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2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Previews, ESPN+ links for all 16 games

May 10, 2022 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Orlando City SC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC

The Fourth Round of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup kicks off this week with 16 games, six on Tuesday and the remaining 10 on Wednesday.

The final two amateur clubs (FC Motown, North Carolina Fusion U-23s) were eliminated in the Third Round, meaning there are no more clubs alive that entered in the First Round. FC Motown became the first club to claim prize money, as they were awarded $25,000 as the Open Division team that advanced the furthest (winning the tiebreaker over North Carolina Fusion).

#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 Fourth Round
USOC rule changes since 2019 tournament

TheCup.us Player of the Round
Round 1: Tomas Bosuel (San Fernando Valley FC)
Round 2: Villyan Bijev (Central Valley Fuego)
Round 3: Maxi Rodriguez (Detroit City FC)

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There are six teams remaining from the third tier: Richmond Kickers, Northern Colorado Hailstorm, South Georgia Tormenta and Union Omaha from USL League One, California United Strikers FC from NISA, and Rochester New York FC from MLS Next Pro. By comparison, only one team below Division 2 remained alive at the same point in the 2019 tournament (and none of them were third tier).

In an odd twist of the draw, only four games feature teams from different leagues: South Georgia Tormenta (USL League One) at Inter Miami CF (MLS), Charlotte FC (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL League One), Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro) at New York City FC (MLS), and San Antonio FC (USL Championship) at Houston Dynamo (MLS). This means at least three non-MLS clubs are guaranteed to advance to the Round of 16.

All games this round, and the rest of the tournament, will be broadcasted on the ESPN+ subscription service. Additionally, as first announced by USL Director of Content Nicholas Murray, there will be an Open Cup “whip-around” show on ESPN+ for Wednesday’s 10-game slate. This will likely a program in a similar vein to Sky Sport’s “Match of the Day” or, for us hot-blooded Americans, something like the NFL Redzone.

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 16 of this week’s games with links to each broadcast:

May 10, 2022

Philadelphia Union (MLS) at Orlando City SC (MLS) 
Exploria Stadium; Orlando, FL 
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

Philadelphia have been one of the more consistently successful MLS teams in the last ten years of the Open Cup. Union has reached the Open Cup Final on three occasions in 2014, 2015 and most recently in 2018. Only once in their previous eight appearances have they been eliminated in their opening game, a 2-1 extra time loss to D.C. United in 2019. Philadelphia faced Orlando City in the 2018 Quarterfinals at home, and won 1-0 on Alejandro Bedoya’s 4th minute goal.

Orlando City started in 2009 in USL-1 as the Austin Aztex, where they reached the Third Round in 2009 & 2010. Success followed them in their move to Orlando, with the peak being a 2013 run to the Quarterfinals, knocking off two MLS clubs (Colorado & Sporting KC) along the way. In 2015 the club moved up to MLS, adding to their resume a pair of Quarterfinal runs (2015 & 2018), and a Semifinal spot in 2019 where they fell to Atlanta United 2-0.

Philadelphia has just one Open Cup road win out of eight games, and that was a 2-1 extra time victory over D.C. United in the Fourth Round in 2012. Eighteen of Philly’s 27 Open Cup games have been against MLS opposition. They hold an 8-5-5 record against their league mates, going 2-3 in penalty shootouts.

Orlando opened their 2022 US Open Cup with a 2-1 win at home over the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship in the Third Round. Alexandre Pato and Junior Urso scored second half goals. The Union received a bye into the Fourth Round based on their league results from last season.

Alejandro Bedoya of the Philadelphia Union celebrates his goal against Orlando City in the 2018 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Greg Carroccio, Philadelphia Union
Alejandro Bedoya of the Philadelphia Union celebrates his goal against Orlando City in the 2018 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Greg Carroccio, Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union (MLS)
9th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-5-6 (3-3 PKs)
Away: 1-3-4 (2-2 PKs)
vs. MLS: 8-5-5 (2-3 PKs)
Best finish: Final (2014, 2015, 2018)

Current Season
5-1-4 19 Pts., 15 GF 8 GA, 1st in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Daniel Gazdag, 4
Assists Leader: Kai Wagner, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Andre Blake, 9 games, 0.67 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 1-1 draw vs. CF Montreal
5/1 – MLS – 1-1 draw at Nashville SC
5/7 – MLS – 2-2 draw at Los Angeles FC

Orlando City SC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance | 6th in MLS
Overall: 18-11-3 (3-0 PKs) | 6-5-3 (3-0 PKs) in MLS
Home: 12-4-1 (1-0 PKs) | 3-3-1 (1-0 PKs) in MLS
vs. MLS: 4-9-2 (2-0 PKs) | 2-3-0 (2-0 PKs) in MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2019)

Current Season
5-4-2 17 Pts., 13 GF 15 GA, 4th in MLS Eastern Conference

Goal Scoring Leader: Five players tied with 2
Assists Leader: Mauricio Pereyra, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: Pedro Gallese, 10 games, 1.40 GAA / 5 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 0-3 loss vs. New York Red Bulls
4/30 – MLS – 2-1 win vs. Charlotte FC
5/7 – MLS – 1-4 loss at CF Montreal

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New York Red Bulls (MLS) at D.C. United (MLS)
Audi Field; Washington, D.C. 
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

There was once a time when D.C. United could almost be penciled for a spot in the Semifinals at the start of any Open Cup they entered, but now that time has passed. Nine out of their first 14 Cup appearances from 1996-2013 saw the club finish as a semifinalist of better. Since 2014, United have fallen on hard times in Cup play, failing to advance past their second game in their last six appearances. 

The New York Red Bulls have a bit of a split personality in their Open Cup history. As the MetroStars, the club reached the semifinals four times, making a championship game appearance in 2003 (1-0 loss to Chicago Fire). When the team changed its name to Red Bulls, it went nine years without advancing past a second game, going 3-7-0 in that span. A blip of home came in 2015 with a Quarterfinal appearance, then a trip to the Final in 2017. In the two tournaments after that disappointment returned with early exits each time at the hands of MLS clubs.

Both teams have been rather mediocre against MLS clubs in the Open Cup, with the Red Bulls holding a 8-12-3 (2-1 PKs) record, and D.C. United slightly better at 11-10-3 (0-3 PKs). Going back to 2016, eight of the Red Bulls last eleven Open Cup games have been against MLS clubs, resulting in a 3-4-2 record (1-1 PKs). Meanwhile, D.C. has faced four MLS clubs since 2016 for a 1-2-1 record.

The teams have met twice in past Open Cup play. In 2003, the Red Bulls (as the MetroStars) defeated D.C. 3-2 in the Semifinals, Amado Guevara scoring twice for the Metros. In 2006, D.C. defeated the Red Bulls 3-2 in the Quarterfinals with Jamil Walker scoring the final two goals for the winners.

The Red Bulls reached the Fourth Round with a 2-1 win over Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship. Early goals from Lewis Morgan and Aaron Long was all NYRB needed while out-shooting Hartford 30-4. D.C. United traveled to Rochester in the Third Round and vanquished NISA’s Flower City Union 3-0 through two goals from Ola Kamara and another from Nigel Robertha. Flower City held on to a scoreless draw until the 73rd minute before the D.C. floodgates opened. In somewhat of a surprise move, D.C. fired manager Hernan Losada the next day, leaving Chad Ashton as the interim manager.

The New York Red Bulls celebrate the game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the 101st minute in the 2017 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Ryan Meyer | New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls celebrate the game-winning goal against FC Cincinnati in the 101st minute in the 2017 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Ryan Meyer | New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 23-20-3 (2-1 PKs)
Away: 12-13-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 8-12-3 (2-1 PKs)
Best finish: Final (2003, 2017)

Current Season
5-3-2 18 Pts., 16 GF 8 GA, 2nd in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Lewis Morgan, 4
Assists Leader: Frankie Amaya, Omir Fernandez, Patryk Klimala, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Carlos Coronel, 10 games, 0.80 GAA / 3 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 3-0 win at Orlando City SC
4/30 – MLS – 2-1 win at Chicago Fire
5/7 – MLS – 1-1 draw vs. Portland Timbers

D.C. United (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-14-7
Home: 26-6-4 (1-3 PKs)
vs. MLS: 11-10-3 (0-3 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (1996, 2008, 2013)

Current Season
4-5-0 12 Pts., 12 GF 13 GA, 10th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Taxiarchis Fountas, Ola KAmara, 4
Assists Leader: Julian Gressel, 4
Goalkeeping Leader: Bill Hamid, 7 games, 1.22 GAA / 2 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 3-2 win vs. New England Revolution
4/30 – MLS – 0-3 loss at Columbus Crew
5/7 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Houston Dynamo

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Louisville City FC (USL-C) at Detroit City FC (USL-C) 
Keyworth Stadium; Hamtramck, MI 
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

Detroit City’s previous four US Open Cup appearances came as an amateur NPSL club, and during their time as a pro club with NISA, the Open Cup had been canceled. Detroit are 2-1-1 against professional clubs, but that record is 2-0 since they have become a pro club themselves.

Louisville City have been one of the more successful USL Championship teams in recent Open Cup play. Louisville holds a 10-5-2 all-time record in the Cup, although they are just 3-5 in Open Cup games on the road. Their last win away from home came in the 2017 Second Round with a 9-0 win over Open Division Local side Tartan Devils Oak Avalon.

Despite both teams’ relatively short Open Cup histories, Detroit City and Louisville City have met before in the tournament. As a NPSL club, Detroit traveled to Louisville for the Second Round in 2016 and played to a 1-1 extra time draw, with Louisville surviving the penalty shootout 3-1.

In the Third Round, Detroit fell behind the Columbus Crew 1-0 early in the first half, then got goals in the 64th and 88th minutes from Maxi Rodriguez to send the Keyworth Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The performance earned Rodriguez the “Player of the Round” from TheCup.us for Round 3.

Louisville had an even longer wait for victory in their Third Round game. After playing a scoreless 120 minutes with St. Louis CITY 2 of MLS Next Pro, Louisville came out on top in the penalty shootout 9-8, just one round short of each team’s goalkeepers taking a turn at a spot kick.

Players from Louisville City and Detroit City FC battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Alena Shuckmann | Louisville City
Players from Louisville City and Detroit City FC battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Alena Shuckmann | Louisville City

Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-5-2 (2-0 PKs)
Away: 3-5-0
vs. Division 2: 4-2-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Current Season
7-0-3 24 Pts., 20 GF 4 GA, 1st in USL Championship Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Wilson Harris, 5
Assists Leader: Wilson Harris, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Kyle Morton, 10 games, 0.40 GAA / 7 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/23 – USLC – 1-1 draw at Charleston Battery
4/30 – USLC – 2-0 win vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
5/4 – USLC – 4-0 win at Atlanta United 2

Detroit City FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-2-4 (2-2 PKs)
Home: 2-0-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Current Season
5-2-2 17 Pts., 13 GF 7 GA, 3rd in USL Championship Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Antoine Hoppenot, 3
Assists Leader: Maxi Rodriguez, Rhys Williams, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Nathan Steinwascher, 9 games, 0.78 GAA / 4 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/23 – USLC – 2-1 win at Hartford Athletic
4/30 – USLC – 2-0 win vs. NY Red Bulls II
5/7 – USLC – 1-3 loss at FC Tulsa
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South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1) at Inter Miami CF (MLS) 
DRV PNK Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL 
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

Prior to 2022, South Georgia’s lone Open Cup game was a 1-0 loss to league mates Greenville Triumph in the 2019 Second Round.

