Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2019 US Open Cup

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Sam Werner’s late goal gives Sacramento Republic rain-soaked win vs. Reno 1868 FC

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Sam Werner (No. 11) celebrates his go-ahead goal for the Sacramento Republic in the club's Second Round match against Reno 1868 FC. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Sam Werner (No. 11) celebrates his go-ahead goal for the Sacramento Republic in the club’s Second Round match against Reno 1868 FC. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Sam Werner’s 86th minute heroics lifts Republic FC past Reno 1868 FC 1-0 and into Round 3 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on a rainy, slippery night.

On a night dominated not by the players on the pitch, but rather the unrelenting downpour of rain falling continuously throughout the 90 minutes, Sam Werner proved the hero Sacramento Republic FC needed. In the 82nd minute a throw in led to a slight break away for the home side. Drew Skundrich redirected a pass into the box toward Werner who was perfectly placed and unmarked in the middle of the box. Werner calmly collected the ball and placed it in the back of the net, past the helpless Reno keeper JT Marcinkowski.

The first real chance of the match came early as Republic FC started with tons of pressure and a forceful high press. In the sixth minute midfielder Sam Werner sent a ball in from deep on the left side. His looping pass found a wide open, onside Tyler Blackwood in the middle of the box. The forward attempted to one-touch the cross toward the goal, but miss-hit it leaving the ball free in a dangerous area. Republic FC midfielder Drew Skundrich cleaned up the free ball, but could not get off a good shot as Reno keeper Marcinkowski was there for a sliding save keeping the match scoreless.

Reno 1868 FC’s best look came in the 33rd minute when a deflected ball found Aidan Apodaca who was sitting near the top of the box. The forward settled the ball, put it on his favored right foot before blasting a low shot toward the left corner of the goal, but the show was saved by the quick-thinking, quick-diving Republic FC keeper, Rafael Díaz as the match headed to half in a scoreless deadlock.

The second half looked much like the first, slippery and wet, making it tough for both offenses to create much of a rhythm. Despite the lack of rhythm, Reno seemed to be the aggressor, having the majority of possession and chances. In the 57th minute was again the active player, as he was played through in the middle of the park. The forward sped past the defender creating a 1v1 with Republic FC keeper Rafael Díaz. The forward beat the keeper, but in an unfortunate bit of luck, hit the right post as it deflected away harmlessly.

Republic FC broke the deadlock on Werner’s goal in the 82nd minute, reversing the trend of the second half. Werner was destined to be the hero, accounting for much of Republic FC’s offense, truly acting as a pest to the Reno defense.

Despite a valiant effort by Reno 1868 FC for the last eight minutes, they could not break through with an equalizer, allowing Republic FC to advance to the Third Round for the sixth straight year. They will face Fresno FC in the next round.

 

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: New Mexico United makes history with PK win over Phoenix Rising

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New Mexico United celebrates their penalty kick win over Phoenix Rising FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Rinconn | PHXRisingFC.com
New Mexico United celebrates their penalty kick win over Phoenix Rising FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Rinconn | PHXRisingFC.com

New Mexico United (USL Championship), making its debut in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, defeated Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship) in penalties 4-3 after a 2-2 draw in the Second Round.

Devon Sandoval was a difference maker for New Mexico, coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring an equalizer almost immediately, before scoring a go-ahead goal in extra time. Cody Mizell had 11 saves for New Mexico.

New Mexico United players celebrate a goal scored against Phoenix Rising FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Rinconn | PHXRisingFC.com
New Mexico United players celebrate a goal scored against Phoenix Rising FC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Michael Rinconn | PHXRisingFC.com

By advancing to Round 3, New Mexico United becomes the first New Mexico-based club to advance in a US Open Cup game in the Modern Era (1995-present). According to TheCup.us records, the last team from the state to win a game in the tournament was the New Mexico Chiles in 1992.

New Mexico began the contest brightly, forcing Phoenix into several emergency defense situations before play evened out. Phoenix goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski came up with a strong double-save in the sixth minute to keep the contest scoreless.

Phoenix broke through in the 65th minute following a foul on Amadou Dia in the New Mexico box. Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings converted the penalty to take the lead. It wouldn’t last long, however, as in the 79th, New Mexico’s Josh Suggs found Sandoval open at the back post with a looping service. Sandoval’s header was placed well out of the reach of Woszczynski, and visitors were back in business.

