Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2022 US Open Cup

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United blanks Forward Madison in rain-soaked border battle

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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

Minnesota United traveled across the border into Wisconsin and blanked USL League One’s Forward Madison 2-0 in a third round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match at a rain-soaked Breese Stevens Field. Adrien Nuhou and Brett Kallman scored each of the MLS side’s goals off of corners from Joseph Rosales, with Madison unable to secure a shot on goal during the contest.

Despite Madison controlling possession for the first 10 minutes, Minnesota had the first chance of the match in the 17th minute when the Flamingo’s Christian Enriquez’s clearing attempt was misplayed off his own foot. The ball fell perfectly to Minnesota’s Hunou, whose effort from less than five yards missed the mark.

Minutes later, the Loons nearly scored once again. Oneil Fisher played a dangerous cross that was played out by Madison keeper Phil Breno, thwarting the Minnesota attack. Subsequent attempts for Minnesota were interrupted due to the Loons being called offside three times in the opening 25 minutes.

Oneil Fisher continued to create chances in dangerous areas for his teammates. In the 34th minute, Fisher made a run down the left flank and crossed the ball into the penalty area for Hunou, whose shot on goal was deflected away by Breno.

After almost six minutes of additional time, Minnesota’s Hunou had space in the penalty area and was able to find DJ Taylor on the opposite end of the box. Taylor’s first touch was played perfectly to the right foot of Abu Danladi, whose strike was deflected out of play.

Neither team would be able to score before halftime. Madison was unable to generate a shot on goal, while Minnesota had two opportunities that forced Breno to work.

Six minutes into the second half, Minnesota United were finally able to break through the Madison defense.

Rosales took the Loons’ corner and swung the ball toward the back post. Hunou found the ball and turned it into the back of the Madison net to give Minnesota the 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.

Minnesota United celebrates after scoring a goal in the rain against Forward Madison in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United
Minnesota United celebrates after scoring a goal in the rain against Forward Madison in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United

Hunou nearly doubled the Loons’ lead in the 66th minute after Rosales again found the Minnesota number 23 in the penalty area. This time Breno was there to get in front of Hunou’s shot and his defense was able to clear.

Mitchell Osmond was assessed a yellow card in the 72nd minute for a bad tackle that gave Minnesota a free-kick in a dangerous spot. The subsequent service from Roberts was perfectly placed at the Madison back post, but there was nobody there to finish the chance.

It was the Minnesota captain, Kallman, who would put the game away for the Loons. An 82nd minute corner kick from Roberts met the head of Kallman, whose header doubled the Minnesota lead and sent the Loons’ into the Fourth Round.

Minnesota dominated possession 66% to 34% and outshot Madison 15-3 with five of the Loons’ chances being on goal.

Minnesota United, who became the first Minnesota club in history to reach the US Open Cup Final the last year this tournament was played in 2019, will advance to Round 4 where they will host fellow MLS side Colorado Rapids on May 11.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Charlotte FC avoids upset in debut, beats Greenville in OT

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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

A record home crowd of over 4,000 fans was not enough to lift USL League One’s Greenville Triumph to a cupset victory over Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The capacity crowd, which featured a sizeable contingent of traveling Charlotte fans, were treated to a back-and-forth affair that ended after extra time sending the visitors home with a 2-1 victory. Charlotte FC’s Harrison Afful played the hero, scoring the game-winning goal in the 106th minute to give the expansion side a win in their US Open Cup debut.

The first half was a fairly balanced affair with each team finding plenty of chances to take the lead.

The deadlock was broken just before halftime when Charlotte’s Titi Ortiz defied the laws of physics by scoring with a ball that was nearly over the end line following a Paul Christensen save. That goal came in the 39th minute and sent the visitors into the locker room with a 1-0 halftime lead.


Coming out of the break, Greenville coach John Harkes made one substitution but shifted the formation adding an additional striker up top. That move paid quick dividends as the Triumph created plenty of big chances early in the second half. They would eventually get one in the back of the net when Jake Keegan scored in the 59th minute. Keegan received a pass near the top of the box and then ripped a shot past the goalkeeper to tie the game.

