2019 US Open Cup

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Memphis 901 right at home with 4-0 win over Hartford Athletic

May 30, 2019 by Lawrence Dockery

Memphis 901 FC celebrates in the locker room after a 4-0 win over Hartford Athletic in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC

It may not have been the friendly confines of AutoZone Park, but Memphis 901 FC sure they made Mike Rose Soccer Complex feel like home.

The complex is home to some of the biggest and best youth tournaments in the region, with a number of tournaments this spring having over 200 teams and requiring over 100 referees. It was also home to Memphis City FC for one season in the NPSL back in 2016. But on this night, with AutoZone Park playing host to a baseball game, Mike Rose was a fantastic, albeit temporary, home for Memphis 901 FC. Not only was co-owner and longtime Memphis resident Tim Howard in the house, but the Boys in Blue ran out 4-0 winners over Hartford Athletic to advance to the next round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Jochen Graf scored a pair of goals to lead the way for the home team as Memphis becomes just the third Tennessee-based club to advance beyond the Third Round in the last two decades, joining Nashville SC (2018) and the Nashville Metros (1998).

In fact, the only hitch on the night was a technical error with the public address system during the national anthem but luckily the supporters in the stands took over and sang it themselves.

Like their last US Open Cup outing, the game sprang into life early on for Memphis 901 FC. Unlike the last game however, they were the ones jumping out to an early lead as Marc Burch dispatched a penalty in the sixth minute to give Memphis a 1-0 lead. For Burch, it was his first US Open Cup goal since 2008 when he scored a pair of goals to help D.C. United win the club’s second US Open Cup title.

Things got even better in the 21st minute as a dangerous Memphis free kick found the head of Graf who gave Memphis their second goal of the night.

The scoring chances calmed down after that and Memphis took a 2-0 lead into halftime.

It was more of the same in the second half as Graf bagged his second to give Memphis a 3-0 lead.

.@Memphis901FC cruised from the opening whistle & handed a 4-0 hammering to @hfdathletic to move through to the Fourth Round & a date with a side from @MLS (Fourth Round draw tomorrow 11 a.m. ET @OpenCup).

? Highlights | #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/DgmYMhnDut

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 30, 2019

Not too long after that, Hartford was reduced to ten men but Memphis wasn’t done yet as Morgan Hackworth got in on the fun seven minutes from time to make it 4-0.

One little oddity of the game was that Memphis has played two US Open Cup games ever and in both of them has had a player score two goals: Graf against Hartford and Josh Morton two weeks ago against New York Red Bulls Under-23s.

After the game, Coach Tim Mulqueen said it was nice to get off to a fast start and not have to chase the game like they’ve had to so many times this season.

Hartford’s coach Jimmy Nielsen is no stranger to the US Open Cup, having won it as a player in 2012 with Sporting Kansas City. But on the night, not even that level of experience was enough to keep the game close for Hartford. Despite having beaten them in league play earlier this year, Hartford was totally outmanned and outplayed by Memphis. Hartford really only threatened once the entire game and nearly made it 2-1 in the first half after some shoddy defending by Memphis on a corner kick, but Cam Lindley was able to clear it off the line.

Refereeing decisions were a point of contention on some level, but they all appeared to be correct. There was the penalty in the first ten minutes, three Hartford players and one Memphis player were cautioned and shown yellow cards for rough fouls in the first half. Memphis had what would have been their third goal of the night disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper which resulted in the referee having to temporarily stop the game and have a word with Coach Mulqueen on the touchline (which he said after the game wasn’t much more than the referee telling him it was a foul). Things didn’t get any better for Hartford in the second half as Sem DeWit picked up his second caution and was sent off halfway through the second half.

Memphis now advances to the fourth round of the Open Cup, but do not know their opponent as US Soccer has not yet made the draw. Hopes are high that it will be an MLS team and be at home. Many in the local Memphis media finally began to pick up on the team when the prospect of an MLS team coming to town seemed like it really could happen.

Burch said that most of the guys relish a chance against an MLS team and he feels that if they just play their game the way they have been, they’ll have a good shot at pulling an upset against whoever they play. Whether it’s at home or on the road, Memphis could have the potential to spring a surprise upset and keep their magical run going.

Memphis 901 FC 4-0 Hartford Athletic
Mike Rose Soccer Complex – Collierville, TN
Attendance: 1,819

Goal: 6′, Memphis 901 FC, Marc Burch (pen)
Goal: 21′, Memphis 901 FC, Jochen Graf
Goal: 59′, Memphis 901 FC, Jochen Graf
Goal: 83′, Memphis 901 FC, Morgan Hackworth

Referee: Leland Grant
AR1: Benjamin Meyer
AR2: Ryan Starr
4th Official: Laura Waliski

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Outward Soccer Soldiers … North Carolina FC ousts Florida 1-0 to advance

May 29, 2019 by Neil Morris

Players from North Carolina FC celebrate the team's only goal against Florida Soccer Soldiers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Credit - Rob Kinnan — Players from North Carolina FC celebrate the team’s only goal against Florida Soccer Soldiers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Credit – Rob Kinnan

The last time North Carolina FC played a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match on Field 2 (aka the Koka Booth Stadium) at WakeMed Soccer Park was 2014, when the team was called the Carolina RailHawks. The game featured a higher caliber, more talented squad coached by Dave Sarachan against a scrappy, yet overmatched underdog that nevertheless managed to pull off an improbable upset win.

Wednesday night in Cary, North Carolina FC, now a second-division pro team in the USL, hosted the amateur side Florida Soccer Soldiers in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Sarachan was back, now as the manager of North Carolina, which defeated Sarachan’s LA Galaxy in 2014 by a score of 1-0. Five years later, history partly repeated itself, as North Carolina carried an early second half goal by DJ Taylor to another 1-0 victory to advance to the Fourth Round of the Open Cup.

“It was a good win,” Sarachan said. “The Open Cup is what you saw tonight. You have a group of players from Florida who did a good job disrupting us and asking questions of us. We were in second gear in the first half, for whatever reason, and we created nothing. We adjusted some things at halftime, and I thought our second half start was good. We got the early goal, and I thought the soccer was good in the second half.”

For Sarachan, the win adds to his US Open Cup coaching resume, as the two-time champion improved his career advance percentage to .889, and his winning percentage to .833. Both numbers are the best of any manager in the tournament’s Modern Era (1995-present).

The amateur @SoccerSoldiers gave good account of themselves in Cary, NC, but there was no stopping @NorthCarolinaFC, who picked up the 1-0 win & a place in the Fourth Round.

? Highlights | #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/m8B45rA4rx

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 30, 2019

“We came with huge expectations about this game because we thought we could win,” said Soccer Soldiers manager Daniel Godoy. “We played a high level against an excellent team with an excellent staff and excellent coach. Of course, we knew that if we made one mistake, they would score. We did our best, but it wasn’t for us.”

A back-and-forth opening half saw the hungrier Soccer Soldiers stymie North Carolina FC’s occasional attacking sorties and clog the midfield. The visitors’ offense consisted mainly of hunting for poaching opportunities. But the feisty Soccer Soldiers kept the scoreline clean entering intermission.

For the second straight Open Cup match, Sarachan was not pleased by his squad’s sluggish first half.

“The message was more urgency and more movement,” said Sarachan, who is leading a team in the US Open Cup for the first time since winning the tournament in 2006 with the Chicago Fire. “Sure it’s hot and all, but the message was let’s get to third and fourth gear. Step up the pressure and step up the tempo, get the game more on our terms.”

“In the first half, our movement was too slow,” Taylor added. “The team came out very lethargic—I don’t know if it was the heat or whatever. We weren’t moving the ball fast enough, and technically they were good and making it difficult for us.”

Graphic by Harrison Huntley | @hhuntley17

A more determined North Carolina FC came out for the second stanza and immediately christened the scoreboard. Fullback D.J. Taylor took a lay off from Steven Miller and drove towards goal, cutting loose a low liner from 19 yards out that slipped past Soccer Soldiers goalkeeper Bryant Gammiero Martins for a 1-0 advantage.

“I just saw space and dribbled through opponents, and they gave me space to cut onto my left foot and I hit it,” Taylor beamed. “It was a good goal.”