In extra time, Sandoval’s 95th-minute strike took some wind out of the home crowd, but minutes later, Rising’s Adam Jahn took a pass from Solomon Asante and raced into space before sending a powerful equalizer inside the far post.

In a match where Mizell was so often the hero for New Mexico, he came up big again in penalties, denying Phoenix’s Dia and AJ Cochran, and sending his first-year club to a Third Round date in Colorado Springs to take on the Switchbacks.

For Phoenix, it was a second consecutive exit in penalties after falling in 2018 to Sporting AZ FC.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks earn home win vs. FC Denver … again

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Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Kwasi Donsu (20) celebrates with teammates after his goal in the first half against FC Denver in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Kwasi Donsu (20) celebrates with teammates after his goal in the first half against FC Denver in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

The host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C) defeated FC Denver (USASA) 1-0 in Round 2 of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This was the second year in a row the two sides have met in the Open Cup, with the Switchbacks pulling out a 3-2 victory in 2018.

The scoring chances came early with a flourish of opportunities by both sides turned away by goalkeepers on both sides. FC Denver keeper Jacob Peterson made several saves, including a point blank stop on a Mike Seth shot in the 14th minute, and a Matt Hundley blast in the 39th minute. His counterpart in the net for Colorado Springs, 16-year-old Abraham Rodriguez, was equal to the task making several spectacular saves, including turning away a Peter Jacobson shot in a seemingly wide open net in the 25th minute.

“I was just doing my job. I was trying to keep the team in the game and saves like that help give us the win.” Rodriguez said.

The deadlock was finally broke in the 45th minute as Kwansi Donsu struck a shot from 30 yards out to open the scoring for the Switchbacks.

“First of all, I want to thank God and our supporters. They always support us. It was a good game for me because it was my first goal for the Switchbacks,” Donsu said. “I’m very happy I scored a goal and we won.”

In the second half, FC Denver attempted to push the play but could not solve the Switchbacks defense. The first half-goal proved to be the game winner and push Colorado Springs on to the Round 3, facing New Mexico United.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Eddie Opoku helps Birmingham Legion make Alabama soccer history

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Eddie Opoku of the Birmingham Legion plays the ball against West Chester United in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Birmingham Legion
Eddie Opoku of the Birmingham Legion plays the ball against West Chester United in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Birmingham Legion

USL Championship expansion side Birmingham Legion FC defeated the NPSL’s West Chester United 4-1 in the first US Open Cup game in club history Wednesday evening before 3,307 fans at BBVA Compass Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

Not only did the Legion win their first US Open Cup match, but as the first-ever entry into the competition from their state, according to TheCup.us records, they are the first Alabama club to win a tournament game in the 106-year history of the competition.

Leading the way was Legion midfielder, and Columbus Crew loanee, Eddie Opoku who was involved in all four goals for the home team. The Ghana native, scored one of them, assisted on two others and drew the foul that led to a penalty kick.

West Chester United arrived in Birmingham having played four qualifying matches and its Round 1 match all on the road, including an overtime and penalty shootout dogfight against FC Baltimore Christos. In the early going, however, West Chester did not look like road-weary underdogs. Both teams had good chances to score in the opening minutes. Legion coach Tom Soehn was impressed.

With the 4-1 win over West Chester United, the Birmingham Legion FC not only becomes the first Alabama team to participate in the US Open Cup, but they become the first Alabama team to WIN a US Open Cup game. | Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design
With the 4-1 win over West Chester United, the Birmingham Legion FC not only becomes the first Alabama team to participate in the US Open Cup, but they become the first Alabama team to WIN a US Open Cup game. | Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

“Credit to them,” he said. “They came out pretty well. They actually could have gone up one when we gave them that opportunity, so they made it difficult.”

Neither team was able to score in the early going, and the game settled down until the 22nd minute when Legion midfielder Eddie Opoku was brought down in the penalty area. Referee Sergii Demianchuk instantly pointed to the spot and forward Chandler Hoffman converted to give Birmingham a lead it would never give up.

Birmingham doubled its lead in the 38th minute when midfielder Femi Hollinger-Janzen connected with an Eddie Opoku pass and went into the halftime break up 2-0.

