices: watch the games in person, or watch online. Local fans could watch the games in person, which is not always easy for the average fan because Open Cup matches are almost always played midweek, which further discouraged travelling fans. Sometimes there might be an online stream of the match available. While efforts have been made to get more games streaming online, the quality of those online streams have been inconsistent, especially in the early rounds.

This appears to be changing in 2019, with the federation set to announce a deal with one of their broadcast partners. Those in attendance at the federation’s US Open Cup meeting have told TheCup.us that the goal is to make every game of the tournament available, which would require a significant financial investment in the competition.

More hints that changes could be on the horizon for the tournament were dropped at the US Open Cup Committee Meeting at the AGM which featured a new format. The meeting consisted of what has been described by a few who attended as a “brainstorming session” where there was an open discussion about some of the suggestions that fans and media members had submitted via social media on how to improve the Open Cup.

In fact, TheCup.us, which is working on a “how to improve the US Open Cup” feature, got into the act as well.

Fans have complained for years about the lack of US Open Cup games on television and other media outlets, but it appears that Soccer United Marketing, the rights holder for all the tournament’s broadcasting and marketing rights, has a plan to make more games available. As for the fan-submitted suggestions, it is too soon to know how many of these suggestions will be implemented, but it is clear that the federation is listening.

Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out

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When TheCup.us calculated which National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams would qualify for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Chattanooga FC was ranked 12th. With 14 teams expected to get in, the club seemed on their way to participating in the tournament for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.

However, when the US Soccer Federation announced the format for the 2019 US Open Cup on Thursday, Chattanooga FC was nowhere to be found on the list of 14 NPSL clubs.

TheCup.us has learned that Chattanooga FC decided to decline their invitation to the tournament.

In a statement provided to TheCup.us, the club points out that it just has too much on its plate to take on the Open Cup this year.

“Chattanooga Football Club is experiencing significant growth and progress as we enter the second decade,” the statement from the Chattanooga FC read. “In preparing for our professional debut in the Founders Cup, we are focused on building our team and our supporter ownership offering. We have already scheduled 26 games for 2019, not including potential playoffs, which is our biggest schedule in our history. With the responsibilities for a successful 2019 season, our efforts are concentrated on our team, our community, and our fans. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is a great tradition and we look forward to participating in future years.”

Chattanooga FC has enjoyed some success in the US Open Cup. They are known as the only NPSL club in history to eliminate multiple professional teams. In 2014, they defeated the Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro, Div. 3) 3-1 in regulation, and then, in a rematch the following year, they eliminated the Hammerheads in penalty kicks.

The winner in the situation is the Midland-Odessa Sockers FC. As it stood, the Sockers were in 15th place out of 14 teams, but with Chattanooga FC dropping out, Midland-Odessa jumped from 15th to 12th. Now that they’re in, the Sockers will take part in the competition for the second year in a row, and the third time in club history.

This is not the first team to qualify and then decline to enter. In 2013, a pair of NPSL clubs, the Erie Commodores and the now-defunct AFC Cleveland, both qualified but declined to enter. Erie cited travel and financial difficulties and Cleveland had issues with player availability. In the early days of the Modern Era, a small handful of MLS teams declined to enter. The Los Angeles Galaxy did not enter from 1996-1998, D.C. United declined to participate in 1998, and the New England Revolution did not enter in 1996, 1998 and 1999. Professional teams are now required to participate under current rules.

More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format

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The Houston Dynamo celebrate the 2018 US Open Cup championship. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Twitter: @Vos_Castellanos, IG: @FutbolAndBrews
The Houston Dynamo celebrate the 2018 US Open Cup championship. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Twitter: @Vos_Castellanos, IG: @FutbolAndBrews

UPDATED: Chattanooga releases a statement regarding their decision to withdraw from the 2019 US Open Cup

The New Year brings about a renewed interest in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has recently announced the pairings for the fourth round of local qualifying and the schedule and competition format which includes a Modern Era (1995-present) record number of professional teams (52).

The 106th edition of the tournament is set to kick off on May 7, and will feature both open division clubs (14 NPSL, 10 USL League Two, 8 Open Division Local) and professional teams from Major League Soccer (Division 1), USL Championship (Division 2), and USL League One (Division 3). This will be the first time since 2016 that a third division league will take part in the competition.

The First Round of the competition will have all 32 open division clubs and the six USL League One clubs squaring off. The 19 winners will advance to the Second Round, where they will be joined by the 25 USL Championship clubs before the 21 Major League Soccer teams, including last year’s champion Houston Dynamo, enter in the Fourth Round.

The draw for the First Round of the tournament is scheduled to take place on April 10.

As with nearly every edition of the tournament, the handbook has detailed new additions and revisions that have been included for 2019. A copy of the 2019 edition of the Open Cup Handbook can be found and downloaded here.

Here are some of the highlights:

Prize Money

After increasing the prize totals for last year’s event, the USSF has decided to keep those numbers for the 2019 iteration of the tournament. The champion will receive $300,000, the runner-up will get $100,000, and the team that advances the furthest from each division wins $25,000 each. In total, there is $475,000 in prize money up for grabs this year for five teams to earn a cut of. The winner will also receive a berth into the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League.

First Round Pairings

Provisions that required teams to play opponents that qualified from a different league or pool have been altered in order to lessen the potential cost of travel. These provisions may be waived if doing so lessens the cost of travel for the away team. As an example, this means a team from the NPSL does not need to face a Local Qualifier or USL League Two team if travel costs are too excessive and may be placed with another team (even a team from the NPSL) if it is closer.

Match Dates

If the Open Cup Commissioner, Paul Marstaller, finds a date change would be in the best interest of the competition, he may do so even outside the confirmed schedule dates.

Substitutions

Starting with the 2019 tournament, a fourth substitution is now allowed for games that reach extra time. This follows the trend set forth by other major soccer competitions such as the Summer Olympics, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and FIFA World Cup among others.

Thanks, but no thanks

After failing to qualify last year, Chattanooga FC, the only NPSL club to eliminate multiple professional teams, appeared to be on their way for qualifying for the US Open Cup for the seventh time. However, TheCup.us has learned that despite making the cut, based on the NPSL’s qualifying method, the club has informed the US Soccer Federation that they will not take part in the 2019 tournament. Chattanooga FC released a statement to TheCup.us to explain the decision to withdraw.