Going into the first extra time period, Greenville once again looked to be on the front foot creating chances to take the lead. But much to the dismay of the home fans, Charlotte’s Harrison Afful would find that breakthrough goal in stoppage time of the first extra period. He approached the penalty area and played a one-two with Kamil Jóźwiaka, received the ball back and fired a shot past Christensen to give them the expansion side the lead in the 106th minute.

The second period saw Greenville throwing everything they had at the visitors, but tired legs on both sides, and a strong defensive block for Charlotte, saw the team from North Carolina hold onto the 2-1 victory.


Charlotte advances to the Fourth Round where they will face the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) on May 11.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Nine-man Rochester NY FC survives after PK shootout vs. FC Motown

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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

“What can I say… A game full of emotions, a lot of things happened. A roller coaster of emotions.”

Rochester New York FC head coach Bruno Baltazar succinctly summed up an eventful Third Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match against FC Motown, an NPSL side from New Jersey.

Baltazar’s side, who finished the game with nine men, would eventually prevail 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout, despite FC Motown scoring a late equalizer in second half stoppage time. The game finished tied 2-2 after 120 minutes of play.

It was a dramatic penalty kick win for a club with a history full of dramatic moments. Rochester New York made a name for itself in the US Open Cup under the “Rochester Rhinos” moniker, where they reached the Open Cup Final twice. After falling short in 1996 to D.C. United, the Rhinos made history by upsetting four MLS teams en route to winning the 1999 US Open Cup title. They remain the only non-MLS side to lift the trophy since 1996.

Despite the colorful antics and rather full box score, the match started slowly. Similarly, the center official would end up casting a large shadow over proceedings but began the game by having a quiet word with Motown center back Hermanus Achterkamp rather than brandishing a card in the opening quarter hour.

RNY FC center back and captain Lamar Batista earned a booking in the 18th minute for clattering into one of the Motown players that had just sandwiched his teammate Ian Garrett. The referee had not called a foul on the initial play but deemed Batista’s retaliatory challenge worthy of a yellow card.

Rochester opened the scoring with a well-worked goal by Pedro Dolabella. Winger Jesus Batiz played a cross-field pass that Gibran Rayo cleverly dummied, allowing Dolabella to rush forward from midfield. The 22-year-old isolated Motown left back Jean-Ismael Voltaire before firing a left-footed strike past goalkeeper David Greczek in the 21st minute.

The visitors probed forward but did not threaten Philip Ejimadu in Rochester’s goal until after the home side doubled its advantage. Rayo chased down an over-hit through ball and recovered to pick out Dolabella in space in the area. The midfielder found Wilterlynd Inalien just inside the six-yard-box with his first touch and Rochester’s No. 9 did not miss from point-blank range in the 38th minute.

A minute and a half later, seven-year MLS veteran Dilly Duka pulled one back for the side from Morristown, New Jersey. Winger Ryan Peterson, another player with professional experience on his resume, controlled a long ball in the left-hand channel before finding Duka open at the top of the box. The former Columbus Crew midfielder cut left on Rochester center back Gustavo Rissi to create space before firing past Ejimadu in the 40th minute.

Just a few minutes into the second half, the screws starting to come loose for RNY. Batista came together with Motown right back Samuel Pompee and the visiting player went to ground holding his calf afterwards. The referee quickly reached for his pocket and showed Batista his second yellow card and subsequent red card in the 51st minute.

The match proceeded with neither team producing clear chances on goal until the referee was called upon. Just a minute after Motown had a penalty shout of their own, Rayo drew contact from Pompee in the area and hit the deck. Inalien stepped up to the spot attempting to give Rochester a commanding 3-1 lead in the 79th minute but Greczek had done his homework, diving low to his right and stopping the penalty to keep Motown within one.

In the 85th minute, Dolabella was shown a straight red card for connecting his arm with the head of Motown’s Federico De Oliveira in the middle of the field.

“It’s the first time in my career that I’m playing with two men down because of red cards,” Baltazar said.

In the second of five minutes of stoppage time, Kian Alberto hit a ball forward from deep in midfield towards striker Joe Fala. The former Red Bulls II defender saw his initial headed effort come back off the post but he was first to the rebound and tapped in from three yards out to send the match to extra time.

