Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Round Photo: Monterey Bay FC
Photo: Monterey Bay FC

In the round where almost all MLS teams entered the competition, there was plenty of hope for lower division upsets and standout performances by players of all levels. Though there were only two upsets over the two nights of games, there were still plenty of excellent nominees for TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

MORE: 2023 US Open Cup Round 3 Review

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

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Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Alex Bono
DC United (MLS)

Preserved the win with a PK save in 1-0 home win vs. Richmond Kickers (USL-1)

Kendall Burks
Chicago Fire (MLS)

Scored 2 goals to pad the lead in the Fire’s 3-0 home win vs. Chicago House (USASA)

Joe Corona
San Diego Loyal (USL-C)

Scored two goals, and added an assist in a thrilling 5-4 extra time loss on the road against the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

Aziel Jackson
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)

Scored the opening goal in the third minute and added another in a dominant 5-1 home win vs. Union Omaha (USL-1)

Dane Jacomen
Loudoun United (USL-C)

Made 9 saves in a 5-0 home win vs. Flower City Union (NISA)

Damir Kreilach
Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Scored the opening and game-winning extra-time goals in 3-1 extra time road win vs. Las Vegas Lights FC (USL-C)

Jonathan Lewis
Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Scored the opening goal in the 5th minute and the game-winning goal in the 55th, and added an assist in 3-1 home win vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)

Fredy Montero
Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Scored both the opening goal and the game-winning penalty kick in the Sounders’ gripping 5-4 extra time home win vs. San Diego Loyal (USL-C)

Jaroslaw Niezgoda
Portland Timbers (MLS)

Scored one goal and assisted on another goal in 3-1 home win vs. Orange County (USL-C)

Elliot Panico
Nashville SC (MLS)

Made 5 saves in a 1-0 home win vs. San Antonio FC (USL-C)

Celio Pompeu
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)

Provided 3 assists in a 5-1 home win vs. Union Omaha (USL-1)

Christian Volesky
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)

Scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 home victory over the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Nick Markanich’s OT winner sends Charleston Battery past Charlotte Independence

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Charleston Battery players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Charlotte Independence in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Charlotte Independence in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charleston Battery

The Charleston Battery defeated the Charlotte Independence at home 1-0 in Round 3 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday.

It took until well into extra time before the deadlock was finally broken between Charleston and Charlotte. Substitute Nick Markanich gave the hometown Battery a 1-0 lead in the 112th minute. Chris Allan made a run down the left wing, crossed the ball to Markanich, who popped the ball up and volleyed it past the goalkeeper from close range.

The Battery defense would hold on to preserve the clean sheet in front of the fans at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It was the first Open Cup win by Charleston in extra time since 2007.

Charleston Battery We Want The Cup shirt US Open Cupg a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

There were eight yellow cards shown across the 120 minutes played, with five handed out to Battery players and Charlotte players receiving three cautions.

For the Battery, it was the club’s 36th all-time win in the tournament, which ties FC Dallas for the third-most in the Modern Era.

In the 21st meeting between the two clubs, Charleston’s win was its 10th in the series while Charlotte Independence has beaten the Battery five times and the two teams have tied on six occasions.

The Battery advance to Round 4 of the US Open Cup where they will travel to face MLS side Inter Miami on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Jonathan Lewis carries Colorado Rapids past Hailstorm to end USOC drought

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Colorado Rapids players celebrate after scoring a goal against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids players celebrate after scoring a goal against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids broke a seven-year Lamar Hunt US Open Cup winless streak Wednesday, rolling past the Northern Colorado Hailstorm 3-1 in Third Round play.

Jonathan Lewis scored in the fifth minute, and broke a 1-1 deadlock in the 55th minute with his second. Max added the third goal ten minutes later to put give the Rapids its first Open Cup win since 2017, which was a span of four straight tournament games without a win.

Jackson Dietriech leveled the score at 1-1 for the visiting Hailstorm in the 40th minute.

“At the end of the day it was a good result, a pretty well-played game. We advance in the tournament, which is very important, while being mindful of the game coming up on Saturday,” said Rapids coach Robin Fraser.

Fraser very much mixed the lineup of regular starters, reserve players, and Rapids II call-ups versus the USL League One side that was previously unbeaten in all competitions.

