Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: 10-man Flower City Union hold off Western Mass in OT

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Flower City Union Western Mass Pioneers 2022 US Open Cup
Gabriel Ganzer of the Western Mass Pioneers (red) is tackled by a Flower City Union player in their Second Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: David Henry

Flower City Union made history in a number of ways on Wednesday in a 1-0 extra time victory over the Western Mass Pioneers at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass.

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Not only was this Flower City’s first ever win in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup — it was also the first ever victory in the young franchise’s history. The team — based out of Rochester, New York —was founded in 2021 and began play just this spring in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

The game remained goalless until a left-footed strike by Captain Lukas Fernandes in the first half of extra time propelled Flower City into the lead. They would hold onto their one goal lead until the final whistle, despite going a man down in the 110th minute of the game when defender Marcus Micheletti received a red card.

Head coach Zach Agliata — one of the youngest coaches in professional soccer at age 29 — was thrilled with his team’s performance, despite the caginess of the game.

“It was beautiful. It was ugly, but we got it done,” Agliata said following the game, “They fought. That’s what matters. It was awesome.”

The Pioneers came out strong in the first half, and had a number of chances early. In the 9th minute, a cross into the box by Gabriel Ganzer fell perfectly for Anthony Basile, but he lost his footing and slipped without making contact with the ball. Pioneers head coach Federico Molinari appeared frustrated with his squad as they failed to finish a number of early chances.

In the second half, the Pioneers again missed an opportunity to take the lead in the 55th minute when a corner kick was crossed into the box by Tyler Carlos — Benjamin Brewster headed the ball to Federico Gurierrez Losada, whose own header sent the ball just wide of the left post.

Flower City had just three shots on target heading into the 70th minute, with Western Mass continuing to press forward. Flower City goalkeeper Maykell Ortega Campos was tested a number of times, including by a header by Justin Frietas in the 79th minute that nearly found the back of the net.

Flower City quickly found their footing following the start of extra time. In the 94th minute, a short looping pass from Alex Ainscough found the captain Lukas Fernandes, who curled the ball into the top corner with his left foot, netting the franchise’s first goal in US Open Cup history, and only the second goal in the history of the club.

“It feels awesome. I’m just happy we got the win,” said Fernandes, who grew up in Rochester. “We’ve been through a lot in the past couple months being a brand new organization. To get the first win in franchise history is amazing.”

It appeared that the win may be in jeopardy in the 110th minute, when Flower City Union defender Marcus Micheletti appeared to deliberately step on a prone Western Mass Pioneer player in the aftermath of a corner kick. The head official spotted the infraction and showed Micheletti a red card, leaving Flower City down a man for the final ten minutes of extra time. However, Western Mass failed to capitalize on the advantage despite a wild attacking sequence in the final minute and Flower City hung on for their first ever win.

Agliata was quick to praise the Pioneers for their determination following the match.

“They fought so much harder than we thought,” Agliata said. “Full credit to them, it was a much tougher game than we expected.”

Fernandes had similar praise for their opponents regarding Western Mass.

“They’re an opponent with a lot of history. They’ve done well for a number of years now,” said Fernandes. “This is my first time in the stadium, the atmosphere is great.”

Fernandes also felt the pressure to step up for his new hometown club.

“I felt the need with the armband and being a Rochester guy to put my stamp on the game.”

Flower City United will now move on to the Third Round of the US Open Cup, where it’s possible they will be drawn against a Major League Soccer side. Agilata relishes such an opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Agalita of the chance to play against a top division team, “That’s what you want, to compete against the very best in the country.”

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Early PK sparks Miami FC past rival Miami United

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Connor Sparrow Miami FC Miami United 2022 US Open Cup
Miami FC goalkeeper Connor Sparrow prepares for a shot from a Miami United FC player in their Second Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Miami FC

While it’s not the usual home for the hosts, the FIU Soccer Stadium provided an intimate setting for the Second Round encounter between Miami FC & Miami United. Both sides have had their fair share of history when they were in the NPSL together for a couple of seasons and that rivalry once again ignited after laying dormant for the last few years. Miami FC, now a USL Championship side, started their Open Cup campaign by beating their rivals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

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The first half kicked off and Miami United came off the blocks running. They attempted to catch Miami FC sleeping by trying to get an early goal with Andrea Pastore creating dangerous opportunities on the left wing. However, misfortune struck as Miami FC was awarded a penalty in the ninth minute. Lamar Walker was fouled and quickly dropped inside the box to give penalty taker Kyle Murphy the opportunity to open up the scoring. The chance was saved by Bryant Gammiero; only to be called back for a retake after the assistant referee caught him jumping off his line early. It was the correct decision and Murphy was able to slot in his second attempt, giving FC an early lead.

It was evident to spectators there and viewers at home the disparity between a team that’s in-season and a team that’s not. Miami United, not having started their NPSL season, seemed disconnected; giving away possession in the middle of the field and not creating many threatening attacking opportunities. Miami FC, already four games into the USL Championship, gained composure after the penalty and took control of the game. They got their second goal after a bad clearance from United landed perfectly for Adonijah Reid who scored from just outside of the 18. Miami FC went into halftime up 2-0.

The second half was fully dominated by Miami FC who kept creating chances in the final third. Only one of those opportunities would end up in the back of the net as Lamar Walker ran past his defender and teed it up for fellow countryman Romeo Parkes who assured Miami FC’s advancement into the Third Round.

This is the first time Miami FC made it this far in the Open Cup since their Cinderella run in the 2017 edition, where they made the Quarterfinals.

As Miami FC bid adieu to their old foe, the long awaited meeting with Inter Miami CF may become reality depending on this Friday’s draw. While there have been pre-season friendlies between the both sides in the past, their first competitive meeting is something fans of both sides have been waiting for since 2020. Both teams have been struggling in their respective leagues and it could be a toss up on who will come out on top if both are drawn together.

The matter of who hosts is an interesting topic given that Inter Miami plays at DRV PNK Stadium, where the old Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale used to be. If Miami FC were to host, it would give Inter Miami fans the opportunity to finally see their team play in Miami-Dade County. It would be a huge draw for Miami FC, who could use the extra ticket revenue but would risk having their stadium overrun by the visiting supporters. The soccer community in South Florida will have their eyes on the draw this Friday at Noon.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Forward Madison marches on, 3-0 over Cleveland SC

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Forward Madison vs Cleveland SC 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Forward Madison push forward against Cleveland SC in their Second Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Forward Madison FC

Hosting a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match for the first time, Forward Madison FC (USL League One) dominated in a 3-0 win over Cleveland SC (NPSL) in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Breese Stevens Field.

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Justin Sukow, Cesar Murillo Jr., and Nazeem Bartman were on the scoresheet for Madison, which outshot Cleveland 19-5.

Madison nearly opened the scoring in the 26th minute when a through-ball found Nazeem Bartman, who skated past his defender but could not skirt his shot past the Cleveland keeper Conor Cable. The subsequent corner found the head of Madison’s Carl Schneider but Cable was there to make another save to keep the game scoreless.

Madison finally broke through the Cleveland defense in the 37th minute. Indy Eleven-loanee Alann Torres drove the ball into the penalty area from near midfield, which found the foot of Justin Sukow. Sukow took two dribbles and unleashed a rocket from just inside the penalty area, which went through the hands of Cable to give Madison the 1-0 lead as the rain began pouring down.

The Madison attack didn’t relent before the break. In added-on time, Cyrus Rad’s head met the ball off a corner, which he turned toward Cesar Murillo, Jr. The first touch with his left foot squeaked past Cable to double the Forward Madison lead after 45 minutes, 2-0.

The second half began much like the first, with Forward Madison winning themselves a corner less than a minute after the restart. Cleveland was able to turn away that chance, but Madison found itselves back in control.

Cleveland SC secured its first shot on goal in the 66th minute off a short corner. The ball made its way to Chris Cvecko, whose shot was saved easily by Madison’s keeper Philip Breno.

Minutes after Cleveland’s chance, Madison struck for the third time in the game. Alann Torres broke away from the Cleveland defense around midfield and took the shot himself from the edge of the penalty area. Cable made a diving save, which fell right to Madison’s Bartman who found the back of the net to extend Madison’s lead to 3-0 in the 68th minute.

“I got an open space and I took it,” Torres said. “In my mind, I was just looking around to see what my options were. They kept on opening up until I finally said ‘I’m going to shoot it.’ Hope for the best and put it where the goalie can only block it and I know the rebound will go in. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Madison was able to hold the 3-0 lead to the final whistle, withstanding multiple Cleveland attacks in the match’s waning moments.

Forward Madison dictated the pace of play throughout the 90 minutes, forcing Cable into making eight saves while Madison counterpart, Philip Breno, was only tested on two occasions.

Forward Madison FC advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup for the second time in club history. The Third Round draw is set for Friday April 6 at Noon ET.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Wilson Harris’ winner helps Louisville City edge Red Wolves

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Wilson Harris Louisville City Chattanooga Red Wolves 2022 US Open Cup
Wilson Harris of Louisville City FC celebrates his goal in the 75th minute against Chattanooga Red Wolves in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Connor Cunningham

Lynn Family Stadium played host to its first-ever US Open Cup match as Louisville City FC hosted USL League One’s Chattanooga Red Wolves. The home team from the USL Championship controlled the tempo and created numerous dangerous opportunities. The Red Wolves weathered the storm for 75 minutes before Louisville found the game-deciding goal that would send them on to the Third Round for the sixth tournament in a row.

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The hosts entered the match unbeaten in USL Championship play, boasting a 3-0-2 record having only allowed one goal. Louisville’s new goalkeeper, Kyle Morton, along with defensive standouts Amadou Dia and Sean Totsch have all played major factors in the club’s impressive defensive start to the campaign. The visitors, meanwhile, have just begun their season this past Saturday with a 1-1 draw with Forward Madison FC.

Within the first 15 minutes of the match, Louisville City created several chances, including a promising cross to the young Ray Serrano that was astutely intercepted by Chattanooga’s goalkeeper, Carlos Avilez.

At the 31st minute mark, Louisville City captain Paolo DelPiccolo went down in the Red Wolves box after a shoving challenge that was waved off by the referee, drawing the ire of the home crowd of over 4,000. Despite the boys in purple winning most statistical battles, they could not capitalize, and both teams entered the locker room with the scoreline at 0-0.

At the start of the second half, Brian Ownby and Corben Bone entered the match for Serrano and DelPiccolo.

The second half began to look a bit more optimistic for the Red Wolves. They found their first on-target shot of the night at the 52-minute mark that was gobbled up by Morton.

Louisville, looking to break the deadlock, brought in Jorge Gonzalez and Manny Perez in the 63rd minute for Enoch “Matiti” Mushagalusa and Jan Erik Leinhos, who made his debut for the club in this match.

Louisville City nearly broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Perez made a beautiful run down the right flank and passed the ball to an awaiting Ownby whose on-target shot was narrowly saved by the outstretched leg of a Red Wolves defender. In the ensuing scuffle for the ball, Napo Matsoso found an open shot of his own that he sent sailing over the goal into the crowd.

Chattanooga’s first subs of the match made their way on in theh 68th minute when Pedro Hernandez and Moe Espinoza exited for Rey Ortiz and Rafael Mentzingen. Not long after, Wilson Harris found Louisville City’s goal.

Avilez dished the ball out to his teammate, who could not settle the pass. The veteran midfielder, Bone, took advantage of the opportunity and quickly crossed the ball over to Harris, who adeptly put the ball past the keeper and into the net. Louisville’s academy signee, Carlos Moguel, was taken off after the goal for the fan-favorite, Naill McCabe. Red Wolves subbed out Jimmie Villalobos for Josue Cartagena in the 79th minute and Angel Josue Espana for Jonathan Guadarrama at the 85-minute mark but unfortunately they were unable to help their club keep their cup dreams alive. The final whistle blew 1-0 for Louisville City.

Louisville City head coach, Danny Cruz, was clear about his intentions for the US Open Cup in the lead-up to their first match.

“I’ve made it clear both to the players and to the press that, for me, this is an important tournament,” Cruz said. “It’s a tournament that I want us to get after. And when you look at the momentum that’s built off of another shutout, the players feel that. They feel it in training every day. Now there’s areas that we need to continue to improve in the attack. There’s no doubt about it.

“I think in the first half, we created enough chances to score goals, but that will come at the end of the day,” Cruz added. “If we continue to keep a zero on the scoreboard, I know I have the quality in that locker room to score goals. It will come. Relationships will continue to be built and I’m confident in that.”