With the home side down two players, the amateur side appeared to be favorites during extra time but failed to break down a resolute Rochester defensive organization. In the 111th minute, a red card was shown to the RNY bench. After going down several times and receiving medical attention, starting goalkeeper Ejimadu was replaced by Caique in the final minute of extra time in order to face penalties.

The Brazilian shot-stopper validated the substitution by making two saves in the shootout. His opposite number, Greczek, also blocked two shots for Motown.

“Going into penalties, I told the guys ‘I have all the confidence in Dave Pekarek, our goalie coach,’” said FC Motown head coach Šaćir Hot. “He has studied them, he’s had countless hours spent watching their penalties.”

Ultimately Zack Perez shot over the bar for Motown in the sixth round of kicks and Milan Vanacker sealed the win for Rochester.

After the final whistle, victorious goalkeeper Caique ran straight to the Motown bench and required multiple teammates to pull him away from opponents. In the fracas, the referee showed him a red card.

Baltazar was introspective after the match, despite advancing after winning the shootout.

“I’m happy with the win, obviously. Happy to qualify for the next round. But unhappy with some stuff that happened in the game … especially about ourselves there are a few things that are not acceptable,” he said. “We can’t do these kinds of things.

“The last two games, we had two clean sheets and if we don’t concede goals we are closer to a win. And it was a really easy goal, we can’t concede this type of goal. With that goal Motown can come back into the game again.”

In the second half, everything started to fall apart with the red cards the Portuguese coach added.

“And after that it’s all about the sacrifice, the commitment, the passion that this team is building,” he said. “It becomes stronger today after this game. But we are still building it.

“They showed the organization, they showed the commitment, they showed the passion. It’s not easy. Motown is a good team, even if it’s coming from amateur levels. They have good players, players that could be on our team.”

Baltazar said that RNY is still far away from where they want to be, competing in their inaugural season in the new MLS Next Pro league, but they are getting there.

“Cup games are always tricky to play,” Baltazar said. “Motown is a team that likes to have the ball, that likes to play the game. And yeah, we created chances but we should have scored more goals. We scored two goals. Again, we conceded one goal in the first half that I can’t accept. We need to talk about that and we need to correct that.

“We had the penalty so we can kill the game at 3-1. I think it can kill the game but we didn’t manage to score and after that everything happened.”

Hot was philosophical about the result.

“There’s things we could have done differently if we had a second chance but you can say that about everything in life,” he said. “I think that I’m disappointed, yeah. But not necessarily heartbroken. Listen, everything we’ve done to this point is house money. This is already the farthest we’ve gotten in the Open Cup, Third Round.

“Before the game, I told everyone that we were going to live and die by the sword. Their first two goals, if you notice, we were man-to-man across the whole field. We could have been conservative and sat in but I said ‘no, you know what we’re gonna put on a show for the fans and for us and we’re gonna go out swinging.’ It’s easy to resort to sitting in, packing it in, and being boring but no one likes boring. We’re gonna play and we’re gonna have fun at the same time.

“At least we put on a show. We were always gonna put on a show.”

By taking Rochester to penalty kicks, FC Motown finishes as the furthest advancing amateur team and wins $25,000 in prize money. This broke the amateur team tiebreaker with North Carolina Fusion U-23 who also forced extra time in their match against the Richmond Kickers.

Rochester advances to the fourth round, facing New York City FC on May 11 at Belson Stadium (St. John’s University).

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Orlando City beats Tampa Bay Rowdies as Florida rivalry renewed

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Alexandre Pato of Orlando City SC celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC
Alexandre Pato of Orlando City SC celebrates 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 faced a foe from their past during the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup when the Tampa Bay Rowdies came to town.

City won 2-1 against the Rowdies to advance to the Round of 32 in a feisty affair at Exploria Stadium that included 32 fouls, eight yellow cards and a red card for Rowdies coach Neil Collins. The two teams were bitter rivals when they both played in USL Pro.

“I love to play derbys, and we were talking this week about this game,” Jr. Urso said. “Oscar told us ‘don’t play like it’s a friendly game because they will come to push us.’”