They did not let up in the second half, and after 52 minutes Eddie Opoku added a second assist, this time feeding it to midfielder Prosper Kasim for a 3-0 lead. West Chester got one back nine minutes later on a solo shot by forward Charles Wilson, who found himself in open space due to a defensive lapse by the Legion.

The scoring closed out in the 89th minute when Eddie Opoku finished a busy evening by scoring on a pass from defensive midfielder Daniel Johnson.

Tom Soehn, who won the US Open Cup three times as a player (Dallas Burn in 1997, Chicago Fire in 1998 and 2000) and as a head coach (D.C. United in 2008) was pleased with his team’s performance.

“In the end I think obviously the quality showed in our guys and to be frank we could have had a few more than we did,” he said

Birmingham piled up 18 shots in the game and created 15 additional chances. They controlled the game with 61.4% possession, executing the game plan nearly flawlessly.

“All we wanted to do was to make sure we stayed compact, organized, have a little bit more patience in our build-up,” Soehn said.

Birmingham also rotated out several regular starters to give some other players some valuable minutes, and also started central defender Razak Cromwell, who had arrived from his native Ghana just a week previously.

The Legion move on to visit defending USL champion Louisville City FC in Round 3 on May 29. The team have already met twice in the USL regular season, each team winning on the opponent’s field.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Memphis 901 pulls away from Red Bulls Under-23s to earn club’s first home win

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Players from New York Red Bulls Under-23s and Memphis 901 FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC
Players from New York Red Bulls Under-23s and Memphis 901 FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC

Memphis 901 FC’s debut in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup got off to a thunderous start against the New York Red Bulls U-23s. Thunderous because the start of the game was delayed close to an hour due to severe weather in the area. Once the weather moved out and the game got started, it was still quite the thunderous start.

New York took the lead inside five minutes and Memphis grabbed one back just two minutes later. Things settled down somewhat after that. Memphis did bag another goal before the half plus one more in the second half and that was enough to see out the win and advance to the next round of the US Open Cup.

Jochen Graf of Memphis 901 FC looks to the skies during the club's Second Round match against the New York Red Bulls Under-23s in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC
Jochen Graf of Memphis 901 FC looks to the skies during the club’s Second Round match against the New York Red Bulls Under-23s in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Memphis 901 FC

The theme for Memphis at home this year had been lack of goal scoring and failure to get results. In fact in their first our USL home games they scored just one goal and had zero wins. But a recent run of good form in league play appeared to carry over into the Open Cup as the dam finally broke with Memphis netting two goals in the first half, the first from Cam Lindley on a great free kick and the second from Josh Morton off a fantastic solo run by new signing from Atlanta United, Lagos Kunga.

The second half saw more pressure from Memphis as they wanted to make sure that they put the game completely away and Josh Morton did just that about 15 minutes from time as he headed home a corner to give Memphis a 3-1 lead that they did not give up to seal their first home win of the season.

Coach Tim Mulqueen was quite happy after the game, even dropping Jim Valvano “Survive and Advance” references when talking about the nature of cup play. But Mulqueen was happy to finally get the club’s first home win.

“I think it’s tremendous. The fans have deserved this for the better part of two months,” said Mulqueen. “We had that in our mind, we knew it. It’s something that we have talked about. We wanted to repay them. They stuck through a weather delay tonight as well. We wanted to give them something unique, which is an Open Cup win. Being able to be the first team to do that in club history is important. There will be many more wins at AutoZone Park, but it’s special to get the first one. We’re just really happy to deliver for the fans. I’m really happy for the boys inside. They have worked really hard in training. They deserve this result.”

Credit needs to be given to the Red Bulls and their coach Simon Nee, however. Despite being an academy team of U-23 players, they came out ready to play and stole into what can be described a shock lead after just five minutes on a goal from Jean Paul Marin (who scored in their first round win over FC Motown). And despite going down a goal 20 minutes later, they continued to fight and push. They didn’t back down or shy away from anything.

But at the end of the day, Memphis is a team of professional players, several of whom play for their respective national teams and eventually the talent just took over. One odd thing did occur in the second half as several media members in the press box noticed that Red Bulls had two #19’s on the field at the same time. Luckily for the referee crew and US Soccer, Memphis came away with the victory so there was no need for any extra paperwork or filings or complaints.