Record diversity

This year’s tournament features a Modern Era record 34 different states represented, including 38 different state associations. Two of the teams will make history as Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship) from Alabama and the Little Rock Rangers (NPSL) from Arkansas are, according to TheCup.us historical records, the first teams from their respective states to compete in the tournament’s 106-year history.

Other notable records shows that Texas has a Modern Era record nine teams that have qualified for the 2019 US Open Cup and NTX Rayados (Dallas) and Southwest FC (El Paso) have a chance to add to that number.

The streak continues …

Reading United of USL League Two (formerly Premier Development League) have qualified for the 11th year in a row, which continues the club’s Modern Era record for an open division team. If NTX Rayados wins their final qualifying game against FC Maritsa (St. Louis), they will have qualified for the 8th year in a row, which is the longest streak of any open division local team (open division local teams are any open division team that is not part of a national league, such as USL League Two or the NPSL).

2019 US Open Cup entries

Major League Soccer (Div. 1 professional – 21 teams)
Atlanta United FC, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew SC, D.C. United, FC Cincinnati, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Los Angeles FC, Los Angeles Galaxy, Minnesota United FC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City

All US-based MLS teams automatically qualify for the US Open Cup

USL Championship (Div. 2 professional – 25 teams)
Austin Bold FC, Birmingham Legion FC, Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Fresno FC, Hartford Athletic, Indy Eleven, Las Vegas Lights FC, Louisville City FC, Memphis 901 FC, Nashville SC, New Mexico United, North Carolina FC, Oklahoma City Energy FC, Orange County SC, Phoenix Rising FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Reno 1868 FC, Sacramento Republic FC, Saint Louis FC, San Antonio FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Tulsa Roughnecks FC

All US-based USL Championship teams automatically qualify for the US Open Cup

USL League One (Div. 3 professional – 6 teams)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Forward Madison FC, Greenville Triumph SC, Lansing Ignite FC, Richmond Kickers, South Georgia Tormenta FC

All US-Based USL Championship teams automatically qualify for the US Open Cup

USL League Two (Div. 4 amateur – Open Division National – 10 teams)
Black Rock FC, Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C., Dayton Dutch Lions, Des Moines Menace, FC Golden State Force, Lakeland Tropics, New York Red Bulls U-23, Reading United AC, The Villages SC,  Tormenta FC 21

1: Played under the name South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2018.

USL League Two determines their US Open Cup entries based on 2018 league results (which were under the league’s previous name – the Premier Development League) (DETAILS)
Note: This article has not been updated in regards to teams folding or switching leagues

National Premier Soccer League (Div. 4 amateur – Open Division National – 14 teams)
AFC Ann Arbor, Duluth FC, El Farolito, Erie Commodores FC, FC Baltimore Christos1, FC Motown, FC Mulhouse Portland, Midland/Odessa Sockers FC, Philadelphia Lone Star FC2, Laredo Heat, Little Rock Rangers, Miami FC3, New York Cosmos B, Orange County FC

1: Played under the name FC Baltimore in 2018
2: Played under the name Junior Lone Star FC in 2018
3: Played under the name Miami FC 2 in 2018

NPSL determines their US Open Cup entries based on 2018 league results (DETAILS)

Open Division Local Qualifiers (Div. 4 amateur – 8 teams)
Milwaukee Bavarian SC – 2018 USASA National Amateur Cup winner

The remaining seven spots will be determined in a Fourth Round of Open Cup qualifying, which will take place on April 6 and 7. The matchups are:

Safira FC (USASA) vs West Chester United Predators (USASA)
Virginia United (ANFUSA) vs World Class Premier Elite FC (USASA)
Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA) vs America SC (USASA)
NTX Rayados (USASA) vs FC Maritsa (USASA)
Southwest FC (USASA) vs FC Denver (USSSA)
Santa Ana Winds FC (USASA) vs Cal FC (USASA)
Academica SC (USCS) vs IPS/Marathon Taverna (USASA)

(DETAILS)

Teams that play in American leagues that are based outside the United States are barred from entering the tournament. This list includes:

Calgary Foothills FC (USL-2) (Won its conference and the league in 2018)
Montreal Impact (MLS)
Ottawa Fury FC (USL-C)
Toronto FC (MLS)
Toronto FC II (USL-1) (Is also barred on the grounds that it is owned by a higher division professional club)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)

Professional teams that are majority owned or whose player roster “is materially managed” by a higher level team are not eligible for the competition. For 2019, this includes the following teams:

Atlanta United 2 (USL-C)
Bethlehem Steel FC (USL-C)
FC Tucson (USL-1)
LA Galaxy II (USL-C)
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
New York Red Bulls II (USL-C)
North Texas SC (USL-1)
Portland Timbers II (USL-C)
Orlando City B (USL-1)
Real Monarchs SLC (USL-C)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL-C)
Swope Park Rangers (USL-C)
Tacoma Defiance (USL-C) (Formerly Seattle Sounders 2)

Despite being a tournament regular since 2013, FC Tucson will not field a USL League Two team in 2019.

The following pairs of teams (amateur clubs and their parent club) will not be allowed to play each other until the Final:

  1. Houston Dynamo (MLS) / Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C. (USL-2)
    2. New York Red Bulls (MLS) / New York Red Bulls U-23s (PDL)
    3. South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1) / Tormenta FC 2 (USL-2)

In addition, two more clubs are not allowed to face one another unless they both reach the final. According to the handbook, this is to “prevent the possibility of a team who receives material technical support from another club from playing that side.”

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) / Reno 1868 FC (USL-C)

2019 US Open Cup dates

April 6-7: Fourth Qualifying Round
April 10: 2019 US Open Cup First Round pairings and Second Round possible matchups announced
April 17: Second Round Pairings & Possible Pairings Announced – April 17
May 7-8: First Round
May 14-15: Second Round
May 29: Third Round
May 30: Fourth Round Draw
June 12: Fourth Round
June 13: Round of 16 Draw
June 29: Round of 16 (also June 18-23 if home team chooses and visiting team has at least three non-game days on each side of chosen date, with any overlap of U.S. MNT Gold Cup games on June 18 and June 22 disallowed)
July 10: Quarterfinals
July 11: Draw to determine hosts for Semifinals & Final
Aug. 7: Semifinals
Aug. 27 or 28: Final
*Dates subject to change

NOTE: Any game in the Fourth Round, Round of 16, Quarterfinal Round and Semifinal Round where one of the participants has a league game the following Friday will be moved up a day (exception to this is when the team’s opponent is scheduled for a league game the preceding Sunday; in this case, the provisions elsewhere in the Open Cup Handbook to resolve such an issue prevail). Also, any game chosen by U.S. Soccer to be broadcast nationally is subject to being moved up a day.