After a slow first half, City switched to a 3-5-2 which opened the game up. The scoring opened with an Alexandre Pato penalty conversion in the 51st minute. 


The play began when Pato received the ball on the edge of the box and hit it first time back to Mauricio Pereyra who then sent in a running Benji Michel who got past the defender and forced a bad tackle. A penalty was awarded which Pato converted calmly.

Orlando City’s lead doubled when Pato avoided multiple defenders on the outside of the box by chipping the ball over a lunging defender to Pereyra. With space a few yards outside of the box, Pereyra sent a cross into the box. Michel drew a defender, but the ball went over them both to a waiting Urso who slotted it in and celebrated by putting on a fan’s sunglasses.

Pato and Pereyra had a lethal attacking connection the whole second half after Pereyra was subbed in.

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

“Mauricio is a player who glues us together,” Pareja said. “Not just because of his ability on the ball, but he’s in a very strategic position where the ball gets to him and he just connects us.”

After Orlando doubled the lead, Tampa Bay caught Orlando City sleeping, sending a long ball shortly after play restarted to the outside. The ball was sent into the box to Sebastian Guenzatti. The ball was awkwardly deflected, leaving City keeper Mason Stajduhar out of position. Lucky Mkosana was able to slot the deflection into the back of the net in the 65th minute.

Thomas Williams, the 17-year-old academy product, earned his first start for Orlando City and was a solid defender the whole game. He was under pressure in dangerous spots a few times but stayed composed and kept possession for his team.

“I think I just tried to keep my composure as much as possible,” Williams said. “If I didn’t see any good passes I just went long with it and just tried to make the best decision.”

Rowdies coach Collins was issued a yellow card at halftime for dissent and received a straight red card in the 90th minute. The Rowdies had earned a free kick, but Orlando City kicked the ball toward the bench, some cheeky time wasting. Collins ran onto the field to kick the ball back to his team, which resulted in his red card.

Orlando City advances to the Fourth Round where they will host the Philadelphia Union on May 10.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: NY Red Bulls score early, hold off Hartford Athletic to advance

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More than 5,000 fans came to Dillon Stadium in Hartford, CT to watch the New York Red Bulls take on Hartford Athletic in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Hartford Athletic
More than 5,000 fans came to Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, CT to watch the New York Red Bulls take on Hartford Athletic in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Hartford Athletic

USL Championship side Hartford Athletics’ U.S Open Cup run came to an end on Wednesday night, as New York Red Bulls defeated the Connecticut-based squad 2-1 at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, Conn.

New York Red Bulls dominated the attack in the first half, and first found the net in the 18th minute, when Lewis Morgan snuck a ball inside the post from just outside the box after receiving a pass from Brazilian Midfielder Luquinhas. Aaron Long added a second goal eight minutes later, when he tapped in an initial save from Hartford goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton.


Hartford made a number of tactical adjustments and three substitutions in the second half that allowed them to finally get on the offensive. Those adjustments paid off in the 51st minute, when Sierra College product and substitute Conor McGlynn finished a low freekick from 32 year old Colombian (and former TheCup.us Player of the Tournament winner) Danny Barrera. However, Hartford Athletic could not capture this momentum; they ended the game with just four shots compared to New York’s 30. Hartford’s goal marked their only shot on target.

Red Bulls faced a setback in the final minutes of the game when Cristian Cásseres Jr. received a red card for putting his hands to the face of an opponent. He will therefore be unavailable to play in the next round.

This was Hartford’s second appearance in the tournament; they previously made it to the Third Round in 2019 where they were defeated 4-0 by Memphis 901 FC.

With Hartford Athletic’s elimination, New England Revolution will be the sole representative of the New England region when they enter the competition in the Fourth Round.

The Red Bulls will move on to the Fourth Round, where they will travel south to take on fellow MLS side D.C. United, a rival they haven’t played against in Open Cup play since 2006. The game is scheduled to take place on May 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Terzaghi’s 118th min. goal saves Richmond Kickers from amateur upset

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Emiliano Terzaghi of the Richmond Kickers celebrates his 118th minute goal against the North Carolina Fusion U-23s in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Emiliano Terzaghi of the Richmond Kickers celebrates his 118th minute goal against the North Carolina Fusion U-23s in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

Sometimes all it takes is a really good substitute to make the difference. In the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at City Stadium, the Richmond Kickers certainly had that. Thanks to second-half substitute Emiliano Terzaghi’s late strike in extra time, the USL League One side staved off an upset by outlasting North Carolina Fusion U-23s, 1-0.