Memphis now advances to the third round of the US Open Cup to face Hartford Athletic, a team they just beat in USL play this past weekend in Connecticut. However, while this will be a home game for Memphis, it will not be played at AutoZone Park due to a scheduling conflict with the Memphis Redbirds (the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals). The game on Wednesday May 28 will instead be played in the stadium at Mike Rose Soccer Complex in the Memphis suburb of Collierville.

This win, combined with Nashville SC advancing, this marks the first time in the history of the tournament that multiple teams from the state of Tennessee have advanced to the Third Round.

Memphis 901 FC 3:1 New York Red Bulls Under-23s
AutoZone Park – Memphis, TN
Attendance: 4,057

Goal: 5′, New York Red Bulls U-23, Jean Paul Marin
Goal: 7′, Memphis 901 FC, Cam Lindley
Goal: 25′, Memphis 901 FC, Josh Morton
Goal: 72′, Memphis 901 FC, Josh Morton

Referee: Carlos Peilago
AR1: Benjamin Meyer
AR2: Mario Cabrera
4th Official: Michael Mysiewicz

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Svantesson’s brace leads Charleston Battery to comeback win at Greenville Triumph

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Players from the Charleston Battery and the Greenville Triumph battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Greenville Triumph
Players from the Charleston Battery and the Greenville Triumph battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Greenville Triumph

It’s a sports tale as old as time.

What you can have in the first half, can be lost in the second.

The Greenville Triumph seemed to dominate the first half, but the Charleston Battery found its rhythm in the second, scoring twice to lead the Battery to a 2-1 road win in Round 2 of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Coming off an injury, Ian Svantesson scored a pair of goals 11 minutes apart to lead the Battery comeback.

“It was either that or play another 30 minutes of overtime,” Svantesson said. “There were really just two options.”

For Greenville, the loss ended its inaugural Open Cup run. Head coach Jon Harkes said it was still a special day for the club as it was the first time Greenville squared off with a potential in-state rival like Charleston.

“Quite frankly, some of our guys died in the second half and we were chasing the game,” Harkes said. “It all comes down to decision-making. These are great experiences for the development of the players.”

This marked just the second time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that a pair of South Carolina clubs have met in the US Open Cup. The last time it happened was a very similar  situation as the Charleston Battery traveled to Greenville to take on a Division 3 pro team. That day at Sirrine Stadium, the Battery, led by a goal and an assist by Raul Diaz Arce, defeated the Greenville Lions (D-3 Pro League), 3-0.

Charleston came into Wednesday’s match with two starters out with injury — defender Leland Archer and midfielder Nico Rittmeyer.

It somewhat showed as it took until the second half for the Battery to find its feet.

Before that, the Triumph seemed to have solid control of the match.

Greenville struck first after 30 minutes of back-and-forth. The Triumph earned the first corner of the match, and Aaron Walker stepped up and played it into the head of Max Hemmings who put the ball past the outstretched Philip Breno — who made his first start of the season for the Battery.

It was Hemmings’ first goal of the season for the Triumph.

In the 40th minute, Charleston nearly equalized after Zeiko Lewis got free and pushed a pass to Tah Brian Anunga. Anunga drilled a low pass near goal to Kotaro Higashi, but Higashi couldn’t put a solid foot on the ball, and it sailed across the goal face and out of play.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Charleston had another golden opportunity to level the match when Nicque Daily tried to find Higashi streaking up the middle, but the ball was played wide and out of play.

Greenville started to mount pressure in the second half.

In the 48th minute, Jake Keegan nearly doubled the Triumph’s lead with a glancing header that went just left of goal.

Greenville Triumph head coach John Harkes gives a thumbs up before his club's Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup against the Charleston Battery. Photo: Greenville Triumph
Greenville Triumph head coach John Harkes gives a thumbs up before his club’s Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup against the Charleston Battery. Photo: Greenville Triumph

A minute later, Greenville had another opportunity, but the ball pinballed between four Greenville attackers and three Charleston defenders before finally going out of bounds.
The pressure continued for Charleston’s defense in the 50th minute when Evan Lee attempted another header, but like Keegan, his sailed wide.

Charleston had its first shot at goal in the second half when AJ Patterson nearly headed home an equalizer off a corner kick from Lewis, but his attempt was off the mark.
That is when Charleston took over the match.

In the 65th minute, Authur Bosua had Charleston’s second attempt at an equalizer when his right-footed shot went to the left and out of play.