From there, the fitter Dead Whales wore down the Florida visitors. Three bookings, including a late red card shown to Florida’s Carlos Daniel Meneses Freire, were the lone notable events as North Carolina FC ground out a win and Florida appeared to finish the match with heavy legs.

“Maybe we pressured too high, but we knew that if we did that we were going to find one opportunity,” Godoy said. “We created a couple of those early in the game, but in the second half came with better energy.”

North Carolina FC now moves on to the fourth round of the Open Cup, the MLS round, which is familiar territory for the Cary-based side. An MLS side has ousted North Carolina from six of the past seven Open Cups.

“I’m very excited,” Taylor said. “We have a new coach, new team, and I think we’ll have a lot of success this year. I think it’s a great challenge to show what we can do. Last year, we lost to DC United on PKs, so we have to settle the score through the MLS rounds.”

BOX SCORE
LINEUPS
NC: MacLeod, Taylor, Mehl, Guillen, Duvernay, G. Smith, Wapiwo (da Luz, 77’), Perez (Miller, 46’), Fortune, Chester, Kristo (Ewolo, 73’)
FSS: Gammiero Martins, Serrano, Aldunate (Coll 85’), Calderon, Hoyos Cadavid, Suazo Williams, Meneses Freire, Boggio, Ruiz de Somocurcio (Ferro, 56’), Guanipa Morles (Olivares, 55’), Sabella

GOALS
NC: Taylor, 47’ (Miller)
FSS: —

CAUTIONS
NC: Mehl, 21’; Wapiwo, 71’
FSS: Sabella, 45’; Olivares, 90’

EJECTIONS
NC: —
FSS: Freire, 90’

ATTENDANCE: 1,270

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: OKC Energy wins weather-delayed, back-and-forth shootout with Tampa Bay Rowdies

May 29, 2019 by Jordan Beech

Alexy Bosetti of OKC Energy FC celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2019 US Open Cup Third Round. Photo: Steven Christy | IG: @stevenchristyphoto

The fans that remained for the 10 p.m. kickoff from John Crain Field on the campus of the University of Oklahoma were treated to an explosion of goals as Oklahoma City Energy FC dropped the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 4-3, in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday night. A near two-hour delay due to severe weather, including lightning and tornado watches, kept the match from starting at the originally planned time.

Alexy Bosetti did the heavy lifting for OKC on the night, scoring one goal and assisting on two others, including Deshorn Brown’s match-winner in the 60th minute.

OKC Energy FC players celebrate a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2019 US Open Cup Third Round. Photo: Steven Christy | IG: @stevenchristyphoto

With the win, the Energy advance to the Fourth Round for the fourth time in the last five years, which will earn them a fourth date with a team from Major League Soccer. The identity of that MLS team will be determined on Thursday morning when the United States Soccer Federation conducts the draw for the Fourth Round beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

It didn’t take long for Omar Gordon to draw first blood, hammering a low shot off the right post and past Tampa Bay’s Chris Konopka in just the second minute of action. Omar Gordon did well to get on the end of a long pass from Callum Ross before firing low from distance to score his third career tournament goal. It was the fastest US Open Cup goal in OKC’s six-year history.

The lead didn’t last long, however, as the Energy gave up a penalty kick in the 20th minute which Brandon Allen did well to convert under the outstretched arm of Bryan Byars. It was just the second penalty kick goal in Tampa’s US Open Cup history.

Tampa then capitalized on a fast break just four minutes later to go up 2-1 thanks to Antoine Hoppenot. The Frenchman received a pass from Bosetti on the right side, just outside the penalty area, cut inside to his left foot and fired a shot that beat the keeper in the upper corner just inside the far post. It was Hoppenot’s first US Open Cup goal since his days with the Philadelphia Union in 2012 when Freddy Adu assisted on his extra time game-winner in a Fourth Round road win over D.C. United.

After a long weather delay, @EnergyFC & @TampaBayRowdies served up a thriller of a Third-Round opener with the Oklahomans winning the day 4-3 & moving on to a date with an @MLS side in the Fourth Round.

? Highlights | #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/75iDo6YUN5

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 29, 2019

Unfortunately for the Rowdies, the hosts continued their own offensive onslaught with a pair of goals in the 27th and 32nd minutes to claim a 3-2 advantage. First, Bosetti took advantage of a poor clearance by the usually reliable Rowdies defense, and curled a shot to the top left corner with the outside of his foot to restore parity. Bosetti followed that up by slipping a through ball into the box to Christian Eissele, who beat the keeper to put OKC on the front foot heading into halftime.

Rainbows appeared despite the severe weather that delayed kickoff of the OKC Energy FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies Fourth Round 2019 US Open Cup match. Photo: Steven Christy | IG: @stevenchristyphoto

Tampa Bay didn’t need much time after the break to tie up the match at 3-3, scoring in the 47th minute. A well-worked bit of combination play down the left flank eventually led to Zach Steinberger sliding a pass to Allen who notched his second goal of the match. It was Allen’s third goal of the tournament, and the fifth of his career.

Bosetti continued to do work and set up the Energy to give the home squad the lead, yet again, in the 60th minute of action. Gordon made a streaking run down the right flank before splitting two defenders with an early cross to Bosetti on the back post. The Frenchman then slid the ball back to Brown who launched a low shot against his former team to earn OKC the victory.

For Brown it was his first US Open Cup goal, since he made history with the Colorado Rapids in 2014. In a Fourth Round 5-2 win over the USL’s Orlando City SC, Brown became the first Rapids player, and the first Jamaican player in the Modern Era to score a hat trick. He was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Now, Brown will be on the other side of the David vs. Goliath matchup as his Oklahoma City team will take on a MLS team in Round 4.

2019 US Open Cup Round 3 Preview: Which 10 teams will join OKC Energy FC, MLS teams in Fourth Round?

May 28, 2019 by Jake Sillick

After 22 Second Round matches involving 25 USL Championship teams and 19 winners of the first round, we now enter the Third Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 22 winners of the Second Round are now paired off into Third Round matches, where the winners will advance to the Fourth Round and where Major League Soccer teams await to enter the 106th edition of the competition.

After waiting through a two-hour weather delay, the Oklahoma City Energy won a seven-goal thriller with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Tuesday night. There are 10 more matches on the schedule for Wednesday, May 29. Every game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Since 2003, fans who wanted to follow the opening round of the second-oldest, continually-operating soccer tournament in the world, would have to rely on updates from this site, or, in later years, the occasional live audio or video stream. Now, fans who are unable to attend a match in person, can watch every game from the comfort of their home, or through their favorite mobile device.

The draw for the Fourth Round will follow this week’s matches and will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The results of the draw will be announced on Twitter.

Below is a preview of all 10 of Wednesday’s Third Round games.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup Schedule/Results (with links to every match report)
Things you should know about the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)
Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

LAST NIGHT: OKC Energy wins weather-delayed, back-and-forth shootout with Tampa Bay Rowdies

2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders
2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review

Appreciate what we do? Help improve our coverage by joining TheCup.us Patreon team!