 

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Cal FC reaches final round with PK win over Cal United

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Cal FC poses for a team photo before they take on Cal United FC II in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal FC
Cal FC poses for a team photo before they take on Cal United FC II in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal FC

The rematch of the third round Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup between Cal FC and California United FC II was an epic grind. Cal FC defeated Cal United in penalty kicks by a score of 7-6 after a 1-1 draw on a cold and rainy night at the Orange County Great Park Soccer Complex in Irvine, Calif. The Cal FC defense was resolute throughout and was able to contain a high-scoring Cal United team.

With the win, Cal FC, who are best known for their run in the 2012 US Open Cup where they upset a pair of pro teams, including the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer, advances to the fourth and final round of the qualifying tournament. They will take on fellow Southern California-based UPSL club Santa Ana Winds in a “Win & You’re In” match in early April.

“I’m proud of the effort of the entire group,” said Cal FC head coach Keith Costigan. “To be down to a squad of just 13 because of players signing pro contracts and still compete with a side of the caliber of Cal United FC is a testament to the effort of these young men. We had one session to work on a game plan and the boys implemented it to perfection.”

The original match was played on Nov. 18, 2018 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. but with the match tied at 2-2, the stadium lights turned off in the 89th minute. This was due to a local curfew ordinance, so the match could note be finished. The two teams had trouble agreeing on a date until agreeing to Jan. 16, when the match was replayed in its entirety.

Cal FC got on the scoreboard first on a Romario Lomeli corner kick that was headed in by Salomon Wbias in the 5th minute. This was a welcome goal for Cal FC, given their limited roster. From that point on, the Cal FC defense clamped down, blocking shot after shot as a compact unit. Whenever Cal United managed to break the Cal FC defense, Kevin Marquez came up with some heroic saves to keep Cal FC in the fight. Marquez had at least five saves in the match.

Cal FC maintained that 1-0 lead into the second half when Cal United managed to gain long spells of possession and control of the match, creating numerous chances and, missing the net by inches at times.

Cal United’s best chance came around the 70th minute when a player was tripped in the area, leading the referee to point to the spot. Cal FC head coach Keith Costigan disagreed with the official and was sent off for arguing the call. Moments later, Miguel Sanchez-Rincon stepped up to take the PK, but it was saved by Marquez to preserve his clean sheet.

About 12 minutes later, another trip in the penalty area led to another PK, but this time Cristian Gordillo put it past Marquez to level the match in the 82nd minute.

The Cal United onslaught continued in overtime, and this provided space and counterattacking opportunities for Cal FC, but they couldn’t capitalize on them. On one counterattack, Cal FC strung together some short passes in the area that provoked a penalty kick call late in the second half of overtime. The match could’ve been decided there, but the kick taker, Jadilson Da Silva Vieira hit the crossbar.

The penalty kick shootout required eight rounds to decide a winner with Cal FC taking the first attempt. In Round 2, Cal FC had their attempt saved by Cal United’s Kifi Cabrera, which led to a dramatic attempt in the fifth round. With the score tied 4-4, Cal United had a chance to win the shootout but their fifth attempt struck the crossbar. Both teams converted their attempts until the eighth round when Marquez blocked Duncan Capriotti’s attempt to send Cal FC into the final round of qualifying.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: NTX Rayados’ Kevin Ellis redeems himself in PK win vs. Motagua of NOLA

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NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados pose for a team photo before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Leon FC. Photo: NTX Rayados

It was all about “redemption” on Saturday night in New Orleans.

The North Texas (NTX) Rayados, who are attempting to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the eighth year in a row, needed 11 rounds of penalty kicks to survive and advance their 2019 Open Division Local Qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. After the match finished in a 1-1 draw, Kevin Ellis of NTX Rayados stepped to the penalty spot in the opening round and had his attempt saved. A couple rounds later, Motagua’s Nestor Peralta had his attempt ring off the crossbar which helped level the shootout at 3-3. No one missed until Round 11 when Rayados goalkeeper Emmanuel “Bebo” Frias dove to his right to stop Brandon Chagnard’s attempt to open the door for the visitors.

This left North Texas player/manager Tito Salas with a tough decision. With the shootout on the line, he had the choice to put Ellis back out there for a second attempt, or to choose another player to take the shot.

Salas didn’t hesitate: “I told him, ‘It’s time for redemption’.”

Ellis stepped to the spot, fired it to the right of Motagua netminder Jose Santos Jr. and into the back of the net to send Rayados to the final round of qualifying.

Motagua finished the game with 10 men after a second yellow card was issued to Leo Barros late in the second half, so when it came time for the shootout, the rules state that once the shorthanded team finishes with their last player in the shootout, the team with 11 players has a choice. They can either allow their 11th player to shoot, or they can choose someone else.

For Salas, it was an easy decision and Ellis was more than confident that he could seal the deal.

“He usually scores his PKs,” said Salas. “There’s a reason why he went first . We are very confident in him.”

NTX Rayados logoThat confidence paid off as NTX Rayados will advance to the final round of the qualifying where they are likely to face off with the El Paso, Texas-based Southwest FC at a venue that will be announced by the US Soccer Federation in the coming weeks. The date of the fourth and final round is scheduled for the weekend of April 6-7.

The Rayados are attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup for the eighth consecutive season, which would extend their Modern Era (1995-present) record for an Open Division Local team.

This rivalry has been growing since they first met in 2012. NTX Rayados are unbeaten against Motagua in US Open Cup qualifying since their first meeting, and every match has had a lot on the line. This was the first time that the match between the two clubs didn’t decide who got into the US Open Cup. However, the overall rivalry isn’t dominated by the Rayados. In Amateur Cup play, Motagua has had the edge, winning all three meetings, including a win in the USASA Region III Amateur Cup Final that sent the Crescent City club to the national finals.

“It’s been a great rivalry,” said Salas. “But it’s been more of a friendship. We get along with them.”

NTX Rayados arrived in New Orleans with just 12 players, but it was their play in the first half that gave them confidence, including the opening goal in the later part of the first half. The play started out of the back where Salas fed the ball to Jose Antonio Hernandez on the wing. Hernandez took the ball to the endline and crossed it into the penalty area where it took a deflection in front and fell to the feet of the team’s all-time US Open Cup goalscorer, Alberto Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who scored two goals in the club’s upset of the Oklahoma City Energy (USL) in the Second Round of last year’s tournament, slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put the visitors in front.