Although the home team dictated much of the match, the Chattanooga Red Wolves had a respectable performance. They held off a hungry LouCity attack for much of the match and found a few close calls of their own with their very limited possession of the ball in City’s half. Unfortunately, the Red Wolves will need to wait until next year to advance to the Third Round. Their attention will now turn to their league match against North Carolina FC. Coach Cruz’s Louisville City booked their trip to the next round in hopes of showcasing their talent deep into the tournament. While they await the outcome of the draw ( Noon, ET on Friday), preparations will continue for their next match away at Loudoun United.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: David Olsen on comeback trail with game-winner for Richmond Kickers

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Richmond Kickers NOVA FC 2022 US Open Cup
The Richmond Kickers celebrate a goal by David Olsen against Northern Virginia FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

In a spirited US Open Cup Second Round match against a in-state foe, the Richmond Kickers once again proved its mettle with a spirited 1-0 victory over Northern Virginia FC in Leesburg, Va. to start its season with a second straight victory across all competitions.

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For the Richmond Kickers, winners of the 1995 US Open Cup title, they won their opening round game for the third tournament in a row and earn the club’s 32nd victory in the competition. With a 32-19-4 (2-2 PKs) all-time record, they tie the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) for 7th in the Modern Era wins list.

NoVa FC entered the match a bit sluggish against Richmond to start after a 3-1 First Round win over Lynchburg FC that was played a week ago after being suspended due to weather conditions a week prior.

In the first half, NoVa conceded much of the possession to Richmond (61%) however Richmond’s inability to finish in the final third was helped by a strong showing from goalkeeper Calle Brown.

The Kickers — sporting green 30th anniversary kits — were able to ratchet up the pressure around the 30th minute mark, with Barcelona-born USL player of the week, Nils Vinyals, denied at close range twice by Brown.

NoVa’s defense was not able to hold off Richmond for long. In the 34th minute, the Kickers’ Matt Bentley splashed in a picture-perfect cross from the right side of the box to David Olsen, who guided the ball into the back of the net for his first goal in nearly four years. Olsen who has missed significant time over the last four years due to injury, signed with the Kickers this offseason hoping to get his professional career back on track.

Richmond kept the pressure up until halftime, with Bentley almost scoring in the 43rd minute off a cross into the box from the left, but his shot missed wide.

With a slew of attacking players substituting into the game early in the second half, NOVA FC hoped to turn the momentum. With the addition of attack-minded midfielder Akingbolabo Akinkoye and two additional strikers (Jean-Philippe Ayolmbong and Eric Calvillo), the Leesburg side looked to push Richmond on the back foot.


The Kickers were able to hold strong and see the match out, despite a very vigorous and nearly fruitful push from NOVA in the final 10 minutes, including an attempt at goal in the 84th minute that was parried away by Richmond keeper, Akira Fitzgerald.

Richmond will find out their Third Round opponent when the draw is announced at Noon (ET) on Friday and will look to continue its undefeated start in league play with a USL League One tussle against the Northern Colorado Hailstorm at home on Saturday.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha oust Des Moines Menace in battle of defending champs

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Union Omaha Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Union Omaha celebrate after scoring a goal against the Des Moines Menace in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman @trevhellman

The shine from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup trophy finally glowed on the state of Nebraska, as Union Omaha hosted the first ever tournament match within state borders. The evening lived up to the hype and saw two defending champions face off, with the hosts Union Omaha prevailing at the final whistle by a score of 2-1.

The Des Moines Menace, current USL League Two champions, entered the evening having already experienced victory in this year’s tournament. In the first round, the Menace defeated Minneapolis City SC 4-2. On Tuesday night, the club looked to extend their regional dominance with a win over Union Omaha. Leading up to the match, Des Moines opted to sign 31 year-old veteran Corey Hertzog. His addition to the squad paid off well during his time on the field, especially in the early stages of the match.

Des Moines’s defense was tested early by a series of long balls from Union Omaha, but the backline was able to quell the early threats. Center defender Kareem Riley had a great play in the 10th minute, floating across the field to cover the perimeter of the penalty area. He was able to stifle a well-developed attack from Union Omaha’s JP Scearce and keep the scoreline empty. With every Union Omaha attack, Des Moines would look to counter through link-up play, often featuring previously-mentioned Hertzog. The build-up play resulted in an early lead for club.

In the 14th minute of play, Des Moines was able to carry the ball into Union Omaha’s half and threaten the final third. Neville Morgan found space along the left flank and served the ball into the box. After a short battle for the ball, Ryley Kraft showed great composure to find Gabi Rodriguez at the top of the box. Rodriguez placed a very dangerous shot on goal, bouncing off the crossbar, deflecting off of Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu, and crossing the goal line for a split second, which was all it took to earn the goal and the early lead.

There was some debate as to whether or not the subsequent finish from Corey Hertzog was the actual goal, but the match officials ultimately awarded the goal to Gabi Rodriguez. The celebrations were short-lived, as Union Omaha wasted little time in returning the favor.

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In the 19th minute, Union Omaha earned a corner kick. Joseph Brito, playing in his first professional match, took the corner kick and placed it directly where JP Scearce was waiting to head the ball inside the near post. The equalizer was the first goal for Union Omaha in the US Open Cup tournament. Having been established in 2019, the club qualified for the Open Cup in 2020 and 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Owls from taking the field. The momentous goal was not lost on the fans, as cheers erupted from all sides of the field.

The rest of the first half showed both clubs settling into their rhythm. The first 30 minutes of the match consisted of a lot of fast runs, balls served over the top, and trying to expose the backline. In the remaining 15 minutes, both clubs seemed to show more comfort in bringing the ball to the ground, establishing possession, and using their creativity to test their opposition. The halftime whistle blew and the score was still level at 1-1, but the aura of the tournament kept spirits high, especially the contingent of Des Moines fans who made the trip to Morrison Stadium in downtown Omaha.

The fans returned to their seats with bellies full of concessions, ready to watch the drama of the second half unfold. Union Omaha opened the second half with more possession and showed no signs of letting their foot off the gas from their typical high-press, direct offense. With every attack the Owls levied against the Menace, goalkeeper Grant Makela cemented himself on the goal line and deflected shot after shot. Makela showed quick reflexes on multiple occasions and continued to make key saves as the match progressed. The Menace goalkeeper didn’t feature in the first round of the tournament, but he definitely shined in the second round.

The Des Moines defense was routinely tested, bending to Union Omaha’s attacks, but not breaking. It wasn’t until the 81st minute, when a fluke play occurred, which would decide the full-time score line. After Union Omaha captain Conor Doyle received a pass just outside the box, left of center, he sent a soft lob into the box. Menace defender Alfeu Bertani connected on the other end of the lob, but wasn’t able to redirect it clear of goal. His header ended up sending the ball past his goalkeeper and into his own goal.

With ten minutes, plus stoppage time remaining, the Des Moines Menace scrambled to generate any and all offense in Union Omaha’s half. The Menace was able to put together a couple of opportunities, but nothing that would level the score line. The center ref eventually looked at his watch, blew the whistle, and ended the match. Although the match was decided by an own goal, but clubs demonstrated why they are currently the defending champions of their respective leagues.

In the post-match interview, Union Omaha manager Jay Mims complimented “a great atmosphere” in Morrison Stadium at Creighton University, as well Des Moines for “putting together a great team and a great fight. They were a worthy opponent.”

The Des Moines Menace open their USL League Two title defense against Minneapolis City SC on Sunday, May 8 in Minneapolis.

Union Omaha will find out the details of their next appearance in the US Open Cup on Friday, April 8 when the Third Round of the tournament is drawn. The Owls also kick off their USL League One title defense against Forward Madison on the road on Saturday, April 9.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Tomas Bosuel San Fernando Valley FC 2022 US Open Cup Player of the Round
Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Escondido FC in the FIrst Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

Scoring a hat trick in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in a one-sided contest doesn’t always guarantee a player an award. In this case, Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC did more than enough to earn TheCup.us Player of the Round. 

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Bosuel was involved in five of San Fernando Valley’s six goals in a 6-2 First Round win over fellow UPSL club Escondido FC. The Argentine was the only player in the opening round to score three goals and he added two assists to give his club a win in its US Open Cup debut. Bosuel also becomes the first player from Argentina in the Modern Era to score a hat trick in the tournament.

“To be honest, I’m happy to score three goals, but helping the team win is what really matters,” Bosuel told TheCup.us. “I just tried to be as focused as possible, and tried to have fun and do what I know how to do.”

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.

In the 30th minute, SFV FC’s Bosuel beat a defender for a breakaway. Facing the goalie one on one, he ended with a straight floor shot to the back of the net. Putting SFV FC on the board first, 1-0.

It wasn’t long for SFV FC to raise the score again. In the 42nd minute, Bosuel delivered a ball to Irvin Lopez who made a long run cutting in front of the goal, where he slipped the ball past the goalie to make it 2-0.

After Escondido pulled one back just before halftime, Bosuel dished out another assist as he found Giancarlo Ponciano two minutes into the second half to restore the two-goal lead.

Bosuel completed his hat trick with two goals in less than five minutes. In the 62nd minute, a long ball came in from Rivas which was headed by an Escondido defender, and fell to Bosuel who put it into the back of the net.

About four minutes later, Cristo Deras served up Bosuel to complete the 63rd hat trick of the Modern Era.

It was an impressive performance considering it was just the third competitive game that he had played with the club.

Growing up in Argentina, Bosuel’s dream was to be a pro soccer player. By the time he was 14 years old, he found himself playing at River Plate, and later suited up for clubs like Tigre, Barracas and Sportivo Barracas. However, some personal issues forced him to walk away from the game at the age of 17. After a couple of years away from the game, he found it extremely difficult to resume his career.

“It’s a decision that I have regretted for many years,” said Bosuel about his decision to walk away from the game at a young age. “Supposedly in Argentina when you are 19 years old, you are already too old to enter a club.”

Tomas Bosuel San Fernando Valley FC 2022 US Open Cup
Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC scores a goal against Escondido FC in the FIrst Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh
At the age of 20, he began a new journey, with a renewed motivation. He left his home country with the goal of seeing the world, and playing the game that he loves.

He moved to Mexico where he lived there for six months and then moved to the United States in the fall of 2021, settling in the Culver City area, which is about an hour’s drive to get to the club’s home field in Thousand Oaks, Calif. where the UPSL club trains five times a week.

“ I began to trust myself again and understood that it is never too late to go for your dreams,” said Bosuel. “And that was when life, God and the universe began to give me what I was asking for.”

Three months ago, he joined San Fernando Valley FC and says he has fit in well with the team’s culture and is very thankful to the club for embracing him.

Christine Lam, the President and CEO of San Fernando Valley FC believes Bosuel has fit in well in such a short time.

Aside from being a great athlete and team player, he has such a positive attitude and brings great energy to the club,” said Lam. “He initially was not a starter but was subbed in due to an injured player and he just took that opportunity to really give it his all and shined. He is very dedicated to his fitness and training and it shows. And most importantly, he is just a really nice and wonderful young man. You know he will give you his all.”

“I haven’t seen my family and friends for a year and a half and sometimes it’s hard,” said Bosuel. “But I feel like is like my family and it helps me continue on the path to my dreams.”

Those dreams he had as a teenager are still alive and have been reborn here in Southern California and he hopes that if he can continue to perform well for San Fernando Valley, and in the US Open Cup, he can continue on that journey.

“Of course, I want to be a pro soccer player and I know that I’m going to be,” said Bosuel, who credits SFV’s head coach and owner Carlos Cortez for helping him adapt to the team and regain his form during his short time with the club. “Everything in life comes when one is prepared for it to come, that’s why I’m living this dream and I will continue working 100 percent to continue improving and growing.”

With the win, San Fernando Valley FC advance to face a pro team in Round 2. They will travel to Irvine, Calif. to take on the California United Strikers FC (NISA) on April 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Previewing all 31 games with video links

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2022 US Open Cup Second Round preview

After a First Round that started and ended with the same game, the 107th US Open Cup will now welcome professional teams. Across four leagues, including three in the third division, 46 pro teams will join the 16 Round 1 winners. A grand total of 31 games will be played between Tuesday (11), Wednesday (13), and Thursday (7) to determine which teams possibly have a date with a Major League Soccer side.

An astounding 17 professional teams will make their tournament debut in this round, including four playing against one another in two separate games. This includes nearly every team from the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) and the unique case of MLS Next Pro’s St. Louis City squad.

#USOC2022 Essentials

2022 US Open Cup Results/Schedule
2022 US Open Cup Statistical Leaders
2022 US Open Cup Qualifying Results

Things you should know about the Second Round
USOC rule changes since 2019 tournament

2022 Meet the Underdogs Series
Azteca FC
Brockton FC United
City Soccer FC
Contra Costa FC
D’Feeters Kicks SC
Escondido FC
Lansdowne Yonkers FC
Lynchburg FC
Northern Virginia FC
Orlando FC Wolves
Oyster Bay United
San Fernando Valley FC

Support TheCup.us

Appreciate what we do? Join our Patreon team
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CONTACT US

All games this round, and the rest of the tournament, will be broadcasted on the ESPN+ subscription service. The draw for the Third Round will take place on Friday, April 8, following the (hopeful) conclusion of Round 2.