In the 71st minute, Greenville finally went back on the attack when substitute Edmundo Robinson took a throw-in just inside the penalty area. With a wide open look at the goal, Robinson sailed his shot over the crossbar and out of play.

The Battery had a series in the 73rd minute, but two corners and three attempts yielded nothing. However, two minutes later, Romario Piggott drilled a shot that stung the gloves of Greenville goalkeeper Dallas Jaye. It marked the first solid attempt of the match for Charleston.

“I thought we started the second half extremely slow,” Harkes said. “Again, you can’t drop the ball like that.”

The Battery finally got the equalizer it looked for in the 79th minute when Svantesson took advantage of a ball bounce-around in front of the Greenville goal and put home the tying goal for Charleston.

Patterson took another hard shot toward Jaye, but the goalkeeper was able to save the attempt in the 86th minute.

In the 90th minute, Cole Seiler nearly put the game away for Greenville, but his left-footed attempt was off the mark and out of play.

But, in the 90+1 minute, Svantesson seemed to put the game away when he drilled a shot past Jaye and into the back of the net to complete the comeback.

“I got a ball that was bouncing, and you just have to put it past the defenders. I saw the keeper was a little far off, so shoot hard and hope for the best,” Svantesson said.

Charleston ended the match with 12 shots in the second half, compared to just two in the first.

Charleston will travel to Nashville for Round 3 on May 29.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: USL champion Louisville City use local flavor to shut out Reading United

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Sunny Jane of Louisville City takes a free kick against Reading United AC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography
Sunny Jane of Louisville City takes a free kick against Reading United AC in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography

With goals from Abdou Mbacke Thiam, George Davis IV, and Sunny Jane, Louisville City FC comfortably defeated USL League Two side Reading United AC 3-0 in front of 1,468 fans at Lynn Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisville.

The game had a strong local flavor, with Louisville native Chris Hubbard starting in goal; fellow Louisville native Richard Ballard appearing off the bench; and Geoffrey Dee, a former member of the Louisville Cardinals men’s soccer team, starting in central midfield. Local 16-year-old high school prodigy Elijah Wydner also made his professional debut, coming off the bench in the 89th minute to a standing ovation.

Despite Reading United entering the match hoping to be “giant killers,” Louisville City imposed itself on the match early. After a couple of early chances, veteran midfielder Niall McCabe delivered a low-driven ball across the face of goal. Both Sunny Jane, another player who spent time in Louisville, and Thiam, a rookie, made runs into the box and it was Thiam who came up with the goal-scoring touch. The goal put Louisville City up 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Thiam nearly doubled the score four minutes later, but a strike from him after a scramble in the box was parried away by Reading United goalkeeper Tor Erik Larsen. However, it was the veteran Davis who showed he still could flash some nifty footwork and skill despite being a decade older than some of the Reading United players. Thiam found Davis open on the left. Davis motioned to pass across the box, but he cut back across his left and dribbled on goal. He eventually rounded the goalkeeper and put a shot in off a defender to make it 2-0.

“ good buildup, Abdou got it wide to me,” Davis said. “I got myself isolated in the box. I was looking to pick somebody out but I just kept getting closer to goal. I took my opportunity and luckily it went in.”

Despite trailing and Louisville City feeling comfortable in the first half, Reading United grew into the game, especially after the hour mark. US youth international Jeremy Rafanello created some opportunities for his teammates in attacking midfield, and Goncalo Garcia had a breakaway on goal after a Louisville City defensive error, but Garcia put his shot wide of goal.

“First half, they exposed us,” Reading United coach Alan McCann said. “We sat off too deep, not recognizing when to go and press. Second half we changed a few things early on and we were very impressed with our boys. 61st minute on, if we nab a goal, it changes the tide. It’s shop window time for our boys as always and it’s great lessons for us for the rest of the USL League 2 season. We’ve got to score our chances and a pro team does what a pro team will do. They punished us.”

As the game wound down, Louisville City brought on Ballard for his first appearance since September 11, 2018, and in the final moments of the match, giving a professional debut to Wydner, who at 16 becomes the youngest Louisville City debutant.

After Niall McCabe was taken down just outside of the box in the 88th minute, Jane stepped up and delivered a wonderful free kick, up and over the Reading United wall for the game’s third goal. It put the cherry on what had been a comprehensive victory.