“The second goal they scored was the killer blow. It was a lovely goal from their part with the interplay,” said Northern Colorado coach Éamon Zayed. “No disrespect but you don’t really see those moments very often in USL League One. Obviously, it is a big step up in quality playing against MLS teams.”

The disparity was probably the greatest in the opening quarter of an hour of the match. The Rapids seized control of the match at the opening whistle, creating several half-chances early on in the match.

Central midfielder Ralph Priso set up the opening goal, finding Lewis with space in the left channel outside of the penalty area. Lewis set up his right foot and slotted a low shot to the far post to put the Rapids in the lead. It was Lewis’s first goal since September, 2022.

“For me, it feels good just to get a goal. I haven’t scored yet this year,” Lewis said. “We have to take that confidence as a team and keep being creative in the final third and the goals will come.”

Around the half-hour mark is when the wheels started to come off for the Rapids.

“We took our foot off the gas a little bit and let them get back into the game,” Fraser said.

After a couple of close calls, Northern Colorado pulled level in the 40th minute when Dietriech floated unmarked to the far post, slamming a Trevor Amann cross past Rapids goalkeeper Marko Illić.

Colorado Rapids We Want The Cup shirt US Open Cup
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It was Illić’s first team debut for the Rapids. He had not registered a save before he conceded his first goal as a Rapid, though he could hardly be blamed for the goal he gave up.

“Things were said to us in the locker room at halftime,” Lewis said. “In the second half we started to play better.”

Early in the second half Darren Yapi forced Northern Colorado goalkeeper Edward Delgado to save brilliantly when he put a driven Anthony Markanish cross to the far post.

Five minutes later Lewis got his second goal on the night thanks to some spectacular interplay with Max. After winning the ball, Lewis slotted the ball to Max in the middle of the field. Lewis kept his run going, receiving a perfectly weighted give-and-go pass from Max. Lewis slotted it past the charging Delgado for his second on the night.

Ten minutes later it was Lewis and Max again. Lewis chased down a ball on the left flank and found a charging Max at the top of the penalty area. Delgado got a hand to Max’s first-time strike but it was not enough.

“I was able to link up with him today really well,” Lewis said. “We both bring the ability go one-on-one with players. He opens up a lot of gaps for people.”

The win was the Rapids’ first Open Cup win since 2017, a 3-2 comeback win over USL Championship side Oklahoma City Energy at Dick’s Sporting Good’s Park.

“I think sometimes teams take these early Open Cup games off,” Fraser said. “We’re taking this competition seriously. Guys have to see it as an opportunity to get into the team and prove themselves. It is an opportunity for us to prove ourselves, to keep moving forward.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Portland Timbers overcome “hungry” Orange County SC to advance

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Tyler Clegg of the Portland Timbers scored a goal in his first team debut against Orange County SC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Portland Timbers FC
Tyler Clegg of the Portland Timbers scored a goal in his first team debut against Orange County SC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Portland Timbers FC

With both teams were coming off losses in regular season play, host Portland Timbers and Orange County SC were looking for a huge bounce back game to advance to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup.

Portland received huge news and a boost for the encounter as Sebastián Blanco returned from injury and would play his first minutes for the club in 2023.

The welcomed news of Blanco’s return, along with Tyler Clegg’s clutch play, and Jaroslaw Niezgoda’s continued form led the Timbers to the 3-1 win. Orange County SC had their chances, but could not convert when it mattered most.

“US Open Cup. I missed it. It’s good to have it back. It’s good to be able to play these games,” said Timbers manager Gio Savarese. “This allows to give the chance to players like Caliskan, Clegg, Griffith, to get their minutes and to get the possibility to continue to grow.

“These games are always difficult because when you play teams like Orange County, they come so hungry. They want to prove. They have so much desire. The games get very complicated and difficult. There’s a lot of energy in the games and we saw today that it was a difficult game and very competitive.”

In the first ten minutes of the game, OCSC outshot Portland 3-0. The Timbers responded and kept the attack on the gas pedal the rest of the half. They had several short free kicks, but could not get a goal out of any of those chances. Portland kept the pressure on and kept the barrages kept coming. However, in the 37th minute, they were rewarded. Niezgoda found Marvin Loría at the top of the box, who calmly slotted it home past Cropper to put the home side up 1-0. Portland ended the half with the edge in shots, 7-6 and corners, 4-3.