As always, TheCup.us will have reporters at every game and will be providing in-game updates on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and as we have done for more than a decade, the hashtag we recommend is #USOC2022.

Below you will find a brief preview of all thirty-one of this week’s games with links to each broadcast.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL League 2) at Charlotte Independence (USL League One)
American Legion Memorial Stadium – Charlotte, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

North Carolina Fusion U-23s won their First Round contest twice, off and field and on. Their opponents, South Carolina United FC of USL League Two, were forced to forfeit the match due to ineligible players. In order to not disappoint a good crowd, the teams played a friendly, although the forfeit was not made clear until the following day. North Carolina won the game 3-1 after extra time. Steven Hernandez scored twice and Tom Marriott added another.

The Fusion, who qualified as South Atlantic Division champions and USL League Two runner-up, have a rich history dating back to 1993 when they were founded as the Carolina Dynamo. The Fusion have the second-longest Open Cup history of any club in the First Round, making their Open Cup debut in 1996. The club made five appearances as a Division 3 pro team before joining USL League Two (then known as the PDL) in 2004. The team’s best run, by far, came in 2006 when they defeated two pro teams (USL sides Richmond Kickers, Seattle Sounders) before falling to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) on the road.

This will be the Fusion’s 8th Open Cup game against a fellow North Carolina club. The Fusion are 2-5-0 all time against Tar Heel State clubs, their two wins coming in 2003 (2R vs. Raleigh CASL Elite, 2-1) and 2004 (2R vs. Charlotte Eagles, 4-2).

The Charlotte Independence make their sixth Open Cup appearance all time, but look to win their first Open Cup game since 2017’s 3-2 victory over Charlotte Eagles in the Second Round.. With the arrival of Charlotte FC to Major League Soccer, the Independence have moved from the USL Championship down to USL League One. While the Independence had an impressive run to the Fifth Round (falling to the Chicago Fire on the road) in their inaugural Open Cup run in 2015, the club has not won more than one game in a tournament since, including being eliminated at home to amateur opponents in each of their last two entries (2018 vs. Ocean City Nor’easters; 2019 vs. Florida Soccer Soldiers).

The Independence lost a few players from their 2021 roster to the new MLS club. Charlotte made a strong showing in last season’s USL Championship campaign, finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference for their best ever finish in that league.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

North Carolina Fusion U23 (USL League Two)
13th US Open Cup appearance (8th as USL-2 team)
Overall: 12-12-1 (1-0 PKs) | 7-7-1 (1-0 PKs) as USL-2
Away: 2-9-0 | 0-4-0 as USL-2
vs. Division 3: 2-2-0 | 2-2-0 as USL-2
Best finish: Fourth Round (2006)

Charlotte Independence (USL League One)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 1-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 3-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)

Maryland Bobcats (NISA) at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT 

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Maryland Bobcats are making their Open Cup debut against a club with one of the longer histories in Open Cup play, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. In their 30 Open Cup games, the Riverhounds have never played a team from Maryland. The Riverhounds last Open Cup appearance in 2019 saw them reach the Fourth Round where they fell 1-0 to the Columbus Crew.

Dane Kelly Charleston Battery 2015 US Open Cup
Dane Kelly, the Charleston Battery’s all-time Open Cup scorer, is leading the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ offense in 2022. Kelly is shown here in 2015 with the Battery in the club’s 3-2 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Photo: Charleston Battery

The Riverhounds are led on the sidelines by Bob Lilley. In his fifth season as the Riverhounds boss, Lilley is tied with former Charleston Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser as the winningest coach in USL Championship history with 130 victories. The Riverhounds added some punch to their offense with the signing of USL Championship veteran Dane Kelly, to go along with a returning Russell Cicerone (16 goals, 8 assists in 2021), Alex Dixon (9 assists) and Kenardo Forbes (all-time USL Championship assists leader). The Riverhounds are off to a good start in their 2022 USL Championship season, sitting in third in the Eastern Conference with a 3-0-1 record. They enter their opening round game fresh off a 2-0 home win over Loundon United on the strength of a pair of second half goals from Dane Kelly. Kelly has a strong Open Cup resume with seven career tournament goals all scored with the Charleston Battery in five competitions. He remains tied for the most Open Cup goals in Charleston’s team history and ranks third in the Modern Era among all players from third division clubs.

The Bobcats are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2021 NISA Fall season, where the club finished 9th out of 10 teams with a 5-8-5 record. One of the Bobcats new players for 2022 is Felix Annan, a 27 year old goalkeeper who has made three appearances for Ghana and has played his entire career in his home nation with Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko. Another new player the Bobcats will count on is Honduran forward Darwin Espinal. Espinal made five appearances with the Honduran Under-23 team, and was part of Detroit City’s NISA championship team in 2021. Over the weekend, the Bobcats picked up the club’s first win to improve to 1-0-1 on the young 2022 NISA season. The Bobcats defeated Flower City Union 6-1 at the Maryland Soccerplex. Elijah Amo and Espinal scored first half goals and Samuel Solomon added a second half brace before Amo added a second before the scoring was rounded out by an own goal.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Maryland Bobcats (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)
18th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-15-3 (1-2 PKs)
Home: 9-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)

St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS Next Pro) at Indy Eleven (USL Championship)
Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium (IUPUI) – Indianapolis, IN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

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Dating back to their NASL days, Indy Eleven has never found success in the Open Cup, only managing to advance past their opening game three times, all three times ending in a loss the next round to a pro team (2 MLS teams). Their most notable Open Cup moment was taking the Chicago Fire to penalties in 2016 after a 1-1 draw. Indy had a disappointing 2021 USL Championship season, finishing 12th out of 16 teams in the Eastern Conference.

Indy Eleven returns Trinidad & Tobago international Neveal Hackshaw in their backline, and has added veteran Haitain defender Mechack Jerome from El Paso Locomotive. Another arrival from El Paso is head coach Mark Lowry, who fills the spot left open when Martin Rennie left the team last season to take the head job at Scottish club Falkirk.

St. Louis City 2 is one of two teams (along with Rochester New York FC) from the new MLS Next Pro league to participate in this season’s Open Cup. Normally reserve teams of MLS clubs are not allowed entry into the Open Cup, but since City’s parent MLS club does not start play until the 2023 season they are able to take part in this year’s tournament. St. Louis City’s Sporting Director Lutz Pfannestiel holds a unique record of having played for professional clubs in all six recognized continental associations. In all, he has played for 27 different teams around the world.

St. Louis City 2 played in MLS Next Pro’s inaugural game, hosting Rochester NY FC. St. Louis City won 2-0 with goals from Wan Kuzain Bin Wan Kamal and Vitor Feitoza Almeida Dias. John Hackworth (former USYNT U-17s, Philadelphia Union, and Louisville City head coach) is helming the team. Wan Kuzain, Ezra Armstrong, Célio Pompeu Martins, and Josh Yaro are some of the notable players to watch.

St. Louis is one of the legendary cities in Open Cup history, with 10 Open Cup championships having been won by teams from the city. Stix Baer & Fuller lead the way with three (1933-1935), followed by Kutis SC (1957, 1986) and Simpkins Ford (1948,1950) with two each. Ben Miller (1920), Scullin Steel (1922), and Busch SC (1988) each have one.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS Next Pro)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Indy Eleven (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-5-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 3-1-0
vs. Division 3: 3-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

Detroit City FC fans celebrate a PK shootout win over the Michigan Bucks in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC
Detroit City FC fans celebrate a PK shootout win over the Michigan Bucks in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

Michigan Stars make the 30 mile trip South to play Detroit City FC, in a matchup with a poisonous history – even though this is the first time it has been staged as part of the US Open Cup. The two Metro Detroit teams have faced each other in NPSL and NISA previously, with the most recent match being a 3-2 DCFC win at Stars in what would be their last match as a member of NISA on Nov. 20 of last year, capping Le Rouge’s championship season with a 14-3-1.

City, who are one of the best supported lower divisions teams in the country (averaging more than 4,000 fans per game, and more than 6,000 in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic) moved to the USL Championship this past offseason and hold a 1-2-2 record in their debut campaign. City welcome back Senegalese midfielder Abdoulaye Diop, who returns to the club after two years at Atlanta United 2. Over the weekend, they earned a second straight 1-1 draw, this time at home to Memphis 901 FC to extend their unbeaten run to three games (1-0-2).

Le Rouge, as City is nicknamed, has qualified for the US Open Cup four times, and have advanced twice, but are still seeking the club’s first tournament win. The only times they advanced (at Michigan Bucks in 2016; home vs. Michigan Bucks in 2018) were both in penalty kick shootouts, which are officially listed as draws in Open Cup records.

While the city has never lifted the trophy, the Motor City has a rich Open Cup history. Packard FC and Roses FC were Detroit’s very first entrants into the Open Cup in the inaugural National Challenge Cup in 1913/14. Roses FC reached the Third Round before falling to Niagara Falls Rangers 2-0. Detroit has had two teams reach the Final but both teams fell short (Holley Carburetor in 1927, Chrysler SC in 1941).

Meanwhile the Stars, who are making their Open Cup debut, finished their most recent season in NISA with a record of 5-6-7. The club won’t play their league opener until April 9 when they play on the road against Flower City Union.

The Stars head coach George Juncaj has some Open Cup experience, leading amateur side Detroit United to the tournament in 2010. That year, they defeated Nebraska side 402 in a thrilling “Win & You’re In” qualifier that finished tied at 5-5 before going to penalties where United won 4-2. The team would lose their opening round game 2-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. There was some late off-field drama in the game when Juncaj was ejected after he tried to substitute in an ineligible player and was denied. According to the game’s referee report, Juncaj threatened a referee over the matter, telling him “I will find you and I will fight you.” This led to Juncaj being ejected and escorted by police to the visiting locker room. Since this incident happened more than a decade ago, the one-game suspension has been taken off the tournament’s disciplinary records and Juncaj is now eligible to coach in the US Open Cup again.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Michigan Stars (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-2-4 (2-2 PKs)
Home: 0-0-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 0-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2016, 2018)

The Villages SC (USL League Two) at Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

Players from the Tampa Bay Rowdies (right) and The Villages SC battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Players from the Tampa Bay Rowdies (right) and The Villages SC battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies

Despite this being Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 10th trip to the US Open Cup, the professionals have only won multiple games in a single tournament once, that being a memorable run to the Fourth Round in 2013, stunning the three-time reigning Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders 1-0 at Al Lang Stadium, before falling on the road at Portland Timbers in the next round. By upsetting the Sounders, they denied the MLS side a chance to become the first club in tournament history to win four straight titles.

This is the second tournament in a row that these two teams have met with the Rowdies beating The Villages 4-1 in Round 2 of 2019 US Open Cup.

The Villages SC have become regulars in the U.S. Open Cup since their formation in 2012 as the Ocala Stampede. After missing out on the 2012 tournament because they were a new franchise, they have qualified for every tournament since, including the canceled 2020 & 2021 editions. The Villages have lost just twice out of 24 regular season games for the 2019 & 2021 USL League Two seasons, but their regular season success has failed to produce deep runs in the playoffs. In the Open Cup, they have advanced just three times in 10 matches entering the 2022 tournament (2-6-2, 1-1 PKs) and have yet to upset a pro team in four attempts (0-4-0). Despite that, they currently have the longest qualifying streak of any current amateur club with eight straight trips to the Open Cup. 

According to TheCup.us records, Florida’s first-ever entry in the Open Cup was in 1979, when H. Brooks Dodge Chargers of Tampa reached the Semifinals. It was also the first year the tournament was divided into four regions (East, Midwest, South & West), with the winner from each region earning a semifinal berth.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

The Villages SC (USL League Two)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-6-2 (1-1 PKs)
Away: 1-4-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2013, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022)

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-9-0
Home: 4-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 4-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) at Union Omaha (USL League One)
Morrison Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
The Des Moines Menace celebrate scoring a goal vs. Minneapolis City SC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Calderon @digitaljose

Fresh from dispatching their new league-mates Minneapolis City 4-2, USL League Two champions Des Moines Menace make the trip west to Omaha looking to add another pro team upset to the club’s resume. The Menace have eliminated seven pro teams in their history, which ranks second only to the Flint City Bucks (10) among amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present). That said, their last victory against a professional side was back in 2016, with a Second Round 2-0 win over the Tulsa Roughnecks (now FC Tulsa).

Their last successful road trip to a professional side was slightly further back than that, in the Second Round of the 2013 tournament against Minnesota United of the NASL. This year’s club will be looking to make their own history. The Menace finished their most recent league season with a 11-0-1 record, defeating North Carolina Fusion U23 1-0 in the League Two Final.