The 2020 USL League One MVP scored in the 118th minute to avoid penalty kicks and send the 1995 US Open Cup champions to the Fourth Round.


While one might expect the Kickers to use their experience and home-field advantage to dominate in the first half, it was the Fusion who had the lion’s share of attacking chances. Using their speed and quick passing, the USL-2 side moved the ball effortlessly through the Kickers defense creating some of the attacking chances in the first half.

In the 27th minute, Tom Marriott zigged and zagged through the Kickers defense, clubbing a powerful chance on target that hit off of the post.

In the 33rd minute, Fusion’s Jaime DiLuzio connected on a cross into the box and delivered a strong header on target. However, Kickers goalkeeper Will Palmquist palmed it away.

Attacking chances might have been few and far between in the first half but foul play was not. The two sides combined for five yellow cards in the first 45 minutes with Fusion’s Luis Neto paying the price, having to be subbed off in the 17th minute.

Business picked up in the second half with both sides looking to gain the advantage and hopefully a ticket into the Round of 32. The Kickers led things off in the 67th minute with Stuart Ritchie smashing a shot from just inside the 18-yard box. Perryman had to make a leaping effort but his fingertip save was just enough to keep things level.

The Fusion very nearly played spoilers with Tom Marriott breaking free of the Kickers backline in the 88th minute. However, Palmquist made an excellent read and made a clever diving stop to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Players from the Richmond Kickers (green) and North Carolina Fusion U-23s go up for a header in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Players from the Richmond Kickers (green) and North Carolina Fusion U-23s go up for a header in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

Things seemed to switch in the Kickers favor in extra time with the more seasoned side using their experience to stretch the field. Although they were denied on multiple occasions thanks to the stout Fusion back-line, Richmond would not be denied.

Terzaghi used his fresh legs to put his side ahead in the final two minutes of extra time. A Richmond free kick was taken near midfield and driven high in the air into the Fusion six yard box. The ball was knocked away toward right side of the field, near the end line where a North Carolina defender attempted to clear it. Richmond’s Dakota Barnathan ran up behind the defender and stole the ball and immediately played the ball in front of goal where Terzaghi snuck the ball just inside the post and beyond the goal line to score the game’s only goal.

It would prove to be, at a minimum, a goal that denied the Fusion $12,500. North Carolina and FC Motown (NPSL) were the last two remaining Open Division amateur teams in the tournament and the team that advanced the farthest would receive $25,000. FC Motown were also eliminated, but they lost in penalty kicks to Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro), which is officially listed as a draw. Had North Carolina reached a penalty kick shootout with Richmond, even if they would have lost that shootout, they would have tied with FC Motown and split the prize money. However, since they lost in extra time, FC Motown received the entire $25,000.

For Richmond, their reward is a spot in the Fourth Round where they will host MLS expansion side Charlotte FC. The Kickers have upset five MLS teams in their history and will attempt to earn a sixth on May 11 at City Stadium.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Under new management, San Jose Earthquakes dominate Bay Cities FC

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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

Last round, soccer fans in the Bay Area and beyond fell in love with the start of a Cinderella story in Bay Cities FC. The Redwood City team upset USL Championship side Monterey FC in a thrilling 2-1 victory. Edson Cardona’s unbelievable goal led the motivated Bay Cities side.

Bay Cities moved on to play the San Jose Earthquakes in the next round on Tuesday where their inaugural Open Cup run came to an end.

Paypal Park, the Earthquakes’ stadium that Bay Cities used to host their First Round game in, was the site of Tuesday’s game.

It was an interesting match due to the San Jose Earthquakes having fired Matias Almeyda in the days leading up to the game and replacing him with interim coach Alex Covelo.