VISIT THECUP.US STORE

NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers
Round 2: Bryant Martin – Florida Soccer Soldiers

#USOC2019 QUALIFYING
2019 US Open Cup qualifying schedule/results
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 1 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 2 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Round 3 game-by-game review
2019 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round game-by-game review
Florida Soccer Soldiers qualify for first time after America SC withdraws
More pros, less amateurs, an extra sub in 2019 US Open Cup format
Chattanooga FC qualifies for 2019 US Open Cup, but opts out
Bavarian SC qualify for 2019 US Open Cup by winning Amateur Cup title

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

Indy Eleven (USL-C) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Indy Eleven will be looking to break through and win multiple games in a single tournament for the first time in franchise history. They have qualified every year since their founding in 2014 and three times they’ve won their first game only to fall in the next round. Their Round 2 win against Lansing Ignite didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Goalkeeper Evan Newton was sent off in the first half for his challenge on Lansing forward Elma Nfor, who was forced to leave on a stretcher after the collision. Thomas Enevoldsen’s 57th minute goal in the second half was enough to see Indy squeak by into Round 3. They currently sit in sixth place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference having just played Nashville SC to a scoreless draw on Saturday.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are looking to win multiple games in a single tournament for the first time since 2015; they’ve accomplished the feat three times total going back to 2001. Their Round 2 affair with Dayton Dutch Lions was far more straightforward than Indy’s. Neco Brett scored twice in 12 minutes in the second half and Pittsburgh went on to win 3-0 at home. USL Championship league play hasn’t been kind to the Riverhounds. They currently sit in 13th place in the Eastern conference and just drew 0-0 with Charlotte Independence in their last game. It was their fourth draw in as many league games.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-4-1
Away: 0-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-14-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 8-5-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 2-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2001 Quarterfinals (Lost 3-2 ASDET at Chicago Fire of MLS)

Forward Madison (USL-1) at Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
World Wide Technology Soccer Park – Fenton, MO
Kickoff: May 29 – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

The Third Round match between Forward Madison FC and St. Louis FC will be the third straight tournament road game for the former while the latter looks to return to the Fourth Round for the second consecutive year – the first time it would have ever done so. Both teams are fairly newer clubs in the grand scheme of the tournament with large fan bases hoping to face a Major League Soccer team. St Louis FC, nor any team from the city in the Modern Era (1995-present), has advanced past the next round while the Mingos can become the first USL League One side to ever face an MLS team in tournament play.

Forward Madison FC is only one of three teams remaining from Round One and will be looking to become the second Wisconsin team in the Modern Era to reach the Fourth Round after Milwaukee Wave United (A-League) did in in 2003. The group started its inaugural tournament with a win over fellow Wisconsin side Milwaukee Bavarian SC, 2-0, before hitting the road and traveling 1,400+ miles to face another brand new team, USL Championships’ El Paso Locomotive FC, who were beaten in their first-ever Cup game, 3-0. Jiro Barriga Toyama has been huge on the scoresheet so far in his team’s run scoring in both games so far.

As the sole remaining USL League One team, Forward Madison has already earned itself a $25,000 bonus for advancing the farthest. This may be one of the team’s bigger highlights this season as it currently sits in eighth place in the league table with a record of 2-2-4 and little rest separating this game and its next match at home against Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1.

St Louis FC has already kept its streak of winning at least one Open Cup game intact after the team defeated USL League Two side Des Moines Menace in the Second Round. It wasn’t an easy task as the St. Louligans at Cownie Soccer Park and those watching online can attest to. They saw their team take an early lead off a Kyle Greig goal before allowing a successful penalty attempt 25 minutes later to even the score right back up. After both regulation and extra time failed to decide a winner, the teams lined up for a penalty shootout where St. Louis went perfect through three rounds. The biggest factor was the team’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Schulte who became the 10th keeper in the Modern Era to make three saves in a PK shootout as he blocked Gaousso Bakayoko fourth round attempt to send his team through.

Since 2015, the club has yoyo-ed in tournament play losing in the third and fourth round every other year. With 2018’s lose to Louisville City FC in the Third Round, the trend would suggest a win in this game. Currently the team sits in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings with an overall record of 5-4-1 through ten games. In three of its last four league matches St Louis has been held scoreless but has held back opposing offenses to tie 0-0. The squad will be able to stay at home as their next game will be against fellow Third Round competitor Memphis 901 FC on Saturday.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Forward Madison (USL-1)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 2-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-4-2 (2-0 PK)
Home: 2-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 3 pro: N/A
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2017)

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) at OKC Energy (USL-C)
John Crain Field – Norman, OK
Kickoff: May 28 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jake Sillick

UPDATE: OKC Energy wins weather-delayed, back-and-forth shootout with Tampa Bay Rowdies

Tampa Bay was able to soundly defeat USL League Two side The Villages SC in the second round 4-1, but they have never defeated another 2nd division side in the US Open Cup. However, this seems to be a great year to break that streak as the Rowdies remain undefeated in USL Championship play with a 7-0-5 record and still at the top of the Eastern Conference with 26 points in the 12 matches played. There’s another bad US Open Cup streak the Rowdies are looking to break against OKC. Tampa Bay has a six match road losing streak in the cup. The last road win was in 2013 when they only traveled within the Tampa Bay metro area to face VSI Tampa Bay in Plant City, FL. That was also the one and only time that Tampa Bay have won multiple cup games in a single tournament year. That 2013 campaign included a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders which ended Seattle’s unbeaten streak in the US Open Cup and ruined their chances to become the first team ever to 4-peat.

OKC Energy still sits in prime position of 5th place in the USL Championship Western Conference this year. Through 12 games they have obtained 18 points and a 5-4-3 record. Their cup record is stellar recently as they have made it to the MLS-entry Fourth Round in 2015-2017. Last season was an aberration as they fell in the second round to NTX Rayados. They were able to gain revenge this season though, defeating Rayados 3-1. This will only be the second home game for OKC Energy ever in their cup history (the second round victory being the first). They are also undefeated against the 2nd division in cup play.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
9th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-8-0
Away: 3-7-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2013, 2016)

OKC Energy (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-4-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016, 2017)

*******************************

Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA / UPSL) at North Carolina FC (USL-C)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Field 2 – Cary, NC
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Florida Soccer Soldiers are competing for more than just the hearts and minds of US Open Cup fans in Round 3. The Soccer Soldiers, playing in their first tournament after being founded in 2018, are one of two remaining Open Division teams (the other is Orange County FC) and if things go right in their game against North Carolina FC, they could go home with $25,000 as the last remaining Open Division team. They’ve already taken down one North Carolina-based USL Championship side on the road, having defeated Charlotte Independence 2-2 (5-4 on PKs) in Round 2, so they won’t be intimidated heading into Cary. They also took down Miami FC 2-1 in Round 1. A win would also make them the third Florida-based Open Division side to advance to the fourth round of the tournament; Orlando City U-23 (2014) and Miami United (2018) have also accomplished that feat.

North Carolina FC are no strangers to crushing the dreams of Open Cup underdogs. They are 8-0-0 all time against Open Division sides and they’ve outscored their opponents 28-3 in those eight games. They’re also no strangers to playing at home in the tournament. North Carolina FC have played 33 Open Cup games in their history and 28 of those have been played on their home field. True to form, NCFC took care of business in Round 2 with a comfortable 4-1 win at home against Richmond Kickers. Robbie Kristo led the way with two goals. North Carolina will also be feeling confident in the middle of a positive USL Championship campaign. They currently sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings and just beat New York Red Bulls II on Saturday by a score of 2-1.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA / UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: N/A

North Carolina FC (USL-C)
12th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-9-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 20-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Open Division: 8-0-0
Best finish: 2007 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 AET at New England Revolution of MLS)

*******************************

Birmingham Legion (USL-C) at Louisville City (USL-C)
Lynn Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: May 29 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Birmingham Legion are carrying the hopes of Alabama soccer fans on their shoulders; they are the first team from the Heart of Dixie to appear in any US Open Cup ever. Round 2 was kind to them as they handily beat Open Division side West Chester United SC 4-1 in Birmingham. Columbus Crew loanee Eddie Opoku led the way for the Legion with two goals and an assist and he also drew the penalty that led to the fourth. It’s been an uneven inaugural USL Championship campaign for Birmingham, however. They currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and just fell to Nashville SC 1-0 last Wednesday.

Louisville City FC will hope their home form in the tournament carries over into this round. The Purple and Gold are undefeated at home in Open Cup play. They’ve also scored 20 goals in their first seven tournament games since being founded in 2014. They had an easy go of it in Round 2, blanking Reading United 3-0 in Louisville behind goals from Abdou Mbacke Thiam, George Davis IV, and Sunny Jane. They’ve been on a roll in USL Championship league play with three wins in their past five games.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Birmingham Legion (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: N/A
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Louisville City (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-4-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 5-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 3-2-0
Best finish: 2018 Quarterfinals (Lost 4-0 at Chicago Fire of MLS)

*******************************

Hartford Athletic (USL-C) at Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
Mike Rose Soccer Complex – Memphis, TN
Kickoff: May 29 – 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Hartford Athletic, playing in their inaugural season, are looking to become the first Connecticut team to advance past the third round in the Modern Era (1995-Present). They’re also the first professional team from Connecticut to compete in a tournament since the Connecticut Wolves back in 2001. Hartford’s 2-1 win over the New York Cosmos B team in Round 2 was the club’s first ever win in any competition. Things haven’t been as great in USL Championship league player though. Hartford have taken just five points from their first 12 games, though four of those five points have come in their two most recent games.