The Rayados went into the halftime break with the lead and with plenty of confidence.

“We had some good chances early,” said Salas, who hit the crossbar in the first half. “It seemed like it was going to be a different outcome from the beginning. But once they scored their goal they got really hype and they were all over us.”

That equalizer came for Motagua in the with about 10 minutes left in regulation.

Motagua’s player/manager Steven Morris was the hero for the home team. He played a through ball to Samir Garcia down the left wing, who took possession and dribbled inside the box. Garcia laid the ball off with a back heel and Morris finished from the corner of the six-yard box to the near post.

NTX Rayados players Christopher Escalera (left) and Cedric Nickerson get ready in the locker room before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. Photo: Goose | NTX Rayados
NTX Rayados players Christopher Escalera (left) and Cedric Nickerson get ready in the locker room before their 2019 US Open Cup qualifying match against Motagua of New Orleans. Photo: Goose | NTX Rayados

The energy ramped up for Motagua, who were playing against a road team who only had a backup goalkeeper Lorenzo Guillen on their bench (he would later enter the game as a field player in extra time). The momentum they gained from the goal, and the Rayados’ heavy legs, took a hit minutes later when Leo Barros was issued his second yellow card for a tackle from behind leaving the home side down to 10 men.

The match would go into extra time and NTX Rayados appeared to regain the lead but they had a goal taken off the board. On a set piece in the first extra time period, the ball was crossed in and after North Texas put the ball into the back of the net, celebrated that goal and started to head back to the center of the field for the kickoff, the referee and one of the linesman stopped them in their tracks. The two officials had a meeting and determined that the Rayados had committed a foul in the box prior to the goal.

The match would have to be determined at the penalty spot where NTX prevailed 10-9 to keep their five-game US Open Cup qualifying unbeaten streak alive against Motagua of New Orleans.

“It was a hard-played game like we expected,” said Motagua player/manager Steven Morris. “It’s the type of game everyone gets up for. Congratulations to the Rayados and we wish them luck going forward. It’s tough when you play with 10 men and once you get to PKs, it’s a gamble. I’m really proud of my boys and we will be back.”

“They fought hard,” said Salas about his Rayados club. “You could tell that our legs were giving up on us , but I’m proud of the guys. It definitely wasn’t what we expected, and it definitely wasn’t easy.”

These two teams have been scheduled to play each other in every US Open Cup qualifying tournament since 2013, with NTX Rayados winning four times along with another match finishing in a draw (that helped the Rayados clinch a spot in the US Open Cup). In their first meeting that took place in New Orleans in 2013, NTX Rayados cruised to a 4-0 win in the USASA Region III Open Cup Semifinals, which punched their ticket to the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

There was no qualifying tournament in 2014 as the USASA was changing their qualifying method, but the two teams met again in June of 2014 in Montgomery, Ala. to decide the entries for the 2015 US Open Cup. In group play, NTX Rayados just needed a draw against Motagua in the final game to clinch their fourth straight Open Cup berth, and they got just that, as the game finished 3-3.

The USSF created the current Open Division Local qualifying tournament in 2016 and the two teams were scheduled to play before the federation decided to cancel the final round and enter all of the remaining clubs into the tournament. The two teams met in the final round in each of the last two years with NTX Rayados winning both games in Balch Springs, Texas, 2-0, in 2017, and by the score of 2-1 last year.

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3
Motagua of New Orleans 1:1 NTX Rayados
NTX advances, 10-9 in penalty kicks

Penalty Kick Shootout
NOLA: Brandon Chagnard (GOAL)
NTX: Kevin Ellis (SAVED)
NOLA: Steven Morris (GOAL)
NTX: Jose Antonio Hernandez (GOAL)
NOLA: Nestor Peralta (MISS)
NTX: Mychel Jones (GOAL)
NOLA: Scott Burris (GOAL)
NTX: Victor Pinal (GOAL)
NOLA: Samir Arzu (GOAL)
NTX: Cedric Nickerson (GOAL)
NOLA: Hisham Aldbziz
NTX: Chris Escalera (GOAL)
NOLA: Anthony Peters (GOAL)
NTX: Alberto Rodriguez (GOAL)
NOLA: Patrick Lynch (GOAL)
NTX: Tito Salas (GOAL)
NOLA: Fernando Vargas (GOAL)
NTX: Brandon Pfluger (GOAL)
NOLA: Jose Santos Jr. (GK) (GOAL)
NTX: Emmanuel “Bebo” Frias (GK) (GOAL)
NOLA: Brandon Chagnard (SAVED)
NTX: Kevin Ellis (GOAL)

Which NPSL clubs will qualify for the 2019 US Open Cup?

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Miami FC 2's newest signing, Dario Suarez, celebrates after coming off the bench and scoring in his debut against FC Miami City in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: @LemonCityLive
Miami FC 2’s newest signing, Dario Suarez, celebrates after coming off the bench and scoring in his debut against FC Miami City in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: @LemonCityLive

UPDATE: The USSF released the format for the 2019 US Open Cup and Chattanooga FC decided to withdraw from the tournament, which pushed Midland-Odesssa Sockers FC up to 12th place, and earned them a spot in the 106th edition of the tournament.

The National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) 2018 season was filled with first-year clubs reaching for the brass ring, historic clubs looking to show they’re still a powerful force, former professional clubs looking for a league of their own, and much more. With everything settled down, we now have a better idea which teams have the best chance to qualify for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

How this list is made is determined by using the 2019 US Open Cup Handbook, which can be downloaded here.

When the NPSL was founded in 2003, teams were required to qualify through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). It wasn’t until 2011 when the league was awarded national league status and received their own spots in the competition. What started with only four berths in 2011 has gradually grown to a Modern Era (1995-present) high of 22 teams last year.

With the changing soccer structure, including the creation of new Division III league (USL League One) and new teams being added to both professional leagues (MLS & USL Championship), it’s currently unknown how many berths will be allocated to the NPSL teams. This information is expected to be announced by the US Soccer Federation some time this month.

This sort of change isn’t anything new to the tournament. Back in 2011, the inaugural seasons of the North American Soccer League (NASL) (then Division II) and USL Pro (then Division III) added some interest to United States Soccer Federation sanctioning process. The federation’s decision to not sanction the NASL in January 2011, due to concerns regarding the league’s financial stability, meant teams from it were not able to compete in the 2011 US Open Cup despite provisional sanctioning later being given in February. USL League One has already been given sanctioning as a Division III league as of Dec. 14, 2018.