“It was just a wonderfully taken free kick,” Hackworth said.

With the win, Louisville City advances to Round 3, where it will play Birmingham Legion on May 29, back at Lynn Stadium in Louisville.

“At the end of the day that’s exactly what we wanted and needed,” said Louisville City coach John Hackworth. “We had a lot of objectives coming into this game and I think we accomplished all of them.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: North Carolina FC oust Richmond Kickers in Dave Sarachan’s return to USOC

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Photo: Rob Kinnan | North Carolina FC
Photo: Rob Kinnan | North Carolina FC

Dave Sarachan won the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup twice as the manager of the Chicago Fire in 2003 and 2006. When he was an assistant coach for the LA Galaxy, his team thrice visited WakeMed Soccer Park from 2012 through 2014, and three times his MLS side was ousted from the Open Cup by the hometown Carolina RailHawks.

Sarachan, who has the highest win percentage of any coach of the Modern Era,  is now the manager of North Carolina FC, and in Round 2 he earned his first Open Cup victory in Cary, leading the né Hawks to a 4-1 win over USL League One side Richmond Kickers.

“The game had moments in the first half where we did OK, but there were a lot of moments where we were a step late and lethargic,” Sarachan said. “After we scored our goal, I think there was a little let-up … We got into halftime 1-1, and we could have been down, to be frank. I had some words with the boys at halftime and we made a few adjustments, and I think our second half was much better.”

“The caliber of North Carolina FC and the Championship isn’t something we’ll face on a regular basis,” said Richmond manager David Bulow. “It’s a huge compliment that some coaches and players say we’re trying to play, and we did quite well for large periods of the game.”

At least seven North Carolina FC regular starters either began on the bench or were not active for Wednesday’s match.

“There’s always a little bit of a question when you haven’t seen enough players in real games that matter for 90 minutes,” Sarachan said. “But sometimes your intuition takes over, and I thought these guys put themselves in a position to get this game tonight.”

North Carolina FC cracked the scoreline first in the 16th minute. A ball into the box found the foot of Donovan Ewolo, who dropped it off to Dre Fortune stationed atop the penalty arc. Fortune’s shot sailed past Kickers keeper (and former RailHawk) Akira Fitzgerald for the early 1-0 advantage.

Richmond equalized in the 34th minute after NCFC left back Caleb Duvernay failed to clear a deflected cross by Kickers forward Joe Gallardo. The ball fell back to Gallardo, who crossed across the face of goal to a waiting Wahab Ackwei, who redirected into net to even the score at 1-1 entering intermission.

North Carolina FC’s first-half play let the home side frustrated, and Sarachan let his team hear about it in the locker room.

“After we scored the goal, I felt like our team believed this was going to be an easy game,” Sarachan said. “They let their feet off the gas a little bit, and I had to remind them that we needed to step up our pressure and compete better on 50-50 balls. They made that response in the second half, but wasn’t good enough for me in the first half.”

“Honestly, we came out terrible,” said NCFC forward Robbie Kristo. “Everything was a step too slow, and we kind of put out head down after we gave up the goal. We let them get a chance after a mistake on our part, not clearing the ball. We had to get to halftime to gather ourselves and get it together. Coach put us together in the locker room, told us to be a step faster and think a little faster.”

The duly motivated Dead Whales reclaimed the lead shortly into the second stanza. Duvernay caught up to a bounding ball heading into the left corner in the 52nd minute, then whirled and whipped a looping cross into the goalmouth, where Kristo climbed over Ackwei and nodded the ball across the goal line to make the score 2-1.

“It was a great service by Caleb to put it in the box,” Kristo said. “I just outmuscled the guy — being 6-foot-5 makes it a little easier to get on the end of things and put it in the corner.”

North Carolina FC extended their advantage beginning in the 61st minute when Kristo drew a penalty from Ackwei.

“Great movement by Duval taking it down the middle of the field,” Kristo said. “I cut outside, and played me in and was a step too late.”

Kristo stepped to the spot and converted past Fitzgerald to give him a brace and push the scoreline to 3-1. Two minutes after coming into the match, Yamikani Chester got on the end of a Manny Perez cross in the 70th minute, burying his angled shot across the face of Fitzgerald to account for the final 4-1 margin.