Despite being the professional side, it is Union who come into the game making their debut in the competition. Union had a stellar debut season in USL League One, finishing on top of the standings with a 14-5-9 record, and cruising to the league championship in a dominating playoff run, scoring nine goals to just one allowed. Playoff MVP Damia Viader moved on from Omaha to sign with Sacramento Republic (USL Championship) in the offseason.

Union welcome to their roster forward Dion Acoff, a former Creighton Blue Jay who has spent the past seven years playing for various teams in Finland and Iceland. Acoff reunited with Union head coach Jay Mims, who was in charge of Creighton during Acoff’s time with the team.

Omaha are attempting to make history for their state as, according to TheCup.us records, a team from Nebraska has never won a game in the US Open Cup. The earliest record of a Nebraska team competing in the tournament was in 1997 when the Lincoln Brigade of the PDSL (now USL League Two) qualified and fell in a penalty kick shootout on the road against the Philadelphia Freedom (USL D-3 Pro League).

NOTE: We are missing some match details from that Brigade/Freedom match in 1997. If you know anyone connected with those teams, send us an email here

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
14th US Open Cup appearance (12th as USL-2 team)
Overall: 13-11-3 (2-1 PKs)
Away: 5-5-0
vs. Division 3: 7-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2005)

Union Omaha (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) at FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
ONEOK Field – Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The battle for supremacy in Tulsa commences in the Second Round as teams from the 918 face off for the first time in Open Cup history.

Tulsa Athletic vs Azteca FC 2022 US Open Cup
Tulsa Athletic celebrates Joe Garcia’s penalty kick goal in the 72nd minute against Azteca FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Lori Scholl

Tulsa Athletic won their opening round game over a stubborn Azteca FC (Colo.), 3-1. Azteca held Tulsa to just a 1-0 lead for 72 minutes, then Joseph Garcia and Ruben Torres scored goals three minutes apart to give Tulsa its first Open Cup win in club history. Aaron Ugbah netted the opening Tulsa goal in the first half.

Tulsa Athletic qualified for their fourth US Open Cup (2014, 2015, 2017) via an NPSL berth by virtue of finishing as runners-up in the NPSL National Final last August. Captain Joe Garcia had a first half brace in what would ultimately be a 5-2 defeat against Denton Diablos.

FC Tulsa has had a rather lackluster Open Cup history in their previous five appearances in the tournament. Their high point was reaching the Fourth Round in 2017 where they lost 2-1 to FC Dallas. They were then one-and-done in the following two editions, losing 4-3 to FC Wichita of the NPSL in 2018, and dropping a 2-0 contest with leaguemates Austin Bold FC in 2019. Perhaps a new name will aid in turning around FC Tulsa’s Open Cup fortunes. In 2019 the club was known as the Tulsa Roughnecks FC, a nod to the NASL team of the same name. At the end of the 2019 season the team dropped the Roughnecks name in favor of the current moniker.

FC Tulsa is off to a 2-2-0 start in the 2022 USL Championship. Rodrigo da Costa anchors the midfield for FC Tulsa, a  Brazilian who came to Tulsa in 2019 after helping 2019 Open Cup Cinderella Florida Soccer Soldiers make a deep run in the 2018 National Amateur Cup. An offseason trade helped Tulsa bolster their attack as they acquired Jamaican forward Brian Brown from New Mexico United. Brown has racked up 38 goals and 22 assists over 109 USL Championship games.

In 1984 the NASL’s Tulsa Roughnecks expressed interest in becoming the first team from the league to participate in the Open Cup. Schedule conflicts during the ‘84 NASL season prevented their inclusion, and the league folded before the 1985 season began, leaving the Roughnecks’ dream unfulfilled.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2014)

FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
6thh US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 2-1-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 2-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)

D’Feeters Kicks (USCS / The Roja League) at San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
Toyota Field – San Antonio, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Steven Chavez, D'Feeters Kicks SC, Denton Diablos FC, 2022 US Open Cup, First Round, Goal
D’Feeters Kicks SC midfielder Steven Chavez (17) celebrates with his teammates following his goal against Denton Diablos FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Carlos Hernandez

D’Feeters Kicks are looking to follow up their victory against defending NPSL champions Denton Diablos by taking down a professional side. However, San Antonio is 5-0-0 all-time against amateur teams, and have beaten at least one in each of their first four USOC appearances. In their four previous Open Cup appearances, San Antonio has never failed to progress past their opening game

In the Roja League, D’Feeters finished in first place in the winter season, reaching the championship final. In qualifying for the 2022 Cup, D’Feeters followed a forfeit win in their opening qualifying game with a 2-1 extra time victory over Houston Hotshots GPFC. They punched their ticket to this year’s tournament with a 2-1 win over Southwest Football Club.

2022 MEET THE UNDERDOGS: D’FEETERS KICKS SC

San Antonio is looking to build off a successful 2021 USL Championship season. The club finished fourth in the Western Conference and reached the Conference Final where they fell to eventual champions Orange County SC on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The club will be without the services of Nathan Fogaca, last season’s team goal scoring leader who returned to his native Brazil. San Antonio will hope to fill that gap with the acquisition of Kekuta Manneh, a veteran from The Gambia who has played with five different MLS clubs, most recently Austin FC in 2021. San Antonio FC are a perfect 3-1-0 in the early going in the USL Championship.

The city of San Antonio has roots in the earliest involvement of the USL in the Open Cup. When the league was known as the Southwest Interregional Soccer League, the San Antonio Generals took part in a round robin qualifying tournament with other teams from the Tex-Oma Conference for a spot in the 1991 US Open Cup. The Generals finished a distant second in their group behind eventual Open Cup runners-up Richardson Rockets.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

D’Feeters Kicks
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-3-2 (1-1 PKs)
Home: 2-1-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 5-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018)

Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL) at New Mexico United (USL Championship)
Univ. of New Mexico Soccer Complex – Albuquerque, NM
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

New Mexico United players celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rapids in a penalty kick shootout in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69
New Mexico United players celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rapids in a penalty kick shootout in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Corbin Elliott | Prost Soccer | Twitter: corbinse69

New Mexico United welcome the Las Vegas Legends to Albuquerque, with the home side looking to build on a storming run through the 2019 US Open Cup, during which they eliminated four professional teams, all on the road (with two MLS sides, Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas, amongst those eliminated). In doing so, they became the first Modern Era side from New Mexico to advance, first to win a match in the Cup, first to beat an MLS team and the first club from the state to make the Quarterfinals since the 1991 New Mexico Chiles.

With all that history on the road, this will be the first home match for NMU in the Open Cup.

Legends come into town fresh from a victory over USL League Two’s Park City Red Wolves where they withstood a furious, late rally. Las Vegas saw a comfortable 3-0 lead dwindle to 3-2 in second half stoppage time. Roberto Soto scored what turned out to be the winning goal, and also assisted on the opener from Samuel Aina. Brandon Vargas scored the second goal on a Daniel Rangel assist.

New Mexico missed out on last season’s USL Championship playoffs by a single point in the standings. United are led on the sidelines by Zach Prince, taking command for the first time after serving as an assistant coach. New Mexico’s biggest signing in the offseason was Jamaican striker Nico Brett, who has scored 59 goals in the last four seasons with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Birmingham Legion.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

New Mexico United (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-2 (2-0 PKs)
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)

El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) at Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)
Lamonica Stadium (Clovis H.S.) – Clovis, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

El Paso’s 2021 USL Championship season ended in disappointment. After finishing second in the Western Conference with a 18-4-10 record, the Locomotive were upset in the opening round of the playoffs by Oakland Roots, 1-0. In the offseason, head coach Mark Lowry left to take the job at Indy Eleven. Replacing Lowry is John Hutchinson, former head coach of the Tacoma Defiance.

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
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

Standout defender Mechack Jerome left to join Lowry at Indy and goalkeeper Logan Ketterer signing with CF Montreal of Major League Soccer. The club will hope to replace those losses with Harry Brockbank from Bolton Wanderers and veteran USL Championship goalkeeper Evan Newton, on loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps. El Paso is starting the 2022 season on a down note with a 0-4-0 record.

The Locomotive have had just one prior Open Cup appearance, which ended after one game with a 3-0 upset loss to Forward Madison of USL League One in 2019.

The Central Valley Fuego are a new team in USL League One, and if the name sounds familiar, it’s a nod to the Fresno Fuego of USL League Two fame (then PDL). The Fresno Fuego made four Open Cup appearances between 2003 and 2017. Ironically, the Fresno Fuego upset the professional El Paso Patriots 5-2 in the Third Round of the 2003 tournament.

Some notable signings for the Fuego are Swedish midfielder Victor Falk, who spent the previous two seasons with the Richmond Kickers. Also joining the Fuego for 2022 is Bulgarian midfielder Villyan Bijev, who has spent the past four seasons with Sacramento Republic and Oklahoma City Energy. Bijev has two Open Cup goals to his credit, 2018 vs. Los Angeles FC (4th Rd.) and 2019 vs. San Jose Earthquakes (4th Rd.).

The El Paso Patriots reached the final of the 1995 tournament, losing to the Richmond Kickers on penalties after a 1-1 draw. In all the Patriots made 10 Open Cup appearances, five each as a pro and amateur team.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019)

Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

LA Force FC (NISA) at Orange County SC (USL Championship)
Orange County Great Park (Championship Stadium) – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

LA Force, the tip of an organization which also includes FC Golden State Force, make the short trip to Irvine for this Second Round match.

Orange County SC have played FC Golden State Force (USL League Two) twice before. OCSC won 5-2 in 2017 and FCFSF won 4-2 in 2018.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "Champions" shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The LA Force will be led by veteran forward Chandler Hoffman, a 13-year veteran who has had stints with a few MLS clubs. Most notably Hoffman scored 42 goals in four seasons with Louisville City and Real Monarchs. The Force may be one of the more game ready clubs from NISA, having played numerous pre-season games, most notably against the LA Galaxy and San Diego Loyal.

 

Orange County are the defending USL Championship champions, and made a big step in defending that crown by signing Mexican striker Errick Torres. The 29-year-old has spent time with various MLS and Liga MX clubs, most recently two seasons with Atlanta United. Torres will join the attack with last season’s USL Championship Final MVP Ronaldo Damus, who scored twice in Orange County’s 3-1 win over Tampa Bay in the championship.

Under the name Orange County Blues, OCSC played an MLS team (LA Galaxy) in their inaugural Open Cup run in 2011 as a USL Pro (Div. 3) team. They have lost to three MLS teams in their history (LA Galaxy in 2011 & 2017; Chivas USA 2013).

OCSC has been one-and done against amateur teams in each of the last two entries (2018 vs. FCGSF & 2019 vs. Orange County FC in PKs)

Their most recent elimination was the sixth time they had been eliminated by an amateur team, tied for the most times a pro team in the Modern Era has been eliminated in such a manner.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

LA Force FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Orange County SC (USL Championship)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-7-2 (0-2 PKs)
Home: 2-3-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)


Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Flower City Union (NISA) at Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two)
Lusitano Stadium – Ludlow, MA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Western Mass Pioneers Brockton FC United 2022 US Open Cup
Gabriel Ganzer of the Western Mass Pioneers leads the break against Brockton FC United in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Burt Granofsky, @burtphoto

Flower City Union are making their on field debut this season, having been founded in 2021 and providing a strong online presence in anticipation of their first season. Their roster is made up primarily of local Rochester players, so how they’ll perform on the field is still a bit of a mystery. The club dropped their opening game to fellow NISA debuant AC Syracuse Pulse, 1-0.

The Pioneers have made 12 cup appearances since their formation in 1998 (six of them as a pro team). The Pioneers finished with a 10-2-2 record in the USL League Two Northeast Division in 2021, making their way to the National Semifinals where they were stopped by the North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 3-1. The Pioneers are attempting to win multiple games in a single tournament for the first time in club history.

Western Mass snapped a four game Open Cup losing streak by defeating Brockton FC United 2-0 in the opening round. Gabriel Ganzer opened the scoring just after halftime, then assisted on the clinching goal by Jacob Mannix in stoppage time. The Pioneers will be without Joshua Calderon, who picked up a red card in the game with Brockton.

Ludlow, MA has a long history in the U.S. Open Cup. The first known appearance of a Ludlow club in the tournament was on Dec. 19, 1937, when Gremio Lusitano defeated Springfield 3-0 in the second round of qualifying for the 1938 Open Cup. Ludlow Lusitano and Gremio Lusitano also saw Open Cup success in the 1950s. 

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Flower City Union (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)
12th US Open Cup appearance (6 as pro team)
Overall: 7-8-3 (0-3 PKs) | 2-3-2 (0-2 PKs) as USL-2
Home: 6-5-2 (0-2 PKs) | 2-1-2 (0-2 PKs) as USL-2
vs. Division 3: 0-3-1 (0-1 PKs) | 0-2-0 as USL-2
Best finish: Third Round (2005 … as pro team)

Richmond Kickers (USL League One) at Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL)
Venue Virginia Revolution Sportsplex; Leesburg, Va.
Kickoff: 8pm ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

Having emerged from their replayed first round match against Lynchburg FC with a 3-1 win, amateur side NoVa FC will try their luck against 1995 Open Cup champions Richmond Kickers of USL League One, who began their USL League One season with a 4-0 victory over FC Tucson.