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The Portland Timbers started the second half with a party as Clegg headed home a corner kick from a gorgeous cross from Bonilla. After having all of the majority of the chances and possession, the Timbers got sloppy in the 54th minute when Milan Iloski slotted home a shot past Sulte.

In the 62nd minute, Moreno headed home a ball that nearly crossed the line, but was saved at the last second by Cropper. In the 69th minute, Orange County continued to knock on the door and had multiple shots on goal that were saved by Hunter Sulte and his defenders.

Portland used their trademark counterattack to get multiple good looks shortly after, but could not find the finish. In the 89th minute, Orange County scored off a corner, but it was ruled off due to offsides. The comeback was taken away in the first minute of stoppage time when Cropper misplayed the high ball in the box and Nathan found a way to head to Niezgoda to put the finishing touches on the game. 

“I have to say thank you to the fans because we had a good crowd on a Wednesday, that’s very important. We have to respect this competition,” Savarese said. “This is the oldest competition in the United States. The fact that the fans came in; the fact that my players and the organization took this game very, very seriously – I’m very proud of what we achieved today… But at least for tonight, very content.

“So many positives. Jaro scored again. That’s a good thing. We saw guys that came in and contributed in a big way, so very content with that. Hunter started and played really well. A lot of good things.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Seattle Sounders survive multiple comebacks by San Diego Loyal, win OT thriller

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Players from the Seattle Sounders celebrate after scoring a goal against San Diego Loyal in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC
Players from the Seattle Sounders FC celebrate after scoring a goal against San Diego Loyal in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

Coming into this game, the average Sounders fan never gave thought that San Diego would score four goals, the game would go into overtime and end with a last minute penalty that club legend Fredy Montero would bury to move Seattle onto the next round of the US Open Cup. Who knew he was 120 minutes fit? That’s what happened on a nice spring evening in Tukwila, Wash., the site of many intense games and Sounders’ victories.

“… this game was a great game,” said Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer. “I’ve seen a lot of games on this field and it was a pretty freaking great game… Reed played well, Sota was good, Obed was good, Cody Baker played Sunday in Houston and had to fly all day, so his recovery I mean that kid put it in… we got some talented kids between the two franchises.”

Late substitute and senior team debutant Travian Sousa found himself with the ball in the box in the last minute of extra time with his feet tangled by a San Diego defender. When the ref whistled for a penalty the crowd erupted and a few minutes later when club Montero stepped up, it was dead silent. Would this be a repeat of last year when Seattle and San Jose went 11 penalties each before Leo Chu skied his effort and gave Seattle their first loss at Star Fire? The keeper guessed the right way but it slid under him and sent Seattle onto the next round.

Montero also had the first goal of the game which was a scrappy effort after some confusion in the box from San Diego. About 10 minutes later, Leo Chu found himself some freedom down the left and put in a cross that the keeper just tipped to the feet of Ethan Dobbelaere who tapped in his first goal as a sounder to put them up 2-0.

A couple players were using this game to show not just the coaching staff but the supporters that they were deserving of more playing time. Reed Baker-Whiting, Cody Baker and AB Cisssoko put in stellar shifts in defense and the Sounders went into halftime up with a clean sheet. On the offensive side, Chu was Seattle’s most dangerous threat, continuously finding space and freedom on the left side. 

Seattle Sounders We Want The Cup shirtHe was subbed off at half for Paul Rothrock who also made his first team debut. Rothrock was able to get his first goal just a few minutes after Joe Corona had converted a dubious penalty because of an Arreaga handball. He had a night to forget with some confusing passing and poor positioning. It was 3-1 in the 55th minute.

Steven Cleveland was making his first appearance of the season in goal. After failing to save the penalty kick he also didn’t get close to a Joe Corona free kick in the 73rd and in the last minute of regulation got surprised by an absolute laser from San Diego defender Kyle Adams that ripped through the top right corner to send the game into extra time.

Youth and age played a big part of the second half of extra time as Reed Baker-Whiting, not to be outdone by San Diego’s goal from a defender, took a few dribbles to his left to find room to unleash a left footed rocket that made it 4-3.

“Well, I kinda saw the space and kept going and saw where I wanted to hit and hit it there. I didn’t know what to do after that,” Reed said.