South Georgia wound up playing their Second Round game at the Charleston Battery at 11 a.m. on April 7 after the game was pushed back a day due to inclement weather. In addition there were zero fans in attendance due to stadium damage caused by a previous storm. The Tormenta took advantage of the reduced home field advantage to pull off a 1-0 surprise on the strength of Athur Bosua’s 61st minute goal

In the Third Round, the Tormenta defeated Birmingham Legion 2-0 despite being outshot 20-7. First half goals from Curtis Thorn and Jake Dengler held up for South Georgia

Inter Miami’s Open Cup debut ended with a 1-0 win in the “Miami Classico” over Miami FC of the USL Championship. Leonardo Campana scored the lone goal in the 83rd minute, and Inter will be without defender Damion Lowe, who was sent off after a second yellow in second half stoppage time.

South Georgia Tormenta 2022 US Open Cup
Players from South Georgia Tormenta celebrate during the club’s match against Birmingham Legion FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: South Georgia Tormenta FC

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

Current Season
2-1-2, 8 Pts. 4 GF 1 GA, 2nd in USL League One
Goal Scoring Leader: Four players tied with 1
Assists Leader: Four players tied with 1
Goalkeeping Leader: Pablo Jara, 4 games, 0.25 GAA / 3 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/23 – USL1 – 2-0 win at Greenville Triumph
4/30 – USL1 – 2-0 win at FC Tucson
5/7 – USL1 – 0-0 draw vs. Charlotte Independence

Inter Miami CF (MLS)

1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Current Season
3-6-1 10 Pts., 9 GF 19 GA, 13th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Leonardo Campana, 5
Assists Leaders: Leonardo Campana, Ariel Lassiter, DeAndre Yedlin, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Nick Marsman, 5 games, 1.60 GAA/ 1 clean sheet

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 2-1 win vs. Atlanta United
4/30 – MLS – 0-2 loss at New England Revolution
5/7 – MLS – 0-1 loss at Charlotte FC

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FC Dallas (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) 
Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, KS 
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

The two-time Open Cup champs FC Dallas have quietly built up an impressive resume over their previous 22 appearances. Their 16 Quarterfinal appearances are only second all-time to the 17 held by St. Louis powerhouse Kutis SC. 

In their first 13 Open Cup appearances Kansas City struggled to find success. Their first four attempts from 1996-2000 ended with eliminations after their opening game. Just twice was the club able to make deep runs, a semifinal appearance in 2002, and winning the Open Cup in 2004 with a 1-0 golden goal win over the Chicago Fire. Since changing their name to Sporting Kansas City, Open Cup success became more commonplace. In 2012, 2015 and 2017 Sporting KC won it all, bringing their Open Cup championship total to four.

FC Dallas and Sporting KC have met four times in Open Cup play over the years, all won by Kansas City, with a 16-4 advantage in goals. Sporting’s last 10 Open Cup games have been against MLS clubs, and 14 of their last 16 dating back to 2015.

FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City, Open Cup

2018 (SKC 3-2), 2017 (SKC 3-0), 2015 (SKC 6–2), 2004 (SKC 4-0)

FC Dallas got past FC Tulsa 2-1 in the Third Round behind goals from Franco Jara (PK) and Jader Obrian. It is the seventh consecutive tournament FC Dallas has advanced past their opening game.

SKC and FC Dallas played to a 2-2 draw in MLS play on April 30. Jonathan Russell opened the scoring for KC with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute, then Alan Velasco and Jesus Ferreira gava Dallas a 2-1 halftime lead with late first half goals. Daniel Salloi pulled Kansas City level in the 77th minute.

Daniel Salloi of Sporting Kansas City celebrates one of his two goals against FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC
Daniel Salloi of Sporting Kansas City celebrates one of his two goals against FC Dallas in the Fifth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC

FC Dallas (MLS)

23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-19-6 (5-1 PKs)

Away: 14-12-2 (2-0 PKs)
vs. MLS: 13-13-3 (2-1 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (1997, 2016)

Current Season
5-1-4 19 Pts., 16 GF 7 GA, 4th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Jesus Ferreira, 7
Assists Leader: Brandon Servania, Alan Velasco, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Maarten Paes, 10 games, 0.70 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 2-1 win vs. Houston Dynamo
4/30 – MLS – 2-2 draw at Sporting Kansas City
5/7 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Seattle Sounders

 

 

 

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 28-15-6 (4-2 PKs)
Home: 20-7-2 (2-0 PKs)
vs. MLS: 14-10-3 (3-0 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

 

Current Season
2-6-3 9 Pts., 16 GF 23 GA, 12th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi, Remi Walter, 2
Assists Leader: Cameron Duke, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Tim Melia, 11 games, 1.45 GAA / 4 clean sheets

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 0-0 draw vs. Columbus Crew
4/30 – MLS – 2-2 draw vs. FC Dallas
5/7 – MLS – 0-0 draw at New York City FC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Portland Timbers (MLS) at Los Angeles FC (MLS) 
Banc of California Stadium; Los Angeles, CA 
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Los Angeles FC has a long way to go to catch up to their inter-city rivals LA Galaxy in Open Cup pedigree, but in their two Open Cup appearances so far they’re off to a good start. Their debut in 2018 saw them reach the Semifinals where they were eliminated by the Houston Dynamo on penalties after a 3-3 draw. In 2019 all three of their opponents were from MLS, and after knocking off Real Salt Lake and the San Jose Earthquakes, LAFC fell to the Portland Timbers 1-0 in the Quarterfinals. Of the eight Open Cup games LAFC has played, six have been at Banc of California Stadium, and they have a 5-1 record there. 

LAFC also has a historical hill to climb to reach the heights set by the Open Cup champions of Los Angeles. Leading the way is Maccabee AC with five Championships (1973, 1975, 1977, 1978 & 1981), tied with Bethlehem Steel for the most Open Cup titles in history. Other LA winners at the Los Angeles Galaxy (2001, 2005), Los Angeles Kickers (1958, 1964), and McIlvaine Canvasbacks (1959)

Portland’s game against LAFC will be the 15th straight Open Cup contest the Timbers have played against an MLS opponent, a streak that stretches back to 2014. The club holds an 8-6 record in the previous 14 games. Their last non-MLS opponent was the Orlando City U-23’s of the PDL (USL League Two) in the 2014 Fourth Round, a 3-0 win for Portland.

The two clubs faced off in the 2018 & 2019 Quarterfinals. In 2018 LAFC won 3-2 on goals from Carlos Vela, Marco Urena and a Timbers own goal. Portland’s goals came from Vytautas Andriuškevičius and Julio Cascante. In 2019 the Timbers avenged that loss with a 1-0 victory on Jeremy Ebobisse’s 84th minute goal.

Portland and LAFC played to a 1-1 draw back on March 6 when Mamdou Fall scored the equalizer for LAFC in 90th minute stoppage time. Yimmi Chara gave Portland an early 1-0 lead in the 18th minute, but the Timbers were forced to play with 10 men for the final 28 minutes when Cladio Bravo received his second yellow card and was sent off.

Los Angeles FC had an easy time in their 5-1 Third Round victory over Orange County SC. Cristian Arango and Danny Musovski each had two goals, and Cal Jennings added another.

The Portland Timbers celebrate after the club's 1-0 win over LAFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Twitter @TimbersFC
The Portland Timbers celebrate after the club’s 1-0 win over LAFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Twitter @TimbersFC

Portland Timbers (MLS)
16th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 19-14-1 (0-1 PKs) (12-8-0 in MLS)
Away: 10-8-0 (5-6-0 in MLS)
MLS: 9-10-1 (0-1 PKs) (9-7 in MLS)
Best finish: Semifinals (2019)

 

 

Current Season
2-3-6 12 Pts., 11 GF 16 GA, 10th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Yimmi Chara, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, 3
Assists Leader: Yimmi Chara, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Aljaz Ivacic, 10 games, 1.500 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 0-0 draw vs. Real Salt Lake
4/30 – MLS – 0-2 loss at Colorado Rapids
5/7 – MLS  – 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls

 

 

 

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-1-1
Home: 5-1-0
vs. MLS: 3-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)

 

 

Current Season
7-1-2 23 Pts., 23 GF 10 GA, 1st in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Carlos Vela, 4
Assists Leader: Jose Cifuentes, Diego Palacios, Carlos Vela, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: MAxime Crepeau, 10 games, 1.00 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati
5/1 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Minnesota United
5/7 – MLS – 2-2- draw vs. Philadelphia Union

 

 

 

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May 11, 2022

Charlotte FC (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1) 
City Stadium; Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

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 Richmiond 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. 

While Richmond has never had the chance to face Charlotte FC in previous Open Cup tournaments, the Kickers have had six games with teams from North Carolina, and have not had good results with that state’s professional sides. Richmond is 2-4 all-time against teams from the Tar Heel state, and those two wins came against amateur clubs. All three of the four losses came against a professional team, North Carolina FC/Carolina RailHawks in 2007 (0-1, QF), 2009 (1-2, R1) and 2019 (1-4, R3). Richmond also holds a 5-13-1 (0-1 PKs) record against MLS teams, with their last win coming in the 2011 Quarterfinals against Sporting Kansas City. 

Charlotte faced a tough battle in their Open Cup debut in the Third Round, outlasting the Greenville Triumph of USL League One 2-1 in extra time. Christian Ortiz scored the opener just before halftime, and Harrison Afful netted the eventual game-winner in the 106th minute.

Richmond won their Second Round game 1-0 over Northern Virginia FC at home. The lone goal was netted by David Olden, his first goal in over four years while away from the game battling injuries. Their Third Round game against the North Carolina Fusion U-23s of USL League Two nearly went to penalties, but Emiliano Terzaghi scored in the 118th minute to avoid the upset from the amateurs.