Memphis 901 FC are just the second team from Memphis to qualify for the US Open Cup in the Modern Era; the PDL’s Memphis Express competed back in 2002 and won their first game before being bounced by the now defunct Atlanta Silverbacks. A win in Round 3 would make Memphis 901 just the third team from Tennessee to advance to the fourth round; the other two were both from Nashville (Nashville Metros in 1998 and Nashville SC last year). A severe weather delay and an early goal conceded weren’t enough to deter the 901 as they advanced past New York Red Bulls U-23 3-1 thanks to a pair of goals in each half from Josh Morton. Memphis are looking for a bit of respite from their USL Championship campaign. They currently sit in 14th in the Eastern Conference with just 10 points from their first twelve games.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Hartford Athletic (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: N/A
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A

*******************************

Charleston Battery (USL-C) at Nashville SC (USL-C)
Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium – Murfreesboro, TN
Kickoff: May 29 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

Few teams can match Charleston Battery’s record in the Modern Era of the Open Cup (1995-present). The Battery are currently tied with Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas for the fourth most wins (excluding penalty shootouts) in the Modern Era. They’ve also beaten nine MLS teams in that span, second only to the Rochester Rhinos (10). With their Round 2 victory over Greenville Triumph, Charleston have now won 14 consecutive opening round games; that is the 3rd longest streak of the Modern Era. It wasn’t an easy win for them however. They needed two goals in 11 minutes – including a stoppage time winner – from Ian Svantesson, who was making his first appearance back from an injury. Their USL Championship campaign is also mired in mediocrity at the moment. They’ve drawn three of their past five games, including a 1-1 result with Atlanta United 2 this past Saturday.

Nashville SC are looking to get back to the fourth round of the tournament for the second time in as many years. To do so, they’ll need to continue their strong play at home. Going back to last year’s inaugural season, Nashville are 4-0-0 at home in the Open Cup. Their league play in 2019 has been stellar as well. They currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, good enough for the third best record in either USL Championship conference this season. Alan Winn was the hero for Nashville in Round 2, scoring once and assisting on the other two goals in a 3-2 win over amateur side South Georgia Tormenta 2.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
20th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-16-6 (3-3 PK)
Away: 7-9-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 7-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up (Lost 2-1 at D.C. United of MLS)

Nashville SC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-1-0
Home: 4-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-0
Best finish: 2018 Fifth Round (Lost 2-1 at Louisville City of USL)

*******************************

San Antonio FC (USL-C) at Austin Bold (USL-C)
Bold Stadium – Del Valle, TX
Kickoff: May 29 – 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Adam Uthe

San Antonio FC are looking to reach the fourth round of the tournament for the third time in four years. In each of their previous appearances, they were ousted by a Texas MLS side; Houston Dynamo in 2016 and FC Dallas in 2018. They got their 2019 run off to a good start with a comfortable 2-0 win over Laredo Heat in Round 2. Jack Barmby led the way for San Antonio, assisting on both goals. Their USL Championship season has left a lot to be desired. They currently sit in 16th in the Western Conference standings with just one win in their last five games.

Austin Bold are out to chart a new path for soccer fans in the Texas capital. They are playing in their inaugural season and will be looking do something that only the old Austin Aztex were able to accomplish, back in 2015: advance past the third round of the tournament. A goal in each half was enough to help Austin advance past the Tulsa Roughnecks in Round 2. They’ll be feeling confident going up against San Antonio having defeated them once already this season in USL Championship play, though the rest of the league campaign has been inconsistent; Austin currently sit in 12th in the Western Conference standings with three losses in their last five games.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Antonio FC (USL-C)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018)

Austin Bold (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A

New Mexico United (USL-C) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: May 29 – 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

New Mexico United and Colorado Spring Switchbacks are both looking to prove something in their Round Three match on Wednesday. For United, the chance to become the first team from their state to play a Major League Soccer side in the tournament is one win away. For Colorado, a win against the USL Championship Western Conference leaders would advance them to the Fourth Round for the first time in three years.

New Mexico United is the first club in the Modern Era (1995-present) from its state to advance in a US Open Cup tournament. In its first tournament, the club was one of only six road teams to advance from the last round when they defeated fellow USL Championship side Phoenix Rising, 2-2 (4-3 on penalties). Albuquerque, New Mexico native Devon Sandoval was the hero for his hometown team as he scored the tying goal in the 79th minute and gave his team the lead early in extra time before Phoenix was able to respond not long after. In the penalty shootout, he was one of three players to make their attempts before Justin Schmidt scored in the fifth round to advance the squad through. Sandoval isn’t a stranger to Open Cup overtime heroics. During Real Salt Lake’s 2013 Cup run to the final, he scored an extra time goal against the North American Soccer League side Atlanta Silverbacks in their Third Round match on route to a win, 3-2, before scoring what would be the game winner in extra time in the next game against USL Championship (then USL Pro) team Charleston Battery.

With the expansion side currently leading the Western Conference in its first season by a full four points heading into Wednesday, and a win already over Colorado earlier this season in league play, 3-1, recently on May 18, the team will have time to rest before its next match against OKC Energy on June 5.

Since their launch five years ago, the Colorado Spring Switchbacks have been on a downward trend across all competitions. In their first two seasons in USL Championship (then just the United Soccer League), the Switchbacks reached the semifinal and quarterfinal of the western conference playoffs respectively while also reaching the Fourth Round of the USOC. However, during the past two seasons the team has failed to reach the playoffs in league play while suffering Third Round exits in tournament play. The team has kept its streak of opening round game wins this year after Kwansi Donsu’s first half stoppage time goal lifted the Switchbacks over local qualifier FC Denver two weeks ago. A win against New Mexico United would be the club’s first win over a Division 2 team in the competition.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

New Mexico United (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: N/A

Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 5-1-0
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

*******************************

Orange County FC (NPSL) at Las Vegas Lights (USL-C)
Cashman Field – Las Vegas, NV
Kickoff: May 29 – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Michael Battista

Entering the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup Orange County FC was one of the four remaining National Premier Soccer League sides in the tournament. Heading into Wednesday night the organization can become the first NPSL side to beat two professional teams in a single tournament since the league became nationally recognized. For their opponents in a city where professional sports are becoming ever more present, the Las Vegas Lights have a chance to make history with a win and earn a chance to play a Major League Soccer team in the Fourth Round.

Orange County FC became only the fifth NPSL side to defeat a professional team when it advanced past USL Championship’s Orange County SC on the road last round. Despite letting in two goals, including what looked to be the game winner in the 87th minute, OCFC’s goalkeeper David Preys made multiple key saves in extra time include a few goalline blocks before saving two shots in the penalty shootout to advance his team through. The sole remaining NPSL team in the competition has already outdone its inaugural tournament performance last season where the team lost to USL-C side Fresno FC, 2-0, in the Second Round and is still in contention with local qualifier Florida Soccer Soldiers to earn a $25,000 bonus for being the farthest advancing Open Division team.

Las Vegas Lights advanced to the Third Round for the second consecutive year over local qualifier Cal FC, 2-0. Vegas’s head coach Eric Wynalda, who coached Cal during its well known 2012 USOC run, had his team control the game physically with his side picking up four yellow cards in the second half along with a red right before the final whistle. That red now means midfielder Jonathan Levin will miss out on this game. His team has more than enough weapons to compensate, with forward Irvin Parra leading the team in goals with seven which also ties him for fifth in the league. The Lights will be playing in their fourth ever Open Cup match and fourth straight against an Open Division opponent. A win would guarantee them a chance against an MLS side and make the team the first from the state of Nevada to advance past the Third Round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Orange County FC (NPSL)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Div. 2 pro: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 Second Round (Lost 2-0 at Fresno FC of USL)

Las Vegas Lights (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 2-0-0
Open Division: 2-1-0
Best finish: 2018 Third Round (Lost 2-1 at FC Golden State Force of PDL)

*******************************

Fresno FC (USL-C) at Sacramento Republic (USL-C)
Papa Murphy’s Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: May 29 – 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Jake Sillick

Fresno FC looks to continue its great season on Wednesday against Sacramento Republic FC. After traveling to historic Boxer Stadium in the Second Round and defeating NPSL side El Farolito, Fresno now face a professional side for the first time in club history. Their USL Championship season is going very well so far as they sit 3rd in the Western Conference with 20 points in 11 matches and a 5-1-5 record.