In the end, the Quakes, under new leadership, ended up winning 5-0 over a completely outclassed Bay Cities FC. With goals from five different players, this marked the first win for the San Jose Earthquakes in 2022, and the club’s first win over an amateur team in the Open Cup since 2001.

The Earthquakes scored five goals on the day and it seemed like almost everyone was on the scoresheet with five different goalscorers.

Alex Covelo had some high praise for his team after their dominant victory that saw the Quakes have 23 shots and 77% possession.

“I cannot speak about the past. I can speak about what I saw today, and I think that the guys did amazing,” said Covelo. “I interpreted what we want to do today. We spoke to them, tried to tell them what we’re looking for defensively and offensively. It was the first step. Also, we were able to give some minutes to other players, experienced players so that they can feel part of that style that we want to play. It was great. I told them all the credit to them.”

The Earthquakes deployed a new formation and some brand new tactics under newly-appointed Covelo. The Quakes went with a 4-2-3-1 formation and with a whole new gameplan.

“The game plan, to be honest, was pretty different,” said San Jose’s Jack Skahan, who scored the opening goal in the 25th minute. “There are some different things structurally, especially when we attack, where we are positioned to stop counter attacks specifically, and you can see a lot of that with the opposite outside back coming into the middle to sit next to the six. And I thought we implemented it well. I think that we really haven’t had any time to practice it and we really did well translating as a team and we have a lot to build on.”

Skahan’s opening goal came from a free kick at the of the box in the 25th minute, beating the goalkeeper who dove to his left but was unable to keep it out.

Paul Marie doubled the lead in the 37th minute when a cross from the left wing was cleared by the Bay Cities defense. The clearance fell to Marie who fired a low-driving shot into the back of the net from about the same distance as Skahan’s free kick.

Ousseni Bouda was the man of the match and it showed. At the start of the game he was extremely timid and didn’t want to take his defender one on one. Once the game went on, he took over. After halftime, Bouda ended up winning his team a penalty that Cade Cowell ended up putting in the back of the net in the 59th minute, but Bouda eventually got himself on the scoresheet in the final minutes of the game.

Another highlight of the match was 16-year-old Niko Tsakiris getting his first professional goal. Niko showed why the teenager he was on the Earthquakes senior roster. Tsakiris took on three defenders and shot it right past the goalie in the 82nd minute.

The Quakes passed their first test as if they studied this formation and tactics for years. This might have to do with the team being an extremely young team and Alex Covelo already having coached a lot of players that played in this game.

The Quakes shouldn’t celebrate this victory too much as they have a big test coming up this weekend when the Seattle Souunders come to town on Saturday, April 23. They will then play the Sounders on the road for their Fourth Round match on May 11.

Bay Cities keeps their heads up high as they faced an MLS opponent in their first year of existence in the US Open Cup.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Cal United’s stoppage time winner finishes comeback over FC Tucson

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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

The California United Strikers stopped FC Tucson from making club history with a 2-1 comeback win after a stoppage time goal to avoid overtime and advance to the next round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

In his debut for Cal United, Ryotaro Kawashima made his presence known and scored what would end up being the game winner. Both of Cal United’s goals came in the second half.

National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) side Cal United got things started in the match and quickly ripped two shots off but was unable to get them past FC Tucson keeper Carlos Merancio. FC Tucson responded and made their way down the field into Cal United’s defensive third.

In the 17th minute, midfielder Burke Fahling settled the ball and made a quick touch pass to Gio Calixtro who worked his way around two defenders and shot the ball between them from outside the box to give FC Tucson a 1-0 lead.

Cal United threatened to score, winning possession in the first half but was unable to convert any attempts, taking six shots with only two being on goal. They were able to keep the game within reach by not allowing another goal and heading into halftime down 1-0.

“We were disappointed at halftime. I thought we played a really good 35 minutes in the first half, we gave up what we thought was a pretty soft goal. And the guys were a little down, I ain’t gonna lie to you, at halftime. It was frustrating,” Cal United head coach Don Ebert said.

In the second half things fell apart for FC Tucson after their strong start. To open the second half they were aggressive, getting shots off early but were not able to score and struggled near and inside the box only getting two more shots on goal.