The win marked the third time that NCFC had defeated the Richmond Kickers at WakeMed in team history. The biggest of those wins was when the club (then known as the Carolina RailHawks) beat the Kickers in the 2007 Quarterfinals to punch their ticket to the tournament’s final four. They met again in the opening round in 2009 with Carolina winning , 2-1.

Next, NCFC hosts amateur team Florida Soccer Soldiers on May 29 in Round 3. The Soccer Soldiers were a surprise winner over USL Championship side Charlotte Independence on Tuesday.

“This is the beauty of this tournament,” Sarachan gushed. “I am pulling for that team, other than the next time we play them. You pull for teams like that. That just tells you about this tournament, that anybody can enter, play well, and win. We’ll be ready, and obviously they’re a well-coached team. We certainly won’t take them for granted.”

BOX SCORE

LINEUPS
NC: MacLeod, Duvernay, Guillen, Mehl, Perez, Fortune, Wapiwo, McCabe (G. Smith, 77’), Panchot (Taylor, 46’), Ewolo (Chester, 68’), Kristo
RIC: Fitzgerald, Thomsen, Magalhães, Shanosky (Hughes, 63’), Ackwei, Troyer (Lockaby, 62’), Retzlaff (Mwape, 63’), M. Rodriguez, Bolduc, Gallardo, Boateng

GOALS
NC: Fortune, 16’ (Ewolo); Kristo, 52’ (Duvernay); Kristo, 61’ (PK); Chester, 70’ (M. Perez)
RIC: Ackwei, 34’ (Gallardo)

CAUTIONS
NC: McCabe, 47’; Fortune, 53’; Wapiwo, 82’
RIC: Ackwei, 61’

EJECTIONS
NC: —
RIC: —

ATTENDANCE: 1,553

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Indy Eleven only need 10 men to defeat Lansing Ignite, 1-0

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Players from Indy Eleven celebrate with Thomas Enevoldsen after he scored the go-ahead goal against Lansing Ignite in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Robbie Mehling | Soc Takes
Players from Indy Eleven celebrate with Thomas Enevoldsen after he scored the go-ahead goal against Lansing Ignite in the Second Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Robbie Mehling | Soc Takes

Having gone out in Round 2 during the last two seasons, Indy Eleven came into Wednesday’s matchup with a desire to improve upon a poor US Open Cup record. The squad finally broke through the slump as Thomas Enevoldsen’s lone goal in the second half propelled a 10-man Indy Eleven squad past USL League One side Lansing Ignite FC, 1-0 in front of a crowd of 853 at Butler University’s Sellick Bowl.

“It was an important goal that won the game, so I’m very pleased,” Enevoldsen said.

Indy set up in a 3-5-2 formation, while Lansing set up in a counter-attacking 5-3-2. Both teams created chances in the first five minutes, finding space down the wing.

The key moment in the first half came after an unfortunate collision between Indy Eleven goalkeeper Evan Newton and Ignite forward Elma Nfor. Initially awarded a yellow, Newton found himself receiving a red after referee Adam Behrens reversed his decision after a lengthy delay. Nfor, who scored both goals for Lansing in their Round 1 win over AFC Ann Arbor, had to be stretchered off the field and did not return.

Indy XI had to adjust tactically due to Lansing’s numerical advantage.

“Once we went a man down, it was more difficult for us to get forward,” Indy Eleven coach Martin Rennie said. “We kept quite well for short spells. We dropped one of our forwards into midfield and had three players playing in front of a back five.”

Both teams played a fairly even first half, but neither team was able to create clear-cut chances.

Indy XI finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. Midfielder Tyler Gibson’s cross-field ball was headed across the face of goal by defender Paddy Barrett. Enevoldsen rose highest to finish his only clear-cut opportunity of the game.

After scoring the goal, Indy largely ceded possession to Lansing and played on the counter. Lansing almost scored on a strike from Ricky Lopez-Espin, but the shot was parried away from Indy’s debutant goalkeeper, Jordan Farr.