Sacramento has won at least one game in every tournament they have played in, including the Second Round victory over Reno 1868 FC. Hosting most of their matches has probably helped in that regard as 12 of their 16 cup matches have been at home. The record at home has also been great in the cup as they have only lost once at home, to Kitsap Pumas in 2016. Their current season in USL Championship isn’t going as well as usual for the Republic. Sacramento currently sit in 14th place in the Western Conference, only earning 14 points in 11 matches this season with a 4-5-2 record.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Fresno FC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Away: 1-1-0
Div. 2 pro: N/A
Best finish: 2018 Fourth Round (Lost 2-0 at Los Angeles FC of MLS)

Sacramento Republic (USL-C)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 11-1-0
Div. 2 pro: 3-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2017, 2018)

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Bryant Martin of Florida Soccer Soldiers voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 28, 2019 by Lee Ifans

Bryant Martin - Florida Soccer Soldiers, TheCup.us Player of the Round — Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

It’s a well-known cliche in soccer that of all the positions on the field, you have to be a little different to be a goalkeeper. You’re the last line of defense and in the modern game sometimes the first spark of a counter attack. The mix of mental and physical strength, bravery, reflexes, being able to read the game well, the need to command the penalty area and these days the ability to be good with your feet means that a good keeper is hard to find.

A great keeper is even harder.

Those who have been following the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run of the Florida Soccer Soldiers, know that coach Daniel Godoy may have unearthed a fantastic one in Bryant Martin.

Martin’s performance in the Soccer Soldiers’ penalty kick win over the USL Championship’s Charlotte Independence in Round 2 was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

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

Martin beat out some very talented players for the award. Finishing in second was Saint Louis FC’s teenage goalkeeper Patrick Schulte who stopped three of four penalties in his side’s shootout win against the Des Moines Menace. Also in the conversation were Christian ‘Pato’ Diaz of Forward Madison FC, a defender who helped keep a clean sheet and scored a goal in a 3-0 road win over El Paso Locomotive, and Eddie Opoku of Birmingham Legion who was involved in all four goals in a 4-1 home win over West Chester United.

Martin has been a big reason why the Miami-based amateur side is one of just two Open Division teams left in the Third Round.

In the First Round victory against Miami FC he pulled off a string of wonderful saves to keep his opponents at bay. He’s not the biggest keeper but his acrobatic agility means he is difficult to beat. Bryant is a man enjoying playing the sport and it shows.

“I came to play for Florida Soccer Soldiers because I knew Daniel Godoy,” said Martin, who born in Miami to Venezuelan parents. “He needed a keeper and called me and asked me to join the team. I went there and started training and I feel really good with the team. I played before with Miami United and Miami Fusion, also professionally in Venezuela with Atletico Venezuela and Deportivo Lara. The energy, the humbleness and the motivation I feel within this team, I never felt that before. This is amazing, it feels like a real family.”

That team spirit was on show in Charlotte as the Soccer Soldiers twice came from behind to take the USL Championship (Division 2 pro) team to a penalty shootout. Again Martin was a huge factor in keeping the game on level terms with the Independence and even came close to scoring with a free kick during the game. But in the penalty shootout he excelled. Stepping up and keeping his nerve to score the first penalty of the shootout and then making the decisive save to send the Soldiers into dreamland and the Third Round of the US Open Cup. A goalkeeper who isn’t overawed by being either side of a penalty kick. How can that happen?

What. a. GAME!?@SoccerSoldiers take down the @Independence for a HUGE #cupset!?#USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/8Zv4To2bKi

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 15, 2019

“In this team I feel free to play, I feel no pressure at all,” said Martin. “It’s important to feel like this because your performance is always going to be very high. I feel great about it, I go to training every day and I’m motivated. Motivated because the team believes in me and I believe in the team.”

Like other Open Division teams that have put together good runs in the Open Cup you can see the chemistry in the Soldiers camp and credit has to go to coach Godoy for unlocking the potential of his players and molding them into a good side. Again, a dependable goalkeeper is a huge advantage.

“He’s an angel,” said Godoy. “He’s one of the best goalkeepers in Florida. He has experience as a professional player. He’s living his moment. He’s inspired in this team environment and he’s very motivated and that is the key. He’s a great goalkeeper and when I have a great player my job as a coach is to get the best out of them. I might not be the best coach but with this group I found a way to get the potential out of these great players.”

A trip to North Carolina FC awaits Florida Soccer Soldiers and it’s fair to say this will be the toughest test for this group so far but no one will be writing the South Florida outfit off.

“There is a magic energy every inside this group. Something is happening and we are living a good moment and we are going to fight until the end,” said Godoy.

Bryant hopes the recognition and the spotlight of the Open Cup will ultimately lead to a return to playing professionally. And he’s proudto be named the Player of the Round.

“ fills my heart with excitement, and takes me one step closer to my dream of being signed by a professional team once again,” said Martin. “I am leaving my heart on the field every chance I get in hopes of accomplishing my objective. I am also very grateful to have so many people cheer for our team. At the beginning, we had a very small group of supporters, people would actually make fun of our team name but now, after our two big victories, we have won the hearts of people all over the USA and that is very motivating for us and we are truly blessed to have the support of such wonderful people who have helped us make this possible. We believe in ourselves and we will give it all to win on Wednesday and stay in the Cup making our families and those cheering for us proud!”

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Game-by-game review

May 21, 2019 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

The Second Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete and, as is usually the case, there was plenty of drama. There were 22 teams that advanced to Round 3. Check out a summary of every game below, with links to the full match report.

#USOC2019 ESSENTIALS
2019 US Open Cup schedule/results (links to every match report)
2019 US Open Cup statistical leaders
2019 US Open Cup Round 1: Game-by-game review

Appreciate what we do? Help improve our coverage by joining TheCup.us Patreon team!

Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)
NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference currently ineligible for 2020 US Open Cup
Every US Open Cup game to stream on ESPN+ in multi-year media rights deal

THECUP.US PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Round 1: Charles Boateng – Richmond Kickers

Florida Soccer Soldiers (USASA/UPSL)
2:2 (5:4 PK)
Charlotte Independence (USL-C)

The sides kept pace with each other throughout the match with neither club able to gain an advantage. The Independence converted on a set piece to get on the board early in the game, but the Soccer Soldiers equalized in the 78th minute. Just minutes before extra time, Soccer Soldiers midfielder Antonioni Gonzalez was sent off with his second yellow. Charlotte went back on top with a shot off the crossbar and in from Dominic Oduro. With two minutes left in extra time, 19-year-old Valentin Sabella stole a bad pass and had only the keeper to beat, which he did on the dribble and finished to knot it up at 2-2. Florida Soccer Soldiers converted all their penalties including one from their keeper, Bryant Martin, who also made the game winning save of Charlotte’s fifth PK attempt. Florida returns to North Carolina in Round 3 to take on North Carolina FC. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Dayton Dutch Lions (USL-2)
0:3
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)

It took them about 52 minutes to get going, but once the Pittsburgh Riverhounds found the net, it was hard to stop them. Neco Brett scored twice in an 12-minute span in the second half and Anthony Velarde added a goal later as Pittsburgh’s strong second half led them to victory. The Riverhounds will host fellow USL Championship side Indy Eleven in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Villages SC (USL-2)
1:4
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)

The sides played even for much of the first half, but Tampa Bay essentially closed the door just before halftime. Mohamad Kone and Zach Steinberger scored within five minutes of each other to put the Rowdies up 2-0 heading into the break. Brandon Allen added a third goal before The Villages could get on the board, and Leon Taylor added a fourth in stoppage time to put the game to bed. Tampa Bay will hit the road in Round 3 to take on Oklahoma City Energy. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York Cosmos B (NPSL)
1:2
Hartford Athletic (USL-C)