In the 23rd minute of extra time, San Diego was awarded a free kick. It looped off of substitute defender Jackson Kasanzu into the left corner. He was unmarked and was just able to freely jump and direct the free kick. Luckily the game was over for Seattle. Just a few minutes later the previously mentioned penalty was called and Montero iced the game.

For Montero, it was his 10th career US Open Cup goal, which breaks the club’s record as an MLS franchise, but is one shy of the all-time club record of 11 held by Sebastien Le Toux. 

It was also a rare game in that it was just the fourth time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that a team has given up four goals and still came away with a win. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic wins “gritty” battle with NorCal rival Oakland Roots

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Nick Ross of the Sacramento Republic celebrates a goal with his teammates against Oakland Roots in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Nick Ross of the Sacramento Republic celebrates a goal with his teammates against Oakland Roots in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

On Wednesday night, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Northern California USL Championship rival Oakland Roots in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Republic FC opened the scoring in the 49th minute after forward Russell Cicerone laid it off just outside the 18-yard box to midfielder Nick Ross who stepped into space without any resistance and smashed it home to give the home side a 1-0 advantage. The lone goal is all Republic FC would need to advance and punch their ticket to the Round of 32. 

“I thought it was a gritty performance from the guys,” said Republic FC’s Mark Briggs, who now has the Modern Era’s second-highest advance percentage as a manager (0.833). “When you face a local rival like Oakland and what they bring to the game, it’s always gritty and it’s always a battle. I think you saw that throughout the game. It wasn’t really free flowing. There’s a lot of stoppages, a lot of fouls. So we had to handle that and adapt. But we’re in the draw tomorrow, and that’s all that matters when playing a cup competition.”

Collectively, the two sides only combined for three shots on goal. Oakland Roots had their only chance in the 28th minute after a poor Republic giveaway at midfield. However, goalkeeper Carlos Saldana made an incredible foot save denying Roots captain Joseph Nane the goal. 

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Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

 

The Republic’s only other chance came in the 39th minute, when defender Jack Gurr’s free kick found Luis Felipe, but his shot hit the crossbar. 

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you advance in the Open Cup tournament, you just need to advance. Like Briggs said, all that matters is that they’re moving on. And for a player like Nick Ross — who’s battled through injuries the past few years to get his first goal — was special.

“Aldair had a great run which set me up perfectly for the space,” he said. “I took a chance and it hit. I didn’t think it counted because no one celebrated with me at first. I think everyone was in shock that I scored. 

“It was nice for me, I had my wife and my son here, they’ve been waiting for a goal for two years. It’s nice for them to be here. I’m delighted, and just happy that we won the game.”

With the win, the Republic add to their impressive Open Cup resume. The victory was the club’s 20th in 28 games, and they’ve done most of their damage in front of their home fans. Sacramento is 18-1-1 (1-0 PKs) at home and Wednesday’s win improves their home unbeaten streak to 14 games, which is the second-longest streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). They haven’t lost a home game in the US Open Cup since they were upset by the Kitsap Pumas in the Third Round in the 2016 tournament. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Real Salt Lake lights up extra time to win in Las Vegas

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Damir Kreilach and Andres Gomez of Real Salt Lake celebrate after a goal against Las Vegas Lights in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Real Salt Lake
Damir Kreilach and Andres Gomez of Real Salt Lake celebrate after a goal against Las Vegas Lights in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake didn’t pack a full lineup for its inaugural 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match. 

But Damir Kreilach packed his scoring boots.

Kreilach notched a brace, and Henderson native Danny Musovski added his first goal in an RSL uniform as time expired to help Salt Lake to a 3-1 win over Las Vegas Lights FC after extra time Wednesday night at Cashman Field.

“You know, the Cup games are always so fun to play in,” said Kreilach, who was making his first start since March 25 against St. Louis. “Even before the game, I said in the locker room that it was going to be a tricky game — especially when you are playing the teams a league below you. The most important thing is to put the fight in and concentrate, and then the quality will come out.

“You always have to have a little bit of luck in these games, too. They had a lot of chances, and at the end of the day, we did as well … but at the right time, we found a way to get it done.”

Gavin Beavers made six saves for Real Salt Lake to earn his first win as a starter in a Real Salt Lake uniform. But the style of the visitors’ win on the road in Sin City was less about Kreilach (though it certainly was), or even Musovski or Beavers, with respect to those standouts.