Christian Ortiz of Charlotte FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Greenville Triumph in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte FC
Christian Ortiz of Charlotte FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Greenville Triumph in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

 

Current Season
4-6-1 13 Pts., 10 GF 13 GA, 8th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Karol Swiderski, 4
Assists Leader: Benjamin Bender, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Kristijan Kahlina, 11 games, 1.18 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 0-0 draw at Colorado Rapids
4/30 – MLS – 1-2 loss at Orlando City SC
5-7 – MLS – 1-0 win vs. Inter Miami CF

 

 

 

Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-19-4 (2-2 PKs)
Home: 26-7-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. MLS: 5-13-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions

 

 

Current Season
2-2-1, 7 Pts. 7 GF 4 GA, 5th in USL League One
Goal Scoring Leader: Emilinano Terzaghi, 3
Assists Leader: Leonardo Baima, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Akira Fitzgerald, 5 games, 0.80 GAA / 1 clean sheet

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/20 – USOC 3R – 1-0 (AET) win vs. North Carolina Fusion U-23s
4/25 – USL L1 – 2-1 win at Charlotte Independence
5/7 – USL L1 – vs. Forward Madison

 

 

 

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Rochester New York FC (MLSNP) at New York City FC (MLS) 
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Jamaica, NY 
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Rochester New York FC, who under the name Rochester Raging Rhinos remain the only non-MLS club to win the US Open Cup since 1996, had 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 stay eligible to enter future Open Cup tournaments. In their 23 Open Cup appearances, RNYFC has played a remarkable 46 of their 64 Open Cup games at home, where they hold a 34-8-4 record. The club’s 40 Modern Era Open Cup wins ranks only second behind the Chicago Fire with 42. The last 16 times Rochester had played in the Open Cup, they have advanced to face an MLS club, a streak that runs back to 2002.

In their previous life Rochester was always an upset threat to MLS clubs, holding a respectable 7-6-2 (1-1 PKs) record from 1996-2005. Since then Rochester has managed just one outright win in 14 games against MLS opposition, advancing one other time on penalties. Their last win against an MLS team came in 2014 with a Fourth Round home win against defending champion D.C. United in a game that featured multiple delays.

NYCFC’s short Open Cup history has only seen one successful run, a trip to the Quarterfinals in 2019. Their previous four appearances all ended after one game to a pair of NYC clubs. In 1015 & 2016 they were upset by the NASL’s New York Cosmos, and in 2017 & 2018 the New York Red Bulls sent them packing.

Rochester has opened their 2022 tournament against a pair of amateur clubs. First up was a 1-0 win over Lansdowne Yonkers in the Second Round. Girban Rayo’s goal in first half stoppage time was enough for Rochester to see off the amateurs. Their Third Round game against FC Motown was a bit more difficult and dramatic. By the end of the second half Rochester found themselves playing with nine men after Lamar Batista and Pedro Dolabella received second half red cards. FC Motown then tied the game in stoppage time, but Rochester survived the two-man advantage for 35 minutes to win the penalty shootout after finishing 2-2 over 120 minutes.

Rochester New York FC celebrate after advancing 4-3 in penalty kicks (2-2 draw) against FC Motown in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Rochehster NY FC
Rochester New York FC celebrate after advancing 4-3 in penalty kicks (2-2 draw) against FC Motown in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Rochehster NY FC

Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 40-18-6 (3-3 PKs)
Away: 4-10-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 8-16-5 (2-3 PKs)
Best finish: Champions (1999)

Current Season
1-3-1 5 Pts., 5 GF 9 GA, 8th in MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Wilterlynd Inalien, 2
Assists Leader: Four players tied with 1
Goalkeeping Leader: Caique, 5 games, 1.80 GAA / 1 clean sheet

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/20 – USOC 3R – 2-2 (AET/4-3 PKs) draw vs. FC Motown
4/23 – MLS NP – 2-3 loss vs. New York City FC II
5/8 – MLS NP – 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati 2

 

 

 

New York City FC (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-3-2 (0-2 PKs)
Home: 1-1-0
vs. Division 2: 1-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)

 

 

Current Season
4-3-2 14 Pts., 19 GF 10 GA, 6th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Valentin Castellanos, 5
Assists Leader: Talles Magno, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: Sean Johnson, 9 games, 1.11 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 5-4 win vs. Toronto FC
5/1 – MLS – 3-0 win vs. San Jose Earthquakes
5/7 – MLS – 0-0 draw vs. Sporting Kansas City

 

 

 

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FC Cincinnati (MLS) at New England Revolution (MLS) 
Gillette Stadium: Foxborough, MA 
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Cincinnati’s Open Cup history actually goes all the way back to the 1931 tournament, when teams from the Queen City began entering the Ohio district’s qualifying rounds. The teams didn’t find much success and by the end of the 1930’s the city went dormant in Open Cup play until the early 1970’s. 

FC Cincinnati of course had their famous Open Cup run in 2017 as a USL club, reaching the semifinals and drawing crowds over 30K to three of the games they hosted that year. The game that put them on center stage was their epic Fifth Round contest with the Chicago Fire, which was televised live on ESPN. After a 0-0 draw Cincinnati advanced on penalty kicks, and went on to push the New York Red Bulls to extra time before losing 3-2 in the semifinals.

This will be the first Open Cup game for the Revs at Gillette Stadium since their 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire in the 2016 Semifinals. Overall New England have only played one other of their 21 Open Cup home games at Gillette Stadium, a 2-1 win over the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 2007 Quarterfinals. Their first five Open Cup games in 2000 & 2001 were at the old Foxboro Stadium. The Revs other home Open Cup games have been played in Boston, Ludlow MA, Providence, RI, New Britain, CT.

FC Cincinnati needed 120 minutes for their 2-0 Third Round win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Alvaro Barreal scored twice in the first ten minutes of extra time to give Cincinnati the edge they needed to advance.

FC Cincinnati Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2022 US Open Cup Luciano Acosta
Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati dribbles against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Cincinnati
4/19/2022
Photographer:Brett Hansbauer/4th Floor Creative

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 9-3-2 (2-1 in Major League Soccer)
Away: 2-2-0 (0-1 in Major League Soccer)
vs. MLS: 1-1-2 (1-1 PKs) (0-0 in Major League Soccer)
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)

 

Current Season
5-5-1 16 Pts., 14 GF 17 GA, 5th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Brandon Vasquez, 6
Assists Leader: Luciano Acosta, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Alec Kann, 7 games, 2.00 GAA / 1 clean sheet

Last Three Games
4/30 – MLS – 2-1 win at Toronto FC
5/4 – MLS – 0-2 loss at FC Cincinnati
5/7 – MLS – 1-0 win vs. Minnesota United

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New England Revolution (MLS)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 20-15-5 (3-2 PKs)
Home: 13-5-3 (2-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 7-10-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champion (2007)

 

Current Season
3-5-2 11 Pts., 16 GF 18 GA, 11th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Adam Buksa, 4
Assists Leader: Carles Gil, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: Earl Edwards Jr., 4 games, 2.00 GAA / 1 clean sheet
Brad Knighton, 4 games, 2.00 GAA / 0 gclean sheets

 

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 2-3 loss at D.C. United
4/30 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Inter Miami CF
5/7 – MLS – 2-2 draw vs. Columbus Crew

 

 

 

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Atlanta United FC (MLS) at Nashville SC (MLS) 
GEODIS Park; Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

In a way this will be Nashville SC’s re-debut in the Open Cup, as it will be their first game in the tournament as a MLS club after their previous two appearances came as a USL team. Five of their six previous Open Cup games were home affairs for Nashville, but this will be the first in their very own stadium. All three home games in 2018 were at Vanderbilt in Nashville, and their two in 2019 were at Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, TN. Nashville holds a 4-0-1 record at home 

Atlanta’s first prominent team in the Open Cup was Datagraphic in the early 1980’s. Datagraphic reached the Quarterfinals in 1979, and then the Semifinals in 1981. The club also won the 1979 National Amateur Cup.

After the previous two Open Cup tournaments had been canceled due to COVID-19, Atlanta United was able to begin defense of their 2019 Championship. The Five Stripes  had no trouble with Chattanooga FC in the Third Round, cruising to a 6-0 victory. Dom Dwyer scored twice, with Ronald Hernandez, Marcelino Moreno, Luis Araujo and Brooks Lennon adding to the score for the defending Open Cup Champions.

The clubs have yet to meet in MLS play this season, with their first game coming ten days after their Open Cup contest, once again in Nashville.

Atlanta United forward Luiz Araújo dribbles the ball during the match against Chattanooga FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Kyle Hess | Atlanta United
Atlanta United forward Luiz Araújo dribbles the ball during the match against Chattanooga FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Kyle Hess | Atlanta United

Atlanta United (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 8-2-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. MLS: 3-1-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2019)

 

 

 

 

Current Season
4-4-2 14 Pts., 15 GF 14 GA, 7th in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Ronaldo Cisneros, 4
Assists Leader: Marcelino Moreno, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Brad Guzan, 7 games, 1.32 GAA / 1 clean sheet

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/24 – MLS – 1-2 loss at Inter Miami CF
4/30 – MLS – 1-2 loss at CF Montreal
5/7 – MLS – 4-1 win vs. Chicago FIre

 

 

 

Nashville FC (Major League Soccer)
3rd US Open Cup appearance (1st in MLS)
Overall: 4-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Away: 4-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2018)

 

Current Season
4-3-3 15 Pts., 11 GF 10 GA, 6th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: CJ Sapong, 3
Assists Leader: Hany Mukhtar, 4
Goalkeeping Leader: Joe Willis, 10 games, 1.00 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 0-1 loss at Los Angeles Galaxy
5/1 – MLS – 1-1 draw vs. Philadelphia Union
5/8 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Real Salt Lake

 

 

 

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Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (MLS) 
Allianz Field; St. Paul, MN 
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

The Colorado Rapids are the worst MLS team as far as the Open Cup goes. Only once in their previous 17 appearances they have advanced past a second game, that came in 1999 when they reached the Final. The Rapids lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-0, the only non-MLS club to win the Open Cup since 1996. Their record against MLS teams in the Open Cup is just 4-8-0, with the last win coming in the 2006 Fourth Round over Real Salt Lake. Since then the Rapids are 0-5 vs. MLS. Their record on the road isn’t much better, 5-16-0 with their last road win coming versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2012 Third Round.

The state of Minnesota’s first entry in the Open Cup game in the 1958 tournament, when the Minneapolis Tigers were the only entry from the state. The Tigers lost to Milwaukee’s Serbian SC 2-1 in extra time, and in the following years the Minnesota entry would play the Wisconsin winner, but failed each time to get past their neighbors to the East.

Minnesota United didn’t have much Open Cup success either in the NASL (2010-2016) or MLS, only advancing past a second game just once in 2012. In 2019 the club finally broke through, making their way to the Final where they lost to Atlanta United 2-1. As an MLS club the Loons are 3-0-0 at home, but hold just a 3-3-0 record against MLS teams.

Minnesota took the first step in returning to the Final with a 2-0 win over Forward Madison in the Third Round. Adrien Honou and Brent Kallman scored in the second half.