Recent announcements might lead some to conclude that the number of NPSL teams that will qualify for the 106th edition of the US Open Cup will be reduced. The US Soccer Federation announced on social media that a fourth round of qualifying would be needed for the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament, which is expected to trim the number of teams to eight clubs (2018 USASA Amateur Cup champion Bavarian SC and the seven fourth round winners), which is down from 13 teams in 2018. With the increase in the number of teams entering from the professional leagues (MLS, USL Championship, USL League One), it seems as though the number of amateur teams may be getting cut to make room.

NPSL’s CLASSIFICATION RULES

Heading into the 2019 US Open Cup, the NPSL has 98 teams that are eligible for the competition divided into four regions: Northeast (26), South (30), Midwest (22), and West (20). Tournament bids are staggered in a way to reward regions with more teams – for example, the South Region would get a sixth team into the tournament before any of the other three regions get a fifth.

The first eight possible berths are awarded to teams that advanced deep into the 2018 NPSL playoffs. Slots one and two are reserved for the champion and runner-up, respectively. Slots three and four are given to the teams that reached the semifinals and teams four through eight are held by the remaining quarterfinalists.

NPSL ranks largely by points per game, but prioritizes at least one Open Cup bid for every division. It’s important to consider where a team plays (conference and division) when you read the teams listed and take extraneous factors into consideration such as teams folding, declaring themselves ineligible, changing leagues, or more.

It’s near certain that teams listed in the top eight are all but guaranteed a spot in the 2019 US Open Cup. After that, teams are ranked based on criteria that the NPSL has come up with in accordance with the Open Cup Committee. This information can be found inside the 2019 edition of the handbook (pg. 14).

As soon as we know how many tournament spots the NPSL is being awarded, we will know who is in and who is not. Until then, here is the order that the teams would qualify:

1. Miami FC 2 (NPSL Champion, South Region – Sunshine Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 3 (2016-18 … including Miami FC NASL history)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2018 Second Round (3-1 loss vs Miami United FC of NPSL)

Miami FC 2 was born out of necessity after the cancellation of the 2018 North American Soccer League season left the first team with no professional league while legal proceedings played out. While the lawyers deliberated Miami FC 2, with a roster full of professional players, ran through the Sunshine Conference with an 8-1-3 regular season record, a +25 goal differential, and both the regular season and conference championships. The team continued to dominate in the national bracket of the playoffs as well, outscoring their opponents 10-2 over the course of four games. The final saw the franchise win its first national championship over FC Motown, 3-1, in Madison, New Jersey.

As the league champion, they are definitely going to get in. The only question is whether or not they will compete under the name “Miami FC” or “Miami FC 2”.

2. FC Motown (NPSL Finalist, Northeast Region – Keystone Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 3 (2016-18 as Clarkstown Eagles)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2018 Round 2 (3-1 loss vs Penn FC of USL)

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

Following a re-brand after the 2017 season, with FC Motown merging with the Clarkstown Eagles, the club will be looking to bring its regular season success onto the national stage in 2019. FC Motown nearly went undefeated during the regular season by going 9-1-0 in the Keystone Conference, clinching the regular season title in the process. The team, led by former MLS player Dilly Duka, followed this up by blowing past fellow New Jersey side FC Monmouth, 4-1, before avenging its sole loss in the conference championship in a close contest with West Chester United that they won 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout (after a 1-1 draw)

Following a blowout of FC Baltimore in the Regional Quarterfinals, the team upset a strong New York Cosmos B side, 3-2, on a rainy night in Manhattan. In the national semifinals, a late David Nigro goal in the 121st minute against FC Mulhouse Portland gave Motown the win, 2-1. Following a loss to Miami at home in the NPSL final, Motown will be looking to expand the culture of success it’s created in its fourth consecutive berth since the team’s founding in 2012.

3. Duluth FC (NPSL Semifinalist, Midwest Region – North Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 1 (2018)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2018 Round 2 (2-0 loss vs Saint Louis FC of USL)

Duluth FC has already surpassed the success of its inaugural NPSL season in 2017, and hopes to do the same in what is likely the club’s second trip to the US Open Cup. In an already burgeoning amateur scene in Minnesota, Duluth was not even the best team in North Conference as it came behind Minneapolis City SC in the final standings. However, the team’s record of 8-2-4 was enough to earn it a place in the Midwest Region quarterfinals. From there, the team’s string of three close wins, two of which were decided by penalty shootout, landed the BlueGreens in the national semifinals.

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

Despite falling to eventual champions Miami FC 2, 3-0, Duluth’s first Midwest Region title and overall record should be enough to see it into the competition for the second year in a row.

4. FC Mulhouse Portland (NPSL Semifinalist, West Region – Northwest Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: None

FC Mulhouse Portland emerged out of the five team Northwest Conference as a runner-up in the regular season, but pushed forward all the way to the NPSL National Semifinals behind a solid offensive unit.

The team, formerly known as Portland Spartans FC, has already outdone any of its previous accomplishments since its founding in 2014. Despite losing in the semifinals to FC Motown on an extra time goal, the team’s impressive victory over Orange County FC, 6-4, in the quarterfinals helped establish it as a viable threat. With a West Region championship, a final four appearance, and an ever growing partnership with FC Mulhouse France, the Portland side will be looking to make an impact come 2019.

5. Little Rock Rangers ((NPSL Quarterfinalist, South Region – Heartland Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: None

Little Rock is likely on their way to the US Open Cup for the first time after the club’s best season in their three-year history in the NPSL. After a brief playoff appearance in 2017, the Rangers’ 7-3-0 regular season record earned it the second seed in the Heartland Conference playoffs – which they won from top-seeded FC Wichita 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw. An impressive win over the Laredo Heat led the team to its first regional final, where they would fall to eventual champion Miami FC 2, 3-0.

At the number five spot, the Rangers are almost assured a spot in next year’s tournament, which would make them the first Arkansas-based club to ever qualify in the US Open Cup’s 105-year history.