Northern Virginia FC Nova FC 2022 US Open Cup First Round
Northern Virginia FC celebrates after the club’s 3-1 win over Lynchburg FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: NoVa FC

Northern Virginia FC has a rather lengthy history that goes back to 1998 in the USL’s D-3 Pro League as the Northern Virginia Royals. As the Royals, the club made its only two Open Cup appearances in 1999 and 2000, and 22 years and three name changes later they’ve made their way back … through a different league. The Royals joined the PDL (now USL League Two) in 2006 and remain in the league to this day. They rebranded as Evergreen FC in 2015 and then took on their current name after the 2020 season. While it maintains a team in USL League Two, it also fields a team in the Eastern Premier Soccer League. As a member of the EPSL, NoVa entered the Open Division Local qualifying tournament.

In a first attempt at qualifying, they secured their first Open Cup berth in more than two decades.

NoVa started with a 2-0 win over Springfield FC, followed by a 2-1 victory over league-mates Virginia United FC. NoVa qualified with a convincing 5-0 win over Districtonia Futbol, despite finishing the game with just nine players.

Northern Virginia runs a few teams in different amateur leagues, including the EPSL and USL League Two and have an overlap with Richmond Kickers in the USISL, back in the 2000s.

1995 US Open Cup champions: Richmond Kickers
After playing the El Paso Patriots to a 1-1 draw, the Richmond Kickers captured the 1995 US Open Cup title by defeating the Patriots on penalty kicks 4-2. Photo: Richmond Kickers

The Kickers have been involved in the Open Cup since 1995, winning that year’s tournament as an amateur club. Their most recent deep run came in 2011 when they knocked off two MLS clubs (Columbus & Kansas City) to reach the semifinals, where they lost to the Chicago Fire 2-1. Over the years Richmond has jumped between second and third level USL leagues, having spent 2017 & 18 in the USL, then moving down when USL League One was created.

The Kickers are looking to rebound from a rather mediocre 2021 season, where they finished 11-10-7 and were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. Longtime player and coach Darren Sawatzky returns for his third season in charge of the club. Also returning is the 2021 USL League One goal scoring leader and season MVP Emiliano Terzaghi, an Argentine striker who scored 18 of the Kickers 35 goals last season.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 31-19-4 (2-2 PKs)
Away: 6-11-3 (2-1 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 13-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

Northern Virginia FC (USASA/EPSL)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-2-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2000, 2022)

AC Syracuse Pulse (NISA) at FC Motown (NPSL)
Montclair State University Soccer Park; Montclair, N.J.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

FC Motown 2022 US Open Cup
FC Motown pose for a team photo prior to the club’s match vs. West Chester United in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup in Montclair, NJ. The team wore shirts in support of teammate Sanclair Tueno, who was hospitalized after being involved in a traffic accident. Photo: FC Motown

FC Motown emerged for a tilt at NISA new boys Syracuse Pulse having seen their first round match voided because of an illegal substitution . Motown had lost the voided match but stole a 90th minute winner in the replay to advance. Their regular season has not yet started for the home town, whereas the Pulse have made a winning start to their life in NISA, with a 1-0 win against Flower City Union.

Syracuse was a bit of a mystery heading into the NISA season opener, having only begun to announce their roster days ahead of their first game. A good chunk of the roster comes with previous NISA experience, as well as a few players with time on USL teams.

FC Motown will enter the game with heavy hearts, as Sinclair Tueno, who came on as a sub in extra time of the first match with West Chester, was involved in an accident that left him with life threatening injuries.

The tournament debut of the Pulse marks the first entry of a Syracuse club since the Syracuse Salty Dogs of the A-League participated in 2004. The Salty Dogs reached the Third Round before falling to the Columbus Crew 2-1.

See also: Once A Metro previews the NY/NJ Open Cup games for Round 2

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

AC Syracuse Pulse (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

FC Motown (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
NOTE: Merged with Clarkstown SC Eagles after 2017 season, which had 2 appearances in 2016 and 2017)
Overall: 3-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 2-1-0
vs. Division 3: 2-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Second Round (2017, 2018, 2022)

Miami United FC (NPSL) at Miami FC (USL Championship)
Florida International Univ. Soccer Stadium – Miami, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

The Miami United Under-23s pose for a team photo before their 2020 US Open Cup qualifying match against Atletico Miami CF. Photo: Miami United FC
The Miami United Under-23s pose for a team photo before their 2020 US Open Cup qualifying match against Atletico Miami CF. Photo: Miami United FC

As is common for NPSL sides, Miami United have yet to begin their season, having finished top of the Sunshine Conference – before they bowed out of the playoffs at the Sunshine Conference Final stage. They meet former NPSL side Miami FC at FIU. MFC are 1-1-3 in the early USL Championship season.

Miami United played a remarkable opening round game versus City Soccer FC. The score stood at 0-0 after 79 minutes, then both teams combined for four goals in the final 15 minutes, with Miami United coming out on top 3-1. Lucas Espindola scored the final two for Miami, one on a PK in stoppage time, and the other assisted by opening goal scorer Robertino Insua.

Perhaps Miami’s biggest offseason addition is Kyle Murphy, who scored 20 times last season for Memphis 901 FC. In 2021 the team welcomed back defender Paco Craig after spending 2020  in his home country of England. A two time USL Championship title winner with Louisville City, Craig was named to the All USL Championship First Team.

Miami FC’s head coach is someone familiar with the area. Anthony Pulis takes over leadership of the team after spending 2021 as an assistant to Phil Neville at Inter Miami CF.

Miami United have previously crossed paths with Miami FC in Open Cup play, sort of. In 2018 United defeated Miami FC 2, 3-1 in the Third Round. The tricky part is Miami FC had been part of the NASL in 2017, but when the league shut down after being denied Division 2 status, Miami FC moved some of their players to their NPSL team for 2018.

In 2017 Miami FC defeated two MLS clubs (Atlanta United and Orlando City) to earn a Quarterfinal date with an even bigger Cinderella story, the red hot FC Cincinnati of the USL. FC Cincinnati had knocked off two MLS clubs themselves (Columbus & Chicago), with the latter being nationally televised on ESPN in front of 33,287 fans in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati prevailed 1-0 over Miami, earning a spot in the Semifinals.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Miami United FC (NPSL)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-3-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2018)

Miami FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-4-0
Home: 4-4-0
vs. Amateurs: 3-2-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2017)

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL Championship) at North Carolina FC (USL League One)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

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

RGV travel across to North Carolina to make their Open Cup debut having won one of their opening four games in the USL Championship. RGVFC had previously been ineligible for the Cup due to being controlled by Houston Dynamo.  

Their opponents have yet to begin their season, thus begging the question of whether the match practice of the higher division club will show itself. NCFC began their league season with a 1-0 win against South Georgia Tormenta. NCFC have played 35 US Open Cup games all-time, 29 of them at home, and won the last four home games they have played in the USOC. 2021 was the first season that NCFC competed at Division 3 level, having spent three seasons in the USL after a seven year stint in the NASL.

2022 is a case of “nowhere to go but up” for North Carolina, having finished last in the 12 team 2021 USL League One season. NCFC will have one of the youngest teams in USL-1 this season. The youngest of that bunch is 16-year-old Nicholas Holliday, a North Carolina FC U-23s product who became the youngest player ever to play in USL-1 last season at 15.

The Toros caused a sensation in the 2021 USL Championship playoffs by upsetting the No. 1 seed in the  Western Conference Phoenix Rising on penalties in the opening round. For 2022 Rio Grande have brought in Jose Francisco Torres, a veteran United States international who had played from 2006-2019 with Pachuca and Tigres of Liga MX. Also rejoining the Toros is Isidro Martinez. The Brownsville, Texas native spent the 2019 & 2020 seasons with RVG before spending 2021 with New Mexico United.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

North Carolina FC (USL League One)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-10-3 (1-2 PKs)
Home: 21-6-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2007)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) at Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+] MATCH REPORT

By Tim Abbott

Sean Totsch steps up to take the game-winning penalty kick in Louisville City's 1-0 win over Birmingham Legion in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC
Sean Totsch steps up to take the game-winning penalty kick in Louisville City’s 1-0 win over Birmingham Legion in the Third Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Louisville City FC

The Red Wolves travel north to Kentucky and a match against USL Championship Eastern Conference leading Louisville City FC. The home team has a record of 3-0-2, winning their first three games of the season and drawing their other two. Chattanooga opened their season this past weekend, and saw three points snatched away when Forward Madison found the equalizer five minutes into second half stoppage time for a 1-1 draw.

Chattanooga finished in the top three of the 2021 USL League One standings, then in the playoffs the Red Wolves won one extra time game (2-1 vs. North Texas SC) and lost another (2-0 vs. Greenville Triumph). Chattanooga have just one Open Cup game to their credit, a 3-0 upset loss to South Georgia Tormenta 2 of USL League Two in 2019.

A few notable players for the Red Wolves include Colombian forward Juan Galindrez, who had the opportunity to play under Diego Maradona at Dorados de Sinaloa, when the Argentine legend was in charge of the Mexican club from 2018-2019. The Red Wolves have also brought in Nicolas Cardona from Hartford Athletic to shore up their defense.

Louisville City came so close in the 2021 USL Championship season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference and dropped a thrilling 3-2 extra time affair to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Conference Finals. Cameron Lancaster, tied for third in USL-C last year with 20 goals, returns to lead the Lou City attack that finished second in all of the USL-C with 61 goals. Guarding the net will be USL veteran goalkeeper Kyle Morton, who spent 2021 on loan with Memphis 901 from the Houston Dynamo. Kyle’s brother Todd is also a goalkeeper, playing with Philadelphia Union II.

In its short Open Cup history, Louisville City has shown it is a force to be dealt with, having advanced to the Fourth Round twice (2015 & 2019), and reaching the Quarterfinals in 2018 after knocking off two MLS clubs (Nashville & New England).

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: First Round (2019)

Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 6-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Cleveland SC (NPSL) at Forward Madison FC (USL League One)
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Cleveland SC claimed their first ever Open Cup win, defeating Chicago FC United two weeks ago in dramatic fashion. A dramatic 90th minute goal from Michael Derezic sent the game to extra time, where club veteran Vinny Bell scored the game-winner in the 107th minute.

Cleveland SC vs Chicago FC United 2022 US Open Cup
Cleveland SC’s Mikey Derezic celebrates his equalizer against Chicago FC United in their First Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Luigi Musto

Cleveland SC’s 2022 US Open Cup appearance is the first by a Cleveland team since AFC Cleveland in 2017. Cleveland’s canceled 2020 NPSL season is sandwiched between a pair of first place finishes in their division, each ending in a loss in the NPSL playoffs at the National semifinal. The club was set to make their Open Cup debut in 2020 and then in 2021 before both tournament\s were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forward Madison’s only appearance in the Open Cup in 2019 provided some excitement for the future, as they defeated El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship 3-0 before falling to another Saint Louis FC 3-1 in the next round. Forward Madison had a lackluster 2021 US League One campaign, finishing 8-8-12 and missing the playoffs.

Madison’s name and logo may sound a bit unusual, but each is rooted in local history. Forward comes from the state motto of Wisconsin, and the pink flamingo in their logo comes from a  1979 prank in which a pair of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison placed over 1,000 flamingo ornaments in the lawn in front of the university.

The cities of Madison and Cleveland have actually crossed paths in Open Cup play before. In the 1988 tournament, the Madison 56ers traveled to Cleveland to face the Croatian Rebels. The 56ers came away with a 3-2 win, but were eliminated in the next round by eventual champions Busch Seniors of St. Louis.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Cleveland SC (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Forward Madison FC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019)

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Tim Abbott

Northern Colorado Hailstorm play their first ever game in this US Open Cup match, a highly unusual circumstance which is usually against tournament rules. Their opponents have won at least one game in all five USOC appearances. In their first two years (2015, 2016), they won two matches per competition but in the last three years, they’ve beaten an amateur team and then been eliminated in the next round.

Switchbacks enter the 2022 tournament red hot, with a Western Conference leading 4-0-0 record and only two goals conceded. Colorado Springs bring back the center their 61-goal attack in 2021, Hadji Barry, who scored 25 of those goals to lead all of USL-C. Adding to that attack will be Elvis Amoh, who led Rio Grande Valley in scoring in 2021. Between the posts will be Jeff Caldwell, a former United States Youth international who posted nine clean sheets last season with Hartford Athletic.