Colorado and Minnesota met earlier this season at St. Paul, MN in MLS play on April 16 with Minnesota coming out 3-1 winners. Bakaye Dibassy, Robin Lod and Abu Danladi scored for Minnesota, with Diego Rubio getting the lone marker for Colorado.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United battles for the ball in the club's match against Forward Madison in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United
Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United battles for the ball in the club’s match against Forward Madison in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
18th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-18-1 (0-1 PKs)
Away: 5-16-0
vs. MLS: 4-8-0
Best finish: Final (1999)

 

Current Season
3-4-3 12 Pts., 11 GF 12 GA, 9th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Diego Rubio, 5
Assists Leader: Michael Barrios, 4
Goalkeeping Leader: Will Yagbrough, 10 games, 1.20 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 0-0 draw vs. Charlotte FC
4/30 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Portland Timbers
5/7 – MLS – 0-1 loss at San Jose Earthquakes

 

 

 

Minnesota United (MLS)
11th US Open Cup appearance | 4th in Major League Soccer
Overall: 10-8-2 (1-1 PKS) | 5-3-1 (1-0 PKs) in Major League Soccer
Home: 4-3-0 | 3-0-0 in Major League Soccer
vs. MLS: 4-6-0 | 3-3-0 in Major League Soccer
Best finish: Final (2019)

 

 

Current Season
4-4-2 14 Pts., 11 GF 9 GA, 7th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Robin Lod, 3
Assists Leader: Emanuel Renesto, 4
Goalkeeping Leader: Dayne St, Clair, 8 games, 0.66 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 3-0 win vs. Chicago Fire
5/1 – MLS – 0-2 loss at Los Angeles FC
5/7 – MLS – 0-1 loss vs. FC Cincinnati

 

 

 

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Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Union Omaha (USL-1) 
Caniglia Field (Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha); Omaha, NE 
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Northern Colorado had the odd distinction of their debut Open Cup match also being their first ever match as a club. Despite being outshot 25-9 by the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, the Hailstorm pulled off the 1-0 upset in extra time on Jerry Desdunes’ goal in the 96th minute.

In the Third Round, Robert Cornwall made the most of his teams’ one shot on goal, netting the game winner in the 70th minute to upset Real Salt Lake.

Union Omaha had to go a long longer to pull off the upset in their Third Round match with the Chicago Fire. Noe Meza scored the tying goal midway through the second half, and in extra time Alex Touche sent the game to penalties with a 120th minute stoppage time goal . Rashid Nuhu saved Chicago’s Final penalty to give Omaha the upset.

While they await the completion of their new stadium, Northern Colorado will not play its first home game in USL League One until June 8 when it hosts North Carolina FC

The Hailstorm and Union have not faced each other in USL League One yet, but the club will meet twice before the end of the month on May 11 & 28, both at Omaha.

Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)

1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Away: 2-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2002)

Current Season
1-2-1 4 Pts., 5 GF 8 GA, 10th in USL League One
Goal Scoring Leader: Irvin Parra, 2
Assists Leader: Four players tied with 1
Goalkeeping Leader: Thomas Olden, 3 games, 2.33 GAA / 0 clean sheets

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/20 – USOC 3R – 1-0 win at Real Salt Lake
4/30 – USL L1 – 2-1 win at North Carolina FC
5/7 – USL L1 – 1-4 loss at Chattanooga Red Wolves

 

 

 

Union Omaha (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Division 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2002)

 

Current Season
1-1-2 5 Pts., 6 GF 4 GA, 8th in USL League One
Goal Scoring Leader: Hugo Kametani, John Scearce, 2
Assists Leader: Noe Meza, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Rashid Nuhu, 3 games, 0.67 GAA / 2 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/19 – USOC 3R – 2-2 (AET/5-4 PKs) draw at Chicago Fire
4/23 – USL L1 – 3-0 win vs. Central Valley Fuego
4/30 – USL L1 – 2-1 loss at Charlotte Independence

Union Omaha Chicago Fire 2022 US Open Cup Soldier Field
Union Omaha celebrate after eliminating the Chicago Fire 5-4 in penalty kicks (after a 2-2 draw) in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup at Soldier Field. Photo: Union Omaha

 

 

 

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San Antonio FC (USL-C) at Houston Dynamo (MLS) 
PNC Stadium; Houston, TX 
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Houston has quite a remarkable home field record in the Open Cup, having played 21 of their 31 cup games at home. 14 of their last 17 Cup games have been at PNC Stadium, including the last 9 games. Their entire championship run (5 games) in 2018 was played at PNC. The Dynamo are 5-2-1 (0-1 PKs) against division 2 clubs in the Open Cup, and their last loss to a team from that level came in the 2012 Third Round when the NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions upset them 1-0 at San Antonio.

San Antonio have made decent runs in their short Open Cup history, twice going three rounds deep in 2016 and 2018. In those years their tournament ended at the hands of MLS teams. In ‘16 they dropped a 4-0 decision to Houston, and in ‘18 FC Dallas stopped their run 1-0. The 2016 game is the only time the two clubs have met in Open Cup play.

Both clubs had to fight to the very end in their Third Round games. Houston needed a stoppage-time winner from Samuel Janqua to get past the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 2-1. Each team gifted the other with own goals earlier in the game. San Antonio upset Austin FC 2-1 in extra time at home on goals from Elliot Collier and Carter Manley, but the hero was goalkeeper Jordan Farr. Through the 120 minutes, Farr made seven saves off 28 shots, including stopping a scramble right in front of the goal just before the final whistle.

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club's match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC
San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club’s match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Farr finished a close second in TheCup.us Player of the Round voting in Round 3. Photo: San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC (USL Championship)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-3-2 (1-1 PKs)
Away: 3-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 0-2-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2016, 2018, 2022)

Current Season
7-2-0  21 Pts., 14 GF 7 GA, 2nd in USL Championship Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Elliot Collier, 4
Assists Leader: Connor Maloney, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Jordan Farr, 6 games, 0.83 GAA / 4 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – USLC – 1-0 win at New Mexico United
4/30 – USLC – 6-0 win vs. Monterey Bay FC
5/7 – USLC – 0-3 loss at Phoenix Rising FC

 

 

 

Houston Dynamo (MLS)
14th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 18-11-2 (1-1 PKs)
Home: 15-5-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 6-2-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2018)

 

 

Current Season
3-4-3 12 Pts., 12 GF 13 GA, 8th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Sebastian Ferreira, Darwin Quintero, 4
Assists Leader: Adam Lundqvist, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Steve Clark, 10 games, 1.30 GAA / 2 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 1-2 loss at FC Dallas
4/30 – MLS – 1-2 loss vs. Austin FC
5/7 – MLS – 0-2 loss at D.C. United

 

 

 

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San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) 
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA 
Kickoff: 10 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

The Earthquakes are on a four game home Open Cup winning streak that goes back to 2017. The club has had limited success in their 16 previous Cup appearances, having reached the Quarterfinals nine times but only advancing to the Semifinals twice (2004 & 2017). The ‘Quakes are just 2-9-4()0-4 PKs) against MLS competition, with their last win coming against Seattle in the 2017 Fifth Round.

As a USL club Seattle made Semifinal runs in 2007 & 2008, but once they moved to MLS in 2009 they cemented themselves as one of the great Open Cup teams of all time. The Sounders reached the Final four straight times from 2009-2012, winning the first three, becoming just the fourth team to win three consecutive Open Cup championships. The others are Fall River Marksmen (1929-1931), Stix, Baer & Fuller (1933-1935) and NY Greek American AA (1967-1969). 

Seattle won a fourth title in 2014, adding themselves to another select list of teams to officially win that many, joining the Chicago Fire (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006), Fall River Marksmen (1927, 1929-1931), Greek American AA (1967-1969, 1974), Ukrainian Nationals (1960, 1961, 1963, 1966), and Sporting Kansas City (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017).

Seattle has the unique situation of having a regular Open Cup venue outside of their normal league venue. Over the years the Sounders have played 22 of their 34 home Open Cup games at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington, reserving the larger Lumen Field for home games in the later rounds. From 2005-2014 the Sounders won 19 straight Open Cup games at Starfire, and have an over record of 20-1-1 with one in via PKs.

San Jose rolled over Bay Cities FC of NISA 5-0 in the Third Round, with Jack Skahan, Paul Marie, Cade Cowell, Niko Tskarias and Ousseni Bousa scoring.

Paul Marie of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates after scoring a goal against Bay Cities FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Photos by Benny Blanco | @Bennyy_Blanco
Paul Marie of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates after scoring a goal against Bay Cities FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Photos by Benny Blanco | @Bennyy_Blanco

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-12-7 (3-4 PKs)
Away: 7-7-4 (2-2 PKs)
vs. MLS: 2-9-4 (0-4 PKs)
Best finish: Semifinals (2004, 2017)

Current Season
2-5-3 9 PTs., 16 GF 23 GA, 11th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Jeremy Ebobisse, 5
Assists Leader: Jan Gregus, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: JT Marcinkowski, 10 games, 2.30 GAA / 1 clean sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 3-4 loss vs. Seattle Sounders
5/1 – MLS – 0-3 loss at New York City FC
5/7 – MLS – 1-0 win vs. Colorado Rapids

 

 

 

Seattle Sounders (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance (12th in MLS)
Overall: 38-17-6 (4-2 PKs) | 21-6-4 (3-1 PKs in MLS
Home: 28-4-2 (2-0 PKs) | 17-2-1 (1-0 PKs)
vs. MLS: 19-11-3 (2-1 PKs) | 15-4-2 (1-1) in MLS
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champion (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)

 

Current Season
2-5-1 7 Pts., 9 GF 13 GA, 13th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Jordan Morris, 2
Assists Leader: Nicolas Lodeiro, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Stefan Frei, 5 games, 1.80 GAA / 0 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 3-4 loss at San Jose Earthquakes
5/4 – CONCACAF CL – 3-0 win vs. UNAM Pumas
5/7 – MLS – 0-2 loss at FC Dallas

 

 

 

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Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C) 
Heart Health Park; Sacramento, CA 
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

Phoenix Rising has struggled in its six Open Cup appearances, holding a 6-4-2 (0-2 PKs), and are 2-2-1 (0-1 PKs) against teams from their own level.

Sacramento is nearly unbeaten at home in the Open Cup, carrying a 14-1-0 record with an active 9 game home winning streak dating back to 2017, the longest current streak of its kind. Sacramento are also 4-0 against competition from their own level.

Sacramento has gone as deep as the fifth round on two occasions, in 2017 & 2018. Each time they knocked off MLS opposition, 3-1 over Real Salt Lake in ‘17, and a 2-1 extra time win over Seattle in 2018.

Sacramento had no trouble beating the Portland Timbers U-23s 6-0 in the Second Round. Sacramento held a 6-0 lead at halftime and eased up in the second half so as not to run up the score on the youngsters. Their Third Round game against Central Valley Fuego was a bit more challenging. Despite being outshot 23-7, the Fuego held on to a 1-1 tie for most of the game. Sacramento was awarded a penalty in the 5th minute of stoppage time, which Rodrigo Lopez converted to give Republic a 2-1 win.

Phoenix had a hard time with Valley United FC (NISA) in the Second Round. Claudio Repetto broke the scoreless draw after 115 minutes to give Phoenix a 1-0 win. Phoenix’s Third Round win over New Mexico United came late. New Mexico gifted Phoenix an early lead with an own goal, then tied the game midway through the second half. Greg Hurst won the game for Phoenix with an 81st minute goal.