Cal United continued to fight and were rewarded for the effort late in the 71st minute. Defender Brady Treinen got possession of the ball near the FC Tucson goal and passed the ball all the way down the field where leading scorer Omar Nuño settled it and slotted the ball past Merancio on the opposite side of the goal to equalize the game at 1-1.

“We haven’t been scoring a lot of goals. So that weighs on you … Omar, when he turned and scored that I could see a whole different team,” Ebert said.

The game remained tied heading into stoppage time after an FC Tucson shot went out past the left side of the goalpost in the 84th minute after it seeming like they had found the goal they were looking for.

Every sign was pointing to the game going into overtime as there were only three minutes of stoppage time added. That all changed with Kawashima who was making his first appearance with Cal United. Kawashima grabbed the loose ball from a cross, took a dribble and shot it past a defender and the goalkeeper to take the lead in the 92nd minute. That goal would seal the game for the Strikers to complete the comeback performance.

“That kid just joined us and for him to make his first start, that was his first game with us after a couple of weeks of training so for him to get that goal, proud of him. They’re happy group right now for sure,” Ebert said.

Cal United now advances to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup, becoming the only NISA team to advance to the round of 32.

“I see a much different team than I saw three weeks ago, where I just told the guys we’re about 70% as far as our overall team speed, fitness, ability to press, counter press, play 90 minutes, but we’re getting there. And listen, there’s nothing like winning, my jobs a lot easier when those guys have confidence and they’re happy,” Ebert said.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: LA Galaxy spoil Landon Donovan’s homecoming with San Diego Loyal

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Players from LA Galaxy (left) and San Diego Loyal battle for the ball during their Third Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
Players from LA Galaxy (left) and San Diego Loyal battle for the ball during their Third Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

The only goal in the first half was all that was needed to lead LA Galaxy into the next round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after shutting out San Diego Loyal 1-0 in a Third Round match in Carson, Calif.

“It’s the competition, we want to be competitive. For us this year, it’s about winning trophies, this is an opportunity,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. “So, you know, take the game seriously. It’s a good team, I like the team, I think they do some good things. So you have to respect the opponent, you have to respect the game … especially if you want to do something in this event.”

Aside from being a battle between two Southern California teams, Tuesday night’s match was special because it was the return of US National Team legend Landon Donovan to Dignity Health Sports Park as the head coach of San Diego Loyal. Donovan spent 11 seasons as a player with the Galaxy in an accomplished professional career that can be summed up by pointing out that Major League Soccer named the league’s MVP award after him.

The first half of the match was endearing to both teams, as they kept a consistent play within the midfield. Neither team could hold possession for long and looked to be 50/50 throughout the first half.

San Diego Loyal head coach Landon Donovan looks on during his club's match against LA Galaxy in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy
San Diego Loyal head coach Landon Donovan looks on during his club’s match against LA Galaxy in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: LA Galaxy

As San Diego neared the goal in the first five minutes, Collin Martin was the first to make a shot on goal. He perfectly aimed for the far post of the goal, but just missed.

It wasn’t long for LA to try a hand at changing the score in their favor a few minutes later. In the 8th minute, Julian Araujo was able to get his head on the ball from a cross that just skimmed the side of the goal post.

These close opportunities continued throughout the half but neither team would be able to complete them.

In the 29th minute, Kevin Cabral took a short pass from his teammate but hit the goal post. A second attempt off the rebound from the post gave him the opportunity to finish the play for a 1-0 lead.

“We wanted to use this as an opportunity also, to get back to some things that I feel like haven’t been at our best the last couple of games, to emphasize some of those things,” Vanney said.

Falling behind, SD Loyal began to pick up the pace but they would only create minor fouls.

Loyal’s Nick Moon was just short of evening the score in the 44th minute when his shot went toward the corner of the post but it landed directly in LA Galaxy goalie Johnathan Klinsmaan’s hand.

That final attempt would end the first half of the match, leaving LA Galaxy in the lead.

A reflection of gameplay from the first half reappeared at the start of the second half. Both teams were eager to gain possession but kept it equal where neither teams were able to complete any shots.