The first year Northern Colorado Hailstorm are guided by head coach Eamon Zayed, an native of Ireland who has represented the Libyan national team. Zayed had played in the USL since 2016, but his biggest claim to fame came with Iranian club Perseolis in 2012. Playing a man down against arch rivals Esteghlal, Zayed scored a hat trick in the final 10 minutes to give Persepolis a 3-2 win.

The center of the Hailstorm attack will be Irvin Parra, who began his career in Germany before moving to the U.S. to play with a number of USL clubs, most recently Charlotte Independence in 2021. The first ever signing for Northern Colorado was Irish veteran defender Robert Cornwall, who had appeared in 215 top flight matched in Ireland.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 5-2-0
vs. Division 3: 2-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship) at FC Tucson (USL League One)
Kino North Stadium – Tucson, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Las Vegas Lights and their llamas pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup match against FC Tucson. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights
The Las Vegas Lights and their llamas pose for a team photo before their 2018 US Open Cup match against FC Tucson. Photo: L.E. Baskow | Las Vegas Lights

After five Open Cup appearances as an amateur team, FC Tucson returns to the Open Cup for the first time as a professional club. Despite joining the pro ranks in 2019 with USL League One, the club was ineligible due to being owned by the USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising, Since moving out from under the Phoenix Rising umbrella in February, Tucson are once again able to play in the Open Cup.

FC Tucson are looking for back to back playoff appearances in USL-1 after reaching the Semifinals of last year’s postseason. Returning for Tucson is midfielder Daniel Bedoya, a product of the New York Red Bulls youth system. In a bid to offset the loss of their top two goalscorers (Charlie Dennis & Shak Adams), 23-year-old Striker Franco Perez comes to Tucson on loan from Argentine club Aldovisi.

Las Vegas looks to recover from a dismal 2021 season, finishing last in the Western Conference of the USL Championship with a 6-23-3 record. Las Vegas have a pair of promising young players who have spent time with the Mexican youth teams. Goalkeeper Abraham Romero moves to Vegas after spending the 2021 season with Orange County. 17-year-old center back Tony Leone rejoins the club once again on loan from Los Angeles FC.

This will be the second straight Open Cup game Tucson has played against Las Vegas. As an amateur club in the PDL (USL League Two), FC Tucson lost to Las Vegas 4-2 in the Second Round of the 2018 edition. In Las Vegas’ short Open Cup history of four games, the club has never faced a professional opponent.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2018, 2019)

FC Tucson (USL League One)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 4-2-0
vs. Division 2: 0-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Third Round (2013 … as USL-2 team)

Valley United FC (NISA) at Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)
Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass – Chandler, AZ
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Tim Abbott

NISA newcomers Valley United travel to the more established Phoenix side. The visitors have begun their inaugural season 1-0-1 to lead the NISA West Division, While Phoenix is currently 2-2-0 in the Western Conference of the USL Championship.

Phoenix are looking to avenge a shocking end to their 2021 USL Championship season. Heading into the playoffs with a Western Conference leading 20-5-7 record, Phoenix were shocked in the opening round by Rio Grande Valley on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Phoenix will sorely miss the departing Solomon Asante, a club legend who had scored 54 goals over 107 games in his career with Phoenix. Santi Moar, the club’s leading scorer from 2021 with 16 goals, returns to help continue Rising’s form as the top scoring team in USL-C. They also added more offensive punch by acquiring forward Claudio Repetto from Charleston. Repetto, who already has two goals for the team in league play, was the Battery’s Offensive Player of the Year, despite signing in the middle of the season. Phoenix has replaced goalkeeper Andre Rawls (returned to Colorado Rapids from loan) with Brent Lunt, 2020 USL-C Goalkeeper of the Year with Louisville City.

Rising has begun its season in an uneven fashion, dropping two straight games after an opening day victory. The club is opening a new stadium this season, in the Gila River Indian Community – having previously played in Peoria, Scottsdale and Tempe. Under the name Arizona United, they had reached the Fourth Round of the 2014 US Open Cup, beating Portland Timbers U-23s and OKC Energy before losing to LA Galaxy. In six overall USOC appearances, they have only beaten one professional team, falling 0-3-1 since.

Valley United FC are following the path of fellow NISA club Maryland Bobcats, making the transition from the amateur UPSL to the professional NISA, having previously been known at Atletico Olympians FC.

Valley United’s big signing is midfielder Luis Gil, who played 134 games with Real Salt Lake from 2010-2015. Gil recently spent three seasons playing in the Czech Republic before coming back to the United States. Valley United played Phoenix in a pre-season friendly in February, ending in a 5-0 win for Phoenix.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Valley United FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-4-2 (0-2 PKs)
Home: 1-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014)

San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) at ALBION San Diego (NISA)
Canyon Crest Academy – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Supremacy in San Diego is on the line as the city’s two professional teams clash in the Second Round.

Albion are in their second Open Cup appearance overall, and their first as a professional club. Their Open Cup debut came as Albion SC Pro of the NPSL, which ended with a 3-2 loss to Chula Vista FC. After the 2021 season the NPSL team merged with San Diego 1904 FC of NISA. The team name was then changed to ALBION San Diego for the 2022 season.

Under new ownership, ALBION San Diego is now the top of a rather large youth soccer organization. Albion has a mix of former 1904 players, youth players and veterans from outside NISA. Midfielder Harold Hanson made 78 appearances for Portland Timbers 2, Eddie Benito returns from the 1904 roster and is seen as their most promising player.

San Diego Loyal are guided by United States national team legend Landon Donovan who will look to take his club back to the USL Championship playoffs after a 14-12-6 finish last season.

New signings for Loyal include former Northern Ireland international Kyle Vassell, who is making his first trip to the U.S. after playing 12 years for various lower level British clubs. Spanish goalkeeper Koke Vegas joins the club after many years on loan to other Spanish clubs from Levante. South African striker Tumi Moshobane returns after leading the team in goals in 2021 with 10.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

ALBION San Diego (NISA)
2nd US Open Cup appearance (1st as pro team)
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: First Round (2017)

Monterey Bay FC (USL Championship) at Bay Cities FC (NISA)
PayPal Park – San Jose, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
[+]MATCH REPORT

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

A battle of two new clubs rounds out day two of this year’s Second Round

Bay Cities FC have started their inaugural NISA season with a pair of scoreless draws, while Monterey Bay are off to a 1-3-0 start in USL Championship play.

Perhaps Bay Cities biggest acquisition is center back Christian Dean, who had previously retired in 2018 but came back last season for the Charlotte Independence. Dean made a handful of appearances for Vancouver and Chicago in MLS from 2014-2018.

Monterey Bay’s first big signing was luring El Salvador international Walmer Martinez away from Hartford Athletic. The motivation for Martinez may not have been hard, as he is a native of nearby Santa Cruz, California. Another notable roster addition is Hugh Roberts, a USL Championship veteran with over 200 league appearances. Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye has represented Guam 20 times in his playing career.

Head coach Frank Yallop returns to the area, having previously served as general manager of Fresno FC in 2019. The former Canadian international served as caretaker manager for Las Vegas Lights in the abbreviated 2020 USL Championship season before returning to help get Monterey Bay started last season.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Monterey Bay FC (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Bay Cities FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Thursday, April 7, 2022

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One) at Charleston Battery (USL Championship)
Patriot’s Point Soccer Stadium – Mt. Pleasant, SC
Kickoff: 10 a.m. ET 
BROADCAST: ESPN+

Kickoff has been moved from Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. to Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m due to severe weather in the area.

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "Champions" shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The Charleston Battery are the granddaddies of the Open Cup since 1995, with 58 games over 20 previous Open Cup appearances. Along the way they’ve reached the Semifinals two times, and are the last non-MLS club to reach the Open Cup Final (2008). The Battery have failed to advance past their opening game just twice, the last time coming in 2005. Charleston are also one of the ultimate Open Cup home clubs, having played 37 of their 58 Cup games in Charleston, in which only six of those were lost by the Battery.

For the first time since 2004 the Battery will be led by a new head coach, as longtime skipper Mike Anhaeuser left the club during the offseason. Taking the helm will be Conor Casey, former U.S. National team member and veteran of the Colorado Rapids and Philadelphia Union.

Charleston enters the South Georgia game riding a nine-game home unbeaten streak and haven’t lost a US Open Cup home game since 2018.

The South Georgia Tormenta did not enjoy a good 2021 USL League One season, finishing next to last with an 8-14-6 record. They also lost the services of Azaad Liadi and Marco Micaletto, scorers of 20 of the teams 36 goals, as they both moved on to Loudoun United and Columbus Crew 2 successively. Tormenta will look to rebound with the signing of Kenyan Tobias Otieno from League One champions Union Omaha. Otieno also had experience in African continental club competitions with Kenyan side Gor Mahia FC.

Also new to the Tormenta roster is Ghanian midfielder Kingsford Adjei, who tied as the leading goal scorer for 2021 USL League Two champions Des Moines Menace. Adjei, who was selected in the second round by New York City FC in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, also was named Midfielder of the year in the Atlantic 10 Conference during his time with the University of Dayton.

South Georgia have played just one game to their Open Cup resume, a -10 loss to fellow USL League One club Greenville Triumph SC. Their affiliate club, South Georgia Tormenta 2 of USL League Two earned a spot in this year’s tournament but declined to enter. Tormenta 2 also had a previous run-in with the Battery, which resulted in a 1-0 loss to Charleston in the 2018 Second Round.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019, 2022)

Charleston Battery (USL Championship)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-17-7 (4-3 PKs)
Home: 26-6-5 (2-3 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 5-1-0
Best finish: Runners Up (2008)

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL) at Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro)
Monroe Community College – Rochester, NY
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Tim Abbott

Rochester Rhinos 1999 US Open Cup champions
The Rochester Raging Rhinos celebrate their 1999 US Open Cup championship after defeating the Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH. Photo: Rochester Rhinos

Lansdowne Yonkers FC travels upstate to a town which saw its club win the entire tournament in 1999, the only non-MLS side to do so in the Modern Era. It is more than four years since there was a professional team in Rochester and in the intervening time, Lansdowne has made its own history – dispatching the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of USL Championship in their best Open Cup run in 2016. The team eventually fell in the next round to… the Rochester Rhinos.

The defending National Amateur Cup champions, finished their most recent Fall season in the EPSL at 8-3-1, with a third place finish.  

In the opening round Lansdowne battled USL League Two club Ocean City Nor’easters to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, and came out on top 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Yonkers FC

Rochester NY FC began their inaugural season in MLS Next Pro with a 2-0 loss, leaving them bottom of an extremely early Eastern Conference table. In a case of “what was old is new again” Rochester are the rebranded Rochester Rhinos, the only non-MLS team to win the Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present). 

Shamir Mullings Lansdowne Yonkers FC 2022 US Open Cup
Shamir Mullings of Lansdowne Yonkers FC celebrates after his team’s 4-3 PK shootout win over the Ocean City Nor’easters in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph | BrotherlyGame.com

The team has been on hiatus since 2018 due to financial difficulties, finally returning to play this season in MLS Next Pro. Rochester are the only independent club in the league, and if they remain so they’ll remain eligible to enter future Open Cup tournaments. RNYFC return for their 23rd Open Cup appearance, and in that time Rochester has played a remarkable 44 of their 62 Open Cup games at home, where they hold a 32-8-4 record. The club have never lost to an amateur side in 18 Open Cup games, although this isn’t the same club that roamed the USL for years.

Rochester, which has Leicester City star Jamie Vardy as part of the club’s ownership group, played its inaugural game of MLS Next Pro against St. Louis CITY 2, but went down in defeat 2-0. Rochester’s second game against New England Revolution II on April 3 also did not go well, a 3-1 defeat. The lone goal was scored by Dante Brigida.

Rochester also has the longest opening round unbeaten streak of the Modern Era (16).

American soccer’s greatest modern underdog story: Rochester Raging Rhinos win 1999 US Open Cup

See also: Once A Metro previews the NY/NJ Open Cup games for Round 2

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (USASA/EPSL))
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
Away: 3-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 1-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2016)

Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 38-18-6 (3-3 PKs)
Home: 32-8-4 (2-2 PKs)
vs. Amateurs: 18-0-0
Best finish: Champions (1999)

Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship) at Chattanooga FC (NISA)
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, TN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

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
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

The second ever Tennessee derby sees Memphis 901 FC of the USL Championship travel to face Chattanooga FC of NISA. The first clash of Tennessee teams in Open Cup play came in 2018, when the USL’s Nashville SC blanked Inter Nashville of the NPSL 2-0 in the Second Round.

Chattanooga FC’s Open Cup history began as an amateur club in the NPSL in 2011. After six appearances in the tournament their  last appearance was in 2017. In their amateur era, Chattanooga FC won the 2015 National Amateur Cup, and finished as runners-up in 2016. The team transitioned to the pro side and joined NISA in 2019. The team finished mid-table in the 2021 NISA season, but with juggernaut Detroit City moving to the USL Championship. This will be the club’s first Open Cup appearance as a professional team.