The teams are even in USL Championship play since 2014 at 6 wins 6 losses and 7 draws. Phoenix has not lost to Sacramento since a 3-1 defeat on May 19, 2018 and holds a 4-0-4 record in the series since then. The clubs have managed to avoid each other in Open Cup play until this year.

Players from Phoenix Rising FC and New Mexico United battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC
Players from Phoenix Rising FC and New Mexico United battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC

 

Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 6-4-2 (0-2 PKs)
Away: 3-0-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. Division 2: 0-1-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2022)

Current Season
6-3-0, 18 Pts., 18 GF 12 GA, 4th in USL Championship Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Greg Hurst, Luis Seijas, 4
Assists Leader: Aodhan Quinn, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Benjamin Lundt, 9 games, 1.33 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – USLC – 2-1 win vs. Miami FC
5/1 – USLC – 0-3 loss at Los Angeles Galaxy II
5/7 – USLC – 3-0 win vs. San Antonio FC

 

 

 

Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-5-1 (0-1 PKs)
Home: 14-1-0
vs. Division 2: 4-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2017, 2018)

Current Season
4-2-3, 15 Pts., 11 GF 9 GA, 5th in USL Championship Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Douglas Martinez, Rodrigo Lopez, 2
Assists Leader: Douglas Martinez, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Daniel Vitiello, 6 games, 1.00 GAA / 1 clean sheet

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/30 – USLC – 1-1 draw vs. Las Vegas Lights
5/4 – USLC – 0-0 draw vs. New Mexico United
5/8 –  USLC – 1-0 win at New York Red Bulls II

 

 

Sacramento Republic Portland Timbers U-23s 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Sacramento Republic celebrate during the club’s game against Portland Timbers U-23s in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: John Jacobs

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LA Galaxy (MLS) at California United Strikers FC (NISA) 
Orange County Great Park (Championship Stadium); Irvine, CA 
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

 

 

 

It’s been 16 years since the Galaxy’s back to back Finals appearances, and since then they’ve struggled to find consistent success. 2007 through 2014 saw a string of tournaments the Galaxy did not qualify for or were eliminated after just two games.2015 saw a return to the Quarterfinals followed by a Semifinal (2016) and another Quarterfinal (2017). The last two tournaments the Galaxy were stopped by the Portland Timbers each time.

Ther Galaxy have struggles on the road in Open Cup play, holding a 9-14-1 (1-0 PKs) record. Five of those losses are to njon-MLS clubs, the last coming in the 2014 Fifth Round to the Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC).

California United Strikers FC made their Open Cup debut in the Second Round with a resounding 5-0 win over San Fernando Valley FC of the UPSL. The star of the show was 15-year old Marcus Lee, who scored the opening goal in the 4th minute and assisted on another. 

Lee has his very own supporters group from the high school he attends, and is believed to be the youngest player ever to score an Open Cup goal.

California United won their Third Round game over FC Tucson in dramatic fashion. Down 1-0 for most of the game, Omar Nuno tied the score in the 71st minute, and on his debut for the club, Ryotaro Kawashima won the game in stoppage time.

The Galaxy welcomed former club legend and San Diego Loyal manager Landon Donovan to Dignity Health Sports Park in the Third Round, and came away 1-0 winners. Kevin Cabral scored the lone goal of the game.

Omar Nuno of California United Strikers scores a goal against FC Tucson in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal United Strikers
Omar Nuno of California United Strikers scores a goal against FC Tucson in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Cal United Strikers

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-17-1 (1-0mPKs)
Away: 9-14-1 (1-0 Pks)
vs. Division 3: 2-1-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2001, 2005)

 

 

Current Season
6-3-1 10 Pts., 11 GF 7 GA, 3rd in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Chicharito, 5
Assists Leader: Raheem Edwards, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: Jonathan Bond, 10 games, 0.70 GAA / 5 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – MLS – 1-0 win vs. Nashville SC
4/30 – MLS – 0-1 loss at Real Salt Lake
5/8 – 1-0 win at Austin FC

 

 

 

California United Strikers FC (NISA)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)

Current Season
4-2-0 14 Pts., 9 GF 4 GA, 1st in NISA West Division
Goal Scoring Leader: Omar Nuno, 3
Assists Leader: Felipe Liborio Jr., 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Jean Gamain Antoine, 3 games, 0.00 GAA / 3 clean sheets

 

 

 

 

Last Three Games
4/23 – NISA – 4-3 win vs. Bay Cities FC
5/1 – NISA – 1-0 win at AC Syracuse Pulse
5/4 – NISA – 2-1 win at Flower City Union

 

 

 

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Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Major League Soccer, MLS, Preview

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Maxi Rodriguez of Detroit City FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 2, 2022 by Tavio Palazzolo

After scoring two second-half goals to lead USL Championship side Detroit City FC to a comeback 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, their first victory over a Major League Soccer side, Maxi Rodriguez has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

It turned out to be a narrow vote as he edged out his former club San Antonio FC’s goalkeeper Jordan Farr, who backstopped his side to a 2-1 win over MLS side and Open Cup debutant Austin FC. Also receiving consideration was Dion Acoff from Union Omaha (USL League One) who finished third, followed by Robert Cornwall from Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One).

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.

Rodriguez has usually been known as the pacemaker of the Detroit City FC squad since he joined in 2021 (when they were in the National Independent Soccer Association), but found himself at the end of the play instead of the start to get DCFC on the board. With Detroit City FC down 1-0, he was the recipient of a cross from Antoine Hoppenot and headed home the equalizer in the 64th minute. Rodriguez discussed the training that paid off: “Trevor always says, especially midfielders, there’s always time to talk about us getting in the box, getting on the end of crosses, so going into the game, I thought that was going to be important … to be fearless in the box, get into situations that will allow the team to score.”

Another look at our first goal of the night from @MaxiRodrigue21, assisted by @AntoineHoppenot!#DCTID pic.twitter.com/b5HOIFrv1b

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

From that point, Rodriguez remembered “it was kind of a feeling that there’s no way we go on and lose this game.” Then, with time ticking away, Michael Bryant was hauled down in the box by Crew captain Josh Williams. It was none other than Rodriguez who stepped to the spot. His shot went to the keeper’s left, bounced off the post, and slowly rolled in to give DCFC the lead.

“I think I’m pretty comfortable taking PKs, no matter the situation, so I kind of jog, got the ball and went through my routine. Goalie almost saved it, but luckily it snuck in the post, barely went over the line … Amazing run to our supporters section, team, behind me in such a pivotal game for the club. It was a dream come true.”

With those goals, Rodriguez scored his second and third in his US Open Cup career. His first came with his hometown club, San Antonio FC, in the Second Round in 2018, as they defeated Midland-Odessa Sockers FC 4-0.

Having grown up in San Antonio, he started training back in high school with the first iteration of the Texas side, known as the San Antonio Scorpions, and then further built a relationship with the Scorpions and later SAFC during his summers away from college with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. They informed him that they would invite him and possibly sign him if he did not get drafted after college, and did so in 2017.

HE DOES IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE.@MaxiRodrigue21#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mz2iww42Da

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022

The game against Columbus was not Rodriguez’s first against an MLS team. San Antonio FC faced off against FC Dallas in the Fourth Round in 2018, in which Dallas won the game in San Antonio 1-0. Rodriguez discussed how his youth played a factor in his appearance there: “I was a lot more nervous for the FC Dallas game. I was younger then, not as much experience under my belt.”

After a season with the Richmond Kickers in 2019, Rodriguez sat out 2020 having not found a club before the COVID-19 pandemic brought games to a halt. He was ready to call it quits, but COVID gave him an opportunity to train, and Detroit came calling as they prepared for 2021.

“They were interested in me as a player, and I ran at the idea of playing again after thinking that I was possibly going to be done … The rest is history. It was just the perfect fit for me and probably the best decision I ever made.”

Detroit City FC Columbus Crew 2022 US Open Cup Maxi Rodriguez
Maxi Rodriguez (airborne) and his Detroit City FC teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | Detroit City FC

He has become a club talisman with DCFC in the past two years, and talked about how he has found a home in Detroit.

“Sometimes you just need the right situation, the right scene, the right manager in order to … flourish and do well, and I feel like Detroit has been that pivotal team,” said Rodriguez. “Trevor has been that manager for me that trusts me and gives me the opportunity … (I’ve) just been trying to repay the club and him ever since.”

Rodriguez also spoke about the upcoming Round of 32 match at home against fellow USL Championship side Louisville City FC, a club that DCFC lost to in penalty kicks in the Second Round in 2016).

“I think it’s another opportunity for the club to make history. The league games are very important, but I think we’ve got to put extreme focus on that Open Cup game, and I think having a game at Keyworth is important. I think it’s going to big time for us as a team to have those supporters there and have the smoke, have the noise, and continue this run and not stop now.”

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Detroit City FC, Player of the Round

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

April 24, 2022 by Grace Ott

Photo: Benny Blanco | @Bennyy_Blanco

With the entrance of MLS teams into the tournament, there was room for dramatic upsets in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Twenty-four teams advanced to the Round of 32 where eight more MLS teams are set to join them in the competition (May 10-11).

There were some spectacular individual performances in the thrilling Third Round of the 107th edition of the tournament.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters but if YOU had a vote, which player do you think would win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Dion Acoff
Union Omaha (USL League One)

Acoff provided the assist for the goal at the death in extra time to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to a penalty shootout against the Chicago Fire (MLS) and then scored the winning PK in the sixth round to seal the upset on the road, 5-4.

Alvaro Barreal
FC Cincinnati (MLS)

After a scoreless 90 minutes, Barreal turned up the heat in extra time, scoring both goals (one PK) to give Cincinnati a 2-0 home win at TQL Stadium over former USL rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship).

Robert Cornwall
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)

Cornwall scored the lone goal of Northern Colorado Hailstorm’s match against Real Salt Lake (MLS) in dramatic fashion, with a volley from the top of the box in the 70th minute.  This gave Hailstorm an impressive 1-0 upset over RSL in the club’s first-ever season of existence.

Jordan Farr
San Antonio FC (USL Championship)

Farr made seven saves over the course of San Antonio’s home match against Austin FC (MLS) to preserve the 2-1 upset in extra time.  Most notably, he accomplished a dramatic double save in the final seconds of the game while tangled on the ground with another player to prevent the game from being decided on penalties.                                 

Ola Kamara
DC United (MLS)

Kamara was involved in all three of DC United’s goals against Flower City Union (NISA), scoring two of them (one PK) and assisting on the other as DC scored in a flurry in the last twenty minutes to avoid the upset in Rochester with a 3-0 win.

Ryotaro Kawashima
California United Strikers FC (NISA)

After being subbed on in the 63rd minute for his debut, the 22-year-old Kawashima scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to lift Cal United over FC Tucson (USL League One) and avoid extra time.  The win gave Cal United a spot as the only NISA team to make it to the Fourth Round of this year’s tournament.

Rodrigo Lopez
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

Lopez had a hand in both goals scored by Sacramento Republic in their 2-1 home win over Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One).  After providing the assist on the first goal right before halftime, he stepped up to the spot in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time to slot home the clutch penalty to win the game in regulation.