6. New York Cosmos B (NPSL Quarterfinalist, Northeast Region – North Atlantic Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 5 (2014-2018 … including New York Cosmos NASL history)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2018 Fifth Round (2014, 2015, 2016)

Danny Szetela of the New York Cosmos celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against NYCFC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Steve Hamlin | TICC
Danny Szetela of the New York Cosmos celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against NYCFC in the 2016 US Open Cup. Szetela is the team captain of Cosmos B for the 2018 season. Photo: Steve Hamlin | TICC

While in a somewhat similar situation to Miami FC 2, New York Cosmos B’s perfect regular season, 10-0-0, and North Atlantic Conference title is worthy of an Open Cup berth.

The New York Cosmos has had a reserve team in the NPSL since 2015, and even won the league title in their debut season. The “B” team has always been excluded from the US Open Cup due to the rule that a professional team owned by a higher-level professional team cannot take part in the tournament. However, when the NASL was on hiatus, the Cosmos senior team didn’t have a league to play in, and were excluded from the 2018 US Open Cup. With that being the case, the US Soccer Federation made a special exception and allowed the Cosmos, Miami FC and the Jacksonville Armada FC to enter their NPSL sides into the competition.

The “B” team’s short run in the 2018 Open Cup was a vast contrast from its regular season performance. The team outscored its opponents 40-8 over ten games and reached the Northeast Region finals.

7. AFC Ann Arbor (NPSL Quarterfinalist, Midwest Region – Great Lakes Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 2 (2017, 2018)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2017 First Round (2017, 2018)

For the second year in a row, AFC Ann Arbor finished as the regular season Great Lakes Conference champions and reached the final for the NPSL Midwest Region.

The team’s regular season ended with a record of 9-1-2, including a rout of FC Indiana, 9-0, at home. This performance earned the team the second seed in the Midwest Region playoffs, where it defeated NPSL newcomer Cleveland SC, 1-0, in the regional semifinals. After playing to a 3-3 draw in the Regional Finals against Duluth FC at home, missed penalty kicks from defender Matthieu Braem and midfielder Michael Shaikly allowed the visitors to advance, 4-3 in the tiebreaker.

8. Orange County FC (NPSL Quarterfinalist, West Region – Southwest Conference)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 1 (2018)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2018 Second Round (2-0 loss at Fresno FC of USL)

Much like its inaugural NPSL season, Orange County FC, led by their head coach and Hall of Famer Paul Caligiuri reached the West Region final as a lower seed and they upset a higher-seeded team.

The team’s regular season record, 7-1-4, earned it third place in the Southwest Conference and a spot in the conference’s play-in-game to the playoffs. After defeating FC Arizona in the playoffs for the second year in a row, 3-0, the team dispatched both teams that finished higher than them in the conference. The top-seeded ASC San Diego, who had fallen to OCFC in both their regular season meetings, lost again in the regional quarterfinals, 3-1, before the No. 2 seeded FC Golden State was beaten by a second half scoring surge, 4-2. OCFC’s playoff run came to an end in the Regional Final against FC Mulhouse Portland, 6-4, in the highest scoring game of the national playoffs.

9. Laredo Heat (South Region – Lone Star Conference, 3.0 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 5 (2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 … as as member of USL League Two, formerly PDL)
Best Open Cup finish: 2014 Fourth Round (1-0 loss at Houston Dynamo of MLS)
Notable Win: 3-2 win at Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) in 2014 Third Round

Houston Dynamo's Will Bruin and Laredo Heat's Adan Villavicencio battle for the ball in their Fourth Round US Open Cup match in 2014. Photo: Wilf Thorne/Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo’s Will Bruin and Laredo Heat’s Adan Villavicencio battle for the ball in their Fourth Round US Open Cup match in 2014. Photo: Wilf Thorne/Houston Dynamo

After leaving USL League Two (formerly the PDL) and taking a two-year hiatus from play, the Laredo Heat returned as a member of the NPSL in 2018. The team didn’t take long to adjust, winning the Lone Star Conference regular season title with a perfect 10-0-0 record, before falling in the South Regional semifinals, 2-1, to the Little Rock Rangers.

In the conference semifinals, a goal from Fort Worth Vaqueros FC in the second half was quickly matched in the 61st minute by the Heat’s Gabriel Rodriguez, who would later add the game-winner in the 80th minute en route to advancing, 3-1. The Houston Dutch Lions proved to be a formidable foe for Laredo in the conference finals, taking a 2-0 lead against the host into the second half. A late game rally with goals from Ziyad Fares and Petteri Pietola forced extra time, where the Heat would take on two more and hold off a Lions comeback for the win, 4-3.

10. FC Baltimore Christos (Northeast Region – Mid-Atlantic Conference, 2.20 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: None

Another first year participant for the NPSL that’s hoping to receive their first trip to the US Open Cup.

Baltimore’s inaugural season saw them finish atop the Mid-Atlantic Conference regular season table with a record of 7-2-1, which included the highest-scoring game in the NPSL season against Legacy 76, 13-0, at home on June 29. The team’s playoff success didn’t follow in the same fashion, however, as they fell to the conference’s No. 3 seed FC Frederick, 2-1, in the conference final. The Charm City club find themselves in the No. 10 spot thanks to the New York Cosmos B and FC Motown winning their respective conferences, meaning FC Baltimore is left as the highest non-champion team (based on points per game) remaining and was granted a wildcard spot in the Northeast Region semifinals.

Despite falling to eventual NPSL Finalist FC Motown, 3-0, in the playoffs, Baltimore’s offseason has seen the team form a partnership with US Open Cup favorite and fellow Baltimore side Christos FC which may spell bright things in the team’s future.

11. Erie Commodores FC (Midwest Region – East Conference, 2.25 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 1* (2018)
* Qualified for the 2013 US Open Cup but declined the invitation due to travel/financial reasons
Best Open Cup finish: 2018 Second Round (2-1 loss vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of USL)

The Commodores have a chance to participate in back-to-back Open Cups after a successful season in the Midwest Region’s East Conference. The team won its second East Conference regular season championship in as many years with a near-unbeaten record of 8-1-3. The only game the team lost was on the road against Cleveland SC, 3-2. Even though Erie would get the win back at home later on in the season, the rubber match between the two clubs went to the Admirals as they advanced passed the Commodores, 4-0, in the Midwest Region quarterfinals.

12. Chattanooga FC (South Region – Southeast Conference, 2.00 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 6 (2011, 2013-2017)
Best Open Cup finish: 2015 Third Round (2-1 extra time loss vs Atlanta Silverbacks of NASL)

2019 will be Chattanooga FC’s eleventh season in the NPSL and may also include the team’s seventh birth in the U.S. Open Cup. This won’t only depend on how many births the league receives.