Hartford scored twice in the opening 30 minutes and managed to hold off Cosmos B for the remaining time. The win was Hartford’s first ever as a club; they began play as an expansion side in the USL Championship this year. Harry Swartz got things started with a 16th minute strike assisted by Giuseppe Gentile and Mads Jorgensen buried a free kick nine minutes later to double the lead in the first half hour. Bljedi Bardic pulled one back for the Cosmos B team in the 57th minute but Hartford held on to advance. Hartford will hit the road in Round 3 and face Memphis 901. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

South Georgia Tormenta 2 (USL-2)
2:3
Nashville SC (USL-C)

Nashville SC managed to hold off upset-minded South Georgia Tormenta 2 thanks to the efforts of Alan Winn, who scored or assisted on all three of Nashville’s goals. South Georgia took down USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in Round 1, but ran out of magic on the road against Nashville. Winn set up Ropapa Mensah to give Nashville the lead eight minutes in and then proceeded to score the second himself. Georgia pulled one back via Adrian Billhardt just before halftime, but it wasn’t quite enough. Cameron Lancaster (with help from Winn) scored in the 52nd minute and that was enough, despite a second Georgia goal from James Meehan. Nashville will host Charleston Battery in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

NTX Rayados (USASA / North Texas Premier Soccer Association)
1:3
Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL-C)

Oklahoma City Energy got revenge against NTX Rayados courtesy of second half goals from Amer Sasivarevic, Christian Eissele, and Je-Vaughn Watson. One year ago it was Rayados who took down OKC 5-2 in the second round of the 2018 tournament, but this year the Energy managed to apply their home field advantage. After a scoreless first half, Sasivarevic opened the scoring only for Christian Okeke to equalize 10 minutes later. OKC eventually pulled away thanks to a penalty converted by Eissele in the 82nd minute and then Watson sealed the win in stoppage time. They will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at John Crain Field on the campus of Oklahoma University in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tulsa Roughnecks (USL-C)
0:2
Austin Bold FC (USL-C)

One goal in each half was enough for Austin Bold FC to blank Tulsa Roughnecks as the former made their official US Open Cup debut. Sonny Guadarrama got things started for the USL Championship expansion side in the 34th minute and Andre Lima added the second in the 74th. Tulsa bows out in the second round for the second consecutive year while Austin will move on to host San Antonio FC in an I-35 derby in Round 3. The two sides will also meet each other again in USL league play on June 1. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Laredo Heat SC (NPSL)
0:2
San Antonio FC (USL)

A pair of first half goals, each assisted by Jack Barmby, was enough to help San Antonio FC advance past Laredo Heat in front of a crowd of 4,700 in San Antonio. Pascal Eboussi got things started for the home side in the 17th minute, heading home off a corner kick taken by Barmby. Barmby went on to play Ever Guzman through on goal to make it 2-0 just before halftime. San Antonio has now won their second round matchup in all four of their Open Cup appearances. They’ll travel to Bold Stadium in Del Valle, Texas to take on USL Championship and I-35 rivals Austin Bold FC in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Cal FC (USASA / UPSL)
0:2
Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)

Eric Wynalda’s current club triumphed over Eric Wynalda’s former club as Las Vegas Lights beat 2012 US Open Cup darlings Cal FC, 2-0. Sammy Ochoa headed home a cross Edwin Rivas to open the scoring in the 13th minute and Victor Rojas finished it off with one more in the 52nd minute. Rojas’ goal came courtesy of an assist by Pablo “Lito” Cruz, who also featured for the 2012 Cal FC side that Wynalda helped lead to an historic upset over MLS’ Portland Timbers in that year’s tournament. Las Vegas will host Orange County FC, the last remaining NPSL club in the competition, in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Fresno FC (USL-C)
1:0
El Farolito (NPSL)

Qudus Lawal came off the bench and scored the game winner for Fresno FC as they took down amateur side El Farolito 1-0 on the road in San Francisco. Lawal was brought on at halftime and in the 75th capitalized on a mistake by Farolito’s keeper to score what turned out to be the game’s only goal. Fresno, making their second US Open Cup appearance, will hit the road again in Round 3 to take on the winner of Reno 1868/Sacramento Republic. They advanced to Round 4 in their Open Cup debut last year, only to be knocked out by Los Angeles FC. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Lansing Ignite (USL-1)
0:1
Indy Eleven (USL-C)

One goal was all it took for Indy Eleven to advance past Lansing Ignite. Thomas Enevoldsen headed home in the 57th minute with Paddy Barrett providing the cross for the assist. Indy advances to the third round one year after falling to Mississippi Brilla in Round 2 of the 2018 tournament. The match was also their first Open Cup game at home since 2016. They’ll travel to Pennsylvania in Round 3 to take on fellow USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
1:4
North Carolina FC (USL-C)

North Carolina FC used three second half goals to break a halftime stalemate and advance past Richmond Kickers in Cary, North Carolina. Andre Fortune opened the scoring for the home side in the 16th minute but Richmond equalized in the 34th minute with a goal from Wahab Ackwei. North Carolina broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a goal from Robert Kristo, who went on to score his second via penalty ten minutes later. Yamikani Chester erased any hope of a comeback in the 70th minute, with Manny Perez providing the assist on the final goal. North Carolina will stay at home in Round 3 and host amateur underdogs Florida Soccer Soldiers. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Reading United AC (USL-2)
0:3
Louisville City FC (USL-C)

Defending USL Cup Champions Louisville City FC cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at home against amateur side Reading United. Abdou Thiam got things started in the 12th minute with an assist from Niall McCabe and George Davis IV doubled the lead seven minutes later. Sunny Jane put any doubts about the result to rest with the third and final goal in the 88th minute. Louisville will look to make another deep run this year after advancing to the quarterfinals in the 2018 tournament. They’ll host fellow USL Championship side Birmingham Legion in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Charleston Battery (USL-C)
2:1
Greenville Triumph (USL-1)

Charleston Battery needed two second half goals from Ian Svantesson, including a stoppage time winner to win their Palmetto State showdown with hosts Greenville Triumph. Max Hemmings got on the end of Aaron Walker’s corner kick to open the scoring for Greenville in the 30th minute, but Svantesson took over in the second half and the Battery overcame their brand new in-state rivals with almost no time to spare; Greenville were playing in their first ever US Open Cup after their inaugural season in 2018. Charleston will travel to Tennessee to take on Nashville SC in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New York Red Bulls U-23s (USL-2)
1:3
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)

Memphis 901 FC made history with their first ever US Open Cup win, a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls U-23 side. Josh Morton made individual history with the team’s first ever brace. His first goal came in the 26th minute while the second came in the 73rd minute in the second half. Cam Lindley got Memphis on the board in the 8th minute after New York took an early lead with a 5th minute goal from JP Marin. Memphis are currently in the middle of their inaugural season in the USL Championship after being awarded a franchise in January of 2018. They’ll host another USL Championship expansion side, Hartford Athletic, in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

West Chester United SC (USASA / USL of PA)
1:4
Birmingham Legion (USL-C)

Birmingham Legion scored twice in each half to easily dispatch amateur side West Chester United SC. Edward “Eddie” Opoku led the way with two assists and a goal. Chandler Hoffman opened the scoring by converting a penalty – drawn by Opoku – in the 21st minute and Femi Hollinger-Janzen added another – via an Opoku corner kick – in the 36th to give the home side a comfortable lead going into halftime. Six minutes into the second half, Prosper Kasim got the third. West Chester got on the board in the 60th, but it wasn’t enough and Opoku sealed it with his 88th minute goal. Birmingham travels to Louisville to take on Louisville City FC in Round 3. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Saint Louis FC (USL-C)
1:1 (3:1 PKs)
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)

18 year old goalkeeper Patrick Schulte stood on his head and saved three penalties in the shootout to help visiting Saint Louis FC get past hosts Des Moines Menace in a game that could generously be called “unpleasant”. The two sides combined for 12 cards, including three red cards that were the result(s) of second yellows; Des Moines finished extra time with nine men and Saint Louis ended with ten. Kyle Greig converted an Audi Jepson corner in the 14th minute to put Saint Louis on the board first, but Des Moines’ Nicolas Perea converted from the penalty spot in the 39th minute and neither side could break the deadlock the rest of the way, forcing a penalty shootout. Schulte became just the 10th plater to stop three penalty kicks in a shootout, tieing a Modern Era (1995-Present) record. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
3:0
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