Kyle Morton
Louisville City FC (USL Championship)

Though he wasn’t tested much, Morton kept a clean sheet through 120 minutes to take Louisville City to penalties against St. Louis City SC 2 (MLS Next Pro) after a scoreless draw. He then made two critical saves in the thrilling shootout that went to the 10th round, giving Lou City the 9-8 PK win.

Maxi Rodriguez
Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

Rodriguez scored a second half brace to give Detroit City their first win over a MLS team with a 2-1 comeback home win over the Columbus Crew (MLS) in front of a raucous crowd in Detroit.  After being down since the 7th minute, Rodriguez’s goals gave Detroit the comeback, culminating with the game-winner in the 86th minute.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Player of the Round

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: LAFC score five ‘beautiful goals’ in dominant win over Orange County SC

April 24, 2022 by Kathryne Padilla

Cal Jennings of LAFC celebrates his goal against Orange County SC with Latif Blessing and Carlos Vela in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

Creating a large lead in the first half of the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup would place the Los Angeles Football Club in the next round after defeating Orange County Soccer Club, 5-1. 

“Yeah, one round, which was the objective tonight is happy with the goals we scored, the quality of the football, and the goals were excellent. Something we’ve been working on and wanting to improve, not just playing successfully, meaning giving around further getting three points in the league, but scoring beautiful goals,” LAFC head coach, Steve Cherundolo said. 

At the sound of the whistle, LAFC came onto the pitch full force and within the first minute had their first shot straight shot on goal. While that opporunity passed, the momentum for that moment did not lighten up. 

Still waiting for a Moose emoji ???? pic.twitter.com/MvA12T69yp

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 21, 2022

However, OCSC would return the same energy and a shot from almost mid-field would barely brush the fingers tips of LAFC goalie John McCarthy and go over the post thus losing OCSC’s closest opportunity to being first on the board. 

In the 13th minute, LAFC in its offensive push at the top of the box Danny Musovski would complete a pass from Jose Cifuentes and hit the lower far corner of the post that was just out of reach of the OCSC goalie’s hand. 

Following the goal, OCSC didn’t lose sight of its energy and was quick to try and make a turnaround. OCSC held off the LAFC offense for as long as they could and tried to create meaningful offensive strides. 

Chiqui ???? Chicho pic.twitter.com/DPtaW9dDZQ

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 21, 2022

Yet, in a breakaway move during LAFC’s offensive advance a volley from Diego Palacios into the mid of the goalie box would find the foot of Cristian Arango and back into the net. 

By the 34th minute, the 2-0 score would be in LAFC’s favor. 

Now trailing behind, OCSC began to lose its formation just a bit and would continue to fend off the LAFC offense. 

In the final minute of the half, OCSC goalie, Patrick Rakovsky stepped to the side of the post to block a potential shot. However, Musovski saw the chance to pass the ball to his teammate Arango who had a clear shot of the unguarded side of the goal. 

Arango would gain his second goal of the night and lengthen the lead to 3-0. 

Showtime Football ????

pic.twitter.com/lGGydqe5nO

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 21, 2022

As the second half was underway, both teams entered the field with the same determination and aggression. It was evident that LAFC wanted to keep a clean slate but OCSC was eager to get at least one goal in. 

However, that heated play would only lead to a card being awarded during the play in the 55th minute. In a defensive move, LAFC Palacios would commit a foul that would give him the first and only yellow of the match. 

In a round of substitutions in the 63rd minute, LAFC Cal Jennings and Carlos Vela would be assets for the team. 

Just a few minutes later in the 68th minute, Jennings would be added to the list of scores after a pass from fellow teammate Franco Escobar led him to in front of the box, for a clean shot. 

63’ – ????
68’ – ????

pic.twitter.com/UyMHvLwyUm

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 21, 2022

“It was awesome. It’s something you know that when I signed here, I was dreaming about, you know, scoring in front of a crowd and the 3252 and it happened to me so I’ll take it. Whether it’s one in the six-yard box or outside the box, every goal counts,” Jennings said. 

LAFC would lead 4-0, but that would change again in the next few minutes. 

In the 71st minute, in another swift offensive push, off the right side of the field, Vela would make a short pass to the center of the goalie box where Musovski would claim his second goal of the night. 

With the lead now 5-0, OCSC still battled to at least get one goal and their efforts would finally be awarded in the 73rd minute. 

OCSC Erick Torres would find himself in front of the goalie and take a shot that was passed to him by his teammate Tommy McCabe and make the score 5-1. 

“We want to play our game and put the game on our terms. And every minute, that doesn’t always work out,” Cherundolo said. “But I’m not too concerned with the scoreline, we want to play our style of play and we’re trying to do that at every moment possible.”

???? ???? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ????????pic.twitter.com/uwAzrr7OAF

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 21, 2022

The goal seemed to put a fire into the OCSC and put more pressure on LAFC’s defense. However, that would not be enough to even out the score. 

The match would conclude with a score of 5-1, in LAFC’s favor and eliminate OCSC from the competition. It was the most goals scored by LAFC in the club’s brief history that includes two previous Open Cup appearances.

LAFC’s next opponent in the U.S. Open Cup will be determined in the next drawing on Friday, but until then they return their focus back on their spring season. 

“In terms of who we play next. We’ll just have to wait and see the draw. I don’t think we’re thinking too much about it yet until we see who we’re playing and then we’ll do our preparation after that,” Musovski said. 

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Orange County SC

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Rodrigo Lopez lifts Sacramento Republic over CV Fuego with 90th min. PK

April 24, 2022 by Javier Arellano

Rodrigo Lopez (left) of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Central Valley Fuego in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Rodrigo Lopez (left) of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Central Valley Fuego in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Central Valley Fuego FC came into the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a load of confidence. After taking down El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) in Round 2, Fuego FC battled Sacramento Republic FC in a close match at Heart Health Park. 

For the third time in US Open Cup history, the Indomitable Club was welcoming a Fresno-based professional team to the Golden State’s capitol, curious enough they have all been matchups in the Third Round. In 2014 and 2019, Republic FC came out on top and moved on to the next round. Tonight was no different, with Sacramento coming out with a 2-1 win on the strength of a Rodrigo Lopez penalty kick in the 90th minute.

“When you play cup games, it’s all about winning,” said Mark Briggs, Sacramento Republic FC head coach. “And we’ve won, we’re in the draw tomorrow and that’s all that matters.”

90’ | “El Capi” @Lopez_Roro converts from the mark and @SacRepublicFC moves on to the fourth round of the @opencup!

2-1 | #USOC2022 #SACvCV pic.twitter.com/7Lur80arts

— Javier Arellano (@javarellan) April 21, 2022

This win did not come easy. 

While Republic dominated in the first half and headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Dan Casey, the second half was a different story. CV Fuego FC came out with a change in attitude and mentality. Martin Vasquez’s side pushed the lines forward and started to attack with a higher frequency. A familiar foe in Villyan Bijev, who spent three seasons in a Sacramento uniform, led the attack for Fuego FC and Republic captain Rodrigo Lopez was aware of that. 

“You saw Villyan Bijev everytime he got the ball in the second half he was a threat,” said Lopez. “We just needed to be a bit more aware, but in the end we did what we had to do and we won, which was the most important thing.” 

The game almost seemed like a chess game between Vasquez and Briggs. The first 15 minutes of the game Fuego FC did not attack, sat back and limited Lopez getting involved.They did a good job closing down space and closing down Luis Felipe and Douglas Martinez Jr. as well. Even then, Republic relied on Keko and Lewis to create chances on goal. The Fuego goalkeeper made three big saves in the first half. 

In the second half, as mentioned, Vasquez modified to a more offensive mindset. Bijev was moved to the left flank instead of in the central part of the field. A turning point came in the 75th minute when Fuego substitute Renato Bustamante came in for Diego Casillas. Last 15 minutes of the game, down 1-0, Vasquez was going for it. His decision paid dividends as Bustamante’s first contact with the ball turned into a goal two minutes later after Bijev beat his defender and crossed the ball in for Renato to hit the back of the net. 

That service from @Lopez_Roro though ????#USOC2022 | @SacRepublicFC pic.twitter.com/Oad6E6lsTf

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) April 21, 2022

In the dying minutes of regulation, Sacramento pushed numbers forward and Matt LaGrassa drew a penalty kick after being taken down in the box by a CV Fuego defender. The home crowd ignited after the whistle was blown.  

Rodrigo Lopez was the clear choice to take the spot kick. 

“There’s nobody else I would want in those moments,” said Briggs. “We all know what ‘Roro’ brings, his qualities, but the things he does off the field make him an exceptional captain as well. I think he led by example again tonight.” 

The 90th-minute goal was Rodrigo Lopez’s fifth career US Open Cup goal, second-most in Sacramento Republic history.

With this win, Republic FC also extended their home winning streak to eight games, which is the longest active streak and tied for the fourth longest of the Modern Era (1995-present) of the US Open Cup. 

“Hopefully we can get a home game, get this place rocking and hopefully we can beat an MLS team and make some noise in the cup,” Briggs said after the game. “And also show MLS what they’re missing with this club.”

The next day, the Indomitable Club found out that they will, in fact, have a home game in the Fourth Round of the tournament. However, it won’t be against an MLS side. Republic FC will host fellow USL Championship rival Phoenix Rising FC on May 11.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Central Valley Fuego FC, Sacramento Republic FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Greg Hurst’s late winner helps Phoenix Rising win rematch with New Mexico United

April 24, 2022 by Jim Coppock

Greg Hurst (left) of Phoenix Rising FC celebrates after scoring a goal in the 81st minute against New Mexico United in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC
Greg Hurst (left) of Phoenix Rising FC celebrates after scoring a goal in the 81st minute against New Mexico United in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC

On a warm night in Chandler, Ariz., Phoenix Rising hosted New Mexico United in the Third Round of thee 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Phoenix would win the game by a score of 2-1. The one-goal victory is the second such winning margin in five days; the teams having met the previous Saturday in a USL Championship contest.

After an unfortunate deflection in the opening minutes gave Phoenix the lead on an own goal, New Mexico answered in the second half with an equalizer from Nico Brett in the 65th minute.

But the hero for the home team would be Greg Hurst who headed home the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute. It avenged a 2019 Open Cup meeting between the clubs that saw United prevail in penalty kicks.

The game started with the home side in control, pinning New Mexico back in defense. After not quite two minutes completed, the referee would have words with Phoenix’s Jason Farrell and New Mexico’s Chris Wehan after a testy exchange.

Good things happen when you send the ball into the box.#RisingAsOne | @jcali10

???? @JULlANESQUE pic.twitter.com/3wzna3uPGm

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 21, 2022

Just three minutes later, Phoenix’s Joseph Calistri sent a ball across the penalty area, which was deflected by William Seymore, which fell between the outstretched arm of GK Ford Parker and the crossbar to put the home side in front. Joseph Calistri and Roderick Epps would spend the first half troubling the New Mexico back line.