Chattanooga is benefiting from the rule that every conference in the NPSL must be represented in the tournament. Prior to applying that rule, Chattanooga was in the 22nd spot and squarely on the “bubble”. However, once that rule is applied, then they move up to the fourth position within the south region and puts them at the No. 12 spot.

After putting up a great season in the Southeast Conference including winning the regular season title, the Tennessee side fell in the conference final the Atlanta Silverbacks FC, 6-5 in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw. Despite this, Chattanooga is more likely to receive a birth than Atlanta thanks to their offensive success during the year where the team has a +14 goal differential and scored 30 times over the course of 14 games.

13. El Farolito (West Region, Golden Gate Conference, 2.29 points per game)
Number of (Modern Era) US Open Cup appearances: 1
Best Open Cup finish: 1993 US Open Cup champions (as CD Mexico)

After qualifying for the tournament in 2018 through the Open Division local qualifying, El Farolito’s jump from the San Francisco Soccer Football League to the NPSL disqualified it from taking part due to a rule stating no team can switch leagues mid-tournament. One year later, the 1993 Open Cup champions are back in the competition in its inaugural NPSL season as one of the best teams from the West Region.

El Farolito, then known as CD Mexico, won the 1993 US Open Cup championship.

The team’s undefeated regular season record, 9-0-5, clinched the Golden Gate Conference regular season title and it, along with its +20 goal differential, is why they are in position to be the only team from its conference to earn a 2019 berth.

The team’s playoff run got off to a impressive start when it defeated Sonoma County Sol, 2-0, in the West Region quarterfinals. El Farolito took the lead in the first half with a 37th minute goal, but the Sol had a chance in the second half when Faro’s Ademar Rodriguez was sent off with a red in the 67th minute. A stoppage time goal from Camilo Campo sealed the win however as the team advanced to the regional semifinals where it would lose to FC Mulhouse Portland, 2-0.

14: Philadelphia Lone Star F.C. (Northeast Region – Keystone Conference, 2.40 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 1 (2017)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2017 First Round (3-1 loss at Ocean City Nor’easters of USL League Two)

The newly re-branded Philadelphia Lone Star FC finished 2018 not only with a new name but with a high enough points per game average to put themselves in the No. 14 spot on the qualifying tables for the 2019 US Open Cup.

It wasn’t easy for the team, which played as Junior Lone Star FC during the NPSL season, as it split its first four games in a highly competitive Keystone Conference. Strong showings like the team had against Torch FC, 7-1, or the Electric City Shock, 3-1, helped raise the team’s points per game to 2.4 and secured a second place finish in the league table.

Philadelphia’s playoff run was short lived as it fell to No. 3 seed West Chester United SC, 4-3 in penalty kicks (after a 2-2 draw), in the Keystone Conference semifinal.

15: Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (South Region – Lone Star Conference, 2.20 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 2 (2015*, 2018)
* As member of USL League Two (formerly PDL)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2015 Second Round (3-1 loss vs Oklahoma City Energy FC of USL)

The Midland-Odessa Sockers postseason ended early during the Lone Star Conference semifinals, but a successful regular season could put the team into the 2019 edition of the US Open Cup. The team scored 30 goals en route to a second place finish in the conference table with a 7-2-1 record.

As the second seed, the Sockers advanced directly to the conference semifinals, where they fell to the Houston Dutch Lions FC, 4-3.

16: Minneapolis City SC (Midwest Region – North Conference, 2.43 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: None

More than 300 fans were in attendance at the National Sports Center to support Minneapolis City in their 2017 US Open Cup qualifying match against Oakland County FC. Photo: Daniel Mick | http://www.danielmickcreative.com/USOC-Minneapolis-City-v/

Despite a highly successful regular season, Minneapolis City SC’s lack of postseason success and NPSL’s rankings based on regions leaves the team low on this list, and could be even lower depending on how many teams the NPSL gets in the 2019 US Open Cup.

The team’s undefeated season, 10-0-4, the only one in the entire Midwest Region, helped earn it the North Conference regular season championship. A stellar offense was to thank for this on-field success as the Crows were the most proficient scoring team in the entire NPSL with 46 goals scored and averaging 2.4 points per game. Despite being a strong home side with a record of 6–0–1 at Augsburg University, the first seed in the Midwest Region fell in its first playoff match there to the No. 5 seed Duluth FC, 2-1. The Crows were able to come back from an early deficit, but a penalty inside their own box during the 115th minute gave Duluth a penalty kick, which Ricardo Ramos would score on route to advancement.

Minneapolis City are best known for being disqualified from the 2017 Open Division Local qualifying tournament when they violated tournament rules by switching leagues (from the Premier League of America to the NPSL) in the middle of the qualifying process. The club is still seeking its first US Open Cup berth.

17. Brooklyn Italians (Northeast Region – North Atlantic Conference, 2.20 points per game)
Number of (Modern Era) US Open Cup appearances: 7 (2010-2015, 2018)
Best Finish: 1979*, 1991 US Open Cup Champions
* Under the name Brooklyn Dodgers

Rasmus Hansen of the Brooklyn Italians celebrates what would be the game-winning goal against the New York Cosmos B in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us
Rasmus Hansen of the Brooklyn Italians celebrates what would be the game-winning goal against the New York Cosmos B in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us

A staple in the US Open Cup in recent years, the two-time US Open Cup champion Brooklyn Italians are seeking to qualify for the tournament for the second year in a row and the eighth time in the last 10 years. They put themselves in pretty good position after a 7-2-1 regular season record and an appearance in the North Atlantic Conference final.

In an already stacked conference, the fact that the side’s only loses came against the undefeated New York Cosmos B and No. 3 seed Hartford City FC showed the team could be a viable threat come playoff time. The Italians even avenged its regular season loss against Hartford in the conference semifinals, 3-0, the same score the Colts had run up against Brooklyn earlier in the season, before narrowly falling to Cosmos B in the final in penalty kicks, 5-3 (after a 1-1 draw)

Brooklyn has won the national tournament twice (1979 and 1991) since the team’s inception in 1949 and remain one of the most well-known and successful sides in American amateur soccer.

18: ASC San Diego (West Region – Southwest Conference, 2.33 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 1 (2017 … as Albion SC Pros)
Best Open Cup Finish: 2017 First Round (3-2 loss vs Chula Vista FC of the USASA)

In a city where soccer has become a hot topic, ASC San Diego is a conference champion with a possible future in the US Open Cup. The team enjoyed a productive season sitting atop the final Southwest Conference standings table with a record of 9-2-1. The only loss came from Orange County FC, who finished the season sweep by knocking off the Southwest Region’s top seed in the regional quarterfinals, 3-1.