The biggest note was the back line, and who played center back — or more effectively, who didn’t.

RSL finished the match without a central defender, after Erik Holt was forced off with a substitution in the final minutes of regulation. From there, Pablo Mastroeni made a tactical adjustment to pair his outside backs of Bode Hidalgo, Bertin Jacquesson, Emeka Eneli and Bryan Oviedo in the most make-shift of back lines.

“I remember playing in this tournament, and every game, you never know what you’re going to get,” RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “Obviously, the dimensions of the field, the way they play on it, and then going down two center backs and ending the game with four outside backs on the field … There was a lot of adapting on the field.
“I think the guys showed a lot of resilience, and some good intensity and good effort. We knew we were going to have to match their intensity; this was a huge game for Las Vegas, and it was a huge game for us, as well.I felt like if we could mask that intensity, then our quality would shine through.” 

And they somehow got it done, snapping a winless skid in the Open Cup that dates back to 2016 with RSL’s first-ever road win in the competition. That includes a loss to USL League One side Northern Colorado at home a year ago, a moment that has haunted RSL in the year since.

But Cup games mean more, and Wednesday’s result will go a long way for Salt Lake, both in the Open Cup and in a return to MLS play Saturday against the Seattle Sounders.

“We saw so many weird results, with other leagues beating MLS teams, and it’s totally normal. From a fan’s perspective, you think MLS teams will win these games easily,” Mastroeni said. “But they are very tricky games, and you have to take them very seriously.

“At the end of the day, we are building our confidence. We have two games, two wins, and we have to keep going with Seattle in front of us.”

Beavers made four saves on six shots faced in the first half, including tipping a ball on the final play of the first half to help the visitors to a scoreless draw at the break.

Real Salt Lake We Want The Cup shirt
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Real Salt Lake nearly took the lead in the 12th minute, but Kreilach’s shot was ruled offside for the club that held nearly 58% of possession in the first half. But Las Vegas put four shots on target to RSL’s one before the break.

A flurry of chances in the 68th minute ended with Kreilach’s header being saved in the top left corner, and the captain returning from injury-related recovery had another chance four minutes later that sailed wide.

The visitors held Las Vegas without a shot on goal in the second half until the 81st minute, but no goal came through 90 minutes of regulation.

Playing a jumbled lineup with Jefferson Savarino back home and Andres Gomez staying on the bench until extra time, RSL tried to get a goal from a rejuvenated Kreilach and young players in starting roles like rookies Ilijah Paul and Eneli or substitute Muosovski. Eighteen times, the visitors lofted a shot, but only four of those shots fell on target in regulation.

But on his ninth shot of the night, Kreilach got one to fall, giving RSL a 1-0 advantage on the final touch of the first half of extra time with a header from Jacquesson in the 105th minute.

Moments later, Maikel Chang added the save of the match on a goal-line clearance that kept Lights FC at bay in the early minutes of the second extra-time session. Gomez nearly doubled RSL’s lead in the 110th minute, but Luke Stauffer equalized instead a minute later with his third goal in as many matches for Las Vegas.

You thought it was over? Hardly.

Kreilach scored again in the 115th minute, taking a pass from Gomez (with a superb set up from Emeli) to bang in a right-footed shot from the center of the box to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Mastroeni “definitely thought” about taking Kreilach off, with the ailing captain still recovering from back surgery that caused him to miss most of last season

In hindsight, he’s glad he didn’t. 

“We want to win this game, and Dami in and around the box is the guy who finds the right spots. He’s prolific in front of goal,” Mastroeni said. “You have these ideas going into the game, and then you have to watch the game and feel the momentum of it. Whatever tactical change you’re making, how is a team affected by it? And I felt like when we went to two (strikers), Dami was much more effective on goal. And his experience and leadership was critical to the group.”

Then Musovski, who met with several dozen family and friends before the match to support the UNLV graduate and Henderson, Nevada native, finished off the scoring in the closing seconds after Jacquesson’s initial attempt in the 120th minute was saved and Musovski buried the put-back for the final margin.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Late goal helps New Mexico United win rematch with Phoenix Rising

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Greg Hurst of New Mexico United celebrates after scoring a goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: New Mexico United
Greg Hurst of New Mexico United celebrates after scoring a goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: New Mexico United

It wouldn’t be a match between New Mexico United and Phoenix Rising FC if there weren’t fireworks involved. The third US Open Cup meeting between the rivals exploded just before the halftime whistle and remained contentious until United escaped with a 2-1 victory to advance to the Round of 32.