New Mexico could not find second gear for the first 17 minutes. The visitors would continue to grow confident, forcing Phoenix netminder Ben Lundt into more and more activity. The New Mexico captain Sam Hamilton would go off in the 31st due to injury. His replacement, Obiarrah Preston Tabortetaka, would make an immediate impact by driving into the Phoenix goal area in his first possession. He, Illia Ilic and Neco Brett would become a thorn for the Phoenix defense.

All he does is score goals.#RisingAsOne | @GregHurst10

???? @JULlANESQUE pic.twitter.com/SV9f44rULE

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 21, 2022

In spite of the one-sided beginning, both sides would amass six shots with one on goal in the first half.

The second half began with New Mexico applying the pressure from the whistle. Both sides moved the ball well and created good chances. The second round extra time hero for Phoenix, Claudio Repetto, would find himself in consistently good positions, but adjudged to be offside several times. Roderick Epps would continue to trouble New Mexico with several good chances, but no goal to show for it.

In the 65th minute, Harry Swartz would, from inside his own half, send a 45-yard pass to a streaking Neco Brett. Bretty coolly split two defenders and slotted it with his left foot to level the score. It was the culmination of a good spell of possession and creativity for the visitors.

Players from Phoenix Rising FC and New Mexico United battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC
Players from Phoenix Rising FC and New Mexico United battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Eryn Nicholson | Phoenix Rising FC

Both teams again would trade opportunities and possession for several minutes. Finally, in the 81st minute, a team-goal would begin from a goal kick. The 8-pass sequence that involved 7 players, culminating in a headed goal by Greg Hurst, from a Santi Moar header to put the Rising in front for good. New Mexico’s GK, Ben Lundt seemed to think the shot was going wide and was frozen to the spot as the ball gently glanced off the inside of the post. It is Hurst’s second game-winning goal against New Mexico in as many games.

The Phoenix Rising advance to the round of 32, the draw for which will be held April 21st at noon ET.

Both teams continued to press for another goal, but no more were to be had.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, New Mexico United, Phoenix Rising FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Hailstorm FC’s only shot on goal a spectacular game-winner in upset of RSL

April 23, 2022 by Sean Walker

Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Can a first-year third-division team go on the road in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, give up 16 shots and only put one on frame, and concede 61% of possession against an MLS team?

Hail yeah, they can.

Robert Cornwall scored the only goal of the match in the 70th minute, and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC stunned Real Salt Lake 1-0 Wednesday night in front of an announced crowd of 19,301 ticket consumers at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Goalkeeper Thomas Olsen, a former third-round MLS SuperDraft pick by the Colorado Rapids in 2018, made two saves to earn the shutout for Northern Colorado.

The Hailstorm, founded in 2021, did something very few clubs have ever done. Northern Colorado played their first match in club history in the US Open Cup. And what a win it was. The Hailstorm traveled away to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship) and beat them 1-0 in extra time on April 6, courtesy of an extra-time winner from Jerry Desdunes. Now, after a draw and a loss on the road to begin league play, they rebound with a dramatic home win over an MLS side.

This was @nocohailstormfc‘s first shot on goal of the match, btw. #HailYeah | #RSLvNCO pic.twitter.com/u29dtxOmc5

— Salt City FC (@saltcityfc) April 21, 2022

“This one is even sweeter,” Northern Colorado coach Éamon Zayed said after the match, comparing the RSL win to the Switchbacks upset in Round 2. “So proud of our players tonight. They brought everything, every ounce of effort, every ounce of fight. They were solid, we talked about it, we had a game plan. We wanted to remain compact and hard to break down.”

The Hailstorm won’t win many style points in the club’s Open Cup debut, either against the Switchbacks or RSL. But in the end, they’ll win the only way that matters.

As far as soccer aesthetics go, Wednesday’s match wasn’t much less of an eyesore than before — but the result is all that matters, or at least it was to the Colorado players who rushed the field after the win and the two assistant coaches in the visiting box who hugged and screamed obscenities at the crowd beneath them for most of the nine minutes of stoppage time.

With the loss, Real Salt Lake’s winless streak in the US Open Cup continues, dating back to a 2016 penalty kick shootout win over the now-defunct Wilmington Hammerheads (penalty kick results are officially listed as a draw). With that result going down as a draw, RSL has gone winless in seven-straight matches in Open Cup play — the longest such streak by an MLS club in the Open Cup’s Modern Era. Its five-match home winless streak is the longest active winless skid in the Modern Era, as well.

RSL out-shot the Hailstorm 16-5, but only placed two shots on goal to Colorado’s one — the destined rip into the top shelf by Cornwall that was all the difference with 20 minutes left in regulation. With several RSL players standing around, a couple drawn out of position, and some appealing to the sideline referee for an offside call, the Hailstorm surrounded Cornwall as he ran to the corner flag, hands at his earns, drinking in the boos of the home crowd that was less than the announced attendance number.

Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC dribbles the ball against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Robert Cornwall of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC dribbles the ball against Real Salt Lake in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Ashley Potts | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

“You can do well defensively for 89 minutes, and in that one moment, it can cost you the game,” RSL manager Pablo Mastroeni said. “We’ll go back and look at that.

“But the first half just wasn’t good enough — it wasn’t good enough with the ball and in the attacking third. With these teams who are playing for everything, it’s important to get on the board early. They grew into the game, and the guy scored an otherworldly goal.”

The MLS side, which stretched its winless skid to five matches across all competitions with the loss, also had six shots blocked, and couldn’t convert on eight attempts from the corner flags, were caught offside three times, and lost the number of duels in the outfield, 52-44.

Stats can say a lot of things, but the only one that mattered in the end was this: Hailstorm 1, Real Salt Lake 0.

“I think the game is won and lost inside the boxes,” Mastroeni said. “You’ve got to make defensive plays, and you’ve got to make plays on offense.

“The cohesion of the front group wasn’t there in the first half. When Pablo (Ruiz) came in, it changed that. But you’ve got to have quality in that final third if you want to score goals — and tonight we didn’t have that.”

LET’S ABSOLUTELY GOOOOOOO!!#HailYeah pic.twitter.com/C1c0GnMqDe

— Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (@nocohailstormfc) April 21, 2022

Salt Lake brought back a handful of first-team players from injury — goalkeeper David Ochoa, defender Justen Glad and midfielder Jasper Loffelsend — to pair with a handful of first-team players and even more Real Monarchs and academy players to cobble together a first-choice lineup.

In all, seven RSL players made Open Cup debuts, including Loffelsend, Ochoa, Bode Davis, Bobby Pierre, Pierre Reedy, Chris Garcia and Rubio Rubin as the two sides played to a scoreless first half. Glad came off just after the 60th minute in favor of 17-year-old RSL center back Jaziel Orozco, who was recently called into camp with the United States’ U-20 youth national team beginning Sunday.

The Sound of Hail? | @nocohailstormfc 🌨@realsaltlake won’t forget it soon | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/yFOPPFwBdv

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 21, 2022

RSL out-shot their lower-division Cinderella group, 8-1 before the break, including the only two shots on goal while holding 52% of possession. But the hosts couldn’t break through, and Cornwall gave Northern Colorado the lead in the 70th minute with a banger underneath the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
But the final touch wasn’t there. The tactical adjustment in the final third wasn’t there.

Most importantly, the goal — the essence of the sport, in many ways — wasn’t there.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the goal,” Orozco said. “We created some chances, but couldn’t score. I’m disappointed, but we’ve got to move on.”

After becoming just the 16th team in the Modern Era to start a tournament with back-to-back shutout wins, Northern Colorado advances to the Fourth Round where they will travel to take on fellow USL League One side Union Omaha on May 10.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, Real Salt Lake

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Jordan Farr’s OT heroics preserve San Antonio FC win over Austin FC

April 23, 2022 by Chris Hockman

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr makes a save in the club's match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC
San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr makes a save in the club’s match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

It took withstanding a barrage of attacks late, but San Antonio FC got the job done, winning 2-1 over Austin FC after extra-time in front of a sold-out and loud Toyota Field in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Austin broke the scoreless deadlock in the 47th minute. Diego Fagundez was played in by Sebastian Driussi, and despite a tight angle, placed his strike carefully past Jordan Farr to give the Major League Soccer side the lead in the club’s Open Cup debut.

San Antonio FC sent the match to extra-time in the 83rd minute. A perfect cross from Justin Dhillon found Elliot Collier who was able to continue his vein of goalscoring form and bury it at the near post.

In the 96th minute an unexpected source found the goal to put the USL Championship side ahead. Carter Manley placed a perfect header past the keeper to score his first goal for San Antonio FC after a great cross from Mitchell Taintor.

For the first time in San Antonio FC history it felt like a derby, with the capacity crowd lifting the roof off the media side of the stadium in what was not only the club’s first-ever win over an MLS opponent, it was San Antonio’s first-ever win over a professional opponent (NOTE: San Antonio’s PK win over Colorado Springs in 2018 is officially listed as a draw, per US Open Cup rules)

San Antonio looked to capitalize early, perhaps knowing that the MLS side’s fitness would be better in the stretch. That led to plenty of shots early but mostly from distance as a disciplined Austin defense kept the hosts from getting into the box.

A night to remember. #Defend210 pic.twitter.com/ovyxJB80XT

— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 22, 2022


It was mistake after mistake in the 27th minute when Austin should have hit the lead. A mishit ball bounced off the post and into Diego Fagundez who couldn’t control it enough. The ball was loose in close range before the SAFC defense managed to clear it off the line.

It should have been a San Antonio lead in the 34th minute when a good run from Deshane Beckford saw him able to cut the ball back. But he got no help from his teammates only being able to put it across the face of goal.

Being a goal down, San Antonio FC had to open up for the rest of the second half which created an end-to-end match but the end-product from the hosts just didn’t match up.

This night won’t soon be forgotten🙌 Thank you for showing out San Antonio that’s for everyone that’s been with this club since the beginning y’all deserve it.
Now full focus on the weekend and progressing every further! https://t.co/9u69UlzYSB

— Jordan Farr (@jordanfarr0) April 22, 2022


In the 67th minute, Santiago Patino worked magic on the wing to get clear to send a ball square. Unfortunately his teammates weren’t on the same page, keeping them off the scoreboard.

San Antonio had the ball in the back of the net in the 76th minute but it was only after the whistle had already gone as Patino was pinned for offside.

Austin woke up after going behind and were only denied from a winner at the death by a clearance off the line by Dhillon who had run the length of the field.

At the very end of stoppage time a fracas broke out in the San Antonio right corner but ultimately the officials thought nothing of it.

Jordan Farr rescued his team in the 94th minute when Rodney Reyes was played through on goal but Farr’s quick thinking was enough to get the save and allow his team to clear.

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club's match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC
San Antonio FC goalkeeper Jordan Farr punches the ball away in his club’s match against Austin FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: San Antonio FC

At the very end of the first half of extra-time a corner perfectly found Patino but his volley bounced into the pitch which was too hard and sent it over the bar keeping Austin in the match.