Indy Eleven goalkeeper Evan Newton collides with Lansing Ignite forward Elma Nfor in the first half of a 2019 US Open Cup Second Round match. Newton was shown a red card and Nfor had to be stretchered off the field and did not return. Photo: Robbie Mehling | Soc Takes
Indy Eleven goalkeeper Evan Newton collides with Lansing Ignite forward Elma Nfor in the first half of a 2019 US Open Cup Second Round match. Newton was shown a red card and Nfor had to be stretchered off the field and did not return. Photo: Robbie Mehling | Soc Takes

Farr was ebullient after the game, remarking on the support the Brickyard Battalion gave him. Talking about the wild events leading up to Newton’s red card, Farr said, “when it happened , I started putting shin-guards and gloves on because you never know. And then, the fourth official came over to our coach and said it was going to be a red card, so it gave me plenty of time to prepare.”

Rennie was not surprise by Farr’s strong performance after his unexpected substitution.

“He proved what I already know, that he’s a very good goalkeeper, and he’s also very good with his feet, which meant that even with ten men, we had a chance to play possession,” Rennie said.

“I’ve played like that ever since I became a goalie,” Farr said, “I feel comfortable higher up the pitch, I feel like I can help the team by switching the play and cut out long balls.”

Oregon-born Farr also talked about his love for the US Open Cup.

“I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for every pro and semi-pro team to see where guys are at in terms of skill level,” he said.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno FC “win ugly” and advance against El Farolito

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Fresno FC's Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito's Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)
Fresno FC’s Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito’s Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

Fans were left to wait until the 76th minute during a very tense affair between home side, El Farolito and Fresno FC for a match winner in Wednesday’s US Open Cup Second Round match at historic Boxer Stadium in San Francisco. At halftime, Adam Smith’s one change made the difference as forward Qudus Lawal was able to slot home after a mix-up in communication in El Farolito’s backline and goalkeeper Luis Castro.

El Farolito’s Edson Carona (11) chases Fresno FC goalkeeper Sam Howard (28) as he kicks a ball out of bounds during a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

The Foxes were 1-0 winners on the day and will travel to Sacramento in two weeks time to take on fellow USL Championship club, Sacramento Republic FC. El Farolito, previous US Open Cup winners in 1993, hosted the Second Round match after their 2-1 victory and wonder-strike from Leonard Fredes in Turlock last week defeated Academica SC. Unfortunately, last week’s hero, Fredes was unavailable for the match after breaking his arm when he hit the ground after his Sportscenter-worthy game-winner.

Twelve minutes into the match, Fresno FC center back, Sam Strong was issued a yellow card for a rash challenge on Carlos Montez during a counter attack. He had to play cautiously and carefully throughout the half to ensure he was not sent off. A minute later, Montez had some freedom off a corner with a chance on a half volley but he dragged his shot wide.

Fresno FC were given an opportunity right after during a free kick, which was just outside the area on the right. From 22 yards away, captain Juan Pablo Caffa’s attempt flashed wide to the near post.

After about 20 minutes, both sides seem to settle into the match. Just before the half hour mark, El Farolito’s Aramais Hayward blazed a curling effort close after a nice buildup by the home team. However, the best chance of the first half fell to Jemel Johnson after his strike beat the goalkeeper, hit the underside of the bar and was cleared off the line.

At halftime, Adam Smith made one change in tinkering with his strike partnership. Qudus Lawal joined Jemel Johnson in the attack. In the 52nd minute, the ball was cleared off the Fresno FC backline after a slow looping header that beat the Sam Howard during a El Farolito free kick. About 10 minutes later, Fresno’s Renato Bustamante was alone after a missed clearance from El Farolito inside the area, but Castro read the angle beautifully.

A couple of crosses bothered Castro in a matter of minutes and which led to him receiving medical attention.

As the match slowed into its final 15 minutes, a quick throw in El Farolito’s half and a chip toward goal caused confusion between Castro and Angel Chavarria. The two collided and the ball popped loose resulting in Lawal’s match winner. A proper goalscorer’s strike to settle things.

El Farolito had two golden opportunities about five minutes from time while pushing for the equalizer. In a patient buildup, Wilmar Aguinaga had a wonderful effort from the top of the 18 saved by Howard. The ensuring corner saw Chavarria free by himself, but his header went over the bar.

Fresno FC’s victory means that they’ll face Sacramento Republic FC in two weeks time.

On the match, coach Adam Smith said: “I wasn’t very happy at halftime. I wasn’t that happy in the second half either. Sometimes you have to win ugly. We won ugly today, but I’ll take 1-nil any day of the week, at the end of the day. It’s nice to get the win and be able to move on in the competition.”

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