After having to play all of their prior Open Cup matches either on the road or at the UNM Soccer Complex, New Mexico was finally able to host a tournament match on their home pitch. Hometown kid Alex Waggoner was handed his first career start and led the United attack for much of the night. Throughout the first half, the New Mexico native put himself into positions that begged for the ball to be delivered to him. The chances were few and far between for the United Academy graduate, however. 

”It’s special in front of our home fans to show and display a performance real good,” said United midfielder Daniel Bruce. “But we take it one game at a time. This is a tournament that we enjoy as players and it’s another chance to show our fans we love this club.”

Neither side separated themselves in terms of attacking opportunities, but the visitors looked to have the edge when it came to set pieces. Rising’s best opportunity in the half came around the half-hour mark when they won a series of corner kicks. United’s back four stood tall and was able to clear every threat they were presented with. 

With under five minutes to play in the half, Bruce was able to put his pace to good use and streamed up the pitch, not once, but twice in a matter of minutes. On the first of the two runs towards the south goal, Bruce made it to the top of the area before being dispossessed. The second time however, the Englishman made a read to his right and laid the ball off for Greg Hurst. The forward’s first attempt on goal was blocked, but fell right back to him, allowing him to slot the ball home into the bottom left corner for a 1-0 lead. 

Moments later the rivals converged, first at midfield, then again along the western touchline. The latter incident was set off after an apparent foul by Bruce on Baboucarr Njie. As the pair went down, Njie kicked out at Bruce, earning himself a red card.

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Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Up a man, it would have looked to an outsider that United would have clear control of the match. Rising had other plans though. From the start of the second half, Rising didn’t look like they were down a man. The visitors looked crisp on the counterattack and pressed United early on. In the 78th, Rising earned a free kick from twenty-five yards out. The shot went off the crossbar and in the resulting scramble Carlos Harvey was able to put the ball away for the equalizer, 1-1.

“Credit to them (Phoenix Rising) for fighting back. I thought they did a really good job of that,” said United head coach Zach Prince. “They spread us out and were able to really work the possession in their favor.”

One of the season’s new arrivals for United gave them the lead once again in the 87th. Against the run of play, United finally put their man advantage to good use. Josh Dolling, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, collected a deflection near the top of the area and calmly slotted home to put United up for good, 2-1.

 

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Farsi’s late winner sends Columbus Crew past Indy Eleven

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Mohamed Farsi of the Columbus Crew SC celebrates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Columbus Crew SC
Mohamed Farsi of the Columbus Crew SC celebrates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Columbus Crew SC

The Columbus Crew started their 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign against a tough opponent in Indy Eleven. Columbus learned their draw for the third round, and were able to host the USL Championship side at Lower.com Field. With the Crew resting a majority of their starters, the home side was able to push for a 1-0 win, thanks to a late goal from Mo Farsi in the 83rd minute.

Columbus were on the front foot early, hammering their attack at the expense of the Indy Eleven defense.

Cucho Hernandez almost got the party started with a bicycle kick in the 10th minute from a Max Arfsten cross, but the Colombian’s attempt wasn’t enough to put pressure on the Indy Eleven netminder. 

It was Indy Eleven who also could’ve broke the deadlock when Harrison Robledo had a shot from just outside the 18-yard box, but sailed it just high over the crossbar. 

A chance in the 20th minute saw midfielder Isaiah Parente hit a loose ball inside the box on goal, but the shot was saved by goalkeeper Yannik Oettl, who would put on a show for the rest of the night.

Just 10 minutes later Darlington Nagbe had a shot on goal, but forced a diving save from Oettl. 

A 0-0 scoreline at the half would see Columbus struggle to find the back of the net, with Oettl being strong in goal keeping the opposition alive. 

The Crew had a good chance to grab a penalty in the 52nd minute, but the official saw no foul when Alex Matan was brought down inside the box.

Midfielder Yaw Yeboah had a shot on goal from close range, only to be denied by Oettl yet again. Still searching for the icebreaker goal, the Columbus Crew were not letting up on the pressure, giving Indy Eleven’s defense plenty to work for.