San Diego is also the final member of this list to be included in the upcoming NPSL Founder’s Cup.

19: FC Wichita (South Region – Heartland Conference, 2.20 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: 3 (2016-2018)
Best Finish: 2018 Third Round (3-2 loss at NTX Rayados)
Notable Win: 4-3 at Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) in 2018 Second Round

FC Wichita celebrate the club's 4-3 upset of the Oklahoma City Energy in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Wichita
FC Wichita celebrate the club’s 4-3 upset of the Oklahoma City Energy in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Wichita

FC Wichita could be Open Cup bound for the fourth time in as many years after narrowly winning the Heartland Conference regular season title with a record of 7-2-1. However, with the Open Division Local team entries being reduced from 13 to eight, this could be considered “the bubble” portion of the list, assuming the NPSL and USL League Two will also see reductions in the number of entries.

Last year saw the team make NPSL history by defeating the Tulsa Roughnecks of the USL to advance to the Third Round. This marked the second time since 2003 that an amateur team from the NPSL eliminated a pro team in the tournament.

This year, the team started with a seven-game winning streak that set it up as the top team in the conference. However, losses to Saint Louis Club Atletico and Little Rock Rangers put the team’s top seed hopes in jeopardy. A 1-1 draw against Demize NPSL (who finished near the bottom of the table) on the last day won the conference by a single point for the team’s second consecutive regular season championship. A revenge rout of Saint Louis, 4-0, in the semifinals of the conference playoffs gave the team another rematch against Little Rock who once again came away with the narrow win, 5-3 in penalty kicks (after a 0-0 draw).

Despite having the same points per game (2.2) and record as fellow South Region competitor Midland-Odessa Sockers FC, Wichita ranks lower due losing the tiebreaker on average goal difference per game, 2.2 to 1.3.

20. Cleveland SC (Midwest Region – East Conference, 2.00 points per game)
Number of US Open Cup appearances: None

Cleveland SC is another first year club for this list whose inaugural season may have been good enough to see it into the competition.

From the ashes of former NPSL club AFC Cleveland (which qualified for the US Open Cup in 2016 and 2017), Cleveland FC finished second in the East with a record of 7-2-3 to take the conference’s final spot in the Midwest Region playoffs. As the fourth seed, the team kicked off the postseason against the third seed Erie Commodores FC in the regional quarterfinals. In what some may consider an upset, Cleveland took the lead against the hosts early with a goal from Vincent Bell in the 7th minute and never looked back. Bell would score two more on route to a hat trick and two Commodore players would be sent off after earning double yellow cards as the newcomers advanced, 4-0.

The team’s playoff run ended in the semifinals against AFC Ann Arbor, 1-0, but the team’s cup chances are helped due to a high-producing offense – including a regular season sweep against Greater Binghamton FC Thunder where the team outscored its opponent 21-0, the highest total for any home/away regular season series this year.

More possibilities

21. West Chester United SC (Northeast Region – Keystone Conference, 2.10 points per game)
22. Houston Dutch Lions (South Region – Long Star Conference, 2.10 points per game)
23. FC Golden State (West Region – Southwest Conference, 2.20 points per game)
24. Grand Rapids FC (Midwest Region – Great Lakes Conference, 1.90 points per game)

2019 US Open Cup Qualifying: Academica SC edges Oakland Stompers in wildfire-postponed match

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Ramiro Ceja of Academic SC scored the lone goal in the club's 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo
Ramiro Ceja of Academica SC scored the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo

It was a physical battle to kick off the New Year in a Open Division qualifying match for the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as Academica SC moved past a ten-man Oakland Stompers side, 1-0. This game was originally scheduled to take place on Nov. 17, 2018, but safety issues surrounding the wildfires in northern California postponed the match.

With this win, Academica advances to the recently announced fourth and final round of qualification, which will take place the weekend of April 6-7. The draw for the Fourth Round will be announced following the conclusion of the two remaining postponed Third Round matches in mid-January.

Based on geographical locations, the most likely scenario is for Academica to face IPS/Marathon Taverna from Portland, Ore. in the next round. Academica and IPS are both attempting to qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time in their respective club’s history.

From the whistle, both sides struggled to get a decisive grip against one another and weren’t helped by the pouring rain which picked up around the 20th minute of play. Tempers and emotions ran high throughout the game, but it reached a breaking point right as the halftime whistle blew.

Academica forward Cody Golbad and Stomper defender Gilbert Coulibaly exchanged words before the latter gave a hard push into Golbad’s face. While it isn’t known what was said between them, the interaction earned Golbad a yellow card and Coulibaly a red – meaning his team would need to play the entire second half down a man. This was not pleasant news to the defender who continued to verbally harass the referee in protest, causing his teammates to intervene and help lead him off the pitch.

“That red card changed the momentum of the game,” Academica forward Ramiro Ceja said after the game. “It was a hard, physical game and kind of changed the reality of the game. kind of lost their heads with it and we took advantage to prepare ourselves and take over with the mistakes they did.”

Academic SC poses for a team photo after their 1-0 win over the Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo
Academica SC poses for a team photo after their 1-0 win over the Oakland Stompers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Photo: Brittney Virgo

He continued on to say that players on both sides were going down with hard tackles as the referee tried his best to keep order, which included doling out multiple yellow cards and warnings to both sides. But at a certain point, Oakland’s aggression on the field shifted the team’s focus to something that could be taken advantage of.

Despite being up an extra man for an entire half, Academica could not get an advantage early in the second half. Both teams got chances back and forth, with opportunities on both sides of the field to keep their team in it. But those tempers and the physicality persisted throughout.

The visiting team finally broke through against its Oakland hosts when Ceja knocked in the winning goal, unassisted, in the 80th minute. In the remaining 10 minutes plus stoppage time, the Stompers chances never felt threatening. Multiple offensive opportunities were blocked or cut off as Academica held on for the win.

Academica, which has local roots dating back all the way to the 1970s as a church youth group in Turlock, Calif., are now one step closer to qualifying for the US Open Cup. While they await to see who their next challenger is, Ceja knows preparation will always be the same.

“It’s everyday preparation,” Ceja said. “Making myself prepared making my sure my teammates, as family, get together. Making sure the team understands each player how we play. Making sure we understand why we do what we do to make the team more successful.”

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