Three goals from three different players and a Brian Sylvestre clean sheet helped Forward Madison roll into Texas and knock out El Paso Locomotive. Jiro Barriga Toyama and Christian “Pato” Diaz scored in the first half and Jeff Michaud added a third in the 76th minute to solidify the result. The goal for Michaud was an historic one, as he becomes just the second player to score at least one goal in four consecutive tournaments with four different teams. The Flamingos are now the last remaining USL League One team in the 2019 US Open Cup, which means they have won the tournament’s $25,000 prize money as the last remaining Div. 3 pro team. They continue their Open Cup run on the road again in Round 3 to face Saint Louis FC. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

FC Denver (USSSA / Colorado Premier League)
0:1
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)

Kwasi Donsu’s first half stoppage time goal turned out to be the difference as Colorado Springs Switchbacks snuck past amateur side FC Denver. Donsu’s first half winner, a 25 yard rocket of a shot, was his first goal with the Switchbacks. He joined Colorado Springs from FC Medeama in his native Ghana in February, along with countryman Ibrahim Yaro who also made the start against Denver. The Switchbacks will either travel to Phoenix in Round 3 or stay home to face New Mexico United, depending on the outcome of that game in Round 2. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

New Mexico United (USL-C)
2:2 (4:3 PKs)
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)

New Mexico United needed penalties to overcome USL Championship rivals Phoenix Rising FC in a game that took awhile to get going, but finished with some late drama. It took 65 minutes to get to the game’s first goal, which came from a Junior Flemmings penalty. New Mexico equalized in the 79th minute after Devon Sandoval got his head onto a cross from Josh Suggs and the score remained deadlocked after 90. Sandoval got his second on the night five minutes into extra time, with Santi Moar providing the assist this time. Adam Jahn leveled the score at 2-2 in the 102nd minute off an assist from Solomon Asante and neither team would score again, forcing penalties. New Mexico, making their first Open Cup appearance in their inaugural season, won 4-3 in the shootout and now travels to Colorado for Round 3 to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Reno 1868 FC (USL-C)
0:1
Sacramento Republic (USL-C)

The rain was the star of this one as a soaked field in Sacramento slowed both teams down until Sacramento got the winner in the 83rd minute courtesy of Sam Werner. The two sides combined for more twice as many fouls (36) as shots (18). This was very much a case of “familiarity breeds contempt”. Reno defeated Sacramento 4-1 in league play on Saturday and this was the third consecutive year that Reno was knocked out of the tournament by Sacramento. Sacramento Republic will stay home in Round 3 and face off against Fresno FC. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Orange County FC (NPSL)
2:2 (5:4 PK)
Orange County SC (USL-C)

Orange County Soccer Club joins El Paso as the only USL teams to lose to a lower tier squad when they lost their penalty shootout to Orange County FC. OCSC opened their account early with an own goal by Joshua Davis in the 13th minute. In the 27th minute OCFC equalised, capitalising on a counter attack sweeping up the ball after an OCSC corner. In the second half Darwin OCSC had a goal disallowed for an offside call but got one back for his side going ahead in the 87th. In the second minute of injury time however OCFC’s Ryan Holland put in a goal set up by an Aaron Lombardi corner. A few opportunities for OCSC to win in extra time never came to fruition which led to penalties putting OCSC in the same situation they were in in 2016 when they played the LA Wolves, to the spot. OCSC, shooting second, had their first penalty saved by David Preys. OCFC however put in a perfect five from five to advance to the next round where they will visit the USL’s Las Vegas Lights on 29 May. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Sean McFarlane orchestrates Austin Bold’s 2-0 win over Tulsa Roughnecks

May 21, 2019 by Zach Smith

Andre Lima and Sean McFarlane of Austin Bold FC celebrate a goal against Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Austin Bold FC

Austin Bold FC head coach Marcelo Serrano knew the risks of putting two aggressive forwards out for the first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game in Austin in four years. His decision paid off big time.

Sonny Guadarrama opened the scoring in the first half and his attacking partner, Andre Lima, doubled the lead late in the second half to help the Bold down the Tulsa Roughnecks 2-0 on Tuesday night.

“It was a great performance, we had so many chances,” Serrano said. “We had a clean sheet and we’re moving forward as a team.”

Austin will get a rematch when it hosts San Antonio FC — a team they beat 1-0 earlier in the USL season — in the Third Round of the US Open Cup on May 29.

.@AustinBoldFC takes the victory 2-0 over the @RoughnecksFC and will move on to compete against the @SanAntonioFC or @LaredoHeatSC!?#USOC2019 | ? Highlights ⤵ pic.twitter.com/kIjeSfUu2O

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 15, 2019

Tuesday was a dominant performance by the Austin offense, which was largely the same lineup that beat the OKC Energy FC in league play the previous Friday. The Bold outshot the Roughnecks 25-10 and had seven shots on target.

Pulling the strings was right back Sean McFarlane, who assisted on both goals.

His first assist saw his pass get dummied by Kléber and allowed Guadarrama to take one touch and find the bottom corner of the net in the 34th minute. He then sent in a low cross in front of the net for Lima to tap in the 74th minute.

Players from Austin Bold FC celebrate a goal against Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Austin Bold FC

“Every game, he’s becoming more and more dangerous, and it can be hard to find players like that,” Guadarrama said. “He’s obviously got talent, and coach is helping him get even more out of what he can give.”

Bold academy singing Beto Avila, an 18-year-old Austin native, made his professional debut in the match, subbing in for Guadarrama in the second half and picking up the second assist on the goal by Lima.

Despite signing less than a month ago, former Lonestar SC and Houston Dynamo Academy player has proven he can make an impact.

“I’m glad that coach is strong enough to give the kids a chance,” Guadarrama said. “A lot of coaches don’t because they’re worried about the result. he’s keeping his word on playing local talent. I think they deserve it.”

Austin has yet to lose a game at Bold Stadium at Circuit of the Americas. The winner of the next round could see an MLS team come to the brand-new soccer stadium.

“It’s always fun to play against San Antonio, and it’s a big game because we know that if we win, we take that big step that I think every team in the USL wants to go out and play an MLS team,” Guadarrama said.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Teenage GK comes up big for Saint Louis FC in PK win over Des Moines Menace

May 20, 2019 by Jake Sillick

18-year-old Patrick Schulte of Saint Louis FC becomes just the 10th goalkeeper in the Modern Era (1995-present) to make three saves in a PK shootout. Photo: Matt Bird

Three red cards and twelve yellow cards were handed out in Iowa as Saint Louis FC defeated Des Moines Menace in penalty kicks 3-1 after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. Two Menace players and one Saint Louis player were sent off leaving it 10-on-9 at the end of the match.

18-year-old goalkeeper and academy player Patrick Schulte saved three Des Moines penalties in the shootout to get the win. Saint Louis FC now advances to Round 3 where they will face Forward Madison, the last remaining USL League One team in the tournament on May 29.

For Saint Louis, it marks the fifth year in a row that they have advanced in their opening round game.

All three players sent off were either in stoppage time of the second half or in extra time. Koray Easterling of Des Moines was sent off for a second yellow late into regulation. In the 114th minute, it would become 10 v 10 though, as Saint Louis’ Albert Dikwa received two yellow cards for separate infractions in the span of a minute. After being carded during a scuffle before a Saint Louis corner kick, Dikwa would then commit a professional foul on a Menace player during the ensuing counter attack. Dikwa found himself sent off in less than two minutes. At the end of extra time, Gerber Chavez of the Menace also received his second yellow card. The game wasn’t played for long at 9 v 10 before the end of extra time.

Saint Louis got the scoring started early, in the 14th minute. Former Menace player Audi Jepson whipped in a corner kick which found the head of Kyle Grieg for his third goal of the season in all competitions. Saint Louis would continue to control the game but could not find more goals against Menace keeper Jordan Bell.