For the 2022 season Chattanooga has brought in a group of players from Chicago House AC and Stumptown AC, a pair of NISA clubs on hiatus this year. There have been rumors that Chattanooga is looking to move to MLS Next Pro in the future.

The only Open Cup appearance for Memphis in 2019 saw them host all three games they played, eventually losing to Orlando City SC 3-1 in the Fourth Round. Memphis lost two important players from last year in striker Kyle Murphy (20 goals in 2021) and defender Mark Segbers, both players going to Miami FC. Added to the roster are midfielder Devin Boyce from 2021 USL-1 champs Union Omaha, and David Egbo, a Nigerian forward on loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Memphis currently sit at 2-1-1 in the young USL Championship season.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2019)

Chattanooga FC (NISA)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-5-4 (3-1 PKs)
Home: 1-3-2 (2-0 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 0-2-0
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016)

Oakland Roots FC (USL Championship) at Greenville Triumph (USL League One)
Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College – Greenville, SC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

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

2021 USL League One runners-up Greenville Triumph welcome Oakland Roots FC in what is easily the longest trip of this year’s Open Cup so far. Oakland are making their Open Cup debut and are traveling over 2,600 miles to do it.

Greenville just barely has more Open Cup experience than Oakland, having played two games in the 2019 tournament, a 1-0 win over South Georgia Tormenta of USL-1, and a 2-1 loss to the Charleston Battery.

Led by U.S. national team legend John Harkes on the sidelines, Greenville will look to continue the success they’ve seen in their first three seasons in USL League One. The club has reached the USL League One championship game in each of its first three years of existence, winning the 2020 league title. One member of that championship team, forward Jake Keegan, returns for 2022. Keegan spent 2021 with league rivals Forward Madison.

Making their debut in USL-C after moving from NISA, Oakland got off to a rough start in 2021, losing eight of their first 12 league games. The team then picked up and powered their way to a playoff spot and a opening round 1-0 upset of El Paso Locomotive.

Oakland added Polish striker Dariusz Formella, who had played with Sacramento Republic the previous three seasons, as well as the Polish youth national teams. Anchoring the defense is USL Championship veteran Emrah Klimenta, who has made 161 appearances in the league since 2014. Oakland are threatening to repeat their 2021 league start, currently sitting near the bottom of the standings at 0-2-3.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Oakland Roots FC (USL Championship)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-1-0
vs. Division 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019)

Oyster Bay United (USASA/UPSL) at Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)
Dillon Stadium – Hartford, CT
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Oyster Bay United return to Dillon Stadium in Hartford for the second round, the place they upended Hartford City of the NPSL 3-0 in the opening round. First half goals from Junior Rosero, Franco Paz and Sevastian Ruiz gave the amateurs a chance to knock off the professional club from Hartford.

On their way to qualifying for the 2022 tournament, Oyster Bay took victories over a pair of clubs with deep Open Cup history last fall. First was a victory in a penalty kick shootout over four time Open Cup winners NY Greek American SC after a scoreless draw. In the following round, Oyster Bay prevailed 2-0 over three time cup winners New York Pancyprian Freedoms. They punched their first trip to the tournament with a 4-1 road win over Westchester United of the UPSL.

2022 MEET THE UNDERDOGS: OYSTER BAY UNITED FC

Hartford Athletic’s Open Cup history is limited to the 2019 tournament, beating the New York Cosmos 2-1 before falling to leaguemate Memphis 901 FC 4-0 in the Third Round. Hartford’s 2021 season left them at mid table of the Eastern Conference at 12-15-5, missing out on a playoff spot.

Midfielder Danny Barrera, who led all of USL-C last season with 12 assists, returns to Hartford for 2022. Barrera was one of the key players in amateur side Cal FC’s memorable 2012 run that saw them upset the Portland Timbers FC on the road. Barrera was named TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament that year. Connecticut native Rashawn Dally returns home, having spent last season with Memphis 901, and playing early in his career with AC Connecticut (USL-2) and Hartford City. Hartford are off to a slow 0-2-1 start to the new season.

See also: Once A Metro previews the NY/NJ Open Cup games for Round 2

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Oyster Bay United (USASA/UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 1-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2019)

Southern States SC Stars (NPSL) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)
Univ. of Alabama Soccer Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

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

Birmingham has gotten off to a sluggish start to the 2022 USL Championship season. Through three games the club had managed just a 1-1 draw with Tampa Bay in their season opener. The club lost a lot of scoring power in the offseason, as the departing Nico Brett, Junior Flemmings and JJ Williams accounted for 29 of the club’s 50 goals in the 2021 season. The Legion will hope new signing Macky Diop will help recoup some of those lost goals. The Senegalese forward spent time in previous seasons with New York Red Bulls U-23s and Atlanta United II.

Birmingham just recently made headlines with their signing of former New England Revolution and United States striker Juan Agudelo. After four seasons with the Revs, Agudelo spent a season each with Inter Miami and Minnesota United in 2020 & 21

Birmingham’s only other Open Cup appearance in 2019 resulted in the first time in Open Cup history a team from Alabama won a tournament game, a 4-1 victory over West Chester United in the Second Round. The Legion are guided by veteran manager Tom Soehn, who is beginning his fourth season with the club. Soehn won the 2008 US Open Cup during his three seasons in charge of the club, and also spent time as interim manager with New England and Vancouver. Among all the head coaches of the Modern Era (1995-present), Soehn ranks third in win percentage (0.727), behind Dave Sarachan (0.789) and Scott Schweitzer (0.750). 

Southern States SC Stars began play in the NPSL in the 2021 season, finishing with a 9-4-1 record, reaching the regional finals of the NPSL playoffs. Southern States are just the third team from Mississippi to play in the Open Cup since 1995. The others are the Jackson Chargers (‘98) and Mississippi Brilla (‘09, ‘12, ‘16 & ‘18). We could have had two Mississippi teams in the same tournament for the first time in tournament history, but despite qualifying for this year’s Open Cup through their USL League Two results, Brilla declined to enter.

In the club’s first ever Open Cup appearance, Southern States SC Stars defeated the NPSL’s Georgia Revolution 3-1 in the opening round two weeks ago. Thomas Shepherd, who had recently completed his college playing career at Cal St.-Bakersfield, broke open a 1-1 tie with a pair of second half goals.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Southern States SC Stars (NPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019)

San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL) at California United Strikers FC (NISA)
Orange County Great Park (Championship Stadium) – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Tim Abbott

 

Tomas Bosuel San Fernando Valley FC, Escondido FC, 2022 US Open Cupof San Fernando Valley FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Escondido FC in the FIrst Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh
Tomas Bosuel of San Fernando Valley FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Escondido FC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Joe Walsh

San Fernando Valley thumped Escondido 6-2 to line up a shot at the pro California United Strikers and will travel to Orange County full of hope. Tomas Bosuel led the way with a hat-trick and two assists in the rout. He is the only player from the First Round to score three goals.

Cal United have played two scoreless draws in the young NISA season, against Valley United and Bay Cities FC

San Fernando Valley FC earned their first tournament berth with a pair of 2-1 wins over SC Trojans and UPSL rivals, Capo FC. Escondido were gifted a free pass in their second match when Desert Communities SC Pathfinders withdrew. The win over Capo FC of the Southwest Premier League punched their ticket to the US Open Cup. SFVFC are the first team from the San Fernando Valley to qualify since 1995 when the San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles of USISL Pro lost their opening round game. San Fernando Valley will look to established goalscorer Cristo Deras to help lead the attack. Deras helped lead the team to promotion from the SoCal North-Division I this past fall, the team’s first season in the UPSL’s top tier.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: San Fernando Valley FC

The Strikers roster looks about the same as last year, which bodes well for the club as that roster resulted in a second place finish in the NISA Fall Season in 2021. Forwards Omar Nuno and Christian Thierjung combined for 16 goals and 5 assists in 2021. The team also acquired promising midfielder Luis Garcia Sosa from Stumptown AC, who is on hiatus for 2022.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

San Fernando Valley FC (USASA/UPSL)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)

California United Strikers FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Portland Timbers U23 (USL League Two) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club's Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic
Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club’s Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic

The Portland Timbers U-23s opened their sixth Open Cup tournament with a 2-1 win over Contra Costa FC of the NPSL. Second half goals from Thomas Peterson and Eduardo Sanchez enabled the Timbers youngsters to withstand a stoppage time goal from Contra Costa’s Roberto Gonzalez.

Last season, the Timbers ran away with the Mountain Division in the Western Conference. With a 10-1-1 record, they qualified for the postseason and reached the national semifinals before bowing out to the Des Moines Menace, the eventual champions. Due to NCAA restrictions the Timbers U-23s are going with players that were a part of the USL Academy Championship team last May, as opposed to the college players which make up their regular season squad.

In the Timbers U-23s way are one of the new wave of USL Open Cup behemoths, the Sacramento Republic. Sacramento are nearly unbeaten at home in the Open Cup, carrying a 12-1-0 record with an active seven-game home winning streak dating back to 2017, the longest current streak of its kind.

Sacramento has gone as deep as the Fifth Round on two occasions (2017, 2018). Each time they knocked off MLS opposition, 3-1 over Real Salt Lake in 2017, and a 2-1 extra time win over Seattle in 2018. Meanwhile the Timbers U-23s are 0-3 all-time against professional teams in the Open Cup.

Sacramento are recovering from a disappointing 2021 season, finishing 8-12-12, the first time in its nine-year history they failed to reach the playoffs. Sacramento’s roster going into 2022 looks nothing like the previous year, as only five players are returning. Filling out the new roster is goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, 2020 Golden Glove winner with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Damia Vlader, 2021 USL League One Defender of the Year with Union Omaha, and Spanish winger Keko, who has spent time with many clubs in Spain, most recently Deportivo La Coruna. The new roster seems to be working early on, as Sacramento holds a 3-1-0 record so far in the 2022 season.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Portland Timbers U-23s (USL-2)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-5-0
Away: 3-4-0
vs. Division 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2013, 2018, 2022)

Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-5-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 12-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 7-1-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2017, 2018)

2022 US Open Cup Round 2, Day 1 Review: MLS Next Pro wins debut, one amateur side survives

by

Toby Sims Pittsburgh Riverhounds Maryland Bobcats 2022 US Open Cup
Toby Sims of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds dribbles against the Maryland Bobcats in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger | Pittsburgh Riverhounds

The first MLS NEXT Pro team to enter the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup scored the league’s first win in the Second Round of the tournament, and USL League Two scored an upset over a nearby USL League One counterpart Tuesday night as 11 teams punched their tickets to the next round of the 107th edition of the US Open Cup. 

Round 2 continues Wednesday with 13 matches, with seven more to be decided Thursday. All of the games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ 

If you appreciate our coverage of the US Open Cup for the last (nearly) two decades, and want to see it grow in the future, consider joining our Patreon team by clicking above.

Several MLS clubs will join the competition in the Third Round, which will hold a draw Friday to determine the matchups. The draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. 

Here’s a look at all 11 Second Round matches from Tuesday.

Click here for a preview of all the Round 2 games on Wednesday and Thursday

North Carolina Fusion U-23s (USL League Two) 4:2 Charlotte Independence (USL League One)
American Legion Memorial Stadium – Charlotte, NC
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The North Carolina Fusion U23 pulled off the first upset of the second round, knocking off their professional USL League One opponent Charlotte Independence 4-2 in Charlotte.

Charlotte opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Shalom Dutey found the end of a Ayrton Paez free kick just in front of goal near the post, beating Fusion goalkeeper Josh Perryman. Twenty-three minutes later, a shot by Faisal Almabaslat was blocked by Charlotte goalkeeper Keegan Meyer, but Luis Neto was right there to put away the rebound to draw the Fusion level 1-1. It took Charlotte just five minutes to regain the lead, as Ivan Luquetta took the ball to the touch line in the penalty area, then passed back to Paez for the goal.

The Fusion tied things up minutes into the second half when Joao Silva took a shot at the top of the box that deflected off a Charlotte defender. Charlotte was reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute when Tresor Mbuyu was sent off for an altercation with a Fusion player after a hard tackle. With just a few minutes remaining in regulation, Charlotte goalkeeper Meyer fumbled an easy shot by Alexandre Horveno, and Tom Marriott scored on a wide-open goal. The Fusion cemented the upset in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Colton Sessoms easily scored on a 3-on-1 breakaway, the youngster’s fourth goal of the night, to book a spot in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Maryland Bobcats (NISA) 0:2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

On a rainy Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, the USL Championship Riverhounds entertained the visiting Maryland Bobcats of NISA. A pair of goals from Toby Sims on either side of halftime was all the Riverhounds needed to see off the Bobcats 2-0 and advance to the third round. Simms’ first goal came in the 38th minute from the center of the penalty area off a Luis Argudo assist. Almost 10 minutes into the second half, Simms tallied from the left side of the penalty area on a Mohamed Sesay assist. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

St. Louis CITY 2 (MLS NEXT Pro) 2:0 Indy Eleven (USL Championship)
Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium (IUPUI) – Indianapolis, IN
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

St. Louis City 2 notched the first-ever Open Cup win for a MLS NEXT Pro team with a 2-0 victory over Indy Eleven of the USL Championship.