The Galaxy had two opportunities at the beginning of the half where both shots were just feet away from the goalpost. San Diego found themselves in the same narrative and wouldn’t see any completions, though shots were just feet away from the goal.

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Though the energy from both teams was at an all-time high while trying to concede another goal, no cards were awarded until the 69th minute when San Diego’s Alejandro Guido grabbed Kévin Cabral’s shoulder and dragged him down in an attempt to regain possession.

Final substitutions were made for LA in the last 15 minutes of the game, one of them being Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, which was his debut in a US Open Cup match.

With the new additions to the pitch, the intensity of the match increased ever so slightly but no major changes occurred. The gameplay continued to be a battle of possession with no completion of shots in view.

“At times, whether it was a little bit of fatigue, or just maybe the continuity of making subs and guys coming on, I thought we lost a little bit of that,” Vanney said. “We took and we got a little casual, maybe a little cute, and a few plays, we also thought rushed a few plays where we didn’t need to.”

Nearing the end of the second half, LA Galaxy created two more opportunities to try to lengthen their lead but would fall short.

“We got to keep just keep working. But again, good to get out of this game with the win and move on to the next round. These games can be tricky, like this one and we got through,” Vanney said.

The Galaxy advance to the Fourth Round where they will play a road game against California United Strikers FC, the last remaining team from the National Indenpendence Soccer Association (NISA, 3rd Division pro) on May 11.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Houston Dynamo beat former affiliate, coach with stoppage time winner

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The Houston Dynamo celebrate scoring a goal against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo celebrate scoring a goal against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo rode the heroics of goalkeeper Michael Nelson and defender Sam Junqua to a 2-1 stoppage time win on Tuesday night. A sparse crowd (7,893) witnessed the Houston Dynamo’s win over their affiliate Rio Grande Valley FC (USL Championship) in the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The unlikely heroes of the match stole the show in a game that the Dynamo did not put out their best XI nor by their own admission their best effort. Head coach Paulo Nagamura admitted as much in his post game press conference.

“Yeah, I’m pleased with the win,” said Nagamura. “I think that was the objective to go to the next round. I think in terms of playing, it wasn’t our best game. I think having new guys and young guys and a mix of the players that have not been playing lately, I think that was probably one of the reasons. We lacked a little bit of chemistry there, but credit to the players to fight until the end and get a result with the goal late. But again, the objective was to move on to the next round and we did that.”

It was match that Houston was expected to win and rather handily at that. The Dynamo opened the scoring inside the 10th minute of play. Rookie forward Thor Ulaffson sent a service into the box that RGV defender Frank Nodarse neatly headed into his own net.

Houston, though, would return the favor just minutes into the second half. A corner off the boot Ricardo Ruiz found itself deflecting off the back of Dynamo defender Teenage Hadebe leveling the matching at one.


Unable to get the run of play consistently in their favor, Houston found itself in a precarious situation. In the 61st minute, RGV’s Frank Lopez stood at the penalty mark following a foul by Houston in the box. Lopez faced Dynamo keeper Michael Nelson, just one of four remaining Houston players from the 2018 US Open Cup championship team. Nelson denied the kick setting the stage Junqua.

“Well I don’t want to give away too much of the secret sauce here,” said Nelson about his game saving stop. “But we do a little bit of research before the games certainly and study people’s tendencies and certain things like that and ultimately have an idea of where we want go and in the moment there is a little bit of the art that meets the science where you just kind of feel it out. Frank Lopez has been a professional for a long time and has taken quite a few penalties, so there is defiantly a few to look at. So, it is not complete guesswork but what goes into it is behind the scenes and we will keep it behind the curtain for now.”

As the team entered the third minute of stoppage time, forward Roberto Avila making his Dynamo debut found Junqua in the six yard box. Junqua delivered a perfectly placed header inside the far post with just one quick snap of the head.

Junqua’s game winner came against his former team and his former coach Wilmer Cabrera who drafted the defender while he was the Dynamo head coach.

Along with Vila, rookie Brooklyn Raines in the starting XI made his Houston Dynamo debut. At 17 years, 36 days he became the youngest ever to down a Dynamo uniform.

Into the Round of 32, Houston will host USL Championship side San Antonio FC on May 11.

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