? Full game highlights of @MenaceSoccer94 and @SaintLouisFC
STL will host @ForwardMSNFC May 29 at 7PM Central pic.twitter.com/QLrsKXpPnG

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019

The Menace did find the equalizer in the first half, after a cross hit the outstretched arm of Sam Fink inside the penalty area. The penalty kick was converted by Nick Perea in the 39th minute, leveling the scoreline where it stayed for the rest of the match.

Saint Louis coach Anthony Pulis was not happy about the awarded penalty and felt “justice was served” at the end of the match.

Saint Louis started making subs in the second half, hoping to find that winning goal and avoid playing another 30 minutes against a scrappy and physical Menace team. They would get close especially into stoppage time after Easterling’s red card, but they could not find that second goal.

After a contentious extra time, Schulte stepped up for Saint Louis in the shootout. He saved three out of the four penalties the Menace took. Saint Louis would not miss a shot in the shootout and prevailed 3-1. It was a rare feat in this tournament as Schulte becomes just the 10th goalkeeper of the Modern Era (1995-present) to make three saves in a penalty kick shootout. For reference, there have been 124 PK shootouts during that span.

“I’m really proud of Patrick Schulte and his performance. He made three fantastic saves,” said Anthony Pulis. “We persevered against performed well against 15 players on the pitch.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: In battle of Orange County, the Football Club upsets the Soccer Club in PKs

May 20, 2019 by Cameron Milledge

Orange County FC celebrates after their 2019 US Open Cup Second Round match against Orange County SC. OCFC won 5-3 in PKs after a 2-2 draw to become just the 5th NPSL team to upset a pro team. Photo: Glenn Feingerts

In the inaugural “Is it soccer or football?” derby, Orange County Football Club of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) eliminated Orange County Soccer Club in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the Third Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Orange County SC, a professional side competing in the USL Championship, seemed to be on their way with a Third Round date with the Las Vegas Lights. OCSC had a 2-1 lead heading into second half stoppage time but a Ryan Holland goal two minutes into stoppage time sent the game into extra time.

After a scoreless 30 minutes of extra time, Orange County FC goalkeeper David Preys capped off an exceptional performance with a save in the opening round of the penalty kick shootout. That stop would prove to be crucial as OCFC would convert all five of their attempts to punch their ticket to Round 3 for the first time in club history.

OCFC manager and former US international Paul Caligiuri was over the moon about his team’s performance.

“We conceded an unfortunate goal in the first half but we were able to come back and tie it,” said Caligiuri. “The fans enjoyed it and the players never gave up. Then we went down 2-1 late in the game and we tie it 2-2. It think it shows a lot of character of what we stand for … we showed the will, drive, and the never-say-die attitude and it paid off today.”

At the start of the first half, OCSC controlled much of the play. They were composed on the ball and the away side struggled to get it.

The OCSC struck first in the 14th minute as OCFC centerback Joshua Davis headed it into his own goal.

If the first edition is anything to go by, the ? County Derby is going to become a classic. 2-2 after 120 minutes, amateur @ocfcsoccer edged all-pro @orangecountysc on PKs to book a date in the Third Round against @lvlightsfc.

? Highlights | #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/5gKM1SPxg6

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019

OCSC still controlled the match after the goal, but OCFC started to find their footing by disrupting play in midfield. OCFC would get the equalizer in the 28th minute against the run of play as Aaron Cervantes was forced to make a save on a 2-on-1 situation, but forward Dakota Collins hit home the rebound.

OCSC had two good chances to re-take the lead, but OCFC keeper David Preys was up to the task. He denied forward Jerry van Wolfgang from six yards out and parried away a shot outside of the 18-yard box.

OCSC made an offensive change bringing on Harry Forrester for Charlie Adams at the start of halftime. The English international would make his presence felt moments later as he forced Preys into another brilliant save in the 48th minute.

OCSC then put Brazilian upstart Vinicius on to add more attacking options, subbing off Danny Chrisostomo.

Van Wolfgang put in a threatening cross and midfielder Aodhan Quinn hit his shot just wide of the far post. He also forced a deflection in the 72nd minute.

The “SC” appeared to take the lead off of a corner kick, but it was ruled offside.

The away side, “FC”, were hanging onto dear life as Darwin Jones had a shot cleared off of the line in the 75th minute. Jones then missed an open goal chance as he shot it over the bar. Moments later, in the 85th minute, Jones broke the deadlock as he chipped it over Preys to make it 2-1.

But there was a sudden twist to the tale.

Near the end of second half stoppage time, OCFC forward Ryan Holland tied it up with a header in the box to make it 2-2.

The score would stay the same at full time.

In extra time, both teams gave each other no quarter as they fought for the go-ahead goal.

OCSC had majority of the chances as few shots were close to the goal line, but were caught or cleared off of the line.

The match went to penalties.

OCSC’s Aodhan Quinn had his team’s opening penalty kick saved by Preys and that proved to be the difference as OCFC converted all of their attempts to advance.

In addition to the deciding save, Preys put together a man of the match level performance by making eight saves in the game.

“ is without a doubt our MVP of the last two games,” said Caligiuri. “He was the hero versus Golden State Force and tonight, he’s the hero again. He was a huge pickup for us and we are very fortunate to have him.”

For Caligiuri, he is looking forward to leading his team against his former teammate in Eric Wynalda, head coach of the Las Vegas Lights.

“Eric is a competitor,” said Galigiuri. “He was a phenomenal player and a wonderful coach and we know what it means to these guys and what it means to the Las Vegas Lights.”t

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Forward Madison earn $25,000 after shutout of El Paso Locomotive

May 17, 2019 by Phil Baki

Players from Forward Madison (left) and El Paso Locomotive battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US OpenCup. Photo: El Paso Locomotive

A flock of Flamingos may not actually migrate south but the ‘Mingos of Forward Madison certainly felt at home in the heat of El Paso, flying past the Locomotive 3-0 with goals from Jiro Barriga Toyama, Christian Diaz, and Jeff Michaud in a Round 2 US Open Cup victory.

While the match was perhaps not as lopsided as the scoreline would suggest, the Flamingos put in a professional performance to see off their USL Championship hosts.

The @ForwardMSNFC Flamingos take the victory 3-0 over @eplocomotivefc and will move on to face @MenaceSoccer94 or @SaintLouisFC!?

3-0 MAD | Final | #USOC2019
? Highlights ⤵ pic.twitter.com/V5B9Zzp2FQ

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019

The match did not begin as it meant to go on, with Locomotive controlling much of the opening 15 minutes. A flurry of chances at the Madison end made it seem as if it would be a long night for the Flamingos but they did not take much longer to capitalize on a chance. The counter attack was swift in the 19th minute, as Paulo Junior charged down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross that was guided home by Jiro Barriga Toyama. This sent a shock through Southwest University Park, but the shock did not end there.

As the last remaining Division 3 pro team in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Forward Madison FC of USL League One has won $25,000 in prize money. Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

Six minutes later, Toyama turned provider and put a low cross on a plate for Christian Diaz Dominguez, doubling Madison’s lead and fully establishing that despite being from a lower division, they would not be sent home empty-handed.

Locomotive, who enjoyed 73% possession in the match, were unable to create many chances of note in what remained of the first half and coach Mark Lowry looked to make a change, bringing former USMNT player Jerome Kiesewetter in at the half for Calvin Rezende. The change still left Locomotive a little light of chances as Madison broke up play through the middle of the field. With an hour gone, Lowry rolled the last of his die, bringing on Omar Salgado and Bryam Rebellon and the impact was felt but Madison was the one to strike next.

The goal came from another counter attack, but a slick interchange between Paulo Junior and Jeff Michaud put the latter through on goal. He finished low inside the far post and with just 14 minutes left to play the result was well in hand.

According to TheCup.us records, Michaud’s goal was historic.

With that tally, Michaud becomes just the second player in the Modern Era (1995-present) to score at least one goal in four consecutive tournaments with four different clubs (Javier Castro from 2014-17). His streak began in 2016 when he scored a pair of goals for the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL (Div. 3 pro), then he was tied for second in the entire tournament when he scored three for the South Florida Surf (USL League Two) the following year. Last year, he made it three years in a row with a goal from Miami FC (NPSL).

Michaud is the only player to achieve this feat with teams from four different leagues.

Forward Madison advance to Round 3 where it will travel to St Louis FC, which snuck past Des Moines Menace on penalties.