Columbus finally got on the board in the 83rd minute, when Mo Farsi and Steven Moreira played a give-and-go with one another and Farsi put the ball in the back of the net, to give Columbus the win and advance to the Round of 32. 

Columbus will travel to Virginia as they face Loudon United May 10, at 7:30pm EDT.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Chicago Fire blank Chicago House AC in Windy City battle

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Federico Navarro of the Chicago Fire dribbles against Chicago House AC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chicago Fire FC
Federico Navarro of the Chicago Fire dribbles against Chicago House AC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Chicago Fire FC

The US Open Cup is known for its wild upsets and magical moments, but the host Chicago Fire made sure that none of that took place on Wednesday night as they soundly defeated Chicago House Athletic Club 3-0 at SeatGeek Stadium in their Third Round tie.

Two goals in the span of 11 minutes gave the Fire a comfortable lead going into the break, and they kept their foot on the gas pedal. They grabbed a third with about 20 minutes to go, and that final goal allowed them to coast to a comfortable victory.

“It’s been a long time since this organization won a trophy. Tonight was an opportunity for us to start changing that,” said head coach Ezra Hendrickson. “This tournament is a way to reconnect with our fans. It’s something that supporters are really up for, and it can ignite and energize a fanbase, and that’s something we need to do. What better tournament to do it in than the Open Cup?”

“It’s a big tournament for us,” said defender Kendall Burks, who scored twice on the night. “We talk about it in the locker room all the time. It’s something we want to win, and it’s something we think we can win, and tonight was just the first step in doing that.”

Their starting lineup was a real signal of intent, as the likes of Federico Navarro, Maren Haile-Selassie, and Mauricio Pineda all got the nod from the opening whistle.

Things were still pretty even to open up the contest, and the House actually had a fair share of the ball early on. The Fire eventually grew into the game and slowly took control of proceedings.

Neither side created much of anything until the 25th minute, when the hosts struck first. Miguel Navarro was given too much space out wide, which allowed him to hit a quality cross into the area. The goalkeeper missed it, and Kacper Przybylko was at the right place at the right time to slot home from close range.

It was 2-0 about 10 minutes later. A corner from Alonso Aceves picked out Kendall Burks, and he rose highest before finding the bottom corner with an excellent header. That’s how simple the goal was, and it gave the Fire some much-needed breathing room in the matchup.

They almost killed the game off with a third goal right after. Youngster Alex Monis broke past the opposing backline, but he dragged his shot just wide of the far post. That was the end of the action in terms of the first half. The Fire didn’t create too many chances, but converted the ones that came their way.

The hosts came out strong following the break, trying to grab that match-sealing third goal. It came in the 69th minute, and again it came via Burks and a corner. This one had an added wrinkle, though, as the corner from Aceves first found Wyatt Omsberg, who cleverly flicked it towards the backpost. That’s where Burks was, and he reacted quickest to convert from just a few yards out.

It was another wonderful moment in what proved to be a dream night for the centerback, who scored twice, secured the clean sheet, and came away with the victory. 

“Being a centerback, you don’t expect to score a lot of goals, let alone two in one game. It was definitely good to get on the scoresheet,” he said. “Being in the starting lineup today was a good confidence booster. I feel like I’ve been improving each day, and that’s the biggest thing for me.”

The Fire killed the contest off at that point, as their main objective was getting the job done and booking their spot in the next round.

“It feels a lot better than last year, that’s for sure,” said goalkeeper Spencer Richey, who was the starter when the Fire were knocked out by Union Omaha in the Third Round last season. “There’s no easy cup game. Everytime you play a lower-division side you know that they’re going to give you everything they have. It’s important that we do well in this competition. There’s always going to be some rotation, and hopefully whatever group is on the field in the next round can get the job done and we can go from there.”

For House, it was an emotional end to their stellar cup run. They had won five games just to get to this stage, and they were one of only two amateur teams in the Third Round. Despite the loss, there was still a lot for the club to be proud of.

“You know, one of our centerbacks is a senior in high school and he’s got school in the morning,” said House head coach Matt Poland. “It’s an awesome experience for us. From where we were a year ago to where we are now is an incredible achievement. This was a great platform for our guys to showcase themselves against some really talented players, and this should give our team confidence going into the summer season.”

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