The woodwork denied Austin in the 110th minute as the packed San Antonio FC defense couldn’t cover every angle and Felipe Martinez got on the end of a Jon Gallagher cross but could only find the bar.

Promise kept. 🗣🤝

Mic’d up with one of our ball boys, Brayden! 🎤#Defend210 pic.twitter.com/4HKLulkDnC

— San Antonio FC (@SanAntonioFC) April 22, 2022


Farr was at his best again with four minutes to play as Hector Jimenez hit a ball along the ground, with pace but Farr got his body behind it to send his side through.

In what proved to be the last attack of the game, five minutes into stoppage time, there was chaos in the box as Farr could only punch clear but San Antonio scrambled. Austin then fired a shot from just outside the box which took a deflection in front and fell into the path of Austin’s Felipe Martins at the edge of the six-yard box. Martins slid to the ground to try to get a touch to it but Farr came out to meet him and the two met at the ball and it deflected away from goal, but only a few yards away. Austin’s Rodney Renes pounced on the loose ball with the goalkeeper and Martins still on the ground after their encounter just a few seconds ago. Renes immediately shot the ball on frame, but despite having nearly the entire goal to choose from, his quick reaction shot saw him send the ball directly at Farr, who was sitting on his backside in front of goal.

Moments later, the whistle blew, which triggered jubilation among the San Antonio players and their fans.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Austin FC, San Antonio FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Louisville City spoils Hackworth’s return, ends St. Louis CITY 2’s only USOC run

April 23, 2022 by Benton Newman

Joshua Wynder of Louisville City FC celebrates his winning goal in the PK shootout against St. Louis CITY 2 in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography
Joshua Wynder of Louisville City FC celebrates his winning goal in the PK shootout against St. Louis CITY 2 in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography

St Louis City SC 2 interim head coach, John Hackworth, made his return to Lynn Family Stadium to take on his former club, Louisville City FC, in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The young MLS Next Pro side hung with the two-time USL champs through 90 minutes and extra time, maintaining a 0-0 scoreline, before falling short in penalty kicks, 9-8.

Hackworth suddenly and unceremoniously departed Louisville after the first regular-season match of 2021 and would later join St Louis City SC as director of coaching. Upon his exit, Danny Cruz, a former player and friend of Hackworth, would assume the title of interim head coach of Louisville City before later earning the job permanently. Now, the mentor faced off against his mentee. While both teams fought for an opportunity to advance in the competition, there were undeniable additional motivations for each team to want the win.

It was an uphill battle for St Louis as the team, whose average age is slightly over 20, played defensively, looking for counter-attacking opportunities against a notoriously stingy Louisville defense. City held Louisville to only four total shots (one on target) in the first half, but only found two shots (none on target) for themselves.

The second half drifted even further in the home team’s favor. With over 60% of possession, Louisville City fired off nine shots and four on target to St Louis City’s zero.

In the 59th minute, LouCity found the first serious goal-scoring opportunity. Enoch “Matiti” Mushagalusa dished the ball over to Brian Ownby, whose near-post shot was deflected out.

Only ten minutes later, a Louisville cross in front of the goal was nearly poked in the far post by Napo Matsoso. Wilson Harris had the best opportunity of the night to find a lead when, at the 75-minute mark, he took a shot central in the St Louis City SC box that was kept out of goal by the heroics of goalkeeper Michael Creek who dove and got a single hand on the shot and kept it out.

“We have one goal tonight, gentlemen, and that’s to 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.”

And after 120 minutes and 10 rounds of penalties, the boys in purple came out on top to move on to the Round of 32 in the U.S. Open Cup.

🎬 Re-live #LOUvSTL and another epic night at The Fam 🎬 pic.twitter.com/i6m9PZm7Ck

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) April 21, 2022


The match remained scoreless and crept into extra time as fans’ enthusiasm transformed into nervousness. Only a few shots were registered in extra time as the tactical chess match between Coach Hackworth and Coach Cruz required penalty kicks to determine the victor.

Fans flooded the Waterfront supporters section behind the goal on the northern side of the pitch where the match was to be determined. An early stop of St Louis City’s Max Schneider on the first kick and a miss from Louisville City’s Jorge Gonzalez on his team’s third was the only glimmer of hopes for each side until St Louis’ Dida Armstrong’s shot was saved on the 10th try. 16-year-old Louisville native, Josh Wynder, stepped up to the spot and made his attempt to send Louisville into the Fourth Round of the Cup.

“Tonight felt like a playoff game,” said Louisville City head coach Danny Cruz. “Us doing the penalties, and you see all the crowd over there with everybody loud and screaming — it certainly feels like that and those moments are beneficial for the growth of the group. We had a lot of young guys take penalties in those moments tonight, and I walked away very impressed, and that is not easy.”

Jorge Gonzalez of Louisville City FC battles for the ball against St. Louis CITY 2 in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography
Jorge Gonzalez of Louisville City FC battles for the ball against St. Louis CITY 2 in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography

Post match, St Louis City SC head coach John Hackworth acknowledged the challenge his team was up against.

“I’m really proud of my team. I don’t know if you guys know — there were a lot of teenagers on the field,” said Hackworth. “To come into this stadium against that quality of players, it says a lot about where they are. They are young and got there in a shot amount of time.”

It was one of the longer penalty kick shootouts of the Modern Era (1995-present). This was just the seventh shootout since 1995 to last 10 rounds of more.

With that result, St Louis City SC 2 has likely seen its last run in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as next season the senior team will be assembled and joining the fray as a Division 1 MLS contender, thus making them ineligible.

Louisville City, who won their first penalty shootout since the 2017 USL Championship Eastern Conference final against New York Red Bulls 2, will advance to Round 4 for the third tournament in a row and the fourth time in the club’s six all-time appearances. Louisville also remains undefeated in Open Cup play at home, extending the club’s home unbeaten streak to nine games (7-0-2, 2-0 PKs), the third-longest active unbeaten streak in the competition.

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Louisville City FC, St. Louis City 2

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Atlanta United begin delayed title defense with blowout of Chattanooga FC

April 23, 2022 by Sydney Hunte

Atlanta United forward Luiz Araújo dribbles the ball during the match against Chattanooga FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Kyle Hess | Atlanta United
Atlanta United forward Luiz Araújo dribbles the ball during the match against Chattanooga FC in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Kyle Hess | Atlanta United

Nearly two years and eight months after it hoisted the U.S. Open Cup in front of more than 35,700 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United opened its long-awaited title defense in convincing fashion.

Behind a trio of first-half goals in the span of a quarter-hour – including a first-half brace from Dom Dwyer – and three more in the second half, Atlanta cruised to a comprehensive 6-0 victory over the NISA’s Chattanooga FC at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga.

Marcelino Moreno added a goal from the penalty spot, and Luiz Araujo and Brooks Lennon each added second-half tallies of their own as well, as Atlanta booked its place in the Open Cup’s Round of 32, 966 days after defeating Minnesota United 2-1 in the 2019 US Open Cup Final.

It was the positive start to the competition the Five Stripes needed. Captain and goalkeeper Brad Guzan suffered a ruptured Achilles during a league match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday while the club was already without Josef Martinez following a knee procedure weeks prior.

A magical @OpenCup night in Kennesaw ✨ pic.twitter.com/5nPxBmVumV

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 23, 2022


“I told the team that they (showed) good intensity today,” said Atlanta head coach Gonzalo Pineda. “I was very happy with how fast we moved the ball from side to side, and especially on the ground and especially through the midfielders. When we did that, we were really dangerous.”

Atlanta opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Ronald Hernandez, as Andrew Gutman’s cross into the scoring area found the Venezuelan right back. Hernandez snuck it past Chattanooga goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez for just his second goal for the club to make it a 1-0 lead for the hosts.

The advantage grew to 2-0 just minutes later in the 25th, as Dwyer flicked a well-timed header into the net following a perfect ball from Jake Mulraney. Dwyer made it a double for himself in the 35th, as he lasered a strike from outside the box to increase Atlanta’s lead to 3-0.

“He’s an experienced No. 9 in this league that we know is able and capable of scoring goals,” Pineda said. “It was good to see that performance…I’m very happy for him and his confidence.”

US Open Cup Career
Goalscoring Leaders
(Modern Era 1995-present)
16
Sebastien Le Toux
13
David Bulow
Kenny Cooper
Johnny Menyongar
Jaime Moreno
12
Melvin Tarley
11
Dom Dwyer
10
6 tied with 10

That makes three goals in as many appearances with Atlanta for the former U.S. international, once one of MLS’s most lethal strikers but now looking to rediscover his scoring touch after a spell of disappointing form over the past several years.

“Honestly, I’m in a good place,” Dwyer said of joining the club after two years at Toronto FC and several seasons at Atlanta rival Orlando City SC prior to that. “Atlanta’s believed in me as a club, and signed me to a multiple-year contract, so for me, it’s trying to perform each week, whether I’m asked to start or come off the bench, or whatever it is”

For Dwyer, it was his 10th and 11th career US Open Cup goals, which is fourth most in the Modern Era (1995-present). Dwyer scored three for Orlando City in 2013 (as a member of USL Pro), before scoring six between the 2015 and the Open Cup winning 2017 Sporting Kansas City teams.

Atlanta United weren’t done, though. Mulraney was taken down in the box near the end line, leading referee Matthew Thompson to point to the spot. Moreno stepped up and converted the resulting penalty to make it 4-0 less than 10 minutes into the second half. Araujo added Atlanta’s fifth goal with a nifty finish in the 67th, while Brooks Lennon capped the scoring in the 84th minute as Atlanta improved to 5-0-0 all-time in Open Cup play at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

It was in stark contrast to Saturday’s league match against Cincinnati, a 0-0 stalemate that followed a 1-0 loss to expansion side Charlotte FC. With a club Open Cup record six-goal effort against Chattanooga, though, Pineda expressed hope that the performance would kickstart a flagging attack, starting with Sunday afternoon’s league contest at Inter Miami CF.

“ were a bit more composed in the final third, even though, still, there were some chances that we let go because the last touch, the last pass wasn’t quite there,” Pineda said. “I felt that today they gained confidence…Hopefully is that night that will help us in the future to score more goals.”

Filed Under: 2022 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2022 US Open Cup, Atlanta United FC, Chattanooga Football Club

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U.S. Open Cup History

1935 National Challenge Cup Semifinals: After 29 days, Central Breweries win 3-game Western Final

The Western Final of the 1934/1935 National Challenge Cup featured one of Chicago’s best teams from the first 30 years of the tournament against a St. Louis team that would form their own dynasty.

  • 1995 US Open Cup: Rob Ukrop of Richmond Kickers voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final: Jeff Causey of Richmond Kickers voted TheCup.us Player of Round
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final: Richmond Kickers survive heat, beat El Paso Patriots in PKs to win title
  • 1995 US Open Cup Final Preview: El Paso Patriots hosting amateur Richmond Kickers in “El Sauna”
  • 1995 US Open Cup Semifinals: Jake Arrambide of El Paso Patriots voted TheCup.us Player of Round

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