St. Louis drew first blood when Joshua Yaro sent an attempted clearance back into the box, where Era Armstrong collected the ball and beat Indy goalkeeper Tim Trilk. The reserve club of the future St. Louis MLS club doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Armstrong passed to substitute Celio Martins, who then fed Wan Kuzain at the top of the box for the goal. From then on. Indy only managed a couple of chances on goal and the St. Louis reserves made their way to the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Michigan Stars FC (NISA) 0:3 Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

In a battle of former NISA rivals, the USL Championship Detroit City FC smoked the Michigan Stars 3-0 in Detroit.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "Champions" shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “Champions” shirt, honoring the five clubs from the pre-Modern Era (1914-1994) to win four or more US Open Cup titles. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Just as the first half looked to end scoreless, Detroit stuck twice on corner kicks. In the 45th minute, Connor Ruiz put away a Maximilliano Rodriguez corner kick. In the second minute of stoppage time, Rodriguez served up another corner, and this time Matthew Lewis headed the ball home for a 2-0 lead. For the rest of stoppage time, the air was filled with smoke from jubilant City supporters.

 

After a pair of crosses Detroit extended their lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute. After Michigan headed away an initial cross, Michael Bryant sent the ball back into the box, where Connor Ruiz headed the ball to the feet of Matthew Lewis for his second goal of the game. From that point, Detroit easily saw out the remaining time to book their first ever appearance in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

The Villages SC (USL League Two) 0:6 Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)
Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Villages SC of USL League Two were no match for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship, with the hosts steamrolling to a 6-0 win. Lucky Mkosana quickly put the Rowdies ahead 2-0 with two goals early in the first half. Jordan Scarlett pushed the lead to 3-0 on a header from a Jake Areman free kick. In the 53rd minute Mkosana appeared to have completed his hat-trick, connecting on a cross from Jake Areman, however the goal was later credited to Kyle Greig.

The goals continued to flow in as Jake LaCava (63rd minute) and Laurence Wyke (73rd minute) finished the rout of their amateur opponents, and confirmed a spot in the third round for the Rowdies. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) 1:2 Union Omaha (USL League One)
Morrison Stadium (Creighton Univ.) – Omaha, NE
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Menace opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a shot from Gabriel Rodriguez struck the crossbar and was swatted away by Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu. Corey Hertzog then slammed home the loose ball. Five minutes later, Union found the equalizer when John Scearce headed home a corner from Joseph Brito.

Union Omaha kept control most of the second half, and with nine minutes remaining, Omaha gained the lead on a Menace mistake when Alefu Bertini accidentally headed a lobbed pass from Conor Doyle past his own goaleeper. Omaha withstood a desperate Menace search for an equalizer to win their debut Open Cup match and advance to the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Tulsa Athletic (NPSL) 1:2 FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
ONEOK Field – Tulsa, OK
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The USL Championship’s FC Tulsa came out on top in the Tulsa derby, defeating the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletic, 2-1.

FC Tulsa wasted no time grabbing the lead, as Jorge Corrales sent a cross into the box that Brian Brown managed to put away while being pulled down by a Tulsa Athletics defender. FC Tulsa scored again in the 19th minute, this time on a Ronald Rodriguez header off a corner kick from Joaquin Rivas. Tulsa Athletic had a few promising free kicks in the rest of the half but the score remained 2-0 at the break.

Despite being outshot by a wide margin, Tulsa Athletic managed to cut the lead in half with thirteen minutes remaining. Halftime substitute Billy Nzojyibwami’s goal from the right side of the penalty area gave the amateurs a glimmer of hope. But FC Tulsa kept the visitors at bay in the final minutes to book their place in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

D’Feeters Kicks (USCS / The Roja League) 1:3 San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
Lynchburg City Stadium – Lynchburg, VA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

For 45 minutes, the amateur D’Feeters Kicks had hope of an upset over the professional San Antonio FC of the USL Championship. However, in four quick minutes that dream was interrupted.

San Antonio scored three goals in four minutes of the second half to separate themselves from their amateur guests en route to a 3-1 win. In the 53rd minute, Henrik Sakshaug scored from the top of the penalty area after a free kick pinballed between players from both teams. Just a minute later, a shot by Justin Dhillon deflected off a D’Feeters defender, allowing Connor Maloney to easily beat goalkeeper Anthony Rodriguez for San Antonio’s second goal. Three minutes later, Sakshaug struck again from the center of the penalty area, assisted by Shannon Gomez, and suddenly San Antonio were comfortably ahead 3-0.

D’Feeters regained a slight glimmer of hope when San Antonio goalkeeper Matt Cardone was unable to handle a long shot from the left side, allowing Sebastian Mendez to easily tap home the goal. With seven minutes remaining, D’Feeters were reduced to 10 men when Juan Ramirez was shown his walking papers after a hard foul. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Las Vegas Legends FC (NPSL) 0:5 New Mexico United (USL Championship)
Univ. of New Mexico Soccer Complex – Albuquerque, NM
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Chuck Nolan Jr.

The NPSL’s Las Vegas Legends saw their luck run out in the second round as New Mexico United of the USL Championship rolled to an easy 5-0 victory.

The hosts set the tone in the seventh minute when Chris Wehan converted a penalty after Sergio Rivas was fouled by the Legends’ Hector Casillas. Jerome Kiesewetter scored the first of his two goals from close range in the 17th minute, and Randy Ovouka placed his shot in the bottom left corner of the goal five minutes from halftime for a 3-0 lead at the break.

Carl Sainte made it 4-0 from a shot outside the penalty area shortly after halftime. Eduardo Guzman was sent off in the 82nd minute, leaving Las Vegas with 10 men. New Mexico was awarded another penalty with four minutes remaining after another foul by Hector Casillas in the box. Kiesewetter stepped to take the penalty and New Mexico cruised to a berth in the third round. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) 1:4 Central Valley Fuego (USL League One)
Lamonica Stadium (Clovis H.S.) – Clovis, CA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Sean Walker

Villyan Bijev scored a brace, and USL League One side Central Valley Fuego stunned El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championships, 4-1 at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis, California.

Nathan Smith and Christian Chaney also scored for the Fuego, which needed less than five minutes to score and never looked back.

Bijev opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, chipping the goalkeeper from the left side of the box to put Central Valley up 1-0 mere moments into the game. The goals kept coming, too, through Smith’s golazo in the 15th minute and a second from Bijev in the 44th minute en route to a 3-0 halftime advantage. Chaney added a goal in the 62nd minute for the Fuego.

Eric Calvillo scored in the 90th minute for El Paso, which turned out to be the first Open Cup goal in Locomotive history for the 2019 debutants. El Paso was playing its second of three games in eight days after a four-match winless skid to open USL Championship play, and had traveled up the California coast following Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the San Diego Loyal in league play.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

LA Force FC (NISA) 2:5 Orange County SC (USL Championship)
Orange County Great Park (Championship Stadium) – Irvine, CA
BROADCAST: ESPN+

By Sean Walker

Former Real Salt Lake homegrown signing Milan Iloski had a goal and an assist as Orange County SC of the USL Championship rolled by the NISA’s LA Force, 5-2 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, California.

Daniel Pedersen, Sean Okoli, Mikko Kuningas and Kobi Henry each added a goal for Orange County, which converted five of its six shots on target into goals and out-shot the Force 22-15.

Samuel Goni scored a brace for LA Force FC, including a 37th-minute strike that pulled the Open Cup debutants within 3-1 at halftime. But Iloski dished a pinpoint backheel pass to Kuningas to restore Orange County’s three-goal lead, and Henry’s goal in the 69th minute helped seal the win for good.  [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Orange County thumps LA Force in battle of Los Angeles

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Orange County SC 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Orange CountySC celebrate after scoring a goal in the club’s 5-2 home win over El Paso Locomotive in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orange County SC
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For the first time since 2017, Orange County SC advanced to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.A goal in the 90th minute had no effect on the outcome of the 2022 US Open Cup Second Round match as Orange Country SC topped LA Force, 5-2 and advanced to the Round 3.

“Delighted to obviously be in the hat for the next round. I thought it was a professional performance. Disappointed, though, I think to not come away with a clean sheet,” said Orange County head coach Richard Chaplow. “We’ve conceded two in the end, but we put ourselves in a silly position at halftime going in conceding a sloppy goal. But overall, obviously, the game is about winning. And we did that.”

The first 10 minutes of the match kept a steady pace before OC SC and L.A. Force were able to create opportunities.

Both teams held a 50/50 possession with no attempts at goal. It was until the 12th minute when OC SC’s Sean Okoli took his first shot on goal, but the shot just barely skimmed the goal post and lost the opportunity to put his team on the board.

OCSC used that close opportunity as more motivation to gain the first goal and they succeeded. In the 24th minute,  OC SC Daniel Pederson saw his chance with a straight shot to the back of the net and took the lead, 1-0.

Just six minutes later in the 30th minute, OC SC Milan Iloski was able to read the direction of the play that L.A. Force goalie Brandon H. Gomez was about to make causing hesitation and loss of the ball.

Iloski reacted to it quickly and raised the score to 2-0.

“My dad always told me growing up to read it through their eyes. So I know when I saw the ball go back to him and the center back open up. I saw his eyes look where the guy was and I was able to meet it and cut off the path,” Iloski said.

With OC SC in the lead, L.A. Force slowly lost their shape in the backfield and another minor mistake in the defense left another open chance for OC SC to capitalize.  Reading the movement of the ball OC SC’s Okoli was able to get a light touch on the ball as it moved past the defender and directed it to the net.

OC SC led 3-0, with plenty of time left in the first half.

Now that L.A. Force was trailing far behind, the team increased their pressure on OC SC’s offensive which resulted in L.A. Force, Kyle O’Brien receiving the first yellow card of the match.

The yellow card riled up both teams, but L.A. Force used that energy to gain their first goal in the half in the 36th minute. Samuel Goni had a straight shot from within the goalie box that shifted the score to 3-1.

OCSC was left a bit frazzled following the goal and lost sight of their formation for a few minutes, but was able to adjust right at the end of the first half.

Returning for the second half, OCSC was able to recuperate from the goal they had given up prior and regained their composure.

“We’re leading three zero and then they got the goal on our mistake and felt like it was the only way they could get back into the game was on our mistakes,” Pederson said. “So we just talked about to be a little bit better on the ball and take care of the ball. Don’t lose it in bad situations.”

However, that would cease when a foul in the 50th minute in the OC SC goalie box put one of its players in an unsafe situation. Immediately after the foul, players reacted to that situation in a minor scuffle as tension rose while they waited for officials to make a decision on the outcome of the play.

Both L.A. Force Jaime Chavez and OC SC goalie Patrick Rakovsky were awarded yellow cards once it settled.

“That happens in football. So of course, you know, it’s a little bit heated,” Pederson said. “I think it was a bad foul. I think it was dangerous and I think that should have been penalized a little bit harder than if I fall in the midfield because something bad could really happen there.”

It was a pivotal moment for both teams as aggression increased on the field. Yet, it would not phase OC SC as they continued to hold their formation and move offensively with one another.

Just three minutes after the commotion, in the 53rd minute, Mikko Kuningas would contribute to OC SC’s lead after clearing the ball right in front of the goalie line.

A 4-1 lead in the second half, allowed for fresh players to take the field. From the 62nd to the 66th minute, OC SC used all five of its substitutions which held positive effects for the remainder of the game.

Seven minutes after being substituted in, OC SC’s Kobe Henry added his name to the scoring list in the 68th minute after his shot brushed between the goalie’s hand and the top of the net.

OCSC would lead 5-1 with less than 20 minutes in the match.

The remaining time of the match would mirror much like the end of the first half. Emotions and intensity rose higher and OC SC would once again slowly feel the offensive push from L.A. Force; losing their formation.

In the final minute of the match, L.A. Force Clayton Torr would complete an assist from Jose Villareal during the moment OC SC would lose its structure. Yet, the score would remain in OC SC’s favor, 5-2.

OCSC will now move to the fourth round and learn who their next competitor is on Friday, April 8th.

Until then the team will focus on areas that Chaplow saw during the match that needed improvement not only for the next round but for their spring season.

“I think first and foremost being a little bit more defense defensively sound, you know, having a bit of a better defensive structure,” Chaplow said. “Naturally the players are excited, they want to go and score goals. So there’s probably, you know, focusing on having a little bit more control in those moments. That’s all that matters.”

 

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